DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 FREE
BISHOP GREG Shaping our lives for Community this Christmas REFLECTIONS
KEEPING CHRIST
in Christmas
A JOY FILLED CHRISTMAS
Christmas service times, Carols, Blue Christmas
The
Joy of
Christmas
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IN THIS EDITION 2 Bishop Greg: Shaping our lives for community this Christmas 4
Reflections: Keeping Christ in Christmas
5
Life of an Archdeacon
6 Topics 8
The Joy of Christmas
12
The Joy of Giving
14 The Gift of Social Justice 15
The Gift of Education
16
Anglican Overseas Aid
18
Celebrating 2015
19
Q&A - New Year
BISHOP GREG THOMPSON bishopgreg@newcastleanglican.org.au
20 Insights: Education Chaplain 21 Christmas Crowdfunding 22
Around the Diocese
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Dates for Your Diary: A Joy Filled Christmas
30 CD Review Recipe 31 Puzzle Kid's Activity
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Shaping our lives for C It was reported a few years back that a British man was so fond of Christmas that he celebrates it everyday of the year. Andy Park a 45 year old electrician has spent £250,000 celebrating Christmas daily in the last 12 years. The divorced father of one, starts his day with breakfast of six mince pies, and a turkey sandwich before going to work. He finishes work by 11.30am in order to start roasting the turkey. At 2pm he eats lunch, then he pulls crackers, about 40 a day, on his own. He watches a recording of the Queen's recorded Christmas message, a glass of sherry in hand. He reckons he has consumed over 100,000 brussel sprouts, over 4,000 turkeys, 87,000 mince pies, 4,300 bottles of champagne and has given over 21,000 presents to himself. – "I never get bored with it. I absolutely love Christmas," he says. While the images of Andy solo at home getting into the Christmas tucker each day is a little unsettling, I take my hat off to Andy who tries to maintain a festive joy and anticipation about each day, albeit isolated from the community he lives with. Yet Andy's experience is like that of many folk who do not have family or community with them in this season of joy.
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As we draw closer to celebrating the birth of the Christ-child, we remind ourselves of our fundamental need for community. We are made to connect with others, to contribute our gifts and concerns to the welfare of all. This will be especially important as we seek to welcome Syrian refugees coming to our region. Will there be space in our hearts for them? It was another special birth of a child in Africa some years ago that showed community is the cradle for our wellbeing. The storyteller wrote that on "One blistering hot day in Africa, I was driving a Peugeot flat bed truck along the 22 miles of rocky track between my mission station and the main road. As I skidded round a bend I almost ran into a body on the track. Lying on her back in the blazing sun was a woman trying to give birth but already exhausted and nearly dead. I took her to the Catholic sisters, 67 miles to the hospital. At every bump I winced and the woman moaned. In less than an hour after arriving at the hospital, the mother delivered her baby. She was very happy and held the baby across her chest. As soon as I went into the room, she began to thank me and say that I had saved her life and given life to
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Community this Christmas the baby. She owed the baby's life to me. The baby belonged to me. The baby was mine. Before I could do anything she held the baby out to me, "Its life belongs to you; it's yours," she said. I was deeply, deeply moved and understood her words. I said a silent prayer that I would not do something stupid. I had no idea what to do.
manger", the living active centre, reminds us that the gift of community begins in the heart of God and seeks to make its home beyond kin, religion and ethnicity through the hearts and actions of people here on earth. The incarnation is not only about God coming in human form but God building a community for all people.
"Then I heard myself saying, "Thank you so much for this precious gift. I accept responsibility for the life of this child. I will always treasure this baby's life. But the child needs a mother. Will you be mother and look after this baby?" As if it were the most obvious thing in the world, she said, "Of course I will be the mother!" and I handed the baby back to the mother." (Adapted Anthony J. Gittens)
The child in a manger reminds us that the troubled moments in our day do not need to swallow up our lives, rather God chooses to be born into them, and awakens us to live with the possibilities of love and redemption. In a world which must face such global realities as climate change, terror, poverty and homelessness, the angel's message of joy in the birth of Christ (Luke 2) has transformed how we regard all other humans - and what important responsibilities we have for nurturing a common vision for all human life and of creation.
Martin Buber, I and Thou, trans 1970.
True community does not come into being because people have feelings for each other (though that is required, too) but rather on two accounts: all of them have to stand in a living, reciprocal relationship to a single living centre, and they have to stand in a living, reciprocal relationship to one another. The second (event) has its source in the first but is not immediately given with it. A living reciprocal relationship includes feelings but is not derived from them. A community is built upon a living, reciprocal relationship, but the builder is the living, active centre. Just as this African child in a small way brought a profound connection between people of different cultures, languages, and backgrounds, so the "child in the
Listen to this reflection for Christmas from my friend in Scotland, "Is it not strange to believe in a spring-time of the spirit in such uncertain times? To believe that within the possibilities of God goodness can be liberated and our weary hearts restored? Are we foolish to think that the wounded can be healed and that those in the shadows are blessed? Do we stand alone when we assert that meaningless is never the last word, or that a single life can sow God's seeds for the morrow? Yet even in our questioning the Word becomes real - for against all the odds Christ's hope remains earthed in our shared and global fragility. Gathered or scattered, we are not
abandoned to our hesitations, but invited to that spring-time of the spirit bedded deep in our souls and seen in our faces. "For the road is marked by a Love that is stronger than hate, and the songs of life often spring from our suffering." Peter Millar, Edinburgh. May love be cherished in the joy of Christmas among family and friends, and may our hearts be open to our neighbours in whatever culture or circumstances we find them. +Gregory
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REFLECTIONS
Keeping Christ in Christmas BISHOP PETER STUART bishoppeter@newcastleanglican.org.au I come from a family that wasn't a regular church going family. I can't recall going to church much before I turned 20. There were occasional services at Christmas and Easter and a few other occasions. My parents explored aspects of Christianity but by the end of their lives they were believers in God but not convinced of the teachings about Jesus. When we were younger we did celebrate Christmas as a family with a feast and sharing presents. There were Christmas stockings, an Advent Calendar, a Christmas tree and other decorations. Our family was influenced by a culture that celebrated the Christmas story. Having been born in England, my earliest Christmas memories include dark skies, snow, and a walk to a village church. A few years ago when my wife, children and I were in Europe in December I felt at home at Christmas, even though I had been in Australia for the vast majority of my life. The way we celebrate Christmas is very English/European and reflects the northern hemisphere. It represented my childhood and felt very familiar. One of the massive distinctions between the northern and southern hemispheres is that in the south, not only are we preparing for Christmas in December, we are also preparing for our summer holidays and long break. December is marked by the mad rush to get things done so that we can close down and escape from the ordinary for a few weeks. In the north, after two days people are back at work. The festival of Christmas is a brief break from the ordinary routines in the north whereas for us it can be the start of the long summer holiday. All of these reflections are a long way of saying that much of Christmas celebration is cultural and a lot of it includes traditions from cultures shaped in a different context. The marking of Christmas in northern hemisphere and European communities is not static. People in those lands are seeking to understand whether there are some public practices they observe that are more respectful to citizens of a different faith or no faith. Christians and public leaders wonder how to best recognise the centuries-old story that has shaped their culture and is affirmed by many citizens while also looking at how to build meaningful, caring communities where people may hold a range of theological and philosophical views.
As I think about all of this, a few thoughts come to mind – •
The heart of the Christmas story is that God loved all that He had made with such an intensity that he became part of it so that he might draw all of it towards His nature of goodness, justice, mercy, peace, reconciliation and love. That's a 365 day invitation to become like God and behave in a more godlike way!
•
In the public spaces of our churches and our homes it's good to tell the story that shapes us. I'm glad when in the shared public spaces of our community we can mark that it's a time of festival even if the decorations are more restrained than in our churches or homes. We still have many opportunities of telling people why it's important to us and many, many thousands of people will still hum Christmas carols.
•
For some people greetings like "Merry Christmas" are an unwelcome disturbance. The words are dissonant and rather than provoking a sense of warmth and relationship sound, in their ears, like something else. To all people and especially to such as them I am happy to use Christ's greeting in the Upper Room - "Peace" – shalom, salaam, shanti; a word of the common space – a word of hope.
•
The greatest witness to the Christian faith is Christians acting in a Christlike manner – loving God, showing love for one another and showing love to others.
I haven't yet worked out what an authentic southern hemisphere celebration of Christmas might look like. Maybe given that we are such a cosmopolitan community it is simply meant to be a diverse blend of traditions in the warmth. Our community is enriched by the rest, touched by giving, reminded of peace, called to joy and pointed to love. These are good things! May Christ, who embodied God's overwhelming love for the cosmos, gladden your heart and give you peace. +Peter
Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the stranger and the unwanted child, care for the sick, love your enemies. - Unknown 4
Life of an Archdeacon CENTRAL COAST ARCHDEACON ROD BOWER The Central Coast is the most populous region of the diocese and possibly our most diverse in terms of Anglican expression and demographics. The region is highly populated by both commuters to Sydney and retirees from Sydney. This mixture raises both ministry opportunities and challenges. Lakes Grammar is the Diocese's largest school and there is a developing Anglicare and Samaritans presence in the region. The Lakes Parish is experiencing rapid change while Toukley continues to engage in innovative ministries. Wyong and Bateau Bay have recently welcomed new clergy and are being renewed in mission and evangelism. Terrigal Parish is rejoicing in "Messy Church" while seeking a new priest. Wyoming madly manages "Mainly Music". The Entrance and Kincumber are mad about mission, and Woy Woy is leading the way on "facing the past and shaping a healthy future". Gosford is all about progressive theology and social justice and St Albans is engaging Blokes with coffee and jazz. It is a busy life for an Archdeacon in this complex context of Mission Action Plans, emerging congregations, clergy movements and the best of Anglican diversity.
Everything seems to move fast and change quickly on the Central Coast so we are always questioning if our buildings are in the right place and if our ministries are connecting with the wider community. This requires constant demographic and ministry model reviews, not always an easy task in the church where, when something that has been done twice it is considered to be a tradition. The Central Coast is an amazing place to live and to be involved in Christian ministry and mission. We are blessed with a wonderful team of stipendiary clergy, clergy in local mission and a vibrant ministry of the baptised. As we celebrate the Incarnation together I am conscious that this is my twentieth Christmas in ministry on the Central Coast. We celebrate the presence of the Infinite confined in the finite, the eternal manifest in the mortal and a fragile life that death cannot conquer. We hear the call of the Divine who becomes present in the world to also be present to one another. In the cry of the Christ Child we are alerted to the vulnerable in our midst and become present to them. It is then that together we are able to face the past and shape a healthy future.
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#ADVENTWORD 2015 – A GLOBAL ADVENT CALENDAR Christians invited to celebrate Advent with a camera phone Anglicans worldwide and all Christians are being invited to observe Advent in a fun and prayerful way through a global online Advent Calendar called AdventWord.
AdventWord invites Christians to sign up to receive a daily meditation and respond by posting a picture on Instagram and other social media. The pictures combine to create the Advent Calendar in real time.
In 2014 over 50,000 people participated and 17,000 pictures were posted. In 2015 AdventWord will be released in English, Chinese, Spanish, Hindi, Tamil, French, Portuguese and German.
Brother Jim Woodram, a monk, explains, "When I was a kid I loved Advent because of Advent Calendars. Each day you pull back one of the little windows and there would be a picture to help you to pray and lead you towards Christmas, when Christ is born.
"Now you can sign up on AdventWord.org for your own Advent Calendar online.
"What happens is that at 5am, in your time zone, every morning you will get a message in your email inbox, with a meditation from a Brother with a word and a picture. After reading the meditation, we'd love for people to snap a picture that reflects the theme or their response to it and post it to Instagram and other social media.
"Your pictures will appear on AdventWord and bring us together in prayer as we prepare to celebrate Christmas."
Brother Jim is a monk of the Society of St John the Evangelist, an Anglican monastic community. The Anglican Communion Office teamed up with the Society of Saint John the Evangelist in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to create AdventWord with support from the Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Texas in the USA.
AdventWord will be launched at 5am New Zealand time on November 29 and be managed for the Anglican Communion by the Society of St John the Evangelist and Lady Doak College in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. To be part of this global Advent initiative, sign up at AdventWord.org. There is additional information for clergy and educators at anglicancommunion.org/adventword.
On Instagram and Twitter, tag with #adventword and the tag for the day. On Facebook go to the AdventWord Page and write on page using #adventword and the tag for the day.
CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR A CAUSE SEEKING SUPPORT
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Discussing child sexual abuse can be difficult. The Royal Commission has reminded us that is especially so for survivors telling their story for the first time, their families and professional staff supporting them. The Royal Commission provides an extensive list of care and support services which can be found at Support Services. These services connect people with counsellors or special support groups. IF YOU NEED IMMEDIATE SUPPORT CALL LIFELINE ON 13 11 14 For more, visit: www.newcastleanglicanhealthyfuture.com/ seeking-support
Include your local MP on your Christmas card list this Christmas and make your card count. The humble Christmas card is a great way to advocate for your local or global mission. In a digital age, where many campaigns are sent via email or through online petitions, the power of the pen on a handwritten note can have enormous political power. As we commence Advent and approach the Christmas season, take the time to write and send a card to your local Member of Parliament, asking them to support your missional activities, such as supporting the poor and homeless, standing up for refugees, recognising Aboriginal communities in your area, and/or creating fairer opportunities for those on low incomes. Why not get your church, school or community group involved as well?
TOPICS IN BRIEF Appointments/Commissionings The Rev'd Angela Dutton has accepted the appointment of Rector in the Parish of Scone. Angela will be commissioned on February 8 2016.
INTRODUCTION TO NO DIG GARDENING Fiacre's Feast Free Community Garden 2320 is a project of the Anglican Parish of Telarah and Rutherford. Fiacre's Feast Free Community Garden is located on site at the Anglican Parish of Telarah-Rutherford promoting a friendly and neighbourly approach to the learning and sharing of all things sustainable, home -made and home-grown. The parish has a great love and concern for those in need and our emergency food relief program helps many families in crisis each week. They are seeking to expand our food relief capacity and the free community garden will be a great way to do this.
Throughout the year the project will be hosting special events and workshops for the community to engage with. On January 23, Fiacre's Feast Free Community Garden presents Introduction to No Dig Gardening (a practical workshop so numbers are limited to 10) at St Christopher's. The workshop will take place between 10am and 12noon. Cost $10 includes morning tea. All proceeds go back into Fiacre's Feast. To find out more visit www.fiacresfeast.weebly.com
CREATIVE FUNDRAISING
The Rev'd Michelle HazelJawhary has been appointed Rector in the Parish of Cessnock and will be commissioned on December 14.
The Rev'd Andrew Harrison was appointed Locum Chaplain at Anglican Care on October 1. The Venerable Canon Arthur Copeman has been elected to the Pearson Canonry. The date of his collation will be advised. Mrs Jenny Chung has been appointed Diocesan Accountant and commenced on October 13.
In Memoriam Father Campbell Brown died on October 18 2015. Br Brian SSF died on October 29 2015.
Just about everyone has one, a least favourite hymn. What if you could arrange to not have to sing that hymn for a whole year, or maybe over Christmas? And how much would you pay? A church in Texas, USA, held a silent auction for the parish where participants could bid to ban the use of a hymn for one full year. The way it worked was you posted the name of the hymn and your bid to ban the hymn. That way, someone else could come along and make a higher bid to ban a different hymn. The winning bid was for $125. Churches are always looking to raise funds for budgets and special projects. Maybe your church could adopt this fundraising or create your own concept to fundraise through 2016 or this Christmas.
HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
Beachside holiday units at Caloundra on Queensland's popular Sunshine Coast from $300/week and accommodating 2-7 people. For more details contact Ray on 0427 990 161 or email rayandjean@hotmail.com
ORGANIST/ CHOIR DIRECTOR
All Saints' Cathedral, Bathurst Vacant from January 1 2016 Expressions of interest to the Dean: bxdean@bathurstanglican.org.au by December 20 2015 See website: www.allsaintscathedralbathurst.com.au
HANDEL'S MESSIAH
Christ Church Cathedral Choir presents Handel's Messiah, directed by Peter Guy on Sunday December 13 at 2pm. Featuring soloists Anna Sandstrom, Kathryn Dries, Phillip Costovski and Joshua Salter. Tickets $30 adult, $25 concession, $80 family and $15 student available from www.newcastlecathedral.org.au
SUBSCRIBE
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THE
JOY OF
Christmas
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SHARE THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS WITH ALL At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of a small child born in very humble circumstances who grew up to bring a message of hope and liberation for all people, particularly for those experiencing oppression and marginalisation in our community. CEC SHEVELS CEO Samaritans Christians have continued to promote this message over the centuries, even though our voices are sometimes drowned out by those promoting only self-interest.
At Samaritans, we go the extra mile at Christmas time. Whilst we continue to celebrate Christmas ourselves in our churches and families, we try to ensure that the joy of Christmas reaches everyone, particularly the lonely, the homeless and the marginalised. Christmas hampers, gifts for children and our wonderful Christmas Day Luncheons in Newcastle, Wyong and Singleton ensure that the hope of Christmas is shared by all in our community. Without this, Christmas can be a time of sadness, loss and loneliness. We are indeed fortunate at Samaritans to bring meaning to the word Christmas for so many people in our community. God's love is for everyone. This is the message we share at Christmas time.
For those in our community who wish to support Samaritans at Christmas there are many ways to do so, consider:
Volunteering your time
Donating food to our Emergency Relief or toys to the Combined Charities Toy Warehouse Donating to our 2015 Christmas Appeal.
For more information on how you can support Samaritans this Christmas visit www.samaritans.org.au/Christmas
SAMARITANS 2015 CHRISTMAS LUNCHES Samaritans will host three Christmas lunches on Christmas Day. Christmas is a great time of celebration for many but for some in our community it is a time of loneliness and stress. Samaritans Christmas lunches are community events with everyone welcome. Each will start at 11am:
Newcastle Foreshore Railway Sheds Singleton Senior Citizens Centre Wyong Race Club
For more information visit: www.samaritans.org/Christmas
"As you're planning Christmas, think about what it is your community
needs your church to be."
-Chuck Scoggins
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The Joy of Christmas...
EMMANUEL AT MESSY CAROLS Last year, as an extension of our Picnic program we decided to ask our newer Australians to come to Messy Carols in the grounds of Redhead Church. Over the previous years we had brought many of our refugee friends to Webb Park at Redhead for a welcome BBQ, games and a walk and splash at the beach.
So we took the leap of faith and asked our new Muslim friends if they would like to come to Messy Carols at our church. Being conscious of all the feelings and thoughts that they might be having, I said it would be in the grounds of and not inside the church. We would have a jumping castle, baby animals to pat, Christmas crafts, and Christmas songs that we call carols and a BBQ with Halal sausages. I told them that lots of families from the Redhead community would come with their children, have fun, sit on rugs and sing songs about Christmas and the Christmas story of the Baby Jesus would be told. We organised three buses from Mercy Community Services to pick up the families. Many husbands beforehand said they would not come, but their wives and children would come on the bus. So an ever growing and changing list was started and even on the day, husbands changed their minds and drove their families using their GPSs to Redhead church. As we stopped to pick up people on our list, other families were there also waiting to come that we had not asked, filling up the places that were left when husbands decided at the last minute to drive their wives. As we drove from home to home, I thought God knows who he wants to come, just go with the flow.
So it was with great excitement that our people welcomed the buses and cars filled with our new Muslim friends, children and babies who had been the recipients of our baby bundles at birth. The women and children wore their most beautiful multi-coloured clothes and they just moved into the growing crowd of Belmont North/Redhead families. So many in our community spoke to and welcomed them showing the true heart of our Australian community at the grassroots. All the children and parents, regardless of creed, culture and colour lined up to ride the ponies and pat the baby animals. Tiny hands held baby rabbits with great gentleness and awe, others so tightly, almost crushed with love. Some waited in line for a long time to ride the ponies and could not get on as fear held them back at first, but by the end of the night all children had ridden a pony and held a baby animal. All children enjoyed the jumping castle, wore their painted faces with pride and held their newly made crafts possessively. Excitement and joy was evident on faces of every age. The feeling of Emmanuel (God with us) was tangible as we all sat on our rugs, ate our BBQ cooked by the men from the Redhead Men's Shed, glow candles lighting up the night, the Dudley School Ukele Group performed and the Christmas story was told and acted by the Parish Youth group. I watched with tears as our Muslim friends listened and watched intently. You see they know the story but have never watched it performed before.
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The Youth Group then began to sing Christmas carols leading those present with glow candles held high. Two of my Muslim students grabbed my arm asking to go up and sing with the Youth Group too. I knew they did not know the songs and could not read but they were so keen. They gathered a friend along the way and to our great joy and surprise ran up the steps onto the deck and hummed and sang in front of us all with great enthusiasm. Emmanuel Emmanuel! For all who came this was such a special and significant moment of what Christmas is truly about – Christ with us regardless of creed, colour or culture. There would have been few eyes that did not shed tears of joy and were so glad to be there to witness such a moment in our community life.
Many of our Muslim friends had been inside the church to have tea and cake and seemed so comfortable and happy to be there and welcome. Santa came next with a bag of candy canes and a "Ho Ho Ho" and little eyes grew bigger at the sight of a man in a red suit with a jolly face. Simple candy canes visibly expressed a gift that we all felt just by being present with Emmanuel, walking and talking, listening and welcoming all with the same love and gift of peace that only He can bring.
All good things must come to an end, the buses were ready to go and tired but happy families made their way home. The Redhead/ Belmont North community buzzed about that night for weeks and the Muslim families caught a glimpse of Emmanuel that they too talked about. So this year on December 5 at Redhead Church, we will again share Emmanuel with our newer Australians. Some of our Muslim friends will do the face painting this year. We will have a jumping castle, pony rides, petting zoo, Christmas crafts, a family BBQ and the Dudley School Ukele Band will perform. The Christmas Story will be told and Carols sung. If you have the chance, ask some of the Muslim people you see regularly in your community to come to your celebrations. You too will be blessed and feel afresh the peace that Emmanuel brings when we open our hearts to all God's people.
SAMARITANS 2015 CHRISTMAS APPEAL
BRINGING HOPE AND JOY TO THOSE IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY Samaritans Annual Christmas Appeal officially launched on November 19 with an objective to raise $120,000 to assist those in our local community in need during the Christmas period. While Christmas is known as a time of celebration and festivities, for many local families the season of joy brings sorrow and distress. Not enough money adds extra pressure and stress to families already struggling. The season of joy is one of sadness. And for some it also brings violence. Each month Samaritans provides more than 1,000 families with emergency assistance and relief.
We see nearly double the number of families coming to us for help at Christmas. This help can take many forms - from assisting with food and vouchers to Christmas gifts for children. Samaritans also makes a difference to the lives of young people experiencing difficulty at home, risk of homelessness and perhaps even violence. And it's donations from our Christmas Appeal that help Samaritans to offer support and bring hope to children and young people living in the shadow of disadvantage.
Each month Samaritans
provides more than 1,000 families
with emergency assistance and relief.
TAKE A MOMENT TO READ THE STORY OF KATE. SEE HOW SAMARITANS HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE TO HER LIFE. The word "abuse" never came to mind when Kate* thought of her living circumstances. Yet being abused was an everyday event in Kate's "normal" life, whether it be physical, sexual or emotional abuse. One day it might be her mum telling her that she was useless, or her dad throwing her against a wall for no reason. Then, when she was 13, Kate's dad committed suicide while at home together. Family members blamed Kate. So, at 13 years of age she left home, moving from one abusive environment to the next. Then she heard about the Samaritans Student Accommodation - a service offering a structured program of education, life skills, supported accommodation and mentoring. Initially Kate was reluctant. But having made the move to Samaritans Student Accommodation Kate has not looked back. Kate now attends school, studies at TAFE and works one day a week. Her life is busy, purposeful and focused. She speaks about her story regularly at events in the hope that it will help others in a similar position. As Kate says: "None of this would have been possible if I still lived at home. I feel so safe and supported in the hands of the Samaritans". EVERY DONATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE. Samaritans is encouraging donations through its website to ensure the 2015 Christmas Appeal reaches its target and support locals in need. For more information about the 2015 Christmas Appeal or to donate visit: www.samaritans.org.au/donate ď Ž
*Names have been changed
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The Joy of Giving It feels good when we give loved ones a gift at Christmas, so imagine the feeling of giving a gift of joy and hope this Christmas. Encounter has created a list of gifts that give back to people and communities in need and support the planet and all the creatures that live on it.
Give a gift of joy
Samaritans will continue to bring Joy and Hope this Christmas with the Combined Charities Christmas Toy Warehouse. Samaritans will work together with The Salvation Army to ensure over 850 families will be able to choose toys for their children to open on Christmas morning. The Toy Warehouse will be set up as a shop, giving families in need the opportunity to browse and select gifts for their loved ones. We are very thankful to our volunteers who work tirelessly each year collecting and sorting gifts. Giving Trees have been set up throughout Newcastle for un-wrapped gifts to be received under the tree. Non-perishable food donations are also encouraged. For more information on where your nearest Giving Tree is please visit www.samaritans. org.au/christmas
Give a gift of Love
Give a gift that changes lives
Narciso grew up in a rural part of Northern Argentina. Despite a lack of formal training and with no theological qualifications, Narciso was placed in charge of a church. With the help of a CMS scholarship, Narciso has been studying at CEP (Centro de Estudios Pastorales) in Santiago, Chile. "I am so thankful for your financial and spiritual support which has enabled me to study here in Chile," he says. The 2015 CMS gift catalogue sponsors Bible college students, pastors and leaders like Narciso as they study God's word. Check out the catalogue online at: www. cms.org.au/giftcatalogue
Christmas is just around the corner. Most of us enjoy it, and often part of that pleasure is helping others. I would like to put in a plea for the animals. They too need to share in the season. If this is an area where you would like to help, you can be sure it will be gratefully received. Most, if not all, organisations that care for animals are glad of extra help at Christmas. It is our experience at Hunter Animal Watch that for most people children are the priority. But spare a thought for the family pets, sometimes left to fend for themselves with a bowl of dry food and a bowl of water (which is soon used up), animals in shelters, in rescue groups, or overseas, where we cannot see their suffering, but we know it is there. So, please, if you would like to help animals find an organisation that particularly touches your heart. They are in the phone book and on the internet.
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Give a gift of home
We at the Mission to Seafarers in Newcastle would like to thank all those people in our diocese who contribute generously to the work of the Mission to Seafarers through monetary donations, gifts of clothing and magazines, the knitting of beanies, and in many other ways. As Christmas approaches, we have a special opportunity to demonstrate God's love and care for our visiting seafarers. We plan to produce 300 "Care Packs" to give to seafarers on their ships and as they visit our centre in Wickham over Christmas. We would appreciate gifts of men's toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, shampoo, deodorant), and business socks. Some parishes also make yummy Christmas puddings, which are certainly a favourite with the seafarers. Of course, there are many other opportunities for volunteers as we seek to care for the seafarers who enter the Port of Newcastle each year as workers on the bulk carrier and container ships that visit our port. We would love to have some more volunteers to transport seafarers in our buses to and from their ships (especially in the evenings), to run our small shop in the Wickham centre (again, especially in the evenings), and to answer calls from seafarers who would like to come ashore.
Give a gift of light
When you buy Christmas gifts from Anglican Overseas Aid's Gifts of Light catalogue, you'll be helping poor communities around the world to lift themselves out of poverty. Gifts of Light also invites you to reflect and prepare for the birth of Jesus. The catalogue follows the Advent lectionary readings, and each of the gift cards is linked to one of the four Advent themes of hope, love, joy and peace. And with each gift you purchase you can also receive a free Advent reflection booklet to give as an extra gift at the start of Advent. Find out more: www.anglicanoverseasaid.org.au
Give a gift of education
ABM's 2015 Christmas Appeal focuses on the Children's Education program in Kenya and the Evangelism and Christian education project in the Philippines. In Kenya, the Christian Education program builds young children's faith from the age of 3 through to 12. The aim of the project is to build a learning area in Nairobi for the training of leaders to further develop ministry in Kibera and to grow the number of Formation Leaders. In the Philippines, the Evangelism and Christian education project provides muchneeded training and education options for ordained and lay leaders. The project also provides opportunities for ordained ministers to specialise in particular pastoral works such as counselling for young people or conducting spiritual retreats. So this Christmas, we invite you to share the joy of giving and help ABM's partners further develop their education. Donate online at www.abmission.org/ christmas2015 This year ABM provides a free Christmas eCard which can be personalised and sent to all of your family, friends and contacts. Visit www.abmission.org/christmas2015 to send your eCard.
Give a gift of hope
There are a number of ways individuals can spread the Christmas spirit by assisting those who are most vulnerable in our community. You can bring Joy and Hope by: •
Donating a Christmas gift under our Giving Trees
•
Purchasing Christmas cards with proceeds going towards Samaritans Christmas Appeal
•
Donating a bag of non-perishable food
• Making a monetary donation so money can go where it is most needed. To find out more go to www.samaritans.org.au/christmas
Give a gift of sustainability
It's great when whatever we do doesn't cause waste or leave pollution. To this end it is becoming more common these days to give gifts in the form of a donation to a charitable organisation to do something good with the money and simply send a card to your friend or family. It's possible, for example, to sponsor an animal at a zoo or work to save a threatened species. When it comes to buying gifts, finding fair trade and sustainably produced products can be harder. So then "less" is better than "more". One small gift of lasting value may be better than a number of "consumables" which will soon end up in the garbage. Which brings me to disposable cups, plates and cutlery. How ready many people are to trash the planet to save a few minutes to do what with? Some great fun and fellowship is often had in the kitchen before and after meals in preparation and clean-up. Going on picnics we used to manage to take a picnic set, bring it all back and use it again. Many homes and parish halls are well set up for hosting many people. If the guests are unable to do the tasks, maybe invite the youth group or others to help. If the program is set at a leisurely pace and allows time for fellowship over the menial tasks instead of rushing to finish and look good, not only does the environment win but so does the community. Lastly some creativity can go into wrapping gifts. I have received gifts wrapped in colourful tea towels, washcloths and handtowels and tied with raffia or cotton kitchen twine, all of which can be used later, including the raffia and twine to tie up plants in the garden etc. Other gifts come in reusable paper carry bags. I have drawers full of brightly coloured bags to fit things of many shapes and sizes. Remember, it's the thought that counts. - The Rev'd Robyn Fry
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The Gift of Social Justice THE REV'D CHRIS JACKSON CHAIRPERSON Justice was a powerful theme of this year's Synod.
The Service of Lament helped shape the mood and work of our Synod. As we gathered at Christ Church Cathedral, we prayerfully reflected on the harm that has been suffered by victims of abuse. We also acknowledged the failings of the Church to provide a safe environment and to respond adequately to allegations of abuse. Drawing on his own experiences, Bishop John Harrower encouraged us to be gentle with one another as we continued along this path of healing.
In his Charge, Bishop Greg spoke to us on the theme of "Love your neighbour." We were challenged to think about the vulnerable people in our communities and our own responses to their needs. As a Synod, we continued the heavy but necessary work of confronting the issue of historic abuse. We affirmed the apology made by the General Synod in 2004, and acknowledged with deep regret and repentance our past failings. We watched and listened as two brave survivors of abuse shared with us their stories and the impact that these events had on their lives. We affirmed a financial strategy aimed at ensuring that our Diocese will able to respond with just reparations for those who have been victims of abuse. In all of these things, the justice of the vision of "Facing the Past, Shaping a Healthy Future" was abundantly clear.
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Our Synod was also challenged with a very confronting presentation on the reality of family violence. The figures on the prevalence of domestic violence may have been a shock to some, and a grim reminder to others. Attention was drawn to community events like White Ribbon Day and 16 Days of Activism to Stop Violence Against Women, as well as the work of the NSW Ecumenical Council. Our Synod also pledged to take steps to stand against the scourge of family violence.
Synod also recognised the outstanding contribution of Cec Shevels, the retiring CEO of the Samaritans. Cec has been a national leader in the field of social justice, and his contribution to the wellbeing of others has been immense. We do well to be constantly reminded of the dedication and commitment of the Samaritans, whose work is underpinned by the values of compassion, integrity and justice. Thank you, Cec, for your tireless advocacy and concern for the vulnerable of our society.
We were also reminded of the ongoing work of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Council (NATSIAC). NATSIAC gives an Indigenous perspective to the Anglican Church forum, especially on those issues that involve support and social justice for Indigenous communities and ministries. We were encouraged to hold at least annual services in our parishes that are particularly relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As our nation
continues its conversation on potential changes to our Constitution, there is much work our Church can do in support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Clearly, the call for justice was a prominent one at this year's Synod. As a Task Force, we believe that this is only proper, as the call to justice is imperative to the Gospel and our Christian lives. We commend Synod for its courage and sensitivity in confronting these issues, and look forward to a continued focus on the work of social justice.
The Gift of Education This Christmas ABM is giving the gift of education to children in Kenya and the Philippines. Fundraising Manager of ABM, Christopher Brooks said, "Christmas is a wonderful time to give to others but to give to children seems to bring that extra joy. This year ABM is ensuring we give hope and joy to children in our partner countries by having our appeal focus on two Christian Education projects. "I encourage our supporters to consider a gift to ABM's Christmas Appeal to give the gift of education to children in Kenya and the Philippines," he said. In Kenya, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd children's ministry is a Christian Education program which builds young children's faith from ages 3 to 12. In slum areas such as Kibera, which is located within the Archbishop's diocese in Nairobi, there is a great need to grow faith in the children. This program is being well received by the children and their families but even more success is possible if the program continues to grow and strengthens the faith of even more children. The Archbishop and the Bishops in Council recognise the program is encouraging and effective and are hoping to spread it across Kenya. The program has now been extended across other Dioceses in West Kenya. In a recent report the church told ABM, "God is helping the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to develop strongly in Kenya and nearby countries with about 25 centres either operational or
planned. It is now developing in nine schools across Kenya and will provide nurture for children from Nursery to class eight." The program is now being delivered in Anglican churches in Kenya with some assistance also going to development of this ministry in Uganda and South Sudan and Burundi. Across the world in the Philippines, the Evangelism and Christian Education project provides much-needed training and education options for ordained and lay leaders. The training leads lay leaders to a deeper participation and commitment to contribute to the ministry of the church in the broader society as a whole. The project also provides opportunities for ordained ministers to specialise in particular pastoral works such as counselling for young people or conducting spiritual retreats. The Episcopal Church in the Philippines has a Vision-Mission-Goal – "by the year 2018 we envision a vibrant and dynamic church of caring, witnessing and mission-oriented parishes." Continued support will help the Church reach 170,000 young members of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines and help leaders realise the vision of 2018. Your support of ABM's Christmas Appeal will help children learn the love of God. Please give generously at www.abmission.org
WITH ABM -
Christmas eCard Weekly readings Weekly reflections Weekly prayers
Available on our website
Children in the Philippines. Š ABM/Brad Chapman 2012
www.abmission.org/Christmas201515
Solar power to light the way for new life Over the past three years, Anglican Overseas Aid has worked with the Mothers' Union of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) to bring light to rural communities throughout Solomon Islands.
apply the same approach to health posts across Solomon Islands, working in partnership with the Ministry of Health.
During the first successful stage of this project, community members identified other challenges that solar could help solve, including lack of light at community health posts. These health posts are often the only medical facility in rural locations and operate out of semi-permanent buildings.
Anglican Overseas Aid's partner in Ethiopia, the Afar Pastoralist Development Association (APDA), has been working with the Afar people for more than two decades.
The project has improved quality of life for women and young people by improving access to solar lighting, enabling families to replace dangerous and expensive kerosene lighting, and providing solar micro-business opportunities. As a result, there are now villages, and even whole provinces, that are kerosene-free.
In most instances, health posts have intermittent or unreliable electricity, which means that nurses often have to treat patients in the dark. In many villages across Solomon Islands, nurses have reported helping women give birth with only the light of their mobiles phones to guide them. And with no lighting around the health posts, women are more vulnerable as they make their way for treatment.
With Anglican Overseas Aid's support, ACoM is commencing the second stage of the project. This will include providing solarpowered lighting and other solar-powered products inside health posts across the country.
This year, the project will also test five sensor-activated street lights at a health post in Central Islands Province. These street lights will provide external lighting for the health post and improve safety for women seeking healthcare after dark. The street lights will also make the health post a safer place for women to gather, build relationships and discuss community and health issues. After the street lights have been installed and tested, the aim is to
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Anglican Overseas Aid's partners in Ethiopia and Kenya also include solar torches in the birthing kits given to midwives and traditional birth attendants. Funding for these programs – which has been provided by the Australian Government – will cease in 2016. Anglican Overseas Aid wants to keep providing these birthing kits after this funding ends.
As a nomadic people, Afar communities can be hundreds of kilometres from health facilities when pregnant women go into labour. APDA has been providing health training, including maternal and child health, for care givers and traditional birth attendants.
As women often give birth at night, use of solar torches has been part of this training, as they are a reliable, cheap and portable way of providing safe lighting. You can support Anglican Overseas Aid light the way for new life with a donation to their Christmas Appeal. Find out more at www.anglicanoverseasaid.org.au
PHOTO: The first stage of the Anglican Overseas Aid project in Solomon Islands included installing solar panels to power lights in schools, such as in this photo. The next stage includes installing similar panels on rural health posts. Among the benefits, it will mean those assisting women giving birth at night will have adequate light.
CHRISTMAS APPEAL 2015
Giving birth is an amazing yet precarious event for women all over the world, but even more so for women in developing countries. When Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable, it was most likely a frightening experience in difficult conditions that many women in poor communities can relate to. In Solomon Islands, nurses have had to rely on their mobile phones, or their own small, personal solar light, when assisting women giving birth at night. With our support, the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) is aiming to change this by installing large-scale solar lighting at regional health posts. Our Christmas Appeal this year aims to continue and expand this work of lighting the way for new life. The birth of Christ is described as a great light in Matthew’s Gospel. Help us to light the way for new life in poor communities by donating to our Christmas Appeal.
HOW TO DONATE 1 Online: www.anglicanoverseasaid.org.au
2 By phone: 1800 249 880
3 By post: Christmas Appeal 2015 Anglican Overseas Aid PO Box 389, Abbotsford Vic 3067 All donations over $2 are tax deductible Anglicord: ABN 39 116 072 050
ABOUT ANGLICAN OVERSEAS AID Anglican Overseas Aid is an overseas aid and development agency of the Anglican Church of Australia. Our work is inspired by the gospel of Christ, with a vision for a peaceful, just and sustainable world for all. Anglican Overseas Aid works with Anglican and like-minded agencies to create and strengthen partnerships in developing countries to overcome poverty, injustice and disaster. We support projects in countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific.
Anglican Overseas Aid is a member of
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Celebrating 2015 FEBRUARY
JUNE
AUGUST
GIVE US A SIGN PROJECT
MORPETH RECONCILIATION SERVICE
DIOCESAN CONVENTION 2015
The Give Us A Sign project that ran throughout Lent proved successful with churches and organisations from all over Australia showing their support for Asylum Seekers. The Give us a Sign project sought to engage churches and organisations across Australia in displaying positive messages about asylum seekers on their public noticeboards during the six weeks of Lent.
APRIL
The parish of Morpeth held a lovely service for Reconciliation Week on June 1. The church is 175 years old and members of the community are 7th and 8th generation First Fleeters. It was a very lovely atmosphere.
INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
On June 2, leaders from different faiths came together for the Interfaith Dialogue at The Factory - St Pius X High School. Bishop Greg Thompson was joined by Bishop Bill Wright (Catholic), Sheikh Mohamed Khamis (Imam: Newcastle Mosque) and Farooq Ahmed (Newcastle Muslim Association).
FACING THE PAST, SHAPING A HEALTHY FUTURE
ANZAC DAY
Christ Church Cathedral Illumination project commemorates 100 years of Anzac Newcastle's skyline was lit up as the iconic Christ Church Cathedral was illuminated with images from World War I throughout the four weeks from Anzac Day. Images of Anzacs were projected onto the central tower of the Cathedral, offering the city a regular reminder of the sacrifice that was made by Australia's armed forces. Picture: Marina Neil, Newcastle Herald.
MAY TRI-DIOCESAN COVENANT SERVICE
The Annual Service to celebrate the TriDiocesan Covenant took place on May 27 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. The Covenant is between the Catholic Diocese of MaitlandNewcastle, Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay and the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle. Bishop Greg and Bishop Peter were joined by Bishop Bill Wright from the MaitlandNewcastle Diocese and Bishop Peter Comensoli, the new Bishop of Broken Bay.
On Wednesday June 17, Bishop Greg Thompson made a media statement concerning our church's response to child abuse and an update on present initiatives in working for a healthier future.
JULY
ST DAVID'S TERALBA TURNED 100
The little church of St David in Teralba celebrated its centenary on August 23. Teralba was first recorded as a district by European settlement in 1831 and by 1886 the first major subdivision took place. The early industries were a quarry established to provide gravel to the Northern Railway construction and several coal mines established by 1900. St David's church was consecrated on August 23 1915, and to mark the occasion a special thanksgiving celebration led by Bishop Greg was held followed by a lunch.
OCTOBER TWO BISHOPS' DIALOGUE 2015
NAIDOC WEEK SERVICE
On Sunday July 12, the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle held a special service to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2015. The service focused on the NAIDOC Week theme We All Stand on Sacred Ground. The service saw the Diocese partner with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and organisations. The service included talks from representatives from the Awabakal and Worimi communities, as well as performance on the didgeridoo. A group of young people then performed a dance telling local stories of our land and nature.
ST JAMES' MORPETH CELEBRATES 175 YEARS
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The 2015 Diocesan Convention took place at Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College on August 15. Around 300 participants from around the Diocese gathered to pray, listen, reflect and engage with important issues which are facing the church in this place. Dr Janet Smith, a long term facilitator with the Centre for Courage and Renewal based in Seattle USA was the guest speaker.
The celebrations for St James' Church 175th Anniversary were held on the weekend July 25-26 with a dinner on the Saturday evening and a service in the church the following morning. After the church service the congregation gathered in front of the rectory for an oldfashioned picnic.
On October 1 a crowd of 50 gathered as an ecumenical and interfaith community at the Thierry Centre, East Maitland, to hear our Anglican and Catholic bishops discuss health and wholeness. The serving bishops of the Catholic and Anglican dioceses have met annually since the tri-diocesan covenant was signed in 2008. The Two Bishops' Dialogue aims to be a vehicle for engagement with the local community on spiritual, religious, ethical and theological issues.
SYNOD
The Second Session of the Fifty-First Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle took place over the weekend October 23-24 at Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College.
Q&A: Nicole Morrow
Children and Families worker Anglican Parish of Mt Vincent/ Weston After a long contemplation, and rejecting my usual "eat healthy/exercise more" resolutions that by February are a distant memory with Easter Eggs hitting the shelves, my New Year's Resolution for 2016 is to strive to be more present for my family and to be more aware of our prayer life.
With the developments in technology I am finding myself becoming increasingly less present when in the company of loved ones. Even though I am physically present, playing Barbies or building a rocket, the urge to just check that email or text which is at my fingertips plays on mental presence. I have caught myself this year increasingly saying, "I will be out in a minute I just need to write this email/ essay" and before you know it 10 minutes have passed and that awesome thing they wanted to show is a distant memory to them. Prioritising my time with my family rather than missing important parts of their lives is my focus for 2016, which leads into my second part of my resolution, our prayer life.
Sometimes it is too easy to get wound up in what is going on in the world immediately around us. I have noticed that my prayer life is starting to suffer from rushing around school drop offs/ pick-ups, reading groups, transporting to dance lessons etc. Some days I end my day and realise that I have not taken time out to pray, not even a simple, "Hey God, thanks for everything, you rock," let alone praying for our world and for the church. In 2016 I want to be more aware of the health of my own prayer life and also help my family find a balance with their prayer life as well.
What is your 2016
New Year's Resolution?
Michael Marklew
Ordination Candidate. I do not wish to diminish other peoples' fantastic achievements such as giving up smoking, alcohol or some other destructive thing through a New Year's resolution, it is just that I have always seen today as the best day to quit something that is destructive in my life. Although, to be honest, this is probably just an excuse, the real problem so often is that I actually cannot think of anything to give up! After all, I do not do any of the typical things one would give up for a New Year's Resolution, so where does that leave me? I think it leaves me in a similar position to The Rich Man in Mark 10:17. This man followed all the rules, did everything that was expected of him, yet when faced with Jesus who revealed his true sin "went away grieving". The key verse in this parable is not the condemnation of the rich that our brother accepted, it is what Jesus did and said before this, "Jesus, looking at him, loved him ‌". It is the love of Jesus that we must focus on when we ask the Holy Spirit to reveal our sin or we risk ending up like the rich man and grieving instead of growing. It is His love alone that will motivate us, sustain us and satisfy us. It is this Love that will bring us through pain and suffering and into the kingdom of God. The following is along the lines of a prayer I often use when I feel that something just isn't right. Loving Father, I pray that by your Holy Spirit you will reveal the things I need to change so that I can grow to be more like Jesus. Come Holy Spirit and speak to me now. I normally sit quietly for a few moments, listen to a Christian song or read a few verses from one of Paul's letters, expecting God to offer an impression, word or image. I thank you Lord for hearing my prayer and loving me. In Jesus' Name. Amen. To answer the question as to my New Years resolution, it would be great to have the willpower to not over eat during the Christmas period so as to save the pain and suffering of dieting again!
The Rev'd Karen Jansson
Priest in Charge Clarence Town After I get over how quickly another year has come and gone, I guess I will be looking at how things are going in terms of my ministry and family life and maybe making some changes. I'm realising that if I have too many things going, I don't do any of them really well. I have never had that trouble, strangely enough, until I became a priest! I would love to be able to do everything but my problem is I tend to forget simple little things and on occasion, big things, if I'm taking on too much, and that's not always helpful for those relying on me. So I need to learn to balance study and training with parish and family commitments a bit better than I have been so far.
Like most of us I want to be able to connect more with those who haven't yet realised where God is in their lives and in the world. Another problem I have is that I want people to see it immediately because that's how it happened for me! So something else I have to work on is patience and how to think more long-term strategies without getting discouraged. Our 20-month-old grandson has just moved to Brisbane this week with his mum and dad, so I'm resolving not to miss them so much that I start talking Paul into moving up there.
Finally, no matter what I find myself doing, I'm hoping to be less stressed and more grateful to God for the privilege to love and live as priest, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and granny!
May the child of God grow even stronger in us all throughout the coming season and beyond.
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INSIGHTS: A WORD FROM OUR CHAPLAINS
EDUCATION CHAPLAIN
Be Intentional THE REVEREND MATT SHORTEN
Chaplain Lakes Grammar
A few years ago I dyed my hair purple as a visible sign to the students of Lakes Grammar that the season of Advent would be kicking off at the same time as school ended for the year. Ever since, they have been asking me when I am going to put another colour in my hair. It seems this simple act of doing something out of the ordinary really grabbed hold of their imaginations. Students have suggested half red, half green for a Christmas theme or because I follow the Rabbitohs‌ a win-win as far as I am concerned. Some have suggested blue or hot pink for charity days. No matter what colour might appear next, I have lost count of the opportunities I have had to share the reason behind the hair.
In our schools we have so many of these opportunities to retell the stories of Jesus as the years unfold. Easter and Christmas are those two big cultural events where we can have conversations about the origins and purposes of these holidays. In Christian Studies classes and in our chapel services we can tell these stories each year and remind our students that their lives too have a purpose - that their stories can be found in God's story and especially to connect that with the person of Jesus. Being a chaplain means that my job is to try and help our students have spiritual eyes to see God in action in their lives and throughout history. Speaking of history, after a decade of working at Lakes Grammar I am not tired of repeating Jesus' message of love over and over again. With each year as the students grow there are fresh understandings as they grapple with issues of faith. This is true of our staff as well. With time come deep conversations, new prayers and new opportunities to share where our lives are at. Our kids grow up, move out, get married, go overseas and all the in-between stuff as well. It is truly beautiful to watch Christ's love
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 Strong focus on student wellbeing 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
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being shared by our staff with each other, the students and their families through these life situations. I have been deeply moved even more this year by how the staff have ministered to my own children.
So, back to the hair. I probably won't colour my hair this year, but I will still be present in the lives of the young people at our school. My life is on display for them to see (I hope) the difference that Jesus makes. I think that this is the real challenge of our diocese at this point in time. How can we be present in the lives of young people so that they can know that God has a purpose for their lives, that he loves them and that a relationship with Jesus is what they need? We have to be intentional with our interactions. We have to be intentional in getting involved in our communities.
Every school needs canteen helpers, reading group leaders, crossing guards and volunteers of all varieties. Hats off to those who teach SRE as well! On the home front we can share with our own kids or grandkids what we believe about Christmas, listen to what they believe and help those two stories to marry. We can host a street party or put up some lights this Christmas that share something of our faith. Or maybe like me you might turn up for barefoot bowls in a Hawaiian shirt and purple hair‌ now there's a conversation starter. We are only limited by creativity and since we are made in the image of God we stand a good chance of a miracle. After all God chanced his own son as a baby to a couple of nobodies who were actually somebodies in his eyes. Bless you this Christmas and may the fruits of your creativity be abundant. Rev'd Matt
Follow the Crowd to a new way of
Christmas shopping RACHEL YATES
Parish of Raymond Terrace Fed up with seeing the same toys and products for sale in the usual big names at shopping centres? Why not try a different approach to Christmas presents this year, and chose a more innovative route – Crowdfunding.
Chibitronics is a great online company that sells unique electronic kits for children to learn all about circuits, switches and conductivity. Chibitronics began as a CrowdSupply project, backers from the general public pledged money in return for products, and Chibitronics was able to start its business in a simple and effective way. Other products available on crowdfunding websites include: cycling computers, bespoke gin, foot-powered washing machines, magnetic superchargers, cookbooks, Gest (a wearable device that allows you to control your computer or mobile device with your hands from a distance), unique comics, artwork and much more. The business world can be a complex one. Globalisation means that sometimes minority businesses with small niche markets get lost amongst the big players, despite their products being good. Worse still, ideas get plagiarised, leaving the innovators with no money or time to come up with new ideas! The internet is a great way to shine a light on these great innovators, staking their claim as the original inventor, paving the way for more great products and development. Crowdfunding works by "activating communities" who might be interested in the idea or product, meaning it can harness the power of efficient niche marketing strategies. Guaranteed to be original, purchases from crowdfunding websites are direct from the designers, are unique and can even be philanthropic.
There's another side to crowdfunding too; raising money for worthy causes. Kate McAllister, a teacher from Brighton in the UK, chose Indiegogo to fund her idea: The School Bus - Mobile Education for Refugees. A project that involves converting disused double-decker buses into mobile classrooms. In just one month, Kate had raised 135% of the funding needed. Instead of the usual, mundane internet trawl for the cheapest version of the same products, why not be inspired by the crowdfunding revolution: • • • • • • • • • •
www.kickstarter.com www.indiegogo.com www.gofundme.com teespring.com patreon.com youcaring.com crowdrise donorshoose.org kiva giveforward
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AROUND THE DIOCESE
EAST MAITLAND
A SILENT NIGHT NO MORE The Maitland community will not have to travel as far as they had expected following the cancellation of the region's Carols in the City event this year.
St Peter's Anglican Church in East Maitland has stepped up to host Carols on the Hill at their William Street site. The community carols event will begin at 6.30 pm on Friday December 18.
The Maitland City Choir and Maitland City Brass Band have already confirmed their participation and the Mayor of Maitland, Councillor Peter Blackmore, will be in attendance. Other groups have been invited to take part and the Church hopes to be able to confirm their involvement in the coming days. The
Rev'd David Battrick and Deacon Will Johnston invite the community to enjoy Carols on the Hill. Photo: Maitland Mercury
event is being proudly sponsored by the Maitland Mutual.
Fr David Battrick, Parish Priest of East Maitland said, "When we heard that the Carols in the City event would not be happening this year it took us less than a minute to decide that we would host something here! "Community carols is one of those moments in the life of the Maitland and East Maitland regions when we can enjoy being together. This will be an event for the whole community and for the whole family. We have large grass gardens and there will be room for everyone."
175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PARISH OF BERESFIELD/THORNTON During the week commencing October 25, the Parish of Beresfield/Thornton celebrated their 175th Anniversary of the parish. The Anniversary Service took place on the Wednesday evening at the site of St Stephen's. The event was a wonderful occasion with many parishioners and friends attending, as well as some former clergy. They all enjoyed a dinner at the Hexham Bowling Club where they were entertained by pupils from two of the local schools. An Art Show was also held, proving a huge success with many budding artists appearing. The All Saints' Memorial Service at Old Tarro Cemetery was especially significant for the final event in our week of 175th celebrations.
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Photos by Grant Killen
TORONTO
ACT IN ACTION! @ CITY SERVE As part of the annual City Serve project, an intrepid band gathered at the Fassifern oval on October 10 to assist the West Lakes archers and bowmen with a clean-up activity. Overheard on the day…
Question: "Wow! There's more from the church [11 helpers] than from our archery club [6]! How did you manage that?" Answer: "You should meet our parish priest!"
WOMEN'S LENTEN RETREATS 2016 The 2016 Lenten retreats for women, organised by Anglican Women, will again take place in the peaceful surrounds of the mud brick Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Stroud. This was built by the Sisters of St Clare 35 years ago as "A place to contemplate the beauty of Christ and the beauty of creation; and to feel the stirring of the Spirit in your soul". The weekend retreat will be February 19-21, the weekday 23-25. These silent retreats provide time for quiet reflection, walks and reading in between services in the beautiful chapel. Registrations close February 1 2016. (See the advert on this page for further details, or the AW website anglicanwomennewcastle.org.au) The Retreat Conductor will be the Rev'd Michelle Hazel-Jawhary, who has been the Priest-in-Charge at Gloucester Parish for the past four years, and from December 14 will be the Rector of Cessnock Parish.
Before her ordination Michelle worked in a variety of roles in the medical profession as a dark room technician in radiography, dental nurse, nurse in aged care for 25 years — nursing in a Jewish hospital and a Roman Catholic convent. She studied palliative care with the Baptists and nursing and chaplaincy with the Uniting Church, as well as parish administration in her local parish of Bateau Bay and parish community development work with the Samaritans.
Michelle writes: "I am passionate about creating unity and forming relationships between the church and the wider community to enable others to know Christ and have a personal relationship with him. I know the power of God's grace, and I'd love others to experience that too, through God's empowering Spirit which leads me, and guides my whole life and the many changes and challenges of parish ministry." Marion Willey, President AW
Anglican Women LENTEN RETREATS Register Now! Retreat Conductor: The Rev’d Michelle Hazel-Jawhary Loca�on: The Monastery at Stroud Name ______________________________________ Address _________________________________________ ___________________ P/code________ Phone __________ Email: ____________________________________________ Parish: ___________________________________________ Dietary Requirements: _______________________________ Single Room: $200 pp Day A�endance: $30 pp Note: You will need to bring your own sheets & towels Retreat 1: Weekend, Fri. 19 Feb, 4 pm to Sun 21 Feb, 3 pm 2016 Retreat 2: Mid-week, Tues 23rd, 4pm–Thurs 25th, 3pm Feb. 2016 Day op�ons: Saturday 20 Feb. or Wednesday 24 February Retreat chosen_____ (1 or 2 or Day) Registra�ons close 1 Feb. 2016 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
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AROUND THE DIOCESE
ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE
ANGLICAN MEN'S SOCIETY The annual conference of the Anglican Men's Society was held this year( being NSW's turn to host the conference) at Lakes Anglican at Kanwal on the Central Coast. Neil McMullen from the parish was Conference Convener. Delegates from all over Australia attended (38 in total). The conference was led by Bishop John Stead, Anglican Bishop of Willochra in South Australia, and was opened by our Rector Tim Waghorn representing Bishop Greg, Bishop of Newcastle, who was unable to attend.
Keynote Speaker was Mr Phillip Goldsworthy, Executive Officer of the Western Australia Anglican Schools Commission and Director of Mission and Planning at the Anglican Schools Commission. Phillip was the first principal of the Bishop Tyrrell School in Newcastle. Phillip outlined his assessment of the situation of the Anglican Church in Australia and the ways the Church is looking at the significant changes that are facing it.
The formal dinner was held on Saturday night and was well attended by many members of the parish. Tim Waghorn was the Guest Speaker and challenged AMS to accept changes using the example of the company Gillette who has been outstandingly successful over 100 years because it has readily adapted to change. If you are interested in joining AMS to keep abreast of men's business within the Australian Anglican communion please contact Neil McMullen on 0411 105 118 or bretstall@aol.com
Whilst the men attended the conference the wives of delegates were taken on a tour of the Wyong and Gosford Shires and a wonderful trip with a meal was thoroughly enjoyed by all the participants.
ANGLICAN CARE DUO TO SPEAK AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE ABOUT THE JOY OF GAMING
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Anglican Care's Marketing and Executive Support Manager, Kylie Jacques, and Lifestyle & Wellbeing Coordinator, Jane Meldrum, will be presenting a paper on Life in Motion: The ART of engagement with people living with Dementia, at the 48th Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG) National Conference in Alice Springs next week. This year's AAG National Conference theme is PLACE, SPIRIT, HEART Exploring Experience of Ageing offering delegates a chance to reflect on the importance of place for older Australians. Kylie and Jane's presentation will focus on the success of the Life in Motion program which has been offered throughout Anglican Care's Hunter, Central Coast and Manning facilities for the past 18 months. The program uses Xbox Kinect games to motivate physical activity among residents, with functional improvement, notably in balance and upper limb movement reported.
John & Lorraine Kensworthy and Nurse Practitioner Jacqui Culver were the first to use Anglican Care's Telehealth service
TELEHEALTH MAKES HEALTHCARE MORE ACCESSIBLE TO THE ELDERLY Today heralded a first for Anglican Care, embracing new technology in healthcare enabling residents to consult with their health practitioners without the need to leave their Aged Care Facility. Greenmount Gardens resident John Kensworthy has Parkinson's Disease and was the first to utilise Telehealth, a new initiative between HNE Health and Anglican Care which uses secure videoconferencing, similar technology to Skype, allowing John a face-to-face virtual appointment with his neurologist from the comfort of his lounge.
TORONTO - ACT IN ACTION! @ TORONTO SPRING FAIR A very MESSY time was had by all who visited the ACT stall this year. All the kids were given a showbag containing all sorts of goodies and they were invited to decorate the bag, make a rain stick, complete a part of our Jesus mural, or our Jesus tessellation installation, while we talked to them and their parents about Messy Church, Tots 'n' Tunes and all the other fun stuff we do at Christ the King.
John said, "The Telehealth appointment was so convenient. The process of travelling to appointments is always a challenge for a number of reasons, and now to have this facility available to me is a privilege". The initiative will greatly improve healthcare access for Anglican Care's frail elderly residents, by reducing mobility issues, travel costs and anxieties associated with attending HNE facilities for outpatient appointments.
TORONTO – IN THE COMMUNITY Nine dogs and a girl goose called Ivan were blessed at the annual Pet Parade and Blessing celebration in honour of St Francis of Assisi. Along with owners and helpers we shared a very busy, noisy and joyous time ‌ no people were harmed in the production of this event!
CLARENCE TOWN - WALK TO WATER
Thanks to our Mission Secretaries over the years, Clarence Town parish has been supporting the campaign Walk to Water run by Open Doors Organisation and this year raised over $1400.00. The money provides clean water to be available nearer to the villages of those who have to travel several kilometres to reach even unsafe water.
Timothy Clare, Beryl Fenwick, Matthew Clare, Jan Carrington & Operation Christmas Child Co-ordinator, Dawn Sheather with the Christmas boxes
OLD BAR SUPPORTS OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Once again, Old Bar Anglicans joined with churches all around Australia to support Operation Christmas Child. The Old Bar coordinator for the Anglican contribution, Dawn Sheather, says she is very happy with this year's response. 42 boxes were laid at the altar of Our Lady of Fatima for a blessing before being sent to the collection centre. This is double last year's effort.
Once you have made provision for your loved ones, you have the opportunity to make a lasting gift to God, by leaving a bequest to his church.
AFTER YOU HAVE REMEMBERED YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL TO THE CHURCH?
A gift in your Will is one of the most valuable and lasting ways you can continue to support its mission and ministry within your community. No matter how large or small, every gift is an expression of your gratitude and thanksgiving towards God, and can make a significant impact on our mission and ministry. You may wish to consider a bequest the activities of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle as the recipient of either a special gift or the residue of your estate. Contact Linda Wilson at the Diocesan Office for more information on 4926 3733.
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AROUND THE DIOCESE
LAKES GRAMMAR STUDENTS EXCEL IN NEWCASTLE PERMANENT PRIMARY MATHS COMPETITION Lakes Grammar Year 6 student, Theodore Brown, has achieved 1st place in the Year 6 division for the Hunter Region in the Newcastle Permanent Primary Maths Competition, with an astonishing 100%. The Newcastle Permanent Primary Maths Competition is an opportunity for high achieving mathematics students to challenge themselves against students from schools right across the Newcastle, Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, New England and North Coast areas. This was the 35th year in which the competition has been conducted with over 18,157 students from 311 schools entering in 2015.
Theodore was not alone in achieving wonderful results with fellow Lakes Grammar student Jeremy Beale, receiving a District award for his 10th place, Madeline James finishing 22nd and Eloise Cliff finishing 69th in this Year 6 division. "It is an outstanding result to have four students in the top 100 for the Year 6 division of this esteemed competition and we are thrilled for our students and their achievements" said Mrs Nicole Walters, Co-ordinator of Teaching and Learning. "Of our 25 students from our Year 5/6 Opportunity Class that sat the exam 13 students (52%) have performed with either a High Distinction or a Distinction."
CEC SHEVELS – A RETIREMENT MESSAGE It is with sadness, and yet anticipation with my future plans in mind, that I write my last piece for Encounter as CEO of Samaritans. In September I announced my plans to retire at the end of January 2016 after 25 years with Samaritans. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for such a wonderful organisation as Samaritans. The donations and support we have received from the community during my time has allowed Samaritans to assist many thousands of local families and young people in need. I hope you will continue to support Samaritans in the days ahead, as I will. Thank you. Cec Shevels.
the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle Anglican Church of Australia
The Diocese takes allegations of misconduct and abuse seriously. 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.
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MEDOWIE BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
St Francis' Medowie had a very successful Blessing of the Animals service in October. The Rev'd Bryce Amner blessed 14 animal guests: eight dogs, a budgie, a chook, a duck, a cat, a wild bluetongue lizard who came to church on its own, and Roger the horse, pictured with Barbara his "mum", who stayed outside. All animals received a special certificate and had the opportunity to decorate it with their own paw or claw dipped in paint.
TERRIGAL PARISH LINK PROGRAM
As part of Mission Action Plans in the parish of Terrigal we have begun a Parish Link Program. It is hoped that our Link Program will encourage and facilitate healthy and dynamic relationships throughout our parish and will be entirely consistent with our named identity as the Body of Christ and our vision that we may shine as one in Christ. The Link Program is one strategy among many to grasp and shape the parish culture as being generous of spirit, harmonious, safe, optimistic and sensitive to others as we seek to further our ministry and mission.
The Link persons were commissioned on All Saints' Day and with the grace of God will be pastorally aware of the group and people they are responsible for, to advise the locum priest where important needs emerge and to help the members of the group stay in touch with each other.
MORPETH GFS WORLD DAY OF PRAYER On Saturday September 26, GFS Townsend Members and friends met at St James' Church, Morpeth for their Annual World Day of Prayer service. This service is held on the closest possible day to the Feast day of St Michael and All Angels (our patron saint). The service each year is written by a different member country of GFS Worldwide and this year it was the GFS in Papua New Guinea who wrote our delightful service. The service was conducted by Archdeacon Sonia Roulston (our Chaplain) with the readings and Intercessions being delivered by those present. After the service they had lunch in the rectory at Morpeth.
ACT IN ACTION! IN TORONTO MESSY NATIVITY SHEEP TRAIL "Some of our shepherds have lost their sheep and don't know where to find them… Just go into town and ask around, to see if you're able to spot them" [sung to the tune of Little Bo Peep]. Last seen along the Boulevarde and in Toronto Town Square. Can you help us find them? This is how we are inviting local families to join in and learn something about the real Christmas story. Local businesses are being invited to put one of our sheep on display for families to locate. The Messy Nativity Sheep Trail commences on November 28 and ends with a BBQ, prize draw and party on December 16. Our Messy Nativity Sheep Trail is being organised in cooperation with Toronto Uniting Church, local businesses and the Toronto Chamber of Commerce.
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THE SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTY-FIRST SYNOD The Second Session of the Fifty-First Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle took place over the weekend October 23-24 at Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College.
To read Bishop Greg Thompson's Charge to Synod, and the Response to the Bishop, visit the Bishop's Writings page on the website: www.newcastleanglican.org.au/ news-and-events/bishops-writings-2/ A full gallery of photos is also available on the website: www.newcastleanglican.org. au/the-second-session-of-the-fifty-firstsynod/
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A Joy filled Christmas CHRISTMAS SERVICE TIMES CENTRAL COAST BATEAU BAY Dec 24: Children's Christmas Service 6pm; Holy Communion 9pm Dec 25: Holy Communion 8.30am GOSFORD Dec 24: Children and Family Service, Christ Church Gosford 6pm; Night Mass for Christmas, Christ Church Gosford 11.30pm Dec 25: Traditional Service, Union Church, Mangrove Mountain 8am; Traditional Service, Christ Church Gosford 9am; Traditional Service, St John's Pt Clare 10am KINCUMBER Dec 24: Family Service, St Paul's, Kincumber 6pm; Holy Communion St Paul's, Kincumber 11pm; Family Celebration, St Bede's, Saratoga 6pm Dec 25: Holy Communion, St Paul's, Kincumber 7.30am; Holy Communion, St Paul's, Kincumber 9am; Holy Communion, St Bede's, Saratoga 8.30am LAKES ANGLICAN Dec 24: Family Christmas Celebration 6pm; Midnight Eucharist 11pm Dec 25: Family Service 9am ST ALBAN'S Dec 24: Service of Readings and Carols 6pm TERRIGAL Dec 20: Messy Church Christmas 3.30-5.30pm Dec 24: Family Service with Eucharist 5pm; Sung Eucharist 11.30pm Dec 25: Christmas Eucharist – sung setting 7.30am; Christmas Eucharist 9.30am THE ENTRANCE Dec 24: Carols 10.45pm; Holy Communion 11pm Dec 25: Holy Communion 9am TOUKLEY-BUDGEWOI Dec 24: Crib Service 6pm; Midnight Mass 11.30pm Dec 25: Christmas Day service 9am WOY WOY Dec 24: Family Service, St Andrews 4.30pm; Midnight mass, St Luke's 11.30pm Dec 25: Holy Communion, St Andrews 8am; Eucharist, St Luke's 10am Dec 27: Parish Service (combined Parish service), St Luke's 10am WYOMING Dec 24: Holy Communion 11.30pm Dec 25: Holy Communion 7.30am, Holy Communion 9.30am WYONG Dec 20: Carols, St James 9am Dec 24: Pyjama Christmas with sausage sizzle, perfect for the little ones 5pm; Traditional Holy Communion 11pm Dec 25: Family Holy Communion 9am
LAKE MACQUARIE
BRANXTON/GRETA/LOCHINVAR Dec 24: Christmas Crib Service and Eucharist, St John's, Branxton 6pm; Midnight Mass, St John's, Branxton 11.30pm Dec 25: Eucharist, Holy Trinity, Lochinvar 8am, Eucharist, St John's, Branxton 10am
BELMONT NORTH/REDHEAD Dec 24: Family Christmas service Christmas stories and Carols, Holy Family, Belmont North 6pm; Traditional Eucharist Christmas service with carols, Holy Family, Belmont North 11.30pm Dec 25: Traditional Eucharist Christmas service with carols, Holy Name Redhead 9am
CESSNOCK Dec 24: Family Service, St John's 6pm; Midnight Mass, St John's 11.30pm Dec 25: St John's 7.30am; Millfield 8am; St John's 9am
BOORAGUL Dec 25: Anglican Care Christmas Liturgy, The Chapel, Booragul 9am CARDIFF Dec 12: Mass & Meal Can you hear what I hear? All about Christmas Family Fun 6pm Dec 24: Family Mass 6pm; Midnight Mass 11.30pm Dec 25: Mass 9am CHARLESTOWN Dec 24: Family Christmas service Christmas stories and Carols, St Albans, Charlestown 6pm; Traditional Eucharist Christmas service with carols, St Albans, Charlestown 11.30pm Dec 25: Traditional Eucharist Christmas service with carols, St Martin's, Kahibah 9am COCKLE BAY Dec 22: Christmas Carol Service, All Saints, Boolaroo 7.30pm Dec 24: Family Service, All Saints, Boolaroo 6pm; Holy Eucharist and Sung Service 8pm Dec 25: St David's, Teralba 8am SOUTHLAKES Dec 24: Family Service, Morisset 7pm; Combined service with the Uniting Church, Wangi 7.30pm; 'Midnight Service', Morisset 11.30pm Dec 25: Morisset 8am SWANSEA Dec 20: 9 Lessons and Carols, St Peter's, Swansea 7pm Dec 24: Family Service (with Holy Communion), St Peter's, Swansea 5pm Dec 25: Holy Communion Gwandalan Community Hall, Gwandalan 8am; Holy Communion at St Peter's Church, Swansea 9.30am TORONTO Dec 6: Family Fun MESSY Advent and Christmas 4.30pm Dec 10: Toronto Tots 'n' Tunes Christmas party 9.30am Dec 17: 'Christmas in a minor Key' for those who find Christmas difficult 5.30pm Dec 24: Christmas Celebration 6pm, Midnight ChristMass 11.30pm Dec 25: ChristMass Eucharist 8.30am WINDALE Dec 24: 6pm and 11.30pm Dec 25: 8am
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MAITLAND
BELMONT Dec 24: Family Christmas (with Holy Communion) 6.30pm; Midnight Mass 11.30pm Dec 25: Holy Communion 8am; Christmas lunch in parish centre for anyone who is alone – ring 4971 3083 to book 12pm
EAST MAITLAND Dec 6: Service for the Start of Advent 6pm Dec 24: Family Christmas Eve Eucharist with Carols 4pm & 6pm; Early Sung Mass of Christmas with Blessing of the Crib 8.30pm; First Sung Mass of Christmas with Blessing of the Crib 11.30pm Dec 25: Holy Eucharist with Carols 8.30am MAITLAND Dec 24: Service for families and children with candles and carols around the crib 7pm; Sung Eucharist 11.30pm Dec 25: Eucharist 9am MORPETH Dec 24: Family service 4pm; Midnight Mass 11.30pm Dec 25: Christmas Day Mass 9am MOUNT VINCENT & WESTON Dec 24: Families and youth service, St Paul's, Kurri Kurri 5.30pm; St Paul's Kurri KurrI 11pm Dec 25: St Mary's, Weston 8.30am; Christ Church, Mt Vincent, 10am TELARAH RUTHERFORD Dec 24: A "Messy" Christ-Mass for families, St Christopher's, Rutherford 6pm; Traditional Midnight Mass with blessing of the crib and Christmas carols St Christopher's, Rutherford 11.30pm Dec 25: Sung Mass, St Luke's, Telarah 9am WOLLOMBI VALLEY Dec 18: Christmas Carols & Readings, St John's Church, Wollombi 5.30pm Dec 24: Carols at the Tavern, Wollombi 6pm Dec 25: Christmas Day Service, St Mark's Church, Laguna 9am
NEWCASTLE ADAMSTOWN Dec 24: Kid's Mass 7pm; Solemn Mass & Blessing of the Crib 11.30pm Dec 25: Sung Mass 9am Dec 26: Sung Mass & Breakfast 9am BIRMINGHAM GARDENS Dec 24: Holy Communion CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL Dec 24: Service for Children and Families with Carols 5pm; 'Nine lessons and carols' 7.30pm; Midnight Mass with procession and blessing of the crib 11.45pm Dec 25: Eucharist 7am; Choral Eucharist with procession 8.30am; Eucharist for Families (Children – bring a favourite present to be blessed!) 10.30am; [No Evening Service]
CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CONT. Dec 27: Eucharist 7am; Eucharist 8am; Sung Eucharist 9.30am; Sung Evensong 6pm GEORGETOWN Dec 25: Christmas Service 9am HAMILTON Dec 24: Vigil Mass and Blessing of the Crib 7pm Dec 25: Mass with Carols 8am JESMOND Dec 25: Holy Communion 7.30am Dec 28: Holy Communion 7.30am KOTARA SOUTH Dec 24: Christingle All Ages 5pm; Midnight Mass 11pm Dec 25: Sung Mass 8am Dec 28: Low Mass 7.30am; Sung Eucharist 9am; All Age Mass 5pm LAMBTON Dec 17: Hard to be Merry Christmas (reflection) 7pm Dec 24: All age worship with St Nicholas 7pm; Combined Christmas Service 9pm Dec 25: Holy Communion 9am Dec 28: Holy Communion 9am; ANeW Church meets at St John's 5pm MEREWETHER Dec 6: A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols 7pm Dec 24: The Nativity Story with Carols (Children's Focus) 6pm; First Eucharist of Christmas 11.30pm Dec 25: Sung Eucharist with Carols 8am MICA MINISTRIES Dec 24: Family Service with Eucharist, St Mark's Church, Islington 7pm; Midnight Mass, St Andrew's Church, Mayfield 11pm Dec 25: Eucharist, St Andrew's Church, Mayfield 8.30am NEWCASTLE (COOKS HILL) Dec 24: Children's Service (in the church grounds, weather permitting) 5.30pm; Informal Communion 7pm; Midnight Mass (carols from 11pm) 11.30pm Dec 25: Christmas Communion 9am NEW LAMBTON Dec 24: Christingle All Ages 5.30pm Dec 25: Christmas Communion 8.45am Dec 28: Holy Communion 7.45am; Holy Communion 8.45am; All Age Service 10.30am WALLSEND Nov 29: Advent Evensong 6pm Dec 13: End of year Children's service with book presentations for all our Sunday School and Playtime children with a big party afterwards, everyone invited 9.30am Dec 6: Christmas BYO picnic, then carols for everyone 5pm Dec 17: Blue Christmas for those sad for whatever reason as Christmas approaches 6pm Dec 24: Children's Christmas 6pm; Christmas at Midnight 11.30pm Dec 25: Christmas for everyone 8am Dec 27: Service 9am
CHRISTMAS SERVICE TIMES CONT. PATERSON CLARENCE TOWN Dec 24: St John's, Clarence Town 6pm; St Barnabas', Booral 8pm Dec 25: St Columba's, Karuah 7.45am; St Andrews, Seaham 9.30am DUNGOG Dec 24: Children's Christmas Service, Christ Church 6pm; Christmas Eucharist, St Peter's, Bendolba 8pm; Carol Singing, Christ Church 11pm; Midnight Mass 11.30pm Dec 25: Christmas Family Mass 9am GRESFORD/PATERSON Dec 24: St Mary's Allynbrook 7.30pm Dec 25: St Paul's Paterson 8.30am; St Anne's Gresford 10.30am NELSON BAY Dec 9: Early Christmas Communion Service 9.30am Dec 19: Good Tidings Christmas Carol Service 6.30pm Dec 24: Christmas Eve Fancy Dress Birthday Party - All children (and adults) are invited to dress in their favourite nativity outfit or favourite fancy dress 6pm; Eucharist quiet and meditative service 11.30pm Dec 25: Family celebrations 8am and 10am Dec 27: Boxing Day service 10am RAYMOND TERRACE Dec 13: Christmas in Words and Music 6pm Dec 24: Children's Crib Mass 6pm; Midnight Mass 11.30pm Dec 25: Mass 9am STOCKTON Dec 24: Holy Communion 11.30pm Dec 25: Holy Communion 8.30am STROUD Dec 5: Lessons and Carols, St John's 5pm Dec 20: Crib service, St John's 5pm Dec 24: Midnight Communion with carol singing before the service 11.30pm Dec 25: Communion at St John's 9am WILLIAMTOWN/MEDOWIE/ MALLABULA Dec 24: Blue Christmas service, Holy Name, Mallabula 9pm Dec 25: Holy Communion, St Saviour's, Williamtown 8am; Holy Communion, St Francis', Medowie 9am; Holy Communion, Holy Name, Mallabula 9am
THE MANNING BULAHDELAH & TEA GARDENS Dec 24: Holy Communion, St Andrew's, Tea Gardens 6pm; Informal Christmas Service, St John's, Bulahdelah 8pm Dec 25: Holy Communion, Hawks Nest Beach (please bring your own chair) 6am; Holy Communion St Andrew's, Tea Gardens 8am GLOUCESTER Dec 24: Church for Everyone 7pm; Midnight Mass and Blessing of the Crib 11.30pm Dec 25: Holy Eucharist 8.30am HARRINGTON/COOPERNOOK Dec 23: Christmas Eucharist, Church of the Epiphany, Lansdowne 12pm Dec 24: Christmas Eucharist, St Luke's, Coopernook 3pm; Children & Families Service by the Crib with Eucharist, St Peter's, Harrington 5pm; Christmas Eucharist, St Barnabas, Upper Lansdowne 7.30pm; Christmas Eucharist, St Peter's, Harrington 11pm
Dec 25: Christmas Eucharist, St Peter's, Harrington 8am; Christmas Eucharist, St Mark's, Mitchells Island 10am THE CAMDEN HAVEN Dec 24: Kids Christmas 5.30pm; Midnight Service 11.15pm Dec 25: Christmas day 8am and 10am WINGHAM Dec 24: Children's Service 5pm; Holy Communion 11pm, from 10.15am BYO drinks and nibbles under the stars Dec 25: Holy Communion, St Luke's, Tinonee 7.45am; Holy Communion, St Matthew's, Wingham 9.45am
UPPER HUNTER DENMAN Dec 17: St Lukes, Widden Valley 6pm Dec: 20 St Martins, Martindale, 2pm Dec 24: St Marks, Wybong, 6pm followed by bring and share supper Dec 24: St Matthias, Denman 11.30pm Dec 25: St Matthias, Denman 8.30am Dec 25: St Matthews, Mt Dangar, 10.30am MERRIWA Dec 24: Family service, Holy Trinity, Merriwa 6pm; Midnight Mass, Holy Trinity, Merriwa 11.30pm Dec 25: Holy Eucharist, St Columba's, Cassilis 8am, Holy Eucharist, Holy Trinity, Merriwa 10am MURRURUNDI Dec 24: Eucharist 7pm Dec 25: Eucharist 9am MUSWELLBROOK Dec 20: Holy Communion, St Alban's, Muswellbrook 8.30am; Holy Communion, St Mark's, Aberdeen 10.30am; Carols Service Bring & Share Supper to follow, St Alban's, Muswellbrook 6.30pm Dec 24: Family Christmas Celebration St Alban's, Muswellbrook 6pm; Carols Singing, St Alban's, Muswellbrook 11.15pm; Midnight Mass, St Alban's, Muswellbrook 11.30pm Dec 25: Holy Communion, St Mark's, Aberdeen 7am; Holy Communion, St Alban's, Muswellbrook 8.30am; Holy Communion, St Paul's, Spring Creek 10.30am Dec 27: Holy Communion, St Alban's, Muswellbrook; Combined Parish Service 8.30am SINGLETON Dec 24: Family Service 5.30pm; Eucharist 11pm Dec 25: Eucharist 8am; Eucharist 9.30am; 10th Anniversary of our Christmas Lunch, Singleton Senior Citizens 11am
CHRISTMAS LUNCHES MURRURUNDI
Dec 25: Community Lunch, St Paul's Hall, Mount St Murrurundi 12pm SOUTHLAKES
Dec 6: Community Luncheon 12pm
SPECIAL EVENTS WINGHAM Nov 30-Dec 14: Craft for Teens Christmas Mania, girls aged 12 to 18 years. Don't be left out on a limb, go crafty for Christmas. Make cards, Christmas decorations and more. Mondays 4.15pm–5.45pm. Nov 30, Dec 7, Dec 14. St Matthews Church Hall, Wingham. $10 per week. Afternoon tea will be provided. Limited places so let us know your coming. Phone Kara 0427 437 478 or Robin 6551 2796 CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL Dec 5: The Idea of North Christmas Concert 7pm CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL Dec 13: Messiah performance 2pm MICA Dec 13: Messy Christmas (Messy Church), St Andrew's Church Hall, Mayfield 3pm MAITLAND Dec 16: Christmas Pageant in the grounds of St Mary's. Fun for the whole family 7pm DUNGOG Dec 19: A Christmas Cantata: Night of Miracles (ticket admission), Christ Church 6.30pm BULAHDELAH Dec 20: A Nativity performance followed by bring share finger food, School of Arts Hall, Bulahdelah 5pm WYOMING Dec 24: Christmas Pageant 6pm
BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICES DUNGOG Dec 16: Blue Christmas Service, Christ Church, Dungog 6.30pm BELMONT NORTH/REDHEAD Dec 17: Blue Christmas - providing an opportunity for those who may be grieving, hurting, in pain, lonely, or simply not connected with the public joy of the Advent and Christmas seasons, to come together in a time of worship, and to realize that they are not alone, Holy Family, Street Belmont North 7pm TOUKLEY-BUDGEWOI Dec 18: Blue Christmas 6pm MURRURUNDI Dec 19: St Paul's, Mount St Murrurundi 5.30pm HARRINGTON/COOPERNOOK Dec 22: Blue Christmas - A service for those who may be feeling that Christmas is a time of "putting on a happy face" denying their true feelings. Please join us in a quiet reflection time, St Peter's, Harrington 10am DENMAN Dec 23: St Matthias Denman 6.30pm MEREWETHER Nov 29: A Blue Christmas 6.30pm
CAROLS CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL Nov 29: Advent Carols - A time of reflection in reading, prayer and music in preparation for the coming of our Lord 7pm RAYMOND TERRACE Dec 4: Community Carols and lighting of the Christmas Tree, The Old Rectory, Sturgeon St 7pm ST JOHN'S NEWCASTLE (COOKS HILL) Dec 6: Combined Churches Carols by Candlelight (in the church grounds, weather permitting) 7.30pm TEA GARDENS Dec 11: Christmas Carol Service, St Andrew's, Tea Gardens 7pm STROUD Dec 12: Carols at Stroud rotunda 5pm GEORGETOWN Dec 13: Carols with a sausage sizzle plus kids give away and lucky envelopes, parish community hall 5pm CLARENCE TOWN Dec 16: Carol night - join us in the grounds for BBQ and singing, St Andrews, Seaham 6pm EAST MAITLAND Dec 18: Carols on the Hill, Saint Peter's, East Maitland 6.30pm TOUKLEY-BUDGEWOI Dec 19: Community carols, market and play 4pm TERRIGAL Dec 19: Christmas Carols followed by sausage sizzle, Holy Family 5pm LAKES ANGLICAN Dec 19: Carols in the Carpark, bring a rug or chair and a picnic 6pm WINGHAM Dec 20: Holy Communion 5pm, free sausage sizzle and jumping castle BYO chair/drinks 5.45pm, Carols by Candlelight 7.30pm, St Mark's Marlee
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 12 TOCH CHAIN OF LIGHT SERVICE Every year a chain of services, known as the World Chain of Light, is held around the world honouring the work of TocH. In this centenary year, our Cathedral will be the venue for the Australian service at 7pm on Saturday December 12 in the Warriors' Chapel and everyone is invited to this service. Afterwards refreshments will be served in the Meeting Room. TocH members are coming from interstate. 31 FAMILY FUN DAY The Anglican Church of Toronto are holding ACT in ACTion! in the School Holidays. Join them for a Family Fun Day at Kilaben Bay Park. BYO picnic. Join them from 11.30pm. Please visit our website for more information www.torontoanglicans.org
The team at Encounter prays that you all have a joyful and safe Christmas. We look forward to seeing you in 2016. 29
CD REVIEW
Messiah - Music by G.F. Handel REVIEW BY PETER GUY ORGANIST AND MASTER OF CHORISTERS CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL
It would seem that in the modern day, no Christmas is complete without a performance of Messiah. This is slightly unusual, given that Handel's Sacred Oratorio, Messiah, was never intended as such. The great librettist, Jennens, provided the selection of texts from the King James Bible and Book of Common Prayer as an offering towards Handel's annual Benefit for Passion Week. The libretto, ranges from the Old Testament prophecies, through nativity scenes to the incarnation, redemption through suffering and sacrifice, resurrection, ascension, and the final days of judgement, the ultimate victory over sin and death, and the glorification of the Messianic victim. In short, the text parallels our great creedal statements of our faith in Christ. In this attractive presentation of arguably Handel's most famous work, the ABC has provided us with the re-release of a high quality performance by some of Australia's most notable "period" musicians. Antony Walker directs this star-studded line up of Australia's finest soloists, and one of this country's finest vocal ensembles, Cantillation, with great vitality. The orchestra is refined, yet exuberant, in its presentation. For my personal taste, the choice of tempi ranges at times from the sublime to the ridiculous; the oversentimentality of "Behold the Lamb of God", through
RECIPE
to the outrageously fast "Let us break their bonds asunder" is tempered only by (for example) the thrilling moments of Tahu-Rhodes' "Why do the nations so furiously rage together" and, of course, that chorus, "Hallelujah"! There are, however, many magical moments and my spontaneous outbursts of singing (and conducting!) while listening may provide some indication for the energy and brilliance of the overall performance. If you love Handel's Messiah, this is definitely a worthwhile purchase. It is elegantly presented in a boxed set of two CDs and a DVD of the performance (which adds yet another element), with a booklet containing generous notes on the performance. You are also supporting the fine work of ABC Classics and Australian performers. And you might even notice a Novocastrian or three amongst the choristers! If you're looking to observe this Christmas in the traditional sense, as stated above, you might consider the Cathedral Choir's performance of Messiah on Sunday December 13 at 2pm. Details and tickets are available via the Cathedral's website.
ABC Classics 481 1332
Italian Christmas Strudel METHOD
INGREDIENTS 250g dried figs 100g marsala or cream sherry 75g raisins 75g walnuts, finely chopped 75g almonds, finely chopped 1 lemon zest 1 tspn cinnamon
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Scripture passages selected by librettist, Charles Jennens Sara Macliver (Soprano) Alexandra Sherman (Alto) Christopher Field (Counter Tenor) Paul McMahon (Tenor) Teddy Tahu Rhodes (Bass) Cantillation Orchestra of the Antipodes Directed by Antony Walker
1/2 tspn ground cloves 75g dark chocolate finely chopped ½ cup honey 150g unsalted butter 10 sheets filo pastry
1. In a pot, cover the figs with water and bring to the boil. a. Turn off the heat and allow figs to swell and get plump: about 10 minutes. b. Drain and chop into small pieces. Put in a bowl with the marsala. 2. Add the raisins, walnuts, almonds and lemon zest. Combine with the cinnamon, cloves or allspice and chocolate. 3. In a pot, warm the honey and pour into the fig mixture. Combine all with a wooden spoon. 4. Melt the butter. 5. Lay out a pastry sheet and brush with the melted butter. a. Lay another pastry sheet over the top and brush again with butter. b. Continue this until you have five layers of pastry. 6. Spread half the mixture over the sheet and roll into a long log shape. 7. Place onto a large , greased baking tray and bend into a halfcircle. a. Do the same with the rest of the pastry sheets and mixture b. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes according to the directions on the packet of pastry. 8. Serve either hot or cold with ice cream and dusted with icing sugar.
PUZZLE Nativity Wonder Word BY THE REV'D JUDY WALSH
ADVENT ANGEL BABY BETHLEHEM BIRTH BORN CAROLS CHRISTMAS DONKEY DREAM FRANKINCENSE GOLD HEROD INN JESUS JOSEPH
KING MARY MESSIAH MYRRH NATIVITY ROOM SHEPHERDS SHINE SING SON STABLE STAR TIME WISE MEN WOMAN
Can you use the remaining letters to answer our puzzle:
ANSWER TO THE OCTOBER MARK'S GOSPEL PUZZLE
KIDS ACTIVITY
Christmas Lanterns
Christmas is all about light. These effective painted jars are so easy to make, even a 5-year-old can do it. A great activity for kids' church. You will need: • • • • •
1.
A glass jar White tissue paper PVA glue Sharpie pens Tea light candle (or battery powered candle)
Make sure the jar is clean and dry. Cut the tissue paper to fit around the outside of the jar, in height, width and length. (Depending on the shape of your jar, don't worry if the tissue paper seems to stick out a bit - it will fit over the curves of your jar when you glue it.)
2. Draw your design on to the tissue paper and colour as you like.
3. Coat the outside of the jar in PVA glue and carefully wrap your tissue paper design around the jar. This is the tricky bit as the tissue paper can sometimes rip as it absorbs the glue. Don't panic though, little rips can be repaired as you go, and won't affect the end result.
4. Apply another layer of glue carefully over the whole tissue paper design – this helps it to become translucent. 5. Let the jar dry.
6. Pop your candle in, light it up and enjoy!
Photo courtesy of alisaburke.blogspot.com.au
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