The
monthly Anglican Diocese of Bendigo
october 2015
issue 114
150 years: Left: The youngest member of the Echuca congregation, Isaac Hemmings, aged 3 months (with father George), cuts the cake with the oldest member, Jim Stapleton, aged 102; Above right: Wycliffe Australia CEO Barry Bourneman; Bottom right: Peter Geldart, whose father John Geldart was a former rector of Echuca, spoke of the influence of Christ Church Echuca on his life
Christ Church Anglican, Echuca turns 150! George Hemmings
O
n the first weekend in September from Friday 4 to Sunday 6, Christ Church celebrated 150 years of public worship in the buildings at 500 High Street, Echuca. In preparation for the big milestone the church received something of a face lift through a fresh paint job and matching street signs. Internally the church was decked out with streamers, balloons, photos and various items of memorabilia from the archives. The Celebration Weekend began on Friday when 85 people gathered in the
Women in ministry celebrated page 4
newly refurbished parish hall for a three course dinner. After the main course, Peter Geldart, son of former rector John Geldart, spoke of the lasting influence Christ Church had played on his life. He attributed the example and interest of the faithful men and women of the parish to the development of his own faith and to his move into ministry with ESA. Following this the current Priest-inCharge, the Revd George J. Hemmings spoke from Ephesians 1:3-10 on the church’s commitment to honour the past, make the most of the opportunities God was providing in the present and to dream and plan for the future. He also officially launched the 150th Celebratory Appeal as a means by which people could make
Strathfieldsaye inaugurated page 5
a thanksgiving offering in response to all that God had done and also to contribute to the work of the future. The next day over 100 people assembled for a gourmet BBQ lunch. After eating their fill of gourmet sausages and salads, those present heard from Barry Bourneman, CEO of Wycliffe Australia. Barry spoke on the impact of the Bible on individuals and communities, including those of the Campaspe region. The food and fun continued that night as the Campaspe Cluster Youth Group took advantage of the giant screen to hold a movie and discussion night in the hall!
Family baptism at Eaglehawk page 8
Continued page 3
Clergy contemplations from Ian Howarth page 11
The Bishop writes
Dear Friends,
I
n recent weeks there has been a lot of media attention centred on Bendigo in relation to the proposed mosque to be built in East Bendigo. The building of the mosque has been approved by the City of Greater Bendigo and after appeal by opponents to the Victorian Civil Administration Tribunal. There is now a further appeal pending in the Supreme Court by the opponents.
The Bendigo Inter Faith Council, of which the diocese is a member, also supports the building of the mosque. Our Sub Dean, Canon Heather Marten, is Vice Chair of the Inter Faith Council and our Dean, The Very Revd John Roundhill, and the Cathedral have been at the forefront in supporting Bendigo’s small Muslim community and their right, under the constitution, to worship. In the meantime, the whole matter has turned very nasty and is increasingly dividing the community. At the end of August there were rallies called by the opponents and supporters of the mosque and clashes took place in the streets. Images of hundreds of police in riot gear and ugly scenes of violence in the Bendigo CBD were beamed around the world. Understandably the Mayor, civic and religious leaders have been deeply concerned by the tone of the opposition. The rallies were obviously attended by many people from outside of Bendigo and much of the opposition has been attributed to a group called the United Patriots Front (UPF). The UPF even filmed a YouTube clip in front of our cathedral purporting to be leading the Christian opposition to the mosque. 2
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The matter really came to a head on the night of Wednesday 16 September at a meeting of the City of Greater Bendigo Council, when opponents of the mosque created such a furore, the Council meeting was shut down and the Mayor, most Councillors, and Council staff had to be protected and escorted from the Town Hall by the police. The Bendigo Weekly of 18 September 2015 reported:
It was disgusting. The crowd chants, the violent thumping of the council table, the naming of Cr Cox as traitor, labelling others as not being Australian, and the abuse of local media, was completely unacceptable, no matter which way you dice it. Sadly on this occasion the perpetrators were from Bendigo and their behaviour, which was widely reported nationally, brings great disrepute on our city. The Bible is very familiar with mobs and crowds causing trouble and dividing communities. Jesus experienced firsthand the unpredictability of mobs and how they can turn from being for you to against you. Paul, in the early Church, also had many experiences with mob behaviour and people being much divided.
peace, but peace shall overcome. There are reports of another rally by the opponents of the mosque scheduled for 10 October. While I totally concur with the right to freedom of speech, that freedom should not be abused to stir up religious and racial intolerance and divide communities with threatening behaviour. Let the mosque be built! In this diocese may we all work together to build strong and harmonious communities. Blessings,
Spirit The
Monthly newsmagazine of the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo
Our world is divided enough as it is and much of the Middle East is a basket case with the suffering of its people being felt worldwide. In these circumstances I urge all Anglican Christians, and particularly those of us in Bendigo, to do whatever we can to make for a tolerant and understanding community. Fear is the enemy of
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 20 November.
october 2015
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He writes to the Galatians:
There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:25)
A pause for
prayer
Worship: The congregation at the celebratory service in Christ Church
Remember our farmers Bishop Andrew Curnow
A
s I move around the diocese I am concerned with dry conditions that have emerged which many weather watchers are labelling as the return of the El Nino weather pattern. This is not good news for our farmers urgently looking for rain, or for people in towns and cities as the water in reservoirs is not increasing. Water is the most life giving resource we have and following the last drought I believe we are more water conscious than ever.
Greetings: George Hemmings and Bishop Andrew shake hands with guests
Please pray for our farmers and for the sustainability of farms and rural communities across central and northern Victoria.
150 years of worship celebrated at Christ Church Echuca
I would encourage you to use this prayer each day for the next month and longer if you can:
George Hemmings
To give them their food in due season:
Continued from front The weekend was capped by a special celebration service on Sunday. During the service Bishop Andrew launched a sermon series called Christ’s Church… by preaching from John 21:1-14 on the theme of Celebration. There was a spectacular morning tea held after the service. George Hemmings shared the honour of cutting the 150th Anniversary Cake with the youngest and oldest parishioners, Isaac Hemmings (3 months) and Jim Stapleton (102 years and still going strong!)
Christ Church would like to thank all those who’ve prayed for them over the last 150 years, all those who’ve been part of the parish and served Christ there and all those who returned to make the weekend so special. Please keep praying for all that God will do in the future!
As George explained on the Friday night, the Parish of Echuca was actually formed in 1863, the first service being held in the church on the 7 September 1865, and the buildings not fully finished for a further two years. As such, he said the church was actually in the middle of a four year long celebration!
All things look to you, O Lord
Look in mercy on your people, And hear our prayer for rain. In your compassion restore your creation, and heal our land. So guide and bless your people, That we may enjoy the fruits of the earth And give you thanks with grateful hearts, Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
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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
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Ordained women in ministry: The Revds Glenda Templer, Sharon Valentino, Heather Marten, Jude Benton and Pam Lawry
Women in ministry celebrated Simon Robinson
S
he is a woman on a mission. Dressed simply in grey, dressed ready to work, she moves through the crowded cattle sales at Leitchville. Her eyes are on the lookout for who might need a hand, a friendly face or a bit of TLC – especially the women and children that have been dragged along to this dusty scene. She also stands ready to baptise those who have embraced the Christian faith and share the Church’s message of hope.
The Spirit online! Like an email? If you’d like a full colour pdf of ‘The Spirit’ emailed to you each month, let us know! Just email thespirit@ bendigoanglican.org. au and we’ll add you to our e-mailing list!
A different scene; the same woman. She takes her place on the podium in the city of Bendigo, alongside the Governor of Victoria, some earl from the old country, the Bishop of Wangaratta and the Archdeacon of Bendigo, and yet they are her words that are reported on; her words that are remembered.
the Parish of Leitchville. Can you believe that the year is 1925?
Fast-forward to 3 September 2015, 90 years to the day that Sr Mabel was ordained. We find that same practical, can-do spirit combined with articulate, memorable speech present in the panel of women gathered to honour this occasion at Latimer the Martyr Anglican Church, Leitchville.
Her name is Sister Mabel Bostock, Deaconess in the Church of England, the first woman ordained in the Diocese of Bendigo, and the first woman placed in charge of a parish:
Five dynamic women in holy orders enthralled the gathered diners as they shared generously from their experience, question and answer style. That same can-do spirit is also clearly alive in the lay women who lavished the crowd with their generous hospitality!
october 2015
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Read online You can also read ‘The Spirit’ and other diocesan publications on issuu.com. Just search for ‘Anglican Diocese of Bendigo’.
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ABM Bendigo Auxiliary invites everyone to their Annual General Meeting Tuesday 10th November 2015 St Mary’s Anglican Church Woodend 11.00am – 2.00pm
Anglican-Uniting: Judy Causon, Steven Weickhardt and Bishop Andrew
Guest Speaker: Netta Hill who will speak on her Modawa Pilgrimage to Dogura Diocese in Papua New Guinea
Strathfieldsaye Community Church: From little things, big things grow!
RSVP: to Myrtle Shay on myrtleshay@bigpond.com
Steve Weickhardt
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he new Strathfieldsaye Community Church was officially inaugurated as a joint Anglican – Uniting mission district at a celebratory service on Sunday 13 September, with the Revd Steve Weickhardt being licensed as the Priest in Charge. The occasion was an ‘Inauguration Celebration’ where representatives from both Anglican and Uniting Churches joined us for formal recognition of the new community church. Present were Bishop Andrew (who preached) and Archdeacon Greg Harris for the Anglican Diocese, and the Revd Julianne Parker (Presbytery Chair), Judy Berridge and the Revd Gordon Bannon (Presbytery Ministers), and Judy Causon (Bendigo Uniting Church Network Council Chair) for the Uniting Church Presbytery.
Jeff Westbrook Liberty Adviser
Strathfieldsaye: The church’s logo the Parish of South East Bendigo that led to a cup of coffee with a Strathfieldsaye Uniting Church Elder. That quickly led to monthly combined worship services of St Stephen’s Anglican Church in Emu Creek and Strathfieldsaye Uniting Churches. Through more providential circumstances, just 12 months later at the beginning of 2011, Steve Weickhardt was ordained and began full-time residential ministry in Strathfieldsaye, with the support of the Bush Church Aid Society. St Stephen’s and Strathfieldsaye Uniting joined for weekly worship, rotating between their respective churches until 2013.
Local church members Lesley Hargreaves (Anglican) and Crawford Mouat (Uniting) both reflected on the partnership from their perspectives, and a slideshow of pictures from activities since 2009 reminded us all of how far we have come.
In 2014, as a new Memorandum of Understanding was drafted, a new name for the partnership was on the agenda, with ‘Strathfieldsaye Community Church’ eventually selected. Steve Weickhardt will lead the community church under the direction of Greg Harris.
The establishment of the community church began in 2009 with an offthe-cuff comment in a meeting at
As Greg Harris stated, “To God be the glory, great things He has done!” just before we sang those very words.
M A E W
0408 200 236 PO Box 873, Maiden Gully VIC 3551 jwestbrook@libertynetwork.com.au liberty.com.au/jeff-westbrook
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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.
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Around the Diocese
Snow much fun for South East Bendigo on the ski slopes
What is white, wet, fun and a God-given gift? As Job 37:6 correctly states, “And God says to the snow, ‘Fall upon the earth.’” In order to enjoy this providence of God, members of South East Bendigo made what is becoming an annual pilgrimage to the alpine area – this year to Falls Creek. Staying in a wonderful wooden lodge in Mount Beauty with wood fires and comfy lounges, 18 parish members and friends enjoyed time together on the slopes. As is the case each year a few made their ‘snow-debut’ – skiing for the first time and vowing that they will have to get back next year.
Winter escape: The parish members enjoying the snow
- Greg Harris
Swan Hill blesses work of emergency services The Parish of Swan Hill holds an Emergency Services blessing every two years and on Sunday, 13 September we had representatives from the Police Force, CFA, SES, Red Cross, and VCC Emergency Chaplains.
This year Leading Senior Constable Andrew Downes gave an engaging talk on his journey into the police force and how his personal values impact on his work. It’s reassuring to know our emergency services are in the hands of such an inspiring group who love their work despite the challenges along the way. Father Marcello from St Mary’s Catholic Church, who is also the Police and CFA Chaplain, began our service in prayer. After the service the emergency vehicles and their crews were blessed and hospitality continued over morning tea. - Jan Harper Blessing: Jan Harper blesses the police force members present
Anglicans in the north join together
Fifth Sundays are becoming a tradition for the three parishes of Northern Mallee, Robinvale and Wentworth coming together. This time our setting was the Inland Botanic Gardens at Buronga, New South Wales where, while the air was a little fresh and crisp, we enjoyed the outdoor environment for our Eucharist in the Bush Chapel and then on to lunch in the Woolshed. - Michael Hopkins
Garden Eucharist: Michael Hopkins leads the service
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october 2015
www.bendigoanglican.org.au
Around the Parishes
New Eddington Cottage enjoyed by family and friends The new Eddington Cottage has now been used for over a year, and the response to the new diocesan holiday house has been nothing but favourable.
Feedback from families that have stayed at the new cottage is overwhelmingly positive. Fr Andrew Eaton of the MaryboroughAvoca parish and his family stayed for a week after Easter. “It was the perfect place for a holiday. We could take the girls to the beach every day, the house had all the mod-cons we could need, and it was extremely affordable” he said. Bookings for November are available. Please contact the Registry Office on 5443 4711 or email reception@ bendigoanglican.org.au for more information. - Sarah Crutch Seaside: Wanjiku Eaton enjoying the beach at Point Lonsdale
mainly music continues good work among the Tatura community
mainly music is aimed at parents and their pre-schoolers to assist in social, mental and physical development of children through music and dance, and provide social support for parents. The program also offers pastoral care to the families, and with many experiencing life changes such as having new babies, or returning to the workplace, having a safe place to discuss and share their feelings has been appreciated. The team is also building relationships with the rest of the families. At a recent dinner it was great to see the older siblings playing together while the parents enjoyed a night off cooking. The program receives positive feedback and is increasingly valued in the Tatura community. - Jude Benton
Quack: Urijah Gilboy shows Jude Benton his duckling puppets
Swan Hill baptism a great occasion for all Charlie Gardiner was baptised on 9 August at Nyah West by the Revd Denis Gell.
It was a delightful celebration, all the more because Charlie’s great grandparents, Tom and Jean Evens, were able to attend. Jean has since passed away and will be greatly missed by the family and community, and her church and MU friends. - Jan Harper
Baptised: Charlie Gardiner is baptised by Denis Gell
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Christ Church Swan Hill
You are invited to our 150 years of Worship Celebration 14 and 15 November 2015 Dinner
A 2 course dinner will be held in the Anglican Parish Function Centre on Saturday 14 November commencing at 6.00pm $25 pp BYO drinks Water, tea, coffee provided
Anniversary Service
Sunday 15 November beginning at 10.30 am To be followed by a light barbeue luncheon ($5 pp) RSVP 1 November 2015 Marg Crilly: 5032 5447 maal4@bigpond.com Ernie Russell: 5037 2565 e.brussell@bigpond.com
Family: Hamish and members of his family gathered in front of the MU banner: Murray and Kaye (grandparents), Ross Trimble (godfather and uncle), Heidi and Paul (parents) and Kylie Ross (aunt) along with Zoe and Lachie (cousins).
Family baptism at Eaglehawk sees mother and son baptised Bob and Christine Woolner
S
unday 16 August was a special day in the life of Hamish Bevan Trimble who was baptised during the morning worship surrounded by family, friends and well-wishers from many places around the countryside. At just 11 months old, Hamish is the newest member of a long family connection at St Peter’s Parish in Eaglehawk. Hamish’s baptism was a wonderful celebration, made even more so as Heidi (Hamish’s mother) was baptised along with Hamish with Paul (Hamish’s father) as her Sponsor. Two of Hamish’s cousins, Zoe and Lachie offered Hamish a special blessing during the service and drew a ‘family picture’ of PJ (Paul), Heidi and Hamish after the service.
The Final Service and De-Consecration of
St Paul's Carisbrook 3 Urquhart Street
Saturday 31st October 4pm Come and celebrate and give thanks for 149 years of worship in one of the oldest churches in the parish of MaryboroughAvoca. Bishop Andrew Curnow presiding. More details at www.maryboroughanglican.com
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them seeing. His presence reminds everyone of the innocence of children and the delight when congregations of all ages embrace worship.
It is a delight to find Hamish in church on a Sunday, crawling under and around the chairs, surprising everyone when he pops up between the rows or moving their books and bags without
Hamish’s grandparents, Murray and Kaye, are long term members of the St Peter’s worshipping community. Kaye has been involved in developing the Parish Archives and has a great interest in local history. Hamish’s great grandmother, Kaye’s Mum, worshipped in the Parish of Eaglehawk for many years and made the MU banner which was featured as a backdrop to Hamish’s baptism.
Safe Church Workshop
Organist/Choir Director
9.30am - 4.00pm Boort Baptist Church 21 Armstrong Street $25 per person Please BYO lunch Register online by 22 October www.buv.com.au/scaw
Vacant from 1 January 2016 Expressions of interest to the Dean: bxdean@bathurstanglican.org.au by 20 December 2015 See website: www.allsaintscathedralbathurst.com.au
october 2015
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Saturday 24 October
All Saints’ Cathedral, Bathurst
A busy year for Walkabout Ministry Robyn Davis
T
he Walkabout Indigenous Project sees me spending a great amount of time travelling between Swan Hill, Bendigo and Balranald and the past 12 months have been busier than ever.
Engaged: The children enjoy story time led by Youth Minister Rob Edwards
Playgroups provide social support for kids and parents at Holy Trinity Greg Harris
W
eekday mornings can be very busy times and sometimes very noisy times at Holy Trinity South East Bendigo – especially when the three playgroups are running. For over two years the church has sought to be a blessing to the local community by providing these playgroups. Every week the children participate in educational activities, free play and have the opportunity to explore and socialise with a variety of other children of different age groups. The three groups are well attended with a number of the families from the church involved but with the majority of people attending having no church connection at all. Rob Edwards, our Children and Youth Minister, with his wife Michelle, coordinate and lead these groups and routinely find themselves in conversations with
For the kids: Playgroup Holy Trinity people about parenting challenges and the role of God in their life. One of the parents, Jayne Lawson from Holy Trinity, joined the group when her first child was six months old. She found the playgroup to be “a wonderful social outlet that offers support and friendship from other parents…a real asset to our community!” Next time you ring the church office and you hear children squealing with delight – just imagine them on the playground outside the office door.
We continue to conduct Cultural Educational Workshops with schools, parish councils, youth groups, Mothers’ Union, Anglicare, Probus and other interested groups. The first session of cultural awareness training with the Diocesan Ministry Formation group was a great success and hopefully more will follow. Synod was very encouraging and I feel that the Diocese of Bendigo is a leading light in the Anglican Church of Australia. The formation of a Reconciliation Action Plan will raise cultural awareness and give direction for the diocese to go forward. Reconciliation Week was a very busy week with the Swan Hill Art Show, Nara Dreaming as well as the official Reconciliation Week activities all happening at once. We have presented Aboriginal flags and recognition plaques to most parishes in the diocese with encouragement and suggestions to reach out to local Indigenous communities. In June, we were invited to speak at Maryborough where we gave a two hour presentation to Mothers’ Union and Anglicare, then another at the morning church service. NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) week is a great national celebration of Indigenous culture. I was guest speaker at the St John of God NAIDOC luncheon and have been involved with the NAIDOC Knuldooroong Exhibition in Bendigo as well as having a solo exhibition at St John of God. I look forward to continuing my work with the Indigenous community as I ‘walkabout’ our diocese, offering assistance at a grass roots level to those in need. 9
There’s a word for it
Feeding Faith New book from Charles Sherlock: Australian Anglicans Remember (Broughton 2015)
M
any Australians know little of the faithful Christians who were effective witnesses to Christ in this land. Australian Anglicans Remember aims to encourage readers to follow Christ in the footsteps of those who have gone before them.
In the Australian Anglican prayer book of 1977, a few local festivals were included, notably Australia Day (26 January), First Service at Sydney Cove (3 February), and Anzac Day (25 April). The 1995 revision added some 30 individuals in whose lives God’s grace was so evident that they are commemorated in some part of this land. APBA’s Calendar also includes some previously unobserved Festivals (e.g. Mary and Joseph) and allocates readings for some Lesser Festivals (e.g. New Guinea Martyrs, Thanksgiving for Holy Communion).
Richard Stamp
Gate
A
ll my life I seem to have been encountering gates, and I don’t mean Bill. We all know what a gate is; they come in all shapes and sizes, from huge metal dockside ones to five-bar paddock gates. They are as old as humankind. Interestingly, in the light of Jesus’ saying about a rich man passing through the eye of a needle (Mark 10:25), our English word gate comes down to us via Old Saxon, gat, which meant eye of a needle or hole. Effective gates open easily to let you in or out and also have devices to lock them shut. Ancient walled cities had gates to be shut at night or at other times for protection from attack. But gateways were often used for other things too. In some places the open and public gateway was where legal transactions took place – see Ruth 4. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word is sha’har, an opening or gate and comes from a verb meaning ‘to split or open’. Anyone who has ever spent time drafting sheep will know this use to split one kind from another. A gate in this sense has more than a hint of judgement: each part
a time was coming when the gates would be open all the time and God’s people would no longer be vulnerable but free to accept the wealth of nations which would enter their gates. Godly hospitality was also expressed in generous treatment of the stranger and the needy, ‘in the gate’ (Amos 5:12, Genesis 19:1-2). Old Testament words for gate designated the entrance to the Israelite camp in the wilderness (Exodus 32:26), the Tabernacle (Exodus 27:14-16) and the ideal Temple (Ezekiel 40-47). So by the time Jesus came and asserted, “I am the gate” (John 10:7), the idea of being the gateway already had long association with entering into the Holy presence of God, as well as a hinterland of other associations; in trade, freedom of assembly, hearing the king’s decrees
Those who enter into life through faith in Jesus, the gateway, are drafted into his kingdom for a special purpose
Australian Anglicans Remember provides resources to cover these commemorations. Charles is enthusiastic about Australian Anglicans Remember. “It aims to support and encourage Australians to follow Christ in ‘down under’ ways, aware of our context in this land,” he said.
Australian Anglicans Remember is available online from www.broughtonpublishing/about. 10
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of the flock is separated out for the shepherd’s purpose. Another Hebrew word is Pe’thakh, a gate or entrance: it comes from a verb meaning ‘to loosen or open wide’. The city gate was a place of assembly and commerce. Kings held audiences here (1Kings 22:10) and prophets proclaimed the Lord’s word (Jeremiah 17:19). The city gate symbolised security; to ‘possess the gate’ meant to capture the city (Genesis 22:17). The city gate was closed every night as a precaution against attack.
and the prophets’ words, in justice and judgement, in welcome of the stranger and in generosity. Those who enter into life through faith in Jesus, the gateway, are drafted into his kingdom for a special purpose. In this sense the Lord’s judgement begins early on, at the very start of our Christian pilgrimage.
But, as Isaiah tells us (Isaiah 60:11),
We enter ‘the City of God’ through the most secure of gates and find a welcome. In Christian spirituality there is benefit in meditating upon Jesus as God’s appointed gateway into his kingdom, and as our secure dwelling place.
october 2015
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in
the
clergycontemplations
mix
Cycling by faith riding in community Eddie Barkla
Everything a person does seems pure in their own opinion, but the Lord weighs our intentions. (Proverbs 16:2)
C
yclists say that cycling is not a sport for observers - it is a participation sport, and you have to be engaged to join in. Many strong, healthy, robust cyclists are able to ride all day, and take every opportunity to be out on the bike, clocking up hours and kilometres of road time. But for cycling bunches to function effectively, there is no room for individual, self-centred attitudes. Yes, the strongest, most impressive rider can work others hard – with the result that people lose heart and drop off, unable to measure up to the level set. Cycling in community bunches is a bit like a chain - only as strong as its weakest link. Or like the integrity of a spider’s web, only as strong as its attachments to the web’s centre. A cycling community requires all to be engaged and involved. And for it to be strong and effective, we must make sure that all are being brought along together, with no-one dropping off and becoming disengaged. A cycling community must have an inclusive community spirit – riding is not a race but a journey. Our journey of faith is much the same. As Christians and disciples of Christ Jesus, we belong to a community of faith. We are in the service of God’s kingdom, called to live for others and not for ourselves, to deny ourselves and pick up our cross daily.
Can theology be practical? Ian Howarth, Parish of Kyneton
T
here would be some who would say this is an oxymoron. That theology is too academic. But is this an excuse for simply not wanting to engage at any deeper level? I would have to say there have been times when I included myself in being in the disengaged crew. Yet two or three years ago I completed a theology subject called Practical Theology. It’s described by some as a recent discipline, although it’s always been a part of the landscape of faith. It’s the living out of theology - giving it practical and lived experience. The theologian Karl Rahner described Practical Theology as “everything is its subject matter.” This then is something that makes Practical Theology difficult to define. It’s neither one branch nor another, but is appealing in that it seeks to draw together varying branches of theology and look at them in terms of how they inform our practice and way of living. Practical Theology is something that gets around keeping theology only in theoretical domains of life and drawing
assistance in the life of the church today, as the church seeks to continue to engage with the community? There appear to be strong associations between practical theology, social justice and liberation theology. As one contemplates such a sphere of thought there is a seemingly never ending list of subjects to which we need to apply theological thinking and practise it in action; from the global issues of refugees, poverty, and global warming to responses around sexuality, gay marriage, cultural and religious pluralism and the list can go on. What would the wider community response to these and many other issues be, if we engaged in them at a deeper, and yet still practical, theological level? Would the outcome be different?
There is a strong relationship between theology and living. When theology and living are integrated, Christians in community strive to attend to the conditions of human life into how it informs the way we live and challenges the values of society. Karl Rahner also recognised that it isn’t theories of theology alone that inform practice, but rather a Christian community engaged in “prayer, study, hospitality, forgiveness.” This work enables a deepened understanding of the Kingdom of God and engaging this understanding in the world.
The Lord weighs our intentions as Christians. Our focus in riding the Christian journey is maintaining the balance of personal commitment and the community of faith, held together in the love of Christ.
There is a strong relationship between theology and living. When theology and living are integrated, Christians in community strive to attend to the conditions of human life in such a way that as Emmanual Levinas (a practical theologian) wrote, “For the wisdom of heaven to return to earth.”
Looking forward to seeing you on the road soon, God willing.
So what are some of the areas where Practical Theology may be of
When our Saviour Christ taught his followers the Lord’s Prayer, it includes; “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.” This requires thoughtful and prayerful theological thinking and prayer that must lead to practical action. Every follower of Christ shares this vocation. Some can delve into it more deeply, but every Christian soul can think theologically, share theologically and apply it practically. It’s part of what it means to have a living faith. A living faith to help meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Can theology be practical? Oxymoron, or absolute necessity! It brings relevancy and helps to shape how we share in Christ’s concern for the world and for all that is in it. We can be engaged in it every day. 11
Where in the world...
is this church ?
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Caring at a time of need
151 McCrae Street Bendigo 12 Victoria Street Eaglehawk
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A tradition that continues...
Last month Sarah was at the Cathedral of St Paul in Wellington, New Zealand. There were no correct entries.
what’s on events calendar
Deconsecration of St Mary’s Elphinstone Sunday 11 October, 3.00pm St Paul’s Cathedral Art Show Friday 30 Oct - Sunday 1 Nov
The strong and courageous at Messy Church!
Deconsecration of St Paul’s Carisbrook Saturday 31 October, 4.00pm
The Parish of Sunraysia South held a sports themed Messy Church, with the children (pictured above) encouraged to show their strength and determination!
Kangaroo Flat Annual Parish Fair Saturday 7 November, 8am - 2pm Swan Hill celebrates 150 years Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 November Maryborough celebrates 155 years Sunday 22 November, 10.00am Ordination - Kangaroo Flat Sunday 29 November, 2.30pm Got an event coming up? Send the details to thespirit@bendigoanglican.org.au
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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Spirit The
october 2015
www.bendigoanglican.org.au