The
monthly Anglican Diocese of Bendigo
august 2015
issue 112
End of an era: Members gather outside All Saints’ Old Cathedral as Bishop Andrew reads the deconsecration certificate
All Saints Old Cathedral farewelled Hugh Elphinstone
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ne hundred and sixty years of Christian history came to an end on Sunday 5 July, with the closure of the View Hill Fellowship (VHF) and deconsecration of All Saints’ Old Cathedral.
Bishop Andrew Curnow deconsecrated the church building at the close of the final communion service, which was celebrated by the Revd Eddie Barkla. The congregation formed a procession and lit candles representing Jesus Christ the Light of the World, as they left the building. Outside the building, Bishop Andrew read from Revelation 3:7: “He who has
Inside:
Kyabram hosts mission breakfast page 3
the key of David, He who opens and noone shuts, and shuts and no-one opens.”
cathedral following the establishment of the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo in 1901.
“As one door closes another will open,” he said. “We go forth as your people – may we be your messengers of hope bearing Christ’s light into the world.”
The building was extended in the 1930s, when plans were drawn up for a new stone-clad Cathedral with a large spire, however, the new Cathedral was never finished due to a lack of money and the start of World War Two.
The doors were then closed for the last time. A history of All Saints’ The first Anglican service was held in a tent on the site in 1851 with the first church built there in 1855, but it was blown away in a storm four years later. The stone wall facing Forest Street is part of the All Saints Church that was built in the 1860’s and consecrated by Bishop Charles Perry of Melbourne. All Saints became a
Sunraysia South continues Renew page 5
The church was All Saints Cathedral until 1981, when St Paul’s in Myers Street became the Anglican Cathedral for Central and Northern Victoria. Unfortunately All Saints closed in 1989 due to a lack of members. The View Hill Fellowship (VHF) has worshipped in the building for the past 25 years.
Read a reflection on the VHF - page 8
South East Bendigo gets tested page 9
There’s a word for it page 11
The Bishop writes organisations and churches all plan, plan and plan. So are you a planner or a person who takes it as it goes? In Scripture and Christian history there is evidence of both approaches. It is not an ‘either/or’ issue but a ‘both/and’ issue! A good example of planning is from the Book of Romans where Paul writes:
Dear Friends,
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ow have you been coping with the winter big cold? We have had many frosts, but at the same time lashings of rain, low daytime temperatures and, in the southern parts of the diocese on the Great Dividing Range, snow. Given all this we still need good spring rain to turn the cropping season around. Such are the vagaries of the weather, which there have always been and always will be. Despite all the technological and scientific advances of forecasting and weather modelling the weather can still catch us by surprise. There is always an unpredictable element about as evidenced by the recent events of the volcanic eruption in Indonesia that blew an ash cloud over Bali for days on end, disrupting the plans of holiday makers and cancelling hundreds of flights. Ash cannot be detected by radar and requires actual eye reconnaissance.
So, when I have completed this, and I have delivered to them (the saints in Jerusalem) what has been collected, I will set out by way of Spain; and I know that I will come to you. I will in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. (Romans 15: 28-29) Paul is writing to the Romans to tell them of his plans, his intentions to visit and the route he will take. On the other hand there are plenty of incidences in the Bible where things just seem to happen:
Jesus said to the Apostles, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest awhile.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognised them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As Jesus went ashore he saw a great crowd and he had compassion for them…(Mark 6:30ff)
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There are times when we are plagued by the unexpected and we need to be spontaneous and go with the ebb and flow of events. An unexpected death, a deep decline on the stock market in one day, a phone call we weren’t expecting that completely changes what we had planned for the day or a sudden change in the weather! All are examples of the unpredictability of life and I am sure you can add many more from your own life experience. At the same time we need to plan: saving for a particular outcome, going on a holiday, a change of career, planting a new garden, having a special event. I thank God for this rhythm and I hope you can too. Blessings
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Monthly newsmagazine of the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo
all present; men, women and children. This particular incident has become famously known as the feeding of the five thousand. It has all the elements of unpredictability, having to think on one’s feet and the unexpected happening. The Apostles thought they had left the crowds behind them, but imagine how they felt as they reached the deserted place to discover the crowds were waiting on the shore for them!
Address: The Spirit, PO Box 2, Bendigo 3552 Member, Australian Religious Press Association Telephone: 03 5443 4711 General: thespirit@bendigoanglican.org.au Editor: Sarah Crutch Consulting Editor: The Revd Dr Charles Sherlock 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 21 August.
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The text then goes on to describe what Jesus spontaneously did. He fed
Someone once said, “Expect the unpredictable and you will survive!” Is this how you approach life? These events highlighted for me the unpredictability of life which, because of our technological and information driven society, we seek to more and more control. Someone once said “Expect the unpredictable and you will survive!” Is this how you approach life? Do organisations, churches, companies and governments approach their functioning in this way? The clear answer is no. Individuals, companies, government,
The Bible reveals in all sorts of ways the rhythm and movement of life which is, at the same time, this extraordinary mixture of the unexpected and yet there can be intention, purpose and planning. At times this juxtaposition can create tension and stress and yet it is life! The secret to managing this tension is to be able to live with and use it.
Am I being evangelized? Am I thrilled by the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Ian Howarth
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Support: The students from Teen Challenge with the knitted blankets
Kyabram hosts mission breakfast
hese were questions fielded to a large complement of clergy in Ballarat on Monday 20 July where Bishop Stephen Cottrell from the Diocese of Chelmsford in the UK addressed spirituality and evangelism.
Judith Benn
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he congregation at St Andrew’s Kyabram turned their focus to the organisation Teen Challenge as part of their mission group’s support of various organisations through prayer and giving. The students at the centre are invited to share with our congregation a sumptuous breakfast supplied and cooked by the mission group, followed by our church service.
This is a wonderful time of sharing not just of the cereal, fruit, bacon, eggs and sausages, but a time of hearing their stories of struggles in life which have brought them to Teen Challenge – be it drugs, alcohol, gambling or other addictions. During the time of worship some of the men gave testimonies and shared how they are turning their lives around, healing and trusting in Jesus and the Holy Spirit to give them strength and power to overcome their problems.
One of the highlights for the men is our knitted rugs made by the women of Kyabram and the diocese. When each student arrives at the centre they are given one of our knitted rugs and at this time of the year they are very much needed and appreciated. During the year our Mothers’ Union ladies also organise a visit to the Teen Challenge facility to share a delicious morning tea with the men. Again they are very thankful and appreciative of not just the morning tea but for the many tins of homemade biscuits delivered to them during the visit. Our association with Teen Challenge is a blessing not only to the men who reside there but to us as they share their stories on these occasions.
Swan Hill continues café church Jan Harper
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ur Café Church, with good coffee and fun food, is continuing on a monthly basis this year.
Act: Children help perform the story
In July we investigated the Ephesians (2.11-22) reading of the day. We started with ‘the parable of the two little girls’ which showed us how to move from disagreement and division, to cooperation and unity, via the cross that shows God’s love. We then identified words to describe the ways we work together to become united (forgive, listen, care, share, comfort, love, hope and trust) and put these together to make a prayer for unity.
Speaker: Bishop Stephen Cottrell The morning session focussed on being people of prayer. Bishop Stephen emphasised that without a lived experience of God, nothing can change in the parish or wherever we are in ministry. You can’t give what you haven’t got,” he said. He also outlined that in prayer we are continually renewed in Christian life and that through prayer we can find our place of receiving what nourishes us for a sustained ministry. He took us into the Scriptures and illustrated this as an important principle of Jesus’ life. If it was good enough for Jesus, then it certainly is for us! After lunch, we were led in a session on communicating the faith through prayer, worship and spirituality. We were encouraged to think about how we can go about this. He gave examples of opportunities through the Christian and secular year that can help to bring the church back more into the communities they serve and to communicate the Gospel not only as being true and good for life, but beautiful too. Bishop Stephen fielded many questions and comments with good grace and humour. I for one came home greatly encouraged to think through how to be more intentional about promoting spirituality and evangelism in my own community. 3
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Appreciation: Annette Giles, Margaret Wood and Judi Bird
Ministry of music acknowledged Judi Bird
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n the words of Johann Sebastian Bach, “Where there is devotional music, God is always at hand with His gracious presence.”
and our relationships with the Lord. Especially, the comfort of her music during funerals has been experienced by many over the years and has enriched treasured memories.
Today, St Martin’s Charlton would like to thank the Lord for the gracious gift that he has given us, this being the talent and dedication of our recently retired organist, Margaret Wood.
It is noted that the time playing in church on Sunday is only an indication of the preparation and keyboard practice undertaken by Margaret. Also over the years, Margaret has maintained and made additions to our parish music library.
When the church organ sounds we are called to worship which is filled with moments of reflection, times of awe and reverence, songs of praise and opportunities for dedication, healing, peace and joy. God’s gift of music has been ours at St Martin’s for many years, through the personal ministry of Margaret. Under the leadership of the clergy, Margaret has fulfilled an important role in nourishing and enhancing music that reaches out to the members of our congregation and the greater community. Margaret has given assistance to our appointed clergy over many years, as well as to relief ministers and lay ministry. For so long at St Martin’s we have been guided by her musical introductions, this being our cue to stand and raise our voices in song. Margaret knew our preferred cadence, our singing range and our favourites. The warmth and comfort this brought to our worship strengthened and nourished our souls
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In March this year, Margaret provided musical accompaniment for the 50th anniversary service for Christ Church, Fentons Creek. This was especially appreciated by the members of this congregation, as it was by all who attended. More recently, to assist us in our transition to taped musical accompaniment, Margaret assisted in track selection, advised on suitable arrangements and encouraged us to adapt to new technology. On behalf of St Martin’s, the parish and our community, including our brothers and sisters in Christ at St Joseph’s and the Uniting Church, may I thank Margaret for her many years of loyal service to the Lord. It has been a privilege and a blessing and we thank the Lord for her talent and dedication. Thank you, Margaret.
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Sunraysia South continues to Renew Dale Barclay
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enew has been operating for a year now and is a ministry of the Anglican Parish of Sunraysia South, supported by the Bush Church Aid Society, in Red Cliffs.
A number of years ago the parish had a dream of establishing a presence in the heart of the community through a shop front. It was with great delight that through a grant, we suddenly had the resources to rent a shop in an ideal location. The aim of Renew is to make a positive contribution to the physical, social and spiritual needs of people in the Sunraysia South area. Many people from the parish have made a remarkable contribution as have members from the wider community. Some of the activities include: • An op-shop with a focus on providing low cost clothing and goods to our community. • An outlet for our Food Bank program. • Provide a place for engagement/interaction.
social
• Provide community workshops and programs. • Provide opportunities for people to explore and develop a Christian spirituality.
• Provide links for people to gain access to other relevant services During our first twelve months over 2,700 volunteer hours have been given and many pastoral opportunities have come out of Renew. Recently we helped a man who had been assaulted the night before. This included taking him to the police station to report the incident, taking him to the doctor to get checked out, buying tea, and taking him to the bus station at 4.00 am the next morning so he could get away for a break. Some people we come across have been affected by ice and domestic violence. These we refer to the appropriate services along with supporting them ourselves. Since we opened we have handed out food for 150 people (90 adults and 60 children). We are grateful to Foodbank Victoria for the food they provide. One of the main ministries has been simply providing a place where people can come in for a chat. Our volunteers often have small ministry opportunities. We also invite people to our community lunch held every Sunday after church. No one is turned away from Renew, and in God’s grace longer term we will build authentic relationships and share the good news of Jesus not only in deed, but word as well.
Director of Music/Organist St Paul’s Canterbury Melbourne Vacant from June 2015 The Organist/Director of Music is valued at St Pauls. We are an inclusive Anglican parish in the liberal catholic tradition with a unique intergenerational parish choir. Applicants should be experienced and passionate about a diverse range of music, as well as being able to encourage and relate well with children. The position includes choir rehearsals, one Sunday service, availability for weddings and funerals. Expressions of interest to the Parish Priest, the Revd Susanne Chambers. Email:vicar@stpaulscanterbury.org.au Parish office: 0398300729 Mobile: 0405 758 776
Safe Church Awareness Workshops Kyneton Baptist Church
Saturday 15 August 9.30am - 4.00pm $25 per person Bookings close 13 August at 5.00 pm
Pleasant St Baptist Church, Ballarat Saturday 5 September 9.30am - 4.00pm $25 per person Bookings close 3 September at 5.00 pm Register online: www.buv.com.au/scaw
Contact: Heather Marten
5443 4711 or mdo@bendigoanglican.org.au
The Diocese of Bendigo expects the highest standards of professional service from its Clergy and Lay Ministers.
IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT Please call (free)
1800 135 246
A phone call to the above number will mean that your complaint will be handled by the Director of Professional Standards. The Diocese is a full participant in the Victorian Anglican Provincial Abuse and Harassment Protocol. This is an independent, objective procedure adopted by the Diocese of Bendigo.
Community assistance: Clare Davy volunteering at Renew 5
Around the Diocese
Bringing Mothers’ Union into the streets...
Melbourne diocese Mothers’ Union (MU) members decided to get out there to celebrate their 120th Anniversary. On Saturday 16 May they set up in ‘The Yard’ on the corner of Flinders Lane and Swanston Street. With a large gazebo and chairs, plenty of information and posters, and many blue balloons they shared the MU story with passers by. Jenny and Barry Rainsford and John and I joined Jenny MacRobb (Gippsland President) in supporting their efforts. It was a fun morning and we certainly met and shared with some interesting people and enjoyed seeing many blue balloons carrying details of MU websites and the MU Logo wafting off along Swanston Street. - Ronda Gault Celebrate: MU members in Melbourne
Maryborough hosts tasty treats luncheon Members of the Anglican Fellowship Guild’s Tasty Treats Luncheon received many compliments on this luncheon consisting of mostly homemade gourmet treats, relishes, salads and some exotic sweets! Although our members are dwindling this group enjoys presenting good cuisine as a means of fundraising within our parish. The next event will be the Great Aussie Roast, at which an old fashioned roast is served, together with many really old fashioned winter puddings to enjoy at Maryborough the Guild-Fellowship’s Kitchen Rules - our parish members are the judges! - Edna Jarvis Dessert is served: Kath Payne, Marg Finch and Edna Jarvis
Unusual celebration for Newstead Recently parishioners from All Saints’ Newstead, part of the Parish of Maldon, joined with Newstead locals from the CFA and Men’s Shed to congratulate parishioners Alastair and Judy Jessop on the completion of their stone wall behind their house. With the guidance of local stonemason Tim, the wall took five months to build. The acting rector, Christine Kimpton, gave thanks for the dedication and hard work which had resulted in the big wall – dubbed The Great Wall of Newstead. - Christine Kimpton
The Great Wall: Built by Alastair and Judy Jessop
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Nara Dreaming exhibition visit
Around the Parishes
For the second year, several members of the Maryborough with Avoca Parish travelled together to view the new delights of Nara Dreaming at Lockwood. We weren’t disappointed and the works by the four artists were varied, colourful, vibrant and amazing. Again several purchases, large and small, were made. The opportunity to share the time browsing and also have morning tea was most enjoyable. During our visit Robyn spoke to us of her calling to ministry and the emerging pull to this unknown entity, Walkabout Ministry. Robyn acknowledged the support of Bishop Andrew in establishing and sustaining this ministry, the breadth of which is difficult to define. - Ronda Gault Browsing: Andrew Eaton and Heather Pridgeon
Helping thy neighbour Several women at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Bendigo knitted hats, scarves and blankets for some Vanuatu ladies who are attending All Saints Anglican Church in Tatura. The women are out here from Vanuatu after the cyclone that hit the tiny island this year. They were grateful for the knitted attire as they would not be used to such cold weather. Mark 12:31 says: “The second (commandment) is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than (this).” There are many ways in which we can show our love for our neighbour and our neighbour is anyone on earth, not just someone we live next to. Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” We are all one and therefore should treat each other equally no matter where we are from. A little kindness goes a long way as demonstrated here. Just look at the smiles on those faces. Helping: Women with the knitted blankets
- Angela Morrissey
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Cohuna set to celebrate the ordination of women Simon Robinson
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hursday 3 September will see the Parish of Cohuna celebrating the 90th anniversary of women’s ordination in the Diocese of Bendigo.
All are welcome to join us for a night of great food at the hall of Latimer the Martyr, Leitchville. There will be a discussion panel of women currently serving in various ordained roles in our diocese. Why Leitchville for this event? Mabel Bostock came out from England to work in the church in the early 1920s. She started ministering as a lay person out of a tent in Murrabit! Ordained on 3 September 1925, Sister Mabel was immediately made deacon in charge of what was then the Parish of Leitchville (now Cohuna). Not only was Sr Mabel the first woman ordained in our diocese, but she was the first to be placed in charge of a parish. In the sermon at her ordination, the preacher thought, “the church can’t hold back much longer on the ordination of women as priests!” (It took a long while after that, sadly). Persisting in that same missionary spirit as Sr Mabel, the Parish of Cohuna generally gives away any money raised at fundraisers. This is our only event held in the year to support our ongoing work across the district. Come be encouraged by the great work God has done, and is doing! Event details
View Hill Fellowship: a reflection Kay Wild
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iew Hill Fellowship’s brief 24 year history will fade from the memory of many but will ever remain in the hearts of ‘View Hillians’.
In the early days, under the leadership of the Revd Peter Downes, church was always the exciting place to be where the Holy Spirit moved with power and the worship was a vibrant expression of our love for God. The School of Ministry for post school teens and J-Team for school aged children took the gospel message out into the community and country churches. The good news was presented in music, drama, clowning and street theatre as we stepped out in faith and a confident trust in God. Speakers from Great Britain, the USA, Canberra and Port Macquarie all challenged and encouraged us to grow in the faith. The Revd Dr John Steele deepened our understanding and appreciation of the Word and God’s Kingdom which took us out to the nations as individuals and teams. We all rejoiced as representatives travelled to India, Myanmar, East Timor, Central Australia and Africa. We were a vital part of; Pray Bendigo, the Women’s Promise Conferences, encouraging the commencement of the House of the True Light and we commenced our own Bargain Shop ministry. Three members went on to become Anglican priests, another became a pastor within a Melbourne based fellowship with other members moving into various leadership roles in other places of worship in Western Australia, Sydney and Melbourne. The Revd Valerie Barker led us into the deeper discipline of prayer with fasting which began each year with the whole congregation seeking God’s direction for the year
ahead. Careforce Ministries was implemented in order to equip us to use God’s Word to touch lives with God’s healing and restoration of broken and hurting people. In the past 24 years there were also many challenges, times when faith was stretched, the pain of disappointments and mistakes made, yet we always endeavoured to learn from these and above all keep our focus on Christ Jesus, our Redeemer and Lord. All were part of our growing in faith and, combined with sound Bible-based teaching, have enabled us to now release our identity into God’s hands knowing that the spirit of View Hill Fellowship will live on wherever he chooses to lead us in the future. We offer special thanks to Bishop Andrew, our Registrar Anne Baker, the Rev’d Eddie Barkla and members of Common Ground who have walked the journey toward closure with us. For the generous use of All Saints’ Old Cathedral we thank the Diocese. We have appreciated and come to love all that this place stood for (as the original site where the gospel was first proclaimed on the goldfields) and have sought to bring it to its deconsecration with dignity and holy respect. Whilst saddened at this closure we believe that the good work God began in us He has now completed and there remains an inner excitement and anticipation of what He has in store in the future, for our God is faithful and His work and His Kingdom continues forever. All praise and thanks to the Lord Almighty.
Celebrating the 90th aniversary of women’s ordination in the Diocese of Bendigo.
Date: Thursday 3 September Time: 6pm for a 6.30pm start Where: Hall, Latimer the Martyr, Leitchville Cost: Pay what you think it’s worth! RSVP: Dawn Billman 5456 7582 by 31 August 2015
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Swan Hill Art Show celebrates 40 years Marg Crilly
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his year was our 40th show since being renamed the Swan Hill Art Show, as it was originally called the Flower Show and commenced in 1927. Feature artists didn’t commence until 1985, and some previous feature artists attended this year’s show.
Upgrades: The new foyer space at South East Bendigo
Our feature artist this year was Robyn Davis whose room was very bright and thought provoking. Her painted fridge certainly excited Peter Walsh, MLA, who opened the show and spoke about the continued success enjoyed by the show. The calibre of the art was very high and our judge, Dr Jacqueline Healy, a past director of several galleries, was most impressed. ‘Celebrate with Flowers’ was the theme for our schools’ display and these colourful displays still adorn our church walls.
Renovations: Tradesmen hard at work on the new car park at Holy Trinity
South East Bendigo gets tested
Greg Harris
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oly Trinity Church Flora Hill has been tested in the last few months – tested in an exciting way. Since November 2014 until Easter 2015 there have been significant upgrades to the facilities in Keck Street that have been a long time in the planning. First the car park was significantly upgraded with new driveways and a totally sealed surface instead of the gravel and dirt that used to be there. Earlier this year a new western entrance and ramp was constructed and the toilets were brought kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Archdeacon Greg Harris commented that “after 42 years it was time to ‘spend a penny’ on the toilets - or several pennies really!”
With well attended Easter services, the CMS Weekend and Synod all held in quick succession the upgrades were well tested and passed with flying colours. No longer were there long lines at the toilets, no longer were muddy foot prints found across the foyer and no longer were those needing disabled parking left to park long distances from the church. The plans for updating Holy Trinity began back in 2010 with the upgrade of the Curates Residence, the new Children’s Rooms and the installation of the playground. The final stages include building across the driveway to have a larger kitchen and fellowship space as well as upgrading the worship centre. Stay tuned!
Jeannie Finlayson, who won a section at the recent Garden Show in Melbourne, conducted a workshop with seven other ladies which left magnificent floral decorations for our Sunday service. This workshop and the Sunday concert including a young parishioner, Charlotte Baker, who played unaccompanied violin beautifully, were very well attended. Maggie’s homemade stall, the Foyer Cafe, Catherine Smith’s Unique Jewellery, Jenny Olney’s Baby Dolls, Karoa Fibres wool and mohair goods, Drew’s Jewellery all contributed to a varied and friendly atmosphere. We thank all 93 volunteers who assisted in making our 40th show a memorable one.
Display: Indigenous artwork on show 9
Feeding Faith
Book review
What are we doing on earth,for Christ’s sake? - Richard Leonard sj (Paulist, 2015) ISBN 978-0-8091-4902-5 Charles Sherlock
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don’t often buy ‘popular’ Christian books, but the title of this one intrigued me, and I’ve also met the Australian author. Since he is a Roman Catholic Jesuit, and given the recent encyclical from Pope Francis, I thought it was going to be about that. Actually, it sort of is – in reality it’s more a guide for living for Christians (Roman Catholic or otherwise) in this third millenium. The book started from a conversation on a plane with a young man with lots of questions about life and faith. It sees Richard engaging in some depth with many of the issues and questions people ask – believers or not. The book has just three readable chapters. The first reflects on ‘Belief and Unbelief’ – new-style atheism, science and faith, religious experience from a ‘mainstream’ Christian viewpoint. The third tells the stories of some old and modern ‘saints’, “Witnesses of faith, hope and love”, taking readers into the present through his own family and the Algerian martyrs of 1996. The middle chapter I found the most helpful. This takes up ‘Questions of Faith’, from the familiar (“did Jesus really exist”) to newly-heightened ones – “isn’t religion the cause of most wars?”, “how can women believe in God”, “isn’t religion a private matter” etc. I would have put a few things differently, but the chapter helped me work through issues I find challenging. The back blurb claims that the book “addresses the world in which Christians live...it asks who we are before God, and how we can be confident in our faith in a loving God”. Which is a good summary: this is a short, readable book of much Christian wisdom. It would make an excellent basis for small group discussion. 10
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Speaking through a language barrier John Roundhill
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t is a fairly common wisdom that if you go to a new country it helps to be able to speak the language. For many of us in the church, the unchurched are a new country. It can be as hard to speak to someone who has little knowledge of the Christian faith as it is to someone who speaks a foreign language. Sophisticated and subtle ideas, forged over thousands of years of faith experience become platitudinous sound bites. In the last few weeks the newspapers have been full of the new GFC, not global this time but Greek, and once again we hear words like austerity, restructure, bail-outs, exposure, haircuts and new words like grexit. It is frankly surprising to note just how
who are suffering through this will have been able to move on is another issue. However the next time I go to the barber for a haircut, I might well spare a thought for the Greeks and their creditors. As we come to terms with the ‘foreign’ land in which we now live, the land where those around us seem to speak differently of the sacred we will need to learn a new language. Yet we will also need to come up with new terms that have the energy and honesty of grexit and haircut, but speak of love, redemption and holiness. How are we
We need to speak to the world around us in terms which are understood yet which also speak with the richness that comes from our world of faith exciting the language is for what many might consider a dry subject. Where we might consider the work to involve adding up numbers floating across a computer screen, the truth of the matter might be that it is as exciting and demanding as the language of a sailing misadventure, home improvements, or as bracing as standing outside on a cold winter’s day with too few clothes on. The word ‘grexit’ which my spell checker cannot fathom, has all the energy of a grand exit, and maybe even the style of a Gregory Pecxit! I suspect even by the time this gets printed the drama will have moved on; quite whether the Greek people
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to speak of an idea like ‘piety’ when the word pious has so many negative overtones, even for us in the church. We will need new terms for old ideas. We need to be a church beyond the church. We need to speak to the world around us in terms which are understood yet which also speak with the richness that comes from our world of faith; to speak plainly, faithfully, and yet richly. We need to uncover a new language, one that encompasses the ideas of faith, but uses terms that make sense in a world that has eviscerated the meaning from the traditional language of faith. Which words will speak to a world in need of the Word?
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Hymn or sermon?
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Coral Crook
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ave you heard the same sermon three or four times within a month? I heard the same sermon four times! It was approximately three minutes long and was able to deliver a story, feelings and experience just where I happened to be! It was the hymn ‘Stand up Stand up for Jesus’ (TIS 592). The song is based on Ephesians 6:11, 12 and 14 by George Duffield (1818-1888). He wrote the words in 1858 when he was a Presbyterian minister. This hymn I have only heard to the tune, ‘Morning Light’, written by George James Webb (1803-1870). The tune was originally written in 1837 for a secular song called ‘Tis Dawn, the Lark is Singing’. To me the last two lines of each verse are the standouts: foes vanquished, courage rise, duty calls and so on. We are never wanting with the King of glory, Christ our Lord. But it was not only this hymn that was being repeated over and over. So was ‘What a friend we have in Jesus’ (TIS 590). This hymn’s words were written as a poem by Joseph Scriven (1819-1886) to comfort his Irish mother while he was in Canada in 1855. Some criticise the hymn as a sentimental gospel hymn! There are at least four tunes that I know are used for this hymn. Often the hymnals use Blaenwern (1904). This tune was written by William Penfro Rowlands (1860-1937) and named after a Welsh farm he had sent his ill son to, to recover. This tune fits lots of other words as well. The tune to which I learned these words to was Converse, written by Charles Crowsier Converse (18321918). This hymn was used at Margaret Thatcher’s funeral, at Kate and William’s wedding and was the reason an Asian girl became a Christian, according to another missionary letter received recently. What do you gain from these two hymns?
There’s a word for it... Richard Stamp
Zeal
A
t first glance the word zeal would appear to describe an admirable trait. It conjures up images of someone who is really keen on some endeavour. A zealous person will go through hell and high water in order to be true to their ideals.
But underneath the surface calm, zeal contains some tricky waters. In the Old Testament, words about zeal derive from the Hebrew qana - to be dyed dark red or black. It is used to convey deep personal emotions. Sometimes it’s God’s zeal which is described.
The trouble is, there is a fair bit of talk about zeal in the Bible and it is not always easy to see precisely which
with a godly jealousy.’ But he is also crafty enough to exploit the double meaning of the word in 2 Corinthians 7:11 when he describes the godly sorrow of the Corinthian Christians as leading them into such an intense zeal that it looked like revenge! And here is the great danger lurking under the cloak of zeal. It is easy for an intense zeal or passion for the Lord to lead us into feelings of righteous indignation on God’s behalf. It takes only a little alchemy to let that feeling slip into self-righteousness,
It is easy, out of our zeal for the Lord, to move into trying to defend God’s holy Name deep emotion is meant. Sometimes the same words can mean, depending on the context, zealous, jealous or envious. In Numbers 11:29 when Joshua asks Moses to stop Eldad and Medad from prophesying. Moses says, ‘Are you jealous on my account?’ The word obviously implies, Should I be envious against them? The same word in Psalm 106:16 obviously means ‘zeal for’. Our English word ‘zealous’ derives from the Greek zelos, which seems straight forward enough - until you realise that zelos is also the word from which we get, jealousy. As Gollum (Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit) would have said - tricksy! Greek based versions of the Bible, such as The Septuagint, regularly use zelos, which in classical Greek is employed both for the ignoble passion of envy [cf 1 Maccabees 8:16] and also for the noble passion of enthusiastic zeal [See 1 Corinthians 14:12]. Paul knew that the word was confusing, so in 2 Corinthians 11:2 we see him wanting to make it clear that he is using the word in a good sense. So he says ‘I am jealous over you
a temptation to lash out in revenge because we ourselves feel hurt. There’s a hint of that in the gospels, in some of Jesus’ followers. We look out on a sinful world where the Lord’s name is taken and used lightly, or as an oath. Where the sheer holiness of God is ignored and some part of us is appalled. It is easy, out of our zeal for the Lord, to move into trying to defend God’s holy Name. We forget that God is Almighty, which means what it says: God cannot be defeated, and doesn’t need us to defend him. If we find ourselves so jealous for our God that we strike out in words or actions against those who are heedless of all that we believe in, we have lost the plot. The active zeal of revenge is what motivates the religious terrorist, the fundamentalist killer and the bigot. It generates a faith based on fear rather than love. Much better to let our zeal for the Lord lead us into demonstrating his great love to all and sundry.
If you would like to discuss any of Richard’s articles, you can email him on dixholt@gmail.com 11
Where in the world...
is this church ?
If you can name the church and the country it is located in, you could be our monthly winner! Send your entries in to the thespirit@ bendigoanglican.org.au or post to The Spirit at PO Box 2, Bendigo, VIC , 3552. Last month Bishop Andrew was at Coventry Cathedral, England. The winner was Pam Mason from Heathcote.
what’s on events calendar
Council of the Diocese Tuesday 11 August, 4.45pm St Paul’s August Promeande Series Sunday 9 and 16 August Sessions at 2.30, 3.45 and 5.00pm Tickets $8 per session, $20 per day Contact 5443 5061 or 5443 0174 Safe Church Awareness Workshop Saturday 15 August, Kyneton (details p. 5) 90th anniversary of ordination of women Thursday 3 September (details p. 3) Safe Church Awareness Workshop Saturday 5 September, Ballarat (details p. 5) Echuca’s 150th anniversary Sunday 6 September
Service: Gail Brabazon presents Joan Blackman with her 60 year scroll and badge
MU members enjoy winter gathering Ronda Gault
M
ore than 50 Mothers’ Union/ Caritas members travelled to Cohuna on 24 June for the MU Winter Gathering.
We shared in a service that was prepared and led by Revd Barry Rainsford, held an MU council meeting and after a wonderful time of fellowship over lunch had the opportunity to hear a moving
Got an event coming up? Send the details to thespirit@bendigoanglican.org.au
Caring at a time of need
story about the calling and challenges in the life of a young Mum, Sheree Wyatt. During the service the indomitable Joan Blackman was presented with her 60 year scroll and badge by President Gail Brabazon. Gail was also able to present our Lady Day 60 year scroll recipients, Merne Lardner, Grace Coates and Ina Peel, with their recently authorised badges.
151 McCrae Street Bendigo 12 Victoria Street Eaglehawk
P. 5441 5577
www.williamfarmer.com.au
A tradition that continues...
Benetas is ready for you to move in. Benetas provides aged care services that can give you and your family the support you need. We have rooms available today. Benetas is a not-for-profit aged care provider, founded by the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne in 1948, we offer a range of services including residential care, in-home care including day and overnight respite, and independent living. We are with you when you are ready to make the move to aged care. Contact our Customer Centre to book a tour today.
1300 23 63 82
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Spirit The
august 2015
www.bendigoanglican.org.au