Issue 94 Sep Oct 2013 - Anglican Diocese of Bendigo
Transcription
Issue 94 Sep Oct 2013 - Anglican Diocese of Bendigo
MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF BENDIGO www.bendigoanglican.org.au Issue 94 September-October 2013 The Spirit wins Gold! T he Australasian Religious Press Association has given the Gold award for ‘Best Original Photography’ to The Spirit for ‘Four new servers for Bendigo North Parish’ (below). It was taken by Judith Hall and published on the front cover of the July 2012 issue. Asylum seekers: what will you do? “This award will exhibit high impact photography combining creativity and technical ability and know-how to capture a subject to support and enhance the publication’s purpose for using the photo,” wrote the judges. “This photograph is simply composed and naturally lit, reflecting a quiet understanding and solemnity of the moment. It is un-staged photojournalism at its best, and captures the context of the story perfectly.” Congratulations, Judy! R ecent policy statements by both major political parties on proposed treatment of asylum seekers have shocked many by their harsh approach to people in desperate circumstances. All Saints’ Anglican Church Newstead, like several other churches in the district, displays a banner designed by Maiden Gully missioner, the Revd Roger Rich. Well positioned opposite the football ground, the banner challenges policies which contradict United Nations Conventions on the rights of asylum seekers, as well as the teachings of the major faiths about the human dignity of each person. Christ Church Castlemaine has also put up the banner, and Holy Trinity Maldon plans to show a similar message soon. This is an issue which, sadly, remains current and contentious despite the change of government. q Julia Nutting 2013 Benetas HIGH tea AT THE HOTEL WINDSOR Wear a touch of glamour and join Benetas to celebrate the Victorian Seniors Festival. You’ll get to enjoy The Hotel Windsor’s signature tea at an exclusive Seniors Festival price. Join us in the afternoon on or in the morning on Tuesday 8 October Thursday 10 October Bookings are welcome from all interested seniors and their guests. $40 per head To book your place, visit www.benetas.com.au or call 03 8823 7957 2:00pm–4:00pm 10:00am–12:00pm A Dear friends, ed with people and their struggles in life. Spring has sprung! The other morning I went by train from Bendigo to Melbourne. The countryside looked the best that I have seen in the ten years I have lived in Central Victoria. The grass is refreshingly green, the apple trees in Harcourt were all in new leaf, and spring lambs were to be seen frolicking in the open countryside. A very idyllic view, very uplifting for the eyes and the soul. In his own life, Nouwen moved from a prestigious academic post at Harvard University to live in a L’Arche community in Toronto with a group of mentally handicapped people. He found that all his academic and theological training, and the skills that he had acquired over many years, were pretty useless at L’Arche, where the daily routine largely consisted of cleaning and assisting people to eat. Nouwen’s point is that it is only when you are placed in a situation of vulnerability that you truly begin to understand what is the nature of Christian leadership. There is also nothing like a train journey to have a bit of space to read and to reflect. On this particular journey I read a wonderful little book by the Roman Catholic writer Henri Nouwen entitled, In The Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership. It is not long, only 100 pages in this edition with fairly large print, but on every page there is substance of worth. The book soon had me engrossed and I become oblivious to the journey. Let me give you a couple of quotes: Beneath all the accomplishments of our time there is a deep current of despair. While efficiency and control are the great aspirations of our society, the loneliness, isolation, lack of friendship and intimacy, broken relationships, boredom, feelings of emptiness and depression and a deep sense of uselessness fill the hearts of millions of people in our success orientated world. (page 33) How right he is, I think to myself as we journey along. But how do we address this? Nouwen believes that there is a role for Christian leadership in addressing the crises of our modern times: He writes: Christian leaders of the future have to be theologians, persons who know the heart of God and are trained – through prayer, study and careful analysis – to manifest the divine event of God’s saving work in the midst of the many seemingly random events of their time. (page 88) Nouwen calls his approach to Christian leadership one of ‘downward mobility’, and he seeks to push the understanding of leadership away from that of success and accomplishments to one deeply connect2 The Spirit September-October 2013 I found Nouwen’s book personally very challenging. It is very much directed to Christian leaders, telling them to turn away from the models so often held as leadership exemplars from the political and corporate worlds, to look to the example of Jesus. Nouwen is very big on parables of the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan as being at the heart of what Jesus understood as the core of leadership. These parables convey a generosity about the love of God, a love that is prepared to step beyond convention and reach people who have never been touched or expected to be touched by it in their lives. For Nouwen, the love of God must be transparent in Christian leadership and be so powerful it has the potential to convert and turn situations around as seen in the two parables that I mentioned. The book is challenging, but at the same time understanding and affirming. He knows that so much church leadership in our present context can be like walking a tightrope. But again, this is where trust and vulnerability come into play, which can only be addressed by a deep and profound belief in the love of God. Amazingly I look up and find we have just pulled into Southern Cross station! nother Federal election has come and gone. In Australia I think we are increasingly over all the advertising and electoral spin that comes with elections. At the same time we need to remind ourselves that having the right to vote is a privilege, one not to be taken lightly or for granted. Australia is one of the most robust and enduring democracies in modern history, with an ability to express views freely and openly, in stark contrast to many other places in the world. Australia has now voted for a change of government. This is the fundamental right of the citizenry of any democracy. We are all entitled to our own views and beliefs, and these can agree or disagree with government policy – again, the privilege of living in an open and democratic society. It is also the responsibility of governments to act with understanding, integrity, and in the best interests of all people in our nation and particularly for the most disadvantaged. Do pray regularly for our new Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, and the government he leads. Pray for transparency in our political life, for a commitment to justice and fairness and that we will continue to be a nation where all people are valued. The Spirit Monthly newsmagazine (except January) of the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo. Address: The Spirit, PO Box 2, Bendigo 3552 Member, Australasian Religious Press Association Editor: The Revd Dr Charles Sherlock charlesherlock@gmail.com Committee Chair: The Revd Bryn Jones The Spirit is published in the first week of the month (excluding January). Advertising: rates are available from the Editor. All advertisements are accepted at the Editor’s discretion; acceptance does not imply endorsement of the product or service. Contributions are welcome, and will be edited: email submission is preferred. Anonymous articles will not be considered for publication. Photographs should be in digital form (4.1 megapixels: 300dpi). Physical photographs are normally not returned. The Anglican Diocese of Bendigo and the Editor are not responsible for opinions expressed by contributors, nor do these necessarily reflect the policy of the diocese. Next contributions deadline: October 23 Life goes on at St Paul’s T he cathedral might still be temporarily closed, but life goes on for the congregation. Worship is held in the hall and a range of activities keeps us on our toes. The August Promenade Series was held for the fifth year. The ‘Proms’ is a series of short performances designed to be accessible, entertaining and stimulating, giving performers the opportunity to be part of a larger event, retain artistic control and promote themselves, and show audiences the huge range of talent that exists locally. Next item on our outreach calendar is the St Paul’s Art Prize, our 20th annual Art Show. It caters for artists from the Bendigo region, giving them a venue to display and sell their work - and it gives us a chance to see and buy. The Show opens on Friday 25 October 7.30pm and continues on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27. q Ian Smith ‘Our Place’ closing O ur Place Community Assistance Centre at Eaglehawk will sadly close at the end of September. Our Place was established in the wake of the February 2009 bushfires. The Revd Tracey Wolsley’s insight, vision and energy for Our Place soon saw it grow to a place which has assisted so many people. Initially commenced following the bushfires, it expanded to assist all who came through the doors. “Our Place has provided a place of fellowship and belonging to many people,” said Bishop Andrew. “I thank all those volunteers and groups who generously contributed to its ministry, to make it a wonderful place of hope and support throughout its four years of operation.” q Above: Christopher Wilson on piano at the August Proms. Below: the Bendigo Guitar Trio in action. Diocesan Property Manager Greg McKerlie discusses the internal work on the cathedral with Bishop Andrew. Sarah Crutch PS: see page 5, Saltworks and Our Place In brief: some more issues raised by your synod representatives T of the 1988 Lambeth Conference (on issues concerning human sexuality) when considering ordination, licensing and appointing to ministry, while supporting ongoing discussion on sexuality issues. he August issue of The Spirit was full of synod news, but there was not room for everything! Below are some issues raised in discussion at synod. Over three Sundays we had seven 45 minute performances by singers, guitarists, pianists, a flautist and a harpist. Each performance (for the soul) was followed by something for the body (nibbles and mulled wine). At the end of August, 60 people sat down to a catered three course ‘Lantern Lunch’. The theme was ‘spicy’, giving our cooks opportunity to display their curry making skills. The room was decorated with saris and the tables with paper lanterns made by young people of the parish. The proceeds went to the Cathedral Restoration Appeal. Early in September 50 people attended the annual Parish Mission Dinner at the BRIT restaurant. Partly a social event, partly a fund-raiser, it helps us meet our commitment of $500 each for our three ABM mission projects – all now in hand. But first a big ‘thank you’ to Rachel Cho, Sarah Crutch, The Spirit committee and Julia Nutting for their hard work in producing the issue while editor Charles Sherlock was away. • Fossil fuels: Ms Susan Basset, Castlemaine, asked for an assurance that diocesan investments did not support the development of fossil fuels, but rather might promote renewable energy. The Registrar explained that an ethical policy is pursued, with no direct investment in fossil fuels, though these might feature in a trust fund. • Advice on grants: A motion that synod recommend appointment of a diocesan project officer for parish grants and funding was welcomed. • Ministry of gay clergy: the Revd Fiona Goy, Maldon, enquired about a protocol issued by the 2011 Australian Bishops’ Conference, which undertook to observe Resolution 10.1 Bp Andrew said he does not support the protocol, considering it poorly expressed and unworkable. He believes that support for the position then stated is now diminishing, and he was instrumental in crafting a statement at the 2013 bishops’ meeting. Reaching a common mind is still in process. Bishop Andrew is happy to discuss the issues with any parish or person. • Diocesan Missionary Agencies Committee (DMAC): Archdeacon Michael Hopkins (chair) reported that the committee is reflecting on the 2005 Act of Synod governing its composition and work, doing a stocktake of its activities and effectiveness and surveying parishes about their mission involvement (see page 7 story, ‘Mission on the move’). q September-October 2013 The Spirit 3 Vision Talbot 87.6 FM starts broadcasting Elmore Feasting and fellowship here has been lots of fellowship, fun, and as always – food – in the Elmore parish over the last few weeks. The Op Shop celebrated its 21st Birthday with a Service of Thanksgiving at St Peter’s followed by a luncheon. A week later it was the annual ‘Port and Poetry’ evening with artists coming from near and far to perform in front of a capacity crowd in the parish centre. We then tucked into a sumptuous supper and lots of chatter. Goornong BBQ bonfire n Saturday 7 September the congregation of St George’s Goornong welcomed about 40 people from the parish and local community to a bonfire and BBQ tea in the church grounds. Mark and Tracey Taig with their band of helpers, after setting up for the meal and preparing the bonfire earlier in the day, cooked at the BBQ. Beautiful food and very enjoyable company along with a Christian outreach into the community was provided. Congratulations to all involved for a wonderful evening. New service times n the fourth Sunday of the month the service time at St Peter’s has been changed to 5pm and is followed by a ‘soup and roll’ tea. The later time enables the Revd Ross Craven to stay on after the morning services at other centres in the parish and catch up with parishioners, rather than having to rush off to the St Peter’s service. The parish’s centres are very grateful to the congregation at St Peter’s for so willingly trialling this idea. q Sandra Clayton T O O Do you paper recycle The Spirit? Why not share it first with a friend, or place in a local waiting room ? 4 The Spirit September-October 2013 T albot has a new radio relay station, reports Eve Lamb in The Maryborough Advertiser. Lonely people, and those who may appreciate a word or two of practical advice for getting through some of life’s rigours, are particularly expected to benefit, Junita Hayes believes. Junita is secretary of Talbot’s St Michael and All Angels’ Anglican Church, and has just taken on special new responsibility as local co-ordinator for Vision Talbot 87.6 FM, which began transmitting in June. Broadcasts are relayed via satellite from Vision Radio Network, based in Brisbane, to the newly installed dish on the roof of St Michael’s office building. “And from there our antenna sends it around Talbot,” Junita said. “It’s supposed to cover a seven kilometre radius but we’re finding it’s reaching as far as the Goldfields Reservoir.’’ The new station, established due to an anonymous donor, is being hosted by Talbot Anglican church with the support of Maryborough Anglican parish. “We’re excited to extend our regional coverage,” Vision’s CEO Ian Worby said. “We offer the best Christian music as well as practical chat on real life issues. Vision is about connecting faith to life.” Junita has already contributed live to a breakfast broadcast out of Brisbane as she was interviewed via phone to mark the start of the new relay station. “I’m the contact for Talbot so I’m happy to spread any good news to Brisbane when we’re doing special things and they’re happy to let the world know. “There’s a lot of lonely people out in the bush, so we’re hoping to let them know we’re available 24 hours a day. There are very helpful programs, particularly for marriages and families — some very practical things for helping you cope with family difficulties and very good with health issues also.” Junita said the new Talbot relay station is one of about 570 the network has across Australia. Talbot is the 50th in Victoria. The Christian broadcaster hopes to establish similar relay stations at Avoca, Maryborough and Dunolly into the future. “We really appreciate our benefactor, that he’s given us the opportunity to share the good news,” Junita said. q M U chaplain, the Revd Linda Osmond, recently presented a 25-year scroll at Swan Hill branch to Ada Wood (on Linda’s right). Linda also admitted Margaret Finnemore as a member of Nyah West MU branch. Margaret is pictured in the centre below, with Branch President Sylvia Ball on the left. q ‘ Change a life. Donate now. Working together, we can make hopeful change; working to our strengths, we bring about a welcoming, inclusive and just society. – Bishop Andrew Curnow AM St Luke’s Board President Donate to the St Luke’s Appeal Direct deposit via Bendigo Bank: BSB 633 000 ACC 130329535 We take donations over the phone: Call: 03 5440 1100 Or choose to give online at: www.stlukes.org.au Albury • Bendigo • Castlemaine Deniliquin • Echuca • Kyneton Maryborough • Swan Hill Eaglehawk sites plans C elebrating what was, what is, and what will be is the path that the parish is walking at present. We are preparing to consolidate our activities onto the Eaglehawk site, and close the California Gully building, St Jude’s. St Luke’s Bendigo North Ladies Guild held their Spring Afternoon Tea in September. It was a great success, with visiting singers from Our Place, pictured above in action. Bendigo North Confirmations and more O n Sunday 15 September Bishop Ron Stone confirmed three young members of the congregation of St Luke’s: Abbey and Jordan Beecham and Sophie Downing-Mooney (pictured below with Bishop Ron). Some 80 people joined in the joyful celebrations and shared a lunch afterwards in the Parish Centre. Abbey, Jordan and Sophie are active as servers in the church. Eaglehawk Reflections on Homosexuality and the Church: discovering a biblical and pastoral perspective. T his was the somewhat lengthy name given to a four week group that met in Eaglehawk Anglican parish over September. But it clearly expressed the purpose of the meetings. It was not our intention only to review familiar biblical passages, but to create an opportunity for interplay between these and other scriptures, social opinion, scientific thought, and our own personal opinions. Some 17 people attended and a handful of others received the notes of each meeting by email. I must commend those who attended for their openness to new information, their candour in discussion, and their acceptance of the struggle that creating a personal biblical and pastoral response brings. The parish hosted two days of training for new VCC Emergency Chaplains. Some two dozen people came from all parts of the diocese and other churches to train for future emergencies such as bushfires, floods or traffic accidents where a Relief Centre is established. 150 years of worship O n the weekend of 23-24 November St Luke’s will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first service held in St Luke’s church. For more details contact the Revd Christine Kimpton, Locum rector, 5447 2959 or the parish office 5444 1875. The meetings sought to avoid being overly directive, and we recognised that we may not all come to the same conclusions. During the discussions there were probably some ‘ouch’ moments for all of us, as we discovered something about ourselves, our sexuality, or of God’s word that challenged us. There were also a fair amount of encouragements, as the Holy Spirit confirmed some of our existing viewpoints and compassions. In four meetings we realised we were limited in how much we could cover, but each of us agreed it was a faith stretching and fruitful time in which God did certainly expand both our biblical and pastoral perspectives. Replacing buildings, and relocating to other buildings is part of the parish heritage – neither St Jude’s nor St Peter’s are is in its original building. Their buildings have had chapels, sanctuaries, bell towers, halls, Sunday school rooms, organs, heating, artwork, stages, lighting, furniture, screens, rectories etc. added and subtracted as believed necessary. As the patching up and painting of walls continues each weekend, as the upgrades to electricals and plumbing are completed, as new fences are erected outside and new spaces are created inside, St Peter’s buildings and grounds, and Eaglehawk parishioners are being made ready by the Holy Spirit for the future work of the Gospel in the 3556 community. Please join us in prayer that this relocation will bring renewal to each member and each ministry. Saltworks and Our Place altworks is the parish’s community action ministry, and will continue to provide care in the name of Christ to many in the 3556 community, even after the closure of Our Place. Saltworks has for a number of years provided a free weekly two course community meal on Friday evenings; weekly access to some allied health therapies for the cost of a gold coin on Wednesday afternoons through ‘Hands on Health’; and regular supplies of groceries through Foodbank. In the near future it is hoped that Saltworks will be able to open a youth drop-in centre. It will work hard to provide a community space for all people, not only to receive practical and prayerful assistance, but also friendship and conversation. Apart from its Saltworks activities, Eaglehawk parish is offering hospitality to any of the community groups that used Our Place, so that their meetings may continue relatively undisturbed. q Andrew Plant S September-October 2013 The Spirit 5 Baptism celebated at St John’s Bears Lagoon M any readers of The Spirit will have passed our small church of St John on the Loddon Valley Highway. It’s the one with the thought provoking sign on the front wall. We change signs regularly and people passing by always notice it. Jeff Wild, Papuana Motte and Bryn Jones at the Refugee Sunday service Refugee Sunday – St Mary’s Kangaroo Flat I magine being a sixteen year old girl lost at sea in a rickety canoe somewhere between Papua New Guinea and Cape York with no drinking water ... That was the story of Papuana Motte, who addressed an ecumenical gathering at our recent Refugee Sunday service. Papuana captivated her listeners with a daring story of escape and survival. She now lives in Melbourne and is a strong advocate for the people of West Papua. The church was full to capacity with many people travelling up from Castlemaine as well as people from St Monica’s Catholic Church in Kangaroo Flat. We were pleased that Bishop Andrew could join us and lead the closing prayers and give the blessing. We were also encouraged to have Labor member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters in attendance. In addition to Papuana’s challenging address, the gathering enjoyed music by Caring at a time of need James Rigby and Jane Thompson, known as ‘The Music Makers’ – a popular Castlemaine folk duo. We look forward 151 McCrae Street Bendigo to seeing some 12 Victoria Street Eaglehawk of you there in P. 5441 5577 2014. q www.williamfarmer.com.au 6 The Spirit September-October 2013 Recently we had balloons along the highway to mark two baptisms taking place. Our deacon-in-training, Pam Lawry, baptised the youngest candidate, Hazel – Pam’s first baptism! Bishop Ron, our rector, baptised the older candidate, Tara. Everyone was invited to celebrate their own baptism and to bring memorabilia from their service. We had a baptismal robe, christening cups and gifts, baptismal certificates and photographs … and more balloons! Papuana travelled to Bendigo with Jeff Wild from ‘Act For Peace’ and the Victorian Council of Churches. This is the second time the parish of Kangaroo Flat has worked with Jeff and his organization to run Refugee Sunday. This year the event was held at the Kangaroo Flat Uniting Church due to the rebuilding at St Mary’s. A tradition that continues... Part of the parish of Pyramid Hill / Boort, we meet on second Tara Siroky, Hazel Armstrong in Pam and fourth Sundays Lawry’s arms, and Bishop Ron after Tara at 10am. If you are and Hazel’s baptisms at Bears Lagoon. passing by just before 11am you will see our church family of all ages gathered around a camp fire having a cup of soup or coffee and freshly cooked toast. Just look for the smoke! Bryn Jones Do drop in next time you are passing by when we have our service of worship. You will find a friendly welcome. q Pam Lawry T Walkabout Ministry in focus he Revd Robyn Davis, who heads up the Diocesan Koori Ministry, will be the guest speaker at the ABM-A Auxiliary AGM. It is to be held at St John’s Kerang from 1.30pm on Thursday 17 October. She will have plenty to ‘show and tell’! As well as hearing Robyn’s story, those present will have the opportunity to enjoy fellowship over a cuppa, bring and buy something from the trading table, and make nominations and vote for the positions of Auxiliary President, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President (2), Assistant Secretary, National Delegate, ABM-A representative on the Diocesan Missionary Agencies Committee. And all this for just $5 – which will go towards the work of ABM-A. Claudia Douthat or Myrtle Shay look forward to hearing by 9 October from anyone interested in attending: 5452 1835 or 5441 8354 or myrtle.shay@bigpond.com. ABM-A’s Brad Chapman displayed his usual great enthusiasm for mission at each of the Deanery Rallies held in May across the diocese. Review sheets gave participants the opportunity to come up with interesting suggestions, which will be discussed by the Auxiliary Committee and could see some innovative ideas being introduced. So watch this space! q Jenny Rainsford Messy Church – AFL style! A s churches we are always looking for ways of connecting to our community. September and footy is a major part of our culture. So on SUnday 15 September the Anglican Parish of Sunraysia South based its Sunday service around a footy theme, as part of its Messy Church programme. watched over the internet, and raising support to help rescue persecuted Christians in the Sudan. The parish is also looking forward to its annual ‘Bible in the Bush ‘weekend, with planning well underway. Dale Barclay Brenda Hornsby, the co-ordinator, gave a talk based on the Bible while using some great illustrations and links between footy and the Christian walk. Activities included a handball competition, making a run-through banner, balloon football and a computer football game. Lunch was provided after the service and Above: sing these words to the tune of the Carlton Blues’ theme song ... included hot dogs and Below: the footy theme cake, complete with goal posts! party pies, followed by a football oval cake – though unlike the footy venues, the food was free. One highlight was singing some AFL club songs with changed words thanks to the creativity of Brenda. November 1 - 3 2013 “Jesus Christ, Priest and Sacrifice” Hebrews Rev. Dr Peter Adam DMAC surveys parishes D MAC, the Diocesan Missionary Agencies Committee, is on the move: not literally, but in the sense of bringing it to new life. This move has been instigated by our new chair, Archdeacon Michael Hopkins, who took over this position at the beginning of the year. Archdeacon Michael updated the 2013 synod about what DMAC had been doing, and asked repesentatives to report back to their parishes. As part of the reflection process, each parish is now participating in a mission survey, and the usefulness of the current diocesan Act governing the committee. Each parish council has been asked to complete the survey during September and October. Once collated, the information will provide valuable insight into how we collectively feel about mission generally and through the mission agencies supported in the diocese. “I encourage each parish council to seriously look at the survey,” Archdeacon Michael said. “It will challenge and encourage your understanding of mission in the parish context, and open new opportunities for you to explore. Other recent church activities have included a hymn singing morning, an election panel BIBLE IN THE BUSH ‘Mission on the move’ Great Bible teaching over a weekend in rural Victoria. www.bibleinthebush.org.au Phone: 03 5024 2521 admin@bibleinthebush.org.au ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.’ St Mark’s Anglican Church 25 Heath St, Red Cliffs Vic “When the completed surveys are in and assessed, the committee will be better informed to develop a strategy for the future,” the archdeacon added. “I hope that we will be able to report our findings back to all parishes and to synod next year.” Financial target in reach M eanwhile, DMAC was delighted to observe that although our overall financial target for 2013 was reduced by 12% from 2012 to only $90,000, parishes are well on the way to reaching this figure. However, part of the reason for this good achievement has been making up for a tardiness in forwarding contributions with monthly returns. q September-October 2013 The Spirit 7 Beating around the bush Memory and names Mooroopna Family Fun Group thriving T he new Family Fun Group has been running for several months now and is being enjoyed by many children and their families. With 15 babies and toddlers and parents / grandparents on the list the sessions are full of life and activity. Play dough, craft activities, blocks , dress ups, shop play, climbing, balancing, story telling and the popular singing session all make for a fun morning. The morning tea time is enjoyed by all and the children are learning to sit up at the table at this time and to sing a song of thanks to God before they eat. The children are learning to relate well and play together. It has been exciting to see the wonderful response from the parish with 5-6 volunteers helping each week and financial generosity enabling us to purchase toys and equipment. The local Australian Christian Churches Op shop also gave us a generous donation, as did a Shepparton fund raising organization. We pray that the group will provide a safe place for relationships to grow and we trust the love of Christ is felt by all as we serve in this ministry. q Marian Darby H ow do you fare at remembering names? I have always enjoyed the challenge of learning a person’s name, being able to memorise a person’s name, and being able to recall a person’s name. These are the three stages of memory. For me, being able to call a person by name is a very important part of ministry, an aspect of ministry that has to be worked at. I recall something Jesus said on this subject when he spoke about his ministry: “I know my own and my own know me” (John 10:14). I know how challenging those words are. It is moving to read those accounts in the gospels of Jesus calling people by their name. The most moving account for me is the Easter day story when the risen Christ says to the woman weeping in the cemetery, “Mary!” To use a person’s personal name is our recognition of a specific, unique and identifiable individual person. T he challenge was on when I went to be the Bishop of the vast Diocese of Rockhampton. The diocese, in terms of geographic size, is two and a half times the size of Victoria. It had then over 30 parishes and around 80 worship centres. Lisbeth used to keep a notebook in the car, so that immediately after we left a parish we would recall and record the names of the people we had just met. When we later made a return to the parish, before we arrived there, we would go through the notebook, say the name, and recall the person and perhaps, something about the person. When we met the person we would more often than not be able to surprise them by greeting them by name. It was important to never lose that notebook. It contained the names of hundreds of very special people. I always encourage the wearing of name tags in congregations. Some people have said over the years, “But everyone knows my name – I don’t need to wear a name tag.” That is not the point! When we wear a name tag we are often giving permission of the name people can use when addressing us. Wearing a name tag helps to ‘personalise’ the congregation. It is a welcoming sign. In a small rural or outback congregation it is a sign of hope that we are expecting to welcome a visitor into our midst. 8 The Spirit September-October 2013 Can you imagine not being able to recall someone’s name … especially someone you love dearly, or had known well? Can you imagine the frustration of not being able to recall the name of items such as keys, a watch or book? Sadly, such can be the result of a stroke, when what has earlier been learned and memorised cannot be recalled. Thankfully, specialised rehabilitation, and hard work on the part of the sufferer, can make a difference – thoughtful, helpful and understanding friends can play an important part in the recovery process too. When I left Rockhampton, one gift presented to Lisbeth and me was a leatherbound book, ‘Memories for Bishop Ron’. The many pages were gathered together without our knowledge from across the diocese, and contain photographs of people and places, poems, humour, recollections, etc. and etc., and from the ‘wags’ in the Parish of Barcoo, a ‘reference’ for a retiring bishop addressed to “The Manager, Retired Bishop’s Employment Agency”. Now that makes for interesting reading! However, what matters most about this treasure are the names - and the people behind them … people we still pray for. Earlier this column referred to Christ “knowing his own”. Our names, yours and mine, are known, remembered by Christ. Each of us is known as a specific, unique and identifiable individual person of value in the sight of God. Sometimes there are occasions in life when knowing that is of the greatest importance! q Bishop Ron The Diocese of Bendigo expects the highest standards of professional service from its Clergy and Lay Ministers. IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT Please call (free) 1800 135 246 A phone call to the above number will mean that your complaint will be handled by the Director of Professional Standards. The Diocese is a full participant in the Victorian Anglican Provincial Abuse and Harassment Protocol. This is an independent, objective procedure adopted by the Diocese of Bendigo. Maldon: fabulous dinner, celebrating God’s mission Celebration: ‘the divine capacity to enjoy God, life and others’ – Robert Warren T he parish of Maldon and many friends had a fabulous dinner in August as a fundraiser for missions – any excuse will do! There was plenty of laughter, and such good food! People from other churches and from none kept coming. It was a cold evening, but the hall’s new insulation and the warmth of the relationships meant we had to turn off the heater! Dean John Roundhill was our guest. He spoke about the time he went with some from his previous parish to Papua New Guinea to deepen their awareness of what mission meant. Dean John began by showing a picture of a life-sized idolised model / sculpture of an aeroplane made by the people of one of the villages. The people had first come across western white people when they arrived by plane and proceeded to offer all sorts of gifts to them. Over time the villagers developed an understanding of white people as like gods who came from the sky and brought things for them, anything they needed. They just had to ask. We have so very much to celebrate in this part of God’s world! We wish to share the bounty. But how? Dean John’s riveting presentation ensured that we all thought more deeply about mission, and the cult of giving, giving, giving. What are we trying to do with missions? Is it so that we assuage our guilt for having so much? Do we ‘save’ people by sending gifts and money? Or do we ‘save’ them by waiting for an invitation from them, and being led in the direction they wish to go, walking side by side? Another definition of celebration, by Sara Wenger Shenk is, “honouring that which we hold most dear, delighting in that which tells us who we are, taking the time to cherish each other, and returning with open arms and thankful hearts to our Maker.” Amen to that! q Fiona Goy $5K for Nyah West Community Centre N yah West Community Centre and Men’s Shed has received a grant of $5,000 from the Freemasons Public Charitable Foundation to assist with the costs of the works being carried out on the buildings. These include the installation of a new toilet and an upgrade to the kitchen. The Community Centre, which opened in August 2012, provides a range of support and assistance to Nyah West and surrounding communities. The improvements to the facilities will provide a more comfortable environment for volunteers and Centre users, and allow it to continue to be a vital part of the community, so important in such small, rural areas. Bob Layton presents Bishop Andrew with the cheque for $5,000. The Nyah West community is deeply grateful to the Freemasons for their support and contribution. q Sarah Crutch Cycling by faith: gain through Christ’s pain All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him to life. I want to suffer and die as he did, so that somehow I also may be raised to life. (Philippians 3:10-11) C ycling in a peleton creates an amazing euphoria when you find yourself in the draught of other cyclists, being drawn along with minimal effort. The benefits are exponential as the group’s size grows: the more shelter you can gain from the bodies and bikes of other cyclists and from the prevailing wind allows the conservation of energy and effort. If you happen to get out of the draught, the effort required to remain in contact with the bike wheel in front of you can deplete reserves of energy very quickly, and you will suffer. The greater the gap the more suffering required to regain contact with the peleton. A bike length can seem like eternity to regain when battling cross winds, and I have often seen where this small gap was never bridged. Our faith in Christ has allowed us to come into the promised eternal rest of God and to be reconciled into God’s kingdom. It was made possible through Christ suffering on the cross, being separated from the intimacy of God his Father by taking on our sin and suffering that we lived under from the fall of humanity. We were adopted and given new life in Christ, resurrected to new life, rescued from sin and death by his ministry and work on the cross, and known through the Holy Spirit. We stand to continue to suffer if we allow sin to remain in our lives, separating us from the love of God. Christ has overcome the power of sin, nailing its demands to the cross and revealing its shame and guilt. But, through Spirit-inspired repentance and faith in Christ’s rescuing power, we must deal with the inherent nature of our old self by dealing with our choices not to sin. As Jesus told his disciples, we too must die to self and pick up our cross daily in order to be his followers. We cannot work or earn our way into salvation, but place our hope and trust in the love and grace of God, and God’s calling us to be found as one in his Son Jesus. Like in the cycling peleton, as we draw near to God, God draws near to us. As we are carried in the Lord’s mighty arms we enter the eternal draught of God’s Spirit, bringing us into the divine rest of heaven. Entering into the suffering of Christ, knowing that it is our sin that separated us from God, and that it was the completed suffering of Christ that has brought us to be reconciled to the Father and live by the Spirit – this is our calling as we ride and breathe in the peleton of God’s people. Looking forward to seeing you on the road soon, God willing. q Eddie Barkla, Pioneer Minister, Bendigo cycling community September-October 2013 The Spirit 9 From stigma to compassion M ental Health Week 2013 is coming up: 8-15 October. Sadly, there is still stigma associated with people who have a mental illness. In particular, over 100 million people worldwide suffer from depression. It can even be traced back to Bible times. King David wrote about his “downcast soul” and how his “tears were his food”: Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? My soul is downcast within me. (Ps 42) In Psalm 40 he writes that “troubles without number surround me” and that he was stuck in “the mud and mire”. Elijah fell into deep depression when hunted by Jezebel (1 Kings 19), despite his earlier fearless ministry. Depression has afflicted people throughout the ages, from Hippocrates, Galen and Homer to George Washington, Napoleon Bonaparte and Ludwig van Beethoven. Monet suffered from it. Marilyn Monroe treated herself with a mixture of prescription and other drugs which resulted in her tragic death. Princess Diana suffered from it and spoke about it after the birth of Prince William. Yet the shame and stigma still exists in society today. This needs to change. Jesus, the greatest teacher and rabbi, healed people not only with physical problems but mental illnesses as well. People turned to him and spoke about all types of afflictions and were never judged. He told people not to worry about their lives and to not be afraid (Luke 12:22-32). Jesus was a friend to all, not only the healthy but also the sick (Matthew 9:10-13). As Christians it is important for us to remember God’s command to love our neighbour as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and to have compassion – and those with a mental illness certainly need it. q Angela Morrison 10 The Spirit September-October 2013 There’s a word for it: ‘clergy’ W e know who the clergy are. They’re the ones with the funny dog collars, right? Yes, but where did the word come from? Clergy, cleric, clerk all derive from the the Acts of the Apostles. After Judas Iscariot went and hanged himself, the original twelve apostles of Jesus were down to eleven. What was to be done? The remaining disciples resorted to the time-honoured way of settling such manners. They cast lots. “And the lot fell on Matthias and he was added to the eleven apostles.” In ancient societies, indeed in many still today, there were a variety of ways of discerning what was to be done or what was going to happen. Animals were sometimes slain and their organs examined or bones strewn on the ground to see what the gods foretold. Even today we have fortune tellers, people who will read your palm and the lines on it, or try to discover what the future holds by looking at the tea leaves in a cup. At the time of Jesus, democratic elections were not the way things were done. All the business of calling a committee together, ensuring a quorum and formally voting someone in or out was to come later. At that time lots were drawn for major decision making. Lots were customarily stones or pebbles but could also be little sticks or arrows. Casting lots, either onto the ground or into one’s lap, was a way of calling on God to render a decision when human impartiality was required – see Joshua 18:6-10, 1 Chronicles 26:12-16, Nehemiah 11:1 for example. As Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast into the lap but the decision is the Lord’s alone.” Over time doubtless many methods were used to discern what the lots meant. One was to cut straws into equal lengths and add a shorter one, held in the hand so you couldn’t tell which one was the shortest. We still have the expression, “He drew the short straw.” Maybe the use of thrown dice came from the practice too, which sounds a bit too much like gambling for some Christians to stomach. But the fact remains that in the earliest days of the Church this vital decision as to who should replace Judas Iscariot was made by the customary drawing or casting of lots. Even though this custom seems a little random to us, it was done with serious and reverent intent, in the context of prayer. There were two contenders, Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias. The apostles’ prayer was, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside.” (Acts 1:24-26) Only after that did they cast the lots. So where does the word ‘clergy’ come from? Well, the Greek word for lot is kleros, and that is the root word for ‘clergy’ and ‘cleric’ and even ‘clerk’. On legal documents it is still correct for a priest to be described as a ‘Clerk in Holy Orders’. But that event described in Acts is the last time that such decisions about the ministry were made by casting lots. After Pentecost, God’s Holy Spirit was called upon, and reliance was made on the spiritual gifts mentioned in I Corinthians 12. Some of these may be called upon for the relevant situation: a special word [or message or utterance] of knowledge, divinely given, or the light [or a word] of divine wisdom in the choice. During the service of ordination there is one key question: “Do you believe you are truly called of God to this ministry?” When it comes to important decisions about recognising the insistent call of God into a particular ministry we don’t rely on the toss of a coin but on the deep leading of the Holy Spirit of God. q Richard Stamp Can you remember the Diocese in your will? Our Diocese has been blessed by the generosity of past benefactors. As we seek to expand Christ’s mission in the 21st century, how might you contribute? You should get legal advice before making your will. You may wish to consider the activities of the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo as the recipient of a specific gift, or of the residue of your estate. This wording may be useful for you and your legal advisor when making your will: I bequeath The Corporate Trustees of the Diocese of Bendigo in the State of Victoria the sum of ... to be used for the general purposes of the Diocese of Bendigo in such manner as the said Trustees may approve. Grylls Family Cross unveiled at Laanecoorie A small crowd gathered at the Laanecoorie Hall on the afternoon of Sunday 8 September to unveil the Grylls Family Cross that has been placed in the hall following the deconsecration of St Paul’s, Laanecoorie. The cross was unveiled by Jenette Dawson (née Grylls) and Lorraine Cornwall, who each shared an interesting history of St Paul’s and the Grylls family. The brass cross was placed on the altar of St Paul’s in 1941, engraved with the name of Catherine Scott Grylls, in her memory. Her husband James Henry Grylls was added following his death in 1950, and the names of each of their seven children were also engraved on the steps of the cross upon their deaths. When St Paul’s Laanecoorie was deconsecrated in December 2012, many of the Grylls descendants thought it was important that this special family item be kept within the Laanecoorie community. Thanks to the dedication of Jenette Dawson (née Grylls) and cooperation from Registrar Anne Baker, the community was able to have the cross suitably housed in a wooden cabinet in the Laanecoorie Hall, along with the memorial tablet marking the re-dedication of St Paul’s church in 1953. The afternoon was attended by a range of community members and Grylls family descendants, including two great-great grandchildren. The descendants of James and Catherine Grylls, along with the people of Laanecoorie, are very pleased to be able to retain this special piece of family and community history in Laanecoorie. q Sarah Crutch media matters Stay on that couch … L et me confess my sins. I have recently tuned in to one of the shopping networks on TV and allowed myself to be seduced to put something into my ‘shopping cart’. It was very very easy. I was helpfully told what else someone who wanted this item would also buy. I am glad to report that I did not take my shopping cart to the checkout and have since resisted all attempts to make me buy anything. But I have enjoyed watching their efforts. Almost as much as I enjoyed the poor young phone salesman working for an insurance agency who tried to sell me a funeral plan. “Do you really want to have this conversation?” I asked kindly (it could be my son or grand-daughter trying to make a living). We finished with his question, “So you are saying that it is cheaper to pre-pay a funeral than buy a funeral plan?” “Much cheaper,” I replied, and he hung up. But I confess that when those funereal ads pour across my TV screen, I too begin to feel the need to care better for my family, to leave them in financial peace when I die, to really love them. Which, of course, can only be done with my weekly donation to an insurance company. But back to the TV shopping network. It is better than the boring shows where older men shout at me to buy a vacuum cleaner that sucks up billiard balls. It is better than the women with astonishing abdomens telling me that I will be happy if I buy a piece of machinery to twist my spine out of alignment. They just sell the same thing over and over and over. I could recite the ad for the non-stick frypan. On the real shopping network, they sell lots of stuff. Little blue squares tell me to buy NOW because my size is LIMITED and then ... GONE! But it is one thing to buy the little black dress for $89.95, “every woman should have one”. It is quite another to sign up for 8 monthly payments on a $4,999 piece of jewellery, just like that. Oh No, my size in that ring is gone! But wait, another similar ring is coming up! The presenters tell me that the buyers are mostly women. It’s what women do, shop. Really? The shoppers send emails, and develop a relationship with the presenters. “They are like my family,” said one woman. Really? And who are these women, I wonder, who buy all this jewellery? Do they give it to their husbands and say, “Here’s my birthday present”? Or are they confused into thinking that adding a few hundred dollars a month to the household budget is sane? Once you are past the clothes and shoes (sorry, fashion) and the jewellery (sorry, investment) out comes the skin care. Best recommendation I heard from a satisfied customer: “It made all my laugh lines vanish.” What the ...? I actually watched a close up of an older woman whose eyelid swelled up as the potion was applied. See what a great job this is doing, and stocks are now limited! Then there is the young man selling his great invention, showerheads which dispense Vitamin C. “Serious science is behind this one,” says the sales assistant who talks to me just like a sister, “those negative ions that we all crave”. What the ...? I did take time to notice that the water saving rating for this device was just halfway on the scale of one to six. But this is not the time to think about caring for our environment. It is about the person who matters most in the whole wide world, ME! Me wearing the latest fashion, covered in jewellery, carrying a fully leather-lined handbag, skin like a baby’s bottom, sleeping on the perfect mattress, showered with the perfect ingredients, and then lighting an expensive candle while I get on the internet and beat the telephone crowds to the next great bargain. We women love a bargain even if we don’t need it and a $2,000 saving has got to be better than a $50 saving. And, remember, you always have a 30-day money back guarantee, so it’s just harmless fun ... Isn’t it? My readers may well ask what on earth I am doing wasting my time on TV shopping? It is an education to watch them try to sell me a need I do not actually have. Peta Sherlock September-October 2013 The Spirit 11 Where’s Andy? Give a gold coin for The Spirit! D iocesan funds heavily subsidise The Spirit and we readers need to do more. Currently each parish pays a small contribution. I reckon it’s a great paper, one we can be proud of - do you agree? It is suggested that on July 8 in every parish there might be a gold coin collection for The Spirit. If each parishioner gave a dollar or two it would be a considerable boost to our paper. Some parishes may want to give a significant donation, even offer to sponsor the paper for an issue or two. Give it some thought and prayer, but please take some action and help the ministry of The Spirit. Ken Parker, chair of the editorial board Bishop Andrew is having a break - but Jeremy Ashton, Alf Austin and Fiona Goy still find The Spirit fascinating reading! Farewell to St Mark’s Calivil DMAC, Diocesan Missionary In May, Bishop Andrew was at the the Burke & Wills tree,Agencies Committee, is on the not literally, but in the sense of bringing it to new life. To Curlewis Street, Swan Hill - move: a huge Morton Bay fig . symbolise this move, members moved out of the Registry after Bishop Ron the 3/4 came mark of TheStone first reached correct answer from his century on September 10. Registry staff helped him celebrate the milestone with a special morning tea and birthday cake. September Kerang meeting - to have their photo taken in front of the Anjulitheir McConnell, congratulations! earth-mover renovating the cathedral surrounds. Left to right: Barry Rainsford, Jenny Rainsford, Myrtle Shay, Archdeacon Michael Hopkins, Margaret Fyffe, Julia Nutting, Ian Smith, and Joan Blackman (seated). Maldon laughter club - it’s no joke! STOP PRESS: news just in B ill & Gwen Twigg of Bears Lagoon have been given the North Central Landcare Award for sustainable farming, in recognition of their 40 years of working the land. The couple turned “a windswept, stressed property in the 1950s into a highly productive and profitable enterprise,” wrote Dorothy Cook in The Bendigo Advertiser. Congregational members outside St Mark’s after the service of deconsecration on 6 May (L to R): Bev Richards, Bishop Andrew, Edie and Bill Duff, Dale and Don Gilmore, the Revd Heather Vander Reest. Bill’s hard-working grandfather arrived in 1906, so the Twigg farm – Nil Desperandum – is a three-generation one. The couple has long been committed to following the patterns of Australia’s natural environment, preferring perennials to annuals, for example. Bill planted his first trees the day he left school in he 1956, andpark more skate at recently the backheofand the Gwen established three hectares of wetlands parish hall rings out each Saturday in the earlywith 2000s – “aofbrazen display of Parker, hope peals laughter. Jenny in ‘laughterologist’, the teeth of southern Australia’s severe leads the group, who drought,“ guffaw, Dorothy chortle, wrote. titter, giggle and discover more ways of laughing for half an hour. Congratulations, Bill and Gwen – and may many follow in your footsteps! q T S unday 29 April saw celebrations at St Mark’s, Calivil, for 70 years of public worship. The following Sunday afternoon, however, saw its deconsecration as a place of worship, in a service of closure. The group above are laughing for ‘World Laughter Day’, 6 May, created by Dr Madan Kataria, founder of Laughter Yoga. The laughter club is part of Maldon’s Mission August Paul’sthisKyneton Actionn 31 Plan: JennyStsees activitywas as transformed into a display venue for further linking church and community. some 40 wedding gowns, rangingJan from the Harper Wedding gowns through the ages O REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE A company with experience and consistent results, and one who really listens to your needs For Active and Personal Real Estate Established 1976 52 Mitchell Street, Bendigo Ph: 5440 9500 12 The Spirit September-October 2013 This final service was one of “solemnity and tears,” said the rector, Heather Vander Reest, “mixed with some levity”. Stories were shared over afternoon tea with the many visitors who had come to join the regular late 1890s to of thefive. present day. These gowns congregation were supplied by parishioners from Kyneton the service, thethe congregation formally andIn Malmsbury and general public. asked Bishop Andrew to deconsecrate church was decorated a tradi-a theThe church building, and hewith presented tional bridal arch, andInflower arrangements statement of closure. accordance with his were supplied by church and instruction, the items used for community worship are members. Local businesses to wedto made available for use byrelating other churches: ding preparations – florists, printers, bakeriit is enviasged that they will be placed with ers church etc. – displayed their wares in the hall, the at Bears Lagoon. and the meeting room became the morning Andrew preached on the reading andBishop afternoon tea venue. Organisers were for the day, Revelation 21, with its promise very pleased with the results and many fathat the risen Lord Jesus is always with us, vourable comments were made. q wherever we are. Betty Jenner
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Issue 76 November 2011 - Anglican Diocese of Bendigo
Address: The Spirit, PO Box 2, Bendigo 3552 Member, Australasian Religious Press Association Editor: The Revd Dr Charles Sherlock
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