The Gippsland Anglican is your award winning newspaper: Best Regional Publication Bronze Award (ARPA) 2012; Best Regional Publication Silver Award (ARPA) 2011; Item or Feature that shows the most originality Highly Commended (ARPA) 2011; Best Social Justice Story Highly Commended (ARPA) 2004; Best Regional Publication (ARPA) 2003; Most Improved Newspaper (ARPA) 2001. Remember Defence Sunday Page 6 Submission: a redemptive word Page 4 School supports Christmas child page 9 2 Our Diocese - Parishes November 2012 The Gippsland Anglican The Gippsland Anglican Price: 90 cents +gst each $25 +gst annual postal subscription Member of Australasian Religious Press Association Member of Community Newspapers Association of Victoria Registered by Australia Post. Print Post Number 34351/00018 The Gippsland Anglican is the official newspaper of and is published by The Anglican Diocese of Gippsland, 453 Raymond St, Sale, Victoria, 3853, www.gippsanglican.org.au Editor: Mrs Jeanette Severs, PO Box 1254, Bairnsdale, 3875 Tel: 0407 614661 Fax: 03 5144 7183 Email: editor@gippsanglican.org.au Email all parish reports, all articles, photographs, advertisements and letters to the Editor. Photographs as jpeg files. Articles as .doc or .txt files. Advertisements as PDF files. Printed by Latrobe Valley Express P/L 21 George Street, Morwell, 3840 All contributions must be received by the Editor by the 15th day of the month prior to publication. Contact the Editor to discuss variation to this date. The Editor reserves the right of final choice and format of material included in each issue. The Gippsland Anglican and the Editor cannot necessarily verify any material used in this publication. Views contained in submitted material are those of contributors. Advertising Rates: $6.80/cm deep/column black & white. Color is an extra $130. Contact the Editor in the first instance for all advertising submissions, cost- ings and enquiries, including about in- serts in the newspaper. For Sale Classifieds: Parishes can advertise items for free, for sale at prices up to $100. Email details to the Editor. Index Harpist at Bairnsdale 2 Vale, Jim East 3 Submission redemptive 4 What use is religion? 5 Defence Sunday 6 Color-in picture 7 Kidsplus+ news 8 Adolescent issues 9 Gifts change lives 10 St Margarets hospital 11 Church closes 12 Being Barbara 13 Clergy ministries 14 St Lukes hall is 60 15 Diocesan calendar 16 Literary reviews 17 Art and the Abbey 18 Youth Ministry 19 Avon garden tour 20 ON October 19, an appre- ciative audience gathered at St Johns Bairnsdale for a performance by Robin Ward, an international Harpist, on his handcrafted triple strung harp, a unique instrument. Robin (right, with is harp) commented the church is the perfect venue for the harp as the acoustics complement the instrument. The musical program in- cluded folk and classical pieces, with a combination of music originally written for the instrument, as well as Robins own arrange- ments. Most of the compositions were from earlier centuries and Robin spoke about each piece and composer, a dialogue welcomed by many of the audience, who were eager to learn more about this instrument and the mostly ancient music written for it. Robin was born in New Zealand and is now based in the United Kingdom. He has played with various or- chestras and ensembles. He is also an instrument maker and harp teacher. He has just completed a year of 50 concerts. Bairns- dale parish was privileged to have him play his last concert for this year at St Johns before returning home. Contributor: U Plunkett Bairnsdale hosts harpist A GOOD-sized crowd steadily flowed into St Pauls for the annual Spring fair in October. As well all the regular, popular stalls, this year included nail painting and Sudanese food prepared by the Sudanese members of St Pauls. In the Cathedral, musical items by Sale Pipe Band, Sale City Band, Sale Col- lege Saxophone Ensemble, Anthony Hahn on Pipe Organ and Mark Caruana singing kept many people entertained. Several local artists and photographers provided a visual smorgas- bord feast. St Pauls congregation members are also busy in November, providing cater- ing at the Sale Agricultural Show, and barbecues in the shopping mall and other lo- cales. Rich Langham is in- volved in a motorbike ride and the parish is catering for ordinations! Seven members of St Pauls are CRE teachers and some of the fundraising funds are given to ACCESS Ministries. Contributor: C Morris TOP: Reverend Josh and Ro Verspaandonk with some of the wooden toys Josh crafts. ABOVE: Trish Broadbear on the cake stall. Photos: C Morris Toys and more at Sales parish fair November 2012 Our Diocese - Missions and Ministries 3 The Gippsland Anglican AT every level of the Angli- can Church, from the inter- national to the local, we are living in times of conflict and great diversity of opin- ion. The current challenge is how to remain together in Christ across our differ- ences and within our con- flicts, rather than allow them to lead to division and disunity. This is not a new challenge for the Anglican Church. Indeed, the Church of Eng- land was born out of in- tense conflict and entrenched opposing opin- ions within its membership. In the 16th and 17th cen- turies, those on either side of the conflicts were literally killing each other over their differences. Such was the conviction they held to their differing beliefs. Yet, somehow, from out of this violently conflicted situ- ation, Anglicanism was born. From the fires of con- flict and dissent, a church was forged which managed to hold together those of trenchantly-held opposing viewpoints. Papists and Puritans were brought together by God. Strong disagreement re- mained between them, but their unity in Christ was maintained. It is to this heritage we need to look in the current times of conflict and diver- sity of opinion. The heart of the settle- ment that came to the in- fant Church of England was its insistence on common worship. As we worship God together, we are bound by the Spirit of God into the unity of Christ. This is a unity not of our own mak- ing. It is a gift. In worship, we sit together under the grace of God. Each one present knows they are able to gather in the presence of God only because of the grace of God. This grace has been revealed to us in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which, together, we proclaim as our central act of worship. We are not present in wor- ship because of any merit we might claim for our- selves by virtue of what we have done or said and cer- tainly not by virtue of any opinion we might hold. We are present by grace and by grace alone. Our unity is the gift of God in Christ who accepts each of us in grace, no matter who we are, despite what we may have said or done and despite what our par- ticular opinions may be. In that wondrous experi- ence of Gods grace in wor- ship together, we are called simply to act in grace to- ward each other in every moment of life. The genius of Anglicanism is its central emphasis on experiencing the grace of God together; an experience eliciting growth in grace toward each other. In grace we are reminded the one mind to which we are called is not to insist that another agrees with us. It is to have the mind of Christ, which is to live by Gods grace. It is to love as Jesus loved, neither count- ing the cost nor calculating the merit of any other to be loved. It is simply to love because we have been loved. In Jesus understanding, grace extends love even to our enemies, let alone to those with whom we hap- pen to disagree on some matter of doctrine or Chris- tian living. As a conservative Evangel- ical Anglican, I first learned this lesson on moving as a young person from Sydney to Melbourne diocese. There I met others of sig- nificantly different Anglican traditions and at first even wondered if they were re- ally Christians. But grace won out, even in my un- formed Christian mind. I learned to celebrate the differences and to appreci- ate the insights we were able to bring to each other by sitting together under the grace of God, in wor- ship together and in min- istry and mission together. Such is the grace of God that even my young self- righteous certainties could not prevent its work in my life. I remain today an Evan- gelical Anglican and even a conservative one; if that means I continue to under- stand we are each made a child of God by grace through faith; I cherish the Bible and look to it for godly guidance in all matters of faith; and the works of faith are to act with justice and to show mercy. The difference for me, now, is I am able to glory in the gift of unity I have with Anglicans of other traditions and to learn so much more of the things of God through them, as I pray they may have sometimes learned through me. Indeed, I thank God for all I learn of God through so many people, both inside and outside the church, simply because I have learnt to meet them with the same grace I have been met by God in Christ. I have discovered the ge- nius of Anglicanism is sim- ply the genius of being human, as God has shown us what it means to be truly human in Jesus Christ. Of being human Right Reverend John McIntyre Bishop of Gippsland Charles James Jim East OAM July 21, 1937 to September 13, 2012 JIM was a much respected and loved member of St Johns Fellowship, Bairns- dale for more than 50 years. He was born in Sale and completed his educa- tion in 1952. Canon Dou- glas Smith married Jim and Jean Minchin at St Johns in 1960; it has been a long and happy marriage. Jim joined the Army in 1956, followed by service in the Army Reserve and promo- tion to Warrant Officer. He received the OAM in1977 and was involved with the ANZAC parade for 50 years. Jim worked for the Bairns- dale Hospital as a Cleaning Staff Supervisor until his retirement in 1999. He was a man who did not know the word no and was in- volved in all aspects of his church. He served as church warden for many years, in pastoral care for 20 years, founded St Johns Mens Fellowship which was close to his heart and still meets every month. Men outside the church were al- ways warmly welcomed. If a working bee was needed, Jim was there to organise it. No job was too big; he once co-ordinated a team to paint the inside of St Johns church in one day. Jim was also a warm and attentive welcomer at church. He loved children and introduced our ongoing custom for letting children help with taking up the of- fering, however young. He was a member of the RSL, Ambulance Service, was the Chamber of Com- merce Father Christmas, taught swimming and, with Jean, helped train debu- tants and helped with the dancing. Jim was the instigator of St Johns partnership with the RSL to raise money and meet the cost for some Bairnsdale Primary School students to attend the an- nual Mayors camp in Port- sea. In his spare time he en- joyed golf and fishing as well as travelling with Jean. Archdeacon Ted Gibson of- ficiated at Jims funeral and President Geoff Hopkins presided over the RSLs farewell. He is survived by his wife Jean, children Debbie, Rod, Neil and Vicky and five grandchildren who meant everything to him. Contributor: U Plunkett Vale, Jim 4 Our Diocese - Perspective November 2012 The Gippsland Anglican By Malcolm Wilson THE biblical word usually translated submit is hupotasso, which may be rendered, to place oneself under. In Ephesians 5:21, we are exhorted to submit ourselves to one another, out of reverence for Christ or the fear of God, de- pending on the translation. The call is on the proactive will of the one submitting; it is not, as some have as- sumed, a mandate for some to require submission of others. Verse 22 states: Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. This is not, nor was ever intended to be, permission for husbands to abuse their wives. Sadly, many have seen it as such, and much injury has re- sulted. It is an exhortation to wives to take a proactive decision about their atti- tude to their husbands; in that sense, it is none of the husbands business. It is an exhortation to the wife. It was certainly never in- tended as carte blanche for men to assume authority over women generally, since the clear inference is to married couples. Those who look in the scriptures for ways to sub- ject women to men gener- ally will, if they are honest, find no help there. If the Bible is the Word of God and there is the suggestion wives should submit to their husbands, it cannot mean women are inferior to men, because of the state- ment in Genesis 1:27 that God made men and women in his own image. Verse 25 states: Hus- bands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church, and gave himself up for her Here it gets really in- teresting, because, as Christians, we are all collec- tively the Bride of Christ. As a Christian man, I have a husband, Jesus, who loves me and gave himself up for me. As a husband, I have to do the same for my wife. If she is encouraged to submit to me as if I was Jesus, I have to behave as though I am Jesus for her. Personally, I have never experienced abuse of any kind from Jesus; he loves me. When I am doing right, he loves me. When I am doing wrong and grieving his heart, he loves me. His love towards me is not con- tingent on my performance. That is what he is like; that is what I have to be like. He never shouts, slaps me, is rude to me, threat- ens me or complains about me to his friends, even if I do not submit to him as much as I should. I there- fore should not do any of those things either. Submission is not a fash- ionable word; it is a bit like judgement in that sense. It doesnt find much usage in most peoples conversa- tion these days. We do not, as a society, like to think of having to submit to anyone elses rules or of there being any- one greater than us who can pass judgement on us. But these are important biblical concepts we, as Christians, must not back away from just because they are not popular. Our redemption was won for us by Jesus, who chose to submit to the Fathers will ... nevertheless, not my will but thine be done (Luke 22:42). In these days where the self is the judge and arbiter of all and the comfort of self the main game for many, if we as the church of Jesus Christ have nothing to offer instead, we are failing in our mission. Clearly, using biblical texts to subjugate others instead of bringing them into the joy and liberty of the King- dom of God (Luke4:18) is not what we are here for. Surely what we need to be doing is to teach and model what submission really is: an alternative to the cult of Self and the attitude in which Jesus walked (yes, even when he was turning over tables and calling the clergy hypocrites) as he travelled the road to Cal- vary to lay down his life for the world. By Bevil Lunson YOU have probably heard you really know who your true friends are when the going gets tough. I believe there is a lot of truth in this statement. We have all ex- perienced a scenario or two when we have been going through a painful situation only to discover who actu- ally has the time for us. . . our tears, our problems, our endless hours of whin- ing and self-discovery. The people in our lives who we thought would be there, faithfully, no matter what, through thick or thin, wind up being what we call fair-weather friends. As you know, a fair- weather friend is someone who is only your friend when things are going well. When the weather is nice. When things look bright and sunny or when they need you. As long as the at- mosphere is pleasant, you have a friend for life; but let a storm start to brew in your neighborhood and they are nowhere to be found. Here is an acronym for the word friend I think holds a very true meaning of what a real friend should be. FRIEND = Found Reaching In Every Needed Direction. You see, it should not mat- ter what the climate is in your world whether your friends stand with you dur- ing times that are stormy or sunny. It is usually the times of adversity that draw our faithful friends to us and then we become closer and more personally bonded with them; building longer lasting, closer rela- tionships. I have discovered it is the same way with Jesus. We will never really know Him in a personal way until we allow Him to help us in our adversity. In fact, Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that we WILL have adversity in our lives. It is inevitable. I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have over- come the world. How awesome it is to know that with troubles, we will also have peace. Here is a profound mes- sage that dissects Psalm 91 and taught me how to pitch my tent there and set up my camp as a reminder to me each and every day that He is my place for safety and protection. My God in whom I trust (v. 2). That under his wings I can hide (v. 4) nothing bad will hap- pen to me He will put His angels in charge of me to watch over me wherever I go (v. 11) I can call on Him and He will answer. He will be with me when I am in trouble and rescue me. (v. 15). I have read Psalm 91 daily and made it personal for me. It has sustained me through many a storm. Perhaps you are weather- ing a storm in your life as well. I know the waiting is the hardest part. Rest as- sured in knowing there is a silver lining. Nothing is hopeless. Nothing. Every hurt can become a treasure. Every ending is the beginning of a fresh start. Every tear is the wa- tering of new growth. The only moment that truly lasts forever is the one where we say yes. Yes, Lord, you are my faithful friend; my God in whom I trust. So hold on. Hold tight. Read Psalm 91 daily. Yes, others will fail you but your friend (found reaching in every needed direction of your life) wants you to have peace; peace through the storm. Submission: a redemptive word ABOVE: Jan Cropley and Archdeacon Phillip Muston with paintings and a collage donated to be placed on the walls of the dining room in the A-frame, at the Abbey of St Barnabas at ABeckett Park. Photo: Jeanette Severs Finding peace and friends November 2012 Our Diocese - Perspective 5 The Gippsland Anglican By Gordon Dowthwaite RECENTLY, I buried my Dad. It was a day of sad- ness but also celebration as we put to rest a great man. A man of God who had lived a full and fruitful life and whose last years became increasingly difficult as his health deteriorated. As you do on these occa- sions, there was an oppor- tunity to reflect on his life and share memories with many people he knew dur- ing his 82 years on earth. He grew up in a strong evangelical Anglican home and became involved in Christian service as a youth, answering the call to ministry aged in his early 20s, when he headed off to London and, later, Sydney, for theological training. Friends from his youth in South Africa and his college days reminded me of his adventurous and somewhat mischievous nature. The fact he still had close friends from so long ago re- minded me of just how good a friend he was. One speaker at Dads me- morial service reminded us about the years he spent serving in a missionary fel- lowship working in South- ern Africa, attesting to his desire the Gospel of Jesus Christ be made known as widely as possible; and if he couldnt do it himself he supported and empowered those who could. In parish ministry, he al- ways promoted Bible read- ing and study, knowing knowledge of God through the Word changed lives. Other speakers from secu- lar organisations spoke. He was a long time member of the Morris Register (a car club) and became, first un- officially and later officially, the club chaplain. He sur- vived prostate cancer and helped shape a support group for other sufferers. I was reminded of how Dad showed interest in others lives and how his care for them was both practical and spiritual. While preparing a eulogy to deliver at the service, I spoke with my brother about what we saw in Dads character. The Beatitudes came to mind (Matthew 5:3-12), as did the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 6:22- 23) and we wondered at how the work of God in his life had blurred with his personality. His humor, in- terests, desires, were all uniquely his, but through it all shone a Godly character. We all wish to leave a legacy. I remember Dad telling me his greatest joy was his three children fol- lowing Jesus and how he prayed for us every day. He certainly wasnt my only influence but I largely attribute my faith in Jesus, love of the Bible and appre- ciation of the Prayer Book to him (and Mum). I am glad he left me this legacy and I know from the many hundreds attending the fu- neral and thanksgiving services and have con- tacted us otherwise, the same legacy was left with others of all generations. The reading at the service was appropriate (2 Timothy 3:10-4:8). I was privileged to spend time with Dad during his last days. I was present when others came to visit and express something of what Dad meant to them: new life in Jesus, help with understanding the Bible, mentoring in church leader- ship and pastoral work, in- terest in individuals, random acts of kindness. I was able to read the Bible he knew so well and pray with him. I witnessed the absolute assurance Dad had he would soon be at home with his Lord Jesus and the grace he showed as he endured to the end. It has been said the true test of religion is not just how it helps you live, but how it helps you die. Dad lived well, and he died well, knowing [Jesus] was deliv- ered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. There- fore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (Romans 4:25 5:1). I will follow his example. How good is your religion? What use is religion? BISHOP George Browning recently re- sponded to the question: At the begin- ning of the 21st century, does Christianity have a view about an ideal human society? Bishop Browning, past convenor of the Anglican Communion Environmental Network, reflected such a society must address rapidly growing in- equity and ... confront an economic sys- tem which operates as if resources are infinite and humanity can somehow exist as if it is not part of an unfolding ecolog- ical crisis. In a new series of reflections, Bishop Browning explores the roots and mean- ing of Sabbath and how a fresh under- standing and practice of this biblical concept can reconnect economics to ethics and shape human society in a manner consistent with the creation upon which it depends. As Christians we have inherited a story that speaks Good News to all creation. I believe the Sabbath narrative, where we understand God not ceasing the work of creation, but rather being present to creation, has the capacity to change be- havior and lifestyle, said Bp Browning. It is strong enough to replace our pre- vailing narrative predominated by eco- nomic success with one of human and environmental well-being. As humans, we know our primary re- lationships are dependent upon trust; and trust is rooted in expectations of fi- delity, while fidelity means the accept- ance of limits. Why would our relationship with creation be any differ- ent? Through the seven Sabbath reflections, Bishop Browning sets out to look closely at the Sabbath principles which do no change, but which have to be inter- preted afresh for each generation as pe- culiar sets of challenges are faced and lived out in a rapidly changing world. Creation and redemption are the twin and interdependent theologies emerging from a reading of scripture. God is the creator of all things: what God creates, God is also committed to redeeming. Our understanding of creation should always be informed by our understand- ing of redemption. Of equal importance, our understanding of redemption should be informed by our understanding of creation ... The Kingdom of God is the celebration of Sabbath economics, of generous hospitality and sacrificial com- passion, of investment in all that builds community and the rejection of amass- ing fortunes in barns. The seven Sabbath reflections are de- signed for individual or group use in parishes, seminaries and other study en- vironments. They have been produced as pamphlets for download at http://acen.anglicancommunion.org/re- sources/documents.cfm under the fol- lowing themes: 1. Gods Relationship with Creation; the Template for Human Society 2. Presence, not Withdrawal 3. Blessing and Hallowing within the Family of Creation 4. Embracing Jubilee 5. Economics: The Theology of Enough 6. Jesus: Sabbath Life, Fully Lived 7. Sabbath: The Yet to Come The Anglican Communion Environmen- tal Network will formally launch the re- flections during the meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC-15) in Auckland, New Zealand, October 28 to November 8. For more information about the Angli- can Communion Environmental Network (ACEN), see http://acen.anglicancom- munion.org . Note: Bishop George Browning, Angli- can Church of Australia, served as con- venor of ACEN from 2005 to 2011. The current chair of ACEN is Dr Thabo Mak- goba, Archbishop of Cape Town and Pri- mate of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa. Source: http://www.anglicancommu- nion.org/acns/news.cfm/2012/10/9/AC NS5201 October 9, 2012 Sabbath studies from environment network 6 Our Diocese - Defence Sunday November 2012 The Gippsland Anglican DEFENCE Sunday is held annually on the Sunday nearest to Remembrance Day. This year, Defence Sunday will be on Remem- brance Day, November 11. Chaplains with the Aus- tralian Defence Force (ADF) and churches use Defence Sunday to draw attention to the spiritual needs and wellbeing of those who serve in the ADF as sailors, soldiers or airmen; foster prayerful support within churches for those who serve the nation through ADF service; encourage clergy to consider service as full or part-time ADF chaplains; and build bridges of co-operation between the Anglican ministry to the ADF and each diocese and its parishes across Aus- tralia. Bishop Right Reverend Len Eacott has written to parishes saying: While Re- membrance Day recalls the tragedy of World War 1 and the hope for peace which came with the Armistice on November 11, 1918, the experiences of the 20th century and the first decade of this century reveals this hope remains unfulfilled. Tragically, Australian service personnel continue to die in combat in the Mid- dle East and the numbers of physical, psychological and spiritual casualties contin- ues to increase. This brings with it an obligation to pro- vide ongoing pastoral and spiritual care and comfort. The greatest support the church can provide to its chaplains engaged in this mission is prayer and un- derstanding. Defence Sunday is an op- portunity for the whole church to prayerfully sup- port the ministry and mis- sion of the Anglican clergy serving as military chap- lains, the Anglican laity and their families who serve in the ADF, as well as for the wounded and the grieving. Please join with me and pray with and for the De- fence Anglican team on De- fence Sunday, November 11, 2012, Bishop Eacott asks. Anglican ADF Chaplains and General Synod Defence Force Board members are available to participate in parish worship as deputa- tionists. To arrange an Aus- tralian Defence Force deputation, please contact either our Bishop or one of our Service Archdeacons. By Chaplain Campbell Carroll WHO would have thought I would be standing in a specialised hanger in Dar- win with the high pitch whine of the turbo jets kick- ing in on an FA-18 Hornet waving God speed to the pilot? It certainly beats parish council meetings. Being an Air Force Chap- lain is awesome. I still pinch myself wondering if I am going to wake up from a dream because no one day is ever the same. I am usually based at RAAF Williamtown just north of Newcastle. Each day presents different op- portunities to minister in such a unique environment. Its is fantastic. In my short time as a de- fence chaplain, I have done things I previously would have thought impossible. The men and women who serve our country are some of the finest I have ever had the privilege to serve and minister too. Being an Air Force Chap- lain is challenging, intense and never dull. Having just returned from one of De- fences major bi-annual ex- ercises, called Talisman Sabre, I never felt bored or uninspired. For the first time, I got to work along side an American Chaplain whose excitement in been in Australia was infectious. Morning physical exercise with the Combat Com Unit (who are a part of the American Marines), con- ducting shared services with my American friend and feeling like I am part of something really big is very exciting. Then there are the intense times and the solemn times where, for example, the chaplain really comes into his own and the importance of Christian faith becomes a reality; when a death hits a Unit whether directly or, for our squadron, indirectly while on Talisman Sabre, is extraordinary. No one es- capes the feeling of loss. The Holy Spirit is present through this ministry. I sense the Spirits presence particularly in the time of tragic loss as a unit will gather and I have the priv- ilege of opening up the Bible and leading prayer in such a time. It is my expe- rience many people turn to God in times of grief. This and many other mo- ments throughout my min- istry that make this voca- tion to Defence Chaplaincy so very special and so very unique. It wasnt until I landed in another country did I fully realise I was deployed to the Middle East Area of Op- erations. It sounds odd, doesnt it? But up until that point, everything leading up to my first military de- ployment was so quick and so much was happening that even boarding our air- craft at Sydney seemed surreal. It took a long time to get to my first destination and by the time I actually got to my designated location overseas it had taken me 43 hours to get there. What can I say about been deployed? Been deployed is not beer and skittles. I needed to be flexible and go with the flow and be ex- tremely adaptable. I found this out as soon as I ar- rived. I was meant to stay in one location and found myself and everyone with me being ordered to move to a new location. I helped pack up our location and we all moved to a new location. This is no easy feat, let me assure you. I was soon to realise this is what being on a military deployment is all about: expect the unexpected. I look back and I can see this was certainly the case. Deployed Air Force Chap- lains need to be both adaptable and be able to mix in many different sce- narios, circles and situa- tions. From working in my office discussing pastoral situations with a com- mander; to sitting with an airman in the middle of a war zone discussing their hopes and their fears while even feeling the same fears myself. Being on a military deploy- ment allows our Defence Force people to see the chaplain in the field in a very real way. It conveys like no other words can we are there with you; in the sand, in the dirt, in the snow and also in the front- line. By us doing this, we are bringing the realisation that God is there with them al- ways; wherever they are, we are there with them. I am glad I have deployed, it has brought me an un- derstanding and a deep ap- preciation of what our people go through that pre- viously was only academic. I, too, have experienced what it means to be afraid and lonely; and also the great joys that only being a defence chaplain can bring. It is a challenge, yes and it is not easy; but God is cer- tainly there and the irony is it is the chaplain that repre- sents Gods presence by simply being there. In the morning, we will remember them By Chaplain Steve Gunther, RAN ONE of the great privileges of being an ADF Chaplain is the regular opportunity to officiate at memorial serv- ices. For me these occa- sions are always emotional. They are times when cur- rent and past serving mem- bers remember, honor and give thanks for those many men and women who have gone before us; especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving up their own lives for the sake of our freedom. The late Sergeant Brett Till, his wife, Bree, and their young children, are repre- sentative of the members who have died in the Afghanistan conflict and their loved ones. Sgt Till was serving in Afghanistan with the Incident Response Regiment, Special Opera- tions Task Group when he was killed by an improvised explosive device he was at- tempting to diffuse. Sgt Till and all the fallen will be honored and remembered always at ceremonies on Remembrance Day. Defence Sunday is Remembrance Day ABOVE: The honour board of defence personnel who have died in the Afghanistan conflict, at the Roll of Honour Ceremony at the Australian War Memo- rial, November 11, 2011. This year, Remembrance Day is on a Sunday. Careful planning needs to be made to ensure the Last Post is played at 11am. Depending on the time of your church service, you need to give careful consideration to the lead up to this time. Photo: ADF Chaplaincy Who would have thought ABOVE: Chaplain Campbell Carroll. November 2012 Our Diocese - Family and Childrens Ministries 7 The Gippsland Anglican IN Sale parish, the St Pauls annual blessing of the animal day service had two rabbits, nine dogs, one cat and many loving owners eager to receive a blessing for their pets. St Francis Day and the Blessing of Animals has a special focus in a public ex- pression of the bond we have with all animals. Through the service, we are able to make them an inte- gral part of our worship life and relationships. In our call to worship, we join with our pets and with all animals to worship our Creator. In the Psalm, we call on all creatures to praise God. In our confession, we re- call how we may have hurt or neglected animals. In the readings, we discover how animals are part of the fam- ily of God in Eden, how an- imals are created with greater glory than that of Solomon and how they join in praise with the angels around the throne of the Lamb. In the Scriptures, the act of blessing means the im- parting of power or life. The person performing the blessing is mediating that power from God or Christ to the person or the animal in- volved. To bless is more than an expression of goodwill and caring. To bless is in part Gods power in person. The blessing of each animal, by name, means health, heal- ing and life are being medi- ated from God for the benefit of the animal in its relationship with its human partners. Shalom is one He- brew expression of bless- ing. Contributor: C Morris RIGHT: Christine Hahn with a very alert Bernard at Sales blessing of the ani- mals service. FAR right: Melissa, Julie and Colin Irving with their dog at the blessing of the ani- mals service at St Pauls Cathedral in Sale. Photos: C Morris Color in the picture LEFT: Eliza Foley took her pet rabbit to the pet blessing service held at St Pauls Anglican Cathedral in Sale. BELOW: Bron and Josh Hall with their dog, Mitchell and Marc Caruana with their rabbit and Eliza Foley with her rabbit, at the an- nual blessing of the animals service at St Pauls, Sale. Photos: C Morris Animals blessed 8 Our Diocese - Family and Childrens Ministries November 2012 The Gippsland Anglican GIPPSLAND GFS Kid- splus+ members recently attended the 130th birth- day celebrations of GFS ministry in Melbourne, Bal- larat and Bendigo. Special guests for the day included the World GFS president, Mrs Glenys Payne, from Wales and Australian chair- man, Julie Smith, from Tas- mania. Intergenerational mem- bership of GFS celebrated the occasion at St Alfreds church, Blackburn North. Thirty-two Gippsland repre- sentatives attended, includ- ing Lauren Kittwood, An- nette Lade, Gary Prosser, Carol Johnstone, Mary Nicholls and Penny Clothier. MOE parish welcomed Bishop John McIntyre to our special farewell service for Reverend Abraham Maluk, on October 14. We joined in worship to wish him well and bless him in his min- istry in South Sudan during the next few months. Abraham plans to help in establishing the Bor Or- phanage, a project close to his heart and supported ex- tensively by churches of Gippsland and, indeed, many agencies throughout our diocese. A shipping container left Holy Trinity Moe filled with generous donations of school bag supplies, chairs and as- sorted equipment for the project. Recent days have seen the container being prepared and converted with doors and windows, ready for its transforma- tion, on emptying, into a much needed medical cen- tre and library for the Bor community. Interested readers may like to visit the Bor Orphan- age Project webpage, which describes the projects de- velopment. Abraham is assured of the continued prayers from the congregation in the parish of Moe, where his family continues to worship. The farewell service was fol- lowed by a sausage sizzle lunch, especially enjoyed by the many children partici- pating in the worship and Sunday school activities. Contributor: M Nicholls ABOVE left: Children from Gippsland, with local lead- ers, at the 130th birthday celebrations of GFS min- istry in Melbourne, Ballarat and Bendigo. GFS ministry is 130 Sunday school in Abrahams farewell ABOVE: Combined Sunday school activities with 35 chil- dren attending, on the occasion of Reverend Abraham Maluks farewell service. Photo: L Kittwood November 2012 Our Diocese - Family and Childrens Ministries 9 The Gippsland Anglican By Bev Foster THE five most pressing concerns for parents was the title chosen by Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, adoles- cent psychologist, at his re- cent address in Gippsland. Sponsored by the Anglican Diocese of Gippsland, pre- sented by Mothers Union through the Social Respon- sibility Committee and gen- erously supported by St Pauls Anglican Grammar School, the seminar on Oc- tober 9 at the schools Trar- algon campus was very well attended and received. Dr Carr-Gregg works as a child and adolescent psy- chologist in private practice and has a media career and has written several well-re- spected books. The five concerns were brain development, sleep, alcohol, resilience and hap- piness. They are elaborated on in the following text. Concern number one, brain development: This in- volved accepting the brain development of our child or adolescent is a Work in Progress. There are 100 bil- lion brain cells in an aver- age 16 year olds brain. While making allowances that they cannot think as adults, we should ensure they learn bad choices have consequences. Calamities happen some- times and all families have difficulties at some time. Accompanying slides in- cluded a mother duck lead- ing her ducklings over a grating, with the obvious result that most of her brood fell through. Concern number two, sleep: Research has shown young people need be- tween eight-and-a-quarter and nine-and-a-quarter hours sleep every night. The period known as Rapid Eye Movement is the most important sleep. The fact that many teens have mobile phones, ipods and other devices accom- panying them to their bed- rooms is a great factor in sleep deprivation. Strate- gies for handling this prob- lem were discussed and remedies suggested for promoting an atmosphere of calm routine. Bedtime is a cool-down period. Concern number three, al- cohol: Alcohol and teen brains dont go together, said Dr Carr-Gregg. He showed slides depicting al- coholic drinks favored by young people, including bourbon and coke. Each can equals 2.7 standard drinks and should last three hours. He said many ex- ceed this amount and the chilling facts are that 50 standard drinks in the space of one month equals brain damage. Booze harms brains, he said. Concern number four, re- silience: How do we show we can be strengthened by adversity? Important fac- tors are a charismatic adult the young person can draw strength from (not neces- sarily a relative); social and emotional competence - some statistics from the law courts indicate of 400 young people on charges, only four were involved in organised sport; and feel- ing good about yourself - positive self talk is impor- tant; Catastrophising web- site and Mood Gym was recommended for accessing online therapy; boredom - encourage involvement in social and sporting activi- ties - sense of spirituality vital. Concern number 5, hap- pingess: Dr Carr-Greggs top pieces of advice were life is not fair and random and chaos happens in the universe; everyone has something going on, do not ruminate; see life as it is and focus on the good bits; if you want to feel good, do something nice for some- one else. Questions and discussion raised by the audience in- cluded concern of youth suicide and anorexia. Dr Carr-Gregg stated there had been a 52 per cent de- cline in youth suicide since 2010 but mental health services leave much to be desired in rural areas. He recommended the book Real Gorgeous, written by Kaz Cooke. TOP: MU members in the kitchen provided catering. ABOVE: MU members who organised the event, Gwen Matheson, Jenny MacRobb, Karin McKenzie, Jan Misi- urka and Bev Foster, with visting Melbourne MU member, Joy Venables (third from right). Photos: Rod Foster Expert talks about adolescents issues Gippsland Grammar supports Operation Christmas Child GIPPSLAND Grammar was an enthusiastic supporter of this years Operation Christmas Child Appeal. This appeal, a project of Samaritans Purse, brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world, through gift- filled shoe boxes delivered at Christmas time. It provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple but handson project with the power to transform chil- drens lives. With the help of their fam- ilies, Gippsland Grammar students from the two jun- ior campuses packed a total of 256 boxes. The boxes will be sent to children in need across South East Asia and the South Pacific. Each box included some- thing to wear, something for school, something to love, something to play with and something special. A $9 donation was also made with each box, to pay for its delivery. A service was held to ded- icate the 256 boxes, in con- junction with the St Annes Junior Campus, Sale, led by school chaplain, Reverend Jon Taylor. During this serv- ice, Mrs Kathryn Herald, re- gional co-ordinator for Operation Christmas Child, spoke to the children about the program and thanked them for their participation. Gippsland Grammar and Samaritans Purse sincerely thank the many families who gave so generously to this appeal. ABOVE: St Annes campus student, Indie Roberts, proud of being involved with the Operation Christ- mas Child box appeal. 10 Our Diocese - Family and Childrens Ministries November 2012 The Gippsland Anglican TEAR Australia has re- leased its new Useful Gifts Catalog 2012-13 in time for Christmas. The catalog pro- vides gifts of hope, life and opportunity. In 1993, TEAR Australia launched the very first charity gifts catalog, which has gone on to revolu- tionise the way in which charities have gone about engaging supporters and raising funds. Nearly 20 years on and TEAR Aus- tralia is again excited by the new Useful Gifts Catalog for 2012-13. For the first time ever, you can also support Indige- nous Australian projects with gifts available that go to Dhumba, TEARs Indige- nous program. With this $25 gift, you will receive a card illustrated by Indige- nous artist, Safina Stewart. In the rest of the cata- logue, you will find life- changing gifts supporting good food, good health, learning and safe water. You can buy gifts like goats, chickens and vegetable gardens, school supplies and primary schooling, ma- ternal and child health, toi- lets and wells. One of TEAR Australias gifts are tree seedlings. Nyambaka Makuri and his young daughter live in rural Tanzania, where they are part of a traditional dance group. Nyambaka was struggling to make a living before becoming involved in a livelihood project with TEAR partner, the Buhemba Rural Agricultural Centre. As part of the project he was able to access training in seedling and nursery production and some start- up seedlings, eventually es- tablishing a tree seedling nursery with a group from his community. By selling seedlings to farmers, group members now have a mod- est income that helps pay for things like school fees and household essentials. That is something to dance with joy about. The catalog is included in this issue of The Gippsland Anglican as an insert and available online at www.usefulgifts.org TEAR Australia is a Chris- tian development, relief and advocacy organisation responding to global poverty and injustice. TEAR Australia works in partner- ship with other Christian or- ganisations around the world and with Indigenous organisations in Australia. TEAR Australia focuses on community development projects that seek to im- prove the lives of the poor- est and most marginalised people in the world, regard- less of background or belief. For more about TEAR and their partners work please visit www.tear.org.au SUBSCRIPTION to The Gippsland Anglican Get The Gippsland Anglican posted direct to you Name ...................................................................... Address .................................................................. ................................................................................. Telephone ............................................................... Yes, I would like a one year postal subscription to The Gipps- land Anglican, costing $27.50. I enclose a cheque/postal order, made out to the Anglican Diocese of Gippsland. Send to TGA subscriptions, Anglican Diocese of Gippsland, PO Box 928, Sale, 3850. Enquiries, telephone 03 5144 2044. ABOVE: Nyambaka Makuri and his daughter in the native tree nursery that has changed their lives. Gifts change lives, give opportunity ABOVE: Lance Meredith is entranced with the trains made by Reverend Josh Verspaandonk for the Sale parish fair. Photo: C Morris ABOVE: Darcee Young and family dog, Bindi, were at the Bairnsdale parish pet blessing service. Photo: J Hogan ABOVE: Rohan and Katie Hall got their faces painted at the Sale parish fair be- fore stopping at the wooden animals stall for craft activity. Photo: C Morris November 2012 Our Diocese - St Margarets Hospital Mission 11 The Gippsland Anglican OCTOBER is the month when Spring comes into its own. The gardens are all looking wonderful and so many plants are flowering. St Marys Morwell decided to run an Open Garden Day, to enjoy a garden and raise funds for our mission proj- ect for 2012, supporting St Margarets hospital in Papua New Guinea. The day was planned and advertised. The garden to be open was Oliver and Carolyn Raymonds garden in Tyers. The garden looked won- derful, but the weather man thought it was a good day for rain. It rained all af- ternoon. Everyone who came, including those from other parishes, enjoyed a walk around the garden with umbrellas and several cups of tea with scones by the fire inside. Unfortunately, October when the gardens look so lovely, is also the wettest month in Gippsland. Each year the parish se- lects a different mission project to support. At the annual meeting we hear about three mission proj- ects and vote on which project we will work for during the year. St Margarets hospital is an Anglican hospital in PNG and a project of Anglican Board of Mission (ABM). There is a need for new equipment but also for maintenance on old build- ings. Morwell parish has been raising money all year through competitions, a film night, donations and a small change jar to which many people contribute each week. The recent gar- den day raised $310. At the end of October, Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, visited St Margarets hospital and led a dedication and re- opening ceremony. Ninety-five per cent of the PNG community identifies as Christian and Dr Williams visit is only the third time an Archbishop of Canterbury has visited PNG. The St Margarets Health Clinic has served the people of Oro Bay and the sur- rounding areas for many years, initially with the help of ABM missionaries and volunteers. During the past few years, ABM has been working with its partner, the Anglican Church of PNG, to refurbish the Clinic. The aim of the refurbish- ment has been to upgrade it to a Level 4 hospital, so it may complement the state- run Popondetta General Hospital. St Margarets will also contain a specialised facility for the testing and treatment of sexually trans- mitted infections as well as an obstetrics section. ABMs Executive Director, Reverend John Deane was privileged to be alongside Archbishop Williams and at- tend the opening of the first Anglican hospital in the South Pacific. Its been a most inspiring experience to be in PNG and witness Archbishop Williams officially open the new St Margarets hospital. There is still some work to be done to make the hospi- tal fully operational and sustainable but most of the hard work is over and all should be proud of what has been achieved, Rev. Deane said. The people of PNG need this hospital to provide them with health care, in a country where the general health and sexual health statistics are quite alarm- ing. ABM is proud to sup- port the hospital and work alongside the people and Church in PNG, he said. Rev. Deane also drew at- tention to the substantial support that AusAID and Asian Development Bank had provided for the proj- ect. The major remaining work is the provision of more housing so that good staff may be attracted to work at the facility; improved com- munications through satel- lite technology so some medical procedures and ad- ministration can be man- aged from external locations; and a more ade- quate (quality and quan- tity) water supply . Donations to the hospital are still needed; visit www.abmission.org The Anglican Board of Mis- sion (ABM) is the national mission agency of the An- glican Church of Australia. For more than 158 years, ABM has been assisting people all over the world to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provide health and education services, im- prove agricultural practices and strengthen the Church. Contributors: C Raymond and E Keever Hospital population has new hope; Morwell helps with garden day funds. LEFT: Archbishop of Can- terbury, Dr Rowan Williams, with Archbishop Joseph Kopapa and Sister Mildred Laksen, Hospital Manager for St Margaret's Hospital, at the official opening in Papua New Guinea. ABOVE: Lyn Bearlin, Felicity Knight and Marlene Proud- foot enjoy a Devonshire tea by the fire at the Open Gar- den Day, held by Morwell parish to raise funds for St Margarets hospital. FRONT page: Carolyn Ray- mond, Inge Bissel and Fe- licity Knight see the garden in the rain. RIGHT: Robyn Lubawski was keen to see the rain- soaked garden. Photos: O Raymond and R Thompson/ABM ABOVE: A maternity ward at St Margarets hospital. BELOW: Accomodation for staff is under construction. BELOW left: St Margarets hospital. Photos: R Thompson/ABM 12 Our Diocese - Parishes November 2012 The Gippsland Anglican ON September 30, more than 120 people gathered at St Georges Anglican Church in Koo Wee Rup for its final service. The deci- sion to cease worship at St Georges has not been made lightly. Much thought, prayer and consultation has gone into what was a diffi- cult and painful decision for any faith community to make. The final service was a time to acknowledge our grief as well as honor and celebrate the significant part St Georges has played in the lives of a many peo- ple since 1917. After Rev- erend Brenda Burney welcomed those present, Sue and Peter MacGregor led the singing of three hymns. Julie Smallwood read the Bible readings for the day and Rev. Erena Lawrence led the congregation in prayer. Rev. Brenda preached from the pulpit for the first and last time. Joan Green, Norm Scott, Lorraine Nadebaum (nee Hodgson) and Frank Bell all shared some special mem- ories of their own as well as some memories written by Doug Hodgson for the churchs Golden Jubilee cel- ebrations. Some of the symbols of worship life at St Georges were brought forward before prayers of remembrance and thanks- giving were said. These symbols included the chalice and paten, the bowl from the font, the gavel presented to Bishop Arthur Wellesley Pain on the occasion of the laying of the memorial stone on May 1, 1917, a Bible, a cross, a hymn book, the Church register, offertory plates, a lit candle, a Sunday school chair, a cup, saucer and plate, a duster and a ham- mer. Joyce Light from the Unit- ing Church spoke of the journey members of the congregation have shared together and of looking for- ward and continuing and strengthening that journey. After the service, parish- ioners shared a generous lunch and more stories of our time at St Georges, well into the afternoon. A bookmark to commemorate the occasion was made by Rev. Brenda and Jenni and Alannah Ellis and given to everyone who attended. Since February 2010, the Anglican Parish of Western- port and the Uniting Church parish of Koo Wee Rup/Lang Lang have been worshipping together. The two churches have entered into a formal relationship, covenanting to serve God together in mission and ministry. During this time, worship services have been shared between the Anglican and Uniting church buildings, al- ternating on a monthly basis. From a practical and spiritual perspective it was felt it was more beneficial to worship together in one place in Koo Wee Rup. Our shared sacred space will now be the Uniting Church. Some of St Georges sanc- tuary furniture is now at home in the Uniting Church. The high table, complete with its brass can- dle sticks, and the credence table look as though they have always been there. The font and banners also have a special place. Our Uniting Church broth- ers and sisters have been absolutely wonderful in their care of our St Georges congregation in their grief at this time. They have opened their hearts to us and willingly made space for the things we wanted to bring with us to help us feel more at home. We look for- ward to many more years of sharing on the journey of faith. Contributor: B Burney Brenda moves BRENDA Burney, at West- ernport parish since July 2007, is the new priest-in- charge of the Co-operating Parish of Churchill, Boolarra and Yinnar. Brenda had 23 years ex- perience as a preschool teacher prior to entering ministry. She was a parish worker at Traralgon and Drouin specialising in chil- drens and family ministry before her appointment to Westernport. Brenda grew up in Morwell and has spent most of her life in Gippsland diocese. She is married to Rod and they have two children, Sarah and Matthew. Her in- duction service into the new parish was held in late Oc- tober. V alley F uneral L atrobe S ervices J Qualified, experienced and caring staff J Modern chapels J Refreshments and catering facilities available J Secure, guaranteed, pre-paid and pre-arranged funeral plans J Over 70 years of service to the Latrobe Valley MORWELL 5134 4937 MOE 5126 1111 TRARALGON 5174 2258 Owned and operated by Paul and Katrina McInnes Proud member of the Australian Funeral Directors Association and the Australian and British Institutes of Embalming MARK RIDDLE Consultant JOHN GALBRAITH Consultant PAUL McINNES Director 2002900 SUBSCRIPTION to The Gippsland Anglican Get The Gippsland Anglican posted direct to you Name ...................................................................... Address .................................................................. ................................................................................. Telephone ............................................................... Yes, I would like a one year postal subscription to The Gipps- land Anglican, costing $27.50. I enclose a cheque/postal order, made out to the Anglican Diocese of Gippsland. Send to TGA subscriptions, Anglican Diocese of Gippsland, PO Box 928, Sale, 3850. Enquiries, telephone 03 5144 2044. Hard decision to close ABOVE: St Georges Anglican Church at Koo Wee Rup be- gins to fill for the final service. ABOVE, left and below: Members of the congrega- tion at the final service for St Georges Anglican Church at Koo Wee Rup. November 2012 Our Diocese - Celebrating Ordained Women 13 The Gippsland Anglican By Jeanette Severs NEXT year, Barbara Logan will celebrate 20 years working for the Gippsland diocese. Reverend Canon Barb, based for the past two years in Lakes Entrance and Metung parish, is a woman of quietness, grace and with a contemplative centre to her being. Barb is Gippsland born and bred and this brings insight into and understanding of the people she ministers to and leads in ministry. Born at Sale, she grew up on a dairy farm at Pearcedale, which she and her husband, Jim, bought from her wid- owed mother some years ago. Her venture into min- istry has meant leaving the farm behind for the past eight years, leasing it for agistment. As a young woman, Barb learned bookkeeping, qual- ifying with a certificate in accounting. Her experience looking after the farm busi- ness led her into work as a finance officer at the Reg- istry office in Sale and, eventually, into the role of Acting Registrar. She began working for the diocese in the time of Bishop Colin Sheumack but her venture into accepting Gods call to ministry was during the tenure of Bishop Arthur Jones. But, to step back in time, Barb recalls knowingly feel- ing a call to ministry as a young child, as early as four or five years old. Her mother taught her to pray at a very young age and she conversed freely with Jesus as a friend and com- panion. Talking with Jesus was a very natural, normal part of life, Barb said. She was attracted to the sisterhood as a young child, but cannot recall why. She does recall often pretending to be a nun, setting up an altar and holding services before a chimney on the property. But, even at age five, I knew being a nun meant I didnt marry and have chil- dren, which is also some- thing I wanted to do. If I hadnt had that desire to marry and have children, I would have gone into an order [as an adult], Barb said. When I began religious education classes at school, I really responded to what was being taught. During primary school, she wrestled with an old King James Bible, reading it at home, striving to un- derstand the language (lots of thees and thous). At secondary school, she received a Good News new testament and it opened up a new world. I was so excited. It was in plain English and I could understand it. I just gob- bled it up, Barb said. Barb grew up feeling a constant calling to ministry. Total strangers and friends would seek her counsel, sometimes in the most un- likely places and on topics beyond her experience. It was an unmistakable call and I did fight it, she said. As an adult, she was a normal volunteer in the church; doing her duty as a sidesperson, a server and in other roles. She attended Cursillo and Alpha, evening becoming an Alpha leader. I remember being at Cur- sillo and at the final service before closure, Im praying for the strength to answer Gods calling for what was next in my life, Barb said. Through Cursillo and Alpha, I felt this calling to something. At the ordination of my sister-in-law, I realised it was a calling to ministry as a priest. But I was still waiting for someone to say no. I went to see Bishop Arthur to talk about it. The result was I capitu- lated. You dont win when you struggle with God. Eventu- ally you have to give in. Barb also admits that for many people her call to ministry was not a surprise. Now Barb, the quiet woman working behind the scenes, found herself in the role of lay reader and taking serv- ices in small, outlying churches. I would go to take a serv- ice at Munro and my mouth would be dry and my hands were sweating, I was so nervous. I couldnt believe God thought this was what I should be doing. She also began studying, completing her degree in Theology in 2006, through St Marks Theological Col- lege in Canberra, at Charles Sturt University. Since then, she has completed four years of study in Spiri- tual Direction. She became a Deacon in 2004 and was sent to Omeo parish. She became a priest in November 2004 and, in 2007, was elevated to priest-in-charge. But in July 2007, Barb left Omeo, mov- ing down the mountain to Bruthen parish. She also became the chaplain for Mothers Union, taking on that role until 2011. In 2009, she became Regional Dean for the Eastern Re- gion of Gippsland diocese. In this role, Barb is re- sponsible for organising locums, parish inductions and liaising with parishes and incoming incumbents. She also has a pastoral and gathering role, teaching and sharing the skills of ministry with other minis- ters, and alongside other ministers, teaching and sharing skills with lay peo- ple in the parishes. Expecting to remain at Bruthen for some time to come, Barb felt a new call and went to be the rector of Lakes Entrance and Metung parish in 2010. Since taking on that role, she has also been made a Canon of St Pauls Cathedral in Sale, in 2011. She also has diocesan roles, being on Bishop-in- Council, on Provincial Coun- cil, on the Finance Committee, the Appoint- ments Board and the com- mittee overseeing the Anglican Development Fund. Im interested in the health and wealth and growth of the diocese as a whole, she said, explaining her involvement. I have never had a plan. All Ive done is seeking being obedient to the voice of God. Her life in ministry is a life of constant change. While you do have things written in your diary, you never know what you are doing when you get up in the morning. Your life is very much open to change, because you are available to people. Going to buy the newspa- per can take five minutes or it can take 30 minutes. The telephone rings or there is a knock on the door. Responding to casual en- counters on a day by day basis is a very large part of what I do. Barbs responsibility to the parish includes gathering, encouraging and equipping the people in their ministry. It is important people are encouraged to take up the gifts they are given and use them. I am always trying to en- thuse and encourage and bring a little bit of God into everything. God is in my presence. Barb is inspired by many of the people in her parish, particularly by older parish- ioners she has worked with in her career. Some of our older parish- ioners have an amazing presence in God, she said. She is also responsible for preparing services and the church centres and, occa- sionally, in the community. Lakes Entrance and Metung are tourist areas and Barb is cognisant of the need for services to be open, wel- coming and user-friendly, as every week brings new people into the congrega- tion. We print booklets for the seasons and we know it is important to be hospitable and enable visitors to slip in to the congregation, she said. In every community she has served, she has also made the effort to learn about its history, its needs and activities, the expecta- tions of the community and the organisations available for the church to work with. Barb has a calm centre, something she nurtures through contemplation, meditation, reading and classical music. She also enjoys spending time walk- ing her dogs and, when time permits, working in the garden or visiting her four grandchildren in Mel- bourne. It is important to look after yourself, she said, re- vealing she recently pur- chased a ukulele and hopes to learn to play. Her faith is graceful and contemplative ABOVE: Reverend Canon Barbara Logan. Photo: Jeanette Severs Respondi ng to casual encounters on a day by day basis is a very large part of what I do. 14 Our Diocese - Clergy Ministries November 2012 The Gippsland Anglican RUSSELL MacQueen, a former Archdeacon of Gipp- sland diocese and the im- mediate past rector of Maffra parish, was recently awarded the Victoria Police Service Medal with 25 year clasp by Chief Commis- sioner Ken Lay. The cere- mony was held at the annual Police Chaplains Conference, at the Police Academy in Melbourne. At the dinner, one person was awarded a 30 year clasp, two people received 25 year clasps and some 15 year clasps and 10 year medals were awarded. Victoria Police is very ap- preciative of the role Chap- lains play and have encouraged and supported the work. They treat us with re- spect and provide wonder- fully for us at the academy, said Russell. This years conference hosted Victoria Police Chief Commissioner, Mr Ken Lay, as guest speaker. Mr Lay spoke about his involve- ment with chaplaincy going back to when he was a sargeant in Sale; his knowl- edge of officers who had been helped; the fact that chaplains were available 24 hours per day, seven days per week; and they turn out at the critical times such as accidents, fires and floods. Because of this commit- ment, Mr Lay decided it was time the chaplains were recognised as police officers were recognised and an- nounced they would receive the VPSM after 10 years then a clasp every five years. My police chaplaincy began in 1987 when I was in Orbost parish, Russell said. I was contacted very shortly after going to Or- bost by the Inter Church Trade and Industry Mission (ITIM) who were then pro- viding chaplaincy to Victoria Police as well as other or- ganisations. The parish was short one days stipend each week so it seemed a good idea to me and the parish council, to take up the role. My territory at that time covered from Bairnsdale to Mallacoota, to Omeo and Bendoc. I loved the work then and I love it now. As the parish became more fi- nancial, I scaled it back from one day a week to half a day per fortnight. Then, the last year I was there I changed to being a local honorary chaplain. When I moved to Yarram I remained as an honorary chaplain for a couple of years until there was a need for more chaplaincy down in South Gippsland. ITIM ceased being the provider in the early 1990s and in 1995 Reverend Jim Pilmer was asked to set up a specific chaplaincy net- work covering the state. He approached me in Yarram and I became a foundation member of the new network, which began work in 1996 with 30 con- tracted chaplains across the denominations and 20 to 30 honorary chaplains who were also on call. My patch changed again when I moved to Maffra where I had seven stations to cover, then eight with the new one-person station at Loch Sport. The chaplains role is pri- marily pastoral care of offi- cers and their families; attend fatalities and serious accidents when called; help with bereavements in their families and celebra- tions in their lives, such as marriages, baptisms and promotions; and spiritual support. I often comment most of the work is loitering with intent, said Russell. I have developed such a tremendous respect for these men and women. I cant put into words what they do because even I, who have been involved with these men and women for 25 years, do not know the full extent of what they do for us. A number have paid with their life over the history of Victoria Police. Chaplains walk beside them, listen to what they are going through, keep their eyes and ears open to where they are needed. I have been privileged to lis- ten to them, walk with them, attend the good and the bad with them, cry and pray with them. I offer them all to your prayers.
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MLM8L8 Cl AuS18ALlAn lunL8AL ul8LC1C8S ASSCClA1lCn Russell awarded for walking with police ABOVE: Chief Commissioner Ken Lay hands Russell Mac- queen his 25-year service award as a chaplain. Photo: TodaysPhotos Ridley seminar considers what makes life good IN September, Ridley Col- lege in Melbourne hosted a seminar titled, Navigating the good in religion, sex, grief and life. Guest speaker, John Dickson, pre- sented a perspective of re- ligion, sex and grief and raised the question of what makes our lives good. Held on four evenings in early September, the event was sponsored by more than a dozen Melbourne churches. The program included music; Guy Mason was host; and there was a bible presentation by The Back- yard Bard. The audience texted questions that John answered after each talk. Approximately 300 people attended each evenings presentation and Ridley has received a lot of positive feedback from people who were refreshed and encour- aged. John Dickson was also a presenter at the Ridley Mel- bourne Annual Preachers Conference in late August. For more information about the event, the web- site is www.made-good.org Contributor: J Ellison ABOVE: John Dickson (right) at the lectures. BCA: Adrian will replace Greg THE Bush Church Aid So- ciety (BCA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Reverend Adrian Lane (above) to the role of Victo- rian Regional Officer. He has been serving as a Sen- ior Lecturer at Ridley Mel- bourne and will begin his new role in February 2013. Adrian has a real heart for rural and regional Australia, and regional Victoria in par- ticular. His forebears come from Warrnambool, Mary- borough, Rupanyup and Rainbow, in the Wimmera. Adrian knows the Aus- tralian church and regional Victoria well, having served at Ridley Melbourne for 22 years. During this time, he has trained ministers for re- gional Victoria, served on Provincial Council and has led preaching workshops and evangelistic missions in a wide range of regional centres. Adrian said it was a privi- lege to be given the oppor- tunity to serve regional Australia and regional Vic- toria in particular, through the ministry of the gospel. I am delighted and ex- cited. A great tradition in BCAs history has been its commitment to prayer and I eagerly ask for a fresh wave of prayer for regional Victoria, he said. Adrian replaces Rev. Greg Jones who retired in May after holding the role for the past nine years. Cur- rently there are four BCA supported ministries in Vic- toria: church work at Strathfieldsaye, Sunraysia South and Central Mallee and youth ministry at Sale. Contributor: A Pearce THE Bush Church Aid So- ciety conducted an analysis of 2011 census data and found that while the per- centage of country Aus- tralians who said they had no religion was lower than in the capital cities, there was a big difference in reli- gious adherence. Generally speaking, rates of religious identification are highest in traditional farming communities, es- pecially in a strip along the western slopes of New South Wales and southern Queensland, said BCAs National Director, Dr Mark Short. They are lower in coastal communities with a signifi- cant lifestyle and tourism presence and in towns im- pacted by mining and other heavy industries. Farm communities are more religious November 2012 Our Diocese - Parishes 15 The Gippsland Anglican ON Sunday, September 30, Moe parish celebrated the 60th anniversary of the official opening and dedica- tion of St Lukes Kinder- garten, Hall and Sanctuary. The weather was not fa- vorable but the celebration made up for it. The Eu- charist was celebrated in the hall and we used the hymns, prayers and read- ings part of the service in 1952. During the liturgy of the Word, a slide show was shown of the building of the hall and then of the dedica- tion day. Father John Good- man conducted the service and spoke about the impor- tance of the church com- munity as the Body of Christ. (Our rector was on leave.) The importance of the building in our parish life was recognised but we also reminded ourselves of how we had moved on since that time and, of course, the need to continually look to the best way to carry out the ministry to which we have been called in this place. Lil Galbraith and Bill Adams were recognised as two current parishioners who were present at the ppening 60 years ago. Lil spoke of how she taught Sunday school in the hall and that she had been the first Kindergarten teacher until a qualified teacher was appointed. Lil also spoke of the many friends she made during her time in the parish and how important these rela- tionships were. The celebration reminded us of the journey that we have had in the parish; commencing at Holy Trin- ity; the first services on the Saint Lukes site in the mar- quees; the building of the hall, then Saint Lukes Church and then the new Holy Trinity. This journey has been part of the ministry plan God has led us through. We are well aware we are again in the time of looking where the next part of the journey will take us. Each time the new steps were challenging but we managed to work through them and a new phase of ministry began. We also gave thanks the hall has provided for a suc- cessful kindergarten, oper- ating for the past 60 years, for community use; the hall for recreation such as dances, table tennis, films and concerts; that fellow- ship has been enjoyed at many celebrations of birth- days, weddings and other parties; and we have been able to minister to young people through childrens and youth groups, coffee shops, Sunday school and other outreach projects. If we added up the num- ber of people who have used the facility and there- fore have come into contact with the ministry of the parish, either directly or in- directly, I am sure we would be amazed at the total. Next year the kinder- garten will celebrate its 60th birthday and we invite parishioners to join in this celebration. TOP: Reverend John Good- man leads the blessing and prayers with Lil Galbraith and Bill Adams, current parishioners who were present at the original opening of St Lukes hall. ABOVE: The congregation at Dedication Day, in Sep- tember, 1952. TOP right: Developing St Lukes hall. The picture shows some of the original building stumps being set- tled in. The tent in the background is the original worship center. ABOVE right: The program of the Dedication service. Contributor: G Nicholls St Lukes hall celebrates 60th anniversary WHAT is going on and what is the hope for the rural and regional Church, was the theme for discus- sion at the Eastern Region Deanery afternoon, on Au- gust 26. Dean Don Saines opened the session, giving some in- sight into our current, post- modern, western culture and ways we experience it in Gippsland. Much of this is not new to us, Don said. These are cultural changes that are more present to us today than they were even 20 years ago. Religious pluralism; the rise of new religious movements and spiritual- ity; greater choice; access to ideas through the inter- net; decline in associations like clubs and churches but more fluid forms of associa- tion, fleeting memberships; more options and so on. These experiences are cultural pressures on our attempts to gather and form Christian communi- ties. The problem is, we too readily model our vision of the Church on past decades or on city models of church, Don said. Change is the norm in rural areas of Australia and has been from early Euro- pean settlement; but change is happening faster in recent decades. The demise of small rural churches and the struggle to create Christian commu- nity in rural and regional Australia is as much the product of large scale changes throughout the century, as of any short- comings of ministers, lay- men or the organisational structure. We should not be too hard on each other. Our task is to be faithful in the present. There are many positives in this contemporary cul- ture. God is still present and gifting us for the many, though small, possibilities, Don said. Be faithful in the present 16 Our Diocese - Media and Literary Reviews November 2012 The Gippsland Anglican By Fay Magee WHAT do we sing for Christmas? In some ways, singing together at Christ- mas is becoming more of a challenge. It is a classic ex- ample of needing to bal- ance the songs of our cultural heritage with the obvious interest in some- thing perhaps new and in- sightful to our times; something which helps us reconsider the incarnation in our very modern context. While much of our Christ- mas busy-ness might be done to the constant back- ground of what I call the [shopping center] Christ- mas soundtrack, the never- ending playing of the traditional seasonal carols no longer means the gen- eral shopping public recog- nise specific tunes or know the lyrics to the songs. I certainly find that to be the case with many school age children. The songs we have always sung for Christmas are a good example of the many layers of meaning which our experience has accu- mulated; meaning not just about the story and its the- ological or faith signifi- cance. It will also be about where we have sung them; who we were with; the many stories of Christmas past; our personal and communal journey. I usually try to find some way of introducing some of the newer carol repertoire. This can be done through having a special group present new songs in the context of a service or carol singing event. Another way is to rehearse a new song for Christmas, perhaps after the usual Sunday service time in the weeks before. Born in the night (To- gether in Song 323) is a simple folk-style song which is easy to learn. Funny kind of night, by John Bell (TIS 329) ex- plores elements of the Christmas narratives with some simple insights worth reflecting on. New songs in Advent are also a good way to enrich our appreciation of this time of preparation. He be- came poor that we may be rich, by John Bell, is a short song, easy to learn and available in Together in Song. This collection also in- cludes songs which can be used with the Advent can- dle lighting each Sunday. As we prepare for this sea- son, may we ourselves be prepared to look a little fur- ther and not be afraid to sing the old song with some fresh insights. Diocesan Calendar 2012 International Year of People of African Descent, Na- tional Year of the Farmer, National Year of Reading November 1 Intentional Pastoral Practice; Bishopscourt, Sale; 8.45am. Contact Archdeacon Heather Marten or Registry, 03 5144 2044 2-3 Growth in Ministry Intensive; Bishopscourt, Sale; 8am to 5pm. Contact Archdeacon Heather Marten, telephone 03 5144 2044 4 All Souls Day. East Gippsland Symphonia at 8.30am & 10am services, St Johns Bairnsdale 9-11 Workshops on Water and Dance, led by Archdeacon Susanna Pain; Abbey of St Barnabas, ABeckett Park; telephone 03 5156 6580 10 Quiet Day with Mothers Union and Bishop John McIntyre; at Bishopscourt; 10.30am to 2.30pm, BYO lunch. Contact Karin McKenzie, telephone 03 5662 2148 10 Thanksgiving service, GFS Kidsplus+ Network; 11am; Moe; followed by lunch at Gippsland Heritage Park 11 Defence Sunday 11 Remembrance Day 11 Kidsplus+ Gippsland annual thanksgiving service and lunch, Gippsland Heritage Park, Moe; 11am; lunch $25 17 St Johns Bairnsdale parish fair 17 Anglican Earthcare annual general meeting, 10am, St Pauls Cathedral, Sale 17 Ordination service, Deacons; St Pauls Cathedral, Sale; 11am 18 Diocesan Kidsplus+ Network family picnic at Morwell Traffic School; 3.30pm to 5.30pm; with free sausage sizzle; RSVP gippskidsplus@ people.net.au or Catherine, 03 5127 4093 or Mary, 03 5127 2929 18-25 Vocational Panel Interviews (as required) 22-24 Education for Ministry mentor training, St Pauls Cathedral Sale Contact Dean, Dr Don Saines, telephone 03 5144 2020 24 Clergy and their families end of year gathering, Bishopscourt, Sale; 11.30am to 4pm 27 Mothers Union Gippsland executive meeting, Morwell; 9.30am to 12noon; followed by lunch. Contact Karin McKenzie, telephone 03 5662 2148 December 2 Commemorative service celebrating 20 years of women priests; 2pm, St Pauls Anglican Cathedral, Sale 6 St Augustines annual dinner, Newhaven Yacht Squadron, Bass Phillip Island parish 9 Commemorative service celebrating 20 years of women priests in Melbourne; 2.30pm; St Pauls Anglican Cathedral, Melbourne 24 Christmas Eve 25 Christmas Day 26 Boxing Day 28-Jan.1 Sale parish family outreach: Summer in Seaspray 2013 January Dec.28-Jan.1 Sale parish family outreach: Summer in Seaspray 9 Bass Phillip Island parish fair 11-16 Summer under the Son, Church Missionary Society (CMS), Adventure Resort, Phillip Island; www.summerundertheson.org 12 St Nicholas Lakes Entrance fair February 3 St Philips Dedication Festival, Bass Phillip Island parish; guest speaker, Archdeacon Edie Ashley 9 Ordination service, Priests; St Pauls Cathedral, Sale; 11am March 1 Australian Voices performance at Cowes TBA Mothers Union Lady Day; St Pauls Cathedral Sale; 10am; guest speaker, Marilyn Oulds, Worldwide Mothers Union; BYO lunch 25 Catholic v Anglican and others Golf Day, Sale Golf Club; Registry office, 03 5144 2044 Details as provided to The Gippsland Anglican at time of printing. Singing at Christmas Photos: Jeanette Severs Emu music releases Advent WHAT if God was one of us, sang Joan Osbourne in 1995. The truth is that he is, for one of us is pre- cisely what the eternal Son of God became just over 2,000 years ago and he re- mains fully human; with- out, of course, ceasing to be fully God. The Bible is crystal clear about this: The Word be- came flesh and dwelt among us, writes the apos- tle John. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). The songs on this album, Advent, are each, in their own way, a celebration of the reality, purpose and im- plications of the incarna- tion. It is our hope and prayer that as you sing these songs together, they will bring glory to our great King Jesus and blessing to his people. The album was produced by Andy Mak and recorded at The Grove Studios, Syd- ney. The collaboration features songwriters Mike Begbie, Nicky Chiswell, Greg Cooper, Trevor Hodge, Philip Percival, Simone Richardson, Rob Smith and Luke Woodhouse. Tracklisting: Grace has now appeared One of us See the man Great things Come and reign Did you know? Make us like Jesus Immanuel God has come My heart delights Eternal King Advent is now available from the Emu Music web- site Christian music and book stores across Aus- tralia. EMU Musics aim is to resource churches with songs of the Word, biblical, Christ focused and contem- porary; helping Gods peo- ple to engage with him and each other when they sing together. For more information on Emu Music, please visit www.emumusic.com.au November 2012 Our Diocese - Media and Literary Reviews 17 The Gippsland Anglican PAUL Barnett has edited a series of books of Paul, Luke, Peter, Isaiah and James. The authors, includ- ing Paul Barnett, are min- istry leaders in their own right. The Reading the Bible Today series of non-techni- cal commentaries is de- voted to presenting careful scholarship in a way that everyone can understand and enjoy. Paul: A Pastors Heart by Paul Barnett THE Apostle Paul is one of the most fascinating and pivotal characters in Bible history. Previously a perse- cutor and legalist, he be- came a great missionary and pastor to the churches he established. His writings form a crucial part of the New Testament. However, as his second letter to the Corinthians demonstrates, there is a deeply human aspect to Pauls writings as he grap- pled with enormous chal- lenges and difficulties. Paul Barnetts insightful and sensitive consideration of Pauls situation and char- acter, seen in his second letter to the Corinthians, sheds precious light on this Paul as he sought to pastor this difficult church in its early and turbulent years. Luke: An unexpected God by John G Mason JOHN G Mason charts a course through Lukes Gospel for todays readers, drawing from his many years of study of this ac- count of the life and min- istry of Jesus Christ. A fulfilment of ancient prom- ises and the catalyst for a new covenant, the Messiah we meet in Lukes gospel not only died and rose again, but also called for all nations to know repentance and forgiveness. As Mason explains this Gospel clearly and helpfully, he also encourages readers to ask and answer for themselves the question: Did God really become one of us? Masons workmanlike run- ning commentary offers constantly insightful an- swers to many searching questions. Thoughtful Bible students will reap great benefits from it. Isaiah: Surprising Salvation by Kirk Patston KIRK Patston opens up the complex and majestic book of Isaiah in a commentary, perfectly suited for every- day reading and reference. Drawing out what this book would have meant to Israel in different periods of its history, Patston highlights the themes of danger, trust, transformation and judg- ment which run through- out. In Isaiah, we enter a dif- ferent age. The magnificent book serves as the opening scene for the world-shaking themes the prophets will deliver for hundreds of years. This book was shortlisted for Australian Christian Book of the Year 2011. Kirk Patston is a lecturer at Sydney Missionary and Bible College and his vivid interest in Isaiah is clear throughout this clear and approachable work. James: The wisdom of the brother of Jesus by John Dickson MORE than most books in the Bible, James shoots straight from the hip. With little time for sophisticated rhetoric and fine argument, James simply and urgently calls on Christians to look like real believers. Peter: Living Hope by Paul Barnett THE first letter of Peter is a broad-brush sketch of the Christian life from begin- ning to end. This beautifully written and spiritually pow- erful letter will bring great rewards to those who study it carefully. Praise for the Reading the Bible Today series For more than three decades, I have been long- ing to see the very able Australian theologians put their wealth of biblical in- sights on paper. Finally they have. This series of com- mentaries has great depth without being too technical. I highly recommend it. Dr Michael Youssef Pastor and host of the global media ministry, Leading the way Series seeks to open up disciples writing ABOVE: For several years, Ayelen Horwitz has worked as an editor and project coordinator with Certeza Argentina. With your support through SPCKA (The Society for Pro- moting Christian Knowledge Australia Inc.), Ayelen will go to LittWorld in Nairobi, the only global conference for Christian publishers and a unique opportunity for net- working, training and professional development. Ayelen recently answered SPCKA questions about the challenges she faces in Argentina and her reasons for attending Littworld: Our government has approved same-sex mar- riage and is now reviewing abortion law. It is clear our so- ciety is changing. Society is turning more individualistic and hedonist, but also more spiritually open. As Chris- tians, we need to understand how to be light and salt in this political reality as well as in the particular situations that families and people face. My goal is to make books of excellent quality, appropriate for Argentine society. To achieve this I need to continue to improve my skills and learn from others, Ayelen said. It will cost $2500 to send Ayelen Horwitz to join more than 150 publishing profes- sionals in Nairobi at LittWorld 2012, the global conference for Christian publishers. You can support Ayelen by mak- ing a donation today; telephone on 1300 137 725 or email admin@spcka.org.au for details. Visit www.spcka.org.au Talking ethics Denholm, J (2011) Talking about Ethics: Negotiating the Maze. Acorn Press By Gillian Porter JUSTIN Denholms interest in ethics began in medical school when his Christian faith was challenged by nu- merous ethical dilemmas. In his search for Christian books on the subject, Den- holm found a lack of litera- ture to equip Christians to understand and knowledge- ably converse about ethics. I found a lot of literature about ethical theories but there was a lack of practical guides for everyday Chris- tians, he states. So the idea for Talking about ethics: Negotiating the maze was born. The manuscript for Talking about ethics won second prize in the Young Aus- tralian Christian Writer Awards in 2009. Released by Acorn Press in 2011, Talking about ethics is a practical and thought-pro- voking introduction to the world of ethics. While academics, philoso- phers and others who want to ask big questions will find it useful, this is a book that appeals to the novice; the everyday person who is looking for a Christian ap- proach to answering the hard, practical questions arising when we attempt to live faithfully in this world. Throughout the book, the reader is provided with stimulating questions and case studies that help re- late the concepts to our own situation. By putting into practice the principles described, we are able to recognise and think more clearly about the ethical questions we face every day; and are encouraged to use ethical approaches. 18 Our Diocese - Missions and Ministries November 2012 The Gippsland Anglican TWENTY people attended the home of Allan and Jan Huggins in the hills behind Trafalgar for an Anam Cara Community Quiet Day. The rain and the beauty of the garden provided a feeling of being removed from the everyday world. We began the quiet day with worship of the one God. This included Jewish prayers and readings from the scriptures we share, the scriptures we call the Old Testament and Jewish peo- ple call the Torah. The title of the day was Windows to Judaism. As guests, we invited Gerry Pearce and his daughter-in- law, Karen Gerzenstein from Melbourne to be with us for the day. Karen and Gerry were very generous in their shar- ing of their own personal journeys as Jews in Aus- tralia today. Gerry began by asking us who among us had knowingly met a Jew? Many of us acknowledged we had not met a Jew. Allan spoke of our common faith; both Christians and Jews worship one God. Gerry also pointed out Judaism is unlike Christianity or Islam in that Jews do not seek converts. In fact, they actively dis- courage people who wish to convert. You can only be a Jew if your mother is or was a Jew. Gerry and Karen told us of the significance and mean- ing to them of the Jewish Festivals and a little of how they were celebrated in the synagogue. They shared the many different denomi- nations of Judaism, from liberal to extreme orthodox. Karen told us of her edu- cation at school as an or- thodox Jew, although her family were liberal Jews. She admitted at times this was confusing. Gerry and Karen told us of the many religious laws or- thodox Jews seek to fulfil every day. These laws guide every action throughout daily life. They dictate how and what is cooked and eaten. It is important never to mix meat and milk and never to eat pork in any form. How you dress and how you speak to others, partic- ularly those of the opposite sex, is dictated for orthodox Jews. How you work and how you carry out your re- ligious duties on the Sab- bath are strictly defined. We discussed the concept of whether Judaism is a faith, a race or a culture. Gerry felt Judaism is all three: a faith, a race of people and a culture. We talked of the troubled history of the Jews and how they faced persecution in many countries through many centuries. Gerry spoke of the holocaust leading up to and during World World 2; and the legacy it left of suspicion and distrust by the Jews for people who were not Jew- ish. This is intensified by the state of Israel being surrounded by hostile na- tions. Interestingly, Gerry said Melbourne has the largest number, worldwide, of holo- caust survivors. Gerry and Karen shared with us their different response to the holocaust from the stand- point that they come from different generations. The shadow of the holocaust spread over the formation and the continued presence of the State of Israel. Gerry described for us the weekly Sabbath-eve family meal in his home. The fam- ily make a great effort not to miss meeting together on Sabbath-eve for the weekly prayers and bless- ings. As all ages join in prayers, hospitality and eating to- gether are experienced as both a religious joy and a duty. Gerry asked us why in Australia we had given up the wonderful family tradi- tion of the Sunday lunch. The Sunday lunch brought families together after church in fellowship and sharing. Most regretted the passing of family Sunday lunch but realised that, in part, it is because families now often live far apart. We shared our own incomplete knowl- edge of Judaism and thought again of our limited acceptance of Jews and particularly of those groups which practise orthodox Ju- daism. We also experienced quiet time together. Many people walked in the rain in the garden or sat on the veran- dah in silence. This was a time of meditation and prayer. Lunch was a time for meeting new friends, catch- ing up with old friends and sharing what we learnt. The day ended with the final worship. Here we looked at our own response to Christs call to build com- munity with those who are different from us as well as with those who have similar culture and faith. In the strength and wisdom of Christ, we sought to ac- knowledge our own vulner- ability and go forth in love. Thank you, Gerry and Karen, for your willingness to share with us so openly. Thank you, Allan and Jan, for the hospitality of your home and beautiful garden. Contributor: C Raymond ACC worship of the one God ABOVE: Heather Cahill and Allan Huggins. ABOVE: Jane Mac- queen sits in quiet contemplation. RIGHT: Sue Hopkins and Anne Turner. Photos: Marion White ART Grounded in the Earth was a workshop retreat fa- cilitated by visual theolo- gian, Dr Pene Brook, and held at the Abbey of St Barnabas at ABeckett Park, October 12 to 14. The workshop began on the Fri- day evening with dinner fol- lowed by an introduction to the workshop aims: Know- ing Ourselves Within Cre- ation: Theological Reflection via Mandala Mak- ing, followed by a short re- flection. Saturday morning began with a reflection on human- itys relationship with and as part of Creation. The view of the lake and the surrounding landscape seen through the chapel window expressed the workshops theme far more effectively than any words could. The workshop continued with participants viewing some of the mandalas based on the visions of Hildegard of Bingen, before busily beginning their own visual reflections. The day, broken by feasts of enormous proportion provided by the wonder- cooks, Deb and David Chambers, concluded with participants sharing in- sights they had gathered during the events of the day: the reflection, the walking, the mandala con- struction, the chatting, laughing and the feasting. Sunday morning contin- ued the praxis of making and reflecting. renewed with yet more sharing, laughing and feasting. Hopefully, we all learned a little bit more about our- selves and our relationship with creation, but also en- joyed the possibility of fine hospitality and friendship. Contributor: P Brook Dancing THE final workshop retreat for at The Abbey for 2012 is Dance through Water, No- vember 9 to 11. Dance through Water, is being led by Susanna Pain, an archdeacon in the Can- berra Goulburn Diocese and well known to many in Gippsland; she is a very ex- perienced retreat leader. There will be some gentle input and you will have the time to reflect through movement or dance, or if you would prefer; just to take some time out to be quiet. For more information and booking, please contact Sue Gibson by email, info@theabbey.org or by telephone, 03 51566580. Art and the Abbey See page 6 in this issue November 2012 Our Diocese - Youth Ministry 19 The Gippsland Anglican THE first ever Interna- tional Day of the Girl, on October 11, focused on early marriage, designated by the United Nations in re- sponse to a growing ac- knowledgement investing in girls, while overcoming dis- crimination against girls, releases their potential to flourish and to contribute to their communities and to the world. Girls are three times more likely than boys to suffer from malnutrition and are more likely to be forced into early marriage, said coordinator of the In- ternational Anglican Womens Network, Ann Skamp. Around the world, the daily realities of poverty, discrimination and violence mean one in three girls is prevented from receiving a secondary education. Only when obstacles such as these are dismantled, will girls properly achieve their full potential. So its time to shatter stereotypes, advocate for and enable equality and change girls lives. Child marriage is a focus of this first International Day of the Girl. According to UN Women, every year, more than 10 million young girls worldwide are forced into marriage, even where this practice is illegal. As a result, child brides are deprived of a good childhood and are unable to make choices about their education and their future. Child brides are also likely to suffer from health prob- lems such as HIV/AIDS, premature pregnancy and maternal mortality. The intention of the Inter- national Day of the Girl is to give people and organisa- tions the opportunity to raise public awareness of the different types of dis- crimination and abuse that many girls around the world suffer. It is also a time to show what is being done to em- power girls through active support and through en- gagement with parents, families and the wider com- munity. Sadly, the good news of this movement for the en- abling and flourishing of girls has coincided with the attempted murder of a 14 year old school girl in Pak- istan, said Mrs Skamp, re- ferring to the shooting of Malala Yousafzai, a teenage activist for education for girls who was shot in the head by an extremist while on a school bus with friends. Let us hold in prayer Malala and all girls in cities, towns, villages and rural areas across our world, re- membering Jesus Christ has shown us the ultimate preciousness of each girl and each boy in our midst. Science student to attend National Forum MARK McAnulty from Gippsland Gram- mar has been selected to attend the Na- tional Youth Science Forum (NYSF) in January, 2013. Mark (right) was one of 432 Year 11 students selected from nearly 2000 applicants and was nomi- nated by the Rotary Club of Maffra. The NYSF will celebrate its 30th an- niversary in 2013 and promises to bring together Australias brightest young sci- entific minds. It will be hosted by the University of Western Australia, Curtin University of Technology and the Aus- tralian National University, with special onsite visits at the CSIROs Division of Ecosystem Sciences, the Tidbinbilla Deep Space Network, Australian Insti- tute of Sport, HMAS Stirling and the Perth Seawater Desalination Plant. Students will meet and talk with prominent scientists and learn first- hand what a life in science really means. They will also gain hands-on ex- perience in diverse areas such as quan- tum physics, climate change, marine science, surgery, engineering and more. NYSF students are inspired by the wide range of university and career options the program showcases. Statistics show 92 per cent of NYSF students enrol in a science or engineering degree at uni- versity and 85 per cent continue to work in a related field. Day focused on early marriage ABOVE: Narelle, Christine and Anthony Hahn took their cat, Bernard, to the Blessing of the Animals service at St Pauls Anglican Cathedral in Sale. Photo: Christine Morris ABOVE: Elizabeth Ajiel was decorating fingernails at Sale parishs fair and Melissa Irving sat down for her turn. Photo: Christine Morris LEFT: Young people of the congregation were part of the final service at St Georges Koo Wee Rup, bringing forward symbols of the worship life of the church. 20 Our Diocese - Parishes November 2012 The Gippsland Anglican ABOVE: Reverend Canon Barbara Logan, of Lakes En- trance and Metung parish, presents a cheque to School Captain of Lakes Entrance Primary School, Jemma Stokes, watched by Amba Carr, also of LEPS. The funds, donated from profit of NicholasJohn op shop, will be put towards a marquee for use on sports days by the school children. Photo: Jeanette Severs KEEN gardeners recently got on board the Avon gar- den bus tour. The bus tours are a chance to catch up with old friends, make new friends and enjoy lots of fel- lowship, laughter and shar- ing garden tips. There was great anticipa- tion by the many keen gar- deners to check out new plants, look for favorites or just generally browse in the nurseries visited. Although the weather became in- clement, it did not dampen spirits and the bus was filled with chatter from Bairnsdale to Traralgon and return. Kate Rose, the grandaugh- ter of Peg Rule, the initiator of the first ever garden bus tour, was thanked for her help and participation over the years. We acknowl- edged Lorraine and Janelle for their organisation and the time they put into mak- ing everyone so happy. A big thankyou to Ben Davies for driving the bus. I cannot wait for the Au- tumn garden bus tour. Contributor: W Philbey ABOVE right: Wemyss Struss and Jan Cropley found a bowl of flowers to delight them. RIGHT: Doris Robertson and Alison Rule. FAR right: Isobel Hamlyn, Bettie Luxford and Valda Luxford. Photos: Wendy Philbey Avon garden tour Pets blessed in Bairnsdale parish ABOVE: Reverend Tony Wicking with Margaret Carley and her dog. LEFT: Jim Stephenson was happy with his pet. BELOW: Kathy Graben- weger brought her dog forward for a blessing from Rev. Tony Wicking. Photos: Judi Hogan NOT-for-profit aged care providers, Grace Bruce Homes and Benetas, re- cently announced an amal- gamation between the two not-for-profit aged care providers. The amalgama- tion will mean Grace Bruce Dalkeith Hostel and Dalkeith Heights Retire- ment Village in Traralgon and Hazelwood House in Churchill will become part of Benetas service offer- ings. Ray van Poppel, Chairman of the Grace Bruce Board, said: The Grace Bruce Board recently looked at what we need to be doing now and well into the future to fulfil our vision and mis- sion to be a leading provider of aged care. To realise this vision and to meet the needs of the local community, we knew we needed to develop and operate an integrated range of aged and community services. We looked at options and decided an amalgamation was the best way forward for Grace Bruce; a decision we shared with our resi- dents, families and staff at the time. The Board of Grace Bruce is pleased we will amalga- mate with not-for-profit aged care provider, Bene- tas. Mr van Poppel said the amalgamation provided re- assurance to Grace Bruce residents and families to know their homes are safe and secure for many years to come; and ensures on- going employment to cur- rent Grace Bruce staff. Benetas was established in 1948 when a small group of volunteers from the Angli- can Diocese of Melbourne responded to an urgent need to provide care and support for older Victorians. More than 60 years later, Benetas is a not-for-profit organisation employing more than 1400 staff and 400 volunteers across Vic- toria. ABOVE: Benetas recently hosted afternoon tea at the Windsor Hotel, Melbourne, during Victorian Seniors Festi- val, and families travelled from across the state to attend. Benetas expanding in Traralgon