1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

Sy
n
spe od
cia 20
l is 14
su
e MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF BENDIGO
www.bendigoanglican.org.au
Issue 101 June / July 2014
Soon we’ll be
‘Bendigo Inc’!
T
he Anglican Diocese of Bendigo is incorporating as an entity for its future. A
Bill to enable this was the major outcome of
the 2014 synod, successfully seen through by
Ian Dallas, Diocesan Chancellor.
Introducing the Bill, Ian thanked Diocesan
Advocate John Henry for his detailed work
in preparing it, and acknowledged assistance
from lawyers in other dioceses – but Bendigo
is the first Victorian diocese undertaking this
step – “a momentous and significant one”.
Ian ‘began at the beginning’ by explaining
that we are currently an unincorporated association, with some Trust powers to enable
the diocese to hold property. But it cannot
be held legally responsible for the actions
of our clergy or others – a major criticism
made of churches by the Victorian Parliamentary Enquiry and national Royal Commission into abuse.
“It has now become apparent that unless
we act, we will be acted upon, and told what
to do. What we are doing is right but may
also be inevitable - we want to set up a structure which meets this new situation but is
workable for us.
“A second issue is the status of clergy. In
the past they have been regarded as officeholders, independent of diocesan control,
with little accountability. A recent case in
Gippsland has shown that for Workcover
purposes clergy are effectively employed and by the bishop personally.
“There needs to be a body which can be
the ‘deemed employer’ of clergy – another
reason for moving towards incorporation. It
is better to come under Workcover on terms
which work well for the diocese. The Victorian Workcover Authority, which is aware of
I wasn’t ready
to make the
step, but life
is better now.
continued on page 3
Synod members in St Mary’s Kangaroo Flat, as
Bishop Andrew commissions the new Rural
Deans and Canons (see further on page 11).
Inside this issue:
• Full Synod coverage
- with lots of pictures!
• ‘A Trentham Tale’ from 1891
• Farewells for Ken Parker
and Andrew Plant
• CMS Autumn Weekend
• Two Swan Hill ordinations
and all your favourite regulars!
Making the step into aged care can be daunting. But there
are services that can make life better for you and your family.
Benetas is a not for profit aged
care provider. We offer a range of
services including residential care,
in-home care, day and overnight
respite and independent living.
We have been making sense of
aged care for older Victorians for
over 65 years.
Call our Customer Centre for free
confidential aged care advice today.
1300 23 63 82
www.benetas.com.au
2014-06BSP
Bishop Andrew’s
Presidential Address
B
ishop Andrew delivered an open
and honest Presidential Address /
Charge, informing Synod representatives
of the many challenges facing both the
diocese and the wider Anglican Church.
“Synods are like the parliament of the
church,” he said, reminding us that synod
began in the Anglican Communion in
Melbourne in 1854, expressing Bishop
Perry’s strong sense of call to see lay people and clergy join the bishop in taking
responsibility for the work of the Church.
“Synod is an opportunity for representatives from all parts of the diocese to
hear what we have been doing over the
past year. Synods are a sign of democracy
of our church and should never be taken
for granted or underestimated.”
Professional Standards
S
peaking to the tragic findings of the
Royal Commission into Institutional
Responses into Child Abuse, Bishop Andrew said that, “sadly, there have been
many instances where the clergy have not
behaved appropriately and this has become an issue of national importance”.
“One of the most harrowing experiences I have had as a bishop is to listen to
the experiences of people who have been
abused by clergy, their hurt, anger, deep
sense of betrayal and total disillusionment with the Church”.
Main issues identified by the Royal
Commission include the need for churches to have clear procedures and rules
where children are involved, effective
discipline of those found guilty of wrong
doing, clearer policies in place about the
process by which compensation is offered.
All these are hampered when an institution is not incorporated.
Bishop Andrew outlined key recommendations from an independent audit
of the diocese, which would be implemented to meet the level of compliance
required. These recommendations centred around the adoption of Professional
Standards protocols in Synod legislation;
police, working with children and safe
ministry checks for all active and retired
clergy and authorised lay ministers; and
increased ‘Safe Church’ training.
2 The Spirit June / July 2014
“Whether we like it or not, the church
has been deeply affected by sexual abuse,
and this is not going to dissipate quickly,” he said. “The recommendations regarding our current protocols require
significant changes”.
Diocesan viability and structure
G
eneral Synod in July will have before
it a 30,000 word report into the viability and structure of Australia’s Anglican dioceses – a report he wrote. Bishop
Andrew hopes that it will “become a landmark report for the future of our church”.
Key criteria outlined include a diocese’s
capacity for mission, demographic factors, geography, resources, governance,
leadership, goals and strategy, capacity
to solve persistent problems, new models of being church, and the distribution,
number and age of clergy.
Diocesan Strategic Plan
G
iving a thorough update on the
progress of the Diocesan Strategic
Plan 2013-2017, Bishop Andrew noted
that “nearly two thirds of the strategies
have either been implemented or are in
the process of being brought to implementation”. These include
• review of the diocese’s legal structure,
and bringing legislation for the incorporation of the diocese to Synod
• review of the structure and viability
of the DDF
• building up the Bishopric Endowment Fund from property sales: it
now sits at $1.5 million, with a goal
of $3.5 million by 2015
• further development of the Ordained
Local Ministry programme
• clergy recruitment seeing the gender
balance and average age improving
from 2003 to 2014
• reviews of chaplaincy, the Board of
Ministry, Registry and The Spirit have
been completed and changes are being implemented.
As regards chaplaincy, Bishop Andrew
noted that the Health Act requires hospitals to provide for the spiritual welfare
of patients. In former times this meant
that chaplains were supported by hospitals, but this is now being interpreted
as just allowing clergy in to visit, but no
resources are provided.
The new Bendigo Hospital will be Austraia’s largest off-the-coast facility after
Canberra, he noted, and St John of God
is expanding as well.
“To meet this sitution we have just
three part-time chaplains available, each
of whom is stretched.”
St Luke’s Anglicare
R
eminding Synod that St Luke’s Anglicare and Anglicare Victoria will merge
from 1 July 2014, Bishop Andrew noted
that St Luke’s name will continue to be
used, with a large regional office being
based in Bendigo (see further page 4).
Two St Luke’s Board members will be
on the Anglicare Victoria Board, and the
diocese will maintain a strong relationship with the new agency.
State and Federal Budgets
B
ishop Andrew noted that just 4% of
the State budget is in rural Victoria.
“I am disappointed with the commitment
to rural Victoria and the lack of what
seems to be a clear and comprehensive social policy for our state,” he said.
On the Federal Budget, he noted with
concern its impact on many people in
our society, especially young adults.
“As Christians we are called to see that
the commonwealth is for the common
good. I’m not convinced that the 2014
Federal Budget achieves that purpose”.
And in closing ...
R
eflecting on his eleven years as Bishop of Bendigo, he acknowledged the
strengths of the diocese, but highlighted
the issues still to be faced.
“I believe our diocese has a very strong
future, but it also will continue to face
significant challenges,” he said.
“There is much to be done and I urge
you to pray daily for the diocese to be
faithful to the call of God and the mission of the Church.” q
Sarah Crutch
Soon we’ll be ‘Bendigo Inc’!
continued from front cover
the situation, has set an effective deadline of March 2015: there are heavy
penalties for not making appropriate
provision.
D
iscussion continued on Saturday
morning, when Ian Dallas moved
the Bill, seconded by John Henry.
“Are we becoming too like a business
rather than a ministry?” asked Sue Allen
(OPM) – a question Ian said he had been
expecting.
“This incorporation proposal changes
diocesan structures as little as possible.
The Council of the Di“The change is not
ocese will become the This Bill is all about making about who we are as
us ABLE to be sued ...
Board of Directors,
a church,” he replied,
operating as at present.
“but enabling our
It which cannot make decisions without
business dealings – pay, property, leave etc.
the permission of the bishop. We will not
– to be effective in a changed context.”
be a company
with shares,
but one ‘limited by guarantee’ to a
maximum of
$100 for each
member of the
Trusts Corporation. Registry’s work will
fit well into The diocesan Advocate, John Henry, engages with Bishop Andrew,
this structure.” Bishop Ron Stone, Sarah Crutch and Andrew Apostolou.
Questions and discussion
A
fter a brief explanation of the Bill’s
clauses, time was given for questions – some of which began to become
speeches about the Bill!
Responding to questions from the
floor, the Chancellor and Advocate outlined that the Corporation would be responsible if civil action is taken against
the diocese, whilst Workcover matters
would be covered by the insurer.
Possible conflict between Trustees and
Directors is taken care of in the corporation’s Constitution. Only Directors – i.e.
the Council of the Diocese – can make
decisions for the corporation. The Trusts
Corporation is “a relatively inert body”,
John Henry stated, “there to hold property on trust”.
Ian Dallas noted that incorporation
will come into effect only after working
through ASIC procedures – the Synod
Bill is the first step.
Bishop Andrew emphasised that every
effort has been made to ensure continuity.
But each member of the diocesan Council
will become a director, and need to meet
the requirements of directors. Training
will be provided to equip them.
“This Bill is all about making us able to
be sued, vulnerable,” said Peta Sherlock
(Woodend), after concerns had been expressed that incorporation might open
the diocese to legal proceedings. “We are
refusing to use the Ellis defence against
abuse” (a response greeted by applause).
Charles Sherlock noted that becoming
incorporated is a good reminder of who
we are, as ‘members’ - not of a parish club,
but the ‘body of Christ’. In the late 19th
century only people existed in law – incorporation (‘embodiment’) was invented
to enable institutions to become ‘people’.
“Now we are coming full circle,
changing from being a voluntary association to be structured like a ‘body’
– a structure which not only allows us
to deal more effectively on the business
front, but act like who we really are, the
body of Christ.”
The Advocate listed a number of ‘tidying up’ amendments, which were passed
without debate.
The amended Bill was then put, and
passed unanimously in both Houses
(Laity and Clergy) – an announcement
met with extended applause. q
Charles Sherlock
Friday - Synod opens
P
eople came from far and wide to Flora Hill on Friday afternoon, 30 May
for the first session of the 39th synod of
the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo.
Efficient Registry staff registered arrivals and gave them a copy of the Bishop’s
Charge. They had already set each parish’s
place-name on the pews of Holy Trinity
church. As representatives found their
place they chatted with those around –
over the hour or so before dinner many
moved around to catch up with friends.
Eaglehawk representatives John McIntosh
and Jenny Rainsford.
Dinner was terrific, and well organised
as usual by Holy Trinity folk: over 100
diners were soon seated and enjoying a
two-course hot meal.
Then it was time for Bishop Andrew to
deliver his ‘Charge’ – the Presidential Address (see page 2). He ended by acknowledging Bishop Ron Stone, who “continues to have a passion and vitality for God’s
church after 50 years of ordination”.
Dean John Roundhill, on behalf of the
Synod, thanked Bishop Andrew for his
Address. “You have shown a broad, deep
vision, delivered honestly in facing some
complex issues,” the Dean said. “I have
heard you say that a bishop’s job is like
standing under a waterfall. Thank you for
not being overwhelmed by the stresses
and strains, but maintaining your sense of
well-being, humour, and vision of hope.”
With procedural preliminaries cleared,
the Chancellor, Ian Dallas, introduced a
Bill to set up the Bendigo Anglican Diocesan Corporation, i.e incorporate the
diocese (see adjacent story).
The evening concluded with a moving ‘Service of Prayer, Confession and
Reconciliation’, led by Archdeacon Greg
Harris (see page 5). q
Charles Sherlock
June / July 2014 The Spirit 3
‘Who is my neighbour?’
ABM photo exhibition
St Luke’s Anglicare:
a year of change
T
he past year was one of significant
change. CEO Dave Pugh left in May
2013, and in November the Shergold
report on Service Sector Reform was released. Funding will now be distributed
by tender, favouring strong agencies.
W
ho is my neighbour?, ABM’s photographic exhibition, tells the stories
of people living on the edge of poverty.
It is travelling around some 45 parishes
across Australia over the next year.
Dean John Roundhill introduced the
Revd Jasmine Dow, ABM representative
in Victoria, to introduce the exhibition.
So St Luke’s Board, which Bishop Andrew chairs, resolved to explore an alliance with Anglicare Victoria: they will
merge from 1 July 2014. The precise relationship between the new body and the
diocese is being worked on.
This motion, moved by Bishop Ron
Stone and seconded by Archdeacon Michael Hopkins, was passed unanimously:
This Synod
a) Offers thanksgiving to God for the work
of St Luke’s Family Care and St Luke’s
Anglicare Inc from the time of founding
in 1979 as a diocesan caring agency, and
for the lives that have been changed and
people empowered;
b) Expresses its desire for the merging of St
Luke’s Anglicare Inc with Anglicare Victoria to succeed, and for strong links with
the diocese to develop;
c) Acknowledges the vision and work of
those who founded the agency, served on
its Boards and Committees, and the dedicated service of its staff over the years; and
d) Respectfully requests the Bishop to convey
to the present staff Synod’s appreciation
of them, their professionalism, dedication and work, and to express our concern
for any staff having difficulty coming to
terms with any changes. q
Charles Sherlock
4 The Spirit June / July 2014
I
an and Ruth also moved a motion
raising questions about ‘levels of unfairness’ in aspects of the recent Commonwealth budget: the removal of income support for long-term unemployed
young people, ending Family Tax Benefit
B, cutting education and health spending, and requiring up-front payments for
medical attention.
“This is like the gospel story, in which
the rich gave out of their abundance, but
the poor widow gave all she had,” said
Ian. “The Commonwealth should exist
for the common good.”
Ruth, seconding the motion, said the
government seems to have forgotten the
little ones for whom God cares.
Pam Mason (Heathcote) asked about St
Luke’s losing tenders for most of its mental health services. It had only kept the
services around Mildura, Bishop Andrew
confirmed: St Luke’s mental health staff
will reduce from 40 to 4. He hopes that
many will be taken up by other agencies.
Funding for ‘Youth Innovation’ in
Bendigo has also been lost, Bishop Andrew noted. “What shocked us is that the
Commonwealth Government has cut
funding for this programme from the beginning of July, which will impact on the
young people involved, who are mostly
in Years 9 and 10.”
Response to the
Commonwealth budget
“ABM this year has also brought out
Bible studies from Professor Dorothy
Lee, a smartphone app linking users to
mission resources, and regular prayer
material,” Jasmine noted, encouraging all
parishes to make use of these in promoting the mission of God.
‘Love of the neighbour’ to
shape refugee policy
T
he Revd Ian Howarth moved and
Ruth Murphy (Kyneton) seconded
a motion, grounded in Christian commitment to love of the neighbour, asking that the Commonwealth government base their policy on refugees and
asylum seekers on five international
covenants and conventions to which
Australia is a signatory.
“Most of us here are boat people, or
descended from them,” he said. “We
want this nation to treat all people as
neighbours, especially the most vulnerable, refugees seeking a place to live in
safety. That is what the United Nations
agreements seek to do.”
Ruth, seconding the motion, recalling a cartoon that depicted Aboriginals
on the shore of Port Jackson shouting,
“Turn back the boats”! (laughter).
The Revd Kath Tointon, former Centrelink social worker, did not support the
motion. Unemployment measures taken
by all governments have their down side:
initial policies are often hard, but are adjusted. Large funds were thrown at health
and education – she did not agree with the
Gonski funding proposals, for example –
and people’s dignity was supported when
they paid for their medical care.
Rowan Sweeney (Castlemaine) proposed an additional clause: “We oppose
cuts to foreign aid and emphasise that
they not be used for political purposes.” It was accepted by the movers.
The amended resolution passed by a
strong majority on a show of hands. q
Charles Sherlock
Three endings
B
ills were brought to repeal the Diocesan Missionary Agencies Committee
(DMAC), St Laurence Court and Bishop
James Centre Acts.
DMAC chair, Archdeacon Michael
Hopkins, explained that it endorsed official mission agencies only, though parishes now support a wider range. DMAC
came to believe that each agency is better
left to engage directly with parishes.
As Ian Dallas noted, St Laurence Court
is now part of Benetas, and the Bishop
James Centre has been sold, Ian Dallas
explained, so their Acts are redundant.
All three Bills were passed unanimously
in both Houses. q
Responding to sexual abuse
in and by the churches
A
buse in and by churches was a major topic in Bishop Andrew’s charge,
and was one reason for Synod considering the incorporation of the diocese.
Service of Prayer, Confession and
Reconciliation
acing the reality of the churches’ culpability and need to respond threaded throughout the Synod. It was focussed
in the closing service on Friday evening.
Archdeacon Greg Harris read from the
Victorian Parliamentary Enquiry report,
and Synod watched a telling ABC news
report, setting the scene for intercessions,
readings, confession and ‘act of light’ led
by several Synod members.
Candles were lit one by one and taken
to the doors, font, lectern, holy table, and
the centre of the congregation, accompanying prayers to ‘Let Christ’s light shine’.
The service closed with the gentle singing
of ‘Make me a channel of your peace’.
F
Acknowledging survivors’ suffering
O
n Saturday afternoon the Revd
Roger Rich (Maiden Gully) moved
that “Synod acknowledge the present day suffering among survivors of
sexual abuse by former clergy of Bendigo diocese, and that compassion and
understanding toward past or future
claimants be a priority”.
Roger recalled the diverse responses of
the men in the good Samaritan parable,
from indifference to practical help.
“How have churches become so disengaged from scriptural perspectives, as
to be blind to the immorality of their
actions, focussing on their own survival
above all? The wider community ‘gets
it’ - we don’t seem to. We need to seek
leaders who are not only well qualified,
but characterised by compassion and
concern for the good of the neighbour.”
Seconding the motion, the Revd Simon
Robinson (Gannawarra Cluster) told of
taking the funeral of Barry Wilson, a man
abused by the Christian Brothers.
“A national advocate for victims of the
Christian Brothers was present. I was
able to tell her that our church has protocols in place, and that it is the will of the
people of God that we listen to people
who are hurt.”
Clergy abuse in Bendigo diocese
T
he Revd Dr Peta Sherlock (Woodend) made a telling speech about
her experience since taking over the parish as a locum rector in September 2013.
“I asked around, and the matriarch of
the parish and others said they agreed that
something was wrong. One day it was so
bad I wanted to sit down in front of the
altar and cry. When I came home that day
my husband said I was traumatised.
“There were stories of a priest who in
the 80s killed himself in the rectory garage – ‘a lovely man’, older parishioners
told me. ‘He used to bring home young
men from the Malmsbury Youth Training Centre.’ Hang on, I thought ...
“Bishop Andrew told me that this man
was one of the worst abuse offenders in
the diocese – the authorities were just
about to catch up with him. Newspaper
clippings of the man’s funeral had headlines from the bishop’s sermon about the
wonderful work he had done with the
youth from Malmsbury. I cringed.
“I tried to talk about this with a few
former priests. Some said I was telling
lies and gay-bashing. Some would only
say ‘poor old Woodend’. Why did no one
do anything about it before? Answer: it
is too hard and painful, and people will
think you are mad.
“I spoke of this offender on Holy Innocents’ Day, and Bishop Andrew came
down in March for the Healing Service
noted in his Charge. Ever since, the place
has felt a lot freer – it is to do with naming
the wrong, and praying for the victims.
“The building itself bore the pain of
this abuse, as well as the youth. Jesus tells
us the truth will set us free. I am hoping
that is true with St Mary’s Woodend in its
150th year as a place of worship. But there
are many obstacles to telling the truth:
It happened 34 years ago, Peta - let sleeping dogs lie ... You’ve gone crazy in your old
age, I don’t feel anything bad in this church
building ... Peta, if you bring it up and
make a fuss there may well be more claims
for compensation at $25000 a pop!’
“Neither my churchwarden Derek
Shepherd, nor Bishop Andrew ever said
anything like this.
“I want to honour the pioneering
work done by Bishop Andrew when he
was Registrar of Melbourne diocese in
creating a Director of Professional Standards and keeping these matters at arms’
lengths from the bishops.”
Rod Steer (Mooroopna), a psychologist in private practice, said that 80% of
his clients have been sexually abused.
“Most come with everyday problems –
and in passing say they have been abused.
It has become so common that it is almost
taken for granted. Sin abounds when we
do nothing – the problem is silence.”
Clearly moved as he did so, Rod cited
Psalm 32: “when I kept silent my bones
wasted away with my daily complaining.”
Looking to the future
ude Benton (Tatura) stated that at her
previous synod, in New Zealand, she
brought forward ideas from her ministry
as a children’s and youth worker. A high
percentage of men and women in New
Zealand, and probably here, had experienced abuse –“so it is a present, not just a
past issue.” Her proposal that these words
be added was accepted by the mover:
“We the members of the Diocese of
Bendigo also resolve to take all steps to
ensure that we recognise and act on all
current situations of sexual and other
abuse in the churches and communities in which we live”.
The amended resolution was passed
unanimously – “a momentous one,” said
Bishop Andrew, thanking synod for the
way the discussion had been carried out.
St Luke’s Toddlers’ Home
J
B
ishop Andrew was later asked whether any claims related to abuse at St
Luke’s Toddlers’ Home had been made.
“During my time as bishop, only one
complaint has been received, and has
been resolved,” he said.
“Many charges have been laid in other
states, but no major claims have been
made on Victorian institutions overseen
by the Anglican Church, since the 1850s.
This may change next week – but it is a
remarkable tribute to those who sought
to care for children, even if not according
to practices we would favour today.” q
Charles Sherlock
June / July 2014 The Spirit 5
The concrete realities – property
and finances: Registrar’s Report
ABC rural radio gets
strong backing
T
he ABC gives a voice to rural areas,”
said Canon Dale Barclay, moving
a motion in support of its work in rural
areas. A netball team at Murrayville was
situated in Victoria, but played in South
Australia. “It was thus ineligible for funding, without which their courts could
not be upgraded and they would be shut
out of the league. It was the ABC which
stepped in and gave them a voice.”
And “the ABC sustains an independent
voice”. Discussing a proposal for a brothel
and casino was denied by local newspapers: the local ABC gave both sides.
Thirdly, “the ABC keeps alive the stories
of people which would otherwise not be
told:” Dale listed soldier settlers, families
living with autism, the ice drug epidemic
as examples. And the ABC gives publicity
to local events,
including church
affairs – such as
their recent Port
Adelaide poster!
Bishop Ron
Stone – himself
a long-time ABC sports broadcaster –
seconded the motion, drawing attention
to remote areas. Showing a pocket-sized
ABC directory, he pointed out that most
of the names are places we have never
heard of.
“Outback people depend on ABC as
their only radio,” he said, “whether for
emergencies, local news or crop stories in
which the syndicated networks have no
interest. All these are at risk in the budget
cuts – a cut of $10 million may not be
much, but when it becomes $100 million
towns will be affected, then remote areas.
Please support this motion for the sake
of the ‘little ones’ in the remote areas of
Australia who have no political power.”
The Revd Rob Imberger (South East
Bendigo) said these speeches had made
him, as a city person, see a side of the
ABC he had not considered before, beyond the usual left-wing bias of things
like Q&A. He was now glad to support
the motion, passed to strong applause. q
Charles Sherlock
6 The Spirit June / July 2014
A
nne Baker, the Registrar, speaking
to the Trusts Corporation’s Report,
noted that two of four major property
projects were completed in 2013.
The Bishop James Centre was sold
(for $235,000 nett), the balance going to
the Bishop’s endowment fund. Eddington Cottage was rebuilt and will soon be
open for use. The diocese also partnered
with Benetas to have the kitchens and
laundries refurbished at their Eaglehawk
and Kangaroo Flat facilities.
The two major ongoing projects are
the cathedral restoration, and sale of the
Forest Street old cathedral site: one lot
has been sold (for $1 million); the All
Saints’ site remains on the market.
Renovations to ensure that assets meet
their purposes took place in 2013 at South
East Bendigo (children’s room); Maldon
(church roof); Eaglehawk (church and
hall); Tatura (rectory); and property at
Daylesford and Heathcote.
Property reviews, working towards sales
and fund redistribution, took place at
Inglewood, Hepburn Springs, Serpentine,
Laanecoorie, Yandoit and Baringhup, and
the Donald hall was demolished.
The Registrar and Bishop Andrew both
expressed thanks to Greg McKerlie, Diocesan Property Manager, for his careful,
persistent work, which had seen neglected
areas of diocesan responsibility cleared up.
Money matters
A
nne thanked Andrew Apostolou for
his work on the finances, which had
both made the reports more understandable, and also meant that the diocese is
close to meeting the standards necessary
for incorporation. “Andrew’s work gained
a commendation from the auditors for
dealing with issues from earlier years.”
Anne also expressed her thanks to the
Registry staff – Jackie, Sarah, Bernadette
and Greg – “all of whom seek to work
co-operatively with the parishes”.
Both the Trusts Corporation and DDF
had quite good performances in 2013, the
Registrar reported, though Professional
Standards costs are starting to have an impact on the Operating Account. This is affecting the level of the Parish Share, which
had reached 13.1% – an issue of which
Registry staff are well aware.
The DDF deficit has been reduced to
around $300k, and is expected to be neutral by the end of 2014. The way forward
for the DDF is being examined closely: a
recommendation will come to the Council of the Diocese later in the year.
The diocese’s investment strategy is
under review by the Finance Committee,
with the end of the current three-year
plan nearing. “The diocese continues to
invest ethically,” she assured Synod.
“It is a pleasure to work with Bishop
Andrew. The diversity of areas covered
each day is like being under a shower
raining cats and dogs!
“We are in a much stronger position
than five years ago, when I started in Registry – a turnaround in finances, establishment of a Senior Leadership Team, incorporation of New Horizons and Bencourt
welfare services, stronger relationships
with St Luke’s Anglicare – and more.”
“What I find most encouraging is the
strong sense of collegiality and togetherness we have across this diocese – a lot of
this is due to our bishop.”
Bishop Andrew brought discussion to
a close by noting that all the figures at the
end of each section are in the black – “a
remarkable outcome”.
He commended the Registry for the
standard and quality of the Reports – a
compliment echoed by warm applause
from the Synod. q
Charles Sherlock
Synod comes to a close
B
ishop Ron Stone moved a motion
giving thanks for the life and ministry
of three past Synod members - Margaret
Ruxton (Kyneton), Jim Willsmore (Central Mallee) and John Smith (Red Cliffs).
Bishop Andrew noted that the Revd
Fiona Goy was moving to Red Hill, in
Melbourne diocese, and wished her well.
He expressed particular thanks to Sarah
Crutch for her work in preparing for
Synod – thanks supported by applause.
Bishop Ron had the last word, thanking Bishop Andrew for the lead he gave
in his presidential address and his friendly and effective chairing of the synod.
Bishop Andrew gave the blessing, and
all dispersed to their homes. q
Learning and
forming for
ministry –
the Bendigo way
A
n important work of learning and
forming is going on behind the
busyness of diocesan life in the Ministry
Formation Groups. These began back in
2005 under Bishop Ron Stone, with the
first four people in the Ordained Local
Ministry stream at Kerang.
In 2009 the Revd Dr Charles Sherlock, who already had responsibilities
for Training in Ministry, working with
clergy in the early years of their ministry,
joined Bishop Ron.
The Trinity Certificate in Theology &
Ministry, from Trinity College Theological School, which Charles had played an
important part in writing, was adopted
as the basis of the formation programme.
Pastoral units were developed in Bendigo
and introduced into an expanded programme. Seven more people were prepared for Ordained Local Ministry.
Above - members of the Year 1 and 2 Ministry Formation Groups. Left to right –
Ian Fisher (Quambatook), Neil Fitzgerald (Woodend), Robyn Hosking (Quambatook),
Sharon Phillips (staff), Christine King (Castlemaine), Janice Dear (Inglewood),
Deborah Rothacker (Inglewood), Louise Ross (Lockington), Susan Turner (Heathcote),
Bishop Ron (staff), Fay and Andrew Guyatt (Mooroopna).
Below - members of the senior Ministry Formation Group. Left to right –
Pam Lawry (Lockington), Terry Templer (Kangaroo Flat), Angela Lorrigan (Bendigo North),
Ross Craven (Elmore), Denis Gell (Swan Hill), Bishop Ron and Sharon Phillips (staff).
Each MFG session is not a lecture, but
rather sees participants working together
in sharing work they have spent some
hours preparing beforehand.
“This adult approach to learning sees
a level of formation for ministry and
mutual trust reached which I would be
delighted to see achieved at theological
college,” says Charles Sherlock.
“The challenge for OLM clergy is to
have enough time and resources to get
to grips with the scriptures and Christian
tradition in the depth needed to sustain
long-term ministry.”
The Revd Sharon Phillips joined the
tutoring staff in 2011, replacing Charles
Sherlock after he moved away from Bendigo. Currently Sharon and Bishop Ron
undertake two full days of teaching each
month, with 18 people spread over three
groups, studying nine different units.
Charles continues to facilitate the Training in Ministry programme.
These programmes are playing an important part in ministry development in
this small regional diocese – they represent a quite remarkable achievement. q
Bishop Ron Stone
Trinity Certificates awarded at Synod
T
he Revd Cecilia Francis, from Trinity College Theological School, was
welcomed to Synod to present Certificates to two graduands – Canon Sandra
Field and the Revd Denis Gell – who had
completed its six units.
“The Certificate has played a very important part in forming people for ministry,” Bishop Ron Stone told the Synod.
“It can play an even more important part
in educating Christians in our parishes.”
Cecilia explained that the programme
is designed primarily for use in parishes –
though it has been adapted at Lindisfarne
College for Year 10-11 students. Each unit
is led by a facilitator, with participants
learning through sharing their work, in
order to deepen their Christian faith.
“The joy of doing the learning with
others is the joy of struggling with other
perspectives and points of view.
“Several clergy have told me that this is
Cecilia Francis presents Trinity Certificates
to Denis Gell and Sandra Field
a fantastic way of building up people in
the parish, and equipping them for leadership,” she noted.
“The Trinity Certificate is a great way
of coming to explore the creeds, get to
know the Old and New Testaments and
engage with living out our faith.”
Interested? Contact Bishop Ron, or
email [email protected]. q
Charles Sherlock
June / July 2014 The Spirit 7
The joy of MU’s
rugs ministry
What’s coming up
7 - 8 June 150th celebrations for
St Augustine’s Inglewood
25 June
MU Winter Gathering,
St Mary’s Kangaroo Flat
30 June
General Synod (Adelaide):
- 4 July
Bishop Andrew; Greg
Harris, John Roundhill
(clergy); Ian Dallas,
Anne Baker (laity)
15 July
Diocesan Council
21 - 25 July MU National Conference
(Brisbane)
26 - 31 July MU Wave of Prayer
26 August MU retreat day
6 - 9 October Clergy retreat,
Rutherford Park
12 October 150th celebration for
St John’s Newbridge
12 October Emergency Services
annual service,
St Mary’s Kangaroo Flat
Want a significant event included?
Please send dates and place to thespirit@
bendigoanglican.org.au. q
The Spirit
Monthly newsmagazine (except January) of the
Anglican Diocese of Bendigo.
Address: The Spirit, PO Box 2, Bendigo 3552
Member, Australasian Religious Press Association
Editor: The Revd Dr Charles Sherlock
Manager: Sarah Crutch (Registry)
Committee Chair: The Revd Bryn Jones
email: [email protected]
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 submission is preferred. Anonymous
articles will not be considered for publication.
Photographs should be in digital form, full
size: please send the ‘raw’ photo. Physical
photographs 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.
Next contributions deadline: July 23
8 The Spirit June / July 2014
T
his ministry was initiated by Judy
Binion and friends. It followed a
visit to Bendigo several years ago, by the
Revd Bevil Lunsden who spoke about
his work at the homeless centre in Melbourne, The Lazarus Centre.
From that visit, members of MU and
friends began to knit squares - generally about 10” squares. Members at Kyabram undertook the task of collecting
the squares from around the diocese and
then joining them together, generally using 16 squares, to make a warm hand
knitted rug for a homeless person.
From this beginning has grown MU’s
rugs ministry, with rugs being despatched
around the diocese through St Luke’s, to
various centres in Melbourne, particularly
the Lazarus Centre, the Mission to Seafarers and Sudanese people in Footscray.
So far, over 2,000 rugs have been distributed, and people are still knitting.
Often the rugs are accompanied by
beanies, scarves, comfort teddies etc. But
more particularly, each rug comes with a
small message of love (pictured at right).
Judy recognises it is time to step back
from co-ordinating this ministry and to
hand over the reins. Two MU branches,
Eaglehawk and Maryborough, will pick
up those reins and work together to ensure the continuance of the rug making
- bags of squares continue to arrive.
With guidance from Judy, we are certain this labour of love will continue, but
we must recognise the initiative, drive
and sense of purpose with which it all
began. We pay tribute to that visionary
lady, Judy, and thank God for her and all
the friends of this ministry in Kyabram.
Comfort teddies for
General Synod members
M
U members across Australia are
responding to the call to supply comfort teddies for General Synod
members in Adelaide.
The Revd Libbie Crossman, Australian
MU President, and Jan Misiurka, Promotion and Development MU / Caritas
Australia, will promote the work of MU
in Australia and across the world. A pack
for each member of the Synod will contain, among other resources, a comfort
teddy, knitted with love.
Looking ahead
T
he MU / Caritas Winter Gathering
and Council will be held at St Mary’s
Kangaroo Flat on Wednesday 25 June.
Christian cards, pens, notebooks, children’s books, gifts and MU supplies are
always available from Lois Morrisey and
Gwen Nener (Holy Trinity Flora Hill).
MU / Caritas is making plans to bring
Emeritus Professor Freda Briggs AO to
Bendigo later in the year. Professor Briggs
is a long-time researcher in sociology,
child protection and family studies at the
University of South Australia.
Pictured above are some of the teddies
knitted by MU members in Bendigo diocese, and which will hopefully arrive safely
in Adelaide to be a comfort to someone
attending synod. They look so cheery! We
wish them bon voyage, and thank our faithful knitters who create such lovely teddies,
which usually are distributed around the
diocese through various agencies. q
Ronda Gault
G
‘God’s own heart’ disclosed at CMS weekend
od’s own heart’ was the theme of
four inspiring talks given by Andrew
Grills at the 33rd annual CMS Autumn
Weekend at Holy Trinity Flora Hill, 2325 May. Once again it was a wonderful
time of worship, fellowship and learning.
Andrew comes from the ‘City on a hill’
church in Geelong. His experience as an
ex-army chaplain shone through his stories of conflict in 1 & 2 Samuel, reinforcing our need to have a right relationship
with God. A surprising element was that
only two dealt with David - his ‘high’ in
worship in a procession and his ‘low’ of
adultery with Bathsheba. The other two
talks featured the faithfulness of Jonathan,
and the role of the Ark of the Covenant.
Melbourne prior to serving in East Asia.
They will be partnering with an international church in order to reach students
in a ‘gospel-poor’ area.
The children’s program was run by
Rob Edwards (Holy Trinity) and Steve
Weickhardt (Strathfieldsaye). One activity, with help from parents and friends,
was for the children to cover a large map
of Japan with five cent pieces: this is
where CMS link missionaries Brad and
Michelle Jackson are serving.
An innovation from Jill and Tim Buttle was a second hand bookstall, which
raised $100 for CMS. (The usual Word
bookstall sold $600 worth of new books
on commission.)
The weekend was enhanced through the
efficient organisation of the parish staff,
the excellent meals served by the catering
team and the warm hospitality of those
providing billets. A review will consider
ways of improving the weekend’s format.
Andrew’s talks are available on a CD
for $5 plus $2 postage from the parish
office - 5443 3482. Alternatively, they
can be downloaded without cost from
www.southeastbendigo.com. q
Barry Rainsford
Three missionary couples returning to
the field were a great encouragement for
us to keep supporting overseas missions
as well as our local endeavours. They
were able to visit and engage with local
churches’ Sunday morning services.
Ken and Ally Thompson have been
serving as agriculturalists in north east
Cambodia among the rural Bunong
people of Mondulkiri Province. Over
the past ten years they have been able
to show local farmers improved farming
practices, lead people to faith and help
erect a large church complex.
David and Prue Boyd are returning to
the Democratic Republic of Congo (previously Zaire), where they served 20 years
ago during the time of the neighbouring
Rwandan genocide. With their children
grown up they can return to Bukavua, to
undertake urgently needed Bible teaching
and caring for acutely deaf children.
A third missionary couple, who cannot be named for security reasons, have
been preparing at St Andrew’s Hall,
Above: Ally and Ken Thompson, David and Sue Boyd, Andrew and Danna Grills.
June / July 2014 The Spirit 9
Saturday morning Synod Eucharist
H
earty singing, thoughtful prayers, a
challenging sermon, much lay participation and a very comfortable space
were the order of the day for the Synod
eucharist celebrated in the new St Mary’s
Kangaroo Flat on Saturday morning, day
two of the 2014 meeting.
What a joy it is to worship with a large
crowd of people gathered together in
community, being fed and sent out as the
body of Christ!
The legal engine-room of Synod: The Diocesan Advocate, John Henry, Registrar Anne
Baker and Chancellor Ian Dallas. Photo: Charles Sherlock
Bishop Andrew’s Synod sermon:
‘called to be the Church God wants us to be’
I
t being the feast of the Visitation of
Mary to Elizabeth, Bishop Andrew
gathered us by saying how exciting it was
to be in the new church, and how appropriate that we were ‘visiting’ a church
dedicated to Mary.
Bishop Andrew preaching
The readings and collect were for the
Visitation of Elizabeth to Mary (May 31).
The service used was based on material
from Common Worship (Church of England 2002), authorised by the Bishop for
use in the diocese. It was a familiar service
but with some helpful alternatives, notably the creed and eucharistic prayer. The
words were projected on screen, and while
easily read, care needs to be taken that
they match what is actually being spoken.
Singing was led by the Revd Bryn
Jones’ voice and guitar, supported by the
keyboard. Some would have liked to also
sing the communion setting – even the
ubiquitous ‘Dudman’ gives the Gloria a
greater sense of praise and joy.
Bishop Andrew spoke of the privilege
and responsibility of attending Synod,
reminding us of its origins with Bishop
Perry in the 1854 Church of England
Act of the then-new Victorian Legislative
Council. This Act saw the adoption of a
synodical approach to church government that is still with us today.
‘Perry’s principle’ was two laity to one
clergy – an Anglican distinctive which
reminds us of the important vocation of
lay people in the life of the Church.
The Bishop proceeded to reflect on the
‘calling’ of the boy Samuel and of Mary
the mother of our Lord: their responses
changed the course of history”.
Equally, he remarked, Bishop Perry felt
‘called’ to establish the Anglican Church
throughout the colony of Victoria.
“Our experience may not be as extraordinary as it was for Samuel and Mary or
even Bishop Perry. But make no mistake,
we are called and I hope our ears may
tingle with that sense of call. If we don’t
feel called we will never be the Church
God intends us to be.
“May we all feel the call of God to be
the Church that God wills!” q
‘Thank you’ from St Paul’s
I
an Smith (Cathedral) moved a motion to place on record the appreciation of the cathedral parish “for the
ongoing financial, practical and spiritual support of the Cathedral restoration project from the Bishop, Registry
staff and parishes of the diocese”.
“St Mary’s set a new benchmark for
church buildings in the diocese,” said
Bishop Andrew. He noted that the parish
had recovered from the fire five years ago
to erect the new facility with a debt of just
$250,000 – “a wonderful testimony to the
grace of God and the hard work of many”.
It was a fitting start to a day of listening, debating and decision making. q
Diana Smith
10 The Spirit June / July 2014
Synod is great! That’s how Campaspe cluster representatives see it: Janice Brown & Denise
Hodder (Rochester), Stuart Winn (cluster priest), Louise Ross & Allison Mitchell (Lockington).
Reconciliation Week
S
ynod took place during the Week of
Prayer for Reconciliation, which was
marked in a number of ways.
T
he diocese’s newly-appointed Rural
Deans, and three new St Paul’s Cathedral Canons, were commissioned by
Bishop Andrew on Saturday afternoon.
New Rural Deans (pictured above) are
the Revds Roger Rich (Bendigo West),
Simon Robinson (Loddon), Glenda
Templer (Bendigo East), Ian Howarth
(Mount Alexander), David Willsher
(Campaspe) and Dale Barclay (Mallee,
who was standing with the Canons).
Below, Bishop Andrew commissions
Canons Dale Barclay (MacCullagh canonry), Sandra Field (Moorhouse canory)
and Heather Blackman (Christ Church
Old Cathedral St Arnaud canon). q
The Revd Robyn Davis presented Aboriginal flags to the parishes of Kangaroo
Flat (above) and Northern Mallee (below)
– both greeted with warm applause.
Sarah Crutch
Photos on this page: Andrew Eaton
Robyn concluded the presentation
by leading Synod in the Reconciliation
Prayer from APBA, written by Bishop
Arthur Malcolm. Julia Nutting later
spoke in support of her ministry.
A
pplause greeted Bishop Andrew’s
announcement that the Revd Sue
Allen (Ordained Pioneer Minister – pictured at left) is the new National Spiritual
Director for Cursillo Australia.
“Robyn is not only a ministry pioneer
in our diocese, but endlessly, on a very
tight budget, facing challenges quite different from the difficulties that other
clergy and lay people have. Her ministry
embodies what we ask of God in the Reconciliation Prayer.”
The collection at the synod eucharist
was put towards Robyn’s Walkabout Ministries – and raised $1400! q
Charles Sherlock
June / July 2014 The Spirit 11
Newly ordained priests Robyn Davis and
Denis Gell on either side of Bishop Andrew,
with Archdeacon Michael Hopkins.
Above: Imparja Pettit plays the didgeridoo
as part of the Welcome to Country.
Below: Denis Gell with Jim Mitchell.
Swan Hill celebrates ordinations in style
T
“My ordination as a priest was a wonderful day of celebration,” echoed Robyn.
The ‘Welcome to Country’ was extended, then came the haunting notes
of the didgeridoo. Before the ordination
itself, it was special to hear the choir of
voices singing the ‘Venite Spiritus Sanctus’ (Come Holy Spirit) to the solo voice
of the oboe.
Robyn works at the Swan Hill Aboriginal Health Service one day a month with
the Maternal Health Unit, and is on call
to the community for other ministry as
needed. She also has Permission to Officiate in Riverina diocese in regard to pastoral care and to carry out her Walkabout
Ministry in the Indigenous community.
here was standing room only when
Denis Gell and Robyn Davis were
ordained priest by Bishop Andrew on SS
Philip and James’ feast day, Saturday 2
May. All the beauty of praise and worship
began with the procession of white-robed
visiting clergy, many of them women, and
three bishops. Many clerical collars were
also noted among the congregation.
Above: Robyn Davis with two cousins,
Elaine Jackson and John Jackson.
Below: Robyn and Denis blessing one of
the rooms of the rectory.
The procession exited in reverse order, with Bishop Andrew leading the
hand-clapping chorus of celebration and
thanksgiving. At the lunch afterwards it
was wonderful to catch up with former
clergy and parishioners. Many stayed for
the Sunday service, when Denis presided
over his first eucharist – a great moment
after a journey of forty years, but not in
the wilderness by any means!
“It was a tremendous experience, especially with the ordination being in Swan
Hill, said Denis Gell.
“This is what OLM is all about, having the presence and support of my own
church family with me, as well as clergy,
family and friends from afar, including
my daughter and grandson from England. My ordination was the culmination
of over 40 years of seeking God’s will and what an occasion it was!”
12 The Spirit June / July 2014
“I am so pleased that it happened on
my own traditional country in Swan
Hill. I look forward to new and exciting
challenges as I develop relationships with
the people of Swan Hill and support our
rector, Jan Harper, two days a week.”
The most distant travellers were from
Great Britain - Denis and Helen Gell’s
daughter Megan, with baby Edward.
Among former parishioners were Alan
and Maree Pegg, Jenny and Jim Mitchell
and Neil Buller.
Some Swan Hill ‘famous faces’ in the
crowd were the Revds Wendy Pullin,
Heather Blackman, Gary Fordham, Ron
White, and Mike Vercoe. Many visiting
clergy were wonderful men and women
who had served our parish as locums over
the two years of vacancy until we were
blessed with our new rector, Jan Harper.
Later, Robyn and Denis blessed each
room in the Rectory in a truly meaningful service - it can be found (with lots of
photos) at www.anglicanswanhill.com.
au/?p=360.
Joan Mellahn
Castlemaine’s retirement
extravaganza for Fr Ken Parker
T
he Easter season has been a feast of
endings and beginnings in Castlemaine parish as we celebrated 45 years
of ordained ministry - eleven in Castlemaine - by Canon Ken Parker, and his
retirement from parish ministry.
Change a life.
Donate now.
It began with juggling, fire twirling,
music, and unicycles, with exuberance,
joy, and abundant creativity of life. We
came to the place where the church
comes to play and our children gave gifts
of their talents and playfulness.
Saying goodbye to Ken also meant saying goodbye to James O’Donnell: at St
John’s Chewton we celebrated the gifts of
music with which Jim has enriched our
worship. It was a rich and passionate offering in an intimate space.
The Concert for Ken was as intimate
as an over-filled church can be. Carried
through on a sedan chair, Fr Ken was
fêted with gifts of poetry and music by
over 30 performers.
At Evensong on Ken’s last Sunday, Susan Bassett (on behalf of the parish) and
Bronwen Manchin (on behalf of the Castlemaine community), offered reflections
on the influence Ken has had on so many
lives through his ministry.
Ken was presented with The Book of
Blessings, a festschrift of poetry, photography, embroidery – anything that fits on
a page – containing works by over 100
contributors; and the ‘Loving Cup,’
Canon Ken with Bronwen Manchin,
speaker at his retirement Evensong
a specially commissioned work of silver, gold and glass marking the parishes
in which Ken has served, with the centrepiece a pair of hands cupped together
in both offering and receiving.
On Ascension Day, Thursday 29 May,
Ken formally laid down parish ministry.
Rather, he handed over parish ministry,
using symbols of the ministry alive and
continuing in the folk of this parish.
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 [email protected]
Direct deposit via Bendigo Bank:
BSB 633 000 ACC 130329535
Albury • Bendigo • Castlemaine
Deniliquin • Echuca • Kyneton
Maryborough • Swan Hill
The Reverend Canon Ken Parker: parish priest, rural dean, cathedral canon,
friend, mentor, jester and gadfly: having
called so many to be a ‘new thing’, Fr Ken
is now himself becoming a ‘new thing’
as he learns to be a priest in retirement,
entering this new phase of ministry with
blessings, tears, laughter and love. q
Graeme Castleman
Eaglehawk parish farewells Andrew Plant
T
he Revd Andrew and Kim Plant
were farewelled at a packed service
on Sunday 1 June 2014 at St Peter’s
Eaglehawk. The three Sunday congregations combined to bid adieu to their
friend and pastor for the past five years.
Andrew explained that he had been an
ordained minister in Bendigo diocese for
25 years, since being appointed as a curate
at Christ Church Echuca. Now he felt it
was time to avoid ‘burn-out’ by resigning
from the ministry and taking up a position with the City of Greater Bendigo.
Andrew’s final sermon was based on 2
Peter 3, where we are reminded to pay
attention to the message God has made
available. His customary lively address
made good use of a data projector and fillin answer sheets. He encouraged listeners
to be informed by God’s word and to accept God’s transforming grace.
At morning tea afterwards churchwarden Ed Yarrington expressed the
thanks of all those present for Andrew’s
leadership through a challenging time
of change and uncertainty. It was pleasing to see the church building in such
good shape, after a period of repair and
improvement. A bouquet of flowers was
presented to Kim along with a financial
gift to them both.
Andrew responded by thanking Kim
and his family and friends for their support over many years, and wishing the
parish well in the next stage of its growth
and development. A closing prayer committed Andrew and all to God’s good care.
While the parish is waiting for a new
rector, the two morning services will be
combined at 9.45am and the afternoon
gathering will continue at 5.00pm.
Barry and Jenny Rainsford
June / July 2014 The Spirit 13
First Frost
The bar was closed at six o’clock,
we went our separate ways –
each one of us, a man alone,
each in a sort of haze
that comes from drinking beer too fast,
and not enough to eat,
each with whiskers on our face
and chilblains on our feet.
Old boots, sore toes and aching backs
don’t matter when you’re going
in to Bickley’s bar to drink,
not even if it’s snowing.
St George’s Trentham pageant line-up: Reg, Fay Spear, Kit Manning, Bob White, Ian
Hansford, Hazel Gibbons, Neil Fitzgerald, Frances Palmer, Anne Walker (obscured), Pam
Bosanquet, Elizabeth Wells, Saskia Post.
Picnic, pageant & cemetery crawl:
150 years of Anglican worship in Trentham
B
right sunshine and a cool breeze welcomed people to St George’s Trentham picnic and pageant at Quarry Lake
on Sunday 3 May. They came to celebrate
the 150th anniversary of the first Church
of England service in the town.
The Revd Dr Peta Sherlock, our rector
and author of the pageant, welcomed everyone, and with parishioner Peter Fernon
led us through notable events and people
over the years. Charles Sherlock was kept
busy as stage manager, banging in tomato
stakes with labels to mark key dates in the
story of the church and town.
Parishioners took the parts of church
members of earlier days – shop-keepers,
pub owners and the redoubtable Dr
Gweneth Wisewould among them – as
well as honouring the ministry of Lay
Readers, notably David Weeding.
The singing of several hymns was assisted by accompaniment from Tim Walsh,
whose family marks 150 years in the town
later this year. Tim, a parishioner of St
Mary Magdalene’s Catholic Church, also
provided amplification for the event.
At regular intervals during the pageant, ladies of the Guild walked across
and back, dressed suitably in hats, gloves
and carrying various items to illustrate
their long involvement and service to the
community – sewing, doing the flowers
and serving tea and meals for many occasions, keeping St George’s spick and
span, and of course raising money for its
continued support.
14 The Spirit June / July 2014
Those present were surprised to have
a visit from Trentham identity Reg the
spud-digger (closely associated with
churchwarden John McLaren), who told
us in no uncertain terms what life was
like for those on hard times, and how a
friend of his, Declan, had shared the Easter message with him one frosty night.
Concurrent with the picnic and pageant was a display of historical photos
and documents, set up in the sanctuary on boards loaned by the Trentham
Historical Society. Parishioner Elizabeth
McInerney, assisted by the Society’s John
Cook, had spent many hours of research
to prepare the display, which was much
appreciated by visitors and locals.
Trentham Cemetery contains the
graves of generations across the 150
years. With the permission of its trustees,
Peta Sherlock made a map of the ‘top ten
Anglicans’, whose graves were marked by
more labels on tomato stakes, with details of their lives and ministry.
Members and friends of families with
historic links to St George’s joined in the
regular morning service, and enjoyed examining the display and following the
cemetery trail, as well as celebrating Easter with us.
Over the day everyone moved around
and shared stories of the early days - now
it’s full steam ahead into the future which
God has for us! q
June English
But when your seven shillings’ spent
and autumn dusk’s descending
the road back home seems long and dark,
and almost never ending.
Me spud hut isn’t far away,
just down beside the creek,
but Dwyer’s spuds have all been dug.
I’ll have to move next week.
I stop, and lean upon the gate.
The paddock’s crop’s been lifted sixty rows of spuds, I’d say,
I’ve dug and bagged and shifted.
Old Declan’s words come back to me he’s dug round here for years.
He had his cheque. All flush, he said,
“I’ll shout this round of beers!”
The boys all grinned their thanks, and
winked at Declan’s newfound wealth.
Then every digger round the bar
saluted Declan’s health.
The talk resumed - of rabbit traps,
of horses, slow and fast
and whether winter snow this year
would be as deep as last.
But Declan looked me in the eye,
and quietly he said,
“Doc Wisewould says I’ve got a growth.
Next spring I might be dead.”
In shock I heard the publican
call out, “Last drinks!” “It’s time!”
and Declan said, “Cheer up, old mate!
Right now, I’m feeling fine!
Now don’t you fret, I’m right to go, next
spring, next month, tomorrow.
The Lord will have a hut for me,
and no more pain or sorrow.
“We’ve talked about this oft before,
when we was bunked together
last year, in old Pongello’s hut,
in all that dirty weather.
“I told you that, when but a boy,
I heard the old priest’s teaching
that Jesus and his mates slept rough
when wandering and preaching.
A Tale of old Trentham - 1891
I
have discovered some new and fascinating reading. The drama is better than
Downton Abbey, the subtleties more delicate than Foyle’s War, and the information
fuller than ABC24, Current Affair and 60
Minutes together. It is the Parish Council
Minutes of St George’s Trentham, 18881897, plus the Service Register and occasional local newspaper clippings.
1891 attracted attention given the
amount of information available. From
the Register I noted the numbers at worship, the collection and who counted
and banked it, the minister’s text, notes
on weather or choir numbers - and who
played the organ.
“They didn’t even have a swag,
a billy or a pipe –
not even soap, so in that heat,
like us, they’d smell real ripe!
“He was a bag man, just like us,
he walked through dust and mud.
He only had one pair of boots,
no purse, dry bread for food.
“He said the foxes had their dens,
and birds had nests for bed –
but not a halfpenny to his name,
he’d now’t to lay his head.
“He said that, where his Father lived,
were lots of different places –
and poor blokes, more than rich men,
could count on finding spaces
“where they could camp and stay
forever. Never have to leave.
And he would charge them nothing.
They’d only to believe.”
So Declan said. ’E shook me hand,
and walked into the night.
I stood, like I am standing now,
hoping that ’e’s right.
For, leaning here, upon this gate,
I feel the first frost falling
And deep within the silent bush,
hear the frogmouth calling.
At last, I move toward the light.
I feel the years upon me
and Declan’s gentle Irish voice
dispels the fears within me.
I hang me lantern from its hook.
Me hearth coals still have heat.
An old bloke, with whiskers on his face,
and chilblains on his feet.
Reg, Trentham spud-digger –
with help from John McLaren –
Autumn 2014
From the Minutes I noted who attended or stayed away from Parish Council,
who was secretary and treasurer and
when they succeeded or failed to follow
up decisions, decided to hold a concert,
fix the church roof or put off paying bills
(including the rector’s stipend).
The Trentham Advertiser showed St
George’s public face: the Bishop’s visit,
unkind letters about how the organist was
elected, and the sale of the rector’s goods
before he moved on (including a horse,
buggy, and 12-stop organ).
As 1891 began the choir was growing
under the musical Revd George Frewin
and his wife. Especially on Sunday evenings, when attendances were much
larger, as was the collection. In June there
were 15 in the choir and a “splendid congregation” of 94, though it was a damp
wintry Trentham evening.
The Parish Council tried to have more
Sunday evening services but Canon Carlisle (Kyneton rector?) refused permission.
Mr JWS Wolff, church treasurer, longstanding Guardian and successful local
businessman, went to a Melbourne lawyer
– and more Sunday evening services were
suddenly underway.
A dozen new hymn / prayer books were
bought for the choir. The previous September a better organ had been bought from
the rector (apparently getting his 12-stop
organ). But the better organ cost more than
a year’s collections – a bank loan was taken
out. It was not paid off when the Minute
Book ended seven years later.
Meanwhile, in the choir there was dissent. Selina Utber, aged 20, was being
challenged by Caroline Carpender, 18, as
to who was the organist. Selina was Mr
Wolff’s step-daughter (discovered from
wanderings in our local cemetery).
When the “disturbance in the choir”
came up at Parish Council, he asked
permission to make a speech. We don’t
know what he said, but he presumably
defended his daughter. Wolff was proud
of his family, and later drew attention to
his stepson’s paying the church ‘subscription’ even though he was not yet 21.
The Parish Council decided that the
organists should alternate every three
months: this is written in the Register
in April and July. But the system did not
work. Who knows what girlish unpleasantness went on with winks and giggles?
The Council moved that each girl should
sing in the choir when not at the organ,
but how could you police such a decision?
Finally, the Council interviewed the
choir one Friday night in early September,
and went to the parsonage to vote. Miss
Utber won by 5 votes to 4. Not a decision
at all. By checking the Council’s moving
and seconding, it became fairly clear who
voted with whom. Miss Carpender’s four
did not attend Council for the rest of the
year – and a nasty exchange of anonymous letters took place in the local paper,
plus one signed by Mr Wolff.
During this whole year the rector valiantly preached pointed sermons: “act
justly with one another” (Jeremiah 7:5),
“seek things that make for peace” (Luke
19:41), “if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts ...” (James
3:14), “do not complain” (1 Corinthians
10:31). In his farewell sermon on 27 December, George Frewin begged them to
“put things in order ... live in peace” (2
Corinthians 13:11).
In 1892 Mr Wolff and a newcomer to
the Parish Council (his main opposition,
I suspect) would not stand for re-election
even when asked. And Selina Utber resigned as organist.
I
do not write this to despise my forebears in the faith. I have become
quite fond of all these characters. But
has much changed 123 years later? How
much energy do we put into keeping the
church running so that we can keep the
church running?
Oh – please keep your church records
carefully so that someone in 2164 will have
as much fun as I have had in 2014! q
Peta Sherlock
June / July 2014 The Spirit 15
Beating around the bush
Any old iron?
A
ny old iron was a British music hall
song sung by people like Peter Sellers,
performed on The Muppet Show and concert orchestras, and used in TV ads. It is a
fun song about a product that has played
an important part in the lives of outback
Australians – notably as corrugated iron.
Monicah and Andrew Eaton with Robyn
Davis and her painting that they bought.
‘Nara Dreaming’ delights
T
here was movement in the parish for
the word had passed around – the
‘Nara Dreaming’ Art Exhibition was on
again at Lockwood! With smiles and cheerful chatter, parishioners from Maryborough, Avoca, Talbot and Dunolly boarded
the bus for their trip to the Exhibition.
Time was spent discussing and appreciating the artistic talents of our Indigenous
sisters and brothers – paintings, metal
sculptures, sandstone carvings, photography, weaving, jewellery, cards. We were
privileged to have the Revd Robyn Davis
tell us of her art and Walkabout Ministry.
We all eagerly searched for the gold
cross which Robyn includes in each of
her paintings. Each purchaser shared
with Robyn the reasons behind the
choice: she was delighted to know that
part of her was going to be with us.
Thank you Anne, Bill, Robyn, Ed and
the team for this wonderful exhibition,
your hospitality and the comfy couches ...
our bus will be returning next year! q
Sandra Field, Maryborough
A hole in the cathedral floor?
T
his photo shows the construction
of the foundations for the new altar
platform in the cathedral. The platform,
octagonal in shape, will be able to be
retracted into the floor by means of hydraulic lifts. This will give much needed
versatility to the cathedral’s interior. q
16 The Spirit June / July 2014
There is no more wonderful sound in
the outback than rain on a corrugated
iron roof – especially the first fall after
prolonged drought. We were privileged
to live in a wonderful old
Queenslander, named ‘Lis
Escop’, the 150 year-old
home of the Bishop of Rockhampton. The sound of rain
falling on its corrugated iron
roof was music to the ears.
And, would you believe it, an enterprising
manufacturer of funeral supplies is marketing a range of corrugated iron coffins,
named ‘The Outback’! On a less sombre
note, would you also believe that one can
produce a form of music, echoes of different pitches, by clapping one’s hands
alongside a corrugated iron fence? Corrugated iron really isn’t ‘any old iron’.
Outback people are well aware that
houses built of corrugated
iron cannot last forever.
There is another ‘home’ we
have been thinking about
in Anglican worship during
the season of Easter - God’s
new creation in Christ. May
nothing in this life cause us
to forget our eternal home.
Corrugated iron was invented in England in the
May we never forget the
early 1800s. Made in sheets, Any old iron? Barcaldine Lodge
spiritual needs of outback
light in weight, easily transAustralians where in a rapidly growing
ported and relatively easy to build with,
number of outback communities there
it was ideal for use in outback Austraare no clergy any more, too few clergy
lia. The many buildings made from it
willing to go outback, too few people to
still standing today are testimony to its
fund the cost of ministry any more, instrength and durability – corrugated iron
frequent access to the ministry of Word
houses, halls, hotels, sheds, church buildand sacraments most of us take for grantings and many other structures.
ed, and little or no pastoral care available
One corrugated iron house in Winton
from the Church.
was the home of two elderly Anglicans
where we would make a pastoral call every time we were visiting the West – a real
outback home of ‘dinky di’ Aussie battlers.
Can you, with me, imagine what the
exalted Lord Jesus Christ would think of
this situation? q
In his younger days, Bert, a former
‘ringer’, cut down trees on his block to the
same height and level to form the foundations of the house. He then erected the
external and internal dividing walls, and
the roof, from sheets of corrugated iron.
These two dear folk would spend the day
under the house on a pressed earth floor,
seeking the cool, and then go upstairs for
cooking and sleeping at the end of the day.
Bishop Ron
An imaginative inventiveness is found
in the people of the outback. Many of
Winton’s corrugated iron houses, even the
poorest, have decorative window awnings
and weather vanes sculptured in the iron,
and ‘bull-nosed’ verandas. Their use of
corrugated iron has been discovered by architects and builders: this ‘any old iron’, or
one of its descendants that has overcome
the problem of rusting, is in vogue again.
ABM Auxiliary news
W
ho is my neighbour?, the ABM
photographic display, will
be featured at St Paul’s
Cathedral from Sunday to
Friday 1-6 June, then travel to St Margaret’s Mildura for the Mallee Deanery
Rally on Sunday 29 June.
The exhibition highlights the United
Nations Millennium Development Goals
and shows how Australian aid is helping
our global partners respond to the serious
challenges of poverty. The images come
from Anglican Churches in Africa, Asia
and the Pacific. They tell the story of people and communities on the front line of
the struggle against poverty.
Margaret Kelly celebrates 25 years of
volunteering with Benetas Chair John
McKenzie
Benetas thanks its
volunteers with historic
luncheon
T
o coincide with National Volunteer
Week, Benetas celebrated the work of
its volunteers at an historic event at The
Hotel Windsor on Thursday 15 May.
New ABM Auxiliary President:
Kris Hopkins
A
t the April meeting of the diocesan
ABM Auxiliary, Kris Hopkins was
elected as President. Kris worships at St
Margaret’s Mildura and is an ABM Associate. Kris takes over from Heather Lawrence who stepped down last October.
Special thanks to Jenny Rainsford who
has held the reins in the interim.
The annual fundraising rallies are happening around the various deaneries as
we go to print – more information in
next month’s issue of The Spirit.
The next ABM Auxiliary Meeting will
be held on Tuesday 15 July at St Luke’s
White Hills from 12 noon. Everyone from
across the diocese is welcome. If you have
a passion for ABM and its part in God’s
mission, bring your lunch and hear more
about the role and work of our Auxiliary
and how it supports ABM in the diocese.
We are looking for new supporters! If
you are interested please phone or email
Kris Hopkins: [email protected].
au or 5023 8265 (the Northern Mallee
parish office). q
Kris Hopkins
“Over the last year Benetas volunteers
donated a staggering 25,000 hours of
their time, the equivalent of almost
3,300 working days,” said Sandra Hills,
Benetas CEO. “They offer their talents
in a range of capacities, from playing the
piano for our residents, working in our
local op shops, to providing transport
and offering friendship.”
Ms Hills said that the event, now in
its eleventh year, was reflective of Benetas’
appreciation of its volunteers.
“Their support means that our clients
can maintain important links to the
community and form lasting relationships which offer comfort and companionship. Without their commitment we
would simply be unable to do much of
the work we do with older Victorians.”
The event acknowledged the work of
long time volunteer Allan White, who
this year celebrates 35 years of service.
“To be celebrating 35 years of volunteering at the one place, along with three
volunteers reaching 25 years of service
and two celebrating 20 years, is incredible. As an organisation we are truly grateful,” said Ms Hills.
For more information about volunteering with Benetas phone 8823 7900 or visit
www.benetas.com.au/volunteers. q
Stephanie Russell
The Revd Dr Charles Sherlock (right) with MU
Leader Mrs Noluthanda Langein (holding her
churchwarden’s staff) and ARCIC III members
Bishop Nkosinathi Ndwandwe (Anglican, Natal)
and Sister Teresa Okule shcj (RC, Nigeria).
Anglican worship –
Zulu style
C
harles Sherlock participated in the
2014 Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) meeting
at the Vuleka centre, near Durban, South
Africa, from 12-20 May. On the Sunday,
the Commission joined 5-600 Zulu ANglicans at St Augustine’s, Umlazi for their
8am eucharist – which ran until 11am!
“It was an amazing and inspiring experience,” Charles said. “The service was
long, but you did not notice it - there was
no time-wasting fuss, just unhurried delight to be able to worship God together.
In Zulu the service’s words seem to take
longer, and administerng communion to
everyone took a while (accompanied by
more wonderful singing). “
“Mothers Union members wear a white
coat with a soft black hat to church. One,
Mrs Noluthanda Langein (sister-in-law of
apartheid martyr Steve Biko), is a churchwarden – a very significant ministry in
this context. She was given 10 minutes or
so to give the notices before the Peace.
“The wardens supervise the collection,
watching as everyone comes forward to
place their gift in closed boxes. These are
opened to face the front, and the wardens then offer the prayer over the collection, before carrying the boxes to the
vestry (which is then locked).”
ARCIC is currently working on how
the local, regional and universal levels
of church relate, especially in relation to
discerning right ethical teaching. q
June / July 2014 The Spirit 17
There’s a word for it: ‘time’
I
gather that the word ‘time’ is
the most widely used noun
in English. It’s a word we all
know and use, yet try to define
it and we come unstuck. From
the myriad ways we use it, it’s
obvious that it is more than a
simple procession measured
out in days, hours and minutes.
The ancient Greeks used
this special word kairos to
depict such appropriate
times. Kairos is all about living in the moment for God,
seeing what he is doing and
catching the moment of opportunity when it comes. We
ourselves enshrine this idea
in such proverbs as, ‘Strike
while the iron is hot’. And when we
fail to catch the moment we talk about
‘missing the boat’.
In the developed world we are obsessed
with the accurate measurement of time.
As technology leads us into more complicated mechanisms there is an increasing
Interestingly the word kairos, both in
need to record time in the most minute
ancient and modern Greek, also means
amounts. Not long ago, to describe some
weather. The two ideas of weather and
event to the nearest half hour was sufthe opportune time come together in
ficient – now we record things in micro
seconds. In fact unChristians are called to discern the Matthew 16:3 and
Luke 12:56 when
til 1840 the record
times aright, to seize the opportunity Jesus has a go at his
of time in one town
- to discern God’s kairos.
contemporaries for
could differ by 20
being blind to what God is doing in their
minutes or more from the time in anothown times.
er. Time was measured locally.
The coming of railways changed things.
Railways require a timetable and therefore
the same time standard for everywhere.
Trains simply could not wait until local
time said what was on the timetable. So
time became standardised. Each railway
company had its own railway time for a
while but soon time became standardised
in Britain as ‘Greenwich Mean Time.’ The
rest of the world soon followed.
The further back in history you go, the
less accurate are the devices for ‘keeping
time’ and the less insistence on being ‘on
time’. We are talking about chronological time – time as duration. The Bible
recognises this kind of time but has little
to say about it and about how time is
measured. The words used for time in
the Old Testament express a view of history as made up of various ‘times’, all of
which are in God’s hands. All times belong to God and are for God’s purposes.
The word ‘chronological’ comes from
the Greek word chronos which gives us
our words chronometer and anachronism. The other main word for time in
the New Testament is kairos. This does
not mean measured time as duration but
something like the time of opportunity
and fulfilment, the appropriate season.
We speak of doing things at the right, or
opportune, time, though we often have
an inability to discern what makes it the
right time.
18 The Spirit June / July 2014
You know how to interpret the
appearance of the earth and sky.
How is it that you don’t know how
to interpret this present kairos?
In the Bible, Christians are called to discern the times aright, to seize the opportunity. They are to “know the seasons”, understand the present time (Romans13:11),
redeem the time (Ephesians 5:16), make
the most of every opportunity (Colossians
4:5). They grasp salvation for “now is the
acceptable time; behold now is the time of
God’s favour, now is the day of salvation”
(2 Corinthians 6:2). q
Richard Stamp {[email protected]}
Jesus Christ: the true
hope of Star Wars?
S
tar Wars fans will be excited to know
that a new Star Wars film is coming
out in 2015. It will be Episode VII and
will be a continuation of the saga created
by George Lucas set 30 years after ‘Return of the Jedi’.
One thing that rings true in the Star
Wars films is the fight between good and
evil, and the temptation of going to the
‘dark side’. In Star Wars Episode I: ‘The
Phantom Menace’, released in 1999, a
young boy called Anakin Skywalker is introduced. He can see things before they
happen and has within him an unusually
strong strain of the Force.
A Jedi knight comes to free the boy
from slavery but cannot save his mother.
Anakin has his reservations and says that
he doesn’t want things to change but his
mother says “you can’t stop the change.
It’s like stopping the sun setting.”
T
wo thousand years ago a boy was
born in Bethlehem to free us all from
the bondage of death in this world and
the slavery of sin. His birth was also to
fulfil the scriptures: “The maiden will be
with child and will give birth to a son and
will call him ‘Immanuel’” (Isaiah 7:14).
The Jewish people were waiting for a
Saviour, their new Messiah who - just
like Anakin Skywalker - would make a
difference and set them free in accordance with the scriptures. For the risen
Lord Jesus is the “Alpha and the Omega
... who is and was, and who is to come,
the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8; 21:6).
And as we know, the Messiah has already
been found (John 1:41).
The new Star Wars film will have some
of the original cast from the original trilogy. It will no doubt delve into good and
evil and the temptations of the dark side.
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.
I am not sure if creator George Lucas is
a spiritual or religious man but one thing
is for sure, there is a spiritual element to
his Star Wars films, and to ‘the Force’.
“May the Force be with you”? Almost
like “May God be with you”! q
Angela Morrissey
Strathfieldsaye
holy-day programme
continued from back cover
From our experience of five programmes over three years, we are seeing
progress towards both goals. The teenagers have real experience in preparing for
long-term roles as leaders across God’s
kingdom. And we are meeting new families – this Holy Week we had 30 children
involved. These participants are keen to
become leaders as they grow up through
the programme too. This creates momentum for new leaders and active Church
participation for the whole family.
The materials we use are the CEP
books available from Christian bookstores or online at www.cepstore.com.au.
CEP packs include a CDROM, songs,
craft, talks / teaching times, multiple options for various age groups and events,
and are sensitive to Anglican liturgy. q
Steve Weickhardt
St Arnaud
Youngsters join in
O
ur congregation felt blessed. Six
children were in church for Palm
Sunday, and all were excited about leading the congregation in a palm procession around the outside of Christ Church
Old Cathedral.
After a circuit right around the church
building the children led the congregation inside, and chose to place their
palms against the holy table.
An impromptu children’s talk followed, and we were delighted to hear the
children’s answers as to what Easter was
about. “I learnt this at school,” was the
response from one youngster – a positive
comment by a student who obviously
pays attention in CRE, which is conducted by ACCESS Ministries volunteers in schools.
A week later saw eight excited children
in church for Easter Sunday. There was a
children’s talk and later the young people
helped distribute Easter eggs before the
end of the service. They rushed outside
when told that some Easter eggs were
seen in the garden!
Easter Day was such a joyous celebration of the resurrection of our Lord! q
Heather Blackman
media matters
Grand Theft Art
D
a jolly good try. In particular they learnt
erren Brown is
not to be afraid of being caught. After all,
back on TV. I
they could always pretend to be silly old
wrote about him last
codgers. Being old and ostensibly dodyear: an English madery can be a great advantage when you
gician and illusionist
want to do something illegal.
who raises questions
about how our minds
Then Brown rehearsed and rehearsed
work, and what is real. In many ways he
them in his method of stealing the
is just another magician, but with a huge
painting off the wall of an art gallery.
amount of spin and hype. I was disapIt was to be done in broad daylight,
pointed some months ago to see him take
with the owner watching on CCTV,
a 90- minute show to do what I have seen
and a security guard sitting in the room,
other magicians do in 20
Being old and ostensibly and everyone knowminutes but without the
ing exactly what time
doddery can be a great
build up. I am guessing
the theft would take
Mr Brown also makes a advantage when you want place. Yes, it was all
to do something illegal.
larger amount of money
about distraction. And
than they do.
no, Brown did not tell the viewers evIt’s in the ways Derren Brown pushes
your mind around that fascinates me.
It’s in the ways he pushes the ethical
boundaries that bothers me. With elaborate set-ups, he has made people think
the apocalypse has happened and the
world is ended, that they have committed a murder or an assassination, seen
ghosts or had a true religious experience.
All dubious exploits, after which I trust
someone followed up and debriefed the
individuals involved.
This time it was high society art theft
from a public gallery. Derren got together a small group of older citizens, at least
one of whom lived in a retirement village or aged care. He showed them some
sleight of hand card tricks, and then proposed he teach them how to cheat people. They happily agreed - after all, it was
only sleight of hand.
First he needed to deal with the emotions they would experience that might
get in the way of calmly pinching chips
from a plate on Brighton pier, or pocketing someone else’s watch. It is all
about distraction. Keep that in mind if
you watch this show repeated! All about
distraction. It is the answer to the mystery. But I am not going to spoil the
ending for you.
The oldies never managed actually to
remove a watch from someone’s wrist as
their victims helped an old frightened
fellow across a busy road. But they had
erything that was going to happen until
the theft was complete. The art work,
worth £100,000, turned up safely in the
window of an Op Shop with a price tag
of £1 (the owner conveniently had that
amount in his pocket to buy his painting back).
The fascinating aspect of this adventure, however, was the excitement and
adrenaline rush of the senior citizens involved. They told us that they had not
had so much fun in their lives for years.
It made me ponder about what gives me
the occasional rush in my fairly mundane life. It made me wonder whether I
needed to do something illegal in order
to have real fun!
So I have to ask, what is wrong with
having an ordinary life? I live in retirement, potter around the garden and the
parish history, take an occasional holiday,
sing in the local choir and walk to the
shops most days for a coffee and chat to
my neighbours. It is not a bad life compared to many in our world. Perhaps the
excitement drive comes from the same
source as the hundreds of young people
on TV who seem to need celebrity status.
They cook, renovate houses, sing, dance
and do magic tricks, all to be a star.
But not everyone can be a star, and it is
silly to tell our children they can be and,
even worse, they already are. It will distract
them from what really matters in life. q
Peta Sherlock
June / July 2014 The Spirit 19
Gunbower Guild - ‘staying alive’
A
t Christ Church Gunbower we have
a Guild of nine ladies - three 90-year
olds, two who are 80 plus, two 70 plus and
two who are still working.
The Guild helps us with all the catering,
cooking cakes, slices, sponges etc, for funeral afternoon teas and sometimes lunches,
and also for birthdays of senior citizens.
I thought I would send a photo of the three
‘nonagenerians’ – Muriel Williams, Glad
Bramely and Daphne Daus – and hope
your readers find this an interesting subject.
Yours in faith – may God be with you all.
Easter for kids! Strathfieldsaye holy-day week
E McGillivray, honorary secretary
Canon Ken Parker admires The Book of Blessings presented to him at Evensong on 25 May,
marking his retirement. Full story page 13
Caring at a time of need
151 McCrae Street Bendigo
12 Victoria Street Eaglehawk
P. 5441 5577
www.williamfarmer.com.au
A tradition that continues...
20 The Spirit June / July 2014
D
uring Holy Week, Strathfieldsaye Anglican / Uniting Church ran a holiday programme from Monday to Thursday,
9.30am to 12 noon - ‘Easter for Kids!’ It
culminated with our weekly Saturday 5pm
Family Church where we celebrated the
Lord’s Supper together.
Our first holiday programme ran in July
2011, the second in April 2012. Building
on that experience, we decided to run two
in 2013, in April and October. The October
programme saw a leap in numbers, especially from families we had not met before.
Our programme has two aims. First, we offer it to attract young families to engage with
our Christian community, and ‘walk through
the door’. We invite children and their parents to our Saturday services, building on the
teaching and enjoyment they experienced as
part of the weekday programme.
Secondly, we aim to build a new generation of leaders in the church. A team of teenagers who are actively involved in South East
Bendigo parish participate as leaders. They
gain experience from leading the fun stuff
of games, craft and dramas, to the harder
work of setting / packing up and preparing /debriefing each day. Our motto comes
from Romans 12:12 – “Rejoicing in hope.
Patience in hard times. Praying always.”
continued on page 19