JUNE/JULY 2015 FREE
REFLECTIONS
Bishop Peter talks about making complex decisions
ALL NEW
Life of an Archdeacon and Chaplain columns
BEYOND THE STORM
Reflecting on the impact of the April storms
y t i C The
A PLACE OF THE SPIRIT 1
IN THIS EDITION 2
Bishop Greg: The City: A Place of the Spirit
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Reflections: Making Complex Decisions
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Life of an Archdeacon
THE CITY A PLACE OF THE SPIRIT
6 Topics 8 Reflections Beyond the Storm 10 Celebrating NAIDOC Week 12
World Environment Day
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Why This Matters: Refugee Week
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Thinking About Faith: Doctor Who and Me and Spirituality
16 Social Justice Task Force 18
Insights: A Word from Our Chaplains
19 Why Bother With Special Religious Education 20 Q&A 22 Our Organisations 24 Around the Diocese 28 Dates for your Diary ASDF 29 DC Report 30 Film Review Puzzle 31 Recipe Wine of the Month Cover Photo: Kathleen Mackay The Anglican Encounter, the magazine of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, is published bi-monthly from February to December. The Anglican Encounter is a member of the Australasian Religious Press Association. CONTACT DETAILS PO Box 817 Newcastle NSW 2300 P: 02 4926 3733 F: 02 4926 1968 E: editor@newcastleanglican. org.au www.newcastleanglican.org.au
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BISHOP GREG THOMPSON BISHOPGREG@NEWCASTLEANGLICAN.ORG.AU The great storm of April 2015 in the Diocese will be remembered in small and large communities. The loss of lives and the serious damage to peoples’ community will have a lasting impact as people try to rebuild the structures of their life. Living in days without essential services and cut off from what we expect from our city, suburbs and towns we are faced with what is vital to our living. Companionship, kindness, courage and the bonds of being in a crisis together keeps hope alive. It is the spirit of our community that helps us through dark times, and for people of faith in this Pentecost season it is the Holy Spirit who gives hope to the yearning, power to the powerless and courage to the failing. It was wonderful to hear of parish op shops and halls being available to help people in need and offer meals, sanctuary and friendship. Faithful volunteers and chaplains to their community were the gifts of the Spirit to tired and weary hearts.
As we mark Pentecost the season of celebrating the Spirit in the city to bless and gather all people, I ponder the changes in our built worlds of urban and rural communities and the spirit that we nurture. When Dr Elizabeth Farrelly of the Sydney Morning Herald gave her address in the Cathedral last year she said “I think we have a crisis in our city-making. And I think that this crisis, like the environmental crisis, is fundamentally a crisis of the spirit. It’s about how we relate to ourselves, each other and our habitat." She wasn’t simply speaking of the corruption revealed in the dealings of business, property and politics as uncovered by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Elizabeth Farrelly described the relationship between the "soul of the city and its body", the relationship between the values of the city and the built forms. She contrasted the way we think of the city as an object to be used to that of subject to be lived within. She called it the "Jesus thing". “In Darwinian terms, this is the difference between co-operation and competition. In psychological terms it’s ‘us’ and ‘them’, inclusion and exclusion, used in the establishment of hierarchy/status. In social terms it is the difference between connectivity and isolation. In philosophy, it’s the difference between instrumentalism and phenomenology. In spiritual terms, it is a Jesus thing. To apprehend the Other as subject implies the radical openness you can only call prayer or love. …Good cities are like coral reefs, where all kinds of creatures poke their noses into or out from unexpected places.”
In times past parish churches served as a central focus for the whole community – a “common ground” or that “third place” to which people turn and give life to city or village. In his book, The Great Good Place, Ray Oldenburg suggests that this “third place” is where citizens of a community or neighbourhood meet to develop friendships, discuss issues, and interact with others…they nourish relationships and a diversity of human contact.” My travels to various communities tell me that our churches engage and seek to offer such life.
"Companionship, kindness, courage and the bonds of being in a crisis together keeps hope alive. It is the spirit of our community that helps us through dark times." I found this to be particularly true in the experience of Rough Edges, a ministry of St John’s Darlinghurst and its commitment to engage the street community on its doorstep. When during a difficult time of helping and working with the homeless I had a message as the Rector on my phone telling me that "the church ought to look after the ratepayers and not the down and outs". Yet we nurtured a soft space where people from all backgrounds could be church in this "third place", a place of the Spirit that comes on all flesh young and old, men and women, outsiders and insiders.
When we experience injustice and marginalised people as a church we need the Spirit to help us be more than great Eucharist, teaching or fellowship though these are vital but not sufficient. The prophet Isaiah (Is 56:1-8) brought a message to a returning exiled people who were trying to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. God was calling his people to a holiness in the city which offered salvation and redemption to the stranger, alienated and outsider. In maintaining justice and doing what is right (mishpat and sedeqah) the people would find well-being. Is 56:8 the prophet repeats the word "gather"; “Thus says the Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, I will gather others to them besides those already gathered.”
When as a chaplain at the Medically Supervised Injection Centre in Kings Cross I met people with all kinds of self-harm who needed a sanctuary and a place to begin again. They came in suits and in op shop handouts, gifted and talented, confused
and exiled people working out their spiritual and emotional needs with illegal drugs. Somehow the city had brought them to this hard place, but I knew that the Spirit was still wooing them to the Father’s heart. They and we all need a spiritual place to begin again – a church which lives in the Spirit to bring new life to the city and town.
In Tim Foster’s recent book The Suburban Captivity of the Church he explores how "the gospel.. has aligned itself very strongly with suburban values." When he made the move as a priest in a suburban Sydney parish to an inner city parish he encountered hostility to evangelical Christianity. Yet he also found how many folk had values akin to the Bible’s concern for the marginalised, justice and a desire for authentic community. “Suburban people are fundamentally aspirational; what drives them is moving towards a settled, secure safe existence. The suburban gospel suits this because it gives you eternal security.” But he says the “power of the gospel is felt when it is brought into meaningful engagement with the narrative of a culture….In Jesus’ life, death and resurrection a new order has come. There’s a new way to be community, and this new order turns the world upside down. It challenges all our values.”
After the storm and after Pentecost will we allow the Spirit to so shape our lives to be the people that transform our communities? +Greg
PRAYER POINT The Holy Spirit is life-giving life,
Universal mover and the root of all creation,
Refiner of all things from their dross,
Brings forgiveness of guilt and oil for our wounds, Is radiance of life, most worthy of worship, Wakening and reawakening both earth and heaven. (Hildegard of Bingen)
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REFLECTIONS
MAKING COMPLEX DECISIONS BISHOP PETER STUART BISHOPPETER@NEWCASTLEANGLICAN.ORG.AU
There are some habits or practices that can help these processes. 1. TO PRAY I often pray for wisdom, clarity, insight and courage at meetings with confidence that God will nudge us or lead us in the right direction if we are open to the Spirit’s promptings. Deep trust in God brings peace that in the end all things will be well despite us and not because of us.
2. TO BE CLEAR WHOSE DECISION IT IS
One of the habits we have in our household is to undertake some research before making an expensive purchase. We will read consumer reviews and product specifications. We will compare prices and warranties. We will look at our bank balance and ponder what choices we will lose by making this purchase. Over the years we have got better at this, usually because I can be reminded of one or two of my less successful acquisitions. As we all know, some decisions are much easier than others because the options are more distinct or the consequences of the decision are fewer. There are greater risks with some decisions and it is not always possible to eliminate the risk, including the risk of being wrong. The more complicated a decision, the more complicated the decision-making process.
Everyone in pastoral ministry knows the heartache in families as elderly parents, their children and grandchildren work out where to live. People in management face the anguish of hiring or firing staff. Politicians face the challenge of worthy alternate policies. Decision-making and complex decision-making are the realities of our life.
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I can be very passionate about an issue or idea but in many cases the decision is not mine. We can be invited to share our perspectives but the responsibility by appointment, election or circumstance may rightly rest with someone else. We may be listened to because we are affected by the decision or because the decision-maker is interested in our thoughts. However, there comes a time to be silent, so that they can choose.
3. TO MAKE SURE THERE IS ENOUGH INFORMATION There are so many sources of data and each of us process it differently. In High School I discovered I was good with accounting information but not great at physics. I have learnt to read paintings over the years whereas music comes more easily. Most of us can generate some information but may need help with other bits. We also need to be ready to hear things we would otherwise wish to ignore.
4. TO THINK THEOLOGICALLY We have a great treasury of wisdom in the scriptures and other resources of our faith. There are insights and challenges within Christianity that fashion what we will do and how we will do it. A passage of scripture, a phrase from the prayer book or a line from a hymn can awaken important insights in our deliberations.
5. TO BE COURAGEOUS I have learnt that sometimes to put off a decision is to provide time for people to think, reflect and speak so a better decision is made. I have also learnt that indecision can lead to frustration and anguish with a great loss of confidence. Jesus urges to replace timidity and anxiety with trust in God.
6. TO ACT WITH INTEGRITY To be able to look back with confidence on the choices we have made knowing that they were principled decisions shaped by the highest ethics of our faith.
In the most complex decisions, we can make Solomon’s prayers our own. In 2 Chronicles 1:10 he is recorded as praying for the wisdom and knowledge he needed and in 1 Kings 3:9 he is recorded as praying for a discerning heart and the capacity to distinguish between right and wrong. In both records we learn that God was pleased with the prayers Solomon made because he didn't seek long life, revenge or wealth but had the concerns of his people at the forefront of his heart and mind. Across the diocese in our homes, schools, agencies and parishes we are engaged in making small and large decisions. They may be ours alone or we may share them with many. I encourage us to pray for those faced with complex choices and to pray for decision-makers. As we till the garden of the world may we be guided by the breath of God to holy life and holy living. +Peter
LIFE OF AN ARCHDEACON BY THE VENERABLE ARTHUR COPEMAN ARCHDEACON FOR THE CITY OF NEWCASTLE
Since Synod last year the Bishop has appointed me to have a particular focus on developing the Anglican presence in the City of Newcastle. In this City live 160,000 people, there are 87,000 jobs and a Gross Regional Product of $14 billion. Newcastle is for our nation a very significant place. From an Anglican perspective Newcastle is also a very significant place. There are in Newcastle 13 Anglican Parishes (including the Diocesan Cathedral), one school within the Diocesan system (Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College), one school with which the Diocese is linked (Newcastle Grammar School), an extensive ministry through Samaritans, some sections of Anglican Care, hospital chaplaincy, University Chaplaincy, post-release correctional chaplaincy and Port chaplaincy. All of these ministries are going to need to develop and change over time. The following Newcastle ministry developments are under consideration at present and therefore have come to my attention: Mayfield Islington Carrington Anglican (MICA) Parish. The Rev’d Mark Cooper has been appointed as the new Rector of this Parish and will commence this ministry in early July. Mark was originally ordained in this Diocese and comes back to us with significant ministry experience. Mark is looking forward to working with the Parish of MICA to build up the existing ministries there and to look to the development of new creative ministries that will operate alongside the present work and develop into the future. As Archdeacon I am looking forward to working with Mark with regard to this future development.
(MAP) which focuses on "preserving the faith into the future" in those parishes. They have also developed a joint weekly healing Mass as a point of commencement for this collaboration.
Merewether. Under the leadership of The Rev’d Cameron Freese this Parish has been utilising Natural Church Develop (see http:// ncd-australia.org.au/ncd/) tools to specifically review their ministry and look at what needs to be done to ensure healthy and vibrant ministry in that Parish. Other Parish Clergy in Newcastle have been watching Merewether pilot this tool in our Diocese with a view to considering using it in other Parishes.
St John’s Cook’s Hill. Under the leadership of The Rev’d Murray Woulnough this Parish had entered into partnership with CEY Ministries to develop youth and children’s ministry in that Parish. Under this partnership Rob Woolfrey has been employed part time to lead this ministry. Rob is working to develop programs and train leaders for ministry to both children and youth. New Lambton and ANeW. New Lambton Parish has invited ANeW Church to mission within the parish. The result of this mission has been a new Sunday morning 10.30 congregation. This is currently a group of 25 people, some of whom have transferred from the ANeW 5pm congregation to assist with this project. University Chaplaincy. With the departure of The Rev’d Bruce Perry to be the Rector of Bateau Bay the position of University Chaplain is currently being reviewed and discussed with the University. The question being asked is What shape of Chaplaincy at the University will deliver the best Anglican ministry for students on the campus.
Fletcher Minmi. There is now a large population of people living in this region of Newcastle. There is an Anglican school there (Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College), but no worshipping community. In the next couple of years one focus will be to determine if it is possible to develop an Anglican community in that region. There are many other aspects of Anglican ministry developing in Newcastle. The Cathedral developments have been highlighted in The Encounter previously. The other Parishes and Chaplaincies are likewise continuing to look to future. So do pray for those of Adamstown – Hamilton – Kotara South. These three Parishes have us who minister in Newcastle that we uphold the name of Jesus to been working together on how they might collaborate in ministry the community in every way possible. for the future. They have produced a draft Mission Action Plan
MISSION ACTION PLANNING UNDERWAY BY THE VENERABLE LES FORESTER REGIONAL ARCHDEACON PATERSON AND THE MANNING Wingham Anglican Parish has started the process of Mission Action Planning. Using a simple structure of “Look, See, Plan and Do” the Parish has begun to
identify the main areas it wishes to focus on in its local mission over the next three years. The Rev’d Brian Ford said, “We want to be deliberate and strategic in where we use our precious time, effort and resources. We are praying, communicating with one another and seeking God’s direction. We want to join in with the mission God is already conducting in Wingham. There are
lots of exciting possibilities.” Archdeacon Les Forester said, “It was great to hear people speak of their faith and their desire to share the good news of Jesus. I was impressed that people want to live lives that show respect and integrity with the gospel. There is certainly hope and vitality in the air.”
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TOPICS IN BRIEF
Commissionings The Rev'd Bruce Perry was commissioned as Rector of the Parish of Bateau Bay on May 25. Appointments The Rev'd Dr Fergus King has been appointed to an Honorary Fellowship at the University of Divinity with an affiliation via Trinity College. Departures The Rev'd James Cooper has accepted a Hospital Chaplaincy appointment in the Diocese of Chichester, UK. Fr James will be leaving the Parish of Cessnock at the end of June. Retirement We give thanks for the ministry of the Rev'd Stephen Moore who concluded his journey in stipendiary ministry in Gresford Paterson Parish in April. We record Stephen's work as Area Dean of Paterson, his contribution to Diocesan life, his championing of the theological heritage of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Stephen's faithful ministry in the Parish of Gresford Paterson. The Area Deanery meeting at Gresford Rectory in March bade Stephen and Lee a fond farewell. Fr Stephen has plans for life and ministry after "retirement". We wish Stephen and Lee God's richest blessing on this new stage in service and ministry. Memoriam Mrs Brenda Robinson, wife of the Rev'd Denis Robinson died on April 23 2015. Dr Geoff Rigby died on April 6. Dr Rigby was the inaugural Chairperson of the Diocese Environmental Commission for four years. He also exercised other significant leadership positions in the Diocese. The Rev'd Paul Dunn died on April 3. Father Paul was the Education Officer for this Diocese from 1971-73.
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BISHOPSCOURT As we go to print, the formal expressions of interest from buyers for Bishopscourt are being considered . John Cleary, the Diocesan Business Manager, said, “There has been no decision yet in what continues to be a long and careful process. The Property Approvals Board did a lot of the work that went into putting a proposal to Synod last year that got overwhelming support. The Diocesan Council and Trustees continued their diligent work before giving the greenlight to the sale in February.” If an offer is accepted, a small committee set up by the Trustees will recommend to the Bishop, the Trustees and the Diocesan Council the purchase of a new house. The balance of the sale proceeds will form an endowment meeting the cost of the maintaining the new house as well as making a contribution towards the cost of episcopal ministry in the Diocese. John Cleary said, “We are hoping for a win:win solution for the Diocese and the parishes. The cost of maintaining Bishopscourt and the grounds have had put pressure on the Diocesan and Trustees
budgets. Our aim throughout the process has been for a good long term outcome for ministry and mission.” Bishop Greg Thompson expressed his understanding of the affection many people in the Diocese had for the property. He urged last year’s Synod to consider, “the economics of having this property, the suitability of it as the home of the Bishop and family, and the historic sentiment of previous bishops who lived within it.” As the Diocese waited for the expression of interest process to conclude, he said, "There are morally greater questions than that house, in our time." "My job as the bishop is to try to keep the conversation going where we have resources to help our communities; not to abandon the past, but to use what we can to deliver the best for our communities." The Diocese of Newcastle is not alone in making this sort of decision. Dioceses like Including Brisbane, Tasmania, Adelaide, Rockhampton, Bathurst, Riverina, Perth, North Queensland, and Canberra-Goulburn have done the same over the last 100 years.
STRONG RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE The bishops and the archdeacons recently met with Professor Andrew Parfitt, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Newcastle. In a wide-ranging conversation the links between the Diocese and University were affirmed as they talked about the theology collection in the library, chaplaincy, the diocesan archives which are part of the University’s cultural collections and the Morpeth lecture, established in 1967. Dr Parfitt indicated that while the Bachelor of Theology program has been rested the substantial financial contribution and encouragement of the Diocese has been a factor in the growth in the number of students taking religious studies and religious thought units in their degree. Bishop Peter said, “I was greatly encouraged
by the conversation and the opportunities for ongoing partnership between the Diocese and the University.” The financial support for the university programs was possible because of the sale of St John's Morpeth. Bishop Peter said, “A trust of over $7 million was created from the proceeds from the sale of St Johns which we call the Morpeth Trust for theological education and ministry development. The interest on the Trust was used for the university, ordination and NSTM programs and is now used for the ordination programs and in ministry development with the regional archdeacons promoting education and formation as well as coaching and mentoring clergy and parishes.”
ST JAMES’ MORPETH
CELEBRATING175 YEARS OF FAITHFUL WORSHIP AND MINISTRY On December 31, 1840, St James’ Church Morpeth was opened and consecrated by the Bishop of Australia, William Grant Broughton. It had been three years in the building, and was provided for by the generous gift of local parishioner, Lt Edward Charles Close. For the people of St James’ Morpeth today, this anniversary marks an exciting celebration, a celebration marking the whole year!. However this is also a significant anniversary of the Diocese as the history of the Parish of Morpeth is much tied up with the early history of the Diocese.
175TH YEAR CELEBRATIONS
Since these early days the people of St James’ Morpeth have continued to serve God, the parish, and the diocese faithfully. The parish has lived through the ups and downs many parishes have experienced, maintaining a faithful, cheerful and welcoming life. As we celebrate this significant year in our church’s life the Parish has a number of activities planned. In February, at a launch of the 175th year, former Rector the Reverend Dr Ray Williamson preached. In March we held a Tyrrell dinner – celebrating the life of Bishop William Tyrrell, former parishioner as well as bishop. Some of the produce of his nephew’s family was sampled during the evening. We have marked the centenary of Anzac as a parish, remembering our Gallipoli veteran, Rupert Craddick who was killed at Lone Pine. During Reconciliation week we will celebrate in worship the first peoples to walk our land, the Wonnarua people, acknowledge their custodianship, but also recall the sadness of their story. We will have a convict dinner (should be easy catering!), and hear from local historian Brian Walsh on this part of our region’s story.
THE MAIN EVENT – JULY 25-26
This July we invite all who would like to celebrate with us to join for fellowship and worship. There will be a 175th dinner held at the East Maitland Bowling Club on the Saturday evening. Bookings may be made through the Parish On July 26 (the date on which we shall mark St James this year) we will celebrate and give thanks for 175 years of faithful life and ministry here, and for the great gift the parish has been given, both through Close, and through the lives of many clergy and parishioners. Our worship will be led by Bishop Greg Thompson, commencing at 10am. An old fashioned BYO picnic lunch will follow in the church and rectory grounds. All welcome. Finally, as part of our 175th year, the parish would like to gift a stained glass window to the church, and also build up the stonework repair fund. Enquire at the parish. We’d love to have you join us for our 175th year, you will be warmly welcomed.
SOME EARLY HISTORY The first official Anglican presence in the Newcastle and Hunter region can be found with the appointment of the Colonial Chaplain Middleton to the area north of the Hawkesbury. With the appointment of William Grant Broughton as Bishop of the See of Australia in 1837, the first steps towards a more formal church structure began. By this time there was the first Christ Church Newcastle (1818, later replaced) and the AA Company had built a chapel at Stroud (1833 – this was consecrated as a church in 1851). Elkin records St James’ Church as the next church built, with several others also in construction at the time. There were soon a dozen parishes. Morpeth was part of East Maitland Parish, while across the river many of the areas that now also make up the parish of Morpeth were designated the Parish of Hinton.
ST JAMES’ CHURCH
The story of St James’ Church is said to begin on the battlefields of the Peninsular War, in Spain. Here, Close and his men rushed in for a battle of which Close was the only survivor. It is said that he there made a promise that if his life was spared he would build a church. In 1837 he fulfilled this vow overseeing the building of St James’ Church. The foundation stone was laid on the 2nd of January 1837, for a building project that took almost four years to complete. The consecration ceremony was held on December 31 was said to be an event of some significance, as St. James’ Church at Morpeth was the first to be completed and consecrated in the Hunter Valley, north of Newcastle.
A DIOCESE (AND A PARISH!) PROCLAIMED
In 1848, with the founding of the Diocese and the arrival of Bishop Tyrrell, Morpeth became the home of the Bishop and the heart of the Diocese. Bishop Tyrrell lived first in the Rectory, until he had completed the purchase of Closebourne – “Bishopscourt” in late 1848. Bishops Pearson (1880-1889) and Stanton (18901905) also lived in this home). Bishop Tyrrell saw himself as very much a parishioner of the Parish, and took his part in parish life when his travels and duties allowed him to. 1848 is also a significant year for the Parish of Morpeth which was declared that year and had its first rector, Josiah Rodwell, appointed.
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REFLECTIONS
BEYOND THE STORM
Storm aftermath, Maitland. Picture: Maitland Mercury
DUNGOG FLOODS
A REFLECTION A FEW WEEKS ON BY THE REV’D COLVIN FORD PARISH OF DUNGOG April 2015 saw a rain event in the Hunter and Williams valley that we had not seen before. The rain fell quickly which meant rivers and creeks were inundated, and not being able to get away, rose quickly into the lower parts of Dungog and the Hunter. (In fact the north coast and south eastern Queensland were likewise flooded) Who could forget the tragic footage of houses floating down the creek that morning of April 21. The loss of life, and displacement of single people and families has cast a pall over Dungog. Three people in Dungog died and 80+ needed to find alternative housing, warm clothes and food. However, very quickly the people rallied. The SES and Rural Fire Brigade had been sent in the early hours of the morning to Stroud to look for people washed away in the Caravan Park there, only to discover that back in Dungog the waters were rising in a deadly and destructive way. Friends and neighbours set about rescuing people, using wheelie bins and eskies as flotation aids. One dear church friend on dialysis said she was standing on the verandah rail up to her neck in water and hanging on to the outside gutter calling for help. She could not swim. We are building a list of people who are being described as flood heroes. Many of them
will be officially recognised a little later, though they are very humble about what they have done. The local Shire Community Centre has been at the centre of relief efforts. Gifts of money, food, clothing and furniture have come in most generous amounts - from locals and those outside the district. Even some major electrical stores sent washing machines and driers for use by those affected by the dirty waters. As well as being practical, it was the lifting of spirits that was even more helpful, the recognition that "someone understands, and someone cares". Of course our farmers are facing huge losses in fences, feed and stock. The three funerals that took place in the town were I think opportunities for people to gather and to grieve in a public way. They were marked by the attendance and involvement of SES, Rural Fire Brigade, the RSL, Air Force dignitaries, as well as the Mayor and Councillors. The people were well known and are being sadly missed. Dungog Shire faces a huge infrastructure debt, and its people need a gentle healing. I believe that in the grand scheme of things God’s grace will abide here. There is life after floods... with a little help from our friends.
SAVED BY THE GRACE OF GOD FR. CARL LANHAM PARISH OF MOUNT VINCENT AND WESTON
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There would be few of us that have not seen people's houses after a fire, flood or some other natural disaster even if only on TV. We always feel bad about their situation. We pray for them as well as help out in any way we can. However, its almost impossible to fully comprehend how devastating these types of things are for people until we experience it ourselves. Lorraine and I have just experienced such a thing. This photo shows a very large tree that had just fallen across our house on Tuesday April 21, the day of the storm. A great deal of damage was done to the house. However, praise God neither Lorraine or myself were hurt,
even though we were both in the house directly under where the tree fell. Many people have said how lucky we were not to have been killed by this tree particularly when they see that this tree stopped its fall about two metres above our heads. I stood in our home looking up to where the ceiling once was. Now all I can see are very large holes where the tree crashed through. I give thanks to God because there was no luck involved here. We were saved by the grace of God. I have no doubt about it. I don't know why we were saved when others were killed. However, both Lorraine and I believe that our lives were spared by the grace of God.
SAMARITANS 2015 WINTER APPEAL EARLY LAUNCH IN RESPONSE TO APRIL’S NATURAL DISASTER
SES Chaplains Rev'd Brian Ford and Rev'd Robyn Fry
THANK YOU A big thank you to everyone who helped others during and after the recent storm event, whether you prayed, called, visited or gave practical assistance to family, friends, neighbours or strangers. Many parishioners worked offering help to their communities apart from assisting directly as the Anglican Church. Two such are Brian Ford and Robyn Fry. Brian and Robyn have both been SES members for many years and besides getting out in orange in the trucks they are also SES chaplains. During the recent event they worked with other chaplains to give support for SES members in the Hunter and Mid North Coast SES Regions. Chaplains visit operational Units providing pastoral advice and support for senior officers and teams as they deal with stress and fatigue from so many calls for assistance. Brian and Robyn between them visited Dungog, Port Stephens, Tea Gardens, Tomaree, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cooranbong, Maitland Unit Headquarters, as well as field operations engaged in roof and tree jobs, flood boat work and community assistance. This storm resulted in an SES operation bigger than that after the Pasha Bulka storm in 2007. This time in the Hunter region there were 8,251 requests for assistance and state wide the storm event triggered 23612 calls for assistance. In the Hunter region there are 15 SES units with about 650 active members. Assistance was called in from other NSW Regions and from interstate. After two weeks 7,950 jobs had been attended to and out of area teams returned leaving the locals to finish up and attend new calls. It has been a massive effort.
Following April’s extreme weather it was with a sense of urgency that Samaritans immediately brought forward the launch of its 2015 Winter Appeal. Samaritans annual Winter Appeal usually launches in May to coincide with the extra demands and needs in the community during the winter months. Each month Samaritans provides more than 1,000 families with emergency assistance and relief and we often see a rise in demand in winter months when electricity bills increase and local families struggle. Due to increasing levels of unemployment and recent changes in government funding of providers of Emergency Relief Services we have, over the last few months, seen double the number of people requiring assistance. This will only increase the need for help during winter. Emergency Relief Services aim to assist people of the Hunter who are experiencing hardship, with food parcels, financial assistance (such as the payment of household bills or grocery vouchers), advocacy with debtors and nointerest loan schemes. April’s natural disaster has added significant pressure to those in our community in need and more people have turned to support services like Samaritans. There are so many wonderful stories of people pitching in and helping their neighbours and friends who were affected by the severe weather - we must never underestimate the actions of being a good Samaritan. With power off and people left in vulnerable situations, especially those who are elderly or on their own raising their children, it has been heartening to hear the stories of people giving shelter, sharing candles or a warm meal. We have seen neighbours come together to move trees and assist with the clean-up. This is an important part of the community getting back on its feet after such a horrific event. The Newcastle and Hunter region communities have always shown a strong spirit of supporting others in times of crisis. In most regions in which Samaritans works, it is the largest distributor of welfare support for emergency assistance. It is timely to remind the local community that Samaritans has Emergency Relief Centres throughout the region. Whilst our hub is located at Brunker Road, Broadmeadow, there are Emergency Relief Centres in East Maitland, Toronto, Cessnock, the Central Coast and in Taree. This winter, more than ever, there are many local families in need. A donation to Samaritans this winter can help to keep someone warm, keep food on a family’s table, or keep a vulnerable child safe.
Samaritans is encouraging donations through its website to ensure the 2015 Winter Appeal reaches its target and supports locals in need. For more information about the 2015 Winter Appeal or to donate visit: www.samaritans.org.au/news_article/ winter-appeal-launched-early/
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CELEBRATING NAIDOC WEEK
Enjoying the Ordination Day at Ngukurr in the Northern Territory. © Anne van Gend, 2013.
NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held across Australia throughout July 5-12 to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In 2015, we will focus on the theme We all Stand on Sacred Ground: Learn, Respect and Celebrate. This year we will highlight the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ strong spiritual and cultural connection to land and sea.
ON RECONCILIATION BY BISHOP GREG THOMPSON Genuine friendships spend time listening and move to action out of a relationship of mutual respect. Genuine friendship seeks the inclusion of gifts and wisdom from all involved. It begins by getting to know your Aboriginal Land Council, the names of Indigenous elders in your community, attending and supporting cultural events, knowing your history pre colonisation and over the last 200 years or more. It begins in our hearts when we suspend for a time the idea that our culture is the centre of the universe and that we are able to learn from a person who is different from us. Symbolic gestures assist too in showing our understanding and recognition of the place First Australian people within our communities. A Welcome to Country is an ancient Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custom, a courtesy extended to visitors, a formal proceeding without which it would be dangerous to travel into someone else’s country. Such acknowledgements in contemporary gatherings with a local elder may be dismissed as tokenism in that the relationship of power is so unequal, and the event would still go ahead even if the local elder refused to accord the welcome. However, as these ceremonies become a familiar and accepted part of Australian public life, so it is possible to see a kind of quiet revolution occurring - recognition on the part of the later-comer community of the co-existence of different systems of ownership, of a deep and on-going relationship to the land that goes beyond legal ownership. Our mutual respect deepens when we place ourselves in the position of student rather than teacher. Our fellow First Australians
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have many wonderful insights about the land, language, clan and ways of living that they are willing to share with us and critical to a sustainable future on this ancient continent. This is integral to a two way learning relationship which shows reconciliation is underway. It could be likened to the rich meaning of hospitality in the scriptures. In Middle Eastern society, hospitality is more than providing food, though this is an important element in offering a welcoming space. Genuine friendships emerge when hospitality is offered so that story, vision and need can be shared. For example 1 Peter 4: 9-10: "Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received." Hospitality is a manifold experience of grace in which relationships and acts of service are entwined for mutual blessing. But when hospitality is twisted and the boundaries of respect are broken the whole of Australian society suffers. This has been the painful theme of our history with First Australians. Historic breaches of trust by institutions and policies, both old and more recent, through removal of children, sexual abuse, violence and recently the caricature of Aboriginal men as perpetrators of great crime, are examples when boundaries of hospitality are broken down. Reconciliation is the practised path in being shaped by the gospel to grow communities for all people in our country. I encourage our church to prayerfully walk this way. +Greg
(adapted from the Morpeth Lecture 2014)
DREAMING STORIES OF THE HUNTER
Dreaming stories pass on important knowledge, cultural values and belief systems to later generations. Through song, dance, painting and storytelling which express them, Aborigines have maintained a link with the Dreaming from ancient times to today, creating a rich cultural heritage. One such site is a large rock formation in the south-west of the Hunter known locally as Tiddalik the frog.
TIDDALIK THE FROG (THE FLOOD-MAKER)
Long ago in the Dreamtime, Tiddalik, the largest frog ever known, awoke one morning with a huge thirst. He started to drink and drank until there was no fresh water left in the world. Soon creatures everywhere were dying and trees were wilting because of the lack of moisture.
All the animals pondered about their terrible plight until a wise old wombat suggested that if Tiddalik could be made to laugh then maybe all the water would flow out of his mouth. This was a good idea the animals agreed. The animals gathered by Tiddalik's resting place and tried for a long time to make him laugh, but it was in vain. The kookaburra told his funniest story, the kangaroo jumped over the emu and the lizard waddled up and down on two legs making his stomach stick out but Tiddalik was not amused.
Then when the animals were in despair, Nabunum the eel who was driven from his favourite creek by the drought slid up to the unresponsive frog and began to dance. As the dance got faster Nabunum wriggled and twisted himself into all sorts of knots and shapes to the amusement of Tiddalik. Tiddalik's eyes lit up and he burst out laughing. As he laughed the water gushed out from his mouth and flowed away to replenish the lakes, swamps and rivers again. (Source: Michael J Connolly Munda-gutta Kulliwari)
THE KANGAROO THAT LIVES INSIDE NOBBYS
A very long time ago, when there were still giant sized animals around, all the various animals within the area would separate into two groups – one group being the females and the other the males. They all lived together very peacefully and happily. One day a large male kangaroo attacked a female wallaby. This was against the law. He was banished from the kangaroo group forever. After a long chase by the wallabies the kangaroo reached Muloobinba, the place of the sea ferns, now called Newcastle. As he entered the sea, he thought about how lucky he was to be able to slip away from the wallabies that chased him. The wallabies thought that he had drowned. But the kangaroo had swum to Nobbys Island and entered the tall rocky outcrop, making sure that he was out of sight of everyone. He is still there to this day, but he won't come out because he is never sure if it is safe for him from the angry wallabies. Sometimes he gets upset and jumps around inside his prison. When his giant tail crashes against the earth, it makes the rocks fall and the ground tremble. The Awabakal people believe this is what causes an earthquake.
The Awabakal, Biripi, Darkinjung, Geawegal, Kamilaroi, Worimi and Wonnarua peoples are recognised as the traditional custodians of the areas of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle.
HOW COAL WAS MADE
The Awabakal people spoke of a volcanic eruption that occurred during the Dreaming, in the area now known as Redhead. An ancient volcanic plug is believed to exist in the Redhead area. The Awabakal name of this volcano is Kintiiyirapiin.
A long time ago a great darkness came over the land. The darkness came from a hole in a mountain and blocked out the sunlight. The people and animals were all very frightened.
Messengers were sent out to gather up the people to have a yarn about how they could bring back the sunlight. The elders decided that they needed to cover up the darkness that was all over the ground. The men, women and children collected rocks, sand, branches and bark which they laid on the ground to cover up the thick darkness. After the darkness was covered many generations walked on the ground pressing the earth flames and darkness together, which created coal or nikin in Awabakal. Now when coal is burnt the ancient earth fire spirit is released. (Source: http://mrsmcshane.weebly.com/local-aboriginal-history.html)
(Source: http://mrsmcshane.weebly.com/local-aboriginal-history.html)
IDEAS ON HOW TO CELEBRATE THIS YEAR’S THEME •
Invite elders or others to talk about local sacred sites
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Visit the Tiddalik site. Located on the side of a narrow valley near the township of Wollombi, Tiddalik is looking up Slacks Creek which flows to join the Wollombi Brook. An extraordinary rock formation, this site never fails to inspire awe in those who see it
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• •
Learn the traditional names and stories for places, mountains, rivers etc around your region
Discover what language groups had names for places and sites in your region
Find out about how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are working to protect these places
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WORLD ENVIRONMENT DA Seven billion dreams
one planet
WHAT DOES WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY MEAN TO YOU? BY THE REV’D JUDY WALSH CHAIRPERSON, DIOCESAN ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION As we approach World Environment Day can I challenge you and ask you: "What does World Environment Day mean to you?" For many years when our nation was in the grip of drought everybody began to consider the concept of global warming and a need for action. The rains came and the great majority of Australians
stopped worrying about it. Sadly of course the rain didn’t fall on all parts of Australia and there are still more country folk in drought than the average person realises, and so we need to ask ourselves: what are we doing to protect our environment or as I prefer to call it "God's creation". As Christians and as active members of our local parishes there are many things we could be doing to reduce our own carbon footprint, to care for our local environment and to protect this earth, the place we all call home. My challenge to you is to ask you a few questions, which hopefully you can answer, or if you can’t, you will seek out those in your parish who can help you. • • •
How active is your parish in relation to environmental matters? Do you know who your Parish Environment Officer is? What energy saving devices and programs has your parish installed or adopted to show you care?
ENERGY • Have you installed solar panels? • Have you installed LED lighting? • Do you consider how and when your parish airconditioning is used? PAPER • How many copies of your parish newsletter are wasted each week? • Can your readings etc be put on overheads or screens?
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WATER • Has your parish installed any water tanks? • Are you able to use any recycled water in your church grounds? WASTE • Have you restricted the use of disposable cups etc in your parish? • Is your parish making the best use of Council recycle bins? PLASTIC • Have you banned the use of plastic bags in your parish? • Do you encourage all of your parishioners to use green bags when shopping? • Could your Parish Craft Group make fabric bags advertising your parish? Perhaps now we can go back and ask ourselves that initial question again: “What does World Environment Day mean to you?” and consider whether we could be doing more to care for our earth - "God's creation"! Remember it’s not only in our parishes but also in our homes!
THE REV'D ROBYN FRY BELMONT / NORTH REDHEAD The World Environment Day (WED) theme this year is Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care. Living within planetary boundaries is the most promising strategy for ensuring a healthy future. Human prosperity need not cost the earth. Living sustainably is about doing more and better with less. It is about knowing that rising rates of natural resource use and the environmental impacts that occur are not a necessary by-product of economic growth. (See the UN web page)
AY consume with care
By 2050, if current consumption and production patterns remain the same and with a rising population expected to reach 9.6 billion, we will need three planets to sustain our ways of living and consumption.
Humans want to live well, enjoy beautiful surroundings, good food and a comfortable home – in peace. The Bible uses various images to describe this happy state. The prophets argued that peace could never be achieved apart from righteousness and justice - sharing the earth’s resources fairly. Isaiah 11:6-11 is among the most picturesque in Scripture. Animals are paired off in a strange and wonderful way: the wolf with the lamb, the leopard with the kid, the calf with the lion, the cow with the bear... They shall be led by a little child. The emphasis is on the harmony, the shalom in the animal kingdom and with humans. Children shall be able to play with snakes and not be hurt. This should be no surprise when we remember the Genesis stories including the covenant after the flood with all creation, “…I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh…” (Genesis 9:15). Those of us who care about creation have figured out that energy waste and inefficiency are wrong. A gas-guzzler car, an uninsulated house, a computer left on 24/7, etc - these are moral issues because they harm the whole community through depleted resources and pollution.
"We dream of peace. We have only one planet on which to live. How can we consume with care? Human beings tend to imitate each other and be somewhat competitive. We can lead by example." Some are now learning lessons about food, buying “ugly” fruit and vegetables, for example awkward avocados, multi-pronged carrots or lumpy potatoes. Lots of usable food is discarded because it does not meet cosmetic and marketing standards. Through the ages, humans have found it easier to see fault in others, instead of recognising our own failures. Jesus said, "Why do you observe the splinter in your brother's eye and never notice the great log in your own?" (Luke 6:41) Some of that difficulty in facing up to our own problems is ignorance, self-interest or denial. What are we to do? There are differences between activism and transformational ministries. Peter Sawtell writes in his notes on “Transformation and Activism” that an activist approach tends to be confrontational. It divides people into opposing sides, allies and enemies. Strategically an activist has difficulty acknowledging
any uncertainty or complicity. A transformational approach is more inclusive. It acknowledges the complexity of many problems and may call us to voluntary simplicity in our own lives, while working towards better legislation and social structures. This transformational approach is in keeping with our covenant relationships. We dream of peace. We have only one planet on which to live. How can we consume with care? How is it possible to transform people who have become used to high consumption lifestyles to simpler less consuming lifestyles? Human beings tend to imitate each other and be somewhat competitive. We can lead by example. The stories that we grow up with tend to shape our behaviour in very powerful ways. Many people have grown up in a story of privilege and an expectancy of a relatively high standard of living. This story has chapters about a good education, probably getting a good job, living in a comfortable house with the latest appliances and, therefore, consuming the world’s resources at a particularly unsustainable level. That’s our western culture. Can we introduce counter-narratives to act as circuit breakers on the story of economic privilege and environmental unsustainability? Religious history has close and complex connections with the stories of empire and economics. Theology and politics get intertwined in interesting ways. If rulers can co-opt theology in the interests of the state then they tend to do so. In this way the radical, even subversive, stories of the Bible get domesticated or undermined. The Earth is not just a disposable commodity for the use of humans. In the Genesis story, God declares creation "very good". The creation has inherent value even before humans come along. We might imagine being a gardener watching over a garden, recognising that if we don’t serve the garden, then the garden will not serve us. There is an inbuilt reciprocity. This reciprocity is recognised in Exodus 23 where it specifies that the land, the vineyard and the olive grove also must rest – in the seventh (Sabbath) year the land must lie fallow. What would be the effect on the environment of a widespread adoption (even by just a couple of billion Christians) of stopping consumption for one day a week – having a new kind of Sabbath day? More importantly, what about living simply the other days too – consuming with care?
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WHY THIS MATTERS
REFUGEE WEEK THERE IS NO "QUEUE" OUT OF A REFUGEE CAMP BY CEC SHEVELS CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SAMARITANS There was a news release last week that the numbers of displaced persons around the world has exceeded a record high of 50 million. Many are in camps within their own country, many are in refugee camps in another country and some are asylum seekers trying to gain admission to countries like Australia, bypassing the refugee camp/UNHCR Refugee Assessment Policy Strategy. It’s not hard to understand why many people want to avoid refugee camps. Apparently they’re harsh and dangerous places for families to settle. Unless there’s a quick return home, most refugees could spend up to 2-3 decades in a refugee camp where there is no sanitation, medical centres, police force, employment and very little education for children. Apparently you can spend the whole day queuing for rations and protecting your children from assault.
There is no queue of successful refugees waiting to be transferred to host countries. It has been estimated that it would take some 157 years of waiting in a refugee camp before your name came up. The only way to get to the top of the list is through corruption or having someone influential to push your case. It is small wonder then that people try to bypass the system and come as asylum seekers, where the welcome is not much better. It is particularly traumatic for children; they say childhood ends when a child enters a camp or a detention centre. We could do much more to welcome refugees to a country like Australia. We cannot sit back and allow hundreds of children to die in the harshest of circumstances, knowing that we could do more. The hopelessness of many years living in a refugee camp must be absolutely devastating. We have the ability to do something about this, by increasing our refugee intake, and we should tell our political leaders that this is what we want.
REFUGEES AND THE WIDOW'S MITE BY RACHEL YATES PARISH OF RAYMOND TERRACE Whilst there are war and poverty there will always be refugees. But as Christians, although far away from the Syrian tents, and subject to the policies of a government trying to recognise genuine refugees amongst the asylumseekers, are we doing enough? Jordan is an exemplary country when it comes to generosity towards refugees. Since the arrival of the first refugees in the 1960s, health, education, and water systems have all been generously opened up. Schools have introduced double shifts, so that more than half of all children are now enrolled in formal education. Last year, more than nine million polio vaccinations were administered in eight months; and 350,000 refugees received psycho-social support. What makes this even more generous, is that Jordan is not a rich country (GDP US$38.1 compared to Australia’s US$ 1,252). And Jordan is not the only “poor” country to be taking in more than its fair-share of asylum-seekers. Greece, still in recovery from its own economic crisis, is now the first port of call for many asylum-seekers from Libya and Egypt. Italy, on the brink of its own economic crisis, is spending US$11.5 million a month to fund Operation Mare Nostrum consisting of five navy vessels at any one time to patrolling between North Africa and Italy, the main aim being to rescue migrants before they get into trouble.
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Of course, we are reminded frequently that Jesus was a refugee and our attitude towards the refugees themselves needs to reflect the compassion we would have shown Jesus. But what about the countries picking up the bill for showing the generosity we congratulate them for? Perhaps Jesus himself can help us gain some perspective. In the story of The Widow’s Mite (Luke 21:1-4), Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on." In this story, the rules of the temple have been wrongly applied, while Jesus congratulates her, the widow should be receiving money from the wealthy, not giving away all she has. The lesson is one for the rich, not the generous widow. Our perspective as Christians needs to be a global one. Just because the numbers of refugees arriving in Australia are relatively low, we need to remind ourselves that every widow, every orphan, every person arriving in Jordan, Greece, Italy, or one of the many other countries receiving asylum-seekers, is our responsibility too. For more information, to donate or to join the campaigns for refugees, check out these websites:
http://unhcr.org.au (The UN refugee agency) http://www.amnesty.org.au (#ShareAmemory) http://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/
THINKING ABOUT FAITH
DOCTOR WHO AND ME AND SPIRITUALITY BY THE REV'D KATHERINE BOWYER
RECTOR CARDIFF / DIOCESAN DIRECTOR OF FORMATION
It’s no secret that I’m a Doctor Who fan (Whovian). My whole family is. In our home you’ll find (amongst other things) a knitted TARDIS (The Doctor’s spaceship), several Weeping Angels, a Dalek bubble bath dispenser, and, my text message alert tone is the sound of the TARDIS landing. Thanks to the kindness of the Rev’d Tim Goldsmith, I now have a picture of myself atop a TARDIS. As Whovians go, I think you could say we’re pretty serious. I grew up watching Doctor Who. Tom Baker, of the floppy hat and the long scarf, was The Doctor of my childhood. Whilst that series ended in 1989, and there was a
"When I watch or read something, I ask questions like, “How does this relate to what I believe?” and “How does this connect with my faith?” The rich writing of Doctor Who gives much to contemplate." telemovie in 1996, it wasn’t until 2005 that the series was relaunched in the format that has made it popular once more. For those unfamiliar with Doctor Who, the basic synopsis is as follows: The Doctor – a renegade Time Lord, travels through Time and Space, exploring the universe, and protecting worlds and civilisations. The Doctor is usually accompanied by a companion or companions, and has a special love for the people of Earth. One of the features of a Time Lord’s life is that they are able to regenerate at the time of death, and thus The Doctor can continue to live, whilst taking different forms. So, how does a science fiction series fit in with Spirituality? First and foremost, I am a Christian, and I see the world through the lens of faith. When I watch or read something, I ask questions like, “How does this relate to what I believe?” and “How
does this connect with my faith?” The rich writing of Doctor Who gives much to contemplate. There is the constant struggle between good and evil, as The Doctor confronts enemies such as the Daleks and the Cybermen. The Daleks, whose catchcry “EXTERMINATE!” encapsulates their desire for supremacy at the destruction of others. The Cybermen, stripped of all emotion, have lost the essence of what it is to be human – the ability to feel. A number of episodes pose questions about what it is to worship, to have faith. Some episodes are based around an alien as a god – a god which is often abusive, or destructive. In The Horns of Nimon (Classic Who), the Nimon is mistaken as a way to bring a form of salvation, but instead brings conquest and destruction. Similarly, the related episode in New Who, The God Complex, poses questions about what it is to have faith in the face of fear. In The Sound of Drums (New Who), the following exchange occurs between the Doctor’s companion Martha, and the Doctor’s nemesis, The Master. Martha: Don't you wanna know what I was doing, travelling the world? The Master: Tell me. Martha: I told a story, that's all. No weapons, just words. I did just what The Doctor said. I went across the continents, all on my own. And everywhere I went I found the people and I told them my story. I told them about The Doctor. And I told them to pass it, to spread the word so that everyone would know about The Doctor. The Master: Faith and hope. Is that all? Martha: No. 'Cause I gave them an instruction. Just as The Doctor said. I told them that if everyone thinks of one word, at one specific time— The Master: Nothing will happen. Is that your weapon? Prayer?
As a Christian it’s easy to see Martha as an evangelist. The Master’s scoffing at the power of faith and hope – and prayer as a great weapon, strikes a chord with me as someone who does believe in the power of prayer. And whilst Martha proclaims the message of The Doctor, we know as Christians, how much more powerful and life-giving is the proclamation of the truth of the message of Jesus Christ. Some episodes explore ideas of evil, and invoke Biblical imagery such as The Daemons (Classic Who) and The Impossible Planet/ The Satan Pit (New Who). I’m not ashamed to admit, that when in The Impossible Planet, when The Doctor asks The Ood to identify themselves, and they respond “Our name is Legion” I actually screamed in fright! Sometimes it draws on imagery in a way that surprises me – such as Death in Heaven (New Who) where the souls of the dead are described as being in a cloud – instantly reminding me of Hebrews 12.1 “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” So what does this mean for me? It means that as I watch Doctor Who, I engage with it, not just on a level of enjoyment as a fan, I also engage more deeply, bringing my faith to my viewing. It raises questions for me to explore, and gives a point of connection with others, from which I can speak about my faith in God, and my belief, and, an opportunity to affirm, that whilst The Doctor might save lives in a television series, it is God who saves for eternity.
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NAIDOC WEEK 2015 JULY 5 - 12 BY THE REV'D LOY THOMPSON SECRETARY OF THE DIOCESAN SOCIAL JUSTICE TASKFORCE "Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." These words, found in Exodus 3 verse 5, were spoken by God to Moses and are well known to many of us. Long before these words were spoken the Aboriginal people of Australia were walking this land, nurturing this land, and being nurtured by it. The land, Mother Earth, is the home of the Dreamtime stories, and the heart of Aboriginal spirituality and culture. The website for NAIDOC Week 2015 states that the "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' unique and timeless connection to land is the special focus and theme of this year’s National NAIDOC Week celebrations". This year’s theme was specifically chosen to also highlight and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the "Handback" of Uluru to its traditional owners on October 26 1985. As Christians we live with constant reminders of "Sacred ground". Pilgrimages to sacred places are increasingly popular and a brief conversation with anyone who has visited the Holy Land reveals a sensory impact that permeates one’s whole being, physically, spiritually and emotionally, as one steps gently into the timelessness of the sacred. During the week of July 5 to 12, we are encouraged to become more aware of both local and national Aboriginal Sacred sites, learn the stories associated with them and, if possible, take the time to visit one or more of these places, mindful always of the need to consult with Aboriginal Elders and owners of the properties on which these sites are located. On my visit to Uluru last July I was privileged to be introduced to an Aboriginal Elder who invited our small group of seven people to join her in one of the caves formed by the “Rock”. The timelessness of that experience and the need to be embraced by the earth was so overwhelming that I just sat in the earth and ran my fingers through it. As I did this the Elder put her arm around me in a gesture of sisterly love and empathy. Being held so powerfully and gently by Mother Earth and the Elder is an experience I shall never forget. NAIDOC Week is an invitation to each of us to allow ourselves to be embraced by the land, its rocks, rivers, mountains, creeks and trees. Over 300 sacred sites have been identified in the Hunter region, some are well known – others not as much.
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I would like to mention briefly the significance of the Wollombi Valley in its importance to the Aboriginal Culture. In particular, Mt Yengo was and is a major focus of Aboriginal culture, being directly connected to the Dreamtime story of the creation of the earth. Local Aboriginal lore states that Mt Yengo is the place where Biamie departed to the skies after finishing his creative tasks during the Dreamtime. The mountain top was flattened when Biamie stepped on it. Biamie's Cave, also called "Going's Home", is found on private property near Yengo National Park. Biamie is known as the "Father of All" to the Dreamtime of many NSW Aboriginal cultures, including the Wonnarua on whose traditional land the cave is found. Biamie’s son, Daramulum, is believed to have created the smaller flat rock peaks in the area. Our Diocesan Prayer Diary encourages us to pray daily for the First Peoples of the land encompassed by our Diocese. Throughout each month we pray especially for the Awabakal, Biripi, Darkinjung, Geawegal, Kamilaroi, Worimi and Wonnarua peoples. The Prayer Book provides us with a prayer that we might use during NAIDOC Week. It is found on page 218 and titled A thanksgiving for Australia, and I quote:
God of holy dreaming, Great Creator Spirit, from the dawn of creation you have given your children the good things of Mother Earth. You spoke and the gum tree grew... Your presence endures as the rock at the heart of our land... Lead us on Great Spirit; ...enable us to walk in trust from the hurt and shame of the past into the full day which has dawned in Jesus Christ. Amen May our participation in NAIDOC Week this year spur us on in our appreciation of the land, our understanding of Aboriginal culture and spirituality, and our desire to further the cause of Reconciliation and Recognition as we humbly acknowledge that those of us who are non-indigenous have much to learn from our Aboriginal brothers and sisters. Please note that permission is not required to fly either the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander flag. However, if you want to reproduce either flag (for example, on a flyer or poster), you will need to seek permission. More information about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags including contact details to gain permissions is available on the NAIDOC website. As the date draws closer Local Councils will also have information on their websites regarding specific community celebrations planned for NAIDOC Week.
WITH COURAGE LET US ALL COMBINE BY SUE WILLIAMS MEMBER OF THE DIOCESAN SOCIAL JUSTICE TASKFORCE The Refugee Council of Australia has chosen With courage let us all combine as the theme for Refugee Week in Australia for 2015 to 2017. Taken from the second verse of the national anthem, the theme celebrates the courage of refugees and of people who speak out against persecution and injustice. It serves as a call for unity and for positive action, encouraging Australians to improve our nation’s welcome of refugees and to acknowledge the skills and energy refugees bring to their new home. It takes courage to be a refugee: As people who have faced persecution because of who they are (their race, nationality or membership of a persecuted group) or what they believe (their religion or political opinion), refugees need: • • • •
The courage not to deny identity or beliefs in the face of persecution. The courage to leave all that is familiar and step into the unknown in search of peace. The courage to keep going in the face of devastating loss, difficulty and despair. The courage to begin again, to work hard and to maintain hope in an unfamiliar land.
It takes courage to speak out against injustice: In a world where refugees experience persecution in their countries of origin and often face discrimination, difficulty and rejection in places where they seek refuge, speaking out often requires courage. In Refugee Week, we acknowledge and celebrate the dedication and bravery of refugee leaders, advocates and citizens who draw attention to violations of human rights, support people at their time of greatest need and challenge callous indifference to the suffering of others.
"It takes courage to be a refugee. As people who have faced persecution because of who they are or what they believe" A call for unity and action for a fairer society: The Refugee Week theme encourages Australians to celebrate the best aspects of our nation’s welcome of refugees, frankly acknowledge unjust treatment of asylum seekers and refugees and commit to working together to ensure that we do better. In doing this, we celebrate the positive contributions to Australian society made over the past 70 years by the 800,000 Australians who once were refugees, taking inspiration from the second verse of Advance Australia Fair:
Beneath our radiant Southern Cross, We’ll toil with hearts and hands; To make this Commonwealth of ours Renowned of all the lands; For those who’ve come across the seas, We’ve boundless plains to share; With courage let us all combine To Advance Australia Fair.
LOCAL EVENTS
Australia’s first Afghan-born surf life saver, Imtiyaz ‘Minty’ Saberi (right) and Hassan Ali at a training day at Edithvale Surf Life Saving Club, Victoria. Photo: Angela Wylie/Fairfax Syndication
Refugee Week, June 13 to 20, will be celebrated in Newcastle with the following events. Please support these events and also explore the range of worship, information and action resources available on the Uniting Justice Australia website www.unitingjustice.org.au/refugees-and-asylum seekers. • Saturday June 13 - Unity in Diversity Walk and Festival - 11am walk from Newcastle Museum to Civic Park for the Festival - celebrate, listen to music, share food, share stories and dance • Sunday June 14 - Picnic with involvement from current refugee communities in Newcastle - sports, dancing and a DJ. Jesmond Park 10am to 3pm, wet weather venue Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre • Refugee Short Film Series - includes Villawood Mums, Balan's Story and many more. A couple of film-makers to speak as well. Two showings - Tuesday June 16 - Regal Cinema, Birmingham Gardens 6pm and Saturday June 20 - Newcastle Museum 2pm • Thursday June 18 - Panel of Speakers - Perspectives on the refugee experience – including stories and information. Speakers to include Margaret Piper AM 6pm, Lovett Gallery, Newcastle Region Library, Level 2, Laman St, Newcastle, RSVP 4974 5300
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INSIGHTS: A WORD FROM OUR CHAPLAINS On Thursday June 25 we celebrate the Day of the Seafarer, recognising the unique contribution made by the seafarers from all over the world. Alongside these seafarers, we also recognise the invaluable contribution made by the Mission to Seafarers, which offers a warm, loving “home away from home" to seafarers who enter the Port of Newcastle and is committed to ensuring they feel wanted, accepted, and well looked after. Fr Peter Middleton reflects on his time as a chaplain to the Mission to Seafarers Newcastle. BY THE REV'D PETER MIDDLETON MISSION TO SEAFARERS CHAPLAIN I believe the ministry of the Mission to Seafarers is a really important part of the Church’s caring work and a great witness to the generosity of God in Jesus Christ, and I love being a Mission to Seafarers chaplain. Shortly after commencing my ministry with the Mission to Seafarers, I was asked to care for a Chinese seafarer who had been injured on his ship and would need some surgery in Newcastle. This man had very limited ability with English so I accompanied him to
see the specialist and then helped him communicate with the nursing staff and fill in various forms. All along, I could see that this poor guy was quite anxious and confused about what was going on. I tried to put myself in his shoes: here he was in an unfamiliar country with a very different health system from China’s; he was separated from his family and friends; and he couldn’t communicate easily how he was feeling, nor could he understand what people were saying to him. But I was able to stay with him as his chaplain through the day and support him through this traumatic experience. As I prepared to leave him at the end of a long day, what really encouraged me was this seafarer’s comment in stammering English that the "Seaman’s Club" (which is what seafarers usually call us) is very kind. That, for me, sums up our mission and the purpose of our ministry: to demonstrate to visiting seafarers from around the world the kindness of God that we’ve experienced through Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 2: God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ… so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. My continuing hope and prayer for the Chinese seafarer I was looking after (and for all our visiting seafarers) is that my caring for
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them will help them to connect further with God in the future and discover for themselves the kindness of God that flows through Jesus Christ and is available to all. To help seafarers connect with God, we make Chinese, Filipino, Hindi and English Bibles and other Christian literature available for free in our Centre. We also have in our Centre a beautiful chapel where seafarers can sit and pray in a quiet space and reflect on their lives. I, as a chaplain (along with many of our volunteers) am always ready to spend time in conversation with the seafarers, and share my Christian faith with them. Many seafarers, of course, are already followers of Jesus and members of his Church. Some follow other religions such as Islam or Hinduism. Others have no religious affiliation. But, whatever their background, our aim at the Mission to Seafarers is to help all seafarers recognise that Jesus is travelling with them, and is always ready to engage with them. We want to help seafarers know that Jesus is always alongside them on their journey across huge, lonely and often dangerous distances at sea. In my ministry as a chaplain, I’m always conscious of the fact that these seafarers probably won’t see their families for nine months at a time (the normal length of their contract), which must place a terrible strain on their marriages and other family relationships. Seafarers have a really tough working life and regularly have to battle feelings of loneliness. They know that their wives and children miss them terribly while they’re away, and they feel really powerless when difficult things happen at home. So an important part of my role as chaplain is to be attentive to the stories the seafarers share, and to support them in whatever way I can. Sometimes I find myself advocating for a seafarer who has been treated unjustly or placed in a dangerous situation. Sometimes I help them find recreation and refreshment in Newcastle. Most of the time I’m just here to listen and give the seafarers an opportunity to share their burden with another human being. Communication is not always easy, of course, as very few seafarers speak fluent English, but I do my best. It’s amazing how much a welcoming ear, a smile and a handshake can communicate something of God’s goodness to another person and open the way to a deeper conversation about our relationship to our heavenly Father.
WHY BOTHER WITH SPECIAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION? BY THE REV'D GLEN HUGHES SUPERVISING PRIEST MERRIWA & MURRURUNDI / AREA DEAN THE UPPER HUNTER It's a question that I am sometimes asked, usually by those who have had a bad experience either teaching or receiving SRE (aka School Scripture). My own experience tells me that SRE is a vital part of our connection to local communities and if done well, is a great opportunity to teach about the Christian faith.
As we reflect on where our church communities are at in their life cycles, we often find that we have very few children present at worship and so don't often have the opportunity to pass on the Christian story to young people in the context of our congregations on a regular basis. This seems to be changing in recent times, with the advent of Messy Church and a variety of other emerging programs in our Diocese. But the question remains, where can we pass on the Christian story to our young people, apart from our local church community? Our Public Schools, of course, are full of young people with real questions about life and living, as well as deeply spiritual questions about the divine and the eternal, questions that are not always addressed through the normal curriculum. This is where we have an opportunity to teach the Christian perspective on these things in SRE classes. I've helped deliver SRE in a number of different ways - in classes, to small groups and more recently, in “chapel" services to multiple
year groups. We use multimedia presentations, music and age appropriate materials to present the Christian story and answer questions put to us by students and staff. There's certainly more to it today than the strict (and dry!) “Bible classes” I experienced in my own schooling.
As a side benefit, I've noticed that as a priest, in taking my part in the school community, the families that I encounter there are more open to my ministry because I am a familiar face. In communities where I have taught SRE, there also seems to be more children and families connected to the worshipping community at the local church. As a priest teaching SRE, I often feel as though I am helping to “demystify” the church in the broader community, where not everyone is connected to us like they used to be. It's a way of creating opportunities for ministry through building relationships. Being able to teach SRE in our Public Schools is a great privilege, one we must guard carefully and celebrate often. I see SRE as a work of the Kingdom of God - an opportunity to plant some seeds for faithfulness. We might not always see them bloom, but it is exciting to watch them begin to grow.
SRE, or Special Religious Education is more commonly called ‘School Scripture’. It’s been in NSW public schools since the government took over from the churches in providing education in the late 1800’s. For info contact Kate Baker, Diocesan SRE Co-ordinator katebaker@newcastleanglican. org.au or phone 4070 3733.
BUILDING BRIDGES OF UNDERSTANDING building walls of fear, it is time to build bridges of understanding. Recent visits to a local Mosque by leaders from the Anglican, Uniting and Catholic Churches are a good way to foster interfaith understanding. A local Uniting Church has shared a meal together On Easter Saturday in Newcastle several hundred people attended with some Muslim folk. When hospitality is given and received a "Reclaim Australia" rally. Speakers at this rally expressed many bonds of understanding and respect can be built. concerns and fears about Islam. I was disappointed to hear such fears expressed. My personal encounters with local Muslims have Let us reverence and respect the richness that religious and cultural diversity brings to the city of Newcastle. On Saturday June always been friendly and enriching. 13 a Unity in Diversity event will celebrate cultural and religious However, I can see that constant media bombardment with diversity in Newcastle. It begins at 11am with a walk from the negative stereotypes of Muslims can affect people’s perceptions Newcastle Museum to Civic Park. From 11.30am to 2pm a festival and provide fertile ground for fear to take seed. Rather than will be in Civic Park.
BY DAVID WHITSON RESIDENT OF LAKE MACQUARIE HOLDING A MASTER OF THEOLOGY DEGREE
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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Q&A WHY SHOULD WE ENGAGE WITH OTHER DENOMINATIONS? WHAT GOOD THINGS HAPPEN FROM CHRISTIAN UNITY? THE REV'D MOIRA EVERS
PRIEST IN CHARGE TELARAH RUTHERFORD Why should we engage with other denominations? When we engage with other Christian denominations we are expressing our heartfelt desire for unity. Of course, there is a very clear biblical injunction that Disciples of Christ be of one mind when, on the eve of his death, Jesus prayed, “ As you, Father, are in me and I in you, may they also be one in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me (John 17:21).” In a world torn apart by violence, often in the name of God, and where so many people suffer because of divisions along the lines of race, gender, socio-economic status, sexuality, age or religion, bigotry among Christians because of differences in the understanding of Scripture or the Sacraments or liturgy is a sin of the highest order. The Archbishop of Canterbury said recently, “We cripple our witness when we are not united.” To engage with Christians from other denominations, to find unity in our diversity, is to speak the common language of compassion, justice and mercy to a world so desperately in need of the love that Christ came to share. What good things happen from Christian unity? If Christians of all denominations could find their common ground in Christ imagine what a difference that would make to the communities in which we live, struggle and worship. Imagine how much more effectively we could witness to the love of Christ in our attitudes of non-judgment, in our willingness to forgive without measure, in the development of relationships based on humble service and sacrificial love, in our welcome to the stranger in our midst, in our respect for the environment and “all creatures great and small,” in the care we could bring to the poor, the sick and the marginalised. Archbishop Justin Welby hit the nail on the head when he commented at an ecumenical leadership conference, “Unity among Christians releases a power that is impossible to exaggerate.”
THE REV'D GEORGE GARNSEY
RETIRED PRIEST, PARISH OF MORPETH All denominations trace their origin to the first Church in Jerusalem founded on the first apostles’ preaching, ministry, fellowship and worship of Jesus Christ empowered by his Spirit. Jesus prayed that his disciples might be one, that the world may believe that God had sent him into the world (John 17: 20-21). Ephesians 4: 4-6 is a passionate appeal for unity as is 1 Corinthians 1: 10-13. History records that the unity for which Christ and Paul prayed has been tragically fractured. But the damage is not irreparable. “That the world may believe” spurred the Churches to convene the International Missionary Conference at Edinburgh in 1910 and to establish the World Council of Churches in 1948. Since then it has become increasingly clear that engaging with other denominations locally is the way forward if the prayers of Christ and Paul are to be granted and fulfilled, with the gracious help of the Holy Spirit.
What good things happen from Christian unity? Globally since the 1970s World Council of Churches assemblies have increasingly heard the voice of the churches of Africa, Asia and Latin America calling for an end to racism, war and poverty and the destruction of the environment. The National Council of Churches’ Christmas Bowl/Act For Peace appeals and programs raise millions of dollars annually for international aid. Locally, churches have worked together for services marking the World Day of Prayer, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and the great festivals of Christmas and Easter. Churches have stood together prophetically on social justice issues, notably the treatment of asylum seekers and the recognition and advancement of indigenous Australians. Christians for Peace (Newcastle) and Christian members of Amnesty International work constantly on these issues. We have been fortunate to have had excellent leadership from Bishops Roger Herft, Michael Malone, Brian Farran, Greg Thompson, Bill Wright, Peter Stewart and David Walker. In recent years Bishop Peter and Bishop David have discussed Anglican and Roman Catholic understandings of the Eucharist. Bishop Roger and Bishop Michael sponsored co-operation between the work of the Samaritans and the St Vincent de Paul Society. Bishop Brian and Bishop Bill engaged in discussion of the interpretation of scripture and Bishop Brian, Bishop Michael and the Chair of the Uniting Churches Hunter Presbytery combined for a frank discussion on the problems facing each of their churches. All of these meetings have drawn big audiences including a dialogue last October between Bishop Greg and Bishop Bill at St Thomas’s Church, Cardiff. Many topics were discussed in a friendly spirit and the cause of Christian Unity was considerably advanced. The world needs Christ and is more likely to listen to Christians and accept their message if we pray and work together.
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KATHERINE GIBSON
ORDINAND IN THE DIOCESE As Christians we believe that God is working in and through us. This is a truth not just for our own denomination but for Christians from across the various traditions. Through engaging with other denominations, we open our eyes to God working through his people and his church. I am an Anglican and I love being an Anglican. I love the people that I encounter in the Anglican Church, some quite like me, others very different from me. I am challenged and inspired by the many varied people I meet in the Anglican Church. As we connect with Christians from other denominations, this continues. We challenge each other, we learn from each other, we inspire each other, we recognise the Holy Spirit at work in each other, we acknowledge our salvation in Jesus Christ and through this we grow, both as Anglicans and as a part of the universal church. We will often disagree, sometimes about trivial things and at other times about important things. Despite this, it is crucial that we take opportunities to pray and worship with people from other denominations, to come together as Children of God and to appreciate that the ministry and mission that we participate in is not ours, but God’s.
BELMONT NORTH/REDHEAD FROM GRAVEL TO GRASS In Afghanistan they play soccer on gravel surfaces but now the Afghani football team plays soccer on soft grass thanks to the generous nature of Belmont North/Redhead parish. The team who formed last year under a funding grant became great friends and mentored a number of younger boys, teaching them the skills required to play one of most popular sports in Afghanistan. And we all know that Afghanistan's national soccer team made history by beating India in the final of the South Asian Football Federation championship. So football has a very real place in the lives of the Afghan community as it binds the community together, gives young men the ability to build their self esteem and to build healthy relationships within their community so they stay within the community. This year saw a crisis emerge for the team as they were unable to fund their registration with Jesmond Football Club to play in the AAM/6 Grade R competition. All the positive aspects of football could be lost to these young men who might turn away from building self worth and building stronger community ties. The connections with the wider Australian community would also be lost. At the same time Belmont North/Redhead Parish was reconsidering the Welcome Refugees picnics held for several years for new refugees to Newcastle because the Welcome to Australia Committee had decided to begin monthly Welcome picnics. At a meeting held at the parish with those concerned with the picnics, the issue of the Afghani football team plight was raised. Could the people of the parish raise the funds needed to assist? Was this good stewardship? Would it build the Kingdom of God? Would it build community? The questions were raised at a parish meeting, and the answers given, yes it would build the kingdom, it was good stewardship and yes it would build community between the Afghan community and the wider Newcastle community. The ever-generous Parish of Belmont North/Redhead agreed to
underwrite the Afghani football team knowing full well that most were practising Muslims, that it would not build parish numbers on a Sunday. But it would build relationships, understanding, respect and community and in doing so build the Kingdom of God. These relationships were already forming with some of the young wives of the players who had already received baby bundles and other baby furniture items given in conjunction with Belmont parish. Some of the wives come to the home games, enabling our parishioners who come to the games to further build friendships with the whole family. You may not realize that the cricket season will start later in the year and the Afghani cricketers will also need sponsoring for their registration fees. Although a different group of young people to the soccer players, the need and benefits are the same community building within their cultural group as well as those important ties to our own Australian community that they so much want to be a part of. Perhaps your parish or a partnership of parishes or groups might like to sponsor the Afghani cricketers for the 2015 season. If you or your parish would like to be part of this exciting adventure into the world of sponsorship please contact Archdeacon Wendy Dubojski on 4945 5860 or belmontnthredhead@bigpond.com.
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OUR ORGANISATIONS
SAMARITANS
“GIVE HAPPY LIVE HAPPY” SAMARITANS CELEBRATES VOLUNTEER WEEK! Established in 1989, National Volunteer Week provides an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers in our community and to say thank you. Samaritans is fortunate to have over 430 active volunteers who play a crucial role in supporting many services on a day-to-day basis. The roles and opportunities for volunteers are varied and can include: assisting with events and fundraising; working as a retail assistant in one of our stores; supporting people living with a disability; delivery and pick up of donations. In celebration of National Volunteer Week Samaritans hosted morning tea for volunteers in three key regional locations - Taree, Newcastle and the Hunter, and on the Central Coast. Volunteers had the opportunity to meet, mingle and enjoy morning tea with other volunteers and staff after official proceedings concluded. In acknowledgement of the work of Samaritans volunteers, a Volunteer Recognition Wall has been established at the Warabrook Head Office. This Wall features photos taken on the day of each volunteer and their thoughts and motivations in relation to volunteering. For more information on volunteering with Samaritans and all Samaritans services go to www.samaritans.org.au
BISHOP TYRRELL ANGLICAN COLLEGE VANUATU APPEAL
During March, students from BTAC collected items for distribution on the islands of Vanuatu in the wake of Cyclone Pam. The response from the College community was fantastic. The Chapel started filling up fast through the generous donations of students, their families as well as a large donation by the Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College Parents and Friends Association. One of the many encouraging stories is that of Year 1 student Ameliah Forster who rallied behind this cause seeking a fundraising letter and with her mother’s help gathered donations from her local Coles Supermarket, a chemist and other retail outlets. Ameliah’s mother Clarissa said, “The College has certainly encouraged Ameliah to think of others in need. If only we had more time, we have been out every afternoon this week collecting donations.” Mother Jane Trigg said, “The BTAC Vanuatu Appeal supports the focus we have had during Lent about helping others, especially those who are "foreigners" or different to us in some way. "This is truly living out of the Gospel imperative to "love one another"."
Join Anglican Care’s Christian family and enhance your lifestyle Providing quality services for Seniors, Anglican Care is the aged care ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle. Offering Retirement Living, Community & Home Care and Residential Care in the Hunter, Central Coast and Manning Regions. For further information please contact the Customer Service Centre on FREE CALL 1800 733 553 www.anglicancare.com.au
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ANGLICAN WOMEN
ANNUAL SERVICE: LEARNING ABOUT ALZHEIMERS Bishop Greg Thompson will celebrate and preach at the Anglican Women's Annual Service at Christ Church Cathedral on Tuesday June 2. Guest speakers will be two outstanding representatives of Alzheimer's Australia NSW which will be the focus of the "Thank You Box" giving September 2015/2016. Since September 2008, The Hon. John Watkins has been the CEO of Alzheimer’s Australia NSW and has played an important role in some of the major ageing and dementia challenges facing the community of NSW. He worked as a teacher for 16 years until his election to the NSW Parliament in 1995 where he served until 2008. He was Deputy Premier and also Transport Minister and Minister for Finance when he resigned from politics in September 2008. He was also Minister responsible for World Youth Day 2008. Since June 2012 John has been Chair of Mary MacKillop International, an overseas aid organisation providing assistance to communities in East Timor and Peru. The second speaker will be Jacqui Louez who was compelled into action to support Alzheimer’s Australia as her father passed away in August 2013 from dementia. Jacqui, who works in the film industry, was able to organise an exclusive film screening of Still Alice when the movie was released.
Jacqui Louez (centre) pictured with her mother and father
The film drew painful parallels for Jacqui with her own family's dementia journey, but she spoke at the opening to the film where the audience was blown away by her story and connection to the charity. All welcome: Arrival and light refreshments 10am, Holy Eucharist 10.30am, guest speakers 11.30-12.15pm. President's address 12.15-12.30. Lunch and light refreshments 12.30-1.30pm.
Edan Shorten knows what it takes to face big challenges. You see, Edan lives with anaphylaxis to eggs, dairy products, tree nuts and peanuts. Even trace amounts of these foods can threaten her life. This condition, however, does not slow her down or stop her from being a champion. This Year 6 student from Lakes Grammar – An Anglican School, loves gymnastics and has become very good. "State champion" good in fact. During the Easter school holidays, Edan competed at the NSW Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) Championships in Level 7, Division 1, in the National stream of competition. Apart EDAN TAKES GOLD from achieving a personal best during the meet, Edan finished 6th on Vault, 4th on Floor, 2nd on Beam and 1st on Uneven Bars. Her combined overall score across the two days gained her 1st place overall and selection in the NSW WAG team to compete at the National Championships in May. Edan said, “Feel how heavy my gold medal is, it’s just like one from the Olympics”. Coincidentally this year, the National Gymnastics Championships are held the same week as Food Allergy Week (May 17-23), an awareness initiative of Anaphylaxis Australia. The symbol for raising food allergy awareness is to paint one fingernail, but as a gymnast, Edan is not allowed to wear any fingernail polish during competitions. The painted fingernail represents the one in 10 children who will develop a food allergy in Australia. As a caring community Lakes Grammar – An Anglican School are going to encourage their Junior School students to paint one of their fingernails blue in support of Edan as she represents NSW and to remind us all to care for those with food allergies.
LAKES GRAMMAR
Hon. John Watkins
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AROUND THE DIOCESE
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.
GIRLS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY AUSTRALIA TRIENNIAL COUNCIL
In January, 70 Girls' Friendly Society (GFS) members from throughout Australia gathered together in Hobart for the Triennial Australian Council. It was a time of fun, fellowship, faith and formation. The conference had representatives from most Dioceses where GFS is represented, those with very active GFS ministries and others with only adult (Townsend) fellowships. Our Australian Council is always an occasion to share our stories, plan for future growth and renew friendships which have been long-standing. For many of us we only see one another at these gatherings and it is an important time to celebrate our unity.
The project was officially launched at the Cathedral's 99th ANZAC Day Service on April 19, one of very few to have been held continuously since 1916. Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and federal member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon conducted readings at the service. Picture: Marina Neil, Newcastle Herald.
We were especially blessed this year with several people who joined us for the first time, including Wilma who had travelled from Port Moresby. This was a particular thrill as GFS in Australia has been supporting GFS in PNG for quite some years. During the conference we heard interesting speakers from other organisations working with children and young people (Girls Brigade, Girl Guides, Bravehearts, and the Heartz Project) which gave us an opportunity to celebrate the similar paths that they are taking, along with the uniqueness of each organisation. It was especially important to realise that we can learn from each other and work together as well. There was also opportunity, as we gathered, to celebrate the lives of those who had passed away since the last conference and to celebrate their contribution to GFS over the years. 36 names were read out at this service in a beautiful historic church at Richmond, in a moving service and led to names being placed on a quilt that had been made and designed by Melbourne GFS. Barbara Ritter from our diocese was one of those we remembered. People asked if this might become a regular feature of future Australian Councils. At the end of Council in St David’s Cathedral the new Executive for GFS Australia was commissioned, with Gail Orchard (Beresfield parish) commissioned as GFS Australian Chairperson for the coming three years. We pray that God will guide us through the coming term to grow GFS in Australia. Words by The Venerable Canon Sonia Roulston
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? 24
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.
TAREE
ROTARY RECOGNISES SAMARITANS VOLUNTEER The three Rotary clubs in Taree combined recently for a special awards presentation dinner to recognise volunteers in the local community. Awardees represented included, among others, volunteers from RSPCA, Camp Quality, Manning River Men’s Shed, Riding for the Disabled, Volunteer Rescue. The Anglican parish of Taree was very proud to nominate the Rev'd Helen Holliday, a Priest in Local Ministry at St John’s in Taree, as a worthy recipient. One of the many voluntary roles the Rev’d Helen undertakes in the parish is that of co-ordinator of the Samaritans Foundation Emergency Relief (ER) activities, which she established in Taree 5 years ago. The Rev’d Helen has done "the hard yards" in getting the service established, and the reason the service has been successful is because of the organisation and elementary work that she did. This service operates each Wednesday out of the St John’s Memorial Hall, and provides food parcels for the people in need who present for assistance. The Rev’d Helen regularly follows up with clients who have particular needs. The ER volunteers provide assistance to those seeking help in relation to homelessness by providing contact details of Samaritans other services. Clothing Vouchers (provided by the Anglican Blue Cross Op Shop) are provided on request. Why the affectionate term “Blue Cross Op Shop”, and indeed the Blue Cross church? The bright blue cross that adorns the steeple of St John’s church is visible from most parts of town. We all recognise that our communities would be so much the poorer without the teams of volunteers that form the fabric of Australian society. We thank and congratulate each person who gives of their time and talents to make life a little better for others.
KURRI KURRI ANZAC EVENSONG
For the fifth year in succession, St Paul’s Church at Kurri Kurri has hosted a commemorative Evensong in conjunction with the Kurri Kurri Sub-branch of the RSL. The service is held every year on the Sunday prior to ANZAC Day. The event was initiated when members of the RSL approached the Rev'd Wayne Sheean, then priest-in-charge and chaplain to the sub-branch, seeking a service in the local area. The service continued under the Rev'd Keith Joseph, himself a former Defence Force member, and this year the Rev'd Chris Jackson and the Rev'd Carl Lanham shared the liturgy, while the Rev'd Greg Clarke, former Defence chaplain, was the occasional preacher. “The parish has a strong relationship with the returned service community,” said the Rev'd Chris, “especially through the Rev'd Carl in his role as chaplain to the sub-branch.” “This commemorative service has become part of the community’s remembrance on the occasion of ANZAC Day, and enjoys strong support within and beyond the parish.” As part of the service, the Australian National Flag and RSL flag are ceremonially presented and laid upon the altar. A colour party is provided each year by No 22 (City of Sydney) Squadron, based at Richmond RAAF base. This year, as in the past, LAC Alexander Dyson-Smith, a former altar server in the parish, was a member of that party. The service was well-received by returned service personnel, with one comment being that the Rev'd Greg had delivered a “soldier’s sermon.” The parish looks forward to continuing this annual cooperative commemoration.
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AROUND THE DIOCESE
BERESFIELD/THORNTON SWAMPSTOMP
DENMAN
TRAVELS OF THE BARRAT BIBLE This is a story that has been 143 years, three different families and over 1,000 kilometres in the making. When I was a student at St Luke's Wallsend, parishioners Lorraine and John McDonald gave me a very old family bible as an ordination gift in 2012. Lorraine and John purchased the bible from Nellies Auction House in Wickham, Newcastle some years ago for $30. The McDonalds were drawn to the bible because no one was bidding for it and they had seen that it contained someone’s precious family history dating back to 1873, including an original marriage certificate from that year and all 13 of their children’s names, dates of birth and some dates of death. Being someone who appreciates history and stories I was excited to be given the bible and quickly googled the original owners' names and the place where they were married. The internet gave me pictures of Walter and Mary Barrat’s final resting place. They lived and were buried in the town of Murchinson, Victoria where they had married in 1873. Three years later, after a conversation with a friend about old family bibles, I thought I might do some further research on the Barrat family who originally owned the bible. A quick google of the white pages gave me two Barrat names in the Murchinson area. After allaying the person's fears on the end of the phone that I wasn't trying to sell her something, she put me onto her husband who turned out to be the great grandson of the original owners of the bible. As my husband and I were planning to head to the southern states for our holidays we also planned on our trip to return the bible to its family of origin. Ray Walter Barrat and Kathy Ryan nee Barrat (Ray’s sister) met us at Shepparton on April 6 2015 to collect the bible. The family was all very excited, as they were not aware the family ever owned such a piece of history. John and Lorraine McDonald were also pleased for the bible to be returned to the Barrat family and to be part of the story in getting the bible returned to its rightful owners. The last written entry in the bible was the death of one of the children in 1963. What happened to the bible after 1963 and how it ended up in Newcastle remains a mystery but the bible is now back in the original family’s hands and will be looked after by Ray and Kathy’s niece who is an avid family historian. Words by Rev'd Jody Zammit
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On April 12 we held the bi-annual Swamp Stomp at the Woodberry Sporting Field and it was a huge success - the best ever. It is a community based event which brings many different people together. We commenced with an open-air Communion Service which we shared with Thornton Church of Christ, who supplied the music. There were various market stalls, a jumping castle and a very happy atmosphere. We supplied the BBQ - talk about the loaves and fishes. 40kg of sausages soon disappeared. We are looking forward to next year when it will be bigger and better.
KOTARA SOUTH POPPIES FOR ANZAC
The parishioners and friends of the Church of the Good Shepherd Kotara South spent the early months of 2015 knitting and making hundreds of red poppies. The red poppy has become a symbol of remembrance of the sacrifice made by those who have died in war and peace-keeping initiatives. It has now come to also symbolise the hope of peace. This initiative was inspired by Cursillo, and communities were encouraged to make poppies in remembrance for the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing. The poppies were made into three banners which were hung on the front of our Church as part of our community involvement. A large wooden cross was also decorated in red poppies for the inside of the Church and will remain there until Pentecost. Our Rector, the Rev'd Dr Fergus King, has used the sacrifice implicit in the ANZAC message, our Street Notice Board and Church services to remind us of Christ’s sacrifice and victory over death, and the challenge to share this message of hope with our community.
ANGLICAN CARE
ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATIONS
Anglican Care honoured our war heroes with commemorative observances held across all of its residential aged care homes in the lead up to Anzac Day 2015. While Anzac Day holds a special place in the hearts and minds of all Australians, it is especially poignant for this generation of Anglican Care residents as many are returned servicemen, the wives or widows of returned servicemen or supporters of the war efforts. It is one of the most important days in Anglican Care’s Lifestyle and Well-being calendars and touches all of our residents in some way. One such resident is Warnervale Gardens Roma Miller whose father Eric Dalrymple was an electrical engineer on the Westralia which was commissioned by the Australian Government as a troop carrier when WWI broke out. Roma’s husband, Gordon “Speed” Miller, who was by profession a competition winning cyclist, joined the war effort in 1943, serving in the RAAF and flying supplies into New Guinea. Roma commemorated Anzac Day together with two of her and Gordon’s four daughters, along with fellow residents and Anglican Care staff at a commemorative observance at Warnervale Gardens on April 21st. Another special observance was held at McIntosh Court at Booragul on April 23 with Federal Member for Charlton, Mr Pat Conroy attending as the residents' invited guest (pictured with Manager of McIntosh Court, Shayne Blackburn).
OLD BAR
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2015 World Day of Prayer at Old Bar was celebrated on March 6 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Over 50 people from many denominations attended. A feature of the service was the washing of feet, as instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper. A number of people had their feet washed by others in practical memory of this action.
TAREE
LONE PINE DEDICATED AT TAREE ANZAC Sunday was celebrated at the Taree Parish Church of St. John the Divine on April 12. At the conclusion of the service, a newly planted lone pine in the church grounds was dedicated after a commemorative plaque was unveiled by the instigator of the project, Mr. Ken Park.
[Photo: John East (St. Peter) has his feet washed by Phil Cochrane (Jesus)]
the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle Anglican Church of Australia
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY JUNE 2 Interfaith Dialogue, Adamstown
An opportunity to join together with our Muslim and Christian communities to explore the Common Good that each of our religions share. Bishop Bill Wright (Catholic), Bishop Greg Thompson (Anglican), Sheikh Mohamed Khamis (Imam: Newcastle Mosque) and Farooq Ahmed (Newcastle Muslim Association), will form a panel for a Q&A dialogue. Tuesday 2 June - 6.00pm to 9.00pm, The Factory - St Pius X High School Adamstown. 2 AW Annual Service, Cathedral
Bishop Greg Thompson will celebrate and preach at Christ Church Cathedral on Tuesday June 2. Guest speakers will be two outstanding representatives of Alzheimer's Australia NSW. All welcome: Arrival and light refreshments 10am, Holy Eucharist 10.30am, guest speakers 11.30-12.15pm. President's address 12.15-12.30. Lunch and light refreshments 12.30-1.30pm. 5 World Environment Day 5-14 Leader of the Pack Greenwich Musical, Adamstown
An initiative of St Stephens Anglican Church Novocastrian Players presents Leader of the Pack, The Ellie Greenwich Musical. Join us for this Hit Broadway musical celebrating the life and times of Ellie Greenwich, whose Doo Wop sounds skyrocketed to the top of the music charts in the sixties. June 5&6, 12&13, 19&20, Wednesday June 10 at 8pm, Matinee June 14 at 2pm. Call Meri Bird on 4956 1263 for all bookings. 13-20 Refugee Week 25 Day of the Seafarer
JULY 5-12 NAIDOC Week 25-26 175th Celebrations, Morpeth
Celebrate with us through fellowship and worship at our 175th dinner held at the East Maitland Bowling Club on the Saturday evening. On July 26 we will celebrate and give thanks for 175 years of faithful life and ministry here, commencing at 10am. BYO picnic lunch will follow. All welcome. Enquire at parish.
ANGLICAN SAVINGS AND DEVELOPMENT FUND INTRODUCES PAYWAY The Anglican Savings and Development Fund (ASDF) is introducing all new PayWay cards, a simple, secure solution to banking for customers. PayWay Cards offer the convenience of depositing at any Australian Post Offices (this is in addition to deposits made through Westpac). By swiping the card, cash and cheques can be deposited direct to all Access and Cheque Accounts. Features and benefits include: • Multiple cards can be issued for each account • No fees or charges • Cards can be requested for issuance via the ASDF office. For Jackie Morton, Parish Administrator at the Singleton Parish, the convenience of the new PayWay cards is just another benefit of the Fund. "The new PayWay cards will make it a lot easier for those parishes without a Westpac branch close by to make deposits," she said. Muswellbrook Parish switched over from Westpac to the ASDF in 2013 and finds the Fund user-friendly and convenient. "If a query arises you can speak to a person, not a computer and any issues are sorted quickly," said Manoli Parker, Office Manager at the Muswellbrook Parish. "The main benefits for our parish are that there are no fees or charges and
no 1300 numbers. I also think the new PayWay cards to deposit at the Post Office are a great idea. I would definitely recommend the ASDF to other parishes,” she continued. For the parishioners at Forster Parish, the benefits to the parish are enough to encourage parishioners to invest their funds in the ASDF. “A few years ago, our Treasurer Richard Turnbull, transferred a couple of our accounts to the ASDF from Westpac," Belinda Clancy, Parish Administrator, explained. "Due to great service, ease of use and concise reporting, we then moved all five of our working accounts and one term deposit to the ASDF. We also encourage our parishioners to invest their funds in the ASDF. "The more money the parish and its parishioners deposit the greater the parish benefits from the commission paid by the ASDF.” The ASDF was established in 1979 with the goal to support the charitable purposes of the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Newcastle. Over the years it has provided support to the Diocese to help pay for parish aid, youth work, education, provision of chaplaincies, ordination training and new ministry. For more information, or to sign up to a fee free account, contact the Fund Manager Jess Murnane on 4926 3733 or visit www.asdf.org.au
The ASDF supports the charitable purposes of the church in the Diocese of Newcastle Benefits: • No fees or charges • Competitive interest rates • Planned electronic giving
• •
24 hour access through ASDF Online Local and focused customer service
For 28 more information call us today on 02 4926 3733 or visit our website www.asdf.org.au
DIOCESAN COUNCIL UPDATE Diocesan Council met for the second time this year on Thursday 30 April 2015. The Council normally meets monthly. There will be updates on the Diocesan website between Encounter Editions. DIOCESAN CULTURE – One of the key roles of the Diocesan Council is to be an advisor to the Bishop on matters the Bishop may bring. The Bishop, following on from his deanery consultations last year, and conscious of the scrutiny by the Royal Commission and NSW Police into past practices in the Diocese, continues to engage the Council in conversation about practices across the Diocese that will enable us to be a safer and healthier church. CHILDREN HELD IN DETENTION Diocesan Synod’s decision to make representations to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition about the plight of children held in detention has brought a response from the Honourable Peter Dutton MP, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, and Mr Richard Marles MP, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Border Protection both of whom have responded
to the motion of Synod. Copies of these responses are available from reception@ newcastleanglican.org.au. PRIVACY POLICY – Diocesan Council adopted a Privacy Policy for implementation throughout the Diocese. The policy along the procedures under development will help ensure that we protect the private information provided to us. Information is collected and shared from the annual parish returns, on applications for marriage, baptism, confirmation, parish rolls, lists of groups, and so many other occasions. This policy and the procedures to be implemented will ensure that we protect all information we are given. The policy will be distributed to parishes very soon. CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY FOR DIOCESAN COUNCIL – From time to time a member of a governing body of the Diocese of Newcastle may have a potentially competing interest in a matter being considered by another body of which they are also a member, and their deliberation and involvement with a debate may undermine the impartiality of that member. The significance of the
T
here was nothing safe about Jesus’ life. It was risky in every way. He was consistently found among people who were on the margins. His ministry of friendship expressed the value and dignity of all. This example continues to inspire those who walk in his path. Many find it hard to accept what Jesus may ask of us. Frankly, it is hard to be a disciple. Some, however, have accepted the call to serve in hard places. They continue, year after year, to give of themselves in the face of enormous challenges. They remain faithful in their task, and are inspired by the way Jesus loves and affirms all people.
competing interest will vary considerably dependant upon the nature of the matter, the interest of the member and the degree of involvement of the member in the other matter. This policy provides a framework within which Board, Committee members can operate and function. AUSTRALIAN CHARITIES AND NOT FOR PROFITS COMMISSION (ACNC) – All Parishes will recently have received a reminder from the Diocese of the need to update their information on Responsible Persons electronically. This Ordinance places a responsibility on the Diocesan Business Manger to ensure that all people in governance positions are aware of their responsibilities as defined by the ACNC and provides a mechanism for removing people from governance positions if considered necessary. Parishes need to follow the guidance of the Diocesan Office issued earlier this year in ensuring they are compliant.
Many of Anglican Overseas Aid’s partners are examples of this kind of faithfulness. Their stories show that new life and hope can grow in hard places. A donation to Anglican Overseas Aid’s “Helping in Hard Places” appeal will support the work of our Anglican and like-minded partners as they work in hard places in Africa, India, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific. Find out more at www.anglicanoverseasaid.org.au
Three easy ways to donate – all donations over $2 are tax deductible Online: www.anglicanoverseasaid.org.au 2 By phone: 1800 249 880 3 By post: Helping in Hard Places Appeal, Anglican Overseas Aid, PO Box 389, Abbotsford, Vic, 3067 1
Anglican Overseas Aid is a member of
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FILM REVIEW AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON BY THE REV'D TIM GOLDSMITH ASSOCIATE MINISTER, KINCUMBER It’s highly unlikely that anyone goes to a Marvel movie expecting “High art”. These kinds of movies are usually valued for either their CGI (graphics), or their EPM (Explosions Per Minute). Be assured, if that’s what you are looking for in a movie, then you’ll be pleased to know that the CGI is amazing, and the EPM in Avengers: Age of Ultron is very high indeed. But with the recent arrival of writer/director Joss Whedon to the Marvel fold, the age of onedimensional characters and pointless dialogue has ended. Have we finally arrived at an age where we can enjoy both action and substance? This reviewer thinks so. The first departure from superhero movies of yesteryear is a new willingness to acknowledge the genre they are part of and poke fun at it where appropriate. Captain America is mocked for being too squeaky-clean, Iron Man and Thor are teased for their overt
machismo, and even the baddie, Ultron, mocks the idea of evil geniuses sharing their plans with their foes. This light-hearted touch brings a lot of humour to the script, which in turn adds extra poignancy to the deeper moments.
What really makes this movie, however, is Whedon’s ability to bring real depth to his characters as they seek to make sense of the shades of good and evil. While Ultron is very much a baddie, he does cause his enemies to consider whether or not the rationale behind his evil holds a little water? Meanwhile the Avengers themselves must ask whether they, in seeking to protect the world from evil, have acted in ways that have caused them to cross the moral boundary. From a Christian point of view, there are lots in this movie that could spark helpful conversations around the water cooler. We find questions asked such as, "What does grace look like in real life, and is it ever too late to give someone a second chance?" "Can bad actions be justified if they are working toward a greater good?" and even "Is humankind capable of becoming its own God?" (For mine it was a step too far having one character answer the question, "Who are you really’ with Exodus 3:14’s "I Am")
If you’re looking for Shakespeare, this isn’t it (though, interestingly, Joss Whedon has done a wonderful movie adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing), but if you’re looking for a movie that can give you all the action, adventure and escapism you could hope for, yet still deliver deep characters and challenging storylines, then Avengers: Age of Ultron is worth your movie dollars.
JUNE PUZZLE NRSV BIBLE PUZZLE BY THE REV'D JUDY WALSH One word from each of the verses below form our puzzle this month. The bracketed figure indicates how many letters are in the chosen word. If you take 1 Across for example: 2 Chronicles 34:29 (9) ‘Jerusalem’ is the only 9 letter word in that verse – so that’s a good start! However often there maybe more than one word with the given number of letters! ACROSS:
1. 2 Chronicles 34:29 (9) 4. Luke 11:8 (11) 9. John 17:2 (7) 10. Proverbs 9:14 (6) 12. Job 25:1 (6) 13. Mark 1:1 (5) 15. 1 Timothy 3:13 (7) 16. 2 Corinthians 12:7 (5) 17. Psalm 37:40 (7) 18. 1 Samuel 2:22 (3) 19.Exodus 25:9 (10)
SOLUTION TO LAST MONTHS PUZZLE 30
DOWN:
1. Song of Solomon 12:26 (8) 2. Isaiah 26:7 (9) 3. Psalm 37:23 (5) 4. Acts 2:1 (9) 5. Judges 8:21 (4) 6. Jeremiah 51:1 (11) 7. Matthew 24:38 (4) 8. Psalm 41:13 (11) 11. Exodus 17:15 (6) 13. Psalm 9:8 (6) 14. Romans 8:5 (6)
RECIPE SRI LANKAN SALMON CURRY Experimenting with global cuisines doesn't have to be daunting when you can whip up a Sri Lankan fish curry in 30 minutes or less. Prep: 0:05 Cook: 0:15 Difficulty: Easy Servings: 4
Ingredients
2 garlic cloves 3cm piece ginger, sliced 2 tsp each panch phoran and whole coriander seeds 1 tbs mild madras curry powder 2 small green chillies, chopped 2 tbs sunflower oil 1 onion, chopped 4 tomatoes, chopped 10 curry leaves 1 bunch broccolini 270ml can coconut milk 600g skinless salmon fillets, cut into 3cm pieces Shredded coconut, lime wedges, chutney and warmed roti, to serve
Method
1 To make the curry paste, place the garlic, ginger, spices and chilli in a mortar and pestle and grind to a paste. Set aside. 2 Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the curry paste and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until fragrant. Add the tomato, curry leaves and broccolini, then cook for a further 2 minutes. Add the coconut milk and 1/2 cup (125ml) water, then bring to a simmer. 3 Add the salmon, season and cook for a final 5 minutes or until the salmon is just cooked. 4 Garnish the curry with shredded coconut and serve immediately with lime wedges, chutney and warmed roti.
WINE OF THE MONTH BY RICHARD TURNBULL Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape variety used to make white wine. It originated in the Burgundy wine region of eastern France. The chardonnay grape itself is very neutral, with many of the flavours commonly associated with the grape being derived from such influences as the soil type it is grown in, and where it’s grown, and in the case of chardonnay the cooler the better. Of course in the big “buttery” chardonnay’s oak plays a large part in the flavour.
Chardonnay tends to be medium to light body and flavours of green plum, apple and pear. In warmer locations (such as the Adelaide Hills and Mornington Peninsula in Australia and Gisborne and Marlborough region of New Zealand) the flavours become more citrus, peach and melon. Chardonnay is also an important component of many sparkling wines around the world, including champagne. Chardonnays popularity waned in the late 1980s due to a backlash from the “wine connoisseur”. Nonetheless, it remains one of the most widely planted grape varieties with over 160,000 hectares worldwide.
So naturally this month’s wine is a Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay: Koonunga Hill Chardonnay reflects Penfolds multi-region, multi-vineyard blending policy, which enables winemakers to source the best parcels of fruit to produce consistently high quality wines from each vintage. Launched in 1991, Penfolds Koonunga Hill Chardonnay mirrors its sister red wines as one of Australia's best value white wines, offering exceptional quality at an affordable price. At $9.95 per bottle, this is a great quaffing wine. It has an aroma honeydew melon, white peach and lemon/lime which make this chardonnay a fresh easy drinking wine and for a cheapie has a great finish. You can buy this one just about anywhere. What do I eat with chardonnay? It’s perfect with light and delicate food such as raw and lightly cooked crab and prawns, and is particularly good with oysters. It goes well with steamed or grilled fish, fish pâtés, fish, chicken or vegetable terrines and pasta or risotto with spring vegetables. Cheers, Richard.
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ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF NEWCASTLE 32