The Spirit - May 2016 by Anglican Diocese of Bendigo

The

monthly Anglican Diocese of Bendigo

may 2016

issue 119

Inducted: Rural Dean Ian Howarth, Bishop Andrew, Don Bellamy and John Nieman during the presentation of symbols

God of surprises visits Maldon Charles Sherlock

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Yvonne to a quiet life, and they found a home in Maldon. But the parish was vacant, being ministered to by the Revd Christine Kimpton as locum.

But that was 18 months back. With life getting on, and some health issues, Don had decided that God was calling him and

Holy Trinity church was packed, the brass shone like never before, the organ was played magnificently, and the sanctuary filled with white-robed clergy making a good impression of the elders of heaven, as Bishop Andrew inducted Don into his new charge. This, one of the most traditional buildings in the diocese, was resplendent in the ‘beauty of holiness’.

ou lucky people!’ was how Dr Alan Smyth spoke about the induction of the Revd Don Bellamy as Rector of the Parish of Maldon with Newstead on 7 April. Dr Smyth was warm in his commendation of the new rector, going on his time as churchwarden in Don’s former parish of Black Rock, Melbourne.

New Registrar appointed page 3

Ordination anniversary page 6

Which is where “the God of surprises” paid a visit, Don admitted. Step by step over the previous year, he was drawn into the life of the parish, to the point where a new call was sensed, to become its rector. “The God of surprises” was, perhaps not surprisingly, the theme of Bishop Andrew’s sermon, drawing on the story of the Emmaus walk, when the risen Lord surprised the two disciples.

“God keeps surprising us,” the bishop preached. “And in this Easter season especially, we are called to follow wherever our Lord leads.”

Seasonal Suggestions: Reconciliation Week page 9

God’s surprises page 10

The Bishop

writes

Dear Friends, have working my way through a new landmark book being widely acclaimed in the Church of England entitled Buildings for Mission by Nigel Walter and Andrew Mottram, who are both experts in church architecture, maintenance and renewal of church buildings. The Bishop of Worcester, John Inge, writes of this book:

This immensely practical, clear and thorough guide will be an invaluable aid to anyone who cares about church buildings, realises their potential for mission and wants to release it. Church buildings can be an enormous asset for the Gospel. This book will help anyone who reads it ensure that they are.

The book covers a multitude of practical matters: • Heating, lighting efficiency

and

energy

• Installing a kitchen or toilets • Dealing with damp • Treating timber decay • Making your building accessible • What to do about bats • Health and safety • Seating options • Altars, fonts and much more. The book is much more than this and is ultimately about how church buildings can be a huge catalyst for mission in a local community. It strongly recommends that your 2

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church buildings should be at the centre of your Mission Action Plan and takes readers through a very good missional planning process entitled ‘millstone or springboard?’ The process is based upon Robert Warren’s Building Healthy Churches and asks ten questions about our church buildings.

As I go around the diocese many people gripe about the cost of maintaining our buildings and I understand that, but we must see them as an opportunity for mission and not a millstone. Furthermore we must begin to intentionally plan how they can be used for more than an hour or two a week.

Are they:

Many of our churches have become museums that rarely open and most people in our communities probably only see them in this day and age for funerals. But our churches, in terms of being a springboard for mission, must be used much more during the week other than just being kept for funerals. They are sacred spaces, but we need to dream of what they can be used for in our local communities.

1. Open for business? Does the church look used? 2. Accessible? Do they bid you to come in? 3. Welcoming? Once inside the front door how do they make you feel? 4. Navigable? Is it easy to find your way into the space without lots of signage? 5. Comfortable? If I spend an hour in church will I come out with a hard bottom, a sore back or frozen? 6. Visible? Are there good sight lines in the church so you can see what is going on? 7. Audible? Can you hear well in the church? 8. Serviceable? How close are facilities for catering, toilets etc? 9. Quality? Is your church in good condition or a ‘hair shirted church with a down-at –heel feel?

Buildings for Mission is readily obtainable online and the best price I found was from UK bookseller Wordery for $46.29 post free. I would encourage every parish to get a copy and use it at parish council each month as the basis for a short study. Blessings

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Monthly newsmagazine of the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo

It has been a huge challenge with the Cathedral closed for over seven years and the long suffering congregations of the Cathedral must have wondered would it ever happen. There is still work to be done, particularly on the bell tower and front entrance, but much has been done to renew the building and make it a springboard for mission.

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 27 May.

may 2016

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10. Flexible? Can the church accommodate more than one activity? Many of these principles have been incorporated into the redesign of the Cathedral interior. You will be able to see this first hand after the Cathedral is formally re-opened on Sunday 5 June at 3pm in the presence of the Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia, the Most Revd Dr Philip Freier.

Spiritual day out for Trentham Charles Sherlock

busload of people from Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist and other faiths came up to Trentham from Melbourne’s western suburbs on Friday 29 March for a ‘spiritual day out’.

New Registrar: Naomi Fountain

New Registrar appointed Sarah Crutch

aomi Fountain has been appointed as the next Registrar/General Manager of the diocese, to commence in the role at the beginning of May.

Naomi’s latest role was as the Strategic Property Analyst at the City of Greater Bendigo. Naomi is also a certified property Valuer and has a Master of Business from the University of South Australia. She has had a diverse range of experience in

Naomi was unanimously recommended to Bishop Andrew by the Registrar Search Committee, and he is delighted to welcome her to the Registry. “I’m looking forward to Naomi coming to the diocese in early May as the next Registrar/General Manager.

I am excited about becoming part the Registry of the Diocese of Bendigo and eagerly anticipate getting to know and support the clergy and the laity across our region property, IT and human resources and is currently a parishioner in the Parish of South East Bendigo. Naomi is looking forward to meeting and working with the various people in the parishes, churches and businesses connected with the diocese as she begins in her new role as Registrar. “I am excited about becoming part of the Registry of the Diocese of Bendigo and eagerly anticipate getting to know and support the clergy and the laity across our region,” she said.

She will bring to the task a significant range of experience that closely matches the enormously varied role of Registrar/General Manager. Please pray for her as she commences in this key diocesan leadership position,” Bishop Andrew said. Naomi recently attended the Clergy Conference in Swan Hill which provided an opportunity for her to be introduced to the clergy. She will formally commence in the Registry on Monday 2 May.

The group visited the town’s churches in turn – St Mary Magdalen’s (Roman Catholic), St Andrew’s (Uniting) and St George’s (Anglican). After lunch at the Neighbourhood Centre, which had organised the visit, they followed the faith’s meditation walk on the property of local identity Henk Bak. Lots of questions were asked of the clergy at each place – Joe Ruys (RC), Jenny Hayes (Uniting) and Charles & Peta Sherlock (Anglican). Being just before Palm Sunday, these revolved around what the churches held in common, as well as their differences. At the Anglican church, considerable interest was shown in our icon of St George, and the stained glass west window depicting Holman Hunt’s ‘The Light of the World’ – perhaps because St George’s is the only church in town with stained glass.

Eggs: Ukrainian Easter eggs at St George’s Trentham. The visitors presented each church with a pair of Ukrainian eggs, an Easter tradition going back for over a millennium. Each colour is put on after the egg has been waxed where the colour is not to go – requiring much skill and patience! At St George’s, the eggs were placed on the holy table for Easter Day. The day was a return visit to one made by Trentham churchgoers to Sikh, Buddhist and Moslem centres in Brimbank a fortnight earlier, which all appreciated greatly.

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Guest: Rhys Bezzant will be the Bible Study leader at the CMS Weekend

CMS Weekend to feature Ridley College academic Stuart Winn

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! 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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ne of the aims of the CMS Bendigo Autumn Weekend is to allow Christians from our region to engage with and encounter God deeply through his Word. In 2016 we are blessed to have as our Bible Study leader the Revd Dr Rhys Bezzant, Dean of Missional Leadership at Ridley College Melbourne. Rhys is a born-and-bred Melbournian, having spent time studying both in Melbourne and overseas. Rhys’ doctoral study focused on eighteenth century New England pastortheologian Jonathan Edwards’s theology of the church. Ordained into the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne in 1997, Rhys worked in a variety of parish contexts, in both suburban and inner-city Melbourne, giving him a range of experience of the church from within. In 2004 Rhys was appointed to the faculty of Ridley. He currently lectures in Church History, Theology and Christian Worship, along with leading a cohort of students known as the Missional Leadership Learning Community.

for the church, Rhys is well placed to lead us through Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, with its focus on the body of Christ as an entity that ought to be ‘Highly Visible’ to the world around. We hope you can join us 20-22 May as we hear Rhys bring to us God’s word from Ephesians, and think more about how we may take our part in being a highly visible people providing the hope only Jesus can bring in the midst of this dark world. The weekend will also include input from CMS workers serving in South East Asia, new and second-hand bookstalls and an Indonesian Dinner on Saturday night.

As a pastor, church historian, theologian, and trainer of leaders

The CMS Autumn Weekend is held at Holy Trinity, 14 Keck St, Flora Hill. Brochures are now available from your Minister, or phone the Holy Trinity office on 5443 3482.

may 2016

www.bendigoanglican.org.au

Nara Dreaming Art Exhibition 21 May - 5 June

1023 Calder Alternative Highway, Lockwood

Special Parish Deal

$10 per head (group booking) Includes small donation to New Horizons Welfare Services. Choice of devonshire or bush tucker morning/afternoon tea and introduction/discussion on artworks Phone: 0418 579 501

Jeff Westbrook Liberty Adviser

Ultreya: Cursillistas at the gathering in Kyabram earlier in April

Cursillo ponders, “Do we walk with the Lord?” Heather Zakrzewski

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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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nd how do we know we are walking with God?” This was the question Jeff Keath posed to the Cursillo friends who gathered for their Ultreya (which means “onwards and upwards”) on a beautiful autumn day recently at Kyabram.

In giving the witness talk, Jeff spoke of parts of his life in which he believed God was walking with him. He recounted a story from a time when serving on Parish Council.

“I was on parish council which was enormous in numbers when everyone turned up. It was easy to hide and not have anything to do. One night during a finance meeting with an expert from Melbourne, I was given the opportunity to ask some questions and make a couple of statements. Later in the meeting I volunteered to go on the commitment committee and our minister encouraged me to be the convener, which I eventually agreed to. The outcome was that I produced an 18 page booklet on our parish.”

Jeff’s efforts were greatly appreciated in a large parish that has a lot of people and activities and through this he realised the Lord was walking with him. Jeff went on to convene a further four programs while at the parish, and Jeff recognised God’s guidance and approval along with warm encouragement from others in the parish. Since being a part of the Cursillo movement, Jeff has found many new opportunities to serve, using the gifts and abilities developed over the years and knowing the sure guidance and blessing of walking with his Lord. He shared the discovery that it’s about being available and obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit!

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.

Around the Diocese

Ordination anniversary celebrated

Both Heather Marten and Peta Sherlock will celebrate the 30th anniversary of their ordination as deacons on 8 May this year. Heather and Peta were ordained in St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne in 1986 along with Barbara Darling, Amy Turner and Greg Thompson by Archbishop David Penman and were the second group of female clergy to be ordained in Victoria. “Ministry is much tougher now than it was then, but you get to meet and know some wonderful people who give their lives to the community,” Heather said. “I’ve enjoyed it and never really wanted to do anything else,” Heather added. “It’s been a satisfying and fulfilling way to live in many ways.” - Sarah Crutch

1986: Barbara Darling, Heather Marten, Peta Sherlock, Amy Turner and Greg Thompson

Bishop leads tour through Swan Hill

While having some free time during the recent Clergy Conference, a group of us were treated to a spontaneous tour of Swan Hill, led by Robyn Davis and Bishop Andrew, taking 3 cars of interested clergy out in convoy to the Speewa Punt, and on to the Indigenous Ring Tree near Koraleigh. Robyn spoke of the spread of Ring Trees in the area and how they could be birthing trees, burial sites, ceremonial sites, boundary markers between different areas such as tribal areas or to point the way to another significant site. We then visited Tooleybuc for a coffee on the banks of the mighty Murray River and headed back to our motel. All this makes me aware that I have only touched the edge of all that is to be explored in this beautiful area of our country. - Jan Harper

Sights: Bishop Andrew and Robyn Davis at the Speewa Punt

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray that God’s kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven. Donate now to help our Anglican partners in developing countries work for the kingdom of God as they battle poverty and injustice. You can find out more about this important work on our website.

DONATE: 1 Online: www.anglicanoverseasaid.org.au 2 By phone: 1800 249 880 3 By post: 2016 End of Financial Year Appeal, Anglican Overseas Aid, PO Box 389, Abbotsford Vic 3067

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may 2016

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Saltworks fundraiser a success

Around the Parishes

In April, more than 100 people gathered for a meal in St. Peter’s Church in Eaglehawk as a fundraiser for the parish’s Saltworks Program. The dinner was a great success, with ticket sales raising over $6,000 which will ensure the Friday night Saltworks dinner can continue. Thanks to the generosity and assistance from the Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters, St. John of God Hospital Kitchen and Pathology, the members of Eaglehawk Anglican Church and other groups and individuals in Eaglehawk and Bendigo, the Saltworks Program at St. Peter’s can proceed for at least another twelve months providing assistance to the more needy members of the Eaglehawk community. - Jenny Rainsford

Op shops popping up at Bendigo North

Support: Diocesan representatives at the Saltworks dinner

Exciting things are happening at the Parish of Bendigo North where we have opened our second op shop in 12 months. This pop-up op shop at the parish centre will only be in operation for six months, but we have an exciting array of items for sale with stock arriving twice weekly. The pop-up op shop is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm. The op shop at Beischer Street is becoming very busy with our low prices and friendly service. We’re distributing various free food items to those in need through our alliance with Food Share. If you have donations please deliver them to our main op shop at Shed 3, 75 Beischer Street where we will have volunteers to assist you.

Opened: Leonie Strauch, Judy & Gordon Lingard, Evelyn Robertson

- Evelyn Robertson

Anzac Day eve evensong in Dunolly

A healthy turnout from across the parish of Maryborough and the local Dunolly community gathered for a sung evensong service commemorating Anzac Day. The choir was in fine voice in the beauty of St John’s with the setting sun shining through the resurrection window. Drawing on readings from the prophet Micah and the poetry of Anglican priest, poet and western front chaplain G.A. Studdert Kennedy, Maryborough rector Fr Andrew Eaton asked how we can transform the memory of those who fought for peace and freedom, into the reality of real peace in the world today. - Andrew Eaton Service: Defence force stain glass windows

New brand for St Luke’s Carolyn Wallace

t Luke’s Anglicare has launched its new look and brand as Anglicare Victoria

A lot has happened for St Luke’s over the past few years, one of the most significant being the merger with Anglicare Victoria in 2014. The new brand brings the two organisations together and promotes us as one united organisation. We have a new look, but deliver the same local services to our community. Signage and other materials are being refreshed across the 12 St Luke’s Anglicare sites that span from Mildura, across to Albury and down to Kyneton. Since the merger, St Luke’s Anglicare has continued to deliver services to people impacted by disadvantage to make a positive change. In the last twelve months we have expanded family services, our Victims Assistance Program and increased our foster carers for the area. Anglicare Victoria’s services in the Loddon Mallee area are there for people in all situations in life. Our services include: family support, youth services, foster care and other out of home care, financial counselling, gamblers help, victims support, disability services, microfinance and mental health support. Anglicare Victoria staff work alongside people as they make positive changes to their lives. Recently a young man, who has left foster care and attends our Bendigo site programs and support, has made significant transformations. During this tumultuous time as a young adult he has begun to realise his full potential. He has overcome a significant drug use; established a positive peer group and is enrolled in further education.

Parish visit: The Parish of Maryborough visiting the Nara Dreaming exhibition

Nara Dreaming exhibition opens to contribute to Reconciliation Week Robyn Davis

econciliation Week is shaping up to be bigger, better and busier than ever with the 2016 Nara Dreaming Exhibition opening on 20 May. The exhibition runs through Reconciliation Week, and is open each day from Saturday 21 May until Sunday 5 June.

The Nara Dreaming Exhibition is the culmination of a dream held by a group of both Aboriginal and nonAboriginal people to bring together a cross-cultural exhibition including various mediums. The visual and performing arts are a primary feature, but the exhibition has now grown to include handmade furniture, mosaics, jewellery, traditional Indigenous crafts and much more. It is through this exhibition that this small group of ‘dreamers’ see themselves doing reconciliation in action. “Sunday Arvo at Nara Dreaming” is an event not to be missed with music, storytelling, bush poetry and of course the beautiful dingoes. The concert will take place on Sunday 29 May with a great line up of talent including Marc Leon, KandL, Ken Jones, Dennis and Anne Murray and our own Nara Dreamer, Anne Conway.

Everyone is welcome at any time, but you might like to come with a group of friends. Church or community groups are encouraged to take advantage of the special offer (see advertisement on page 5). A percentage of sales and the entire gold coin donation will go to the diocesan welfare agency New Horizons Welfare Services. The Nara Dreaming Exhibition has also reached the first stage in the finals of the Community HART (Help Achieve Reconciliation Together) Awards, which recognise Victorian initiatives that contribute to local reconciliation outcomes. Winners will be announced on 3 June at a presentation at the Koori Heritage Trust in Melbourne. For further information about the exhibition please contact either Robyn Davis (robynjdavis@bigpond. com or 0431 155 456) or Anne Conway (naradreaming@impulse.net. au or 0418 579501).

We have stories like this every day across our region and we know it is the support of Anglicare in the community, including our parishes, that makes the difference.

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s n o i t s l sugge

a n o s a Se

National Reconciliation Week This year, National Reconciliation Week falls from 27 May to 3 June. It is quite timely that it falls during our Diocesan Synod as the first part of our Diocesan Reconciliation Action Plan will be tabled at Synod. Part of our commitment to reconciliation is to embrace reconciliation in our parishes, both liturgically in worship and practically in community. Here are some ideas for your parish this year. Learn about your local community • Who are the Traditional Owners? What is the language group? Who are the local elders? • Local organisations and service providers • People and services in your neighbourhood • Local history and cultural practices

Artist: Cindy Alsop

• Read the Commitment of Affirmation and Faith passed at General Synod in 2007

Prayer

• Do a cultural awareness workshop or course. Read more at www.reconciliation.org.au Connect with your local community • Attend local events and happenings. • Could you volunteer at a local organisation? • Befriend a local family • Ask local community members how you can help. • Include Aboriginal people in the service as readers, speakers, musicians or dancers etc • Acknowledge special celebrations – Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC, Mabo day, James Noble Day (1st Indigenous deacon – 25 November), Coming of the Light. Worship Our very own Revd Robyn Davis constructed a service for National Reconciliation Week, appropriate for Sundays or midweek. It can be downloaded from http://www.abmission.org/data/resources/2015_/ Reconciliation_Week_Liturgy_2015.pdf

You could use the Prayer for Reconciliation found in A Prayer Book for Australia on page 203.

God of forgiveness and hope, who sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to break down the walls that divide us from each other: grant that all Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with later migrants from many countries, may work together to heal the wounds of injustice in our past, and to build a community of care and compassion for our future; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Find more resources for prayer at http://www.abmission.org/ resources.php

Feeding Faith Fire in Babylon Angela Morrissey

ong ago, during Israel’s exile, three young men were thrown into a blazing furnace for refusing to bow down to the gold ‘god’, as ordered by King Nebuchadnezzar. Despite the fiery furnace being heated up seven times hotter than usual, aided by an angel they survived – even managing to sing during their ordeal (you can find it in APBA pages 427-8)!

This passage from Daniel 3 sets the scene:

Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, your Majesty.” “Look!” he said. “I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”’ When I painted the three young men recently, I did so as they might look today: three young Jewish men in what is now Iraq, whose capital was Babylon. Believers were being persecuted for their faith back then, and people – many Christians among them – are being persecuted for their beliefs today. Despite being thrown into the fire, the three young men received the gift of life. Their faith in God, expressed in their singing God’s praise, overcame their terrifying situation. Let us always remember to pray for those persecuted for their faith, wherever they live - knowing that, tragically, some will not survive. Listen to what John saw in his vision: “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14).

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I never expected that Tracey Wolsley

God’s surprises

ife is such a funny journey. I am often so surprised to find myself in places I never had imagined being in.

The Black Saturday Bushfires were quite some time ago now but when they occurred I was in parish ministry at South East Bendigo, totally unaware that something was about to happen that would change the course of my ministry.

I vividly recall one morning sitting alone, in the quiet on the window ledge of Our Place looking at what God had done and thinking “I didn’t see it coming, I had no idea this was going to happen.”

I remember receiving an email from Bishop Andrew informing the clergy that he was going to appoint someone to work within the fire affected region of Bendigo with the aim of supporting those who had lost their homes and been traumatised by the event.

Well, that was some time ago now and today I still stand amazed at what God is doing and where He has led me. It’s now been nearly three years since I took up the role of Chaplain at Eaglehawk Secondary College. I can’t believe I am working at a school. Again, I never saw it coming, I never

I will never forget how scared I was. I had no idea what I was going to do I thought I knew just the right person and emailed Bishop Andrew suggesting someone I knew. However, Bishop Andrew had other ideas and in fact appointed me to take up that position. I did not see it coming. It was very unexpected. I will never forget how scared I was. I had no idea what I was going to do. I knew what I was doing in parish ministry, at least to a certain extent. There was a routine, weekly timetable, expected norms of ministry but what on earth did a community chaplain do? In the church I knew what was expected of me. There was the safety of lovely Christian people who knew me but ‘outside’, beyond the walls, beyond the familiar - it was a different story. In fear and trepidation I began the journey of becoming a community chaplain and what a journey it was. I am so grateful that I had that opportunity to spread my wings and take the Church to the people.

imagined I would be where I am today and what a privilege it is. School chaplaincy is such a valuable, cutting edge ministry. I’m working with young people who need someone to believe in them, someone to listen to them, someone to care for them and let them know that they are worthwhile, that they matter, that they are unique and beautiful and have so much potential. Sometimes there’s overwhelming need and I feel like all I have is a few loaves and fishes to feed 600. I know that God can do a lot with a little but I also know there is power in prayer and this ministry, which seems sometimes disconnected from the Church, is at the very heart of God. Daily I’m confronted with the effects of poverty, trauma, family breakdown, domestic violence, substance abuse, grief and brokenness. Please pray for me, for chaplains in schools and for the work that we do.

Of course, some may remember Our Place rose out of the ashes and provided an important part not only in the recovery process but in connecting people in general.

If you’d like to hear more about chaplaincy I’m happy to come to your church. In the meantime if you’d like prayer points please email me at traceyw@impulse.net.au. I would love to hear from you.

may 2016

www.bendigoanglican.org.au

Observations from clergy conference...

clergycontemplations Brendan McDonald | Common Ground Maiden Gully

Jude Benton

ne of the stand out marks of the Bendigo diocese is how well the clergy get on with each other.

There may be differences in age, the way we lead services, our various journeys towards ordination and our theological positions. Nevertheless, our togetherness was easily observed at the recent clergy conference at Swan Hill. It was a conference filled with lively, encouraging conversations, which saw new friendships formed and the generous sharing of fresh ideas and resources. You could be forgiven in thinking that our bishop would lead most of the teaching and worship at a conference for clergy. Not so - Bishop Andrew instead makes very welcome and valuable use of these few days together to reconnect, encourage, support and listen to the gathered clergy both corporately and individually. Worship sessions were held at the start of each day creatively led by Revd Stephen Burns, (Associate Dean Trinity Theological School) drawing from different sources of liturgy and music (a few ideas for me to try sometime). The conference ended with an equally creative communion service. The teaching given by Dr Michael Bird, lecturer and author of a number of New Testament academic texts, provided excellent and challenging teaching on various aspects of the gospels. It also made me realise that my brain was somewhat rusty and perhaps in need of further study! One of Michael’s quotes really challenged me; “Jesus gives the world the right to decide that you and I are Christians by observable love for each other.” The conference was indeed, evidence of our observable love for each other.

Speakers: Bishop Andrew with Mike Bird and Stephen Burns

Sitting with sent-ness

ne of my first introductions to our diocese was the 2012 Diocesan Convention. The theme was ‘Build my Church’: I recall a strong sense of enthusiasm for the topic, and a willingness to try new things for our churches to relate to their respective communities. The speakers were Bishops Stuart Robinson (Canberra and Goulburn) and Garry Weatherill (Ballarat). It was also the year that the family and I made the decision to move to Bendigo, and support the ministry at Common Ground in Maiden Gully. It was a big move, yet there was an inward assurance that God was doing something new, and we had been called to participate…no, we had been sent! That Convention captured something of who we are as God’s people. More, it captured the reality of the living God, a God on mission. The Father sent the living Word in our flesh to

These are important questions to consider. But I don’t think the answer lies in that space. It is more personal: we are called to take responsibility as individuals to relate the good news of God’s kingdom to those we meet and know. And to do so, not within church walls, not just on Sundays, but in the in-between times, and with those who don’t know the great story of God’s love in Jesus Christ. But how do we do this? For me the answer lies in two parts. First, to sit with my ‘sent-ness’ and

I am challenged by the notion that I am a ‘sent one’, an ‘apostle’. We who are baptised are ‘sent ones’, and together we are a sent people, an ‘apostolic’ church. show us what God’s kingdom is truly like. And Jesus called his disciples to go and do likewise: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you” (John 20:21). Well, don’t we wrestle with that one? I am challenged by the notion that I am a ‘sent one’, an ‘apostle’. We who are baptised are ‘sent ones’, and together we are a sent people, an ‘apostolic’ church. We are a people on God’s mission. Looking back over the four years since, I wonder how well we harnessed the passion and excitement these bishops generated? How well did we respond to the call, ‘Build my Church’? For many of us it comes down to wanting change, being driven by the missional imperative, but not having the tools to affect the desired outcome. We think about programmes we could offer, or how services are run. Should we do a contemporary service? Should we run a playgroup? Are we using the right music?….You can no doubt add your own questions!

allow that reality to shape me. Paul wrote of being ‘citizens of heaven’, and that we are its representatives in the world around. Secondly, it’s about knowing my own story, and relating it to those who will listen: my household, my friends, my colleagues... We live in the midst of a truly ‘grand narrative’, the story of God in Christ rescuing and healing creation, and reconciling all things back to himself. At points in my life my personal story has intersected with that grand story - moments where I found God. Moments that impacted my worldview and the way I live, what I believe. Many reading this have your own moments to share. We talk about evangelism as if it is something we need to learn. But it actually happens as we become genuinely interested in the people around us, and in turn, by the grace of God, they become interested in what makes us tick. 11

Where in the world...

is this church ?

If you can name the church and where it’s located, you could be our monthly winner! Send your entries to the thespirit@bendigoanglican.org. au or post to The Spirit at PO Box 2, Bendigo, VIC , 3552. Last month featured St George’s, Donald. There were no correct entries.

Bishop receives special visitor at Registry Office One past Friday morning Bishop Andrew was paid a special visit at the Registry Office by his grandson, Xavier. Xavier didn’t quite recognise ‘Pa’ in his work surrounds, but they soon ventured upstairs to have a very important meeting in the Bishop’s Office. Jan captured this photo for us - a future bishop of Bendigo surveying his office, perhaps?

what’s on events calendar

CMS Weekend 20 - 22 May, South East Bendigo Nara Dreaming Exhibition 21 May - 5 June, Bill’s Shed - Lockwood Synod - Day 1 Friday 27 May, Flora Hill Synod - Day 2 Saturday 28 May, Kangaroo Flat Opening of St Paul’s Cathedral 10.00am, Sunday 5 June Renewal of St Paul’s Cathedral 3.00pm, Sunday 5 June Safe Church Awareness Workshop Saturday 18 June, Flora Hill Got an event coming up? Send the details to thespirit@bendigoanglican.org.au

Caring at a time of need

151 McCrae Street Bendigo 12 Victoria Street Eaglehawk

P. 5441 5577

www.williamfarmer.com.au

A tradition that continues...

Spirit The

may 2016