The Spirit November 2014

The

monthly Anglican Diocese of Bendigo

november 2014

issue 105

Arrested: Dean John Roundhill is escorted out of Senator Bridget McKenzie’s office by police. Photo: The Bendigo Advertiser

Sarah Crutch

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Peaceful protest ends in arrests

group of nine Bendigo Christian leaders was arrested while staging a peaceful protest in the office of Nationals Senator, Bridget McKenzie, in a plea to release children held in immigration detention.

The group, including Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral John Roundhill and Seeds Long Gully Coordinator Dave Fagg, held a prayer sit-in in the Senator’s office while others stood outside with signs.

The protest was part of the ‘Love Makes A Way’ movement which has seen similar

Inside:

Newbridge celebrates 150 years of worship page 3

actions held in the offices of Julie Bishop, Scott Morrison and Tony Abbott.

Several requests for a meeting with Senator McKenzie were unsuccessful.

A statement released on the day of the protest outlined that, “the tragic plight of 789 children currently held in immigration detention has compelled a group of local Christian leaders to stage a peaceful sit-in today at the office of Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie.”

“The group is asking the Senator to become a public champion for the release of all children and their families from

Heathcote holds spring fair page 4

mandatory immigration detention and intends to remain in Senator McKenzie’s office until that assurance is received.”

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support of people in Bendigo,” said John Roundhill following the reactions to the protest. “It’s clearly an issue that people care about.”

“I hope that it reignites the conversation and shows that people in Bendigo care about issues beyond Bendigo itself”.

The nine individuals have been charged on summons for trespassing.

Afghanistan - a view from the inside page 9

Media Matters: This House of Grief page 10

The Bishop writes and Using pieces of art he led us on a journey with Jesus in a way that had us reflecting on our own journeys through ministry and life.

During retreat I came across a quotation from Roman Catholic writer Henri Nouwen which I would like to share with you:

Dear Friends,

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ver the past month, have you noticed all the special weeks that we have been having? There was Mental Health Week, then Poverty Week and then, in sharp contrast, the Spring Racing Carnival.

This runs for three weeks and began with the Caulfield Cup: The Spirit goes to press as the Melbourne Cup has just been run. We seem to be assailed with special weeks and events week in week out and I don’t know how the community doesn’t tire of them!

In October, in the midst of all this hurly burly - and yes, Christmas is in the stores as well - the annual clergy retreat was held. We go each year to a wonderful place called Rutherford Park Country Retreat, on the side of an old volcano at Blampied just out of Daylesford. It is stunningly beautiful, and the staff go out of their way to make us feel at home without being intrusive. Large parts of our stay are in silence, and how restful and peaceful I find it.

Nobody has to prove to me that prayer makes a difference. Without prayer I become irritable, tired, heavy of heart and I lose the Spirit who directs my attention to the needs of others instead of my own. Without prayer, my attention moves to my own preoccupation. I become cranky and spiteful and I often experience resentment and a desire for revenge.

The purpose of a retreat is to have an opportunity to look at oneself and see how you are going in body, mind and spirit. Nouwen offers a strong reminder that a central part of the Christian way of life is prayer.

I once read that prayer is “an honest and frank conversation with God”. At times I think we too easily reduce it to a series of demands and requests, and forget that God knows intimately who we are and what is on our hearts and minds. So in these last few weeks of 2014, and as we begin to rush towards Christmas, I hope that you can find some space to be still.

One of Bishop Jonathan’s reflections was on Matthew 6:25-34, ‘Consider the lilies of the field’, where Jesus spoke about anxiety and worry, and as Nouwen put it above, a

I think we too easily reduce prayer to a series of demands and requests, and forget that God knows intimately who we are and what is on our hearts and minds In the Gospels there are numerous incidents where Jesus, after intensive ministry or interaction with the crowds, retreats to find space and silence. Our clergy retreat seeks to do the same: to give the clergy space to think, reflect, pray and recharge the batteries. I found this year’s retreat one of the best, and the reflections led each day by Bishop Jonathan Holland from Brisbane were superb.

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preoccupation with oneself or the matters that can daily immerse us.

Smell the roses, consider the lilies is another way of inviting us to pause, to stop, to reflect and feel the presence of God in our daily lives.

Blessings,

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comments

t the end of this month we have a state election in Victoria. Please don’t grumble about having to vote.

It is a wonderful privilege we enjoy in this country. With so much of our world wracked by violence, warfare, disease and a denial of human rights, we are truly blessed to be able to vote democratically and have a freedom of choice.

We all grumble about our politicians, and there have been some glaring examples of inappropriate behaviours from some of our Members of Parliament. But on the whole many serve with great dedication and commitment to the communities they represent. I get sick of all the political talk, and never answering questions clearly, and all the political point scoring that goes on, but in Australia we enjoy a robust democracy and this is why I say – ‘vote well and vote wisely’.

Spirit The

Monthly newsmagazine of the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo

Address: The Spirit, PO Box 2, Bendigo 3552 Member, Australian Religious Press Association Telephone: 03 5443 4711 General: thespirit@bendigoanglican.org.au Editor: The Revd Dr Charles Sherlock charlesherlock@gmail.com Committee Chair: The Revd Canon 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 contributions are preferred.

Anonymous articles will not be considered for publication.

Photographs should be sent in digital form to the general email address above.

Full size, ‘raw’ files are necessary. Physical photos 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 Contributions for the next issue must be submitted by Friday 28 November.

november 2014

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Celebrations: The congregation gathers outside St John’s Newbridge following the service

St John’s Newbridge celebrates 150 years of worship

Sarah Crutch

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ver 100 people gathered at St John’s Newbridge on Sunday 12 October to celebrate 150 years of worship since the church building was first dedicated on 12 October 1864.

In addressing the congregation, Bishop Andrew spoke of the church being built on a foundation of rock, being representative of God, with the building symbolic for the faith of the people.

Demonstrating with a large piece of quartz he had picked up on the drive over, Bishop Andrew noted that quartz is seven times stronger than iron. He passed the quartz sample around for the congregation to feel its depth, weight, density and strength.

“These qualities typify the values of a strong faith,” he said. “It was this sort of faith and trust in God that drove our pioneers to build St John’s. We give thanks for their example and pray

charge, the Revd Jan Harper. “It’s a testament to the faith of the people and the community”.

After the service the congregation was able to catch up with old friends over a wonderful spread of afternoon tea at the Newbridge Hall, with a photo display providing an interesting history of St John’s through the years, and the Goldfields Choir providing a musical performance.

Solid foundations: Bishop Andrew that we may be inspired by them”.

The service, prepared by former priest-in-charge the Revd Linda Osmond, began from the Book of Common Prayer of 1662 and took the congregation on a journey from old to new in recognition of the 150 years of worship and fellowship at St John’s.

“It’s a great day of celebration for the congregation and the community of Newbridge” said former priest-in-

The cake, made and decorated by long-time parishioner Lorna Stewart, featured the same church tower that appeared on the centenary celebration cake in 1964. The honour of cutting it went to Nita Metelmann and Marj Heitmann, who have both given many years of service to St John’s.

The parishioners would like to thank all those who travelled to attend the day to commemorate such a significant milestone in the life of both St John’s Newbridge and the Newbridge community.

Photos: Above - Nita Metelmann and Marj Heitmann cutting the cake.

Above left - The Goldfields Choir sing for the congregation.

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Heathcote springs into annual festival Heather Zakrzewski

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t John’s Heathcote Spring Fair has become a simple, open and friendly space for visitors to meet locals and everyone to chat and connect, enjoy food and find a bargain together.

Situated on the main street of town, the fair is part of Heathcote’s very popular Food and Wine Festival, bringing visitors from far and wide to the town, as well as locals.

“

Social inclusion is about breaking down barriers and giving people the opportunity to lead fulfilled lives.

“

– Bishop Andrew Curnow AM

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St John’s church doors were wide open to welcome everyone inside with beautiful harp music playing softly.

Samaritan’s Purse was on display and Cards for Cambodia offered for sale.

Our thriving Buddies Op-shop was open with manager Ann McLennan and her team working hard. In the garden adjacent, Howard Mason, Andrew Turner and their team worked hard in setting up.

A toy stall was run by two young girls, Zoe and Tiana, who showed great initiative and provided many delighted children with pre-loved new toys. The bookstall with Helen was a central spot for many good chats and an interesting book to take home.

Rene sold lots of young plants to the gardeners while Andrew’s homemade lemonade, jams and chutneys were bought with relish. There was a large and luscious cake stall (ever popular, with contributions from many).

Musician Lindy revealed another skill, with six-minute neck and shoulder

Home made: Eva Hicks selling jam massages for the tense and tired.

Some extra love therapy was in big demand by way of cuddling two adorable soft live baby bunnies at no extra charge!

Our rector, the Revd Terry Templer, arrived early on the scene to help Doug and Fred set up the BBQ table. We spotted his dapper white hat moving around as he cheered us on, before he found a seat under the BBQ tree for some cool chats with the locals, and be with us to the end, packing up.

The weather was perfect, fellowship warm and encouraging and our finances were boosted in a really happy and harmonious event. Thanks and praise to God for all his blessings!

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Delicious: Heather Zakrzewski selling home made cakes at the Heathcote fair 4

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Old and New, “Imagining” the Possibilities Steve Weickhardt

O Lay Director: Rodger O’Hara passing the banner to Susan Turner with Bishop Andrew

Passing on the banner at Cursillo Susan Turner Cursillo Lay Director

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ishop Andrew commissioned Susan Turner as Cursillo’s new Lay Director in Bendigo diocese at the recent men’s weekend.

Susan takes over from Rodger O’Hara who has worked tirelessly for Cursillo over many years. Susan and Rodger will travel to Coffs Harbour in October to attend the National Secretariat meeting.

Bendigo Cursillo has just completed two very successful women’s and men’s Cursillos in Maldon. The women’s team was led by Fay Groves and the men’s team by Keith Lawry.

Both were supported by an amazing group of people to uplift and guide our new Cursillistas.

Cursillo is a Spanish word, translated as ‘short course in Christian living’. It is a world-wide movement within the Christian Church, aiming to evangelise environments through small Christian communities committed to living

and spreading the Gospel. At the Clausura of the women’s weekend, Bishop Jeremy Ashton emphasised that Cursillo is not a secret society and said how ‘normal’ we all looked.

The Servant Community has come out of recess, with Leone Tress taking up the role as Servant leader. Leone has many years of service in Cursillo and we are all excited as we see the new team at work and prayer.

The Welcome Day for the teams, and for new and old Cursillistas, will be held in Cohuna on 15 November from 9.30 am with a cuppa, ready for a 10.00 am start.

Want to know more about Cursillo, and how you could be invited to attend a three-day weekend? Please speak to your local rector or the Registry.

n Sunday 19 October, a crowd over almost 150 gathered to recognise 126 years of worship at Emu Creek, and then witness the deconsecration of St Stephen’s as a place of worship. Among the worshipers were Cr Rod Campbell (City of Greater Bendigo) and Fr Andrew Fewings (Kennington Catholic Parish).

While this was a sad but necessary closure of the building in Emu Creek, Christ’s mission in Strathfieldsaye and the surrounding districts was ongoing and increasing through the partnership with Strathfieldsaye Uniting Church. In the coming year, the Strathfieldsaye Community Church will be inaugurated. It will comprise of a new Anglican Mission District and the Uniting Church. This will serve the fast growing district including the ‘Imagine’ housing estate, among others.

Music was provided by Marg Davis firstly on St Stephen’s pedal organ, and then for the service on a newer electronic keyboard. The Bishop noted this change and made the analogy that likewise, the Anglicans in Emu Creek are now moving from the old to the new.

The congregation of St Stephen’s worked hard to prepare the property, including the hire of a 150 square metre marquee, toilets and generator, and the catering team from South East Bendigo Parish looked after the post-service cuppas, cool drinks and afternoon tea. Despite the heat, most were able to stay and examine photos, records, take a peek at the inside of St Stephen’s and reminisce about past events and people.

The property will be auctioned on Saturday 6 December at 10.30am.

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Around the Diocese

Rochester marks 130 years

On Sunday 19 October, young and old alike gathered to mark the 130th anniversary of the original Holy Trinity Rochester building.

Though that building is long gone from where it stood in Moore Street, it was a time of celebration and thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness and generosity. First, for the giving of his son, Jesus Christ, for us, and for 130 years of Christian fellowship and witness in the Rochester community.

Those gathered were reminded that ‘the mission is not yet complete’ and encouraged to live out the two great commands of loving God with all we are and loving our neighbours as ourselves, that the world may know the life-changing truth of the gospel.

Over morning tea, we were encouraged by several parishioners giving their reflections on their journey as part of the church.

- Stuart Winn Remembering: the Revd Stuart Winn leads Holy Trinity Rochester in celebrating 130 years

Fijian choir for Swan Hill

The Fijian Choir sang before the service, at the beginning, middle and end of our service. Then they sang Amen at the end of the blessing, and they sang again after supper!

This ministry of music brought joy to all of us worshipping at Christ Church Swan Hill during Evening Prayer on 19 October. The choir is ecumenical in membership and Navitalai Navara, choir leader and pastor of the Tooleybuc Uniting Church spoke on Christ’s church being one body, where all the parts have a function which need to work in harmony for the health of the whole body of Christ. True faith is like already having the deeds to a home where you can’t live now, but will in the future.

The choir sang ‘How Great Thou Art’ in English and then in Fijian. Then came the recognisable melody of ‘Lead, Kindly Sing: the Fijian choir with the Revd Robyn Davis and rector Jan Harper Light’ in Fijian, and the Lord’s prayer in both languages.

- Jan Harper and Joan Mellahn

Animal blessing at Tatura Several parishes marked St Francis’ day, 4 October, by having services on the nearest Sunday, or the one after, now that daylight saving starts then.

This was the case at All Saints’ Tatura, who held a Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday 12 October. Animals came in all sorts, from fish to horses.

Dressed in her ‘cow’ suit, the Revd Jude Benton blessed all the animals.

A great day was had by all who attended, even the dogs who were not so friendly with each other.

The theme for the service was set on Jesus’ search for the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7) , and how Jesus is still searching people out. It was followed by a BBQ cooked by the parishioners.

- Glenda McLeod Blessing: The Revd Jude Benton

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Around the Parishes

Maryborough MU visits Newstead community garden Maryborough MU members travelled to Newstead to experience the community garden situated at the rear of the Anglican church and hall.

Hosted by MU member Jennifer Warburton, we were given detailed information on the management of the garden now, and the cooperation between all parties involved, which has contributed to the success of this truly ‘community ‘ garden.

The group was fascinated to learn about the planning needed well before the garden’s first plantings in 2010, two years after the birth of the original idea. The wider community is involved in differing ways, with some having their own garden plot, others working on the community plantings, whilst others support fundraising and participate in workshops on various topics associated with this type of garden. It is based on organic/biodynamic and permaculture principles.

A very interesting, informative and enjoyable excursion. Thank you to Jennifer and all the Newstead community gardeners.

Gardeners: MU members enjoy the community garden

- John Gault

Wedding at Christ Church Old Cathedral On Saturday 20 September John Smart and Emily Haynes were married at Christ Church Old Cathedral in St Arnaud. It was a beautiful spring day, and the bride arrived on time for the wedding, conducted by Canon Heather Blackman.

Emily’s family is from the town, while John’s family is from Queensland, which is where they will return to live.

The church was spring-cleaned and the gardens manicured for the occasion. The pews were decorated with sprigs of fresh lavender, among other fresh flower arrangements. The church bells rang out as the happy couple emerged from the church.

A GME ute was done up especially for the wedding. The bride’s father drove her to the church and husband and wife left together in the ute.

- Glenis Wharton Wed: The bride and groom with the GME ute

Emergency Services Thanksgiving Sunday The fire trucks rolled into St Mary’s car park on Sunday 12 October for a celebration of the work of emergency services volunteers and employees.

Guest speakers from the SES and Marong CFA discussed the nature of their work and shared some of the challenges.

Afterwards, we moved outside to bless the vehicles and then enjoyed morning tea in the hall.

This marked the last 9.30am Sunday service at St Mary’s as we have now changed to new times at 9.00am and 11.00am.

- Bryn Jones Thanks: St Mary’s Kangaroo Flat with emergency services crews

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Cycling by Faith

Maldon hears of development ministry on the subcontinent

Eddie Barkla Pioneer minister, Bendigo cycling community

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Y

The annual mission dinner was a resounding success, as people from the wider Maldon community and their friends came to hear the speaker, John Tresidder, who with his wife Janet are new members of the parish. John worked for TEAR in Bangladesh and Southern India on projects including promoting the education of women and children, and encouraging self-help groups within their communities.

It’s always great to share a ride on the bike and enjoy the freedom and the challenge of keeping up with those who are much younger and fitter than oneself! There are always divine moments in a bike ride, moments that assure me of God’s presence, and of all things being committed to and having their place in him.

Christine Kimpton

aldon parish has been busy in the past weeks, with the arrival of acting rector, the Revd Christine Kimpton.

There were services for ‘blessing of the animals’ at both Maldon and Newstead churches. The Folk Festival included the Celtic ‘folk mass’ setting on Sunday, always a very popular part of the weekend.

The area behind Newstead church continues to be a flourishing community garden, with good relationships developed between the parishioners and the gardeners.

riding when all will win

ou’ve all been to the stadium and seen athletes race. Everyone runs - one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. 1 Corinthians 9:24/25 (The Message) This brought the conversation on to how as Christians we are called to compete by faith for the prize that awaits us in Christ Jesus. We reflected that we are in Christ by his choice of us, and the price he paid on the cross.

We rejoiced together that as Christians we are all winners, and there is no

As Christians we are called to compete by faith for the prize that awaits us in Christ Jesus Recently I was doubly blessed when we came to the warm-down section of a regular Saturday morning ride of 70kms, being found beside a fellow brother in Christ. The ride had been gruelling to say the least. It was survival of the fittest and hang on to the best of your physical and mental strength. I was there thanks to God for answered prayers: it cannot be of my own strength but his.

In the ride routine there are designated sprint sections, where riders try for the moment of glory and bragging rights of the day’s top sprinter. We were reflecting on how competitive the bunch can be, and how there can only be one winner.

competition against each other as in the world. It was a wonderful time, with no inhibitions. We were in the midst of another 20 odd cyclists, and our conversation was as natural as breathing. It was a joyful account of praise and adoration of what Christ has done in us.

Who knows, the shared word may have opened the ears of a hearer nearby? May they too come to compete by faith in Christ Jesus for the eternal prize kept for us all in heaven, that will not fade or perish.

Looking forward to seeing you on the road soon, God willing.

Clergy enjoy a week of retreat

Refreshed: The clergy at Rutherford Park Country Retreat in Blampied 8

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Kyneton and Woodend to form new ministry cluster Sarah Crutch

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ishop Andrew has announced that the parishes of Kyneton and Woodend will form a cluster effective from 1 November 2014.

Story: Alex Poole, Merle Pole, Charlotte Vine (in burqa), Janna and Grant Lock, Joy Poole.

Afghanistan – a view from the inside Joy Poole

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hat a privilege and blessing it was for Central Mallee Co-operative Parish to share time with Grant and Jenna Lock!

This courageous, compassionate and humble couple told of their inspiring and challenging real-life stories of 24 years in the hot spots of Pakistan and Afghanistan, including the town where Osama Bin Laden was found.

Supporting micro-hydroelectric systems, empowering Afghan widows and overseeing a massive eye-care program, Grant and Janna’s development work followed their notable success as stud cattle breeders in South Australia.

Because of an untreatable, genetic form of macular degeneration Grant is now legally visually impaired, and so the couple is unable to return to the people they loved to serve. Grant now spends time writing, and Janna painting, much of the proceeds from which go to needy Afghan women.

• A session with Year 9/10 students at Ouyen P-12 College was well received, and many thoughtful questions asked.

• Grant and Janna were Guest Speakers at the Ouyen & District Probus Club, where their presentation led to many copies of Grant’s book being sold.

• A group of women at Walpeup heard of Janna’s experiences as a wife, mother of three children (who went with them), mentor and encourager in a vastly different society.

• The focus at the informal gathering in the Parish Centre on Saturday night was ‘Complex Afghanistan’. It faced

questions such as, ‘What were the dangers faced in Afghanistan?’ ‘What is it like to live in that Islamic culture, particularly for women?’

• Sunday morning saw the Locks give a challenging message during a parish ecumenical service at All Saints’ Church. There was plenty of chatter and reflection on the visit during the lunch that followed.

Janna spoke of her work with poor and needy widows, showing examples of the beautiful, exquisitely embroidered cloths these widows work, which she helps fund and sell.

The beautifully made burqa was also modelled (see photo).

Grant emphasised the need to love Muslims but ask the questions that need to be asked about Islam and human rights. Personal experiences and real people stories threw much light on this region which is consuming so much of the world’s aid funding and military man-power, and fears for the future.

Supporting each session was a welldocumented PowerPoint presentation highlighting the focus of that meeting and vividly portraying the common humanity they shared with the Afghans and Pakistanis they served.

A number of folk purchased a signed copy of Grant’s book (available in print and audio format). Janna was thrilled to receive donations from folk present to be forwarded directly to the widows of Kabul.

The cluster, whose name is yet to be decided, will allow the two parishes to share ordained ministry and resources, yet each retain its own identity and responsibility for parish administration.

Fr Ian Howarth, rector of Kyneton, will be the Team Leader, with the Revd Heather Vander Reest appointed as Associate Priest in the Parish of Woodend and the Revd Dr Charles Sherlock Honorary Associate Priest.

“A Cluster of the Parishes of Woodend and Kyneton, with four centres, will have the opportunity of working in ministry in a more cooperative and co-ordinated way in this southern region of the Diocese.

We are looking forward to sharing this relationship amongst a wider community of Anglican Christians where the Gospel can continue to be shared and lived in a more vibrant way,” said Ian Howarth.

The announcement was made at services in Kyneton and Woodend centres on 21 September. Both parishes are looking forward to the new integrated arrangement, which will ensure that ministry across both parishes continues, as well as providing opportunities for combined services and wider approaches to mission.

“The experience of clusters in other parts of the diocese shows that they provide a secure basis for ordained ministry, encourage a team approach with the clergy, and build stronger relationships with neighbouring parishes” Bishop Andrew said.

This new cluster will be the fourth for the Diocese of Bendigo along with the Gannawarra (Kerang, Quambatook and Cohuna), Campaspe (Echuca, Rochester and Lockington) and Goulburn River (Tatura, Kyabram and Tongala) clusters.

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Watch this Swan Hill space!

Beating around the bush

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Bells and bullfrogs

omething of the outback touches many lives, but it is difficult to define.

The nearest definition I suggest is the ‘spirit of the outback’ - something to do with the spirit of the people and the land.

Bishop Ron Stone

Signage: Jan Harper and John Wood with the monthly message Jim Mitchell

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he display board at the Anglican Church on the corner of McCallum and Splatt Streets, Swan Hill, is about to experience a new life.

The first sign was erected 30 years ago and carried the cryptic message, ‘CH—CH ... What is missing? UR’ but that first sign has a long and interesting history.

The concept of ‘church promotion’ or ‘wayside pulpit signs’ was the brainchild of Wayne Lewis, a member of the Church of Christ congregation in Mt Waverley. Over the years Wayne produced over 80 interchangeable hoarding signs, all 6’ x 4’ in size, spreading the Church’s commentary and a ‘quotation for the day’.

Wayne was not a sign-writer by calling, and in some ways his art was ‘naive’ or amateurish, but his messages gained the attention of many. Signs created by Wayne were loaned to congregations throughout Victoria using a library exchange program which he carefully managed.

Wayne suffered a massive coronary attack in the mid-1990s, and with his passing in 2009, the program lost impetus, Gradually the changing messages ceased to be a feature of church notice boards.

Fortunately for Swan Hill, the cachet of those 80 signs has been located by past residents Robin Poole and Jim Mitchell. They will form the nucleus of a new library of ‘quotations for the day’ on the corner of Splatt and McCallum Streets.

Watch this space!

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I experienced something of this spirit in the life of tiny outback churches where people were holding onto their faith in God in the toughest of times – like they’re doing right now.

A glimpse into this ‘spirit of the outback’ is found at the iconic Stockman’s Hall of Fame. In the exhibits one can see something of what has shaped the people of the outback, and enter into something of the hardship that shapes its spirit.

Among the many large exhibits is a small one, cattle bells. When the

township on the Leichhardt Highway.

The Condamine was first made there

by Samuel William Jones in 1868, out of the metal of an old crosscut saw.

The Condamine Bell has another name, the ‘bull frog’ bell, because the deep and penetrating sound it produces can be heard across a considerable distance.

Nowadays electronic methods are used to keep track of animals…and even people, for example those on certain types of parole, or whose movement is restricted by the Department of Justice.

Think of a church bell, and of those whose particular ministry it is to ring it to summon people to worship. I know faithful people who take great pride in their ministry of ringing – perhaps you exercise this ministry.

We all have this responsibility to be alert, caring and responsive – mindful of God’s love and concern for each one outback was being pioneered, vast areas of land were unfenced, and the only means of doing heavy work on properties was by using bullocks.

At the end of the day they were unharnessed and set free to graze and rest, after being fitted with a cattle bell. They were so valuable that while they were allowed to wander, they were never allowed to stray and get lost. They were cared about.

Think about keeping track of people, particularly those who lose their way in life, who could have been saved from tragedy if someone had noticed a change in them during a time of hardship, tried to get alongside of them, showed an interest in them, offered encouragement or even just asked “How are you going?” There is no Condamine Bell to help. We all have to be alert and caring.

Photo: Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame

Think about people who have strayed from worship, got lost moving between parishes, or who went to the margins of congregational life and no one noticed. ‘Noticing’ is a ministry responsibility for every member of every congregation. There is no Condamine Bell to help. We all have this responsibility to be alert, caring and responsive – mindful of God’s love and concern for each one, expressed so challengingly in the ‘lost’ parables of Luke 15. This is done particularly well in the outback – it’s part of the “spirit of the outback.”

november 2014

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There is a wonderful collection of these old bells at the Hall. The most famous is the ‘Condamine’ bell, named after the Western Downs

Bull frog: The Condamine bell

in

the

mix

You get closer to God when you sweat

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media matters A grief observed

elen Garner’s new book is out: This House of Grief. The Story of a Murder Trial. It is about the case in Winchelsea of Robert Farquharson, who drove his kids into a dam on Fathers’ Day 2005.

Dean John Roundhill

Peta Sherlock

here was a bit of lore from the Church of England which I have always thought handy. It was the idea that a cleric could be deemed at work if she/he was working in a garden.

He claimed to have had a coughing fit during which he lost consciousness.

He was charged with their murder and found guilty in 2007. Enough questions remained that a second trial was called in 2010. This also found him guilty.

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What a great idea, if our clergy each had their own patch of creation to tend for and for it to be counted as work!

A few years ago I was lucky enough to spend some time in PNG. As we pilgrims travelled around I would regularly be asked “What do you grow in your garden?” This question had particular strength, as what I was being asked was what do you grow to eat in your garden. An answer of roses and tulips would not have made any sense there. Sadly, my answer was “I don’t grow anything in my garden”.

In the world in which we live, where for many of us the closest we get to garden produce is the fresh food aisle in the supermarket, it is not only our sense of dependency that has changed, but also our idea of embodiment.

Clergy are not best known for their physical prowess. How often do you see a priest with sweat on their brow? The danger here is that the life of reading, prayer, preaching and chatting translates into a theology that forgets the embodiment of God as truly and fully human, simply because we ourselves are less embodied than perhaps we could be. Our sense of Jesus and our experience of God changes, I suspect, as we tie physical activity and work to prayer.

At theological college a friend had a provocative poster on the door of his room. It was a muscled arm flexing with the words, “You get closer to God when you sweat” Is it true?

Many of us are reasonably practised at sitting quietly and encountering the loving presence of God. What might that experience be like if we were to quietly be cultivating our gardens, pulling out weeds and planting seeds, whilst saying a prayer? I wonder.

But, years later, questions remain.

Perhaps they always will. What is the science around ‘coughing syncope’? Did Farquharson indeed make a minimum of three steering adjustments as the car hurtled off the Princes Highway and into the dam?

It was not quite like the man who threw his child off the Westgate Bridge, which presumably happened in a fit of uncontrollable rage. At least that is what I tell myself in order to cope with that horror. If this was murder, as the prosecution argued, it must have involved some premeditation.

of such a case. Her greengrocer observes, “He didn’t look like a man whose three children were dead.”

Garner asks herself, “But what is a man supposed to look like when all his children are dead?” (p 288) The first trial was famous partly for the mother’s constant support of her ex-husband in his defence. But by the second trial things had changed. All the characters, including the lawyers, had gotten older and, if not wiser, then more weighed down by the grief and horror of the deaths and the exhausting details of tyre tracks and coughing fits.

I bring this book to your attention partly because of the impeccable observation, of herself and others, and the depth of thoughtful, even theological, reflection.

“I watched the thought, to see what it would do. It firmed up, like a jelly setting. And there it sat, quivering, filling all the available space.” (p 251) Why did it take Garner so long to produce the book? It is not journalism

Has life itself lost all order and logic? Do we all have uncontrollable or devious rage within us?

But how could he possibly have done it deliberately? What goes on in the mind of such a person? Anything?

Has life itself lost all order and logic?

And do we all have uncontrollable or devious rage within us?

in the sense of producing a result by the deadline of a news broadcast. Be wary of the instant soundbite. I also need to sit with the details she has written and let the jelly quiver some more before I jump to any more conclusions.

Garner sits in the courtroom for both trials and observes. She observes the tedium of expert opinions and the frisson of a surprise witness. She observes the families of both mother and father, and the kindliness of a clergyman’s wife deliberately sitting in front of Farquharson during his testimony in order to offer support.

Does Garner say whether or not Farquharson was guilty?

She respects the legal processes enough to say he was found guilty twice, with no further court of appeal. What she deals with are the disturbing questions about human nature. But in the end, as a psychologist friend has told me, perhaps we should not expect an answer to the “Why?” question. If he was conscious all the way into the dam, it is probable that Farquharson himself does not know why he did this awful thing.

Garner does not leap to conclusions about guilt or innocence but observes, in an effort to understand what is really going on in the deep currents

11

Where in the world...

is this church ?

In which country did Sarah come across this church?

Send your entries in to the thespirit@bendigoanglican.org. au or post to The Spirit at PO Box 2, Bendigo, VIC , 3552.

Last month Sarah was standing in front of St Mark’s Basilica in St Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy.

The winner was Tom King from the Tyrell-Sea Lake parish.

what’s on events calendar MU - Dr Freda Briggs at Girton Monday 3 November, 5pm & 7pm St Mary’s Woodend 150th Sunday 9 November, 10.30 am Council of the Diocese Tuesday 11 November MU - Annual General Meeting Friday, 14 November at 11.00 am Advent Sunday Sunday 30 November St John’s Dunolly 145th celebrations Sunday 30 November Cathedral Choir at Bendigo Marketplace Saturday 6 December, 10 - 11.30 am Got an event coming up?

Send the details to thespirit@bendigoanglican.org.au

The Spirit moves in St Arnaud When The Spirit arrives in St Arnaud, co-ordinator Brian goes into action to prepare over a hundred copies for distribution.

Copies are counted out in piles, with a photocopied list to go with each, for a team of parishioners to deliver to people on the parish roll who live close to their homes.

It makes for a pleasant Sunday afternoon walk!

Canon Heather also has a list of deliveries in the main street, visiting various businesses.

Copies are left on tables at pathology, the doctors’ clinic, Coates Hostel and Kara Court Aged Care. They’re also delivered to Bealiba, Emu and Beazley’s Bridge.

“What a great model for every parish!” commented Editor, Charles Sherlock.

- Glenis Wharton

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Founded by the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne in 1948 2014-11BSP

12

Spirit The

november 2014

www.bendigoanglican.org.au