Lives of Faith at St Agnes: Celia Robeson Bill Worthington by Rosemary Wickett by Bev Hewlett COMMUNITY NEWS page 06 page 13

Winter Editionion July 2017

“Th e performance was very accomplished and profoundly moving. Among highlights for me were the vigour of the choral singing, with clear articulation and crisp ‘cut-off s’, and the glorious soprano arias — ‘I follow thee too, my Saviour’ sung with luminous intensity by Kristy Biber in the fi rst half, and the deeply moving ‘Dissolve then, heart, in fl oods of tears’ sung in the second half by Jordie Howell to an insistent gently throbbing accompaniment of continuo and fl ute obbligato. Michael Leighton Jones also impressed with his authoritative and deeply-felt baritone aria ‘My dearest Saviour’ through which the choral work was gently woven. Th e work of our own Director of Music, Tom Baldwin, on the chamber organ was outstanding, St John’s concert anchoring and supporting the whole performance. Th e concluding chorus n Sunday, March 19, the third Sunday of Lent, the choir (‘Lie in peace, sacred body’) and chorale of Christ Church South Yarra, augmented by our own (‘O Lord send thy cherubs’) were a O moving fi nale to the whole afternoon.” choral scholars and by some members of the choir Polyphonic Jennifer S. Voices, joined with the Melbourne Baroque Orchestra, conducted by Michael Fulcher, and distinguished soloists “Th e soloists were excellent, to present a performance of the St John Passion by J.S. Bach. particularly the tenors.” Th e combination of the moment, the venue and the eff orts J Sloane (visitor) of the musicians created a deeply impressive musical experience, formerly professional singer in Europe as evidenced in the following remarks of some who attended. “It was a wonderful, professional “Th e whole performance was fl awless. performance and I felt very proud that Th e soloists and choir were excellent as such talent and musical acumen are was the orchestra. Th e conductor was “ Absolutely alive and well in our city of Melbourne. very competent. Th e fi nal chorus “Lie Congratulations to all musicians who Still” was just beautiful. It was obvious made this possible for the privileged from the demeanour of the audience glorious.” audience. I was very grateful for the ready that they were enjoying every minute.” Caroline Travis assistance off ered to my elderly parents in Joan Collins (visitor) Christ Church, South Yarra being escorted into the church and for the cheerful and pleasant ushers who found “Th e youthful voices in the choir “Extremely moving and seats for people in a packed church. were a real highlight.” beautifully presented.” A memorable highlight for this season.” J. Barton Sandy Knott Jenny Roe (visitor)

Th e Eagle and Lamb page 01 Contents

 Bach: St John Passion Comments from the community  Bach: St John Passion (cont.)  Jacob Profi le Beanies for the Homeless St John’s Family Picnic  Th e Godly Play Workshop St John’s Christmas Dinner  Celia Robeson  A Now Upright Man  Under Lucchese Clouds  Th e Rood of St John’s  St Agnes’ Patronal Festival  Lives of Faith at St Agnes’  Another World  Flying, Singing  End of Life Choices Acknowledgements  Mediation of Disputes Editor Th e Dog Collar Ben Draper  Two short Bible Studies Contributors  Julian Burnside: “What has Jim Morse, Jennifer Simpson, Ben Draper, Rosemary Wickett, happened to our values?” Brian Simpson, Sally Wallis, Jane Fyfi eld, John Sloss, Bill Worthington, Alex Wood, Douglas Eddy, Sebastian Harvey, Clem Taplin, Lori Peake,  Th e Secret Chord: Book Review Rick Burford, Michael Good  Recalling Harlin Photography  Larapinta Dreaming James Grant, Griffi n Simm & parishioners  A Birth  Crossword EDITORIAL NOTE

Correction

Th e views and opinions expressed in this n the Summer Edition of Th e Eagle and Lamb, the authorship of an item publication are those of the authors and do not Icontributed by Douglas Eddy, viz. “A Word from the Rev. Adam Smallbone” necessarily refl ect the views and opinions of the was inadvertently attributed to Douglas when, in fact, it should have been Anglican Parish of St John’s and St Agnes’. acknowledged as being sourced from the fi ctional BBC TV series “REV”. To the best of our knowledge the contents of this In an attempt to make amends, the following has been provided by Douglas publication do not infringe on any copyright. as a non-fiction account of an outstanding Anglican Priest and man of God. This may be found on page 21 of this edition under the title: “Recalling Harlin”. page 02 “Overwhelming.” Paul Annable

Continued from page 01: St John Passion “Th e account by St. John of Jesus’ passion is a very powerful story. When my primary school teacher read it to our class when I was 9 years old, “What a privilege it was to be a member I remember being deeply moved to the point of being tearful, and on numerous of the audience listening to Bach’s occasions since, I have also been similarly moved. It is such a powerful revelation incomparable St. John Passion! Th e choir, of the nature of Jesus and how he responded to his enemies and friends and dealt soloists and orchestra were superb despite with suff ering. Th e story has of course inspired many artists and musicians down the oppressive conditions due to the hot through the ages, and the composition by J.S. Bach is a truly great creative work. and humid weather. Michael Fulcher “Th e performance on March 19 at St. John’s was amazing in many respects. conducted the musicians with great fi nesse Th e music was meticulously and beautifully performed. I loved the counterpoint, and his careful use of pauses between the instrumental work, the solo singing passages, and the beautiful chorales. some of the movements added emphasis Th ere was artistry, delicacy, brilliant singing voices and superb instrumental work, to the more dramatic moments. Can we all coordinated under the direction of the conductor, Michael Fulcher. I am aware look forward to a performance of the of the dedication, devotion, hard work and discipline necessary to prepare and St. Matthew Passion next year?” rehearse for such an event. Practice is certainly done at rehearsal times, but also by Tim Clarke the performers, physically and mentally, outside of these times. For an event such as this to be the success it was, also required the initial concept of the performance, leadership, coordination and organisation, even down to the detail of a very “Th e performance left me totally drained professional program booklet. Special thanks go to Tom Baldwin, our music director — it was just so emotional.” for his initiation and support of the event, as well as his musical participation. Judith Jobling “Th ank you to all involved at St. John’s, and especially Father John, for making the church available and encouraging the event. It is a truly appropriate place for such a “Th e venue, in St John’s, was splendid work to be performed in, with its beauty, good acoustics, and a place dedicated to because of the acoustics, that gave the Christian teaching and worship.” performance a sense of intimacy. Th e David Brennan (fresh from the wonderful performance). choir was inspirational. It achieved a perfect blend of voices and harmony. “Extremely moving “Tom Baldwin All of the soloists have excellent voices. and beautifully presented.” was an amazing accompanist.” Th e orchestra provided a wonderful Sandy Knott Anonymous (visitor) support for the choir and balanced the organ beautifully. We loved the “It was a great performance, done “Very moving.” devotional setting and treatment. professionally. It was very helpful to D. Eddy Th e idea of people standing at the end, have the words and the translation in the rather than applauding, was an inspired programme. I particularly enjoyed the alto “Deeply moving. one. It was a magnifi cent experience.” aria “Est ist vollbracht” and the soprano Th e altos and sopranos were wonderful. Ian Williams, Marilyn Hope aria “Zerfi eße, mein herze”.” An amazing performance.” and friend, Pauline; visitors Satoshi Okita Sarah, visitor

page 03 J ACOB

“I was born in Manila but moved to Melbourne with my parents and sister at the age of six. Although raised a Roman Catholic, I attended Anglican churches and youth groups since my teens after exploring other Christian traditions. Having always felt called to ordained ministry, I pursed theological studies after high school. However, as one often does at uni, I developed a crisis of faith, moved away from Christianity and pursued a teaching qualification instead of ordination. To cut a very long story short, I eventually regained my Christian faith via a detour through Judaism, and I worked as a secondary I was delighted to accept the offer of a school teacher until I was encouraged by I feel extremely curacy at St John’s and St Agnes, which clergy at my parish to consider ordained blessed to live, also involves chaplaincy at Monash Uni ministry again. Caulfield. I feel extremely blessed to After completing the Year of worship and work live, worship and work in this parish, Discernment program, I decided to and to be part of such a welcoming, follow God’s call to ordination; and as in this parish, supportive and caring community. part of my training, I did placements My top-five favourite things are roast at St Peter’s Box Hill, St Mary’s North and to be part of dinners, Netflix, bookshops, weddings Melbourne, St James Old Cathedral, and IKEA. I hope to be one day travel St Michael’s Carlton North, and the such a welcoming, the globe more, to pick up Spanish, and Royal Melbourne Hospital. I also to learn the piano or guitar. I’m also completed my post-graduate theological supportive and trying to get fit again so please refrain studies at Trinity College and served as from offering me another slice of cake its student president last year. caring community. because I’m too polite to say no!” Beanies on for the Homeless Lori Peake ictured is a small selection of many Pcolourful beanies knitted by an accomplished knitter and a good friend of St Agnes’ congregation, Isobelle Turnbell. Isobelle lives in Frankston and when she comes to visit and stay with friends near Chadstone she enjoys worshipping with them at St Agnes’. Isobelle’s commitment to helping the homeless this coming winter has, at times, had her knitting a beanie a night. Isobelle, you have our thanks and admiration for this truly magnificent effort.  page 4 us beneath our intellectual perceptions Godly Play Workshop into our hearts and nourishes our Family Picnic Introduction/Refresher stories of life. Central Park Saturday February   Are you inspired to learn to offer this March   story-telling? Please speak to the vicar! Clemence Taplin Jeanette Acland, who presented the Clemence Taplin “How could I pass up a Godly Play workshop, says of herself that she is workshop with Jeanette for only a religious educator who spends a good tories, rugs, sips and eats $30.00!!” was one delighted response to deal of time on the floor. There she is Sshared under shady trees; the invitation to and beyond our parish surrounded by children and adults who brilliant balancing on kiddy and deanery to surrounding churches of all wonder together. She encourages several denominations. Explorers came wonder about God, about what Jesus’ stilts; comical co-ordination from four other congregations. stories might mean, about how to live on ‘shoes for four’; soaked with the stories, how to live with other Jeanette Acland recalls, ‘The purpose of our people and about life in general. faces and soggy hair caught a day together was to be re-inspired about the remarkable qualities of Godly Play. Godly She has been a junior school Chaplain bobbing apple or two… Play has a reverence for sacred story, an and religious educator in an Anglican A three generation social openness into wonder and a challenge for school in Melbourne, a Parent Educator us to respond with prayerful art.’ and Children’s Ministry Worker in get together for families Melbourne Diocese. She enjoys teaching All of this we certainly were, and more. gathered after Kids@ all the major world religions using Jeanette told us three stories. We heard story as a medium. church, the monthly 11 the story of the Holy Family, the parable am congregation spreading of the great pearl, and The Faces of Easter. She has been teaching using a Montessori We feasted on lunch, stories and the method of religious education, called picnics in Central Park. fellowship of like-minded folk who Godly Play by Jerome Berryman, for more It was rich in conversation, are all trying to bring freshness and life than 17 years. She travelled to the USA to children of all ages and stages. (2001) to learn how best to train others fun, laughter, getting to Many thanks to Claire Lunn who and did additional training in Canada know one another and brought us such a delicious spread (2011). building on possibilities for for lunch and snacks. Jeanette is part of many Christian both social family gathering We realised again how this method communities. She is married to Harry can astonish and stir adults as it takes and they have one daughter Cecilia.  and family worship.

Saint John’s & St Agnes’ Christmas Dinner December   by Jim Morse

he fellowship was joyous and warm Tand the catering was splendid. Th e supermarkets had been telling us about their own peculiar kind of Christmas since Grand Final day or before, but when we heard these children sing Silent Night, we thrilled to realise that Christmas was all but come. With our thanks to Iris and John for their help with the music, to Amanda for providing and overseeing the catering, and to Jim Morse for these pictures that bring back to us memories of the evening. 

page 5 Th e diffi cult times demanded much prudence. Clothes weren’t store-bought, there was no gas or electricity and the open fi re was only used on ‘high’ days and holidays. Although holidays were rare, once a year they travelled to Melbourne for a week to visit family. Th is was fi nanced by her Aunt’s little enterprise of fattening geese and hens and selling them off to the neighbours for their Christmas tables.

“ Although growing up without traditional parents was hard and often cruel, she  June  –  December  felt loved and secure, C ECILIA MARGARET assisting in her R OBESON becoming resilient and self-contained.” by Rosemary Wickett

he early 1900’s produced many Her Aunt was the homemaker and a Celia completed High School, but Tchallenges in the form of two great cook, they benefi ted from a large going to University was unheard-of in World Wars and severe economic garden where fruit trees and vegetables her family, so she worked as a typist conditions. Survival was often diffi cult were grown and chooks roamed free, in the offi ces of the State Electricity and the life of Cecilia Robeson was no ensuring they never went hungry. Commission, later working the switch- exception. “We lived frugally,” was how Although Cecilia was to later discover board and taking dictation. She also Cecilia described her early years, similar she had two half-brothers, she grew attended a School of the Mines, learning circumstances to many other families up as an only child isolated from other many skills including dressmaking. during these diffi cult times; except Celia children until school age due to their After commencing work at the SEC she carried an extra burden of growing up location and family circumstances; had electricity connected to their home. without her natural parents. these served to encourage Celia to be to Church always played a prominent role Cecilia was born in a suburb of Bendigo become self-suffi cient. She would amuse in Cecilia’s life; she happily rode her in 1924, with few recollection of her herself with a toy dog and a bantam hen bike to Church and Sunday school. As a parents; however she shared many until commencing school when reading teenager, Church was also the centre of loving memories of her childhood fi ction replaced these as her favourite her social existence. She was entertained growing up with her Grandfather and pastimes, particularly the “Billabong” by attending church youth groups, Aunt. Th ey lived in a weatherboard series. Her love of the written word was socials and dances. Her Grandfather was home in a row of three on the outskirts to stay as one of her great passions for a keen dancer so they often attended of Eaglehawk. Her Grandfather was a her entire life. together. Although growing up without battery manager in the nearby mines After the morning chores Celia rode her traditional parents was hard and often and Celia recalled the distinct working bike to the tram terminus, leaving it cruel, she felt loved and secure, assisting noises, especially when the quiet of the at a friend’s home, before catching the in her becoming resilient and self- night was disturbed by the stamping of tram to school, returning in the evening contained. the battery. Th ankfully they owned their to more tasks. Life in the depression home so didn’t live in fear of eviction left an indelible impression on Celia. as many people did in the Depression. page 06 During the Second World War she community, while Celia and the boys continued working at the SEC, as it was joined the local church of St John the protected, however she did many things Evangelist. Th e family enjoyed a strong to aid the war eff ort, learning fi rst aid, relationship with Somers Yacht Club, of making camoufl age nets and knitting which Keith was a Foundation member jumpers and socks to warm the soldiers and Ex-Commodore. Together they in the cold North and Atlantic seas. Her compiled and published Th e History of true determination was seen in her work Th e Somers Yacht Club 1962-1975. A for the Volunteer Air Observers Corps heart attack claimed Keith’s life in 1981. working in shifts plotting the aircraft Celia was a true “Saint Johannian.”. It that fl ew overhead, leaning Morse code was her anchor, she was a member of and raising funds, once by running ugly Mothers Union often selling their cards men competitions! and books in the Narthex, a member of On one of her family’s annual visits the Women’s Guild and later Caritas. to Melbourne Celia met the man who She was active in the Paper Group, the was to become her husband. It began Op Shop and a Pastoral Care group; she with an argument over spelling, a pet seemed to be constantly washing dishes subject for Cecilia. Fifteen months later after Saint John’s events and it was here they were married and she moved to that she built relationships with many Melbourne to live. At the end of 1949 young mothers and teenage children in Keith and Celia showed great courage in the parish. travelling to England with no guarantee Celia’s passion for writing was reinforced A Now of employment. As usual her persistence by her classes and group at the CAE, paid off and they found work and resulting in many stories and poems. enjoyed life in Birmingham for six Apart from being a creative channel, it Upright Man months before moving to a bomb-torn, gave her a “voice” to make her attempt post-war London where they again lived to right the wrongs of the world. She Alex Wood and worked happily. was an advocate for women’s rights long before it was fashionable, resulting in mall acts can have unexpected eff ects, prolifi c letters to newspapers, television Sso here is a story that has no long “ She was an advocate and radio stations, “Th e Eagle” and term follow up, but seemed helpful, at for women’s rights unsuspecting Vicars. least in the short term. Her kindness was legendary. She shared By chance I met a middle aged man long before it was a remarkable friendship with a Bendigo going in the opposite direction several class mate, spaning the majority of her limes over two weeks, each time bet over, fashionable, resulting life. She cared for her niece for fi ve years muttering to himself & the ground and in prolifi c letters to when her brother became ill and she looking unhappy. never forgot a birthday, a new arrival A week or so later it happened on 3 newspapers, television or special event, and everything was successive days, so forewarned I said acknowledged with a hand-written note. “Good day” to his astonishment on the and radio stations, Her quiet contribution to Saint John’s first day. Next day he was not so stooped was enormous, matched only by the size so I said “good day” again, also on the ‘Th e Eagle’ and of her heart. following day as he approached I decided to repeat my greeting. On the third day In a cruel irony Cecilia’s twilight years unsuspecting Vicars.” he was walking erect and we exchanged robbed her of necessary tools for the “Good day”, quite spontaneously from communication that had given her life On returning to Melbourne they made his side. such joy and purpose; a sad ending to a a home and family together, bringing My thought was that a chance encounter life, as all who knew her remember it, up two children, Ian and Spud. Celia and greeting made a small difference? I full of faith, love and friendship.  and Keith enjoyed a happy relationship have not encountered him again, so only together, sharing activities in the local he knows the longer term outcome? It created a good memory for me. 

page 07 U NDER LUCCHESE CLOUDS Jennifer Simpson

t’s something of a cliché, isn’t it?—a Ivilla in the rolling Tuscan hills, bucolic lunches on vine-shaded patios, perpetual golden sunshine, pencil pines extending up the hill in the distance, coff ee in the quaint cobbled piazza—all chronicled so memorably in Under the Tuscan Sun(1) and many other travelogues of that genre. However, our recent trip to Lucca (in Tuscany) was a little diff erent. For a start, it was very purposeful. For many years, I have had a passion for the Italian language, a passion initially aroused through the Italian songs which I used to sing. Meanwhile, Brian has long nurtured a passion for pipe organs (described in the last edition of Th e Eagle and Lamb). Th us, October 2016 found us in Lucca, each exploring our passion. I had enrolled for four weeks in a Language School (LIS—Lucca Italian School) and before we left Australia Brian had made contact with an organ builder in Lucca. Lucca is without doubt a very beautiful city, with a history going back to Etruscan times, and there is still ample Our days quickly developed a pleasant Via San Giorgio, where I joined a number evidence of the of the Roman colony pattern. Every morning, at about 7.30, of other commuters on foot or on bicycles, which was founded here in 180 BC. as daylight was beginning to assert itself, and from thence into the long stretch of Th e regular street grid, for example, I would open the green wooden shutters the beautiful Via Fillungo, once the route follows the basic layout of the Roman of our small second-storey apartment, of the original Roman cardo maximus, settlement, and the remains of the old and peer down into the street below to but now a street of elegant dress shops and Roman amphitheatre are still apparent, ascertain the weather conditions for the mouth-watering alimentari (food shops). with medieval and Renaissance buildings day (it was frequently grey and overcast) Lessons commenced promptly at 9.15 tracing the outline of this long-gone and to observe the early-risers hurrying every morning, and were truly a delight. ancient structure. In addition, one of the along the street. Th e teachers were excellent, and the classes main churches of the city, San Michele Th en, after reading Morning Prayer, both challenging and fun. Although in Foro, is built on the site of the old and partaking of a modest breakfast attention was given to grammar, there was Roman forum (foro). (breakfast does not fi gure largely in a strong emphasis on spoken Italian. Class Like many Italian cities, Lucca is a walled Italian gastronomy) I would gather my sizes were small—never more than ten— city, the old Roman walls having been books, clatter down the stone stairs of and the range of students was gloriously extended and renewed several times over the old (1630) building, through the eclectic. In one of my classes, there was the centuries. With a perimeter of about heavy wooden door, which banged fi rmly a young Korean violin-maker (female), a four kilometres, the walls completely behind me, and emerge into the Via professor of psychology from Stockholm encircle the old city and are planted Pelleria to begin the walk across town to (male), a German lawyer (male), a with two rows of deciduous trees, thus the Language School, a distance of some Chinese businessman, an American functioning as an extended park where 1.5 kilometres. writer of historical fi ction (female), the Lucchese walk, jog, cycle, socialize My walk took me past the tabaccheria and a young Swedish school counsellor. and indulge in the evening passeggiata, (tobacconist) at the corner of our street, At 11.00 am we would be released from a notable feature of Italian life. where the men were already smoking the class, and by mutual agreement several fi rst cigarette and tossing back the fi rst of us would go for coff ee in the nearby espresso of the day, then along the Piazza Francesco or at the Cafè sulle Mura

page 08 (on the walls) and there continue to the city would come alive again. Th e of worshipping in the Cathedral was to talk in Italian until it was time to return shutters on the shops would clatter open hear the liturgy, so similar to our own, all to class at 11.30 for the second session again, people would emerge from their said in Italian, and to hear the familiar of the morning which concluded apartments, and we would frequently go words of Scripture, also read beautifully at 1.00pm. out to a local bar for an evening ‘Spritz’. in Italian. At lunchtime, I would retrace my Th e weekends were diff erent, as no And the weather? Well, quite frequently steps along the Via Fillungo, where classes were held then, but each Saturday the skies were grey and the rain quite by 1.15 pm many of the shops would Brian and I took train or bus trips to heavy. We got used to negotiating the be putting up their shutters for the nearby towns, Pisa, Via Reggio, and slippery cobbles with care, dodging afternoon siesta, and people would Pietrasanta, a small town famous for its the large puddles which formed on the be hurrying homeward. marble workshops, being among the uneven pavements. And we became After a quick lunch, Brian and I would places we visited. And on Sundays we accustomed to the sight of the Lucchese often walk back to the school and went to church. riding their bikes through the rain, participate in one of the many excursions After one encounter with the guitars of umbrellas aloft in one hand, while which the school organized— a guided San Michele, we decided that was not steering the bike with the other. But walk around the town, or a train trip for us, and from then on our preferred somehow the weather didn’t matter. to a nearby town, or a visit to one of place of worship was the Cathedral of We had time on our side. If it was raining the historic buildings of the town, San Martino, a beautiful 11th century today, we could wait until tomorrow to or sometimes a fi lm. Th ere was an Romanesque building, encompassing a do what we had planned. activity or excursion organized for every vast space of rounded arches on soaring And did it really matter at all if we afternoon of the week. columns; and in the side aisles there didn’t see a 14th century Madonna? Sometimes Brian and I simply stayed were superb paintings by Tintoretto Not really—we were each pursuing our at home in our apartment, closed the (Last Supper), Bronzino (Annunciation) passion and simply enjoying being part shutters and enjoyed that wonderfully and Ghirlandaio (Virgin with Saints). of Lucca for a brief moment of time.  civilized institution of the afternoon Th ere was also a fi ne organ and a (1)Mayes, Frances: Under the Tuscan sun. siesta. Th en, after about 4.00 pm competent choir. But for me, the real joy New York, Broadway Books, 1997

Evening ‘Spritz’ in a local bar. Old Roman Gateway in the Via Fillungo

page 09 T HE CHANCEL SCULPTURE AT ST JOHN’ S Ben Draper

he sculpture is of a category known In modern usage, and given that a Most chancel screens now exist in Tas a ‘rood’. Th e word ‘rood’ has church is a sacred space, ‘chancel’ means Anglican and Lutheran churches. Many several meanings, including a cross. You something like ‘sanctuary’ and refers of the screens that still exist are of stone, may be familiar with the Old English to the most sacred part of that space. and thus permanent. Many consist of a poem, ‘Th e Dream of the Rood’, in Following this etymological clue, it might low balustrade, fi ne columns that do not which the poet imagines Christ’s cross originally have meant nothing more than obstruct the sight of proceedings at the telling the story of the crucifi xion from ‘the screened-off part of a church’. altar, and a frieze across the top, above its own point of view: In monastic churches, in the early eye-level. Th e screen in York Minster is Middle Ages, where the monks a substantial stone structure, suffi ciently “I dared not break or assembled close to the altar and solid and broad to support the organ and bend aside conducted their worship, it was necessary to allow a person easily to walk along the to build extended chancels. According to top. Such a structure is usually known as Against God’s will, the prevailing beliefs of the time, it was a ‘pulpitum’, rather than a screen though the ground itself not necessary for lay people to attend It appears that the rood, as a specifi c worship in a church, and few did so, piece of church sculpture such as we have, shook at my feet. and then rarely, perhaps once or twice in originated in the Middle Ages. Th ere Fast I stood . . . the year. It was enough for the spiritual was a timber rood screen in St Paul’s in welfare of the community that the monks Melbourne, which was moved from its I was reared up, a rood, conscientiously conducted their worship original place at the communion rail to I raised the great King, and made intercessions for themselves its present position between the narthex and for those who lived around them. and the nave about fi fty years ago, at the liege lord of the heavens, In these circumstances, the practice of time of what was then called the ‘liturgical dared not lean from building a screen to separate the nave revival’. It has a cross at the top of its the true.” from the chancel was regularly followed. central arch. Many of the churches built in England Where a church was built to a cruciform Th e word is sometimes used to mean in the seventh and eighth centuries were plan — that is, with a main long space a crucifi x. Most often, it is used for built with chancel screens, after the that was crossed with a transept that was a crucifi x that stands on a screen in a Roman model. It is probably from this so placed as to create the shape of a Latin church between the chancel and nave. time that the word was used in English cross - the rood screen was usually placed Th e screen is called a chancel screen, place names, such as Holyrood between the transept and the chancel. In or, with a rood set on it, a rood screen. in Scotland and Rood Ashton House that cruciform plan, there were usually Sometimes the rood is elaborated, as is and Rood Ashton Hall in Wiltshire. four large arches at the crossing. Visually, ours, by the addition of fi gures, usually After the church council of 1215, at one marked the separation between the comprising Mary, the mother of Jesus, which the doctrine of transubstantiation nave and the crossing, those on each and John the Evangelist. Some churches was affi rmed, it was thought important side marked the separation between are consecrated as ‘Holy Rood’. to protect the sacred places from the transepts and the crossing, and the As far as we know, chancel screens were common contact but, with the Counter other marked the separation between the fi rst erected in churches in Rome in the Reformation in the later part of the chancel and the crossing. Structurally, fi fth century, apparently to separate the sixteenth century, Catholic leaders where the church had a central tower over chancel and sanctuary, the part of the had most chancel screens removed so the crossing, the crossing arches supported church used by priests as they celebrated that worshippers could clearly see the it. If the rood was not part of the screen, the Mass, from the nave, which was proceedings at the altar. Many chancel it was usually suspended from the chancel used by lay worshippers. Th e chancel screens were removed from English arch or placed on a beam that extended screen was, however, constructed to allow churches during the sixteenth-century across the chancel arch. worshippers to see what was being done reformation or under Puritan infl uence St John’s has a crossing, but no central at the altar. It may originally have been in the following century. Some churches tower above the crossing and no arches at of lattice-work construction, since the that were built in the nineteenth century, the crossing. Some of the hammer beams word ‘chancel’ comes from the Late Latin under the infl uence of the Oxford at the crossing at St John’s are set at right cancellus, meaning ‘lattice’. Movement, had chancel screens but angles to the walls. some did not.

page 10 the mid-thirteenth century, there is a picture of John the Baptist at the cross with Mary. From early in the fi fteenth century, there is a crucifi xion scene, that has often been attributed to Jan van Eyck but is probably done in imitation of van Eyck and may have been done in his workshop, which has John the Baptist standing beside the cross. A little later, the Italian painter Cosimo Roselli (1439- 1507) painted a scene which has Mary, Mary Magdalene, Andrew, St Francis and John the Baptist at the cross, with Mary at the left and John at the right. Denys van Alsloot (1570-1626) also painted a crucifi xion group with Mary and John the Baptist. Mary also points to Jesus. Th e most treasured of all the many relics that were gathered by the church in Constantinople was a painting of Jesus with the child Jesus that was believed to Th e rafters that rise from them trace the here. Yet there is some room for doubt. be the work of Luke the Evangelist. Th e outlines of three crossing arches that Th e trio of Jesus, Mary and St John the painting was paraded through the city we do not have. Some of the hammer Evangelist is usual but not universal. every week and revered by the people, beams are set diagonally and from these Orthodox churches have a screen, an in part because they believed that it kept rise rafters that meet in the centre of the iconostasis, on which they have a rood the city safe from the repeated attacks crossing. Th eir curvature means that they which usually has fi gures of Mary and by Persian and Muslim forces. For that do not reach the height of the steeply- John the Baptist. Th e attribute, or or some other reason, the city did stand gabled ceiling, but they meet a little identifying symbolism, of St John the against its eastern attackers for over a below that at a square timber boss. Th e Apostle – who might not have been thousand years, until it fell to Christian rood is suspended from these diagonal the Evangelist, but that is a diff erent forces from the west in 1453. Th e rafters, to hang in the centre of the story – is a chalice and, more precisely, painting was removed as part of the loot. crossing space. a poisoned chalice, often with a serpent Where it went and whether it survives St John’s does not have a chancel screen, rising from it. Th is is used in the right- are things that we do not know. Th e but it does have a chancel arch. Although hand light of our east window, where theme has since been treated again and the rood is neither on the chancel arch John stands in the lancet next to Jesus, again; for example, in later Russian icons. nor on a beam placed against the chancel the Light of the World, but not in the Th e original was known by its Greek arch, it is so placed that most people rood. One might also have some doubts name, the Hodegetria - “she who points in the church would see it against the about the fi gure in our rood because he is the way”, because Mary was shown chancel arch and thus in its traditional shown pointing to Jesus in a gesture that pointing to Jesus as the way of salvation. place. is often used to identify John the Baptist. Associating this gesture with Mary is Th is gesture is associated with the words It is also of the traditional form, showing unusual, but it does have this notable attributed to the Baptist in John 1:29, Jesus on the cross, his mother the precedent. “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes Virgin Mary at the viewer’s left, and Th at both Mary and John are shown away the sins of the world”, after he had – we assume – St John the Evangelist looking away from Jesus need not be given the fi rst public testimony to Jesus at the viewer’s right. It is a set piece of seen as in any way anomalous, as both (Jn 1:15-28). Matthias Grünewald used ecclesiastical sculpture that has been may be understood to be trying to draw this gesture to identify John the Baptist executed countless times. the viewers’ attention to the fi gure on in the altarpiece he painted early in the the cross. Most images of the apostles show them sixteenth century for the monastery of St as men of mature age and bearded but Anthony in Eisenheim. Unfortunately, there are no reliable John is usually represented as a young historical records to which we might turn Others have done sculpture or paintings man without a beard. Th at is as Leonardo for confi rmation of the gospel records that have placed John the Baptist beside showed him in his Last Supper, with the about the crucifi xion or who was there the cross. On one leaf of the Potocki fi gure that gave Dan Brown so much at the scene. Th e Jewish historian Flavius Psalter, which had its origins in Paris in bother, and as with the male fi gure Josephus (37-c 100) wrote two histories

page 11 of the Jewish people, both of which the account in the fourth gospel in which the two robbers were crucifi ed with Jesus. included attention to the period in which Jesus speak from the cross to Mary his Some comprise a simple crucifi x, such as Jesus lived. Josephus’s work is the nearest mother and to the Beloved Disciple – that at Peterborough cathedral, which also that we have to an independent record, who might or might not have been John hangs in front of the chancel arch. Others, but Josephus is unfortunately unreliable. the Evangelist, but that also is a diff erent like the one that stands on the chancel One scholar thinks that he is basically story – and give both into each other’s screen at Worcester cathedral, are a bare reliable whenever he is not writing about care (Jn 19:26-27). However, given the cross. himself. Another calls him a wonderful way a person who was crucifi ed came to Th e rood is the work of sculptors Alfred and writer and a nonstop liar. Beyond one die, the detail of Jesus’ speaking from the Eve Shubert. It was installed in 1967 in famous passage that mentions Jesus cross is physically improbable. memory of Robert William Hobbs.  but is likely to have been inserted later As well, given the way that Romans by someone unknown to us, there is conducted crucifi xions, the detail of next to nothing in his work about Jesus Mary and John being close enough to the and only a little to do with John the cross the hear Jesus speak is historically “Two Short Baptist. He did not use our dating system improbable, because Romans intended Bible Studies”Answers and we must infer his chronology, but crowds to attend crucifi xions so as cow (Questions on page 20) it appears that he has John the Baptist them into obedience but also kept them

thrown into prison in c 35-36. He also at a distance so as not to interfere. Andrew 12. Samaritan; Good the

implies that John the Baptist met his Any instances of confl ict between what of parable 11.The part; fourth a of ruler

death by crucifi xion. Both of these are in is represented in this setting and the The 10. mother; widowed his of son

confl ict with the biblical record which, evidence of either history or the gospel only the man, young A 9. Messenger;

in any case is also without dates, so accounts is of no consequence, because 8. priest; high the with men, seventy of

that we draw ideas of chronology from the rood is symbolic rather than literal. comprised nation, Jewish the of council

it also by inference, and the accuracy Other groupings are based on other great The 7. devil; the by tempted was

of its record, especially of the events gospels; for example, the church of St He 6. old; years Thirty 5. Egypt; in

around the crucifi xion, is also open to Mary-le-Bow in London, the home of bondage the from Israel of people the

doubt. Th is is so because, for one thing, the Bow Bells, has a rood that is based on of deliverance The 4. Egypt; into flight

the gospels are not consistent and, for Matthew’s gospel (Mt 27:54-56). It has the men, wise the of Visit Temple, the

another, their account of Pilate’s conduct two women fi gures, probably Mary and in Presentation Circumcision, 3. David; is suspect. Of immediate relevance, our Mary Magdalene, and a Roman soldier. of house The 2. Baptist; the John 1. rood is a representation of the detail in Some roods include the crosses on which

The congregation of St Agnes’ at their Patronal Festival 2017

page 12 Finally, at a personal level, I appreciated World War II came hot on the heels of Lives of Faith the rituals of the Church itself and the the Depression and I watched as many role these played in celebrating Christ’s of our congregation answered the call at St Agnes’ life and values. and headed off the war. St Agnes’ a True Family Haven: For a boy in short trousers in the 30’s, Rev Moyes moved on and was replaced Bill Worthington belonging to the Church of England by Rev Harwood, who would serve and was not a personal choice; more a enlighten the parish for the next seventeen heritage, a family tradition going years, a time that would see me woo his Bev Hewlett back many generations in my case. beautiful daughter Mary, and also marry I was about eight years old when a her, with her father leading the formal hen asked to pen a few words new minister, the Rev Moyes, was proceedings of the wedding. Within a on the importance and infl uence W appointed to head the St Agnes’ parish short period thereafter, we would make of St Agnes’ on my life over the last eight in the mid-nineteen thirties. him a grandfather several times over. decades, I felt somewhat challenged Other fine ministers would follow hot by the task. I found my mind racing These were tough years as Australia on the heels of these two excellent servants through a chronological series of events exited the depression period. Rev Moyes’ of God, each in their own way adding to over the course of those years. I admit tenure brought an awe and ceremony my Christian education and life tenets. this approach was in the vain hope of to services, which appealed to my soul avoiding the true belief – that of reaching immensely. The majority of my immediate family into my very soul and committing my I well recall the extending and opening were parishioners, or underwent their feelings to written words. of the new sanctuary during his term as christenings, confirmations, marriages or, like Rev Harwood, served in some Yes, St Agnes’ is a lovely building, and it instantly gave parishioners instant capacity at St Agnes’. it is very convenient to my family home. access and learning. It was a period of It also has an interesting history in its the opening up of the Church, led by Friendships blossomed between own right. men like Rev Moyes and others who families as parents and children gained followed in his path. a greater insight into the real meaning These were nice observations but the of community. St Agnes’ was at the true personal influences on my life Congregation numbers grew with very heart of this learning. were the humans involved over that families attracted to the Church as period. None more so than the collective never before. It was an exciting time for While the congregation has grown smaller ministry of this well-loved Church and an only child who relished catching up and older since those days, I take comfort their combined teachings. Family, friends with scores of new kids each weekend in seeing familiar faces across the aisle and fellow-parishioners also offered a for Sunday School. Whilst never an each Sunday and hope to do so for years lifetime of joy, support and memories, academic child, I did enjoy leaning to come. Faith, Hope and Love were the along with a taste of pain. in this environment. values imparted at St Agnes’ during my time, and who could ask for more? 

page 13 It is considered that probably up to allowed on the wards. Th ey always wore Another world, 95% of the inhabitants have good masks on the wards. Th ere is little tuberculosis of some sort, and a high or no air-conditioning on the island. so close to ours. percentage of these had multi-drug Th ey lived very simply in what is little resistant, or extreme drug-resistant TB. more than an elevated container. Yes, Th is adds up to the highest density of they did manage to avoid serious illness Two Weeks in drug-resistant TB in the world. this time. Two days was enough for us Th is is what took us to Daru. Our son to “get the picture”. Papua New Guinea and his wife had been working there Now it was time to start our holiday. by Sally Wallis (as two of the “whities”), on a project Th ree short fl ights and an unscheduled sponsored by DEFAT, and run by the night in Port Moresby owing to late uring our marriage, Adrian and Burnett Institute, to set up a program fl ights, took us to Kavieng on New DI have celebrated Christmas in to help halt this terrible progression. Ireland. From here, we took a small many places. We have been in the Daru is a very poor island. Th ere is boat to the small private island of North and the South Islands of New no arable land, and the only industry Lissenung. Th e only buildings here Zealand, in Sweden, Lord Howe Island is fi shing. Th ere is VERY little fresh belonged to the small resort that prided and Africa, and this last one in New fruit and vegetables. Many people live itself in simple living, local fresh foods Guinea. What things people will do on their boats, using the shore line for and exquisite diving and snorkelling to follow their children!! everything that one might conceivably opportunities. Th e visitor capacity is Our trip to PNG was divided into use water for. Th ere is no rubbish dump, twelve. No children. Th e highlight of three experiences, with one scheduled, or collection. Enough said. Th e people the carefully chosen time we were there and one unscheduled, night in Port are very poor, very friendly, and live was observing the hatching of hundreds Moresby. very basically. We were free to wander of turtle eggs. Ange and Dietmar, who run the resort, organise the locals to After a fl ight from Melbourne to around the town / island, but Amanda collect eggs from the neighbouring Brisbane and on to Port Moresby did give us a list of a few shops that we tiny islands within a day of when they (overnight), we eventually arrived could visit. All others – banned. WHY? were laid. Each turtle lays between 100 on Daru Island. Th e only town on We needed to keep well away from and 200 eggs. In the natural habitat, the Island (5X4 km) goes by the same badly ventilated areas, where we many of these are collected for food by name, and is the capital of the Western might contract TB. the locals, eaten by birds or experience Province of Papua New Guinea. It has Since we stayed with Peter and Amanda unfavourable environmental conditions a population of about 20,000. At the on Daru, they have returned to Darwin. and die. Of those that hatch, precious time we were there, there were only It was fascinating to see the hospital few make it to the sea, only then to be fi ve Caucasians living on the island. where they worked. We were not eaten before their shells harden.

page 14 Th e eggs brought to the island are cared Christmas lunch included a Mumu for, hatched, and released into the sea – a whole, unskinned pig covered in Flying, singing around dusk, which is considered the palm leaves and cooked on hot rocks. by Ben Draper time when they have least chance of Carols were beautifully sung with local being eaten. Even so, very few are likely harmony. We did decide not to go to Jesus at play – to survive. We were lucky enough to Church, as the only service off ered in like God at play – created experience two such hatchings. the local village was a Mormon one, a bird Another three fl ights, again through and we had already heard much Port Moresby, took us to Milne Bay. about Mormon philosophy from of clay. After a two-hour bus ride and thirty- one of the guides! Pleased with his work, minute boat ride, we arrived at Tawali We had a wonderful holiday with Peter he spoke a word, resort. and Amanda. As usual, when we leave and it lived, a place, we left many things undone Tawali is in a secluded area of Milne the bird, for “next time”. We were VERY pleased Bay, amongst local fi shing villages and and fl ew. accessible only by boat. It is built on a to welcome P and A back to Australia A piece of apprentice work, limestone bluff , eighty feet above the a couple of weeks later. Darwin is not water. Our secluded bungalow had quite so far away, and not so dangerous done as a child, superb views of the bay. Very many of in very many ways.  to have everything ready the guests here were Japanese. Th e resort for when he was older. managers were Filipino. Th e bird did not fl y away. We thought the reefs here were even It perched on Lazarus’s shoulder, more exquisite, like looking into an hovered, brooding over the tomb over-crowded fi sh tank. Such colour! We were also taken for walks through the and sang a song in the upper room local rain forest and villages, to view the that his disciples are singing still.  skull caves, and up in the predawn in an attempt to see the Bird of Paradise. Th e exact origin of the skull caves, where we saw more than 100 human skulls is unknown. Possibly they were used to hide cannibalistic practices from the early missionaries, or as a burial site for dignitaries’ heads.

page 15 So in order to exercise choice at the Most people in Australia do not die E ND OF LIFE end of life we as a community members, where they want to. Although about 70% or as a dying person, or as a health say they would like to die at home only C HOICES professional, or as a family member 14% do. Most people die in hospital or Jane Fyfield or caregiver, or as a combination of residential aged care (which is home to all these, need: many people). Th e apparent overuse of • Public conversations about End emergency departments in acute hospitals here has been a great increase in the of Life care with contributions from by people whose deaths are expected or Tinterest and discussions about end of experts, consumer groups, ethicists and their carers occurs when there is poor life. And so there should. We are an older religious communities, and planning, lack of professional support, population, life expectancy is growing, dying people and their families anxiety about death, uncertainty of most deaths occur in old age and we what to do and symptoms of disease • Access to Advance Care Plans, are a much better informed population causing distress. than ever before. But what does having End of Life Care Plans, advanced care directives, or medical powers Th e clarity about what contributes to a good death mean, are there choices at a good death can be clouded by concerns the end of life, how do we know when of attorney while people are well and able to make informed decisions about euthanasia and assisted dying end of life is and where and how should or suicide. Debates about legalising • Improved education about palliative we die? Great questions and ones that euthanasia may prevent clear discussions care to give health professionals skills bear thinking and talking about to each about treatments at the end of life. It is and confi dence to raise the issues other, our loved ones, our next of kin, true that some medical treatments or our health professionals and any other about end of life • the change of treatments at the end of carers. Th e more conversations we have Improved knowledge, better life will not only alleviate pain and other the better decisions we will make. understanding of treatments symptoms but may also hasten death. Th is and what they mean is not euthanasia. Many patients will have Most people in • Improved access to palliative care earlier treatments withheld or withdrawn services, where a person lives when they are considered inadequate and Australia do not die • Knowledge about what a hospital death is imminent. Diff erent treatments where they want to. admission at the end of life might mean will be instigated. Th ese decisions should • Acknowledgement of changing be made with Although about treatments for diseases at the end of life the patient and the family member, • and if in existence, in line with an 70% say they would Improved quality of life and advance care plan or other directive. preparation for death for all people Th is is not euthanasia. • like to die at home Acknowledgment of spiritual life A good death requires preparation, • Choice for health professionals time for discussion with family members only 14% do. • Leadership from health professionals. and health professionals, adequate information about what is possible, futile I think there are choices to be had at the When should choice start? Often the and necessary. Advance care plans at any end of life. However, having a choice discussion about how, when, where, and point in life will assist in ensuring a good is not one thing or another. It is much what care come late in the progress of death and will enable people to have a more complex than that and can change a chronic disease, even though death is voice when they are very vulnerable and along the way. As with many aspects of the expected outcome. Much eff ort is they can no longer express themselves the human condition exercising choice made in the treatment and cure phase directly. It is clear that advance care can be along a continuum of experience of a disease to the exclusion of planning planning enhances end of life and gives and changing life situations. Th e choice for future demise. Th e dying aspects of people choice and control. Plans are may not be about death, it may be more the disease trajectory are often ignored. often completed with the help of a health about how a person wants to live, now So when is there a choice? When should professional, but not necessarily so. A and until the end. Real choices about end palliative care start? good time to think about an end of life of life care cannot be made unless there Th ere are some things that we all can care plan or medical power of attorney is suffi cient information for everyone be aware of that may not improve our is at the time of preparing a will. Th en involved including health practitioners, experience of death. Where to die, who every time your will is changed you can caregivers and the dying person has a say, who listens to the dying person, also change or endorse you end of life themselves. Prior lived experience, beliefs, when do we cross from living with care plan.  relationships and knowledge all play a disease to dying with a disease and important parts in the exercise of choice is this important? and empowerment to make decisions.

page 16 “I wish it was as easy with all the things that wear dog collars” Brian Simpson

But there is a better way! Th ere are disputants contribute to this list. Both A S WE free mediation centres available for civil must be happy with each agenda item. matters and neighbour disputes and Th en, taking one agenda item at a time, FORGIVE there are other free centres for family each disputant speaks about their feelings matters. Th e outcome of a mediation is and needs. Th e mediators ensure that THOSE usually an agreement of the action to be each understands the feelings and needs taken, signed by both parties, but, by John Sloss of the other. State legislation, the agreement is not One disputant then leaves the room and admissable in a court of law. It is has some tea or coff ee. Th e mediators ave you, dear reader, ever had a an agreement ‘in good faith’. disagreement with another person ask the other how they feel the session H About 80 per cent of mediations on civil — perhaps a neighbour, perhaps an in- is going and how they think it may be matters are successful and both parties law, that has not been resolved. resolved. If it is appropriate, each agenda then have a clear path forward that they item is dealt with in turn. Th en the fi rst Was the other party  let us call each have agreed to follow. disputant leaves and the other returns to a ‘party’  uncaring of your needs and Well then, how does mediation achieve do the same thing. feelings? Perhaps you considered they this level of success? Th e answer lies in treated you with contempt or just would In the next session, called ‘Negotiation’, Dignity and Understanding ! not cooperate with you to agree to a each agenda item is discussed and solution you off ered them but insisted Sounds simple – but it is not simple. agreement is reached on a plan of that there was no way they would give in Mediation is a well-crafted and well-tried implementation to which both agree. to you? process where each party understands Usually both are on a high and use vague both parties’ feelings and both respect terms like ‘As soon as possible’, ‘Now we So far ‘you’ has been spoken of but I am those feelings and the other’s needs. So, have reached agreement we will work it thinking of ‘me’ also as I am writing this. • what are the details? out between us’. Mediators take care that Solutions you might consider are: ‘where’ and ‘who’ and ‘when’ are specifi c • After explaining what the mediation will Write a formal, stern letter. involve and emphasizing that the dispute and agreed to by both parties. • Put the case to your solicitor. and its solution are the disputants’ Finally, the mediators write up in the • Have your solicitor seek a barrister’s responsibility and no judgement will be parties’ own words what was agreed on. opinion. suggested by the mediators, one of the Each disputant signs and receives a copy • Go to court. disputants outlines the dispute as he or of the ‘agreement in good faith’. Both • she sees it. Th en the other does likewise. disputants then become part of the 80 Move to another suburb and lay eyes per cent who have successful mediations. on her or him no more. An agenda is then drawn up of the main issues - usually three or four. Both 

page 17 T WELVE E IGHT QUESTIONS Q UESTIONS ON JOHN’ S GOSPEL ABOUT THE Michael Good G OSPELS 1. According to the author of this 5. According to the author, the mission Rick Burford gospel, Jesus claimed authority – of the Messiah is ur faith relies on the scriptures in so a) as the final arbiter on the meaning a) to be the expected deliverer Omany and such essential ways that of divine Law b) to replace the water of Judaism it is impossible to think that anyone is b) in his respect for the people of God with the new wine of the Gospel adequately familiar with them. who had been governed by divine c) to reveal the proper service of God Law since the days of the Exodus d) to reach us how to prove that God These two studies will help to extend c) by identifying himself with the is working for us your familiarity with the sacred text. The Messiah of the Old Testament first is a straightforward “Do you know?” 6. prophecy The fourth gospel is the key to the study: the answers are on page 12. d) all of the above Bible because The second follows a different approach, a) John knew the mind of Jesus 2. and its particular value is in the reflection Jesus’ message was better than any other of the that it is likely to provoke. Each one of a) that the decisive hour of history gospel writers did us might reach different answers to its had come b) it allows us to see Christ as questions; thus, appropriately, there are b) that the reign of God on earth the Son of God no answers given here. had begun c) it presents the unique relationship c) that the community of the new with the Father as a sense of oneness 1. Who was sent specially to announce age, the Church, a reconstituted d) it records the seven miracles the coming of Jesus Christ? Israel, based on faith and that make manifest to God’s not on race, would achieve elect the mission of the Minister 2. To what royal house did Joseph ultimate victory for their salvation and Mary belong? d) all of the above 3. Name the four principal events in 7. The Dead Sea Scrolls disclose 3. the early years of our Lord’s life? John is best described as a) ideas, at first thought to be 4. What does Passover commemorate? a) the son of Zebedee Greek, as in fact originating 5. How old was Jesus when he left b) the disciple whom Jesus loved in the Old Testament Nazareth? c) a theologian who asserted that b) distinctions repeatedly used by the Christ is the creative power John; for example, contrasts 6. What took place immediately behind the universe between light and darkness, after Jesus was baptised? d) the author of three epistles and spirit and flesh, truth and 7. What was the Sanhedrin? the book of Revelation falsehood, love and hate 8. What does the word ‘apostle’ mean? c) the possibility that Jesus 4. John’s portrait of Jesus 9. When our Lord went to the city belonged to the Essene sect called Nain, he was met by a funeral a) is better than a series of d) essentially the same truths as procession. Who was being carried photographs the Book of Mormon b) records the story of someone who to the grave? 8. is the human expression of the The general aim of the gospels is 10. John the Baptist was put to death creative purpose of God a) to bring people to God by Herod the tetrarch. What is the c) as the Word made flesh equates through Christ meaning of the word ‘tetrarch’? creation in Genesis with an act b) to reinterpret Jewish thought- 11. What parable did the lawyer’s of God’s love forms with that purpose in view question call forth? d) intends to illustrate the power c) to reveal the loving purpose of 12. Who was the first of the disciples of divine energy which brought God as expressed in a human life to know Jesus? order out of chaos as light out of d) to give rebirth to sinners as darkness adopted children, baptised into a new relationship with God

page 18 EDITORIAL

Julian Burnside: What has happened to our values?

Ben Draper

n Sunday February 19, at the Omeeting of Th e Progressive Christian Network of Victoria, held at the Ewing Memorial Centre of Stonnington Uniting Church, Julian Burnside addressed the question “What has happened to our values?” and discussed how Australian society is becoming more unjust, as seen in our continuing toleration of the present treatment of refugees arriving by boat. Since the Tampa incident in August 2001, people who have arrived in Australia by boat, seeking asylum here, have been held at either Manus Island or Nauru. They are subject to treatment that is worse than any that would be condoned in any mainland Australian One expression, ‘queue jumpers’, The implication is that we think that prison. is ludicrous since there is no queue. the humanity of the imprisoned asylum Refugees in Indonesia face a choice The idea that there are terrorists among seekers is of a lower kind than our own. between indefinite imprisonment or them is nonsense, as at least 94% of We have been misled, to act out of a dangerous voyage to Australia. Of the boat people are genuine refugees by hate and fear. It appears probable that course, many take that chance. Our agreed international definitions. It has the constant blaming and isolation of refugee policy allows these people to never been shown that there has ever Muslims will provoke extremism here. die but requires that they do so in places been a terrorist among these asylum- It is a policy that defies economic sense and ways that we will not know about. seekers, and it is highly improbable that in that it costs ten times as much to detain That incident occurred immediately anyone intending to undertake terrorist asylum seekers than it would to settle before the terrorist attack on New actions would come in such a way. The them in Australia. The difference could York’s Twin Towers. In the anti-Muslim idea of border protection is similarly be spent in the countries from which backlash to it, world terrorism came contrived to manipulate public opinion, they come, to the preferable purposes widely to be branded “Muslim – ” or and is equally false. Again, the term of improving conditions there, so that “Islamic terrorism.” We have followed ‘people smugglers’ is a loaded one, less would wish to flee, or in programs the same pattern, and the language and misused. that would inhibit the growth of Islamic that the government has used and has Some declare that they would like to extremism. required its officials to use has fostered deport every Muslim from Australia This treatment of asylum seekers is not animosity against asylum seekers. The and shoot every asylum-seeker. It appears necessary. We could house them here, Australian government used the moment that the government has fostered such as smaller nations than we are have to brand asylum seekers who arrived by attitudes, whether intentionally or not. done. The cost of our collusion with boat as ‘illegals’, with its suggestions of We know something about the human the government’s practices of exclusion, criminality. There is of course nothing rights abuses conducted in our name on vilification and criminalisation has illegal in their actions, as people have the Manus and Nauru, despite governmental included the sacrifice of our sense of right to seek asylum here; the means of efforts to keep it secret, but we are moral values.  their coming does not make them illegal. unmoved by them.

page 19 BOOK REVIEW

You will be impressed by Abigail, as Front and centre throughout is David, Brooks interprets her, and probably and Brooks sets his qualities and faults also by Joab and by Mikhal. You are plainly in front of the reader. He was not likely to forget the heart-wrenching accomplished in war and statecraft, account of David’s recall of Mikhail. so that he was able to accomplish the She was Saul’s daughter and David’s unification of the warring Hebrew tribes second wife, whom he dismissed when and to construct a realm that extended he wished to dissociate himself from from the Euphrates to the Sinai, and Saul and his legacy but recalled to his he was ruthless in the power games court when he needed to unite the that went with it. He had extraordinary Hebrew tribes, including those that physical gifts that Brooks displays in were loyal to Saul. Also striking is showing him as a soldier both tireless Brooks’ account of Nathan’s turmoil and brazenly brave. A charismatic leader, at David’s treatment of Uriah. he was loved by his army and could Necessarily, Brooks invents much but it retain the loyalty of such a man as Joab, is all done with respect for the biblical the tough soldier who was constantly record. Given this care, it is odd that sensitive about his dignity. Nevertheless, she makes no mention of the strange he was a deeply passionate man. His Th e Secret Chord incident of David sending three of repentance over his wrongdoings was his men to Bethlehem, then held by deep and his grief over the death of the G ERALDINE BROOKS Philistines, to draw water from its wells. rebellious Absalom was almost enough to lose everything he had fought for. Perhaps there is too much respect for The biblical account of his sons’ revolts Ben Draper the biblical record. Brooks takes that is bare, and Brooks traces their origin to record at face value and makes no David’s failure as a parent, to his endless hen you read Brooks’ historical attempt to explain the strange episode indulgence that turned them, with novel about king David, be ready of David, needing to flee from Saul W Solomon, who was taught by Nathan, for some unfamiliar names. You might and seeking and being given sanctuary as the sole exception, into drunkards, not recognise Yishai as David’s father with the Philistines (1 Sam 27:1-9). rapists and rebels. Jesse, or the Plishtim as the Philistines. He has already been to war with the Brooks uses transliterations from the Philistines (1 Sam 17, 23:1-6) and been Brooks’ David is still the sweet singer Hebrew rather than the English forms celebrated for killing them in the “tens of Israel. Jonathan’s death prompted that are likely to be more familiar to us. of thousands” (1 Sam 18:7-8), yet they David’s lament known as the Song of the Other names, such as Shmuel and Beit took him in and gave him and his men Bow, surely one of the most eloquent and Lehem, will not delay you for long. She a place in their army (1 Sam 29:1-11). moving of its kind. He was constantly follows a Jewish practice by avoiding the Nor, again, does she attempt to explain in the presence of the Name and even use of a name for God and instead refers how Jonathan could defy his deranged in moments of crisis was capable of to God throughout as ’the Name’. and murderous father by repeatedly composing psalms and music that Brooks gives the disjointed biblical telling David of Saul’s plans to kill him. turned hearts and minds to God. fragments continuity by making the Nor, and more seriously, does she give Brooks writes a flowing, compelling prophet Nathan the narrator of the any attention to David’s slaughter of prose. She imagines conversations and whole. The bible story has him appear innocent people. For organising the constructs scenes that give character when david is a king in Jerusalem but murder of Uriah, husband of Bathsheba, to some of those who are otherwise Brooks has him join David as his servant he earned a fourfold curse but his brutal little more than names. In this way, she when he is an outlaw and she makes him killing of whole communities (1 Sam fills in some of the gaps in the biblical David’s companion, courtier and advisor 27:8-9) brought no censure from the story, but without distorting it, and until his last days. Nathan has frequent writers of the scripture, and those writers it can be said again that although she moments of inspiration in which, beyond apparently endorsed the slaughter and proposes plausible settings and reasons his own awareness, he speaks words butchery of Philistines to raise the price for some of its events, she allows some of God. In these moments, he can tell that Saul demanded so that David of its difficulties to stand unaddressed. David in cryptic terms of the triumphs could marry his daughter Mikhail (1 The title she has chosen has its mystery, and dangers that lie before him. David is Sam 18:25-27). Brooks gives no sign which hangs over the whole book, with convinced of Nathan’s gift, so keeps him that she as much as saw these things occasional allusions, and is revealed in at his side and accepts from him words as problematic. Perhaps she dismissed the last line.  of blunt rebuke. ethical questioning for the sake of sales of her work?

page 20 R ECALLING HARLIN by Douglas Eddy

Following is my tribute to our late friend, Harlin Butterley. If you are musical (or not) it may be sung to the tune ‘Tit Willow’ (G&S, The Mikado), a favourite of Harlin’s when he broke into song in the pulpit!

“Ode to Harlin” Th ere once was a marvellous Anglican Priest, Who was youngish and handsome and keen. He worked as a curate and then as a priest, ‘til to Hobart he went as the Dean. With talent aplenty that none could eclipse, He challenged the locals with articulate lips. Harlin Butterley 1927-2012 Some had things ‘more important;, worth only two cents, Trained at Moore College, Sydney So he patiently waited for one who repents. 1951 Ordained 1954-1957 General Secretary of CMS in Tasmania Th ere are chapters and verses, and books have been writ, 1957-1967 Chaplain at St Stephen’s College, Hong Kong Of his exploits from Deutschland to Brit. He could rivet his audience just as they sit, 1967-1972 Army Chaplain – Two years in England With his sermons of wisdom and wit. Th ree years with NATO Forces in Germany His writings prolifi c, his utterings great, 1972-1980 Dean of St David’s Cathedral, Hobart Delivered, as well, with a smile; not too late! Harlin’s beloved wife Judy, mother of their His kindness is legend; his love without feign; children Joanna and Simon, was a yoga His caring unstinting, in sun and in rain. enthusiast. At the time of Harlin’s installation as Dean, red hot pants were all the rage and To serve interregna, his excellent bent; Judy stole the show by wearing hers at the He had placements all over the city. Cathedral event and appeared in the next For many, as locum, he came and he went: morning’s Mercury report. More’s the pity, the pity, the pity. 1980-1993 Vicar, St Andrew’s, Brighton His likeness to Nathanael, in whom guile was not, 1993 From March, in semi-retirement, became Was a comfort to those whom he found in a spot: a popular speaker and wrote a number of Th e more that they needed, the more that that they got, books. Was with the Saxton Speakers Group while serving as a locum in a number of From his message that came with the lot! churches in interregna. Now after the toil, his duty is done, As a speaker with Saxton, he was described as one of the funniest and most engaging And Gabriel’s given him the nod, in Australia. His ‘hobby’ as a raconteur was Th ere’ll be sorrow and weeping by all, one by one; frowned on by many clergy, and his maiden But in heaven the laughter of God. aunt warned that God would strike him down At rest with his Saviour whose service he loved, for laughing in church, but Harlin continued So peace comes again to us all. to be reverently irreverent at everything from And will this brief idyll become our new rhyme, Major Corporate presentations to Football Final lunches. Of the Harlin we love to recall. 

page 21 L ARAPINTA DREAMING Sebastian Harvey

n August 2016, I travelled to Alice Finn has mild autism and an intellectual needs, prepare a business case and then ISprings with my son Finn to walk the disability. We have found his learning navigate the various government and Larapinta Trail. Th e walk was an eight- and development accelerates from getting philanthropic bodies for funding and day supported trek organised by Huma out into the bush and experiencing new support. Their stories were inspiring but Charity Challenge for Oxfam Australia. environments. It was also a good goal there was also an underlying frustration Th e trek took in sections of the Larapinta for his fitness and an opportunity for with the ongoing negative impacts of the Trail which winds through the West him to work on his citizenship through NT Intervention on local communities MacDonnell Ranges from the Telegraph fundraising, which also contributed to his and individual human rights. Station to Mt. Sonder. We walked about participation in the Duke of Edinburgh During the trek, we learnt about the 100km of the 223km trail, with a bus program at Ashwood School. sacred and practical significance of taking us and our gear between remote The fundraising target was the first certain sites: water, trees, several of semi-permanent campsites. Th ere was a challenge and we greatly appreciated the ‘passes’ along the trail and the group of 15 walkers and three guides. the generous support of parishioners at Ochre Pits. The guides were also quite My inspiration for doing the trek came St. Johns. Having spent over 8 months knowledgeable about the extraordinary from several sources. Since visiting some on various fundraising activities, it was geology and plant life of the region. This remote communities in Central Australia exciting during our time in Alice Springs was not the flat, barren landscape one in 2012 as part of my role on the to hear from several people who had often associates with Central Australia. board of St. Kilda Youth Service, I had benefited from the Oxfam programs. The sections we encountered took wanted to do something to help address Our first afternoon in Alice Springs we in several of the better known parts the health and life-expectancy issues were welcomed to country by a group of accessible by road: Simpsons Gap, for indigenous Australians. While the women who had established a business Standley Chasm, Serpentine Gorge National Apology was an important step in local herbs and medicine sold through and Ormiston Gorge. However, it was for reconciliation and in helping define Oxfam shops. Their business was also the less accessible places that made the our national identity, I felt it would used to educate young aboriginal people walk worthwhile. The trek was graded only be lip-service while these disparities about traditional use of plants, ceremony as ‘introductory to moderate’ but the existed. The trip required participants and language. That evening we met with physical demands of the climbing and to fundraise for Oxfam ‘Close the Gap’ several other women who spoke of the conditions meant some days qualified programs. This became a great way to Oxfam ‘Straight Talk’ initiative in which as ‘hard’. This included one of the provide tangible support for indigenous they had participated. highlights of the trip – a 3am walk up communities while raising awareness in Oxfam fund programs that build Mt. Sonder to see the sunrise. my circle of influence. capability and self-determination. The The climb up 850 metres over 8 km in women learnt how to develop programs I did the trek with my son, Finn, who the dark was rewarded with a magnificent was 14 years old at the time. in health and education relevant to local

page 22 sunrise and 360 degree views. Another highlight was Counts Point which also involved significant climbing and a long walk along an exposed ridge. But most inspiring were the people in the group and those we met along the way. Sharing stories with the other trekkers was something to look forward to each evening. We had another presentation from Deanella Mack, a local Arrernte woman, on the social and family structures established in the area over thousands of years. Despite the A Birth dislocation and dispossession since white settlement, many of these traditions Ben Draper persist. It was interesting to hear about the Skin Name System that determined I would gladly tear something out of my I could not hide. I could not sleep. how families and marriages are organised. mind, if only it would give me peace. When I did sleep, I could not rest. She also spoke of the connections I cannot bear these dreams. between the human, physical and sacred And then that dream. That other dream. world, and how these are not seen as My family was pleased and so was hers, She really was very special. To know separate entities, but are fully integrated. but that was then. her was to love her. And everyone did Hearing Deanella’s stories and being “Have a wife in your home before love her. in the country of which she spoke, I you have a beard on your chin”, She was calm, poised and peaceful. understood more clearly the importance my father said, My parents thought she was regal. of country to the significance of both And so it nearly was. I had some Perhaps Abigail, wise and beautiful the human and sacred world. Western earliest growth of soft fuzz when Abigail, was like her. (white) culture builds monuments I took her as my wife. There was truth in her bearing and in her and churches to signify our stories and But such dreams I have had. being. I wondered if she was of heaven. worship. For aboriginal people the I dreamed of the stoning. I knew that disloyalty was beyond her, waterholes and rocks are their cathedrals Jagged, heavy stones that would tear like our mother Ruth. and the animals integral to their stories her flesh and break her bones. that give meaning to their lives. I heard I was whirling. Bruised and broken, she would be from several people who talked about There was no sky and no earth. beaten to the ground, the difference between spending time in Light flooded and swirled about. Unable to move or rise, helpless other places (such as Canberra or even There was a silence that I could feel. and defenceless. Alice Springs) and being on country. A voice spoke, without words. I dreamed of this, again and again. Apart from the special time I spent It was all over in a single And others. Horrible, horrible dreams. with Finn, I expect planting the seed of tremendous moment learning about indigenous culture will be Of course such things happen but But I knew, I knew, I knew one of my most enduring memories of not among those who love the Law. That the pregnancy was of God. Perhaps there would be no stoning. this trip.  It was my first moment of peace. Even so, she would be ostracised and I ran and told my father. live as a stranger, As soon as he heard what I was saying, For more information about And people would point and whisper he shouted at me. Deanella Mack, Oxfam Close as long as she lived. I had never heard him shout. the Gap and Huma Charity People were doing that from as soon He threw me against a wall and hit me. Challenge go to: as it was known. Others came running. They shouted, And they flung dust and dirt at me and threw dirt at me. www.culturalconnections.com.au/ as well. I lay on the ground sobbing for hours. www.oxfam.org.au/what-we-do/ They spat at me and said that I was lying. My family was ashamed. Soon after, we ran away to Bethlehem. indigenous-australia/ Hers was too, and furious. As soon as we could after the birth, www.youtube.com/ You will live in disgrace and die alone, we came to Egypt. watch?v=e2P3PuOkVWU they said, to both of us. I have no idea what will become of us, Mary and me and our son. 

page 23 Crossword Ben Draper

Complete the crossword by fi lling in a word that fi ts each clue

Down

1. A quality of Christ, according to the Te Deum (9) 2. English philospher, founder of empiricism and thus of the clash between science and religion (5) 3. Forbidden to original Jews to use in their worship (5) 4. Minor prophet (5) 5. Hoods, as worn in clothings of monks (5) 6. Home of 14th century anchoress Julian (7) 7. Serious divisions in the Church; as that between Rome and Constantinople in 1054 (7) Across 13. Symbol of penitence (3) 14. Bind inescapably, 1. The children of Bethlehem who were 12. Writer of hymn ‘Jerusalem’ (5) the consequence of sin (7) killed on the orders of Herod (4,9) 15. First letter of the Hebrew 15. One of the lowest of the nine 8. The ancient council at which the alphabet (5) heavenly choirs (5) doctrine of the Trinity was defined (5) 17. Bohemian reformer, 16. Good news, gospel (7) 9. The site of the vicarage in which the 15-16th centuries (3) 19. Access; for example, Bronte sisters grew up (7) 18. Gift, second only to the Kingdom of God (5) 10. One of Chaucer’s pilgrims; God’s presence (5) 20. Latin; ‘I believe that’ (5) an old, irritable and shrewd 22. Church window, traditionally both 21. Christogram (3) manager of estate (5) decorative and instructive (9) 22. One of thirteen popes of this name; 11. People who seek by contemplation 23. Long black scarf (5) the last died in 1903 (3) and self-surrender to obtain unity 24. Musical term; very slow (5) with or absorption into God; as, for example, St John of the Cross (7)

THE ANGLICAN PARISH OF SAINT JOHN’S SERVICES SAINT AGNES’ SERVICES SAINT JOHN’S AND SAINT AGNES’ Sunday Sunday 5 Finch Street, East Malvern 3145 8:00am & 9:30am Eucharist 9:30am Eucharist Telephone 9571 6616 11:00am Kids@Church 1st Sunday Tuesday Facsimile 9572 4662 Wednesday 9:00am Eucharist Email [email protected] 11:30am 3rd Wednesday of the month www.saintjohns.org.au 6:00pm Meditation each Wednesday www.saintagnes.org.au Th ursday 10:00am Eucharist Friday 7:30am Eucharist page 24