2017-annual-report

The Anglican Parish of Christ Church St Laurence

ANNUAL REPORT Presented at the Annual General Meeting 5 March, 2017

ANNUAL REPORT

Presented at the Annual General Meeting 5 March, 2017

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Rector’s Report

8

Wardens’ Report

11

Budget 2017

14

Audited Financial Statements

28

Parish Council Report

29

Bellringing Report

30

Belltower Books Report

31

Brass Cleaning Report

32

Cana Shelter Report

33

Children’s Ministry Report

35

The Community of St Gabriel Report

36

The Deacon’s Treasure Report

37

Flower Arranging Report

38

Music Report

40

Serving & Sacristy Report

42

Sidepersons’ Report

43

Spiritual Development & Meditation Report

46

St Laurence Press Report

47

Vergers’ Report

CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

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Rector’s Report 2016 will be remembered as a year of tremendous change throughout the world. In the history of Christ Church St Laurence, 2016 will also be remembered as a year of considerable change. However, unlike the instability we have seen in world politics, changes in this parish will hopefully be remembered as having brought stability and improvement. As other reports document, a great deal of work has been undertaken to facilitate the growth of ministry and outreach. Improved facilities in the Parish Hall and the Parish Office have greatly improved access, safety and security. The refurbishment of the Parish Office has also reflected more up to date business practice and efficiency, as well as ensuring that we now have an environment in accordance with professional standards guidelines. 2016 also saw further restoration work carried out on the historic stained glass windows in the church. This was made possible through the generosity of several parishioners, and with the assistance of the National Trust.

In 2016 a new Vergers’ Pantry was built in the south-west corner of the church. This tremendous facility has transformed the way in which we minister to the homeless and marginalised of our local community. All of the significant improvements to the fabric of our parish were made possible by generous bequests. One of these bequests was made anonymously, while the work in the Parish Hall and Parish Office was undertaken in loving memory of four generous benefactors—Ronald Nichols, Colleen Olander, Suzanne Neary and Judith Clark.

I thank the Wardens, Parish Administrators and others who have struggled on in conditions that have often been less than ideal. Many hours have been spent in the improvement of our facilities. While we all benefit from this work, it has involved considerable inconvenience. Fortunately, we have also been blessed with skilful, obliging and committed architects and contractors.

The Diocese Christ Church St Laurence continues to enjoy a positive relationship with the Diocese and with our neighbouring parishes. We thank Lyn Bannerman and Peter Hanson for their insightful and enthusiastic representation of the parish at the Diocesan Synod. In 2016 we welcomed Bishop Michael Stead as the Regional Bishop of South Sydney. Bishop Michael visited Christ Church St Laurence on several occasions, including the Chrism Eucharist during Holy Week. As the Wardens’ Report outlines, Bishop Stead has already provided valuable guidance and support to Christ Church St Laurence, continuing the work of his predecessor.

The Parish Office In 2016 we farewelled Simon Polson as Parish Administrator. As well as being a much-loved and enthusiastic parishioner, Simon made an invaluable contribution to the Parish Office during his three and a half years as Administrator. Simon’s creativity and efficiency helped greatly in the refinement of the office and its running procedures. While we miss Simon, we wish him well in his academic pursuits in the United States of America.

As we prepared for Simon’s departure as Administrator, the Wardens and I were greatly encouraged both by the quantity and quality of applicants for the position of Parish Administrator. Rebecca Mychael, who comes to us with great experience in administration and qualifications in arts management, began working in the Parish Office in the second half of 2016. Rebecca has already made an outstanding contribution in the administration of the parish, and is a greatly valued member of the staff team. The Parish Office also benefits enormously from a small committed team of volunteers.

Late in 2016 the Wardens and Parish Council resolved to recruit two new part-time members of staff. For many years, the parish has talked about the need to develop youth ministry. To this end, we are greatly honoured to welcome Melinda Seed as our first Youth Ministry Leader. Melinda, who brings extensive experience in youth ministry, is also studying at Moore Theological College in a part-time capacity.

Clergy and Staff The ministry of the parish continues to be supported by a number of faithful clergy, including several in an honorary capacity. Fr John Sanderson has continued to develop a pastoral care team, which involves a number of lay people who regularly visit housebound and less-mobile parishioners. I am very grateful to Fr John for his ongoing commitment to the parish, as well as his personal support.

As we focus on youth ministry and outreach, we are also delighted to welcome Francesca Jones as our Outreach and Communications Assistant. Francesca, who has a background in education and marketing, will work to develop our profile in the wider community, and will focus on using our facilities to best effect, as well as with a view to increase revenue through external conferences and the short-term leasing of parish property.

Non-stipendiary clergy also strengthen the daily ministry of the parish. Fr Ron Silarsah continues to be a greatly valued part of the parish team. Honorary clergy who also make an important contribution to the life of the parish include Fr Michael Giffin, Fr Eric Hampson and Fr Ron Henderson OGS. Fr Ian Crooks and Mthr Catherine Eaton do a great deal to support the ministry in the Southern Highlands, which has developed considerably during the past year. Sadly, we farewelled Fr Martin Davies from our team of honorary clergy. Fr Martin became the Parish Priest of Stroud in the Diocese of Newcastle, where he has already revitalised the ministry of this historic parish.

Guest preachers In Holy Week we were honoured to welcome Fr James Walters as our annual Holy Week guest preacher. Fr James is Chaplain and Senior Lecturer in Practice at the London School of Economics. Fr James’ contribution to the Holy Week liturgies was greatly appreciated. Among other visiting preachers, we welcomed Fr John Deane, Executive Director of the Anglican Board of Mission Australia. Fr John preached on the Sunday within the Octave of St Laurence. The proceeds from the annual Parish Lunch on that day went to directly supporting the work of ABMA.

At the end of 2016 we also farewelled Antony Weiss, who continues to study fulltime at Moore Theological College. Antony’s contribution as student minister was greatly appreciated. While we very much miss his presence in the parish, we continue to pray for Antony in his new placement at St Mark’s, Darling Point, and as he continues to discern a calling to ordained ministry. Ryan Austin-Eames continues as a student minister here. He has now been authorised by the Archbishop to preach and to lead some parts of the liturgy. I am delighted to advise that there are a number of other gifted young people in the parish who are discerning a vocation at this time. In the coming months, these parishioners will hopefully make a more formal contribution to the liturgical life of the parish as they test their vocation. We must all give thanks that God continues to call faithful men and women to serve in the ordained ministry.

Wardens, Treasurer and Parish Council As already discussed, 2016 included extensive refurbishment of parish property. A number of projects undertaken have been planned for many years. For example, I have it on good authority that a Vergers’ Pantry in the back of the church has been ‘on the agenda’ for approximately 30 years! While I express my personal thanks to the Wardens, Treasurer and Parish Council for contributing unprecedented hours of voluntary work, wisdom and skill, I also acknowledge previous office bearers and donors who have ensured that the parish finances would enable the work that has been undertaken. I thank the Wardens and Parish Councillors who have served the parish so well in the past year. It has been a busy, but very fruitful time in the life of the parish.

During 2016 the Wardens and Parish Council approved a new professional development scheme for the stipendiary clergy. I benefited from this in 2016 as I attended the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of the Anglican Centre in Rome. I also took this opportunity to visit several churches in the United Kingdom, particularly to explore youth ministry programmes. My experiences in Europe were well-documented in the 2016 Christmastide Edition of The Deacon’s Treasure. As well as gaining valuable insights, this European visit enabled me to further develop our relationships throughout the wider Anglican Communion.

Children’s ministry We owe an immeasurable debt to the co-ordinators and teachers of our Sunday School. Over the past few years, they have worked to nurture our young people in the faith. The appointment of a Youth Ministry Leader affirms their work, and will continue to build on it. Our Sunday School teachers will continue to contribute to this vital ministry, and will be a part of its ongoing development as we strive to increase the support and inspiration we offer to our children and young people.

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CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

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Meditation, Quiet Days and Spiritual Direction In the clamour and frenetic pace of the city, a growing number of people see the need to find time to be quiet and still in the presence of God. Our Meditation Group continues to provide an essential opportunity for people outside the parish to gently explore faith and spirituality. There were two parish quiet days in 2016, with planning already well-underway for a parish retreat in 2017. Although this ministry is deliberately destined to remain ‘out of the limelight’, it is an absolutely vital way for spirituality and faith to be deepened and enriched. I thank Ann Bergman for her visionary leadership and organisation of quiet days and retreats, as well as others who assist in the ministry of meditation, both at Christ Church St Laurence and in the Southern Highlands.

The Community of St Gabriel, Mittagong The Community of St Gabriel in the Southern Highlands has maintained its monthly Eucharist, held on the first Saturday of each month at the Mittagong Uniting Church. Sydney parishioners are always warmly welcomed to this gathering. In addition to this Eucharist, services are now regularly held at the Abbey Nursing Home in Mittagong. As well as occasional quiet days, a monthly contemplative Eucharist has also been established in a private home in Bowral. While we continue to give thanks for the pastoral care and gentle leadership of Chris Styles, our community in the Southern Highlands has also benefitted enormously from the ministry of Fr John Sanderson, Fr Ian Crooks and Mthr Catherine Eaton.

Liturgy and Servers The liturgical rhythm of Christ Church St Laurence would cease to exist were it not for the unwavering commitment of our serving team. Although the serving team is ‘professional’ in all that they do, I continue to be greatly moved by the prayerfulness and reverence with which they undertake their duties. The parish is so grateful to Brian Luhr, our Head Server, who in 2016 was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for service to the Anglican Church of Australia. The parish shares in this well-deserved recognition of Brian’s commitment to the liturgical life of the church. Brian is well-supported by a dedicated team of Sunday and weekday servers who make it possible for the liturgy to maintain its dignity and beauty. Many hours are also spent in the preparation of the church for worship. We thank our sacristans for their careful and thorough preparation for the liturgy. Our thanks also go to our dedicated team of flower arrangers, who contribute much to the beauty of our church building.

A more discreet, but greatly-appreciated aspect of the liturgy are the bells that call people to worship. We thank our bell ringers for their ongoing commitment to this important ministry, and their willingness to ring every Sunday, and on major feast days.

Music Music has continued to play a vital role in the enrichment of the liturgy at Christ Church St Laurence.

Dr Neil McEwan, Director of Music, and Peter Jewkes, Organist, lead a team of talented and dedicated musicians. Included in the refurbishment to the Parish Hall, was the significant improvement of Music Office space, as well as the provision of a new choir library. Our thanks go to the entire music team who spent several days relocating what is surely the largest collection of choral music in an Australian parish church. The new music facilities will ensure the further development and enrichment of music at Christ Church St Laurence for many generations to come.

Mission and Outreach Because of our city location, and the anonymity that it can bring, it is vital for Christ Church St Laurence to be a place of welcome and hospitality. On Sundays, a gracious welcome is provided by welcomers and sidespersons. Those who provide breakfast and morning tea on Sundays also make a great contribution to the welcome we provide. This ministry is crucial in a parish that welcomes so many visitors from across the globe.

On weekdays, an extraordinary team of volunteer vergers ensure that those who come seeking assistance are welcomed and cared for. The new Vergers’ Pantry is a wonderful addition to this ministry.

and advice of ABMA. In addition to mission giving, the parish continues to actively support the work of Cana Communities, St Laurence House and the Asylum Seekers’ Resource Centre, Newtown.

Study Groups and the written word The parish has continued to run a number of small study groups. Lenten Study Groups were particularly wellattended. Another significant step forward in this area was the recent inaugural Chinese Bible Study Group.

We thank Jing Jing Zhang for her leadership of this group. We hope that it is only the beginning of a much larger multicultural ministry at Christ Church St Laurence.

The facilities of Belltower Books were also greatly expanded and improved during 2016. We thank Dr Helen Hewson and her team for their ongoing hard work. The ministry of Belltower Books reaches far beyond the parish, as does The Deacon’s Treasure, which continues to provide well-written and challenging articles. Our thanks go to the editorial team, who give of their expertise with generosity and enthusiasm.

Statistics During 2016 Christ Church St Laurence recorded a steady increase in attendance. This is very encouraging, particularly given the trend of decline throughout most traditional Christian denominations. In 2016 Christ Church St Laurence participated in the National Church Life Survey. Although this was an inconvenience, the results will provide us with a valuable tool in the planning for future challenges and opportunities.

Historical Annual Attendance 2009 28,637

2010 27,070

2011 27,135

2012 28,053

2013 30,451

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2015 30,258

2016 31,357

Comparison 2015/2016 Attendance Communicants Baptisms Confirmation Reception Weddings Funerals

Total 2015 30,258 19,003 9 6 1 12

Total 2016 31,357 19,740 13 3 4 5

Difference 2015/2016 Total Change +1099 +3.6% +737 +3.9% +4 -3 +3 -7

Future Directions Looking back over the past year of life at Christ Church St Laurence brings with it a great sense of satisfaction and a degree of exhaustion. Although Christ Church St Laurence is a busy liturgical parish, the reports submitted by the leaders of groups and organisations demonstrate that the life of the parish extends far beyond the liturgy. As we look to the future, while we treasure our rich liturgical traditions, we must continue to find ways of transforming and extending the ministry of the parish in a rapidly changing world. As we take bold steps in the areas of youth ministry, multicultural ministry and outreach and communications, we trust that the ongoing ministry of the parish will be strengthened for the generations yet to come. I thank all who have led and contributed to the ministry of the parish during the past year, and I thank each of you for your unwavering personal support and encouragement. May God continue to bless this community with vision and energy as we seek to build the Kingdom in this wonderful city.

Fr Daniel Dries Rector

In 2016 monthly retiring collections underwent a slight change. Including the Lenten Appeal, four Anglican Board of Mission projects were supported. Giving to these appeals showed an increase on the giving in previous years. We will continue to support a range of missionary projects in 2017, following the guidance page 6

2014 30,966

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Wardens’ Report Large-scale new works It has been an exceptionally busy year for the wardens. The planning and execution of new building works have required liaison with architects, builders, and contractors, as well as with stake-holders in the parish. The specialised facilities meant that many detailed consultations were needed.

The works now completed are: • Toilets on the hall level, incorporating one accessible or ambulant toilet and baby-change facilities. It

is no longer necessary for worshippers or men staying at the Cana shelter to climb stairs to the toilet.

• The splendid cupboards in the hall and the Marys’ Room, housing the choir library and Belltower

Books, and providing storage for the Sunday School and the kitchen. The bookshop facilities include

movable display trolleys and a movable counter. The Sunday School storage is supplemented by new

teaching boards and new small tables. The cupboards, with their harmonious panelling, were designed

by Ben Slee, a parishioner and the architect for the interior hall works, and built by Ian Thomson. The

striking and skilful work of these professionals impresses all comers.

• A renovated choir office, made possible by removing the library to its new cupboards. The renovation

has alleviated the unsatisfactory WHS conditions under which the choir leadership too long worked

and extends the capability and utilisation of these two rooms.

• An improved entrance to the hall from Pitt St., enhancing safety and security. The doors now open on

to a landing and stairs with adequate handrails. A lockable gate and a visual intercom system better

protect the premises. The area between the street gate and the front door is a ramp, whose deteriorating

structure required reinforcement. This reinforcement in turn meant that the electrical switchboard

for the building had to be moved. We now have a new switchboard with separate metering for the

different parts of the hall building, a good outcome, but an example of the complications and extra

costs that can emerge from a project.

• Renovation of the parish office on the top floor of 812B George St. One aim of this renovation was to

provide urgently needed safety and confidentiality for the office spaces of the rector and the senior

assistant priest. Another aim was to create a large new area suitable for meetings and for relaxation.

Freshly painted, with new carpets and lighting, the office and the entrance stairs are now more

efficient and far more attractive. Along with these new conditions we are initiating an electronic filing

system, minimising paper records.

All this work has meant much re-organisation and the disposal of accumulated rubbish. With the hall now in more presentable condition, we hope to take better advantage of our advantageous location by renting it out to casual users, though more needs to be done before this aim can be realised.

The works are a major investment, and we express again our gratitude to the benefactors who have made them possible through extraordinarily generous legacies and donations. These gifts were supplemented by a grant from the NSW government’s Community Building Partnership program, with the support of our local MP, Alex Greenwich.

New Parish Trust Ordinance Another major item of business this year has been the negotiation with the diocese of a new Parish Trust Ordinance. Such ordinances govern parishes’ ability to rent out property and they specify the distribution of rental income between parish and diocese. As most parishioners will be aware, we rent out two levels of the hall and two levels of the commercial property next to the church at 812B George St. The income from these leases is an important element in our finances, as can be seen from the financial statements in this annual report. The lease of 812B George St has hitherto been governed by an ordinance dating from 1923 which gave generally favourable terms to the parish. The practice of the diocese is now to consolidate all separate parish ordinances in a single ordinance. The wardens were concerned to ensure that this new ordinance gave realistic and equitable recognition to the responsibilities and needs of the parish. page 8

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Acting on advice from our previous regional bishop, Robert Forsyth, the wardens had commissioned from our heritage architect a long-term maintenance plan for all our properties. This was not only a provident approach to the responsibilities of maintenance but gave us an estimated annual maintenance cost to set off against income when assessing the sum to be paid to the diocese. Discussions with the Diocesan Secretary and Legal Counsel and with our present bishop, Michael Stead, identified other property costs that could be set off in the same way.

The wardens put proposals to the Ordinance Review Panel and to the Standing Committee which resulted in a new ordinance under which the parish’s overall share of rental income remains much the same as before.

We acknowledge the guidance of Bishops Forsyth and Stead in gaining this positive outcome for the parish.

At our request, the share of rental income paid to the diocese continues to be directed to Anglicare and to the Endowment of the See (which funds the offices of the bishops, including Bishop Stead).

Tenants and planning Along with the new Parish Trust Ordinance, the wardens obtained from the Standing Committee a resolution allowing Sunday trading at 812B George St. The diocese’s previous prohibition of Sunday trading made it increasingly difficult to rent the property, in a location where 7-day trading is the norm, and made it necessary to discount the market rent, which assumes 7-day trading. The travel agency at 812B George St began Sunday trading on 1 January, and our rental income from the property has increased by one-sixth, a welcome development.

The wardens’ report last year noted a lack of progress towards the development of the childcare centre that is due to open on the lower-ground level of the hall. This year, the development application, earlier rejected by the City of Sydney, was re-submitted with many changes and was approved in August. The applicant, Think Childcare, estimates that it spent more than $200,000 in achieving this outcome. At the time of writing, working drawings for the development are being prepared, and Think Childcare aims to begin building works around the date of the AGM. Under the terms of its lease, Think Childcare is already paying the parish the equivalent of rent.

Another development application in which the parish had an interest was made earlier this year for a hotel, to be built opposite the church on the north-east corner of Valentine St. The hotel was planned to have 207 rooms and to rise 50% higher than the limit for that location. The City of Sydney rejected the DA, but the developer appealed to the Land and Environment Court. The wardens made representations on behalf of the parish and in support of the council at two hearings of the court. The court upheld the council’s decision. It will not be surprising if the developer returns with a scaled-down proposal.

Maintenance The Long-term Maintenance Plan mentioned above goes into effect this year and will give timely attention to all four of the parish’s buildings. Meanwhile, an assortment of major and minor maintenance requirements has required attention, including: • installation of new fire sprinklers in 812B George St; • painting the hall windows, ceilings in the rectory, and water-damaged ceilings in 812B George St; • elimination of the trip hazard where the marble aisle meets the wooden floor of the church; • installation of improved parking bollards in front of the church, part of the continuing effort to gain

control of our limited parking spaces; • an increase of pests in the kitchen, a problem that will need to be solved mainly by more careful

cleaning and more regular garbage disposal, another matter claiming the continuing attention of the

wardens; • the completion of the most recent stage of stained glass restoration, leaving the ropes and cleats that

control the newly movable window panels still to be correctly installed before final payment is made.

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Budget 2017

Safety issues Christ Church St Laurence is committed to the support of the underprivileged, the persecuted and the socially marginalised. This support is offered in many ways by many members of the parish community. One result is that the church receives more than its share of mentally unstable and occasionally abusive visitors.

The wardens are conscious of the boundary between care for the marginalised and danger to our staff and volunteers. This year we issued a legal banning notice to one person who had exhibited threatening behaviour and had damaged church property. Three people are now banned from parish premises for such behaviour.

As already noted, many features of the recent building works are designed with a view to enhanced safety.

Members of Christ The wardens count themselves privileged to have been so busy in the service of a parish, a Church, and a faith that we all love. We have worked with each other and with Fr Daniel in a way that has been harmonious and rewarding, though now and again of course exasperating. We aim always to work with fellow parishioners for the benefit of all. Although the pressures of multiple projects and financial constraints may mean that less can be done than we would all wish, the wardens are always open to suggestions, complaints and requests. Be assured that these are never ignored.

Peter Hanson, People’s Warden Anthony Miller, People’s Warden Brenda Hunter, Rector’s Warden

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Audited Financial Statements 2016

2 February 2017

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PARISH COUNCIL report

Bellringing Report

The 2016 Annual General Meeting determined that the Parish Council consist of six elected members in addition to the Rector and Wardens. Parish Council met on 11 occasions between March 2016 and February 2017. The 2016 council consisted of the following members: Chair: Fr Daniel Dries Wardens: Brenda Hunter (Rector’s); Peter Hanson and Anthony Miller (People’s) Elected Members: Elizabeth Comino, Colin Knowles, Brian Luhr, Jeremy Parkinson, David Russell and Colin Tso, Rector’s Nominees: Lucy Clothier and Greg Loveday Observers: Fr John Sanderson (Chair in the Rector’s absence) and Antony Weiss.

David Russell was again appointed as minute secretary, assisted on occasion by Brenda Hunter. Parish Council concurred in the Rector’s appointment of Anthony Miller as Safe Ministry Representative and noted that Lucy Clothier had agreed to continue as Safe Ministry trainer.

The long-awaited Long-Term Maintenance Plan was presented to the Wardens in early March which formed the basis of much discussion and consideration for Parish Council. Several significant projects were presented to Parish Council for approval and many were completed during the course of the year, with other projects still ongoing. These projects included: • Completion of a new Trust Ordinance for leasing of Parish buildings • Continued lease & DA negotiations for a Child Care Centre at 505 Pitt Street (on-going) • Renovations to Parish Hall: Ambulant Toilet, Belltower Books, Choir Library, Music Office (completed) • Modifications to 505 Pitt Street access (completed) • Renovations to the Parish Office (completed) • Stained Glass Window Project (completed) • Rectory maintenance (routine) • Work Health and Safety: acquisition of a Defibrillator (completed) • Outreach endeavours (including special services, stewardship, appeals and collections) • City of Sydney Draft Sustainability Project (ongoing) • Established a Gift/Giving/Bequest working group to better honour and encourage gift-giving • Endorsed the adoption of the Diocesan Safe Ministry Procedures and Protocols • Endorsed the application to the Archbishop for two Student Minister appointments • Endorsed participation in the National Church Life Survey (every 5 years) • Approved the appointments of a Parish Administrator, Youth Minister and temporary Outreach &

Communications Assistant.

• Continued prioritisation of the Long-Term Maintenance Plan (ongoing)

In 2016, the bellringers rang before the 9am and 10:30am services every Sunday, as well as on all Holy Days.

There are currently twenty regular bellringers in the tower, although some of them are still learners and not ringing for services. This year, we were joined by two new learners, Rose Byron and Kay Kan, wife of regular ringer Kin Mun Kan. We were delighted to have Elaine Spicer and Kath Burns join us for service ringing in January, graduating from their learner status. We have hopes that Priscilla Yuen who visited the tower in December and had her first lesson in January 2017 will become an addition to the band.

Further to the Archbishop of Sydney’s call in 2015 for a response to the refugee crisis, a subsequent appeal for support of the Syrian Refugee Crisis was also considered by Parish Council along with other ways in which the Parish could be best placed to respond and offer assistance. It was noted that there had been significant support from parishioners for the Asylum Seekers’ Centre in Newtown over the past year.

2016 saw a significant investment in the fabric of the Parish, in particular the significant renovations and restoration of the Parish Hall and Parish Office. While there were expenses incurred by the Parish, this work would have been considerably harder to achieve and complete within such a short timeframe had it not been for the generosity of the bequests from Sue Neary, Ronald Nicholls, Colleen Olander and Judy Clark to which Parish Council gratefully acknowledged these Estates. Parish expenditure was increased in the past year due to higher administration and maintenance costs and lower investment yields; however this was offset in part by a steady increase in regular giving, which was around 5% over the year. More details can be found in the Treasurer’s report and the audited Financial Statements.

On behalf of all the elected members, I again thank the Parishioners of Christ Church St Lawrence for the trust you have bestowed in giving us the honour of representing you on Parish Council this past year.

Tower Captain, Dace Vare, attended a two-day training course run by the Australian and New Zealand Association of Bellringers which provided instruction in teaching bell handling and bell tower management.

This training has given Dace the skills to act as backup in the role of Ringing Master when Deryn Griffiths is absent.

David Russell Minute Secretary

Dace Vare Tower Captain

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There was special ringing for one funeral and one wedding, as well as ringing for the memorial service of Elfie Potts, wife of Basil Potts, who is a parishioner and former tower captain at Christ Church St Laurence.

As well as service ringing, we have regular practices on Tuesday nights. The local band made ten quarterpeal attempts. One of these was in support of the UK Striking Back Against Blood Cancer Appeal, where a band of ringers in England followed the old pilgrim route to Canterbury Cathedral, ringing in churches along the way as part of their fundraising activities. In January, a quarter-peal of Grandsire Triples was rung to celebrate the 160th anniversary of full circle ringing at Christ Church St Laurence, followed by an hour of general ringing. There was one quarter-peal rung by a visiting band on all ten bells as well as a peal attempt by members of the Society of Cumberland Youth Bellringers and some Sydney ringers. Unfortunately, on this occasion, they didn’t manage to complete ringing the peal, which involves ringing non-stop for over three hours.

During 2016 Christ Church St Laurence hosted two sessions as part of Ringing Schools to assist country NSW and other ringers. We were very pleased that we could host teaching sessions, as the Ringing Schools are a great opportunity for learners to ring with an experienced band, especially for ringers coming from country towers. It is also a chance to meet with other ringers and make friends. We hosted one Branch Practice for the Northeastern Branch of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Bellringers (ANZAB).

There was a tower outing to St James’ Anglican Church at Menangle, set on the crest of a hill overlooking the historic village that was part of the Macarthur estate. This was followed by a visit to ring the newly consecrated bells at St Paul’s Catholic Church, Camden. The ringers at Camden were an enthusiastic band of learners, who are mostly parishioners, and it was a delight to ring with them.

We conducted a tower maintenance day on the Saturday before Patronal Week, checking all fittings and doing a general clean and tidy. This was followed by a quarter-peal attempt on the Sunday, dedicated to St Laurence, Deacon & Martyr.

During 2016 the leadership in the Tower has been as follows: Tower Captain: Dace Vare Deputy Tower Captain: Deryn Griffiths Ringing Master: Deryn Griffiths Secretary: Evelyn Wyatt Treasurer: Kin Mun Kan Steeple Keeper: Tony Wyatt

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Belltower Books REport

Brass Cleaning Report

Thank you to all the enthusiastic and encouraging supporters of Belltower Books at the West Door and in the Parish Hall.

We continued to meet every three weeks to remove wax, oxidation and general grime from the Christ Church brass collection. We polish and chat, leaving the brass with its dedications positively shining. We feel confident that this job is unending.

We continue to cater for a diverse range of interests by providing quality books, cards, icons and CDs, usually lower than the recommended retail price. In spite of a period of closure in the hall we have had a successful year, with profits enabling us to continue supporting the Sunday School, discussion groups, the choir, and St Laurence Press, and to encourage regular study and reading throughout the parish. Our branches in the porch and in the parish hall make a social and friendly contribution to our community’s outreach.

Belltower Books has benefitted from the financial legacies of Suzanne Neary, a former bookseller, and from Ronald Nicholls, who also gave to the priests and the bookshop many books from his extensive library. Such books enrich the selection of material available and secondhand books, out of print and difficult to obtain, have been eagerly sought on our shelves.

A new facility for the bookshop in the Marys’ Room was completed in October. Ben Slee’s creative design, clever use of space, lighting and purpose-built mobile units have enabled a series of cupboards and shelving to be transformed into a workable, efficient, and inviting bookshop. Thank you to the booksellers who helped with ideas and labour to complete the task and to Reg Boonzaier for his enigmatic photo-collage of the Marys’ Room featured in the Christmastide issue of The Deacon’s Treasure 2016.

During the year, we have been sad that one of our members, Kevin Hodgson, has been seriously ill. With visits from Fr John, he is slowly improving. Jean Bradshaw is no longer able to join us.

Our thanks to the regular members, Val Weldrick, our leader who has now celebrated 41 years of polishing, Stephen Wile, Helen Ockens and Alison Adkins. Thanks also for the assistance given by some of the vergers with polishing the church plaques and votive candle holders.

We continue to enjoy and welcome visitors to morning tea and appreciate occasional recitals from visiting organists.

New polishers are always welcome every third Friday morning.

Evelyn Wyatt on behalf of the Brass Cleaners

We opened with our full range in place plus the new Christmas stock. This ensured all parishioners, not just the booklovers, were curiously engaged in poking around the shelves in search of budget Christmas card packs, wrapping paper, icons and crosses, or asking for ‘a leg up’ as they familiarised themselves with the eclectic collection of books. Visitors show surprise and delight on entering the Marys’ Room when the bookshop is in full flight and by now we are all becoming well acquainted with the idiosyncracies of Belltower Books and its booksellers.

The Hall bookshop is open every Sunday to serve the Masses and in the evening or during the day when there are social events in the Hall. Our original bookstall at the West Door continues to operate for morning and evening services and Brenda Hunter kindly sources books and cards from stock to take to the monthly Mass in the Southern Highlands.

Special thanks to those dedicated providers who help keep the Belltower Books running efficiently— Libby Davis, Sonya Gillies, Susan Allton, Colleen Rivers, Jeanette Sweedman, Pat Gaggin, Gwyn Roberts, Peter Comino, Reg Boonzaier, Elizabeth Weir, Brenda Hunter, Lorraine Carter, Norma Smith, Ian Georgeson, Peter Hanson and Rebecca Mychael.

Helen Hewson Belltower Books Co-odinator

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CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

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Cana Shelter Report

Children’s Ministry report

The daily news consistently highlights the need for places like our shelter. On a personal note, that need is further underscored when a guy shows me a stomach greatly distended by what he tells me is a tumour and asks if it’s OK to pop some panadeine forte! The next morning another man tells me he didn’t sleep very well because of the broken ribs he was nursing from a recent bashing. I’m absolutely sure our volunteers would be able to hold forth on similar observations at great length.

Christ Church St Laurence Sunday School continues to operate in the Parish Hall at 9.00am each Sunday concurrent with the academic year. The school year began with the “Blessing of the Backpacks” for all teachers and students. The term dates are published on the “Children at Christ Church St Laurence” webpage at Christ Church St Laurence’s official website. Parents and children also receive an email reminder at the beginning of each term.

It has been a pretty good year for us at the Cana Shelter. The total number of volunteers is around 32-33. We have made efforts to create some back up with a few reserves consisting of people who would like to help out but can only do it on an ad hoc basis.

As you are no doubt aware from the pew sheets, there was a bit of a recruiting drive. I’m very happy to report it was quite successful; we have now got a solid number of early volunteers with reserves and just enough men for the overnight shift. We have aimed high with volunteer numbers to give our teams some flexibility in covering for members who need time out for various reasons.

As the Church Hall refurbishments are good news for the shelter as we now have brand new toilets and washing facilities on the same level as the sleeping area. This is particularly helpful for some men who have mobility issues.

Our shelter has almost consistently been working to full capacity. We make every effort with Link2Home to find replacements if there are “no shows.” That doesn’t always succeed, but we manage to get most beds used most nights. It’s good to see regulars with us. Many of them specifically ask to be at our shelter because they like being with us and it gives our volunteers more opportunities to get to know some of the men better.

We are very grateful for the continuing help we get from parishioners here. Many have donated clothes, toiletries, etc., which enable us to help out a bit when some of the men need some new gear. We are limited by our storage capacity and donations are now on hold.

We had enough left in the kitty last year to splash out for Christmas Eve and get our blankets laundered.

Thanks to Lyn Bannerman and Helen Hewson for organising that.

We have many people outside of our parish to thank. Our volunteers are a mixed bunch. This year a priest from a neighbouring Roman Catholic parish has signed up, one volunteer is from St Luke’s Enmore and we are particularly grateful for the invaluable help of the team from St Barnabas. Last, but not least, are the others who come along from many places to help out.

Roger Bayley Christ Church St Laurence Cana Shelter Co-ordinator

We strive to assist and facilitate children to build a foundation of the knowledge and the way of the Lord, and to appreciate and practice core Christian values, including harnessing reverence to the Lord and kindness to each other – a foundation which we hope the children may draw on in their future years.

We use “Seasons of the Spirit” as the main resource for teaching. The resource is lectionary based and gives the children the opportunity to study and explore the same Bible passages as their parents each week. Each lesson is followed by related art and craft activities which aim to reinforce the lesson learnt. The resource is tailored for different age groups (e.g. age 3 to 5, age 6 to 8 and age 9 to 11). Upon conclusion of each lesson, we re-join the 9.00am Sung Eucharist for the Great Thanksgiving when the children process into the church led by a crucifer and two acolytes, rostered from amongst the children.

We currently have around 60 children on our roll and approximately 12 regular attendees. On major feast days, when we have special activities, there will often be more than 20 children participating. Our special activities for 2016 included: • dressing up and processing on Palm Sunday; • singing “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” on Easter Sunday (accompanied by the organ, hand bells,

two violins and a cello); • singing “Praise Him Praise Him” on the first Sunday of Advent; and • singing “Once in Royal David City” (accompanied by the organ, hand bells, a violin, a cello, a flute,

a saxophone and a trumpet) on Gaudete Sunday and Christmas party (with presentation to each

child) afterwards.

The teachers would like to express their sincere thanks to Fr Daniel and Peta for their musical involvement and support to the Sunday School, as well as hosting our Sunday School party in the Rectory in September.

Special thanks are also extended to Belltower Books which made available a selection of quality books of Bible stories, prayers and activities as Christmas presents for each child at our Christmas party. Thank you also to The Deacon’s Treasure for featuring some of our Sunday School children on the cover of its Christmas issue.

Towards the end of 2016, we worked together with Fr Daniel and the wardens to appoint Ms Melinda Seed as our Youth Ministry Leader. We look forward to working with her in 2017.

In 2016, our Sunday School continued to be well-resourced with 10 teachers. We also received much help from parents who attended with their children. If you would like to join us, or find out more about becoming a Sunday School teacher, we would be delighted to talk to you.

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CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

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the community of st gabriel report

Our Sunday School teachers are: Gail Davey Elizabeth Davies Karman Lam Vivian Lam Susanna Ng Abigail Shirlaw (Sunday School Coordinator) Andrew Sin Jenny Sin Colin Tso Sylvie Tso (Sunday School Coordinator)

Our congregation has grown this past year and we have been delighted to warmly welcome, amongst others, John Pollard and David Reeder from the Sydney congregation, as they have come to live in the Highlands.

Both are contributing to the parish life here with Sacristan, serving and other duties.

We farewelled Don and Rosemary Mortimer in mid-2016 as they left the village of Wingello in the Highlands for retirement in Taree where they already had a residence. They are still in regular contact with us here and we are sure miss our congregation. Don was very active in providing items for our chapel and we have a fine processional cross, a stand for the thurible and a portable credence table.

Our “home” here, the Uniting Church in Mittagong, has continued their warm welcome and Chris has continued to assist with organ playing for occasional UC services.

Christ Church St Laurence complies with the Anglican Diocese of Sydney’s policies and practices relating to child protection. All our Sunday School teachers are required to comply with the Working with Children Check legislative requirements with respect to volunteers for religious services. In February 2016, all our teachers have attended and completed the required course of Safe Ministry. We thank our Parish Councillor, Lucy Clothier, for her training.

Our resident retired priests Mother Catherine Eaton and Father Ian Crooks have now commenced a monthly contemplative Eucharist at the home of Mother Catherine. This fits in nicely on the third Saturday of each month, with our regular monthly Mass on the first Saturday. The contemplative Eucharist is a gentle way of worship within the Mass and has pauses for silence and silent prayer. We share a lunch afterwards and have interesting discussions.

Abigail Shirlaw Sylvie Tso Sunday School Co-ordinators

Following Steve Smith’s creation of a new votive candle stand for Christ Church St Laurence’s Shrine of Our Lord, we plan to have a votive candle stand made by Steve for our use here at our Uniting Church services.

The Abbey House Nursing Home chapel in Mittagong now has a monthly Eucharist celebrated by Father John Sanderson and we have had quite a good attendance each month from the residents. Our liturgy has been praised by a number of the residents.

The two meditation groups under the auspices of the World Community for Christian Meditation have continued this past year here in the Highlands but numbers have been dropping off for various reasons. We are on an active recruitment drive to encourage more to come to our weekly meetings.

Thanks again to Rector’s Warden Brenda Hunter for her regular visits with the Celebrant of our monthly Mass at the Uniting Church. She has brought many items from Christ Church St Laurence’s new and expanded book shop for sale to our local congregation.

Our Blessing of the Animals was cancelled last October due to a lack of animals to bless but this had a good outcome in that we could celebrate the feast of our Patron Saint Gabriel as the October service fell within the octave of the Feast of St Michael and All Angels. Chris though will have to teach the congregation the wellloved tunes that go with the Michaelmass hymns, these being unfamiliar to our local congregation!

Quiet Garden is in recess for a while due to other parish activities mentioned above, but in mid-March we will have a visit from well-known Julian of Norwich author Sheila Upjohn, and during the day we will spend some time in meditation in the garden.

Plans are also underway to meet with another group of Anglicans in the Highlands who have had services here in our tradition for a number of years.

Chris Styles on behalf of the Community of St Gabriel

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CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

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‘The Deacon’s Treasure’ Report

Flower Arranging Report

Our parish magazine, The Deacon’s Treasure, continued production in 2016, with issues 77, 78, and 79, for Easter, St Laurence and Christmas. Articles covered parish history and events, general church history, theology, book reviews, and parishioners’ travel experiences. The editors were also pleased to include an important series of articles on the mainstream churches’ responses to environmental issues. Further, to coincide with the restoration program for the church’s stained glass windows, a number of very informative pieces on their history were run over the three issues. Each issue sold all of the 300 copies produced.

Our flower arrangers have continued to produce delightful flower displays for Christ Church St Laurence and we are grateful for their hard work.

The editors would like to take this opportunity to express their ongoing appreciation for the help and support of the parish office in the production of the magazine. To conclude we urge any parishioners or interested persons to consider writing for our publication. Submissions can be made to: tdt@ccsl.org.au.

At the moment we have a team of seven, which works well, though more volunteers are always welcome.

After a recent appeal for more funds, our cash balance now stands at $1905.00, and we are very pleased to have such a generous response from parishioners. We also welcome individual donations for flowers in memory of loved ones for particular dates.

We have enjoyed doing flowers for 2016 and look forward to continuing our best efforts for 2017.

David Reeder The Deacon’s Treasure Convenor

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CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

Betsy Roberts Flowers Co-ordinator

CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

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Music Report

many excellent organists and to St. Laurence Music Inc. which supports these recitals. The recitals occur on the third Sunday of the month at 2.00pm.

The past year proved to be a busy one for those involved in the music of the parish. Apart from the regular Sunday and midweek Festival Masses, there were several other special events which occurred during the past year in which the choir was involved. Once of our busiest periods is from the beginning of the church year, with preparation for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany services. The Choir had a well-deserved break and returned in high spirits ready for another satisfying year of singing for the services at Christ Church St Laurence.

New Look Canticum Novum The Choir’s regular Newsletter, Canticum Novum, is now over twenty years old and so towards the end of 2016 it was thought appropriate that it be given a facelift. The new-look quarterly began publication in December coinciding with the start of the church year at the beginning of Advent. The four editions will be Advent to Epiphany, Lent to Easter, Pentecost to St Laurence, and Dedication to Christ the King. Canticum Novum contains regular news about the choir and our instruments at Christ Church St Laurence as well as interesting articles, opinions, extracts from archives and, of course, regular profiles of our choristers.

Lenten Concert On Sunday 13th March 2016 the Choir, soloists and a baroque string ensemble performed a mixed program of mainly 16th, 17th and 18th century works by some of the greatest names of the Renaissance and Baroque eras. These works included settings of the Responsories by Victoria, Lassus and Gesualdo, The Seven Words of Christ on the Cross by Heinrich Schütz, and the motet Jesu, meine Freude by J.S. Bach. The season of Lent offers some of the finest compositions of the great composers for choral and instrumental forces. (This year the Lenten concert scheduled for Sunday 2nd April, soloists, choir and baroque orchestra will present the Mass in B minor, regarded as perhaps the “supreme achievement” of Johann Sebastian Bach.)

Dedication Orchestral Mass The annual orchestral mass provides another dimension to the musical offering of the Parish on the Feast of Dedication, held in September each year. Franz Joseph Haydn’s dramatic last Mass, Mass in E-flat (Harmoniemesse), offered all the musicians taking part an opportunity to sing and play this great work in a liturgical setting for which it was written, as part of our great liturgy at Christ Church St Laurence. Each year the parish is blessed to be able to engage the services of some of Sydney’s finest musicians with the Dedication Festival orchestra consisting of members of the Sydney Symphony and Australian Opera & Ballet orchestras.

In September 2017 the Choir, soloists and orchestra will perform the Mass in C (Coronation) by Mozart to mark our 172nd anniversary of Dedication and the 40th anniversary of the Orchestral Masses.

Friends of the Choir On 12th March 2016 twelve Friends of the choir attended an open rehearsal in preparation for our Lenten Concert with choir, soloists and baroque ensemble. It was followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant - we will repeat this venture again this year for the Bach B minor Mass. Thanks to Lorraine Carter, Ron James, Frances James and Peter Hanson for joining us as part of our Friends committee and helping with the organisational responsibilities associated with our concert series.

New Choir Office and Library Over the past year the hall and the old choir library have been a scene of activity, which has resulted in a splendid new choir library situated in the Small Hall and new choir offices built into the old choir library.

This new renovated area now includes an office for the Director of Music, a functional place for the organists, choir manager and librarians, and an overall area for the efficient organisation of the choir.

Choir Team Thank you to Craig Johnston and David Russell for their splendid work in helping to make the running of the choir so smooth on a weekly basis throughout the year. Special thanks goes to Michelle Imison for her expertise in organising our publicity. As always, the Choir’s success is in no small part due to the considerable amount of time and support provided by the vital team of volunteers (both in and outside of the choir) who contribute so much each week in so many ways, such as: Choir Management, Library, Robes, Archives, Publicity, Hospitality, Front of House, and Friends of the Choir. Thank you to all who help in these areas.

Also, special thanks to Pamela Aked who tirelessly maintains and keeps the choir robes in order and good repair and reminds us “Blessed are those who wash their robes …”

Finally, my grateful thanks go to our choristers who give many hours, freely, as their offering to God in rehearsing and performing music to the highest standard expected for our unique and splendid liturgy. Their music-making is a constant inspiration to me and to many others who worship at Christ Church St Laurence Neil McEwan Director of Music

Organists Thank you to Peter Jewkes, our principal organist, who continues to inspire us in his accompanying of the hymns and music for the liturgy. Thanks also to Joshua Ryan, who has been our Organ Scholar since July 2015. We are also fortunate to have had the continuing support of our Honorary Assistant Organist, David Davies, and that of Stephen Bydder, who regularly plays for the 9.00am Sung Eucharist.

Choral Scholars The Parish has benefited in recent years from the appointment of several Choral Scholars. The encouragement of younger singers to sing in our services at Christ Church St Laurence is a very important outreach into the community. Thank you to the many parishioners who assist financially with these scholarships through their donations, and particularly to St Laurence Music Inc. which supports and administers the costs of the scholarships.

Monthly Organ Recitals The monthly organ recital series presented by St Laurence Music Inc. continues to be organised by Kurt Ison and Peter Jewkes and attracts national and international organists to play our magnificent Hill organ, regarded by many as one of the finest instruments in Australia. Thanks to Kurt and Peter for engaging so page 38

CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

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Serving & Sacristy Report

2016 has seen the continuation of duty and service to the altar by the 25 rostered servers. All have contributed to the worship with joy, prayerfulness and reverence.

Altar servers assist the Bishop, Priest and Deacon in the celebration of the sacred liturgy. Servers represent the laity at the altar. This is done through specific actions and by setting an example to the congregation by active participation in the services (for example, responses, carrying the crucifix, banners, honorific lights, and the offering of incense). At the Weekday Eucharist the server reads the readings and psalm for the day, but not the gospel.

We have been blessed by the addition of two new servers, Angela Peverell and Christopher Waterhouse.

Angela came from St Peter’s Cremorne and Christopher most recently came from Christ Church Oxford.

Christopher is currently the Director of the St James Institute. We farewelled Troy Rutlidge (who has migrated to Poland), Elizabeth Sherlock and Hilary Griffith. We thank Vivian Lam, who has volunteered to serve at the Sunday 7.30am Eucharist (ICW Joseph Waugh), and Susanna Ng, Ian Georgeson and Vivian (again) who now serve at the 9am Sung Eucharist. We also welcome back Enid Pech to the sanctuary.

The roles of our servers are as follows: The Sub-Deacon (Solemn High Mass only) is one of the sacred ministers who is a representative of the laity at the altar, and whose main responsibilities are to assist the Deacon and Celebrant (e.g. holding the cope out and turning pages), to read the epistle and to prepare the elements and vessels at the offertory. He or she is always on the left- hand side of the celebrant. The Sub-Deacon if not ordained is not permitted to wear a Stole.

Tunicled Crucifer (High Mass only). The wearing of a Tunicle to carry the cross has origins from the Sarum Rite. White gloves are worn as a mark of respect for the cross. Christ Church tradition is to roster a Tunicled Crucifer on High Feast Days.

Thurifer (High Mass and Solemn Evensong) is responsible for ensuring the thurible is stoked with burning coals and is in readiness for censing at certain points of the celebration. The Thurifer offers the incense to be blessed before Processions, before the Kyrie, before the Gospel Procession, before the Offertory and before the Consecration. The Thurifer bids the blessing of incense kneeling to the Pontificating Bishop and says, “Bless most Reverend Father” or to the Celebrant standing and says “Bless Reverend Father”.

Crucifer (9am Sung Eucharist, Solemn High Mass and Solemn Evensong) carries the processional crucifix on liturgical or ceremonial occasions and is flanked by an Acolyte on either side, leading the way to and from the altar. Thus all follow the Cross which is a powerful symbol of all of us following our Crucified Lord.

Acolytes (9am Sung Eucharist, Solemn High Mass and Solemn Evensong). The term is commonly used by us Anglicans to denote anyone who carries an honorific torch or candle in liturgical processions. Liturgical lights represent the light of Christ. At Christ Church two acolytes carry candlesticks (based on the Gridiron of St Laurence at Solemn High Mass and Solemn Evensong. More simple ones are used at the 9am Sung Eucharist). Lights are carried in processions ( Joyful Processions, Litany Processions, the entrance, gospel and the exit. At Mass the acolytes assist the MC at the credence table, and wash the celebrant’s hands; at Evensong they provide ceremonial light during the Magnificat and the office prayers and kneel at their candlesticks at the horns of the altar.

We are also pleased to welcome into the sanctuary our Student Minister, Ryan Austin-Eames, who actively participates at the 9am Sung Eucharist, as a Sub-Deacon, and also a reader.

Servers’ Cassocks and Cottas Andrew Wood and Susanna Ng continue to maintain the servers’ cupboards, cassocks and cottas, effectively managing sets (red, purple and black), cottas (lace and plain), albs and cinctures into an ordered efficient wardrobe.

Vestments and the Sacristy Our appreciation goes to John Wood and Scotty Batey for their ongoing dedication in setting up for Sunday and mid-week services. We again thank John Wood who continues the washing of altar linens. Paula Tweedie continues to repair and maintain the extensive vestment collection New Stoles & Humeral Veil Vivian Lam generously donated 3 new stoles from Watts and Co, given in memory of her late father. They are a priest’s and deacon’s stole made from green gothic silk damask and a white gothic silk damask priest’s stole.

The new stoles replaced worn-out ones. John Pollard and David Reeder also generously gave a Watts and Co Humeral Veil commissioned to match the white High Mass Set. It is also made of white gothic silk damask.

Both gifts are very much appreciated by the Church.

Reading Roster The High Mass and Evensong reading roster is the responsibility of the Sacristy. The Deacon continues his traditional role of leading the prayers of the faithful on some Sundays and weekday High Masses. We welcome Marianne Dorman and Judith Parker to the roster.

Serving is about discipline, humility, sensitivity, prayer, worship and service.

Scott Batey, Sacristan Brian Luhr, Head Server John Wood, Sacristan

Taperers (9am Sung Eucharist, Solemn High Mass and Solemn Evensong) carry lights / hold torches kneeling at the altar rail during the consecration, at Solemn Benediction and provide lights during the procession of the Blessed Sacrament. Origins were to provide light during the liturgy and at least 6 lights in the presence of a Bishop. 4-6 taperers are usually rostered at High Mass and 2 at the 9am Sung Eucharist.

Banners (Solemn High Mass & Solemn Evensong) are carried at church festivals and our banners are embroidered with the symbol of St Peter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Laurence our Patron, the Blessed Sacrament and Christ the King. The banner or saint we are honouring in procession is usually carried last.

Master of Ceremonies is responsible for maintaining order during celebrations, instructing all parties on the order of proceedings where required and oversees all activities. page 40

CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

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Sidespersons’ Report Father John has done much research into what makes a church grow, in terms of spirituality, in terms of outreach into the community and in terms of encouraging more people to join us in our services. That research shows that one of the key ways to achieve this is to be a welcoming parish for all who visit the church at any time.

Sidespeople are the first people that most visitors encounter when entering the church for services. We are the Directors of First Impression – to our visitors and to those who are choosing to worship at Christ Church St Laurence for the first time. A warm smile and a cheery comment to those who we do not know gives our visitors and our newcomers a favourable impression of our parish and the community that surrounds it.

Yes, it is important to ensure that everyone has the Order of Service, Pewsheet and Hymn Book, but it is more important that the visitor and potential newcomer feels a sense of genuine warmth, love and peace as they enter our church. It is also important that those who become ill are assisted and that we ensure everyone’s safety and comfort as best we can.

I hope and pray that we are becoming a more welcoming parish and that we are treating our visitors with warmth, respect and Christian love. I thank all the sidespeople for the way they perform their tasks and I trust that they feel as rewarded as I do from the comments they receive on the West Door. I would particularly like to thank those who have moved off the sidesperson’s roster for the dedication they have shown over the time they have been sidespeople. In particular, I wish to acknowledge Nola Lawrence who has retired after many years of being a sidesperson at the 9.00 am service and Muriel Jones who has retired from the High Mass roster.

If, after prayerful consideration, you feel called to join the sidesperson’s roster for any service, then I would welcome you contacting me. I will try to ensure that you are provided with the training needed to provide a welcome to all who attend our services.

2016 has been an enriching year for many involved with Christ Church St Laurence and we pray that God will continue to enrich us as we grow spiritually, numerically and in terms of outreach.

Deo gratias.

Peter Hanson Head Sidesperson

Spiritual Development & MEDITATION Report Christian Meditation Group The Christian Meditation group meets on Mondays at 6.00pm in the church following Evening Prayer. We begin with quiet music as folk gather from Christ Church St Laurence and further afield. After an introduction to the practice of silent, imageless prayer there is a short talk on an aspect of the spiritual journey prepared by the World Community for Christian Meditation. We meditate for 25 minutes and conclude with readings and prayers. Newcomers are always welcome to ‘come and see’ how a prayer word (mantra), is used as a way of stilling the mind and focusing on the presence of God. A bistro dinner on the last Monday of the month encourages those who travel long distances to stay and continue the conversation.

This year, parishioners from Christ Church St Laurence attended two seminars with Fr Laurence Freeman OSB, the Director of the World Community for Christian Meditation, when he visited Sydney. On April 2224, he led a seminar on meditation and the environment which addressed the relationship between ecology, economy and the human contemplative dimension. Laurence Freeman OSB, author and Emeritus Professor David Tacey, Anglican Bishop George Browning, writer and Zen teacher Dr Susan Murphy, environmentalist Assoc. Professor Mark Diesendorf, Director of Catholic Earthcare Jacqui Remond and Anglican priest Rev’d Linda Chapman discussed a world of growing disconnection, where the human person is increasingly identified merely as a ‘consumer’, and how, in an era of grave ecological crisis, it is urgent to seek a deeper understanding of ourselves and our role within the planetary context. They asked, how do we bring to the crisis a new consciousness in which the human and the environment can flourish sustainably?

The second seminar, ‘Meditation and Ageing - the transformation of life’ took place on November 19-20 and was held in conjunction with the three-monthly Meditation Day at St Benedict’s Monastery. Ann Bergman, as Benedictine Oblate of the WCCM and representative of the Christ Church St Laurence Meditation Group, helped with the organization. Anglican priest the Rev’d Sarah Bachelard, founder of Benedictus Contemplative Church in Canberra, joined Fr Laurence in asking: How can a contemplative spirituality make a difference in responding to the challenges we face as we age?

The three-monthly Meditation Renewal and Introductory Days at St Benedict’s Monastery attract groups of about seventy people from across Sydney and beyond, for a day of teaching, meditation and companionship.

Our Christ Church St Laurence meditation group leader continues to provide organization and input for this ecumenical outreach.

Personal Devotions: Stations of the Cross On Friday evenings during Lent we journeyed with Christ to Calvary as we prayed the Stations of the Cross.

As well as the traditional prayers of St Francis of Assisi and Dame Julian of Norwich, contemporary prayers and reflections on Christ’s Passion were introduced as a way of helping place His sufferings more deeply within the context of our own daily lives. The sequence of three contrasting liturgies proved a powerful way of focusing our attention on the meaning of Christ’s life, death and resurrection in our modern world.

Parish Quiet Day, May 14, 2016 - The Healing Ministry Centre in Golden Grove, Newtown Fr Ian Crooks led a Quiet Day on the Eve of Pentecost at the Anglican Healing Ministry Centre in Newtown.

He encouraged us to reflect upon the people of Israel’s experience, where the desert wilderness wanderings formed their identity and they emerged the stronger for it. With the theme ‘The Deserts of our Spirituality’, Fr Ian suggested that it can be the same for us if we allow ourselves to be led away from more familiar forms of prayer and the stimulus of everyday life. By persevering through the arid and barren stages of our journey, we will discover the rich and sustaining presence of God in the mystery of an overflowing emptiness. Along with carefully chosen music and readings, Fr Ian’s words gently led us in a wonderfully enriching day.

We chose this particular venue, which is owned by the Diocese of Sydney, to offer parishioners an alternative to travelling out of town. Eucharist was celebrated in the simple Chapel (made more festive for Pentecost

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CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

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with the addition of flowers and some treasured icons and sacred vessels from Christ Church St Laurence).

The sitting rooms and garden in this historic house provided quiet spaces for reading and reflection, and the courtyard made a pleasant setting for refreshments. At one point, in the interests of maintaining the peace, Fr Daniel left the Chapel to investigate an insistent and rather threatening thumping from the floor above us, only to find a resident student practising basketball slam dunks in his bedroom. We were reminded that Orange Grove ministers to a range of folk within the Diocese.

Parish Quiet Day, October 8, 2016 - St Benedict’s Monastery, Arcadia Fr Bernard OSB greeted us on arrival in this rural oasis with the words of St Benedict: All guests who present themselves at a monastery are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me (Rule of St Benedict, Ch. 53). Fr John then led Morning Prayer from the Northumbrian Community liturgy in which we were invited to reflect on the beautiful words of John O’Donohue: You need to be generous to yourself in order to receive the love that surrounds you. You can suffer from a desperate hunger to be loved. You can search long years in lonely places, far outside yourself. Yet the whole time, this love is but a few inches away from you. It is at the edge of your soul, but you have been blind to its presence. We must remain attentive in order to be able to receive.

Fr Bernard spoke of the poetry in the canticle from Peter 1.3-9 with emphasis on the words: Although you have not seen him, you love him ... for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Mass was celebrated by Fr John and we gathered around the altar to receive Communion from our unusually ‘chasubled’ priest. Refreshments were served in The Cottage guest house and, following lunch, we sang and prayed together with the liturgy of the Community of Taizé. Truly a day of ecumenical wonder and delight.

A small group stayed over the weekend and participated in the monastic Offices with the monks. Our three young retreatants were a special blessing.

‘The aim of the Oratory is the adoration of God in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in the imitation of his most holy life. Its fellowship and discipline are intended to encourage and direct its members in achieving this aim’. That is how the founders of the Oratory in England a century ago defined the raison d’etre of the new community. Its ideals still guide the members and companions of the Oratory today.

In 2016 Sydney College Oratorians continued to enjoy the generous hospitality of Christ Church St Laurence as its regular monthly meeting place for the Eucharist and for its discussions. This small group (totalling three professed members, a probationer, and nine companions) is supported in many ways by a larger group of friends, and the monthly meetings are always open to any who would care to attend.

During the past year the College organised an annual Lenten Quiet day at Balmain in March, led by Bishop Lindsay Urwin OGS, from Melbourne. It also gathered in Brisbane in July for its triennial international conference and retreat (the ‘General Chapter’). And it celebrated, at Christ Church in December, the life and witness of Nicholas Ferrar and his household at Little Gidding.

The College is now planning its 2017 events, starting in March with the Lenten Quiet Day at Balmain, to be led by the Australian Provincial, Fr Keith Dean-Jones OGS. A roster of topics for discussion, to be presented by members of the group, has been drawn up for the monthly meetings and Sonya Gillies has already led the first one, in a review of the writing of Annie Dillard. Kumar Rasiah, warden of St James Church King Street, is responsible for the College’s most ambitious project ever so far – leading a group of about fourteen people on a camino to Santiago de Compostela in September.

Undergirding all these activities is the daily life of keeping the Rule, so that adoration and service, fellowship and discipline, encouragement and direction are expressed as faithfully as its members are able.

Ronald James Henderson OGS Prior, Sydney College

Spiritual Direction This ministry of spiritual companionship and direction is offered at Christ Church St Laurence by a trained layperson in connection with the Australian Network for Spiritual Direction (ANSD). A number of parishioners and others from outside our congregation took this opportunity to reflect upon their life’s journey. Ann Bergman represents Christ Church St Laurence’s ministry of spiritual direction at monthly meetings of ANSD at the Sisters of St Joseph Conference Centre, Baulkham Hills, where she participates in retreats and teaching.

Ann Bergman Spiritual Direction &Meditation Co-ordinator

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CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

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St Laurence Press Report

vergers’ Report

St Laurence Press is the publishing arm of Christ Church St Laurence and involves a number of editors and producers working on a wide range of projects. Publications include The Deacon’s Treasure, Church Service Books and weekly pewsheets, Christ Church St Laurence Calendar, St Laurence House- Op Shop and the History of SLH, Exploring the Parish (2nd edition in 2017) and the St Laurence Tracts. Rebecca Mychael redesigned a series of cards featuring the work of Earle Backen which have been very popular and will continue to reproduce further Christ Church St Laurence images as cards.

Our church remained open between 9.00am and 5.00pm from Monday to Friday again during 2016. A wide variety of visitors to our parish were welcomed by our dedicated team of volunteer vergers, who usually work two shifts each per month to help provide a prayerful place of peace and beauty, in the middle of a busy city.

Currently the Press is working on two tracts with their authors for publication during 2017: Tract No. 11 John Keble, Poet and Preacher The Language of Devotion and Doctrine in the Oxford Movement Anthony Miller

Our visitors are people from various walks of life, visiting from many different parts of urban and regional Australia and abroad. Visitors come to pray, light a candle or sit in quiet space. Others come to take a few photos, admire the icons or just pop their head in for a quick look or to shelter from the weather. Tourists and backpackers and many others come and often comment about our beautiful Church, occasionally writing something in the Visitors’ Book about its beauty and their amazement. Some visitors return to join us in a service on Sunday which is lovely.

The vergers always try to answer questions visitors ask and invite them to take any printed information they would be interested in keeping, including a new self-guided tour and information about our icons. The printed material also involves providing historical information about the church/parish. Verger resources are available for additional historical information and to assist the homeless of the city, for which we have ready references available in the sacristy.

Tract No. 12 John Mason Neale and the Sisters of Saint Margaret (working title) Graeme Curry St Laurence Press publications are available from Belltower Books.

Helen Hewson Belltower Books Co-ordinator

Our coffee and sandwich ministry continues to be provided for our “treasures” who call in from time to time. To help with our coffee and sandwich ministry, a vergers’ pantry has now been built in the South-West corner of the church. This was made possible through the help of a generous donor. The pantry commenced operation in mid-January, 2017. Once again, “Thank You” to John and Heather Tong, who make the three varieties of sandwiches to keep the pantry freezer stocked. Their help is greatly appreciated by both the vergers and our special visitors.

On 31st August, the vergers again had the opportunity to worship together at the Wednesday Healing Mass before enjoying lunch and our yearly meeting with the clergy and the Parish Administrator. Our vergers meetings are a wonderful opportunity to meet each other and discuss various aspects of our ministry, as well as a forum for vergers to ask questions about matters of concern.

Thanks must also go to Fr. Daniel, Fr. John, Fr. Ron, former Parish Administrator, Simon Polson, and new Parish Administrator, Rebecca Mychael, who provide helpful support to us in our work to assist them. Also much thanks to the Wardens, Peter Hanson, Brenda Hunter and Tony Miller.

During the year, I trained three new vergers (and Colin Spencer trained another one) who are now part of our highly valued team of reserve vergers. At time of writing, I expect to train one other in the not too distant future. New vergers are always welcome.

None of what we do would be possible without the support of the team. This year the regular vergers have been: Reg Boonzaier Malcolm Brady Lorraine Carter Darren Churchill Lucy Clothier Libby Davis

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CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

David Follent Ian Georgeson Sonya Gillies Greg Hagarty Bruce Irwin Greg Loveday

CHRIST CHURCH ST LAURENCE Railway Square, Sydney

Joseph (Pino) Natoli Gwynn Roberts Colin Spencer Chris Styles Heather Sykes Peter Whale

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Our reserve vergers are: Margaret Burgess Bernie Gee Robert Hayward Mavis Hedrik Peter Ogilvie

Norma Smith Stephen Szabo Michael Taylor Ted Wailes

The following vergers have also helped out. They are currently retired from verger duties: Allan Gordon Elizabeth Lostia John Pollard I thank the vergers who have retired for their service over the various times.

Thank you to all the team for their work in this ministry.

There is always room for more volunteers, so if you would like to join us or find out more about our role, please contact me and I will be pleased to talk to you about what we do.

Darren Churchill Head Verger

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