Encounter August/September 2016

AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2016 FREE

#homelessnessCounts

Hayley's Story

140 Years of Mothers' Union Meet the Ordinands Have your say:

Readership Survey 1

IN THIS EDITION 2 Bishop Greg: Paperbark Churches 4

Reflections

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Life of an Archdeacon

6 Topics 8

Homelessness Counts

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140 Years of MU

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Social Justice Task Force

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SRE

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Meet the Ordinands

20

Morpeth Lecture

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A Word From Our Chaplains: SES

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Dates for Your Diary

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Around the Diocese

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Puzzle & Recipe

31 Survey 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.

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Next Deadline: September 9, 2016

Paperbark Churches BISHOP GREG THOMPSON

bishopgreg@newcastleanglican.org.au

Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is likened to small things, often overlooked and insignificant but which reveal the purpose of God that brings life for others (Matthew 13:3131). The mustard seed so tiny and fragile has the capacity to become a tree and give shelter and shade to many.

I think of the tree in my own back yard which is a magnificent paperbark that began as a sapling in its native soil. It has survived the buildings and life in suburbia. (The paperbark tree Melaleuca, meaning black and white, was named by the European settlers, by the way. The bark was black at the base and white at the top due to bush fires.) It has now grown into a good climbing tree for children and it has afforded shade and hospitality to kookaburras, magpies, lizards, ants and of course the feral Indian Mynahs. Yet as the paperbark tree grows it has to shed its paper skin. The gift of the bark fertilises the ground in which it grows. The shedding reveals the fresh life underneath - vulnerability revealing beauty and life even in loss.

The local churches too are like the paperbark, a shade tree, vulnerable as it sheds its skin to sun and rain to serve others, and to love boldly when community life could be just about self interest. Our parish communities are displaying the work of God whenever they shed their skin of tribal self protection to embrace others in need and share the good news of Christ.

It was great to celebrate and mark five years of its ministry and community of ANeW at Lambton in June. With the leadership of Archdeacon Arthur and Mrs Annabel Copeman, its life began as small and vulnerable but now has blossomed.

Many thanks to the Lambton parish and Canon Maree Armstrong for being generous and enabling this missional venture to have a home to worship and to share fellowship within. With fragile beginnings and vulnerable times we discover afresh grace and blessing.

It was 12 months ago June 2015 at Lambton, 500 days in to my episcopal ministry, that I gave my personal apology for the shameful harm to children by church leaders and a commitment to no longer tolerate these crimes or the intimidation they were operating out of, and to ensure that we have in churches a safe place for the vulnerable. I invited witnesses and survivors to come forward and speak to the police, to the Royal Commission and to our Professional Standards unit. And so more survivors have come forward and further stories

are heard, people finding comfort and help. Whenever we move to a vulnerable place, the local church gathers people in the shade of God's love to grow and to shed that which is no longer needful. We shed the practices that protect ourselves from truth and welcome grace that gives us new beginnings.

Paul writes to Corinth of the truth about his listeners who struggled to accept their history. 1 Cor 1:26-28 "Consider your own call…God chose what is low and despised in the world, …. so that no one may boast in the presence of God." When we do not accept the truth of our history, we live with a lie and we stand back from the saving grace that is offered to us in Christ. For Paul, Christians are paperbark people who shed what they want people to believe about them, and instead, live and speak the truth of grace in unfinished lives.

Japanese Anglican Bishops of the Nippon Sei Ko Kai came to the Lambeth Conference in 2008 and offered a public apology before the Anglican Bishops of South Korea and 700 other Anglican Bishops from around the world, seeking forgiveness for the great harm and suffering brought upon the Korean people in the Second World War. They did not commit these atrocities. The Japanese Christians suffered under the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki but they have shown the steps of redress and rebuilding relationships even as their nation still struggles to accept the war crimes of the past. They have found the courage to be vulnerable with grace.

It was very encouraging to read across the diocese parish affirmations of last year's Synod as they stand with me to address the past and to help shape a healthy future. Local parish communities are called to be people who are to live the truth from their heart – the great and new commandments that Christ taught.

There are some of us who glibly say "let us move on" and "can't people just forgive?" Yet, we must understand the nature of the crimes against children, the lived consequences of child survivors and the responsibility that is before us in this generation in the Diocese of Newcastle.

Vulnerability is the necessary place for mission, a challenging place for leaders and a learning place for all who come to belong to such a people. Paul did not deny his story.

1 Timothy 1: 13 "even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy…" Paul did not deny his story neither should we deny ours. This

truth about our lives that the Royal Commission is examining has shame for the survivor, for their family and friends, for the perpetrator and for the community, yet as we hear the truth we can come from vulnerability to receive the grace of God. Vulnerability is the necessary place for healing, because as we admit that we need to receive healing, we become a people of healing.

As tea tree oil and the Melaleuca bark are used in Indigenous medicine for its healing properties, so the paperbark church can be a source of healing for the wider community. My life in the parish of Darlinghurst/Kings Cross Sydney led me to people who taught me much about grace by those who are weak and who gathered for community - like Dennis who had a very serious brain injury as a young man and had lost his family and much of his speech. While speech was nearly impossible in conversation, when moved in worship Dennis could sing hymns boldly, ones he had learnt as a child. He always carried a watering can and visited our church grounds watering by hand every plant, sometimes including the plastic ones inside our facilities, sometimes during services. He was known widely in the community for his gentle friendly spirit, even watering plastic plants in local restaurants. At his funeral a restaurant owner said, "I used to say 'there but for grace go I', now I say 'there only by grace I might become'."

In all Dennis' weakness and frailty he brought peace, the gift of friendship and permission for people to be themselves.

The church was a paperbark tree for him, yet Dennis was like the paperbark tree in my yard, revealing the vulnerability in his weakness though providing a generous spirit in a place that always seems to take from others. A people who are deemed weak and vulnerable are the very people who can minister grace. Paul says this of his ministry 1 Cor 9: 22 "to the weak I became weak" and 2 Cor 12: 9 "he said to me ...for power is made perfect in weakness…"

For Paul, God is with us in our weakness, revealing his power through us and through our brothers and sisters who may seem so weak in our eyes.

Weakness and vulnerability is the place where joy and creativity, tenderness and connection are born and where we can love and be loved. This is the gospel community I want to belong to and a mission I want to support.

I call you to ponder the paperbark tree as it sheds its skin and gives shade to the world. +Gregory

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Reflections BISHOP PETER STUART bishoppeter@newcastleanglican.org.au

God comes to us when we are sorely placed, body and spirit feeds us with his bread.

For everyone, he as a man hangs dead: forgiven life he gives all through his death.

These powerful words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer are captured in a hymn found in Together in Song used in many of our churches. This last refrain captures the profound theological idea that God is concerned for us. God in Christ provides for spiritual relief in the Holy Communion. God in Christ provides our salvation and forgiveness on the cross.

When I hear the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer I am deeply moved. He was a passionate Christian caught in the maelstrom of Germany in the second world war. As he observed the ravages of Nazism he was moved to take action. Once a pacifist he came to affirm the need to use force to prevent malevolent force. He did not personally prevail against Nazism. He was captured and imprisoned and, even though the Nazi regime knew it was losing the war, it identified him as a person to be executed.

Bonhoeffer continues to be influential in Christian thinking in part because of his cruel death as a martyr but also because of the profound insight in his theological writing. Many have wondered where his ideas and conclusions might have gone if he had lived.

We go to God when he is sorely placed, find him poor, scorned, unsheltered without bread, whelmed under weight of evil, weak or dead.

We stand by God then, in his hour of grief.

These words from the hymn allow us to imagine ourselves at the foot of the cross as Jesus hangs dying. Yet quickly they also take us to Jesus's teaching in Matthew 25 (35 – 40). We are reminded that when we care for the hungry, the thirsty, the naked and the prisoner we care for Jesus. In being with and ministering to the marginalized, the lonely and suffering we meet with Jesus and he meets with us.

Bonhoeffer reminds us that we cannot separate our spiritual or religious life from our ethical life or the way we live in the world. God is very near to us and as we engage with grace and love to all people so we engage with God.

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In September at the Morpeth Lecture and at the 12th Annual Bonhoeffer conference we have the opportunity to hear Emeritus Profession Clifford Green, a world renowned expert on Bonhoeffer.

Bonhoeffer's writing can be difficult to read. Most of us read English translations of theology written in complex German.

Many of us have become familiar with some of his quotes which speak to us at this time.

"Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless.

Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act."

"Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating.

By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are."

Bonhoeffer is deeply focused on Jesus and all that his suffering has offered to humanity. He calls the church to be a community drawn to be Jesus' disciples who are aware of their sins and failings but even more aware of the forgiving mercy of God. Bonhoeffer rejects any concept of easy forgiveness or cheap grace. He does not doubt the capacity of God to forgive but urges people to recognise and embrace the cost of discipleship. He writes Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession.

Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.

May our understanding of mission as a church embrace the need to proclaim with boldness the saving mercy of Jesus Christ but accompany that teaching with a rich understanding of what it means to His followers. May our mission be infused with a loving heart and mind in which we see the needs of people and minister to them and see the structures that create injustice and challenge them. May we discover afresh what it means to be a disciple and know the rich blessing of meeting with God and God meeting with us.

LIFE OF AN ARCHDEACON THE VENERABLE CANON ARTHUR COPEMAN ARCHDEACON FOR MINISTRY SUPPORT

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It is coming up to eight years this October since I was originally "Collated" as Archdeacon for the Central Coast while remaining the Rector of the Parish of Kincumber. Then in 2011 I was appointed as Archdeacon for Ministry Support based in Newcastle. Since then my Archdeaconal work has developed three different aspects which amount to half of my ministry time available.

Firstly, when Bishop Greg Thompson appointed Regional Archdeacons across the Diocese in 2014, I was appointed as the Regional Archdeacon for Newcastle City. This is a distinct role from that of Archdeacon Sonia Roulston, who is the full time Archdeacon of the Diocese of Newcastle. As Regional Archdeacon my focus is to assist the development of ministry across Newcastle City in whatever ways are possible. There are two particular long term goals here.

The first is to continue to look at the location and focus of Anglican parishes in Newcastle itself and see what developments might be needed for ministry in the future. The second is to begin a program of assisting parishes to implement the Mission Action Plans that they have developed.

Secondly there is a role across the Diocese as Archdeacon for Ministry Support. Under this title I have responsibility for three main areas of ministry.

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As the Bishop's appointment I chair the Board of CEY Ministries. This Board oversees Children's ministry, Special Religious Education and

Youth ministry across the Diocese – hence the name: C – Children, E – Education, Y – Youth. The Board has also focused on All Age ministry in recent times through Messy Church, with the recent appointment of the Rev'd Julie Turnbull as the CEY Ministry Development Officer.

Under the Bishop I am responsible for organising locum clergy for vacant parishes right across the Diocese. With the appointment of Regional Archdeacons this is now done in consultation with the relevant Archdeacon.

"As Regional Archdeacon my focus is to assist the development of ministry across Newcastle City in whatever ways are possible."

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Under the Bishop I have the responsibility for the Professional Supervision program for clergy in the Diocese.

I have also been appointed by the Bishop to his Ministry Team, to Diocesan Council and often sit on sub-committees of these.

Thirdly, I have a role outside the Diocese.

In 2002 the Newcastle Synod elected me to a position on the General Synod of the Australian Church (which meets every three years for a week). From there I was elected to the Standing Committee of the General Synod (which meets for two days every six months) From there I was elected to the Executive of the Standing Committee (which meets for a

day every six months). This role has also involved work on sub-committees of the Standing Committee. I was also elected as the Clergy representative for Australia on the Anglican Consultative Council (which meets every three years in a different Anglican Province in the world).

The other half of my time is spent in parish ministry.

Five years ago I had the privilege of being involved in commencing a church plant, which we now call ANeW Church.

This church is led by a team of people who are all part-time in ministry, some paid and some unpaid. It is my privilege to lead that team. ANeW Church meets on Sunday nights at St John's Church, Lambton. ANeW Church is very thankful to the Parish of Lambton for allowing the church to meet in their building. Three years ago I was asked to take on an interim role supervising New Lambton Parish through a period of change. A large part of that change has been the development of a new congregation at New Lambton, with the assistance of people from ANeW Church.

My role is therefore a very varied one.

Each day often contains aspects of the different ministries noted above. I often move from meeting with someone from ANeW or New Lambton, to ringing retired clergy to see if they will serve as a locum in a vacant parish, to discussing with a parish the possible appointment of a paid CEY worker, to discussing next year's General Synod with others from around Australia, to meeting with a parish in Newcastle to discuss some aspect of their future.

In all aspects of my ministry my prayer is that I will be able to faithfully encourage discipleship of the Lord Jesus within the Anglican Church. I would appreciate you joining me in that prayer.

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TOPICS

ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF NEWCASTLE WELCOMES THE ROYAL COMMISSION INTO INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSES TO CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

The Anglican Diocese of Newcastle has welcomed the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The Diocese has been working closely with NSW Police and the Royal Commission over the past three years providing a significant number of documents to assist with both police and the Commission's investigations.

The release of the case studies to be examined by the Royal Commission will be a challenging time for the Diocese and one of intense scrutiny, however it is an important part of facing the Diocese's past to help build a healthy future.

The formal apology to victims of abuse by Bishop Greg Thompson in June last year, was a critical step forward in the healing process and has given victims of sexual abuse the courage to come forward and tell their story.

The Diocese has also introduced a number of positive new measures, protocols and programs to assist both victims and parishes in dealing with the impact of sexual abuse.

One initiative was the development of Parish Recovery Team, which complements the work of the Director of Professional Standards.

This team of 12 is led by Gill Fletcher, an experienced external mental health practitioner with both local and external facilitators trained in the recovery model, which was developed from research in similar responses to child abuse in Canada, the United States and Australia. The Recovery Team's role is to support parishes in their healing from revelations of abuse by clergy.

The Diocese has also appointed a Professional Standards Officer to support the Director of Professional Standards, Michael Elliot. Cathy Rose has 17 years experience as a police officer in the child protection unit and is already proving to be a great asset to the Professional Standards Department and the Diocese.

These new measures align with the Diocese's best practice redress system, which is recognised as leading redress system within the Anglican Church of Australia.

Place

Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, 148 Denison Street, Hamilton NSW, undated. (From the Bert Lovett Collection, part of the Norm Barney Photographic Collection, courtesy of Cultural Collections, University of Newcastle, NSW.)

The foundation stone for Saint Peter’s Church is dated 1896, 11 years after it was opened.

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Saint Peter’s Anglican Church H

undreds of children were on the march, a more-or-less orderly line snaking its way from Saint Peter’s Anglican Church to Hamilton Station. At the front, two children held a wavering church banner aloft. They were off to the annual Sunday school picnic at Speers Point, the highlight of the year.

First, they caught the train to Cockle Creek, then a steam tram to Speers Point.

The event would have been an exciting adventure for children whose families did not own cars, and who walked everywhere within their suburb, Hamilton.

The small rise crowned by Hamilton Public School and Saint Peter’s Anglican Church has long been a place of learning for children.

Imagine the noise and bustle of 500 children gathering for Sunday school each week, taught by a small army of 40 teachers!

This was peak participation, sometime in the 1930s.

Saint Peter’s first Sunday school hall was an economical building made of unpainted timber slabs recycled from the first church.

Eventually considered ‘unsafe and unsightly’33, a new hall replaced the old in 1897 – but only after much debate and dispute within the church council about the additional debt involved. In fact, two council members resigned over the issue.

Numbers were still on the rise when, in 1921, another new hall was built. All the land was mortgaged, except where the church stood. In 1970, when the Sunday school and church hall were dramatically modernised with optimism and at considerable cost, church decision makers were not to know

Significant effort has been made to improve the culture of the Diocese and this work will continue in to the future.

The following months will be a difficult time for all members of the Newcastle Diocese, some members will find the revelations of the Royal Commission hard to believe and others will be angry. Only working together will we overcome these challenges and begin to heal.

To find out more about the Facing the Past, Shaping a Healthy Future visit the website.

Discussing child sexual abuse can be difficult. The Royal Commission has reminded us that is especially so for survivors telling their story for the first time, their families and professional staff supporting them. To find support resources visit newcastleanglicanhealthyfuture.com/seeking-support If you need immediate support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 Telling your story: Everyone who has been abused or who has information about abuse is urged to come forward to the NSW Police on 1800 333 000, and the Diocesan Director of Professional Standards on 1800 774 945. opposite page: Church

group, Saint Peter’s Church, Hamilton, NSW, 18 April 1896. (Photograph by Ralph Snowball, Bert Lovett Collection, part of the Norm Barney Photographic Collection, courtesy of Cultural Collections, University of Newcastle, NSW.)

ST PETER'S ANGLICAN TO FEATURE IN LOCAL BOOK On June 28 Hunter Press released its new title More Hidden Hamilton: Further stories of people, place and community

by Ruth Cotton. One of the book's stories is on the history of St Peter's Anglican Church in Hamilton.

This book brings the stories of Hamilton to life through personal stories and never-before-seen photographs.

ANGLICAN CHURCH AT FOREFRONT OF ADDRESSING SEXUAL HEALTH PROBLEMS IN PNG

IN BRIEF Appointments/Commissionings & Movements The Rev'd Theresa Angert-Quilter was commissioned on July 4 as Rector of the Parish of Mount Vincent Weston.

Meet Josepha Tametalong, the Coordinator of the Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea's Begaberi Clinic in Port Moresby who began working for the clinic around four years ago.

The Rev'd Steve Niland was appointed as National Spiritual Advisor for the Anglican Cursillo Movement of Australia and will be commissioned at their next meeting which will be held in May 2017 for a five meeting term.

Currently Begaberi Clinic has 2000 people on its books, and an average of 50-60 patients are seen per day.

Half of the 2000 are on treatment for HIV. There are 10 staff members employed, including five clinicians, a hygienist, a data clerk, and a receptionist. There is also a twoperson psychosocial unit.

The clinic has built a solid reputation as a high quality service, amongst clients and local authorities. It was constructed as part of funding awarded to ABM from the PNGAustralia Sexual Health Improvement Program (PASHIP), an Australian government-funded, five-year initiative. The goal of that program was to reduce the rate of sexually transmitted infection by improving access to sexual healthcare services.

ABM Programs' Director, Dr Julianne Stewart said, "The clinic is making an incredible difference in the lives of so many people, and contributing to reducing the rates of infection and disease in the wider community of PNG."

The Rev'd Bronwyn Marchant has accepted the position as Rector of the Parish of Kempsey in the Grafton Diocese. Bronwyn completed her ministry at Wyoming on July 31.

and how the place is like a home. This has led to many more patients visiting the clinic, as the news travels by word of mouth. Many come from districts all over Port Moresby, some days so many that they need to be turned away. Begaberi can treat anyone, and there are even four Australians on their books.

Begaberi clinic is one of two centres established through the PASHIP program to test for and treat Sexually Transmitted Disease.

The other centre is St Margaret's Hospital in Oro Bay, near Popondetta.

Both centres have a reputation for high quality services and discretion, and are seeing increasing success in encouraging male spouses to attend for testing and treatment. There is a strong sense of ownership of the facilities by the local communities, and strong referral networks with other healthcare providers in the area.

"The clinic is making an incredible difference in the lives of so many people, and contributing to reducing the rates of infection and disease in the wider community of PNG."

The clinic was designed by Mother Sue Ramsden, wife of the former Bishop of Port Moresby, Bishop Peter Ramsden.

It was deliberately designed to be visually similar to the nearby Anglican chapel of the Good Shepherd, since both are visible signs of the love and presence of God in that part of Port Moresby. Josepha notes that local people often comment that they don't know if Begaberi is a clinic or a church when they first see it.

There is a supportive atmosphere at Begaberi, where people feel they are not judged or stigmatised. They frequently comment about how welcome they felt when first arriving,

Josepha wished to express her thanks to the staff of ABM, who worked so hard on the project. ABM would also like to thank Josepha and her team, and Anglicare PNG, the social service arm of the Anglican Church of PNG which is working to continue to provide this service.

www.facebook.com/AnglicanDioceseOfNewcastleAustralia

The Rev'd Martin Davies was appointed Priest in Charge of the Parish of Stroud and will commence ministry and be commissioned on September 12.

The Rev'd Loy Buckley concluded her ministry at the Parish of Southlakes in June and will become part of the Toronto Ministry Team from August.

Memoriam The Rev'd David Simpson died on May 19.

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WHY THIS MATTERS

Homelessness Counts HOMELESSNESS WEEK 2016 1 - 7 AUGUST 2016

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Hayley's Story When Hayley* was facing homelessness she turned to Samaritans for help. Here is her story: About half way through 2015 I contacted Samaritans because I had left my ex-partner who I had been with for five years and had spent months just staying with friends which was really messy. I needed to find my own place.

I felt pretty bad asking my friends for help and then that put pressure on those relationships and things got pear-shaped so I turned to Samaritans.

At the first appointment with Samaritans I spoke to the case worker and she asked what I wanted to achieve. I said, "Ultimately I want to just lead a normal life and to do that I need to get off Centrelink and find a place to live."

Together we set up a plan to get access to some transitional housing so I got a place to stay in Cessnock with Samaritans.

I spent six months with Samaritans and there were two other young people living in the supported accommodation as well.

I'm 23 and I was the oldest there but we all got on really well.

Then just before Christmas I got my new house in East Maitland. I was so relieved to have my own place because my time at Cessnock was nearly up. It was really stressful. It was important to me to find a place on my own as I had shared accommodation and when I'm on my own I get on with my own goals and I don't have to worry about others. I need my own headspace after dealing with things I had to in the past.

I've got a 12 month lease and I really want to stay here. I don't want to move around anymore, I'm enjoying my own place because I can call it my own.

But it's still really hard to get by each week. I only have $170 a week to live off. That has to cover my food, electricity, any transport or communications and I still try to put money aside for my son but it means I go without.

My goal for the future is to get a job and to get off Centrelink so I can live a normal life.

I'm doing an aged care and disability support work course at

Homelessness Week 2016 takes place throughout the week of August 1-7. Homelessness Counts is the theme for 2016, encouraging all to recognise that those experiencing homelessness are a valuable part of our society and must be supported!

Across the Diocese many churches and Samaritans are endlessly working to support the homeless communities of Newcastle, the Hunter, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast and the Manning Valley.

WEA. I'd love to get a job in that area. I have a family member who has Down Syndrome so I have a passion for that work.

Who knows, maybe I can work for Samaritans one day!

I've pulled myself out of a lot of problems and issues in the past and I've come from so much and I still don't have much but I just want to get on with life. I really want to leave a legacy behind for my son. I haven't been left with much and I want to change that for him.

If I had to say something to Samaritans I would thank them for giving me a chance. I felt welcomed and safe. *Name has been changed

The Encounter takes a look at some of the churches in our Diocese who are doing fundamental work in supporting those less fortunate.

We also take a look at the work of Christ Church St Laurence, a church based in Sydney, which provides a shelter for the homeless.

How can you support the homeless this winter? ď ľ

On any given night in Australia 1 in 200 people is homeless 9

Parish of Beresfield/Thornton FREE SUNDAY LUNCH PROGRAM The Free Sunday Lunch Program in the parish of Beresfield/Thornton is service to provide a meal every Sunday to the homeless or those who would not generally be able to afford or prepare a hot meal (or salad in the summer). The program provides a meal to anywhere between 20-50 people each Sunday, with an average of around 35-40 people.

The program runs every Sunday of the year, including Easter Sunday, and in 2016 will run on Christmas day. In 2015 when the church hall had storm damage, the lunch continued to run in the church in Beresfield.

The program is run by five different teams of cooks from within the parish, who take it in turns to prepare a lunch each week. A large team of volunteers assist with cooking the meal, serving, and washing up.

FOOD PANTRY The parish food pantry is the only 24/7 emergency food source in the area and provides emergency relief for not just the homeless, but for anyone in need.

The pantry is stocked and funded purely by the parish, with food donations contributed by parishioners. Food is also purchased from funds raised in the parish.

The parish is currently working with a local school to increase donations through a food drive. Students are encouraged to donate with prizes for the class who brings in the most food.

The food pantry supplied an average of 21 food parcels a month last year.

Already this year the average is 40 food parcels a month. The Rev'd Doug Morrison-Cleary said that they have had two months this year where they handed out over 50 food parcels. "We are currently looking for more avenues of funding to support the food pantry".

MISSION ACTION PLAN: IMPROVING ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES The parish of Beresfield/Thornton is currently working on a project in their Mission Action Plan to improve access to mental health facilities in the local area; currently the closest support facility is in Maitland. There is a lack of mental health and emotional support in the area, particularly for the homeless.

The parish has recognised the need for mental health support through the

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ongoing Free Sunday Lunch Program and their Food Pantry ministry. The five year plan will identify what the need is in the area for mental health support facilities and at how they can leverage Samaritans, the University and the community to support the plan. "We are also looking at renting a space in a local shopping area to provide a hub for group work and a private consulting space. The project will also identify a need for a social worker or mental health worker to be partially paid by the parish to provide mental health care in the region," the Rev'd Doug Morrison-Cleary said.

The Rev'd Doug is continually involved with local inter-agencies including 2322 to be aware of local resources and to keep an ear out for things the parish can do to support the homeless.

PROMOTION The parish has placed informational posters in local community centres and other local places and agencies where the homeless frequent to ensure the word about their programs gets out and to ensure they understand what the church can provide. Many of the homeless find out about the parish support through word of mouth.

Christ Church Cathedral FOOD COLLECTIONS FOR THE SAMARITANS These are collected after each of the four services which are held at the Cathedral on Sundays. The Cathedral parishioners are always very generous in donating food items throughout the year but are particularly generous during the colder winter months.

It is apparent that all people are more mindful of those who may go without any warm sustenance at this time of the year and are only too willing to provide what they can in relation to food such as

There are currently 105,237 people in Australia who are homeless. sauces, pastas, soups that can be heated or cooked easily without the prolonged use of electricity or gas. The baskets are usually overflowing when our "elusive elf" who is called Anonymous, secretly comes to collect them and deposits them at the Samaritan Broadmeadow Branch in Brunker Road, Adamstown.

Often the elusive elf reports that the shelves were bare when our contributions have been donated and they are always greatly appreciated by the Samaritan staff any time throughout the year. As we all know, the Samaritan Foundation is the social arm of the Anglican Church in this diocese and Cathedral parishioners are only too willing to help where and when they can for those who are less fortunate than themselves.

Parish of Merewether

Thank the Lord for his guidance, encouragement and love, for he has guided and encouraged our minister and the congregation at St Augustine's Anglican Church, Merewether, over the last three years in exploring a ministry of serving the disadvantaged and homeless people in our area.

Merewether is fairly unique in Newcastle in that it is home to some of the most affluent people in our city whilst also being the home of some of the most disadvantaged people in our region. As such we saw a need to include these more disadvantaged people in our ministry and in this we were inspired locally by the work of the Uniting Church at Glebe Road, Merewether which has for over ten years, been providing a weekly free three-course meal to the disadvantaged and homeless in our area.

Having attended this meal for the last five years, I noticed a need for those attending the meal to be able to be together and communicate with one another in a more extended social setting.

With the co-operation and good grace of the then minister Niall McKay at the Uniting Church and with the great

support of our minister the Rev'd Cameron Freese and the congregation of St Augustine's, we were able to begin a fortnightly Saturday afternoon BBQ at two locations, Dixon Park, Merewether and Nesca Park, Cooks Hill.

These BBQ's have been running for the last three years and typically serve 40 disadvantaged people each month. We serve hot sausages and freshly made salad, bread and cold drinks to whoever comes along.

We have found over the years that the BBQ provides the disadvantaged a very rare social opportunity to get together in a peaceful, non-threatening and

welcoming environment.

For those who come from the nearby Housing Commission Flats, the BBQ also provides valuable respite and a getaway from "cheek by jowl" living in high density housing, where dysfunction is ever present.

Thanks very much to Fr Garry Dodd and Paula who initially made the BBQs a reality. Thank you especially to Rosemary Allen and Peter Eyre who have provided tireless BBQ service. Thank you also to the Rev'd Jennifer Burn of the Uniting Church, Merewether.

By Martyn Bosworth 

A Message from Samaritans CEO, Peter Gardiner and rent. The cycle of homelessness begins, often having further ramifications on their mental health with added stress on families and relationships.

It is alarming to realise that in Australia, a nation filled with wealth, 1 in 200 people will experience homelessness on any given night.

Samaritans Emergency Relief centres see first-hand the struggles these people face when paying a large electricity bill or car registration, which immediately impacts on their ability to pay their regular weekly expenses such as food

Recent studies reveal that 1 in 7 youth is at risk of homelessness. Lack of job opportunities presents a challenge for many young people and is a contributing factor to the increasing number of youth at risk of homelessness. Another concerning cause of homelessness is domestic and family violence with 24% of the homeless population having fled from a violent home. Samaritans Student Accommodation offers a safe and supportive home to young people who may otherwise be at risk of homelessness. Since launching in 2013, 43 young people have been offered accommodation and support.

Each year Samaritans launches its Winter Appeal to further support individuals and families struggling with the increased

demand that winter brings. Thanks to the ongoing support from parishes in the Diocese of Newcastle we are able to make a real difference in the lives of those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness: • • •

$30 can feed a family a nutritious meal this winter. $75 can help a child's home be heated, as electricity prices continue to rise. $150 can provide a young person with counselling and guidance during difficult times.

I encourage you to give an extra thought to the local families who are struggling this winter and consider donating to Samaritans Winter Appeal. Let's work together to help local families break the cycle of homelessness.

To donate today go to www.samaritans.org.au/donate or phone 1300 656 336.

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Christ Church St Laurence OUR SHELTER "I feel like an observer and I want to participate," says Allan, a first time guest at our homeless shelter at Christ Church St Laurence near Sydney's Central Station. Allan has a debilitating illness which has, over the past eightyears, deprived him of everything wife, family, job and home. His blood circulation is so restricted that he can only walk in short bursts. "This (shelter) is definitely the best," he tells us. We know there is no competition with other shelters but it's nice to hear anyway.

Hopefully a friendly chat over a hot meal and a night's rest can help.

Christ Church St Laurence has been running a homeless men's shelter since 2001. The shelter is open on Saturday nights, and, as far as we know, we have been open every Saturday since the beginning.

Setting up and running the shelter has always been a joint effort. At the outset the Parish partnered up with Cana Communities (www.cana.org.au) and its legendary founder the late Fr Brian Stoney SJ and we gratefully operate under the Cana umbrella to this day.

Cana, amongst other things, has several homeless shelters in Sydney. Although Cana's origins are Roman Catholic, it is open to all faiths and denominations and people of no religious affiliations at all. This means that our parish can spread the net widely when we look for volunteers (many of us I'm sure have friends, families etc. who may be reluctant to share a pew but will help at the shelter). We also have volunteers from our neighbouring parishes of St Barnabas on Broadway (they field a couple of overnight teams) and St Luke's Enmore. Cana's profile turned out to be crucial when the State Government introduced new policy relating to

homelessness. Thanks to the efforts of Cana's then head Sr Anne Jordan and her team, our shelters (which were initially overlooked) were incorporated into the new system.

The "system" involves our other partner Link2home (www.housing.nsw.gov. au/help-with-housing/homelessness/ are-you-homeless), a state-wide homeless referral service operating within the Housing section of NSW Family and Community Services. Each Saturday our volunteers call them for a list of men needing our emergency accommodation. Link2home provide this list cross-checked with their database and based on the men's needs.

Our shelter is made ready by an early team of two or three volunteers who prepare and set up for a meal and lay out the bedding. The men only overnight team (again two or three people) come in before the shelter opens to admit the guests. When most men are in, we all sit down for a great meal and some good yarns. Many men go to bed early.

The early team cleans up and leaves.

The overnight guys sleep over, help out with a very basic breakfast and pack up the bedding. Another team comes and

collects the bed linen, which they take home to launder.

Throughout all this of course, we can expect the unexpected. The shelter has its own comprehensive guidelines, which I believe are not a rulebook but the tribal wisdom of the place. From my experience, I've found that if we heed it, things usually go well.

Christ Church St Laurence is a very busy place and the hall is needed for parish activities from about 7.30am onwards on Sunday, so we have to make the most of our window. It's a juggling act to get the work done and spend enough time making sure our guests get the welcoming attention they need.

One of our volunteers, a Buddhist inspired by the Camino pilgrimage he took with a friend and fellow team member said, "I'm not poor, I can help‌ I never met people like this and I'll never stop doing it".

By Roger Bayley Co-ordinator Christ Church St Laurence Cana Shelter

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Parish of Gosford

When I first became Rector of Gosford at the end of last Century I discovered that local churches, in keeping with St Paul's injunction, were certainly not "lacking in zeal" when it came to serving the Lord in the homeless (Romans 12:11). In fact there seemed to be a great deal of competition, if little co-ordination, in this expression of Christian ministry.

In his book Sharing God's Blessing Robin Greenwood proposes, "that we seek ways to transform the operational theology of the church on the basis that all Christians can act in partnership instead of competition".

This is never truer than when it comes to ministering with the homeless.

For Gosford it took a well-organised non-profit organisation to "borrow" a building from the Central Coast Leagues Club, gather religious groups and service clubs together and enable the entire community to offer services to the homeless. Today Coast Shelter is still going strong and continues to be a major provider of services on the Coast.

Of course for the Christians involved in this ministry it is Christ we are serving (Matt 25:10).

Each year as winter approaches Gosford Anglicans, through the ministry of "the sign" partner with

the local and wider community in collecting blankets for the homeless.

Blankets don't last long for many homeless people, they get wet and need to be discarded, they are thrown away by people who don't understand that they were just being stored behind that dumpster during the day, they are sometimes just misplaced or "borrowed".

We distribute most of these blankets through Coast Shelter but some we leave on the office verandah for those who sleep there, or for collection late at night. While working late one winter's night, I discovered a man trying to sleep on the verandah, shivering from cold. I will never forget the look on his face when I covered him in a warm dry blanket. It was for him as if his mother was tucking him in.

But for me it was as if I had comforted Christ himself.

Despite our best efforts sometimes people still succumb to the cold, yes the homeless are literally dying on our streets. In Homeless Week each year we hold a memorial service at Coast Shelter to remember those who no longer journey with us and to remind ourselves that the suffering Christ is always waiting for us in the streets, waiting for a blanket, some food and some company.

By The Venerable Rod Bower

You can help people in need by supporting Samaritans Samaritans provides a range of support services for locals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk. Services, such as Reconnect, provide counselling, group work, mediation and practical support to young people and their families to prevent them falling into the cycle of homelessness. Last year over 12,000 people were helped through Samaritans Emergency Relief Centres with the provision of financial assistance and food. There are a number of other ways you can get involved and help too!

SUPPORT SAMARITANS WINTER APPEAL You can make a difference by donating to Samaritans Winter Appeal. Your contribution will support programs that do not receive Government funding such as Samaritans Student Accommodation which provides accommodation and support to young people who may otherwise be at risk of homelessness.

Donate today at www.samaritans.org.au/donate DROP A BAG OF CLOTHES INTO SAMARITANS RETAIL STORES Clean out your wardrobe and donate a bag of clothes, linen or bric-a-brac to Samaritans op-shops located in Wallsend, Hamilton and Mayfield. What you no longer need might turn into someone else's treasure!

DONATE A BAG OF FOOD A donation of non-perishable food will help feed a family in need. Toiletries, blankets and other practical items are always needed too.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER Samaritans has a range of volunteer opportunities available. Whether you would like to work directly with people in need at Samaritans Emergency Relief Centres or help out behind the scenes sorting clothes at the Retail Stores, there is a role to suit you!

TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT WWW.SAMARITANS.ORG.AU 

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Celebrating 140 years of Mothers' Union worldwide In its 140th Year, Mothers' Union is a thriving global Christian movement, with over 4 million members in 83 countries, who collectively touched the lives of over 500,000 in 2015 through practical actions, great and small, from providing meals to the hungry to supporting whole communities to lift themselves out of poverty.

The Mothers' Union story began in 1876 in the Parish of Old Alresford, Winchester Diocese in England. Mary Elizabeth Sumner, the wife of the then Rector of that Parish, and mother of three was very aware of the burdens and responsibilities of parenting.

Recognising that good parenting was more than providing for the physical needs of the child, she believed that the primary responsibility was to raise children in the love of God. A meeting of some 30-40 people was called and so MU was born. From those humble beginnings, by 1900 there were some 170,000 members, in the UK, India, Madagascar, and Hong Kong.

The words of Mary Sumner, " To win the homes of the nation for Christ, rich homes, and poor homes, all alike, must be won for God! It is a call to every one of us to live in prayer that His help, His blessings, and His inspiration may rest upon our earnest efforts. " In its 140th Year, Mothers' Union is a thriving global Christian movement, with over 4 million members in 83 countries, who collectively touched the lives of over 500,000 in 2015 through practical actions, great and small, from providing meals to the hungry to

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supporting whole communities to lift themselves out of poverty. Membership is open to all who have been baptised in the Trinity, not only mothers, but single women, and yes, even men are members.

Mary Sumner House in London is the Central Office. MU, at the worldwide level, has representatives on the United Nations Consultative Council and is able to address issues concerning families and women.

A Disaster Relief Fund is available from Australia Council (AC), to all Dioceses.

Should a disaster occur all it takes is a phone call. AC is very prompt to assist people following natural disasters.

In 1892, the first Australian meeting was held in Cullenswood Tasmania. Next year there will be great celebrations for 125 years of MU in Australia.

Newcastle Diocese has 40 branches, and 2 Caritas branches, Lone Members fluctuate between 30-40, totalling approx.730 members. Our Executive has 24 positions, and each holding a specific role.

The Purpose of Mothers' Union is to be especially concerned with all that strengthens and preserves marriage and Christian family life. The Aim is the

advancement of the Christian religion in the sphere of marriage and family life. MU Australia Mission Statement: Sharing Christ's love by encouraging, strengthening and supporting marriage and family life.

Lady Day March 25, is a very special day for MU. Mary, Mother of our Lord, is our Patron Saint. The annual service at the Cathedral is a magnificent worship service. Most branch banners are represented and processed around the Cathedral. The Bishop presides and we have a special Preacher and Guest Speaker.

This celebration began in 1922 and was known as the Annual Festival. The first Lady Day was in wartime 1942, and relevant minutes tell that the service was poorly attended with 400 people.

(Today we number around 200 and think that is marvellous). It was told that because of the noise of ladies chatter, two ladies had to walk up the aisles with SILENCE signs. Uniforms of white frocks and white veils were worn in bygone days.

Other days of importance to MU are the Overseas & Northern Outreach luncheons, one at New Lambton, and the other on the Central Coast. This is

a wonderful opportunity for branches to do something special for Mission projects both within Australia and Overseas. Mary Sumner Day falls on the August 9, and is commemorated on this day. Many branches take this opportunity in their parishes, or on the nearest Sunday to "fly the flag" for MU, with some form of promotion or prayers.

Branches are involved in Baptism Ministry, sometimes with interviews and also being represented at the Baptism service. A small gift, along with MU Baptism Kits are presented. These Baptism Kits are very widely used over the Diocese. (These are readily available should you like to use them).

Endeavouring to carry out our Objects especially the fifth which states "To help those whose family life has met with adversity", we have hospital visitors throughout the Diocese. Visitors are rostered on at John Hunter and other hospitals throughout the Diocese. Our hospital visiting co-ordinator is kept busy making baby bundles for the JHH, Maitland, Gosford hospitals and various Women's Refuges around Newcastle and Maitland. Other country hospitals also receive these from the local branches. These are made possible by

the generosity of members of MU across the Diocese. Items include clothing for newborns, and also a towel, bunny rugs, a crocheted blanket, etc. Presently we are making 60 humidicrib covers for the new NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) at the John Hunter Hospital which they hope will open late August. This is a wonderful opportunity to use our skills and be able to finance this for them. We are able to annually donate $5000 to NICU for incidentals, which their funding does not cover. This is raised by selling Christmas and general cards over the year.

Other ministries include making comfort cushions for breast cancer patients and providing toiletry packs for hospital patients in emergency situations. We also supply Samaritans with bathroom/ toiletry packs for those who live out of their cars. These are for females, males and also families. The packs include everything required for showering, towel, soap, toothpaste, razors, combs etc. We are told that these packs are needed more and more. We have also been told that there is only one beach that has hot showers, and this has become a meeting place for some of these less fortunate people.

Coffee and Care is another outreach provided by MU members. This provides an opportunity for those who attend the courts with children, or grandchildren to debrief and have a chat with someone with a listening ear. The court officials also appreciate this ministry.

Everything MU does is undergirded with prayer, which is the most important aspect of Mothers' Union. In some circles we are known as the power house of prayer. We have heard and witnessed some amazing things in MU over the years. We thank God that he is so good and praise him for our membership in such a wonderful worldwide organisation.

The Archbishop of Canterbury says, "In so many parts of the world, the Mothers' Union is an organisation that LISTENS to the voices of weeping. Nine-tenths of the work of members is hidden from view, in the parishes and the dioceses, in the hills and the villages, doing the work of bringing hope, of strengthening families, of supporting churches and transforming communities."

If you would like any more information about Mothers Union please contact Laurel Brook, Diocesan President, email lolart2@bigpond.com

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SOCIAL JUSTICE TASK FORCE Mothers' Union and Social Justice

BY LORRAINE PHILLIPS SOCIAL JUSTICE TASK FORCE MU Australia is a mission agency of the Anglican Church of Australia and is a part of the worldwide Mothers' Union. MU seeks to share Christ's love by encouraging, strengthening and supporting marriage and family life, particularly those whose lives have met with adversity.

MU HAS FIVE OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote and support marriage and family life 2. To encourage parents in their role to develop the faith of their children 3. To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service 4. To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children 5. To help those whose family life has met with adversity.

MU provides a network to serve Christ in the parish, the community, and worldwide, through prayer, financial support and actively working in programs that meet local needs.

Mothers' Union is held in such high esteem that it has representatives on the UN Consultative Council and addresses issues across the world concerning families, such as gender inequality, violence against women and girls and the rights of the child.

Mothers' Union is very active across the world, particularly in Great Britain, Africa, Asia, PNG and the Pacific Islands. Here in Australia, our main work is to support our sisters in places where they have the will to serve but not the resources. We do this by praying regularly for them and by sending them funds to help run programs such as literacy, health and hygiene, HIV-AIDS and parenting.

We also help to educate indigenous women in Northern Territory and fund an MU worker in the NT. In our own Newcastle Diocese, the work of MU is carried out in many ways, at parish level most branches are involved in many activities

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especially baptisms, knitting baby items and supplying goods for emergency hospital packs for those who suddenly end up in hospital.

Within our community ministries provided include: • Coffee and Care at Worimi Children's Court at Broadmeadow - where members regularly attend the court to dispense tea, coffee and biscuits to families waiting for their cases to be heard, and to be a listening ear to those who need it.

• Visiting maternity hospitals and giving new mothers a card and bootees or a baby cap as a gift from MU. • Baby Bundles - we fill large bundles with baby clothes and other essential items needed for newborn babies. Around 80 of these bundles are distributed each year to disadvantaged new mothers through social workers in maternity hospitals from the Central Coast to Maitland.

• In times of natural disaster such as fire and flood funds are available for disaster relief if needed.

• In recent years Diocesan MU has developed a close relationship with the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the John Hunter Children's Hospital and has provided many thousands of dollars to help the unit purchase expensive equipment needed for premature and sick babies.

• Overseas and Northern Outreach lunch to raise funds for MU work overseas and Northern Australia.

• Work to combat violence against women and families by supporting White Ribbon Day. From the time of the first meeting of Mothers' Union, in the home of its founder Mary Sumner 140 years ago, MU has had at its heart the needs for social justice.

BACKPACKS FOR SYRIAN REFUGEES The Parishes of Bateau Bay, Gosford, The Entrance and Woy Woy have recently provided 50 backpacks for Syrian refugee children who are making their new homes in Newcastle.

In September 2015 the Federal Government announced it would accept 12,000 extra refugees affected by conflict in Syria and Iraq. Very slowly, these refugees are being processed and relocated in Australia.

Helen Larkin is a case manager at Navitas English, a service provider for newly arrived refugees. She recently contacted the Church to ask if we might be able to provide some backpacks and supplies for refugee children about to start school. A quick call went out to a number of parishes on the Central Coast to see if they might be able to help out.

The response was quick and generous as parishioners donated 50 backpacks filled with books, pencil cases, lunch boxes and more.

Helen has expressed her heartfelt thanks for this generosity. "I have witnessed first-hand the joy and appreciation of the children when presented with their new backpacks.

For many the packs symbolise a return to normality. For others it's a chance to finally attend school which was previously only a dream."

The backpacks will be delivered by Navitas English to various schools in the Newcastle area where they will be presented to their children on their enrolment.

Well done to all those who contributed to this appeal! We hope that the children enjoy these gifts as they begin their new lives in our community.

SPECIAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (SRE) Lakes Anglican Parishioner and SRE Teacher receives Dobell Community Champion Award for 2016 Religious education in public schools is a hot topic right now, but that hasn't always been the case. And it is not all negative in the wider community either. A special event was co-ordinated

by Karen McNamara MP, Federal Member for Dobell, to celebrate local community champions.

Included in the nominations was June Eggert, a member of Lakes Anglican Church in Kanwal.

She was nominated by Lakes Anglican Rector, the Rev'd Tim Waghorn. June has been active at Lakes Anglican for many years in various roles. June has always shown a humble nature in her walk with God. She is a regular at the Wednesday Bible Study as well as seldom missing a Sunday Service. But there is more to June in her faith walk with Christ.

What rarely gets noticed is the work that she has accomplished in the wider community. June was nominated for her outstanding achievement of 50 years in teaching SRE. That's right; 50 years as a SRE teacher in the local community. This should stand out as encouragement for all SRE teachers. As June talks to students in her class, she is often reminded of the time she taught some of their parents. June is stopped in the streets and shopping centres

by students past and present.

She is living proof through her dedication and passion, that an individual can make a difference in their community.

This milestone has been duly rewarded. Her nomination for a Community Champion award was celebrated on Thursday June 16 by Karen McNamara MP. Karen recognised the value and commitment June has poured into the area of Gorokan, clearly noting why June was a worthy recipient of a Dobell Community Champion Award for 2016.

Karen illustrated some of the values outlining why scripture in school can make a difference. She spoke of the commitment June gave to young lives which was a contributing factor for June's commitment to the program year after year.

Included among the recipients was a former student of June's SRE classes. A small and emotional reunion was shared in front of the gathered guests and dignitaries.

June, we thank you for your passion, patience, commitment and time you give not only to God, but to his Little Ones as well.

What can I do to support SRE? •

TASTE AND SEE* an SRE class.

Come along to watch, no teaching involved (*you need a WWCC)

•

DONATE to Hunter SRE's "School Scripture – it's a good thing" promotion campaign

•

PRAY regularly for SRE – join our email list

•

BABYSIT for someone else to teach SRE

•

PROMOTE SRE Ask us for signs, banners & stickers

•

'LIKE' Hunter Christian SRE on Facebook

OOL SCRIPTURE SCSH pecial Religious Education it’s a

•

WRITE to your local Member of State Parliament to support the continuation of SRE in NSW public schools. (There are certainly those against it, who are making their voices heard!)

CONTACT Kate Baker 4926 3733 or Sally Smith 4920 6852

WWW.HUNTERSRE.ORG.AU

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MEET THE ORDINANDS Amanda Brockwell Dungog parish WHICH PARISH ARE YOU IN? My ministry training is in the Dungog Parish, incorporating Christ Church at Dungog and St Peter's at Bendolba. The combined congregation has been very caring and supportive, as has the wider community.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN? At the Crown Street Women's Hospital in Sydney.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? In Randwick until I was two, in Boya in Western Australia until I was 11 with a year in England and Europe when I was 9, then back to New South Wales in West Pennant Hills for a year, then my teenage years at Carlingford, with regular visits throughout this time to Newcastle and Gosford where my grandparents lived.

WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING? The sun peeping over the hill and a cup of tea while I admire the unfolding beauty or drama of nature through my windows. Family, friends and my animals. My faith, my art and as many cups of tea in the sunshine as possible!

And social justice!

WHAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR PARENTS? It's very hard to narrow it down, but in particular, how to be a good parent, to value family, a sense of adventure, a social conscience, a sense of humour, and always to put an orange in Christmas stockings as a reminder to appreciate small luxuries, as they were both children during the depression years.

And love of course.

ARE YOU AN INTROVERT OR AN EXTROVERT? I probably tend towards introversion but I do try to be practically perfectly balanced in the middle, like the birds on the birdbath of St Francis of Assisi, with one looking inwards and one looking outwards. I love being on my own and I love being with people, and I find people's life stories endlessly engaging.

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WHAT TRAITS DO YOU MOST VALUE IN PEOPLE? Integrity, kindness, true humility, honesty, sincerity and a sense of humour.

WHAT ARE YOU READING AT THE MOMENT? Between theology readings and texts, I'm trying to read Bill the Bastard by Roland Perry, The story of Australia's greatest war horse. But I read the last pages first and although Bill and some others survived, most of the Australian horses who had served faithfully and were still alive at the end of the war were either machine gunned in groups or shot by their own men in order to spare them either that fate, or an unknown one, as they could not return to Australia.

This was the worst part of the war for those men, and many never recovered from this unthinkable fate of their brave equine comrades. One of the unbearable and tragic costs of war. So I'm just reading it in small doses.

"Be aware that God speaks personally to each of us, so the way God calls you may be unique."

DID YOU HAVE A CAREER BEFORE CONSIDERING JOINING THE PRIESTHOOD? I have been mothering for 31 years and I supported my late husband's career for 27 years until his passing in 2011. He was a TAFE teacher in Rural Studies and a research scientist and an inventor and he earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree through Newcastle University.

I have also worked in education for 19 years as a tutor to students with high support needs in TAFE, to students who are Aboriginal in their tertiary studies, and to students who are Aboriginal in their high school studies. I have also worked in several high schools on the Far North Coast as a casual relief teacher for several years.

HOW DID YOU COME TO REALISE YOUR VOCATION WAS AS A PRIEST? Through my involvement with my respective local churches in teaching Sunday School and SRE, and being on reading and serving rosters, during which time I learned much from some wise and inspirational priests. Also during this time I became aware of mediating grace in the power of Christ while serving during the Eucharist.

Also, while I was studying for the Certificate of Religious Education I was blown away by the deep wisdom of the nuns teaching the subjects, and the way they were living their faith. This led on to my continuing study for the Bachelor of Theology degree.

Through a combination of these and other experiences I have gradually come to realise that God has been guiding and enabling me to be gently present for others in times of heartbreak and sorrow, as well as joy and celebration of life, and being a means for others to meet God. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO FINDS THEMSELVES CALLED TO THE PRIESTHOOD? Make sure it is God who is calling. Do this by listening carefully and reflecting, consult scripture, talk to your local priest and those close to you. Take on board what they say, but be aware that God speaks personally to each of us, so the way God calls you may be unique. If, upon due reflection, you determine that it is God calling you to the priesthood, then respond, with all your heart!

Katherine Gibson Merewether parish WHICH PARISH ARE YOU IN? I am currently a student at St Augustine's Merewether.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN? WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? My family home is in Charlestown. It's the home I was taken to as a newly born bub and it's still the most "homey" of places to me.

WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING? The promise to myself that I only have to look as far ahead as the next step in my morning routine and on the days where I'm really dragging the chain, The 59th Street Bridge Song by Simon and Garfunkel.

What I live for though is that first step out the door and into the fresh air. I love nature. It just makes me smile. And people. My family and friends.

WHAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR PARENTS? So many things but one of my favourites is to appreciate life and the things that surround you. To have curiosity and to notice and enjoy the beauty of things. To spot the square poop on the ground and keep your eyes peeled for a wombat.

ARE YOU AN INTROVERT OR AN EXTROVERT? I am such an introvert. I love people, spending time with them, getting to know them, having a laugh (or a cry) but at the end I need to go home and watch something on telly or sit and have a cuppa in the sun on my own.

Leave a gift in your will to the Church

WHICH TRAITS DO YOU MOST VALUE IN PEOPLE? I value integrity and openness. And I appreciate the desire to nut out the world and life and people and occasionally something like the best way to peel a banana.

I'm currently working for some engineers and I love walking into the office and suddenly noticing the makeshift counterweight type contraption that has been created over night to automatically close the office door.

"What I live for though is that first step out the door and into the fresh air. I love nature.

It just makes me smile.

And people. My family and friends."

WHAT ARE YOU READING AT THE MOMENT? If you count audio books as reading I just finished a very funny novel called The Rosie Project.

it to permeate your day to increase your awareness of the presence of God and your ability to hear and respond.

HOW DID YOU COME TO REALISE YOUR VOCATION WAS AS A PRIEST? Slowly and one step at a time. Certain doors closed and others opened and all along was God calling me to the next thing. And using those around me to guide me. I always had a sense of our calling as Christians to be involved in the mission of God and the life of God's church and wanted to be obedient to that. For a number of years that was in lay ministry but, for me, God gradually reshaped it into a priestly vocation.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO FINDS HIMSELF OR HERSELF CALLED TO THE PRIESTHOOD? Lean into your calling and find trustworthy people to explore it with.

On the more serious front though I was away on retreat last week and read a little book on praying the Jesus Prayer. I loved what the writer had to say about starting the discipline of it and allowing

Once you have made provision for your loved ones, you have the opportunity to make a lasting gift to God, by leaving a bequest to his church.

A gift in your Will is one of the most valuable and lasting ways you can continue to support its mission and ministry within your community.

Contact Linda Wilson at the Diocesan Office for more information on 4926 3733.

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Morpeth Lecture 2016 Dr Clifford Green on Bonhoeffer ARTICLE BY DI RAYSON PhD CANDIDATE (THEOLOGY) UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE Dietrich Bonhoeffer's influence on the way we understand church, theology and ethics, already important, has hardly reached its potential.

Bonhoeffer's own story is, of course, compelling: Lutheran pastor and academic forced to take his protest against Nazism and the church's complicity underground to the allegedly subversive Confessing Church. It was in the illegal seminary where Bonhoeffer wrote his most widely read book, Discipleship, which subsequently etched the phrases "cheap grace" and "costly grace" into the minds of subsequent generations. Bonhoeffer's profound appreciation of the grace afforded him by God in Christ led to the costliest response of all—his own execution directed by Hitler just two weeks before the liberation of his concentration camp in Bavaria.

Bonhoeffer's extraordinary contribution to serious theological scholarship is sometimes not fully appreciated by the casual reader. A gifted scholar, Bonhoeffer reinterpreted the idea of church as the actual body of Christ, remaining here on Earth.

The eternal life of the risen Christ is in heaven, and also on Earth, in the community of the faithful. Hence, Jesus remains eternally both divine and human.

What is especially profound in Bonhoeffer's works is the meaning of this Christ-centred theology for the way we might behave in response to God. The ethics that Bonhoeffer began to articulate were based on "this-worldliness", where God meets us here and now. Costly grace means we look at our world and responsibly meet the needs we see before us. Our response is to be in the image of God: the suffering, servant God revealed to us through Christ. So we suffer on behalf of others in order to express that same eternal love.

The idea of responsible service is what enabled Bonhoeffer and his co-conspirators to work toward a Germany freed from Nazism. Bonhoeffer worked as a spy for two years and, by the height of the war, they agreed that Germany's future could only be salvaged by the death of Hitler; the assassination attempt followed.

What does this type of ethical response look like almost a century later in a globalised world community facing considerable challenges in mass human migrations and climate change, species extinction and growing inequity?

Visiting Professor Clifford Green, the world's leading Bonhoeffer scholar and this year's Morpeth Lecture guest, thinks Bonhoeffer's theology will only become more significant as we face the problems of the twenty-first century.

Bonhoeffer's notion of community and the recognition of Christ's service, through us, to others shows the very deep commitment that God has for his world. We are moving from the individualism and nationalism that characterised the second half of last century and into a new era wherein global is local and the spiritual is very real. Professor Green considers that God's commitment to the entire world—all its people, species and components in the here and now—can be seen as the next deep paradigm shift in Christian thinking.

Is Bonhoeffer the theologian to help us navigate these difficult times? To direct us toward a theology which recognises Christ as central to all of creation? To steer us firmly toward responsible action for the world and its inhabitants?

Bonhoeffer certainly has a lot more hidden treasures to be discovered.

World renowned scholar, Emeritus Rev'd Professor Clifford Green, Bonhoeffer Chair Scholar at Union Theological Seminary, New York, is visiting Australia and will deliver the Morpeth Lecture on Tuesday September 13.

He is keynote speaker at the 13th Australasian Bonhoeffer Conference—A New Christian Paradigm: Bonhoeffer's Worldly Christianity. The conference is being hosted by The Broken Bay Institute in North Sydney September 8-9. Details and registration: bbi.edu.au/BonhoefferConference2016

"Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer 20

Spirituality and Pastoral Care at Anglican Care

ANDREW HARRISON CHAPLAINCY SERVICES CO-ORDINATOR Spiritual care, or pastoral care, at Anglican Care is a vital ministry to residents, their families and our staff. Inherent in this ministry is the provision of intentional, person-centred, empathic, and nonjudgemental pastoral care.

Our pastoral care staff are committed to respecting the integrity of the individual's own beliefs, welcoming all regardless of race, gender, faith, or sexual orientation.

It is important to note with regard to beliefs, that one's spirituality may be religious or secular. In both cases it involves a search for meaning in life. This may relate to a connection with the divine or it may involve finding meaning through many different paths, for example, relationships, nature, the arts or the discovery of life's purpose. We recognise that an individual's spirituality is unique to that person.

Anglican Care's chaplains are well placed to offer support from a Christian perspective, including the leading of regular sacramental services, being available to pray with residents and their families, and if necessary, to anoint those in need.

Many of our chaplains are supported by teams of lay volunteers who are dedicated in their commitment to the residents of Anglican Care facilities.

Pastoral care staff, be they chaplains, or pastoral care associates, seek to provide a supportive presence of unconditional positive regard towards those they care for. They achieve this through offering emotional support and a caring presence, affirming the resident's intrinsic value and worth and providing quality listening especially in times of difficulty and crisis. As well as connecting with residents through regular visitation, our pastoral care staff are available on request for any resident, family member or staff member.

Best practice spiritual care for older people is person-centred care. This represents a philosophy of care whereby each person is valued as a unique individual with a distinct perspective on life and a foundational social life dependent upon his or her relationship with others. It is also a form of care which at times of illness, transition and loss seeks to aid in the building of resilience and the rediscovering of hope.

While loss and the corresponding grief can be multi-faceted, it is essential to note that spiritual care is vital in assisting individuals not simply to cope but to find meaning in life and in relationship.

It is the ministry of spiritual care to assist on this journey, whether it be a quest to find God, to make some sense of one's life and perhaps impending death, or to form meaningful connections with others.

Many older people also find meaning in spiritual reminiscence, worship, prayer, song, and life review. Music and the telling of life

stories may benefit a high proportion of residents, while a good number of others with a Christian background will respond to ritual and spiritual reminiscence.

Anglican Care has multiple residential care facilities and retirement living villages and is expanding all the time to meet the demand in the aged care industry.

I am employed full time as Chaplaincy Services Co-ordinator.

An experience that comes to mind that is representative of the necessity of spiritual care within our organisation regularly occurs at our quarterly memorial services. That is, where family members have stated either they had previously not felt ready for closure or they believed a funeral had not been adequate. Families have subsequently thanked me for leading a service that allowed them to truly say goodbye to their loved ones.

We have been very fortunate to recently welcome the Rev'd Jenny Foley as Chaplain who provides ministry at Booragul and Toronto three days per week. Jenny was much admired for her previous work as chaplain for Anglican Care at Storm Village in Taree and continues to be highly thought of for the professionalism and compassion that she brings to her role.

We also have several chaplains who are commissioned to the role due to the fact that an Anglican Care facility resides within their parish boundary. Most chaplains work hard to provide the necessary pastoral care, but some are limited to leading a weekly Eucharistic service by the busy nature of their individual parishes.

It was the realisation that one full-time, one half-time, and several part-time chaplains, could only be completely present and extend best practice person-centred care to a small percentage of our residents, that led to research into and the recent employment of our first Pastoral Care Associate.

Deidre Stokes comes to us with much experience in palliative care, and her work at Storm Village, and Bishop Tyrrell Place in Taree, is already highly regarded.

Deidre speaks of having the time that other staff do not have, to sit and spend time with those who are lonely, and rarely have visitors.

She has also been able to use her palliative care experience to advise and comfort family members and friends in the difficult journey they must undertake with their loved one.

Best practice spiritual care is now being evidenced by care facilities moving from being institutions to therapeutic communities.

Anglican Care is making giant strides to form just such a community, and it is our vision, with the support of the Diocese, that in the not too distant future spiritual care will be embedded in its very fabric.

This is essential, as when I spend time with residents, family members and staff, it is my constant observation that a truly empathic and compassionate presence provides balm for a troubled soul.

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Dates for your diary AUGUST 6 L'ARCHE

AUGUST 13 SING AUSTRALIA CONCERT

HUNTER

St Peter's Anglican Church, Swansea, invite you to a performance

by Sing Australia Belmont & Wallsend.

L'Arche Hunter invites you to join our community of people with intellectual disabilities, families and friends to share a meal, friendship and prayer together

DATE: Saturday August 6 TIME: 12–3pm VENUE: St Matthew's Anglican Church Hall, 7 Wentworth Street Georgetown.

You are welcome to bring a plate to share. Please contact Kath Bourke 0447 696 505 or Bev Rigby 4943 0450. Our Community Gathering is the first Saturday of the month. www.larchehunter. org.au AUGUST 9 ANGLICAN CARE AUXILIARY HIGH TEA LUNCHEON High Tea Luncheon to be held in Timbury Hall, Booragul, on Friday, August 19. For bookings phone Denise 4953 6596.

AUGUST 13 DIOCESAN CONVENTION Every year the Diocesan Convention has been a high point in the Diocesan Calendar.

In 2016 we will hear from Canon Dr Robin Greenwood, author of Sharing God's Blessing. We will also have a special presentation from the Rev'd Julie Turnbull on Messy Church.

DATE: Saturday August 13 TIME: 9.30am-3pm – early cuppa from 9am VENUE: Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College COST: $20 per person (includes lunch)

For more information please contact the Diocesan Office on 4926 3733. All welcome.

ABOUT CANON DR ROBIN GREENWOOD

The Rev'd Canon Dr Robin Greenwood is Vicar of St Mary the Virgin, Monkseaton, Newcastle Diocese UK, a practical theologian and author. Robin has been ordained as an Anglican priest for over 40 years. He has served in parishes, cathedrals and in educational and strategic diocesan roles. His passion is growing discipleship for sharing in God's mission. Encouraging a culture of sharing in creative liturgy and collaborative ministry for mission, together with directing community theatre and developing skills in spiritual guidance have, in various locations, been key elements of his ministry.

Robin regularly contributes to mission, ministry and church development conferences in the UK and has worked with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in New York, the Lutheran church in Sweden and Anglican Dioceses in Australia and New Zealand.

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WHERE: 28 Josephson St, Swansea WHEN: Saturday August 13 TIME: 2pm COST: $10

After the concert a delicious afternoon tea will be served in the church hall.

SEPTEMBER 3 LADIES FASHION PARADE All Saints Anglican Church is hosting a Ladies Fashion Parade. The models will wear pre-loved clothing that has been donated to our markets. There's an amazing range of styles, colours & sizes.

Come along and stock up for the new season at bargain prices.

Lucky door prizes, raffle, 10 gifts.

DATE: Saturday September 3 TIME: 1.30pm VENUE: All Saints Anglican Church, 24 Church St Belmont COST: $6 (includes afternoon tea) SEPTEMBER 5-9 AW SPRING CELEBRATIONS The first week of September always sees the Spring Celebrations organised by Anglican Women in the various Deaneries of the Diocese of Newcastle for everyone who would like to come. This year the guest speakers will be from Kairos Outside for Women (KOW) in the Hunter. They will be the recipients of the next Thank You Box collection.

VENUE/ DATES

MONDAY 5: Manning Deanery – St Peter's Anglican Church, 28 High Street, Harrington TUESDAY 6: Combined Deaneries of Newcastle & Lake Macquarie – St Andrew's, Church St., Mayfield WEDNESDAY 7: Upper Hunter – St Alban's, Brook St., Muswellbrook

THURSDAY 8: Lower Hunter (Maitland/Paterson) - St John's, 45 Sturgeon St, Raymond Terrace FRIDAY 9: Central Coast – Lakes Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit, 274 Wallarah Rd, Gorokan

TIMES: 10am Morning Tea, 10.30am Holy Communion, 12.30pm Lunch, 1.30pm Finish or 2.30pm if there is an afternoon session.

It is often said by those in prison, "We do the crime, but the family does the time." Often the families, especially the women, are the forgotten victims of someone else's crime. This is why Kairos Outside for Women reaches out to women impacted by the imprisonment of a friend or relative saying, "You are not alone."

The team on KOW provide a safe environment over a weekend where guests are given an opportunity to interact with other families without shame or judgement. This time allows these families, perhaps for the first time, to explore and experience unconditional love and support. And it helps families meet other families who really understand their situation.

SEPTEMBER 7ANTIQUES VALUATION DAY All Saints Anglican Church are hosting an Antiques Valuation Day by Wholly Relics Maitland, on September 7. Continuous valuations will be held between 10.30am-3pm. $5 per item to be valued and limit of 2 items per person.

OCTOBER 2 ANIMAL WELFARE SUNDAY Animal Welfare Sunday is a day in the Church's calendar on which we take time to think more deeply about our fellow creatures, to address issues of the wellbeing of non-human animals.

Animal Welfare Sunday provides an opportunity to think and pray about the suffering that human activity causes to our fellow creatures, and our responsibility as Christians to alleviate suffering and promote the welfare of all of God's creatures.

Animal Welfare Sunday, at the suggestion of the Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals (ASWA), will be celebrated each October by many parishes within the Anglican Church.

SEPTEMBER 10-11 WEEKEND OF PRAYER FOR SRE Every week in NSW around 10,000 adults go into pubic schools to help children explore the Christian faith, so they have the information they need to choose whether or not to live a life of faith.

DATE: September 10-11

Pray and promote, pray together or alone, promote SRE at your church. Get involved at your church in 2016.

SEPTEMBER 12 ANGLICAN CARE AUXILIARY BUS TRIP Bus Trip to be held on Monday, September 12. For bookings please contact Beryl 4958 8182.

SEPTEMBER 13 MORPETH LECTURE Morpeth Lecture 2016 will take place on Tuesday September 13 at the Conservatorium of Music, Newcastle. We will hear from Professor Dr Clifford Green, a renowned scholar on

Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Join us for a free lecture from 6pm. Light refreshments will be served. All welcome. Sponsored by partnership between the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle and the University of Newcastle.

SEPTEMBER 16-18 RECREATE FAMILIES WEEKEND ReCreate3 is happening this year. Join the fun in this families' weekend on September 16-18 at Camp Elim.

ReCreate3 is for all Anglican Families in the diocese and promises to be a great weekend of worship, learning, activities and fun!

Bookings are being taken now!

DATE: September 16-18 VENUE: Camp Elim

Visit the ReCreate website to find out more and stay tuned for more information.

The aim of these special services is to focus on ever-growing Christian concern for the plight of animals in the modern world.

We hope you will choose to join those who wish to demonstrate this concern.

The designated Sunday has been chosen to fall each October, within the Octave of the Feast of St Francis of Assisi. In 2016, Animal Welfare Sunday will fall on October 2.

To find out more and to find free information and ideas on how to celebrate Animal Welfare Sunday in your church, group or organisation visit www. newcastleanglican. org.au/ animalwelfaresunday

FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH INNER CITY HEALING MASS The Inner City Healing Mass continues to be offered at St Peter's Hamilton on the 1st Thursday of each month at 10am.

This is a simple service in which Communion is brought to the congregation in the pews followed by the laying on of hands and anointing with oil for healing. Prayers are also offered for those of our community who are sick or in special need.

The service is followed by morning tea and fellowship.

Worshippers come from all over the Newcastle area and there is always a welcome for new faces. For more information please phone 4968 3336 (Jenny Whiteman: Parish Secretary)

23

AROUND THE DIOCESE

L'ARCHE HUNTER Wendy and Henry Ponsen, one of the first families to join L'Arche Hunter, share their story of their journey with their son Jonathan.

Our son Jonathan is 32 years old. We have been blessed to have been involved with the L'Arche Community for the past 15 years. Upon hearing of L'Arche, Wendy became involved in Sydney L'Arche and stayed with them for a particular weekend which was so beautiful.

We first heard about L'Arche from a personal friend, subsequently making so many lovely friends throughout this time. We have a wide circle of friends especially through our L'Arche Community. This has so much to do with our son whose disability is really responsible for the lovely connections which help to sustain us right to the present time.

The world really doesn't give us the quality of these connections which lie close to the heart of L'Arche Communities everywhere. The value which is clearly placed on every person with disability is inspirational and so affirming for all involved.

Our son's uniqueness and our love for others through L'Arche gives us confidence that we have nothing to fear for our future and that the Lord is in control, having plans and purposes that we may not be immediately aware of.

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We have seen him grow into the lovely young man that he is, especially through L'Arche. Jonathan is much loved in our Church and everywhere he goes. He is kind, loving and considerate of others and is friendly to everyone he meets.

Our L'Arche gatherings have played such a role in this as has the ministry of particular Board Members who have readily become part of his wider family.

We have been privileged to share much of this with folk we meet. Of particular note is the fact that we have regularly spoken to groups of trainee doctors concerning our journey and of course telling them about L'Arche and what it does. We have had many positive responses from both lecturers and student doctors.

We are eternally grateful to be involved with L'Arche and its Charter.

If you would like to know more about L'Arche or join us for a community meal on the first Saturday of each month you would be very welcome. Please contact Kath Bourke – 0447 696 505 or Bev Rigby – 4943 0450 for further details.

www.larche.org.au

SAMARITANS EMERGENCY RELIEF

The Anglican Parish of Cardiff held its Patronal Festival in July to give thanks for all we have to share, and made a special focus of collecting food for the Samaritans Emergency Relief.

The parish collected over 50 kilograms of food for the Samaritans.

ANGLICAN WOMEN ANNUAL SERVICE: A TIME OF JOY AND FELLOWSHIP Held at the beautiful, historic St Peter's Church, East Maitland on June 7, we were made most welcome by the Rector, the Ven. Canon David Battrick. On a day that was fine, though very windy, about 120 people attended from 37 parishes.

Bishop Peter Stuart celebrated and preached on the anxiety of searching and the joy of finding, in a joyful Eucharist.

Following this, Guest Speaker, the Rev'd Fiona Bergstrom, a retired priest from Woy Woy Parish, shared her reflections on the new AW theme for the year, Joy: "The joy of the Lord is your strength".

Her explanation of Joy and its use in scripture was interspersed with stories of her own life and faith journey, which eventually led to her ordination in America in 1995.

Fiona said, "I often have described our move to Australia as a giant kangaroo leap. And in some ways I found it a difficult move, so far away from England, Sweden and North America, places so familiar to us. My time as chaplain has helped me to feel connected to the community in a deeper way, and has certainly brought me great joy over these years.

Altogether it was a great day of worship, learning, music and fellowship as we were able to catch up with members of the "church family" from many parts of the Diocese.

Photos CW from top: The AW Executive (L-R: Shirley Melvelle, Dorothy Kirk, Leonie Benson, Lynette Bignall, Pamela Wilson, Noeline Darcy, Maureen Guthrie-Horwill, Marion Willey, Beatrice Voysey. and Laurel Brook); Guest speaker, The Rev’d Fiona Bergstrom; The Sanctuary: Bishop Peter Stuart celebrated; left - Michaela Sorensen,sub-deacon; rt - The Rev’d Michelle Hazel-Jawhary, Deacon.

NAIDOC WEEK SERVICE A Service of Repentance and Reconciliation was held at St John’s, Taree on Sunday, July 3, marking the beginning of NAIDOC Week. The service was led by The Reverend Chris Beal and Pastor Russell Saunders, a proud Biripi elder preached and shared culture. Members of the parish and the Biripi community enjoyed brunch and fellowship together after the service.

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

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24 hour access through ASDF Online Local and focused customer service

For more information call us today on 02 4926 3733 or visit our website www.asdf.org.au

25

AROUND THE DIOCESE

LAKES GRAMMAR: PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD WINNERS IN PUBLIC DESIGN COMPETITION A group of 11 students from Lakes Grammar – An Anglican School, Design & Technology class entered the Climate Adapted People Shelters (CAPS) Public Design Competition 2016 and run by the University of Technology Sydney and NSW State Government. The task was to redesign a bus shelter for a hot temperature zone in Western Sydney.

The students in Years 9, 10 and 11 worked hard during Semester One to create an innovative design that was cooler in summer, incorporate smart technology for the users and fitted into the local surroundings and environment.

Lakes Grammar was the only high school in the competition and their design entry "Trans-porto" finished in the Top 5 following a public display stage in which they were quizzed by judges, guests and visitors to the finals.

After selection in the Top 5 designs a presentation was made to a group of professionals. This was a fantastic achievement considering all other entries were from professional architects and design companies. The entry was then submitted into the People's Choice Awards, and this week, Lakes students were announced as winners. The judges made note of the students' ability to bring flair for Design & Technology to a real-world project, tackling the impact of urban heat on commuters.

"I am so proud of our students for achieving such a great outcome. Their design is inspirational. Their research process was impeccable. I love the video and the explanation of the design features. Thank you Mr Rick Hampson for your guidance and support," said Mr Michael Hannah, school Principal.

LAKES GRAMMAR Lakes Grammar is a 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 Opportunity Class for Years 5 and 6 To arrange a School Tour, please contact our Registrar, Racquel Jolly 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

26

FUN, FOOD AND FAITH ARVO The inaugural Fun, Food and Faith Arvo was held at St Luke's Anglican Church, Coopernook on March 19.

The various games and activities were conducted by Manning Valley Anglican School (MVAC) teachers Greg Anderson, Tamara Bean and Anne Randall.

Following the activities and a hearty country hospitality style afternoon tea the MVAC families joined other parishioners for the regular 5pm Eucharist with the students assisting in various parts of the service.

Coopernook is a picturesque village, which along with the surrounding farms, has a population of just under 520. It is one of the communities served by the Anglican Parish of Harrington/Coopernook. Harrington/Coopernook parish priest Father Steve Niland said that he appreciated the co-operation of MVAC in seeking to expand and re-energise children's and youth ministry in the parish.

DEDICATION OF SWANSEA'S NEW MU BANNER Swansea Mothers' Union group was delighted to have its new banner blessed and dedicated by the Rev 'd Robyn Fry at the Sunday Eucharist at St Peter's Swansea on April 10.

It is the result of the creativity of Shirley and Milton Larven.

Following the input of ideas from members, Milton worked on the design and Shirley spent very many hours on its creation. It replaces a banner which had done over forty years of service.

Photos: (top) L-R: Dorothy McElveney, Marion Willey, Janice Jamieson, Helen Adams, Shirley Larven, Audrey Hone, Annette Henderson, Julie McKay, Rev'd Robyn Fry, Mervyn Hammond and Lyn Taylor. (Bottom) The Rev'd Robyn Fry dedicating the banner: "May this banner be a symbol, visible to all who come to this church, of our commitment to sharing Christ's love by encouraging, strengthening and supporting marriage and family life".

MVAC STUDENTS PARTICIPATE AT ST MATTHEW'S WINGHAM Despite the fact that it was a cold , wet winter's evening 45 people gathered at St Matthew's Anglican Church, Wingham for the regular 4pm Contemporary Service on June 19.

26 members of the congregation came from Manning Valley Anglican College (MVAC) including two members of the music team; Mrs Lauren Baker and Mr Todd Saunders who are teachers at MVAC. A number of MVAC primary and secondary school students assisted in the service which was lead by the Rector of Wingham Parish, the Rev'd Brian Ford. The theme of the service was God's amazing grace and generosity as shown in the atoning death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus.

MVAC chaplain Greg Anderson said that the college is keen to keep building Gospel partnerships with local Anglican parishes and that the Rector and people of Saint Matthew's, Wingham have a real gift of Christian hospitality and have been actively reaching out with God's love to college families.

St Johns Anglican Church 2 McLean St (PO Box 1928)

Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

Position Vacant:

Children’s Church Co-Ordinator 13 Hours per week position

A job description can be obtained from our website: www.coffsharbouranglicanchurch.org or by emailing: stjohnscoffs@bigpond.com “St Johns is a diverse congregation in both geographical and theological background who worship in unity as a part of the Anglican Tradition”

27

SINGLETON QUIET DAY AT THE OLD MONASTERY AT STROUD On June 11 we took time out of our busy schedules to have a quiet day. We had morning tea on arrival followed by a tour of the monastery. The resident priest, Pirrial Clift, led us in a session called "Why be Quiet?"

We incorporated the Mothers' Union wave of prayer into the morning office before lunch in the Refectory.

After lunch we engaged in quiet reflection, prayer and peaceful recreation. We joined the brothers for a Eucharist in the chapel and then it was time for us to say goodbye and travel home with our batteries recharged.

Our thanks to John Blakemore, Elizabeth Corah, Pirrial Clift and Brother Alfred for their assistance and participation in making it such a special day.

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POKEMON CRAZE TAKES OVER THE WORLD - AND OUR CHURCHES Pokémon Go is a new game for smartphone devices where users are encouraged to walk around their neighbourhoods with the aim to "capture, battle, and train virtual Pokémon who appear throughout the real world."

The craze has even found its way into our churches.

SWANSEA MU SUPPORTS INDIAN LEPROSY MISSION HOSPITAL Swansea Parish, especially the Mothers' Union, supports the Leprosy Hospital at Naini in India, through knitting cotton bandages for the patients. We first heard of this project through Windale MU members who have been involved for some time.

Nick and Heather Smith from East Maitland gave a most interesting and informative talk, supplemented by a powerpoint presentation, about the Leprosy bandages project for The Leprosy Mission Hospital at Naini, Allahabad plus a short video from the Leprosy Mission, Australia, at the May meeting of Swansea MU. Factual information was interspersed with stories of their life in India, their faith, and involvement with a Children's Home which they support and have taught at and the TLM Hospital at Naini in the north-west of India. A large hospital run by Christians, it demonstrates the love of Jesus in a practical way, in an area where Christians comprise 5%, Hindus 75%, and Muslims 20% of the population. As well as long-term residential treatment and a range of surgery and rehabilitation, there is a large outpatients' department, provision for long-term accommodation, outreach into surrounding villages and it is a teaching hospital.

The Smiths encourage people to knit colourful cotton bandages which can be sterilised and re-used. These are greatly appreciated by staff and patients. Currently they send two 20kg packs, each containing 550 bandages, to Naini a year. Our group was able to present them with 131 bandages knitted by our members and friends!

A pattern is available for this very simple item. Shirley Larven buys the pure cotton from a mill in Bendigo.

The Rev'd Theresa Angert-Quilter was commissioned at Kurri Kurri on Monday July 4.

Photos by Grant Killen.

Kilpatrick Court

NOW OPEN!

Join Anglican Care’s Christian family and enhance your lifestyle Lake Macquarie’s newest residential aged care home situated in the lakeside suburb of Toronto.

Kilpatrick Court has been designed to provide the very best environment for care, lifestyle, wellbeing and happiness and will cater for people with various individual needs.

11644

COMMISSIONING: THE REV'D THERESA ANGERT-QUILTER

If you would like to receive further information regarding Kilpatrick Court, or one of Anglican Care’s other services please phone 4958 0000 or 1800 733 553 acaccommodation@anglicancare.com.au www.anglicancare.com.au

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PUZZLE: MYSTERY WORD PUZZLE Can you place the given words into our puzzle and work out the missing word? (We have given you one letter as a clue!)

Solution June/July Puzzle: "Old Testament Books"

HEALS HOSTS JAMES JONAH SILAS ?????

RECIPE: THE ULTIMATE BREAD & BUTTER PUDDING Valli Little has borrowed a few ingredients from the French to turn this Brit classic into a luscious dessert.

Prep: 4:15 | Cook: 1:00 | Easy | Serves: 8

INGREDIENTS 2 almond croissants, roughly torn 3 pain au raisins, roughly torn 400g brioche loaf, roughly torn 100g unsalted butter, melted, cooled 6 eggs 1 cup (220g) caster sugar 600ml pure (thin) cream 600ml milk Finely grated zest of 1 orange 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Icing sugar, to dust METHOD Step 1: Grease a 2L baking dish.

Step 2: Arrange the almond croissant pieces in the baking dish, then top with layer of pain au raisins pieces and finish with a layer of brioche.

Step 3: Whisk the butter, eggs, sugar, cream, milk, orange zest and vanilla together in a bowl until just combined.

Pour over the pastries and brioche, then stand for 3-4 hours to allow the cream mixture to soak in and the flavours to develop.

Step 4: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Step 5: Bake the pudding for 1 hour or until just set. Dust with icing sugar and serve.

Source: Taste.com

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ENCOUNTER READERSHIP SURVEY YOUR OPINION MATTERS! Following twelve successful editions of Encounter magazine, we'd love to gain some feedback from our readers on how we are doing. Please take a moment to let us know how we can make The Encounter better and to help improve the magazine. Your opinion is important to us!

How often do you read the following sections/features of The Encounter?

Gender  Male  Female What is your age group?  Under 18  18-24  25-34  35-44  45-54  55-64  65-74  75-84  85-90  Over 90 How frequently do you read The Encounter?  Every issue  Most issues  Once in a while  Never How long have you been reading The Encounter?  Under a year  1-3 years  3-10 years  10-20 years  Over 20 years On average, how long do you spend reading an issue of The Encounter?  Less than 10 minutes  10-30 minutes  30-60 minutes  1-2 hours  More than 2 hours How would you classify yourself as a reader of The Encounter?  I read it cover to cover  I read most of the articles  I only read one or two articles in each issue  I read every other issues  I never read it at all How long do you save a copy of The Encounter?  I discard it as soon as I've read it  1-3 months  3-12 months  12 months or more  I never get rid of them Typically, how many people read your copy of The Encounter besides you?  No one else. I'm the only one who reads it  1 other person  2-3 other people  4 or more other people

Cover Bishop Greg's column Bishop Peter's reflections Life of An Archdeacon Topics/In Brief Feature articles Q&A A word from our chaplains Thinking About Faith Social Justice Task Force Dates for your diary/events Around the Diocese Recipe Review Puzzle

Every issue

Most issues

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Please rate your interest in knowing about: (4 being very interested, 1 being not interested) Aid Agencies (ABM, CMA) Anglican Care Anglican Schools Animal Welfare Chaplaincy Current Affairs (Terrorism, Disasters) Domestic Violence Easter & Christmas Service Times Facing the Past, Shaping a Healthy Future

Homelessness Interfaith and Ecumenical News International Anglican News Messy Church, Kids, Youth Ordinations Parish events & news Reconciliation Refugees & Asylum Seekers Samaritans Social Justice Task force SRE (School Scripture) The environment & issues Theological & faith articles

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Are there any issues, topics or themes that you'd like to see in upcoming issues of The Encounter?

What article/topic would you consider to be the most memorable in the last year?

Are there any changes or improvement to The Encounter you would like to suggest?

Please rate the quality of The Encounter on the following:

How do you usually read The Encounter?  Print edition  Digital edition  Both If you are reading The Encounter digitally, do you use:  iPad or other tablet  Smart phone  Computer  Other ________________

Content Cover Ease of reading Layout and design Photography Writing

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Please rate your overall impression of The Encounter  Excellent  Good  Average  Poor

Once you have completed the survey, please send it to: The Editor, The Encounter, PO Box PO Box 817, Newcastle NSW 2300

To complete the survey online visit: www.newcastleanglican.org.au/encounter-magazine 31 31

TELLING MY STORY POLICE

Everyone who has been abused or who has information about abuse is urged to come forward to the Police.

The NSW Police are interested in receiving any information about criminal activity associated with the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle including sexual abuse or the concealing of sexual abuse.

People with information can call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 ROYAL COMMISSION

You are encouraged also to contact the Royal Commission by calling 1800 099 340 OR Email contact@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au OR Write to GPO Box 5283 Sydney NSW 2001 PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS OFFICE

If you would like to speak with the Diocesan Director of Professional Standards you can call 1800 774 945 OR Write confidentially to the Director of Professional Standards directly at: Anglican Diocese of Newcastle PO Box 494 Newcastle NSW, 2300 OR Email dps@newcastleanglican.org.au YOU WILL BE HEARD AND YOUR MATTERS WILL BE TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY.

SEEKING SUPPORT Discussing child sexual abuse can be difficult. The Royal Commission has reminded us that is especially so for survivors telling their story for the first time, their families and professional staff supporting them.

The Royal Commission provides an extensive list of care and support services which can be found at Support Services. These services connect people with counsellors or special support groups.

If you need immediate support call Lifeline on 13 11 14

For more, visit: www.newcastleanglicanhealthyfuture.com/seeking-support

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