The
monthly Anglican Diocese of Bendigo
april 2016
issue 118
Celebrate: The beginning of the Easter Vigil to mark the 150th anniversary of St John’s Malmsbury.
St John’s Malmsbury celebrated 150 Years on Easter Eve Ian Howarth
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highly successful celebration for St John’s Malmsbury’s 150th Anniversary was held on Saturday 26 March. The small yet vibrant congregation invited citizens of Malmsbury, Drummond, Lauriston and Taradale villages, along with the cluster churches in Kyneton, Woodend and Trentham and people from further afield who have a connection with St John’s Malmsbury. The day began with morning prayer which saw around 130 people come for worship, morning tea, a look through the historical display and a history and
Bishop Jeremy Ashton reaches milestones page 3
architecture talk given by former parish priest, Canon Graham Snell.
by Jon for the anniversary called ‘Ring, ring the bells’.
We continued on with lunch, a harp concert given by ‘Harpers Bizarre’, and an hour of song with Katie Nowland (a magnificent Mezzo Soprano) accompanied by David Kram.
It was also a pleasure to have Anton Hassell, the designer and maker of the bells with us. He spoke about the concept of their use as a way of bringing together community. He also launched the concept of the ‘Pilgrim’s Way’ that is in the early stages of thinking and development.
There was then a short break followed by the Federation Bells and Community Orchestra led by Jon Madin. This featured 240 harmonic bells. Included were pedal bike instruments, echo cellos, drums and glockenspiel all made by Jon for use in music workshops.
It is hoped this can become a way of linking churches and communities more closely and some drawings were on display of having its beginning between St John’s Malmsbury and St Paul’s Kyneton.
Those who came were able to participate. This session filled the church to complete capacity and included a song composed
Saltworks serving Eaglehawk page 8
Seasonal suggestions for Pentecost page 9
Story continued and photos page 4
How does my faith affect my work? page 10
The Bishop
writes
in droves is because of its reported reputation in relation to abuse. Of course it needs to be said that the vast majority of clergy and laity do act with great integrity and can be trusted, but it only takes a few bad apples to destroy the reputation of the crop.
Dear Friends,
H
ow do you react when you hear on the news or read that the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Abuse is a major news story once again?
Last month in The Spirit Bishop Ron Stone wrote a compelling and personal account of his own experience of appearing before the Commission. I wonder at times if many church members find it all too hard to believe and just don’t bother to read the reports or watch the Commission’s open hearings which are streamed live. I have been trying to keep up with the Commission’s hearings, particularly those that concern the Church, and much of the material is very confronting and unpleasant, but we as members of the Anglican Church need to hear it! Some of our members, both clergy and laity, have taken advantage of innocent people, both young and older, and clearly abused their role and misused their power and the trust placed in them, leaving a wake of human suffering. As a Church we are paying for it and so we should. To proclaim a message of peace and goodwill in the name of Christ and then act entirely contrary to that message is totally unacceptable. The Church will pay dearly for it in many ways. In Australia ten years ago, in the twenty one professions ranked for trust, clergy were ranked third after ambulance drivers and firemen. Now we are ranked twentieth with only used car salesman ranked lower. There is also increasing evidence that one of the reasons people under the age of 40 have deserted the Church 2
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The Royal Commission will not conclude until towards the end of next year, but already the impact is being felt and this is producing major changes in the way we go about being involved in the ministry and mission of our diocese. For clergy to hold my licence to be able to minister in this diocese they must now have: • A current National Police Check • A current Working With Children Check
The sad thing for me is that so many people in the Church, and indeed much of its leadership, act as though nothing has happened and that it is business as usual. Well, we need to understand and accept that it is certainly not business as usual and that any of us who undertake ministry in the name of our Lord from now on must meet strict levels of compliance. As a bishop I am now going to be held much more accountable for what happens in the name of the Church in the Diocese of Bendigo. However, let me also add that I see all this as a good thing and being much more compatible with Gospel standards than has been the case in the past. Blessings,
• Passed a Safe Ministry Check • No complaint registered on the National Clergy Register • A Certificate of Good Standing • Attended a Safe Church Workshop • Agreed to abide by the Code of Practice: Faithfulness in Service This same level of compliance is now being extended to many other roles undertaken by laity across the diocese. Earlier this year the Council of the Diocese adopted a new Lay Authorisations Policy which clearly sets out the various categories of ministry across the diocese and describes the level of compliance that must be met for someone to be authorised in that role. This will take some time to achieve, but it is my hope and intention to complete this task by the end of June 2017. The purpose of this new policy is to really change the culture of our Church and the way it goes about ministry. Some will regard it as humbug, but I want to say loudly and clearly that I am 100% committed to this change and believe it is vital if we are to restore our credibility in the eyes of the public. I cringed when I heard much of Cardinal Pell’s evidence to the Commission and it underlined for me the huge task we have ahead to turn public perception around.
april 2016
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 Chair and Editor: The Revd Andrew Eaton Publishing Editor: Sarah Crutch Consultant: The Revd Dr Charles Sherlock 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 22 April.
www.bendigoanglican.org.au
Saving the memories and history from St Mary’s Elphinstone Valda Casbolt
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n Saturday 5 March commemorative plaques from St Mary’s Anglican Church Elphinstone were installed and dedicated at the Elphinstone Community Hall.
Milestone: Bishop Jeremy Ashton will celebrate 40 years a bishop in May
Bishop Jeremy Ashton reaches ministry milestones Andrew Eaton
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n May this year Bishop Jeremy Ashton will mark 40 years a Bishop and 61 a priest in the Church of God.
His ministry has taken him from the suburbs of Manchester, England, to the jungles of Papua New Guinea, the inner Northern suburbs of Melbourne, and finally to the Diocese of Bendigo. By any measure it is an epic journey and remarkable achievement. But the journey has not finished yet. “I think I was called to do this, set aside to do it, and as long as I can, I’ll do it, and I enjoy doing it, and I still think it’s a privilege” he said about his priestly ministry. “If I am needed now, I will do it”. Providing locum service on Sundays is only a part of Bishop Ashton’s current involvement in the Church. He only recently retired from the Victorian
I think I was called to do this, set aside to do it, and as long as I can, I’ll do it
classical pronunciation popular among many on a Thursday afternoon. When asked about how the church has changed, and what its future might look like, Bishop Jeremy was upbeat. “There is more change coming,” he said, “with ecumenical ties strengthening where churches will not just work together, but act together.” He cited the ordination of women to all orders of ministry, the greater involvement of laity in worship and the greater acceptance of LGBT people in the church as change which has happened in his time in ministry. Looking forward he sees a church with fewer and fewer stipendiary clergy, meaning the work of the laity will become even more prominent. “The church will need to get out of our buildings and into the community,” he said, “whether in public buildings or house churches.”
Council of Churches Ecumenical Committee, but is still on the Board of the Mission to Seafarers in Melbourne, and a member of the Third Order of the Society of Francis.
So to what does Bishop Jeremy attribute his longevity in ministry? Prayer and family. His commitment to praying the Daily Offices provided the framework around each and every day of his life in ministry, and the support of wife Betty and their three children has given him the freedom to live out his vocation.
Bishop Jeremy is also well known in the Diocese of Bendigo for his reading of the news on the Vision Australia Network, with his dulcet tones and
But we might add his humility, generosity and willingness to serve as gifts which continue to influence our diocese for the better.
Dot Pollard, former long-time Elphinstone resident, parishioner and community worker, organised the removal of commemorative plaques from St Mary’s and their installation in the Elphinstone Hall so that memories of the church and community will be kept for future generations. The plaques commemorated the centenary of the church and the stained glass windows, dedicated to the early families of Elphinstone. Mayor of Mount Alexander, Christine Henderson - parishioner and Taradale local - spoke of how the church was constructed from the bricks left over from the train tunnel near Chewton, and of her memories and the sadness of closing of the church. Dot Pollard spoke about the families and people who had attended St Mary’s through the past 60-70 years, including the late Beryl Pollard who had attended St Mary’s every Sunday from early childhood until her death at 90. Descendants of the early families joined with parishioners and the local community at the dedication. The now decommissioned church was sold in November 2015 and may have a new life as an art studio and gallery.
History kept: Mayor of Mt Alexander, Christine Henderson, Dot Pollard, and the Revd Anne McKenna 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
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:
Ring ring: Attendees participate in the music workshop led by Jon Madin
Malmsbury celebrations abound Continued from front page The day moved on then to a shared meal (Village Feast) and then the Easter Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter with Bishop Andrew presiding. It was an Easter Vigil for the cluster with attendees from all four cluster churches, along with some locals and visitors from far and wide. Having had such a day there are conversations around what we should go on and do next. Clearly this exercise of wider community engagement has been highly successful and conversations are now around our next steps in not only restoring St John’s in terms of its stone and mortar, but reaching out and keeping it active and vibrant for many years to come.
Beat the drum: Music workshop
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; 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, 22 April 2016 for review by the Bencourt Care Board on Monday, 2 May.
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Music workshop: Participants enjoy making music with a range of instruments
april 2016
www.bendigoanglican.org.au
35th Annual Diocesan CMS Autumn Weekend Friday 20 to Sunday 22 May at Holy Trinity Flora Hill Theme: Highly Visible Studies in Ephesians led by Rhys Bezzant Meet two missionary families and share an Indonesian meal Thanks: Darryl Crozier celebrates 50 years of playing the organ at Kyneton
Making music for 50 years: Darryll Crozier’s musical ministry Ruth Murphy
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alm Sunday was a special day at St Paul’s Kyneton. Not only were we celebrating Jesus riding his donkey into Jerusalem, surrounded by cheering crowds, but we also celebrated Darryll Crozier’s fifty years of playing the organ at St Paul’s. Darryll started playing piano at about eight years of age, taught by Sister Alexis Benita at Kyneton Sacred Heart Convent. By age twelve Darryll had graduated to playing a little pedal organ for Sunday services at the Presbyterian church in Woodend. Miss Edna Poole, the music teacher at Kyneton High School, was a great encourager of Darryll’s talent and he went on to spend five years at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Then, at age twenty, he was invited to play our wonderful 1855 (J Smith of Bristol) organ with its 2000 pipes and 27 stops.
For the past fifty years his love affair with the organ has resulted in a deep commitment to his job as organist. He has willingly led our music worship every Sunday as well as funerals and weddings whenever required. His favourite composer is J S Bach, who always presents such a challenge for musicians. Darryll’s favourite hymn is ‘Forth in your name, O Lord I go’. Hopefully, at our special luncheon, all the accolades given by so many who came reinforced our appreciation of his musical gifts and years of service. Well done Darryll. What would we do without you?
Registration forms available from your parish or Barry on 5448 3912
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.
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
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Around the Diocese
St Paul’s congregation gives thanks to St Andrew’s Uniting Church
The congregation of St Andrew’s Uniting Church joined the St Paul’s Cathedral congregation on Sunday 13 March at the 11am Celebration Eucharist at St Paul’s. The occasion was an opportunity for St Paul’s to thank St Andrew’s for their generosity in allowing the use of their church on a number of special occasions during the time the cathedral was closed. This included weddings, funerals and an ordination service. Dean John Roundhill presided and the Revd Di Esbensen preached, with the congregations sharing lunch in the cathedral after the service. It was a happy occasion with a true spirit of ecumenism and fellowship. - Diana Smith
Thanks: Revd Di Esbensen, Dean John Roundhill, Tony and Pam Fittock
Christian leaders gather in support of asylum seekers The Anglican, Roman Catholic and Uniting Churches of Woodend held an ecumenical gathering to show support for asylum seekers and refugees. The Revd Melissa Clark from St Mary’s, Revd Wendy Elson from the Uniting Church and Fr Martin Fleming from the Catholic Church, spoke about the issue from the perspective of the Christian churches. Peter Fernon, of St George’s Trentham and the Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees, reminded those present “the point about the good Samaritan is that we do not choose our neighbour…our neighbour is whoever we encounter on the way”. The speakers encouraged everyone to begin, or continue, writing letters, emails and making phone calls to relevant ministers in order to bring about change. - Melissa Clark Show of support: Over 50 people attended the ecumenical gathering
MU/Caritas celebrates Lady Day
Mothers Union/Caritas celebrated the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary in a service at South East Bendigo on 16 March, led by Greg Harris, Barry Rainsford and Linda Osmond (MU/Caritas Chaplain). Christine Brain, who is currently the Overseas and Northern Outreach Coordinator for MU Australia, was the guest speaker for the Lady Day service. Christine spoke about the passage from Luke 1:26-38 in which the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will bear a son and that he will be named Jesus. Christine likened this to her family that were expecting another grandchild and were wondering what name would be chosen, although Mary didn’t have to worry about that - God already picked out a name for her!
Guest speaker: Christine Brain
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- Angela Morrissey
april 2016
www.bendigoanglican.org.au
Around the Parishes
Pilgrimage honouring the flying doctor St John’s Dunolly had a parish pilgrimage to Moliagul in honour of John Flynn of the Flying Doctor Service. It was held in front of the memorial in the main street.
John Flynn was born in Moliagul in 1880. Fr Andrew Eaton spoke of the wonderful work of John Flynn (1880-1951) in meeting the needs of those in isolated communities. As a Presbyterian minister and founder of the Flying Doctor health service, John Flynn ministered to the practical and to the spiritual needs of the isolated communities with bush hospitals and the Australian Inland Mission. It was a charming service and Moliagul was buzzing with more activity than usual. More pilgrimage services are planned around the parish in 2016. - Rachel Buckley
Memorial: The congregation gather at the memorial in Moliagul
Ladies’ retreat encourages support to women
A Ladies’ Retreat, conducted by the Parish of Sunraysia South, was held at Cowra Station, centring around the theme of Women supporting Women. Each year we meet for fellowship, study and worship and God truly had his hand on those who attended. Guest speaker Faye Donaldson held two studies that encouraged us to support not only each other locally but seek ways to support women worldwide. Faye helped us travel through the Bible to visit the women who had played a major part in the growth of our faith. Whether we were studying, praising God, doing craft, enjoying dinner or listening to one another, God’s hand was upon us and we praise him for His blessings upon our retreat again this year. - Rosemary Drewitt
Support: The group of women who attended the retreat
Prize winning float in Eaglehawk Arts festival procession St Peter’s Church entered a float in the annual Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival Street Procession on Saturday 19 March. It was one of about 40 floats parading down the main street and watched by an enthusiastic crowd of 6,000 people. The category chosen for the entry, from a list of 16 possibilities, was Best Church Entry. To our surprise and delight it won the prize of $100. In conjunction with the procession two stalls were held in the church grounds, one being a sale of scrapbooking material and the other a sausage sizzle. Proceeds go to the weekly Saltworks Program consisting of a free community meal, food pantry and Hands on Health. - Barry Rainsford
Parade: The winning float by the Eaglehawk Anglican Church
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Saltworks: providing food, fellowship and support to the Eaglehawk community Bishop Ron Stone and Caroline Roberts
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here are many people doing it tough across the nation, including in Eaglehawk. Many want to work, but there are no jobs available. Many cannot work, because of a disability. Many have a family to support, and when the rent or cost of medicines, public transport or school fees, are paid there is little left of the allowance or pension from Centrelink to pay for food. This is a sad situation and requires a community response. A very important part of the community response in Eaglehawk is the Saltworks Pantry and the weekly Saltworks Community Meal. Founded in May 1994 it is part of the vision and work of St.Peter’s Anglican Church. Saltworks is a partnership with Bendigo Foodshare, Foodbank Victoria, and St John of God, and the City of Greater Bendigo has contributed significantly to equipment and running costs. Ian Shelton, the part-time coordinator of Saltworks, described its volunteers as being “part of the community effort required to address the shortfalls in the economic and social support of many members of our community. Their concern is critical for many.” Every Tuesday and Wednesday the Saltworks Pantry is open, staffed by a team of trained and dedicated volunteers. Around 40 – 60 people come for urgently needed supplies of such basic food items as bread, pasta, frozen meals, milk, cereal, vegetables, canned and dry foods. These food items are sourced by the Saltworks Pantry through a relationship with Foodshare, which receives the food from partnership with supermarkets, food manufacturers and other businesses.
Community meal: Saltworks volunteers assisting in the kitchen gives them the opportunity to gain some very basic skills. It’s pleasing to see how much they enjoy being able to do helpful work. Then every Friday from 5.45 pm there is a Saltworks Community Meal held in St Peter’s Hall. Each month around 190 nourishing two course meals are served. Teams of enthusiastic volunteers efficiently serve the meals to the guests, eat with them, and hear their stories. The volunteers come from all walks of life and various organisations. The City of Greater Bendigo, St John of God and gifts of money from the parishioners of St Peter’s Church fund the Community Meal.
provides massage to those who would otherwise be unable to afford one and a welcoming environment for anyone to come and learn to knit or crochet and just chat with those around. More practitioner volunteers are needed as currently Emily is the only practitioner volunteering at ECHOH. Disciplines may include massage, physiotherapy, podiatry, chiropractic or counselling. Contact the coordinator if you would like to assist.
Not only does Saltworks have the Pantry and Community Meal, but they also run Eaglehawk Community Hands On Health (ECHOH), which
The Saltworks Projects are meeting very real needs in the Eaglehawk area and are much appreciated by those needing to access them. However, Saltworks is not just about feeding and enabling - it is also about building relationships with the guests, listening to their stories and giving encouragement.
april 2016
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Also involved in the work of the Saltworks Pantry are several young men, and a coordinator from AMICUS, an organisation whose main work is providing flexible and tailored support to people with disabilities and the aged. The involvement of these young men 8
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Pentecost
Pentecost is the 50th day after Easter, and celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the church. Rather than being the beginning of a new season of the liturgical year, however, it is really the final celebration of the Feast of the Resurrection. It is also a wonderful opportunity for your church to celebrate with great style and freedom. Here are some suggestions for what your church could do this Pentecost to help blow the trumpet of salvation and welcome the Holy Spirit anew in our church today.
Colours
Music
We know the colour for Pentecost is red, denoting the colour of fire which descended on the apostles at Pentecost. Many churches encourage the congregation to wear red to get in the festive spirit - it really does bring a great deal of colour and life to the celebration.
Music is an important part of any liturgy, but particularly Pentecost. We know the wonderful array of traditional hymns for Pentecost, such as ‘Come Down O Love Divine’ and ‘Veni Creator Spiritus’. But here are some great examples of modern songs for the occasion, as chosen by Gordon Lingard.
Where your church can really express itself is in how you may decorate your church. Try: • Balloons – fill your church with as many red balloons as possible. They are great gifts to give to children on the way out. • Fabric – Many altars are decorated with red linen or red altar frontals, but have you tried buying 20 metres of red material and hanging it across the sanctuary? It can have a dramatic visual effect and bring a sense of texture, movement and celebration.
All Consuming Fire (Medium Pace) Writer(s): Jack Mooring, Leeland Mooring, Michael Farren Consuming Fire (Medium Pace) Writer(s): Tim Hughes Holy Spirit (Slow Pace) Writer(s): Katie Torwalt, Bryan Torwalt Theme(s): Call to Worship Where The Spirit Of The Lord Is (Fast Paced) Writer(s): Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels, Nathan Nockels Theme(s): God’s A Shout To The North (Slow –Medium Pace) Writer(s): Martin Smith Theme(s): Adoration & Praise , Missions This Is The Air I Breathe (Slow – Medium Pace) Writer Michael W Smith Light The Fire Again (Medium – Fast Pace) Writer: Brian Doerkeson
Blessing Of Light
Whistun Ales
The Church of England Common Worship has a provision for a Blessing of Light before the dismissal on Pentecost. The minister says a prayer at the paschal (Easter) candle and then each member of the congregation has a candle lit. More resources for Pentecost can be found here: https://www.churchofengland. org/media/41158/tseaster.pdf
Pentecost has been known in England as Whitsunday, and for many centuries a Whitsun Ale, or Parish Picnic, was a time of fellowship and fundraising. It was the common people’s version of a Royal Festival. Morris Dancing was one of the central activities of an Ale. So perhaps your parish might consider reviving the tradition, whether it be a simple picnic afterwards on the church lawn or down at the local park with games and activities for the kids, or a more intentional fundraising dinner, with dancing and wares for sale, Whitsunday is a great time to do it. Remember, Whitsunday in the Northern Hemisphere was part of the Harvest Festival, so food would be rich and in plentiful supply – a great way of celebrating the abundance of God’s love for us.
Whatever your church does this Pentecost, make it full of The Spirit! 9
Feeding Faith
Who was the ‘other’ Mary? Angela Morrissey
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omen played an important role in the ministry of Jesus and his disciples. We know much of some – but who was the ‘other’ Mary who holds a significant place in the resurrection accounts in the gospels? Matthew 28:1-10 tells us that this ‘other’ Mary went to look at Jesus’ tomb with Mary Magdalene (Matthew 28:1), about whom much is known. From Magdala in Galilee, and cured by Jesus of evil spirits, she was one of the women who supported his ministry financially (Luke 8:2-3). Often wrongly identified with the sinful woman who washed Jesus’ feet (Luke 7:36-50), Mary Magdalene is also not to be confused with Mary of Bethany who anointed him (John 12:1-8).
But little is known of this ‘other’ Mary, as she is referred to in scripture. She was almost certainly the mother of James and Joses (Matthew 27:56) and probably the wife of Clopas (cf John 19:25). She was present at Jesus’ crucifixion (Mark 15:40), standing near the cross with his mother, his mother’s sister and Mary Magdalene (John 19:25). And, along with Mary Magdalene, this ‘other’ Mary saw where Jesus was laid (Mark 15:47). After Jesus’ death, she was at his tomb, returning with Mary Magdalene after two days to bring anointing spices (Matthew 28:1). They found the tomb empty, and an angel told them Jesus had risen. Then, on the way to telling the disciples, these two Marys met and talked with the risen Jesus (Matthew 28:9-10), and proclaimed his resurrection to the apostles (Luke 24:10). Women played a significant role in the ministry of Jesus and his disciples. We know much of some – but, apart from the names of her likely husband and sons, little of this ‘other’ Mary. This encourages us, as ‘other’ followers of the risen Lord Jesus, to be willing to stand with him whatever the situation. 10
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How does my faith affect my work? A reflection by Carolyn Wallace - Anglicare Victoria
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he short answer to this question is that my faith is fundamental to why I work for Anglicare and how I approach my role there.
But this question is deeply personal and not one I talk about that much in public. I often talk on issues of social justice and about how our service system and society can address these issues, and while that comes from my heart I don’t usually link my own faith as specifically to this. Anglicare exists to “create a more just society by expressing God’s love through service, education and advocacy”. Our vision is “to resource and empower children, young
I’ve had policy and management jobs in mental health, sexual assault, community health, local government and social policy and economic development. This mixture of jobs I’ve had leads me now to being in the right place at the right time at Anglicare. My faith is grounded in an appreciation of God’s love and creativity. During my 30’s and 40’s I have become more reflective with a stronger focus on faith than belief. I don’t need to be able to explain who or what God is
I love the idea of bringing God’s kingdom to earth - creating a place that is free of judgement, full of honesty, forgiveness and celebration
people and families to achieve their full potential by providing quality, innovative resources, promoting social justice and strengthening local community”.
It’s certainly not an expectation that people who work for Anglicare have a Christian faith, but we do expect people to uphold our vision and values and you can see how this is very consistent with a Christian faith. So what about my faith? It’s fair to say it’s still evolving and has certainly been tested and challenged over the years. My faith is based on a very solid evangelical Christian upbringing. I was baptised in the Presbyterian church, went to church and Sunday school, then became a youth group leader, joined a Christian group at uni and volunteered with Christian organisations. My first four years of work post-university were teaching in Christian schools. So Christianity has been a big part of my formative identity.
- but Christ’s life and teachings give some very good signposts - as do the lives and teachings of many faithful Christians both long dead and still living. I love the idea of bringing God’s kingdom to earth - creating a place that is free of judgement, full of honesty, forgiveness and celebration. My faith motivates me to strive for those things in my life and our society. The teachings of the sermon on the mount also inform my faith - and I think we need to be constantly challenged out of our complacency and tacit support of the status quo which is so often harmful and exclusive of those who don’t fit our middle class norms. So with a faith that brings me to want to see God’s infinite, joyous, creative and transforming love in the world, Anglicare is a good place for me to be. We genuinely try to listen, support and work with people as they struggle with and transform their lives.
I’ve worked as a teacher, youth worker and community house coordinator.
Not all of us work for an organisation that has a mission so clear about expressing God’s love. But we don’t need a mission statement to do that. We all have the opportunity to express our faith in our work, whether it’s paid or unpaid. If we bring our true selves, our true regard to honour and respect the humanity in people around us, then we are expressing our faith.
april 2016
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Right from early adulthood it’s been important for me to express my faith through community service and career choices that enable me to work with people to somehow assist them to improve their opportunities in life.
Cycling by faith
clergycontemplations
Eddie Barkla
The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore (Psalm 121: 7-8)
I was in a bunch ride, my Saturday morning custom. I usually pray for the safety of all riders, and I found myself in a deep worship time, exalting the Lord’s holy Name over the riders, and giving God the glory for his provision of safety, and the freedom we share on the roads together. Everything was normal. The speed of the bunch increased – its routines are fairly regimented but this morning the chase was on and we were reaching 60k. Unbeknown to us, earlier in the morning a car had hit a mob of kangaroos, which were strewn around. One injured mother was out sitting on the side of the road. The bunch reacted quickly, causing a domino effect that rippled back into riders. With brakes on hard and wheel locked, I slid into the rear of another cyclist at speed. I can remember saying, “Lord help me, this is going to hurt!” I recovered consciousness after being out cold for over three minutes. It was from this moment on that I had complete peace that the good Lord was caring for me. I was being held by an alpine skier proficient in Spinal Damage Rescue, plus an ICU nurse from the bunch. A call for an ambulance was made and in Emergency I was quickly attended to. A cracked scapular, a broken and dislocated hand with split webbing required deep stitching. It could’ve been a fractured skull, broken neck or spinal injury. All praise and glory to God, our ever-present helper. My hand was operated on the next morning, and I had three days in hospital being monitored. Again, the Lord was foremost in my mind for this provision. It would be easy to see all this as coincidences, but we can be thankful for our Heavenly Father watching over our comings and goings, The Lord works in all things for our good, to make us in the image and likeness of Christ Jesus. Riders have asked me, “how could you have remained so peaceful and assured?” I could confidently respond, “nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. God never gives up his sovereign rule over us, God’s children.” Looking forward to seeing you on the road soon God willing.
George Hemmings | Parish of Echuca
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Past, present and future
ver the past year we’ve gone about settling into a new house, a new community and a new church. I’ve been reflecting on how much life and ministry is spent looking back, living in the present and longing for the future. On a personal level, the importance of looking back can be seen in the way we treasure photographs and mementos. As a church, it’s also important that we spend time looking back, celebrating all that God has done. And as we respect our godly heritage, we learn right lessons from it. God’s people have always been encouraged to look back and remember what God has done for them. The people of Israel were given ongoing reminders of events like the Exodus, which God commanded them to celebrate in the Passover meal every year. This is one of the reasons why Jesus took this meal up to become a perpetual memorial of his work on the cross. However, we can’t just live in the past, reliving glories of bygone days. We also need to face the present, the situation we find ourselves in now. You’d think there was something odd if a friend turned up to a school reunion in their old uniform!
people of this day and age? How do we share God’s love and good news in the present moment? As churches, our heritage, and the value of maintaining things as they’ve been done previously, needs to be balanced with the demands of the present. As human beings we also long for the future. We make plans for what we might do tomorrow, next month or next year. We long for our next holiday, or the next time our team might win the Grand Final. And so we draw up goals, we plan and we dream. As Christians, we are called to long for the future. Our deepest desire should be for Christ’s return and reign. That’s the point of praying, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” We are called to yearn for the Lord’s return to raise the dead and judge the nations. The New Testament’s final sentences give us these words from Christ: “Surely I am coming soon!”’ to
What sort of church do we believe God is calling us to be in years to come? And what then do we need to do now to see that happen? As churches and as Christ’s witnesses, we likewise need to engage with the present. The New Testament letters bear witness to the fact that each church faced a different set of circumstances, and had different needs, and that these changed over time. Our world is constantly changing. We need to work hard to identify the challenges and opportunities that are before us right now. Without changing the message of the gospel, how do we present Christ in a way that connects with
which the response is a swift ‘Amen, Come Lord Jesus!’ (Revelation 22:20). As churches, we are not to just look to this long-term future, and pray for its coming, but to reflect on what it means for the short and medium term. What sort of church do we believe God is calling us to be in years to come? And what then do we need to do now to see that happen? Let’s join in thanking God for our glorious past, asking for strength to meet the challenges of today, and seeking a vision for the future. 11
Where in the world...
is this church ?
If you can name the church and the city it is located in, you could be our monthly winner! Send your entries in to thespirit@bendigoanglican.org.au or post to The Spirit at PO Box 2, Bendigo, VIC , 3552. Last month featured Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bendigo. The winner was Kieran Crichton.
events calendar
Mike Bird Workshop 4.30pm, Sunday, 10 April, South East Bendigo Clergy Conference 11 - 13 April, Swan Hill
New service helps grow congregation
Christ Church Echuca has launched a new 11am service to reach out to families in the area and those looking for a more contemporary approach to worship. The services have been varied from a more contemplative communion to a Messy Church service on Palm Sunday and a few stops in-between. It’s truly allage, with children taking part in all aspects of worship and the oldest attender (at a lively 102) getting into the actions for a kids song at the Easter Sunday service! The 9am service remains a traditional Prayer Book Communion service.
Get messy: Parishioners got their hands dirty creating a cross as a reminder that growing the new service, would involve everyone working together.
what’s on
Overall attendance has risen since the launch, with both services attracting new members to the parish. Please join us in praising God and praying for the continued growth of his Kingdom!
CMS Autumn Weekend 20 - 22 May, Holy Trinity Flora Hill Council of the Diocese Tuesday 10 May Synod 27 - 28 May Rededication of St Paul’s Cathedral 3.00pm, Sunday, 5 June Bishop Andrew on Long Service Leave 24 June - 5 September Got an event coming up? Send the details to thespirit@bendigoanglican.org.au
Caring at a time of need
- George Hemmings
151 McCrae Street Bendigo 12 Victoria Street Eaglehawk
P. 5441 5577
www.williamfarmer.com.au
A tradition that continues...
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Spirit The
april 2016
www.bendigoanglican.org.au