Reflections on Synod
December 2014 FREE
New Year Looking back at 2014 Diocesan Christmas Service Times
s a m t s i r Ch
Why This Matters: A Different Christmas Story Q&A: All I want for Christmas Bishop Greg: Making the journey with Christmas Reflections: GIFTS THAT MAKE ME DIFFERENT Giving back this Christmas + More 1
In this edition 2
Bishop Greg: Making the Journey with Christmas
4 Bishop Peter: Gifts that make me different 5 View from the Cathedral: What's in a picture? 6 Topics 8 Why this Matters: A Different Christmas Story 12 Q&A: All I Want For Christmas 13
ABM: Love Came Down at Christmas
14
New Year: Looking back at 2014
16 Reflections on Synod 19
Thinking About Faith / Ordinations
20 Missional Church 21
Anglican Men's Movement
22 Our Organisations 24 Around the Diocese 28 Christmas Service Times Dates for your Diary 30 Recipe & Wine of the Month 31 Puzzle Book Review
Making the journey with Christmas Bishop Greg thompson bishopgreg@newcastleanglican.org.au There is a wonderful banner which hangs in the sanctuary of Christ Church Cathedral Darwin for Christmas. Called The Light of the Star painted by Marita Sambono-Diyini from Daly River NT, it weaves the traditional Aboriginal story Nganimme - Evening Star with the Christmas story. The traditional Aboriginal story tells of three old men collecting bush tucker, making their long journey following the Evening Star. In the banner they become angel-messengers for their community, sharing the wonder of their encounter in song, clap sticks and didgeridoo.
In this banner we are invited this Christmas to be the singers also gathering around this scene in our worship and celebrations. We are invited to enter this story afresh to bring our love out in the open and to wonder at the beauty, the mystery and the purpose of God made flesh, Emmanuel – God with us. In naming Jesus as ‘Emmanuel – God with
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
22
us’, the scriptures describe God who does not remove himself from our humanity, but plunges deep into human experience, so everyday life becomes suffused with the glory of heaven. This golden scene portrayed where heaven touches earth in the child has in Luke’s gospel been set in the troubles and challenges of his day. There is domination by Roman rule upon that country, the poverty of working poor in the shepherds, homelessness for the family and the physical and social trial of journey for a pregnant unwed woman. The singers in the banner are telling us that God is now among us in our country among our people, in all their humanity and history, and God is singing to us in our language. Hearing God in our language is foundational to our understanding of Christ as Emmanuel ‘God-with-us’. I shared in the dedication of Wubuy New Testament on the September 4 2010, at Numbulwar in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Production Team
Subscriptions
Advertising
Contributions Welcome
• Editor/Designer: Louise Mackay
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.
• Proof Readers: Kath Dockrill, Pat Dring, Barbara Sweet, Judith Weaver, Pam Lusty
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.
Printing & Distribution
Next Deadline: January 9
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.
• Publisher: The Rev'd Murray Woolnough
• Editorial Committee: Robyn Ashley Brown, Sally Cloake, Kath Dockrill, Rachel Yates
Printer: Revesby Press, Sydney Distribution: Local Direct Network, Newcastle
peace in the wilderness between humans and creatures. This scene captures creation itself celebrating in the singing and prayer as it recognises the birth of the saviour.
This Bible translation began in 1945 by Len Harris, living on Groote then at Ngukurr. This adapted account has been given to me by his son Rev Dr John Harris. Len Harris records; Every day we sat under a tree outside my bark hut. I would explain the meaning of the words to Grace in English. Sometimes I tried my few halting words of Wubuy. Grace then explained the words to Bidigainj in Wubuy. Together they would make a Wubuy sentence. What we were doing interested me beyond anything I had ever done before. Never can I forget those first wonderful words: Anaanbalaman ana-lhawu - The Good Story. Whenever we finished a story about Jesus, the two women got very excited. At night I would go down to the camp near the river to sit with the people by the campfire and read them the new translation.
At the campfire one night, listening intently, was Bidigainj's brother, Madi, a powerful Nunggubuyu elder. After the second reading he got up from the fire and left. No one knew why but he had set off to walk back to his own country, the Nunggubuyu heartland around Rose River, over 180 miles north. There Madi and the other men made a little fleet of dug-out canoes and in them Madi brought sixty of his people back down the coast and up the Roper River. The journey took them two weeks, living on fish, turtles and water lilies.
So it was that one night, as I was reading some of the last chapters of Mark's Gospel by the campfire, that I glimpsed Madi in the firelight, standing just behind the eager listeners. I held up my handwritten sheets of paper. "Annaanbalaman ana-lhawu," I said. The
Good Story.
"Yuwai, Idjubulu," Madi replied. Yes. It is true.
Then sixty of his people emerged from the shadows to crowd around the fire. Madi had brought them to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ in their own language. God's Spirit felt close to us that evening. I read it and read it again urged on by the listeners, over and over, long into the night. When at last my voice started to give out, they let me stop. Madi came forward and asked to hold in his hands the 'leaves' I had written on. I knew he could not read. "Idjubulu." He said again. It is true.
He tried to speak but I did not understand. Madi signalled to Grace and Bidigainj to interpret for him. Through them he told me that he once used to think Jesus was the God only of the white man but that now he understood that Jesus was also the God of the black man. I asked him which stories had impressed him. He looked down at the sheets of paper and looked up at me again, his eyes bright in the firelight. "It's not the stories," he said. "It's the words. Now I know that Jesus speaks Wubuy".
This banner reminds us that God is speaking to us in our language, culture and place about the most important matter for our lives – God in Jesus being at home with us. Not only are humans in this banner but the created world. This scene is from billabong country – it is under a brilliant night sky as can be found in places away from city lights. All the bush creatures are drawn to this scene – reminders of the prophet Isaiah who spoke of a promised child amidst the lion and the lamb, a place of
The banner scene has our eyes focus on the family. The light of the star beams downwards upon the child next to a bush shelter – a temporary home. Creation points to the greatness of this birth even amidst a place overlooked and forgotten. Or could this beam of light be the presence of the Christ-child shining forth into the heavens. Is not the Christ-child illuminating creation? As St Paul records in Col 1:15-17 “He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible…” The gift of creation is now seen in the light of a saviour who is both author and reconciler between humankind and the created world, and calls us to honour and care for creation as gift and bearer of glory.
The man standing and the woman sitting in the scene are honouring and adoring too, with creation. They reflect the intimate bonds into which the Christ–child is born. In the Aboriginal story from Daly River, Mary and Joseph welcome the three old men from a far off country. The three men, who are happy to see the babe, share their bush tucker with everyone. The intimate family scene with openness to strangers speaks to us about the kind of love and power God intends toward us. The sign of a child in a manger is the sign of vulnerable love - a love that chooses to be open, to receive as well as give. God is speaking to us in our heart language at Christmas about how we are to make our life journey - whether forgiveness, grace, courage to risk love, and begin again will be part of our life song this Christmas and in 2015. So I commend to you this Christmas these thoughts;
When the song of the angels is stilled when the star in the sky is gone when the kings and princes are home when the shepherds are back with their flocks the work of Christmas begins: to find the lost to heal the broken to feed the hungry to release the prisoner to rebuild the nations to bring peace among the people to make music in the heart.
Every Christmas and New Year blessing upon you +Greg
3
Reflections
GIFTS THAT MAKE ME DIFFERENT BISHOP PETER STUART bishoppeter@newcastleanglican.org.au
If you were to catch me over a weekend there is a chance that you would hear me humming a tune from a musical or watching some of the sport that might be on television. You might even be surprised that some of my knowledge on the A-League or Broadway shows is quite current. This has happened because of the passions of my two children. They have each pursued and delighted in these areas of human endeavour and responded to the opportunities that have come their way. Their enthusiasm has been contagious, as has the experience of being a companion with them as they have practised, attended, and reviewed their work. My children have made me different! Their contribution to my life has been a great gift to me. I am a richer human being as a result of my encounter with them. I wonder who are some of the people who have made your life deeper and richer? As I think about how people can be a blessing I am reminded of the poetry at the beginning of the Book of Genesis and the beginning of the Gospel of John. The writing in the first chapter of Genesis captures a deep insight that human beings are made in the image of God. Each of us has the capacity to bear to one another insights into God’s character and love. As males and females, as individuals and community, we remind each other of the breadth of God’s creativity and compassion; of God’s wisdom and
4
imagination. At the heart of our identity is the call and capacity to be a blessing to one another. The introduction to the Gospel of John portrays God’s ongoing concern and desire that humanity will always be its best self. God who knows our ability to do well for others also knows how we use our ingenuity to manipulate
Their contribution to my life has been a great gift to me. I am a richer human being as a result of my encounter with them.
and our knowledge to control. We are not always a blessing to one another so God entered into human history to remind who we are called to be and to give us what we need to be it. Our lives are shaped by grace and from that grace we can enrich one anothers lives. I wonder who enriches your life and whose life you enrich? The Christian witness is that there is something profound and beautiful in
each human being. We affirm that God has acted to enable his life in each of us not to be tarnished but to flourish. We celebrate that we are given gifts and capacities not simply to make us comfortable but to enable others to thrive. God has called us to life and given each of us new life in Jesus Christ. We live not for ourselves but for others – seeking to make their lives deeper and richer. This Christmas I will once again be with my family. We will give gifts to each other that mark our love and affection. We will celebrate what we mean to each other. They join with me in wishing you a happy and holy season. My prayer is that you will each know the abundant life and hope made possible by God’s love. God has shown us great love by sending his Son that we might have life. May we in celebrating Christmas celebrate all that God has done for us in Christ and share the blessing we have received with family, friends and the world around. + Peter
View From the Cathedral: What's in a Picture? The very rev'd Stephen Williams dean@newcastlecathedral.org.au
For 107 years one of the treasures of the Cathedral has been a large window in the North Transept depicting The Day of the Lord - Dies Domine - made to an unconventional design by Edward Burne-Jones. Its colours are so richly appropriate to the quality of Australian light, we are left wondering how the English manufacturers conceived this so well. Their other (English) versions are coloured quite differently.
Although the window's subject is Our Lord coming again in judgement, there is nothing threatening about this image. Indeed, whilst magisterial, the face and figure of Christ are astonishingly beautiful.
Christ is surrounded by four angels and a superb background of rustling wings. These wings and the draperies behind the figure of Christ create an impression that he is sweeping down and forward powerfully but graciously, towards the ground and towards the viewer. Christ has one hand raised as if to say, "Not yet!" Burne-Jones' window is a magnificent gift to our Advent imagination. It reflects expectant Christian confidence in a future that belongs to God. We should reach up and grasp it, the artist seems to be saying, just as one wants to reach up and welcome the Lord sweeping towards us in the Dies Domine window.
25th Anniversary of the Newcastle earthquake On December 28, 1989, at 10.27am, the Newcastle region experienced an earthquake estimated at 5.5 on the Richter scale.
Thirteen lives were lost in the earthquake. Nine people died in the Newcastle Workers Club, three were killed in Beaumont Street, Hamilton, and one died of shock. 160 people were hospitalised. We are attempting to contact relatives of those who died at that time, and (readers may be able to assist us in this) folk who were part of the emergency response. At our commemorative service we will be remembering these who died: Cecil Robert Abbott, Albert Gavin Bender, Dulcie Bliim, Carol Ann Coxhell, Mirriam Duffy, John Anthony O'Shannessy, Cyril
McMahon, Verlena Maree March, Leonard Charles Norris, Barry Francis Spark, Peggy Teresa Stone, Levener Georgia Watson, Eileen Mary We’en. There will be an audio-visual presentation and an address by one of Newcastle’s most engaging speakers, Julie Baird, Director of Newcastle Museum. Christ Church Cathedral was itself badly damaged and came close to being destroyed in the immediate response of local authorities. Amazing stories abound about the Dean standing steadfast in the path of army bulldozers sent to demolish the Cathedral! Instead, with a huge effort by Dean Lawrence, the Cathedral parish, Diocese, Government and
wider community, the Cathedral was restored magnificently. This restoration employed the European "Cintec" system to reinforce piers and walls, horizontally and vertically, with a total of over 3,700 metres of high strength stainless steel bar. The project led the way for many building techniques in Australia. The horizontal reinforcing of the nave walls, at 32 metres long, was a world record for this type of work. Join us for the Commemoration Service on Sunday December 28 at 3pm. (No Evensong that day)
5 5
TOPICS
In Brief Appointments
Handel Messiah Handel's Messiah has been a Christmas tradition for generations. The first performance took place in 1742; today thousands gather every Christmas to sing and hear Handel's masterpiece. Its most famous moment, the Hallelujah Chorus, is one of the most joyous and popular pieces of music ever written.
ABC Classics presents a deluxe edition of its legendary Messiah recording.
Project ONE FAITH
Memoriam
Going strong and winning food for the poor Isn’t it awesome when people get together to solve local issues with local ideas. The Central Coast, like every area, has many people that are seriously struggling to survive in these challenging economic times. Right now on the Central Coast there are over 350 families living out of their cars and in tents and caravans with little hope of bettering their situation in the immediate future. However we as Christian do not judge: we act. This is precisely what the ONE FAITH project has done.
One Faith is a group of musicians from all different denominations who, under the leadership and hosting of St. Luke’s Anglican Church Toukley, are using their musical talents to help raise food for the homeless and the poor. The group has recorded a song Light of the World which is currently playing on 94.9 Rheema FM Central Coast.
The Rev'd Andrew Mead was commissioned Chaplain for Anglican Care on October 29. Bishop Ken Short died on October 19 2014.
pick up a copy of the cd. If you would like to hear the Song live they will be performing the song at the St Lukes Anglican carols night on Sunday the December 21, at the church.
For more information, contact 4397 2975 You cannot buy the cd. However, if you donate seven cans of food to Samaritans Emergency relief at St Luke's Anglican or st.lukesanglican@ bigpond.com Church you can have it for free!
merry christmas from encounter The team at The Encounter wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and prays for you during this holiday season. May you and your loved ones stay safe and well during this time, and every blessing for the New Year. We look forward to seeing you all again next year with our February edition of The Encounter. Wishing you every blessing, Louise and The Encounter team
If you cannot make it to St Luke's there are several drop off points around the coast where you can drop off food and
A UK PILGRIMAGE
Thank you Rev'd David On behalf of the editorial and proofreading committees, and all the readers of The Encounter, I would like to thank the Rev'd David Battrick for his time and service as the Publisher of The Encounter.
October marked the final edition of The Encounter for Fr David, who has sadly needed to step down from his role on The Encounter to dedicate his time to other commitments.
Your dedication and passion towards The Encounter will be missed and we pray for you as you continue to serve the Diocese of Newcastle.
Louise, Editor
“Cathedrals, Canticles and Choristers” with The Very Reverend Anne Wentzel May 12-29 2015 Enjoy the choirs of Wakefield, York, Durham, Lincoln, Peterborough, Norwich, Canterbury and Westminster Abbey. Visit Coventry, Bede’s World, Stratford, Chapel of Julian of Norwich and Nottingham Castle.
Enquiries: Olive Tree Travel 03 8488 9696, or bxdean@ix.net.au or 0439 901 655
A Celtic Christmas
The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra present its hotly anticipated new Christmas album, A Celtic Christmas, starring brilliant countertenor Maxmillian Riebl and the Brandenburg Choir.
Combining atmospheric Celtic music with Christmas favourites, the album presents a "fusion of a 21st-century Australian style on period instruments, happily sitting side by side with current modern instruments such as the saxophone," says artistic director Paul Dyer.
6
Available from brandenburg.com.au/recording/a-celtic-christmas/
No. 5 Anglican Board of Mission Support Christian Education in Kenya (Pictured) The Anglican Board of Mission’s (ABM) Christmas Appeal focuses on the Christian Education program for children in Kenya. This builds young children’s faith and encourages them to develop a conscious and intimate relationship with God.
Giving back this christmas No.1: Samaritans
No.3 Animal Welfare
Samaritans is a hive of activity at Christmas time. The Samaritans Christmas Appeal, launched in November, is aiming to raise $100,000 to continue important work with those in need around the diocese. The team at Samaritans also hosts three Christmas Lunch events on Christmas Day in Newcastle, Wyong and Singleton. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers help to make these events a success and each year they collectively feed Christmas Lunch to more than 1000 people. Samaritans also partners with The Salvation Army to run the Newcastle based Combined Charities Christmas Warehouse. Both charities collect toys from the community for the warehouse, through their offices and through local businesses at Giving Trees.
Christmas is a time to remember others, including animals. Here are a few ideas on how you can support animals this Christmas: • Perhaps less meat and more vegetables would be good for us and good for them. • Try to buy only free range poultry, ham and pork. Pressure from consumers means that there is plenty in the shops. • Never buy animals as gifts, unless by prior agreement. However adorable, they can become a problem, and end up in the pound. • And a final thought, when putting food items in the Samaritans basket at church, don't forget pet food. Families, very stretched financially at this time of year, can overlook their pets. So let's keep them in mind too.
Teams of volunteers will also be wrapping Christmas Gifts at Stockland Glendale from December 13-24. Stop by and say hello! To learn more about Samaritans Christmas activities, how you can volunteer, where to leave a toy for the warehouse or how to donate, take a look at www.samaritans.org.au/christmas or call 1300 656 336.
No.2 Environmental Commission As we celebrate the coming of the Light at Christmas so we should care for the world into which the Light has come, the world in which we and future generations live. Become more enlightened about environmental justice. Buy Fair Trade products or buy Australian made rather than export pollution overseas where environmental regulations are less strict. Don’t buy cheap and nasty! Perhaps your parish could resolve to conduct energy audits of church and private properties to reduce wastage and the load on power stations. Resolve to stop using throw away items and replace them with reusable and environmentally friendly ones.
No.4 Mothers' Union Mothers’ Union Worldwide is committed to Christian Care for Families. Over the Christmas holiday time MU Newcastle continues with hospital visiting, so important for those who are away from home. MU branches support Samaritans at Christmas, especially providing gift cards and vouchers for teenagers and also emergency packs for the homeless.
MU Newcastle encourages Encounter readers to help provide gifts for families in need and to pray for those in hospital and nursing homes. Give thanks for your own family and take time to visit and support those who do not have family nearby.
The program is designed for the three to twelve age group and is divided into three levels. All three levels include presentations on the Sacraments, the Bible, Geography, Jesus' Infancy and Passion Narratives, Prophecies, and Parables, in an age-relevant way.
So this Christmas, we invite you to share the joy of giving to this project and help children in Kenya discover the essentials of faith and facilitate their own self-discovery. Visit www.abmission.org.
no.6 Anglican Overseas Aid This year Anglican Overseas Aid’s Gifts of Light gift catalogue is based on the imagery and rhythms of Advent.
You can buy a gift for a loved one that helps to fund life-changing work with overseas communities. Each gift is connected to one of the four themes of Advent: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.
Along with buying gifts that support the agency’s life-changing work overseas, you can download free Advent Bible studies and prayers from their website.
You can also support Anglican Overseas Aid’s work by donating to the Christ Candle Christmas Appeal.
Find out more and order online at www. anglicanoverseasaid.org.au or call 1800 249 880.
No.7 Aboriginal Literacy Fund Want to add a special touch to your Christmas gifts, birthday wishes or any other special occasion this year?
You can purchase special edition Aboriginal Literacy Foundation greeting cards, with all proceeds going towards reducing illiteracy among Aboriginal children. The cards are each adorned with beautiful Aboriginal artwork by Bibi Barba. Bibi Barba is an acclaimed Aboriginal artist with a strong sense of story-telling which represents the dream time of indigenous art. www.aboriginalliteracyfoundation.org/ shop/greeting-cards/
7
Why this matters:
A different Christmas Story For many, Christmas is a time shared amongst family and loved ones, a time to go to church, a day of reflection or a celebration to share a special gift. For others, Christmas is something entirely different. Encounter took the time this month to ask people from diverse backgrounds to share their stories.
Sharing the joy of christmas By Louise mackay Christmas Day for Samaritans volunteer Hugh Gordon is like being a superhero living a double life, minus the telephone booth to change into his cape. He wakes up bright and early on Christmas Day to spend time with his wife and kids, and then shoots off to the Foreshore Park to entertain all the special guests at the Samaritans lunch in the park. He then returns to his family life to share the end of Christmas lunch with his wife’s family and heads to his mum’s for a huge Christmas dinner. “Balance,” Hugh says is the key to Christmas. “It’s a big day but I enjoy doing it.”
Hugh is an entertainer and has been working full time in the music industry for 30 years. He is currently employed at the Newcastle of University organising entertainment, booking bands and working on sound as a sound engineer. About 16 or so years ago he was asked to get involved in the Christmas lunch, and has never regretted it. “Every year is rewarding,” Hugh said. When asked about the most rewarding part of volunteering, Hugh answered, “there have been lots of moments.” But he said the most special aspect of the event is watching families and
generations grow as the years progress. “You see the same faces. You see the families come through and they grow up, the kids grow up and you get the next generation. There are some adults there now who were kids singing along side me 15 years ago, and now they are bringing their kids along.” Every year the event changes and the emphasis evolves, however, one thing remains the same. “What I really like most is that everyone is welcome no matter what the situation is,” Hugh said. “There is always such an interesting diverse mix of people there.” From people who are homeless, and some families who are struggling, to people in BMWs who bring their kids to share the day with others and volunteers who might not have someone to be with at Christmas.
For Hugh, it is an honour and privilege to be able to perform at the Christmas lunch. “I enjoy it and feel lucky to have the opportunity. I am really grateful to Samaritans for putting it on so that I can do my bit, it's just a really worthwhile cause.” The Samaritans lunch brings a different emphasis to what Christmas can mean. For Hugh, the event signifies that Christmas is about giving. “People are looking for ways that they can give and learn about giving. Over the past few years I’ve seen more well-off families bring their kids down to show them Christmas is more than getting presents, it’s about giving.”
Hugh’s own family has joined him throughout the years. His wife Jan, daughter Jasmine (14) and son Simon (12) would get up and sing with him. “It’s always been a part of their Christmas. Some of the day is for family, and some of the day is for the Samaritans Christmas.”
The event has grown over the years, starting from humble beginnings in Civic Park with about 80-100 people, to today, where Samaritans have determinedly put love and care into supporting those in need at Christmas. “Samaritans do such a wonderful job in putting it together, and I really appreciate the time and effort that goes into putting it on,” Hugh said. “Everyone is welcome on the day, anyone can turn up and no one is excluded. I encourage people to get involved and contact the office to register as a volunteer."
8
Why This Matters
FROM GAOLS TO GOALS By Louise mackay Imagine spending a quarter of your Christmases alone, isolated and away from your loved ones. This was reality for 36-year-old Gary Brown, who was in and out of prison from the age of 18 for crimes such as theft, burglary, and armed robbery. Gary spent eight Christmases in prison, where he was only allowed out of his cell for a few hours and fed a roast turkey or chicken on a tray. He then spent the remaining 18-20 hours locked in his cell. He didn’t get to see his family, as his brother lived a few hundred kilometres away. Life wasn’t always easy for Gary. Given up by his birth parents at the age of three, as his mother suffered from schizophrenia, he and his siblings were adopted out. He lived in Wyong for most of his childhood, and moved to the Snowy Mountains when he was eight years old. Gary grew up with a lot of hatred towards his adoptive-parents. His stepfather sexually abused his sister, and he always wanted to be with his real parents. Gary left home when he was 16, but soon faced trouble with the law. He went into boys’ homes for refuge, and eventually ended up in prison. In 2007 he became dependent on drugs, including ice and cocaine. He was suffering from depression and anxiety and used drugs as an escape from his problems. “I was a gambler too, and started playing poker machines. I was hooked on them. Drugs became an escape,” Gary said. In prison Gary was a sweeper and performed other chores such as ground maintenance. He tried to stay in touch with his brother through phone calls and letter writing, but found it difficult with the distance to see his brother often. There were programs for rehabilitation in gaol, but “I wouldn’t say they were rehabilitation. It's just a way for people to get their parole,” Gary explained. “When you’re locked in a cell for 18 hours a day there’s not much freedom.”
When Gary was 33, he decided his life had to change. “I was just sick of living that life, I was just sick of it.” The highs of his drug use got to the point they were no longer effective, and he was finding he needed to use more and more drugs to get the same high. On March 5, 2013, Gary stopped using. He visited the Samaritans outreach service and hasn’t used a drug since. “It has been over 20 months, over 600 days, and I haven’t picked up a drug”. He said there have been times where he has felt lonely
and wanted to re-use drugs, but stopped himself. “I know all the hard work I have done will go down the drain if I go and use.”
Through the support of the Samaritans Friendship House, Gary has access to emotional support and has made many friendships with the volunteers. He has been able to turn his life around, and is now a volunteer at the centre. “I help people move and do jobs for people. It is like a second home now. My father passed away a few years ago and I haven’t seen my mother since I was three years old. They are like a second family to me,” Gary said.
Gary is also a mentor at Lifehouse in Warner’s Bay, a halfway house supported by Soul Café. He visits once a week to have a meal with men in the house, and takes them out for activities such as ten pin bowling. For Gary, helping other people allows him to not think about his own problems for a while. He also finds that “if someone has been through what they’ve been through, they respect you.” Since he stopped using drugs, Gary finds he has turned to God and his Christianity to help him cope. “God doesn’t judge you, he forgives you. You’ve got no label on you,” Gary said. “I’ve moved on from that; I don’t feel sorry for myself, that’s in the past. I’ve done those things, I’ve moved on”. Gary is now running marathons and is breaking the cycle. Gary has found running as not only a means to take care of his mental health, but he is also running marathons to raise money for Samaritans. He has suffered from stress and anxiety his whole life, and spending eight years in prison has played on his stress levels. “Having that stress for life and being locked up year after year, it takes a while to break free of that.” He has been out of gaol for four years now and he finds running helps him move away from the lows.
Why This Matters
“When I’ve run a marathon it feels like a big achievement, something more beneficial that drugs,” Gary explains. “When I raise money, I attract all positive people around me. It’s like science – when you do something positive, you get positive; when you do something negative, you just get day-after-day of misery.” If you had met Gary 18 months ago, he was a completely different person. “I wasn’t looking real well. The amphetamines affect your skin and you lose weight,” he explained. “I used to walk the street with my head down, and now I walk with my head up, I’ve got more self-esteem and confidence. “I feel like I’m a new person now, I have more energy. Some days I feel like crap, but the next day I bounce back. I try not to get down”.
Samaritans Post Release Services Coordinator, Helen Fielder-Gill, praised Gary on his growth. "It has been a privilege to be able to see the amazing transformation Gary Brown has made in his life during his recovery from addiction. Gary is an inspiration."
Gary has taken his adversity and turned it into something positive. In the future he wants to get his Certificate III in fitness and go into rehabs and teach people how to get fit. He thinks maybe one day he’d like to get married and have kids. But for now he wants to keep running marathons. “I just want to keep raising the bar - not bad for someone who was a drug addict.” Gary has raised over $4000 for charity and at the time we spoke he was preparing to run in a marathon in Canberra to raise money for Samaritans. “Before, I had no spark, now I am ready to kick goals.”
9
Christmas on Board By Julianne McLeod (volunteer Ship Visitor) and Rick McCosker (Stella Maris Chaplain) In the words of a Filipino captain in a message to his crew on Christmas Eve, “Imagine we are all on a small boat. We share everything we have, we share food, we eat from the same plate and we are a family.” For the very strongly Christian seafarers like the Filipinos, 90% of whom are Christian, celebrating Christmas away from their beloved families causes much heartache. In fact, in the Philippines, the country has earned the distinction of celebrating the world's longest Christmas season.
On board ship, the Filipinos try very hard to replicate the Christmas of their homeland. Loneliness is the worst enemy of the seafarer at the best of times but at Christmas they are even more lonely, lonely for their families and the traditions of home. If the crew is all Filipino and all Christian, this is not such an onerous task. One captain mentioned that his shipping company made $US 500 available to the captain for the cost of celebrations at Christmas. There is also an additional monthly allowance of $US 100 to be used at the captain’s discretion. This is sometimes drawn upon as a Christmas fund. The captain uses this money to buy Christmas decorations, special festive food and gifts for the crew. One captain purchases parlour games to be played as part of the celebrations. The captain and crew meet together before Christmas and plan the Christmas activities. At the special Christmas meal, called Noche Buena, the captain, officers and
crew eat together. Normally officers and crew eat in separate messes. This meal begins on the stroke of midnight on 24th December. As there is a time difference between the Philippines and wherever the ship happens to be, local time is observed. A pig on a spit is a very popular choice as the main meal, often served with fish, chicken, vegetables and rice. Sweets usually comprise some sort of cake made from dried fruit and kept in the ship’s freezer. If any member of the crew is non-Christian, they are invited to share the festivities.
A mixed nationality vessel poses its own problems but care is taken to cater for all tastes and religious requirements, especially by the captain and the most important crew member – the cook! One example of such a situation was a ship with an Indian captain, who was a Hindu, a Sri Lankan 1st officer, who was a Buddhist and an Indonesian crew, most of whom were Moslem. Interestingly however, Christmas is still observed with a special meal, Christmas decorations and gifts, but without the religious aspect. The main dish for Christmas dinner is usually a duck dish, as Hindus don’t eat beef, many Buddhists are vegetarian and Moslems don’t eat pork. The Sri Lankan 1st officer commented that even at home with his family in Sri Lanka, they have a Christmas tree and buy gifts for the children. “At home, my family would gather each 25th December to celebrate with our Christian friends”, the 24 year old
Hospitalised in a Holy Season By the Rev'd Roger Zohrab Chaplain - John Hunter Hospital/Royal Newcastle Centre/Rankin Park Spending time in a hospital ward or even one of the trauma areas like the emergency department in a hospital can remind us that we are missing out on “life”. The reality is of course that being unwell or knowing someone who is confined due to illness is part of life and our connectedness to others.
Indonesian Hindu officer tells me as we journey to the Mission centre. This is not a religious occasion for him but acknowledges it is for his Christian friends. “I have been married for three months only, I will be very sad to be away from my new wife and family because I know this is a special time for Christians”. Christmas for Christians and non-Christians alike is a very special time to be with family, enjoying the warmth and security of home, so, for our seafarers, isolated at sea and badly missing their families, the responsibility of the captain is to try to fill that gap and recreate that same sense of belonging. In the case of the captain and the crew, their vessel is their home and their family, each other.
The real meaning of Christmas is God in Jesus sharing in and offering us life. This should bring joy and hope to all of us no matter where we are but sometimes we are not able to grasp this mystery and reality. We long for the tangible touch and familiar sounds and sights. There are also those dear folk who actually find comfort being in hospital at this time as it removes them from difficult family situations. Others may also avoid the pain of being alone at home having no one with whom to share the festival.
Christmas is understood by many to be 24 hours, a simple day and yet it is filled with mixed emotions and often physical weariness. Certainly those who work and are given care in our hospitals on this day are very aware of the world “outside”. They may make alternative arrangements for another day of celebration or organise for visitors to come to the bedside and share in the gift of love. Regional story When this occurs at Christmas the sense of being removed from They may also just want the day to be over. life is all the more acute. Maybe this is because we are conscious Sonia of our family and friends gathering, sharing stories, meals andBy Archdeacon Wherever we are on the December 25 it is good to recall those presents while we are coping with the physical and emotionalRoulston who are servants in our health facilities where life and death separation of being a patient. Of course hospitals are full of people coexist. Please remember those in their care. Hospitals are about at this time. There are patients, staff and many visitors. All of these health and well-being. people are sacrificing something in being at the hospital. They Who knows, there might even be a child born. may not be alone but might experience loneliness in their caring roles and individual situations.
10 10
Why This Matters
It Has Nothing to Do with Elvis By the rev'd Cameron Freese Red, green and white seem to be the colours usually associated with the Season of Christmas. However, a couple of years ago, while in my previous parish, I decided to add a colour to the lead up to Christmas and that colour was “blue”. As part of the December madness, we began, what has become known in many parts of the world, a Blue Christmas service. In coming to St Augustine’s, Merewether, I decided to continue with this as part of the lead up to Christmas. What is this Blue Christmas you may ask? Well, it is a service that seeks to recognise that, for some, Christmas isn’t the happy and joyful time that most of us experience. As such we are trying to give voice to that reality by creating a space where the feelings of loss, grief, sadness, depression, anxiety and loneliness that some experience at Christmas can be brought to God within the narrative of the coming Lord.
I could quote all sorts of statistics but I think it is now recognised that suicide and depression rates rise at this time of year, when secular society is sold the furphy that buying this and indulging in that will ease the pain. The reality is that for some, it doesn’t. And these are no less in need of the love of God. St Augustine’s is trying to be proactive and offer an alternative in which the prayers, readings, hymns and other liturgical items build steadily on the theme of suffering and God‘s understanding of humanity’s pain. Jesus’ cry of anguish “Why hast Thou forsaken me?” To his Father prior to crucifixion, is a poignant reminder that we are not alone in our time of need. He understands and is there for us.
The choice to do this early in December came from a person in my previous parish who suffered from depression. She said, “ As someone who has struggled at times in the Yuletide Season, a Blue Christmas was for me a true blessing and I thank God for making it a reality. I’ll be there next year with bells on, perhaps even wearing a blue frock!” She also indicated that early December was best. In her words, “Too close to Christmas is too late!” It is our hope that in doing this, people will find a space that brings God into their distress, that brings them a sense of belonging and community and, where needed, provides them with support and help.
St Augustine’s Blue Christmas Service will commence on Sunday December 7 at 6.30pm. All are welcome.
Blue Christmas Services Belmont North/Redhead December 19 Time: 7pm
DUNGOG
December 17 Christ Church Dungog Time: 7pm
Gloucester
December 23 St Paul's Anglican Church Time: 6.30pm
Harrington-Coopernook Tuesday December 23 St Peter's Harrington Time: 10am
MEREWETHER
Sunday December 7 St Augustine's Time: 6.30pm
SCONE
Saturday December 20 St Luke's Church Time: 5pm
Toukley
Friday December 19 St Luke's Church Time: 6pm
WALLSEND
December 17 St Luke’s Anglican Church Time: 6pm
Blue Christmas- St Paul's, Samford, Diocese of Brisbane
11 11
Q&A:
All I want for Christmas... the Rev'd Jody ZAmmit Curate in Charge Denman
All I want for Christmas... is for people to gather together in peace and love to celebrate this joyous time of year and to take time to enjoy the love and generosity of giving and receiving Christmas gifts. Big gifts, small gifts and brightly wrapped gifts full of mystery but amongst the piles of Christmas themed paper and bows to also remember the precious gift that came to us with no dazzling bow or glitzy tinsel but wrapped in swaddling cloth and laid in a manger, God's Son Jesus Christ, God's loving and precious gift to us.
the Venerable Wendy DUBOJSKI Rector Belmont/North Redhead
What I would like to see this Christmas is an Australian Nation that encourages full and equal participation of all peoples regardless of culture, religion or orientation in a society that is mutually shaped . A Nation where the distribution of resources is equitable and where all people are physically and psychologically safe and secure. A Nation that opens its heart and mind to those who need a refuge. A Nation where individuals have a sense of their own worth as well as a sense of social responsibility towards and with others and society as a whole. So what I really want this Christmas is God's Kingdom right here, right now in the hearts and minds of all Australians.
Vicki Williamson Swansea Parish
All I want for Christmas.........
.....is a presence of mind and peace, to live in the moment, ...seeing the beauty of family and friends, to renew my spirit of wonder and awe, and not lose track of the real Christmas Gift from God. To think of others........of people who may be lonely this Christmas, or for whom Christmas may be a difficult time. To forgive and be forgiven, to love and be loved.
To open my heart and mind to the child within and children everywhere.... who are the hope of the world.
12
To relax and rejoice, in the true meaning of the season.
Libby Levey
St John's, Cooks Hill At 72, my wants are few. But I say IF you want to give me a present please something I can read, eat, smell, or do, such as massage, theatre, etc.
Last year my desire was for the family that gathered to sit around sharing what Christmas meant for them before we opened presents. It was lovely hearing the thoughts of four year olds to 75 year olds. To me it put the day into perspective. With our siblings now I give to a charity like Samaritans or Compassion and give the receiver a card saying where I have donated the money.
This Christmas we are off to the home of one of our daughters and my desire is for sharing Christ’s story to be part of the celebration... Not many wants now, just desires...
Sharing caring fun and time to ponder God's love gift to us. Blessed Christmas to all.
Join the conversation on Facebook. Tell us "All I want for Christmas is..."
Love came down at Christmas Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without carols. It would be hard to choose a favourite as there are so many but one of the most beautiful is entitled, Love came down at Christmas. It reminds us that the greatest gift of all, was the Incarnation. Being born in a smelly cattle stall in a backwater province of the Roman Empire, God took on human flesh and became one with us, the little baby at Bethlehem. This great gift to humanity is the reason that we exchange presents at Christmas. The custom is a reflection of God’s never-ending love for each one of us. As we head towards Christmas, ABM is asking that you consider making another gift – a gift in response to all the blessings in your life over the past year.
You can show your thanks by helping one of three projects. • •
•
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth through ABM’s Reconciliation program. This project aims to show God’s love by lowering suicide rates. Gender Action Groups in Zambia to target 6,000 villagers. This project aims to show God’s love by working to reduce domestic violence against women and children and by promoting basic life skills. The Anglican Church of Kenya to provide Christian formation to children. This project aims to show God’s love by building young children’s faith and encouraging them to develop a conscious and intimate relationship with God.
With your donations, ABM can make sure that love comes down again this Christmas – Love all lovely, Love divine.
Donate at www.abmission.org or phone 1300 302 663.
Give a Gift of Love and Prayer this Christmas
Download a Prayer for your Christmas card or Christmas e-card at abmission.org/AdventChristmas2014
www.abmission.org 13
Reflecting on 2014
February
> In a ceremony blending traditional and modern elements Bishop Greg Thompson became the 13th Bishop of Newcastle on Sunday February 2.
A congregation of over 900 people, with people from across the diocese as well as judges, politicians and mayors, gathered to celebrate a new era of mission and ministry in the Diocese. > The week of February 10 saw the opening of the opening of the Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College Preschool.
APRIL
> The first ReCreate Families Weekend took place at Point Wolstoncroft Recreation Centre, Gwandalan from April 4-6.
> Throughout Lent, Bishop Greg Thompson also hosted Paradiso at the Cathedral, a film festival held at Christ Church Cathedral. During the traditional 40 days of Lent, Hunter locals had the opportunity to attend a film festival with a difference.
MARCH
Around 60 people gathered at St. Peter’s East Maitland on March 29 to celebrate the awarding of the Bishop’s Certificate in Theology for Ministry to 16 candidates.
MAY
Samaritans launched a new partnership in May to support locals on the Central Coast alongside the Parish of Wyong. The St James’ Ministry Centre houses, among other services, the newest Samaritans Emergency Relief centre which expects to support hundreds of locals in need in the coming months.
The Tri Diocesan Covenant liturgy was held at St Peter’s Church, East Maitland on May 29. The liturgy celebrated the covenant of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay and the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.
14
August
June
> The Sixteenth General Synod was held at St Peter's College, Adelaide from June 29 to July 3. > Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College celebrated their 15 Year Anniversary Celebration.
JULY
The Most Reverend Dr Philip Freier took office as Primate on July 3 and was formally inaugurated in the presence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev'd Justin Welby, on August 13.
> Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College welcomed home fellow student Maddison Elliott at a special assembly in August to celebrate her phenomenal achievements at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Para Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in California. > August 16 saw about 220 people gather at Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College for the Diocesan Convention with Keynote speaker, Prof Christopher Hall.
> Bishop Greg Thompson was joined by the Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Councillor Jodie Harrison to officially “turn the sod” and get stage one of redevelopment under way at Anglican Care’s Residential Aged Care Toronto facility on August 5.
October
> Hunter Christian SRE Committee held the Weekend of Prayer on October 25-26.
> The Diocese of Newcastle held their annual Synod on October 24-26.
> The Two Bishops' Dialogue took place on October 21 with Bishop Greg Thompson and Bishop Bill Wright.
September
> Samaritans celebrate 30 years of support in our local community. > On the weekend of September 12-15, Bishop Greg hosted 30 bishops and archbishops and their partners from East Asia for the Council of Churches of East Asia annual conference.
Lakes Grammar Lakes Grammar is an independent, K-12 co-educational Anglican school providing a quality education in an environment that is caring and nurturing as we believe education is about the whole person.
Features of Lakes Grammar include: Affordable fee structure Private School Bus Student wellbeing programs Extra-curricular programs including music, visual arts and sports Technology rich learning environment To arrange a School Tour, please contact our Registrar on 4393 4111. Lakes Grammar - An AnglicAn School Cnr Sparks Rd and Albert Warner Dr Warnervale 2259 T 02 4393 4111 | W www.lakes.nsw.edu.au
15
51st Synod of the Diocese of Newcastle, 2014
Presidential Charge Safe Uncertainty
Recently, at the National Anglicare Conference I heard a presentation based on the work of Dr Barry Mason on helping young people move out of home care toward a healing pathway. He explored the ideas of safety and certainty and contrasted them with their opposites – unsafety and uncertainty. The care providers from Anglicare Victoria reflected on how the idea of Safe Uncertainty helped young people attend to underlying needs, provide support and assist them towards taking responsibility for their lives in the face of an everchanging world.
Mason reflects on how certainty in the 20th century has crumbled, and that uncertainty is the dominant lived experience of relationships. The givenness of life has been replaced by sometimes chaotic and bewildering times. In this climate, governments and organisations have sought greater degrees of certainty rather than living with dilemma or curious enquiry. Uncertainty, Mason suggests, can either drive us towards working for more certain outcomes in helping people which may foster more institutional behaviour and codifying culture in practice, or be the gift that enables us to be more curious, be open to alternate pathways, to promote greater ownership by people with the decisions they must make for a healthier future.
16
Mason reflected that his clients mostly had two states to their dilemmas. Either they are living with unsafe uncertainty – living with feelings of great insecurity and with few options to enable these feelings to go away. Or they are living with unsafe certainty – living with anxiety and fear, yet believing they are very clear about what should be done. They have come to see only few options to their dilemmas usually requiring someone else to change or to take the burden of responsibility of change away from them.
In response he proposes the practice of safe uncertainty in which emerges “a respectful, collaborative, evolving narrative, one which allows a context to emerge whereby new explanations can be placed alongside rather than instead of, in competition with, the (other) explanations….”p194 It is a practice that ensures a person is safe emotionally, in order to explore different possibilities in the choices they are making for themselves.
As part of the Anglican tradition we have had a long culture of certainty as the dominant environment of the Diocese which has carried high levels of participation where everyone knew what was expected, how things worked, and resources and vocations met the needs of parishes. We now live in different times to that of the certainty model of Anglicanism. We have deceived ourselves if we have thought this has changed only recently. All the overseas reports
for decades have indicated generational decline in Western Anglicanism and here in our Diocese we have been shrinking in numbers and vitality since the 1950s. The society that in past embraced us on the hill, asks whether the light should be left on to shine over them.
The question of closing church buildings is not recent as some might suggest. Consider the many buildings that have been closed over the last three decades in this Diocese. The rural churches have suffered the greatest as population and work has left small communities. Urban congregations are also being asked to consider both their stewardship and their mission in these changing times. Certainty has been replaced by uncertainty. The General Synod has been investigating the viability of dioceses that is not simply about repaying debt but the capacity to be a community of mission that generates vocations, leadership and ministry. We have believed that the generations that came after us would simply be imprinted with our culture and take up where we have ended. Such a legacy is not reflected in the church connections with the wider community or to the attendance to worship in our congregations. To read Bishop Greg's full presidential charge, visit the Diocese's website: www.newcastleanglican.org.au/ Bishops-Writings
REFLECTIONS on Synod The Encounter asked several Synod representatives to share their reflections on the 51st Synod of the Diocese of Newcastle. the Rev'd Julie Turnbull What a joy it was to celebrate the opening of our Synod at Christ Church Cathedral on Friday night. The air was alive with a sense of expectation and anticipation enhanced by the wonderfully refreshing liturgy, Bishop Peter’s words calling us to recognise wisdom and her place in our lives and the contemporary congregational hymns, played beautifully and sung with enthusiasm. The choir, as always, took our minds and hearts way beyond the walls surrounding us.
Saturday saw Synod resuming as we gathered in the Francis de Witt Batty hall at BTAC, where only a few hours earlier Year 12 students had sweated over their exam papers. After prayers, Bishop Greg gave his charge to Synod and shared some of the highs and lows of his first months here, some of the results of the extensive Listening Meetings and some of his dreams for our future together. He asked us to explore the future with him safe in the knowledge that our God walks with us. He challenged us to recognise that the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle can no longer rely on the
The Rev'd Chris JACKSON It was a great privilege to serve as chaplain to this year’s Synod. The former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams recounts;
Two hermits lived together for many years without a quarrel. One said to the other, “Let’s have a quarrel with each other, as other men do.” The other answered, “I don’t know how a quarrel happens.” The first said, “Look here, I put a brick between us, and I say, ‘That’s mine.’ Then you say, ‘No, it’s mine.’ That is how you begin a quarrel.” So they put a brick between them and one of them said, “That’s mine.” The other said, “No, it’s mine.” He answered, “Yes, it’s yours. Take it away.” They were unable to argue with each other. (Where God Happens) Of course we don’t always have this same problem! At the Synod Eucharist Bishop Peter invited us to reflect on how we govern ourselves at Synod. Do our deliberations look more like an argumentative parliament, or a discussion amongst friends around a campfire? Thankfully, this year’s Synod was
model of certainty that we have known. Yet we are still called to bring the gospel to the world. Exciting times! Amongst the usual list of procedural matters and General Synod canons we also wrestled with many significant issues; • • •
Recognising our sisters and brothers of aboriginal heritage, New ways of approaching social
Introducing fresh new ideas while retaining the wisdom of the years
The highlights for me were Friday night’s worship, the Bishop’s Charge, the Being Together statement of expectations of behaviour for members of the church, the motion decrying the incarceration of asylum seeker children and another motion acknowledging our support for the Australian military responding to the atrocities of ISIL. These were examples of Synod at its best! Perhaps the walls had absorbed some of the tension of the Year 12 exam students, because as the day wore on and the temperature rose, there were occasions when emotions were a bit close to the surface and courtesy and humour were momentarily lacking. Bishop Greg guided us through these moments with authority and grace.
One final word – It is always inspiring to see the commitment and dedication of the staff of the diocesan office at such occasions – These people do well and truly offer above and beyond the call of duty – Thank you.
marked by goodwill and respectful debate as we prayerfully tried to discern God’s will on the various matters before us. I hope that this same spirit continues into the future.
Bishop Greg challenged us with his provoking Charge to Synod. Building upon the work of Dr Barry Mason, he invited us to consider the concept of "safe uncertainty." I suspect that, like most institutions, we instinctively prefer certainty and security. Yet the Church’s first impulse should always be faithfulness. In Bishop Greg’s words, we must "let go of tribal self interest and self protection and enter the journey that Christ beckons us to follow." As the day wore on and we entered our twelfth hour of debate, I was able to look out across the tired faces of our Synod representatives. I was struck by their great dedication and commitment. Thank you for your participation in synod, and for all you do in our parishes. In all our labours, may we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
We closed this year’s Synod with the prayerful words of St John Chrysostom;
“For You, Christ our God, are the light of our souls and bodies, and to You we give glory, together with Your Father who is without beginning, and Your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.”
17
Deirdre Peebles Parish of Merriwa “Well I like it.” We hear this on radio on a Sunday morning regularly—but my thought for a weekend in late October pertains to Synod.
Beginning at our Cathedral on Friday evening is a splendid Eucharist preparatory to a long day of listening. I say to the uninitiated Synod is like Parliament for our Diocese where debate is fair and mostly quite robust but with dignity, somewhat different from our National Parliament.
Saturday sets the mood beginning with thoughtful prayer, lusty singing and some formalities before we settle to hear the Bishop’s Charge to Synod Giving Glory to God. Acknowledging policies and procedures is important to the running of the Diocese but loving and belonging are essential to all of our lives. Allowing people respect from the young to the elderly to feel secure is paramount noting now that we not only have our indigenous family but also a mix of many nationalities and cultures to assimilate into our Diocese and communities. Reflecting on past wrongs of abuse that has been well noted, we need to move forward whilst recognising the past. It has been a huge cost to our Diocese and gives great responsibility to the members of Diocesan Council as well as our Business Manager. Allowing people to feel safe and secure within their parish and wider church community is so important.
The Bishop in his Charge wants us to be a welcoming church to all—not just a church of self interest. As a new Bishop in our midst, Bishop Greg has been listening to everyone to help all of us move forward to a healthy future of trust, asking us all to make a way forward with prayer, reflection upon Scriptures and tradition and a willingness to be open to what the Spirit is saying. Bishop Greg asked us as Synod members to “set the fire” for our mission and community and be wholly aware of those who need Christ's love and justice. Clergy in local ministry and the importance of lay education to assist those who explore their vocation later in life are also well recognised.
As the day progressed formal business continued with the involvement of many clergy and laity alike. Reports and financial statements were presented and noted. Debate on the future of Bishopscourt was lengthy and resolved.
Then there was a powerpoint display on the 30 years of the Samaritans Foundation allowing us to appreciate how far this foundation has come from its humble beginnings. It is so gratifying to know just how many have been assisted to grow their lives and in so doing how many have given to assist others. Networking over coffee and meal breaks in the grounds of Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College as well as thanking a number of students who freely gave their time to be helpful are all part of the pleasure of Synod. As I stated in the beginning , "Well I like it”.
Mother moira evers
issues close to minds, hearts and souls.
I have a confession to make!
His call to us to live holy lives of love and service where all people are treated with dignity, as “bearers of the image of God” was uplifting.
I have never been a huge fan of Synod. I found the incessant lobbying, the political thrust and parry (sometimes quite aggressive), the furtive looks and whispering in corners to be something more akin to a dark Elizabethan drama than to a twenty-first century Church gathered in the name of Christ to make “godly” decisions for the benefit of all. I used to often think that it was just as well Synod reps were no longer able to bear arms because I fear there may have been, on more than one occasion, blood spilt over some particularly contentious motions and amendments! And so it was with some trepidation and maybe even a tiny bit of yawning cynicism that I attended my first Synod in this diocese. What a surprise … not a doublet or dagger or vial of poison in sight! There appeared to me to be an air of respect, a willingness to listen and allow others to speak, at times passionately, on
I believe Bishop Greg’s Charge set the tone for this Synod.
His exhortation to dismantle the culture of power and entitlement, so prevalent in the Church and which has in the past and still does exclude people from full participation in our community was inspiring. His challenge to us to find ways to be viable in the midst of uncertain times was thought provoking.
His image of “setting a campfire” for our mission and community, a “gracious space” where all are welcome and around which we seek together “the common good” and to “work with God’s justice agenda” was exciting.
While I may not be a Synod fanatic just yet, I still have to be tutored in the fine art of writing a motion and crafting an amendment after all, I came away from this gathering carrying a little flame in readiness to set and stoke the “fireplace” of common good in my own parish community. Deo Gratias!
Thank you for your support of ABM Emergency Appeals BY Canon Katherine Bowyer At our recent Synod, the question was asked about how much we, as a Diocese, had contributed to various ABM (Anglican Board of Mission) Emergency Appeals throughout the year. Many thanks to the finance staff at ABM who were able to supply a full breakdown on our incredible support of these appeals. This year we have supported five Emergency Appeals: in Syria, the Solomon Islands, the Philippines, Sudan and the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. At the end of September, we had contributed the
18 18
following amounts: • • • • •
Syria $40 Sudan $2,849 The Solomon Islands: $6,276 The Philippines: $11,112 Al Ahli Arab Hospital Gaza Emergency: $4985
Thank you for your ongoing generous support of mission and our partner agencies, and especially your compassionate response to those in need.
Thinking about faith why do we have liturgical colours? BY the Rev'd Roger ZOHRAB
The significance of colour As I sat with one man who experienced a sudden loss of sight he reminded me of what I take for granted every day. Indeed we probably take life itself as a given. The particular anguish that this man expressed was the inability to again see the colours that are ever present to us and help us distinguish what kind of day it is, the seasons of the year, the clothes we wear. The list is endless and we do make conscious choices of expressing our mood, our emotions through what we choose to wear.
The Church is very similar as we use the four main colours of white, green, red and violet/purple for the main seasons and various festivals. Let me give a brief introduction to these liturgical colours being aware that some may find no need for such expression in our church but also equally conscious that our sight is a very significant sense through which we learn. White , symbolising joy and celebration is used for the great festivals of Easter and Christmas with their accompanying weeks that follow. We see this colour used Trinity Sunday, All Saints Day and in connection with Mary, Mother of Our Lord. In some places white or red has been used at confirmations, ordinations
and special days that have marked a significant day in the life of a community like the Patronal Festival.
Red is a passionate colour that reminds us of the Holy Spirit and the fire of Pentecost. This is why it is also used for ordinations and confirmations. Red also speaks to us of the blood of Christ and the sacrifice that has been offered by many of the saints and martyrs who have given their life for Christ. Green is probably the most visible colour throughout the year as we attend places of worship and reminds us that Christians are called to grow, to have life and purpose. We see what grows around us, the trees and grass. So green is for growth and is used on days when it is not a particular season or feast day. Finally the feasts of Lent and Advent use purple, violet and sometimes blue. The easiest way of remembering purple is that we are preparing for something soon, in this case for Easter and Christmas.
Now some of this may sound confusing but it is easy to follow as it is written down in the Lectionary which contains the readings for each day of the year and whether that particular day is of greater significance than another. The colour to be used is also denoted with a W,R,V/B/P and G. Life is filled with colour and this speaks to us. As we speak , learn and discern our God we grasp a little of the many ways and colours that are part of His Being. We should use colour to teach and remind us of the grace and beauty of God in Chirst.
Ordinations: Introducing Rob Llewelyn Rob Llewellyn worships in the parish of Camden Haven. He was born in Sydney and grew up in Marrickville in the inner West of Sydney, attending Sydney Technical High School. Rob was previously a professional classical musician (bassoonist) and worked with the Sydney, Queensland, Melbourne, and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras as well as Opera Australia and the Australian Ballet. For Rob, a passion for seeing lost musicians one for Christ drove him in the direction of full time ministry. “Many of
my colleagues in the music industry lived with music as their god and desperately needed to hear the saving news of life in the Lord Jesus Christ.” Through running ministries for professional and student musicians, he ended up seeing a need to study theology. Rob believes the Priesthood will give him “the opportunity to do what all Christians are called to do with their lives: to be a witness to Jesus Christ to those around me”. He is looking forward to “serving the saints
of Camden Haven, proclaiming Jesus to those who haven’t heard of him and roasting coffee for friends who come to visit.’ Rob’s advice to anyone who finds themselves called to the Priesthood? Read your Bible, pray and do a ministry apprenticeship for a couple of years with your church. This will help you to work out whether you’re suited to full time ministry or not.
Join Anglican Care’s Christian family and enhance your lifestyle Providing quality services for Seniors, Anglican Care is an aged-care ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle. You will nd our facilities in the Hunter, Central Coast and Manning Regions, offering Retirement Living, Home Care and Residential Care. For further information please contact the Care Choices Advisor on 1800 733 553 (Hunter and Central Coast) or 02 6592 8200 (Manning) www.anglicancare.com.au 11469
19
MISSIONAL CHURCH New Directions for CEY Ministries
BY Arthur Copeman Chair, CEY Board CEY (standing for Children, Education & Youth) Ministries in the Diocese is moving in new directions this year. Until recently all the funds available to CEY were used to engage staff based at the Diocesan Office to assist with Children's, Education and Youth Ministries right across the Diocese. This continues in a small way in that the Rev’d Robyn Pullin is engaged to assist with All Age Ministry and Mrs Kate Baker co-ordinates SRE teaching. The new direction is that CEY is now engaging children’s and youth workers directly in parishes to assist with ministry in those parishes. With this parish partnership a significant proportion of the financial support for the staff member comes from the parish where they are located. There was a pilot project three years ago with the appointment of Katherine Gibson to minister in the parishes of St Augustine’s Merewether and St John’s Newcastle. Katherine did a great job in this ministry and has gone on to be an ordinand in the Diocese.
Under this arrangement two CEY staff have been appointed so far this year – Rob Woolfrey at St John’s Newcastle and Elizabeth Robinson at St Peter’s East Maitland. Next year there will be a partnership with St Alban’s Muswellbrook. CEY is in discussions with a number of other parishes regarding some further appointments. The CEY Board’s goal is to have at least one such staff member located in each deanery.
The following are some of the criteria that CEY are using in determining these projects: 1.
There must be evidence of an already existing ministry to children or youth in the parish. CEY considers that locating a staff member in a parish will be most useful where that staff member’s role is to develop and strengthen an existing ministry, not commence a new ministry.
2. The parish must be committed to using the staff member to train members of the parish to undertake ministry to children and youth. 3. The agreement with the parish will involve a funding schedule where the contribution from CEY reduces over time to zero, allowing the funds to be used for a similar project in another parish.
CEY has also been assisting in a smaller way with parish based projects at MICA and Belmont North. There is a possibility of up to six people being engaged by CEY in partnerships with parishes across the Diocese next year. This is a very exciting development which the CEY Board hopes will bring about a resurgence of ministry to children and youth. In particular it represents a new opportunity to ensure that young people across the Diocese come to hear about the love of the Lord Jesus for them.
Elizabeth Robinson - CEY Staff Member based in East Maitland Parish
PILGRIMS OF HOPE A BOOK LAUNCH in the CATHEDRAL
On November 16, the Very Rev’d Stephen Williams welcomed representatives of all denominations to the Christ Church Cathedral for the launch of the book Pilgrims of Hope – An Ecumenical Journey.
Rev’d Dr Ray Williamson OAM
Bishop Richard Appleby officially launched the book, a story of
national and state council of churches in Australia 1980-2010 by the Rev’d Dr Ray Williamson OAM. Amongst the guests were Catholic Bishop Bill Wright, the Rev’d Warwick Cadenhead of the Uniting Church, former NSWEC President Major Joan Tong and Treasurer David Tong of the Salvation Army and recent General
Secretary, Mr Doug Hewitt, of the Uniting Church. The launch was a joyful occasion, followed by refreshments and many ‘reunions’. The book is available from Fr Shenouda Mansour at the NSW Ecumenical Council : sMansour@ncca.org.au
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 Tony to learn more about how being involved in your own goodbye will benefit you and your family. All Areas 1300 662 172
Adamstown | Belmont | Beresfield | Toronto
20
Tony Yen Funeral Director
davidlloydfunerals.com.au
A Guardian Funeral Provider
DLF-NH-0814-PN
Prepay your funeral with Australia’s leading funeral plan.
Hearts for Africa Anglican men's movement
The Anglican Men’s Society has adopted "Hearts for Africa" as its main mission project since it was raised at the 2003 National conference by Queensland Member Ivan Peters. Ivan was asked by his brother-in-law, John Naumann, to visit a town in Tanzania called Amani. Having a background in farming, Ivan took with him many years of experience to Amani to assist with the development of agricultural purists among the local people.
Ivan took with him to Africa with his wife the background of many years farming in the Laidley Valley in Queensland. With the funds raised in Australia including funds from AMS Ivan was able to assist with the location of underground water,crop development,pig and dairy herd development,local staff development of skills,irrigation and the judicious purchase of farm equipment. Over the past years Ivan has made many trips for months at a time at his own expense. Ivan is now in his eighties. The Anglican Men’s Society has been proud to have a serving member on the ground which has ensured that all funds donated have been spent wisely.
In the meantime Rev John has helped in the establishment of two local schools and the transport of children to a larger centre for there secondary education. Over dirt roads the existing transport is not up too standard thus it is imperative to purchase a suitable vehicle and the cost of this will be $50000.
AMS in the Diocese of Newcastle is promoting a tour of Tasmania looking to visit beautiful Tasmania but with special emphasis on historic and churches that are only to be found in Tasmania. If the bus can be filled, it is hoped to raise $2000 toward the bus in Amani. The cost has been costed so that this affordable. To find out more about this amazing cause, visit www.amsnational.org.au or www.heartsforafrica.org. au
Tasmania
The Land at the Edge of the World Anglican Men’s Society Tour of Eastern Tasmania Plus Historic Churches & Organs
May 10-19 2015 - 10 Days - 9 Nights $1660.00 + air fare per person, twin share A Fully escorted tour | Tour price is all inclusive | Excluding Air fare All proceeds go to the Anglican Men's Movement Africa Bus Project Visit www.newcastleanglican/Encounter for more information
21
Our organisations Samaritans TREE OF HOPE LAUNCHes CHristmas appeal Samaritans launched its Christmas Appeal on November 18 by erecting a Tree of Hope at its flagship retail shop in Beaumont St, Hamilton. The tree was decorated with stars featuring messages from the organisation's generous donors. Samaritans will pass these Christmas messages on to local families in need as Christmas approaches.
Samaritans Director of Development, Lynne Graham, said this year's appeal was all about spreading hope to the many who go without.
"Our Christmas Appeal is such an important part of the Samaritans calendar and this year we're hoping the extra Christmas cheer spread through positive messages on the Tree of Hope will encourage the community to get involved,” she said. "Samaritans is hoping to raise $100,000 in this year's appeal every dollar counts," she said.
"Samaritans is welcoming the community into the shop to add a star to the tree and drop a donation in the tin. "Anyone is welcome to stop in to the shop and spread some Christmas cheer through generosity and kind words,” she said.
The Samaritans Christmas Appeal will run until December 31. Contributions can also be made at www.samaritans.org.au/ donate
Samaritans Director of Development, Lynne Graham
MANNING VALLEY ANGLICAN COLLEGE
Fantastic Competition Results for College Students
ICAS (International Competitions and Assessments for Schools) has wrapped up for the 2014 School Year, and the final results are in, heralding huge success for students at the Manning Valley Anglican College. ICAS gives primary and secondary school students the chance to measure up against schools from across Australia and our regional neighbours.
These optional examinations attract the best and brightest from some of our top schools, and students from the Manning Valley Anglican College have held their own as fantastic representatives for their school. Of particular note are WenYuan LimSchneider and Zebulen Everingham, who achieved consistently excellent results across multiple subjects.
Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College Preschool to Year 12
Enrol for 2015 – places are limited Call the College Registrar today on 4979 8484 to make an appointment to discuss your child’s education.
Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College
256 Minmi Road, Fletcher NSW 2287 02 4979 8484 | www.btac.nsw.edu.au
22
WenYuan, a Year 5 student, received a Distinction in English, where he ranked in the top six per cent of students nationwide, and in Mathematics, where he was placed in the top four per cent.
Zebulen, of Year 7, was placed in the top four per cent of Australian students for Computer Skills, the top six per cent for Science, and the top eleven per cent for Mathematics, earning him three Distinctions of his own.
Harrison Thomas, of Year 2, also excelled in English, where he was placed in the top five percent of students, while Hannah Irvine of Year 6 found herself in the top six per cent for Spelling. Both earned a Distinction certificate for their efforts.
MANNING VALLEY ANGLICAN COLLEGE
Anglican College Teachers Recognised For Their Service Mr Neil Dawes and Ms Yvonne Geerts were among 20 teachers from across the Mid North Coast who gathered in Port Macquarie on October 30 to be recognised for their outstanding contributions to the field of education in our region. The awards, presented by the Australian College of Education, recognise highly dedicated teachers from Coffs Harbour to the Manning for outstanding service to their school and their community.
The two Manning Valley Anglican College teachers were nominated by their colleagues, who hoped to honour their years of positive contributions to the College community. Anglican Care Resident Gwen Naylor with some of the students involved in the program
ANGLICAN CARE JOBQUEST STUDENTS SERVE TASTY TREATS AT TERALBA During 2014, Anglican Care has been involved in a project run by JobQuest which assists disengaged youth to build on communication skills, team work, confidence and basic employment skills. The project consists of students operating a pop-up style cafĂŠ at Teralba Bowling Club serving morning tea to Anglican Care residents once a week and then conducting a variety of activities with the residents such as indoor bowling, Bingo and playing Uno.
Students participating in the project are completing a Certificate II in Retail Services. Staff from JobQuest are finding that the intergenerational nature of the project is helping to promote resilience and to encourage young people to take the next step.
Mr Neil Dawes and Ms Yvonne Geerts
As for Anglican Care’s residents, they are greatly enjoying the morning tea and activities provided together with the opportunity to assist the students involved to relate to older people and engage in conversation.
Scone Grammar School Festival of Fun / Art Show and Auction
Paul Smart Jeanette and Canon Chris Bullock
Sienna Odgers with Festival of Fun Magician Chris Bullock
Students enjoying the Festival of Fun
23
Around the diocese
ST Alban's Remembrance day 2014 Remembrance Day is an important reminder to all Australians of sacrifice. The guns were silenced on the battle fields 96 years ago. The Anglican Parish Forster/Tuncurry sent 64 of its sons to fight in the First World War. Not all of the soldiers returned.
Pattie Radcliffe, Roslyn Edwards, Rhonda Amos, Bill Mann, Fay Nelmes, Dawn Carmody & Phyllis Fox
Archdeacon Les Forester led a Remembrance Day service. The attendees exceeded 90, and many had travelled significant distances to participate in a traditional morning tea of damper, golden syrup, Anzac biscuits and tea. Helen Quinn (Church Warden) opened the morning with Acknowledgement of Country. Archdeacon Les reflected on the incredible sacrifices which were made. Pattie Radcliffe from the Parish of Adamstown attended with five of her six sisters and partners. They are descendants of their uncle Private Horace Mann. Another family member, cousin John Mann represented his father, Hersel Mann.
Cessnock REMEMBRANCE DAY 2014 The Parish of Cessnock celebrated Remembrance Day this year with a very moving service. The hundreds of poppies crocheted and knitted by the Parish Craft Group and members of the wider community, many of which had the name and serial number of departed loved ones stitched on the back, flowed from the altar and across onto the steps of the sanctuary.
The guest speaker on this occasion was Mr Peter Walsh who told the story of a relative who lost his life on June 9 1917 at the young age of 25 years and 1 day. Peter told the story in words and pictures presenting an extremely heart-wrenching account. Peter’s young daughter Alexandra then sang a beautiful song entitled Remember them.
The poem In Flanders Fields followed the prayers and the congregation then said the Ode. A minute silence followed and the service concluded with that wonderful hymn Let there be peace on earth. At the conclusion of the service people just sat there – it was certainly a time of Remembrance.
Come to Macedonia.... Acts 16:9
Explore a call to Ministry & Service in Regional Australia The Diocese of Wangaratta covers north east Victoria and across the Albury border of NSW. This is a beautiful part of the country to serve the Lord and we anticipate that due to retirements within our clergy team, 2015 will bring several ministry vacancies in the Diocese.
the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle
We are keen to speak to interested clergy who are looking to build their life in ministry within a challenging and rewarding environment. Enjoy the unique blessings of a small country Diocese with Bishop, clergy and people working together, creating strong community connections and becoming actively involved in your town.
The Diocese takes allegations of misconduct and abuse seriously.
This region brings a variety of opportunities for ministry; close to Melbourne, in country towns, or in team ministries within the larger regional cities. Our several Anglican schools add an extra dimension, as do our extensive aged care and Anglicare networks.
Further Details about the Diocese can be found on our Website – www.wangaratta-anglican.org.au If you would like further information or wish to express your interest, please feel free to contact the registrar Mr Tim Williams (03) 5721 3484 or registrar@wangaratta-anglican.org.au
24
Anglican Church of Australia
Professional Standards protocols provide formal procedures for handling complaints of misconduct. We welcome and encourage people with concerns to come forward by speaking with a contact person.
Contact persons are trained to listen, will maintain confidentiality and will help you understand the processes involved. If required, they can also assist in documenting the complaint. To discuss your concerns in confidence, please phone
1800 774 945 You will be put in touch with a local contact person.
Rev'd Andrew Mead and Bishop Greg Thompson
ANGLICAN CARE CELEBRATES THE APPOINT OF THE REV'D ANDREW MEAD Anglican Care held a special celebratory service to commission The Rev'd Andrew Mead as their new Chaplain on October 29. An array of guests were in attendance at the commissioning including Anglican Care staff, residents and volunteers as well as board members and The Right Rev'd Greg Thompson, Bishop of Newcastle.
MORPETH The Oldest Consecrated Church in Diocese Celebrates 175 Years The last day of January 2015 will mark the 175th anniversary of the consecration of St James' Church, Morpeth. Celebrations are planned to continue throughout 2015 commencing with Evensong in the church on December 31, followed by a 175th year launch at 9am on the first Sunday of February. The main celebrations however are planned for the weekend of July 25-26 to coincide with the patronal festival of St James on July 26.
It is proposed to commemorate this anniversary with a stained glass window to be placed at the rear of the church in the Baptistry. Funds are needed for this to happen and there is great hope that this project will appeal to the generosity of donors. Preparations are already in hand for the presentation of a banner for the church on St James' Day.
St James' Church is the oldest consecrated church still in use in the Diocese. Although there were other churches built in the area circa 1840, they were not consecrated because of lack of funds and/or replacement. Bishop Greg and Bishop Peter appoint the Archdeacons to serve as Regional Leaders at Christ Church Cathedral on November 24.
POSITION VACANT
The history of St James' Church is most interesting and the person solely responsible for its creation is Lieutenant Edward Close. It was he who made a covenant with God that if he survived the Spanish Peninsular War he would build a church. He survived the war, kept his promise, and built the existing church of St James in Morpeth. It is with extreme gratitude to Lt. Close that St James Church will be celebrating its 175th anniversary next year because of this remarkable act of thanksgiving to God.
St Luke’s Anglican Church Enmore, NSW Vibrant, inclusive, multicultural, inner west Sydney Parish - distinctive liturgical tradition, with traditional and contemporary elements, seeks a Rector. The current Rector retires January 2015. Parish Profile available at www.stlukesenmore.org.au, or on request to nominators at E-mail: mjholle@bigpond.com Tele: 02 9660 3007 (Moya) 0400 166 941 (Ruth) 25
AW Retreats letting go of busyness Lent 2015 will again see the two retreats for women being held in the beautiful bush setting of The Monastery at Stroud. They will be conducted by The Ven. Canon Sonia Roulston, Rector of the Parish of Morpeth. Well-known throughout the Diocese of Newcastle, where she has served all her ministry, Sonia became involved in the church through children's and youth ministry in the Parish of East Maitland. After training in science, she entered St John's College at Morpeth in 1992. She was ordained in 1995 and has served in the parishes of Gosford, Singleton, Windale and Cessnock before becoming the Rector of Morpeth.
Sonia is a passionate reader and enjoys the company of friends in her spare time. A lover of jazz, she is deeply involved in Chapeljazz, an event hosted by the combined Churches of Morpeth each year. She was collated as Archdeacon of Newcastle in a special service at Christ Church Cathedral. Retreat 1 (weekend) Friday February 20 2015 from 4pm to Sunday February 22 about 3-4 pm; Retreat 2 ( weekday) Tuesday February 24 to Thursday February 26. Cost is $180. Day visitors $30 (includes morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea, speaker & service). These are silent retreats, allowing time and space to just be with God, letting go of the busyness and noise of our lives. "In contemplative prayer we seek to become the person we are called to be, not by thinking of God but being with God. Simply to be with God is to be drawn into being the person God calls us to be." (John Main OSB)
Anglican Women LENTEN RETREATS Register Now! Retreat Conductor: The Ven. Sonia Roulston Loca�on: The Monastery at Stroud Name ____________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________ ___________________ P/code________ Phone __________ Email: ____________________________________________ Parish: ___________________________________________ Dietary Requirements: _______________________________ Single Room: $180 pp Day A�endance: $25 pp Note: You will need to bring your own sheets & towels Retreat 1: Weekend, Fri. 20 Feb, 4pm to Sun 22 Feb, 3pm 2015 Arrive Friday a�er 4pm (program commences Saturday am) Retreat 2: Mid-week, Tues 24th, 4pm – Thurs 26th, 4pm March 2015 Arrive Tues. 24 Feb a�er 4 pm (program commences Wed am) Retreat chosen ______ (1 or 2) Registra�ons close 31 Jan. 2014 Cheques payable to ‘Anglican Women of Newcastle Diocese’ Please enclose cheque, form and self-addressed envelope to: Mrs Jacqui Currey, AW Retreat Co-ordinator, 7 Laurina Ave, Thornton 2322 Ph: 4966-1454, Email: jacqui@eleken.com.au
26
Tiago Fisher (angel in swing), Annabella Goodchild (Mary), and Samson Fisher (Joseph)
MEDOWIE Nativity photos put kids in the original Christmas story Medowie Anglican Church is putting a new spin on the family Christmas photo.
Instead of posing with Santa Claus, children will have the chance to dress up as Mary, Joseph, shepherds, magi – even baby Jesus. Church volunteers will provide the dress-up and props and take the photos. Electronic images will be emailed to families for $5 each.
The Rev'd Bryce Amner is hoping that the nativity photos will appeal to parents who want their children to learn that there is more to Christmas than trees and presents. “Why settle for Saint Nick when you can have the real star of Christmas?” he said.
Nativity photos will be taken at Medowie Markets, Ferodale Road, on Saturday December 13, from 8am, and again at Mallabula Anglican Church, Strathmore Road, on Friday December 19 from 4:30pm as part of a Messy Church service.
DRAFT only! prices may change
Last year -2014 9cm x 2 cols. + 18 c.cm x 7.20 = $129.60 December 2013 Encounter reduce to 8cm x 9cm ? Cost ? for Dec 2015 issue.
Aaron and Julia Clark and family. Both photos by Bryce Amner.
EAST MAITLAND Celebrating the Fiftieth Anniversary of Ordination as a Priest On December 19, at 6pm at St Peter’s Church at East Maitland, Fr Wilf Redden will celebrate a Thanksgiving Eucharist for 50 years of ministry as a priest. Fr Wilf was ordained a priest by Bishop James Housden at Christ Church Cathedral on December 19, 1964. He has served in the parishes of Wyong (1963-66), Mayfield (1966-1969), Maitland (1969-70), Kendall (1970-1975), Kotara South (1979-83), Gosford (1983-1993) and East Maitland (1993-2002), and was Director of Social Work for the Diocese (1975-1979). He was a Canon of Christ Church Cathedral (1987-2002) and has also served as a Chaplain to Newcastle Children’s Court and as a Police Chaplain. Fr Wilf Redden and Mrs Judy Redden
Everyone is most welcome to come and give thanks with Fr Wilf as he celebrates this wonderful anniversary. Refreshments will follow in the Church grounds.
STEVEN BOYCE – Property Manager/Licensed Agent Are you a Landlord? Tired of Property Management hassles? Not satisfied with current Agent? For a service that is personalised and different from most Agents, call me on M: 0403 150 246 or Office: 02 4969 2001 E: dotcomrentals@gmail.com W: www.dotcompropetysales.com
Professional • Experienced • Competitive
Kincumber Sweetening up Christmas For some years our Parish has held a Gingerbread House-making event to reach out to our community with the love of Christ. The event has become so popular that we now hold three events at two of our venues.
• Conveyancing & Commercial • Wills, Probate & Estates • Family Law & Criminal Law • Driving Offences etc Phone: 4954 7288 25 Marianne St, Cardiff email: admin@warlandsolicitors.com.au
For about $30 each family gets all that is needed to make and then take home a gift-wrapped Gingerbread House that is worth the calories.
However what is most important for our Parish is that families leave having heard the wonderful story of how God’s Son Jesus came to earth to save us from our sins.
If you would like to know more about what we do then drop us a line – or if you’re quick, you might even be able to book in to see how we do it. Ph. 43691204.
27
christmas service times Newcastle CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL Christmas Eve: 5pm Service for Children and Families with Carols; 7.30pm Nine lessons and carols a service with traditional and contemporary carols for choir and congregation; 11.45pm Midnight Mass with procession and blessing of the crib Christmas Day: 7am Eucharist; 8.30am Choral Eucharist with procession; 10.30am Eucharist for Families (Children – bring a favourite present to be blessed) HAMILTON December 21: 6pm Service of nine lessons and carols followed by bring and share supper. There will be a gift tree to collect Christmas gifts for Samaritans Christmas Eve: 7pm mass with carols and the Blessing of the Crib Christmas Day: 8am mass with carols MEREWETHER December 14: 6.30pm 9 Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve: 6pm Children’s Services; 11:30 Midnight Mass Christmas Day: 8am Sung Eucharist MICA PARISH Christmas Eve: 7pm St. Mark's Islington Carols and family worship; 11pm St. Andrew's Mayfield Midnight Mass Christmas Day: 8.30am St. Andrew's Mayfield Carols and Holy Communion ST JOHN’S NEWCASTLE Christmas Eve: 5.30pm Special Children’s Service; 7pm Informal Communion; 11.30pm Midnight Mass Christmas Day: 9am Christmas Communion WALLSEND Christmas Eve: 6pm Children’s service; 9.30pm Christmas in the Night Christmas Day: 8am Family Eucharist for everyone
Newcastle West KOTARA December 21: 5pm Confirmands Christmas Reunion Christmas Eve: 5pm Christingle Service ; 11pm Vigil Mass and Blessing of Crib Christmas Day: 8am Sung Mass LAMBTON December 17: 6pm `hard to be merry Christmas`… a timeout for reflection Christmas Eve: 7pm `all family and friends worship`, Holy Communion, followed by supper with St Nicholas; 9pm Traditional service with Holy Communion Christmas Day: 7.30am Sung Eucharist, Jesmond; Eucharist, Lambton. 9am. NEW LAMBTON Christmas Eve: 5pm Christingle Service for all ages Christmas Day: 8.45am Christmas Communion WALLSEND Christmas Eve: 6pm Children’s Service; 9.30pm Night Service Christmas Day: 8am Christmas Service
Lake Macquarie BELMONT December 14: 7pm Jesus! Show us who you are! - A Carol Service
28
Christmas Eve: 6.30pm A Christmas Service for every age; 11.30pm Midnight Mass Christmas Day: 8am Holy Communion Belmont North/Redhead December 13: 6pm Messy Carols - Family Night of Singing Carols in candle light, riding ponies, cuddling and patting small animals, jumping in a castle, holding big balloons, painting wonderful faces, eating and drinking and having a wonderful Christmas Time Christmas Eve: 6pm Family Christmas service. Christmas stories and Carols, a time for everyone big and small to find the true meaning of peace, joy and goodwill to all humanity during this Christmas season; 11.30pm A traditional Eucharist Christmas service with carols at Holy Family Anglican Church cnr Ntaba Road & Harrison Street Belmont North. Christmas Day: 9am A traditional Eucharist Christmas service with carols at Holy Name Anglican Church Hutchinson Street, Redhead CARDIFF Christmas Eve: 6pm Family Mass; 11.30pm Midnight Mass Christmas Day: 9am Mass MORRISET 21st December: Carols commencing at 6pm with a sausage sizzle Christmas Eve: Family Service 7pm; ‘Midnight’ Service 11.30pm Christmas Day: Mass 8am TORONTO December 7: 4.30pm Messy Advent – family fun for all December 9: 10am Caring Christmas – Eucharist followed by morning tea for the frail-aged in our community December 18: 6pm Christmas in A Minor Key – prayer and reflection for those who find this season difficult Christmas Eve: 6pm Family Christmas – all age interactive worship; 11pm traditional midnight mass Christmas Day: 8.30am traditional sung Eucharist
Maitland BRANXTON GRETA LOCHINVAR December 21: 12pm Mustard Seed Christmas St John's, Branxton, the Christmas story for children and families, with activities and food Christmas Eve: 6pm Christmas Crib St John's, Branxton , The story of the Birth of Jesus is told by the building of the Christmas Crib; 11.30pm Midnight Mass, St John's, Branxton Christmas Day: 8am Christmas Eucharist Holy Trinity, Lochinvar; 10am Christmas Day Eucharist St John's, Branxton EAST MAITLAND December 7: 6pm Nine Lessons and Carols with Choir Christmas Eve: 4pm Christmas Family Eucharist with Junior Choir; 6pm Christmas Family Eucharist with Junior Choir; 11.30pm First Mass of Christmas with Choir Christmas Day: 7.30am Christmas Mass; 9.30am Christmas Sung Mass Maitland Christmas Eve: 7pm especially for families and children with candles and carols around the crib; 11.30pm: Sung Eucharist Christmas Day: 9am Eucharist
MORPETH December 12: 6pm Combined Churches “Carols at Closebourne” Christmas Eve: 4pm Christmas Families; 11:30pm Midnight Mass Christmas Day: 9am MOUNT VINCENT/WESTON Christmas Eve: 5:30pm Family Service, St. Paul's, Kurri Kurri; 11pm St. Paul's, Kurri Kurri Christmas Day: 8.30am St Mary's, Weston; 10am, Christ Church Mt Vincent TELARAH-RUTHERFORD Christmas Eve: 6pm St Christopher's A 'Messy' Christ-Mass for families; 11.30pm Midnight Mass with Blessing of the crib and Christmas Carols Christmas Day: 9am Sung Mass at St Luke’s
Paterson PARISH OF DUNGOG Christmas Eve: 6pm Christ Church Dungog Children’s Christmas service; 8pm St Peter’s Bendolba Christmas Eucharist; 11pm Midnight Mass with carol singing Christmas Day: 9am Christ Church Dungog Christmas Eucharist RAYMOND TERRACE December 14: 6pm 9 Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve: 6pm Crib service; 11:30pm Midnight Mass Christmas Day: 9am WILLIAMTOWN/MEDOWIE/MALLABULA Christmas Eve: 9pm Christmas Eve Candle Service, Holy Name Mallabula; 11:30pm St Francis’ Medowie Holy Communion Christmas Day: 8am St Saviour’s Williamtown Holy Communion; 9am St Francis’ Medowie Holy Communion; 10am Holy Name Mallabula Holy Communion
THE MANNING ANGLICAN PARISH OF HARRINGTON/ COOPERNOOK Christmas Eve: 3pm St Luke’s Church, Coopernook Christmas Eucharist; 5pm St Peter’s Church, Harrington Children’s Christingle Service with Eucharist; 7pm St Barnabas Church, Upper Lansdowne Christmas Eucharist ; 11pm Christmas Eucharist Christmas Day: 8am St Peter’s Church, Harrington Christmas Eucharist; 10am St Mark’s Church, Mitchells Island Christmas Eucharist Forster/Tuncurry Christmas Eve: 7pm Uniting Church Nabiac; 11.30pm Holy Communion St Alban's Forster Christmas Day: 7.30am Holy Communion St Nicholas Tuncurry; 9am St Alban's; 11am St James Bungwahl Gloucester December 20: 5pm Mainly Christmas For all the Family December 21: 7pm Holy Eucharist Ward’s River Community Hall Christmas Eve: 7pm “Church for Everyone”; 11.30pm Midnight Mass and Blessing of the Crib Christmas Day: 8.30 am Holy Eucharist
TAREE Christmas Eve: 6pm Mass for families and children; 9pm Mass of the Night Christmas Day: 9am Mass
WINGHAM December 21: 6pm St Marks Marlee Christmas Holy Communion; 7.30pm St Marks Marlee Christmas Carols Christmas Eve: 6pm St Matthews Wingham Totally different Children Service; 11pm Christmas Holy Communion (Traditional) Christmas Day: 7.45am St Lukes Tinonee Holy Communion; 9.45am St Matthews Wingham Holy Communion
CENTRAL COAST
UPPER HUNTER
GOSFORD Christmas Eve: 6pm Children and Family Service; 11:30pm Night Mass for Christmas Christmas Day: 9am Traditional Service
TOUKLEY December 21: 4pm Community Carol Service Christmas Eve: 6pm Crib Service (Children's Christmas Service); 11:30pm Midnight Mass Christmas Day: 9am
KANWAL/GOROKAN Christmas Eve: 6pm "Christmas @ Kanwal" - An Informal Family Christmas Eve service; 11pm - Traditional Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist Service Christmas Day: 9am Contemporary Christmas Celebration with Communion
THE ENTRANCE Christmas Eve: 10.45 Carols; 11pm Holy Communion Christmas Day: 9am Holy Communion
KINCUMBER Christmas Eve: 6pm St Paul’s Family Service; 6pm St Bede’s Family Celebration Christmas Day: 7.30am St Paul’s Holy Communion; 8am St David’s Holy Communion; 9am St Paul’s Holy Communion; 9.30am St David’s Holy Communion
UMINA Christmas Eve: 5pm Family Service Christmas Day: 8am Holy Communion WOY WOY Christmas Eve: 11.30pm Midnight Mass Christmas Day: 10am Holy Eucharist
Denman December 17: 6pm Carols and Christmas Service, St Lukes Widden, followed by bring and share supper December 21: 2pm St Martins, Martindale Christmas Eve: 6pm St Marks, Wybong followed by bring and share supper; 11.30pm St Matthias, Denman Christmas Day: 8.30am St Matthias Denman; 10.30am St Matthews Mt Dangar Muswellbrook December 21: 6.30pm St Alban’s Muswellbrook Carols Service Bring & Share Supper to follow Christmas Eve: 6pm St Alban’s Muswellbrook Family Christmas Celebration; 11.15pm St Alban’s Muswellbrook Carol Singing; 11.30pm St Alban’s Muswellbrook Midnight Mass Christmas Day: 7am St Mark’s Aberdeen Holy Communion; 8.30am St Alban’s Muswellbrook Holy Communion; 10.30am St Paul’s Spring Creek Holy Communion SCONE Christmas Eve: 5.30pm Families Together; 7pm Lessons and Carols; 11pm Midnight Mass
AVOCA BEACH Christmas Day: 8am Holy Communion; 9.30am Holy Communion BATEAU BAY Christmas Eve: 6pm Christmas Family Worship & Eucharist; 11.30pm Eucharist & Blessing of the Crib Christmas Day: 8.30am Holy Eucharist
MANGROVE MOUNTAIN Christmas Day: 8amTraditional Service POINT CLARE Christmas Day: 10amTraditional Service SARATOGA Christmas Eve: 6pm Family Celebration ST ALBANS Christmas Eve: 6pm A Service of Readings and Carols
TERRIGAL December 20: Christmas Carols December 21: 7.30am Eucharist; 9.30am Family Service; 3.30-5.30pm Messy Christmas Christmas Eve: 5pm Family Service; 11.30pm Eucharist Christmas Day: 7.30am Christmas Eucharist – sung; 9.30am Christmas Eucharist – said; 6pm Evening Prayer
WYOMING Christmas Eve: 6pm Christmas Pageant; 11.30pm Holy Communion Christmas Day: 7.30am Holy Communion; 9.30am Holy Communion WYONG December 21: 9am 9 Lessons & Carols Christmas Eve: 5pm Interactive Family Service followed by free BBQ; 11pm Traditional Christmas Eve service with Holy Communion Christmas Day: 9am Celebration Service
Dates for your diary December 6 Carols by Candlelight, Lambton A combined church gift from Lambton, New Lambton, Kotara South, and ANeW. To be held on the grounds of St John the Baptist Church, 18 Morehead Street Lambton. Gates open at 5pm finishes at 8.30pm. Free entry. Available: sausage sizzle (run by Lions Club) tea, coffee, water and soft drinks from M&K coffee. Singing, items from the community and local schools Christmas play, pipers, full nativity and a visit from St Nicholas.
13 Mass & Meal, Cardiff Our fun-filled Family service will be a year old in December! Join us at 6pm at St Thomas's Cardiff for worship, craft, and a Christmas themed dinner afterwards. For more information, check Cardiff's Facebook page! 20 Carols in the Park, Kanwal Lakes Anglican invite you to carols in the park. Bring a chair, bring a rug, bring a friend and a picnic. The Music group will be leading in carols. Enjoy Carols, fun and fellowship. 6pm.
6 First Saturday Lunch, Cardiff Come and celebrate all things Christmas at 11.30am at St Thomas's Cardiff, with the Friends for Life Choir, and then a two course lunch with entertainment in the afternoon. Gold coin donation.
21 Let's Celebrate: Christmas, Point Clare Our special Christmas event is Let's Celebrate : Christmas. Features Carols, costumed children's Christmas play and free BBQ. 5pm. St John's Church Point Clare.
7 Combined Choir Concert, Christ Church Cathedral Join Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Youth Chorale and Newcastle University Choir as we celebrate Christmas in Song! Music will include a selection from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, and audience singing led by massed choir. 2pm.
21 Christmas Carols on the Lawn, Wallsend Join us for carols on the church lawn. Bring your own chair/rug and picnic dinner. 5pm for picnic, carols from 6pm. Plus nativity scene photos inside the church (bring your own camera). Children can dress up to be part of the scene, by donation.
7 Carols by Candlelight, Newcastle Merewether/Newcastle Inter Church Council Carols by Candlelight. 7.30pm at St John's Newcastle.
29
Recipe
Christmas stollen This traditional German fruitcake is sure to become a Christmas favourite. Prep 0:45 | Cook 0:45 | Servings 8 2 1/2 cups (375g) plain flour
2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 cup (165g) caster sugar
3/4 cup (90g) almond meal
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
100g chilled unsalted butter, chopped, plus extra melted butter to brush 125g cream cheese
1 egg, plus 1 extra yolk 1/2 cup (125ml) milk
2 tablespoons brandy
1/2 teaspoon each vanilla & almond extracts 1/2 cup (80g) sultanas
1/3 cup candied mixed peel
1 cup (160g) icing sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons chopped glacé cherries
Step 1 Briefly pulse flour, baking powder, caster sugar, meal, cardamom and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a processor to combine. Add butter and cheese and pulse until a sandy mixture. Add egg, yolk, milk, brandy, vanilla and almond extracts, and process to a dough, then turn out onto a floured bench. Scatter with sultanas and peel, then knead until incorporated and dough is smooth. Cover in plastic wrap. Chill for 15 minutes.
Step 2 Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray. On a floured surface, roll dough to a 24cm x 36cm rectangle. With 1 long side facing you, fold one third of the dough away from you into the centre, then fold over again to make a long rectangle (about 12cm x 36cm). Place fold-side down on tray, brush with melted butter, then bake for 45 minutes or until slightly risen and golden, and a skewer inserted in centre comes out clean. Cool on a rack.
Step 3 Meanwhile, gradually mix icing sugar with 2-3 tablespoons water to make a soft icing. Drizzle over cooled stollen, then sprinkle with cherries and cachous. Recipe Source: Taste.com.au
1 tablespoon silver cachous
WINE Booze of the month by Bazza G’day, I’ve had Richard locked up! The guy's a wine snob of the worst type, flam’n'goose if you ask me, he hasn’t reviewed a decent wine all year and the ones he’s done - what can I say bloomin’ heck - who can afford them?! Most of us don’t put that much in the plate on Sunday for goodness sake. Who’s he think he is?
So, I decided I’d bring some couth ‘n culcha and write about real booze, after all this is the Christmas issue and we Aussies certainly like to celebrate the birth of Christ with a bit of klass. My favourite bottle of booze has to be Passion Pop, it’s a great guzzle. But not a lot of alcohol in it so ya need a few. But at $4.10 a bottle and a bargain at $23.40 for a six pack from me best mate Dan the Man, ya can go to town. Let me tell ya a bit about this little bewdy. Well it’s a bit like me - it’s got no class, sweet as tho’, and the best thing??? Maaate ya can get it in three flavours. Strawberry, Passionfruit
30
(original) and Watermelon. The palate, to use the snob words, it tastes like ya just shoved a strawberry, or a passionfruit or a watermelon in ya gob - not a whole watermelon but!
Oh yeah s’posed to mention the food ya eat with it, ain’t I? Ya know what? - ya can drink it with whatever ya like! after a bottle of this who cares. But my personal fave has to be them little party pies with lots of tom sauce!! Yumbo! It’s Christmas so why don’t cha break the budget grab a couple of dozen invite the outlaws over and impress em with ya style. Merry Christmas all, I might let Dick the tosser out and have one of these with 'im. Cheers, Bazza
October Puzzle: CARING FOR GOD’S CREATION By Judy Walsh
Can you find the missing word: ______________ ACT AIR BARE BEAUTY BIODEGRADE CARE CLIMATE COMPLAINT CONSERVATION CREATION CROP EARTH EFFICIENCY EMISSIONS EMIT ENERGY ENVIRONMENT GREEN INSTALLATIONS MAN NATIVES OBSERVE
POWER PRAY PROTECT RAIN RARE RECYCLE RICH SAVE SEA SUN SURVIVAL TIDY TREES TRY WALKING WASTE WORK
ANSWER TO THE OCTOBER PUZZLE: TRINITY
BOOK REVIEWS: SIX ESSAYS IN HONOUR OF OUR LADY Six Essays In Honour of Our Lady by Kenneth R. Dutton, St Laurence Press, Sydney, 2014. By the Rev'd Fergus King Prof. Ken Dutton’s six essays are edited revisions of addresses given to the Adamstown Cell of the Society of the Holy House of our Lady of Walsingham, the famous shrine in Norfolk (UK).
Whilst Marian interests are often considered to be the territory of Catholic theology, Professor Dutton shows that Marian devotions are not limited to the “high church”. Certainly the collection looks at Mary through the eyes of High Church Anglicanism (the late Eric Mascall), Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, but it also provides a reminder that the Reformers maintained theological, if not devotional, interest in Mary. The beliefs held about Mary can sometimes look surprising: the exploration of Mary in Methodism reveals a role for her which was in some ways close to contemporary Roman
Catholicism, although still questioning her role as the mediatrix of grace.
A particular stand-out is the chapter on Anglican Marian hymns; a chapter obviously written with a real zest and love for the material. Also important are the chapters ( 17th century Anglican and Methodism, respectively) which show that Mary’s place within Anglican theology is never a simple mimicking of Roman Catholic devotions, but reflects an set of doctrinal standpoints from the immediate aftermath of the Reformation, which stress her vital role in securing orthodox Christian belief: that in Christ God became truly human. Clearly and accessibly written with a real love for its subject, and with high quality illustrations, this would make a fitting Christmas gift for your Christian friends, or friends who need a wee nudge about the real meaning of Christmas.
BY Bishop Richard Appleby Professor Ken Dutton has been a Newcastle Anglican since his appointment as Professor of French at the University of Newcastle in 1969. His recently published book contains six addresses he gave to the Cell of Our Lady of Walshingham at St Stephen's
Adamstown.
The addresses, whilst scholarly and carefully researched, are very accessible being the product of his interaction with the Adamstown Cell members. There are many lovely anecdotes and stories.
The chapters of the book are: Mary the Mother of God – the theotokos; Mary and the English Protestant Reformers; Mary and the Eastern Orthodox; Mary and Anglican hymns; Mary and 17th Century Anglican theology. And, a fascinating chapter on the Wesleys and catholic doctrine.
It is a rich resource. And, for those wanting to explore further the issues raised, Ken Dutton gives a variety of references, including some very helpful internet links.
The book has been beautifully produced by St Laurence Press, the publishing arm of Christ Church St Laurence in Sydney. Copies are available at $20 plus postage from The Treasurer the Cell of OLW. PO Box 17 Adamstown 2289.
31
Help us support Samaritans this Christmas A small donation of food, cash or gifts this Christmas can make a massive difference...
You can drop in your gift to the Anglican Diocese Office, 134 King Street Newcastle. Please help today. Your donation is so important. Phone 1300 656 336 or visit www.samaritans.org.au
Have you thought about remembering the church in your will? 32
Our Diocese has been blessed by the generosity of benefactors in times past. As we see to expand Christ's mission in the 21st Century, can you think how much you might contribute? You should get legal advice before making your will. You may wish to consider the activities of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle as the recipient of either a special gift or the residue of your estate. The following wording may be useful for you and your legal advisor when making your will:
I bequeath to the Trustees of Church Property of the Diocese of Newcastle in the State of New South Wales, the sum of .......... to be used for the general purposes of the Diocese of Newcastle in such matter as the Trustees may approve.