The
monthly Anglican Diocese of Bendigo
august 2016
issue 121
Priested: Sharon Valentino and Angela Lorrigan were priested in St Paul’s Cathedral at the end of June
Priests ordained in glowing Cathedral Gordon Lingard
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sunny Saturday morning provided a fine day for the ordination of the Revds Angela Lorrigan and Sharon Valentino after the long and challenging journey towards priesthood. With a good gathering of expectant and happy faces, the freshly renovated St Paul’s Cathedral glowed as the choir, accompanied by a full house of congregants, sang in good and full voice, Bishop Andrew preached, cathedral canons were installed, fanfares were trumpeted, children danced unscripted and two well loved and respected women were ordained into the priesthood.
Common Ground turns five page 3
“Never lose sight of the big picture,” Bishop Andrew quoted from Pritchard’s The Life and Work of a Priest, reminding Angela, Sharon and the priests in attendance, that they were to be unashamedly leaders in mission, deeply interested in current culture and the things that occupied the people within it. The photo gathering afterwards on the steps of the cathedral reflected the colourful joy of the day for those passing by in the street who watched as cheers of delight were shouted around the freshly ordained with a banner ‘open for good’ displayed across the cathedral railings. A long time in the waiting for all concerned - the cathedral, Angela and Sharon - but certainly and definitely well worth the wait.
A country farewell for Bishop Ron page 5
Ordained: Hands are laid upon Angela Lorrigan as she is ordained as a priest
Raising awareness of indigenous community page 9
Prayer in times of turmoil page 10
While Bishop Andrew is on long service leave...
Archdeacon Michael Hopkins hearing to offer support to the Diocese of Newcastle representatives and will report back to the Church on the recommendations out of the hearing.
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any of you will have seen and heard of the ABC’s 7.30 Report in relation to sexual abuse in the Diocese of Newcastle. What Bishop Greg Thompson, Registrar John Cleary and Director of Professional Standards Michael Elliott had to say was challenging and confronting. Our diocese is at the forefront of the Australian Church ensuring protocols are in place to safeguard those who are vulnerable. In 2015 the diocese implemented a safe church policy and is continuing to conduct safe church workshops for all clergy and parish representatives. The clergy have also recently undergone a revised clearance process incorporating a Safe Ministry Check, National Police Check and Working with Children Check. At synod in May, the diocese passed legislation to establish an independent organisation to receive and review all complaints against clergy and church workers. The organisation will adopt the best practice recommendations of both the Victorian Parliamentary Hearing and Royal Commission for responding to complaints of child sexual abuse. In June, Anne Baker was appointed to establish this new organisation on behalf of the Diocese of Bendigo. It is expected that the Diocese of Melbourne will join in after their Synod in October and the three other provincial dioceses will join after adopting the legislation at their synods later this year and early next year. Anne has also recently taken on the role of Royal Commission Officer with the Anglican Church of Australia and will be present at the Newcastle 2
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Bishop Andrew has been personally in touch with Bishop Greg assuring him of Bendigo’s prayers for him and the Diocese of Newcastle at this time. Please continue to pray for Bishop Greg, John Cleary, Michael Elliott and for all involved at the Newcastle hearing and for the survivors of abuse in reporting their abuse to the Royal Commission. We pray for forgiveness, restoration and healing.
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n a very different note, I have been reading a book titled, Buildings for Mission which is all about the care, conservation and development of churches. One of the chapter headings caught my eye: ‘We’re all doomed – or are we?’. My observation is that clergy often feel frustrated with having so many building issues to attend to. It can frequently feel as if the parish priest has been commissioned to manage the ‘plant’ rather than ‘cure the souls’. For such a long time congregations have viewed buildings as possibly a necessary evil and as such they tend to ignore them as much as possible.
In Mildura, as we plan an electrical upgrade of the church building, some have suggested that the building itself can be blamed for a failure in church life. The authors of the book, Nigel Walter and Andrew Mottram, suggest that we do not have problem buildings, just problem owners. I believe that when we place the building first, then our mission falters. We must be people who place mission as the number one goal of parish life. As our mission life improves, we become engaged as congregations in the care, conservation and development of the building itself. Our number one focus however must shift toward mission.
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rayer is an important part of my daily life. Each morning as I pray Morning Prayer I use the diocesan prayer diary and the points that august 2016
writes
each parish and group has supplied as focus points for my prayer.
Over the past few weeks I have telephoned many of those for whom I have prayed. I have been overwhelmed and encouraged by the positive response to this simple conversation. I hope our clergy were buoyed that we prayed for and encouraged them. Our ministry together must be collegiate even across the vast distances of this diocese. If you’re not already using the prayer diary get a copy and start today. God is so willing to hear you voicing the struggles and opportunities we share in mission. I give thanks every day for the life and work that is done across the diocese in God’s name. Give thanks to God for everything that he does for you. Give thanks for the parish in which you worship. I give thanks to all the staff in the Registry for their faithful diligence, compassion and professionalism as they support us all in mission. Are we all doomed? – of course not, because God is with us.
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 19 September.
www.bendigoanglican.org.au
Holy Trinity Maldon joins partnership to support Maldon Community Lunch Contributed
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Celebrating: Common Ground parishioners celebrate five years together
Common Ground turns five! Brendan McDonald
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his month marks the fifth anniversary of Common Ground’s missional outreach in the growth area of Maiden Gully.
The ministry began in 2011 with only a handful of people meeting at the local primary school. Over the years it has grown in number with a current attendance of over fifty who gather each Sunday in the Maiden Gully community hall. “Establishing a new ministry has been exciting and also challenging,” explains the Revd Brendan McDonald. “Meeting in the local hall and sharing with other community groups can give the impression that we may not last and it is hard to be a visible
ground. Other founding members talked about the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit in their own lives as they contributed to the shaping of God’s church. There was a sense of unity amongst the crowd, which included many from the View Hill Fellowship who now identify themselves as Common Grounders! Naomi Warren shared the apostle Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians from chapter three, highlighting the call to be rooted and established in love as we acknowledge the power
Common Ground has been able to overcome the odds and after five years we are still going strong - Brendan McDonald presence in the community without signage and a building. Nonetheless, Common Ground has been able to overcome the odds and after five years we are still going strong”. In order to celebrate the milestone a party was put on at the church office, which is located on Brendan and Virginia’s Maiden Gully property. There was a bonfire BBQ, a jumping castle for the kids and a time of sharing, reminiscing and story telling. The Revd Roger Rich spoke about what it took to get the ministry off the
of the Holy Spirit at work within us, glorifying Christ throughout all generations. The general consensus was that this scripture was a word of encouragement for Common Ground as they look to the future with faith in the midst of uncertainty. Brendan’s final remarks summed up the mood of the day; “When I look around at all of you gathered here and remember where we started, I can only begin to imagine what God is able to do and will do over the next five years”.
s of July the Maldon Anglican Church, Baptist Church and Catholic Church along with the Maldon Neighbourhood Centre will be working in partnership to deliver the Maldon Community Lunch, previously managed by Castlemaine Community House since 2014. The new partners come together with shared aims of benefiting the local community, supporting vulnerable people and providing a place for people to connect with each other. The Maldon Community Lunch is a great opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy an affordable, healthy and delicious two course meal. Funded by the Mount Alexander Shire Council and a $5 donation per person, there is a friendly atmosphere, generous servings and great conversation. “It seems to me that the Community Lunch is an enterprise in which everyone wins,” the Revd Donald Bellamy said. “We are very happy to support it in this practical way”. The lunch will also continue to be supported by the Tarrengower Women’s Prison, Mount Alexander Shire and Castlemaine Community House with volunteers from the Tarrengower Women’s Prison assisting to prepare food, set tables and clean up afterwards. If you would like to get involved or simpy want to find out further information about the Maldon Community Lunch and how it is run, please contact the Revd Donald Bellamy on 5475 2041.
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Change a life. Donate now.
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Social inclusion is about breaking down barriers and giving people the opportunity to lead fulfilled lives.
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– 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
Anointed: Bishop Andrew completes Bruce Sutherland’s baptism
Candidates welcomed into Anglican Church in St Arnaud Heather Blackman
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uring June the congregation of Christ Church Old Cathedral had great cause for celebration as nearly a hundred people gathered to celebrate as 11 people were welcomed into the Anglican Church.
The Spirit online!
It was a busy morning with the baptism of Polly Douglas, the anointing (completing the conditional baptism) of Bruce Sutherland and, after 15 weeks of classes, the confirmation of nine people. In addressing the congregation, Bishop Andrew made reference to
the confirmation register before then speaking of the development of our faith through believing, belonging and behaving. It certainly had an impact not only on our newly confirmed group but also the congregation – they are still speaking about it weeks later!
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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Baptised: Polly Douglas is baptised by Heather Blackman
august 2016
www.bendigoanglican.org.au
With thanks... To the parishioners, parishes, clergy and friends of the diocese, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for the best wishes, cards, messages and gifts given to me on finishing up as Registrar/ General Manager. I have treasured the last 5 years in the role and have valued the opportunity to make a contribution to the mission and ministry of the diocese.
Mentor: Bishop Ron Stone with Pam Lawry
A country farewell from Bears Lagoon for Bishop Ron David Murray
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he congregation of St John’s, Bears Lagoon, gathered to farewell Bishop Ron Stone as rector of the parish after three years in the Parish of Pyramid Hill-Boort. Bishop Ron has endeared himself to us as pastor, mentor and friend, occasional gardening expert, (with particular regard to tomatoes) and Christmas tree promoter extraordinaire. Our parish has also reached out to others from Bishop Ron’s former rural diocese in western Queensland with sympathy, encouragement and prayer during the bad times of the recent drought.
of Russell and Judy Mountjoy and family, with the crowning glory being a mud-cake replica of St John’s, created by Nakeya Mountjoy, in Bishop Ron’s honour.
A splendid lunch was enjoyed by all, thanks to the generous hospitality
All at Bears Lagoon wish Ron and Libby a long and happy ‘retirement’.
It appears that Libby Stone’s dream of peace and quiet in retirement remains a dream, as Bishop Ron admitted to planning, indeed starting, a new career.
I wish Naomi every success as the new Registrar and look forward to the continuing growth and prosperity of the Diocese. Kindest regards, Anne Baker
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.
Have people been visiting your church looking for Pokemon? Got a great story or a photo to share?
Thanks: Bishop Ron and Libby
Bears Lagoon: The replica cake
Let us know! thespirit@bendigoanglican.org.au
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Around the Diocese
CMS Autumn Weekend encourages mission focus
The 35th CMS Autumn Weekend held at Holy Trinity, Flora Hill on the weekend of 20-22 May was again a valuable time to learn and think about world mission. Particularly encouraging was input from CMS Missionaries on home assignment from South East Asia. It was a real blessing to hear first-hand the way God is using these workers to train up local leadership in both church and seminary contexts, to encourage the church and to reach out to locals with the good news of Jesus. Dr. Rhys Bezzant’s studies in Ephesians from the weekend are available to download from the South East Bendigo parish website: www.southeastbendigo.com or on CD from the office 5443 3482.
Mission: Attendees outside Holy Trinity Flora Hill
- Stuart Winn
Woodend Guild working to warm up Nepalese children The Guild have been meeting once a month to ‘knit and natter’ in order to make beanies, blankets and jumpers for preschool children in Nepal. Since the earthquake last year, this already poor nation has been struggling to re-build and the most affected are children whose parents are unable to buy them warm clothing. Parishioner and cinematographer Michael Dillon has spent a lot of time in Nepal filming and getting to know the people. We screened his film ‘Beyond Everest’, the story of Sir Edmund Hillary’s charity work in the Himalayan region, and raised over $900 to go towards assisting to re-build the Himaganga School. These funds will also help with getting all of the lovely knitted goods to the local villages. - Melissa Clark “Knit and Natter”: Ladies enjoy time together whilst knitting
Cathedral chairs add finishing touch to restoration
As part of the restoration of St Paul’s Cathedral, new chairs were purchased through an English manufacturing company. Although not able to be ready in time for the renewal service in June, the chairs have now arrived and have been moved into their new home. The chairs are designed for churches and cathedrals, and feature a space for books underneath, the ability to be placed in a row quite easily as well as being stackable. The latest addition to the already glowing Cathedral certainly adds a new level of flexibility and comfort to the Cathedral space and enhances its variety of uses for both the congregation and the wider Bendigo community. - Sarah Crutch
Comfort: The new chairs in place in the Cathedral
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Around the Parishes
ABM-A Loddon/Mallee Deanery meets in Charlton On a cold wintery day representatives from across the Loddon Mallee Deanery gathered in Charlton for the annual ABM-A Deanery meeting. The day began with a Eucharist followed by morning tea and the meeting, where reports were received from each centre along with discussions on how we could capture the interest of more people. Guest speaker John Roundhill challenged us with a number of mission statements and got us thinking when we tried to guess which organisation they were from. He then challenged us to think about how we do mission and also encouraged us to think about being involved in more mission at a national level. Everyone then enjoyed a hearty casserole luncheon thanks to the good hospitality of the Parish of Charlton/Donald. - Heather Blackman
Refreshment Day at the Cathedral
ABM: Beth Crutch (Charlton-Donald) with John Roundhill
Cursillistas came from across Victoria to share in the recent Refreshment Day at St Paul’s Cathedral, themed Walking with Jesus. The day was organised by our servant community and led by Ron Wood. Throughout the day there were lots of small group discussions and beautiful fellowship with friends and fellow team members along with a wonderful shared lunch. Many Cursillistas went for a tour of the newly restored Cathedral and all were stunned by how beautiful it is. Our next Ultreya is in Pyramid Hill on 20 August at 12pm. Everyone is invited and we hope to see many Cursillistas and other interested people attend. - Susan Turner
Cathedral tour: Cursillista’s admire the restored St Paul’s
St Paul’s Kyneton Farmers’ Market celebrates 12 years Considering Kyneton’s reputation for bleak winters, it‘s surprising that the people of St Paul’s decided to launch into a new outdoor venture in June. St Paul’s Park was under-utilised and as it was situated in the heart of Piper Street it was felt it would make an ideal site for a Farmers’ Market. Twelve years ago Piper Street was depressed with only a few businesses operating, but the market has boomed over the ensuing years. The outreach into the community should not be underestimated and its success has been due to good management, support by the stall holders and a dedicated band of parishioners and friends. We thank God for the great opportunity we have been given to help showcase the excellent produce our region offers. - Ruth Murphy
Mark of success: Coordinators of the Farmers’ Market
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Anglicare celebrates NAIDOC Week Contributed by Anglicare Victoria
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AIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week is held in the first full week of July and is a time for us to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. It’s also an opportunity to recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country. Anglicare Victoria celebrated this year by: • flag raising ceremonies; • a ‘Welcome Baby to Country’ ceremony in Bendigo (where indigenous children were given a possum skin cloak as a gift welcoming them to Dja Dja Wurrung country); • NAIDOC children’s day and dinner organised by Bendigo District Aboriginal Cooperative; celebrations at Wonga Wetlands in Albury (where participants learnt how to play the didgeridoo); • Maryborough celebrations including Indigenous dancing, a Kup-Murri (Torres Strait Islander Food and Feasting Ceremony) and football and netball clinics.
Learning: Children participated in a range of activities throughout NAIDOC week
Anglicare Victoria’s St Luke’s region also invited their Reconciliation Action Plan Steering Group to respond to two questions. Here are the thought-provoking replies we received:
What inspires you about Aboriginal cultures? The value of respect and honor - respect for the land and all who dwell on it and for each other; spirituality - knowing that we are more than just emotional, thinking human beings; connection not only to the land but to each other, the past, the present and the future; creativity and beauty - expressed through so many artistic mediums and relationships
That it is my culture - although having very white skin, I feel connected and a belonging
The strong emphasis on
relationships with family,
community and country
The connection to land, people, story and spirituality; the respect and acceptance of the natural ebbs and flows of the land and its seasons and working with this rather than trying to control it
If you could send a message to all Australians about Aboriginal cultures, what would it be? I feel Aboriginal culture accepts and embraces all cultures and remains strong in its beliefs but is able to change and grow and adapt to stay strong
If we all valued our relationships with people and our country above other material and other superficial concerns, we would be a much more cohesive and enriched society
Aboriginal culture has so much to teach and show us. Are we willing to learn, to respect, to take the time to hear, see and understand so that we can grow as a people, as a community, as a nation? 8
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Learning: Evelyn Robertson, Angela Lorrigan, Rick Kerr, Michael Totterdell and Gordon Lingard
Bendigo North raises awareness of indigenous community Suzannah Daniels
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e were honoured to have Rick Kerr from the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation address our July parish council meeting as a first step in discovering ways that our parish might have a deeper engagement with our local indigenous community. Angela Lorrigan invited Rick to attend the meeting as she is passionate about enabling open dialogue with and a deeper understanding of our local indigenous cultural heritage. Through her career in mining, Angela has forged friendships with indigenous Australians from New South Wales, North West Queensland and Western Australia. In the face of ongoing racism and despite the difficult past they have experienced she overwhelmingly
found goodwill, humour extraordinary generosity indigenous communities.
and in
“I found the sort of gracious forgiveness that I had read about in the New Testament,” Angela commented. “As Christians it is essential for us to be in dialogue with, to listen to, the views of indigenous people. This is not so much out of a sense of fairness and loving our neighbour but more because the experience of gracious generosity that is so often discovered is something that softens our hearts to the Grace of God,” she added. Throughout Rick’s presentation, the parish council experienced this gracious generosity and humility. Rick shared with us the history of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation which he has been working for since 2004.
The corporation is based in Bendigo and its focus is cultural heritage preservation, protection as well as employment for local indigenous people. There are approximately 3,000 Dja Dja Wurrung people and the borders of their territory follow the Campaspe River from Rochester to Woodend in the east and the Avon River from Lake Buloke down to Creswick in the west. The corporation’s focus is on ‘moving forward together’. Rick spoke of a desire to work together with local businesses and community members to develop an understanding of a history and heritage which belongs ‘to all of us’. Handling the tools and artefacts he brought to show us was a highlight as some were potentially hundreds if not thousands of years old. His personal collection includes stone axes, hammer stones, spear heads, multi-purpose tools and oven stones. Their preference in general is not to take things from where they are found, unless it is a particularly unique artefact or likely to be destroyed by circumstances. Some future goals of the corporation include developing education programs based on their local Dja Dja Wurrung language, building a climate controlled building in Bendigo to house local indigenous artefacts and establishing an office space. 9
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Prayer in times of turmoil
Paris. Dallas. Turkey. Iraq. Nice. Munich. Japan. Rouet. It seems like every day there is a new horror that confronts us. Murders and acts of terror becoming so commonplace we barely have time to fathom what happened with one, and we set out to mourn the loss of 5 or 10
of 70 lives, and then we read ‘breaking news’. Reset. Add into that ongoing conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and now again South Sudan. Finding the words to pray in these moments can be difficult. Discerning what is an appropriate response takes time. You may have noticed
our prayer books don’t have prayers to address such violence, because so many of the recent attacks are 21st century phenomena. But across the world the church continues to pray. Here are just two examples of prayers from recent events that you may find you could adapt in your parish if similar events occur in future.
A prayer for the victims
A prayer of hope
God of infinite mercy, we pray for the victims of the … attack. Remember them according to the favour you bear for your people. Comfort those who mourn and give strength to the injured. Deliver those whose hearts are hardened by hatred. Grant to us all your understanding, and your persevering love, for your mercy’s sake.
God of hope, we come to you in shock and grief and confusion of heart. Help us to find a peace in the knowledge of your loving mercy to all your children, and give us light to guide us out of our darkness into the assurance of your love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (prepared by the church of England)
Holding a vigil
You might be so moved by an event your parish decides to hold a vigil. Here are a few things to consider: Music While well chosen hymns can be helpful, recorded choral music or gregorian chant speak deeply into a service, and expects less of the congregation who may be seeking to receive rather than give.
Ecumenical By working with our sister churches from other denominations we show the world we are one in Christ. The grief is shared. We experience Solidarity at a time when we need it the most.
Get the Word out Give yourself at least 2-5 days to ensure the community knows when and where it is on, as your event might be the only one of its kind. It also gives you enough time to craft a service, write prayers and find readers.
Candles Ambience plays a big role in vigil services. Candles provide both solemnity and symbol. Christ is the light that shines in the darkness of any situation. The community appreciate the opportunity to light a candle - votive candles in a bowl of sand seems to work well.
Silence Be bold in offering sustained times of silence. Silence in a holy space will be remembered far longer than any words.
Got a suggestion for Seasonal
Suggestions?
If you have an area you think we should cover, or have something to contribute, let us know! 10
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Diocesan Convention aims to encourage Sarah Crutch
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he planning for the Diocesan Convention is well under way and every Anglican in the diocese is encouraged to come and participate. The Convention hopes to encourage you in your faith, enable sharing and learning and allow you to go into your communities refreshed in ministry. The Convention will begin on Friday 16 September at Holy Trinity Flora Hill with a dinner at 6.00pm. This will provide an opportunity to enjoy the company of parishioners from across the diocese. We will then hear from our guest speaker Joy Freier, wife of Archbishop Philip Freier. Joy is an educator with a wide ranging forty year career working in primary, secondary and TAFE adult education. Joy is currently a Primary Welfare Officer at a state school and combines her work with an active ministry in a variety of Anglican organisations and through meetings and visits to parishes. Continuing on Saturday at Girton Grammar School, the diocese will have the opportunity to hear candidly from Bishop Andrew as he sits down with Greg Harris for ‘A Conversation with the Bishop’. This unique opportunity will explore Bishop Andrew’s life in ministry over his 43 years ranging from Miloo and Elmore, to an Assistant Bishop in Melbourne, to his 13 years as Bishop of Bendigo. A series of workshops will then be conducted, giving parishioners an opportunity to learn more about a particular topic and explore current issues facing the church. Topics offered include safe church, engaging the community, the Christian response to Islam and engaging teenagers in church.
clergycontemplations Trevor Bell | South East Bendigo
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Reading the whole story
ecently I was at a friend’s house, and I looked over their DVD collection. I noticed the stories: Backdraft, Wind in the Willows, Independence Day, Sense and Sensibility, The Never-Ending Story, Rush-Hour, Braveheart - the list goes on and on. Many of you will know them just by my mentioning the names.
I noticed that the collection of stories in this bookshelf didn’t work together in one big story, though some had similar themes. There were all these little stories, but not working together in a big narrative. Perhaps we wouldn’t expect them to!
All these ‘little’ stories, gathered together in the Bible, have their place within the bigger one. Some good questions I like to ask each time I encounter the scriptures, whether from the New or Old Testaments, whether it’s poetry, prophecy or history, are:
It occurred to me that sometimes we read our scriptures as if it were like the collection on this bookshelf. Lots of little stories, and we know most of them, but we don’t see them as one big narrative.
How does this story fit in to the bigger story? How does this story find its fulfilment in the Lord Jesus? How do I fit into this story?
In reading and re-reading the scriptures, I am increasingly aware of the beauty and wonder of our Bible. How all the stories work wonderfully together like a big tapestry, to tell one big story. In this expansive story, we
All these ‘little’ stories, gathered together in the Bible, have their place within the bigger one find the fulfilment of Israel’s story in Jesus, proclaimed as Lord and Christ (Acts 2.36). And that the Lord Jesus is the one whose coming is predicted in the Old Testament, and in whom the kingdom of God has dawned, even if not fully here yet.
Registration for both days is essential, with the only cost involved being for the dinner on Friday night. Registration forms available from bishoppa@bendigoanglican.org.au.
Recently I read The King Jesus Gospel by Scot McKnight. He encouraged a similar approach when speaking the good news about Jesus to others that truly to understand the good news that Jesus is, we must see him as the fulfillment of Israel’s story, and not removed from it.
Bookshelf: A collection of stories
What difference does this make to our lives? With the Lord Jesus as the focus of a bigger story, we can see that he has not saved us just to be kept safe for heaven, but has called us to be a people living out his Way (the first name given to the church – Acts 9.2; 18.25). Living here and now in the kingdom that is among us, living under the rule, guidance and direction of this king. Jesus taught us to pray, ‘Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven’. May this be true for us, who seek to follow his Way. As we continue to read the big story that God has given us, may we see how it fits in together. And may we find our place in life here and now, being a beacon of the kingdom of God, the fulfillment of the old, old story. 11
TAKE US TO THE RIVER
TREASURES OF THE BIBLE CONFERENCE
“Promises to shape our lives” with
Mark Simon
what’s on events calendar
Saturday 10 September Register through www.trybooking.com/212699 Email: info@mooroopnaanglican.com or Phone: 03 5825 2031 or 0458 736 104 MOOROOPNA ANGLICAN CHURCH 13 Young St Mooroopna Victoria
Bishop returns from leave Wednesday 7 September Council of the Diocese Tuesday 13 September Treasures of the Bible Conference Saturday 10 September, Mooroopna
WHY I AM A
C H R I S T I A N DIOCESAN CONVENTION Friday
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September Saturday
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September
6.00pm Holy Trinity Flora Hill
Dinner
St Paul’s Cathedral Promenade Series 2.30, 3.45 & 5.00pm | 7, 16 & 23 August Diocesan Covention - Day 1 6pm, 16 September, Holy Trinity Flora Hill Diocesan Convention - Day 2 9am, 17 September, Girton Grammar School
followed by
Joy Freier
A Conversation with 9.00am Bishop Andrew Girton Grammar followed by School Workshops
REGISTRATIONS ESSENTIAL bishoppa@bendigoanglican.org.au
Clergy Retreat 3 October - 6 October 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...
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