The
monthly Anglican Diocese of Bendigo
september 2014
issue 103
Hospitality: Greg Harris with the congregation at Mt Beauty and his snowboard - in the liturgically correct colour! Photo: Matt Harris
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Ministry knows snow borders
hat do you pack for a holiday? Are you someone who, like me, makes a list of all you need before heading off ? Toiletries? – check! Clean underwear? – check! Chargers for various electronic devices? – check!
Greg Harris
Some of you might find this hard to believe, but my prayer book, clerical shirt and robes are not high on my packing list. Well that was the case until my last holiday, where they found themselves in priority between the aforementioned items and my snowboard.
would be no service this Sunday because the minister was on holidays, and no one in the diocese was available to come.
As I drove home I had one of those weird ideas and then plucked up the courage to act on it. I wrote to the Mt Beauty parish minister asking her would the parish be open to…
I recently had some holiday leave where the main agenda was snowboarding. I tried to work out accommodation that was both close to the snow and affordable.
a) allowing a ‘snowboarding archdeacon’ from a neighbouring diocese to lay down his swag and boil a kettle in their church for a couple of days, and
A couple of weeks earlier I was driving through Mount Beauty, in Wangaratta diocese, and decided to find the Anglican Church. It is built in the classic alpine A-frame design, but the noticeboard caught my attention – a note said there
b) the aforementioned ‘snowboarding archdeacon’ conducting a service for them if the minister was unavailable?
Inside:
Ministry Development Officer appointed page 3
Within a day the minister said I would be most welcome to ‘lay down my swag’ and conduct a service. Within a few minutes
South East Bendigo helps Broken Hill page 5
of that phone call the organist was ringing me asking when I was coming! It was my joy and honour to bless this small congregation at Mount Beauty by opening God’s Word with them, leading them in prayer, and breaking bread with them around the Lord’s table. What particularly moved me was when I filled in the service register, they hadn’t had a service since April - and it was now August! The next day as I was carving down the mountain I thanked our great God for the generosity of the faithful saints at Mt Beauty, who, like the Macedonian believers commended by Paul (2 Corinthians 8), gave as much as they could in rich generosity to a ‘snowboarding archdeacon’ looking for a place to lay his swag and keep warm.
Bear’s Lagoon hold Bush Olympics page 6
The mysterious Min Min light page 10
The Bishop writes The Archbishop argued that the Christian response about this violence must be firm, confident and confronting to the Islamic leadership about this lethal violence. I have therefore been very pleased to see many Islamic leaders in Australia condemning the perpetrators of this violence and calling for peace and an end to the war.
Dear Friends,
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ast month the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, met with the bishops from across Australia and shared with us some major issues for Christians around the globe.
Archbishop Welby was making a flying visit to Australia for the installation of the new Primate of the Anglican Church in Australia, Archbishop Philip Freier, and met with us before the service in St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne. He felt that the most significant issue that is facing the nations and people of the world at the present time is what he described as the ‘civil war’ afflicting world Islam. In recent weeks we have all been appalled by the shocking and horrific images in the media portraying the uncontrollable violence racking many parts of the Middle East. Photographs of people being cut to pieces, and even a child holding a severed head, have left us with not only great disgust, but I think even fear of this harsh and rampant violence.
In the midst of all this we need to remember that there are many peace loving Islamic people who are outraged by this behaviour and the treatment being done to Islamic and Christian people. Along with many other bishops, we have called for the Australian government to be at the forefront of offering displaced people from Iraq and Syria asylum and protection in our own land. Please continue to pray daily for peace to descend on the Middle East. Other matters the Archbishop touched on were the expected growth of Christianity in the next 100 years to be centred on Asia. He felt the growth in Africa would transition to Asia and it will become the new cradle for Christianity. Already the growth of churches in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China is phenomenal. The churches in India are also experiencing a new sense of mission and vitality. For Anglican churches in the UK and Australia the Archbishop argued enthusiastically for the future of the parish system. In an increasingly global age, the place of the local community is more important than ever. He is not keen on gathered churches and
Many peace-loving Islamic people are outraged by this lethal violence and the treatment being done to Islamic and Christian people
As the Archbishop expressed to us, not even those parts of the Islamic world that want a more tolerant and open expression of their religion know what to do. Indeed, they are often the target of the violence. Many Christians living in Iraq in some of the oldest Christian communities in the world have been persecuted and chased out of their homes, fleeing for their lives.
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believes churches are strongest when they are an extension of the local community and have a multiplicity of relationships into that community. The catch phrase ‘think global, act local’, he believes, gives the parish system great opportunities. Blessings,
september 2014
and
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comments
he state election is less than 100 days away. Public transport and health are already making their claim to be major issues. But another issue will, I believe, raise its head, with both major parties inclined to similar views - Christian Religious Education (CRE) in Schools.
For over 100 years the Council for Christian Education in Schools (now known as Access Ministries) has by Act of Parliament had a right of entry into government schools to teach Christian Education classes for 30 minutes a week. Access Ministries has, I believe, made two fundamental mistakes. First, changing its name to a ‘ministry’ has taken away its educational focus, leaving it wide open to the accusation of proselytising in schools, which is banned under the Education Act. Secondly, Access’ decision to charge volunteer teachers $360 per annum has sent the wrong message to the many thousands of Christian people who offer their time every week. On the other side, the state government decision to ask parents to opt in if they want their children to participate has led to a decline in CRE numbers. I believe we are fast reaching a situation where the only option government will allow is broad based multi-religious education.
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 Editor: The Revd Dr Charles Sherlock charlesherlock@gmail.com Committee Chair: The Revd Canon Bryn Jones The Spirit is published in the first week of the month (excluding January). Advertising rates are available from the Editor. All advertisements are accepted at the Editor’s discretion; acceptance does not imply endorsement of the product or service. Contributions are welcome, and will be edited. Email contributions are preferred. Anonymous articles will not be considered for publication. Photographs should be sent in digital form to the general email address above. Full size, ‘raw’ files are necessary. Physical photos are normally not returned. The Anglican Diocese of Bendigo and the Editor are not responsible for opinions expressed by contributors, nor do these necessarily reflect the policy of the diocese. Contributions for the next issue must be submitted by Wednesday 24 September.
www.bendigoanglican.org.au
Gisborne home for All Saints’ Old Cathedral pipe organ Greg Campbell
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or nearly 150 years the pipe organ housed in All Saints’ Old Cathedral, Bendigo, inspired the worship of generations. With the site being sold, the future of this magnificent instrument has been in doubt.
Appointed: Heather Marten is the new Ministry Development Officer and Sub Dean
New Ministry Development Officer appointed
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rchdeacon Heather Marten has been appointed as Ministry Development Officer for Bendigo diocese in conjunction with the role of Sub Dean at St Paul’s Cathedral. She will commence her new ministry on 1 October 2014.
Sarah Crutch
The joint appointment will see Heather supporting and assisting Dean John Roundhill with the operations of the cathedral, as well as working with Bishop Andrew on training and developing ministry skills across the diocese.
years Heather was involved in Christian Education in the Diocese of Melbourne. She also served in several Melbourne parishes and was Archdeacon of Maroondah. She trained at Ridley College, where Charles Sherlock was one of her lecturers. “I am very much looking forward to ministry in Bendigo Diocese,”
Heather Marten brings educational, administrative and pastoral leadership to Bendigo diocese
- Bishop Andrew
Heather will take over responsibility for the Ministry Formation Program from Bishop Ron Stone, who initiated this some years ago to prepare people for Ordained Local Ministry and Pioneer Ministry. She will also take on Training in Ministry from Charles Sherlock: this assists clergy in their first three years of ordained ministry. Heather is coming to Bendigo from the Diocese of Gippsland, where she is currently Archdeacon of South Gippsland and Rector of Morwell in the Latrobe Valley for 10 years. For many
Heather told The Spirit, “especially being based at the cathedral and in ministry formation, for which I have a great love and commitment.” “Heather is one of the senior women clergy in the Anglican Church of Australia,” said Bishop Andrew. “She brings a wide range of educational, administrative and pastoral leadership to this new position.” “I am delighted to announce the new appointment and I look forward to having Heather join us in October”.
The good news is that the organ has been purchased by the Anglican Parish of Gisborne, and following restoration will be placed into the Church of the Resurrection, Macedon. It was removed from its Bendigo site in late July and will be fully restored by the Australian Pipe Organ Co. All past memorials associated with this instrument will be honoured in the rebuild at the Resurrection. Built by the well-respected English company of Gray & Davison in 1867, the original organ was a small two manual instrument of eight stops. In 1877 it was rebuilt and enlarged by George Fincham, and again by Hill Norman & Beard in 1936 and 1963. It now comprises two manuals, pedal division and 13 speaking ranks. This organ is well suited to the size and ambience of the Church of the Resurrection. Sunday eucharists are sung using various musical settings, with a four-part choir directed by Dr Dianne Gome. All Saints’ organ will also be an instrument for teaching and recital, and thus find full expression at Macedon. Many Bendigo citizens have an affinity with this magnificent historical instrument, and will want to assist in its restoration. Gifts can be made to the ‘Resurrection Organ Fund’, being managed by The Melbourne Anglican Cultural Organisation: all donations are tax deductible. Some $102,000 is required to complete the restoration, and the rebuild is expected to be completed in six months. Forms are available from the Gisborne parish (5428 4038) and Friends of Music at Resurrection (5426 2096).
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A helping hand from Bendigo to Broken Hill
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n late 2012, members of South East Bendigo’s Missions Support Team decided that ‘praying and paying’ was not good enough any more. We prayed about a hands-on approach to mission and in July this year, it happened! Steve Weickhardt & Neville Naden Strathfieldsaye, VIC & Broken Hill, NSW
St Luke’s is there to work with people and give them a renewed sense of dignity Andrew Curnow AM and worth.– StBishop Luke’s Board President Donate to St Luke’s Anglicare Donate by phone 03 5440 8140 or email donate@stlukes.org.au Direct deposit via Bendigo Bank: BSB 633 000 ACC 130329535 Albury • Bendigo • Castlemaine Deniliquin • Echuca • Kyneton Maryborough • Swan Hill
A team of sixteen, including three from the BCA-supported ministry at Strathfieldsaye, travelled from Bendigo to BCA House in Broken Hill. We were armed with tools, paint, cleaning products, a sewing machine and great intentions! Over the course of a week we managed to pull the kitchen apart, sand down, clean, replace, paint, tile and re-install it all again! By God’s grace tradies were available, materials provided and even a window made at a discount. The rampaging group of ladies ruthlessly cleaned, fixed or removed unwanted items from throughout the complex. “The team had total confidence in God’s provision for the work that needed to be done,” said local BCA minister, Neville Naden. “They worked night and day. They came to serve, and serve they did.”
The Spirit online!
Our entire group enjoyed the opportunity to get our hands dirty. But the highlight was attending Neville and Kathie’s ‘Living Desert’ Indigenous church on Sunday night (with the crew from St Matthew’s Manly taking the reins!). We enjoyed the conversations with the locals and witnessing first-hand the ongoing and faithful work done through the support of BCA in Broken Hill. The encouragement went both ways. As Neville reflected, “They were a testimony of God’s grace and love for our people. We were so encouraged by their attitude to serve and the love that they expressed to Kathie, me and our family. As Kathie said after everyone left, ‘I’ve never felt so loved.’ “So thank you to Steve and your church family, who have become a part of our church family, you were a blessing as you served here in Broken Hill.” We praise God for giving us such an opportunity, and look forward to more opportunities to serve the kingdom of God in coming years.
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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Helping hand: The South East Bendigo parish team in the renovated kitchen
september 2014
www.bendigoanglican.org.au
Strathfieldsaye moving forward as a joint Anglican/Uniting congregation
St John’s Anglican Church Newbridge Celebrating 150 years The congregation of St John’s Newbridge is delighted to invite you to attend the 150th Anniversary celebrations of the first service on
Sunday 12th October 2014 at 2.00pm Celebration Worship Service led by Bishop Andrew Curnow to be followed by afternoon tea in the Newbridge Hall Please RSVP for catering purposes by Friday 3 October 2014 Phone Lorna Stewart on 54 387 313 or email:bishoppa@bendigoanglican.org.au
Partnership: Charles Sherlock, Rob Gallagher (UCA and Commission cochair), Morag Logan, Steve Weickhardt, Joan McCrae-Benson.
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hat’s it like to belong to a congregation that brings together Anglican and Uniting Church people?
Steve Weickhardt In Strathfieldsaye this has been happening over the past four years, with the Revd Steve Weickhardt as minister. Steve is supported by BCA, and the congregation relates both to Holy Trinity Flora Hill and the UCA Bendigo North cluster. In Victoria there are quite a few such congregations, and the Anglican and Uniting Joint Standing Commission aims to support them and learn from them. Steve Weickhardt and Charles Sherlock are two Anglican members, who were joined by three UCA members at Strathfieldsaye on Sunday 17 August. The purpose of the visit was to explore how the current partnership began, and what the experience has been like for the people involved. At Strathfieldsaye, the Sunday 9am service alternates between Anglican and Uniting services. We began with the 9am ‘Elders Service’, similar to an Anglican lay-led Morning Prayer. This service was led by John Watson, who drew on a number of liturgical resources including ‘Seasons of the Spirit’ and Uniting in Worship 2, basing the service on the lectionary readings. After church we broke for a lovely morning tea provided by the combined congregation before meeting in the refurbished hall for a time of introductions and discussion. Commission members introduced
themselves, and by show of hands the 25 who stayed for this discussion were found to be evenly distributed between Anglican and Uniting Church members (distinguishable by their different name-tags). The discussion ranged across many areas, from the initial idea at South East Bendigo parish about a potential partnership of St Stephen’s Emu Creek with Strathfieldsaye Uniting, to the formation of the first Memorandum of Understanding in 2010. There was open talk about times of encouragement and struggle, solutions to differing practices of Holy Communion, allocation of finances and the place of the church in the local community. Enthusiasm rather than problems was the overwhelming feeling. From 2015, with a new Memorandum in place, Strathfieldsaye Uniting and St Stephen’s Emu Creek, along with the Saturday 5pm Family Church, seek to become the ‘Strathfieldsaye Community Church’. While still in the preparatory stages, there is a strong ‘on the ground’ support for this new initiative – and new name-tags! And how did the Commission find the visit? “This visit fanned a spark for both the local church and for the Commission, and we left with a very good feeling all round.”
Daybreak Centre of Spirituality We are seeking someone to fill the role of Resident Associate in our small ecumenical retreat house in Bendigo. Our Centre has arisen from a Christian basis and is open to all who are seeking to nurture their inner life. The position of Resident Associate requires a welcoming and prayerful presence in the house as well as some general administrative duties. We are a not for profit organization able to offer rent free accommodation. Applicants with qualifications in Spiritual Direction from a recognized training centre preferred but enquires from applicants who are not currently qualified would also be welcome.
Visit our website: www.daybreak.net.au or Facebook page Daybreak – a centre of spirituality. Email: daybreak@bendigo. net.au or phone 03 5441 1814 for further information and a position description. Applications (including referees) to P.O. Box 204 Strathdale 3550. Close 30 September 2014.
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.
Thanks be to God! 5
Around the Diocese
Abbott Foundation supports Healthcare Chaplaincy The Frances and Harold Abbott Foundation has provided a grant to New Horizons Welfare Services to assist in supporting the provision of Healthcare Chaplaincy in Bendigo’s hospitals and aged care facilities. Healthcare chaplains provide a range of much needed spiritual, emotional and pastoral care to patients and their families while in care and this additional funding will ensure the continuation of this important service. Bishop Andrew and Anne Baker, Registrar, accepted the grant at a morning tea hosted by Sandhurst Trustees in late July, thanking the Abbott Foundation for their continued support of the work of the Diocese. - Sarah Crutch
Grant: Ian Mansbridge, Jenny Dawson (Chairman), Bishop Andrew, Anne Baker, Marnie Baker and John Billington
Bush Olympics at Bears Lagoon
There was not a spare seat in St John’s church – the little ‘Church-on-thehighway’- for the Bush Olympics at Bears Lagoon in August when ninety people filled the building. Parishioners, parents and grandparents from the district, and members of the KFC (Kids’ Friday Club) from East Loddon School, came to worship before the games began. The service, led by leaders and members of the KFC and planned by Robyn Falls, included action songs, a video Bible story acted by the KFC and produced by Alex Mountjoy, displays of craft, and a review of what the members had been learning. The Revd Pam Lawry spoke about God’s messengers, picking up a theme from KFC meetings, and Bishop Ron involved everyone in a Bible Olympics high jump attempt.
Racing: The boys competing in the sack race
After the service the games began with the Bush Olympics’ enthusiastically run by Bill and Gwen Twigg. There was every imaginable event - from running races, through book balancing races, to sack races - with gold, silver and bronze medals being awarded. The activities and the crowd attracted the attention of many travellers passing by on the Loddon Valley Highway and witnessing the church having fun and games! - Bishop Ron Stone
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Founded by the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne in 1948 2014-09BSP
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Around the Parishes
Family baptisms in Bealiba and Emu
Special family occasions took place at Bealiba and Emu, in St Arnaud parish, when baptisms with strong links to their congregations took place. The baptism of Cooper Whitehead gathered the Whitehead family and friends at St David’s Bealiba. Cooper and his parents, Melissa and Scott, are part of a mining community in Western Australia. As they will be returning to Victoria, the Coopers chose St David’s for his baptism where his grandmother Margaret is a parishioner. Cooper enjoyed the attention caused by his reception into the family of God. The family baptism of sisters Teagan, Chelsea, Abbey and Maddison Cole filled All Saints’ Emu. Among the family and friends were four generations of the Cole family, all of them being part of All Saints’ congregation. Three of these youngsters knew what their baptism was about and proudly stood on the step to reach the font! - Glenis Wharton
Baptised: Heather Blackman with Cooper Whitehead in St David’s, Bealiba
A wedding with a twist
Q. What do the following animals, objects and people have in common? - eight people in St Luke’s, White Hills, Victoria, Australia - two families in the UK, ‘bleary-eyed, but with smiles on their faces - three well-groomed dogs, with bow-ties - two mobile phones, in White Hills - two computers, in the United Kingdom A. The Wedding of Mike Naylor and Clare Saunders on 1 August, 2014. The bride wore an ivory satin finish 1950s style dress with full petticoats. Guests included the groom’s sister, Becca Naylor, and Jo Spehr, Clare’s bridesmaid (and ring-bearer). And the music ... AT LAST, the original version by Etta James: “At last, my love has come along, my lonely days are over, and life is like a song.” Officiating was the Revd Gordon Lingard, whose prayers for the couple were very moving. Did I mention that the families in the UK were present on Skype, via mobile phones? Well they were!
Wed: Mike Naylor and Clare Saunders tie the knot Photo: Jayde Justin, used with permission.
It was a privilege to be present, before God, with these lovely people, and their three dogs: Chip, Emmy and Alby, all with bow-tie collars and extremely well behaved. An event to remember. - Liz Hamilton, reporting from the happiest wedding I’ve ever been to.
Pyramid Hill-Boort hold Parish Dinner
Pyramid Hill-Boort parish held an enjoyable evening at the Yarrawalla Hall on 18 July. Michael Taylor from Assistance Dogs was the guest speaker. Michael brought his dog Pete with him and told of how he came to be introduced to the ‘assistance dog’ concept. At first a little sceptical of the advantages of owning a dog, Michael was soon won over as Pete bonded with him. Now Pete is his almost constant companion. Michael’s life has many facets: he explained the nature of his spinal injury, how he manages his hand cycle and his racing accomplishments. Pete was a personal help by diverting and enriching conversation, shifting the focus from himself to the dog. As Michael is a house husband, Pete is a big help in picking up dropped washing, opening doors and more. You might see Michael riding his horizontal cycle around Bendigo so give him a wave, keep your distance, but don’t expect a return wave as his hands will be firmly fixed on the cycle. - Pam Lawry
Guest: Pam Lawry with Michael Taylor 7
Cycling by Faith
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developing muscle memory
xamine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless, indeed, you fail to meet the test! (2 Corinthians 13:5) Eddie Barkla
Celebration of 65 years of YMD/ Caritas in Bendigo Diocese Thursday 5 September Holy Trinity Rochester 10.30am cuppa, 11.00am service Bring and share lunch Speaker: Judy Binion An invitation is extended to all former YMD and MU/Caritas members and friends.
Professor Freda Briggs AO in Bendigo
‘Challenges in child protection’ is the topic Emeritus Professor Freda Briggs AO will address in Bendigo on 3 November.
Training, training training - a constant aspect of the sport of cycling. Training is a necessity if you desire to stay in touch with the front of the bunch and be a participator, a competitor and not an observer. As cyclists we establish routines and maintain a healthy diet and sleep patterns. These are essential for the body to recover after the training regimes. What are we doing in the repetition of testing our bodies and minds in all weather conditions? We are creating ‘muscle memory’, where our body and mind can recall the assimilated pressures and conditions we came through in training. We train so there is peace of mind and heart that this is not a new experience; it is what we trained to face and endure when the reality of the moment of intense competition
Her visit is sponsored by MU Bendigo. All are welcome to take this opportunity to hear this passionate campaigner, educator and advocate, right here in Bendigo. Please share this information with your communities.
Exercising faith in small things prepares us for its everyday small tests. We must not be complacent in these times, as if we feel there is no resistance, relying on our own strength and not God’s strength and provision. Faith, like muscle memory, is not something we can do occasionally. It must be done daily in our rest and times of recreation – being where the Lord would have us be, for God’s will to be done in us. In maintaining our focus on the unity of faith, the example of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and their active role in our faith walk, is crucial. We are to recognise their leadings, their strength and their kingdom outcomes. Faith entails obedience to
What are we doing in training, testing our bodies and minds in all weather conditions? We are creating ‘muscle memory’
comes upon us. A balance of rest, recreation and active engagement is critical to our endurance being shaped and formed. We cannot sustain a high level of riding without refuelling through rest and recreation time. Otherwise we could well face chronic fatigue. She will be speaking in the lecture theatre of the Naunton Family Building, Girton Grammar School, Vine Street Bendigo, at 5.00pm and 7.30pm.
Christ Jesus. Faith recalls what God has done in Christ Jesus to save and redeem us wretched sinners from the wages of our sins, eternal death.
Faith has parallels to cycling’s retention of muscle memory. Faith needs to be exercised regularly, to be what we live, walk and breathe. Faith is the recall of the sovereign grace of our beloved Father, God’s fresh mercy and abiding love for us in
the Word of God, availability to the leading of the Spirit, and implicit trust that the Spirit’s work in us will bring glory to God’s holy Name. Faith is not for the faint hearted. It will be exercised and tested in competition with the flesh and with sub-Christian world views. Conversely, knowing when and how to rest in the Lord is essential to our faith ‘muscle memory’, knowing we are safe in God’s keeping in the midst of the testing that will come and go. Looking forward to seeing you on the faith journey road soon, God willing.
NB: the date for the MU/Caritas AGM in November has been changed because of Freda’s visit. It will now be held on Friday 14 November at St Mark’s Golden Square. 8
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Swan Hill ‘Cafe Church’ serves up forgiveness Joan Mellahn and Jan Harper
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hrist Church Swan Hill’s first ‘Cafe Church’ was held at 5.00pm on Sunday 17 August.
Ringing: Dale Barclay tolls the bell in St Mark’s Red Cliffs. Photo: ABC Mildura Swan Hill
A lonely bell tolls to mark the start of the Great War
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cleaner, a priest and his wife marked the 100th anniversary of Britain and Germany going to war by ringing the bells of a small Anglican church in rural Victoria. Charlotte King ABC Regional Radio, Mildura A myriad of parades and services have been held around the world to mark the moment Britain entered into World War I. But in the rural Victorian town of Red Cliffs, the moment has been marked more modestly, with a handful of churchgoers paying a simple tribute. “We’re attempting to ring the bell for 15 minutes as a mark of respect for the anniversary, the beginning of World War I”, says the Revd Dale Barclay, priest of the Sunraysia South Anglican Parish. Clutching a heavy thick rope that is pulled from an opening in the vast church ceiling, Dale and his wife Rachel take it in turns to ring the church bells throughout the township. The only other onlooker is the church cleaner, Paddy Pullman, who watches with mop in hand. “We wanted something to commemorate, just something simple, to cause people to stop and think,” Dale says. A deep history
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orld War I holds a particular significance for Red Cliffs, which started to develop in earnest as a township when the Commonwealth set up a soldier settlement scheme there in the wake of the war. Thirty three thousand acres were set aside for agricultural development
and, after veterans cleared the thick Mallee scrub, the area became the largest irrigated soldier’s settlement in the country. It’s this connection which makes marking the start of the war so important for the parish priest. “We’re part of the community and we should acknowledge the importance of the event,” says the Revd Barclay. “So although there are no World War I survivors left, that is still a deep part of our history.” Swan Hill observance Joan Mellahn
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t the close of the Prime Minister’s address at the service for the National Day of Mourning for the victims of flight MH17, the Revd Jan Harper tolled the bell at Christ Church Swan Hill 41 times, remembering the 38 Australian passengers who died, and three more for the other passengers, the aircrew, and all those affected by this terrible tragedy. Candles had been lit in the Lady Chapel, across the altar and windowsills, and parishioners were invited to spend a time of meditation, reflection, and prayers for peace in the world as quiet music played. One who attended recalled a similar gathering during the funeral of Princess Diana, when ‘Pavane for a Dead Princess’ was played as prayers for her family, and especially for her young boys, were offered.
We turned the foyer of our hall into a cafe for the evening, with real coffee. The Cafe Team catered for 30 - and 50 people turned up! Luckily we had catered generously. Joseph and his brothers (and sisters in this play!) brought us the message of Joseph’s forgivingness. Jon Roberts was Joseph, while Don Baker and the younger people at the cafe were Joseph’s brothers. All ages joined in our activities on the theme of forgiveness, making our hands into hearts and writing things we learned about forgiveness around the heart. We looked in newspapers and magazines to remind us of things to pray for and shared our prayers. Pizza slices and chips were then served by the catering crew, while many quotes on forgiveness were shown on power point. Real coffee and sweet treats concluded the meal, then Jan Harper led an action song to hilarious effect with great enthusiasm. It was a wonderful friendly night with everyone joining in - mistakes were part of the fun! Our next Cafe Church is planned for Sunday 15 November, with a few other different style services in the 5.00pm Sunday time slot before then.
Healing – a local production!
This Australian film was reviewed in the August issue of The Spirit. Mark Horner has written in to note that the reviewer “forgot to mention that a pivotal scene in the film was shot at St Mary’s Anglican Church in Woodend, as well as others at locations nearby. “We were very proud to see our church featured in the free screening of the film the production company held in Kyneton earlier in the year.” Thanks for letting us know, Mark!
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Feeding Faith Sibling rivalry - on a larger scale
Angela Morrissey
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he images from the wars in Gaza, Syria and Iraq have certainly been confronting. But there have been wars and rumours of wars since the beginning of time (Matthew 24:6). It would seem people cannot live in peace. Jews and Muslims are like halfbrothers who simply cannot get along. Call it sibling rivalry on a larger scale if you like. It goes back to their ancestors Isaac and Ishmael (Genesis 21). And then there is the rivalry between Tamil and Singhalese, Shia and Sunni ... There are long histories; there is a desperate need to find a way to heal.
Jesus told us to love our enemies and pray for them (Matthew 5:44). You could say that he was the first ‘hippie’ who preached love and peace. “Do good to those who hate you,” Jesus taught. “Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28). If only it was as simple as that in the Middle East. But that is why the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) came – to teach us these things, because many don’t love their neighbour. Which easily leads to war. It is tragic to think that we have to be ‘told’ and ‘taught’ to love one another, to ‘be merciful’ just as God is merciful (Luke 6:36). Many don’t do this, which is why we have so many troubles in this world - a world becoming more filled with self-centredness. Instead, humankind continues to repay evil for evil instead of applying the lessons of love. Many wish to make war instead of showing love in war-torn places like the Holy Land, Syria and Iraq. And here in Australia, violence seems to be increasing in our homes, where children especially should feel safe and secure.
Beating around the bush
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The Min Min light
ave you heard of, or experienced, the Min Min Light – a great mystery of the Australian Outback?
Bishop Ron Stone The second most distant Anglican congregation in Rockhampton diocese is Boulia, in Winton parish – the same area as Victoria. Boulia’s population is 230, including a small and faithful Anglican congregation. The land is flat, the soil is almost blood red and there are small flat topped hills called ‘mesas’ every now and then. This is ‘roo, emu and camel country. We travelled the road from Winton to Boulia many times, always with a sense of excitement generated by a sign that reads FOR THE NEXT 120 KM YOU ARE IN THE LAND OF THE MIN MIN LIGHT. This is a light, or series of lights, that sometimes follows or moves alongside travellers, whether in a car, on horseback or walking. The lights are oval, like a football, and seem to travel at about the height of a metre above the road, accompanying the traveller up to many kilometres. The Min Min Light seems to travel at both varying and great speeds. Many people driving at night have been scared by the Light’s sudden appearance. Many have tried to identify it. Some have tried to solve the mystery by trying to chase the light or to shoot it down. None have had success, though attempts to do so have been going on since 1918.
There are many theories, and even hypotheses based on scientific studies, regarding the mystery of the Min Min Light. An old saying holds that “the person who chases the Min Min Light and catches it will never be seen again.” As one who enjoys a good mystery, I have looked for the Min Min Light on every trip to Boulia. I have spoken with parishioners who have seen and experienced it. But I am still looking and hoping to see the Min Min Light for myself – a light seen in the darkness of night. Faith in God is like that. In many churches candles are lit to remind us that “God is light” (1 John 1:5), and that Jesus Christ is “the light of the world” (John 9:5). That is not
On such dark days, as people of faith we live by the light of a candle necessarily how we experience God, however: there are times when we experience God as a tiny light, little more than a candle’s glow. Where I led Sunday worship following the Malaysian Airlines tragedy in Ukraine, we lit a candle, praying that God’s light would shine in that darkness. On such dark days, as people of faith we live by the light of a candle. In some circumstances faith in God provides but a tiny light – but how dark it would be without it! The Min Min Light comes and goes mysteriously, but the light of faith in God stays with us, giving enough light to our path for us to take a step forward in faith.
But that is why the Prince of Peace came - to teach us these things, and empower us to do them.
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september 2014
www.bendigoanglican.org.au
in
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mix S I like it just the way it is John Roundhill
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hy do most old buildings look so much better than many new ones? Well one reason is that the truly ugly ones were pulled down or rebuilt long ago. We live in a world where good and not-so-good new buildings get built, but generally only the really good ones will survive for our grandchildren. We need to sift actively through the new and have a healthy respect for the past.
This is true too in the world of faith. I guess it is tempting to see this world as the great bastion of the old and traditional. Yet faith communities have fads and innovations like any other. Be it the frequency of the eucharist in public worship, or a particular style of hymnody, much of church life changes over time. When anyone says that they like the ‘original words’ it is really tempting to ask, “Which ‘original’ words?” The Lord’s Prayer, for all its beauty as found in BCP, is hardly original! Many things we think are timeless are really another time’s fad or innovation. The love of the old, at the sake of rejecting the new, is really nostalgia. Much of church life can feel like a nostalgia trip. This is all the more strange when we proclaim a gospel, ‘good news’. Presumably good news is meant to have both a sense of goodness and a sense of newness! It was GK Chesterton who said “tradition is the democracy of the dead”. Our treasuring of what we have inherited is part of the obligation of faith. Yet we are also here to nurture the new: we have to experience it, seek to understand it, puzzle over it even. Only then we will be able to do the sifting that is truly required. If you ever catch yourself saying, “I like it just the way it is” - something I find myself increasingly wanting to say – stop, and ask yourself what you really think is going on.
media matters Sowing seed
ome of the most amazing TV is on what my sister-in-law calls ‘funny TV’ - those second and third strings to the big channels, or shopping channels I can’t work out how to delete. Peta Sherlock One night I could not sleep: Trevor Chappell was not on ABC radio, so I made a warm drink and channel-surfed. I found this well-groomed USTV evangelist - hardly worth the name ‘evangelist’ - asking for my dollar ($1000 actually). But his spin did not mention God or Jesus even once. The story he told was that he’d been blessed by sowing the seed of money into his organisation. He was blessed because this returned 1000-fold. He now had three Mercedes Benzes and a Ferrari or two. If you gave - sorry ‘sowed’ - your money into the organisation, you too could expect blessings like his five flash cars. It was good old ‘prosperity theology’ - hardly ‘theology’. Behind this preacher - hardly worth the name of preacher - you could see the call centre taking your call NOW so you could be blessed. I could not stand any more, except to notice that God still did not rate a mention, and that the organisation was ‘Camp Ministries’, which gave me a giggle at 3am. Camp indeed.
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ne Sunday recently I was at a conference in Melbourne, and we were invited to join with the local church for worship. I settled happily into the pastor’s friendly style (he did and said everything). We sang a few hymns, oldish and newish. We were told the notices. We were prayed for. We received communion in a devotional way.
alone an Old AND a New Testament reading. The only word I could speak was ‘flabbergasted’. At lunch I found myself standing next to the pastor and simply had to ask, "Do you usually have a Bible reading?" I thought he may have been nervous with visitors and had forgotten. But his answer was, “Sometimes”. When I showed my surprise, he apologised that he “had not studied liturgy”. But I can't help thinking that this friendly Baptist church could easily end up like Camp Ministries. They could become a group never challenged by the diverse and strange stories of Holy Scripture to change in any way. They could become as self-absorbed as those who sow their thousand with a man on funny TV so they too could drive a Ferrari. I found Camp Ministries website. It’s all about giving away your money. It has a warning that as soon as you press the button, the money has gone and cannot under any circumstances be refunded. The testimonials page said Paul from Michigan and Susan from Nevada had wonderful stories to tell, mostly about money, but also miraculous escapes. A woman got pregnant. A man found he would get $50 a month for life. All because they had pressed the button to sow their seed. (In the parable of the sower, the seed was the word of God, not my cash.) Now, dear reader, please do not go to this website. Under no circumstances be like the parishioner some years ago when our preacher showed a book on Prosperity Theology and preached on its dangers. This friend went up and asked to borrow the book!
This friendly church could become a group never challenged by Holy Scripture to change The service had by then run 45 minutes. I could not help whispering to my neighbour, "Are we going to have a Bible reading?" "Maybe just before the address." But no. Not a verse, not a jot, not a tittle, let
But do count your blessings, every day. And pray for those less fortunate and less middle class than you. And listen - O listen! - to the word of God which can turn your world upside down.
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Where in the world...
is this church ?
If you can name the church and the city it is located in, you could be our monthly winner! Send your entries in to the thespirit@bendigoanglican.org. au or post to The Spirit at PO Box 2, Bendigo, VIC , 3552. Last month Sarah was at St Paul’s Cathedral, London. The winner was Sarah Fevaleaki from Mildura.
what’s on events calendar
Cursillo Women’s Weekend 25 - 28 September Cursillo Men’s Weekend 2 - 5 October Clergy Retreat - Rutherford Park 6 - 9 October St John’s Newbridge 150th Service Sunday 12 October, 2.00 pm Emergency Services Annual Service Sunday 12 October, Kangaroo Flat Final Service at St Stephen’s Emu Creek Sunday 19 October, 2.00pm Synod - Extra Session Kangaroo Flat, Saturday 25 October
Family: Anthony and Stephanie Curnow, Stephan Mitchell (Xavier’s godparents), Victoria and Michael Curnow (parents), and Bishop Andrew with Xavier.
Bishop Andrew baptises his grandson
S
unday 10 August was a happy day for Bishop Andrew, Jan and their family, with the bishop baptising his grandson Xavier at Holy Trinity, Maldon.
It was a parish service, and after the baptism and worship, a grand morning tea followed in the parish hall. Xavier, may you grow up to “live as a disciple of Christ, fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith”.
BIBLE IN THE BUSH
Oct 31st - Nov 2nd 2014
Got an event coming up? Send the details to thespirit@bendigoanglican.org.au
Bishop re-inflated Bishop Andrew had a flat tyre at Barkly on Sunday afternoon, 17 August. He was rescued by Gary and Jody Driscoll. Repaired and inflated - the tyre, that is ...
Great Bible teaching over a weekend in rural Victoria. www.bibleinthebush.org.au Phone: 03 5024 2521 admin@bibleinthebush.org.au
FamousLast Words
Caring at a time of need
151 McCrae Street Bendigo 12 Victoria Street Eaglehawk
with Bishop 12
Trevor Edwards
Spirit The
St Mark’s Anglican Church
P. 5441 5577
www.williamfarmer.com.au
A tradition that continues... september 2014
www.bendigoanglican.org.au