The
monthly Anglican Diocese of Bendigo
september 2015
issue 113
Confirmed: Annlisa Rich Jones, Sunika Meadows, Bethany McDonald, Bishop Andrew, Faith McDonald and Isabella Rich-Jones
Common Ground confirmation marks a milestone Brendan McDonald
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very special service took place out at Common Ground in Maiden Gully on Sunday 23 August when Bishop Andrew presided over the confirmation of five girls; Isabella Rich-Jones, Annlisa Rich Jones, Faith McDonald, Bethany McDonald and Sunika Meadows. The service was the first confirmation at Common Ground, but also marked a milestone as a large contingent of people
Inside:
Show your op shop support page 4
stood and came forward to be received into membership of Common Ground and the Anglican Church of Australia. “Many of our congregation have come to belong here from varied Christian backgrounds and traditions,” Revd Roger Rich stated. He added that this was an opportunity to say ‘yes’ to being a part of Common Ground and, by extension of that, we are a part of the wider Anglican communion. Over recent months many members from the View Hill Fellowship have also begun
Families of faith at South East page 5
to regularly attend Common Ground. “Coming together to be received as members has deepened the sense of unity we have, one to the other,” Revd Brendan McDonald commented. It was also with great enthusiasm that the congregation celebrated the licensing of Brendan McDonald as priest in charge. With the support of Roger and Regina Rich, the leadership team is stepping out in faith, believing that God will continue to bless the ministry and grow a vibrant community of believers in Maiden Gully.
A visit to Holy Island page 9
Clergy contemplations page 11
The Bishop writes based on students receiving half an hour of Christian religious instruction from trained volunteers using a common curriculum.
Dear Friends,
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owards the end of August, the state government made two important announcements which will impact on many people in this diocese. Special Religious Instruction (SRI)
The first was concerned with the provision of SRI in state schools and the state government’s announcement that there would be major changes in 2016. There has been some controversy over this provision in recent years and it is a matter that I have some knowledge about. Quite a few years ago I was the Director of the Council for Christian Education in Schools (CCES), the forerunner to ACCESS Ministries (the current provider of SRI). It is worth knowing some of the history of religious instruction in government schools in Victoria. In 1872 the colony of Victoria’s parliament passed the Victorian Education Act which still stands today. The Act was built on three pillars: that state education would be free, compulsory and secular. The term secular in those times was taken to mean non-denominational as the government did not want each denomination entering state schools and touting for business. Interestingly, in our own time secular has come to mean non-religious. Obviously at the time the churches were upset that they’d been excluded and after a few years of lobbying, the provision for religious instruction on an ecumenical basis was established and CCES came into existence. It was seen as a landmark initiative of cooperation between the Anglican and major Protestant churches. The system was 2
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This system proceeded for over 80 years until the mid-1970s when Melbourne was experiencing the outcome of the immigration boom and multiculturalism was beginning to be discerned as a new phenomenon. The state government decided to put in place an enquiry into religious instruction in state schools and its relevance to the new emerging multicultural society that Melbourne was rapidly becoming. A report was produced called the Russell Report, and it recommended that religious instruction should cease and be replaced by a new subject about ethics and world religions. The new subject was to be taught by specially trained classroom teachers. It never happened even though CCES supported the initiative, but it was opposed by conservative churches and the government backed off from what was seen then as a radical change. As a result, CCES introduced a very contemporary curriculum called Religion in Life which was seen as Christian, educationally very sound and taking the changing nature of Australian society seriously. I believe SRI was set on a trajectory of demise when CCES rebadged itself as ACCESS Ministries, abandoned Religion in Life and introduced a much more conservative curriculum. In its heyday, the role of CCES was an educational role, not a ministry and when ACCESS started redefining its role I believed it was only a matter of time until the curtain would fall. I want to thank and recognise the hundreds of volunteers across the diocese who have been teaching SRI, for their dedication and commitment. Although it can be taught at lunchtimes and after school, the action of the government and the way ACCESS has behaved has effectively killed SRI. Interestingly what is proposed is exactly what was recommended in 1978. I will write more in a later edition of The Spirit.
september 2015
Murray Basin Rail Project
After years of neglect at last some good news from the state government with an announcement that a major part of the goods rail system in the diocese is to be completely rebuilt. The rail lines from Maryborough to Mildura and the lines to Sea Lake, Manangatang and Murrayville are to be rebuilt and changed to standard gauge. The line from Maryborough to Ararat is also to be reopened. Quambatook parishioner and Victorian Farmers’ Federation Grains Group president Brett Hosking hailed the announcement. Millions of tonnes of grain, mineral sands, almonds, cotton, carrots and wine will now be able to be railed to the ports of Geelong, Melbourne and Portland. The work will involve 1,113 kilometres of track. Meanwhile Maryborough, Echuca and Swan Hill are all asking the government for the better provision of passenger services. Let’s hope this happens too. Blessings,
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: 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 18 September.
www.bendigoanglican.org.au
Cohuna and Kilsyth/ Montrose share fellowship Shirley Bruns
Feast: The community filled the hall to enjoy the annual parish dinner together
Community dinner celebrates 21 years Alex Mountjoy
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he Parish of Boort, Pyramid Hill and Bears Lagoon held its 21st annual community parish dinner, with over 100 members of the community coming out on a chilly winter evening on 24 July to enjoy this social gathering with friends and support the small parish. The guest speakers this year were a group of eight students and two teachers from the local East Loddon P-12 College who attended a student exchange to Turkey in April of this year. The students and teachers spoke in pairs about their amazing journey and the awesome experience they had. As part of their three week exchange to Turkey, they spent one week travelling and experiencing the Turkish culture, starting in Istanbul and then continuing on to Cappadocia, Ephesus and finally to Canakkale. Here they each spent two weeks with a Turkish family and attended their Sister School, Toki Anandolu Lisesi high school. Their trip coincided with the 100th anniversary of the ANZACs landing at
Gallipoli, and although they didn’t get to attend the 100th anniversary ceremony on ANZAC day, they did get to tour Gallipoli as part of their trip, and it was evident that it was a moving and memorable part of their journey. The students and teachers also spoke about the generous and kind welcome and hospitality of the Turkish people and how it felt impossible to believe Australia and Turkey could ever have been at war with one another. Thank you to all the many people that made this evening a success, with a very special thanks to Scott Wilkinson and Sarah Byrne, and the students from East Loddon P-12 College for sharing memories of their trip with us.
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or many years now, the Parish of Cohuna has appreciated immensely the prayerful support and bonds of friendship that exist between them and their link parish of Kilsyth/ Montrose in the Diocese of Melbourne.
Earlier this year a large representation from both parishes again came together in the Guide Hall at Heathcote to enjoy fellowship, share lunch and learn what is happening in their respective parishes. A couple of getting to know you activities were enjoyed, as there were some in attendance whom we hadn’t met previously. Over the lunch of hot soup, savouries and sweets, much chatter could be heard. Following lunch we were pleased to hear of activities at Kilsyth/Montrose and learn of the induction of a new minister in that parish. While our parishes are quite different (for example, we have three centres in our parish, while they have only one), we are also very similar in many ways. We then appreciated the opportunity to pray for each of our parishes, and for safe travels on our return journeys. We will continue to support the parish of Kilsyth/Montrose prayerfully and give thanks to God for providing these opportunities to meet together. We look forward to many more gatherings where we can renew the bonds of friendship and continue to support and encourage each other.
Bishop Baker relocated
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he ashes of Bishop Donald Baker, Bishop of Bendigo from 1920 to 1938, that were interred in the sanctuary at All Saints have been interred in the St Paul’s Cathedral memorial garden.
Happy 21st: The birthday cake celebrating 21 years of the parish dinner
As Bendigo was of great importance to Bishop Baker, the family felt it appropriate that the ashes be laid to rest at the Cathedral of the diocese. 3
Change a life. Donate now.
“
Social inclusion is about breaking down barriers and giving people the opportunity to lead fulfilled lives.
“
– Bishop Andrew Curnow AM
Donate to St Luke’s a division of Anglicare Victoria
Donate online www.stlukes.org.au Albury • Bendigo • Castlemaine Deniliquin • Echuca • Kyneton Maryborough • Swan Hill
Show your op shop support Sarah Crutch
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ational Op Shop Week was celebrated across Australia during the last week of August and it is a timely reminder to support your local parish op shop. Op shops are a significant part of community outreach for numerous parishes across the diocese and are important in assisting those less fortunate who would otherwise find it difficult to afford necessary items such as clothes and shoes. Many volunteers give a generous amount of their time and energy to parish op shops. Please support your local parish op shop and donate any quality items you may have. Remember to donate responsibly – op shops are not rubbish tips! Items that are broken, ripped or soiled cannot be sold and will only cause the volunteers more work in having to sort through them. Items like clothing, homewares, shoes, books and even furniture would be welcome donations. There are many people in need who would value items that you no longer want, so this spring why not have a clean out and give to your local parish op shop, or volunteer your time to help out.
Bendigo North: Giving and Living Op Shop, 75 Beischer Street, East Bendigo, Mon-Fri 10am - 4pm, Sat 9am -1pm Cohuna: Cnr Cullen & King Edward St, Mon, Wed, Fri, 10am - 2pm, Sat 10am - 12pm Elmore: Northern Highway, Elmore, Wed 10am - 2pm, Thurs - Sat 10am - 4pm Heathcote: Buddies Op Shop, 165 High Street, Heathcote, Thursday & Saturday 9.30am - 2pm Quambatook: 2nd Time Around, Monica St, Friday 9.30am - 11.30am Nyah West: O’Connor St, Mon & Wed 10am - 3pm, Fri 10am - 4pm, Ph: 0455207799 Stanhope: 4 Birdwood Avenue, Stanhope, Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm, 2nd Sunday of month 9.30am - 12pm Sunraysia South: Renew, 33 Indi Avenue, Red Cliffs, Wed - Fri 10am 5pm, Sat 9am - 12pm, Ph: 5024 2731
Bencourt Care approves funding for projects within the Bendigo Diocese that provide for the relief of need, suffering, sickness, helplessness or poverty of people in the community. The types of projects funded are: a) a diverse range of community care services eg aged, palliative and respite care, outreach programs, chaplaincy etc; b) seeking out and serving children, young people and adults who are financially, emotionally or socially disadvantaged or marginalised;
Open: Bendigo North celebrate the opening of their parish op shop
c) establishing and developing charitable work If your parish or group has a project that meets the above criteria please contact Jackie Mullan - Manager on 5443 4711 to discuss your proposal and obtain a Bencourt Application form. Applications need to be submitted by Friday, 25 September 2015 for review by the Bencourt Care Board on Monday, 5 October.
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Eddington Cottage Diocesan owned holiday accommodation in Point Lonsdale For clergy and active parishioners of the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo Bookings available in October and November Contact the Registry for further details Phone: 5443 4711 Email: reception@bendigoanglican.org.au
The Theory and Practice of Healing Seminars
Confirmed: L-R Vanessa and Steve Weickhardt with daughters Zoe and Alyssa, Bishop Andrew, Matt Harris with parents Greg and Karen and brother Jon.
Families of faith at South East
The Alexander Venter DVD series ‘Doing Healing’ (with opportunity for interaction and practice) St Luke’s Anglican Church, 490 Napier St White Hills 3 Saturday Seminars: 19 Sept. 17 Oct. & 21 Nov. 2015 10am start – approx. 2 hours Questions addressed about: our understanding of sickness and healing, our view of reality, what the Bible says about healing, how Jesus healed people and how Jesus authorised and empowered the church to heal. Please register your interest: ($5 donation) Parish 5444 1875 or apbn@bendigotelco.net.au Contact Revd Gordon Lingard 0416 965 465
Steve Weickhardt
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n Sunday 2 August, nine teenagers were confirmed at Holy Trinity Flora Hill, two of them being baptised by full immersion just moments earlier. Greg Harris and Steve Weickhardt were each encouraged by their respective children declaring their faith in Christ, and publicly committing their life to him. In his sermon, Bishop Andrew Curnow spoke to the group about the four stages of a journey, in particular the preparation and the beginning
(followed by the journey and the destination), pointing out that the group of confirmees had prepared well (by his own witness), and they had embarked on the beginning of their spiritual journey. It was an enjoyable service, followed by another outstanding morning tea!
Cathedral redecoration continues Greg McKerlie
Jeff Westbrook Liberty Adviser M A E W
0408 200 236 PO Box 873, Maiden Gully VIC 3551 jwestbrook@libertynetwork.com.au liberty.com.au/jeff-westbrook
Home Loans Car Loans Commercial Finance Investment Loans Insurance
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he interior restoration of St Paul’s Cathedral is progressing, with the restoration of the chancel ceiling now complete, and the interior currently being completely redecorated.
The Diocese of Bendigo expects the highest standards of professional service from its Clergy and Lay Ministers.
IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT
The last major paint was undertaken for the Cathedral's centenary in 1968. The fresh coat will see the walls painted contrasting shades of a pale stone colour, similar to the original finish. The woodwork is also being cleaned and refinished with a durable lacquer.
The electricians are also installing new LED lighting in the east end. By the middle of October, they will have also completed the new electrical installations throughout the building and the new audio-visual equipment will have been installed.
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.
Works: The north transept of the Cathedral under scaffold during the painting of the walls 5
Around the Diocese
60 years of Mothers’ Union celebrated
The Cohuna branch of Mothers’ Union recently celebrated their 60th birthday with a lovely lunch and fellowship. Original Mothers’ Union group member Ina Peel was invited to cut the birthday cake which Ina herself had made, and had been beautifully decorated by the President, Rita Craddock. Ina was presented with a 60 year scroll earlier this year, and has been an active member ever since the group was formed in 1955. Entertainment in the form of a couple of quizzes and a short skit had been organised by members Beverley Brown and Ann Shanahan, and much fun and laughter was enjoyed by all. The group looks forward to showing Christ’s love in the community for many years to come and is currently planning their annual coffee morning where funds are raised for Mothers’ Union mission projects. - Shirley Bruns
60 years: Ina Peel (centre) cuts the cake with (l-r) Simon Robinson, MU President Gail Brabazon and Cohuna Branch president Rita Craddock.
Heather Blackman inducted as President of St Arnaud Rotary
The Revd Canon Heather Blackman, priest in charge of the Parish of St Arnaud, was inducted as the next President of the St Arnaud Rotary Club at the club’s changeover dinner held in July. Former President, Rohan Stinton, thanked Heather for taking on the challenge of leading the Rotary Club into the new year. Heather has been involved with the local Rotary Club for the past three years, and is excited to continue the good work of Rotary among the St Arnaud community. “I’m looking forward to leading the St Arnaud Rotary Club in 2016,” Heather said. “It’s a small club, but it’s a strong and effective club.” Inducted: Heather receives the President’s chain
- Sarah Crutch
Unexpected Heroes is a unique photography exhibition showcasing the unexpected, extraordinary real stories of older Australians. Presented by Benetas, the exhibition uncovers the adventures, lives and memories of our countries’ older heroes. Free and open every day during the Victorian Seniors Festival.
It’s amazing what you can discover under a few wrinkles
Monday 5 – Friday 9 October 10am – 4.30pm Melbourne Town Hall
For more information call 1300 23 63 82 or visit www.benetas.com.au 2015-08BSP
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Around the Parishes
Heathcote shines light on Saint John
Recently we had the great pleasure of enjoying the company of Bishop Andrew and Jan at our Sunday service. The Revd Terry Templer decided to also make this day a celebration of our patronal Saint - Saint John the Apostle - so all our lighting, plus Terry’s favoured candles, were on display. Though small in numbers, we sang and worshipped with gusto. Bishop Andrew’s message focused on light, as in John 1 – ‘God is light’. “Our task is to bring light through three ways,” he said. “Goodness, hospitality, and good works”. After morning tea in the church, we all moved to Sue and Andrew’s home for a great shared meal and social time. We all bragged about our grandchildren and showed our photos, and Jan and the Bishop had a good look at Andrew’s pride and delight - his veggie garden. A great day all round.
Sing: Parishioners sing loud and proud
- Pam Mason
Bunnies and bibles The parish of Sunraysia South has recently had an explosion in the number of rabbits around the church. At least two rabbits (probably escaped from someone’s back yard) set up house under the church hall and decided to start a family. Now well over twenty rabbits have been caught thanks to one of our great neighbours and the rector who has fine-tuned his previously undiscovered gift of rabbit catching! Thankfully they are almost under control. It had become a talking point in town when people walking past would see them grazing on the front lawn. The good news is that many of them have found homes as pets and four of them now live at the Mildura Special School where they are a hit with the students and teachers.
New pet: Talitha Barclay with her rabbit
Turning from bunnies to the bible - the parish is well advanced in planning for its annual ‘Bible in the Bush’ weekend to be held from 30 October to 1 November. This year Tracy Lauersen will be leading the studies on ‘Minor Prophets, Major Lessons’. The weekend helps the parish to maintain and develop its foundation as it seeks to be Bible based and Christ centred and we encourage you to make the trip to Red Cliffs. Details can be found in the advertisement on page 12 of this edition of The Spirit. - Dale Barclay
Cathedral hosts another successful promenade series In the great tradition of the long running BBC promenade concerts, Bendigo again had its own mini Proms series during August. For several years St Paul’s Cathedral has hosted this series which consists of short fine music performances over three Sunday afternoons in August, all taking place in the Anderson room, with light refreshments between performances. A number of local artists came together to make this year an exciting one. The series was opened by the Bendigo Chorale and closed by Jenny Gogolin and Peter Butler, noted Australian flute and piano duo performing Mozart, Piazzolla and Miriam Hyde. Other artists included Women of Note choir, a guitar quartet led by John Snowdon, pianist Christopher Wilson, Bendigo’s own well-loved harpist Meryl Wilkinson, talented operatic soprano Brenda Kinsella and Michael Gillies Smith and Pamela Jackson presenting music of Kurt Weill and Manuel de Falla. Musical: Mirrin, Jenni, Anne, Josh, John and Merrin - Diana Smith 7
What happens at Cycling by Faith an Ultreya? how good is your memory? Eddie Barkla
Barry Rainsford
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f you haven’t been to a Cursillo three day weekend, then an Ultreya gathering is a good way of getting a taste. This was the case at St Peter’s Eaglehawk on Saturday 15 August 2015. Around 40 people from eight parishes scattered across the diocese converged on the upgraded 150 year old location.
A tasty shared lunch at midday typically sets the scene for a time of rich fellowship with old and new friends. Joyful singing of well known Christian songs is always popular, especially when accompanied by talented musicians, such as Rodger and Sue O’Hara. A regular feature is a witness talk in which a member of the host parish relates how they are faring in their daily walk with the Lord. Julie South was our pattern on this occasion and Barry Rainsford had the privilege of responding to her presentation. This is followed by breaking up into small discussion groups to help us ‘walk the talk’ as a follow up to current issues that have been raised. These groups are called group reunions, without resorting to the Spanish terminology of our origins, and are a regular practice of the Cursillo movement. Members of the host parish were too engrossed in proceedings to take any photographs to record the event. So eleven of them, including our clergy couple Bob and Christine Woolner, posed for a photograph after the church service on the next day.
O
ver the years some memorable and catchy advertisements, jingles and nursery rhymes stick in the mind. How good is your memory in completing the following lines? Can you remember what the product was, or the company behind it, or just finish the rhyme? • “There is a bear in there, and a chair ...” • “You know you are soaking in it!” • “Just do it!” • “Go well, go ...!” • “Things go better with ...” • “Don’t hit the road without one!” • “... paints keep on keeping on” By now you may well be asking, what does this have to do with cycling? In shared road use between cyclists and motorists, it is the memory we are seeking to activate and keep activated. An advertisement for safe motor cycling some years back went like this: “Look right, look Left, look BIKE!” We often think of asking shared road users who don’t see us cyclists, and shared road users when we have a near miss or at worst a collision, “Where were you looking?” What we would really want others to think and act on is “What were you looking for?” I have come to realise that no matter how bright the clothing a cyclist is wearing, or how bright the front and rear lights may shine, if the shared road user is not looking for a cyclist before coming through an intersection safely, then all the cyclist’s efforts are in vain. I still see some value in trying to gain eye contact with a motorist, watching the movement of the vehicle as one would watch for the silent cues of a person’s body language, to make
a judgement on whether evasive actions are required.
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12 1-2) This familiar passage brought to mind thoughts about how good our memory is as Christians, as believers and followers of the risen Lord Jesus Christ. Are we constantly looking to Jesus, who has overcome every circumstance we will ever face? Do we have eyes of faith fixed on him, the Lord of our salvation? Is our memory filled to overflowing with his life of healing, especially his work on the cross to bear all our guilt and shame, paying the price we can never pay to be reconciled to our holy Father? Are we looking with expectant hearts for Christ’s return, and that we are to be with him for eternity? I will be blessed if you look out for me as a cyclist, and for others that share the road with me. But I have more joy knowing we are all looking out with eyes of faith, trusting to be faithful witnesses of the saving grace of the Lord Jesus in the way we live our lives in this fallen world. Looking forward to seeing you on the road soon God willing.
Eaglehawk: Parish members
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Saints, serenity and new beginnings: a visit to Holy Island Bryn Jones
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n the church of St Mary the Virgin on Holy Island (Lindisfarne) there is a powerful scene sculpted roughly in oak. The sculptor has portrayed six monks bearing aloft the coffin of their beloved Abbot and friend Cuthbert. Their faces are lined with sorrow yet there is a resolute look about them too. The monks had been forced to flee the island with Cuthbert’s remains because of a Viking invasion. They would cross the tidal sands to the coast of Northumbria and climb into the Cheviot ranges, resting beneath an overhanging cave and wander from place to place until finally resting the bones at Durham. We don’t know much about the bishop who inspired such love but tradition remembers him as a humble and godly man who travelled tirelessly and eschewed power and status. We can also assume that he was a very successful evangelist as, with Aiden before him, his ministry laid the foundations of English Christianity. In that sense, Cuthbert is a forebear in faith to the Roman Catholic Church and eventually, to Anglicanism and its subsequent offshoots. Holy Island then, is a place of beginnings. It is a liminal place, where Celtic and Roman rites mingled, and ultimately mixed with the surrounding Anglo-Saxon culture, uniquely reflected in the beautiful Lindisfarne Gospels. At the surface level at least, it seems that this melting pot of culture and tradition produced a Christianity that was earthed in British soil and embraced its arts, stories and customs; in other words, a faith that was indigenous and at home in its context.
I was blessed to spend a week on retreat in this liminal, or as the celts say, ‘thin’ place. I walked the length and breadth of the island and I also crossed the sand, following the Pilgrim Poles from the mainland to the island as so many have done before me. Between tides, I shared my retreat with hundreds of visitors each day but after four, when the sea returned, a deep silence descended. My day was marked by a rhythm of Morning Prayer and Eucharist, walking, reading, photography and then Evening Prayer. I was welcomed into the daily liturgical life of the Anglican Church of St Mary the Virgin which the Rector Paul described as, “the oldest building on the island with a roof”. The church sits opposite the ruined priory and parts of it date back to Cuthbert’s time on the island. When I entered St Mary’s I felt drawn into a deep silence and it seemed to have the same effect on the bustling sightseers. It sounds anthropomorphic but it felt like the building was praying with me. I stayed in a comfortable room at the ‘Opengate’ retreat house run by the Community of Aiden and Hilda who are committed to rediscovering and teaching the Celtic Christian tradition. Beneath my second floor window each day, there passed a steady flow of pilgrims: mums, dads, children, grandparents, hikers, cyclists, dogs, horses – you name it! I couldn’t help overhearing snatches
Holy Island: The church of St Mary the Virgin in Lindisfarne
Sculpture: Cuthbert carried by the monks of conversation; everyday exchanges about directions, what to eat and the occasional family or marital disharmony. They had all come to the island for their own reasons but it seemed that squeezing their visits between the tides made it difficult to encounter any stillness or otherness. I know it sounds a bit precious, but I couldn’t help reflecting on how flustered we all are so much of the time and how we don’t know how to be still even if we want to. Nobody ventured far beyond the shops and the castle, so as long as you were prepared to walk a little you could pretty much have the island to yourself. The personality of the island seemed to find its way into my prayer and reflection. It felt like a place where faith had found root and, at least for a time, flourished. I wondered what it might mean for Australian Christianity and in particular, Anglican Christianity, to become indigenous? I wondered whether it ever really could? More than just ‘Aussifying’ parts of the liturgy or referring to native flora and fauna in our songs; what would it look like if we really put down roots and began to better reflect the diversity of modern Australia? What would an Australian Cuthbert say to the church? Who are our Cuthberts and are we really listening to them? Sometimes it can be instructive to return to our beginnings and funnily enough, I think this early expression of Christianity on a far-away island may have something to say to us. I wonder if we are willing to take off our shoes and cross the sand with our fellow pilgrims to explore it? 9
From Maldon to Beating around the bush the Holy Land An outback cemetery Julia Nutting
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ecently I was in Jerusalem for a conference of the Society of Catholic Priests. Previously I had been hesitant to visit Jerusalem and Palestine, fearing it might be too commercialised or at risk of being some sort of theme park – and there is scope for that.
I was pleased to be in a group where four Anglican offices were said or sung each day, and where the significant sites we visited were marked by the relevant Bible passage being read, with time to think and pray about what is remembered there. Our friendships, insights, discoveries and fun took place within this framework. We attended the Anglican church in Nazareth, home of an Arabic speaking congregation. To be an Arabic speaking Christian in Jerusalem is not easy. The priest is fluent in English yet the congregation largely are not - but parishioners have made it their true gift to warmly welcome English speaking tourists week by week. Worship there was an unforgettable experience. English speakers receive an English service and songs, others had the same in Arabic. The service was in Arabic and English, with simultaneous liturgy and singing in both languages. Praise was loud and enthusiastic - a reminder that even when not speaking the same language, divides in understanding can surely be bridged. A small glimpse of Pentecost and an encouraging contrast to the signs of enmity outside. When I came home I told my motley prison congregation about this, and invited them to say the Our Father in their own language when we used it. They did – four languages at the one time. Now a regular worshipper, who hesitates to participate in case his English is inadequate, prays confidently in his language during our intercessions. Our days passed swiftly in a pleasing mix of learning, sightseeing, dining and worship from the Anglican liturgies of the US, the UK and Australia. Much of concern and much to learn, but I couldn’t regret the opportunity to visit. 10
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Bishop Ron Stone
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ne of my dear outback friends died a few weeks back and Elizabeth, his wife, asked me if I would take the funeral at Muttaburra, a small town 120 kilometres north of Longreach in far western Queensland. Frith Fysh, a husband, father, g r a n d f a t h e r, and a highly respected and quintessentially outback grazier, had died in a Brisbane hospital, a victim of cancerous tumours on the brain. It was an honour and privilege to exercise this ministry for two special friends. Frith had wanted to be buried in the red soil of the outback and it was necessary for his body to be brought ‘home’ over the huge distance from Brisbane to Muttaburra. The little Anglican Church of All Saints’ Muttaburra was too small for the congregation, so instead the service had to be held in the Muttaburra Community Hall, which had been given, by friends, the atmosphere of a Christian church. The hall had so many people present that many had to stand. Frith’s body arrived thirty minutes late for the service. We never ever learned why! Frith would have enjoyed the humour of that – although I must admit that I was getting a bit anxious at the time. The funeral directors in the outback are usually the Shire Council. Two very young women were the directors on the day. They were natural, kind and understanding. The local police sergeant provided an escort to the cemetery – even though most of the 140 townspeople were present at the service.
that has to be shared with sheep and cattle during the current prolonged drought. Frith was laid to rest under some shady trees. He was home in the soil he loved – and home with God in accordance with the Christian faith he held. I could not help but think at the time of the families of those who had died in the Malaysian aircraft missing somewhere in the Indian Ocean. Spare a thought for them and others like them. They have no closure. No place to lay their loved ones to rest. Cemeteries are important places. A number of years ago I took a photograph of a plaque at one bush cemetery which read as follows:
This is a cemetery. Lives are commemorated – deaths are recorded – families are reunited – memories are made tangible – and love is undisguised. This is a cemetery. Communities accord respect, families bestow reverence, historians seek information and our heritage is thereby enriched. Testimonies of devotion, pride and reverence are cast in bronze to pay warm tribute to accomplishments and to the life – not the death – of a loved one. The cemetery is homeland for memorials that are a sustaining source of comfort to the living. A cemetery is a history of people – a perpetual record of yesterday and a sanctuary of peace and quiet today.
The Muttaburra Cemetery is probably only one of very few places in Western Queensland that welcomes kangaroos into the grounds. The kangaroos are enticed in with water and they keep the bush grasses down and the place neat and tidy. Elsewhere the kangaroos, which are in plaque proportions, are shot in huge numbers, to stop them competing for the almost non-existent food
I would add, and the Christian cross, symbol of Jesus’ victory over death, sign of our resurrection faith - and of new life – points us beyond the now to God.
september 2015
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A cemetery exists because every life is worth loving and remembering – always.
in
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clergycontemplations
mix I Civil Liberties 101 Angela Morrisey
O
ur Prime Minister has said that Australians who go off to fight for ISIS are not welcome back and those who join terrorist groups and hold dual citizenship will be deported. Unfortunately, terrorism has been present since Bible times. In Acts 21:38 St Paul is asked if he’s the Egyptian “who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the desert.” These ‘terrorists’ were ‘dagger-men’, who were violent assassins. St Paul was a great holy man, but after he’d spoken to the people and stated his case, including the story of his conversion, the people demanded to get rid of him.
Things were not looking good for St Paul who was ordered to be flogged. St Paul said to the centurion, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?” The centurion went to the commander and reported what he’d heard. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.” (Acts 22: 25-26) The commander asked St Paul if he was a Roman citizen and he answered that he was. To this, the commander said that he had to pay a big price for his Roman citizenship but St Paul stated that he was born a Roman citizen (Acts 22:27-28). According to Roman law, Roman citizens were assured exclusion from punishment and apparently St Paul had dual citizenship as a Jewish man! So, citizenship was considered important even during Bible times. St Paul was lucky that his Roman citizenship protected him and that he had rights under Roman law. This should be the same for Australian citizens today whether they hold single or dual citizenship. If they’ve fought with ISIS and wish to return then they should be tried in court. If found guilty, they should be sent to prison. Even Jesus – an innocent man - had his day in court. If the right to have your day in court were good enough in first century Palestine, then it should be good enough for 21st century Australia.
Andrew Eaton, Parish of Maryborough with Avoca
f you have seen the movie The Matrix, you will remember the scene where Neo (the Christ-like hero) is given the option of taking two pills by Morpheus (the God-the-Father figure). Take the blue pill and Neo would stay in the fantasy world of human life, where the truth of their slavery to an Alien life force would remain hidden. Take the red pill, and the whole truth in all its glory and awfulness would be revealed. Naturally he takes the red pill and the adventure begins.
To my mind the anthropology of Rene Girard works in a similar way. Once you read Girard, and grasp his understanding of humanity and God’s revelation in Jesus Christ through what he calls Mimetic Theory, you have indeed taken the red pill, and returning to understanding the world as you did before is almost an impossibility. Mimetic Theory explores human desire as the base emotion for humanity. From the earliest age, we desire based on what others desire. Anyone with two children who fight over a toy knows that one of those kids only wants the toy because the other has it. Girard argues our desires lead to rivalry; over material objects, over objects of love, over land, food, cattle, water and power. Remember the 10th Commandment - do not covet (the Hebrew word is better translated as ‘desire’) and then a list that starts being exhaustive and then gives up, as if to say - do not desire anything that may lead to rivalry with your neighbour. So far, so good. But what then is the outcome of the rivalry over the object of desire? Violence. Girard argues violence within the community erupts, and sees the founding murder of Cain by Abel as the beginning of human violence. Physical, emotional, spiritual and mental violence all fall within this category. Throughout history, but particularly in recent times, the use of violence to try and resolve conflict or problems has been widespread. Police in the USA are now resorting to heavy violence over minor infringements. Our own country’s refugee policy is violent in many ways towards some of the most vulnerable people on earth. And for some reason, the geo-political power players still use violence as a means to try and end
violence (the recent Iran Nuclear treaty was a welcome exception). Girard would say the problem spirals when society seeks to resolve the violence, because we inevitably do so by selecting a scapegoat, the victim (often innocent) upon whom the sins of the community can be poured, and who is then expelled or killed. This, Girard says, brings peace back to society, but a false peace. Because the cycle starts again. We know this is true whether on the small scale local level or in international conflict. A group of kids in trouble will heap blame on the weakest kid. Political parties sagging in the polls will expel a leader and claim a sudden new life, until the next time the polls flounder. Western allies will invade Iraq, the scapegoat is killed (Saddam Hussein), peace is declared (mission accomplished), but then the cycle of violence starts again. But where does Jesus fit into all this? Girard and other Christian theologians see Jesus as breaking the cycle of the scapegoating mechanism. In his death and resurrection, he makes the nature of human violence against each other clear for all to see. As an innocent victim who rises to new life after being murdered, he holds a mirror up to our humanity. In his life he shows us that we can live without being in rivalry with one another, seeking to serve rather than be served. In his death he shows us his willingness to suffer for us. And in his resurrection he forgives us, and shows us that death has no power over him or us who ‘abide in him’. The God of Jesus Christ is completely non-violent, and is not some bloodthirsty deity seeking appeasement for the sins of humanity through the death of his son. Rather, the selfgiving of his Son is to bring to light the sins of the whole world and to show us there is another way. The way of forgiveness. The way of peace. The way of non-violence. I took the red pill, I read Rene Girard, and have never looked back. I invite you to do the same. 11
Where in the world...
is this church ?
Caring at a time of need
Where did Sarah visit? If you can name the church and the city where it is located, 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 featured a church in Rift Valley, Kenya which was built by Italian prisoners of war during World War Two. There were no correct entires.
151 McCrae Street Bendigo 12 Victoria Street Eaglehawk
P. 5441 5577
www.williamfarmer.com.au
A tradition that continues...
BIBLE IN THE BUSH
what’s on
Oct 30th - Nov 1st 2015
The Minor Prophets:
events calendar
“Minor Prophets, Major Lessons” with Tracy Lauersen
Concert to aid Cathedral restoration Sunday 13 September, 2.30pm St Paul’s Cathedral Hall
Great Bible teaching over a weekend in rural Victoria. www.bibleinthebush.org.au Phone: 03 5024 2521 office@aposs.org.au 25 Heath Street, Red Cliffs, Vic 3496.
St Paul’s Annual Mission Dinner Friday 2 October, 6.00pm Deconsecration of Fenton’s Creek Sunday 4 October, 3.00pm Clergy Retreat Monday 5 - Thursday 8 October Deconsecration of St Mary’s Elphinstone Sunday 11 October, 3.00pm Swan Hill celebrates 150 years 14 and 15 November Got an event coming up? Send the details to thespirit@bendigoanglican.org.au
TREASURES OF THE BIBLE CONFERENCE
“Resurrection”
TAKE US TO THE RIVER
with
Mike Bird 12 September 2015 For more information & registrations www.mooroopnaanglican.com/treasures or call 03 58252031 MOOROOPNA ANGLICAN CHURCH 13 Young St Mooroopna Victoria
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Spirit The
september 2015
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