Expanding Fran Grimes Surprise gift Kilmany From the Bishop opportunities on Gahini for Morwell centenary page 2 page 3 page 5 page 6 page 7 The Gippsland

Volume 114, NumberAnglican 1, February 2017 Published in Gippsland Diocese since 1904 Cardinia Lakes Mural Fun Day

Chris McAleer the jumping castle, watch their children’s faces transformed by an experienced face-painter, or several months and learn how to balloon-twist. members of the There was also the chance to sit FCornerstone Anglican and soak in the performances Church had been preparing the by the professional entertainers. groundwork for the Cardinia The day offered a great Lakes Photography Project opportunity to meet others in and the Mural Fun Day in the local community. cooperation with Cardinia In addition to providing a Shire and Co-Design. wonderful day for families to Finally on Saturday 14 enjoy the many activities on January 2017, after months offer and to work with one of advertising and letterbox another, it was an invaluable dropping, the local residents opportunity to cooperate began steadily to drop into practically with the Cardinia Windermere Park to view the Shire, to strengthen the bonds exhibition of the best locals’ of teamwork among our church More information about L-R: Genevieve Shallard, John Koch, Karen and Chris McAleer. The four photographs, take part in the members and to provide the event can be found at: coordinating artists for the mural painting were Jenny Koch for Angel’s painting of the four murals, an enjoyable community- www.cardinialakesresidents.org. Wings, Chris McAleer for Christmas Lights, Kate Campbell for Black enjoy the free barbecue and building day that the local The Rev’d Chris McAleer is Cockatoo and Jenni Ivins for the Tree of Life. Karen McAleer was the coffees, have some exercise in neighbourhood will remember. rector at Nar Nar Goon. overall coordinator. Blue Moose, Red Frogs, yellow sand

Colourful holiday missions reach out with good news around the country ummer holidays can Scripture Union held Victoria, including Cowes, be hard work – when Family Missions and / or Inverloch, Lakes Entrance, S you’re on a mission Theos youth camps at about Mallacoota and Tidal River team, whether at the beach, 30 seaside locations around in Gippsland. in a park or a church hall in town. But it is also worthwhile and rewarding service, and often a lot of fun, for the many volunteers and ministry workers, both young and old, who help to run beach missions or parish church holiday programs over the summer break. Te Rev’d David Perryman, his wife Emma and children Timothy and Elijah This summer the Blue Moose Mission team returned to the parish of Churchill / Boolarra Dual role for David Perryman / Yinnar, providing a space and The Rev’d David Perryman at Holy Trinity, Stratford. activities for young people, has been appointed as David will work four days while in Bass / Phillip Island, Curate-in-Charge of the per week in Avon and two the Red Frogs Team once again parish of Avon, and as the days in Sale. He and his served thePhoto: needs Karen of Cross schoolies. Bishop’s Chaplain. He will wife Emma and children will Trafalgar parish also hosted be inducted on Monday be based in Stratford from a school holiday program for 6 February at 7:30 pm early February. primary aged children (see Photo courtesy SU Victoria page 8). The Cowes Scripture Union Family Mission Team in action

Jonathan Cornford: One big idea about work Page 12 From the Bishop TGA

Index for cover in La La Land’s denial and pretence? Is this Living in La La Land a time for more “bread and

From the Bishop 2 circuses” to distract us; or a s 2017 gets underway, Of course the phrase “La time when we dare not play concerns and fears and La Land” is also used to Parish to Parish 2 such destructive games? How uncertainty about the make a sometimes sharp A do we show the compassion future have been at the forefront point about such dreams and of the Lord, his “suffering Expanding opportunities 3 of the media landscape. The everyday reality. Some day- with” and “striving with” election and inauguration of dreams can only be received each person, displaying the Donald Trump as America’s as nonsensical and out of Around the diocese 4–7 bone-deep reality of God’s new President, and the possible touch, and perhaps dangerous, love, in such a way that we implications for the world, by people for whom harsh Kids’ Min 8 are present and available to dominate all other news stories, realities have settled into a one another like the Man for especially as he now begins daily truth. In such situations, Others? Sleep-walking is James Oakley 8 to implement his program we may well fnd ourselves I Don’t Know but… one thing. Dreaming of the – already, it would seem, Bishop Kay Goldsworthy saying as much: “If you think Kingdom, God’s reign and meddling in the complexities that’s possible, you’re living rule in this world, God’s will Fran Grimes: 9 of Middle East politics, the in La La Land”. being done on earth as it is in Schoolies in Rwanda Israeli-Palestinian situation, “...Sleep-walking is Just as in great swathes of heaven, is another. and antagonising China, not to one thing. Dreaming the United States of America As we face such questions, Reflection: 10 mention his power-play over itself, there are many harsh of the Kingdom, one thing is sure: we need Humans as hors d’oeuvres, immigrants, and the threatened realities for communities each other, and we must ask Colin Oakley Mexican border wall. God’s reign and rule across Gippsland as 2017 and answer together, not as At the same time as this begins – changes to three in this world... fragmented and weakened strange new reality, the of the industries which Editorial 10 is another.” individuals. But before we “post-truth” era as some have shaped this region are consumed by our own commentators are calling it, a quality about them. That, I over decades: farming, coal Philip Muston reviews 11 worries, we look up, asking movie called La La Land has guess, was their point. The production and logging. In the Coming Back to Earth whose dreams have turned to been nominated for a record grainy black and white of the light of such transformation, dust, and how we can befriend number of Oscars. In many screen hardly seemed to matter and the fall-out for all of us, them and defend them. Earth Care Card 11 ways this is the movie genre for people living in the shadow there are delicate and complex Perhaps then we can fnd our many of us grew up on, a of a world at war. The job of questions for communities way from broken dreams to Jonathan Cornford: 12 Hollywood musical in which these flms was, in part, to of faith, and each one of our something truer and kinder One big idea about work struggling musician meets help people imagine a different churches to face. and more generous than we struggling actress as both try to reality – a kind of La La land How do we live and speak can imagine, to the One who make it big. Some dreams do for dreaming of what might the love of Jesus in the midst Diocesan Calendar 12 calls us to hope and pray come true, others do not. be, so a blissful lack of reality of uncertainty and fear? How and love a brand new world In my family the musicals was OK for ninety minutes or might we be anchored more into being. of the so-called Golden Era so in front of the big screen. deeply in the long-suffering, of Hollywood all seemed to It was all about forgetting self-giving, and patiently The Gippsland have some kind of La La Land and dreaming. loving Christ, rather than run Anglican The hall is also used by the Member of Australasian Religious Parish to Parish: praying for each other Theos team over the post- Press Association Christmas period. Year-long Member of Community Newspapers “...That we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith...” (ROMANS1: 12) tourism often leads to extra Association of Victoria pastoral care. To meet extra Registered by Australia Post This year TGA introduces a weekly fellowship. There Print Post Number 34352/00018 BAIRNSDALE needs, St Augustine’s at San diocesan prayer diary, with EASTERN REGION is a monthly meeting of Remo has added an extension, The Gippsland Anglican is the offcial three parishes featured each ministers from six different accommodating the op shop newspaper of and is published by month in aphabetical order. St John’s, Bairnsdale denominations. Recently The Anglican Diocese of Gippsland, and fellowship area. The Diocesan organisations will St Martin’s Lindenow St John’s has provided space Creative Spirit Festival 453 Raymond Street, also be included. Each parish for EGASS (East Gippsland Sale, Victoria, 3850. Rector: The Rev’d Tony weekend in May is an annual www.gippsanglican.org.au will send in its own profle and Wicking Asylum Seekers’ Support), arts event. There is a regular prayer needs. an interfaith humanitarian book store, a Men’s group, Editor: Jan Down St John’s looks forward to group, to hold their interdenominational Lenten Tel: 0407 614 661 AVON celebrating its Sesquicentenary meetings. Bible study and regular Email: [email protected] EASTERN REGION Contributions are due by 15th of (150 years!) with a forward- meetings of local clergy. the month prior to publication Holy Trinity Stratford looking ministry, aiming for A committee is investigating All Saint’s Briagolong new forms of more BASS / PHILLIP ISLAND new ways of being Church. Layout by Devine Design St Mary’s Munro contemporary worship for SOUTHERN REGION Printed by Fairfax Media, families and children. They Prayer 30-32 Grandlee Drive, This is a mission-shaped St Paul’s, Bass Wendouree, Victoria, 3355. have instigated a monthly Gracious God, we bring parish reaching out to the Messy Church for families with St Philip’s, Cowes before you the needs of The editor reserves the right of local community and young children followed by a St Augustine’s, San Remo these parishes: Avon, fnal choice and format of material beyond. communal meal. They also run Rector: The Rev’d Greg included in each issue. The Gippsland Bairnsdale and Bass. May Anglican and the editor cannot The Op Shop is an important a mainly music program for Magee they discover new ways to necessarily verify any material used conduit for outreach mission. pre-schoolers. serve You. Equip them to in this publication. Views contained The parish has been /is deeply The Op Shop, Johnno’s Sporting events and tourism make the gospel relevant in in submitted material are those saddened by the death of Priest Outreach Centre, is staffed add to many regular events of contributors. their care for all wherever Brian Turner, and now looks from a willing pool of 100 in the parish. There is an You may lead. And in Your Advertising Rates forward to welcoming the volunteers. The parish also annual church breakfast for mercy, hear our prayer. Please contact the editor for all Reverend David Perryman. provides a chaplaincy to the Grand Prix and in summer advertising submissions, costing David will be inducted as the Red Frogs Team takes See also: and enquiries, including about the Bairnsdale hospital and inserts in the newspaper. A full Curate-in-Charge at Stratford has regular involvement in over the parish hall to serve www.gippsanglican.org.au/ advertising schedule can be sent out on 6 February. the Gippsland Grammar the needs of “schoolies”. resources/prayer-cycle upon request.

Page 2 The Gippsland Anglican February 2017 TGA Expanding opportunities

Johnno’s regularly donates funds “The bruised and dying personally; creativity through to local, interstate and overseas pilgrim” – our planet upcycling; networking and referral; story-telling and faith causes, including the Riding for A few years ago, the Anglican sharing. the Disabled Association, the diocese of Perth and Anglicare WA He concluded with a scriptural local hospital and fire brigade. jointly published a collection of paraphrase: Anglicare Gippsland’s papers recognising and exploring Seek first an op shop that Community Development Officer, the potential of opportunity is a place of welcome and Cathrine Muston, commented shops: What’s Old is New Again hospitality; listening and on the significant work of parish – Op Shops as Ministry. op shops in the diocese. She inclusion; community and Bishop Tom Wilmot wrote in one said “It is therefore essential that participation; creativity and of these papers that he had recently our hard working volunteers are enterprise; a place where thought of the earth as “the equipped for the work they do stories are shared; a place bruised and dying pilgrim in the and feel valued by the church of goodwill, generosity and parable of the Good Samaritan”. in their roles. Recruiting and celebration. Seek first these This was because “we are now retaining volunteers with a sense things of God’s reign of using all the planet’s annual of ministry and mission is vital for justice and love – and the renewable resources... before the our local communities”. people will shop; the money end of January each year”. will come; and all that we He points out that op shops desire in the life of God’s Fundraising are “...places where we can be church will be ours to share reminded that our consumerist Despite the fact that as much as well. as half the proceeds from a lifestyles are dangerous not only shop may go on renting the to the planet but our souls... They building – and there are other tell us that sustainable economics overheads such as power bills are possible, for if we make things – op shops raise substantial with integrity and recycle them Household goods and fair trade items such as iPad covers, shoulder funds, and many churches are conscientiously we won’t need bags and pot holders, on sale at the “Recycle Me” op shop at Warragul financially dependent on them several planets or exhaust this for ministry. But they are also one which is our only God-given Jan Down ministry in themselves, both in home”. Archdeacon Edie Ashley has providing goods and in offering had the experience of an op shop hospitality and care for those Mission-shaped At least twenty-two of the becoming a place for worship. who come in. Peter Burke, then Coordinator thirty parishes in the Gippsland Back in the 1980s at Malabar (a According to Archdeacon of Chaplaincy and Parish Anglican diocese currently run suburb of eastern Sydney), one Graham Knott, ministry should Community Work, with Anglicare opportunity shops. They therefore morning a week people would take priority over fundraising, SA, contributed a paper reflecting form a significant part of the life gather in the op shop, she said, He commented: on “the mission-shaped op of the diocese. But is the church “to talk, pray and worship” – so shop”. He identified and briefly op shop a business or a ministry? it became “like an out-centre of I have served in three explored many marks of a mission And is their potential being fully the parish church”. People who parishes now where op shaped op shop, outlining some Two work-experience boys from realised? got involved in the work would shops have been part of the extra elements that can the Marist-Sion College painted a Many of those involved with then start going to church, so the of the way that mission be added, such as providing trompe-l’oeil on the back wall of op shops say they have the church grew. She said “I think and ministry have been community information through the tiny courtyard behind the dual purposes of outreach and op shops have huge potential if supported. The least a shop notice board as well as “Recycle Me” op shop at Warragul fundraising, and this is often they’re used effectively”. successful, in my view, are formally expressed in op shop Gwen Aumann, manager of those where the shop is seen constitutions. But there can be the Warragul Anglican parish op as necessary for funding the tensions between the two aims, shop, “Recycle Me”, said they are work of the church. That especially if a parish is financially “focused on outreach from our may be true in most cases dependent on the op shop for front door”. “The need is there. where there are op shops, stipendiary ministry. All we’ve got to do is listen”, but the value put on goods she added. freely donated and services Shop-front ministry “Recycle Me” has a craft freely given changes when Bp Kay Goldsworthy described group meeting in their tiny emphasis becomes on what op shops as “real places for courtyard behind the shop, where we can make. The best op community”, noting that “op people can learn new skills as shops are those where the shops here [in Gippsland] well as enjoying good company. prevailing attitude remains do incredible work”. She The shop runs beannie-making to bless and to give just commented that many people competitions, partners with as much as is freely given who come into op shops regularly Anglicare on various projects to us. need companionship, including at times, and sells fair-trade those with mental health issues products, due to the initiative of The Archdeacon also says he or disabilities. Warragul parishioners, Dan and is a “a great fan of op shops” Bp Kay said that questions for Kerrie Armstrong. which he recognises as often churches to be asking themselves Johnno’s Outreach Centre now being “the main interface were “How are they a shop-front in Bairnsdale, located in the St between the Church and the ministry?” and “When does the John’s church and hall complex, community”. He appreciates, as op shop start to be the place for a is part of a lively community well, the way they demonstrate study group or place of worship?” hub with a significant outreach the Church’s commitment to She also commented that the op ministry. The interlinked buildings care for the environment and shop “could be more than it is in host Messy Church, mainly music act as a reminder “that we can many places”, and that rectors and many other groups. As well use our resources in better ways need to be dropping in a couple as supporting children’s and than simply satisfying the lust for of days a week. youth ministry at the church, commercial consumerism”.

February 2017 The Gippsland Anglican Page 3 Around the diocese TGA Sad times and glad St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School toy packers Ursula Plunkett – Bairnsdale Cathrine Muston, Anglicare Community Development Officer

It has been a while since St John donations and different events, I think I have found a renewable the Baptist, Bairnsdale, has collecting of our loose change energy source. It involves putting sent an article to TGA. Here is in a jam jar – anything that a group of 13-14 year old girls a summary of what has been will raise money these days is going on in the parish. welcomed! together in an old church, giving The last few months Plans are being made to them a job to do and watching have been a mixture of sad, celebrate 150 years of being them go for it. The noise and interesting and progressive. an independent parish, in April activity that ensues could On the 19 October our this year. Bishop Kay plans to be supplement the Hazelwood Fellowship farewelled Marilyn with us at that time. A month Power Plant! Wicking, our Rector Tony’s later we’ll be hosting Synod. Their job was to pack hampers wife, at a memorial service The fete in November was and wrap presents. Every year of thanksgiving. For sixteen blessed with perfect weather. at Christmas time, Anglicare months Marilyn had fought It is always popular and well Victoria runs a very special cancer courageously, with hope supported by the community. program for needy families in and determination. We miss her Mainly music and Messy Gippsland. The provision of a strong personality and input Church have been successfully Christmas hamper along with into the life of the parish. active throughout the year. All some small gifts for children is Rector Tony resumed his volunteers certainly deserve one of the ways in which those duties at a very busy time of the time off from their labours at year. Whilst he was away the the end of the year. who are often excluded, can rectory and church had been Johnno’s Outreach Centre be included in the celebration painted inside and out and the continues to support the of Christmas. church had been recarpeted Bairnsdale community Donations of food and toys thanks to a parishioner’s wherever needed. The shop come from a variety of sources donation. The roof has also was purpose built and clientele and all need to be sorted into been cleaned. and volunteers appreciate its age groups so that case workers At the end of 2014 the 150th spaciousness. can choose the right gift for Future Fund was launched to Christmas was celebrated each child. With over 950 raise $150,000 for renovations with thanksgiving and praise at children registered for a gift, of the church. There have been well-attended services. that is a lot of sorting (and a lot of donations!). St Paul’s Anglican Grammar Christmas hampers and gifts packed and ready for distribution School has always played a part in this process. Every year Glen Treble, rolled up their toys and brought order into the Casual Clothes Day held sleeves and tackled the the chaos. The girls, whose in November at the Warragul huge task of sorting all the collaborative teamwork was Secondary Campus requires toys into age groups and remarkable, renamed themselves students to bring a contribution categories. The students, all #thechristmassquad and have towards a Christmas hamper, girls, achieved this in record vowed to do it all again including gifts for children. time and with an amazing next year! This year, St Paul’s Traralgon amount of energy and laughter. The staff at Anglicare Victoria, also contributed by sending They demonstrated initiative, and the families who will receive eleven Year 9 students organisation and enterprise as these hampers, are extremely who, along with Chaplain they tackled the mountain of grateful for their contribution. Christmas Festival fun Interior of St John the Baptist, Bairnsdale, recently repainted Moe / and recarpeted Christine Morris Newborough Sale Cobb and Co lent us their to become one large sheep and cow which t the Sale Christmas really helped made the tent new parish Festival many a perfect stable. Then A families took the parents took photos. opportunity to dress their Small picture leaflets of The amalgamation of children as Mary (even a the Christmas story were the two parishes of mum with a real baby), handed out, with a list of Joseph, angels (even more!), Sale churches’ Christmas Moe and Newborough shepherds and wise men. services also available. continues to make slow but steady progress. Photo: Christine Morris After Bishop in Council found that it was not technically possible for the two parishes to become one, a solution has been found: to dissolve both and to create one new parish.

Charlotte Stephenson (9) and Ash Centra (10) at the Sale Christmas festival

Page 4 The Gippsland Anglican February 2017 TGA Around the diocese A blessed friendship

Fran Grimes

t is indeed a blessed friendship that is growing Ibetween Gahini in Rwanda and our Gippsland Diocese. Signs of that friendship are displayed by Gippsland House at the Seeds of Peace Forest Edge climbing wall conference centre, through the collection of Bishop John McIntyre’s books in the library Kidsplus+ Camp 2017 in Gahini and the librarian working there; and of course – Go with the fow! blackboards freshly painted at the high School by Gippsland orest Edge Camp in Please note that Grammar students. The Prayer Hut Neerim East is the applications and appropriate These are just some of “Never give up – the many signs of friendship keep praying.” F venue for our 2017 fee of $100 are due by enthusiasm from our and support. There are Children’s and Youth Camp 4 March. communities. I was led to the fond memories too, shared and churches who know God to be held 24-26 March. Some financial assistance Prayer Hut by Manasseh’s by Archdeacon Manasseh is their only hope. I preached Parish leaders are may be possible through words, “Never give up – keep Gahimi and Luke, the High about life in the Spirit to welcome to send, or our Dennis and May Buxton praying”. When the mission school principal, of visits to those who really know what better still, bring campers Memorial Fund – enquiries to Rwanda was at its lowest in Gippsland where our warm this means. along with you as you about this should be made 1935 Joe Church and African hospitality made up for the We visited Corner Inlet’s join our camp team. Contact through your parish co-workers prayed starting cold weather. Link Parish of Gishya, and Kidsplus+ on: rector or leader. Donations at the Prayer Hut. Rwanda However, the strength of the also Leongatha’s link parish [email protected] towards such sponsorship and East Africa have never Rwandan side of the friendship of Karangazi. These parishes or collect camp applications are always gratefully been the same. There is a is truly experienced by a visit have up to 800 people from our Gippsland accepted by our Diocesan clear message here for us in to Gahini and sharing time and worshipping on Sundays and Gippsland. Pray. Diocesan website. GFS Kidsplus+ network. conversation with our friends new buildings are required to We can learn so much from there. accommodate them. our Rwandan brothers and As chaplain on the recent At Gishya the church Thanks from the Rev’d Anne Turner sisters. Like any friendship Gippsland Grammar schoolies gathered at a day’s notice, on a this one requires love, care, Anne and the family trip I was able to spend time Thursday afternoon, and flled time and effort. We need to would like to thank getting to know Gahini. I the church with choirs singing listen to each other, to pray everyone for the many sat with Bishop Alexis and to greet us. With limited for each other and enjoy one Manasseh, the Diocesan Kinyarwandan language skills expressions of support another. These visits are a secretary. I experienced prayer it was such a joy to say “Imana and sympathy following wonderful opportunity to at the Prayer hut where the ishimwe” (Praise God) to the death of their keep building our friendship East African revival began children right through to old beloved Brian. – we have so much to learn. back in 1935. The students men and receive a lit up smile They have brought so and I sang with the Seeds of of friendship and “Imana The Rev’d Fran Grimes is much comfort at this

Hope choir. ishimwe” in response. Honorary Associate Priest at The Rev’d Brian Turner time of deep grief. It was very humbling to be This is a friendship which Corner Inlet. amongst a people who have gives from both sides. When learnt to forgive and work asked how we were going for reconciliation over the 20 in Gippsland I shared the years since the genocide. We struggle we sometimes feel Cornerstone moves house worshipped alongside choirs with apathy and lack of Te Cornerstone Church made the move from the rectory at Cardinia Lakes to St Johns Church at 5:00 pm on Sunday, 1 January 2017. Tough some regulars were away on holiday, we managed a smooth transition from worship in a house church to a larger facility! Sixteen worshippers shared the memorable event with contemporary songs and sermon on the appropriate theme of proclaiming the Good News, which we have been conscientiously working at through our community activities.

The Rev’d Fran Grimes and Bishop Alexis standing in front of Gippsland House in Gahini

February 2017 The Gippsland Anglican Page 5 Around the diocese TGA Saws and scissors Photo: Lyn Gilbert

Korumburra’s renewed nativity scene Bruthen Op Shop Ladies presenting $5,000 cheque to Peter Down for Hope Centre. L-R Margaret Down, Helen Lyn Olden Pollard, Peter Down, Heather Rose, Pam Answer, Val Pilgrim, Connie Stephens (seated) at St Columb’s Swan Reach. Korumburra Just recently I was looking through a wood-working book A great weekend for Hope Ian and I purchased the original and there was the nativity colour cut out patterns for the scene exactly the same, so I figures of the nativity scene rang the number and the man Peter Down and a Little Bit Modern”. is so encouraging for the after seeing an advertisement I spoke to said the whole scene The effort put in by the choir Board of Hope Restart in a magazine in 1982 and our was still available, although lifton Waters Retirement members was exceptional. & Education Centre East eldest son, Dale, decided that it had changed from imperial Village put on a great They were accompanied by Gippsland Inc to have this he would make it up. measurement into metric which concert on the weekend Dorothy Legg, who did a great community support. He cut out the coloured meant it may differ slightly in C paper figures, then used a jig size. of 13–14 December, with marvellous job as always. We thank all involved the funds raised going to the Not only did Hope receive for their dedication and saw to cut out the shapes in Ian and I decided to purchase Hope Centre for drug this donation, but the hard work in and for the ply wood and the pieces were the patterns and so began the rehabilitation.These concert Anglican Church Op Shop of community. When people then stuck onto their respective journey of cutting out the donations are always very Bruthen donated $5,000 at a work together to help each backings. Most of this work figures and pasting them onto gratefully received. service held at St. Columb’s other then things happen. was done on our kitchen floor the original ply backings. The theme of the concert Church, Swan Reach on A great effort from both with the larger ones made up Lyn Gilbert and I spent several was “A Little Bit of Country Sunday 14 November. It organisations. Thank you. in the garage. days on the project, cutting out We cannot remember how the figures, altering the size long this took but Dale worked a little and pasting them onto on it many nights after work, the original ply backings. We Surprise gift for St Mary’s The congregation was with much sawdust and cut off coated them with four coats moved by what he said bits and pieces being swept up of a non yellowing and UV- all his family. He asked and by the significance of each night until finally the work resistant product to protect Carolyn Raymond such a loving gift. David was complete. them into the future. Morwell our rector, the Rev’d David Head, if he could speak to and Stephen hugged each That all happened 34 years A work of fun and time of the congregation at the end other. Words seemed ago and the nativity scene has wondering how it would all n the last Sunday in of the service. He brought his insufficient. We all felt been used every year since that turn out. God is good and all Advent as we were family with him out the front humbled to receive this time. The colours had faded seems great. O preparing for Christmas of the church. gift of love from the due to use in shop windows We thank Dale for his many – the joyous celebration of the Pastor Stephen explained Sudanese members of our and church. hours of work so long ago. coming of the Christ Child – we that this weekend was the 10 church family. were given another wonderful year anniversary of St Mary’s gift. offering the Nuer speaking Pastor Stephen Riek and community a spiritual home his family attend the 10 am in which to hold services, service when they can. Pastor to pray, to sing and to Stephen takes the service at 4 worship. He said that the o’clock on a Sunday afternoon church had never asked for a at St Mary’s, for the Nuer contribution towards running speaking people from South expenses. His congregation Sudan. He also ministers to wished to make a thank his people in Dandenong, offering to St Mary’s, as a so he is not always able to small way to thank the church come to St Mary’s. However for their loving hospitality and on this Sunday he came with their continuing welcome.

Page 6 The Gippsland Anglican February 2017 TGA Around the diocese Photos: Christine Morris Making all things new – responding to abuse

Bishop Kay Goldsworthy

he hope of the Church is and other institutions to the fact always that people will come that, while some people are willing Tto know the promise that all to contact local Diocesan Directors things may be made new through the of Professional Standards with power of God’s love known in Jesus. complaints, others are not willing In recent years, the issues of abuse of to come forward to the church or children which have been brought to institution in which they suffered light in churches, church schools and abuse as children. Back row: Bp Kay Goldsworthy, Merryn Stevenson, the Rev’d Thelma Langshaw, Judy Collins, Dean agencies committed to the care and Recently, a hotline has been Susanna Pain well-being of vulnerable children established especially for those who Front row: The Rev’d Graham MacRobb, Harold Hadland, the Rev’d Ted Gibson, Betty Robertson have been profoundly confronting. may not want to be part of church the Rev’d Barry Johns, the Rev’d Fred Morrey, the Rev’d Lyndon Phillips, Nancy Missen The harm done to people because or institution complaint procedures. Betty Roberton was presented with a certifcate in appreciation of her service to the Kilmany congregation. of abuse suffered in childhood can This is an interim arrangement put be long lasting affecting every area in place until it is clear what redress of people’s lives. Historic abuse scheme will emerge from the work of A hundred years of faith suffered in either a parish or school the Royal Commission. The hotline setting continues to impact survivors will be answered by an independent over years. intake worker who is not part of the and worship at Kilmany Abuse can be defned as any church or institution structures in behaviour, whether physical, sexual, Gippsland. psychological, spiritual or neglect, It is hoped that, by making this that causes harm or violates rights. avenue for complaint possible, anyone Betty Robertson In the Diocese of Gippsland the who may not be willing to contact a Sale numbers; that was in the days when a school was operating. Director of Professional Standards church or institution directly, will feel A strong Ladies Guild resulted in the is Ms Cheryl Russell. She can be able to tell their story of historic abuse The little country church of St Alban’s, Church being the social hub of Kilmany. contacted on (03) 56331573 or in relation to a church, or as a student Kilmany celebrated its centenary of Sadly the members have decreased, mobile 0407563313 and email at a church school in Gippsland, in continual worship on 18 December 2016. as people have moved away, and the [email protected]. this way. The present building is the third place congregation aged. However, the Guild is The Royal Commission into child The number for this independent of worship, as the original, a beautiful still active and the congregation numbers sexual abuse has alerted churches intake worker is: 0438 120 969. building from the old gold mining town of average 14. Grant, was destroyed by bushfire in 1944. On the 18th a very happy day was For 30 years an ex army hut was used enjoyed by past clergy and residents, with for worship until in 1981 the present the service being conducted by Bishop Kay church, the disused Kilmany Presbyterian and Dean Susanna, whose grandfather, building, was acquired through the efforts Bishop Arthur Pain, consecrated the of Archdeacon Ted Gibson and lovingly original building on Christmas Eve 1916. relocated and restored by the Church Services have gone to monthly instead members. of fortnightly since 2015, owing to a Over the century St Alban’s has had its shortage of clergy, but St Alban’s is still good times, when it had a youth group making a statement that Christianity is 30 strong and Sunday school with similar alive and well in Kilmany.

St Alban’s Kilmany

February 2017 The Gippsland Anglican Page 7 Kids’ Min TGA

Christianity was perceived to I don’t know but... be anti-science. This manifests These words do two things The twelve year old: “My friends believe in God, they just don’t itself in two ways: one, a – they give me permission perceived confict between not to have pat answers for believe what the Bible says. And I don’t really either.” the teachings of the Bible and everything, and in doing that the teachings of science; and they acknowledge that there are two, a Christianity that is not diffcult and complex questions. James Oakley We had a really enjoyable intellectually robust enough And they keep the conversation and engaging discussion to address some of the moral going. t was such a great start to from there – covering biblical issues that scientifc advance the conversation with my 12 interpretation, the importance of presents. “I don’t know, but … Iyear old, especially as we biblical genre, the explanatory These are doubts and walked in the door from youth power of science, and a questions that young people • … that’s an important group at 10 o’clock at night. My consideration of the different have. I tell my youth leaders question.” other two, 10 and 7 respectively, questions each discipline that the doubts and questions • … who do you think we saw a fantastic opportunity to attempts to answer. ? don’t go away just because could ask about that?” delay going to bed even more. As confronting as it was they’re silenced – we need to They were right – it was an to have my daughter voicing draw them out so that we can • … I wonder what stirred up opportunity I just couldn’t pass doubts and questions about her address them. that question?” There is not room in this up, whatever impact it might faith, I was really encouraged • … God is not afraid of column to go into detail about have on the next morning. that she was doing so. that question.”* “What do you mean?” I As children move from Kinnaman’s fndings and asked, still in cool-youth-leader- their childhood years into their recommendations, but the I don’t yet know how my mode, rather than anxious-dad- teen years, they go through a signifcant lesson for me was daughter’s story will end, so mode. process of separation from their Many young people fall the importance of keeping the I pray that she navigates this “Well, I believe that God parents – their identifcation away from Jesus during this conversation going. I might not transition well. And I’ll keep on made the world, but I don’t with their family of origin time, with statistics indicating have the answers my daughter with the 10 pm conversations. think that he made it in seven steadily decreases as they work that something like 50,000 needs. The conversation might days.” out for themselves what their Australian young people leave go places I’m uncomfortable James Oakley is a Children’s What a relief! My daughter worldview is, what their values the church each year. with. But if I love and respect and Youth Ministry worker wasn’t becoming a New Age are, and where their primary The statistics from the US her enough to keep speaking in the Tasmanian Anglican spiritualist, or a Thomas place of belonging is. This is are similar, which prompted with her about these things, I diocese. This article is one Jefferson style deist, who cut a really healthy and natural Christian social researcher hope she will learn that I am of his “Parents as Pastors” from his Bible every reference process, part of the journey David Kinnaman to investigate. around to help her work these columns, and was frst to anything supernatural or toward adulthood. Although it The result of that was a book, things out. published in The Tasmanian miraculous. She was starting represents something of a crisis You Lost Me, which uncovered This can be tricky, especially Anglican, October 2016. It is to hear about scientifc theories of faith (“Do I really believe six signifcant reasons why if the conversation moves to reprinted with permission. for the origin of things, and was these things that my parents young people abandon the faith unfamiliar ground. So I’m asking how that ftted with what have believed for me?”), it is a of their parents. grateful for four magic words * These responses, and others, she reads in her Bible, and hears necessary step on the road to an One really signifcant reason that help me out in any such I found at: fulleryouthinstitute. about at church. independent, adult faith. for this he found was that situation. “I don’t know, but” … org/blog/hard-questions travel machine” allowed the children to enter into two of Holiday program fun the Bible stories that happened in ancient Greece – the story Sue Jacka of Lydia meeting Paul and his It was held at the Anglican discovery of the statue to the Trafalgar Community Complex again which unknown god. is a great venue with its large We made mosaics, using trip back in time to building and lots of space outside colourful tiles from many ancient Greece was the for games and craft activities. The people’s different renovations – theme of this year’s A participants enjoyed the usual fun as well as a few purchased ones! holiday program which came of a jumping castle and outdoor There were plenty of creative to Trafalgar on Tuesday 17 and games. woodwork projects completed Wednesday 18 January. A short play about a “time too, with key holders with a Greek key pattern or a star being very popular. A successful program relies on many volunteers, some of whom come from our churches, others from the community – those who supervised the children, those who ensured the craft activities were conducted safely and those who prepared morning tea for the kids and the adults. We also found that local businesses are prepared to donate goods or services to enable this free six day program to occur: local fruit sellers, hardware shops and even our local signwriter all contributed. The Rev’d Sue Jacka is the Lewis and Izaak performing in the drama at the Trafalgar holiday program rector at Trafalgar.

Page 8 The Gippsland Anglican February 2017 TGA For young disciples

What about you? What is The fundamental “Why?” your “WHY?” What sort of “WHY” do you want your child to be driven by? Daniel Lowe While these “what” desire for wealth, but there is This could make for a very questions are necessary, useful plenty of evidence to suggest interesting family dinnertime and even signifcant, they are that wealthy people are conversation! ur daily lives are all secondary questions. The not necessarily happier. Or largely consumed by primary question is “Why?” maybe we are driven by the The Rev’d Daniel Lowe is O“what” questions – Why do I do what I do? pursuit of fame and success. Senior Chaplain at St Paul’s What am I doing today? What Grammar School. Without an answer to the But in the words of Madonna, The Rev’d Daniel Lowe will I have for dinner? What “Why?” question, we are “even though I’ve become Photo courtsey St Paul’s Grammar should I wear? at the mercy of whichever Somebody, I still have to Sometimes our “what” competing demand on our time prove I’m Somebody. My life is found in the frst question questions can become more shouts the loudest! Without struggle has never ended and of the Shorter Westminster far-reaching – What subjects a “Why?” we are unlikely to it probably never will”. Catechism* which states: *The Westminster Shorter should I do? What leadership have the motivation or the As a Christian, my “why” “Question: What is the chief Catechism is a summary positions will I apply for? What determination to see us through is expressed in Bible passages purpose for which [men and or exposition of doctrine, will I do when I fnish school? diffcult times and challenges. such as the well-known Micah women are] made? traditionally used in What university would I like to German philosopher Frederick 6:8 “And what does the Lord Christian religious teaching attend? What do I want to do Nietzsche once said, “He who require of you? To act justly Answer: The chief purpose from New Testament times to with my life? And of course has a why can endure any and to love mercy and to walk for which [men and the present. Catechisms are the burning question for Year how.” humbly with your God.” One of women are] made is to doctrinal manuals often in the 12 minds – What ATAR am I Not all “whys” are equal. my favorite expressions of the glorify God, and to enjoy form of questions followed by aiming for? We may be driven by a fundamental “why” of Christian him forever.” answers to be memorised.“

Gippsland Grammar Schoolies Program Rwanda strengthen the friendship Gippsland Diocese has had with Gahini Diocese since 2004 and on our checklist of things to bring was a “spirit of adventure and a service learning mindset”. Having made contact with Gahini High school principal, Luke Karamanjingo, opportunities were provided for teaching Rwandan children English, providing holiday activities as well as painting blackboards at the High School. We were also invited to join with the Seeds of Hope choir for practices, teach them some songs and sing with them on Sunday at the cathedral – an amazing experience. Two young Rwandans Photo: Courtesy of Gippsland Grammar school stood out in their leadership of younger children, so we Gippsland Grammar and St Paul’s Grammar students with the Rev’d Fran Grimes in Rwanda were able to give them Fran Grimes each a guitar which we had brought over as gifts in the hope they will till recovering from a use them in worship busy VCE year, exams at the Cathedral S and a Valedictory and schools. dinner, eight students from Bishop Alexis generously Gippsland Grammar in spent time speaking to our Sale and one from St Paul’s group at the beginning of Warragul headed off for our stay and towards the end their Schoolies experience he gave a very helpful in Gahini, Rwanda. debriefing after our visit to Penny Monger, Head the Genocide memorial. of English at Gippsland All were greatly enriched Grammar, led the program by our time in Gahini; the while Peter Clerks from lives and experiences of the St Paul’s Warragul, Rwandans gave so much to Photo: Fran Grimes myself as chaplain and my us and we felt our friendship daughter Kirra completed truly was strengthened by our Jimmy and Guilene, young leaders in Rwanda the team. Our goal was to time there.

February 2017 The Gippsland Anglican Page 9

TGA Reflection Humans as hors d’oeuvres

Colin Oakley could sit for a long time wearing us down. But of course, much to the vexation ne of the books I have been of the devils, the Lord constantly sends re-reading this summer is counter-nudges to help him along. OC.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters. Lewis can be very funny; the senior It’s a challenging book that looks at the devil gets worked up after one of these correspondence between a senior devil counter nudges and turns into a caterpillar (uncle Screwtape) and a junior devil mid-sentence. (Wormwood). His insight into how humanity works, Being devils, we never know and how evil works, shows us the depth if they are telling the truth or not and clarity he brings to the body of What seems reasonable may be Christ. only truth from their perspective. I would hope that the enemy’s hosts TRAVEL THE SLOW Their observations are astute as to how don’t have the grasp on humanity’s PATH THIS LENT humans, the hors d’ouevres of choice, character that Lewis had. If can be moved from the narrow path. It they did, well, it wouldn’t ABM Lent resources 2017 makes you look over your shoulder to see bear thinking about. So who’s reading your thoughts or at least here’s to them not reading ABM has launched its annual Lent who’s drooling on your shoulder. this article, downloading the resources and this year offers book (in the public domain) At a fundamental level, the problem an additional Easter app. and then looking at you as mains. for the devils is how to separate people Resources include Bible studies; Cheers, God bless. from the Lord. They seemingly know the ”Into the desert” contemplative

Lord’s tactics and wishes better than the to an in-crowd, or think that this was a book / smartphone app; Christian does, seeing this as a battle they phase he was going through that suited short contemplative sayings and him. That he could have both worlds at P.S On the fip side, you could read the could possibly win. In the battle room of prayers for pew sheets; and the once. Be a part of the church but still be book and get ahead of them. their master, tacticians constantly come new Easter smartphone app. cool with his friends, and be encouraged up with strategy after strategy to increase You can download the to fence-sit. He should be thinking of The Rev’d Colin Oakley is their larder. free resources at: going to church to support others, rather Priest in Charge, Westernport. One of their chief tactics is to draw www.abmission.org/lent from their target a reason to be offended. than his own well-being and response Offence is often the tool used to separate to God. Illustrations by Colin Oakley Christians from each other as well as The victim would be guided into from work to be done. thinking his mother was trying to control In little or big ways, time is on the him rather than caring for him. She was devils’ side. And they could introduce a being sharp-tongued; every phrase was to EDITORIAL little bit of idolatry. be construed as its worse interpretation. They were not worried if their victim Paul says to control our thoughts and Picnics and other acts of counter-terrorism became a Christian, as long as they could to be diligent in love. Screwtape’s victim shape the victim’s faith and thoughts into walks through life oblivious to his feast- something not so honest. like appearance as he ricochets along by A young mother at Messy Church on Christmas Eve was talking about her fear Kneeling in prayer was to be seen as nudges in the wrong direction. Lewis with another woman, while her four-year-old was busy colouring a nativity being “spiritual”, rather than coming shows how little things can be made to scene. The foiled terrorist attack on St Paul’s Cathedral and Federation Square in before the Lord for his sake. They wanted draw offence where there shouldn’t be Melbourne had left the city woman alarmed and disturbed. him to have pride in his own views, attach any. He also shows how these attitudes It is alarming. It doesn’t bear thinking what might have happened if the attack had gone ahead. And it can leave us feeling helpless. What can Christian people do, and how can we respond to the threat of terror? Rewind a few months. In a small town in central Victoria another young woman ABC Radio National’s Religion Programs organises a country picnic for peace. She invites everyone (via social media) and they come. Muslim women in long robes scramble uphill over boulders. One man carries a huge pot of biryani rice on his shoulder. Small children of many cultural backgrounds play together. Foods from other countries are shared and enjoyed. Frequencies: Bairnsdale - 106.3 FM (3ABC RN) There is no agenda here, except to foster friendship. Here is counter-terrorism in Melbourne - 621 AM (3RN) action! We can all be pro-active like this, one way or another. We can look out for Religion and Ethics Report the little opportunities to be friendly to migrants, at the supermarket check-out, Andrew West on public transport, or just offering a smile and a “Good morning” as we walk Wednesday 5:30 pm – repeated: Thursday 5:30 am down the street. Little acts of counter-terrorism add up. These are the things people new to a country remember, because they say loudly and clearly “You The Spirit of Things are welcome!” Rachel Kohn What about an “All welcome” sign outside churches, written in the languages Sunday 6:00 pm – repeated: Wednesday 9:00 pm of people in the local community? A small step perhaps, but a beginning. All of us can and must keep praying – for those who feel afraid or disenfranchised The Rhythm Divine and unwelcome; those who are being enticed into hatred; those who are unfairly Geoff Wood disadvantaged economically, and those who set the national policies. Sunday 5:30 am – repeated: Sunday 9:30 pm Some of us can write letters to our politicians or newspapers – there is plenty of scope for better policies in a number of relevant areas. For more details: abc.net.au We can all do something, showing love in action. And “Perfect love casts out fear.”

Page 10 The Gippsland Anglican February 2017 TGA Coming Back to Earth: EARTH CARE CARD Essays on the Church, Climate Change, Cities, Agriculture – Tips and inspiration for churches and households and Eating # 26 Start an Upcycling Group By Jonathan Cornford, published by Morning Star Publishing, 2016 Upcycling is about using discarded things to create something new and useful – keeping valuable resources out of landfll. Transition Newcastle has an Upcycling Network, which runs workshops on upcycling Reviewed by Philip Muston (e.g. men’s ties) and hopes eventually to have a physical space where they can get together regularly. Maybe your church could start a group. n Coming Back to Earth Jonathan Cornfeld takes as his starting point Using discarded pallets – often given away by businesses – to create Ithe “cognitive dissonance” for many clever, useful and beautiful things is becoming quite a craze. They Christians between what they read in are being turned into furniture such as coffee tables, benches, chairs, the Bible and what they encounter in or bookcases; and in the garden they are used to create compost church on Sunday mornings. He looks bays and amazing planter boxes of many shapes and kinds. beneath superfcial squabbles over traditional and contemporary worship For inspiration see: 1001pallets.com and transitionnewcastle.org.au to the deeper malaise – a “crisis of faith” – that afficts Christianity in the West. What relevance does our expression of Australian context. His economics are worship have to the great challenges of applied to everyday household and work humanity in the 21st century: climate situations. He writes humorously of the change, family breakdown, the refugee “titanic struggle” that he and many of crisis, poverty, food supply? With the us have in our efforts to shop and eat prophet Jeremiah he “stands at the ethically and responsibly. We may abhor crossroads to look where the good way what the fast food industry does to health, lies, so that we might walk in it and fnd agriculture and the poor, but boy do we rest for our souls”. love our fried chicken and chips! And For Cornford, “the truth of the gospel then there is the question of how to avoid NAIDOC Week poster competition open is that the Word must always become setting up a new version of “kosher”, and fesh”. His formal studies in economics falling into judgement of others on the The 2017 theme – Our Languages Matter – aims to and his work with Manna Gum, a basis of whether they obey its standards. emphasise and celebrate the role that Indigenous ministry of “good news economics”, Though the author now lives in a languages play in both cultural identity, linking people lived out in Christian Community in regional centre, he draws on his long Melbourne’s western suburbs and more urban experience in a chapter on city to their land and water, and in the transmission recently at Long Gully, a down-at- life: “Living in Babylon”. But in the of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, heel area of Bendigo, have given him 21st century with its internet and social spirituality and rites, through story and song. valuable insights into how the Church media, pretty well everybody now lives might better “earth” its response to the in an extended Babylon. How can we live Of the 250+ languages languages identifed in the late great challenges the world faces. For him productive and godly lives in its midst? 18th century, only about 120 are still spoken, The chapter touches on the subject of the biblical narrative has fundamental and many are at risk of being lost. and vital pertinence to each of these affordable housing. (Information from naidoc.org.au) challenges, and unless we hear and In his essay on the Church, Cornford apply biblical wisdom to them we fail to considers four great “turnings away” from contribute what we might to a troubled the gospel which have resulted in decline. The NAIDOC Week poster competition, relating to the 2017 theme, world. These include the siding with empire; is now open. The National NAIDOC Committee also encourages Cornford writes engagingly, the individualising and spiritualising of people to acknowledge the contributions of outstanding Aboriginal passionately and prophetically, with the gospel; participating in a program and Torres Strait Islander individuals by nominating them for of never-ending accumulation; and the personal example and application to the a 2017 National NAIDOC Award. There are ten categories covering the restricting of faith to a narrowly defned spiritual sphere. “We have lost sight of felds of art, education and training, sport, environment and leadership. the gospel’s call to a radically distinctive way of life that rejects the programs For more information: naidoc.org.au of power and wealth, and refuses to participate in activity that does harm to another or to the earth, which is the same thing”, he writes. Cornford calls for a more biblical worldview in relation to the nature of Kidsplus+ Gippsland 2017 Camp Christian hope, which lies in resurrection. Forest Edge, Neerim South, 24 – 26 March Christian hope is radically material: a Children and youth aged 6 – 18 years new creation involving the whole cosmos Cost: $100 and natural order, and an age to come that is continuous with the present age. (concession $90 for second or With its introduction and fve distinct subsequent family members) chapters this little book might make Go with the flow a great basis for Lenten studies in Adventure activities high parishes. It could be purchased through or low? Manna Gum on (03) 5441 8532. Give it a go! See also Jonathan Cornford’s essay, page 12 Contact: Kidsplus+ Gippsland Archdeacon Philip Muston is for applications (due 4th March) Archdeacon of the Western Region and [email protected] or phone: 5174 8445 rector of the Warragul Anglican church.

February 2017 The Gippsland Anglican Page 11 Faith at work – the annual essay TGA

One big idea about work to discover that particular Diocesan calendar “calling” that God has given them – yet one more First Saturday of each month: all welcome to walk the Jonathan Cornford distortion of our culture’s labyrinth at the end of Back Beach Road at San Remo, ingrained individualism Phillip Island, from 10:30 am. − when really God will f we want to think be happy for them to do Febuary about work from the anything that contributes Iperspective of Christian to his great work of 6 7:30 pm Induction at Holy Trinity, Stratford, faith, then the frst step is healing the brokenness of of the Rev’d David Perryman as Curate-in-Charge, to recognise how great the the world. Avon Parish gulf is between the standard Secondly, if we Australian conception of understand good work as 12 12:00 noon – 5:00 pm The Youth Hut work and that found in the defned by service then it (rear of the Cathedral, Sale) will be staffed to Bible. forces us to recognise that accept donations for the St Paul’s Men’s Breakfast To get a quick idea of so much of the good work Group “Big Garage Sale” in March how our culture shapes that is done in the world is our perceptions of work Jonathan Cornford not paid work, and often 17 7:00 pm Trivia Night, Saint Luke’s hall, Moe, you only need to look not even called work. conducted by TRIVIOLOGY– not to be missed at how universities are Most importantly, we are advertising themselves work of your own hands”), or forced to re-evaluate that 26 2:00 pm “Broadway to Hollywood”: David Johnston to young school leavers. work that is pursued for selfsh foundational work of raising plays all your favourites on the organ of St Thomas’ Everywhere the emphasis in on gain. The Sabbath teachings children, caring for the sick and Anglican Church, A’Beckett Rd, Bunyip. work as a means of pursuing of the Old Testament teach us elderly and running households ambition and attaining personal that even work that is otherwise which silently holds up the Admission by donation: adults $15, concession $10, fulflment: “Achieve your good can become bad work if social order. It is time that children under 15 free. Afternoon tea included. dream career”; “What will you it is not regularly punctuated this work was dignifed and Further details: 5629 5295 make possible?”; “Compete on by the stopping of work, and celebrated, and it is especially a world stage”; “Come bright, giving time to God, to each time that men begin to share 28 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Luncheon, leave bold”. other and to creation. That is, more equally in it. But there Moe/Newborough parish. For Moe/Newborough What is left unsaid but work can only be good when are also thousands of other event details see: understood by all is that most it is kept in balance with the forms of good work out there − www.moenewboroughanglican.org people come to work hoping health of the whole person and especially in Christian ministry that it will be fnancially the whole community. and community service − that March lucrative as well as personally Of course, the most profound will never be paid. gratifying. A diversity of ideas about work in the Bible Thirdly, if we are called to 4 9:00 am – 1:00 pm St Paul’s Men’s Breakfast dreams, ambitions and creative are found in the New Testament. integrate our own work with Group “Big Garage Sale”, Delbridge Hall, gifts are everywhere celebrated, The New Testament writers are God’s work, then this clearly next to the Cathedral, Sale – with jumping castle, but in almost all cases the stress distinctly uninterested in how suggests that there are some barbeque and coffee stall. Funds raised will go to is on the self. “important” our work is, what forms of paid employment that the Cathedral This inspiring language of our social status is, or how Christians should never enter. “dreams” and “fulflment” much money we earn. Whoever Some of these are obvious; 18 9:30 am – 3:30 pm Anam Cara Community conceals the fact that our we are and whatever our skills however I think Christians Quiet Day – Aspects of Prayer. thinking about work has really or position or lot in life, there should think more critically Inquiries: Jane 0411 316 346 become one more expression is one big idea about work about some prestigious careers: of the selfsh individualism that that applies to us all – we are can you really serve God 26 4:00 pm Country and Western Concert on the is creating such a train wreck called to participate in the work from within the advertising of families and relationships in of God. industry, or international Green at St.Thomas’ Bunyip, with Laurie Malcolm our culture. This core idea is articulated fnance, or certain areas of the and Ian Chatfeld, entertainers – a return of these By contrast, the Biblical in many different ways, again legal profession? lively performers. Refreshments, small cost vision of work centres on and again. Most profoundly, Lastly, the calling to share in partnering with God, serving the resurrected Jesus says to the Christ’s work of reconciliation humanity and disciples in John 20: suggests that it is not just what is to help Christians reclaim and a background in international serving the whole “...the Biblical “As the Father sent me, we do that matters, but how we do an understanding of the Bible’s development. He lives with teaching on material life and his wife and two daughters of creation. In the vision of work so I send you” (v.21). it. It is not enough to say that I am creation story of And what is that we are serving God by being a doctor, to help translate that teaching in Bendigo, Victoria, where centres on Genesis 2 God being sent to do? Paul farmer, teacher, plumber or IT into the context of our complex they are members of the Seeds places Adam in partnering with tells us in 2 Corinthians specialist. Following Jesus always global economy. Jonathan has a Community and the Common doctorate in political economy the midst of his God, serving that Christ’s work means being prepared to walk the Rule Christian network. wonderful garden humanity and of reconciling the narrow path for the sake of love, and asks him “to whole cosmos back which will sometimes demand work it and keep it” serving the whole to God has now been that we buck professional norms, (v.15). The Hebrew of creation...” entrusted to us (2 and sometimes that may come word translated as Cor 5:18-20)! We are at cost. “work” (misleadingly translated called to be co-workers with To be sure, the Christian as “to till” in some versions) God in the great task of healing approach to work is challenging, means to serve, and the word the brokenness and fractures but the great secret of the gospel translated as “keep” means to of the world, wherever we is that the road less travelled is foster, protect and nurture. fnd them. the road that leads to life.

The Bible reveals that we This is a huge idea with huge See also review of Jonathan were created for good work – it implications; I will mention Cornford’s Coming Back to is part of our DNA. But it also just four. Firstly, it means that Earth page 11 gives us ample illustrations of the nature of “God’s calling on the ways in which sin has led us our lives” in relation to work Jonathan Cornford is co-founder into bad work. Bad work is work is, in fact, generic to everyone. of Manna Gum, a ministry in that is exploitative or exploiting, Too many young Christians are “good news economics”. The idolatrous (“worshipping the trapped in the agony of waiting two-fold purpose of Manna Gum

Page 12 The Gippsland Anglican February 2017