April Encounter 2017 by Anglican Diocese of Newcastle

ENCOUNTER APRIL/MAY 2017 | ISSUE NO. 471

A lasting legacy A BISHOP'S LEGACY

FAITH IN ACTION

EASTER REFLECTION

On March 16 Bishop Greg announced that he is resigning from his role as Bishop of Newcastle. Read the full statements.

What is faith in action and what does it look like? We look at some of the key outreach ministries in our own diocese.

The Rev'd Mark Cooper shares his reflections asking us to shout "Christ is risen, Alleluia" this Easter.

A Bishop's Legacy Bishop Thompson announces resignation "Since the end of the Royal Commission's Case Study 42 on the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle I've been reflecting on the important work of the Royal Commission and the change underway in the Diocese of Newcastle and its impact on my health," Bishop Thompson said. "It has been widely documented in both the media and the Royal Commission how the culture and conduct from some sections of the church has had an impact on survivors, families, and communities across the Diocese of Newcastle. "I have witnessed this culture first hand, both as victim of abuse and in my work as Bishop to address the Diocese's abuse legacy.

Anglican Bishop of Newcastle Greg Thompson today announced he is resigning from his role as Bishop of Newcastle. Bishop Thompson served the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle as Bishop for three years and has been a strong advocate for survivors of child abuse during his tenure.

Bishop Thompson has worked in the church for 38 years and has enjoyed the many exciting roles he has served in during that time. With the revelations of the appalling accounts of child abuse performed by clergy and church workers during the Royal Commission, Bishop Thompson established the Parish Recovery Teams to work with church communities to address past abuse histories and assist survivors and communities to find a measure of support and recovery. "I have confidence in the present church leadership of this Diocese who have stood with me in wanting to face the past and shape a healthy future. I could not have done my work without their professional and dedicated support for change," Bishop Thompson added. Bishop Thompson's ministry as the Bishop of Newcastle formally conclude on May 31, 2017.

"When I started this journey to right the wrongs of child abuse in the Diocese I didn't expect to be in this position, nor did I expect to uncover systemic practices that have enabled the horrendous crimes against children. "The decision to resign was not an easy one, it weighed heavily on my heart. However, I must place the wellbeing of my family and my health above my job." Bishop Thompson said.

"The decision to resign was not an easy one, it weighed heavily on my heart. However, I must place the wellbeing of my family and my health above my job." Bishop Thompson said.

Statement from Bishop Peter Stuart On behalf of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle I express our considerable sadness at the news that Greg Thompson won't be returning to ministry as the Anglican Bishop of Newcastle. In his short time as our Bishop he has been the catalyst for deep cultural change around the protection of children and the support of victims of abuse. He called us to face our past and in doing so shape a healthy future. This will be his enduring legacy. As part of shaping a healthy future, we worked together in November to initiate independent external reviews of diocesan governance and the professional standards and

redress processes. These reviews are well underway and will continue the crucial work of transforming the Diocese. Bishop Greg has led the Diocese to greater health.

Drawing on the great treasures in the teachings of Jesus, he has been unafraid of speaking strongly to the powerful to ensure transparency and promote justice.

In 2013, the Diocesan family rejoiced that a 'son of the diocese' had been elected as the Diocesan Bishop. The clergy and people have delighted in his ministry in parishes, at the diocesan convention and synod. We have felt deep anguish for him and his family as we learnt of the abuse he experienced and the rejection by some in the Diocese.

We are deeply thankful for Bishop Greg Thompson's ministry as Anglican Bishop of Newcastle. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family in this time of transition.

Throughout his ministry he has been committed to hearing the voices at the grassroots and empowering the vulnerable and people in need.

THIS EDITION 2

A Bishop's Legacy

Topics

Reflections: Bishop Peter

Life of An Archdeacon

Faith In Action

Celebrating Women

Easter Reflection

TOPICS

Guadalcanal 300 Club

18 Q&A 20

Meet the Ordinands

Social Justice Task Force

Messy Church

Around the Diocese

What's On

Easter Service Times

Cathedral Bicentenary

The Anglican Encounter, the magazine of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, is published bi-monthly from February to December. The Anglican Encounter is a member of the Australasian Religious Press Association. Contact Details PO Box 817 Newcastle NSW 2300 P: 02 4926 3733 F: 02 4926 1968 E: editor@newcastleanglican.org.au www.newcastleanglican.org.au Production Team Editor/Designer: Louise Mackay Publisher: The Rev'd Murray Woolnough Editorial Committee: Robyn Ashley-Brown, Kath Dockrill Proofreaders: Kath Dockrill, Pat Dring, Barbara Sweet, Judith Weaver, Pamela Lusty Printing & Distribution Printer: BlueStar Web Distribution: House With No Steps, Newcastle Subscriptions Local $30 per year; Overseas $40 AUD per year. To subscribe send your name, address and a cheque made out to the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, to The Editor, PO Box 817, Newcastle NSW 2300. Advertising Advertise with us - great rates. Contact the editor for a rate card and bookings. The Editor is not responsible for opinions expressed by contributors, nor do their views necessarily reflect the policy of this paper or of the Diocese. Acceptance of advertisements does not necessarily mean endorsement of product or service. Contributions Welcome The Editor and Editorial Committee welcome contributions of stories and photographs for consideration for publication. The Editor and Editorial Committee reserve the right to edit or cut all submitted material. Submissions can be emailed to the Editor (please send images as high res JPEG or TIFF attachments). Articles should be a maximum of 250 words and are not guaranteed publication. Please supply your contact details. Next Deadline: May 5, 2017

Bishop Nathan Tome from our partner Diocese, the Diocese of Guadalcanal, has asked if we might be able to support their purchase of a boat and outboard motor to assist transport around their Diocese. There are many areas which are hard to access by road and easier to access by sea and river. The overall cost is between $15,000 and $18,000 depending on the exchange rate. Any surplus funds can assist with fuel costs. Bishop Peter is hoping that parishes and people across the Diocese might pledge $300 to make this happen.

"Nicki and I have made the first pledge," Bishop Peter said. "Our partnership in the gospel is primarily in prayer and we have been very careful about any matters to do with money. Bishop Nathan has been trying since he was with us a couple of years ago to get this project off the ground." If you would like to support Bishop Nathan and the Diocese of Guadalcanal, please contact Alison at the Diocesan Office at info@newcastleanglican.org.au

Act Now for Persecuted Christians Looking for practical ways for your church or community to do something in support of Christian who are suffering persecution? Well you can Act Now. Act Now is an ecumenical initiative of three Dioceses, Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay, Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, in support of their brother and sister Christians suffering persecution in the Middle East and other parts of the world. The goal is straightforward: to encourage each of our local parishes to something through simple tools for praying, giving and becoming informed. The idea is that even the busiest pastor, even the least resourced parish, can speedily find information, prayers, links, ideas to be readily fed into their communication channels. Visit http://actnowforpersecutedchristians.weebly.com/ today for more information and to Act Now.

TOPICS

Opportunity for Ministry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Old Monastery, Stroud One of the treasures in the Diocese of Newcastle is the bushland setting of mud brick Franciscan houses near the historic village of Stroud. On this site are The Hermitage, the home of the Franciscan Brothers in NSW, and the Old Monastery, the former home of the Community of St Clare, built in the 1970s by volunteers: "the muddies". Now, with the additional building the Gunya Chiara, the Old Monastery offers self-catering accommodation to groups and individuals. The Clare Community closed in 2000 and the Samaritans took on the significant responsibility for maintenance and bookings. The Friends of the Monastery Inc (FMS) was formed and has continued to manage the running of what is now known as the Old Monastery. A Residential Ministry position was established and the Rev'd Pirrial

Clift initially filled this role, offering spiritual direction and a regular rhythm of prayer and worship in the Chapel open to guests. She has now moved to Melbourne. A new ministry opportunity is open for seekers of a simple life. An invitation is extended to an Anglican (single or a couple) with a lay or clerical licence acceptable in the Diocese of Newcastle, to offer this welcome and spiritual care, for a period of three months at a time. In return for ministry service, furnished selfcontained accommodation, phone and internet connection and all utilities are provided. The incumbent would offer short programs or workshops as well as maintaining daily prayer in the chapel. For further details please contact Jill Gumbley gumbleyjill@gmail.com or www.themonasterystroud.org.au

Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Old Monastery, Stroud.

ADVERTISE WITH US Advertise with the award-winning Encounter and take advantage of great rates and reach an audience of over 10,000 Anglicans. Contact the editor for a rate card and bookings on 4926 3733 or editor@newcastleanglican.org.au

IN BRIEF CLERGY MOVEMENTS The Rev'd Andrew Eaton was commissioned Rector of the Parish of Wallsend on February 27. The Rev'd Lu Piper was appointed Associate Priest of the Parish of Charlestown, Belmont North/ Redhead collaborative ministry district on January 16. The Rev'd Kevin Wares has been appointed Area Dean of the Central Coast Deanery. The Rev'd David Davies has accepted the position of Priest in Charge of the Parish of Williamtown, Medowie and Mallabula. A commissioning date will be advised.

The Rev'd Nathan Atkins has taken a position as Dean of Students at Scone Grammar School. Nathan will still undertake Chaplaincy duties from time to time.

RETIREMENT

DIOCESAN OFFICE - RESIGNATION

The Rev'd Jim Hudson and Gaye Olive became engaged on January 17.

Mr John Cleary resigned as the Diocesan Business Manager on February 27.

CONGRATULATIONS

MEMORIAM

RETIRED CLERGY ASSOCIATION The Rev'd Jim Hudson has accepted the position as President of the Retired Clergy Association.

www.facebook.com/AnglicanDioceseOfNewcastleAustralia

The Rev'd Canon Sally Gero retired on February 2.

The Rev'd Terry Frewin's wife Mrs Judy Frewin died on January 1. Fr James Rigney, the 14th Dean of Newcastle died on January 23.

www.newcastleanglican.org.au/encounter-magazine

REFLECTIONS

Living in Grace BISHOP PETER STUART bishoppeter@newcastleanglican.org.au called to remember the road we have travelled and the grace that has been bestowed on us. As the hymn says, 'I once was lost but not I'm found; was blind but now I see.' The deep remembering of the mercy we have received from God enables us to look plainly at where we have been. Then, through a penitential life, we choose not to live that way again and act, where we can, to repair the harm we have done. Such outward signs are markers of the significance to us of the blessing we have received.

Christians understand that all that exists has been brought into being because of the loving purposes of God. Central to God's nature is the desire to create. Also central to God's nature is love. This understanding of God is ancient and modern; found in the psalms of old and the songs of today. Christians also understand that the creation, including humanity, does not always live and act in harmony with God's loving and creative nature. Men and women can be destructive and uncaring; acting selfishly and imposing great harm on people and creation. The interplay between God and all that he has made is laid out in the scriptures and human history. There are moments of sacrificial service bearing witness to fullness of God's call to mercy and kindness. There are also moments where hearts are hardened as God is ignored. Christians understand that it was possible for God to wipe his hands of what he had called into being. Yet God has consistently made choices to draw his creation back to Him. God continues to act creatively and lovingly in order that all he has made might live and work for good.

Central to this interplay between God and creation is the invitation to creation to come to its senses. Men and women are invited to respond to God's loving action and live differently; seeking peace and justice for all. One of the burdens of coming to our senses is the deep recognition of the mistakes we have made, the harm we have done, the hope that we have diminished. When we become alive to the reality of loving goodness we can cry out with despair as we realise the impact our decisions and actions have had on others. Christians understand that rather than requiring us to carry those burdens for the remainder of our days, God invites us to experience forgiveness in which the weight of the burden is lifted from us. Rather than being imprisoned by our wrongdoing we are invited to begin afresh. We are given the gift of new and renewed life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such is the joy of Easter. One of the mistakes that is often made about the gift of forgiveness is the expectation that with forgiving comes forgetting. The Christian tradition in fact moves in the opposite direction. We are in fact

Christians understand that living a penitential life can be exceptionally difficult. We expect and anticipate that every Christian community will be finding ways of encouraging every member in their journey of faith. Mature communities offer careful guidance and loving discipline in order that every person can become who God calls them to be. All too often churches seek the simple road and don't offer their members the teaching, the support and encouragement they need. When we know ourselves to be forgiven people we do not walk on this earth as people with a sense of entitlement but as people who marvel at the grace we have received. As we have known forgiveness we offer forgiveness to others. As we have received mercy so we show mercy to others. At the heart of Christian life is the knowledge that our sins are forgiven because of God's love revealed in Jesus Christ. We celebrate the new life we receive from God in the various services of Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter Day. Every blessing + Peter

LIFE OF AN ARCHDEACON

Faith in Action THE VENERABLE LES FORESTER REGIONAL ARCHDEACON, PATERSON AND THE MANNING As I drove away from St Matthew's Wingham on that hot Sunday in February after being their visiting preacher, the temperature gauge in my car registered a torrid 47 degrees. On that day I had the opportunity to watch the decision making process of the Rector Brian Ford. People gathered in the heat and expressed their concern for local people who had no access to home air conditioning or large air conditioned shopping centres. The Rev'd Brian quickly decided that the parish hall and church, both air conditioned, would be open to the community to come and spend the day, having a cuppa, sharing a meal, or watching TV. I noticed a homeless person in the congregation who may well have been glad of the offer. Faith in action can become a reflex when we ask ourselves the question, "How is it for the other person?" The Rev'd Rob Llewellyn works with the Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Centre. The Rev'd Rob and students from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music played a concert for clients of "The Cottage", a hangout place for people with disabilities. The Rev'd Rob and the Sydney musicians also played a fundraising concert for the community. Funds raised at this event helped the Neighbourhood Centre "get over the line" to finance a much-needed special transport van. The Rev'd Rob observes that in small isolated towns the great need for community-based support relies heavily on local support groups, like the homelessness task force, the drug action team, and the domestic family violence group. "In a small town, it's often the same faces you see leading sporting and community groups". As is often the case, the faces of church people are over-represented. Faith in action makes a real difference in places of need. A long-term action of faith in the Parish of Forster Tuncurry is the Court House Ministry. Once a fortnight two

Donna Austin from Camden Haven Parish with her grandchildren L-R Bray, Indigo, Banjo and Isla

members of a team of ten parish people offer support, hospitality, tea, coffee and biscuits to those attending court. Set up on the Courthouse veranda, this faith in action offers kindness to up to 40 people in a morning. The members of the team offer a listening ear to those who wish to tell a kind person of their life's troubles. The Forster Courthouse is away from the shops and people waiting to have their cases heard, or there to support family or friends, are grateful for this simple helpfulness given on the spot. The staff at the Courthouse greatly appreciate this ministry, which has been running for a number of decades. Faith in action can be simple deeds undertaken over the long haul. Donna Austin is the Parish Administrator, and much more, in the parish of Camden Haven. Six days per week Donna and two other people pick up end of day bakery items from a local business and distribute them to families in need and to people living in a local caravan park. The bread, buns, cakes and pies are gladly welcomed. Donna said, "One family told me they love it when pies are available, because the previous day they had only toast for tea, and it looked like it was going to be toast for tea

that night too." Donna also tells of another valued ministry with homeless people in the Laurieton area through a free BBQ each week outside the Laurieton United Services Club. "It's a real partnership of community and various church groups. Local businesses helped us out, especially at the beginning. We have also made some friendship with the homeless folk, some of whom have started attending church." Faith in action provides us with the opportunity of partnering with people of good will in our local communities. Robert Marsh was encouraged by Michael Birch, the former Rector of Buladelah/Tea Gardens Parish, to take on a ministry of leading worship in nursing homes. Relying on God's calming help as he led worship, Robert has grown into his role. "I learnt some of the old hymns the residents love to sing." Robert ministers with a team of helpers who sing, play music and read the Bible. "We minister to 60 people across the three facilities, Great Lakes Aged Care at Buladelah, The Manor Tea Gardens, and Peter Sinclair Gardens Hawks Nest. And I attend when our minister takes Holy Communion to residents who make that request". Faith in action will require us to strike out and trust God.

Faith in

n o i t c A

Photo by Kathleen Mackay

FAITH IN ACTION

In the Diocese of Newcastle, we see faith in action everyday. Where church ministry meets community, from the gestures of compassion and care to a listening ear, or the many ministries across our churches including Messy Church, courthouse ministries, luncheons and outreach programs. This month Encounter highlights just some of these amazing examples of faith in action. COMMUNITY LUNCH CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

What does faith in action look like exactly? The community outreach lunch at Christ Church Cathedral certainly ticks all the boxes. A collaboration between the Cathedral parish and staff and students from Newcastle Grammar School, the community luncheon provides a meal and care to the homeless community and those in distressful circumstances in the Newcastle community. The Cathedral parish has been opening its doors to all and anyone in need for over 25 years, providing a lunch each fortnight to up to 50 people in need at a time. Historically the Cathedral lunch was one of the first parish-based Samaritans projects and has run solidly since with the support of the parish and Newcastle Grammar School. "The luncheon is for anyone who would like a meal, we do not discriminate," one volunteer said. "The poor, the needy, the homeless, those recently released from prison –

our doors are open to everyone and they are all made very welcome". And welcome they are indeed. A wonderful selection of very dedicated parishioners, students and staff assist in the preparation and serving of a warm meal of bread and butter, soup, a roast or pasta (alternates each fortnight), and a dessert. A group of "Table Hosts" circulate among the guests to listen to their problems and provide help wherever needed. "Maybe it is just a friendly ear on which to unburden the grief," a volunteer said "It is important to note that those who donate their assets and time to help see visible signs of helping those less fortunate than ourselves. We all gain great inspiration from this." Each of the volunteers all agree on one thing – they find the outreach very rewarding.

"It is very rewarding. It is more hands on – you can see the good you are doing," one volunteer said. "There is also a great sense of comradery, we have a laugh and have fun," another volunteer said. It is easy to look around the room and see a great sense of community between all involved. The guests support each other, they offer to help volunteers carry plates back to the wash table or carry heavy tables, and the volunteers have a deep respect for their guests. There is a true environment of two-way respect and appreciation. And the sense of community doesn't stop there. Behind the scenes are a team of parishioners who respond to a roster and donate accordingly, and an ongoing partnership with students and staff from Newcastle Grammar School. "Our lunches could not proceed if not for the marvellous help we receive from the students from Newcastle Grammar School," a volunteer said.

"It is easy to look around the room and see a great sense of community between all involved."

FAITH IN ACTION In 2010, the Newcastle Grammar School became involved in the program as part of their social justice initiative. Half a dozen students, as well as a house master/mistress and the Deputy Principal, Mr Alan Parson, participate in the luncheon each fortnight. "The school has been involved for seven years. The luncheon is an integrated approach to holistic care that has been sustained for over seven years," Mrs Marnie Thomas said. "The students really enjoy it. It gives them an opportunity to serve and lead, and forge relationships. "We promote 'doing good and feeling good' to the students. The idea is that to feel good you need to do good too." The students are wholeheartedly involved; one student plays piano for the guests.

Photo by Kathleen Mackay

"He is so humble. He is nervous playing for the guests. He told me that it is no different playing for these people as it would be playing for the Prime Minister," Mrs Thomas said. Sarah, another student from Newcastle Grammar School, took the initiative to further enhance the guests' human experience. "Sarah arrived one weekend to serve at the luncheon with a bag full of ponchos and umbrellas to give to the guests," Mrs Thomas said. "She put forward her own allowance, and asked her parents to match her allowance, to purchase over 30 ponchos and umbrellas. "This is an example of shared humanity. Something so simple can just make such a difference." The Cathedral luncheon is a good practical way of helping those in the community who are less fortunate than ourselves.

"This is a basic Christian philosophy. At the conclusion of the lunches you can see a very visible sign that our help has benefited our guests," a volunteer concluded. "It is an activity that helps keep the Cathedral grounded in the local community and is an outward sign of the servant ministry of the church that is so essential to the church's integrity," The Very Rev'd Stephen Williams, Dean of Newcastle, said. The Cathedral outreach luncheon takes place fortnightly on Sundays at the Horbury Hunt Hall, Church St Newcastle (opposite the Cathedral). The Cathedral parish always requires any help that is on offer; you can reach out to the Cathedral office to offer your support. Most importantly is that any person in the wider community who needs help, you can find out more about the Cathedral Community Outreach Program through the Cathedral office on (02) 4929 2052. ď ľ

FAITH IN ACTION

Photos by Kathleen Mackay

"We promote 'doing good and feeling good' to the students. The idea is that to feel good you need to do good too."

FAITH IN ACTION HOSPITAL VISITING MOTHERS' UNION NEWCASTLE You know that feeling when you were in the right place at the right time? For the volunteer hospital visitors of MU this is the key to their outreach. "It's often we walk out of the hospital and think, 'we were where we had to be today'," Laurel Brook, President of MU Newcastle, said. Hospital visiting is a spirit-led outreach program of MU Newcastle that combines faith, compassion and care across the Diocese of Newcastle. MU is a vibrant organisation of the diocese with over 750 members who are the epitome of faith in action. The Editor of Encounter, Louise Mackay, sat down with three ladies behind the hospital visiting outreach through MU, Laurel Brook, Kate Dornan and Nancy Lott, to find out what drives them in this ministry and learn more about what goes on behind the scenes. Hospital visiting in the name of MU began in 1964, founded on the work of Sister Parsons. Sister Parsons was appointed full time hospital visitor for the diocese by Bishop James Housden. The outreach flourished over the next 50 years and today is a vibrant outreach ministry reaching many people in need at the John Hunter Hospital, as well as at hospitals in Belmont, Wyong, Singleton and Maitland.

Nancy Lott was called to this outreach as she wanted to do something with old people. "I am drawn to old people," she said. "I wanted to provide care in nursing homes, but I had to do the hospital courses. That's what got me hooked". Nancy co-ordinates a team of three people from the Belmont Parish who visit Belmont Hospital once a week. They work closely with the Nursing Unit Manager who is very co-operative and happy to have the church involved in her ward. Each time they visit, Nancy is given a list of people in the ward. Often the list has up to 32 people; quite a big list for Belmont. "There is no way you can visit all 32 people," Nancy said. "In our training we are taught that if somebody wants to talk to you, and you've got 31 other people there, that person is the one you stay with. "I visited the hospital yesterday and while driving along before I visit I say, 'Holy Spirit, please take me to the people you want me to talk to',". On that day Nancy visited four out of 32 people. And one of those four people she spent time with was a gentleman who when asked, "How are you feeling?" just straight out said, "I am dying". "We spoke a little about that," Nancy said. "We are taught to listen to them." She explained that they don't

do it for what they take out of it, "We do it because we give â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we give our time and everything in that moment. "And as I walked out at the end I thought, 'Thank you Lord'." "You were at the right place at the right time?" Laurel asked. "That's right,' Nancy replied. "This is why we do hospital visiting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; four people out of 32, but God sent me to the ones that he wanted me to go and talk to." We didn't need to look far to find someone to speak out about the compassionate pastoral care of Nancy and her Belmont Team. "I can speak about Nancy from the perspective of the patient," Kate Dornan said. "I was in Belmont Hospital for a few days because I had cancer. I must have been one of the 32 on her list because she came to me. "From the receiver's point of view it is lovely to see a friendly face, who isn't a member of your family, who is just going to come around and listen to what you have to tell them," Kate added. Kate has been the hospital visitor co-ordinator for MU for over 12 months now. Not only does she over see the hospital outreach across the diocese, Kate is also a hospital visitor at the John Hunter Hospital (JHH) in Newcastle.

FAITH IN ACTION

Kate's role sees her visiting Anglican patients in the general ward, as well as providing TLC to some family members of the patients. "Sometimes I might be approached by one of the Directors of Nursing who knows me and asked to visit a particular patient," Kate said. Often these patients are not on their list, but might be from far away and not had any visitors. On top of that, Kate is also in charge of the baby bundles that are delivered to new mums in the maternity ward at the JHH. From the Kotara South Parish, Kate and her team pack a list of things for a new baby. All of the gifts that go into the baby bundles are provided by women from MU. "When someone gets a baby bundle, they receive a gift that has been beautifully created for them," Kate said. "The women who create these gifts don't know who is going to get it, and they will never know, and the mothers will never know who has given it to them." "We give new booties to everyone in the ward; you're not ever sure how much good just a small gesture like that can do," Laurel said.

Kate recalled a story of a mother who had just given birth while escaping domestic violence. The woman had received a MU baby bundle while in hospital. Years later they heard the mother had contacted the hospital saying, "The only thing I had for that baby was the baby bundle you gave me". "You hear stories like that that make the hair on the back of your head stand up," Kate said. Laurel also shares this sentiment, sharing stories of over 30 years of hospital visiting in the maternity ward. "Maternity is usually a happy ward," she said. "The girls are usually happy to see you, they pick a pair of booties, and you always bring a smile to their faces." However there have been sadder times. In one incident Laurel and her visiting partner had gone into a room and inside were a woman and her mother. She had had the baby but lost it. The mother had decided to come out and meet with them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; she was a MU member from Melbourne and had felt so alone. "She was just

beside herself. We aren't usually meant to get involved, but my visiting partner and I decided to attend the funeral," Laurel said. "The mother came up to us at the end of the funeral and said, 'It's just so nice to see you'." "She was just so thankful," Laurel added. "God works in mysterious ways; you often do feel as if you are in the right place at the right time". Hospital visiting is a wonderful outreach of MU, "We go in with compassion for other people," Laurel said. "Without the support of our members none of this would be possible." Laurel's aim is to make people aware of what the MU members are doing, and asks for the Diocese's prayers for MU and for those families currently in adversity. "If every single person helped someone else every day, what a better world it would be," Nancy concluded. ď Ž

"You hear stories like that that make the hair on the back of your head stand up." 13

CELEBRATING WOMEN

Celebrating Women Reflections THE REV'D JULIA PERRY & PAM SAUBER How serendipitous it was that in delaying the first ordination of women in the Diocese of Newcastle it was postponed to Mothers' Day - May 10 1987. Mothers' Day is an auspicious community and inclusive day which celebrates life in the pain and chaos of birth, nurture and change. The delightful irony pleased both Pam Sauber and myself in the evident grounding and inescapable nature of our ministries. The ordination was in the evening after our retreat at Bishopscourt and led by Fr George Garnsey. It is always good to "withdraw" before such an event as ordination, and in our case the build up of both support and resentment in the press and amongst Anglicans, was rather daunting. We must be among the very few ordinands whose ordination rehearsals have included preparations for evacuation! The previous year I had been in the Melbourne Cathedral for the first Australian women's ordination and we were all evacuated as the result of bomb threats. Pam already had extensive ministry experience and ordination was a relief as her own call to ordination was acknowledged by the church as a genuine vocational call. Her husband Neil – already a priest, was her strongest support alongside others including the Rev'ds Milton Fowell and George Garnsey. My mother Miriam, seated in the row behind Pam and me, recalled how startled we had both been as the congregation burst into joyous song as the procession entered; a physical joyful embrace! Thirty years does fade some of the more difficult memories of the

struggle we, and those who were convicted of God's inclusive call to women, had endured. For those whose convicted opposition was honest and courteous – there has always been a sense of regret for their hurt. We have been blessed where grace has enabled others to see God's welcome differently. The brawling about women in leadership or priestly ministry did not by any means end with this act of magnificent worship - but it was worth the struggle to get that far. The sky didn't fall in and the Newcastle earthquake wasn't for 20 months. Thirty years is generally regarded as a generation! Some of those currently exploring ordination in the Diocese have never known the Church without women in ordained ministry. Thanks be to God! In that same year, 1987, Mary Gaudron was sworn in as the first female Justice of the High Court of Australia, the ASX fell 25%, Prime Minister Bob Hawke announced the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, Samaritans Foundation had its first birthday and John Farnham was Australian of the year. Pam recalls how joyous, rather than triumphant it felt! The desire to welcome women into all forms of ministry was not a social trend - although the strategies and persistence of women pioneers in other areas was a rich seam of experience: • 1887: More than 3 generations previously - Clara Stone and Margaret Whyte were the first women accepted to Medical School at University of Melbourne.

•

1903: More than two generations prior - Flos Greig graduated in Victoria in Law and in 1905 after the Women's Disabilities Removal Act 1903, took her articles and admitted to the Bar! • 1921: Nearly two generations before - Edith Cowan, was the first woman to be elected to an Australian parliament in Western Australia. Pam and I came from different generations ourselves; although we had been to the same North Sydney Girls High School. Our life experiences, church background and familial circumstances were very different. I count it to have been a very significant blessing to us, and to those who witnessed and worshipped with us, that God's call is never contained by our desire for uniformity – but instead liberated by indwelling of the Holy Spirit for God's people. For any of those times when being impatient was a novelty, or by being embittered by hateful attacks, or careless in ignorance or neglect – we confess to God and ask your pardon too. For all the ways that women in ordained ministry have been faithful to God, we give profound thanks. For all the ways all in ordained ministry have been faithful to God, we give profound thanks.

CELEBRATING WOMEN

May 10 1987 - Deaconing at Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle, The Rev'ds Pam Sauber and Julia Perry

Feb 2 2002 - Deaconings at Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle the Rev'd Katherine Bowyer and Janet Killen

The first women ever ordained in the Anglican Communion, The Rev'd Dr Florence Li Tim-Oi

Dec 14 2015 - The Rev'd Michelle Hazel-Jawhary being commissioned as Rector of Cessnock

THE REV'D PAUL ROBERTSON The path towards the ordination of women to the ordained ministry in the Diocese of Newcastle, was at times, fraught with moments of anxiety and tension, followed by jubilation. Much of the battle, and it was a battle, was fought out on the floor of Synod. Old churchmanship alliances were fractured, and new ones emerged. I clearly remember working with the Rev'd George Garnsey to promote a resolution to a session of Synod, meeting at Morpeth, to allow for women to be ordained to the diaconate. We divided into houses, with clergy and laity moving to the four corners of the room for the count.

No secret ballot. We literally knew where everyone stood on the issue. I recall a wonderful privilege, conducting the retreat when, for the first time, men and women were ordained together in the Cathedral, and preaching on that occasion, offering the hope, and the prayer, that this would become the norm. And it has! Part of the norm, for me, was to have two outstanding women serve as colleagues in ministry while I was Rector of New Lambton: Jenny Willsher and Sheila Bourne. Parishioners warmly welcomed them, and I soon realised women had areas of pastoral care unique to women.

Looking back, I sometimes wonder what all the fuss was about. The ordination of women to the ministry was never a problem for me. I recognise though, it still is for others, even today. My plea is that as women continue to join the ranks of clergy, as bishops, priests and deacons, it will become self evident it is a God-inspired moment for the Church. It was no accident that the first person to declare the good news of the resurrection of Jesus was a woman! Praise God, we are seeing both men and women together, proclaiming the "unsearchable riches" that are found in Christ Jesus! ď ľ

CELEBRATING WOMEN THE REV'D KATHERINE BOWYER I was 20 in 1987. The move for the ordination of women had been an active issue for the church globally, nationally, and locally for most of my teenage years, though the history of this movement goes far deeper. The ordination of The Rev'd Florence Li Tim Oi in 1944 as an emergency response during World War II did not attract as much global awareness as the ordination of the "Philadelphia Eleven" in 1974, which was two years before the Episcopal Church in the US authorised the ordination of women as priests. This is not to suggest that women were not active in ministry before this point, nor that ordained ministry is the only way for women (and men) to exercise ministry. Women have always been actively involved in ministry, and in this Diocese we have seen that through the work of Auxiliaries, Guilds, Mothers' Union, Anglican Women, GFS, the Sisters of St Clare, along with other ways in which women have served corporately and individually. Whilst membership of Parish Councils and Synod did not come until the 1960s and 1970s, women had been active in the support and decision-making processes of parishes and ministries. Nationally, prior to the ordination of women, the ways in which women could exercise distinctive ministries

existed through a call to the religious life, to train and serve as a deaconess, or to train and serve as a St Christopher's Parish Worker. These women, and the countless others who exercised faithful ministry, were role models in how to live as disciples of Christ. In this Diocese, the debate surrounding the ordination of women was lived out, quite literally, on the floor of Synod. Not old enough to be a Synod representative, I attended these Synods as an observer, watching from the outside (with others) as the Houses of Synod literally divided on the floor. As the Rev'd Paul Robertson writes, we knew exactly where everyone stood on the issue. The debates were passionate and intense, and not only in our Diocese. These debates were also covered in newspapers and current affairs programs. As a young woman in the church, wrestling with a sense of ordained vocational call, it was hard not to take these things personally. The Anglican Church in Australia, reflecting and respecting our diversity, sought to find a way forward. I vividly remember the night in May when Julia Perry and Pam Sauber were made Deacons in the Church

of God. The Cathedral was humming with anticipation and prayer. It was electric. Such courage. Such faithfulness. My overwhelming memory of the night is one of light, of brightness. As we spilled out of the Cathedral afterwards into the night it seemed the Cathedral itself glowed. The first step had been taken. The journey had begun. Fifteen years later, I'd stand in that place before a Bishop, and declare that I too, felt called to this ministry. ď Ž CELEBRATION EUCHARIST Wednesday May 10, 11am at Christ Church Cathedral. If people attending wish to join in a group lunch booking they can RSVP to Janet Canon Killen priest@belmontanglican.org.au to register interest and for more information DIOCESAN CELEBRATION OF WOMEN'S MNISTRY IN THE DIOCESE OF NEWCASTLE Coinciding with the 30th Anniversary of the Ordination of women to the diaconate Saturday June 3, 11am at Christ Church Cathedral All welcome!

AW AUSTRALIA STATE CONFERENCE 2017 From June 5-8, Anglican Women Australia will hold their bi-annual State Conference, hosted by Anglican Women, Diocese of Newcastle. The theme of the conference is "Thanksgiving for the ministry of women".

PROGRAM It is shaping up to be a most interesting time of worship, fellowship and learning with a range of very interesting speakers. They include Lisa Towle, President of Episcopal Church Women of the USA, Lucille Henniker, President of Anglican Church Women of Southern Africa, Jan Malpas of the Diocese of The Murray, who has served with the World Council of Churches, Lifeline

and Mothers' Union; The Rev'd Di Langham, Chaplain at Cessnock Gaol, The Rev'd Lu Piper, and Members of MOWatch (Movement for the Ordination of Women). The evening programs will include Bush Poet Bob Bush, a Sing Australia Choir, and Police Sergeant Debra Rowe. Conference Chaplain will be the Venerable Sonia Roulston, Archdeacon of Newcastle.

CATHEDRAL SERVICE & SPEAKER The Annual Newcastle Diocesan Anglican Women's service will take place on June 6 at 10.30am (morning tea from 9.45). It is open to anyone who would like to come, at no cost.

Bishop Peter Stuart will celebrate and Archdeacon Sonia will preach. The service will open with a colourful procession of symbols of the ministry of women in its many diverse ways. The Rt Rev'd Kay Goldsworthy, Bishop of Gippsland Diocese, will be the guest speaker following the service. After lunch participants of the conference will travel to the Mission to Seafarers Centre at Wickham where they will view the facilities, hear about its ministry and enjoy afternoon tea, before returning to the conference venue at Argenton. For further information visit anglicanwomennewcastle.org.au or contact Marion Willey at marion. willey@iinet.net.au ď Ž

EASTER REFLECTION

Be afraid? THE REV'D MARK COOPER RECTOR MICA MINISTRIES

"Someone coming back to life after three days promising this gift to all should have us shouting, 'Christ is risen, Alleluia'." Whenever angels appear in the Gospels the first words out of their mouths are, "Do not be afraid". It is the same on Easter morning when at first light the women approach the tomb to complete the burial rituals that there was no time for on the afternoon of Jesus' death before the Sabbath. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay." Matthew 28.5-6 I have often wondered why angels say, "Do not be afraid". Is it because they look scary, because they appear suddenly or because the message they have is challenging and frightening? I believe the answer is the last. The messages the angels bring from God are challenging, frightening and are likely to turn the world upside-down.

to life. Not in a medical miracle resuscitation but three days later, as he predicted, by the power of God. It is this message that is at the very core of our faith. Christians are an Easter people. It is the longest celebration in our liturgical calendar lasting 50 days. We light a new paschal candle each year to remind us how important this event is and we use that candle as a symbolic connection with baptisms and funerals as we join God's family and as we move from this life to the next, trusting in the promises Jesus made, validated that first Easter Day. I say all this and yet has Easter lost its wow factor for us? Has it become so familiar that we just go through the motions each year? On Easter morning we exclaim, "Christ is risen, Alleluia". "He is risen indeed. Alleluia!" but do we say it in the same deadpan way we might say, "The Lord be with you", "and also with you"

on any given Sunday? I saw a production of One Man Two Gov'ners where one of the characters has been killed but miraculously turns up. When asked, "I thought you were dead?" his minder says, "He was, but he's back again. Two days quicker than the previous record". It made me think, is Easter, though still in the collective memory of our community reduced to a quick one-liner? Someone coming back to life after three days promising this gift to all should have us shouting, "Christ is risen, Alleluia". 50 days should feel too short a time to celebrate this event that is at the very core of who we are as Christians. Maybe we don't need to be afraid on Easter Day but we do need to be a little more excited for we are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song.

I can understand an angel telling a young unmarried girl that she will have a baby would bring fear and trepidation. I can understand shepherds on the hillside in the middle of the night being frightened by the sudden appearance of an angel. What is frightening about being told that your loved one who was dead is now alive? Surely this is a message that many bereaved family members would long to hear. However, although we might long to hear those words it is not the natural order of things. The dead don't come back to life except in stories that are also meant to scare and frighten the reader. Yet this is the Easter story. Jesus who was dead has come back

Q&A

If you were Zacchaeus, why did you climb the tree and what were you hoping for? DAVID KOCH PARISH OF MEREWETHER I am Zacchaeus. I am a descendant of Abraham, one of God's chosen people. I have known this from my childhood. I know all the stories of God's blessing and promise to my people. I have studied and learnt these through my childhood and youth. I am also an unusually short person, and have always been the target of unkind ridicule. Then in my youth, I did something wrong and shameful and was caught by the Roman overlords and my punishment was to be forced to be a tax collector in Jericho, one of the major trade junctions in the Roman world. I grew through the ranks of the tax collectors to eventually become the Chief Tax Collector at Jericho Junction. I collected what the Romans required and more, to make me secure and "prosperous". I have strived to become rich as the obvious way to be appreciated and accepted in high society, and to be respected and the master of my own destiny. The opposite has occurred. I live isolated and scorned by my own people and beholden to the Romans. I loathe who I have become, hated and rejected by all people. I put on a guise of being strong and competent, a person without compromise and not to be challenged. However I

am far from happy, the inner core of me is anxious, afraid and isolated. I don't belong anywhere. I have no friends above, beside or below me in this place - and my heart aches with living in aloneness. There is a great teacher and prophet passing through town, of whom I have heard great things; a wise man without possessions, surrounded and adored by people, who lifts them up with his words, and performs many miracles. Jesus is his name. I hear that lives of many people have been changed, through radically new insights into the scriptures, physical healing, changed attitudes and talk of a personal God, not remote in the temple. Is this possible? Is there something here that I can learn? The streets are lined with a huge crowd. No one will let me to the front to see, or do I want to be seen for the sake of appearing weak or in awe of anyone.

ahead and climb a tree. That man, clearly not rich but with a stunning aura, comes along, and looks at me - but more than that, his look pierces into me through my armadillo mask to my soul, not with reproach as to who I have become and what I have done to many people, but with a love that says you are mine, you are a child of the great God, you can be who you want to be because I love you and that is all that matters. And he calls to me - yes, me.

In my need to see if there is something extra special here, I run

"...with a love that says you are mine, you are a child of the great God, you can be who you want to be because I love you and that is all that matters."

Q&A

THE REV'D MICHELLE HAZEL-JAWHARY RECTOR CESSNOCK I had been giving my life some true reflection: I led a lifestyle that had not given me a respectable name in society. A Tax collector, working for the Romans. I had heard this man Jesus had come to town on his way to Jericho. I'd heard how people's lives had been changed through him. I saw the crowd gathered and I knew I would not have had a clear view from the ground, being small in stature, so I climbed up the sycamore tree. By doing so, the height of the tree gave me the ability to not only see Jesus but hear him too. I listened to what he was saying and in reality, my lifestyle was the complete opposite to what Jesus stood for. I had come to realise that my choices in life have final consequences and this made me feel uncomfortable. There was this feeling deep within me that I had taken so much in life for granted and the thing I was hoping for the most was a change of heart and mind, which is not an easy thing to do when one feels alone and rejected by others. I felt amazed when Jesus spotted me in the tree. I immediately realised that Jesus knew me, he called me by name, and

offered to come to my house. He knew my ways, my heart, my desire, he knew what I hoped for, my need to repent. At that moment, through grace a miracle of change happened in my life, my inward change of heart and mind was demonstrated through the offering of an outward action, of being able to give half of my possessions and if I cheated anyone, I would pay back four times the amount. Jesus could have condemned me, but he didn't, he acknowledged me as a Son of Abraham, and as someone who had been excluded from my community, he restored me. Jesus helped me to see that my life was valuable and meaningful, and although the choices I had made in life were not good, I had a second chance by God's mercy to make amends. By spending time with Jesus, I was given the knowledge and grace to trust that God in Christ directs all things through God's purpose for my life.

Through faith, I realised that separated from the presence of God meant that my life was non-existent. Jesus reminded me that the Christian life is a growth in grace which demonstrates love and justice and bears witness to the nature of God's love, mercy and Kingdom Reign. I am ever so grateful that Jesus found me and has offered me the gift of salvation and I pray continually that I may be worthy of my call.

"There was this feeling deep within me that I had taken so much in life for granted and the thing I was hoping for the most was a change of heart and mind."

MEET THE ORDINANDS

Meet the Ordinands 2017 HELEN QUINN WHICH PARISH ARE YOU IN? I'm in the

Forster-Tuncurry parish. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? In Hurstville,

a suburb of Sydney. WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? In Oatley, mostly Oatley West where my parents built a house. WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL? I started school at Oatley West Primary School then completed years 5 and 6 at Hurstville Primary School before going on to Penshurst Girls' High. I did the Leaving Certificate there then went on to Sydney University where I met my husband. WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING? In all honesty I need a

cup of tea and a piece of buttered toast first thing in the morning, a tradition from childhood. I'm a morning person so I get up and make it and my husband's coffee. But I do love to hear the first chuckles of the kookaburras, the warbling of the magpies followed by the other birds,

especially the small ones. This is all part of the wonder of a new day and the glory that is God's creation.

and the ability to forgive. Kindness and generosity of spirit were important to them, along with the value of a good education.

school teacher – French and English then later Japanese- but have also been a professional swim coach and swim instructor, running a swim school in Sydney, in the Sutherland Shire, before coming north 28 years ago, where I continued school teaching till my retirement.

ARE YOU AN INTROVERT OR AN EXTROVERT? These days I'm probably

HOW DID YOU COME TO REALISE YOUR VOCATION WAS AS A PRIEST?

more extroverted – perhaps more confidence with increasing years. As a child I was definitely introverted (I spent lots of time sitting in trees avoiding other children) but going to uni then on to teaching helped me change.

During my EfM studies I began to realise I wanted to do something more within the church than I had been doing. I became a member of the local Aboriginal community and felt immediately at home, loved and accepted. I felt connected and sensed God pushing me to do whatever I can for them. For me there is a spiritual connection with my people I am still trying to understand.

WHAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR PARENTS? Love, honesty, tolerance

WHAT IS YOUR PASSION? My faith and my family. It's through faith I've really learned who I am, what's important. And my family is so important to me, their love and support cannot be expressed in words. Because of them I am able to pursue my other passion – my Aboriginal heritage, and my desire to work with them and for them. WHICH TRAITS DO YOU MOST VALUE IN PEOPLE?

Above all, honesty and integrity. I value people who accept you for who you are, who are nonjudgemental. I admire a good listener, and love a good sense of humour. WHAT ARE YOU READING AT THE MOMENT? In

between textbooks for my studies I'm working my way through Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything. What a mindopener!

DID YOU HAVE A CAREER BEFORE CONSIDERING JOINING THE PRIESTHOOD? I was a secondary

WHAT DOES THE PRIESTHOOD MEAN TO YOU? Being given the privilege to

serve God and his people in the best way I can, and being entrusted with such a responsibility. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT BEING AN ORDAINED PRIEST/DEACON? Being

able to begin my ministry within my local Aboriginal community in a positive and practical way, both in a pastoral and spiritual sense. I hope that we can grow in faith together, learning from each other, leading to a stronger sense of community locally and in Christ. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO FINDS THEMSELVES CALLED TO THE PRIESTHOOD? Don't

be afraid to explore it. Spend time with God through reflection and prayer. Read. Talk to others. But most importantly, try to get to know God better because when you do you'll get to know where you fit into his plan – he'll let you know.

MEET THE ORDINANDS PHIL MORRIS WHICH PARISH ARE YOU IN? I have

been in the Parish of St Luke's Wallsend for the past 34 years. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Like many local Newcastle people my age, I was born at the Western Suburbs Maternity Hospital in Waratah, Newcastle. WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I grew up

WHICH TRAITS DO YOU MOST VALUE IN PEOPLE? I pray that people will

be honest, at least with themselves, and to others. But to me the most important value in everyone is to love one another as Christ loves the world. As I have recently heard during a sermon, "Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?"

in the suburb of New Lambton.

WHAT ARE YOU READING AT THE MOMENT? I am currently reading

WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL?

several books besides any required for my courses and they are Lifting the Burden by Brendan Byrne, A Guide to St John's Gospel by Fergus King, A Prayer Book for Australia and Where is God When it Hurts? by Philip Yancey.

Now that was a long time ago! I went to New Lambton Public School and then on to Newcastle Technical High School, obtaining the HSC in 1974. WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING? Firstly the alarm but after

that I lie there for a few minutes thanking God for a new day and the opportunities that he may send me to be his light in someone's otherwise dull or hurtful day. With these opportunities I have the chance to help where I can to ease someone's burden and bring God into their life, even for a brief minute, because that is all God asks us to do - provide the spark in people's lives. WHAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR PARENTS? The most important thing

that I learned from my mother and grandfather, because my father died before I was born, was to serve God, and others, to the best of my ability. To see what is needed, and to just do it, in order for everything to move as smoothly as possible. ARE YOU AN INTROVERT OR AN EXTROVERT? I am probably best

described as a reluctant extrovert. Someone has to be. WHAT IS YOUR PASSION? My passion is "fair play". People need to know that they will be treated fairly and with compassion no matter where they come from or who they are. Australia is a "melting pot", from before the arrival of the First Fleet to now, and all newcomers need to know that the Church does not judge, and is open to help anyone and everyone.

DID YOU HAVE A CAREER BEFORE CONSIDERING JOINING THE PRIESTHOOD? I started work at the

BHP as a Personnel Administration Trainee and then, after 19 years, took redundancy and moved into insurance. I "survived" 33 years in the Workers' Compensation field at both of these employers. I consider that this was preparation for my vocation, learning how to communicate with different people from various backgrounds, both culturally and ethnically, in ways that assist them to obtain what they need and require. HOW DID YOU COME TO REALISE YOUR VOCATION WAS AS A PRIEST?

My story goes back to 6th Form at High School when we were visited by some "Brown Brothers" (Anglican monks from Brisbane). A friend invited me to the information session and my journey really started there. It has been a long and winding road but during my Year of Discernment all the books I was asked to read, as part of my journey, kept reinforcing my realisation that I was being called to priestly ministry. God does not give up when he is calling you for a more active role in his Kingdom! WHAT DOES THE PRIESTHOOD MEAN TO YOU? The Priesthood is the

continuation of my journey towards God and his will for me. It is the realisation that I am called to do more for God and reflect Christ's

light to all those with whom I come into contact, and this contact is extended beyond my parish and friends. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT BEING AN ORDAINED PRIEST/DEACON? The

opportunity to serve God and hear other people's stories of how they have come to Christ, and their journeys, during my contact with them. To be able to support those in need, and enlighten their path to a better understanding of faith in Christ. During this sharing, I know that my path will also be strengthened, increasing my own relationship with God. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO FINDS THEMSELVES CALLED TO THE PRIESTHOOD? If you

believe that you are being called to the priesthood then discuss these feelings with others close to you and with your parish priest. You may be surprised at their responses. But importantly listen to all of them, and I mean really listen, because they may be giving you responses that you may not understand at that time. Some people have an epiphany while others take time to understand what God is really asking of them. There are some really good books on this subject and they may provide you with a better understanding, but overall, listen and meditate on what you are being called to do.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Give Us A Sign HELEN EDWARDS SOCIAL JUSTICE TASK FORCE

"First Australians bear the image of God" (Genesis 1). The annual Give Us A Sign event will commence on May 1 and end on June 4 this year. The focus is on standing together with First Peoples of Australia. Again, this is an Ecumenical project designed by a group representing Anglican, Catholic and Uniting Churches. Churches of these denominations across Australia will be invited and encouraged to participate by displaying appropriate signs on notice boards and in related display sites. Suggested signs are available to Churches and Christian schools. They have been listed under specific categories for ease of decision making. Of course those participating are welcome to create their own signs. It is hoped that at least one sign per week will be displayed. Those suggested can be downloaded from the website. Be more involved by sending a photograph of your sign to the email address for uploading onto the website or facebook page. Individuals such as clergy, parishioners and members of school communities may like to take a photo of themselves with a sign or message and post it on the Give us a Sign Facebook page. 2017 is a significant year for our country as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum which allowed Federal Parliament to make laws for First People and include them in the census. We recognise that there remain important questions for our nation to consider regarding constitutional recognition, sovereignty and treaty as well as social, economic and other disadvantages still experienced by many First Peoples. These include

(but are not limited to) education, health, job security, justice and many more. It is important we mark National Sorry Day (May 26) Mabo Day (June 3) and National Reconciliation Week (May 27-June 3). We encourage you to spread the word, advise your local council and local First Australian groups of what you are doing and why. Churches are reminded of the importance of engaging with social media as a platform for reaching out into our community. The Give Us A Sign campaign is a great way for our Churches to proclaim the message of standing side by side with our First Australians.

SOME SUGGESTED SIGNS ARE:

• • • • •

Make Indigenous poverty history Freedom, not prison for First Peoples White Australia has a Black history Aboriginal people are our neighbours: Mark 12:31 The oldest living culture is worth listening to

There are approximately 50 other signs on the website to consider displaying. Find out more at the website www.giveusaisgn.org.au or contact the team at giveusasign@hotmail.com

MESSY CHURCH

A Seat at the Messy Table RICHARD TURNBULL MESSY CHURCH REGIONAL CO-ORDINATOR - NEWCASTLE AND CENTRAL COAST

On February 27-28, Julie and I had the pleasure of attending the Australian Messy Church Roundtable (AMCR) at the Uniting Church of Australia Centre for Ministry and Theology in Melbourne. There are currently 254 Messy Churches in Australia the majority from the Uniting Church (89) and the Anglican Church (84). The event was well attended with representatives from NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, WA, and TAS. Delegates represented the Anglican Church, Uniting Church, Salvation Army, Lutheran Church, and The Church of Christ. AMCR is the group responsible in Australia for liaising with Bible Reading Fellowship (BRF), recommending Regional Coordinators and making context specific policies and procedures. This year the national team is looking at producing Australian specific training modules.

• •

We covered a number of topics over the two days, some of which had been put in place at the 2016 AMCR and some new ideas and proposals. These are the topics we covered over those days:

•

• • •

• •

• • • • •

AMCR History State and National reports National Survey – listening and responding to results Adapting training clips Faith practices for discipleship Adapting Messy Church material for the Australian context Consideration of potential for National Conference International Conference – listening and responding to learnings

•

Mapping the multiple Messy Church relationships Re-visiting the RC/State & Region/National Team relationships Fine-tuning the AMCR/VCCE relationship (VCCE hold the Australian Licence for Messy Church through a memorandum of understanding with BRF) State/Regional sharing thoughts and ideas Identifying resource needs Exploring aspirations for 2017.

As you can imagine with different denominations involved there is a large amount of time spent on consensus when making decisions or dealing with changes. It was very encouraging working with this group and we both have high hopes for the future of Messy Church not only in our Diocese but in the church in general across Australia.

The conference included a Skype session with Lucy Moore. There are lots of developments happening BRF, one exciting development is the conversation with the Anglican UK Liturgy Commission - they, in conjunction with BRF, are looking at how to do communion in Messy Church. Watch this space. Also on the international front is MCIC19: The next international Messy Church conference will be held in May 2019. Start saving your pennies. And finally I was appointed to the National Team which is made up of eight people representing all the states and most denominations running Messy Churches in Australia.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Commissioning of The Rev'd Andrew Eaton The Rev'd Andrew Eaton was commissioned at St Luke's Wallsend on February 27. The Rev'd Andrew joins us from the Diocese of Bendigo with his wife Monica and girls Njeri and Shiku.

Photos by Grant Killen.

Samaritans helps transform Hamilton South

Samaritans has been working with the community and artist Shane Kennedy to add a splash of colour to the Hamilton South neighbourhood.

Following a successful pilot initiative of re-designing and painting a few letter boxes, Samaritans pushed for a grant funding to brighten more letter boxes in the community. Newcastle Council supported the initiative with a Make Your Place grant and Samaritans also received funding from FACS under the Social Housing Community Improvement Fund (SHCIF). Residents played a very active role in the whole process, from designing templates to participating in the painting of the letter boxes. It provided a fantastic opportunity for

the community, both the young and old, to work together to achieve a common goal. The Project Coordinator, Harmony Wilson, is very pleased with the success. "They have become a focal point of the neighbourhood where residents can stop, connect and have a chat. It makes such a difference to see so many colours." The project has also helped bridge the gap between younger and older residents in the community. "Older residents have been impressed to see so many young people participating in the project and giving back to the community," Ms Wilson said.

Shrove/Pancake Tuesday

Telarah Rutherford

Nelson Bay

Harrington-Coopernook

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Bishop Peter Confirms Wingham Anglicans St Matthew's Anglican Church, Wingham was filled on the morning of February 19 as six people (five of whom were high school students from Manning Valley Anglican College) underwent the Christian rite of Confirmation. Manning Valley Anglican College (MVAC) students Dakoda-Jae McPherson, Braithe Waites, Tim Walker, Tegan Hinshelwood and Erin Hinshelwood and fellow parishioner Joanne Abbott were confirmed by the Right Rev'd Peter Stuart. Bishop Peter preached on the Gospel reading and the importance of forgiveness in the lives of Christians. The Rev'd Brian Ford, the Rector of Wingham, assisted Bishop Peter in conducting the Confirmation service which also included a celebration of the Eucharist. The large congregation was superbly led by the music team of Elaine

Abbott, Donna Drury and Lauren Baker. Following the service MVAC Deputy Principal Andrew Jones presented the students with cards of congratulations from the school community. MVAC

Wallsend farewell Canon Sally

Chaplain Greg Anderson had prepared the students for Confirmation. The Confirmation service was followed by a sausage and steak BBQ brunch.

Professional • Experienced • Competitive

On January 29 the Parish of Wallsend farewelled The Rev'd Canon Sally Gero at her final service before retirement. "May your retirement be as fruitful as your ministry!" • Conveyancing & Commercial • Wills, Probate & Estates • Family Law & Criminal Law • Driving Offences etc Phone: 4954 7288 25 Marianne St, Cardiff email: admin@warlandsolicitors.com.au

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Mission@MVAC Preparation for Lent at Manning Valley Anglican College (MVAC) began in the usual way with students feasting on pancakes prepared by staff members Eamonn Lawless and Nola Bath. The funds raised from partaking in such culinary delights will go to support the work of the Anglican Church in Myanmar. Anglicans in Myanmar seek to proclaim the Gospel of the Lord Jesus in word and deed. They do so under trying circumstances due to repressive military regime in government. Over the Christmas holidays a Taree parishioner travelled to Myanmar and took with him a beautiful icon of the crucifixion given by MVAC. The icon was presented to the newly built Saint Philip's Anglican Church located about 30 minutes drive outside of the city of Myitkyna in the Kachin State, not far from the border with China. Saint Phillip's was opened on Christmas Day, 2016. MVAC's Student Representative Council (SRC) has been meeting

Mrs Sandra Langford, Principal, Mr Eamonn Lawless, Director of Student Welfare and Mr Greg Anderson, Chaplain, along with members of the Secondary School Student Representative Council. regularly looking at ways in which they can fundraise to support the mission and ministry of our Burmese brothers and sisters in Christ. Plans are under way for a variety of activities to mark Youth Week at the end of the term with events such as Chalk Art, School Scavenger Hunter, Live Music, Community Drama

Performance and a College Disco on the horizon. All of these activities will be utilised not only for the enjoyment of students and for community building, but also to further the promotion and support of evangelism and social justice in Myanmar.

Anglican Care Auxiliary Annual Meeting

Audrey Clark, Leeane Kruger (Secretary) and Beryl Brownlow (President).

Leave a gift in your will to the Church 26

After 21 years as President of Anglican Care Auxiliary Audrey Clark did not seek re-election at the Annual Meeting held in February. Beryl Brownlow accepted nomination and is the new President. Audrey thanked Auxiliary members for their support and work during her term. Approximately $500,000 has been raised during her term of office and this has been handed over to the facilities under the Anglican Care umbrella - Booragul, Carey Bay, Jesmond, Merewether, Mount Hutton, Toronto and Warnervale - to provide the extra comforts needed for the benefit of residents.

Once you have made provision for your loved ones, you have the opportunity to make a lasting gift to God, by leaving a bequest to his church. A gift in your Will is one of the most valuable and lasting ways you can continue to support its mission and ministry within your community. Contact Linda Wilson at the Diocesan Office for more information on 4926 3733.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Cooks Hill Cardboard Box Challenge The Parish of Cooks Hill had a world of fun on Saturday January 21 with their school holiday activity: The Cardboard Box Challenge. The activity provides time for kids to use their imagination, ingenuity and creativity to make a marvellous masterpiece from cardboard boxes.

Swansea learns of injustices in The Philippines Swansea Parish and the various churches in their community combined to celebrate the World Day of Prayer on March 3. WDP is a global ecumenical movement started and led by Christian women. This year the service was prepared by a WDP committee in The Philippines, with the theme, "Am I being unfair to you?" Swansea was fortunate to have Charito McBeth from All Saints Belmont share information about The Philippines - its geography, history, economy and life. Charito was born on the Island of Lutzon, where she trained as a primary school teacher. In 1977 she came to Australia to work, 11 years later marrying Eric, a Scot. She wore her Filipino costume and provided many items of interest as well as cooking some Filipino dishes for the lunch which followed.

Co-ordinator Lyn Taylor with Eric and Charito McBeth

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Ash Wednesday at Manning Valley Anglican College

Manning Valley Anglican College commenced the holy season of Lent with a special Ash Wednesday chapel service. The liturgy, designed by MVAC chaplain Greg Anderson, was gracefully led by captains Abigail Watman and Shauna Kelliher.

Senior MVAC teachers Eamonn Lawless and Karen Brown joined local Anglican clergy, the Rev'd Brian Ford and the Rev'd Mark Harris, in making the sign of the cross with ash on the foreheads on all members of the MVAC community. The Rev'd Brian and the Rev'd Mark,

the rectors of Wingham and Forster/ Tuncurry parishes respectively, are strongly involved in the life of the College pastorally, liturgically and evangelistically.

Lent Retreat a time of Joy

Prepay your funeral with Australia’s leading funeral plan. It makes sense to prepay a funeral with Australia’s leading prepaid funeral plan. Protect loved ones financially by paying a funeral in today’s prices. Speak to our professional local staff to learn more about how being involved in your own goodbye will benefit you and your family.

A Guardian Funeral Provider

All Areas

1300 662 172

��

davidlloydfunerals.com.au G7396071AA-030215

The 2017 Anglican Women's silent Lent retreat at Kincumber was a joyful time of refreshment, fellowship, worship and laughter! The theme was "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh. 8:10), with Retreat Conductor, the Rev'd Jane Trigg, Rector of Branxton/ Lochinvar. She shared her own story, and read wonderful and humorous Dr Seuss books to illustrate certain points. There were also very simple and practical ideas, with sessions on meditation and "mindful moves". 19 full time ladies joined us for the retreat and 11 came for the day on Saturday. The retreat was enjoyed by all who attended. "I enjoyed the Dr Seuss stories – it's been a long time since anyone has read me a story! The concept of increasing joy by changing our thinking is at once simple and profound," one guest said. "I am taking away with me a wonderful sense of peace and connection with God. The devotions and meditations were centering and calming," another guest added.

WHAT'S ON COLLECTORS CARE ART EXHIBITION Samaritans will open its annual Collectors Care Art Exhibition in Newcastle on April 5, hoping the collection of more than 80 works from various artists will draw in local art lovers and raise much needed funds for the charity. The exhibition will feature oils, watercolour, glass, sand blown copper, sculpture and painted wooden cases. Every year, the exhibition contributes thousands of dollars to Samaritans work in the local Newcastle and Hunter community - delivered directly to supporting people who are

disadvantaged or needing additional support. Curator of the exhibition, Gael Davies, said, "Collectors Choice, of which Collectors Care is an offshoot, was instituted by the late Anne von Bertouch in 1963 to make quality art work accessible to all." "The tradition has carried on through Collectors Care for the last 12 years, giving people in Newcastle an opportunity to purchase works by well-known artists at a reduced price and at the same time assisting Samaritans."

The community is invited to join artists at the opening night on April 5, 6pm to 8pm and consider purchasing their own piece of affordable art. All works in the exhibition are priced below $1500 with 30% of each sale donated to the Samaritans Foundation. The exhibition will remain open April 6 to April 9 from 11am to 3pm at Newcastle Art School (TAFE) 590- 608 Hunter St, Newcastle West. For more information, visit www. samaritans.org.au/collectorscare.

NEWCASTLE ANGLICAN MEN'S WEEKEND Join us for a weekend of Christian men and their friends at Tahlee. Rob Llewellyn, former professional musician, now Anglican minister at Gloucester, will teach us from 2 Timothy with the theme of "getting fine-tuned for life". In addition to great Bible teaching, there will be talks from other guest speakers to challenge and encourage all men. Bring a tent, stay in a cabin, or bring your campervan. The Tahlee site has affordable camping and cabins to suit all ages and all budgets. We'll kick off with a BBQ on Friday night followed by activities that make the most of Tahlee's rural lakeside location such as fishing, bushwalking, and a bonfire on Saturday night.

Theme: "Tune Up: Getting Fine-tuned for Life" Dates: May 19â&#x20AC;&#x201C;21 Venue: "Tahlee" via Karuah Cost: $100 - $220 (depending on accommodation/concession); $50 for day visitors

For more information please contact: Jamie Young jamiefyoung3@gmail. com (0417 143 032); Brian Walsh brianandjudywalsh@bigpond. com (0431 890 671); James White jamesandmiriamwhite@gmail.com (0400 482 088)

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY APRIL 29 A garage sale will be held at St David's Hall, York Street, Teralba on April 29 from 8.30am-1.30pm. MAY 3 Shopping trip to Taren Point Warehouses and lunch at Caringbah Bowling Club. Bus leaves All Saints Boolaroo on May 3. Tickets $45. Enquiries phone Barbara 0407 582 374. MAY 10 30th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women to the diaconate at the Cathedral.

MAY 27-28 The Cathedral invites you to join them in celebrating the bicentenary of the Cathedral. Festivities will culminate in the singing of Choral Evensong at 4pm on Sunday May 28. MAY 29 Anglican Care Auxiliary will hold a Bus Trip on Monday May 29. Further information and bookings to Beryl 4950 8182. JUNE 3 Diocesan Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women to the diaconate.

JUNE 5-8 Anglican Women Australia will hold their bi-annual State Conference, hosted by Anglican Women, Diocese of Newcastle. The theme of the conference is "Thanksgiving for the ministry of women". JUNE 17 Save the date: Messy Meet-Up. All ages ministry workshop to be held at Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College on June 17. Time: 9.30am-3.30pm. More info coming soon.

EASTER SERVICES

Easter Service Times CENTRAL COAST Bateau Bay Ash Wednesday: 10am Holy Communion April 9: 8.30am & 6pm Palm Sunday services Maundy Thursday: 7pm Good Friday: 8.30am Easter Saturday: 6pm Family Service including lighting of the New Fire Easter Sunday: 8.30am Gosford Holy Thursday: 7pm Mass, Christ Church Gosford Good Friday: 8am Good Friday Service, Peats Ridge Scout Hall Central Mangrove; 9am Good Friday Service, Christ Church Gosford; 10am Good Friday Service, St John's Pt Clare; 7pm Tenebrae, Christ Church Gosford Easter Saturday: 6pm Lighting of the New Fire, Christ Church Gosford Easter Sunday: 8am Easter Day Service, Peats Ridge Scout Hall Central Mangrove; 9am Mass, Christ Church Gosford; 10am Easter Day Service, St John's Pt Clare Kincumber Good Friday: 8am Morning Prayer, St Paul's Ministry Centre Kincumber; 10am Morning Prayer, St Paul's Ministry Centre Kincumber; 8.30am Holy Communion, St Bede's Saratoga Easter Sunday: 8am Holy Communion, St Paul's Ministry Centre Kincumber; 10am Holy Communion, St Paul's Ministry Centre Kincumber; 8.30am Holy Communion, St Bede's Saratoga Lakes Anglican Maundy Thursday: 10am and 6pm Good Friday: 7.30am and 9.30am Easter Sunday: 7.30am and 9.30am St Albans Good Friday: 10am Meditation on the Cross Easter Day: 10am Celebration of the Empty Tomb Terrigal Maundy Thursday: 7pm Liturgy of the Lord's Supper Good Friday: 9am Liturgy of the Lord's Passion and Death; 2pm Devotions at the Cross Holy Saturday: 7pm Easter Vigil Ceremonies Easter Day: 7.30am Sung Eucharist; 9.30am Holy Eucharist The Entrance Ash Wednesday: 10am Holy Communion and imposition of ashes Wednesdays in Lent: 2pm Lenten Bible Study "Hope" and weekly thereafter Thursdays in Lent: March 2: 7pm Lenten Bible Study "Hope" and weekly thereafter Sundays in Lent: 9am Holy communion; 5pm Live at 5 Informal service April 9: 9am Holy Communion and Palm Sunday Liturgy April 13: 7pm Holy Communion and Maundy Thursday Liturgy April 14: 9am Good Friday Service April 15: 9am Holy Communion and Easter Sunday Liturgy Woy Woy Maundy Thursday: 8.30am Washing of feet and stripping of the Sanctuary, St Luke's Woy Woy; 7pm Washing of feet and stripping of the Sanctuary, St Andrew's Umina Good Friday: 8am Veneration of the Cross, St Andrew's Umina; 10am Veneration of the Cross, St Luke's Woy Woy; 3pm Stations of the Cross, St Luke's Woy Woy

Easter Vigil: 7pm Lighting of the New Fire and Renewal of Baptism Vows St Luke's Woy Woy Easter Day: 8am Celebration of the Resurrection, St Andrew's Umina; 10am Celebration of the Resurrection, St Luke's Woy Woy Wyoming Wednesdays During Lent: 8.30am Morning Prayer followed by Holy Communion Maundy Thursday: 6pm Seder Meal; 7pm Last Supper and washing of feet Good Friday: 10am Ecumenical Way of the Cross, Our Lady of the Rosary Wyoming; 2pm Good Friday Liturgy Easter Day: 7am Easter Vigil lighting of Pascal Candle and renewal of Baptismal vows followed by parish breakfast; 9.30am Easter Day Eucharist

Telarah / Rutherford Palm Sunday: 10am Family Service (with donkey), St Christopher's Maundy Thursday: 9.30am Feet Washing & Nail Painting, Rutherford Community Centre; 6pm Agape Meal, St Christopher's Good Friday: 9am Passion & Adoration of the Cross Service, St Christopher's; 4pm Contemporary Family Service, Holy Trinity Lochinvar Holy Saturday: 7.30pm Easter Vigil, St Christopher's Easter Day: 9am Easter Day Service, St Christopher's The Wollombi Valley Easter Day: 9am service, St John's Wollombi

Wyong Maundy Thursday: 7pm Last Supper Service Good Friday: 9am Good Friday Service Easter Sunday: 7.30am & 9.30am Holy Communion

PATERSON

MAITLAND

Nelson Bay April 9: 8am Palm Sunday Celebration; 10am Palm Sunday Family Service Maundy Thursday: 6pm Seder meal Passover celebration Good Friday: 8am Passion service; 10am Family Service; 3pm Healing Service Easter Sunday: 8am Easter Day Celebration; 10am Easter Family Service followed by Easter egg hunt

Beresfield-Thornton April 12: 7pm Tenebrae Service, St Michael's April 13: 6.30pm Roast Lamb Dinner followed by Maundy Thursday Eucharist with Stripping of the Altar, St Paul's April 14: 8am Good Friday service, St Michael's; 9.30am Good Friday service, St Paul's; 3pm Stations of the Cross, St Paul's April 15: 12pm Noon Prayers in the Memorial Garden, St Paul's; 5.30pm Easter Vigil, St Michael's April 16: 6am Easter Dawn Eucharist followed by breakfast, St Paul's; 8am Easter Day Eucharist, St Michael's; 9.30am Easter Day Eucharist, St Paul's Maitland Maundy Thursday: 6.30pm Holy Eucharist, St Mary's Good Friday: 9am St Mary's; 3pm Stations of the Cross St Mary's Easter Eve: 6pm Lighting of the New Fire, Renewal of Baptismal Promises & First Mass of Easter, St Mary's Easter Sunday: 8am Sung Eucharist, St Mary's; 10am Family Eucharist, St Mary's Morpeth Thursdays throughout Lent: 7pm Meditation on the Temptation in Desert Saturdays throughout Lent: 6pm Contemplative Eucharist April 9: 9am Palm Sunday and Procession April 13: 7.30pm Maundy Thursday April 14: 10am Good Friday; 2pm Meditation on the Seven Last Words April 16: 5.30am Easter Vigil Mass; 9am Easter Day Eucharist Mount Vincent and Weston April 12: 7pm Tenebrae, St Mary's Weston April 13: 7pm Maundy Thursday and Washing of the Feet, St Paul's Kurri Kurri April 14: 9am Good Friday Liturgy, Christ Church Mount Vincent; 12noon Good Friday Liturgy, St Mary's Weston; 3pm Good Friday Liturgy, St Paul's Kurri Kurri April 15: 5pm Barney's Service with Holy Communion, St Paul's Kurri Kurri; 7.30pm Easter Vigil, St Paul’s Kurri Kurri April 16: 8.30am Easter Day, St Mary's Weston; 10am Christ Church Mount Vincent (with an Easter Egg Hunt)

Clarence Town Good Friday: 10am St John's Clarence Town Easter Sunday: 7.45am St Columba's Karuah; 10am St John's Clarence Town

Stockton Fridays during Lent: 10am Holy Eucharist Maundy Thursday: 7.30pm Eucharist of the Last Supper, Stripping of the altar and Tenebrae Good Friday: 8.30am Reflections on the Cross Easter Eve: 7.30pm Service of Light and first Eucharist of Easter Easter Day: 8.30am Holy Eucharist Stroud Maundy Thursday: 7pm Eucharist of the Lord's Supper Good Friday: 9am Liturgy of the Passion Holy Saturday: 8pm Easter Vigil Easter Day: 6am Silo Hill Ecumenical celebration; 9am Resurrection Eucharist; 5pm Family service LAKE MACQUARIE Cardiff April 8: "Getting Eggcited for Easter" Mass and Meal Family Fun Maundy Thursday: 7pm Foot washing and Holy Eucharist Good Friday: 9am Liturgy and Reflection Easter Sunday: 5.30am Lighting of the New Fire, Renewal of Baptismal promises and Holy Eucharist; 9am Holy Eucharist Cockle Bay Maundy Thursday: 7pm St David’s Teralba Good Friday: 8.30am All Saints Boolaroo Easter Day: 6am Marmong Point; 7.45am All Saints Boolaroo; 9.30am St David’s Teralba Southlakes Maundy Thursday: 6pm Foot washing and institution of the Last Supper – commencing with a meal Good Friday: 9am Good Friday Liturgy Easter Day: 6.30am Lighting of the New Fire; 9.30am Communion

EASTER SERVICES Toronto Holy Monday: 8.30am Eucharist Holy Tuesday: 6pm Eucharist Holy Wednesday: 8.30am Eucharist Maundy Thursday: 5pm Maundy Meal; 7.30pm Institution of the Lord's Supper, Foot Washing and Watch Good Friday: 8.30am Solemn Liturgy; 2pm An Hour by the Cross Holy Saturday: 5.30pm Easter Eve Easter Day: 6.30am Vigil; 8.30am Eucharist UPPER HUNTER Denman Maundy Thursday: 6pm St Matthias Denman Good Friday: 8:30am St Matthias Denman Easter Saturday Vigil: 6pm St Marks Wybong Easter Sunday: 8:30am St Matthias Denman; 11am St Lukes Widden; 2pm St Martins Martindale Muswellbrook April 9: 8.30am Holy Communion & Blessing of Palms, St Alban's Muswellbrook; 10.30am Morning Prayer, St Paul's Spring Creek April 11: 7pm Holy Week Reflection, St Alban's Muswellbrook April 12: 10am Chrism Eucharist, Christ Church Cathedral; 10am Morning Prayer, St Alban's Muswellbrook; 7pm Eucharist & Reflection, St Alban's Muswellbrook Maundy Thursday: 7pm Holy Communion & Foot Washing Liturgy, St Alban's Muswellbrook Good Friday: 8:30am Good Friday Liturgy & prayer before the Cross, St Alban's Muswellbrook; 10.30am Good Friday Liturgy & prayer before the Cross, St Mark's Aberdeen; 10.30am Good Friday Liturgy & prayer before the Cross, St Paul's Spring Creek; 7pm Tenebrae Service The Service of Shadows, St Alban's Muswellbrook7pm Holy Communion & Foot Washing Liturgy, St Alban's Muswellbrook Holy Saturday: 8.30am Working Bee, St Alban's Muswellbrook Easter Day: 7am Lighting of the New Fire, The First Eucharist of Easter, Renewal of Baptismal Vows, Followed by Breakfast on the Lawn, St Alban's Muswellbrook; 4pm Messy Church, St Alban's Parish Hall Scone Maundy Thursday: 5pm Joining with Murrurundi Parish, St Paul's Murrurundi Good Friday: 9am Good Friday Liturgy, St Luke's Scone; 11am Walk of Witness, Kelly Street Scone Easter Vigil: 8pm Holy Communion + Lighting of Fire, St Luke's Scone Easter Day: 9am Holy Communion, St Luke's Scone; 11am Family Service, St Luke's Scone; 11.15am Holy Communion, St Matthew's Gundy; 5pm Contemporary Communion, St Luke's Hall, Scone Singleton April 9: 9am Palm Sunday Maundy Thursday: 5.30pm Pilgrims Supper, Eucharist, Tenebrae Good Friday: 9am Solemn Liturgy April 15: 6.30pm Family Easter Vigil with new fire April 16: 9am Easter Day Eucharist NEWCASTLE ANEW Good Friday: 8am & 10am Easter Sunday: 8.30am, 10.30am & 5pm

Christ Church Cathedral April 9: 7am Eucharist; 8am Eucharist with Liturgy of the Palms; 10am Choral Eucharist with Liturgy of the Palms; 6pm Choral Evening Prayer April 12: 10am Chrism Eucharist; 7pm Tenebrae Liturgy Maundy Thursday: 7.30pm Liturgy of the Lord's Supper and watch of the Passion until 11pm Good Friday: 8am Morning Prayer and Litany; 10am Children's Service; 12noon Liturgy of the Lord's Passion; 6pm Taizé Service – Prayers around the Cross Holy Saturday: 7pm Easter Vigil Liturgy Easter Sunday: 7am Eucharist; 8am Sung Eucharist with Baptism & Confirmation; 10am Orchestral Eucharist; 6pm Festal Evensong Cooks Hill Maundy Thursday: 10.30am & 7.30pm Communion Good Friday: 9am Communion; 10.45am Interactive Exploration of Easter for Kids and Families Holy Saturday: 7.30pm Quiet Reflection and Lighting of the New Fire Easter Day: 9am Traditional Communion; 10.45am Informal Communion; 5pm Informal Communion Hamilton Maundy Thursday: 6pm Mass of the Lord's Supper Good Friday: 9am Celebration of Our Lord's Passion and Death and Veneration of the Cross; 2pm Stations of the Cross Easter Day: 6am Lighting of the New Fire, Renewal of Baptismal Vows and Sung Mass; 9am Low Mass Kotara Maundy Thursday: 6.30pm Institution of the Eucharist Good Friday: 11am Way of the Cross, St Philip's Kotara Good Friday: 3pm Devotions Holy Saturday: 8pm Vigil Mass & Lighting of new Flame Easter Sunday: 7.30am, 9am and 5pm Lambton Palm Sunday: 9am Liturgy of the Palms Maundy Thursday: 6pm Gathering; 7pm Service for institution of the Lords Supper/foot washing and vigil until 10pm Good Friday: 9am service of reflection and prayer followed by breakfast together Easter Sunday: 9am service Merewether April 9: 9am Procession of Palms Maundy Thursday: 7pm Good Friday: 12noon Holy Saturday: 6pm Easter Day: 8am MICA Maundy Thursday: 7pm Foot washing and Eucharist, St Andrew's Good Friday: 9am Stations of the Cross, St Andrew's Easter Eve: 5pm Family Service and Eucharist, St Mark's Easter Day: 8.30am Eucharist, followed by breakfast, St Andrew's New Lambton Good Friday: 8am & 10am Easter Sunday: 8.30am, 10.30am & 5pm

Wallsend April 9: 7.30am Sung Mass; 9.30am Family Mass April 10: 10am Mass; 5.30pm Evening Prayer April 11: 8.30am Morning Prayer; 6pm Mass April 12: 8.30am Morning Prayer; 6pm Mass Maundy Thursday: 8.30am Morning Prayer; 4pm Confession; 7pm Mass of the Lord's Supper Good Friday: 10am Liturgy of the Lord's Passion; 3pm Stations of the Cross Holy Saturday: 7pm The Easter Vigil Easter Day: 9am Sung Mass followed by Easter Egg Hunt MANNING Bulahdelah & Tea Gardens April 9: 8am St Andrew's Tea Gardens; 10.15am St John's Bulahdelah; 1.30pm 'The Way of the Cross' combined churches at Bulahdelah Good Friday: 8am St Andrew's, Tea Gardens; 7pm St John's, Bulahdelah Easter Day: 6am Holy Communion, Hawks Nest Beach; 8am Holy Communion, St Andrew's Tea Gardens; 10.15am Holy Communion, St John's Bulahdelah Harrington/Coopernook April 8: 5pm Church of the Epiphany Lansdowne April 9: 8am St Peter's Harrington; 10.30am St Mark's Mitchell’s Island; 4pm Harrington Community Church Maundy Thursday: 10am Holy Eucharist, St Mark's Storm Village; 7.15pm Eucharist of the Last Supper & Washing Feet, St Peter's Harrington Good Friday: 8am St Peter's Harrington; 10.30am St Barnabas Upper Lansdowne; 12.15pm Stations of the Cross, St Luke's Coopernook; 2pm Stations of the Cross, St Peter's Harrington Holy Saturday: 5.30pm Fun, Food & Faith Easter Gathering, St Peter's Harrington; 7pm Ecumenical Service, Lighting of the New Fire, Renewal of Baptismal Vows, First Eucharist of Easter, St Peter's Harrington Easter Day: 8am Holy Communion St Peter's Harrington; 10.30am Holy Communion St Mark's Mitchell’s Island; 4pm Holy Communion Harrington Community Church Taree April 10: 10am Holy Eucharist April 11: 10am Holy Eucharist April 12: 10am Holy Eucharist Maundy Thursday: 7pm Washing of Feet, Holy Communion, Stripping of the Altar Good Friday: 10am Solemn Reading of the Gospel, Reproaches, Veneration of the Cross, Holy Communion; 2pm Stations of the Cross Easter Day: 5.30am Paschal Liturgy (followed by breakfast in the Hall); 8am Sung Eucharist; 10am Holy Eucharist, Our Lady of Fatima Church Old Bar Wingham April 9: 7.45am Holy Communion, St Luke's Tinonee; 9.45am Holy Communion, St Matthew's Wingham; 4pm Faith & Fellowship Contemporary Service, St Matthew's Wingham Good Friday: 7.45am Holy Communion, St Luke's Tinonee; 9.45am Holy Communion, St Matthew's Wingham Easter Sunday: 7.45am Holy Communion, St Luke's Tinonee; 9.45am Holy Communion, St Matthew's Wingham; 1pm BYO Picnic Lunch, St Mark's Marlee; 2.30pm Holy Communion, St Mark's Marlee

Birmingham Gardens Maundy Thursday: 6pm Foot washing & Holy Communion Good Friday: 9am Good Friday Liturgy Easter Day: 9am Holy Eucharist

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

Marking a Milestone

On the weekend of May 27-28 the Cathedral parish invites you to join with them in celebrating this milestone in their history. SATURDAY MAY 27

SUNDAY MAY 28

On Saturday the Tower will be open to visitors and the Cathedral will celebrate the Bicentenary and Tower reopening with a lively program of exhibitions and tours, a local historic walking tour, musical performances and a sausage sizzle.

Festivities will culminate in the singing of Choral Evensong at 4pm on Sunday. The Governor of NSW will be present to officially reopen the Cathedral Tower which has been closed for some years while remediation and safety works were completed.

Everyone is welcome HISTORY 200 years ago a permanent church was built on the site of what is now Christ Church Cathedral. Built by order of Governor Macquarie, the Foundation Stone was laid by the Commandant, Capt. James Wallis on January 1, 1817 and can be seen under glass in the Cathedral aisle. The first service to be conducted in the new building was on Christmas Day in the same year, by the Rev'd William Cowper.