Vol 28 No 9 Anglican News November 2011 The Newspaper of the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn 3900 copies every month FREE St John’s hosts Royal visit

 Historic church of love for God and neighbour plays its part in is not a new teaching, but one whose theme is throughout welcoming Queen scripture. to Canberra “The reading from Leviti- cus today spells out something By Jeremy Halcrow of what is involved in loving with AAP one’s neighbour. The person It was one of those rare who loves his or her neighbour weekends when the eyes of an will be fair, no matter who is entire city and indeed a nation on trial; will not favour either were on historic St John the the poor or the rich; will not Baptist in Reid. The church be a gossip; will not hate any- played its part to perfection. one; will not hold grudges or A day after the parish try to take revenge.” hosted thousands of locals at Queues began building out- its annual October 22 fete, side the picturesque sandstone hundreds of well-wishers church shortly after sunrise gathered to greet Queen and cheers and applause broke Elizabeth II. She was there out when Queen Elizabeth to attend the 11.15am choral emerged from her offi cial matins Sunday service along vehicle, wearing a primrose- with an invitation-only con- yellow dress and hat with gregation of 120 packed into white gloves. the intimately-proportioned church building. The readings were those set for the day in the lection- “We like to think ary: Leviticus 19:1-2 & 15-18; this is her parish Matthew 22:34-46. CONVERSATION: Rector of St John’s, Paul Black, accompanies the Queen while Bishop Refl ecting on both passag- church when she Stuart Robinson converses with Prince Philip as they walk from the church after the service. es the Rev’d Paul Black said is in Canberra Last Sunday’s visit to St John’s was the sixth time the Queen has attended a worship service in that in the end, “Christianity is although that may the historic church. (Photo: Emma Body.) about love”. be presumptuous of “We are to love God with us” (Bishop Stuart the queen’s sixth visit to St given to regular worhippers at Queen’s visit was that children everything we’ve got; and our John’s parish. the 11.15am service. from the Children’s Church neighbour as ourselves,” he Robinson) “We like to think this is her “She represents extraordi- were able to welcome the said. “Asked to choose which parish church when she is in nary continuity for the British Queen before the service. is the most important com- Canberra although that may be people and I think all Austral- “During the 9.30 a.m. mandment, Jesus sums up the presumptuous of us,” Bishop ians, whether they are repub- service the children painted a entire Law and the prophets It was the same outfi t she of Canberra and Goulburn licans are not, would have a banner with the words ‘Wel- in two simple statements: love wore to Prince William’s Stuart Robinson told the Can- special affection for her,” Mr come to our Church’ and deco- God and love your neighbour. April wedding to Kate Mid- berra Times. Rudd said after the service. rated the banner with their “The question, ‘which dleton, save the coat, which Foreign minister, Kevin Paul Black said he would hand prints. It was a special commandment in the law is was unnecessary in Canberra’s Rudd and his family attended have liked his entire congrega- joy to see so many children the greatest?’ is one that every unseasonable spring heat. along with 105 regular pa- tion to worship alongside the from our Children’s Church so Christian and faith commu- The queen, 85, is in Aus- rishioners selected to join the royal couple, but numbers were excited,” he said. nity should ask themselves tralia for her 16th and possibly royal couple for the invitation- restricted for security reasons. frequently. The inseparability last visit to Australia. It was only service. Preference was For him the highlight of the (Further report page 2)

alsoalso inin thisthis issue:issue: Reconciliation and Anglican 150 Trusting in God’s the call for change dreaming... page 3 intensive care ... page 16 ... page 12 Page 2 Anglican News November 2011 THE ASSISTANT BISHOP’S COLUMN & ANGLICAN 150

THE PRESENT: Pure Religion Bishop Trevor In my last Anglican News our faith involves our words, Living treasure column you may recall I la- our hands and our hearts in the Edwards mented the appalling level of places where we live everyday political debate in this country it is useless before God. In aims to be the which displays a harsh lack of particular, we need to remem- compassion to those who are ber pure and undefi led religion biblical tradition with his call seeking refuge in this country cares for widows and orphans to identify with and reach out to spiritual heart from very oppressive alterna- in their distress (James 1:27). the needy and helpless. Beauti- tives. Practical compassion for the fully ornate and reverent worship I was critical of both politi- needy is not an optional extra if services or casually informal, of the capital cians and the media for reduc- we belong to Christ. exuberant worship services are ing serious issues to simplistic futile without this. It has always The Queen’s visit topped Zoo. Parents can’t believe that solutions. But people who live been the same and every genera- off an extraordinarily busy we offer something for their in glass houses should not tion needs to relearn this lesson. weekend for the parishioners children for free.” throw stones, so as members Not surprisingly Pure religion has always of St John’s, Canberra, with the Paul Black said the huge of the church of God we must had this dimension. It is always annual fete held the day before turnout to the fete and Queen’s when God entered incarnational and never merely on Saturday October 22. visit is a reminder that the “St examine our hearts lest we this world in become hypocrites. propositional. That is why I Coverage of the fete in the John’s historic precinct is one It is easy to be deluded by the person of personally have always been a Canberra Times gushed about of Canberra’s treasures … liv- our participation in the outward Jesus, he showed strong supporter of Anglicare be- the community turnout. ing reminders of our pioneering rituals of our religion but unless compassion, pity cause in our name it ministers to “We put a lot of energy into farming community”. the elderly, the frail, the disabled, our Fair on Saturday and many St John’s was consecrated and mercy for the the abused, the hungry and the thousands came to enjoy our in 1845, some 70 years before vulnerable, weak, homeless in this community. hospitality and the fun of an Canberra was named Austral- Anglican News helpless and needy. I have also been a long term old-fashioned fair,” St John’s ia’s capital. supporter of TEAR Australia rector the Rev Paul Black told “But most of all, St John’s is The newspaper of the which enables churches in the Anglican News. alive today in the 21st century Anglican Diocese of two-thirds world to assist their “Parishes need opportunities with people,” Paul Black com- Canberra and Goulburn In days with no social communities with relevant to ‘put their name out there’ and mented. “It continues to be part security system ‘widows’ and development projects to benefi t a fair is one way to do that and to of the spiritual heart and life of Editor: Lewis Hitchick ‘orphans’ were the most vulner- the physical and spiritual needs showcase the parish to the wider our nation’s capital. Our vision Address: PO Box 23 able people in Jewish society. of people. community. Everyone comments is to be a vibrant Christ-centred Bathurst There were no aged or invalid We are all moulded by our on what we provide for children community that engages and NSW 2795 pensions, no sickness benefi ts, experiences. My mother died at our Fair, especially the free transforms the heart and soul of no family allowance or family in a nursing home at the age of Jumping Castle and a free Patting Canberra.” Phone: (02) 6331 1722 tax benefi ts. If their extended 70. I am always very thankful 0427 373 446 families did not help, they were for the Christians from lo- cal churches who volunteer to Email: on their own. Their affl iction came from their desperate minister to the frail aged. In the anglican.news case of my mother there were @bathurstanglican.org.au need for the necessities of life, namely food, shelter, clothing some ladies in her ward who Advertising: and security. never ever received a visit from enquiries to the editor Furthermore in the Old Tes- anybody else! The local Anglican clergy- Deadlines: tament God describes himself as their defender and helper and man visited every month with Editorial & advertising urges his people to give them his piano accordion to bring 12th of the month prior to hope. We fi nd this instruction in hope and cheer. However I must publication. Deuteronomy 10 - say I learnt this priority as a teenager in our youth fellowship. HISTORIC: The Church Anglican News is printed by He defends the cause of We didn’t just study the bible of St John the Baptist was Capital Fine Print, Fyshwick, the fatherless and the widow, and have fun together, for once a consecrated in 1841. The ACT. Post Print Publication and loves the alien, giving month we organised a visit to a garden seat in the foreground No. 299436/00093 him food and clothing. And local nursing home to conduct a was carved from the trunk you are to love those who service and spend time with the Diocesan Offi ces of one of the huge pines that are aliens, for you yourselves residents. At Christmas we gave used to line the front path. Central Operations: were aliens in Egypt. gifts to all of them. James reminds us pure Diocesan Registry Not surprisingly when God religion identifi es with our Level 9 entered this world in the person neighbours in their distress. It 221 London Circuit of Jesus, he showed compas- does not just sing fi ne songs of Canberra City, ACT 2612 sion, pity and mercy for the devotion in special buildings on vulnerable, weak, helpless and Clergy moves and Postal Address: Sundays; it rolls up its sleeves needy. No one who was at that GPO Box 1981 to help the needy – whether funeral in the little town of appointments Canberra unemployed, homeless, sick, Nain would ever forget how disabled, lonely, frail, elderly, ACT 2601 he was moved deeply by the  The Reverend Peter Blundell has been elected Area bereaved or friendless. Phone: (02) 6232 3600 plight of a grieving widow and Dean of the Deanery of Wagga Wagga South West. Just as Jesus left behind the Fax: (02) 6232 3650 mother and restored her only  Reverend Fay Fraser has completed her ministry at St worship of heaven to identify son to life. John’s Wagga Wagga and will serve with an Authority to completely with us in our hu- Anglican News is a member Nor could anyone forget Offi ciate within the Community of the Redeemer, Ashmont man affl iction, so we who bear of the Australian Religious the powerful story he told until December 2011. his name must imitate Him, Press Association. regarding the very religious  Reverend Dr Peter Grundy has been granted an Authority reaching out with love, energy, people who ignored the plight to Offi ciate. resources and advocacy to those of the man left for dead by  Reverend Lisa Perkins has been granted an Authority in need in our circle of respon- thieves and robbers but instead to Offi ciate. sibility. True religion displays a despised half caste heretic practical compassion.  Reverend Dr Brett Morgan will be working in Chaplaincy provided a permanent model of Ministry at Radford College. compassion for any in need.  The Reverend Janelle Ruth Baglin has been appointed James stands in this grand to the Parish of Chapman. November 2011 Anglican News Page 3 ANGLICAN 150

As part of the preparations for sesqui-centenary celebrations for the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn in 2013, Anglican News this month begins a series of articles refl ecting on the past, celebrating the present and anticipating what is to come.

THE FUTURE: THE PAST: Our dreams Learning from the will take shape dreams of history by Gill Varcoe encouraging is that no one will The 150th birthday of our be left out. It’s an extraordinary Properly speaking, the his- Diocese is being designed as a opportunity to put into action tory of the Diocese of Canberra springboard towards the Bish- the diocesan dream: individuals and Goulburn begins with the op’s Dream for 2020. But the and communities transformed foundation of the See and the details of what this looks like by Jesus’ love. appointment of its fi rst bishop, need to be shaped by you! I am also captured by the on March 14, 1863. But, that We have been distributing possibilities of working together event cannot be understood, postcards in order to capture across traditional boundaries— or its signifi cance appreciated, everyone’s dreams for the 150th people and places with few without understanding the and the future of our Church. resources working together with growth of the Church in these Postcards from across the others, different groups support- southern parts of New South whole diocese—parishes, ing the neighbours’ activities, all Wales before the 1860s. schools, recycling shops, the members of the Diocese gath- The story of those early historical society, individuals— ering together to celebrate and years is one of amazing sprouted on the Anglican150 support one another. We have a achievement, perilous journeys grapevine over the three days past to honour, a present to share made on horseback, incred- of Synod. Some common ideas and a future to run toward. ible fortitude, and great faith emerged: Members of the Angli- in spreading the gospel. But  sustainable community garden can150 task force are available this story is also shaped by projects opening our spaces to help formulate local plans as the dream of the fi rst and only and lives to the wider com- well as enable the bigger dioc- Bishop of Australia, William munity; esan events to happen. Broughton.  festivals of art and music; I am available to visit re- The fi rst Christian Service  the cathedral Friends ‘St Sav- gions and parishes both during in the area was held on the iour’s rose’ project, already the week and some weekends, shores of Lake Bathurst in well underway; to meet with leaders, and en- 1820. In October of that year  parties, other opportunities courage worshipping communi- Governor Lachlan Macquarie (local and diocesan) to gather ties as we dream together. passed through Liverpool on for worship and telling of the Contact Canon Gill Varcoe his way to the ‘new country’ good news; on 02 62917957 or gjv@net- and the ‘Great Lake, named by  a pilgrim people, walking, space.net.au or Anglican150@ him, Lake George, which had VISION: The early development of the Anglican Church in the cycling, driving, riding across anglicancg.org.au been discovered by Joseph Wild the diocese … areas around Goulburn, Yass and Queanbeyan grew out of the some two months before. vision of Bishop William Grant Broughton, the fi rst and only  … fortifi ed with The Reverend Robert Cart- fi ne commemo- wright joined the expedition at Bishop of Australia, rative vintages of Liverpool. The party, of about port and wine; forty people, camped on the local citizens who expressed of Yass, the entire County of  historical re-en- shores of Lake Bathurst for a their desire that a church might Murray and the western divi- actments, tours, week and there on Sunday 29 be built and a clergyman settled sion of the County of King; and parades of old- October 1820, as the Governor among them. The Bishop had a the Reverend Edward Smith style fashions, recorded in his journal: dream that Goulburn would be was appointed to Queanbeyan, balls and garden “Under the fl y of my large a grand Cathedral city: a centre which also included the Lime- parties with tent, the Reverend Mr Cart- for ministry for the future gen- stone Plains. games we’ve wright performed divine wor- erations that would settle and It was on this plain in 1841 forgotten how to ship and gave us an excellent thrive in southern New South that the foundation stone was play; and very appropriate sermon....” Wales. He took steps to secure laid for St John’s Church, Can-  Canberra’s com- The site of this camp was the present Cathedral site and berra. munities of faith identifi ed and a monument establish a school. celebrating the erected there, and dedicated by The following year saw References: ‘History of the ACT’s cente- Bishop E.H. Burgmann in 1935. Bishop Broughton establish Diocese of Goulburn’ by Ran- nary; Bishop William Grant a number of key pioneering some T. Wyatt  and, ‘no idea yet, Broughton, the fi rst and only ministries: William Sowerby ‘The Southern Churchman’ but excited, the GRAPEVINE: The ‘Anglican 150 Bishop of Australia, visited was licensed to Goulburn and March 1962 ideas will come!’ Grapevine’ at Synod, decked with Goulburn in 1837. He was Bungonia; Robert Cartwright Anglican Historical Society What is postcards listing ideas for the celebrations. warmly welcomed by leading became minister of the District Journal No. 21 April 1996 Page 4 Anglican News November 2011 DIOCESAN NEWS Gearing up for NCLS 2011

 National Church for the National Church Life including faith, worship, in faith, vision and outreach. have the most practical and Life - a survey Survey itself, written by Rev’d belonging, vision, leadership, This year’s National grounded focus on community Elizabeth Smith, secretary of innovation, service, faith-shar- Church Life Survey will have yet, with online surveys for of churches for the Anglican General Synod ing and inclusion. optional extras, including one young people and local church churches Liturgy Commission. This year, for the fi rst time, that allows local churches to contacts such as people at play- Church congregations Churches that use the 2011 each denomination has been fi nd out more about the spir- groups. across the Anglican Diocese National Church Life Survey allocated a survey month be- itual beliefs, needs and hopes Uniquely Australian, this of Canberra and Goulburn will to take time to refl ect and tween September and Novem- of people who don’t regularly cooperative project of churches be taking part in the National review will reap the benefi ts ber. attend. seeks to gain insight and under- Church Life Survey (NCLS) of access to detailed informa- The survey will provide National Census data and standing into the changing face during November. tion about themselves and churches with evidence-based the NCLS surveys are used of church and spirituality; to Survey packs have been their communities — valuable insight to equip them for min- to profi le a local community, equip churches to connect better sent to parishes, including all information all in one place. istry and mission. its people and social changes. with their communities; and to instructions needed to ensure Feedback from the survey The Community Connections invite the wider community to the surveys provide an ac-  identifi es signs of hope in Pack helps churches connect refl ect upon its spirituality and curate indication of the life of churches; with their local area. the church’s place within it. each congregation. Survey results help  provides practical processes Uniting Church Rural Churches who take part in In addition, the Bishop’s churches to identify to build on strengths and Chaplain Julie Greig said, the 2011 National Church Life Research Offi cer Wayne grow vision; “To have all the information Survey will be able to and understand  highlights the passions and in one place, categorised and  hear all the voices in a season Brighton has distributed ad- changes in ditional resources to help with hopes of your attenders; graphed, and not spend hours of listening, including those the collection of survey data. attendance, young  shows what attenders value digging it out from ABS data who don’t always get heard: Wayne Brighton is also serv- adult retention and about the church and how is a huge benefi t.” clergy, lay leaders, adult at- ing as regional coordinator for newcomers. they think it’s going; Gary Koo, a minister at St tenders, youth and children; the NCLS.  sustains and promotes well- Paul’s Anglican Church, Car-  take stock of their health and The resources include being in leaders. lingford, Sydney, said NCLS vitality; children’s survey sheets for Survey results help church- data had helped staff deter-  assess nine core qualities and those aged between eight and es to identify and understand mine what type of ministries three attendance measures; 14 years, activity sheets for The National Church changes in attendance, young and church plants to develop.  identify and build on their younger children to work on Life Survey is a tool that has adult retention and newcom- They could see the per- strengths; while older members of the helped local churches of many ers. centage of people in a certain  contribute to the largest col- church fi ll in their forms, and types and denominations do It produces a profi le of a ethnic group, age groups, lection of data on church life some worship service resourc- this for over 20 years. church and its strengths. The languages spoken, socio-eco- in the world; es suitable for use on the day. NCLS research and re- Church Life Pack of sup- nomic status and how a local  shape the story of the church Also included is a prayer sources help churches assess porting material helps build area had changed over time. in the wider community. qualities of vital church life, church vitality, nurture growth The 2011 survey will Third Order Franciscans hold Annual Retreat by Fr John Gibson Music, poetry, artistic There must be a time of day Our annual retreat was held decorations and icons all helped when the man who hast at the “Gathering Place” Dick- centre our thoughts. A piece by to speak falls very silent. son ACT in September. Thomas Merton focussed the And his mind forms no more Over the weekend it gave us weekend for us: propositions, and he asks himself; the opportunity to draw aside. There must be a time of day Did they have meaning? Sr Lorraine [a Brigidine Sister] when the man who and Meryl led our weekend makes plans forgets his plans, There must be a time with an emphasis on the visual and acts as if he had no plans when the man of prayer goes and the arts. at all. to pray as if it were for the fi rst time in his life he had ever prayed. When the man of resolutions FINAL MEAL: The Third Order Franciscans enjoy the fi nal meal puts his resolutions aside of their retreat. as if they had all been broken, and he learns a different representative group were able was laid out on the fl oor and wisdom: to be present at St Saviour’s Ca- a candle was lit. A service of thedral on Sunday 2nd October prayer and scripture readings distinguishing the sun from the to join with the Cathedral fam- followed, interspersed with the moon, ily in celebrating St Francis Day singing of the hymn, All crea- the stars from the darkness, with the Blessing of Animals. tures of our God and King. the sea from the dry land, Another moving celebra- On Friday 26th November and the night sky from the tion took place the following 7.30pm at Holy Cross Hackett shoulder of a hill. day at St John’s Church, Holt Dr Gemma Dashwood will be in Canberra, when some of us speaking to us about “Disability At the Sunday Eucharist and were able to join our Roman Awareness”. All are welcome luncheon we were joined by Catholic sisters and brothers and details are available from friends and family members - a for the Commemoration of the our Area Fellowship Convenor, joyful and noisy conclusion! Death of St Francis known as Trish Stoddart. Despite most of our mem- the Transitus. Email stoddart@grapevine. SUITABLE: The Gathering Place Retreat Centre in Dickson, bers being involved with min- In this simple but moving net.au or phone 0420 522 265. ACT, provided a very suitable venue for the retreat. istries in their own parishes, a ceremony, a Franciscan habit November 2011 Anglican News Page 5 DIOCESAN NEWS Solomons Book Run faces ‘problem’  Generous container to Honiara . In real- donations present ity I have to say that we need $10 000 to achieve the current aid project with a “ Christmas present” for our ‘good problem’ nearby neighbours. We may do it cheaper through by Mal MaCallum good will and generosity but to Hello friends and support- assume we have the ongoing sup- ers of the three Solomons Book port of both the trucking compa- runs we have successfully con- ny (Bay Removals) and shipping ducted over the last three years. company Swire Shipping) would I fi nd us with a good prob- be unwise. lem currently in this signifi cant In the load the that we now project. have waiting to go we have Firstly though I hope you in the vicinity of 600 school have had a chance to look at chairs, desks to complete, a this year’s recently completed dozen high quality hospital Book Run on YouTube. beds, literally hundreds of sets The link is: http://wn.com/ of clothes/school uniforms, an Solomon_Islands_Book_ enormous number of pieces of Run_2011_videowmv school furniture, teacher desks, APPEAL: The second container arrives at Honiara. Organisers of the Solomons Book Run are Despite the less than perfect fi ling cabinets, book shelves, appealing for cash donations to help meet the cost of sending a third container of supplies for quality of the footage and edit- library shelves, as well as an schools, churches and communities in the Diocese of Ysabel, in the Solomon Islands. ing, it gives you an overview entire specialist home wood- of the challenges and successes workers garage full of tools and Please consider this “good important, contribution to this Anglican Church 6 Herarde St of the efforts to get good and equipment just to name the big problem”, give to its solution if developing nation but the pri- Batemans Bay NSW 2536. useful resources to the people of things that come to mind. you are able, pass this letter on orities of education and health Please let me know if you the Solomons and in particular We have plenty of gaps in the to others who you think might are defi nitely right up there in have deposited money by inter- the island of Ysabel. furniture which should be fi lled be able to help, print in church, importance so the effort of this net or cheque. Back to the good problem. with books for the island schools. school or your interest group particular initiative. I hope you All of the money is used Since our return we have been Schools take note as you newsletters with an endorse- can help somehow please. to get the container to the inundated with lots and lots and rationalise your storerooms ... ment by you to support it. Show If you pray please ask for Solomons, purchase expensive lots of great resources particularly the Solomon students need your the You tube to inspire others. God’s provision for this and resources if there is suffi cient for the schools. So much so that redundant resources please! As it is an Anglican Church other good things going to the and pay the travel costs for me we now have what is very close Box them and send them to initiative I appeal to each school Solomon Islands . to supervise the delivery of the to another 40-foot container of us. Home libraries as well have and church in the Diocese of If you can make a fi nancial container to Bishop Richard great things ready to go. plenty of redundant books that Canberra and Goulburn to have contribution please follow the Naramana Diocese of Ysabel My question to all of you are useful for students learning to some sort of a fundraiser to sup- steps below: Solomon Islands . is: should we aim to take these read (English is the language of port our partner Diocese in the  Direct credit (internet) I am prepared to go a second things this year in time for the instruction). Think books for kids Solomons. $1 from each student/ Transfer money to: time this year if we have the new school year in 2012? (The in Years Kindergarten to Year 12. parishioner would make this mis- Westpac, Petrie Plaza, money to send the container in good being lots and lots of To put it simply, if 300 peo- sion possible again this year. Canberra November/December. resources ... the problem being ple were able to give approxi- Additional money raised will BSB 032 719 Put very simply our excess the fi nances to get them there.) mately $30 each, we would be used to buy costly equipment Account No.: 32-5697 can become their useful treas- By far the biggest challenge have the container on the way that has been asked for. For exam- Label BBay Ang SBR3 (Bate- ure through this signifi cant is raising the money to get the for Christmas. ple, the only dentist on the Island of mans Bay Anglican account for gift to the Solomon Islands. Ysabel has appealed for redundant the Solomons Book Run no 3) Mal MacCallum serves as but working dental surgery equip-  Cheques made out to Solomons Task Force Schools ment. (Does anyone know a dentist Batemans Bay Anglican Coordinator for the Diocese refurbishing their surgery?) Church and marked Attention of Canberra and Goulburn Material things are not the to SBR3. (through Batemans Bay Angli- only, nor necessarily the most Mail to Batemans Bay can Church.) Bathurst synod backs tri-dio extension The Synod of the Anglican management, as well as establish- ministry, to a greater level than each Diocese of Bathurst has unani- ment of a Schools Commission for diocese could have done alone. mously agreed to an extension of all Diocesan schools within Canberra In a separate motion, the Synod the existing cooperation under the and Goulburn and Bathurst; and the also acknowledged Bathurst’s sister Tri-Diocesan Covenant between integration of the Anglican Develop- Dioceses of Canberra & Goulburn the Dioceses of Canberra & Goul- ment Funds of each diocese. and Riverina who had shared with burn, Riverina and Bathurst. Under the agreement, Angli- Bathurst in the work of Ministry in The decision was made by the care Canberra & Goulburn will their respective Dioceses, through annual meeting of the Synod over undertake the welfare work of the the Tri-Diocesan Covenant. the weekend of the 24th and 25th Diocese of Bathurst, while retain- “We especially give thanks for September in Bathurst. It follows ing Anglicare Western NSW (the the Diocese of Canberra & Goul- a similar resolution by the synod operating name for Anglicare in the burn, which has offered to assist us of this Canberra-Goulburn diocese Diocese of Bathurst) as a Diocesan with our financial affairs and in par- three weeks earlier, when Bishop of organisation to provide input to ticular with support of our Diocesan Bathurst Richard Hurford explained Anglicare Canberra & Goulburn on schools in such a way as to allow us that ten years of drought combined welfare needs and priorities within to restore the Diocese to financial sta- with high debt levels of the diocesan Bathurst Diocese. bility and health,” the motion stated. schools had left his diocese in a dif- Bishop Richard Hurford said that The synod will reconvene on ficult financial position. the motion would enable continued the November 12 to consider in UNPACKING: The contents of the second Solomons Book Run The proposed closer cooperation growth of the three dioceses through more detail the fi nancial assistance container are unpacked after arrival at Santa Isabel Island in includes rationalisation of administra- the development of their respec- package being offered by the Dio- May this year, prior to distribution to surrounding communities. tion, corporate services and property tive strengths and the provision of cese of Canberra and Goulburn. Page 6 Anglican News November 2011 OPINION & LETTERS

In my opinion ... Love and sexuality Letters ... Redefi ning Marriage Dear Sir, Anglican News readers are invited to respond to What has become apparent in the current debate about gay David Holmesby (Anglican articles and raise new issues of concern through marriage is that it is almost impossible to disagree with the notion News, October 2011) rightly the ‘Letters’ column. that same sex couples should be allowed to marry without being reminds us of our need to love Letters of 250 words of less will be given prefer- labelled a bigot, discriminatory or homophobic. So you have for God and neighbour. It is worth ence. clarifying, however, that loving example, Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young being quoted as say- Long letters may be edited for reasons of clarity or God must mean obeying his ing on Saturday Oct 16, “The idea of marriage only being between space. Name, address and a contact phone number commandments, and loving our a man and a woman is not just outdated, but extremely, extremely (for verifi cation) must be supplied. Letters will not 1 neighbour cannot mean affi rm- defamatory,” normally be published without the author’s name. There are some things that are sadly absent from most debates in ing them in an activity of which this issue. God disapproves. Not only so, Letters may be sent to: Firstly, let us not forget that the Marriage Act as it stands already but it needs to be remembered The Editor restricts who can marry. You cannot marry your brother or sister. You that God’s commandments are ANGLICAN NEWS cannot marry your fi rst cousin. You cannot marry your son or daughter given for our good, even if they PO Box 23 and you cannot marry if you’re already still married; yet no one consid- sometimes seem at odds with BATHURST ers such restriction outdated or defamatory. human desires. NSW 2795 Secondly, the French High Court ruled earlier this year that there The Christian Church has E-mail letters to: was nothing unequal about upholding the defi nition of marriage as always understood the act of [email protected] between a man and a woman. “The Council ruled ... that because of the physical sexual union to be a difference of situations between same-sex and heterosexual couples, gift from God to be expressed the difference in treatment in family laws is justifi ed and not in viola- only within the marriage rela- tion of the principle of equality.” 2 tionship of a husband and wife. Thirdly, we are dealing with a very small percentage of people in Various other physical sexual For those who would demand fervent prayer, rigorous society. In September last year, the Daily Mail reported on the fi rst unions are described in the disagree on the basis of a literal study and refl ection, awareness ever offi cial count of the gay population in Britain by the Offi ce for Bible but consistently receive reading of Scripture I have this of one’s hearers, self-examina- National Statistics. Their research found that 1.3% of men are homo- God’s disapproval. question: Are you willing to tion, and fear and trembling. I sexual and 0.6% of women are lesbian. This accords almost identically This being the case, the way literally obey Matthew 5:28-29? wholeheartedly agree with Mr Rowe that one does need to with research done in Australia by the Australian Research Centre in to love our neighbour in the 29 If your right eye causes 3 be aware of one’s hearers and Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University. context of sexual relationships you to sin, tear it out and throw tailor the sermon accordingly. Same sex couples only make up 0.46% of all couples and only a must mean helping them to be it away; it is better for you The matter of sermon length small percentage of them want to get married, so we’re talking about a faithful in marriage or chaste to lose one of your members very small sector of society. in singleness. Celebrating a is a vexed one, for it depends than for your whole body to be on many factors; culture, be it Indeed John Heard, himself gay, writing in the Herald Sun on May homosexual union, no matter 30 thrown into hell. And if your local or denominational, subject 13 2008 said, “When actually asked, for instance, as they were during how loving or committed it right hand causes you to sin, the Private Lives Report produced by La Trobe University in 2006, may be, would be to celebrate matter, occasion, state of the cut it off and throw it away; it hearers, and more. Experience most of the gay partners surveyed indicated that they had no intention that which God disapproves. A is better for you to lose one of of ever “formalising’ their relationships.” better way forward is to offer shows that where preaching your members than for your is passionately biblical, your Societies throughout all generations have accepted that the most genuine friendship and support whole body to go into hell. helpful and secure way to build strong and well-ordered societies has whilst seeking the transforming sheep will not stray. The great been to uphold marriage as between a man and a woman. Changing power of Christ, as described If you’re not willing to obey Baptist preacher, Charles Spur- that defi nition cannot but weaken marriage itself. This is one of the magnifi cently in 1 Corinthians that literally, on what basis are geon said, “Tie your fl ock by conclusions of the authors of Marriage and the Public Good from the 6:9-11. you choosing to take literally their teeth”. Witherspoon Institute. “While there are surely many unknowns, (in rela- Rev’d James Coats some sections of Scripture but I too, have attended varied tion to the consequences of same sex marriage) what we do know suggests Holbrook not others? churches in many countries that embracing same-sex marriage would further weaken marriage itself at And I would refer such and preached in quite a few. the very moment when it needs to be most strengthened.”4 people to the recent footage of I have heard many sermons. Finally, whilst it is true that Christians disagree on this matter, there Dear Sir, gay and lesbian couples in New Several years ago I had invited are many of us who still understand the teaching of the Bible to affi rm I have read with interest York as they emerged from their friends to hear Professor Don that an active homosexual lifestyle is not the will of God in the same the two recent articles on gay wedding ceremonies. That they Carson. That night he spoke way as adultery, a lifestyle of greed and injustice are not the will of marriage. I agree with Des- were allowed to marry was ob- on Psalm 1. When he had God. Loving my neighbour as myself and loving my child doesn’t mond Tutu on this issue. He is viously enormously important fi nished, a friend turned to me mean letting him or her get away with any behaviour they choose. We in favour of gay marriage. He to them and was an occasion and remarked, “Is that all?” ought to be very reticent to abandon traditional biblical teaching just writes: for great joy. As someone who and only by showing him the has been married for 34 years I time would he believe that the because some deem it out of date, or because we’re now in the 21st My scientist and medi- know how they felt. I can’t fi nd preacher had spoken for 1¼ Century. As people of the Bible and the Prayer Book, we ought to be cal friends have shared with it within myself to deny others hours. Conversely, I have also affi rming and encouraging marriage as the Scriptures and Prayer Book me a reality that so many that joy here in Australia simply heard plenty of ten minute ser- defi ne it, not opening up other options. gay people have confi rmed, because of an accident of birth. mons that were eleven minutes Rev’d Geoff Deutscher I now know it in my heart to Keith Binns too long! St Matthew’s Anglican Church be true. No one chooses to Wanniassa Goulburn The closing word I leave to be gay. Sexual orientation, the late Rev’d John Stott, one of 1 http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/abbott- like skin colour, is another Anglicanism’s greatest preach- prevents-conscience-vote-on-same-sex-marriage/story-fn- feature of our diversity as a Short sermons ers. Of sermon duration he re- 59niix-1226163375225 human family. (http://www. Dear Sir, marked, “Whatever length they 2 http://www.c-fam.org/fridayfax/volume-14/french-high-court-af- washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/ A correspondent in your Oc- are, it should feel like twenty fi rms-traditional-marriage.html content/article/2010/03/11/ tober 2011 issue expressed the minutes.” 3 Published in Australian & NZ Journal of Public Health, Vol 27 No 2 AR2010031103341.html) view that a sermon is ‘simply a Romeo Dinale 2003 ISSN 1326 0200. message delivered to members 4 Marriage and the Public Good: Ten Principles. The Witherspoon For him, it is a matter of Wanniassa, ACT of a congregation as part of a Institute June 2006. simple justice: church service’. I must humbly Dear Sir For me this struggle is demur. A sermon is the procla- Re Letter to Editor on Short The Editor thanks all those who have contributed to a seamless robe. Opposing mation of God’s inspired Word, Sermons last month in which the discussion on this topic in recent months, and apolo- apartheid was a matter of jus- undertaken in the power of the Mike Rowe suggests that ten gises to those whose letters were not printed due to space tice. Opposing discrimination Holy Spirit. minutes is as much as anyone limitations. I acknowledge that the issue is a complex and against women is a matter of Given that the preaching is can absorb, I am reminded of divisive one, and will not be resolved through debate in the justice. Opposing discrimina- “speaking the very words of the wonderful biography of pages of this newspaper. While I believe the discussion has tion on the basis of sexual ori- God” (1 Peter 4:11) and that Chinese Christian Brother Yun, been healthy and helpful, I do not intend to publish further entation is a matter of justice. preachers are “servants of the The Heavenly Man. correspondence on the topic in the near future. (Tutu: God is not a Christian Word” (Luke 1:2) it surely must I quote: The house church Lewis Hitchick, Editor, Anglican News and other provocations. p54.) be that sermon preparation (continued next page) November 2011 Anglican News Page 7 NEWS Reconciliation and the call for change

Reconciliation Australia glicans across Australia without within Anglicare and the has welcomed the Productiv- the care and the leadership of wider community MANAGER: The ity Commission’s latest report: their Indigenous Bishop.  Increasing the cross cultural Rev’d Karen Kime, `Overcoming Indigenous Similarly it is a criticism knowledge and skills of An- Anglicare’s Manager Disadvantage’ (2010) which of the National Aboriginal and glicare employees of Indigenous shows there has been signifi - Torres Strait Islander Council  Enabling Indigenous Austral- Relations Culture and cant improvement in the lives (NATSIAC) that the establish- ians into positions of leadership Education. of Indigenous Australians in ment of the Indigenous Bishops in all areas of the organisation key areas such as employment, was a tokenistic response by the  Providing a much needed home ownership, and educa- church - for they do not have voice on issues of social tional attainment. the legal and fi nancial support justice as they relate to Indig- Real progress has been (as do other Bishops) to enable enous Australians. made with increasing numbers them to be effective. As reinforced by Reconcili- of Indigenous young people Likewise, NATSIAC (while ation Australia, “The success completing year 12; with a it is a national body and the of Reconciliation is based on lower mortality for Indigenous `voice’ for Indigenous issues) building partnerships that are infants; with (in some areas) an was never suffi ciently resourced founded on mutual respect, trust increasingly higher life expec- and is also limited. The situ- and creating opportunities’. tancy for Indigenous adults. ation is similar for Indigenous Anglicare Canberra Goul- Such efforts have been clergy, where the majority re- burn will work towards such made possible through the ceive far less than that received goals. It is to the wider church time, energy and commitment by other clergy. to join us in these efforts includ- of Aboriginal people and other Such issues were at the centre ing the enabling of equality for Australians working together of discussions at the recent NAT- its Indigenous clergy. with a common goal. SIAC meeting held in Dubbo, Reconciliation Australia’s where it was strongly felt that the Indigenous Co-Chair, Dr Tom responsibility of supporting an Calma, said that `we all have a Aboriginal Bishop is the respon- part to play in strengthening the sibility of all dioceses. relationship between Aboriginal Such issues are fi rmly on the OSL Seminar to remember and Torres Strait Islander peo- international agenda, with the ples and other Australians.” Anglican Indigenous Gather- Throughout the past dec- ing calling for the Church Bishop Owen Dowling ade, the church has been slow of Australia to demonstrate to respond. Only recently `just and moral leadership for The Canberra and Quean- At the national level present ning if you are coming, please let have the Indigenous Bishops Indigenous issues’. They ask: beyan Chapters of the Order of representing OSL will be Dr An- Gaynor Elder know asap - by been made members of `The `unless the Church is trans- St Luke are planning a one-day nette Rice and Ms Jean Coates. email: [email protected] House of Bishops’, and while formed – how can it seek to seminar remembering the contri- The healing seminar will or phone [02] 6297 1601. the Aboriginal Bishop was transform society?’ bution of Bishop Owen Dowling include a demonstration on how Please bring your own lunch; expected to support Indig- The Rev Karen Kime to the healing ministry. to pray for healing. tea, coffee and biscuits will enous Clergy and ministries (Manager of Indigenous Rela- All are invited and welcome At 12.30pm there will be a be provided. While there is no across Australia, they did not tions Culture and Education to this inaugural ecumenical lunch break giving opportunity charge for the day, a donation box have the legal recognition to within Anglicare) is the diocesan event on Saturday 12th Novem- for fellowship and catching up and an offering will be received achieve this. representative on NATSIAC and ber 2011 at the Australian Centre with each other. during the service to help defray A lack of resourcing has says that: `Such issues must be for Christianity and Culture, 15 At 2.00pm the healing service hiring and cleaning costs. also seen their ability to work addressed if Aboriginal Austral- Blackall Street Barton ACT. will be held, with opportunity OSL is the abbreviation for with their people greatly ians are to have a presence within The day will be led by Bishop to receive the ministry of prayer The Order of Saint Luke Healing limited. Until recently, the the Anglican Community’. Stuart Robinson supported by with laying on of hands. At the Ministries which is a world-wide, Indigenous Bishops had been Within Anglicare, Recon- Christian leaders. The theme cho- conclusion of the service there interdenominational body of funded by the Diocese of ciliation is seen as a priority. sen by Bishop Stuart is positive will be a cuppa before we say our Christians who believe that the North Queensland which has Within the diocese, the develop- and focussed: Jesus The Healer. farewells. We have been asked, healing of the body, mind and struggled to support both the ment of partnerships between Folk are invited to arrive “If we can’t come for the whole spirit is a vital part of the total Aboriginal Bishop and the the church and Indigenous from 10am onwards for a cuppa day, is it possible to come for part ministry of Jesus Christ. Torres Strait Islander Bishop communities is one of the key and to browse through the books of the day?” The answer is yes! Information about the Can- for many years. aims of a `whole of organisa- available from the book stall. At The day is being organised berra Chapter of OSL is available Indeed, the diffi culties tion’ approach, presently being 10.30am there will be tributes to by the Canberra Chapter of OSL from Archdeacon John Gibson encountered by the Diocese developed within the area of Owen Dowling for the healing with the assistance of the Quean- email: johngibson@grapevine. of North Queensland has seen Mission and Justice. blessings received from our Lord beyan Chapter of OSL. Practical com.au or phone [02] 6161 2321. the early retirement of Bishop Its focus will be - through his ministry and for be- details are always important so For the Queanbeyan Chapter, James Leftwich in December  The celebration and promo- ing such a great encourager at the that the day runs smoothly. For contact Gaynor Elder at contact 2010 - leaving Indigenous An- tion of Indigenous cultures national and local level. that reason to help with our plan- details given above.

Letters to the Editor (continued) believers (in China) loved to things to say! So we asked that I am disappointed at how day. They will always remem- frightened to express our love. hear long messages from God’s only those who were able to little we, as Christians, use the ber your words of love. We We use expressions such as Word. Many Chinese preachers teach for at least two hours at a word Love, in our daily con- also tell our neighbours by our “Hi”, or simply do not address could speak powerfully, without time should come to us! versation and writings. We are “body language” and how we our reader at all. As Christians, pausing, for several hours at a Dianne Zarifeh told :- “Love your neighbour, as speak to, and treat them. Our it would be nice to start our let- time. Then, after a meal break, Canberra yourself”. But, how do we tell love for others, if it is present, ters, or short notes, with “Dear they would continue for another others that we are Christians ? becomes apparent. This is often X”, and end, “With love,”. I several hours. This pattern con- How do we tell others, that we seen in nurses, and school believe, this simple protocol is tinued day after day. We found Love, a forgotten love them ? Our “home-group” teachers. And, sometimes, even one we should all adopt. Try it. that some of our foreign visitors has discussed this many times. in Christians. With much love, could only speak for forty-fi ve word Begin with your children, When it comes to corre- Peter Roberts . minutes before they ran out of Dear Sir, tell them you love them, every spondence, we go very cold, or Goulburn Page 8 Anglican News November 2011 PROVINCIAL CONVENTION November 2011 Anglican News Page 9 NEWS Lay ministry option at Hope Convention

 Plans unveiled to In The world”, Bishop Edwards church. ensure all parishes said this mission-shaped min- The Bishop of Canberra and istry course has been devel- Goulburn, Stuart Robinson, said can attend Mission oped “as a tool that puts people they have “brought together gathering in touch with God’s mission in some of our best thinkers about the world”. mission from our local Anglican Final plans for the Provin- “It invites us to join in and network together with a inter- cial Mission Convention have make a kingdom difference, nationally reknown keynote now been confi rmed, with the whoever we are and wherever speaker” - Phil Potter from the announcement of a billeting we are. It’s a journey into deep UK. program, accommodation op- missional theology and not “This provides an excellent tions and that Bishop Trevor just another call to do more in opportunity to help encourage Edwards and the Rev’d Wayne church with less,” he said. mission in our local parishes,” Brighton will run a twelfth In total there will be twelve he said. workshop. workshops at the Convention In order to help parishes The new workshop is aimed divided into two pools. Attend- organise their plans for the Con- at helping ordinary Christians ees will be able to choose two vention, Bishop Robinson has become more passionate in their workshops from each group, or sent a pack to each parish which faith through mission-shaped four in total. Topics range from includes brochures and a list of ministry. Called “God’s Work youth ministry to the emerging accommodation options. Organisers have also con- fi rmed that on-site “Bed and PRESENTING: Wayne Brighton, who has conducted a series of ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION Breakfast” accommodation training days on pioneer ministry in this diocese over the past year, is available at the Boarding will be teaming with Bishop Trevor Edwards to present the lay Canberra Girls’ Grammar House. The cost is $62 per ministry workshop at the convention. person per night with dinner Boarding House $15 extra. However, this option Twin share and Single accommodation with shared bathroom is only available once there are the Diocese of Canberra and please ring Jeremy Halcrow on facilities. a minimum of 25 bookings. Goulburn to bring teams to the 6245 7128. He is also the best If you would like to book this Convention. person to call if you have any B&B $62 per person per night Dinner $15 extra B&B deal please send an email “Our hope is to encourage further questions about the Con- Please contact the Convention Registration for bookings. request to jeremy.halcrow@ key lay leaders from all our par- vention,” Bishop Robinson said. NB - this option will not be available unless there is a anglicare.com.au ishes to attend the Convention. minimum of 25 bookings. Billets are also being ar- If you require more brochures ranged to help rural parishes in or want to enquire about billets

North Canberra church to celebrate 50th anniversary from the parish and Goulburn on 16 December Community Centre, offering a In December this year St 1961. free lunch and support program Philip’s Anglican Church in The “A” Frame building every Monday, and also Pan- MacPherson St O’Connor will was built by Mr J. Larko and dora’s, a second life clothing celebrate the 50th anniversary designed gratis by Mr John bargain shop which is open of its church building, and the Goldsmith, a parishioner of St from 10am to 1:00pm every 30th anniversary of the build- John’s and Head of the Archi- Friday and Saturday. ing’s consecration. tects’ Division of the National The church has had a long St Philip’s has been a spiritual Capital Development Com- association with the Canberra home for many people during the mission. His actions are a fi ne Academy of Music and Related growing years of the city. example of “volunteering” that Arts (CAMRA) which provides Bishop Stuart Robinson will is so much part of the ACT and training in music and theatre preside at a Special Eucharist at of the heritage of St Philip’s. and performance opportunities. the 10am service on Sunday 18 The building is an outstanding CAMRA presents a program December. This will be followed example of the iconic 1950s of performances each year and by lunch in the courtyard. “A” frame architectural style. provides music and singers for The service will feature a The church was consecrated St Philip’s. special music program with by Bishop Cecil Warren on 28 ICONIC: Built in 1961, St Phillip’s, O’Connor is an outstanding Come and See the assistance of the Canberra November 1981. Bishop War- example of the iconic A-frame architectural style of the 1950s. “Come and See” said Philip Academy of Music and Related ren was rector at St Philip’s at when Nathanael asked about Arts (CAMRA), a community- the time of the construction. Communion by a woman in the a Dinka language service at 1pm. Jesus coming from Nazareth. based music organisation as- St Philip’s was one of the Diocese and in the Anglican The parish vision is to The Rector, Rebecca New- sociated with St Philips. fi rst Australian churches to Province of NSW. Canon Ruth ‘glorify God and make disciples land, and the Parish Council Some History engage in experimental liturgi- Jefferson from Canada held two by creating a community where would like to see as many current The building of St Philip’s cal reform which lead in 1977 services with the approval of we live the love of Christ’. By and former parishioners and began in 1958 and this is to the adoption of An Australian Bishop Dowling at St Philip’s valuing inclusion, relevance, others in the Diocese and com- commemorated by a plaque Prayer Book. in March 1989. caring, relationships and wor- munity with a connection to St unveiled by the then Governor- The Parish has also had A Vibrant Parish ship, the parish seeks to connect Philip’s to come along and join General, Sir William Slim. Con- a long involvement with the St Philip’s today is a vibrant people who are disconnected with the parish for the special struction of the church began ordination of women in the parish and very much part of the into a growing relationship with anniversary events. To get a feel in June 1961 and the Church Anglican Church. It was for North Canberra community. It Jesus Christ. for St Philip’s, come also to our was dedicated by Bishop Ken- example the location for the has English language services at The parish operates St Phil- annual Twilight Fair from 3-7pm neth Clements of Canberra fi rst offi cial celebration of Holy 8am and 10am every Sunday and ip’s Care at the Northbourne on Saturday 12 November. Page 10 Anglican News November 2011 NEWS FROM THE PARISHES Older and wiser: What does it mean to grow older? from Gungahlin parish facilitated the sessions on issues Australia who are As part of its ‘Year of Pasto- relating to ageing and dementia. globally separated ral Care’, Gungahlin Anglican Many of the participants from many of their Church joined with Anglicare to came from interstate and in- loved ones - and host a very successful seminar cluded ministers, pastoral care ageing parents. This entitled “Journeying Together workers, aged care employees, led to a discussion of - Ageing, Dementia and Re- government agency repre- relationships, culture lationships” on Saturday, 24 sentatives, as well as family and issues of separa- September 2011. and carers of the aged and those tion. Around 110 people attended affected by dementia. The fourth and the seminar which was opened by Really important topics such fi fth sessions cov- Bp Trevor Edwards at Burgmann as: what does it mean to grow ered the vitally Anglican School, Forde This ven- older; facts of ageing; attitudes important questions INTEREST: the Gungahlin seminar on issues associated with ageing ue is probably the newest “wor- to ageing; the search for mean- of spiritual reminis- attracted strong community interest, as well as more than 100 participants. ship space” in Canberra, having ing; and ageing as a spiritual cence: the spiritual been used for church services for journey were all unpacked for journey in later life and the ing communicative responses attempt to claim credit on the just nine months. the participants in the morning spiritual journey with those who from those suffering from day, he paid tribute to the won- Professor Elizabeth sessions. have dementia. dementia. derful work of the committee, MacKinlay, internation- In the afternoon, after a Finally, a short video was With our wave of ageing headed by Margaret Heyward, ally known speaker, registered delightful musical performance shown illustrating the recently baby boomers, these topics will Clare Reeves and Bronwyn nurse, priest, Director of the by Emma Griffi ths, Jenny acclaimed UK initiative called gain more and more promi- Austen, and the many volun- Centre for Ageing and Pastoral Stephens and Elizabeth Camp- The Pilkington Library Project nence and urgency, so it was teers who did a fantastic job in Studies at St Mark’s National bell from the Parish, Professor - the publishing and use of not surprising that a number of taking the idea from concep- Theological Centre and profes- MacKinlay conducted four specially illustrated books with people responded with the ques- tion to reality. Thanks to their sor in the School of Theology deeply moving interviews with short captions as marvellous tion “When is the next one”? efforts, all of us left a few hours at Charles Sturt University, members of families living in tools in helping carers in initiat- Despite the Rector’s brazen older and hopefully much wiser. Murrumburrah-Harden hosts seminar on disability by Don Jamieson local government and worked be allowed to contribute to the The fourth Thursday in for several shires as a building journey being taken. August has become a regular inspector before beginning his Kaye had a couple of gen- date for a Pastoral Care Seminar own business in the same area. eral pieces of advice to carers. organised by the Murrumburrah Neill is a married man with Politicians who make decisions Harden parish. a family who, as well as run- about the treatment and sup- This year the topic was Liv- ning his own business, is an port of carers must be told your ing with a Disability. accomplished actor and a poet. story, as they will only under- The day began with a ses- His audience were in stitches stand fully by hearing what life sion conducted by Archdeacon when he illustrated this with a is really like. Learn to accept Anne Ranse who has been a couple of his poems. help wherever you can get it. regular contributor to these days “Don’t be too sensitive,” In answer to a question since the fi rst one seven years was Neill’s advice. He left the about how people with a dis- ago. Anne spoke of some of her group with his seven point ap- ability can fi nd a place where experiences both as a chaplain proach to life which included do they can fi nd a friendly ear to to a school for severely disabled something productive and do it talk to, Kaye mentioned the students, and with services and with a friend; do something for huge value which can be of- activities for disabled people in your community; put time into fered by country town Op Cen- several Canberra parishes. staying healthy; be a bit silly as tres, which can be a wonderful She also talked about Dis- often as you can; it’s not about supplier of pastoral care. ability Awareness Sunday being winning, it’s about having a go; Dorothy Smith the parish celebrated on 20 November. show appreciation and be posi- Pastoral Care team leader and Anne’s obvious enthusiasm left tive to those around you; and organiser of the seminar, com- everyone with a strong aware- laugh a lot. mented that the 52 people who ness that full inclusion for peo- Then came Peter Allen, a had attended the conference ple with a disability into parish young man who was involved where greatly impressed with life was much more than access in a motor car accident at the the openness of the speakers ramps and disabled toilets. age of 19. This resulted in SPEAKERS: Kaye Pritchard, Peter Allen, Anne Ranse and who each shared so personally Next came Neill Smith damage to his neck at the C5- Neill Smith all addressed the seminar on Living with Disability. in their experiences. Partici- who initially asked the ques- C6 point and he has been in a pants evaluation sheets en- tion “What disability?” Neill wheelchair for seven years. his audience. dementia. In describing her dorsed this strongly. was born with a tumour on the Peter surprised the group Peter has travelled widely, journey Kaye suggested that a This year’s seminar was spine. This has meant that one by saying that he had had only been involved in wheelchair carer needs to be strong; fl ex- held in a new venue, the local leg had not grown properly and one bad day in seven years as a rugby at a representative and ible; have a sense of humour; Bowling Club, due to increasing he has had to wear one plat- result of his disability. He added coaching level and is married and regularly look to organise numbers attending each year. form boot to help his balance that just like everyone else in with a brand new baby. respite care to ensure your own The new venue was a much and walking. Having a positive the community he had good The day concluded with a health stays strong. Her other more comfortable situation. approach was part of Neill’s days and bad days but he didn’t presentation by Kaye Pritchard important piece of advice was The Churchwomen’s Un- presentation, and he explained allow his disability to rule his from Anglicare. Kaye spoke of that it was vital to remember ion group once again provided how he had completed his edu- life. Again it was his very posi- her 15 year journey as a carer that the person being cared for morning and afternoon tea and a cation, had trained in the area of tive attitude which impressed of someone with early onset was still a person, and needed to lovely lunch. November 2011 Anglican News Page 11 NEWS FROM THE PARISHES St John’s Gundagai turns 150 by Audrey Carmichael served in the parish hall by The 150th birthday celebra- church members. The Gunda- tion of St John’s Gundagai was gai Community Choir and the held on Sunday 25th September South Gundagai School choir with Bishop Trevor offi ciating entertained guests, and a merry- and celebrating communion. go-round was available for the Bishop Trevor was assisted by children. Rev’d Capt. Graeme Liersch Canon Bill Wright’s new and lay minister, Jennifer book ‘ The Churches of Saint Hoare. Also in attendance were John at Boorowa and Gundagai’ former priests at St John’s, Rus- was relaunched at the celebra- sell Oldmeadow, David and Jan tion gathering and parishioner Robertson, Steve and Robyn Lyn Dutch and Bishop Trevor Simkus, Caroline Campbell and cut a 150th birthday cake. Bill Wright. The original foundation An enthusiastic congrega- stone at St John’s was laid on tion heard Bishop Trevor speak September 19, 1861 by Fred of the many and varied stories Barker D.D. of Sydney. (The that would be told, if the stones word Bishop was carved on of St John’s church could talk. the stone as BISHSOP.) Over Those stories of marriages, the past 150 years, structural deaths, baptisms and faith in changes have taken place at St God. “But as the stones cannot John’s, with a series of im- speak, it is up to us as living provements including a ground stones to tell the stories of faith level entrance, fi bro-tile roof that sustain this space”, he said. to replace original shingles and CELEBRATION: Bishop Trevor Edwards led the worship celebration marking the 150th The Gundagai Community installation of the Light of the anniversary of St John’s, Gundagai. (Photo courtesy of Rochelle Nicholls of the Gundagai Independent.) Choir together with the con- World stained glass window. gregation joined in singing A large part of the church hymns from the 19th Century to was destroyed by fi re on June fi ttings. A major community John Lindley and Brian Man- in a grand manner. We give modem hymns. 30, 1975. The roof was de- effort, however, saw the church waring, with the help of many thanks for the past and pray for Following the service, a stroyed and there was major restored in 12 months. others, celebrated the 150th an exciting future for God’s wonderful spread of food was damage to the structure and The committee of Ray Britt, birthday of St John’s Gundagai church in Gundagai.

All Saints’ Bermagui celebrates centenary

from the parish memorabilia display and com- To celebrate such an historic white drawing of the old church Bishop dedicated an altar All Saints Anglican Church plimentary refreshments in the occasion, the shop offered a by Edna Carder. frontal made by members of at Bermagui celebrated a won- Church on Saturday. The OK range of centenary merchandise The celebration dinner on the Anglican Women, a musi- derful weekend of activities Shed, our Op Shop and spiritual including tea towels, aprons, Saturday night at the Bermagui cal arrangement, “The Maker’s for it’s Centenary on 8th 9th and physical recycling centre, recipe books, pens , bookmarks Country Club drew a crowd of Hands” written especially for October. was also open, and as usual and celebration wine featuring over 100. the occasion by Todd Helton, a Many took advantage of the drew many visitors. a label including a black and Musical entertainment was Celtic Cross in the garden made provided by Lance Carder and and donated by Paul Fletcher, Murray Douch and it was a and a wind vane featuring a fi sh night of great celebration giving designed and constructed by thanks to those early pioneers Phillipe Ravanel of Cobargo. who began the beautiful little The fi sh of course is a very church. ancient Christian symbol and It was wonderful to see past also represents the Bermagui parishioners who had travelled fi shing life. The wind vane back to Bermagui to be a part was a gift to the church by past of the celebrations. Master and present parishioners. Five of Ceremonies Canon Harvey stained glass windows designed Sloane kept the night running by local artist, Phylidda Cam- smoothly and guest speaker eron, were also dedicated. Bishop Trevor Edwards was a Despite the rain, a barbecue delight to listen to with his great was enjoyed following the ser- sense of humour but a powerful vice. The Centenary cake was message as well. cut by the ‘young and old’ or of A publication entitled “The riper years, by Margaret Lance First 100 Years”, compiled and and Tilla Helton (Tilla was as- edited by parishioner Dave sisted by Mum Alison). Richard-Preston, was launched The cake was made and by Bishop Trevor. Dave is to be decorated by Shirley Carter congratulated on this publica- with a view of the old original tion, he has spent an incredible church and the new look. An amount of time and effort to amazing feat by Shirley. produce this and was assisted in The weekend was a fi tting the production by Jean Grad- tribute to a delightful church well. and its people. Bishop Trevor Edwards, Rev. Canon Harvey Sloane, Dave Richard –Preston, and Jean Gradwell Bishop Trevor was also the at the launching of the publication”The First 100 Hundred Years” at the Celebration Dinner at guest preacher at Sunday morn- the Bermagui Country Club ing’s Celebration Eucharist. Following the service Page 12 Anglican News November 2011 HISTORY & ECUMENISM

Historybytes by Robert Willson Ecumenical aid You visited me in prison agency active in (Matthew 25: 36) In the year 1840, one hundred and Horn of Africa seventy one years ago, a traveller on the great Southern Road from Sydney  Responding biggest is the Dadaab camp to Goulburn would have seen a slow to humanitarian on the Kenya–Somalia border. procession of three carts and a heavily Around 1,300 refugees from armed mounted police escort. disaster Somalia are arriving at this The fi rst cart contained a portable by John Nevile camp every day. Some new gallows and an open coffi n. In the sec- arrivals have travelled as far ond cart there was a heavily ironed and Many in the Diocese will as 1,000 kilometres on foot chained prisoner, a bushranger named have seen heartbreaking pic- and many suffer from severe Thomas Whitton, with police troopers tures on TV of those suffering malnutrition. The emergency sitting beside him. The last cart held the from the famine in the Horn of offi cer for this camp starts hangman and his assistant. Africa. Churches in Australia work at 5am. By this time Apparently the authorities feared a have been active in supporting newly arrived refugees from rescue attempt on the trip to Goulburn. the efforts of local church-relat- Somalia have already begun to Newspapers recorded that at Paddy’s ed partners to help the victims gather outside the gates of the River Crossing the cavalcade encoun- of famine and violence in the compound, seeking food, water, tered a group of men wearing long Horn of Africa and are appeal- basic necessities – and hope. coats, in spite of the heat. It was sus- ing for funds to do more. Why the early start? She tells pected that the coats concealed fi rearms. Act for Peace, the interna- the following story in reply: The police put a loaded gun to Whitton’s tional aid agency of the Na- “A family had travelled head and shouted that in the event of a tional Council of Churches in for 22 days and arrived at rescue attempt he would be a dead man. Australia, is responding with 4am. But one of their children After a moment of indecision the rescue emergency assistance in the died in the night, a one-and- party rode off into the bush. region by distributing water a-half-year-old girl. When I In Goulburn the two Church of and food packages, improving woke up and found that, it England priests, William Sowerby and existing water supplies and was heartbreaking. A case like Robert Cartwright, were awaiting the MISSIONARY: Robert Cartwright ministered to many providing emergency cattle that really shakes you. But on arrival of the condemned man and his bushrangers in prison, awaiting execution. feed. It is also helping to re- that day 1,318 people came, escort. Both men would have offi ciated move the physical legacies of so you didn’t have the time to at such executions many times, spending war such as land mines. respond emotionally. At the the last night locked in the condemned end of the day you do recall cell with the prisoner and accompanying him to condemned man to receive the Sacrament of and recount what you have the gallows at dawn. Holy Communion after hearing his confession seen. It’s what makes you get Dean William Macquarie Cowper of St Phil- and granting absolution as the Prayer Book In Ethiopia, up to up at 5am” ip’s Church Sydney, and Father Therry the pio- directed. 20 per cent of rural Kenya itself is also neer Catholic priest, performed such duties many Whitton told the priest that he admitted that in people are reliant drought-stricken. “This is times, sometimes several times in a week. In the earlier years in Australia he had despised everyone the last of my food,” says a early years such executions were public spectacles who had spoken to him about God. This was a on international woman in a village in north- until men like Dickens and Thackeray agitated to typical response from convicts in those days. For food relief to east Kenya, holding a meagre put a stop to such degrading customs. most of them a church service was part of the pun- survive handful of beans – all she has Robert Cartwright ishment. But as Dr Samuel Johnson wrote, when a to feed her family. “I used to The Rev’d Robert Cartwright, pioneer mis- man is about to be hanged it concentrates his mind grow these myself but there sionary and evangelist in the southern district of wonderfully. Whitton wrote the night before he has been no rainfall in eight the Colony around Collector, was famous for his died that he found comfort in the Scriptures and he Act for Peace has programs years, so now I have to buy ministry to bushrangers condemned to death. He asked God to have mercy on his soul. in Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya all food from the market. The had once ridden to the Lachlan river district to Years ago I explored the old cemetery at and Southern Sudan. For prices keep going up. We only minister to a man facing execution. In the case of Gunning and found a weathered table-top monu- example, in Ethiopia, up to 20 have enough food for one Whitton, Cartwright encouraged him to write a ment surrounded by a rusting iron railing. It is per cent of rural people are re- meal a day now, and that goes full confession of some 80 capital crimes in which sacred to the memory of John Kennedy Hume liant on international food re- for all people in this area.” he had been involved. This was later published. who was murdered at Gunning while trying to lief to survive. Act for Peace’s Act for Peace has sup- Thomas Whitton was born in Manchester, capture a party of bushrangers headed by “the partners have been working ported its project partners in England, the son of Thomas and Alice Whitton. notorious Whitton”. Hume left a wife and nine to improve agricultural skills peace building work. In South After a search I located his Baptism record in young children. He was the brother of the explorer and sanitation in order to build Sudan, one Act for Peace Manchester Cathedral on October 9, 1814. He was Hamilton Hume. resilience and break the cycle partner has been removing still a teenager when he was convicted of theft at “The notorious Whitton”, his name still vis- of extreme poverty. the remnants of war including Lancaster Quarter Sessions on July 19, 1830. He ible on the tombstone in Gunning, went to the Mogadishu, the capital landmines and small arms am- could read and write and had been a wheelwright gallows in Goulburn on March 19, 1840. It was of Somalia, is in ruins as the munition since 2004. for some years. only two months after the murder of Hume. The result of decades of civil war. In the lead-up to the Janu- He was ruddy, freckle-faced, 160cm tall and last person he spoke to was Robert Cartwright. But people are fl eeing to this ary 2011 referendum on self- with brown hair and grey eyes. If my ancestors NOTES: The full story of Thomas Whitton desolate city, desperate for determination of South Sudan, had been convicts such descriptions would have may be found in my book Canberra Cavalcade food and water. Often they also the Sudan Council of Churches been recorded. Free settlers had no such attention (1996). need medical assistance. Act for conducted peace assessments and I have no idea what they looked like! Whit- The colonial newspapers for 1840 have de- Peace, through its local partner, and delivered training and civic ton arrived on a convict transport, the Exmouth, tailed accounts of this story supports work in hospitals, education to ensure voting was in 1831, and worked on a station in the Bathurst Alan Grocott’s book Convicts, Clergymen especially among children. peaceful and fair. district until joining a gang of bushrangers. and Churches is a fascinating study of the minis- Many children are not only To learn more about these A prison ministry try of the churches to convicts in the early days very malnourished but suffer too programs, and many more, Whitton was still only 26 years old when the of Australia. from measles or diarrhoea. With- go to the website of Act for aged Revd Robert Cartwright confronted him in out professional medical attention Peace, http://www.actfor- Gouburn prison. Cartwright would have read the Historybytes is a column sponsored by the they have no chance of survival. peace.org.au/ (If you wish Scriptures to the condemned man and perhaps Anglican Historical Society. Contributions, The numbers fl eeing to to make a gift in support, the reminded him of his Baptism in Manchester and about 500 words, are most welcome. Mogadishu are dwarfed by website has a secure page or his early Christian training. In letters published the numbers fl eeing to refugee you may wish to use free call later Cartwright recorded that he prepared the camps in Kenya. One of the 1800 025 101.) November 2011 Anglican News Page 13 MISSION NEWS Famine strains aid resources

 Australians told and no crops. The need for assistance to ‘Jump at remains acute. More than Government dollar 13 million people require for dollar offer for urgent humanitarian aid. In Somalia 750,000 people are donations to East at risk of starvation and 1.3 Africa’ million children are acutely malnourished. Unprecedented from Anglicord numbers of people are fl eeing Australians should jump their homes for neighbouring at the recent offer from the countries. The situation is being Australian government to match made worse by life-threatening their donations dollar for dol- cholera and measles outbreaks lar, to aid the Horn of Africa, in the region. Australia has according to Misha Coleman, already donated $128 million to a leader in Australia’s overseas the crisis but there is still a need aid and development sector. for more. “If you haven’t already “I suspect many Australians given to help those in East feel unsure that a donation will Africa, or if you were thinking make any difference in the long you wish you could have given term, because it’s been such more, now is the time to do a long running issue. I hope it,” said Ms Coleman, CEO of this will help to reassure them Anglicord – Anglican Overseas that this is not about band-aid Aid. solutions,” said Ms Coleman. FAMINE REFUGEES: Hundreds of refugees from Somalia and Ethiopia stream into temporary Her comments follow the “This initiative, focusing on camps in Kenya each day, placing enormous strain on the limited aid resources available. recent announcement by the early recovery, is a great chal- Federal Government that the lenge to Australians to give - or Australian Government’s give again. Their donation will Africa, helping them to rebuild tralian midwife Val Browning, on restocking livestock so that Dollar-for-Dollar initiative provide not just immediate so that when the next natural who has lived there for many families can begin earning an will match each dollar donated assistance, but will help these disaster or global fi nancial years. Anglicord’s current work income again. to appeals run by AusAID- communities avoid this horrifi c downturn comes, they’ll be a in with the Afar people involves “It takes about ten goats to accredited non-government situation again in the future.” a better position to weather it.” trucking water to remote bring a family up off its knees,” organisations (NGOs) working “I congratulate Foreign Min- Anglicord’s relief and communities where remain- said Ms Browning, who will be to alleviate the food crisis in the ister Kevin Rudd for providing recovery work will focus on ing supplies are contaminated, visiting Australia in late October. Horn of Africa from 5 October this incentive to the people of Ethiopia, where it has a long and providing medication and Donations can be made to until 30 November 2011. Australia to continue to dig standing relationship with the food for vulnerable women and Anglicord at www.anglicord.org. The money is to be raised deep for Africa,” Ms Coleman Afar community, through Aus- children. Future work will focus au, or by calling 1800 249 880. for relief and early recovery said. “It is so important, once work, to help communities the immediate emergency has rebuild where they have been passed, to make sure that we are left with no livestock, no water, right there with our friends in Stretching aid dollars for Africa  Australian Horn of Africa,” she said. Government The need for assistance in East Africa remains acute: matches East Africa  More than 13 million peo- giving dollar-for- ple require urgent humanitarian dollar aid.  In Somalia 750,000 people The Foreign Minister, Kevin are at risk of starvation and 1.3 Rudd recently announced that million children are acutely the Federal Government is malnourished going to match “dollar-for-  Unprecedented numbers of dollar” any money raised for the people are fl eeing their homes ongoing crisis in East Africa, for neighbouring countries throughout the months of Octo-  The situation is being ber and November 2011. made worse by life-threatening ABM has been running an cholera and measles outbreaks Emergency Appeal for East SUPPORT: Minister for in the region. Africa since the famine was de- FOCUS: Anglicord’s relief work will focus on Ethiopia, where it Foreign Affairs Kevin Rudd Dr Julianne Stewart said, clared in July and this push by has a long-standing relationship through Australian midwife Val has announced dollar-for- “ABM supporters who have not the government to support East dollar support for donations yet given to this important ap- Browning. Africa through matching the peal or would like to give more efforts of various government- to East Africa till the end of have been given an opportunity approved agencies is welcomed November. to really make their donation a by ABM. Bungarra Cottage Jindabyne signifi cant contribution. If you ABM’s Programs Direc- donate $100 to ABM, the Aus- Situated on 25 acres 3km past Jindabyne on the Barry Way, tor, Dr Julianne Stewart said, ment to ABM and its Kenyan tralian Government will match Bungarra Cottage is a double brick duplex cottage. “We certainly welcome this partner, Ukamba Christian it with $100 and the people announcement and encourage Community Services (UCCS) Suitable for families, church and youth groups, Bible Study of East Africa will receive so Dioceses around Australia to of the Anglican Church of groups, Leadership Training etc up to 12 people or combine both much more.” promote this information in Kenya, who have been work- units for up to 24 people, 3 or 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, laundry. To donate or for more parishes and networks so that ing tirelessly to bring food and Great setting and great location, available all year round. information please visit www. those in need in East Africa can water relief to rural Kenyan Contact the Bookings Offi cer : 0427 255 222 abmission.org. benefi t as the giving increases.” families most greatly affected [email protected] “This is a great encourage- by the relentless drought in the Page 14 Anglican News November 2011 BOOKS & ANGLICARE Exploring the why Anti-Poverty lecture helps of youth ministry break link between mental

Engage: How the Church between Gen Y and Paul. can reconnect with young In the third section, a pasto- health and poverty people, by Dr Matt Brain. Pub- ral framework is established so lished by Barton Books, launch churches can move forward in by Jeremy Halcrow price $25, RRP $30. Available cross-cultural mission: by bear- One of Australia’s leading from St Mark’s, Matt Brain, or ing authentic witness, moving mental health experts ques- via the Synergy website. into proximity and becoming tioned key assumptions under- lying Australia’s current welfare Reviewed by Brad intelligible to the digital natives of this alien sub-culture. and social policy at the ACT’s Lovegrove inaugural Anti-Poverty Week Generation Y (aged 16-30) lecture, hosted by Anglicare. and their younger siblings Associate Professor Peter are largely absent from our Butterworth from the Centre churches, and Dr Matt Brain’s for Mental Health Research at new book, Engage, not only The Australian National Uni- explains why, it suggests ways versity delivered this free public this might be changed. lecture at the Griffi n Centre, He fi nds that most of these Civic, on Tuesday, October 18. ‘digital natives’ are thoroughly It was the main event for estranged from the thought, ac- national Anti-Poverty Week in tion, ritual and social experience Canberra. of the Christian churches. Peter Sandeman, Chief ‘This ... has left many Christian Executive of Anglicare and QUESTIONS: Associate Professor Peter Butterworth talking churches and many young people Co-Chair of Anti-Poverty to the media following the anti-poverty lecture in Canberra. without a common spiritual lan- Week ACT, said it was critical Professor Butterworth’s lecture questioned some of the guage or even relationship’ (p28). that policy makers confronted While most young adults the implications of Dr Butter- assumptions behind Australia’s welfare policies. and teens have a spiritual con- worth’s research because of the sciousness (of sorts), it exists disproportionate link between reported by those receiving established in Australia as an independently of the Christian As such, Engage is a Lonely mental illness and social disad- welfare payments refl ects prior expansion of the UN’s annual churches, and is materialist in Planet Guide to a foreign people. vantage. and underlying adversity rather International Anti-Poverty Day nature: individualism and con- Based on Dr Brain’s doctor- Dr Butterworth’s research than welfare receipt per se: on October 17. The National sumerism have been key factors al thesis, Engage is not a ‘How shows that current welfare poli- underlying socioeconomic dis- Facilitating Group for Anti- in producing a (secular) spiritual- to’ book: instead, it wrestles cies may be exacerbating the advantage, abuse and neglect in Poverty Week includes rep- ity based on the lowered horizon with deeper questions of ‘Why barriers to workforce participa- childhood, a lack of educational resentatives from more than of the here-and-now, with no do’ ministry one way rather tion for people struggling with and vocational skills.” twenty major national organisa- explicit sense of transcendence. than another. a mental health issue such as “Preliminary evidence sug- tions and social welfare services For Gen Y’s, any spirituality It suggests we need a new ap- anxiety or depression. gests strict participation require- which are actively involved in is judged by what is good for proach for a new generation, and “Many welfare policies rest ments may encourage people efforts to reduce poverty and the self, and what will maxim- develops a practical and pastoral on an assumption that welfare with mental illness to transfer hardship in Australia. There ise the individual’s experience theology to give hope for just dependency causes feelings to welfare payments that have is also a Facilitating Group in of life (p33-34). such a ministry and mission. of distress, hopelessness and fewer activity requirements and, each State and Territory. Engage begins by examin- A book you will want to despair,” Dr Butterworth said. hence, become even further The main aims of Anti- ing the latest research on the read more than once, Engage “As a consequence, policies distanced from the workforce.” Poverty Week are to strengthen spirituality of the digital natives is a thoughtful new philosophy focus on strict participation Contrary to expectations, Dr public understanding of the (The Spirit of Gen Y Project, of ministry, designed to help us requirements and an emphasis Butterworth said his research causes and consequences of 2007). Dr Brain then discusses reconnect with young adults and on ‘workfi rst’, seeking to ‘push’ also shows that poor quality poverty and hardship around the Apostle Paul’s experience of teens. After all, if you don’t think people off welfare and into jobs - those characterized as the world and in Australia, and faith, from 2 Corinthians, before the Church has a problem reach- work.” insecure, lacking autonomy and to encourage research, discus- using Leslie Newbigin’s theol- ing young adults, you simply “However, much of the with unmanageable workloads sion and action to address these ogy of mission to bridge the gap haven’t been paying attention. demoralization and distress - are associated with poorer problems, including action by mental health than no job at all. individuals, communities, or- Anti-Poverty Week was ganisations and governments. Ten reasons why Gen Y don‛t do Church: 1. Their parents are disconnected from the Christian Church. 2. They are a refl ection of their parents, and have inherited this disengagement Woden Christian Bookshop from Church. 3. The massive cultural changes of the 60s and 70s are entrenched in their daily Canberra’s independent Christian bookshop experience. stocks books on theology, history, mission, 4. Therefore they are even less engaged with a Christian worldview and ethos than their parents. pastoral care and counselling, liturgy, books 5. When young people let go of the Christian faith they move towards a secular for children, music and books for refl ection and spirituality. meditation, gifts and devotional items, wafers, 6. Different priorities, with interests that are this-worldly, replace other-worldly concerns. candles and so much more! Ring, email or come 7. Distrust of church institutions and authoritarianism erode the Christian in person. worldview and ethos. 8. Religious de-socialisation reinforces alienation from the message and lifestyle of What we don’t have in stock, we can order. the Church. 9. A different worldview grows from individualism and consumerism, altering their Woden Christian Bookshop aspirations and expectations. Bus Interchange, Woden ACT 2606 10. A radical, post-modern mindset insists on the right to the ‘imaginative construction of their [own] world‛. Contact us on 6285 1425 (fax 6281 0849) (adapted from Engage, Dr M Brain, 2011, p27). or email [email protected] November 2011 Anglican News Page 15

Love that can Anglicare launches innovative change a life memory enhancement program by Jeremy Halcrow and history. A substantial In the first memory amount of work has already enhancement project of its started in this area with the kind on the South Coast, establishment of a Memory Anglicare’s Mariner Park Wall with residents’ old pho- Aged Care facility at Tura tos displayed by families. Beach is set to re-develop The aim is to reduce an unused courtyard into a feelings of helplessness sensory garden and reminis- by engaging residents in cence space. garden activities such as The project, which will watering, sweeping paths, boost the Memory Sup- weeding and feeding birds port Program in Mariner with special bird food. Park’s Dementia Unit, has SUPPORT: Anglicare’s Aged “Volunteers and family been made possible thanks Care Manager Rosemary Oates. members will mentor resi- to funding from the Com- dents in these activities thus monwealth Department of ity. This will be the centre providing meaningful and Health and Ageing. of the project based around pleasurable activity for all “It is recognised that the propagation and grow- concerned without the stress people with dementia still ing of herbs for sale to the of wondering how to engage have the energy and the community as well as for someone who may have WORTHWHILE: Anne Spires became a foster carer earlier desire to remain active and use by the facility. limited ability to communi- cate,” said Mrs Oates. this year: “If you can change the life of one child then it’s all to be involved in the world The project also involves around them. This is not conversion of an existing “It is envisaged that the worthwhile.” reduced just because some- courtyard area into a sen- project will provide and sory garden planted with extend the already strong would be good to be like other one needs to enter a resi- by Jeremy Halcrow dential care facility in order flowers and perfumed plants links we have to the com- Cobargo grandmother Anne mature women who can go on to receive a higher level of – lavender, gardenias, herbs munity utilising volunteers Spires says she was given one holidays whenever I like.” support,” said Anglicare’s - which will generate pleas- including school groups, of the most wonderful Christ- But it’s not as if Anne Aged Care Manager Rose- ant memories of times gone ensuring a multi-genera- mas presents she has ever doesn’t get a break. She mary Oates. by. It will also include bird tional aspect to the project” received when she became a was recently able to go on The project consists of feeders and bird baths. Volunteers who would foster mum for the fi rst time a holiday to Bali while the three essential elements. However a key innova- like to assist in this pro- last Christmas Eve. kids went to a snow camp at A major part of the pro- tion will be a reminiscence ject will be very welcome. Throughout this year Anne Jindabyne provided as part of ject is a garden with potting area, which will be a re- Please contact Rhonda Aked has been caring for a seven a respite program. shed, specifically designed minder of the huge con- or Rosemary Oates on 64 95 year old girl and a twelve year “It was great for all of us,” to be used by people with tribution our older people 1421 for further information old boy. she said. “Anglicare have been limited strength and mobil- have made to our heritage about this exciting project. Ann has spent the past tremendous. We have support seven years as a childcare any time by picking up the worker, but says being a foster phone or they will arrange a carer is more rewarding. meeting with a trained child “I get more out of being a psychologist. When I have had foster carer than a childcare tough times Anglicare workers worker because I have ongo- have come and looked after ing infl uence. In childcare the kids so I can go for a walk the majority of children come on the beach. The support from well-constructed fami- from the staff is wonderful.” lies but those that didn’t have Anne said the regular strong family connections workshops Anglicare provides would come back the next have also been fantastic. day with the same issues… “I have been to one of the As a foster carer you get to most informative workshops I tuck them in at night with a have ever been too put on by kiss and wake them up in the Anglicare. It was about brain morning with a hug.” development for children who There is huge need to have undergone trauma.” recruit more foster carers. In Anne says being a foster NSW between 2005 and 2010 carer can be diffi cult but it is the number of children in fos- “always very rewarding”. ter care has doubled. “It is not an easy job so “We do need more carers you truly have to be prepared to come on board so people for what you will receive… You like me can have respite,” think ‘ what these children have Anne said. “I have these two gone through is horrifi c and yet children as a single parent. I they are still children and that don’t always have the ability to means they are always looking have time off as you would as a forward with hope’.” couple, although my own fam- “The most painful thing ily has been very supportive.” is that the people who should Anne has three adult chil- have been the most trustwor- dren, and her own daughter is thy were not and the children also a foster carer. They often have to relearn that there are help each other out. people out there they can trust. “I’m growing from the “If you can change the experience of being a mum life of one child then it’s all again. But sometimes I think it worthwhile.” Page 16 Anglican News November 2011 MY STORY

Trusting in God’s intensive care

 An experience of faith and sickness, hospitals and healing by Chris Short

Some of you might be aware men’s Cursillos numbers Three that, like many, I have had a and Four. BLUR: For Chris Short, much of the past 18 months has been a blur of intensive care units, diffi cult 18 months health wise, While standing praying radiotherapy treatment and some of very caring medical teams. with seven different specialists alone in the Bishopthorpe chap- caring for me. Three different el, I “came to” on the ground surgeons, a radio oncologist, a with an unknown language logical studies! I learnt much your healing. It is very diffi cult in the USA run by Vineyard chemotherapy oncologist, an coming from my mouth. So from David and was blessed to to be as sick as you are and Ministries. Along with oth- infectious diseases specialist, naive was I that I had to ask of have him as my spiritual advi- believe for your healing, but I ers from our Diocese, I later and so on. one of the clergy at the Cursillo sor until he died. do, I believe for you, as do the became a prayer counsellor at As a consequence, I was what was going on. He laughed If I’ve learnt anything in people praying for you. God Australian Vineyard conferenc- kindly invited by the South and suggested I read 1 Corinthi- the past 30-odd years it’s not will heal.” es and found them incredibly Coast regional Anglican women ans 13, especially about the gift to be concentrating on possible By God’s grace, from that helpful in my understanding of to refl ect on those past months of praying in tongues. God was problems when praying for moment on I started to get bet- blending renewal ministries into in a talk to them. Bishop Stuart changing my understanding of others, especially for healing, ter. When releasing me from my sacramental worship. has asked me to adapt that talk Him very quickly! Six months physically, mentally, spiritu- hospital, the consultant profes- As a delegate, I attended two and provide the notes for Angli- later I was a student at the Col- ally or emotionally. Rather, we sor treating me told that my international SOMA confer- can News. He has further asked lege of Ministry. are to be concentrating on the blood tests now gave no indica- ences in the UK, again partly me to expand it to refl ect briefl y one who told us to pray for one tion that I had ever had a kidney funded by my then Canberra on what are broadly known as another. It’s His job to guide problem. He went on, “We parish. “renewal ministries” as experi- It’s God’s ‘job’ to our prayers and to heal, our didn’t cure you, you know, we Later, on a SOMA mission enced during my 34 years in our job to pray. just kept you alive.” in Madagascar, a doctor who Diocese as a layperson and in guide our prayer About 19 years ago I was On my eventual return to spoke English, a rarity, brought ordained ministry. and to heal, our the Rector of a parish in the work I attended many events along a girl with malaria. He Firstly a bit of background. ‘job’ to pray outer suburbs of Wagga. I was organised by Anglican Renewal approached my wife Jill and I come from a long line of An- believingly fi t and healthy but a combina- Ministries Australia, speaking at said, “I am doctor, I have no glican clergy with my father the tion of drugs prescribed by my some regional meetings. medicines, this girl has malaria, exception. I can’t remember a doctor attacked my kidneys, you have God, you will pray.” time when I didn’t go to church which, to protect themselves, I think that’s called faith. or didn’t believe that Jesus is While there I attended a shut down in response. I was Jill only spoke English, alive and is God’s Son. range of training weeks with air ambulanced to St Vincent’s Christians are and was praying with the local I worked for some ten years Canon Glennon as authorised in Sydney and had a long time Rector’s wife, who only spoke as a DMR (RTA) engineer until “parish training placements.” of treatment, including dialysis not promised an Malagasy. As they prayed, Jill one day I was at a seminar His teaching on healing of the up to fi ve times a week. armchair ride understood, in English, every being held in the parish we memories has stood me in good I was feeling pretty low to heaven with word, the rector’s wife prayed attended in Wagga, where the stead all my ministry. as there was no change in my no diffi culties. in Malagasy. The local rec- speaker was Canon Jim Glen- The environment of the condition, which was life threat- Instead, we are tor’s wife understood in Mala- non of the St Andrew’s Healing College of Ministry was incred- ening. But a key insight into gasy everything Jill prayed in Ministry. Up until that time, ibly helpful and instructive God’s healing came when I was promised that English. But only when pray- my Christian faith was limited for me, and others, regarding there in the high dependency God journeys with ing, not when conversing. God to my being convinced that I am many things, including renewal area in the St Vincent’s renal us every step of was guiding their prayers, and a sinner and God has to forgive ministries and gifts of the Spirit. ward and saw a familiar face the way, desiring as they prayed, the little girl if I call out to him in the name Reverend Canon David Durie, wheeled past in a wheelchair. wholeness for us was healed. Her temperature of Jesus. A good start. the then Principal, was a wise God’s timing. dropped to normal, the little Canon Jim’s ministry ena- and very Godly man who was I asked one of the nurses, lumps under the skin on her bled me to see how far short at the time a leader in renewal “Was the person that I saw forehead went, she instantly my understanding was of the ministries in Australia. He wheeled past the Reverend Jim lost her headache and the fever fullness of God’s love. gently challenged, invited and Glennon?” In that wonderful parish symptoms in her joints. The As a no nonsense, practical, encouraged us to grow in sub- She said, “Yes, he noticed community, we organised heal- doctor pronounced her well. logical engineer who believed mission to Jesus that the Spirit you too, and has asked us to ing services with people coming God does it his way. manifestations of gifts of the might increasingly anoint us for wheel you down to him.” from as far away as Deniliquin Also while in that Canberra Holy Spirit had ceased after God’s purposes. At his bedside I cried about to be present. There is a hunger parish, I with others from our apostolic times, I was over- I remember an early college my total inability to have faith amongst God’s people for His diocese, undertook a three-year- whelmed, when during the Eucharist where David felt led for my healing, I was just too grace as shown in His written long training program for retreat seminar, I had a vision of Jesus by the Spirit to sing in the Spirit sick. word, and still here for today. leaders. I knew that God often speaking to me and telling me and then ask us students to seek He commented, “There are I was partly funded by both speaks to us and brings renewal to work for Him full time. This interpretation from the Lord. hundreds of people praying the Diocese and the parish to in and through our contempla- was followed by my going to Not an everyday start to theo- for you. They have faith for attend a pastor’s training course tion and meditation, and not just November 2011 Anglican News Page 17 MY STORY

in Bishopthorpe chapel! ing and a conviction that God In April 2010, I had sur- stands ready to pour his healing gery for bowel cancer in Bega love into our life is a wonder- hospital. Despite the undoubted ful support. Exactly how that skill of the surgeon, complica- happened and what part my tions developed and I was taken faith played, what part the faith to Canberra hospital where over of those praying played, what the next three months I had use God made of the skills of two further operations. What a the surgeons and other medi- humbling, learning experience! cal staff, all these things I don’t People in this diocese, the wider really understand, however I Australian church, Mauritius, know that I was in hospital with England, Madagascar and South other people whose surgery was Africa were all praying believ- simple and have subsequently ingly for me. died, as I was expected to. After my third seven-hour My surgery and ongoing operation I came around in treatment was complicated and Intensive Care hooked up to life diffi cult but I am alive to talk support, the machine breath- about it. I am no longer able ing for me, as I had burnt the to function as a parish priest inside of my lungs by vomiting but I am here to tell that with- and inhaling faeces into my out God’s love poured out in lungs from a perforated bowel. response to the prayers of many My recovery was incredibly people, I would not be here. I slow and is still going on. In have an opportunity to continue the meantime I have had eight to talk of God’s love and to months of chemotherapy and explore the mysteries of renew- two months of radiotherapy. ing ministries that take place in VINEYARD EXPERIENCE: In 1990, Chris Short had the opportunity to go to San Francisco When I turned up to start so many ways. the radiotherapy a clinical nurse Bay to studying with Vineyard Ministries, where he gained a deeper understanding of belnding God is usually doing more consultant said to me, “Are you renewal ministries with sacramental worship. than we know. Mr Short?” A simple example. Through I answered, “Yes.” I understood that God’s heal- him, and God, down. I went on minutes and were hustled out my many months in Canberra She said, “Are you sure?” ing power sweeps across the praying for others, and later the after 45, still asking questions. hospital my wife Jill would Again I said, “Yes.” physical, mental, emotional and young man’s mother came to My later chemotherapy was spend eight to ten hours a day She went on to say, “Well spiritual aspects of our whole- me with tears in her eyes, and I supposed to take three months at my bedside, not just minister- I’ve read your surgical fi les and ness, I felt, believed that God wondered if I’d cope with what but took eight because of all ing to me but to the needs of the you should be dead. Now I’m was working in my life. I knew she might say. sorts of problems I had with other men in the ward and their an atheist but I know what you I would one day leave the hos- She said “thank you, oh infections in central lines, aller- families. One night at about do for a living. Do you think pital, healed, but God’s way. thank you.” I was stunned and gies etc. Yet my chemo oncolo- two o’clock, a senior nurse said that’s why you’re not dead?” And healed God’s way is asked her what did she mean? gist said to me a month or two to me: “I’ve watched your Jill, As an atheist, she knew important. For example: Some She pointed to an area where ago, “You’ve had a really rotten after 38 years of marriage, sit something out of the ordinary years ago, when I was a na- young people were dancing to run, worse than most people with you day in and day out, ten was the reason I was still alive! tional prayer counsellor for the the Christian band. There was have but at least I get to say to hours a day for three months. During my time in the Can- John Wimber Vineyard confer- her son, dancing! Still with his you that I don’t need to see you The surgeon thinks she is part berra hospital, I never stopped ences, I was asked to pray for a sticks, but moving a lot more again, your test results are too of the reason you are still alive. believing that I was going to young man with cerebral palsy. freely. She told me that she and good.” I’m 20 years younger than come through it. Not because I felt deeply moved for him and her local church had believed you and on my third marriage. I felt I deserved it but because prayed with great faith for heal- that her son needed to be healed What role does your faith have I felt deeply aware that that ing for him. of his bitterness about his in the difference?” As I look was what God wanted as he Afterwards, he was still on condition before any physical Christians are back on that and subsequent was responding to the hundreds his sticks and nothing seemed healing would take place. She not promised an conversations, I realise God’s of prayers. I had many, many to change. I felt a failure, surely said, “Look at the broad grin on armchair ride healing was not just for me. down moments, but because But for today, to fi nish with:- I had prayed badly and let his face! He hasn’t smiled for to heaven with years.” God knew what he was Why are some not healed? The doing, even if I didn’t. no diffi culties. best response that I’ve ever Last year, after a very rocky Instead, we are heard came from a Vineyard start where in Bega hospital promised that leader, who was asked: “How I was a pretty lousy patient, God journeys with do you feel when people you pray for don’t seem to get their the amazing grace of people’s us every step of prayers and ministry wrapped prayers answered and how can me in God’s love and made me the way, desiring you then go on praying for oth- more receptive and approach- wholeness for us. ers?” His answer went some- able by medical staff, even as thing like this. I got sicker. And so, when in “I don’t understand what Canberra hospital, things had happens when I pray for people changed as now I clung to What else have I learnt? for healing, but I do under- God doing what he wanted in I’ve learnt that we live in a stand two things. The fi rst one my life, despite all the endless world full of wonderful caring I understand is that Jesus has medical setbacks. people, not just our Christian told me to do it, and the second So much so that one day the brothers and sisters. I’ve had is that a whole lot more people surgeon asked if I would speak reinforced for me an expression receive God’s healing when to a group of fi rst year medi- I’ve used throughout my minis- I pray for them, than when I cal students about the role that try that Christians are not prom- don’t pray for anybody.” I a patient’s attitude, including ised an armchair ride to heaven think that’s a good place to be faith, had upon one’s heal- with no diffi culties. Instead, we for us too. ing. He said they were deeply are promised that God journeys It’s God’s ‘job’ to guide impressed with my attitude. I with us every step of the way, our prayer and to heal, our CONNECTION: Through events such as the annual Blessing knew that God had changed my desiring wholeness for us. ‘job’ to pray believingly. of the Dairy Herd, Chris Short has built strong connections with attitude in response to prayer, Christians, like everybody, the Bega community where he served as parish priest from 2001 not me. The medical students endure pain, suffering and until his resignation early this year. were supposed to stay for 20 tragedy, but an understand- Page 18 Anglican News November 2011 MISSION NEWS Women die waiting  Anglican Aid joined with CEOs from other Gaza and radiotherapy is not agency takes breast international aid agencies and available at all, so they must church leaders in the House travel to outside Gaza for ap- cancer in Gaza to of Representatives alcove to propriate treatment. Parliament view the Women Die Wait- This is a diffi cult process, ing documentary produced by however. They have to wait for by Jane Still Anglicord. travel approval from doctors, Breast cancer in Gaza – it’s The short fi lm features sto- for approval from the Treatment not a frequent topic of conver- ries interviews with women in Abroad System, for a fi nan- sation in Australia’s Federal Gaza who have had to struggle cial assessment, and then for a Parliament, but in October, it through the permits process to permit from the Israeli Defence was discussed right in the heart access treatment in Israel, Jor- Force. This process can take up of Australia’s national leader- dan and Egypt. The attendees to six months, but some women ship. were so inspired by what they never get these approvals at all. DELEGATION: From left to right: Susanne Ley MP, Senator Anglicord: Anglican Over- saw and heard that Senators As a result, many women Lee Rhiannon, Abassador Izzat Abdulhadi (Head of the General seas Aid, held the national and Members from the Liberal die waiting. Delegation of Palestine to Australia and New Zealand), Maria launch of its Women Die Wait- Party, the ALP and the Greens Anglicord’s campaign Vamvakinou MP, Misha Coleman (Anglicord CEO), Senator ing campaign in Parliament worked together to produce a will fund early detection and Michaelia Cash, and Laura Medhorst. The Anglicord delegation House, Canberra, this month, motion commending the cam- screening programs through highlighting the lack of access paign, to be put during the next the Al Ahli Hospital, the only raised awareness of breast cancer issues in Gaza. women in Gaza have to appro- sitting session of Parliament. Christian hospital in Gaza. The reading about the campaign to using our resource packs, or priate breast cancer treatment. The documentary was fi lmed campaign aims to screen 2000 support it. contribute to the campaign – but This lack of access means in Gaza under the direction of women annually, so that cancers “Please, share this story whatever you do, don’t wait!” that while the fi ve year survival Anglicord’s CEO Misha Cole- can be detected early enough with your friends and family, See www.womendiewaiting. rate for women is 80% in Aus- man, who was moved to inves- for surgery to be effective. write and tell your local mem- org.au for more information, or tralia and 71% in Israel, in Gaza tigate this issue further after a Misha Coleman exhorted all ber about it, organise an event call 1800 249 880 it is only 40%. consultation with Anglicord’s Member for Calwell, Maria partner Al Ahli Hospital. Vamvakinou, a staunch support- “When I went to Gaza in er of the Women Die Waiting June last year, the hospital we campaign, launched the national work with there had just starting if you could ask God campaign and also made an ad- operating a new mammography journment speech to the Parlia- machine that’d been donated by ment the following day praising a private donor, but they only the impact that the campaign had funding for a small num- ANYTHING ... will have on women with breast ber of mammograms and there cancer in Gaza. was still a lot of work to do to what would it be? “I believe strongly that, in coax women to come in to get the case of the women of Gaza, screened,” Ms Coleman said. Do you have a few unan- Why is there so much vio- brought back online as needed. the political endgame that dic- “When you meet women swered questions about life, lence in the world? The Noosa community is tates the trajectory for Palestine who’ve been diagnosed with death, faith, injustice or mean- Why create a world with made up of a mix of retirees should never be extended at breast cancer, and you know ing? evil and why not do something and young families, but Mark the cost of humanity and hu- and she knows that treatment is Questions you’d like to be about it? Calder said his parish demo- man life, which in this instance available just on the other side able to ask God? What does the future hold? graphic did not refl ect that of renders treatable cancers fatal. of that wall, and you know that Mark Calder, an Anglican Will we be reunited with the surrounding area. Women should not be a part of she’s pretty unlikely to get that priest in the Queensland Sun- loved ones? “At this stage our congrega- the collateral damage in Pales- treatment in time to save her shine Coastal parish of Noosa, What about those who tion is considerable older than tine. So I proudly join Angli- life, it makes you weep.” has been inviting people in his haven’t known God? the average age of the com- cord in launching the Women Most breast cancers in Gaza community to ask their tough Mark Calder said that about munity, but this campaign has Die Waiting campaign here in (over 60%) are detected too late questions. 20 extra people came along helped raise our profi le – one parliament,” she said. for surgery to be effective, but Through a full-page ‘adver- each Sunday to hear the an- lady in the church said that her Senators and Members chemotherapy is unreliable in torial’ in the local newspaper, swers. Probus Club had been talking through posters in shopping “When they posted their about it recently.” centres and community notice questions, twelve people also As part of the follow-up, boards, through letter-box drops asked for individual responses, Mark is planning to offer a and leafl et handouts, the parish which we replied to by email short course entitled Jesus has sought questions from the within days,” said Mark Calder. Explained to give enquirers an local residents. “We’ve also published the re- opportunity to go further with The promotional material sponses to the questions on the their question. Several people referred people to a website, parish website [www.anglican- have already signed up for this which was the principal avenue churchnoosa.org].” four-week course, which will for posting questions that peo- He said that the most com- start in November. ple would like to put to God. plicated part of the exercise had Mark Calder, who has been Over a period of several been to set up a specifi c website in Noosa for two years after weeks, Mark Calder said about to allow people to post their serving as rector of the Sydney 40 questions were submitted. questions online. parish of Roseville for 18 years, He categorised these, chose the “Since we started promoting said the project was defi nitely three most popular questions, the idea, I’ve had a number of worthwhile. and responded to them during enquiries from other churches “We’re already planning Sunday services for three weeks wanting to know how they to run it again, perhaps in the during October. could do something similar,” he same form or perhaps with a The topics included: added. “We’re exploring ways slightly different approach, in My 54 year old husband is of making our site available to about two years’ time,” he said. dying of cancer. Why? others, allowing them to rent “We’ll keep doing it to raise How can a loving God toler- our online facilities now that we our profi le, to keep people in ate such suffering? have it all set up.” community talking about the (This service included a The website has been shut advertisements and the church.” special time for those who have down since the campaign fi n- lost a loved one.) ished, but Mark said it can be November 2011 Anglican News Page 19 SYNERGY YOUTH NEWS

Ministry options through BYG Youth getting older sooner (continued from page 20) will take up a lot of my time. been doing in your parish? S: Has the Gap Year  How old are along. She invited another little Laura: I love kids, so changed your future plans in ‘Youth’? girl in her street, who brought I’ve become Sunday School any way? her sister and brother. Her Supervisor; and I’ve also helped Laura: my plans for the fu- by Brad Lovegrove and mother came to church to to start a youth Bible Study. Five ture are still quite vague; but the Ronda Thomas see her in the Christmas of us met for the fi rst time two Gap Year has helped to solidify Traditionally, youth are pageant, and met the Club weeks ago, and there are several a few things for me. defi ned as high-school age leaders afterwards, at the other kids we’ve also invited Do you know any young (12-18) or teenagers (12-20). BBQ and Carols. along. adults who are interested in A life-stage defi nition is ‘those The little S: What do you plan to do Christian ministry, or consid- between puberty and marriage/ girl was after the Bishop’s Gap Year? ering a Gap Year after High parenthood’. enjoying Laura: I’m going to Uni next School or during Uni? You can Before the pill, couples were Kids Club so year, to study Psychology at learn more about the Bishop’s often married by 20; and parent- much she started ANU. Gap Year by contacting Brad hood began nine months later! coming to Sunday S: Will you still be doing or Matt at Synergy, on 02 6232- Today, young couples may not School as well, and ministry in your local parish? 3613. Enrolments for 2012 are marry until after becoming par- some of the other Laura: Yes, but not to the due in by Dec 9th. ents or buying a home, if at all; kids followed her. same extent as this year, as Uni or they may be single and still Some days there living with their parents into were too many their 30’s. children to fi t Today, young people are one car - even Anglican Diocese of Grafton also getting older sooner, with though it was puberty for girls starting as a seven seater Rector - Maclean Parish young as nine. There is now a - and two trips separate, preadolescent group of had to be made, both Is God calling you to this Parish? 9-12’s called ‘Tweens’ (between before and after Church. Maclean Parish, within the Diocese of Grafton, is situated at childhood and teens) where the These children were not RAPID the mouth of the mighty Clarence River. It has fi ve centres girls have been described as from middle class homes, CHANGE: focused around the estuary of the river: Maclean, Yamba ‘too old for toys, too young for like those usually found Aggressive (recently named as tourism’s best kept secret), Chatsworth boys.’ Retailers have targeted in church, but from marketing is Island, Iluka and Lawrence. This is an attractive location. Tweens with cut down versions Housing Commis- encouraging Many folk are coming to live here. of adult fashions, and raised sion homes that had ‘tweenage’ controversy about the sexualisa- experienced death, This is a loving, generous, friendly, welcoming, caring and kids to grow ecumenically minded Parish family. tion of children. illness, unemploy- Just like older teenagers, ment, divorce and up fast. The Parish is looking for a priest who is an easily approach- Tweens are developing unique poverty. They are able dynamic, enthusiastic, ‘people person’; able to maintain social needs and desires, the children the present but be a visionary collaborative and yet challeng- and reveal distinctive hopes, we are ten other people ing leader who grows the Parish for the future. dreams, and expectations for command- walked through the For further details please contact Bishop Keith Slater at life. Physical changes brought ed to take doors of St Nick’s; [email protected] on by puberty are accompanied care of. including four other by emotional changes. This is a true story: it all members of her family! Tweens begin to defi ne their happened at St Nicholas’, North One of the easiest ways to own sense of self, to identify Goulburn during the last two build a youth ministry is to their own interests and to ex- years. Some of these children grow one up, from your chil- press their individuality through only came to St Nick’s a few dren’s ministry. Today, youth their activities. At the same times; other came often, to both ministry really starts with time, Tween self-esteem is still Sunday School and Kids Club. Tweens, in grades 4-6. What if under construction, and fragile For me, the most encourag- you have no children’s minis- at best. ing part was when the older try? You can start a Kids Club. As such, Tweens are very brothers of this little girl were There are several groups sensitive to peer opinion, and coming to play at our youth out- and people who can help you worry about how they’ll fi t in reach concert, and she declared set up a ministry to ‘tweens’. If with and interact with others. ‘On Saturday, my brothers and you call the Synergy offi ce on These are also spiritual issues: their band are going to play 02 6232 3613 we will be happy and just like teens, Tweens also at my church.’ St Nicks is her to help put you in touch with need to discover God’s uncon- church, and she’s ready to tell people who can help. ditional love and forgiveness, everyone, and to invite anyone, You can promote your who they are in Christ, and so they can meet Jesus too; just Kids Club during SRE classes where they fi t in his Family. like she did. (NSW), or advertise in the Strategies for reaching Tweens Through this one little girl, School Newsletter. include After School Clubs, Holiday programmes, Sunday Schools and Primary School SRE (NSW). Let me tell you a story about POSITION VACANT one young girl. She was 9 years old when her school friends in- CHILDREN’S AND vited her to come to Kids Club at Church. She enjoyed herself FAMILY WORKER at Kids Club and began coming St John’s Canberra is appointing a Children’s and Family every week. She was having Worker in 2012 for up to 20 hours per week. such a good time she invited her The position would entail co-ordinating and teaching Children’s brother along, then the girl up Church, networking, integrating new people, follow-up and pastoral the road, who also brought her care, especially within the 9.30 a.m. congregation. little sister. Her neighbour heard it was Please direct all enquiries to the Rector, the Rev Paul Black, fun, and asked if he could come [email protected] or 0416 159 814. Page 20 November 2011 Anglican News

Explore ministry options RIPE for the Harvest through BYG by Brad Lovegrove. Hamish and Andy have a new TV show, ‘Hamish and Andy’s Gap Year’. Their theme song says Gonna hit the road, learn about life and the universe, gonna put our money in a skin-coloured purse, gonna do something brave, gonna face our fears - GAP YEAR: Laura Mitchell is gonna step-up, be men, and take spending her Gap Year helping a Gap Year! with children’s ministry. Like Hamish and Andy, three students in Canberra have also taken a Gap Year in 2011, studies with a trained Mentor to learn about ‘life and the each week; universe’.  and much, much more! The Bishop’s Gap Year The Bishop’s Gap Year is (BYG), run by the Anglican run by Bishop Stuart Robinson Church, is for school-leavers or and ‘Synergy’, the Canberra- Uni students to spend a year as Goulburn youth department. disciples: exploring their gifts, Synergy interviewed one of this experiencing ministry, studying year’s students, Laura Mitch- ell, about her experience of the WORSHIP: Engaging worship sessions were a feature of Harvest ‘11 in Batemans Bay, which theology, and perhaps even test- attracted 50 young people to a weekend of inspiration and encouragement. ing a call to vocational Chris- Bishop’s Gap Year Program: tian ministry! S: Why do you think the During BYG, students can: Bishop’s Gap Year is a good by Alison Pearce thing, from the smiling faces of at Broulee Beach at 6:30am thing?  gain experience, working When Glenn Seddon, in the kids to all the activities.” to see her baptised and then Laura: You learn what is with their parish Minister in a partnership with The Bush Throughout the weekend, praised God through song. involved in ministry – what’s year-long placement; Church Aid Society of Australia the youth were encouraged to Despite their lack of sleep, good about it, what’s bad about  be involved in Synergy’s (BCA), began a youth ministry make God their fi rst priority, many of the youth agreed it was it, and what happens behind the youth and children’s pro- in Batemans Bay in October seeking to serve and please worth the early wake-up. scenes, as well. grams and camps; 2010, they had a small but ex- Him. On the Saturday morning, To wrap up the morning and S: How has it helped you  participate in a Mission trip to cited group of regulars. 15 youth gave their lives to Him the camp, Glenn Seddon en- as a person? the Solomon Islands; A year down the track, God in what Jimmy describes as a couraged the youth to be Christ Laura: I’ve come closer to  be equipped, studying has grown their ministry, RIPE “powerful and encouraging” to those around them and asked God during the year, I’ve learnt two youth ministry sub- (Relational, Inspired, Precious, moment. if they would be interested in more about the church and how it jects at St Marks College, Exciting), and in the October The commitments continued a Harvest 12. The answer … a works, and I’ve met lots of great or Cert IV in Christian Min- school holidays they even as one of the young adults made resounding “YES”! people, and become friends. istry and Theology at Unity hosted a youth event for 50 a public declaration of her faith Alison Pearce served as S: What ministry have you College; people. in Him at a sunrise baptism on Media and Communications  refl ect on their ministry and (continued on page 19) The weekend-long event, the Sunday. Everyone gathered Offi cer at BCA. Harvest 11, aimed to empower young Christians and share the love of Jesus with not-yet 
 
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activities and she loved having all the Harvest group brave the early Sunday morning, despite a that time to pray for people: late night on Saturday. “God has defi nitely spoken to me this weekend and shown me to tell people of the plans He Synergy contacts has for them.” Synergy Youth: 6232 3613 www.synergy.org.au One of the leaders, 18-year- old Jimmy Roe, spoke of how Synergy Youth Director: Matt Brain, [email protected] amazing he found the event. Youth Minister/Bishop’s Gap Year “It’s all been fantastic: the ven- Coordinator: Brad Lovegrove, [email protected] ue, the speakers, the atmosphere  






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and just being in the presence of Western Region/Camp Pelican: Lucas King, [email protected] 

 





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God. God has been in every- Synergy Youth Chairperson: Ruth Edwards (contact via 6232 3613)