The
monthly Anglican Diocese of Bendigo
december 2016
issue 125
Remembering the Christmas story
Don Saines Trinity College Theological School
T
he Christmas story is often pushed into the background in Christmas celebrations these days. The streets of our towns and cities cry out ‘Season’s Greetings!’ with snow men, sleighs, Christmas trees, presents and decorations. Some of these images really are an oddity in Australia, but they also entrench in our thinking a ‘normality’ that it is normal not to be direct about our faith, not to speak of Jesus and the present Spirit who is, actually, the reason for our hope, ‘the reason for the season’ as the churches try to make clear.
New worship space dedicated page 3
We need to keep this Christmas story up in the spot light! The Christmas story is the story for us to ponder, to live into, and to remember that this is our lifeforming story.
The story reminds us that there was no room in the inn (Luke 9:58). No ‘Almighty God’ here, but the humble God who will later live through humiliation. Here we remember that God goes with us as women and men even in our sufferings and griefs, our failures, our wilful wrong doings, because the Human One born in the stable is just that, human in every sense. So we remember that God meets us, loves us and forgives us in the darkest and most fearful of places. There’s no room in the inn, so go out to the cave where the animals are! As we
Bible in the Bush weekend page 5
ponder the story we will also remember, as Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote, that Jesus was eventually pushed out of the world “onto a cross.” The truth this Christmas story points toward is the memory that the stone the builders rejected becomes the cornerstone. In spite of all our rejections of God, God stays, loves and remains the inner well of our life.
The story also reminds us that the first people to get wind of this birth of Jesus are shepherds. We have to shake free of some of our Christmas piety here. This is not some nice little pastoral scene. Shepherds in the first century represented something like the homeless
Gannawarra Toy Run rolls into town page 8
Continued on page 3...
Clergy contemplations: ‘Nativity’ page 11
The Bishop
writes
Dear Friends,
T
he other night I was driving home from Kerang along the Loddon Valley highway and just south of Bears Lagoon the car was engulfed with a potent agricultural smell - pigs!
It was coming from a large piggery just off the highway, but the smell could come from any farm where animals are kept in close quarters, particularly a stable. That began to remind me of another stable at another time - a stable in which there was the birth of a new baby. That birth was to redefine human history and lead to the emergence of a movement that became the Christian Church. In a carol especially written for Christmas 2017, the Revd Richard Stamp has captured the scene and its meaning. Richard’s delightful carol beautifully captures the story of Christmas, Jesus’ birth and its meaning. If you have an organist at your church ask if this carol can be practised and sung this Christmas. As we approach 2017 we are entering a new chapter in the history of the world. Post Brexit and the American presidential election, the landscape of international politics and economics is on the cusp of significant change and with all the media hype causing a sense of uncertainty in the minds of many people. The Good News is that Christmas celebrating the birth of Jesus brings a message of great reassurance and hope for a better world and human society. In Australia, despite all the rhetoric about us increasingly being a secular society, Christmas gives 2
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A Christmas Carol
to the tune “The Black Nag” [Traditional]
O church bells are ringing, and angels are singing, for Jesus is born upon earth. The shepherds are running, and wise men are coming, to welcome the Lord at his birth.
churches and Christians an opportunity to proclaim the message of Jesus’ birth; peace, good will and hope for a better world. This should be prayed for in every society, community and in our own relationships. I take this opportunity to wish you all the peace and goodwill for Christmas 2016 and a blessed new year.
Refrain Join in the chorus: the Lord goes before us. Join in the chorus: the Lord goes before us. Join in the chorus: the Lord goes before us. Born to be King over all. Come friend and come stranger, and kneel at the manger, join donkey and ox in their stall. and call all the living, to praise and thanksgiving, for Jesus is Saviour of all.
Refrain The symbols of riches, and power and pain, are in gold and in incense and myrrh. So offer your gifts, and go out in his name, to the homeless, the sick and the poor.
Refrain - Richard Stamp 2016
december 2016
Spirit The
Monthly news magazine 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 20 January.
www.bendigoanglican.org.au
Continued from front... swagy, as once we called the jobless roaming our roads. They were the unwashed, perhaps unscrupulous, at least thinking this was how the more privileged eased their conscience. So in this story of Jesus’ birth, like his teaching and his living, we remember who God goes to and in so doing see God coming to or being with us. This memory gives us a bigger view of ourselves because the love of God knows no barriers. And, it tells us, love-of-self grows as we too welcome and show hospitality to the shepherds, the ordinary men and women of our community. Here great riches are to found.
Dedicated: Parishioners gather in the new home for Mooroopna Anglicans
Mooroopna dedicates The Canteen: a worship space to call home Marilyn Banfield and Andrew Guyatt
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significant celebration took place at St Alban’s, Mooroopna, on Sunday, 27 November 2016 for the dedication of the church building. The dedication service was led by Bishop Andrew and assisted by the Revd Glenis Traill. Amongst the 150 attendees were Wendy Lovell MLC, present and past members of the church community, and exemployees of SPC/Ardmona. During the service, Ian Andrews was received as a communicant member of the Anglican Church of Australia. Over a period of about 30 years, the people of Mooroopna have been striving for a home of their own, which has finally eventuated. The Canteen, or more correctly, St Alban’s, Mooroopna, had been leased from SPC/Ardmona for the last six years. With the sale of the Ardmona Fruit Products factory, and in collaboration with SPC/Ardmona management, Bishop Andrew and the wardens negotiated a successful outcome. Purchase of The Canteen and 9 Young Street became a reality in June 2016. In 1982, the St Alban’s church building in Park Street was sold with a vision for a new church, hall and rectory.
Circumstances only enabled a rectory to be built and for the next 22 years services were held in the Mooroopna Secondary College. In 2005, the former Mooroopna Post Office – now known as number 9 – was leased from SPC/Ardmona. In 2010, the canteen was leased and renovated mostly by St Alban’s volunteers and in 2016, the building was purchased. A happy atmosphere was obvious at the service and the morning tea. There was a wonderful display of memorabilia thanks to several local church members who had worked tirelessly to find photos depicting early canning life as well as early church life. Past factory employees and congregational members were noticed pouring through the information obviously enjoying memories of earlier times. It was great day to acknowledge the 130-year faithful history of Mooroopna, Ardmona and Coomboona churches and to remember the former use of the canteen. As the building is now revived with new owners we look forward to seeing how the church and the building will serve God and the community in the future.
St Luke tells us that in Jesus, God is always interested in the outcast, the sinner, those who are vulnerable in society. Within this disposition of God we must see ourselves addressed! Not that we are social outcasts but that in them we see ourselves and our own vulnerable humanity, our need to love and be loved. I have often found that it is when I listen to the stories of others that I too know something more about my healing. Christmas is then the time to lean into this Life of God and to sing a new song, as Psalm 98 tells us. So the story of Christmas reminds us about not being seduced into singing songs of economic growth, of the need to consume, or have the latest technology, or to think about what we do not have! These songs are ultimately fleeting, and hopeless. The song of the Christ child is the human song that resonates with all our deepest longings. As Isaiah says of this Christ child, “See your salvation comes!”
EXECUTIVE OFFICER TO THE ARCHBISHOP The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne invites applications for the position of Executive Officer to the Archbishop For full job description, including selection criteria, visit: tma.melbourneanglican.org.au/ job-centre
All in all, a day of great celebration and new beginnings. 3
ANGLICARE VICTORIA’S OUT-OF-HOME CARE APPEAL
Please donate today and change a life Albury. Bendigo. Deniliquin. Echuca. Kyneton. Maryborough. Mildura. Swan Hill. Wangaratta. 1800 809 722 anglicarevic.org.au
The Spirit online!
Confirmed: Acacia Vernon, Chloe and Mitchell Baker
New members of Anglican Church confirmed and received Betty Barnes
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he congregations of Pyramid Hill, Boort and Bears Lagoon welcomed Bishop Andrew and Jan to St Andrew’s Boort on Sunday, 23 October for the confirmation of Chloe and Mitchell Baker and Acacia Vernon. A large congregation attended to witness the laying on of hands for
these three young people. Two adult members of the congregation, Bruce Malone and David Murray were also formally received into the membership of the Church. Bishop Andrew spoke of his role as bishop and the significance of his crosier or ‘shepherd’s staff’. After the service, all joined in a hearty lunch with many delicious goodies.
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’. Received: Bruce Malone and David Murray with Bishop Andrew 4
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Ron Stone has joined Mount Alexander Funerals
Bible in the Bush: The Revd Dale Barclay, Gaylene Harrower, Bishop John Harrower, Jan Curnow, Bishop Andrew Curnow, the Revd Steve David and Lyn David
Bible in the Bush another successful weekend at Red Cliffs Dale Barclay
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ith a great community atmosphere and large attendance, the 2016 Bible in the Bush, run by the Parish of Sunraysia South, was another success.
Steve and Lyn David shared with us the important work Bush Church Aid does in supporting ministry in rural locations. We were blessed with a visit from our own Bishop Andrew and Jan on Saturday afternoon.
Guest speaker Bishop John Harrower led four talks based on the Lord’s Prayer as a way of engaging with our world. Some of the themes he spoke of included euthanasia, sexual abuse and how our father God is both almighty and powerful yet invites us into a personal relationship through Jesus.
Facilitators from the Glen Waverley Anglican Church conducted sessions for the children and a number of musicians, led by Mark Catchpoole, provided extraordinary music throughout the weekend including a sing-a-long on Saturday night.
His wife Gayelene led an excellent workshop on exhorting us to use our passions for Christ, then the Revd
The parish is looking forward to next year when it celebrates its 10th annual Bible in the Bush weekend.
After many years of leadership, service and ministry in the Anglican Church of Australia, Ron decided on a change of career. Ron is well known in Bendigo and the surrounding region. He brings with him much experience in caring for people at critical periods in their lives, and has a particular interest in post bereavement follow-up and support. If you would like Ron to assist at your time of need, or you wish to have him visit after a bereavement, please call our office on 5447 0927.
195 High Street, Kangaroo Flat
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.
Fulfilling weekend: Attendees at the Bible in the Bush weekend 5
Around the Diocese
Primary school dedicates new RSL memorial
On 9 November the Revd Canon Dale Barclay had the honour of being involved with the dedication of a new memorial at Koorlong Primary School. Mr Ted Roberts, President of the Red Cliffs/Irymple RSL SubBranch, organised the ceremony and memorial in conjunction with the school. The school now has a special place to remember those who have sacrificed their lives. Please pray for the work of our local RSL sub-branches who continue to do important work in caring for veterans. - Dale Barclay
Remember: A new memorial at Koorlong Primary School
Dean running late to morning worship
Wearing his runners and running singlet, with sweat still dripping from his brow but with a finisher’s medal around his neck and beaming smile on his face, Dean John Roundhill arrived at worship, literally running through the door. John had that morning completed the half marathon (21.1 kms) as part of the Bendigo Fun Run, raising money for the Bendigo Hospital. With the fun run beginning at 7.00am, and the first morning service at 9.30am, it was always going to be a tight finish, but John managed to run the course in an impressive time of 1 hour and 57 minutes. John processed into the Cathedral fresh from his run and later changed into his robes to preach at the 9.30am and 11am services. The congregation believe this was a first for St Paul’s Cathedral! - Contributed
Heralding New Life 2016 CHRISTMAS APPEAL
On the run: Dean John Roundhill after his half marathon
The impending birth of a new child fills many new parents with a mixture of terror and awe. A fragile new life enters the world, heralded by cries and wails as fresh air fills lungs for the first time. Every birth offers a sense of uncertainty and hope, as new life struggles to gain a foothold in the world away from the womb. In many developing countries the hope of new birth is mingled with fear; fear that the baby or
mother won’t survive, fear of some complications for the mother and child. For many this fear is part of everyday life, especially in countries with high maternal and infant mortality rates. This Christmas, please consider the work of our partner in north Kenya, the Anglican Church of Kenya, as they work with remote Maasai communities, providing safe, practical, dignified and clean environments for giving birth.
HOW TO DONATE 1 Online: www.anglicanoverseasaid.org.au 2 By phone: 1800 249 880 3 By post: Christmas Appeal 2016, Anglican Overseas Aid, PO Box 389, Abbotsford Vic 3067 All donations over $2 are tax deductible Anglicord: ABN 39 116 072 050
Anglican Overseas Aid is a member of
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Around the Parishes
Noticing neighbour, noticing self
Nearly all our volunteers and a few extra people enjoyed our Op Shop Workshop. Our presenters were Debra SaffreyCollins from the Brotherhood of St Laurence and Archdeacon Jan Crombie coordinator of ‘Parish Partnerships’ from the Diocese of Melbourne. They have been developing two particular programs – The Pastoral Listening Project and the Good Neighbour Project. They used the principles of both with our team to address community and relationships as well as looking at ways to develop effective listening tools and an understanding of the importance of hospitality and care of customers. It was a very positive and encouraging day, as well as challenging us to continue to develop. Well done. - Jan Harper
Workshop: Participants in the Op Shop worksop
John Henry concludes time as Diocesan Advocate
The November Council of the Diocese meeting saw John Henry’s term as Diocesan Advocate come to an end, after three years of generous service to the diocese. John has assisted with a range of legal matters from bequests and trusts, to the establishment of the diocese as a company as well as substantial efforts in drafting Synod legislation. Bishop Andrew thanked John for his dedication and willingness to give his time to the diocese. Chancellor Ian Dallas echoed Bishop Andrew’s sentiments, noting John’s vast legal experience and expressing his thanks for the partnership they have enjoyed. John thanked the council for making him feel welcome and commended their continued commitment to building a strong rural diocese.
Legal team: Ian Dallas, John Henry and Bishop Andrew
- Sarah Crutch
The Giving and Living Op-Shop spreads Christmas joy and goodwill A hilarious evening dinner was recently enjoyed by volunteers and supporters of the Parish of Bendigo North’s Op-Shop. The tone of the evening was set with a dress code of ‘wear something from the op-shop’.
Judge Judy Lingard’s commentary during the fashion parade made the participants feel absolutely fabulous! A delicious dinner was interspersed with bush poet Ken Jones’ stories, table trivia and musical entertainment. Representatives from Bendigo Food Share, Haven Home Safe and Bendigo Family and Financial Services accepted cheques totalling $3,169 comprising 10% of op shop profit plus a parish donation of $927.50. Gordon thanked co-ordinator Evelyn for her untiring effort, and the committee and all volunteers for their wonderful work throughout the year. All dressed up: Parishioners in their op shop outfits - Leonie Strauch 7
Anglicare Victoria Partnership Group: A New Era Contributed
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he Anglicare Victoria Auxiliaries have been in existence since the coming together of three former agencies that formed Anglicare Victoria in 1997: The Mission to the Streets and Lanes in 1886, The Mission of St James and St John in 1919, and St John’s Homes for Boys and Girls in 1921. In their heyday there were 72 auxiliaries associated with local parishes. These auxiliaries provided financial support through fundraising, provision of food, emergency relief and practical support to children and families in need. However, due to an ageing population within the parishes and the diversification of the population, this number came down to just three. After a meeting of 17 representatives from four parishes in March this year, organised by the Archdeacon for Parish Partnerships, the Venerable Jan Crombie, the Anglicare Victoria Partnership Group (AVPG) was born. “It’s about continuing the foundational energy and passion for the work of Anglicare in a network framework. Hopefully this will revitalise parishes in their support and attract a new generation of Anglicare advocates in the community,” said Jan. The AVPG was launched on 21 July at St John’s Anglican Church Camberwell following a thanksgiving service to pay respects to the former auxiliaries. Mrs Marjorie Taylor belonged to one of the first Anglicare Auxiliaries at St Margaret’s Eltham, from the days of the Mission to the Streets and Lanes.
Leather clad: Simon Robinson addresses the toy run participants
Gannawarra Toy Run rolls into town Simon Robinson
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hat’s a toy run? It’s an opportunity created by the motorcycling community for people to give toys and other donations to children and families who need a bit of cheering up at Christmas. The Gannawarra Memorial Toy Run is a joint initiative growing out of the men’s breakfast run by the Cohuna Anglican and Uniting Churches. We were further supported by the Lighthouse Home Group, local service clubs, CFA and very generous local businesses. The run commemorated the lives of local riders Paul Webb and Jed Ferris. Paul had been new to Kerang as motelier and Anglican layman and began the organisation of the first toy run last year, but died suddenly before it came to fruition. Jed had been a significant person in the Cohuna motorcycling community, who died on a group ride last year. Their widows were joined by 120 riders, along with 11 dirt bikes and 41 classic cars. A great roll-up from locals was strengthened by folks from as far away as Bateman’s Bay, Wagga, Mildura, Timboon, Bendigo and Swan Hill.
and the cars cruised to Gunbower and back. The ride ended with live music, lunch and a car and bike show on the beautiful Cohuna waterfront, and concluded with a message and blessing from Fr Simon. Our Anglican parishes helped at the registration desk, baked 200 biscuits labelled with a blessing as a free ‘thank-you’ for participants, and provided free tea and coffee. We thank God for the generosity of our riders and communities who gave $7,500 and double the amount of toys that we received last year. All proceeds will be distributed within the Gannawarra Shire at Christmas.
We were a wall of noise riding through the communities of Kerang, Barham, Koondrook, Leitchville, and Cohuna en-masse. The dirt bikes tore up the mud on Gunbower Island,
An enormous amount of goodwill has been generated towards the churches of the district. What are you passionate about that can bring community together and give the church an opportunity to share the hope we have in Jesus at Christmas? It won’t just happen – you have to step out in faith, Church! You have to get to work and, to quote Kawasaki, let the good times roll!
december 2016
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“It’s all about people in need,’ the 97 year old said. “That hasn’t changed and we all need to contribute to that.” Under the AVPG model, a minimum of three people can register as a local support group to raise funds and advocate for the work of Anglicare Victoria. If you wish to form an AVPG within your local parish or your local area or suburb, please contact us at partnershipgroup@anglicarevic.org. au or phone 9412 6133. 8
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Christians are the salt of the earth Angela Morrissey
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he Mothers’ Union had its AGM on the 28 October 2016 at St Mark’s Church in Golden Square. Guest speakers included the Very Reverend John Roundhill and Valerie Broad.
Visit: The Nyah West congregation with Bishop Andrew and Jan
Bishop enjoys hospitality of Nyah West congregation Jan Harper
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sually when we have a visit from our bishop, we have a whole parish service in Swan Hill. This time for a change, the focus was on our other centre, Nyah West. Swan Hill had their usual 9.30am Eucharist, but after greeting the people there Bishop Andrew continued to Nyah West for a second Eucharist. The service was followed by a congregational meeting and a wonderful lunch – wedding cups, and passion-fruit sponge to name but a few of the delicacies. This gave the Nyah congregation a real chance to catch up with Bishop Andrew and his wife Jan. Bishop Andrew was very impressed that the small country town congregation still boasts an organ and an organist. The said organ had chosen to misbehave on the previous Sunday and needed some major renovations to get it going again. We gave a huge vote of thanks to Brian who fixed the organ, and Thelma who plays it. Before heading off Bishop Andrew was able to have a quick look at
the renovations going on at the Nyah West Op Shop which are so magnificent it is well on its way to becoming the men’s palace. The Swan Hill Service was very special too. The Bishop’s address centred on the contrasting readings for the day from Isaiah and Luke in the light of the election results in the USA. The Christian faith reminds us not to be anxious about the future, that each day is our gift of a new beginning, and our death gives us the same promise.
John challenged MU members to share Christianity and to share what being a Christian is all about. After all, we are “the salt of the earth” (Matt 5:13). MU may be small in number but like the salt of the earth only a small amount is needed; just like a teaspoon of salt in the dough to make it rise and make tasty bread. Mark 9:50 also tells us that, “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” The distinctive mark of discipleship typified by salt is allegiance to Jesus and the gospel. Strife is resolved and peace restored when we recognize in one another a common commitment to Jesus and the gospel. Valerie Broad, conductor of the Bendigo Youth Choir, was the other speaker. Valerie also works with people with disabilities along with being President of the Rotary Club. She believes that the power of music brings joy to people’s lives and that music stimulates the brain. She spoke of how some of her former choir members have gone on to bigger and brighter things, often in the field of music. She even gave MU members a brief lesson on singing!
The service continued with Sue being officially admitted to the Anglican Communion. Congratulations Sue.
Guest: Valerie Broad 9
s n o i t s e l sugg
a n o s a e S
Holidays - Holy Days ...days set apart
H
olidays are great opportunities to forgo the need to be responsible for meeting deadlines or having to obey the clock. We might also be tempted to take a holiday from our usual pattern of daily devotions, for all kinds of practical reasons. Whilst God consciousness is ever present, the pattern of self discipline often succumbs to a different more relaxed schedule, which can sometimes leave us feeling slight pangs of guilt.
Here are some suggestions for the fast approaching holiday season... Find a special place by the ocean…a path to walk…a coffee shop to sit in to be still and be alone with Him. Have coffee or brekkie or a swim or walk with Jesus.
Read a verse a day and perhaps write it out… then chew on it from time to time through the day.
Take a break from routine and try creative ways of relating…
Review your year…good bad and ugly bits. Think about how you want to grow as a Christian in the new year. Ask God to share His thoughts, dreams and vision for you for the coming year.
Your relationship with God is just that and God will be happy to adjust to a different pace and focus. This may sound obvious but we can easily assign God to a place…and a time… and a certain method.
Make worship the focus on Christmas morning… opening just one present to take to the service then returning to open the rest.
Don’t succumb hardening of the ought-eries…or should-ery and must-ery. Recognise that this is a time to rest, redirect, restore, replenish and any other ‘R’s you might think of
At Christmas collect twenty-five ‘advent bags’, each bag with a scripture, an encouraging word and a token gift.
Attend a church, perhaps totally different in style to the one you’re a part of.
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clergycontemplations
Luke’s tower of song Charles Sherlock
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he last Sunday of the Christian year in this Year of Luke gives us the Song of Zechariah for the psalm. It ends the opening chapter of Luke’s gospel – as Leonard Cohen might describe it, a ‘tower of song’.
Two women – one old, one young – shape this first chapter: Elizabeth and Mary. Elizabeth, Luke records, ‘was descended from Aaron’. So, if she had been a man, Elizabeth would have been born a priest, as was her husband, Zechariah – today their surname would be Cohen. Zechariah is struck dumb when he finds it hard to accept Gabriel’s news that his marriage will at last be fruitful in being given a son, John. Elizabeth sings God’s blessings on Mary when she recognizes her enwombed boy leaping at Mary’s voice. And Mary – herself greeted by Gabriel with news of a child - responds in her own song, praising God who ‘raises up’ the lowly and puts down the proud.
So when Zechariah affirms Elizabeth’s statement that their boy is to be named ‘John’, and can speak, what does he do but join in singing God’s praises! If I’d been in his shoes, I’d be singing about my new status as a father, or making up an ode for my firstborn son. What stands out in the songs of Zechariah and Mary is their instinctive grounding in the scriptures of the First Testament. Zechariah begins where three psalms end, and Mary milks Hannah’s song of joy. Echoes of God’s ‘raising up’ judges, kings, prophets and now a saviour are heard again and again. The thread of God’s covenant of promise runs throughout both, from Abraham to Moses to David and on to the hopes enfleshed in these wombs. In ancient Israel one was born a priest, a cöhën - born to ‘give Torah’, to interpret God’s ways from the scriptures already known, and to pray for God’s people. That remains the calling of Christian priests today – and of all who bear that honourable naming. In Advent, the songs of Elizabeth, Zechariah and Mary call us to strain forward to glimpse the hope of God’s reign, the reconciliation of all things in and through the Lord Jesus Christ. And the songs of Leonard Cohen, now called into God’s presence after a lifetime of faithful singing up truth grounded in the scriptures of Israel, follow in their footsteps.
Richard Stamp
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‘Nativity’
he Feast of ‘The Nativity’ is for Christians the annual celebration of the birth of Jesus, usually called Christmas. But what of the word nativity?
the Welsh priest and poet R.S.Thomas, called ‘The Coming’. In it God shows the earth to Jesus, in all its pain and suffering with imagery that presages the crucifixion. The poem ends with the words, “The son watched them. Let me go there, he said.” The Wisdom of Solomon has:
“For while gentle silence enveloped all things, and night in its swift course was now half gone, your all-powerful word leapt from heaven..... into the midst of the land that was doomed...”(18:14-15)
It’s an interesting word which mainly comes down to English usage from Latin and French. The Latin, navitus meant born or native to. This derived from Old Latin, gnasci = to be born, and is related to gignere = beget. Old French gave us natif, which meant native, born in, raw and unspoiled. Derivative words include; nation, nature, natural, naive, genus, genesis, gene and genetics, alternative and alienate.
There’s an urgency about that word ‘leapt’, a desire to come and belong.
The origin of a person, where they come from, what is their native turf, is an important indicator to us of
That is an uncomfortable thing to be. I am of dual nationality. I was born in
Is Jesus, then, native to earth or heaven? The conundrum at the heart of our faith is that he is both. He is the God/human; born out of heaven, born on earth.
The origin of a person, where they come from, what is their native turf, is an important indicator to us of who they are who they are. Often one of the first questions we ask when we meet someone is, where are you from? Sometimes, where were you born?
England and am now also a citizen of Australia. The hard fact is that once you belong to two places you never feel that you truly belong to either.
The fact that Jesus was born in Bethlehem is an important locator for Christians. Folk go on pilgrimage there. They want to stand where he was born. But it raises a difficult question, one which is at the heart of all Christian faith. That question is; where is Jesus native to? He was born on Earth, does that make him a native of, and natural to, Earth?
Whenever I’m in Britain I miss Australia and vice-versa. There is some feeling of being torn apart. Did Jesus feel the same tension? Whatever he felt, his mission was to be the great reconciler, to pull heaven and earth together for us.
Many folk, when pressed, would say that he really belongs with the Father in heaven. He himself said that he came from the Father and was returning to the Father (John 16:27) It is common to see his Ascension as his return home after his mission on Earth was complete. Others might say, ‘He was born among us: he belongs here, for he deliberately chose that destiny’. There’s a poem, by
When we turn to him we feel the same tension, but also enter into the same destiny. We are of the earth but we anticipate the time when we come into our inheritance with all the other saints in glory. Paul felt this tension. In 2 Cor. 5:6-9, he muses about being at home in our earthly bodies and yet wanting to be at home with the Lord. So yes, Jesus has dual nationality. He is an earth-born native as well as a heaven based one. Through him we know that, “our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil 3:20). It’s in our spiritual genes! 11
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what’s on events calendar
From last month...
”Really, that hat with those shoes?” Stephen Dye, Parish of Woodend-Trentham
Ordination of Simon Chan 10.30am, 10 December, St Paul’s Cathedral Dedication of pipe organ at Talbot Sunday 11 December Deconsecration of St John’s Glenlyon 2.30pm, Sunday 11 December Christmas Day Sunday 25 December Registry Office closed 26 December 2016 - 2 January 2017 New Years Day Sunday 1 January 2017 Registry Office re-opens Tuesday 3 January 2017 Got an event coming up? Send the details to thespirit@bendigoanglican.org.au
Caring at a time of need
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A tradition that continues... It’s amazing what you can discover under a few wrinkles. Bentas cares for Unexpected Heroes everyday.
2016-11 BSP
85 year old Home Care client, Rids van der Zee, has travelled the world performing magic tricks and bringing joy to others. Rids is one of our Unexpected Heroes. www.benetas.com.au
12
Spirit The
december 2016
www.bendigoanglican.org.au