The Spirit - February 2014 by Anglican Diocese of Bendigo

MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF BENDIGO www.bendigoanglican.org.au

Issue 97 February 2014

‘Away in a Lego manger’

ver wanted to build a nativity scene from Lego? It was a favourite activity at Sunraysia South’s ‘Messy Christmas’ service. Many grandchildren, nieces and nephews had been invited, and came along.

The main message was about Jesus being the best gift ever. At the conclusion, participants were able to make angel icecream cones which were soon devoured. Trying to stay upright in a three-legged race are mother /daughter team Phoebe and Eril Rathjen; grandfather/grandson team Mick Clayton and Nathan Brown; and good buddies team Billy McLean and Bryce Kemp.

Old-fashioned Sunday School picnic

A The Associaton of Independent Schools’ Victoria staff decided to give children’s Christmas presents to Sunraysia South parish to distribute in the area. We were able to help local children in Red Cliffs, family members of the Sunraysia Autism Spectrum Support Group, ZOE (a group supporting young mums), and the ‘2013 ABC Mildura-Swan Hill Giving Tree Appeal’ distributed by Mallee Family Care. A big thank you to the Association for their generosity. q Dale Barclay (pictured with a bundle of goodies received from ABC Mildura-Swan Hill)

good old-fashioned Sunday School picnic took place at the home of Louise Rathjen on Sunday December 22. It followed a service at St John’s Colbinabbin in which the children played a larger than usual part, and each was presented with a book. Two baptisms at St George’s Goornong preceded the St John’s service. The picnic included old favourites - egg and spoon, sack, and three legged races, a tug of war, pass the parcel and, in keeping with Christmas, pin the star on the stable. The worship, games and lots of yummy food and treats made for a wonderfully happy day for children and adults alike. We thank our gracious God for beautiful weather and his provision for us. Eaelier in the month, parishioners had hosted the annual BBQ for students and staff at Colbinabbin Primary School. q Sandra Clayton, Colbinabbin

Inside this issue: • Centre-pages: new ministries • Changing of the guard at MU • Back page caption comp • and all your favourite regulars!

Caring at a time of need

151 McCrae Street Bendigo 12 Victoria Street Eaglehawk

P. 5441 5577

www.williamfarmer.com.au

A tradition that continues...

Dear Friends, Christmas and the New Year have gone and we are well into 2014. How have you survived the heat and in some parts of the diocese, bushfires? The Parish of Central Mallee, centred on Ouyen, had fire burning near it for quite a period of time in mid-January, and many small towns in the parish were on a ‘Watch and Act’ status for days. Across the diocese there were lots of other fires as well, that caused anxiety and concern. During that terribly hot week in January I was conscious every day of fire-fighters and emergency workers who were out there working on the fire fronts and helping many communities. Now we are into February, and the life of many of our parishes is getting underway for the year. I have been busy with a series of inductions and ordinations (read about them elsewhere in The Spirit) with more to come, which is very encouraging. At the same time I am conscious of the challenges facing parishes today and how changing lifestyles are affecting the way communities operate. No longer is Sunday a sacred day. Have you read the Diary of a Welsh Swagman? It is about a Welshman who came out to the colony of Victoria to join the gold rush in the hope of finding a fortune. He didn’t, and ended up as the street sweeper in Maldon where he religiously kept a diary for years. Amongst many things he records how on Sundays everything in Maldon stopped for the Sabbath Day of rest, even the mines. Nothing stirred in the town except for those going to the many churches and chapels to worship. It was all very dour! Now Sundays have changed enormously, and one only has to visit Maldon to see the dimension of that change. There are now only three churches open and many have closed, the latest being the Uniting Church late last year. In contrast to the churches, however, the main street of Maldon on a Sunday is absolutely thronged with people. The cafes do a roaring trade and the shops report it is the busiest day 2 The Spirit February 2014

of the week. Many are visitors coming to enjoy Victoria’s most notable town and experience all that it has to offer. Maggie, one of Australia’s favourite cooks and food writers has recently said: For me, the farmers’ markets are probably like what other people get out of church – catching up with friends, getting the goss, helping with the bad times, buying all the good things. It’s about being connected to the community. Maggie, I think, expresses the way many people feel now about going to church. There are so many other things that have replaced what it once provided. Perhaps farmers’ markets are not outwardly sacred, but they do seem to fill the need in people’s lives for community, and the feeling that they are doing something good for local producers and the community generally. This is just one example of the many other offerings other than church that are now available to people on Sundays. In fact going to church has become a minority experience! This also means that in the churches we face stiff competition to attract people’s interest and involvement. One small town in the diocese has a Sunday market now on the second Sunday of every month. At the Annual Meeting of the parish I was asked recently, “Can we have worship at a different time that Sunday or even on a different day?” My answer is ‘Yes!’ In fact I was to learn that most of the parishioners are involved in the Sunday market anyway. This is a good example of where we as a church have to be more flexible and realise that we need to consider if possible other options for worship. In many of our small towns and communities the church must be part of them and the challenge is for the people of God to do that in a way that enhances the local community. With every blessing

PS: Kyneton parish runs an accredited Farmers’ Market on the second Saturday of each month.

id you know that the 2011 Census shows that some 90% of Australia’s population now lives within 100km of the coast? Only Victoria and parts of NSW buck this trend. Nearly all of this diocese is well away from the coast. The Mallee is classified not as ‘outback’, but ‘regional’ and ‘remote’. Like much of inland Australia, it is seeing significant population loss and towns downsizing. Farms are bigger, which means less people on the land, and farmers generally are ageing more quickly than most other workers and professions. There are exceptions, with both Mildura and Swan Hill growing and maintaining a good age profile. However, it is often at the cost of small communities that surround them. When St Arnaud diocese was created in 1926 it had 27 parishes; when it merged with Bendigo in 1977 that had reduced to 13. Now the area that diocese once covered is served by 8 parishes. A diocese like ours has to be robust, innovative and flexible to meet these challenges, and see that ministry is provided across this wide area of northwest Victoria. Please pray for the Mallee and Loddon deaneries in this diocese. q

The Spirit Monthly newsmagazine (except January) of the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo. Address: The Spirit, PO Box 2, Bendigo 3552 Member, Australasian Religious Press Association Editor: The Revd Dr Charles Sherlock charlesherlock@gmail.com Committee Chair: The Revd Bryn Jones The Spirit is published in the first week of the month (excluding January). Advertising: rates are available from the Editor. All advertisements are accepted at the Editor’s discretion; acceptance does not imply endorsement of the product or service. Contributions are welcome, and will be edited: email submission is preferred. Anonymous articles will not be considered for publication. Photographs should be in digital form, full size: please send the ‘raw’ photo. Physical photographs are normally not returned. The Anglican Diocese of Bendigo and the Editor are not responsible for opinions expressed by contributors, nor do these necessarily reflect the policy of the diocese. Next contributions deadline: February 19

An ‘echidna’ confirmation at Elmore!

n Sunday 8 December parishioners were delighted to have Bishop Ron Stone lead us in worship at St Peter’s Elmore for the confirmation of Rachel Johnson and Nikita Taig. Bishop Ron spoke of the determination and perseverance of the echidna - a fine example for our Christian journey . He then presented Rachel and Nikita with an (ornamental) echidna as a reminder for them. And on the following day, 9 December, the Music Makers’ Christmas breakup took place, with special food and gifts for all. On Sunday 15 December, at St Peter’s Elmore, they and older children joined in a children’s Christmas service, after which there was a sausage sizzle.

‘

Bishop Ron Stone and the Revd Ross Craven, Elmore rector, with Nikita Taig and Rachel Johnson following their confirmation at St Peter’s Elmore on 8 December 2013.

Sandra Clayton, Colbinabbin

Change a life. Donate now. Trees stop the traffic!

ars stopped at Bears Lagoon on the Loddon Valley Highway, shoppers in Pyramid Hill stopped to look in the windows at the local IGA store, and holiday makers in Boort were amazed at the creativity. It was the Australian Christmas Tree Competition, run by Pyramid Hill / Boort parish. The aim was to interest and involve the three local communities in celebrating Christmas, and to raise the church’s profile.

Working together, we can make hopeful change; working to our strengths, we bring about a welcoming, inclusive and just society. – Bishop Andrew Curnow AM St Luke’s Board President Donate to the St Luke’s Appeal Direct deposit via Bendigo Bank: BSB 633 000 ACC 130329535 We take donations over the phone: Call: 03 5440 1100 Or choose to give online at: www.stlukes.org.au Albury • Bendigo • Castlemaine Deniliquin • Echuca • Kyneton Maryborough • Swan Hill

Christmas trees were to be made from material found around a home or a farm. Trees arrived made from barbed wire, irrigation pipe, shearing combs and cutters, car tyres, glass bottles, bright yellow oil drums – and stacked prayer books! q Bishop Ron February 2014 The Spirit 3

Witnessing a new wholeness

Women ordained priest in Ballarat diocese

Maiden Gully Full ahead activity!

ommon Ground had a very full December. It started with a mission team going to Darwin for a week, returning home to run the holiday programme. We then celebrated Mainly Music’s first birthday, and then saw Brendan McDonald ordained deacon (see separate article, page 6). This was followed by a very big Christmas outreach event, produced by Richard and Glenys Tatty, at the Maiden Gully Public Hall. We are pleased to say that the effort was well worth it - our Christmas musical had a full house! Regina Rich

Kyneton Worshipping with the birds

n 9 December Kyneton held a parish service at the home of Andrea and David Perry. In a beautiful setting, with large gum trees overhanging and the family dogs confined, but watching our every move we held our service, which was very enriching. The singing was taken up by local cockatoos that, along with other birds, raised our praises to the sky. After the service we went into the Perry’s home for tea and coffee, and to enjoy the beautiful views and the fellowship with each other. Everyone had brought something to share for lunch, a great complement to the delicious spit roast of pork and beef which our hosts provided. After lunch we relaxed to the musical entertainment of Rob and Pam Inglis.

t was a great time, needed to unite and build on the relationships within the church family. The day had begun with the sun shining although the wind was a bit cool, but the warmth of friendship soon overcame this. q Heather Vander Reest, locum rector

4 The Spirit February 2014

n ordination took place in December in our neighbouring diocese of Ballarat. Two men were ordained as deacons and two women as priests. It was the first ordination of women to the priesthood in Ballarat diocese, and seven clergy from Bendigo diocese were witnesses.

in ordained ministry, and in leadership enables us all, men and women, to balance our understanding of theology and ecclesiology, shining equal light on feminine and masculine characteristics.

come from dioceses across the nation in support of Ballarat and the ordinands.

The Ballarat occasion was important for all of us who are the Church. There is much work still to be done - but this ordination was a joyous occasion, and one more step towards wholeness for us all. q

It is through the experiences in our earthly lives that we reflect on and unconsciously interpret the Bible. Through Robyn Shackell and Anne McKenna our experiences within our church comhave both been deacons in significant munities, local and diocesan, we come ministry for some years. Anne has been to understand what the body of Christ deacon-in-charge of more than one parmight mean, both in its inadequacies, ish. Robyn has been diocesan ministry debut more importantly in the perfection velopment officer and in parish ministry. All the forty or so Gender equality in church enables for which we aim. emphasis priests present, di- us all, men and women, to balance Unequal on the masculine diocesan and visiting, our understanding of theology. minishes our vision of joyfully participated that precious mystical in the laying on of hands. Almost equal body of Christ. numbers of women and men clergy had

We six women of Bendigo diocese found ourselves behind the crucifer and acolytes, at the head of the procession entering the cathedral. I was deeply moved as we came into the packed church, women priests leading the line of visiting priests.

Fiona Goy, rector of Maldon parish

Bencourt Care

As the people turned to watch the procession enter, I was struck by the excitement and joy on their faces. I was conscious that the congregation would not have witnessed such a procession, nor heard such a one. Clergy tend to sing well. This time, a first in this old cathedral, as we moved down the church, clearly heard by those close to the aisle, our women’s voices rang out, praising God in the singing of the processional hymn.

approves funding for projects within Bendigo Diocese that provide for the relief of need, suffering, sickness, helplessness or poverty of people in the community. Types of projects funded are:

Bishop Garry Weatherill had patiently, respectfully, yet firmly presented the ordination of women as priests to the parishioners and clergy of the diocese since he became their bishop. He listened to his people compassionately and deeply. In 2013 he held meetings throughout the diocese, where people could speak in safety of their hopes and their fears about this potential change. There was rejoicing and some distress at the October synod when the required bill was passed.

b) seeking out and serving children, young people and adults who are financially, emotionally or socially disadvantaged or marginalised;

Gender equality in the church is not simply an issue for women. Far more importantly, it is about who we are as the body of Christ. Like inclusive language, gender equality within churches,

All applications need to be submitted by Friday, 21 February 2014 for review by the Bencourt Care Board on Monday, 3 March 2014.

a) a diverse range of community care services – e.g. aged, palliative and respite care, outreach programs, chaplaincy etc;

c) establishing and developing charitable work. If your parish or group has a project that meets the above criteria please contact Jackie Mullan – Bencourt Care Manager at the Registry on 5443 4711 to discuss your proposal and obtain a Bencourt Application form.

Lady Day 2014

he Lady Day service this year will be held at Holy Trinity Flora Hill from 11am on Wednesday 26 March. Following lunch we are very pleased to have Beth Hookey, whom readers may know from her work with AngliCord, speaking about her work with MU overseas, particularly with the Karen people in the Thai-Burma border camps and in Melbourne. Lady Day, which marks the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a traditional day of prayer for MU members around the world, but the celebrations are open to all who would like to attend. Retiring members of the MU/Caritas Bendigo Diocesan Executive. Left to right Diane Wells, Ronda Gault, Hilary Hunt, Margaret Hunter, John Gault, Jenny Rainsford.

‘Changing of the

guard’ for MU/Caritas

U/Caritas, having had six long serving Executive members step down at the November AGM, will present a different face to the diocese in 2014. Margaret Hunter has handed her treasurer’s hat to Ross Everett and relinquished her acting Caritas leader’s role. Hilary Hunt (assistant secretary / diocesan members’ contact) has no replacement as yet. Secretary John Gault is stepping down, and though he is more committed workwise has agreed to continue as interim secretary until 30 June, for which we are most grateful. Dianne Wells is handing over the social responsibility role to Ronda (now also past president). Jenny Rainsford, though continuing her strong and committed support and involvement in all things MU, is no longer past president. She will be a wonderful resource person for Executive members, but not a member of Executive, and Barry has agreed to be Assistant Treasurer. Phew!! Members understand the situation we are in. We are very fortunate at present to have our two vice-presidents, Val

Coghill and Gail Brabazon, willing to work together to share the responsibilities of president for the time being. So! Much continuing prayer is needed to ensure the continuity of support of MU/Caritas activities and outreach across our diocese.

Registration is $5, lunch is BYO. Enquiries to John Gault on 5461 4576.

Spellbinder at AGM

r Matthew Maruff, Girton Grammar School Headmaster (pictured at left), shared with members some of his life experiences at the AGM on 1 November 2013.

Bendigo to lead MU State Council 2014-16

he leadership of MU State Council rotates through the five dioceses each three years, and for 2014–2016 it is Bendigo’s turn. Congratulations and thank you to these members for accepting new responsibilities: Jenny Rainsford State President Margaret Hunter State Treasurer Ronda Gault State Secretary At present only one State Council meeting is planned for 2014, on 21 May, when the five Victorian diocesan presidents and others of their Executives will meet at St Paul’s Cathedral Melbourne to determine the Council’s activity during the year. All members are invited to these meetings. Please pray that we will be guided by the Spirit as we endeavour to be the second tier Executive for MU in this state.

Members were spellbound by his energy, and the enthusiasm he has for the role he has undertaken. Happy to respond to questions, Matthew suddenly realised he had overstayed his visit as he was meant to be at another meeting and quickly whizzed out the door, leaving us wanting to hear more!

CBE for former MU global leader

embers were thrilled to hear that Rosemary Kempsell, former MU worldwide president, who visited Bendigo in 2012, was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s New Years’ Honours List. q February 2014 The Spirit 5

Ministry New ministries in the diocese

everal new ministries emerged in the diocese in January, and there are more to come in February.

Maiden Gully

rendan Angus Alexander McDonald was ordained deacon by Bishop Andrew on St Andrew’s Day, 30 November, at Maiden Gully Public Hall (where the Common Ground congregation meets for worship each week.)

Bishop Andrew and the Revd Brendan McDonald with Virginia, Bethany, Faith and Daniel.

Brendan McDonald - my journey to ordination

grew up in the bayside suburbs of Melbourne in a single parent household: raising me was a family effort requiring the input of grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins as mum worked long hours. So my concept of what it means to be a family was shaped by this context: it instilled within me a deep desire to be connected with others. This is probably why I am so passionate about the church and what it means to be part of God’s family.

Parishioners from Ian’s former parish of Christ Church Toronto in Newcastle diocese made the trip south to ‘hand him over’ to the Kyneton churchwardens, who presented him to Bishop Andrew to be inducted as their new rector.

My grandmother noticed that I had an ear for music, and her observation led mum to nurture that gift. I joined the National Boys’ Choir when I was eight, and gained invaluable experience travelling around Australia and the world singing. Many of the songs were hymns and Christian songs that helped draw me close to God. My love for music has endured over the years: I get great pleasure from devoting this gift to the life of the church.

This ordination, coming in a mission context, is a sign of emerging ministries in the diocese. Brendan’s account of how his life journey led him and the family Virginia, Bethany, Faith and Daniel - to Common Ground is an inspiring read!

Kyneton he Revd Ian Howarth and family - Alison, Rosemary and James, pictured on the opposite page - were warmly welcomed to the diocese on Thursday 16 January. It was an extremely hot night at St Paul’s Kyneton, but the church was full, with parishioners present from there and St John’s Malmsbury.

The induction followed the parish being led for 18 months by two active locum rectors, the Revd Dr Peta Sherlock and the Revd Heather Vander Reest, both of whom were present.

Bendigo North

hree days later, St Luke’s White Hills was full on Sunday 19 January for the induction of the Revd Gordon Lingard as priest-in-charge, and to welcome him and Judy to the parish. Gordon was previously at St Paul’s Cathedral and before that served at Lockington and Rochester. q

6 The Spirit February 2014

During my teenage years a strong desire to find meaning in life led me to expand my religious understandings. I had grown up with a wonderful Roman Catholic faith but yearned for more. I visited all kinds of Christian congregations with friends from all church backgrounds.

n 1989 I had a profound encounter with the Holy Spirit, which propelled me deeper into discipleship. In 1990 I began to worship at St Paul’s Malvern, and it was there that I began to serve more intentionally within the church. It was at St. Paul’s that I met Virginia in 1997: we were married in 1999 and have been blessed with twin girls, Faith and Bethany, and our son Daniel.

Having worked for many years in corporate, government and small business areas, I finally submitted to God’s leading (with some help from Virginia) to complete a Bachelor of Theology through Tabor Victoria - an act of faith, as there was no real knowing what the outcome would be. Roger Rich had been our parish priest at St Paul’s, and we learned that he and Regina were planting a church in Maiden Gully. Through an unusual set of circumstances we met with Roger and Regina and it became clear that God was calling us to the mission field here in Bendigo! We came to Bendigo early in 2012 – and as they say … the rest is history. My Christian formation has come about through the input of many denominations: I would probably describe myself as a catholicostal charismatic evangelical Anglican! Life has been a complex mix of joys and tragedies, but through it all it has become evident to me that God is in the mix, drawing each one of us closer, revealing his loving nature and plan for our good. Somehow, I always knew that this joyous day would eventually come. I thank God for all the experiences that have led up to it, for both the good and the bad. I thank each one of you for sharing in it, and pray that together, through Jesus Christ, we might come to know our God just that little bit more. q

Ministry New ministries in the dioceselooking ahead

everal ministry developments take place this month. The month starts with the ordination as priest of the Revd Stuart Winn at 10.30am on 1 February at Christ Church Echuca. This completes the Echuca/Rochester/Lockington cluster.

Left to right: Rosemary Howarth, the Revd Ian Howarth, Alison and James with Bishop Andrew following Ian’s induction as rector of the Parish of Kyneton on Thursday 16 January. At left, the Revd Gordon Lingard with Bp Andrew, and at right with wife Judy at St Luke’s White Hills on Sunday 19 January.

Celebrating an organ and its master

arryl Crozier has been the organist at St Paul’s Kyneton for over 47 years. In 2011 Bishop Andrew presented a certificate of appreciation for his ministry of music. Darryl delighted a group of Rotarians and congregational members with a recital on the newly restored pipe organ in December.

and it has a value of $750,000. The polished seat and wearing of leather-soled shoes both allow for smooth transitions in playing.

The organ was built in 1855 in England, intended for St Paul’s Melbourne but considered too small, and purchased for $510 in 1891. It had 16 stops and 800 pipes - a wind instrument, with air created by a blower and stored in chests.

Among the pieces Darryl chose to play were Bach’s Toccata & Fugue in Dm, a setting of ‘All people that on earth do dwell’ arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams and used at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, and the melancholic ‘Going Home’ by Dvorak.

The current restoration was carried out by Wakeley Pipe Organs – an amazing three buckets of rubbish was taken from the pipes! This organ was rebuilt and installed in the gallery. It has an electric action, which means a delay of 0.2 seconds. Presently there are 1500 pipes, 25 stops

Darryl pointed out that while the notes on a piano fade away, it is not so with an organ. And the names used on the stops are the same world-wide.

On Friday 7 February, the Goulburn River Cluster (consisting of Kyabram, Tatura and Tongala parishes) will be inaugurated at St Matthew’s Stanhope. The Revd Jude Benton will be inducted to Tatura, the Revd Sharon Phillips to Tongala and the Revd David Willsher (Kyabram) commissioned as Team Leader. Sunday 9 February sees the Revd Andrew Eaton commissioned as priest-incharge of Maryborough / Avoca parish. The new facility at St Mary’s Kangaroo Flat will be opened officially on Friday 14 February, opening the way for new ministry in the southern part of Bendigo. The clergy conference on 17-19 February in Mildura will hear Bishop Robert Forsyth (Sydney) speak on the Church’s future in Australia, while Professor Jane Fisher will address the issues arising from the scandal of clergy abuse of children. Then on Tuesday 25 February, the Revd Jan Harper will be inducted to Christ Church Swan Hill. q

The organ and Darryl are an integral part of worship at St Paul’s, and we give thanks to God for both. q Heather Vander Reest, Locum rector

Darryl Crozier at the keyboard of the pipe organ of St Paul’s Kyneton.

February 2014 The Spirit 7

Beating around the bush Phew! Fifty degrees! Position vacant Rector - Croajingolong Diocese of Gippsland Croajingolong is a coastal parish in a remote area of Eastern Victoria including the towns of Mallacoota, Genoa and Cann River. The successful candidate will be innovative, pastoral and committed to mission.

Applications close 7 March 2014.

Contact Bishop John McIntyre at bishopjohn@gippsanglican.org.au

Can you remember the Diocese in your will? Our Diocese has been blessed by the generosity of past benefactors. As we seek to expand Christ’s mission in the 21st century, how might you contribute? You should get legal advice before making your will. You may wish to consider the activities of the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo as the recipient of a specific gift, or of the residue of your estate. This wording may be useful for you and your legal advisor when making your will: I bequeath The Corporate Trustees of the Diocese of Bendigo in the State of Victoria the sum of ... to be used for the general purposes of the Diocese of Bendigo in such manner as the said Trustees may approve.

wonder how you coped with Victoria’s recent run of temperatures in the high thirties to mid-forties. It continues hotter than these temperatures in the Outback. Sixty percent of Queensland is again in the grip of a severe drought, and temperatures in the west of the state have remained in the high forties for weeks on end. The earth is baked, and huge cracks have opened, just like a cake cooked in an over-hot oven. Dams have dried up, natural feed is scarce for domestic and wild animals, purchased feed is expensive and the markets for cattle and sheep have collapsed. People are doing it tough and just ‘hanging in’. Have you ever wondered how such people manage? Sue and Harry have a property at Yaraka, a small town in central west Queensland at the end of a railway line – 220km south of Longreach or 165 west of Blackall. Yaraka has a population of a dozen people, with another 100 plus people living in the surrounding area. This is open Mitchell grass downs country, usually providing good grazing – attractive land, with rocky ridges and mulga trees. The little Anglican church in Yaraka has some wonderful folk in the congregation, people with a special place in my prayers.

ue and Harry have been doing it tough, like their neighbours. It’s been hot for weeks on end – three days were over 50 degrees. They have been feeding their stock for the last five months. The water ran out recently, with their dams all dried up. They desperately needed water, and to get it they had to purchase and run a polythene pipe 17 kilometres to their property from a bore on a neighbouring property! When a little rain falls at such a time thousands of kangaroos descend on the green ‘pick’, competing with hungry cattle and sheep. I asked Sue how she and Harry managed to ‘hang in’ in the tough times of recurring, seemingly regular, devastating droughts. “We have seen it before, and believe that while there are hardships the rewards

8 The Spirit February 2014

are worth waiting for. We put away property and stock in the good times for when the bad times come. “We believe that the droughts always break and are thankful for small things. We keep on praying, knowing that God will provide. “I have a praying spot down by a dam. When I go down early in the morning to switch the pump on I pray about things. The dogs look at me wondering why I am sitting still. “Often while I pray God sends by some lovely green budgerigars as a little gift to encourage me for the day. Often there is someone who will ring up and offer understanding. You just rang me. God sends people who make contact.” Just listening to Sue, hearing her express her quiet deep faith, got me thinking. There are many kinds of drought – on the land, in our lives, those arid times in the spirit when we cannot sense God who, in fact, is always there – and we just have to ‘hang in’.

have always been thankful to God that during such a time in my life someone sent my way a small ‘pass it on card’. The card summed up Sue’s faith and reminded me of what helps in difficult times. Whenever I have seen the card since I have purchased and used multiple copies. The card reads: Trust in God’s timing, Rely on God’s promises, Wait for God’s answers, Believe in God’s miracles, Rejoice in God’s goodness, Relax in God’s presence. There is much to be learned from the faith of Christian people in the Outback and those of the ‘bush’. Please remember them in your prayers in the hard times. Do what you can to ensure that they have access to ministry in remote places through support of the Anglican Outback Fund and or the Bush Church Aid Society. This support may be given through your parish or through the Registry. q Bishop Ron

The ‘Year of Matthew’ - an introduction

ach year Broughton Books publishes a small booklet with all the scripture readings for Sundays and weekdays – ‘An Australian Lectionary’. (Copies can be purchased from registry for $10.) Following its system fully would see you read the Psalter every two months, the Old Testament every two years, the New Testament every year – and selections from the Apocrypha for good measure. For Sundays, this schema “provides a three-year scheme based on the Gospels, since these bear witness to Jesus Christ, the living Word of God,” states the Introduction. “The readings for Sundays and Principal Festivals are spread over three years, known as Years A, B, C. Year A begins on the first Sunday in Advent in years which can be evenly divided by three – 2016, 2019, etc., thus making 2013-14 Year A.” Years A, B and C focus in turn on Matthew, Mark and Luke, with John read during Lent and Easter in Years A and B. So 2014 is the ‘Year of Matthew’. But what is distinctive about this account of Jesus Christ? Mark, the shortest gospel, can be summarised as “immediate passion”; Luke, the longest gospel (and with Acts as Part II) as “in journeyings often with diverse characters”; and John, the hardest gospel to arrange for Sunday reading, as “conversations with Jesus, enfleshed sign of God’s Word”.

Matthew in outline

hat then of Matthew? Let me suggest this summary: “five pillars of divine wisdom, spoken and acted anew by Christ.” Of all the gospels, Matthew takes the Old Testament most seriously. Not only is it cited most often, but the book is structured like the core of Israel’s Bible the first five books (Torah) - bracketed by Beginnings and New Beginnings:

Beginnings: chapters 1-2 Book I: 3-4 Jesus’ opening ministry 5-7 and teaching (Sermon on Mount) Book II: 8-9 Galilee A - healings, callings 10 Mission orders for disciples Book III:11-12 Galilee B - conflict grows 13 Parables of the kingdom Book IV:14-17 Galilee C - conflict deepens [turning-point: Peter’s confession, transfiguration] 18 Teaching on true discipleship Book V: 19-22 Journey to Jerusalem 23-25 Woes, teaching on the End New beginnings: 26-27 - crucifixion, burial 28 Resurrection, ‘Great Commission’

The old become new

ach ‘Book’ sets out Jesus’ actions, followed by extended teaching. Jewish readers in particular are thus encouraged to regard Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s work in Israel, now renewed so that God’s love might “go into all the world”. This can be seen in detail in almost every chapter. Matthew opens with the genealogy of Jesus, tracing his ancestry

from Abraham (via four unusual women) to his birth. The ‘Beginning’ chapters present Jesus as son of Abraham, son of David / Jesse, King of Israel, son of God, new Moses, Holy One of God! And so on throughout this gospel of the old become new. So, when listening to the gospel reading from Matthew on Sundays, note the chapter number, so you have an idea of which ‘Book’ the reading comes from. Pay close attention when the Old Testament is cited: this is Matthew’s signal (sometimes rather an odd one!) that something significant is happening. Here are passages where the other gospels do not cite OT texts, but Matthew does: 1.22-23; 2.15; 2.17-18; 2.23; 4.14-16; 8.17; 9:14; 12.17-21; 13.35; 21.4-5; 27.9-10.

Have fun working how Matthew cites the ‘old’ to show that the ‘new’ has come! As Jesus taught to the crowd gathered in the house of the newly-called Matthew, No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak, for the patch pulls away from the cloak, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved. (Matthew 9:16-17) q Charles Sherlock

How do I find the ‘theme’ for each Sunday?

lease don’t try! A ‘theme’ is not intended: each reading should be allowed to speak for itself. Looking for a theme can lead to readings that fail to take seriously the concrete particularity of a passage.

he above Table shows how the Bible is read on Sundays over the three Years of the lectionary scheme. Based on the Revised Common Lectionary, this scheme is used across much of the English-speaking world, as an ecumenical sharing of the scriptures.

In Australia, this (or a very similar) scheme is used by the Anglican, Churches of Christ, Roman Catholic and Uniting Churches, as well as many congregations from other traditions. q Charles Sherlock

In Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, each reading will have some relation to the season. So some link between them may appear naturally. But elsewhere (in ‘ordinary’ time), as the Table shows, each biblical book is read in its own right from week to week, respecting its particularity. This scheme also makes it easy to have a preaching series, for example, on Genesis, Job or 1 Peter in Year A. q February 2014 The Spirit 9

World-performed organist for Echuca

hrist Church Echuca welcomes back Mr Hans Hielscher to perform on its restored organ on Tuesday 25 February from 7pm. Hans Hielscher has been the organist at the Marktkirche, the Lutheran cathedral in Wiesbaden, Germany since 1979. He has made 22 CD recordings and written several books on organs and organists. Supper will be served at the conclusion of the recital and is included in the ticket price of $25. Want to know more? Please call Glenise on 0419 585 104. q

Lent resources

egistry has copies of two study books suitable for use in Lent, including guides for group leaders. And it was Good. Responding to God’s Gift of Creation was prepared by the Anglican C o m m u n i o n’s Bible in the Life of the Church project. Attractively produced, its five studies help participants explore how we live in creation with other creatures. It is suitable for use by people not familiar with Christian faith. Living Now for Then derives from the Trinity College Certificate. With more demanding preparation than And it was Good, it is ideal for people wishing to explore theological study. q The Revd Dr Charles Sherlock was closely involved with the preparation of both booklets.

10 The Spirit February 2014

There’s a word for it: ‘Epiphany’ M ost of us have had what we call an ‘aha’ moment, one when, as we say, ‘the penny drops.’ Those who draw the cartoons in our newspapers often depict such a moment of sudden realisation of the truth of things by drawing one of those balloons coming out of the top of the head of a character, but instead of words inside it there is a symbol. A yellow electric light bulb indicates that light has suddenly dawned on the situation or a new idea brings illumination.

reached the west. Augustine around 400AD said “It is observed throughout the world, except by the Donatists” (a sect of the 4-5th century, named after Donatus, a bishop of Carthage in north Africa.)

For a time at Rome, Epiphany seems to have competed with 25 December for the place of honour as the celebration of the coming of the light of God in Jesus’ birth. What was to be done? What they did was to celebrate the birth of Jesus on 25 December, as we now have it. This left them with the need to redefine the Epiphany.

The ancient Greek all-round mathematician, physicist, inventor and astronomer So its meaning changed to be a celebraArchimedes famously tion of the coming of Epiphany is the season when leapt out of his bath the Magi, the ‘wise we celebrate the ‘showing and ran – rather formen’. As one comthrough from above’ of God. getfully – naked down mentator had it, this the street exclaiming was “a peculiarly Western meaning of the ‘eureka’ (= I have found it) as he solved feast”. So in the western Church we now a problem. Some folk call such moments have Epiphany celebrating the shining of revelation ‘eureka’ moments. Some also forth of Jesus to the wise men, who were call them times of personal ‘epiphany’. not Jewish but Gentiles. In the 1662 Book

‘Epiphany’ is the name of a season in the Church’s year. It runs from 6 January to the beginning of Lent. A look at the word gives us a clue as to its meaning. Epi is a general prefix which can mean upon, above or in addition to. It is the phan part that is at the heart of meaning here. It comes from the Greek verb diaphainein which means ‘to show through’. The root word behind that verb is the Greek word for light, phos – the origin of all the ‘photo’ words, e.g. photography (= literally writing with light), photosynthesis, photocopier etc. We also derive from phos and phan such other words as diaphanous, phantom, phosphorus, phenomenon, fantasy, as well as epiphany.

Epiphany is the season when we celebrate the ‘showing through from above’ of God. The earliest evidence for its celebration is in the writings of Clement of Alexandria (c. 200AD). It was celebrated on 6 January as a festival of the baptism of Jesus. By about 300AD Epiphany had established itself among Orthodox Christians in the East. By then it had become a celebration of both the birth and the baptism of Jesus. By the second half of the fourth century the celebration of the Epiphany had

of Common Prayer the feast is ‘The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles’ (despite Bishop Cosins’ dislike of the phrase), after the twelfve days of Christmas.

In the Orthodox Churches the festival is not called Epiphany but celebrated as ‘Theophany’ (literally, the ‘shining forth of God’). It is celebrated on 19 January and is predominantly a festival of light. The main emphasis of 6 January there is still upon the Baptism of Jesus. There, I hope that has shed some light onto Epiphany! Richard Stamp [dixholt@gmail.com]

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♫ Musical ♫ meanderings

efore Christmas I read an article that talked about singing for meaning. As many no longer understand the function of a comma, it is often tricky as a listener to get the meaning of the words said or sung. So while I was away I listened harder, especially if I did not know the music. Commas are still being used by the choirs I heard, thank goodness! The Christmas Day service I attended at Melbourne’s St Paul’s Cathedral, near my brother’s place, had a choir of thirty. The music was not always familiar, but the sound was magnificent, and so was God’s message. After a hymn during a service, I look up the next one before sitting down. One hymn was written by A.E. Floyd (1877-1974), which took me on a memory lane trip. Floyd took an ABC Music Lovers’ Hour on radio when I was growing up … Sundays at 8pm. He had a frail sounding voice, but he made the music we were to listen to interesting. Floyd was born and educated in the UK, but was the organist at St Paul’s for over thirty years. He was very busy in the music world for decades, and wrote church and organ music. The words for his hymn were by Scottish poet, author and minister George MacDonald (18241905): it is in Together in Song 277. Another service I attended used Together in Song 287, an interesting hymn. Thinking the congregation knew this, it ended up being a duet, but the choir sang to the commas. Words and music were written by John Bell (1949-), a Scottish hymn writer of the Iona community. All this meandering about music made me think of our own diocese, which is large - with great musicians and writers all around it. So why not have a musical edition of The Spirit? Or at least a musical article every edition? Isaiah writes, “Sing psalms to the Lord, for he has triumphed, and this must be made known in all the world.” (12:5) Psalm 100 asks us to enter God’s presence with songs of exultation. So start writing, and impress our Editor during 2014! Make your joyful sound to the Lord always - but remember the commas. q Coral Crook

media matters

Radio when it matters

harles and I live in one of the most dangerous towns in Victoria. Not just because of the numerous good coffee shops and tempting food, but because of its indefensible nature when it comes to bushfires. Our house is planted right under huge conifer trees. The CFA tells me that these trees could save us if a fire ran through. Or it could catch on the debris that sits in these stately old trees and they’d go up like a torch. During the Black Saturday summer there was a fierce but small fire 20 kms away which left large burnt debris in our garden, showing what amazing updrafts are caused by bushfire. Fortunately none landed in the conifers. Our fire plan is to leave before a Code Red day. I am amazed that many of our neighbours in www.cfa. this dangerous vic.gov.au town do not have a fire plan, so soon has Black Saturday faded in memory. Our town’s “safe place” is simply safer, not safe. There is only one safe way out of town where trees do not hug the edge of the road. Yesterday we finally sat down and talked about what we would put in the car in our dash for safety. It was an interesting exercise and may be open for revision. Matters of identity, money, and medicines took precedence. With so much of our lives and work now on computer, there will be a grab for laptops and phones (plus chargers!). We added a dash of sentimentality, a change of undies and a toothbrush, typed up the list, stuck it in a prominent place and put our important documents in one place. We’re getting older and prone to panic in an emergency. We’ve told our sons we will head for their homes in Melbourne, probably the one with airconditioning, though the one with two bathrooms could be better long term. My well-bred Blue Mountains nose can smell bushfire a long way off. We regularly log onto the CFA website, which is mostly helpful. I turn on ABCTV News 24 which runs banner lines along

the bottom of the screen when there are fires. But these banners do not tell you where the never-before-heard-of towns are - they could be anywhere in Australia. And I have no idea if the TV pictures are actually of the current bushfire, or old footage chosen by some editor for their ferocious and sensational nature. At Trentham we get ABC radio from Melbourne as well as Bendigo. Mostly I prefer Melbourne, with Red Symons and Jon Faine in the mornings. (Red’s replacements this summer have been silly and self-centred in the extreme, and do not let their guests answer the question.) In the middle of the night when I can’t sleep I have become extremely fond of Trevor Chappell (not the cricketer), a wonderfully kind broadcaster who seems to understand the role he plays in people’s lives at 2am (see www.abc.net.au/profiles/ content/s1857309.htm). He is so good he will probably be moved to a daytime slot - he has lately been a wonderful replacement for the excruciating Macca on Sunday mornings. Some night-time chaps get quite angry with their slightly crazy or slurred talkbackers, who are naturally not at their best at 2am, but not Trevor. But when it comes to bushfires, I prefer the regionals. Commercial TV and city broadcasters so far this summer have not understood what we need - clear diction and pronunciation, a calm voice, and nothing sensational, because we will be het up enough without their help if bushfires are actually approaching our little town. Summer replacement city staff giggle and make jokes, when I am desperate for plain information. The regional broadcasters keep plugging the theme about ‘leaving early and staying alive’. They understand the dangers. We often thank God for the CFA and pray for their safety. May you plan well to keep safe, and may God be with us all as the grasslands and bush continue to dry out. q Peta Sherlock February 2014 The Spirit 11

Where’s Andy?

Jean Stringer, Ruth Murphy, Elaine Cocks and Heather Vander Reest working on Kyneton’s archives.

Make mine Bishop’s Finger!

do a little home brewing here in Mildura and wanted to give Archdeacon Michael Hopkins a sample of my beer. I used an appropriate bottle, from the Kentish brewery called ‘Bishop’s Finger’.

Bishop Andrew is having a break - but Jeremy Ashton, Alf Austin and Fiona Goy still find The Spirit fascinating reading!

When Bp Andrew appeared unexpectedly I enlisted his assistance to present the bottle to Michael. I have thought of several captions but readers might come up with more interesting ones!

In May, Bishop Andrew was at the Burke & Wills tree, Curlewis Street, Swan Hill - a huge Morton Bay fig .

The first correct answer came from Anjuli McConnell, Kerang - congratulations!

Roger Cornell, Northern Mallee parish Send your captions to The Spirit, PO Box 2 Bendigo 3552 or email charlesherlock@gmail.com by 4.30pm, Wednesday 19 February. The best caption, as judged by The Spirit committee, will win a copy of the Editor’s latest book!

Maldon laughter club - it’s no joke!

The remembrance of things past: caring for the treasures of our archives

arly January saw Ian and me join a group of parishioners called together by the Revd Heather Vander Reest to spend a day working on the Kyneton parish archives. We dusted, sorted, labelled, bagged and generally organised the contents of an old metal safe. A list of its contents was attached to the inside of the door of the safe, a great starting point for our work. The main issue when dealing with any records is what to keep. Once that is decided, skate park at store the back of the the task isheknowing how to and organparish rings out deterioration, each Saturday ise them in orderhall to minimise peals of laughter. Jenny easily. Parker, and how with to find items or information ‘laughterologist’, leads the group, who Several people worked on a large collecguffaw, chortle, titter, giggle and discover tion of old parish papers, filing them in date more ways of laughing for half an hour. order, each one in its own acid free plastic

Apply online at www.mooroopnaanglican.com/treasures Mooroopna Anglican Church, 13 Young St Mooroopna More info: 03 58252031

pocket, in a series of ring binders. Registers were each placed in clearly labelled individual bags and the list from the safe was updated. Other records, including Sunday school rolls, confirmation lists, Church of England Men’s Society records, Mothers’ Union books and Guild minutes, were sorted, gathered into files and labelled with a heading and date range. A few treasures were unearthed, and a few memories stirred during the work. The task wasn’t that are day,laughing but my for hope is that Thefinished group above ‘World work will go on so that precious records are Laughter Day’, 6 May, created by Dr Madan preserved, and history recorded and rememKataria, founder of Laughter Yoga. The bered. Well Kyneton! q Mission laughter clubdone is part of Maldon’s Action Plan: Jenny sees archivist this activity as Diana Smith, Diocesan further linking church and community.  archivist@bendigoanglican.org.au Jan Harper

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12 The Spirit February 2014