Issuu

1 APR 2017

THE ANGLICAN GUARDIAN Published by the Diocese of Adelaide Edited by Peter March Phone: (08) 8305 9350 Fax: (08) 8305 9399 Email: pmarch@adelaideanglicans.com www.adelaideanglicans.com

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Of small and empty things By The Rev’d Canon Dr Matthew Anstey

of small and empty things is a life composed slow and shy things scurrying along subterranean of small and empty things is a someone made fastings and forgettings, failures and fumblings conspiring in gentle ways and tucked-away moments of small and empty things is a story embroidered miniature threads of yellow and gold jostling on a soul’s tangled underside of small and empty things is a friendship charcoal-sketched notes and scribbles, smudges and smirks widening eyes and contented teaspoons of small and empty things is a life composed

Ann Nadge is The Guardian’s Poetry Editor. Submissions of no more than 20 lines can be sent to ann_nadge@yahoo.com

INVESTIGATOR COLLEGE 2 Glendale Grove, Goolwa. Ph: 8555 5755

ST. PETER’S COLLEGE Hackney Road, St. Peter’s. Ph: 8362 3451

PEDARE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE 2-30 Surrey Farm Drive, Golden Grove. Ph: 8280 1700

ST. PETER’S COLLEGIATE GIRLS’ SCHOOL Stonyfell Road, Stonyfell. Ph: 8334 2200

PULTENEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL 190 South Terrace, Adelaide. Ph: 8216 5555 ST. ANDREW’S SCHOOL 22 Smith Street, Walkerville, Ph: 8168 5555 ST. COLUMBA COLLEGE President Avenue, Andrew’s Farm. Ph: 8254 0600

ANGLICAN SCHOOLS . . . the right choice Enquiries: Jim Raw, Anglican Schools Liaison Office 2 18 King William Rd, North Adelaide 5006 Phone: 8305 9349

ST. JOHN’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL 29 Gloucester Avenue, Belair. Ph: 8278 2233

ST PETER’S WOODLANDS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 39 Partridge Street, Glenelg. Ph: 8295 4317 TRINITY COLLEGE Alexander Avenue, Evanston South. Ph: 8522 0666 WALFORD ANGLICAN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 316 Unley Road, Hyde Park. Ph: 8272 6555 WOODCROFT COLLEGE Bains Road, Morphett Vale. Ph: 8322 2333

Hope and Renewal: as precious as ever Bishop Tim Harris Administrator (Sede Vacante)

contents

4 04

As sure as day follows night. No, I didn’t

darkness and experience of desolation we

get that muddled. While we customarily

can barely begin to comprehend.

FAITH Be EncouragedA Story Of God’s Goodness And Grace

FOCUS

say “as night follows day”, the Bible puts it the other way around. The difference is

But day follows night. Light and love

more profound than we might think.

outshine and overwhelm the darkness. The glorious resurrection of Christ followed his

Light follows darkness. Daylight

experience of the bleakest and darkest of

challenges, and then overwhelms the

nights.

night. Hope grows ever brighter, as the fulness of the day grows stronger.

We often ask ourselves: “does God care?”

Bowling Them Over

Seven Years And Some 1400 Resolutions Later...

St Peter’s Quest To Restore Great Window Of The West

The more we reflect on the awe-full/ This dynamic is true of creation itself. The

awful scene of the cross, and understand

God we later come to know as Father, Son

that God was at work in and through this

and Spirit speaks, and the messiness and

horrendous event to confront and defeat

foreboding threat of darkness gives way to

forces of darkness, the more we recognise

life and light and fruitfulness.

a profound answer to the question of

SCHOOLS

When Disaster Strikes

COMMUNITY

He Is Risen! 2017 Diocesan Easter Campaign

State Parliament Sets Tone With Cathedral Service

and renewal, unlike any other on offer.

Art For God’s Sake

confrontation with darkness and chaos.

Sadly, in our own times we are just as

The journey that led to the joy and

acquainted with grief. We know that

hope of Easter day required an entering

shadow of darkness, and the menace of

Anglican Board Of Mission Makes Emergency Appeal For East Africa

into an experience of darkness beyond

fear and anxiety. Yet the resurrection hope,

comprehension. From the betrayal of

grounded in good historical testimony and

Cooking Up A Storm

a friend (by a kiss, of all things!), to the

witness, is as precious and full of hope and

ugliness of the crowd baying for blood,

newness of life as ever. We are reconciled,

Miserable Sinners

weakness and injustice, self-interested

restored to a right relationship with God,

political manoeuvring, callous blindness by

redeemed and recreated to be the people

religious leaders, social rejection outside

God calls us to be.

Film Review: Beauty And The Beast

whether God cares. Yes! God indeed As Adelaide theologian Graham Buxton

cares, loves, and serves, and the proof is

puts it, we behold a lively, creative,

on display throughout the Easter narrative,

energising God ‘dancing in the dark’,

from beginning to end.

and in doing so, love and light emerge to transform and renew life in every

And the brightness of the new day,

dimension, physical and material as much

bringing an everlasting harvest of new life,

as soul and spirit.

is life-changing. To know the comfort and vitality of the new day is to discover hope

This is never more true than at Easter. The first Easter was the storm-centre of

the city, and a state sanctioned act of terrorism was only exceeded by a spiritual

As surely as day follows night.

On the cover: Pan Pac Masters Champion Paul Cormack

FAITH

BE ENCOURAGED – A STORY OF GOD’S GOODNESS AND GRACE by Sandy Mitchell “I WAS A STRANGER AND YOU WELCOMED ME…” Matthew 25:31-46 We all need encouragement on our journey of faith. I hope this story will remind us that God is gracious and is present and active in wonderfully surprising ways. Alex and Natalia joined an English as a Second Language class at St George’s, Magill five years ago. They had arrived from Russia only a matter of weeks before discovering from the local Council that they could attend free English classes and were very keen to learn English as quickly as possible. Both Civil Engineers educated under a Communist regime, their decision to come to Australia arose out of a desire to provide a better life for their three young children. They arrived on Natalia’s student visa and soon it became clear to them that they wanted above all else to make Australia their permanent home. Thus began their journey to permanent residency – a journey that proved to be both discouraging at times and miraculous. Here is an example of the miraculous! Alex and Natalia joined a Christianity Explained Class for new arrivals and whilst it was a struggle for them they grew in their understanding of a God who cares for them. Their lease on their rental property was due to run out in December, 2013, and they wondered if, as permanent residents at last, they

would be eligible for the Government Home Start programme rather than paying exorbitant rent each week. Alex found a job as a Production Manager in a Civil Engineering company – not a high paying job, and they learned that they would be eligible. So began the process of discovering all that is necessary to meet the requirements – not an easy task for folk whose first language is Russian. The first task was to find a mortgage adviser. I tried several banks listed in the Home Start Government information brochure, but that proved to be less than satisfactory. At the end of a tiring day, I discovered another company listed as a bona fide company, and with little enthusiasm, I ‘phoned and was immediately transferred to a young woman called Annia, a mortgage adviser and a Christian, who listened patiently as I outlined Alex and Natalia’s situation. She told me that her parents were Ukrainian, that she spoke Ukrainian and understood Russian and that she would be pleased to see Natalia the following day. I perceived that God indeed had his hand on our Russian family. Annia carefully and thoroughly explained to Natalia all that she and Alex needed to do to make an application for Home Start.

Alex, Natalia and I met again with Annia to complete most of the forms. Annia was very confident that their application would be successful and it was!

Within a week, Alex and Natalia had found a suitable and affordable property near the schools which the children needed to attend in 2014. With help they were able to produce a deposit and the following Tuesday

What an encouragement for them, and what an encouragement for us. In times of doubt, let us remember stories like Alex and Natalia’s and give thanks to our God for his grace and goodness.

At the end of the meeting, Natalia asked Annia how much they owed her for her services, to which Annia replied, “You owe me nothing. It has been my pleasure to assist you”. She had told me earlier what the usual fee is but after meeting Alex and Natalia she chose to waive it. She also added that she was leaving her current job for another and that we would not be seeing her again. Had we left this process for a week or so, we would not have met this wonderful young woman who so willingly and selflessly assisted us through the bulk of these negotiations. God’s timing is breathtaking! He is a God of surprises and Natalia and Alex now understand that all that has happened to them since their arrival in Adelaide has been in God’s hands. As Natalia said “from the time we arrived in Australia and through all of our difficulties, we can see that God was with us, providing for us so many kind people and the right help at the right time. He wanted us to live in Australia, and we are very, very thankful.”

FOCUS

Bowling Them Over by Peter March Paul Cormack, a qualified accountant who volunteers one day a week at Diocesan Office as part of the finance team, was part of the squad sent to represent South Australia in Ten Pin Bowling at the recent Pan Pacific Masters Games (over 35’s) held on the Gold Coast. The team comprising of Desmond Warner, Marie Ryan, John Beacham and Paul, scooped the pool, taking home an impressive eight medals as Paul explains, “As a team we came away with 4 x gold and 4 x bronze. I won gold in the all abilities category and 1 bronze in the men’s triples event.” Paul only started bowling competitively a couple of years ago after an outing with family, “We went

bowling as a family group and one of us spotted a flyer on the wall for ‘vision impaired bowling’. I took the number down, called it, and was invited down to Marion Bowl Land to meet the other bowlers and check it out.”

community. That’s the real thrill for me. But coming home with success, that’s what we go for.”

Paul has a rare vision impairment that causes colour blindness and hypersensitivity to light, “Any (sports) out in the sunlight are very challenging, so ten pin bowling being indoors is a lot better, though I do have to use some aids as well as the help of spotters.”

Another aspect of Paul’s sporting life is his faith. His bowling bag sports a pair of Ichthys (the Christian ‘fish’ symbol), and he uses opportunities, as they present themselves, to speak about his beliefs, “In day to day conversation I slip things in. I’m not someone that really goes out and thumps the bible, but people that know me, know that I’m a Christian. I have lots of nonChristian friends, and wherever I can I try to represent.”

To have tasted success so early in his bowling career is a wonderful achievement, though Paul insists it’s the social aspect of his involvement that’s more rewarding, “To win, I’m Ecstatic, it’s a great feeling but the better feeling is being involved and meeting the people in the bowling

Paul and the team will look to replicate their success when the next Pan Pacific Masters Games take place again in 2018. If you would like to support the team or to simply find out more about the association visit their facebook page: Blind and Vision Impaired Ten Pin Bowling SA

Paul Cormack with his Pan Pac Masters Games medals

FOCUS

SEVEN YEARS AND SOME 1400 RESOLUTIONS LATER... by Keith Stephens, Registrar and Secretary of Synod

Keith inspects the 2016 Synod Papers

As many will now know, I am leaving the Diocese of Adelaide at the end of April to take up the role of Diocesan Secretary for the Diocese of Perth. It is difficult to believe that almost seven years have passed since I commenced my role as Registrar and Secretary of Synod for the Diocese of Adelaide. Sarah and I returned to Adelaide from Canberra so that I could take up this unique ministry. It was a confronting decision at the time, leaving successful careers, having

to move out of my comfort zone, and knowing that this role would be unlike anything I had experienced as a Commonwealth public servant. Indeed the first few months in the role were nothing like I had imagined, problems, challenges, complex relationships and situations abounded. It was a steep learning curve for a Registrar who was not yet thirty. I will never forget my first Synod, occurring only a few months after my arrival. For a start, I had never even been to a Synod before. With little in the way of collective corporate knowledge, we did the best we could to shape a meeting of the Synod

and for the most part it went OK. That is except for the complexities of conducting a series of elections and not fully appreciating the finely nuanced specific voting requirements for each of the contested elections. Although the wailing and gnashing of teeth that took place over clunky elections was nothing compared to what took place when we introduced electronic voting at a subsequent Synod. Fortunately, we ironed out the kinks in the electronic voting system and by the following year it was working perfectly. Having said that, it was only used to determine whether the Synod wished to break early for the morning tea break. But at least we

Rev. Frank Nelson and Keith inspect the roof at St Peter’s Cathedral

had a clear and precise mandate to get stuck into the scones! At the time Archbishop Jeffrey Driver called it Keith’s Folly! Over the years, I have come to enjoy Synods. I think, perhaps I should see someone about this strange feeling? If I was to play a counting game, I think it is seven Annual Sessions of Synod, two Special Sessions and one Bishop Election Synod. In a small way, I am pleased that the Election Synod of 2016 was my last, as there was something conclusive about it, and for those who know me, I like outcomes, so this was a Synod where we as a Diocese had to work together to achieve something of such importance to the life of our Church. I received much positive feedback from many an old Synod hand; that it was “one the best Synods they had ever attended” some would remark, citing the culture and management of the Election Synod being different to past occasions. These were wonderfully affirming statements for the amazing team of Diocesan Office. After my first Synod, I coined the phrase for future Synods “Remember what the Secretary always says… Synod is fun”. For a while it appeared on posters around the office, little stickers on doors and

computer monitors. Nerdy fun, but a great rallying point! And seven years on Synods are still fun. My time in Adelaide has been focused for a large part with responding to and working with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Over the duration of the Commission, I have worked hard to ensure that the Diocese’s history in this sobering space has been well told, and that our efforts to positively and pastorally respond to survivors of child sexual abuse reflects our Christian values and desire for repentance and to seek forgiveness for what our Church has done. As the Royal Commission comes to an end, concluding my role here in Adelaide adds a heightened sense of closure for me, in that I am leaving after that project has also come to an end. It is a sad and tragic side of our story, but my role has required that, from time to time, I work with survivors and seek to provide appropriate redress on behalf of our church. This work will always remain close to me, and it has been humbling to be entrusted with this special responsibility. Registrars going back forty years have been confounded by Bishop’s

Court. Like my predecessors, I have had more than enough Synods and meetings about ‘what to do with Bishop’s Court?’. Sadly, I will not be here to be part of the team that hopefully is able to achieve the proposed development at Bishop’s Court. If the project can be delivered successfully, it will help contribute to the resources of the Diocese for the next generation. The complexity of this project is substantial, and a project team is in place to ensure that it has every chance of success. At the same time, if for some reason it does not happen, we can say once and for all that we explored every option for Bishop’s Court, giving Synod the clarity to decide what might be the next appropriate action to take. For me it is the multitude of little things upon which I reflect the most and are almost impossible to articulate in much depth. However, it is in the work that Diocesan Office does day in and day out to support, guide and shape ministry that I find satisfaction in a job done well. In my time, I have built and lead a highly performing team of people who each in their own way goes about their work with a genuine commitment to doing their best for others. Diocesan Office is a team of people who constantly amaze me with their innovation, perseverance and daily dedication to build God’s Kingdom. And, in all this it is the laughter, good humour and sense of team spirit that I have valued the most. No problem has ever been so impossible that was not aided by our weekly Bible reading, prayers and morning tea. I often thought that I must be one of the most annoying people to assist. Knowing at least some of my own faults, I imagine that at times I am not an easy person to work with. Yet Susan Wilkins sails through the challenging times, always pointing me

Alastair Lea and Keith Stephens at the 2016 Election Synod

in the right direction if I was lost, or overwhelmed by whatever the crisis was at the time. I am sure Susan will not mind me saying this, but she was schooled in the “old fashioned” sense, and being Personal Assistant to a Master of an Oxford college for many years meant that my office for the most part has had a genteel reserve. In my more exuberant times and more stressed moments, I have been grateful for Susan keeping me levelheaded and on task. Whatever will I do now without Susan by my side? Of course much of my time has been dedicated to being a key advisor, supporter and friend to Archbishop Jeffrey Driver, and more recently to our Administrator (Sede Vacante) Bishop Tim. The closeness of our working relationships has been profound, the mutual respect that has been fostered between us adds to the meaningfulness of the work that we share. While I will always hold close the relationship I developed with Archbishop Jeffrey as we both worked through so much together, the good and the bad, to build a very strong partnership, it would be more than remiss of me not to say how much I have valued getting to know Bishop Tim more, and working closely with him while he has been Administrator (Sede Vacante). These close working relationships, in my view, have enabled so much reform, new initiatives as well as rebuilding and transforming within the Diocese. I remember when I arrived in 2010, the Diocese as a community, did not have the same spirit of confidence and sense of opportunity that it has today. When I consider just a few examples, such as the development of the new congregation at St Barnabas Croydon, the revived parish community at St Margaret’s Woodville and the renewed sense of optimism in the Parish of Kangaroo Island, I can

see how much has changed in the Diocese over the last few years. This optimism and zeal for building up Christ-centred communities is so encouraging; it has been a privilege to lead and be part of a team that has made a tangible difference. On average the Diocesan Council makes approximately 200 resolutions a year, which works out to be approximately 1,400 resolutions passed in my time here in Adelaide. It is perhaps shameful to admit that I have not missed one meeting of Diocesan Council in seven years. Like my fondness for Synods, perhaps I should also consider seeing someone about this addiction to Diocesan Council! Statistics aside, I have valued working with all the members who have served on Diocesan Council over the years. There have been some significant decisions that have had to be made over the years, and as much as the Diocesan Council is a body of advice to the Archbishop, I too have benefited greatly from the advice, both in formal debates around the table, and from the many informal conversations and relationships I have formed with many of the members. While it is impossible to name everyone, I want to mention in particular The Hon David Bleby QC, recently retired Chancellor (Hawthorn), Mr Allan Perryman (St Peter’s Cathedral), Mr Alastair Lea (Burnside) and Archdeacon David

Bassett (Kensington) who have been such invaluable sources of counsel over the whole of my time in Adelaide. There is so much I could share about my time in Adelaide. My role has seen me work across so much of the life of our Church. There are so many wonderful people of the Diocese who I have met in so many different ways; it has been a true blessing to minister alongside so many. The decision to leave the Diocese of Adelaide and to take up the role of Diocesan Secretary of Perth was not easy; it has taken much prayer and discernment to try and understand what God’s plan was for Sarah and myself. Sarah and I believe that we have made the right decision, putting our trust in God that this is His plan for us. Adelaide is our true home. It has been wonderful to spend the last seven years with our family, friends old and new, and Sarah and I have truly felt that to be able to work in the Church and be part of building His Kingdom in this unique way in Adelaide has been a true blessing from God. O Lord, in thee I have trusted: let me never be confounded. A service of Choral Evensong to farewell Keith and Sarah will be held at St Peter’s Cathedral Wednesday 26 April at 5:30pm. All are very welcome to attend.

FOCUS

ST PETER’S QUEST TO RESTORE GREAT WINDOW OF THE WEST The Great West Window in St Peter’s Church, Glenelg, is in need of restoration after 100 years. It is now starting to fail and needs significant work to ensure its future. The Rev’d Andrew Mintern, Parish Priest, said “this is a most significant window, both historically and theologically.” “We need to raise $100,000 to ensure the window is fully restored, conserved and protected for future generations.” It was made in London by prominent English firm Heaton, Butler & Bayne. The triple-lancet gothic window is made of mouth-blown antique glass and flashed with hand-milled lead. Three ‘lights’ comprise the Great West Window and depict themes of resurrection and life, showing miracles that Jesus performed during his ministry and celebrates the conquering of death. The window was installed in three sections between 1913 and 1915 and commemorates three significant South Australian families:

• James Francis Cudmore and his wife, Margaret. Mr Cudmore was a significant pastoralist, and builder of Paringa Hall at Somerton (now part of Sacred Heart College) • Helen Johnstone Frew, the daughter of Edward Andrews, one of the founders of The Register. The centre light ,which commemorates Mrs Frew, was paid for by parishioners in recognition of her significant contribution to St Peter’s.

start. However the window is of historic importance to the whole community and we urge people to support the appeal. Donations can be made directly to the parish or tax deductible donations can be made through the National Trust at: nationaltrust.org.au/donate-sa

• Janet Boucaut, wife of Sir James Penn Boucaut, former Premier of South Australia and Attorney General. The Church is listed on the National Trust Register of Historic Buildings and the State Heritage Register (ID 12015). The restoration will be carried out by renowned glass artist, Frans Kat, who also restored St Peter’s Great East Window in 1999. Dr Darren Peacock, Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust of South Australia, officially launched the fund raising appeal in October 2016. Fundraising is underway, and parishioners have provided a good

SCHOOLS

WHEN DISASTER STRIKES NEW PROGRAM LAUNCHED TO SUPPORT FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES AFTER A DISASTER OR CRISIS by Cathy Moore

(L-R) Brenton Ragless, Jessica Jenke, Rev Dr. Lynn Arnold, Tracey Butter, Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP

Rev. Dr. Lynn Arnold AO, SMG Chairperson, Mr Brenton Ragless, SMG Ambassador, along with ‘When Disaster Strikes’ Program Partners Beyond Bank Australia and Paradise Motors Mazda today launched a new program supporting children, families and communities with emergency Chaplaincy support during disasters and times of crisis. “Our state has suffered recently with floods, storms and bushfires where lives were lost, homes destroyed, families overwhelmed and communities reeling in the aftermath of those devastating events. ‘When

Disaster Strikes’ is a program that aims to be proactive in its support of children, families and communities with a Chaplaincy Service - when it is needed most. The Program has developed out of learnings from the Sampson Flat and most recently the Pinery bushfires. SMG had nine School Chaplains in the affected bushfire zone, and one year on those Chaplains continue to provide pastoral and practical support to children and families in their local communities” said Rev. Dr. Lynn Arnold. Tracey Butter, SMG School Chaplain at Tarlee and Hamley Bridge Primary Schools shared what it was like for children and parents during the Pinery Fires. “I organised a coffee morning at Tarlee Primary so that I could comfort shocked parents who had

arrived with their children, and then I went into class to listen to children speak about their experiences and provide support. Hamley Bridge Primary was closed until Monday. That morning there was severe dust storms, poor visibility, and the ash and soot in the air was very strong. Parents and children were crying and distressed as they arrived. I remember the CFS siren kept going off because burnt trees kept reigniting, fire trucks were kept on the move. I provided comfort and support to children and parents, and reassurance that there was not another fire.” Jessica Jenke’s children attend Tarlee Primary “The Pinery Fires have affected my three children emotionally. One has nightmares and is often screaming through the night. My two younger children were often

drawing our house on fire, and using their toys to re-enact us evacuating our home. I think the constant smell of smoke in the weeks afterwards made them on edge and frightened there would be another fire. Tracey was often at school in the mornings ready to talk to any kids who were upset or anxious - which was a massive help to my children as they dealt with their emotions and feelings and also feeling safe. The Stormbird sessions Tracey ran at the school enabled my children to talk about the feelings they had during and after the fires. Tracey has been a huge support to my family in helping us all cope with what happened.” The Pinery fire was extinguished more than a year ago, however children, families and communities are still recovering from this traumatic and devastating event. Rev. Dr Lynn Arnold affirmed that “The support Jessica has received through SMG’s Chaplaincy Service has been an integral part of her family’s recovery process, and will continue until it is no longer needed.”

Hon. Peter Malinauskas, Emergency Services Minister spoke at the launch about the importance of response as well as recovery when there is a disaster. “In much the same way as our CFS and SES volunteers demonstrate the strong commitment to their local communities, I commend the Schools Ministry Group for their vital contribution and the role of their noble cause. It is so important that when we have programs such as When Disaster Strikes in place that our children and their families can be assured that in the days, months and also years ahead they will not be alone – and that speaks to everything that this group is about.” SMG have been serving and supporting communities in South Australia for over 25 years. SMG is well placed with Chaplains in over 340 schools in metropolitan, regional and remote areas. The ’When Disaster Strikes’ Program aims to provide support across the state during disasters and times of crisis so children and families like Jessica’s

can recover well – and return to a greater level of functioning and resilience with support from their local Chaplain. Rev. Dr. Lynn Arnold invites all South Australians to “Stand with me and support the ‘When Disaster Strikes’ Program with a tax-deductible donation. Donations can be made by contacting the SMG office 8378 6800, or online via the give now website

I commend the Schools Ministry Group for their vital contribution and the role of their noble cause. It is so important that when we have programs such as When Disaster Strikes in place that our children and their families can be assured that in the days, months and also years ahead they will not be alone – and that speaks to everything that this group is about.”

He Is Risen! 2017 Diocesan Easter Campaign Following the success of the 2016 Christmas campaign, the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide has produced a campaign for Easter 2017 titled, “He Is Risen”. The campaign uses the image of Christ’s nail pierced hand and a collage, consisting of the three crosses and the empty tomb, running up the forearm. Like the Christmas campaign there is, again, a strong presence on adelaideanglicans.com as well as on Facebook. Personalised postcards have been offered to parishes to help them get word of their Easter services out into their local communities. To find out more about the campaign head to: adelaideanglicans.com/easter Artwork for the Easter Campaign

COMMUNITY

State parliament sets tone with Cathedral service by Peter March St Peter’s Cathedral held a service to mark the opening of the parliamentary year on Thursday 6 January. In attendance was the The Honourable Hieu Van Le AC and Mrs Lan Le, sitting members of State Parliament, Leaders of Christian Churches SA, and members of the public. The meeting was opened with a welcome from The Hon Dennis Hood

MLC, President, SA Parliamentary Christian Fellowship, before Head of Australian Christian Churches, Pastor Joshua Brett led a reflection. Pastor Joshua challenged those in attendance saying, “When we’re in times of change it can be very easy just to see the challenges. Many might say right now our state, South Australia, is in a time of difficulty. Difficulties around industry, our economy, employment, energy, families, relationships, health, an aging population; we can point to so many

things and say ‘South Australia’s in difficult times’.” “However… as leaders of government, business, city and church, I believe it’s before us to see beyond the challenges and embrace the opportunities.” The service concluded with sitting Parliamentarians being invited forward to receive a gift from the Leaders of Christian Churches South Australia.

ART FOR GOD’S SAKE Bible Society Australia mark their 200th year in 2017, making it Australia’s longest running organisation, “One month older than the oldest bank,” according to Bible Society CEO Greg Clarke. Over the centuries, Bible Society Australia have worked to give access to the Bible across the world. Alongside this they advocate for and engage Australians here at home and people around the world with the Bible. To help celebrate the bicentenary, the Bible Society have launched a “unique and glorious” indigenous art book titled Our Mob, God’s Story. The beautifully produced book is described as an “exclusive and powerful collection of more than 115 paintings by 67 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from 40 First Nations of Australia.”

A seven year labour of love for authors Louise Sherman and Christobel Mattingly, the book is a showcase of faith and diversity, with Louise saying, “The vibrant paintings speak deeply of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s strong spiritual connection and relationship with Christ and the land. Our hope is that the book promotes reconciliation and healing.” World Vision’s Rev Tim Costello describes the book as a valuable history lesson, “The first Australians clearly had a deep understanding of spirituality long before Captain Cook arrived. The book’s powerful expressions by Indigenous artists – beautifully woven into their own narrative.” Our Mob, God’s Story launched in Adelaide on Wednesday April 5 and is available from www.bibleshop. org.au, Koorong Books, or by calling 1300 139 179.

COMMUNITY

Anglican Board of Mission makes emergency appeal for East Africa Originally published on ACNS

The Anglican Board of Mission the national mission agency of the Anglican Church of Australia - has launched an emergency appeal as the crisis worsens in parts of East Africa due to extreme drought. It hopes to raise 50,000 Australian dollars. In a statement the ABM said: “Our partners, the Episcopal Church of South Sudan & Sudan and the Anglican Church of Kenya are responding to this urgent humanitarian emergency. Famine has been declared in parts of South Sudan (and other countries like Somalia, Ethiopia, Yemen) due to protracted drought. The people mostly affected are Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the communities where they are hosted. More than three million people have been forced to flee their homes and nearly 7.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection as a result of the ongoing conflict.” ABM is in contact with the Anglican Alliance about a response by the relief and development arm of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan, SUDRA, for food and other emergency relief aid. The statement said: “It is estimated that 4.9 million people are already food insecure with 100,000 of those facing famine conditions. Conflict and insecurity are the main causes which have led to loss of livelihoods and acute malnutrition. Reports state that one in three children in the southern part of Unity State are severely malnourished.” Meanwhile the relief agencies of the US-based Episcopal Church and its Anglican partners are considering a

possible expansion of their support of relief efforts in South Sudan after the United Nation’s recent famine declaration. Episcopal Relief & Development has been active for more than two years supporting local efforts to provide food aid in South Sudan, through its partners in the Anglican Alliance and by working with relief agencies and diocesan leaders in the country. Nagulan Nesiah, senior programme officer for disaster response and risk reduction says the organisation has a continuing presence in areas that, while not meeting the definition of famine until now, have long been dealing with extreme food shortages – and the famine declaration “has sort of caught up to what has been a reality for the (local) church for the past few years,” he said. The Episcopal Church is one of several partners within the Anglican Communion that coordinate relief efforts under the umbrella of the Anglican Alliance, which recently held a conference call with Episcopal Relief & Development and other agencies to discuss the worsening situation in South Sudan. Episcopal Relief & Development plays a leading role in the Anglican Alliance’s work with the Sudanese Development and Relief Agency, or SUDRA, and through those efforts, food packets have been provided to 58,400 people in a dozen dioceses in the country since December 2014, Nagulan Nesiah said. In addition, the Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal is also encouraging people to give generously to alleviate the suffering in South Sudan

It is estimated that 4.9 million people are already food insecure with 100,000 of those facing famine conditions. Conflict and insecurity are the main causes which have led to loss of livelihoods and acute malnutrition. Reports state that one in three children in the southern part of Unity State are severely malnourished.”

Clinic Work Back On in Bor Rev’d Paul Mitchell has led a largely Adelaide based team back to South Sudan in an attempt to complete the construction of a primary health clinic in the town of Bor. The team began work on the clinic in April 2016, but their efforts were hampered by a severe storm that tore through the town and caused damage to the clinic’s roof. Adelaide Diocese have a companionship with the Diocese of Bor, and the primary health clinic will provide much needed services to the township, who suffer one of the world’s highest infant mortality rate. To find out how you can support the project visit adelaideanglicans. com/bor

COMMUNITY

Ross Andrews works one of the pizza ovens.

COOKING UP A STORM by Peter March Ancient wisdom states that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and Pastor Matt Lehmann and his congregation at Trinity Inner South seem to believe this to be true. Last January the Colonel Lights Gardens based church carried out a monumental pizza making task, “We were looking for a way to follow up lots of people in the local community flowing out of Christmas time” explains Matt. “We, like many churches, pour lots of energy into trying to connect with people in the community for the sake of sharing the good news of Jesus at Christmas.” “The problem is then everyone disappears on holidays so we wanted an easy event to invite people to in February as the year gets under

way. We wanted to use this use this as an opportunity to invite people to join us at church for a fourweek evangelistic series starting the following Sunday. Someone came up with the idea of wood oven pizzas and offering to deliver them locally to our community free or to join us at the Colonel Light Gardens RSL where our church meets. Interestingly about 90% of people wanted to come out to the RSL and it was a great way to engage with the local community.”

managed to rise to the occasion, “We had a dozen people preparing ingredients for a few hours and kids folding pizza boxes. Then we had another thirty people managing logistics, pizza preparation, pizza cooking and deliveries to the local area.” “While the pizzas were free we had it all ticketed online so we knew who was ordering what and when

And it’s not the first time Trinity Inner South has used food as a means to the community’s heart, “We’ve done curry nights before and that had grown from around 130 at our first one to around 400 which was getting a little big but also losing the personal connection to invite people to join us at church.” If nothing else it was a big logistical challenge for the church that is closing in on 400 regular attendees but with all hands on deck they Pastor Matt Lehmann

The Trinity Inner South crew put 150 pizzas together.

they were expecting it. We had four different pizzas to choose from, all made fresh and in the end the team produced 150 wood oven pizzas in 100 minutes; a pizza every 40 seconds! It was a logistical and cooking challenge of Masterchef proportions which was kind of the point, we wanted to make a grand gesture to our local community that was memorable.” As a church that meets in a suburban RSL, Matt and the crowd at Trinity Inner South believe they’re wonderfully positioned to reach out to those that share the facilities, “We have a burning desire to share the good news of Jesus with many in our local community. Initially when we started our church much of our growth came from people inviting people they already knew in the community.” “Four years in as a church and most have asked their friends to check out our church and they’ve either come or decided not to. Doing something like making pizzas was a way where we could work together to make lots of new connections in the community. We met lots of new people who would never usually come through our doors and were able to invite them to church. Some came, for some when we invite

everyone to our Easter services they’ll have a positive connection and join us. For some I suspect when life gets tough and they want to reach out and explore who Jesus is, we’ll be the place they call on.” While Matt acknowledges he’s particularly well resourced at Trinity Inner South, it’s the intent of the expression of the way we love our neighbours that he believes is the key, “I think there is a great desire in people at present to be involved in something bigger than themselves. Many have a view on Christianity which isn’t necessarily a reflection on what is happening in our churches. Any way we can break through people’s perception and convey that we love our community, we really are a normal bunch of people but what’s unusual about us is that we really love Jesus and live our whole lives centred on Him is a good thing. The scale doesn’t have to be the same with what we did but I think conveying the same heart “we love people and we’d love to introduce you to Jesus because we love Him” can be the same.” “Our church has continued to grow this year so we’re trying to help introduce people to Jesus who don’t know Him. For those who have maintained some sort of faith but

not been regularly at a church we’re seeking to help them grow and see that the local church is at the heart of God’s plans to reconcile people to Him by sharing the gospel of Jesus with many. We’re planning towards planting a new church in 2018 we’re focussing on training and discipleship now so we can plant a healthy church while keeping Trinity Inner South healthy at the same time. We’d appreciate your prayers.” “We think we’ll return to a curry night but do two sittings so it’s a little less chaos and we can work on building relationships a little better. We’ll use the online ticketing system Eventbrite to manage it like we did with the pizza night as it’s an excellent online tool.”

I think there is a great desire in people at present to be involved in something bigger than themselves. Many have a view on Christianity which isn’t necessarily a reflection on what is happening in our churches.

COMMUNITY

MISERABLE SINNERS by Emeritus Archdeacon Conrad Patterson Many years ago my good friend and colleague Ian Barlow became Chaplain to Gladstone Gaol by virtue of the fact that he was the resident priest in Gladstone. His duties involved taking regular services at the Gaol, both Evening Prayer and Holy Communion. He told me that several things rapidly became very clear. First, most of the inmates were there because they were, to put it bluntly, stupid. They had got caught for petty stuff that any sensible person would know would surely get them into trouble. Now, remember that those were still the days of The Book of Common Prayer, which most of us grew up using. He went on to say that he had not realised how that prayer book had a great deal to say about sin, and how much it had to say about how it was all our own fault, and that we were pretty much failures in the human behaviour business. In the gaol he told me that the inmates felt that they were having their noses rubbed into their failure. It was compounded in the old prayer for “the whole state of Christ’s church militant here on earth”. That specifically prays that “all in authority…. may truly and indifferently minister justice”. They reckoned that they had already got their “indifferent” meaning “just soso” justice. The old word actually means “impartial” but they did not understand that at all. The Book of Common Prayer, along with the King James Bible in

English and Shakespeare’s plays are underlying bedrock features of our culture. Together they provide us with much of our language, our customs, our ideals, our law, even our attitudes. English society, and by inheritance, we in Australia, are the product of generations of people for whom these documents were an intrinsic part of their daily lives. This is not the time to explore the immense cultural change in which we are currently embroiled. I am not looking forward in this little essay but backwards to what has made us who we are today. The principal editor and author of The Book of Common Prayer was Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury to King Henry VIII. In popular culture the issue of the King’s Succession and the tumultuous business of his six marriages seems to be the key to it all. But what Henry did was to use the shattering events of the Reformation going on at the time to break free of the quasi-colonial power of the Bishop of Rome to establish both the political and religious freedom of England. Cranmer was a true Reformer. While the King got on with the political stuff, Cranmer dealt, as he should, with the spiritual. The fact that the two were inextricably entangled only helped each of them to forward their respective interests. The mediaeval church had degenerated into an ill-educated, lazy, superstitious monster of a structure. Behind the gleaming façade was a hideous mess. The people were being misled. They were being ripped off by specious methods and false teaching. The reformers, led by people such as Martin Luther

in Germany, Jan Huss in Bohemia, Swingli and Calvin in Switzerland and many others, were trying to take people back to first principles. They were asking for freedom for people to read their Bibles in their own language, and to draw their own conclusions. They were quite deliberately challenging the whole authority of the Rome-based church. They were asking questions about faith and personal responsibility. They were, for example, challenging the notion of paying for pardons, that for a fee your sins could be forgiven. They were saying “Where does it say that in the Bible?” Luther was making the point that salvation is by faith alone. In other words, you and no one else are personally responsible for your being right with God. Salvation is through faith, not works. No amount of money will buy you your way safely into heaven. This is what underlies the structure of Cranmer’s Prayer Book. In the Holy Communion for example, after a simple prayer of preparation we launch directly into The Ten Commandments. Immediately you are challenged on your own personal performance! Then there are the Collect for the Day, and two scripture passages, one (mostly) from the Epistles of Paul, and one from one of the four Gospels. Here, people, is the Word of God. Pay attention. Then follows the Creed as a kind of checklist of what it is we actually believe. Then comes the Sermon, where the preacher is meant to drive home the messages of Commandments, Bible and Creed. If by now you have not get the message, then either the preacher has failed to do his job, or you are

just too thick to work it out. Just to be sure, then there are a series of sentences from scripture reminding you of your spiritual duties, and the Prayer for the Church. Then, and most of us would never have heard these read in church, there is a series of exhortations. These really rub it in. They remind the congregation that if they want to come to Communion they had better be properly prepared. They need to be very aware of their faults and failures, they need to be reminded that God and God alone can forgive their sins, and that if they expect forgiveness then they had a great need to be properly penitent or it is all a great fraud on their part. Then and only then, are we invited to Communion, but not before a true and humble confession on our part. “We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us, the burden of them is intolerable”. Strong language and intended to be. Then follow the Absolution and the Comfortable Words, (at last!) Finally, we begin the Great Thanksgiving of the Eucharist. But Cranmer allows us only to go so far before he interrupts us again with a piece of his own composition, which we know as The Prayer of Humble Access. Here we are, about to get to the most important part of the service, where we recall Christ’s actions at the Last Supper of taking the bread and wine and consecrating them as his Body and Blood. But we are reminded once again how nothing we do can make the slightest difference. It is all done by Jesus alone and we are made whole not by our sacrifice but by his. Cranmer says, “We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs at thy table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy” and so on.

Finally at last we come to the point, we receive communion and go back to our pews. But Cranmer is not done yet! There is another long prayer where he reminds us yet again of our sinfulness and Christ’s goodness. “We most humbly beseech thee to grant that by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and all thy whole church may obtain remission of our sins.” Then he moves the Gloria in excelsis from the beginning of the service to the end just to make the point that God alone is to be praised and I have no part in my own salvation. At every point the service is designed to remind us that we are sinners; that we have failed; that there is nothing we can do to make things right and that God alone has made this possible through the death and resurrection of his Son Jesus Christ. No wonder those people in Gladstone Gaol felt that they were being continually reminded of just what failures they were. Perhaps over the years we became so used to this heavy-handed approach that we became immune to it. Certainly the new versions of the Eucharist take an easier line. I can understand why some people yearn for the certainties of the old service and its insistence on justification by faith. We should never take the easy way out. We do need to be reminded from time to time of our shortcomings. We also need to be reassured of the goodness of God. We also need to be encouraged to go forward in faith and hope and love. During Lent many Parishes will use the Prayer of Humble Access, just to remind us for a while of some of the harsher realities of faith, of the need for true repentance and confession of our sins, safe in the knowledge that God in Christ will truly forgive those who humbly repent.

COMMUNITY

Film Review:

Beauty and the Beast by Russ Matthews The fairy-tale of Beauty and the Beast has been in existence since the 1700â€™s and has been reintroduced to each generation in various forms throughout history. In literature, stage productions, televisions series and different manifestations on screen that have allowed the legend of Belle and the Beast to enter each century in a new manner. The 1991 Disney animated interpretation and the subsequent stage productions have held the attention of this modern era, but the House of Mouse could not stop there. Due to the success with live productions of other animated classics, Beauty and the Beast had to be a consideration to be reintroduced to the next generation. Even though it has been 26 years since the original Disney production, director Bill Condon is faced with the challenge of interpreting a much loved classic and make it fresh for new fans of this fantasy adventure. The heart of the story has remained consistent and the production team have not diverted from the original elements that made the animated version maintain strong followers. Belle (Emma Watson) and her father, Maurice (Kevin Kline), live in a small French village where things are predictable and safe. The daughter of the local tinkerer never feels that she fits in with the local community. Her head and heart come alive within the

literary world and she fails to connect with the local town folk. As her father goes to sell his wares in the marketplace, he finds himself lost and eventually imprisoned in an enchanted castle that is under the rule of a terrifying beast (Dan Stevens). In an attempt to save her father from a dire life within the gloomy prison walls of the fortress, Belle takes the place of Maurice. Unwittingly, she has placed herself into a magical world where she may be the key to breaking the curse of this gloomy fortress that has held its inhabitants captive for years. Will she be able to save herself, the Beast and the castle residents before the local town folk come to destroy the life that they are hoping to have together? It is a story that is familiar to most and forces the veteran director of two Twilight films to offer something new for audiences. The biggest hill for Condon to climb is to live up to the animated behemoth and the smash

hit musical Broadway productions. This proves to be a formidable task, even with the built in fan base, an excellent cast and a massive budget. For the fans of the 1991 version, the look and feel remains relatively intact and should draw upon nostalgia to put hearts at ease. The village and castle settings provide a magnificent canvas for the musical to be played against and it sets the tone that closely aligns with the stage production. New characters and musical numbers are added to provide fresh elements to an exceptionally familiar narrative. The pacing is aligned with a stage production and a bit slower than the animated version, but the enchanting elements remain at the heart of the live action. There are elements within this magical world that are darker than its predecessor and lacks the lightness of script and visual elements. This long-anticipated live action version has been able to draw on

some of the world’s greatest acting talent. The cast spans from Emma Thompson to Ian McKellen to Stanley Tucci and to comment on all of the performances would take too long. Most of the cast are relegated to CGI manifestations and it is difficult to critique their performances, except that the animation is good, but does not break any new cinematic ground. Some of these roles were well chosen and others were under-utilised, but for the sake of brevity, comments will be left to the central figures. Emma Watson carries an exceptional load as the beloved Disney heroine. She does encapsulate the look and attitude of Belle, but Condon may have forgotten that this is a musical. Watson is a talented actress, but does not have exceptional singing abilities. It is unfortunate that the casting director did not look to finding a vocalist that can act, opposed to a ‘beauty’ that can sing. This was the casting mistake with Dan Stevens, being a good actor with moderate singing abilities. Understandably, he is limited by the CGI animation that surrounds his character, but that does not diminish the need for musical skills. Both were admirable performances, but suffered from inevitable comparison. Thankfully, there was a highlight amongst the lead acting talent which was found in the much hated, but thoroughly engaging antagonist of Gaston. Luke Evans (The Hobbit) may not be the physical embodiment of his animated alter-ego, but he does take on the bloated ego and animal magnetism of the role and he can carry a tune. To scale the heights of the original Disney release is a daunting task and Condon does his best, but fails to reach the summit. Without the inevitable comparison, this would be a good film and worth considering. It will perform well during the opening weekend, but it will suffer from the contrast that it represents

to the original film and will not be remembered as fondly as the 1991 version.

Beauty is below the surface: The heart of this and other fairy tales relies on this biblical concept. Our value is not found in our outward appearances, but in what is in the heart. What should parents know about Beauty and the Beast? With the controversies surrounding the release of the film, the Reel Dialogue team need to address the topics. “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 Beauty is below the surface: The heart of this and other fairy tales relies on this biblical concept. Our value is not found in our outward appearances, but in what is in the heart. This is a fantastic spring board for parents to discuss this concept with children of all ages. The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:22-24 Due to the production team’s press release about one of the characters having same-sex attraction, it becomes a Reel Dialogue discussion point. If the production team had

not made it an issue in the press, most people would not have even noticed it in the film. The scenes that are referenced in the film are subtle and would fly over the head of both the young and the old in attendance, but they do exist. Which leads to the conclusion that the film’s creators want this topic to be at the forefront of the discussion during the release of this supposed children’s film. This leaves parents with opportunities for discussions and a decision. Parents should be aware of what is in any film that their children are watching. They need to educate their children on the subjects affecting our society and then determine if they want their family to attend the screenings of the film. To answer some Reel Dialogue readers, boycotts have never been an effective method of protest and only pander to the press’ perceptions of Christians. Instead, each family should take time to consider what the best option is for their children, pray about the decision and then have confidence that the Lord will honour that decision. Thankfully, the Bible does equip Christians to address the topic of same-sex attraction in a loving and gracious manner. First by celebrating the marriage between a man and woman, which is positively depicted in the film. Secondly, by providing wise and plain language that can assist parents in this discussion. A conversation that may come from this film, but inevitably it will be a topic that will need to addressed with children at some point in the future. Reel Dialogue encourages parents to be active participants in the entertainment choices of their children and discuss with them the lessons that they can learn from these films. reeldialogue.com/beauty-and-the-beast