Serving the Combined Ministry District of St Paul’s Manuka, St David’s Red Hill and St Luke’s Deakin Community Three churches: one community

No. 20 Winter 2012 St David’s 40th anniversary celebrations

“Let the little children come to me”

A new stained glass window, with authentic Australian imagery of native birds, animals, trees and flowers was dedicated by the Auxiliary of Canberra and Goulburn, Bishop Trevor Edwards, on Sunday, 4 March. The window, in a new baptistery area, was dedicated to the memory of Bishop Neville Chynoweth. Adjacent to the window is a wall hanging meticulously made by Beth Lee. The message on the window is from Matthew 19:14 “Let the little children come to me” for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them..

t David’s Patronal festival, the attended the dedication service, A feature of the lunch was a photo S 40th anniversary of its foundation conducted by the Rector of Manuka display prepared by Suzanne Curtis and the memory of Bishop Neville Parish, the Rev'd Dr Brian Douglas. showing St David’s activities over the Chynoweth were all celebrated on After the dedication 120 people years, right back to the empty block of Sunday, 4 March. Bishop Trevor (past and present members of St land. Edwards dedicated a stained glass David’s) enjoyed a lunch at the In his sermon for the occasion, window in the new baptistery area Hellenic Club at which the Rev’d Bishop Trevor recalled his visit to St made possible through gifts from St Robert Willson spoke on “The joy of David’s Cathedral in Wales, the David’s parishioners and the planning history in Christianity” and John holiest site in Wales because it is the of the Vestry. Mather spoke of his friendship and burial place of St David who founded A large congregation, including travel experiences over the years with a Celtic monastic community there in members of the Chynoweth family, Bishop Neville. (Continued on page 8)

of legal interventions aroused when It was not until December, 1992, Drama in the ordination was first proposed by almost 12 months after the initial date Bishop Dowling, then Bishop of the set for the ordination that, along with the cathedral Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn, other Dioceses, Bishop Owen was were a drama in themselves, able to proceed. involving at different stages the By then the NSW Court of his year is the 20th anniversary NSW Supreme Court, the Appellant Appeal had dismissed the T of the ordination of women to Tribunal and General Synod of the proceedings on 3 July 1992 and the the order of priest in the Anglican church. General Synod of the Anglican Church in . The Supreme Court in its interim Church of Australia had passed At St Saviour’s Cathedral, injunction observed that the appeal legislation to remove existing Goulburn, on 2 February, Bishop had come before the court in impediments to the ordination of Stuart Robinson conducted a special circumstances of great urgency. women in Australia and the matter Eucharist to recognise the Underlying it was a dispute which was one for individual Dioceses. contribution Bishop Owen Dowling involved issues of wide public In the interim, Archbishop Peter made to the ordination of women importance. Carnley, of Perth, on 7 March 1992, priests and the 11 women he had According to the narrative of the had ordained the first 10 women as intended to ordain on 2 February Movement for the Ordination of priests in the Anglican Church in 1992, but was prevented from doing Women, on 2 February 1992, 11 red Australia. so as a result of restraining court roses in most cathedrals honoured The events remain pivotal in action which was finally overturned. the women who were to be ordained. in Australia and a Bishop Stuart dedicated a plaque in A rally preceded the ordination momentous year for the movement his memory. service at St Saviour’s Cathedral. for the ordination of women. The service was attended by Eleven women processed into the Another chapter in the ordination Gloria Dowling and Bishop Owen's Cathedral as deacons alongside six of women was written at St Saviour's adult children who live in Australia, men. Bishop Dowling examined Cathedral, Goulburn, on Saturday, 31 Matthew and Mary. His eldest son, them and found them fit for the March, when the Rt Rev’d Dr Brian Tim, was represented by his eldest office of priest. In accordance with Farran, Bishop of Newcastle, daughter, Eveline, visiting Australia the injunction, Bishop Dowling then consecrated Archdeacon Genieve as part of a “'gap year”. ordained six men as priests; the Blackwell the first woman Bishop in The public controversy, women processed out as deacons. . (See separate surrounding the events and the timing story).

Congregations are religious bodies, having to do with A congregation of theological the things of God. Clergy and lay leaders face all kinds of coherence challenges. In problem solving mode, it is easy to forget the primary subject of a congregation. However, clearly

recalling and consistently acting on the reality that God is everal conditions enhance a congregation’s ability to the subject of the congregation provides congregations the address the challenges and opportunities it faces— S energy and thoughtfulness needed to address their most use of outside resources to learn new capacities, clergy pressing challenges and opportunities. and laity learning together, and congregations assuming Clergy and lay leaders make essential aspects of faith the initiative over their futures. comprehendible by being articulate about God, and then Another emerging condition we’re observing is shaping congregational life in ways consistent with what theological coherence—the ability to think clearly about is being articulated. God and then act accordingly. A congregation that is clear and consistent about how it understands God, and applies “The Congregation of Theological Coherence" by Tim this understanding to its daily life, is more able to deal Shapiro originally appeared in the first 2012 issue of effectively with challenges and opportunities. There is a Congregations magazine. Copyright © 2012 by the correlation, after all, between the way leaders think and Alban Institute. speak about God and the health of a congregation.

IN THIS ISSUE Licensed as lay Minister 6 When the wall becomes a window 7 St David’s 40th anniversary celebrations (cover Realising Bishop Neville Chynoweth’s wish 8 story) Five-year plan for church hall 10 Drama in the cathedral 2 St Paul’s new red vestments blessed 11 A congregation of theological coherence 2 Building Episcopal capacity for new challenges 12 In worship and prayer together 3 Pushing the boundaries 13 Casting the vision 4 Ringing in the Queen’s years 14 Open Day at St Luke’s 5 Just who do you think you are 15 Jill Elliot retires to the pews 6 The back page 16

2 In worship and prayer together

or the last three years the connected with both parishes but now F Combined Ministry District no longer able to come to church. The Council (CMDC) has overseen the list of those needing additional implementation of mission and pastoral care is long. In addition ministry across the Combined visiting to hospitals and other aged Ministry District of Manuka and care facilities is carried out at times of Deakin Parishes through the three need. This takes considerable time and churches of St Paul’s, St David’s and effort on the part of the clergy team. St Luke’s. It is time to reflect on The planned giving campaign held what it has achieved and how we across the CMD in early 2011 resulted continue to support our mission in a modest increase of seven per together. cent. During the year, however, the Operation of the district devolves income received declined to the Rector of St Paul’s and the significantly. In the first few months Priest-in-Charge of St Luke’s who, of 2012 little, however, seems to have the Bishop on 24 February with our assistant and honorary changed; the CMD is still some considered an extensive discussion clergy and lay ministers, carry out its $16,000 under budget for planned paper on the options, together with pastoral and liturgical work. giving. The total budget for the CMD other papers submitted by members Liturgical services are a priority for 2012 is $482,700 which means we of the review group. for the clergy team. In a normal need $1322 a day to function. Only two options were seen as week there are 11 regular services of The district’s enthusiasm for new viable: abolish both parishes and worship conducted across the district staff, expressed at the special meeting create a new large parish; or with over 300 people attending. of the District, needs to be matched continue the present arrangement. The CMD Mission and Ministry by continuing commitment to provide The review group is considering Plan has three strategies: the funds, principally from regular a second draft of the discussion giving by parishioners, the main  A worshipping and prayerful paper before wider consultation source of our funds. Continued giving community across the two parishes. at adequate levels is now required to  Community development The most important matters for continue and expand the ministry  Stewardship discussion have concerned the team. The best way to do this remains These strategies depend on each inefficiency of the present the use of the direct debit system. other. Without commitment to them arrangements, with four governance all we cannot achieve what we set out bodies (CMDC, St Paul’s Parish to do. Worship is our prime focus; we Council, St Luke’s Parish Council should be regular in our attendance at and St David’s Vestry) each with worship and prayerful in the worship their own separate accounts. we offer to God. The argument has been put that a Although we are not a social single parish would simplify the welfare organisation we work governance and financial towards community development as arrangements. At the same time the an outworking of our Christian faith. review team has recognised the This, of course, depends on our benefits of working together, stewardship of the resources God has sharing resources and promoting the given us. How we manage and use proclamation of the Gospel. our time, talent and treasure in a The review process will continue prayerful and worship centred manner Worship is our prime focus throughout 2012 with wide determines what we are able to consultation across the CMD. In a situation of declining resources achieve. It is the faithful worship of so we still have to provide funds for A lack of resources is preventing many week by week which serves staffing and maintenance as well as us from moving forward in God and brings us into His presence normal operating expenses. implementing our Mission and through our Lord Jesus Christ who Maintenance needs continue to Ministry Plan. We do not have the loves and graces us and then sends mount and significant items such as funds to expand and develop our us to do God’s will. roofs and windows are in need of work; at present we are moving to a situation where we do not have the urgent repair. These developments are occurring The Rev’d Dr Brian Douglas funds to even maintain what we have. Team Leader The pastoral load carried by the against the background of a major review of the CMD which is now a Combined Ministry District of clergy and a number of lay people is Manuka and Deakin. large. One of the primary areas of focus for the CMDC and the parishes. ministry is reaching those who are The review group which met with 3

Casting the vision: planned giving campaign

strong Biblical theme flows within the church, it is about “being The Day of Pentecost is the day A through the launch of the community” built on the four pillars the Christian church was born when Combined Ministry District’s 2012 of worship, communion, mission and God chose the first Pentecost after planned giving campaign based on outreach. Jesus Christ's resurrection to “Making Good Churches Better.” empower the disciples to proclaim the The campaign is a further Biblical themes Gospel of the risen Christ and pour reminder that more than 80 per cent The planned giving campaign has out the Holy Spirit on 120 believers. of the District’s funds comes from been constructed around four biblical It cast a vision that all who became giving by parishioners of the three themes which will be presented believers were now not living for churches—St Paul’s, St Luke’s and during the campaign. themselves but for the Lord. St David’s. Peter explained how his listeners The District aims to increase its could also receive this Spirit: giving by seven per cent over last The schedule year’s contributions to maintain and “Repent, and let every one of extend its ministry. On the basis of 27 May: “Casting the vision”: you be baptised in the name of past performance, this is not an Launch on the Day of Pentecost Jesus Christ for the remission unreasonable expectation: many of of sins; and you shall receive the previous planned giving 10 June: “Thanksgiving”: the gift of the Holy Spirit. For campaigns have led to increases of “Yes, everything is for your the promise is to you and to this amount or greater. Parishioners sake, so that grace, as it your children, and to all who have always responded generously to extends to more and more are afar off, as many as the appeals for specific purposes. people may increase Lord our God will call” (Acts As a result of giving last year, the thanksgiving, to the glory of 2:38-39) District was able to employ a part- God”. Psalms 138 time associate Priest to support the Peter's preaching added 3,000 Rector of St Paul’s. An aspirational 24 June: “Nothing is impossible people to God’s Church in one day, goal would be to be able to increase with God”: all being converted, baptised and her hours to full-time. Jesus said to his disciples, receiving the Holy Spirit. Research has told us that on “With man this is impossible, This meant a commitment to one average Australian households give but with God all things are another and the proclamation of the less than $3 each week to churches possible.” (Matthew 19:26) good news of the gospel so that or other religious organisations. As others would join the church by numbers shrink, so do our finances. 8 July: “Anticipation”, becoming believers through trusting In roughly one third of Australian culminating in a stewardship lunch. in Christ. It is a day on which we are churches, giving is below what is “Tell those who come after being asked to renew that necessary to support one clergy that such is God: our God commitment through giving. It has person, maintain property and meet for ever and ever, and he will special meaning for the district as a mission responsibilities. guide us eternally”. Psalms “community.” As the spiritual and emotional 48:13 We know that commitment and not climate of a church improves, so On alternative weeks during the income is the important thing in our does the Christian motivation to give, campaign a lay person will speak Christian journey. And yet without reflecting the mutual exchange about stewardship and the practical money the church cannot implement involved. Someone once said that arrangements to implement the its mission. Christians who give “we all need to be converted twice: program. Further information will sacrificially, expecting nothing once in the heart and once in the be distributed during the campaign. tangible in return, directly add to the pocket.” community’s spiritual and cultural The District now needs the values. certainty of an assured income to The Launch Giving sacrificially involves open discharge its mission. To achieve this dialogue about our needs and our goal involves a commitment by “When the spirit of truth willingness and capacity to commit Parishioners, recognising the comes, he will guide you into together. The dialogue that began on contribution the three churches make all the truth, for he will not the Day of Pentecost will be ongoing to the well-being and nurturing of speak on his own, but will throughout the year. Our parishioners and to the wider speak whatever he hears, and commitment is to continue to Canberra community, reflected in he will declare to you the contribute our time, talents and increased attendances at special things that are to come.” treasure as fundamental to our celebrations during the year. From John 16:13 stewardship to transform lives. 4 Open Day at St Luke’s

n Open Day was held at St A Luke’s, Deakin, on Sunday 6 May. “Not on Sunday!” Yes, it was a marvellous opportunity for others to see both the An editor’s inside and outside of the church complex of buildings. More than that, anxiety it gave the people of St Luke’s a ne of the pleasures (if that is chance to show what occurs within O the right word) of editing a the walls of St Luke’s. parish magazine is to watch how The Open Day was the brain-child others are doing the job and to widen of Julie Hirst, a member of our Parish one’s reading and theological Council. It was an attempt to convey understanding. Ideas spring from the to others something of the spiritual imagination of others. There is also heritage as well as the contemporary comfort in knowing others may share ways of extending the Kingdom of the same anxieties of filling the God in what happens at St Luke’s. pages. Some who came exclaimed, “What My monthly reading includes the a good idea!” And yes, members of all Parish Magazine of the Anglican three congregations from St Luke’s Parish of Epping which the Rector joined in with enthusiasm. drew to my attention soon after I It also meant that it gave began editing Community. It has parishioners from St Luke’s the very evolved over the nearly 90 years it real opportunity to see one another in has been produced, sufficient for it to action. It was an expression of serving claim to be unlike any other parish others in the community. magazine (perhaps not aware of all And a good idea it was. Yes there others, of course). was a sausage sizzle all for a gold I therefore related to the latest coin donation, and yes, there were issue which announced that the home-made cakes for sale as well as magazine was to have a new Editor, the glorious handcrafts that the saints appointed by the Rector, the Rev’d of St Luke’s have been knitting for John Cornish. Fr. Cornish’s words years. speak for themselves: There were also Bible quizzes, “The request that (the new Editor) face-painting for the children, prayer asked of me in accepting my offer stations to be experienced and the was that he not be responsible for demonstration of one of the oldest acquiring articles for the magazine. pipe organs in Canberra. My request to each of you who read Cups of tea and coffee were also the magazine is that you undertake to free, providing hospitality to young supply articles for the magazine. and old alike. Even if you have done so before I In addition, there was an extension believe that you still have lots of of St Luke’s Library by having other stories in you that other readers available Christian Books for sale will find of interest. It may be from the Woden Christian Bookshop. something that is exciting your mind All from St Luke’s agreed that we at present, or an account of your faith were fulfilling our Mission Statement: walk, or why you are an Anglican. “We are the body of Christ sent out to Whatever takes your fancy.” be His continuing presence in the I thank those who have contributed world.” to this issue of Community, either in signed articles, photographs, Kevin Stone, providing information for the Editor Priest in Charge to turn into a story, or helpful St Luke’s comments. I look forward to further contributions for the nest issue.

George Menham, Editor –at-large

5 units has been outstanding,” Dr Jill Elliot retires to the pews Douglas said. “I have on several occasions witnessed the wonderful work she has done.” Jill has also functioned as a liturgical deacon at St Paul's and assisted with the Healing Service. Dr Douglas said that her work at all times had been professional and caring. She had made an enormous contribution to the work of the Parish. “We wish her well in her retirement and voluntary work and give thanks to God for her work.” St Paul’s has four large aged care facilities in the parish to which the ministry team provides services and on-call emergency ministry. With Jill Elliot’s retirement the work of chaplaincy in these four centres devolves to the ministry team, assisted by several alm Sunday at St Paul’s provided Jill has been a valued member of parishioners. the opportunity for parishioners the pastoral team ministering P The Rev’s Susan Bridge is to thank the Rev'd Jill Elliott for her particularly to aged care residents covering Jindalee, assisted by Gloria contribution to the ministry across with warmth and understanding. She Dowling who has a lay minister’s many years and activities. The ministered at Morling Lodge, Jindalee licence in the parish. The Rev'd Rector of St Pauls, the Rev'd Dr Brian and Carey Gardens for more than ten Kevin ministers to Mountain View Douglas, presented Jill with a gift for years. and Carey Gardens and the her services. Her departure served to “Jill has provided exemplary Venerable John Wilson and the recognise the extent of pastoral work service there in a chaplaincy role in Rector minister to Morling Lodge. undertaken within the Parish. caring for people in aged care

facilities. Her work in the dementia Photo: Peter Hodge

Licensed as Lay Minister he Team Leader of the T Combined Ministry District, the Rev'd Dr Brian Douglas, presented Gloria Dowling with her licence of lay minister at St Paul’s on Sunday, 29 April. The licence authorises Gloria to be a lay minister and pastoral care assistant, visiting homes, hospitals, and aged care facilities to provide pastoral care and administer communion by extension. Licences are valid for three years. “I have been privileged to minister in this capacity as a Lay Chaplain on and off for over 30 years and am delighted to be enabled to continue to serve God in this way in the CMD,” Gloria told Community. Gloria was also presented with a certificate of pastoral care skills in listening, visiting the sick, and visiting the bereaved after a course conducted by the Diocesan Centre for Lay Ministry and Mission.

6 “When the wall becomes a window”

n his Easter message, the Archbishop of Canterbury, I Archbishop Rowan Williams, in speaking of the significance of Jesus’ resurrection, observed that hostility towards faith and religion in public life might recently have become tempered with an appreciation of the part that religion plays in shaping and sustaining human existence. “It just might be the case,” he said, “that the high the household of faith and even persuades them that the watermark of aggressive polemic against religious faith presence of religion in the social order may not be either has been passed; there are a few signs that the climate is toxic or irrelevant after all. shifting ever so slightly towards a reluctant recognition “How do we know that it is true? --by the way it works that religion has made and still makes positive in us through the long story of a whole life and the longer contributions to our common life.” story of the life of the community that believes it. We He said: “If it doesn't exactly amount to a religious learn and assimilate its truth by the risk of living it; to revival, it does suggest that a tide may be turning in how those on the edge of it, looking respectfully and wistfully serious and liberal-minded commentators think about at what it might offer, we can only say, 'you'll learn faith. There is plenty to suggest that younger people, nothing more by looking; at some point you have to while still statistically deeply unlikely to be churchgoers, decide whether you want to try to live with it and in it.' don't have the hostility to faith that one might expect, but “To believe in a God who raises Jesus from the dead is at least share some of the sense that there is something a way of allowing in our own thoughts and actions some here to take seriously, when they have a chance to learn space for God to emerge as a God who creates a future. about it. What we can do is make the space, the silence, for the act “Easter makes a claim not just about a potentially of God to come through. When all's said and done about illuminating set of human activities but about an event in the newly acknowledged social value of religion, we history and its relation to the action of God. Very simply, mustn't forget that what we ultimately have to speak about in the words of the Acts of the Apostles, we are told that isn't this but God: the God who raised Jesus and, as St 'God raised Jesus to life.' Paul repeatedly says, will raise us also with him. “In this moment on a particular Sunday morning in “Even if every commentator in the country expressed AD33 we see through to the ultimate energy behind and generous appreciation of the Church we'd still be bound to within all things, a universe in which this will and action say, 'Thank you’ – but what matters isn't our usefulness or would come through the fabric of things and open up an niceness or whatever: it's God, purposive and active, even unprecedented possibility, the possibility of a human life – especially – when we are at the end of our resources. It's together in which the pouring out of God's Holy Spirit the moment ‘when the wall becomes a window.' makes possible a degree of reconciled love between us that could not have been imagined. Archbishop’s Easter Sermon 2012: God raised Jesus to “It is that reconciled love, and the whole picture of life.” Sunday, 8 April, 2012 human destiny that goes with it, that attracts those outside

EASTER SERVICES DRAW a total of 1500 people attended LARGE CONGREGATIONS Easter services in the District. Palm Sunday, Good Friday and “Spectacular” was how the Bishop Easter Sunday drew the largest of Canberra and Goulburn, Bishop congregations. Stuart Robinson, descried People attending the services, attendances at Easter services, many of them visitors, commented conducted with reverence and on the quality of the services. “We devotion, in the three churches of are a large district,” the Team the Combined Ministry District. Leader, the Rev’d Dr Brian Across the CMD of Manuka and Douglas said, “and many people Deakin a total of 26 services were find their way here at the large conducted over the Easter period in festivals of the Christian years. I one week (16 at Manuka, four at want to record my sincere thanks Red Hill and six at Deakin). In all to all who made the services work so well.”

7 (Continued from page 1) the 6th century to become the cradle of Welsh Christianity. It was deeply moving, he said, to be able attend a service in a place with so much rich spiritual history. Bishop Trevor said he was delighted to join the 40th Anniversary of St David’s, Red Hill, the home of a vibrant community of faith, and to remember with gratitude the life and ministry of Bishop Neville Chynoweth. “I well remember his kindness to me when I was consecrated Bishop in 2004 and his joy that this allowed him to focus even more on his beloved community here.” Bishop Neville himself had suggested the creation of a baptistery area because that had always been his dream. St David’s honoured that wish by dedicating the window and baptistery as a memorial to him.

The Editor thanks Suzanne Curtis, Bishop Trevor Edwards dedicates the stained glass window in the new Tony Gay, Gillian King, Lorraine baptistery with the Rector of Manuka Parish, the Rev’d Dr Brian Douglas. Litster and Robin Seville for their Photo: Tony Gay. contributions

live to see his project completed, had expressed a desire that the window Realising Bishop Neville follow the theme of “Suffer little Chynoweth’s wish children to come unto me”, Christ’s Lorraine Litster words from the King James Bible. A window depicting Christ with modern children set in an Australian setting It had long been the wish of Bishop stained glass window installed was proposed. Both Robyn Seville and Max, the ACT artisan, prepared Neville Chynoweth during his behind it to replace the plain glass ministry at St David’s to have a window. The large adjacent white initial sketches on this theme. Neither, baptistery incorporated into the wall would be softened by a wall however, was entirely satisfactory. A church. Lorraine Litster outlines hanging. search of the internet for windows on how the project was brought about. The Vestry now needed to find a this theme discovered a Victorian era stained glass maker, and an artisan to window in a church in Portsmouth, make the wall hanging. Stained Glass England, upon which many later istorically the rear of the church making is becoming a dying art with windows had been based. Robyn H had been used as a hall and had very few artisans working in this agreed to base her window on this not been included in the sacred area. field. Robyn Seville, now located on theme. She was also delighted to be It had a rather utilitarian look. When the Sunshine Coast, who had made requested to seat Christ with modern a new community hall was built, the the two windows at the front of the children in an Australian landscape. area was now free to be drawn into church 10 years before, was selected She subsequently prepared a detailed the body of the church and to include to make the window. Robyn had design which included many a baptistery. skills in depicting human figures and Australia flowers, birds and other The Vestry enthusiastically faces.. Beth Lee, a St. Paul’s quilt small creatures with Christ seated supported Bishop Neville’s wish. We maker, generously offered to make a under a gum tree. moved bookshelves and other quilt to hang on the blank north This design was wholeheartedly furniture, replaced the strip lights facing wall at no cost to St. David’s accepted by the Vestry, the with concealed lighting to match the apart from her raw materials. The congregation of St David’s and the front of the church, replaced the design of both the quilt and the Rector, who took on the task of hanging heaters, and painted the area. stained glass window now remained applying for a ‘faculty’ from the The Baptistery font was to be to be resolved. Bishop for the window. Robyn located in the north east corner and a Bishop Neville, who sadly did not (Continued on page 9)

8 (Continued from page 8) Seville then began work on the window. Beth Lee’s design for the quilt was to use thousands of one inch squares to create an 8 ftx5 ft quilt which would hang from a rail on tabs. (Quilts are apparently made to Imperial measurements.) A design was agreed, where a pale centre gradually blends to dark colours around the circumference with A large congregation attended the a cross of the same design as the one The Rev’d Dr Brian Douglas service behind the St. David’s altar in gold conducted the service cloth in the centre. Both the window and the quilt were time consuming to make; both were started well before the end of 2011. The target date for completion was the 40th anniversary of the dedication of St. David’s church on St. David’s Day, 4 March 2012. All tasks were completed on time and below budget. The church looked splendid for the dedication of the Baptistery by Bishop Trevor Edwards. St. David’s most Joan Chynoweth after the Bishop Trevor Edwards memorable day was saddened by the dedication absence of our beloved Bishop Neville, who we feel would thoroughly approve of the finished project. In his honour the window has been dedicated to Bishop Neville for all to see when they view the delightful window and the Baptistery. Two babies have already been baptised in the Baptistery and we expect this lovely corner of St. David’s to be popular with many more families in The Chynoweth family gathered for the future. the dedication

Lorraine Litster, Warden of St David’s, was Project Manager for the Baptistery. Gerberas reminded the congregation of Bishop Neville’s garden

Beth Lee made the special tapestry

The baptistery Organist Robert Goodridge conducts the choir

9 Five-year plan for St Paul’s Church Hall Robert and Ros Deane

Recognised for their organising of through an agreed, structured fund raising efforts at St Paul’s, program for which funds are Robert and Ros Deane outline how, earmarked in a special purpose with the continued support of account across the scheduled Parishioners, the Parish Hall is to life of the project. be refurbished. While not part of the Bridge and Mah Jong day in the hall at St proposal, the recent Bridge and Paul’s Mah Jong Day illustrated what t its April meeting St Paul’s is possible. A total of $2951.10 was A Parish Council approved a five- raised on the day with no expenditure year plan to refurbish the Church from parish funds. That money has hall, with an annual appropriation of paid for the following: $5,000 matched by annual fund- Installation of new lights in the raising of $3,000 to provide funds of foyer, on the stairs and in the $8,000 per year. ladies’ and men’s toilets; The hall is now some 50 years Refurbishment of the upstairs old. During this time there has been a ladies toilet with a new two-bowl number of alterations to the lower vanity unit, and a new dual flush floor to accommodate changes of toilet; purpose. The building of the ladies/ handicapped toilet downstairs and the Five new card tables with 22 cloths for card tables; and Facilities at St Paul’s hall before construction of ramp access to the refurbishment hall are the only major structural Eighty-eight new standardised wine changes to the hall since its opening. glasses. While the Mollison room and the office area are of reasonable but not As a first stage of the optimum standard, the upper floor of refurbishment program, the upstairs the hall presents an appearance of ladies toilet has been repainted, neglect. thanks to two youthful members of The only refurbishment in the last Parish Council, Celia Acworth and five years has been the replacement Rebecca Meyers, and eight reverse of the vinyl floor in the entrance and cycle fans have been installed. These kitchen, made possible by the will greatly increase the amenity of generous donation of a parishioner the hall both in winter and in and his wife. Similarly, donations and summer. fund raising made possible the The first fund-raising event of the installation of the folding arm blind program was a very successful Fork on the front of the building and and Talk held on Sunday 22 April. Facilities at St Paul’s hall after construction of the access ramp. An excellent opportunity to share refurbishment It is clear that replacement of the food and fellowship with friends and present hall at any time in the new comers to the parish, the event Footnote: foreseeable future is unlikely, indeed proved a great success, thanks to the a very remote possibility. While there efforts of many helpers. With the aid Of their fund raising, Robert told are those who still argue to “tear it of generous donations $857.00 was Community: “What is achieved is the down”, parish sentiment on any form raised for the program. result of a team of people who share of redevelopment is, at best, Later in the year it is proposed to our goals and ideas and give ambivalent. The proponents of this refurbish the men’s toilet with dual generously of their time and skills to view have no clear concept of its flush toilets, replace the present sinks make it all happen. Be it the replacement or of sources of funding and repainting. sanctuary team, play group or any of for such a project. Fund raising activities planned for the fund- raising activities, it is a The hall represents a major, but the latter part of 2012 include a team that achieves the outcome. under-utilised asset for the parish. Trivia Night in August and a Bridge These people are our little This situation can only be expected to and a Mah Jong Day in October. community, our small family within St Paul's and it that as much as the deteriorate further unless there is a firm and on-going commitment to result that is rewarding for us. They effect the necessary improvements are the soul of St Paul’s”

10 St Paul’s new red vestments blessed

he Rector of St Paul’s, the Rev’d T Dr Brian Douglas, blessed a set Heather Seymour, who worked the vestments, the Rev’d of new red vestments at the 8 AM Susan Bridge, and the Rector. Photos: Peter Hodge service on Palm Sunday, 1 April. The vestments were worked beautifully and skilfully by Heather Seymour. Red vestments are used on Palm Sunday and during Holy week, Day of Pentecost and Days of the Martyrs. The altar panels, the three stoles (two priests’ stoles and one deacon’s stole) are worked on Thai Silk as is the embroidery on the dalmatic and the tunicle. The chasuble , dalmatic and tunicle are made from red wool crepe. The silk and wool were sourced from Harold Ganter and the kid and gold threads were sourced from Alison Cole. T The designs for the altar panels are based on designs by Suellen Pedley, the co-ordinator of Christ Church, Oxford embroidery group. These designs embody a cross, a dove and an olive branch. The new vestments add to the others she has made in green and white. “We as a parish should be very grateful to Heather for her work,” the Rector, the Rev’d Brian Douglas, said when blessing the vestments.

11 Building Episcopal capacity for new challenges

Royal Devotion ne of the perennial issues facing representing 200 ambeth Palace Library O churches today is connecting congregations.. L has been home to a with people where they live. There is The two new fascinating new exhibition a general impression of declining will celebrating the Queen’s congregations and as a consequence have specific Diamond Jubilee and the reduced financial resources, relying regional 350th anniversary of the on the same people to continue the responsibilities. Book of Common Prayer. works of the church, to nurture Bishop Genieve Showcasing the existing congregations and reach out Bishop Genieve Blackwell will Library’s collection of royal to those beyond the threshold. Blackwell be Assistant artefacts, brought together The Bishop of Canberra and Bishop for the for the first time, offered Goulburn, Bishop Stuart Robinson, region of Wagga Wagga, North-West unique insights into the speaks of his dream of “a diocese and South-West of the Diocese and relationship between where the love of Jesus transforms Bishop will be Assistant royalty and religion across people and communities.” A Bishop for the region of the coast, the centuries. difficulty faced by the Diocese in Southern Monaro and the Snowy, implementing that dream, though not located in Bateman’s Bay, each in uniquely so, is to connect with the themselves large territories. community where they are ‘at.’ It was important, Bishop Bishop Stuart told Synod that for Blackwell, the first female Bishop to be the Diocese’s growth to continue and From the Restoration of consecrated in New for pastoral needs to be met in an Charles II in 1662 to the South Wales, said, that increasingly complex environment he coronation of Elizabeth II in her area, which related would need additional Episcopal 1953, the Book of Common more to Sydney, had support. He was particularly Prayer has remained central its own local Bishop. interested in ensuring that regions to the religious life of the Bishop Lambert said within the Diocese enjoyed the nation. The 1662 edition of that the population contact and proximity of a local the book was the highlight Bishop Ian of his region was Episcopal leader. He would also like of the exhibition, alongside Lambert growing and the to see gender balance in his Episcopal numerous other items, some team. Anglican church of them not previously seen needed to try new ways of ‘doing The consecration of two new in public. church’ to reach newcomers. assistant bishops at St Saviour’s They included medieval Bishop Robinson said that the new Cathedral on Saturday, 31 March, to manuscripts, the prayer appointments would enable the minister particular regions of the books used at the wedding Anglican Church to provide more Diocese underscores the geographic of Queen Victoria and the reality of the Diocese, a vast and focused pastoral care and mission coronation of the present initiatives in these regional areas. diverse region, covering 80,000 Queen, and many other Both appointees had a track record in square kilometres and comprising items. Several of the books the sort of pioneering ministry the around 720,000 people living in a belonged to monarchs; Diocese needed to see developed range of circumstances. Within the some even bear their across the region. Diocese are around 65 ministry units handwritten notes.

12 DIALOGUE and wife, I live the tension, the It is 20 years today since the first reality that a lot of modern families women were ordained to the Pushing the do, and understand the pressures of priesthood in Australia. Do you that.” think that women have been too boundaries patient in their demands for full In conversation with Bishop You were a student at Moore ministry in the church? Genieve Blackwell College during the great heady debates about women priests. I think that it’s not about demanding, What did they teach you at Moore it is about working towards what we enieve Blackwell, 50, married College about the role of women in see as a good thing of being able to G with two children, turned to the church? use our gifts. I’m very conscious that Anglicanism while an arts student at I am the beneficiary of the great work Sydney University. She becomes the “I was there soon after the of the movement for ordination for first female Anglican Bishop in New ordination of women as deacons. So women. I didn’t actually fight that South Wales, the third female when I was actually at college, we battle; my contribution has been in Anglican bishop in Australia. were a large year and there were being the first woman in each role. The daughter of a Methodist quite, proportionately, a large The first rector or priest in each minister, Bishop Genieve grew up in number of women part of that year. parish that I’ve been in, and now first the Uniting Church, and worked as a It’s not as monochrome, maybe as bishop in New South Wales and I like state public servant before joining the people would like to think. I’m to think that I’ve made a good Anglican Church. actually from the Uniting Church, so contribution. I always think that in all She paid tribute to those women to some degree I had come from a these difficult areas there’s the need who had opened the way. “For me it different background, I had actually for the people who push the has always been about working in the strong models of women in ministry boundaries, there’s the need for the context that God has placed me and growing up. people who work within the just focusing on that. I am very structures and both are important. grateful to the women who have in a sense fought that battle for the ABC Religion and Ethics Report, 7 ordination of women and worked March 2012, 5.30 pm, interview with towards women bishops. I am a Andrew West recipient of their work rather than being the person who fought that Footnote: battle myself and I am very grateful for that." Writing in the Sunday Canberra Asked about the significance of Times (8 April 2012), Bishop her consecration, Bishop Blackwell Blackwell said: told the ABC Religion and Ethics Program that it was a great thing that Women are at the centre of Easter the gifts of women were being “ Sunday. This is an important recognised, and affirmed and being aspect of the story that is often able to be used in Christ’s service. In overlooked. In all four Gospels they lots of ways it was a natural are described as the first witnesses to progression of women being ordained Jesus’ resurrection. as priests. This is very significant. In the ancient world women’s testimony Were there any special gifts that Photo: Goulburn Post was not valued. And it is for this you believe women bring first to reason that even most non-Christian the priesthood and now to the Did you, for example, give them historians who study this period episcopacy? any indication that you wanted to accept that Mary Magdalene’s achieve the full ministry of encounter in the tomb is authentically “I think the particular gift we bring is women? part of the first oral testimony about simply by being half of the human Jesus. family, so God has made us male and For me I’d never really held the That Christ chose women to female in his image, and so to have view that women couldn’t be. witness for him indicates that his new women involved in the leadership of Whatever view I had about that, I community is one where there is ‘no the church, bringing that particular was very comfortable at that stage male nor female’; where women will gift of being the other half of the simply being made deacon. It was be valued as full citizens. I am sure human race; there is that emphasis actually more a progression after this observation was not lost on the that women bring on relationships; I college for me to think that I would first generation of women converts to think that women bring particular be able to be a priest. By that I mean the new faith. It still resonates in gifts of caring and ways of doing have the gifts to be a priest. many contexts in our world today.” things that are important. I also think that as a woman, as a working mother 13 Ringing in the Queen’s years Kay Pendlebury

It has been a busy time for St Paul’s be multiple ringing there over the bellringers as they prepared to ring long weekend to celebrate both the the bells to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee of the Queen and Diamond jubilee, along with bell the 50th anniversary of ANZAB. ringers throughout the world. Part of the ANZAB 50th anniversary celebrations was the t Paul’s bell ringers planned to first ANZAB 10-bell recorded S ring with added intent as we striking competition, held on Sunday prepared throughout May to 27 May. Ringers from St Paul's participate in the historic celebration travelled to Goulburn to ring with of the Queen’s Diamond jubilee. the St Saviour's ringers and some In the UK the main celebration 'ring-ins' from Sydney, Menangle ringing was planned for Sunday 3 and Orange to take part in the June, the day closest to the competition. James Waddell and Scott Jones Coronation Day. So we planned to Good striking is the precise making sure all is well ring with added effort on Sunday 3 pulling of the bell rope so that the June between 9:15 am and 10 am, bell sounds exactly at the right time, with some extra ringing after the 10 neither too close nor too far from the AM service, depending on our bell before it. This maintains the numbers. Unfortunately, we have rhythm and stops the bells sounding four people off with various 'lumpy' or clashing with each other, injuries—we must be an accident something we St Paul's ringers never prone bunch. do! Listen next time the bells are We planned extra Jubilee ringing ringing and see if you can pick good on Wednesday 6 June after the 10 (or bad) striking. AM service. Each band is required to record a The St Paul's ringers are to be few minutes of ringing and send the joined by a convoy of bell ringers recording to the judge. Results will driving from Perth to Sydney, be announced at the annual ANZAB collecting ringers en route, and then dinner on 9 June. Each team will to pass through Canberra on that day. receive a certificate listing the team The St Paul's ringers arranged to members to acknowledge their provide brunch after the bell ringing participation in this historic event. at which Parishioners were welcome. The Manuka band has a The extra ringing and the arrival of reputation to live up to as it was the our esteemed ringing colleagues 2011 winner of the Kookaburra Cup, required some maintenance and the six bell striking competition for housekeeping work in the ringing country towers. room and bell tower to get everything While our main focus is on shipshape. Those ringers not put off ringing for Sunday service, these by the height and cramped space events help us celebrate the wonder were up with the bells, tightening the and gift of the bells, send out a bolts, checking the ropes and making sound that reminds people that the sure all was well. The ringers who church is here, and encourage us to like their feet on firmer ground tidied refine and improve our ringing to up the ringing room and made space make a beautiful sound to the Lord. for our guests. The ringers are very grateful for The weekend of 8-11 June is the the continued support of the St ANZAB (Australian and New Paul's community and the Zealand Association of Bellringers) “Ringable” Rector, Fr Brian. 50th anniversary. Over 150 ringers If you are interested in coming from Australia, New Zealand and the into the ringing room and seeing the UK will meet in Sydney for ringers in action, or even in learning celebrations. to ring, please contact Julie Doyle Tower Captain Julie Doyle (who is [email protected] or also the President of ANZAB) and 0407 012 714. We practise on several of St Paul's ringers will be Wednesday nights from 6.30 pm. heading off to join in. So there will

14 Just who do you think you are Robert Willson

he title of my article is, of Chetham. It was Guy Fawkes day, T course, taken from the popular that ever memorable day in English television program which began with history, when nothing happened! He British celebrities researching their would have seen Guy Fawkes ancestry and has now adopted an bonfires in the village while going to Australian dress. his wedding. Genealogical research is now a George is my earliest known major growth industry. Lately I have ancestor, born nearly 300 years ago. been thinking about our Christian or As far as I know the Willsons have Photo: Beth Willson spiritual ancestry. I share a few notes always lived in that village or the on mine with the thought that you district. People rarely moved in the medieval church suffered a series of may like to record your own family Middle Ages. It was in the 13th dramatic changes. All the monasteries spiritual pilgrimage. century that the present church was of England were dissolved. Then St Pauls Church, Manuka, has built and my ancestors would have about 1549 the villagers coming to St stood on this site for nearly three contributed their labour or their Peters would have had to cope with a quarters of a century, gradually being money. There they attended Roman totally new worship style, the Mass in rebuilt and enlarged. When St Paul’s Catholic Mass, celebrated in Latin, English, from the First Prayer Book of opened, the 1662 Book of Common Sunday after Sunday. Edward VI. These changes led to riots Prayer, with a few modifications, was When I visited the church some in some parts of the country, but not in regular use. In the 1960s liturgical years ago I admired the shaft of a in Hope as far as we know. revision was in the air. In 1977 the massive Saxon preaching cross George and Elizabeth had nine Australian Prayer Book appeared and which stands in the grounds near the children some of whom died very later the Prayer Book for Australia. door, very well preserved but young but their baptisms are all The first female priests were ordained missing the cross on top. recorded. Their first child was my about 20 years ago. What changes the George Willson would not have ancestor, Martin, born on 1 June 1766. walls of our church have seen. seen it because it was at that time The family would have received Holy If our ancestors came from Britain carefully hidden in the local school. Communion occasionally in St Peter’s or Europe often the only records of The Puritans wanted to destroy all Church but, alas, the chalice in use at them are the church records of such “popish” relics in a campaign the time, dating from the 17th century, baptisms and marriages and dating back to the time of Oliver was stolen from the church a few sometimes deaths. It was Henry Cromwell, relative of Thomas years ago. VIII’s private secretary, Thomas Cromwell. The cross was restored to Martin Willson was probably Cromwell, in 1538 who ordered that public view in 1857. It is a reminder named after his grandfather who also every parish in England should keep of the long Christian tradition of the appears to have been called Martin. such a record. It was part of the village of Hope. Before the days of The name reminds us of St Martin of effects of the Reformation. church buildings a wandering priest Tours, a noted early Christian saint Individuals were valued. Thomas would preach the Gospel from that who once gave half his cloak to a Cromwell went to the executioner’s cross. beggar. As a young man Martin joined block two years later but his that vast movement of population to innovation persisted and some A Roman fort London. He might have heard tales of parishes in England can show records Just outside the village are the the settlement in what was called going back to that period. Without reminders of a Roman Imperial Fort ‘New Holland’, little dreaming that those records we would know nothing at Brough-on-Noe. My ancestors his descendants would live there. of our ancestors, unless they were might have seen red crested Roman Frederick Barker, one day to be members of the nobility. legionaries riding out on patrol in Bishop of Sydney, was born in the the winter mist and rain. nearby village of Baslow. But that is Back to Hope Village After the last legionaries packed another story. In the illustration I am standing in up and departed about 400AD the Writing a spiritual family history is the main street of the village of Hope Saxons arrived gradually, followed fun. Who were the clergy in your in the beautiful Peak district of by the Normans. Hope was included family’s life? Can you visit the church Derbyshire, with the medieval spire in the famous Domesday Book of where they worshipped, or secure a of St Peter’s Parish Church in the William the Conqueror. But long photograph? How did worship change background. My four times great after the Romans had gone their over their lifetimes? Were you grandfather, George Willson, was language of Latin survived in the influenced in your Christian born there about 1739, and was Church. We still use words like pilgrimage by a parent or baptised according to the rites of the “sacrament” which was originally grandparent? What denominations are Church of England in the church. the oath of loyalty of a Roman in your family tree? Spiritually On 5 November, 1764 he went to soldier. speaking, who do you think you are? the church to be married to Elizabeth In the sixteenth century the 15 THE BACK PAGE

COMBINED MINISTRY DISTRICT COUNCIL OUR EDITORIAL PURPOSE

Members of the Combined Ministry District Council Community aims to connect people with are: The Rev’d Dr Brian Douglas (Chair), The Rev’d God, with each other and with our community Kevin Stone (Associate Priest), John Seymour (St Paul’s by sharing experiences through reflective Parish Council Chair), Robert Deane, Duncan Anderson dialogue. (St Paul’s Parish), Tim Hurst (St Luke’s Parish), Peter Community seeks to create a sense of McDermott and Yvonne Webber (Rector’s appointments). community, encounter and belonging, to build The council will also have a Secretary and Treasurer. relationships within the church and beyond, to recognise the capacity of religion to nourish individual lives, and to reflect the unique position of St Paul’s, St David’s and St Luke’s in the life of the Diocese and the nation. Community will continue to contribute to ST PAUL’S PARISH COUNCIL and support the Combined Ministry District’s vision of “three churches: one community”. It Members of St Paul’s Parish Council are: John will do this through stories of the district, the Seymour (Chair), The Rev’d Dr Brian Douglas, the Rev’d Parishes and the wider Anglican community in Kevin Stone, Ingrid Moses (Rector’s Warden), Robert ways relevant to its readers. Deane, Peter McDermott (People’s Wardens), Catherine Community needs your engagement as Bohm, Robert Bailey, Rebecca Meyers, Celia Acworth readers and contributors to reflect the richness (Parish Councillors), George Menham, Mary Pollard and diversity of the district and to honour and (Rector’s appointments), Suzanne Curtis, Bill Thorn, proclaim an expression of faith in our life Lorraine Lister (St. David’s Wardens), and Duncan together. Anderson (Treasurer). The minute taker is Helen Raymond.

Community

Produced by: St Paul’s Parish Council, ST LUKE’S PARISH COUNCIL Manuka, Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn Members of St Luke’s Parish Council are: The Rev’d Serving: St Paul’s Manuka Kevin Stone (Chair), Wardens: Edna Sturman, John St David’s Red Hill Pilbeam, Jacqui Marsden (Secretary). Parish Councillors: St Luke’s Deakin Julie Hirst, Alison Heath, Perry Wiles Telephone: 02 62396148 Fax 02 62394079 Website: http://www.stpaulsmanuka.org.au E-mail: [email protected] Rector: The Rev’d Dr Brian Douglas Assistant Priest The Rev’d Susan Bridge Associate Priest The Venerable John Gibson “The only time I seem to get a standing Pastor at St ovation is when there are no chairs.” Mitt David’s Romney, United States Presidential candidate, Associate Priest, Priest in charge to an enthusiastic crowd. St Luke’s The Rev’d Kevin Stone Web site: www.deakinanglican.com.au Publication: Community is available in print and electronic form on the St Paul’s Parish web site or by e- mail. Printed by: MBE, Manuka Editor: George Menham Requests: Please contact St Paul’s Parish Office. © 2011 All rights reserved

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