Annual Review 2018 by Anglican Diocese of Newcastle

ANGLICAN CHURCH NEWCASTLE

Annual Review 2017-2018

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS TO THE SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTY-SECOND SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF NEWCASTLE Together with the Record of Visitors to the Diocese, and the Record of Appointments, Ordinations, Resignations and Retirements 1

Picture by Simone De Peak, courtesy of Newcastle Herald

Charge to Synod PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS TO THE SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTY-SECOND SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF NEWCASTLE Together with the Record of Visitors to the Diocese, and the Record of Appointments, Ordinations, Resignations and Retirements

The Rt Reverend Dr Peter Stuart 14th Bishop of Newcastle Friday 26 October 2018 Christ Church Cathedral

WELCOME We gather from the four winds travelling across the land of the Awabakal, Biripi, Darkinjung, Geawegal, Kamilaroi, Worimi, Garrigal and Wonnarua peoples to come to Mulubinba – Newcastle. We acknowledge the Awabakal people as the traditional custodians of this land. We join our custodianship with theirs in honouring creation and acknowledge the elders past, present, and emerging. We gather as a people whose life is fashioned by an ever-deepening relationship with God: the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Being made in the image of God we are invited to flourish in relationships of love flowing from the Divine Community who is God. My hope and prayer is that this will be so in this Synod that we will encourage one another in the share of Christ’s work to which we have each been called. Formally, I welcome you to the second session of the Fifty-Second Synod and the fourth session so far in this Synod.

While not a stranger to making addresses to this Synod, it is a privilege for me to make my first address to you as the Bishop of Newcastle. Every one of my days is interesting. I regard it as an extraordinary privilege to be your Diocesan Bishop. I often recall the thunderous applause welcoming Bishop Sonia and Bishop Charlie, immediately following their episcopal ordinations. With you I welcome them to their first Synod as bishops. As an episcopal team we rejoice in working with the parishes, agencies and schools to identify their calling, gifts and vision. We are committed to working across the Diocese to help each part realise their godly aspirations. You will have noticed in the Business Paper and in the setting up of the Synod that there are a number of differences in the way that the Synod will be conducted this year and in the coming years. My desire is that the Synod will be an important gathering place as diocesan family in which we will have the conversations we need to have, to discuss God’s call on us, to be open with one another, to consider difficult ideas.

THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN We meet in the context of the National Apology to survivors of child sexual abuse delivered by the Prime Minister on Monday. Our deepest desire should have been and should be that everyone is safe within the community or within the church. As a nation, a church and a diocese we have been confronted by the truth that lasting harm was done to those who should have been able to look to institutions for safety. The Diocesan Council has committed the Diocese to the Child Safety Standards proposed by the Royal Commission. In keeping with the practice of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission, these standards will become principles and form part of a national regulatory framework (www.humanrights.gov. au/national-principles-child-safe-organisations). We will return to these principles again and again as we seek to assure ourselves and the community of our commitment to child safety. As we continue to face the past, we recognise that at least 100 individuals were harmed in the Diocese. The extent of this suffering is intensified when we include those who were and are close to them, such as their families. The true number of people affected by abuse within the Diocese will never be known. So many stories are yet to be told and some will never be told. We are moved by the courage of survivors to speak of their experience. We honour them today.

I commend to your careful consideration the reports of Case Study 3 and Case Study 42 which reflect on our Diocese, the section of the Royal Commission report on religious institutions as well as its overall report. Synod will also be asked to make a formal response to Case Study 42. You will have already noted that the Synod papers include a copy of the quarterly report on our response to the recommendations affecting the Diocese. With all of the information before us, it is right and proper for the Synod to restate in the strongest terms its 2015 apology to survivors of child sexual abuse. We are in the process of joining the National Redress Scheme. We remain committed to the provision of redress in prompt and trauma informed manner. With others, I express the view that the Scheme would have been better if the approach proposed by the Royal Commission had been adopted by the Commonwealth Government. There have been a number of significant changes in NSW law which strengthen the safety of children. The Catholic and Anglican Bishops welcome the decision to make religious organisations part of the Reportable Conduct Framework. As a Diocese we recognise that the legal, moral and spiritual onus on us is to keep children safe and prove we are committed to children’s safety.

THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION AND THE ANGLICAN PROVINCE OF NEW SOUTH WALES We are in a season of change in this Anglican Province of New South Wales. A few weeks ago we welcomed Murray Harvey as the new Bishop of Grafton. The Diocese of Canberra-Goulburn hope to elect their new Bishop in November. The Diocese of Riverina will proceed to their election next year. Over the next two years we will see changes in the Diocese of Sydney and the Diocese of Bathurst. These two Dioceses have embraced each other in a very significant way aimed at ensuring episcopal ministry in the Diocese of Bathurst. We also feel the winds of change within the Anglican Communion. Across the globe, Anglicans are exploring a deep reconfiguration as they ponder how to be a worldwide family of Anglican Churches. Significant differences are evident in our understandings about the right and holy response to ancient and emerging understandings about human sexuality. Some pressures remain close to home. In 2017, this Diocese raised formal concerns about the practice by the Diocese of Sydney of affiliating non-Anglican churches outside its territorial jurisdiction. These questions are still before the Appellate Tribunal of the Anglican Church of Australia. 4

Recently, the Archbishop of Brisbane spoke about the importance of a vibrant catholic expression forming part of the comprehensiveness of the Anglican Church of Australia. In doing so, he offered a warning, based on an assessment by Peter Corney, that moderate and Anglo-Catholic Anglicanism has become “hollowed out, lacking energy, motivation and passion and without a compelling vision or message for the wider community.” He urged Anglicans in the catholic tradition “to be vital, imaginative, energetic contributors to the overall life of the church.” The vision I have as Bishop is for a comprehensive expression of Anglicanism within the Diocese which sees people from the Hawkesbury to Lake Cathie, from the coast to beyond the Burning Mountain, flourishing by the grace made known to us by God through Jesus Christ. Our hope and prayer is that the Anglican Church will be seen to be making a valuable contribution to the region and people we serve. We are working to rebuild trust so that this church is known for helping people seeking to deepen their faith and find blessing in their lives.

A Safe Church â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our deepest desire should have been and should be that everyone is safe within the community or within the church.â&#x20AC;?

THE RELIGIOUS LANDSCAPE The overall context of our work as an Anglican Church in Australia is harder than it once was. We are coming to terms with the decline of the influence and adherence of Anglican Christianity. As we do, we need to be mindful that our world is still a world involved with religion [Across the globe, 31% of people are Christian, 24% Muslim, 15% Hindu, 7% Buddhist, 1% Jewish, and there are many other religious expressions]. Religious and spiritual diversity has always been the norm across the globe. There has never been a time of consensus about religious belief and practice. Children, women and men are engaged in a quest to comprehend their universe, and make sense of it. People seek to understand their purpose and how to live in companionship with others. So often this involves a sense of the Divine and Divine life. Our discipleship will often involve interacting with people who think differently to us. The need to live in such a way is not new. We only need to remind ourselves of Paul standing in the Areopagus and saying, “People of Athens, I perceive that in every

way, you are very religious, for I’ve passed along, and observed the object of your worship. I’ve found also an altar with this inscription to an unknown God. What, therefore, you worship, as unknown. This I proclaim to you” [Acts 17:22-23]. Some recent Australian research identified six expressions of spirituality and religion among young people – This-worldly (32%) young people who have no space in their worldview for religious, spiritual or non-material possibilities. Religiously committed (17%) most of whom attend worship regularly and agree that religious faith is important in shaping how they live. Seekers (8%) who have an eclectic worldview including how they explore the possibility of some form of higher being. Spiritual but not religious (18%) faith doesn’t really matter but the door is open to spiritual possibilities. Indifferent (15%) and the nominally religious (10%) who believe in God but faith is not important in their lives. In somewhat differing proportions, older Australians express similar responses.

HOW MIGHT WE LIVE? In all of this, you and I are descendants of a preaching and missionary tradition that began in Jerusalem in the years we name as 30-33 AD. In that brief period, thousands of people met Jesus of Nazareth, heard Him speak, saw how He lived, recognised godliness and God in Him, and chose to follow the way of life He proclaimed. They became alive to the experience of God. So profound was their sense of the divine, that they changed their lifestyles. Gathering week by week to tell stories, to serve each other’s needs, to sing and pray, to eat together, both normally and ritually. Their faith changed families, communities, regions and nations. The follower of Jesus regarded the truth of Jesus as of such importance that they became steadfast in their belief, and devoted themselves to His way of living. Everything else became secondary. With passion, they moved from place to place speaking about God and love, and how they had seen them in Jesus of Nazareth who they called the Christ. They recognised that no matter what hardship they endured, their lives were intertwined with God’s life. Living in and with God, they found courage to embrace and take on the world. They were known for their faithfulness to God, to each other and to the Way of Christ. In the first decades of this era the Christian Way was a minority voice. The missionary movement was conducted from a place of inferiority. It had to test its path and to see how it might find acceptance. Often, it did not. Later, as we know, this turned. The Christian Way became ascendant in Northern Africa and Europe. It began to speak from a place of power. The missionary movement became a colonising movement, infused with a sense of superiority and entitlement. Fast forward a number of centuries, and we realise that superiority and entitlement inform our understanding of Christianity and the Anglican Church when it arrived with white settlers, and made its way up through the Hunter Valley and along the coast from Sydney. The Anglican Church enjoyed preferential treatment for decades and fought hard whenever its place of influence was threatened. It benefited from colonisation. It joined in assuming control of the land of the Aboriginal nations. Anglicans were involved in making, interpreting, and implementing laws, laws that imposed particular social and community understandings. A significant feature of this New South Wales experience was that Anglican claims to superiority and entitlement did not proceed without challenge. As a descendant of the 19th Century European and English enlightenment, Anglicans were challenged by other Christians, and then from non-sectarian and secular perspectives. As a consequence, Anglicans have always been engaged in revising their selfunderstanding in this colony and state. Along the way, other Christian traditions have also experienced dissonance with their world around.

Unsurprisingly, the context for some of the most significant conversations have focused on family life, health and education. Moral expectations, what we teach our children, and the way we are born, live and die, have all been places of discourse and debate. This remains true today. A familiar pattern emerges in this process. The wider community moves to embrace ways of living which the church, in its many forms, often opposes. Parts of the Church then find some ways of celebrating, embracing or at least accommodating these emergent ways of life. This often occurs first at a grassroots level. Other parts of the church oppose some or all of the changes. A feature of this process is that officialdom may say one thing, while something else is happening on the ground. The dissonance with the surrounding community often leads to a lack of transparency within church communities. People live one way inside the church walls, and then another way in the community. Sometimes a “don’t ask, don’t tell” culture emerges within the Church. Such dissonance is not healthy. Often people find the silence within the church so strong that they stop participating. The self-perception of churches through much of the century has seen them try to take or keep a view of the moral high ground. Commentators, official or otherwise, have portrayed themselves as having a superior way of thinking or a superior way of behaving. Such an approach has been shattered. In the five years from 2012 to 2017, the Royal Commission confronted the culture of arrogance, power and entitlement by naming over and over that the churches were places of egregious harm. They challenged us with the fact that people in the church largely didn’t see this, and when they did, they protected themselves, the church, or powerful friends. We have been told in no uncertain terms that this was our story here in Newcastle. We are still coming to terms with the strong words of condemnation about our life and culture in this part of the Anglican Church of Australia. In response, we are changing our way of being Church but there are some struggles. There is still a default around keeping secrets which is met with an alternative way of transparency. There is still a desire to preference the clergy voice over the lay voice. This is met with approaches which encourage a greater listening to all the voices – including voices outside the church. There is still a tendency to step back from the leadership rightly entrusted to us. This is met with a journey of proper accountability. In a little while, one of the former Royal Commissioners, Mr Robert Fitzgerald, will speak to us. I know that he will speak graciously but firmly to us about the report and recommendations of the Royal Commission. He will speak to us as a fellow traveller in the faith and as one who believes that all churches and all institutions in society are called to ensure that children are safe, and that consequently, that all people are safe. 7

ADDRESSING OUR CULTURE The Royal Commission has forced us to look at who we are. The deeply confronting material requires us to revisit the foundational principles of Christian life, and accordingly, fashion our engagement with the world around. When Saint Paul wrote to the Christians at Philippi, he enjoined them to have the humility and self-giving nature of the servant mind that was in Christ Jesus [Philippians 2:5-8]. If we are to take seriously the call that Paul made to the Christians in that city, then we will honour all people with eyes, voices and actions fashioned by love. That means that our first response to people is not to condemn, but to find a way of embracing, a means of encouraging, a means of building up, a means of affirming. The Gospel way of love never correlates with causing harm to another person. In following Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we recognise that every opportunity we have for ministry and work is a gift and not a right. The entitlement culture needs to be banished from our life forever. Our first impulse should be to serve, and not to control. We still have too many occasions in which we hear of people trying to exert force of will, or force of mind over others. Neither clergy nor laity, neither bishop nor people, should speak or act with a presumption that they have special favours. Rather, all of our relationships, especially our partner and family relationships, as well as our relationships within the church, should be shaped by love and faithfulness. If we wish each other to flourish then we will act towards one another with the grace, fidelity and love we experience in Christ. Through the last two years we have been wrestling with what has been the right ways of being the Anglican

Church in this region. This has included questions about how we will use our wealth. Central to this has been our commitment to properly funding redress. So far, we have met or are ready to meet redress obligations in the order of $12 million. We know that there is more to come. At the same time, we’ve also committed ourselves to redistributing our resources for Christian mission and ministry. As we’ve engaged in that work together, we’ve wondered about which church buildings should be part of our work. We have laid the foundations for embracing gathering of disciples in other forms of buildings, not simply buildings we own. This hasn’t always been an easy conversation. We’ve had to relearn how to speak assertively without causing harm. We’ve had to learn how to be open with each other. We’ve had to imagine different ways of engaging the Anglican project in this Diocese. I rejoice that going from parish to parish that the making of redress and ensuring safety are seen as normal and right. I rejoice that clergy and people, especially church wardens and parish councils, are working to ensure that the principles of safety are enshrined in our life. I recognise that we are continuing to learn and develop our approach, but what I also recognise is that we have renewed eyes to see what might go wrong, and a very deep commitment to make sure it doesn’t. I want to acknowledge the difference being made by our survivor support and advocacy service together with our Professional Standards Committee and staff. Following on from the external review in 2017, there have been consistent changes and improvements which have had a long-lasting impact. We can be very grateful for the work being done in this area.

Honouring all people with eyes, voices and actions fashioned by love “That means that our first response to people is not to condemn, but to find a way of embracing, a means of encouraging, a means of building up, a means of affirming.”

DEEP LISTENING AND HOLY CONVERSATION We live in a world, nation, community and church engaged in deep conversations about identity, role, history and future. In those conversations there can be common ground but also places of significant disagreement. Some of the conflict of ideas comes from legitimate sincerely-held conscientious disagreement but some comes from long-held bigotry with views that need to be opposed with vigour for the protection of all or the protection of some.

I come to those conversations with a vivid sense that we have all too often diminished the voice of some conversation partners. We have infringed on their capacity to be citizens in our broader community and citizens of the reign of God. Our vocation is to hear and help amplify the voice of the marginalised and dispossessed. Our desire is to listen to and help others hear the words of those who feel excluded or marginalised.

The work of any community is to discern the values it will hold in its common life. This requires ongoing reflection and conversation. For a variety of reasons, we have stopped having some of those conversations in this Diocese. We seemed to have lost our way in articulating our values and our convictions.

My hope is that in the coming year we will again begin to listen to the people of the Aboriginal nations that make up our Diocese and community. The story of what occurred in the colonisation of this part of New South Wales is profoundly muted in our life. We know that we are amongst some of the earliest territories to be colonised. We know that as white settlers moved west Aboriginal peoples were harmed in a variety of ways. Some simply by losing land and their livelihood, some by finding restriction on the ways they had been accustomed to moving across the land. Others, from the spread of disease. Others, from harmful interaction, and in some cases, deliberate and profound persecution. There is much for us to hear in this story. We began listening a number of years ago, and then our listening stopped. My hope is that our listening can begin again.

At so many levels in our community, including the Diocese, we tacitly want our leaders to express no view other than the one with which we agree. If they do speak differently, we seem to have no sustained capacity for remaining in relationship when difference becomes apparent. We are not so good at speaking with a graciousness and sensitivity that also demonstrates a clear awareness of the impact our words have on others. Not all views can be held together in a community but often more is possible than is affirmed. As a Diocesan family, we can predict that there will not be unanimity of views but stagnated conversations are not healthy. There is a role for sustaining the bonds of affection and relationship even when we have disagreement. This will not be found by silencing the voices with which we disagree with nor will it be found in an unfettered marketplace of words. Our shared life involves seeking sufficient common ground. As Christians this always involves prayer and study and grace. From time to time, we will give clear expression to certain things – naming the values we will hold true – carefully saying, “this is what we hear the Spirit saying to the church” – yet always with a holy provisionality. We are shaped as Christian community in the most appropriate way when we recognise that Jesus ate and drank with, and willingly embraced the people, that the surrounding community and religious authorities were prone to reject. In keeping with the witness of Jesus, we build an open community with an open table and open conversations.

My hope is that in the coming year we will also begin to listen again to the experience of LGBTIQ+ people, especially those who are or have been members of the Church. These youths and adults speak of knowing themselves, in all of their fullness, to be persons fearfully and wonderfully made by God (Psalm 139). Yet one recurring theme in what they say is that churches do not feel safe to them. They are not confident that at a church activity they will be safe from demonising, ridicule, or persecution. Consequently, they would rather stay away than risk coming near. Many LGBTIQ+ people speak with deep sadness, and even deeper resignation, that they’re not welcome to engage in open conversations with other people of faith about values, ethics, spirituality and belief. They feel that they’re more likely to be harmed than helped, more likely to be discouraged than encouraged. My hope is that we can participate in deep listening and conversation in which our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters will be esteemed in the way that Jesus would esteem them.

Listening to the stories of our Diocese â&#x20AC;&#x153;My hope is that in the coming year we will again begin to listen to the people of the Aboriginal nations that make up our Diocese and community. There is much for us to hear in this story. â&#x20AC;&#x153; 11

Engaging in 21st Century Mission “I anticipate that we’ll be delighting at a diverse range of approaches to worship, education and nurture. I also think that we’ll be having some fun, and known for having fun.”

THE FUTURE Briefly, I would like to say a few things about our future. As I look ahead, I think that within five years we will have a settled sense of the placement of church buildings across the Diocese. We will have a reasonable sense of what Anglican politics will look like across New South Wales, the nation, and the Anglican Communion. That won’t be a settled or static space, but more likely an understanding of how we will live with and articulate our deeply held convictions, and how appropriate episcopal care will be expressed in the midst of those differences. Central to the strategic aims and directions of the Diocese, which I shared earlier this year, is a commitment that by December 2021, all of the church buildings should be fully accessible. If we have decided that a church building is there for regular worship, then everyone in the community should be able to access it, and comfortably find a place. I’m confident that in five years we’ll have a renewed sense of what it means for us to gather as Christian community. I anticipate that in a number of places, this will involve a renewed appreciation of worship and teaching led by laypeople. I anticipate that we’ll be delighting at a diverse range of approaches to worship, education and nurture. I also think that we’ll be having some fun, and known for having fun. I think we’ll have grown more accustomed to receiving and embracing less-experienced priests to their roles, and in doing so, celebrated that we are communities in ministry. We will have cherished the gifts of clergy and laity working together. We’re going to have younger clergy and late vocation clergy leading our parishes. We’ll have let go of the sense of some parishes knowing themselves to be a senior parish and in so doing embraced partnership in the gospel; delighting in the gospel work of priest and people. Over the next five to 10 years, I imagine that we will be contributing to community debates, recognising that we speak as one collective among many. We can’t impose our way of thinking on others, or compel them to agree with us, but we can speak, discuss and debate from the rich place of Christian integrity. The right distinction between church and state does not require church leaders and church members to be silent, rather it calls on them to recognise that some people aren’t remotely interested in what they say, but more importantly, that the views of church leaders and church members will only prevail if others agree with them, or are persuaded by them.

I imagine that we will see changes in the way churches relate to the education system, especially state education and not the least around the way Special Religious Education operates. I want to acknowledge the significant work done by Kate Baker and around 150 volunteers across the Diocese in leading SRE. They are passionate about enabling children, whose families so choose, to be introduced to the beliefs and practices of the Anglican expression of Christian faith. If we are to prepare our children to be global citizens then we must give them the capacity to engage with other citizens with similar and different worldviews; to navigate a world in which there are diverse ways of making meaning. While I recognise the demands on curriculum and teaching resources, I do think it is time for the education authorities to embrace the importance of a well-developed philosophy, general religious education, and ethics course from kindergarten to year 12; a course able to be delivered by paid, trained and motivated teachers. I take this opportunity to stress again the importance of ensuring that each area of ministry engages in healthy practices. I have put out seven key practices which apply to churches of five, 50 or 500. There is no better time than the present to make plans for 2019 which include new work around one or two of the healthy ministry practices. I also want to encourage all parts of the Diocese – parishes, schools and agencies to develop ways of inviting people to consider the life of faith. We have been entrusted with a great treasure and called to share that treasure with others. I commend to you the Canadian Anglican resources called Spirit of Invitation (https://spiritofinvitation.com). I observe that some parishes are seeing the benefit of using the revised Alpha course (https://australia.alpha.org). Again, there is no time like the present to make plans to invite others to explore the way of Christ. Financial stewardship is a critical responsibility for each parish, agency and school. We rely on funds that are given to us by others. It was plain to us all, earlier in the year, that the vast majority of parishes had not given their people the opportunity to reflect on the way they might contribute financially. It simply makes sense to do this in a careful way each year. Most parishes will still have the Spirited Generosity resource which was shared across the Diocese a few years ago. An alternative, online resource, is Giving in Grace from the Diocese of Liverpool in the Church of England (www. givingingrace.org).

THE WIDER COMMUNITY Any conversation about the future needs to include the wider community of the regions we serve. If the predictions about climate change prove even somewhat correct then the ramifications for this region are significant. Much of our economy relies on mining. When the impact of climate change becomes better accepted there will be political and economic decisions that affect our region with changes in work and migration. I fear that a blind “it’ll be all right” approach will be catastrophic for the people of this region when

it becomes plain that it won’t be all right. We really need our political leaders to be engaging in decisionmaking for the region that promotes alternate forms of industry and employment which embrace a future reality focused on environmental responsibility. I despair at the reluctance to do this and the risk of a mad rush, in which people are harmed, that is likely to follow. Our political leaders need to speak and act in a way that draws the people of this region into a new future in which they have confidence and not fear.

FINALLY I am upheld by your prayers, and I deeply value that. I appreciate your charity when I’m not all that I might be, or all you expect me to be. I am moved by your willingness to allow me to be your Diocesan Bishop. I could not do what I do without the support that Nicki and my family give me. Nor would it be possible without the close companionship of Bishop Charlie and Bishop Sonia, and the key support that Alison Dalmazzone and Louise Mackay, in particular, give me. I honour the leadership team: Bishop Sonia, Bishop Charlie, Arthur Copeman, Katherine Bowyer, and Stephen Phillips. I am grateful for all the work that goes on in the Diocesan Office. I rejoice at the leadership

shown by our School Leaders and Agency Heads along with their staffs and volunteers. My heart is filled with thankfulness for each of you for those who serve as clergy, for those who give of themselves as lay leaders, for those who join in our Anglican life week by week, month by month. I am thankful for all that God is doing in the Anglican church in this region, and I pray that the good work, that was begun and will continue in Him, may be known this day, and that all we do might be to His glory. So, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, let us continue the work of this Synod. Amen.

thankfulness

“My heart is filled with thankfulness for each of you - for those who serve as clergy, for those who give of themselves as lay leaders, for those who join in our Anglican life week by week, month by month.”

Diocesan Movements THE RECORD OF VISITORS TO THE DIOCESE, AND THE RECORD OF APPOINTMENTS, ORDINATIONS, RESIGNATIONS AND RETIREMENTS

VISITORS TO THE DIOCESE Archbishop Phillip Aspinall and Dr Christa Aspinall Archbishop Glenn Davies Archbishop Geoff Smith Bishop Greg Anderson Bishop Ross Bay Bishop Brad Billings Bishop Genieve Blackwell Bishop Trevor Edwards Bishop Godfrey Fryar Bishop Jeremy Greaves Bishop Jeremy James Bishop Arthur Jones Bishop Chris Jones Bishop Peter Lin and Mrs Isobel Lin Bishop Brian Mascord Bishop Ian Palmer and Mrs Elizabeth Palmer Bishop David Robinson and Mrs Jan Robinson Bishop Graeme Rutherford and Mrs Caroline Rutherford Bishop Alison Taylor Bishop Rick Thorpe Bishop Peter Watson and Mrs Margo Watson Bishop Garry Weatherill Dean Gregory Jenks Dean Rod McDonald The Reverend Sarah Bachelard (Centre of Courage and Renewal) Canon Rosalind Brown The Reverend Dr John Capper The Reverend Neil Millar (Centre of Courage and Renewal) Dr Janet Smith (Centre of Courage and Renewal

APPOINTMENTS, ORDINATIONS, RESIGNATIONS AND RETIREMENTS THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA Bishop Sarah Macneil retired as the Bishop of Grafton on 3 March 2018. Archdeacon Sonia Roulston was ordained as Bishop to serve as Assistant Bishop of Newcastle (Inland Episcopate) on 10 May 2018 Archdeacon Charlie Murry was ordained as Bishop to serve as Assistant Bishop of Newcastle (Coastal Episcopate) on 10 May 2018. The Reverend Dr Richard Treloar was consecrated 13th Bishop of Gippsland on 21 July 2018. The Reverend Canon Dr Murray Harvey was consecrated and Installed as the 12th Bishop of Grafton on 29 September 2018. The Revered Kate Prowd was consecrated Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Melbourne on 6 October 2018. ORDINATIONS The Reverend Amanda Brockwell was ordained a Priest on 9 December 2017. The Reverend Greg Colby was ordained a Priest on 9 December 2017. The Reverend Michael Marklew was ordained a Priest on 9 December 2017. The Reverend Melinda McMahon was ordained a Priest on 9 December 2017. The Reverend Helen Quinn was ordained a Priest on 9 December 2017. The Reverend Nicole Baldwin was ordained a Deacon on 30 June 2018. The Reverend Jacqueline Drewe was ordained a Deacon on 30 June 2018. The Reverend Philip Morris was ordained a Deacon on 30 June 2018.

DIOCESAN APPOINTMENTS AND MOVES The Reverend Canon Katherine Bowyer was commissioned Dean of Newcastle Christ Church Cathedral on Wednesday 4 October 2017

DIOCESAN OFFICE APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS Ms Robyn Morrillas (Finance Officer) resigned on 28 September 2017.

The Reverend Pam Fraser was appointed Priest in Charge of the Parish of Merriwa on 5 October 2017.

Mrs Carolyn Zdjelar was appointed Finance Officer/ Assistant Accountant on 30 October 2017.

The Reverend Peter Tinney was appointed Rector of the Parish of Taree on Tuesday 31 October 2017.

Mr Glen Cousins was appointed Chief Financial & IT Officer on 14 May 2018.

The Reverend Peter Adkins was appointed Rector of the Parish of Bulahdelah Tea Gardens on Tuesday 7 November 2017.

Ms Jennifer Ryan was appointed Executive Assistant to Diocesan Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer on 26 April 2018 (maternity cover).

The Reverend Stephen Williams was appointed Honorary Pastoral Assistant to the Bishop on 23 October 2017.

Mrs Jenny Chung resigned as Chief Finance Officer 30 April 2018

The Reverend Stephen Niland was appointed Rector of the Parish of Raymond Terrace on 4 December 2017. Ms Josephine Snowdon was appointed Lay Chaplain to Samaritans on 7 December 2018. The Reverend Michael Marklew was appointed Priest in Charge of the Parish of Stockton on 12 December 2017. The Reverend Greg Colby was appointed Priest in Charge of the Parish of Belmont North on Wednesday 13 December 2017. The Reverend David Hesketh was appointed Priest in Charge of the Parish of Windale on 13 December 2017. The Reverend Melinda McMahon was appointed Chaplain at Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College on 1 January 2018.

Ms Eylssa Kingston-Brown was appointed Strategic Property Adviser on 7 May 2018. Mrs Jacqui Yabsley was appointed Administration Assistant and Executive Assistant NASC CEO on 21 May 2018. Ms Kate Turnbull was appointed 23 August 2018 Safe Ministry Assurance Officer Mrs Carolyn Zdjelar resigned as Finance Officer/ Assistant Accountant on 30 August 2018. Ms Kylie Solway was appointed Finance Officer on 24 September 2018. Mrs Lorin Livingstone resigned as NASC Business Manager on 19 October 2018.

The Reverend Hilary Wong was appointed Rector of the Parish of Wyoming on 9 April 2018. The Reverend Gary Atherton was appointed Rector of the Parish of Cardiff on 11 April 2018. The Reverend Jenny Foley was appointed Chaplain at Anglican Care on 30 April 2018. Archdeacon Arthur Copeman was appointed Archdeacon of Newcastle on 10 May 2018. The Venerable Canon David Battrick was appointed Archdeacon of Mission and Mission Planning on 10 May 2018. The Venerable Rod Bower was appointed Archdeacon Justice Ministries and Chaplaincy on 10 May 2018.

RETIREMENTS Mrs Sue Williams retired as Director of Vocation on 19 October 2017. The Reverend Stephen Williams retired as Dean of Christ Church Cathedral on 22 October 2017. The Reverend Rod Moore retired as Chaplain Coordinator for New South Wales Corrective Services on 31 January 2018.

St George Church, Matcham was deconsecrated on 23 April 2018. St James’ Church, Bungwahl was deconsecrated on 16 November 2017. St Paul’s Church, Birmingham Gardens was deconsecrated on 1 July 2018.

The Reverend Les Forester retired as Archdeacon of Manning and Paterson Deaneries on 22 April 2018.

St Bede’s Church, Saratoga was deconsecrated on 24 July 2018.

The Reverend David Smith retired as Rector of Hamilton on 20 May 2018.

St John’s Church, Lostock was deconsecrated on 20 October 2018.

RESIGNATIONS / DEPARTURES FROM THE DIOCESE

SPECIAL ANNIVERSARIES

The Reverend Walter Firth resigned as Priest in Charge of the Parish of Toukley-Budgewoi on 28 December 2017. Mr Peter Gardiner resigned as CEO of Samaritans on 21 November 2017. Justice Peter Young resigned as Chancellor on 2 February 2018. The Reverend Moira Evers resigned as Priest in Charge of the Parish of Telarah Rutherford on 25 February 2018. The Reverend Terry Frewin resigned as Intentional Locum of the Parish of Charlestown on 1 April 2018. The Reverend Jenny Foley resigned as Priest in Charge of the Parish of Cockle Bay on 30 April 2018. The Reverend Chris Orczy resigned as Rector of the Parish of Morpeth on 18 June 2018. The Reverend Murray Woolnough resigned as Rector of the Parish of Newcastle St John’s on 30 June 2018. The Reverend Angela Dutton resigned as Rector of the Parish of Scone on 27 July 2018. The Reverend Jane Trigg resigned as Priest in Charge of the Parish of Branxton Greta Lochinvar on 2 August 2018. IN MEMORIAM Among the faithful departed, we make special mention of: The Reverend John Booker died on 29 September 2017. The Reverend Carl Feldman died on 4 June 2018. The Reverend Kenneth Munns died on 26 July 2018. The Right Reverend Alfred Holland died on 8 October 2018.

DECONSECRATIONS, CONSECRATIONS AND BLESSINGS

The Reverend Bruce Hunter celebrated 30 years of being made a Priest on 28 November 2017. Bishop Brian Farran celebrated 50 years of being made a Deacon on 30 November 2017. The Reverend Canon Maree Armstrong celebrated 25 years of being made a Priest on 21 December 2017. The Reverend Sheila Bourne celebrated 25 years of being made a Priest on 21 December 2017. The Venerable Rod Bower celebrated 25 years of being made a Priest on 21 December 2017. The Reverend Audrey Fuller celebrated 25 years of being made a Priest on 21 December 2017. The Reverend Barbara Howard celebrated 25 years of being made a Priest on 21 December 2017. The Reverend Lance Johnston celebrated 50 years of being made a Deacon on 20 September 2018. The Reverend Ramsay Nuthall celebrated 25 years of being made a Priest on 21 December 2017. The Reverend Beatrice Pate celebrated 25 years of being made a Priest on 21 December 2017. The Reverend Canon Dr Julia Perry celebrated 25 years of being made a Priest on 21 December 2017. The Reverend Pam Sauber celebrated 25 years of being made a Priest on 21 December 2017. The Reverend Val Tibbey celebrated 25 years of being made a Priest on 21 December 2017.

Year in Review

a Flourishing by Grace â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bishop Peter brings significant gifts of leadership and collaboration. He has a passion for ensuring our churches are safe places for all people, and also for engaging in lifegiving conversation with a wide range of people.â&#x20AC;? -Bishop Sonia Roulston

INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING OF BISHOP PETER STUART AS THE 14TH BISHOP OF NEWCASTLE The Installation and Commissioning of The Right Reverend Dr Peter Stuart took place on February 2, 2018 in Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle. As dusk settled over the City of Newcastle, guests travelled from far and wide to celebrate our new Bishop. It was a full congregation as bishops from the Northern Territory to Tasmania gathered at Christ Church Cathedral to see Bishop Peter Stuart installed as the 14th Bishop of Newcastle. Among the bishops were Archbishop Glenn Davies from Sydney and Archbishop Phillip Aspinall from Brisbane, as well as the Catholic Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, Bishop Bill Wright.

The Synod of the Diocese of Newcastle elected Bishop Peter Stuart as the 14th Bishop of Newcastle at a Special Session of Synod held on Saturday November 25, 2017. Bishop Sonia Roulston said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bishop Peter brings significant gifts of leadership and collaboration. He has a passion for ensuring our churches are safe places for all people, and also for engaging in life-giving conversation with a wide range of people.â&#x20AC;? Bishop Stuart is the first member of the clergy in more than a century to be elected Bishop from within Newcastle Diocese after a synod in 1906 elected the Dean of Newcastle, John Stretch, to be its fourth Bishop.

L History made at Episcopal Ordination â&#x20AC;&#x153;The appointment of Sonia and Charlie has been well received across the Diocese and I am looking forward to working closely with them. They join me at a time when the Diocese continues to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission and restructuring for its future mission.â&#x20AC;? - Bishop Peter Stuart

EPISCOPAL ORDINATION OF BISHOP SONIA ROULSTON AND BISHOP CHARLIE MURRY History was made on the evening of May 10, 2018 when Sonia Roulston and Charlie Murry were made bishops in the Anglican Church at Christ Church Cathedral. The special service steeped in church tradition saw bishops from across Australia ordain Sonia and Charlie for their new work alongside Bishop Peter. The Cathedral saw a full congregation as clergy, family and guests from across the country came together for this historic occasion. The service was a significant occasion for the Diocese, it is the only time the Diocese has had more than one assistant bishop, and it is the most senior role a woman has ever held in the 171 years of the Diocese.

Bishop Peter Stuart said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The appointment of Sonia and Charlie has been well received across the Diocese and I am looking forward to working closely with them. They join me at a time when the Diocese continues to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission and restructuring for its future mission.â&#x20AC;? Bishop Sonia Roulston will be Assistant Bishop to the Inland Region of the Diocese, exercising ministry in the Upper Hunter, Maitland and Paterson area. Bishop Charlie Murry will be Assistant Bishop to the Coastal Region, exercising ministry in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and Manning area. Bishop Peter Stuart, as the Diocesan Bishop will continue to lead across the whole of the Diocese.

Sonia Roulston will be the first woman bishop to serve in the Diocese of Newcastle. It will be the first time that the Diocese has been served by three bishops.

DIOCESE CALLED TO BE FLOURISHING BY GRACE In April 2018, Bishop Peter invited the Diocese to come together for Regional Meetings held across the Diocese in the Central Coast, Maitland-Paterson, Manning, Upper Hunter and Newcastle regions. The meetings saw clergy and laity from across the Diocese come together to explore Jesus’ call that we might have abundant life. The response to the meetings was very positive with the meetings shaping up to be a success. “It was an evening of deep reflection and trust that the God who has brought us this far will continue to sustain and strengthen us to face the past and shape a healthy future,” one attendee said.

The call on the Diocese of Newcastle is to be flourishing by grace. “My prayer and my vision for the Diocese is that we will flourish by grace. There are, across the Diocese, some wonderful green shoots of creative change. It is a delight to see clergy and people re-energise existing ministries and embrace new opportunities,” Bishop Peter said. At the meeting Bishop Peter presented the Anglican Church Newcastle Strategic Directions and Work Plan 2018 – 2021. You can find these Strategic Directions along with the videos Bishop Peter presented at the meetings on our website www.newcastleanglican.org. au/flourishingbygrace.

CHRISM EUCHARIST The Chrism Eucharist took place on March 28 at Christ Church Cathedral. The Chrism Eucharist is a gathering of the Diocese to reflect on ministry. The ministry reflection for 2018 was â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sharing the Christian faith with others.â&#x20AC;? The congregation heard from three clergy on their reflections on Ministry Today. Each reflection was followed by 10 minutes silence. The Eucharist took place following the reflections.

During the service the laity, deacons, priests, and bishop each renewed their commitment to ministry. Prior to communion, the oils of healing, commitment (oil of the catechumens), and of blessing (chrism) were brought forward and blessed by Bishop Peter. These oils were used in the parishes of the Diocese throughout the year as a part of the sacramental ministries of blessing, healing and setting apart.

Answering God's Call

ORDINATIONS TO THE DIACONATE AND PRIESTHOOD The Ordinations to the Diaconate and the Priesthood were held at Christ Church Cathedral on December 9, 2017. A full congregation came together to celebrate the Holy Eucharist as the Rev’d Michael Marklew, Rev’d Amanda Brockwell, Rev’d Helen Quinn, Rev’d Greg Colby and Rev’d Melinda McMahon were ordained to the priesthood and John Quilter was made deacon. The Ordination to the Diaconate took place at Christ Church Cathedral on June 30, 2018. The Rev’d Nicole Baldwin, Rev’d Jacqueline Drewe and Rev’d Philip Morris were ordained to the diaconate.

SEA OF HANDS AT CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL The grounds of Christ Church Cathedral became a Sea of Hands on May 29, 2018, to mark Reconciliation Week. Anglican Church Newcastle partnered up with Samaritans, Manning Valley Anglican College and Newcastle Grammar School to install the hands to express our commitment to reconciliation and recognise the work that still needs to be done. Acting chief executive Brad Webb said the Sea of Hands first appeared in 1997 in front of Parliament House. “It is an act of recognition – of identities, cultures and history. I hope that the Sea of Hands inspires our community this week to reach out, listen, and learn from the wisdom of the oldest living culture on Earth.”

Anglican Bishop of Newcastle and Samaritans Foundation president Bishop Peter Stuart was joined by staff members, people supported by the organisation, community members and students. “The beauty of the hands is, that together when we hold hands, we are showing that we are in partnership, we’re connected to one another – so this is a very visual way of saying we want to be together,” Bishop Peter said. “We will build better and stronger communities for all people as we take seriously the journey of reconciliation,” he said. “We have much to learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

PAST ABM WORKERS HONOURED AT SPECIAL GATHERING The strong connection between the Diocese of Newcastle and Anglican Board of Mission (ABM) was rekindled at a special gathering held at the Diocesan head office on September 21. Guests from across the Diocese heard Dr Julianne Stewart, Africa Programs Coordinator, speak of the ABM difference and were updated on some of ABM’s work. Together the group established some ways the Diocese can strengthen our ABM support. A highlight of the event was the presentation of ABM’s Coaldrake Award which was given to ten recipients in

acknowledgement of their past and present service to ABM in various capacities and over many years. The Coaldrake medal, named after the Rev’d Canon Frank Coaldrake who served as a missionary and later as Chairman of the ABM Board, is a means to recognise the valuable contribution of former ABM missionaries and staff members. The Coaldrake recipients were Chris Garland, Nancy Garland, Fr Philip Thirlwell, Margaret Thirlwell, Noelene Jeffs, Donald Mortimer, Rosemary Mortimer, Melbourne Nelson, Gary Parker, and Benita Parker.

Celebrating and Supporting Women

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ANGLICAN WOMEN SERVICE 2018 The Annual Service of Anglican Women in the Diocese of Newcastle took place at the beautiful Saint Peter’s Church, East Maitland on June 5, 2018. About 120 people braved the rain and cool conditions to attend the service. Bishop Peter Stuart celebrated at the service with a thought-provoking sermon. Following the Eucharist, Bishop Peter commissioned the new Executive. Guest speaker, Nicki Stuart, was interviewed by her husband, Bishop Peter. This was a friendly, laid back interview, full of many and varied topics. When asked, “What is it like to be married to a bishop,” she replied that, “She is married to Peter – who happens now to

be a bishop!” Talking about her life, Nicki said that she very much sees her career in helping people to live a fuller life as her ministry. In Nicki’s capacity as a physiotherapist with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, she shared many instances of working with children and adults living with a disability. The ages of those afflicted ranged from tiny new borns to about 60 years of age. Where possible she ascertains what the patient wishes to achieve, physically, and proceeds to try to bring this to fruition. Musicians from Hunter Valley Grammar School presented an instrumental trio (piano, violin and cello) and a vocal ensemble.

MAJOR EXPANSION OF ANGLICAN CARE BOORAGUL SITE Bishop Peter Stuart was joined by the Chairman of Anglican Care, Mr Malcolm McDonald, CEO Colin Osborne, staff and dignitaries, to celebrate the commencement of construction at CA Brown Residential Aged Care Booragul facility on August 20.

largest and most trusted Aged Care providers.

The $41 million re-development will expand and improve the care and services available to residents and is expected to be completed by April 2020.

The re-development of the CA Brown site will expand and improve upon the care and services available to residents; this includes 126 single en-suite rooms (18 of those being dementia specific), a purpose-built Day Therapy Centre, café and a number of multi-purpose spaces including a Chapel,” said Anglican Care CEO Colin Osborne.

This is an especially exciting development for Anglican Care with the Booragul site Anglican Care’s “spiritual home”. 60 years ago, CA Brown Village became the first facility in, what was to become one of the Hunter’s

“The facility has been re-designed to provide a new entry to the residential village and newly landscaped surroundings, which separates service vehicles from resident-related traffic movements,” he said.

ANGLICAN CARE FAREWELLS VISIONARY LEADER Anglican Care and the Diocese farewelled Mr John Kilpatrick as Chairman of the Board at a function in early 2018. The retirement of Mr Kilpatrick on February 28, 2018 gave Anglican Care the opportunity to reflect on his 47 years of dedicated service to Anglican Care â&#x20AC;&#x201C; nine years as a Board member and 38 as Chairman.

In honour of John and the incredible contribution he has made alongside his wife Ellen, and their family to Anglican Care, their most recently constructed residential aged care home at Toronto was named Kilpatrick Court. Although John and Ellen will be sorely missed at Anglican Care, they will long be remembered for their dedication, integrity and above all their kind hearts.

25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORDINATION OF WOMEN TO THE PRIESTHOOD On December 21, 25 years ago, 11 women and three men were ordained to the priesthood – the Rev’ds Maree Armstrong, Sheila Bourne, Rod Bower, Margaret Carr, Brian Douglas, Audrey Fuller, Barbara Howard, Ramsay Nuthall, Beatrice Pate, Julia Perry, Pam Sauber, Sr Angela CSCl, Val Tibbey, and Jenny Willsher.

This is a particularly significant anniversary as it was the first ordination of priests in this Diocese which included women. At the end of 2017, a special anniversary Eucharist was held at Christ Church Cathedral to mark the significant occasion. The Rev’d Canon Dr Julia Perry celebrated and the Rev’d Dr Barbara Howard preached.

ANTHONY’S STORY LAUNCHED AT CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL Anglican Church Newcastle hosted a special launch event of Marija Radojevic’s book Anthony’s Story on July 3 at Christ Church Cathedral. Anthony’s parents, Marija and Alex, told their deeply moving and heartbreaking story, sharing the deep “sense of rawness and chaos”. “This book is for the families, for the lives of those who are broken,” Marija said. “My hope is if any parent who has been going through this experience, and reads it [Anthony’s Story] and finds something there, then my job is done.”

Bishop Peter Stuart spoke at the launch of the book in Newcastle and encouraged the audience and the wider community to read the book. “A few months ago Marija shared with me her family’s experience and the journey she had been on in writing the book. I was deeply moved by her story and by the wisdom she was bringing from her professional experience to the needs of family and friends making a similar journey,” Bishop Peter Stuart said. Marija wrote Anthony’s Story for all those thousands of families who, like hers, have been torn apart by a similar “living death”.

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CELEBRATES NAIDOC WEEK

The ecumenical churches of the Hunter region came together at Christ Church Cathedral on July 8, 2018, for NAIDOC Week to recognise and celebrate the remarkable women shaping our communities.

Special guest speaker, Aunty Brenda Mathews, shared her remarkable and motivating story of being stolen from her Aboriginal family five years after the NSW Government changed its official policy.

The service involving the Anglican, Catholic and Uniting churches was led by Anglican Rev’d Di Langham and began with a smoking ceremony and a dance performance from Hunter school girls.

The service recognised the NAIDOC Week theme for 2018 – Because of her, we can! As pillars of our society, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have played – and continue to play – active and significant roles at the community, local, state and national levels.

Because of Her, We Can! ¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨

SERVICE MARKS HUNTER SOLDIERS’ ROLE IN DECISIVE BATTLE OF AMIENS On August 9, members of Newcastle’s Friends of the 2nd Infantry Battalions gathered at Christ Church Cathedral’s Chapel of St Michael, known as the Warrior Chapel, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Amiens. The friends of the battalion have held a service each year during the Centenary of Anzac commemorations and this year included other units with direct links to the

Hunter, including the 35th (“Newcastle’s Own”), 13th (The Maitland Regiment) and 34th (“Maitland’s Own”). “We thought it appropriate to open it up and remember the thousands of Newcastle and Hunter Valley folk who went over and fought,” the group’s president, Geoff Kelly, said after the final strains of The Last Post bugle call had stopped echoing through the cathedral.

BIRDWOOD FLAG WINS ITS CATEGORY AT HERITAGE AWARDS The Newcastle team that organised the restoration of what could be the country’s oldest national flag has been praised for its ingenuity, after it was awarded a prestigious prize. The Birdwood Heritage Committee – chaired by Dr Patricia Gillard – was named winner of the National Trust Heritage Awards’ interior and objects category for its work to restore the 1917 Birdwood Flag, which was born in the Hunter and presented on the battlefield to the Commander of the Australian Imperial Force. National Trust of Australia (NSW) chief executive Debbie Mills said the project stood out because of its complexity; the way it revealed the story of the flag; and the ensign’s value to soldiers and in the debate over what the national flag should be. Dr Patricia Gillard and her colleagues joined forces after the historic 1917 Birdwood Flag was found in pieces and helped bring it back to life for its centenary, plus ensured it was displayed once more in Christ Church Cathedral.

Then-Dean of Newcastle Stephen Williams found the flag’s silk fragments in a shoebox inside a safe in 2013. Communication researcher Dr Gillard helped form the committee at the end of 2014. The group received more than $99,000 in grants and engaged International Conservation Services Sydney’s Skye Firth and Gail Hamilton to work with fragments so fragile they could not be glued or stitched. Instead, they lay a sheet of tulle, arranged the puzzle of fragments into place and then covered it with another layer of tulle. Running stitches were used to connect the layers of tulle around – but did not pierce – each fragment. “There’s no backing behind the blue fragments so you see emptiness and get a sense part of it is missing, so it is a troubling flag and a reminder that everyone has a role to play in public life.”

“Dr Patricia Gillard and her colleagues joined forces after the historic 1917 Birdwood Flag was found in pieces and helped bring it back to life for its centenary.”

DIOCESAN LEADERS CONFERENCE 2018 The Diocesan Leaders Conference took place during August 14-16 at Potters Brewery Resort, Nulkaba. The keynote speaker for the Diocesan Leaders Conference was the Revâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d Dr John Capper, the Director of Learning and Teaching of the University of Divinity. He spoke on evangelism and apologetics.

Sessions at the conference also included talks with the Revâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d Dr John Capper, Bible Studies with Bishop Peter, a Diocesan Ministry presentation, plus time to reflect and relax with each other.

DIOCESAN CONVENTION 2018 The annual Diocesan Convention took place on August 11 at Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College. Keynote speaker the Rev’d Dr John Capper, the Director of Learning and Teaching of the University of Divinity, spoke on evangelism and apologetics.

Guests also heard from Sally Bathgate who presented on “Tea and Threads”, plus the team from CEY Ministries (Children, Education, Youth) presented on children and young people’s presentation in our churches.

w Question Time BISHOP PETER VISITS LAKES GRAMMAR – AN ANGLICAN SCHOOL In June Lakes Grammar – An Anglican School welcomed Bishop Peter Stuart to the school. The day started with a student-led Q&A session during Chapel which was very insightful, during which Bishop Peter’s advice to students of “be kind” was an extremely powerful message. Next some visits to classrooms got some more deep and meaningful questions from the little people in the school which certainly brought about a chuckle.

BISHOP PETER STUART VISITS OUR ANGLICAN SCHOOLS Bishop Peter visited Bishop Tyrrell Anglican School in May for Bishop’s Day. The school captured this great photo (top) of Bishop Peter hanging out with some of the students.

Later in the month, Bishop Peter travelled up the coast to visit Manning Valley Anglican College. Bishop Peter was involved in and spoke to the students in both Chapels and assemblies. He was lucky enough to see all of the school’s award winners in both Primary and Secondary.

ANGLICAN MEN’S WEEKEND The annual Diocesan Men’s Weekend took place at Tahlee during May 18-20, 2018. Archdeacon Arthur Copeman spoke on the theme “Living in the Real World”. Guests also heard various

talks from a range of guest speakers. They also took part in activities that made the most of Tahlee’s environment such as fishing, bushwalking, fellowship and a bonfire.

CATHEDRAL LAUNCHES DR KEITH MURREE-ALLEN OAM FUND On April 2, 2018, The Friends of Christ Church Cathedral Music launched the Dr Keith Murree-Allen OAM Endowment Fund in honour of Dr Keith MureeAllen’s long-standing contribution to the Cathedral. For nearly 200 years the musical tradition of Christ Church Cathedral has enriched the cultural and spiritual life of the City of Newcastle. During this time the organists, choir and musicians have played an integral role in facilitating music at the highest level, making the music ministry of our Cathedral amongst the finest in Australia. Since 1952, Dr Murree-Allen has served at various times as Organ Scholar, Assistant Organist, Director of Music and Organist Emeritus, alongside his distinguished career as a respiratory specialist at John Hunter Hospital.

Peter Guy, Organist and Master of the Choristers at Christ Church Cathedral said, “This is a landmark opportunity to celebrate Keith’s extraordinary commitment to the worship and music ministry of Christ Church Cathedral and to the wider Newcastle and Hunter community.” “It is our hope that the Endowment Fund will provide ongoing financial support to continue the work of the Music Ministry by enabling Choral and Organ Scholarships, as well as providing additional funds for orchestral musicians and other endeavours,” said Mr Guy. “Keith’s 65-years of service is amongst one of the longest organist tenures in Australia and has been recognised with the Royal School of Church Music’s Certificate of Special Service. The launch of the Endowment will be a fitting celebration and will ensure the future of this great musical tradition in the city of Newcastle.”

“The launch of the Endowment will be a fitting celebration and will ensure the future of this great musical tradition in the city of Newcastle.”

SAMARITANS ANNOUNCES NEW CEO Samaritans Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Brad Webb as Samaritans CEO. Brad has been Samaritans Deputy CEO – Strategy and Innovation since 2017 and has recently been in the role of Acting CEO. He has led Samaritans through continued sector change while overseeing key projects that strengthen Samaritans governance, technology and processes. Chair of Samaritans Board, Jenny Cappellacci said, “Brad’s dedication to the core values of Samaritans is evidenced through his enthusiastic and collaborative approach to leadership.” Originally from the private sector, Brad has been working in the NGO and public sectors for over 14 years, including 11 years in executive management with the Hunter Medical Research Institute.

He also has experience in strategic management consultancy to government agencies and NGOs, and has been a member of many public sector and NGO boards and committees. Brad is committed to serving the NGO sector, and to strengthening connections and working relationships with other NGO agencies, government, and the private sector in order to create real and lasting change. “Samaritans has played a key role in supporting the community for nearly 34 years. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to build on this legacy and to lead a team of outstanding and dedicated people in our services,” he said. “Every time I visit a service, or meet somebody we support, I am humbled by the compassion, the commitment, and the determination of our people to make a real difference to another person’s life.”

“Samaritans has played a key role in supporting the community for nearly 34 years. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to build on this legacy and to lead a team of outstanding and dedicated people in our services.”

ANGLICAN CARE AND BTAC STUDENTS COME TOGETHER FOR iTEA Residents from Anglican Care and students from Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College have come together in 2018 for a spot of “iTea”.

understanding their personal laptops, how to FaceTime and how to use mobile phones. One lady “face timed” her sister from Port Macquarie for the first time.

“iTea” is a great new project where IT lessons and high tea are combined. The iTea project is part of the Anglican Care Intergenerational Program.

The residents were also treated to high tea, cooked and served by the Year 10 Food Technology students from the College.

Year 11 Information and Digital Technology students from Bishop Tyrrell College partner with the Anglican Care residents and consumers to learn technology skills. The course content follows the Australian Government “Be Connected eSafety” program.

The project forms part of an initiative implemented by Anglican Care’s CEO, Colin Osborne, Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College’s Principal, Peter Moulds, and Anglican Care’s Lifestyle Wellbeing & Diversity Manager, Jane Meldrum. The initiative will see residents and students come together for not only iTea, but also the Adopt a Grandparent project with the Jesmond Grove residents and the Musical Entertainment Project.

The residents were shown a presentation about the internet and how it works, how to use an iPad,

SUPPORTING OUR FARMERS It all started when Christine Bowen-Thomas saw a post on Facebook. She came across a plea for formal dresses for year 12 students attending school in the drought affected areas of the Hunter Valley. The shop received a range of lovely dresses and dinner suits, many of which they have sent in two suitcases to Maitland for distribution.

The Parishioners of All Saints, Nelson Bay also rallied together to support our farmers in Murrurundi. Generous parishioners donated food, toiletries and gift cards. Port Stephens Coaches sponsored the event, helping with transporting the parish team and supplies to the Hunter Valley.

ď &#x2013; Prayer Window PRAYER WINDOWS CONNECT WITH FAMILIES AND CHILDREN The Parish of Georgetown has been connecting with families and young children through this fantastic creative worship.

EPISCOPAL VISIT

INTERFAITH DIALOGUE 2018

Bishop Ross Bay from the Anglican Diocese of Auckland visited the Diocese in May 2018. We snapped this photo of Bishop Ross and Bishop Peter as they popped into the office.

The Interfaith Dialogue took place at All Saints College, Maitland on July 19 as an opportunity to gather with people from other faiths and learn from each other on a specific topic. Four speakers from Muslim and Christian traditions spoke about the recognition of Mary and what their holy books say about her.

FR ROD BOWER RELEASES BOOK, OUTSPOKEN

MU BUNNY RUGS FOR JOHN HUNTER HOSPITAL

Fr Rod Bower of Gosford Parish released a book on September 3, 2018. Outspoken tells of Fr Rodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s childhood growing up in an adopted family, coping with the sudden loss of his father, leaving school at sixteen, his search for his birth mother and his journey to becoming a priest.

The combined MU groups at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Kotara had a working bee in May to make bunny rugs for the John Hunter Hospital. Generous donations from members of the church and others provided cloth for the rugs as well as money for nappies, jackets, etc.

STUDENTS CELEBRATE BISHOP TYRRELL DAY The staff and students of Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College came together at Christ Church Cathedral on March 14 to celebrate Bishop Tyrrell Day. Each year Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College celebrates the foundation of the College and honours the life of William Tyrrell. The day commenced with a service at the Cathedral where the students were treated to an amazing performance by the school choir and band. In the afternoon, back at the College, they enjoyed ice cream and had fun playing games and activities that the Year 12 students organised.

s Winter Solstice GEORGETOWN PARISH SHINES FOR WINTER SOLSTICE St Matthewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anglican Church, Georgetown hosted a special event in June to celebrate solstice in the Christian tradition. Shine took place over June 23-24 with interactive and experimental worship, reflecting on and worshipping the God of the seasons. Guests were also treated to hot soup and mulled wine.

MAITLAND PARISH CELEBRATES 180 YEARS A wonderful celebration was held at Maitland on September 23 to recognise 180 Years for Maitland Anglican Parish. The anniversary was celebrated with a special thanksgiving service and a high tea held on the site of the original St Mary’s church.

FR ROD PRESENTS AT TEDTALKS Fr Rod Bower of the Parish of Gosford presented at TEDxSydney on June 15. In his talk he spoke about making his well-known church signs and why it’s important to have the bravery to be a good neighbour to others. “Who is my neighbour?” he asked. “The answer to that question is disturbing because the answer is the one who I have excluded.”

TOP END GOLDEN JUBILEES CELEBRATED DOWN-UNDER On March 4 celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of the Northern Territory were in full swing in Sydney. Four bishops of the diocese, including Bishop Greg Thompson, were present at the celebrations. The anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of the Northern Territory was marked by friends of the diocese. 55

EASTER AROUND THE DIOCESE The Parish of Belmont North Redhead came together for a sunrise service at Redhead Beach, foot-washing at All Saintâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Belmont, and preparations for Palm Sunday at the Parish of Dungog.

CHRISTMAS 2017 AROUND THE DIOCESE The Parish of Gloucester recognised Christmas with a nativity scene, All Saints Nelson Bay also celebrated Christmas in 2017 with a nativity fancy dress party and a wonderful Christmas lunch with family. Samaritans Christmas Day Lunches hosted in Wyong and Newcastle were a great success. The lunches provided an opportunity for those in the community who may be alone on Christmas, or have no means to celebrate, to enjoy a free lunch, entertainment and company. Guests also enjoyed a visit from Santa and presents kindly donated by sponsors!

| Remembering our ANZACs SACRED CATHEDRAL ARTEFACTS INCLUDED IN ANZAC DAY DEDICATIONS Christ Church Cathedralâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hallowed Warriors Chapel was incorporated into Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program of Anzac Day Commemorations for 2018. The Anzac flame monument at the Nobbys Dawn Service was lit from a flame that has flickered in the chapel since Great War widows and family of the fallen gathered to mourn husbands, sons, brothers and fathers buried on foreign battlefields. The sanctuary lamp was ceremonially relit by Dean Katherine Bowyer during the annual Anzac Service before Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes uses it to light the Anzac flame at the 5am Dawn Service.

STUDENTS REMEMBER OUR ANZACS The students and staff of Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College started off the new school term by remembering our Anzacs at the College Anzac Service. Lest we forget.

FIELD OF REMEMBRANCE

BRANXTON GRETA LOCHINVAR

The Cathedral welcomed members of the War Widows Guild, the Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, and representatives of the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Airforce, RSL, and families to the Cathedral for the opening of the Field of Remembrance.

Mother Jane of the Parish of Branxton Greta Lochinvar felt privileged to be part of the local Branxton community on Anzac Day.

MUSWELLBROOK SPRING FAIR

GOVERNOR VISITS ST PAUL’S

The much-needed rain wasn’t enough to stop people flooding to St Alban’s for a Spring Fair full of smiles. The event saw hundreds of people enter the Anglican Church’s gates, and partake in the many activities set up for visiting patrons.

His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley, Governor of NSW, paid a visit to Kurri in September. Governor Hurley was treated to an afternoon tea at St Paul’s Church, as well as performances from the Kurri Public School choir and a stirring retelling of the story of unsung WWI hero Maud Butler.

BISHOP RIC THORPE VISITS THE DIOCESE Bishop Ric Thorpe visited the Diocese on July 6, 2018 for a clergy and lay conference at St John’s Church, Raymond Terrace. Bishop Ric shared the things that were learnt through London’s 100 New Worshipping Communities by 2020 project

GFS NEWCASTLE TOWNSEND GROUP GFS Townsend Group Newcastle Diocese and friends met for lunch at Kurri Kurri TAFE in June for their Annual luncheon together with their special guest, Bishop Sonia. This was a lovely way to be able to get together for fellowship and also raise some money for the GFS World Project each year. This year the project is to assist GFS Sri Lanka with a much-needed literacy program titled “English for Employment Prospects”.

ST AUGUSTINE’S MEREWETHER RECEIVES FUNDING FOR HERITAGE CONSERVATION St Augustine’s Church, Merewether was successful for an $85,946 grant for heritage conservation from the NSW Liberal National Government in June.

MORPETH LECTURE 2018 The Morpeth Lecture took place at Christ Church Cathedral on June 5. The keynote speaker was Professor Juliana Claassens who spoke on a scriptural approach to gender-based violence. Her theme was The Case of the Trafficked Princesses (Jer 40-44): Trauma Hermeneutics as Pedagogical Tool for Teaching on Gender-Based Violence.

LIGHT UP NEWCASTLE

LOCKS SHAVED TO RAISE FUNDS

The Light Up Newcastle Lantern Walk took place on February 24 to support the Mission to Seafarers. Run concurrently by the Anglican and Catholic church, the facility allows workers to connect to the internet, replenish clothing, eat fresh meals and socialise with other workers.

Monicah Njoroge-Eaton from the Parish of Wallsend shaved her hair off for the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greatest Shave for the Leukaemia Foundation in March. She raised $2,000 in doing so! The lovely ladies from Anglican Women also served a Devonshire Tea.

t x r E a l v a a c g i a t s n a z t n a a F m A FANTASTICAL EXTRAVAGANZA AT SCONE GRAMMAR SCHOOL Everyone’s favourite Dr Seuss books were brought to life in June as Scone Grammar School performed the musical production of Seussical Jr. It has been a ‘fantastical’ musical extravaganza that Dr Seuss would have been proud of! What a spectacle!