Skip to main content

Guardian July 2018

Page 1

JUL 2018

GUARDIAN THE MAGAZINE OF THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF ADELAIDE

1


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

Feasts and Seasons By Dawn Colsey above succulent leaves cyclamen flowers dance red flames at Pentecost

Layout and Design by Alex Gatley agatley@adelaideanglicans.com

a dying spider on the crucifix

Subscriptions: Diocesan Office 18 King William Rd, North Adelaide 5006 Phone: (08) 8305 9350

Printed by Lane Print & Post Phone: (08) 8179 9900 www.laneprint.com.au

four limbs only Corpus Christi procession in the city backstreet we stumble over a homeless person’s discarded blanket

The Guardian is a member of The Australasian Religious Press Association

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

The joy of learning

Anglican Schools . . . the right choice Enquiries: Mark Porter, Anglican Schools Liaison Officer 18 King William Rd, North Adelaide 5006 Phone: 8305 9349

INVESTIGATOR COLLEGE 2 Glendale Grove, Goolwa. Ph: 8555 5700

PULTENEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL 190 South Terrace, Adelaide. Ph: 8216 5555

ST. COLUMBA COLLEGE President Avenue, Andrew’s Farm. Ph: 8254 0600

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

ST PETER’S WOODLANDS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 39 Partridge Street, Glenelg. Ph: 8295 4317

WALFORD ANGLICAN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 316 Unley Road, Hyde Park. Ph: 8272 6555

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

ST. ANDREW’S SCHOOL 22 Smith Street, Walkerville, Ph: 8168 5555

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

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

TRINITY COLLEGE Alexander Avenue, Evanston South. Ph: 8522 0666

WOODCROFT COLLEGE Bains Road, Morphett Vale. Ph: 8322 2333


contents Archbishop Geoffrey Smith

In 2013 the Diocese developed a set of ministry priorities called ‘Vision 2016’. Over the past twelve months, we have been working on refreshing those priorities and clarifying a vision, which we will work with over the next five years. In April, Diocesan Council adopted Vision 2022, which says: Our vision and our yearning is that over the next five years… We will be a Diocese of flourishing Anglican Communities, united and connected, whose members are confident and competent to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. Along with the Vision are four areas of ministry priority, which will be reflected in the Diocesan budget over the coming years. Those priority areas are: Growth in Discipleship; Leadership Development and Support; Flourishing Churches and Innovation and Advocacy. Actions are being identified at the moment that will help to address the priorities and make our vision a reality. While the Vision is an overarching one for the Diocese, I think it has real application to each of our Anglican communities. An important discussion to have at the local level is: First, what might it mean for our local church community to be flourishing? To what degree and in what areas of our parish or church life are we flourishing? What could we do so we could increase in our flourishing? Secondly, how united and connected are we as a church community both internally and with the wider Diocese and wider church? Thirdly, how competent and confident are we to live as disciples of Jesus Christ and what are we doing to grow in our confidence and competence

as well as help others to become disciples of Jesus? Fourthly, and very importantly, are we actually seeking to be led and empowered by the Holy Spirit and how do we show that by our actions? One of the most important words that emerged in the consultation process leading up to the development of the Vision was ‘yearning’ and while that word is not really a part of the vision statement for me it is very important. In one sense vision statements are easy to put together - I’m sure you’ve seen them come and go in the church and other settings - and not much changes as a result. Perhaps that’s because while the people who write them and adopt them think they are good and right there isn’t much real heart for the intention that sits behind them. I am hoping and praying that the word ‘yearning’ represents something important for us. We can intellectually assent to this vision but if that’s all we do it’ll just be one among many that have gone before. I hope this vision represents our yearning - what we really want to become, what we really want to be deep in our heart. If that’s the case, then chances are good that we will move forward and change and develop to further glorify God. Thanks to the many people who contributed their thoughts prayers and wisdom as the vision and priorities were discerned. My sense is that there is a yearning in the Diocese that we might become more and more the church God is calling us to be. Please keep praying hard for growth in the four facets of: more people coming to faith in Jesus, depth of discipleship, service and generosity and let’s see what the Lord of the Church can do through us his people.

04

FOCUS

04

Help Keep the Homeless Warm and Safe this Winter

05

Church of English Bishops in Nationwide Evangelism and Church Planting Drive

06

Mixing Three Colours to Make Purple

08 08

MISSION

A Two Pronged Pilgrimage from Popondetta to Gona

10

FAITH

10

170 Years of Traditional Worship in North Adelaide

12

Ali’s Story

13

Four of Our Own Honoured for Queen’s Birthday

14

Vocations Sunday

19 19

COMMUNITY

Youth Ministry Making a Splash

20 Obituaries 21

That Church On The Corner

22

Helping Fight Poverty With the Gift of Words

23

Film Review: For the Love of God

3


FOCUS

Help Keep the Homeless

Warm and Safe this Winter In July last year, Ben* and Georgia* came to AnglicareSA seeking food and somewhere to live. The couple, together with their three children, had been couch surfing with family and friends for months following eviction from their rented home. Ben had lost his job when the company he worked for shut down and staff were laid off. His wife Georgia is a stay-home mum, who cares for their three children Sarah* 7, Amie* 4 and Riley* 2 years. They had gone through all of their savings.

Ben and Georgia are just one of the many families that come to AnglicareSA seeking support, especially in the lead up to winter.

With winter upon them, they had worn out their welcome with family and friends and found themselves with nowhere to stay. Due to the size of the family, they had been forced to split up from time to time to access available temporary accommodation, with the younger two children going with Georgia and the oldest child staying elsewhere with Ben. The constant movement and upheaval put them all under intense pressure. Ben and Georgia’s relationship was strained and the children were anxious and confused.

According to the latest census figures, homelessness in Australia is up 14 percent. The majority of those affected are under the age of 35. There has also been an increase in the number of older Australians facing homelessness, particularly older women.

AnglicareSA immediately placed Ben, Georgia and their children into emergency accommodation. Within a few weeks, with the help of AnglicareSA staff, they had secured a long-term private rental. AnglicareSA ensured the property was furnished and provided the family with all the items they needed to make their new house a home. Sarah, the oldest child returned to school, Ben secured some casual work close to home and together the family started to develop long-term plans.

4

Number of homeless on the rise Tonight more than 6,000 South Australians have nowhere to sleep.

AnglicareSA CEO, Reverend Peter Sandeman, said that the organisation’s emergency assistance services struggle to meet the ever growing demand for help. “Last winter AnglicareSA received 4,890 visits from people who, like Ben and Georgia, were homeless,” he said. “That’s a 29 percent increase from the previous year. With a forecast wetter and colder winter this year, we know there will be even more people coming to us for help. “We can’t do this alone. More than ever, we need those in the community who can afford it to dig deep and donate what they can to our vital emergency assistance programs.”

Please help AnglicareSA to urgently raise $170,000 this winter to enable us to provide those seeking our support with basic essentials such as food, warm clothing, blankets, sturdy school shoes and vouchers for medical prescriptions. Your support will also allow us to provide them with other individualised supports to enable them to find longterm solutions and avoid ending up in the same situation in future. Please make a tax deductible donation before 30 June 2018 by donating securely online at www.anglicaresa. com.au or by calling 8305 9200 to make a donation over the phone. *Article based on a true story with names changed to protect privacy


FOCUS

Church of English Bishops in Nationwide Evangelism and Church Planting Drive Originally published by Anglican Communion News Service Nearly half of C of E churches have fewer than five under 16-year olds, a report to next month’s General Synod says. But the Church is seeking to change this through a new Youth Evangelism Task Group chaired by the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, Paul Williams; who has also become the leading bishop on youth evangelism. The Church has also appointed a National Youth Evangelism Officer, Jimmy Dale, as part of “structural change” designed to tackle “the challenge the Church of England faces in reaching and discipling young people.” The report highlights the success of a project designed to reach black and minority ethnic (Bame) young people in secondary schools in the Stepney Area of the Diocese of London. “This research action project . . . has shown that Bame young people are open to new or deepening faith when they discover the Jesus of the Gospels in parallel with actively challenging real injustices they and their communities face,” the report says. “We have seen a remarkable percentage of the Bame young people the pilot worked with indicate that they would seriously consider working in and for a Church of England that was serious about this kind of ministry.” The report emphasises the importance of lay ministry, saying that while 67 per cent of non-Christians know a Christian, only one per cent know a clergy person. The report says that the Evangelism Task Group recognises “the priority of empowering and equipping the whole people of God to be confident, faithful witnesses to the living hope that is ours in Christ, that each person is able to give testimony to their faith. “This is reflected in the Thy Kingdom Come focus, which encourages everyone to pray for their friends and family to know Jesus, and to spend a dedicated time each year focusing on praying for our personal witness.”

The report quotes the US Presbyterian theologian Michael Jinkins, who said of Christian baptism: “we are soaked to the skin in the death of Christ. Our union with Christ drips from us. . . We trail wet footprints of the drenching wherever we go; we never dry off. . .” It then says: “It is of paramount importance that we prioritise how we help people drip their wet footprints into the people and places of their lives, ‘spreading the aroma of the knowledge of Christ everywhere.’” In a separate move, the Church of England’s House of Bishops have published a statement on church planting. They say that new church plants “should be preceded by sensitive and full consultation and joint work with other neighbouring church communities” but says that existing churches do not “have a veto” over plans to plant new churches. It says that “church planting is one among a variety of ways by which the Church of England seeks to share in the apostolic mission by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and drawing people into the adventure of discipleship. It is complementary to, and not a replacement for, other vehicles for mission, understood according to the breadth of meaning set out in the Anglican Communion’s Five Marks of Mission. “While church planting is generally characterized by a focus on the first two marks, that does not entail a neglect of the other three. All are integral to the Church’s witness.” The Bishop of Islington, Ric Thorpe, is the Church of England’s lead bishop for church planting. He says that the dioceses of the Church of England have committed to planting a combined total of more than 2,400 new churches by 2030. “There is a real desire to see this work grow and gather momentum,” he said.

“This paper brings together learning from recent experience and the theology of church planting in order to provide guidance for everyone and everywhere in the Church of England.” The Bishop of Chelmsford, Stephen Cottrell, described church planting as something that the Church had “forgotten to remember”, adding: “It only feels like something new, because we forgot to remember it. Every church was planted once. Every church had a beginning.” He continued: “This beginning arose out of a response to God and the desire to reach out to a community of people who did not yet know Christ. “Forming a new Christian community was the best way to serve these people and share the gospel. In our own day, we are beginning to remember how to plant churches. This is a great movement of the Spirit and a huge blessing to the nation we are called to serve.” The Bishop of Aston, Anne Hollinghurst, said that Anglicans in her Diocese of Birmingham “are conscious of how important a great wave of earlier church planting was in the mission of our diocese. “In the last century many new Christian communities were established throughout our city and region in response to a rapidly growing, changing urban population and new industrial developments. Today dioceses, deaneries and parishes find themselves seeking to respond to many new changes in society and the context in which they are set. “We hope they will all be encouraged by this short paper, which gathers together principles based on good practice which will be invaluable to those considering planting a new church as well as those working with neighbouring church plants.”

5


FOCUS

Adelaide Anglicans in Australian Defence Force Chaplaincy

Mixing Three Colours To Make Purple by Chaplain Wayne Philp, Royal Australian Navy Reserve When I forwarded this colourful trio to Church Office as “a good photo”, Peter March, our diocesan media-guru, asked if I had a story in mind to go with it. So, what follows is just that… a tale about Defence Force Chaplaincy. When the Defence Force talks about “Joint”, it’s referring to things that the three services – Navy, Army and Air Force – do together. Supposedly, because I’ve never actually tested it, if you mix the colours of white (Navy), red (Army) and light blue (Air Force) together, you get purple. So purple is the colour of “Joint”. At RAAF Base Edinburgh, 32 km north of Adelaide CBD, the Anglican Chaplains there are “purple”. Purple is also the colour of bishops and the Australian Defence Force has its own Anglican Bishop – The Right

6

Reverend Ian Lambert – who resides in Canberra as an Assistant Bishop to the Anglican Primate. Bishop Ian is keen to gather any (reasonably) fit and capable ordained Anglican Ministers under his wing. And of course, our Adelaidean women clergy are most needed, now that all three of our armed services seek gender equality in both membership balance and in operational service. However, all things are not always “purple”, as each Chaplain must still focus mostly on their own clan. But, when it comes to closing-the-gaps, we always work together as a team to provide a sure safety-net of pastoral and spiritual support to all ADF members. The (only) Navy Chaplain in SA is CHAP Wayne Philp, RANR. There is a sizeable community of sailors out at Edinburgh Defence Precinct, another (growing) community at TECHPORT (ship-building operations on the Port River at Osborne) and an

administration and command centre at Naval Headquarters in Keswick Barracks. Likewise, the Army Chaplains are spread from Edinburgh (1000+ soldiers) to Warradale, Whyalla to Port Wakefield and the City to Woodside. There are also Army Reserve Units scattered all over the State. Full-time Anglican Army Chaplain, CAPT Neil Mathieson, ARA (husband to The Reverend Canon Ruth Mathieson) is currently deployed overseas on operational duties and hopefully, upon his return, will be posted back to the Edinburgh Defence Precinct. The Anglican Air Force Chaplain, SQNLDR Yogananda Juste-Constant, RAAFAR, has just concluded a long and distinguished career within the Permanent Air Force and has chosen now to retire in Adelaide. But he didn’t get off the hook quite that easily; as the only Anglican Air Force Chaplain in Adelaide, Yogananda helps the chaplaincy team at RAAF Base Edinburgh to care for,


Left to right:

of depression and heartache. As

CHAP Neil Mathieson (Army),

Defence Chaplains we spend much of

CHAP Yogananda Juste-Constant (Air Force) and

our time helping young people work

CHAP Wayne Philp (Navy)

through the shrouds of depression and social marginalisation (homesickness,

and support, over 2000 Air Force

separation and breakdown of

members and their families. All-in-all,

interpersonal relationships) that can

the three of us Anglicans, in tandem

be destructive and isolating in today’s

with an ecumenical Chaplaincy team

society. Then again, we also get to

from across the other main Christian

work with a broad spectrum of people,

denominations, look after over 5000+

and their families, in the celebrations

servicemen, servicewomen, defence

of life; such as baptisms/dedications

public servants, and their families. They

(most often for children), matters of

all know whom to call when they want

faith and spiritual commitment, leading

a Padre, or maybe they will just want

ecumenical worship and services,

to talk to someone whom they know

weddings and blessings, and sadly,

and trust if they are in need of counsel,

funerals or memorial ash-scattering

in-service support or just a listening-ear

ceremonies. Of course, there are the

when they feel that they’re at their wits

usual ANZAC, Remembrance Day

end.

and commemorative commitments

Most servicemen and servicewomen are “youngish”; somewhere between 19 and 35 (mostly toward the younger

around and about town. Defence Force Chaplains are central to the complex and wonderful circle of life – and we love it!

end), and many live away from family homes, partners, children and lovedones. This can be a difficult and lonely time. The Australian Defence Force consists of smart, fit, healthy and capable men and women who are keen to excel in their chosen profession. Generally, they strive to get the most out of life. However, more and more, serving members elect, by necessity and domestic constraints, to live apart from their partners and their children when posted to Adelaide for just a couple of years. If the tri-service colours make purple, then purple is sometimes also the colour of sadness – the colour

There is a great need for more Anglican Defence Force Chaplains in South Australia. At the moment, there is only one Anglican of each colour in Adelaide, but we need there to be more. Importantly, since we are at present all men, we need some of our women colleagues to come onboard. Maybe you can help out. Your Australian Defence Force NEEDS YOU! We promise you the opportunity to sleep under the stars (Army), navigate by the stars (Navy) and to choose your accommodation according to the number of stars (Air Force); but jokes

aside, to work with men and women deployed at Australia’s coalface of human relations and conflicts in the field, at sea and in the air. Where else will you experience the thrill of helicopters and jet-aircraft, patrol boats and destroyers, camps and the loyal camaraderie of mateship? We guarantee that you will be part of a team of people that “can do” difficult things. Why not add some “can do” to your life! Our Defence members in Adelaide, and the Padres that support them, are always in need of your prayers. Dear readers, please remember to pray for us, as we invite you to join with us in praying, for those in our nation’s Defence Force who are struggling with deployment, separation from lovedones, fatigue and the ever-present onus of responsibility in making “the right” decisions under very complex and arduous circumstances, both here and around the world. For Navy chaplaincy, please have a look at https://www.defencejobs.gov. au/jobs/Navy/chaplain; for Army, https://www.defencejobs. gov.au/jobs/Army/chaplain, and for Air Force, https://airforce. defencejobs.gov.au/jobs/chaplain. If you’re interested in joining the “purple” chaplains, please just give us a call – we’re not hard to find.

© Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence

7


MISSION

A Two Pronged Pilgrimage from Popondetta to Gona by The Right Reverend Dr Jeffrey Driver (former Archbishop of Adelaide)

Popondetta is not much of a tourist town. It has few natural attractions. It’s dirty, usually noisy and fairly loud. It is a market and supply town of about 19000 people and the Capital of the Northern Oro Province in Papua New Guinea (PNG). I was there because I was staying at the nearby Newton Theological College, the national college for training clergy for the Anglican Church of PNG. Over stay of a few weeks, I had learned where to shop in Popondetta, although I was rarely there by myself; security is always an issue in PNG towns. But I had learnt where to get my few supplies, and had become adept at sidestepping the bright red splatters of betel nut juice that coloured the roadsides and what passes as footpaths. I had come to understand that, if something you wanted was in one of the shops, then it was best to buy it then and there, as there was no certainty about what might be in stock in a day or two. I had been accustomed to catching the PMV (Public Motor Vehicle – nothing at all like Australian public transport), with all my “plastics” (plastic bags) of provisions and to make my way back to the college for the next few days until the lack of refrigeration meant that another trip to town was needed. But this trip into Popondetta was not a provisioning one. I was making something of a pilgrimage and it was a pilgrimage of a double kind. Most clergy from the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn, and many others throughout the Australian Church, know the story of James Benson, a priest and missionary in Gona at the beginning of the war in the Pacific and presumed during the war to be one of the New Guinea Martyrs. He

8

turned up in September 1945, having been held in two prison camps and being used for a while as a translator, emaciated but alive. He eventually died in 1957. His missionary companions at Gona did not survive. May Haymen, a nurse initially from Adelaide who had also nursed in Melbourne, Dubbo and Canberra, and Mavis Parkinson, a teacher, from Ipswich, retreated into the bush but they were betrayed and killed near Popondetta. James Benson had been a member of the Community of the Ascension, based at the old Bishopthorpe in Goulburn. I was wearing a replica of a brothers’ cross found at Bishopthorpe, identical to that worn by James Benson, and presented to me on my consecration as a bishop. The cross made a link across the years to this missionary-priest. The story of Benson and his coworkers, and that of the other New Guinea Martyrs, drew me to Gona, as did the place this beachside village played in the battle for New Guinea. People often pass through Popondetta on the way to Kokoda and the Kokoda track. But the Kokoda story really opened and closed at Gona and nearby Buna ... the “bloody beaches” as they came to be called. It was on these beaches that the Japanese invaded with their strategy of a land attack on Port Moresby. Although it was a place of high attrition fighting, Gona is often overlooked in modern-day commemorations. I wanted to go there, and family connections with the war in PNG fed the desire. I was accompanied by Fr Luscom Bera a lecturer from Newton College whose family village is near Gona and, having travelled into Popondetta, we found the Gona PMV. It was a three tonne truck

James Benson

with plank seating down each side of the tray and an ill-fixed tarp over the top. It was rated for 25 passengers, a number that is really only relevant in these parts by the extent to which it is exceeded. Being the only waitpella (white fellow) on the PMV accorded me the privilege on a seat somewhere near the middle of the tray, where (I was assured) there would be less bumps. My guide and I took our places in an already full truck, placing our feet carefully between plastic containers of diesel vaguely sealed with “plastics” (supermarket bags), a couple of spare tyres, bunches of bananas, betel nuts and other cargo. The truck looked pretty full to me, but we made one or two more stops in Popondetta before leaving town with the back of our PMV bulging and our legal load limit exceeded by an additional ten or a dozen bodies accommodated in one contorted way or another. There is no easy way to Gona. In fact, we were going to the old village of


Gona, a few kilometres away from the settlement that would be called Gona after the arrival of the missionaries. Then we would make a 20-minute walk along the beach to the town now called Gona, where the local church would welcome us and show us around. Soon after leaving Popondetta we left the main road and began to zig-zag along the rough tracks that serve the palm oil plantations, which extend nearly all the way to the coast. It was a bum-breaking trip. The PMV lurched, crunched, and weaved its way as I adjusted my backside and held on. About half way to Gona we encountered a funeral party, coffin by the roadside, who negotiated to join our journey. Showing typical PNG enthusiasm, with advice and orders from just about everyone involved, the coffin was hoisted onto the already crowded PMV floor. It was a homemade job, constructed out of half-inch ply, and clearly rushed through for the occasion. The brown lacquer on the outside was still very wet to the touch. The mourners attached themselves in various ways to the PMV and we lurched our way forward. The occasional clinging outrider passenger fell off and ran along behind until we slowed down enough for him to re-attach. None of this seemed in the least bit remarkable for anyone other than the one waitpella in the back and when we finally reached the beach at Old Gona, people scattered with an air of going about their usual business.

stands near an overgrown mound that we were told was all that was left of the mission Church. The Cross was shot up by the invaders and the bullet holes are still there for inspection. A stone monument nearby (made in Adelaide, I noticed) tells the story of battle and the many lives lost. A (Tok) Pisin inscription talks about two peoples “standing together” and there is a brass casting of an Australian Private, George “Dick” Whittington, aided by Papuan orderly, Raphael Oimbari. Above the picture are the words, “May our friendship be everlasting”.

showed signs of much use and love. There is a parish primary school nearby and the sound of children playing during the lunch-break filtered the sounds of the future into a place laden with memories of the past. We sat in shelter and had a simple lunch; some kau kau (sweet potato), pineapple, slices of cucumber and some “flours” – pieces of damper. It was good to listen to their stories and to share a prayer.

An elderly local guide, pointed out where Fr Benson’s house had been, and how he would walk over to the hospital where Sister May Hayman, worked, and in the opposite direction, to the school, where Mavis Parkinson taught. Nearly all of the old mission site had returned to bush and, apart from the simple memorials, there were few physical signs of love and blood that had flowed. The cross identical to that of James Benson’s

The memories were there, however, in the people. The parish is now called Holy Cross, a name inspired by the Cross shot up during the fighting. The second parish Church is back from the beach, a small open air church that

Then we went to the Church and I was shown the place where James Benson’s ashes were kept, along with his cross – identical to the one I was wearing, except, I was told, that the James Benson cross was green with corrosion. It was a moment of deep connection and we paused for quiet and prayer. Then it was time to move back under the trees to say our farewells, pray a final blessing, and prepare for another chaotic PMV trip back to Popondetta.

Gona beach is beautiful. Black sands, lapping waves, palm trees, no development. I could imagine that one day a resort would lure tourists to this place, but on this day, it was in its natural state. As we walked along the beach we could see in the distance the headland where parts of the wreck of a Japanese transport, the Ayatosan Maru, can be seen still at low tide. We passed the occasional palm-thatched house, pausing for greetings. Pikininis (children) frolicked in the shallows. And so we came to where the Anglican Mission at Gona once had stood. There is little left on the site. The original cross Top: the original cross of the Gona Mission Church Right: Gona beach

9


170 Years Of

FAITH

Traditional Worship In North Adelaide A traditional church for a modern world, proclaiming Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever. On 28th December 1847 Bishop Augustus Short arrived in Adelaide, bringing plans by the architect Henry Stuckey for Bishop’s Court and a neighbouring church and Rectory. Two days after his arrival, he was installed as the first Bishop of Adelaide in Holy Trinity on North Terrace. Bishop Short laid the Foundation stone of Christ Church North Adelaide on 1st June 1848, and on 20th December 1849, he consecrated his “neighbouring church” free from debt, adopting it as his Pro-Cathedral having contributed some of his private funds to furnish the Chancel accordingly, with wall ornamentation and stalls for the Dean and Chapter, and his Bishop’s Throne, all of which are greatly treasured by the people of Christ Church. Moving from Kensington to Beaumont to take advantage of the foothills’ lower temperatures, Bishop Short still planned an episcopal residence in North Adelaide, and after morning service in Christ Church, he proceeded to lay the foundation stone of Bishops Court on 9th January 1851 which was a difficult year for South Australia due to the Victorian gold rush. Shops closed, currency was scarce and newspapers

reported “.most things in Adelaide came to a standstill…”. In his book “This stone which I have set up”, Archdeacon A L Bulbeck notes that “.none of the clergy abandoned their cures!”. The first incumbent of Christ Church, Canon W J Woodcock had six licenced Lay Readers, and with their help conducted mission services as far away as Two Wells and Virginia, such was the size of the parish during the 1850’s and 1860’s. The first Ordination was held in Christ Church Pro-Cathedral on Thursday 7th June 1860, when Bishop Short ordained The Rev’d Richardson Reid to the Priesthood. Eleven more ordinations were held there, between 1864 and 1875 during which time Bishop Short ordained 23 priests and deacons. Christ Church continued as the Pro-Cathedral

of the Diocese for some 28 years, until regular services began in the Cathedral Church of St Peter in May 1877. Over the years, a number of organisations have made Christ Church their “Home”. For many years the motorcycle division of the St John Ambulance Brigade held the annual church service. The Order of St John of Jerusalem, Knights HospitallerSA Priory has Christ Church as its Conventual Church and as such, hosts the annual Evensong and the Annual service of Investiture and Thanksgiving for the Priory of South Australia. (The refurbishment of the Chancel in 2011 reflected the importance of the connection with the Order, with the Tester bearing the Cross of eight points, also known as the Cross of The Beatitudes). The Royal Australian Navy holds its Annual Commemorative Service in Christ Church and will install its White Ensign in 2018 on permanent display. The Anglican Charities hold annual services in Christ Church, and a number of private schools greatly value the reverence and acoustics for their annual Christmas carol services. The Oak eagle lectern which proudly stands in the Chancel was purchased in 1878 with the proceeds from recitals given by the organist, Mr Landergan. Following this example, the current Musical Director Mr Andrew Georg has given a number of organ recitals, proceeds from which go toward the David Gallasch Memorial Music Trust, set up in 2012 in recognition of David’s outstanding contribution to the musical life of Christ Church over 45 years. Christ Church has become recognised as a centre of musical excellence, thanks to Andrew Georg together with a professional mixed-voice choir which sings each Sunday at the 10am Choral Eucharist and 6pm Choral Evensong services, drawing on a wide-ranging repertoire spanning the rich tradition of church music. This music excellence is greatly enhanced by the magnificent organ, having its origin in an 1873 12-stop Gern organ, enlarged by Melbourne firm Fincham and Hobday in 1855, and with further work carried out in 1899, 1951,

10


1970s,’80s, and 90s, and a major rebuild in 2003 carried out jointly by Australian Pipe Organs Pty Ltd and prominent Adelaide company, George Stephens Organ Builders Pty Ltd. The instrument now contains 43 Speaking stops distributed over 3 manuals and pedals and around 2,300 pipes. The Chi Rho is the one of the earliest forms of Christogram, and is used by Christians. It is formed by superimposing the first two (capital) letters Chi and Rho (ΧΡ) of the Greek word “ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ”. Although not technically a Christian cross, the ChiRho invokes the crucifixion of Jesus, as well as symbolizing his status as the Christ. The Chi-Rho symbolizes the victory of the Resurrection over death, and is an early visual representation of the connection between the Crucifixion of Jesus and his triumphal resurrection, showing the death and resurrection of Christ to be inseparable.

generosity and stewardship. “The Register” and the “South Australian” both gave considerable space to the Consecration of Christ Church in 1849, using phrases like ‘a capricious and beautiful building”. After 170 years of Christian witness, this description of Christ Church North Adelaide still holds true. Re-enactments and other festivities are being considered to celebrate the 170th year of Consecration in 2019

Anglicans hold the Book of Common Prayer as the central point of unity within the Anglican Communion. At Christ Church, all the services follow the text and instructions contained in this book. It therefore plays an integral part in the celebrations including Baptism, Holy Communion and Worship. Christ Church North Adelaide has adopted the Chi Rho as our church symbol. These Anglican traditions have been faithfully upheld throughout the last 170 years, from the first Rector The Rev’d W J Woodcock, to the twelfth and present Rector, The Rev’d Keith Brice, together with associate clergy The Rev’d Frank Kernot, The Rev’d David Keay and The Rev’d Joan Claring-Bould. A joyful Playgroup meets in the Parish Hall at 10am on Fridays during School term, where all children and their parents and caregivers are warmly welcomed, and Children’s services are held throughout the year especially at Christmas, with a Nativity and live animals The interior walls are adorned with memorials to the Rectors, faithful worshippers and benefactors to whom the present congregation owes a huge debt of gratitude, for their witness,

11


FAITH

York City and during her time there was privileged amongst many enriching experiences to hear a number of influential people speak at the General Assemblies. She completed a Master of International Relations whilst in New York. Unfortunately, Ali continued to struggle with personal issues that plagued her self-esteem. Furthermore, she developed symptoms that were later diagnosed as relapsing, remitting Multiple Sclerosis. She left New York in 2012 to return home.

Ali’s Story by Sandy Mitchell

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11 Ali attended an independent girls’ school in Adelaide for all of her school years, had been baptised as a baby but had grown up in a home where religion was not considered of any significance. Her home life was traumatic with her parents ending up divorced. During her teenage years she suffered with severe depression and an eating disorder, both of which she managed to conceal. School became for Ali a refuge during her teenage years. Religion Studies in years 9-11 whetted her appetite, for it offered to her “a place where her mind could expand and push the boundaries regarding meaning in life and a higher purpose and calling” although she had no idea what this looked like. Ali opted to do Year 12 SACE Studies in Religion which she claimed “blew her mind”. She said that she often left class feeling “psychologically and spiritually challenged and euphoric”, and that

12

“seeds were being sown for a decision that could not possibly be ignored.” She added that she now knows that what she learned during that year had been on her heart and mind for almost ten years, waiting for the right time to reveal itself. However, at the time it all felt too big for her and she was caught up in significant emotional struggles. After completing year 12, her heart was set on studying theology in Adelaide, but her family persuaded her that it was not a viable or esteemed pathway so she was convinced not to pursue this path. Ali’s teenage years and 20’s were extremely turbulent as her emotions took control and she suffered from extremely low self-esteem. In 2006 Ali moved to Melbourne to study Journalism at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University but family and relationship difficulties persisted. At the same time she developed a heightened desire to work for those less fortunate than herself and aspired to live overseas. At the age of 22 she applied for an internship at the United Nations Headquarters in New

After returning to Australia, Ali continued working as a Communications Manager in various non-profit organisations. In early 2018 she travelled to Kenya and South Africa for three weeks to capture and document information from the field. Travelling with her were two male coworkers, one a film director and the other a stills photographer. She said that she had seen poverty before, but some of the sites they visited to document their work was extremely sobering. The last site they visited was run by a man named Paul, who as a former drug and alcohol addict had managed to turn his life around. He started helping others, creating jobs for men that society had given up on and who consequently could not find work. After documenting this remarkable man’s story Ali and her team sat down for an informal chat with him. It turned into a two hour conversation with Paul speaking directly to each of them. Ali reflected that during the discussion she became aware that something very big was happening to her and she was becoming increasingly emotional. When it came time to leave she was fighting back tears because she did not want to leave this man whose love was palpable. She just made it back to the car before bursting into tears. She had no idea what was happening to her. As they were packing their gear into the car, Steve, the film director, said to her “that was God speaking [to you]”. Ali describes the feeling as though she were in the presence of an overwhelming love – the most pure feeling of love and care she had yearned to feel her entire life.


Ali and Steve (a Christian) fell in love and he helped Ali to decipher what was happening to her. The time was right and God had spoken to her heart through Paul. God was graciously giving her what she had been seeking. Steve gave Ali a Bible and told her to start with the New Testament. Her hunger to explore Christianity was fuelled dramatically and she began researching everything about it. She attended church with Steve. Following a number of emotional experiences after reading and listening to sermons about Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, Ali knew she had reached a point where she was ready to take a leap of faith, trust Jesus’ promises and put herself entirely in God’s hands. He had been everywhere she looked and she couldn’t ignore what was happening any longer. Ali said she had to Google what to do to become a Christian, discovered the prayer of salvation and alone in her living room she prayed the prayer. She said “For a full month or so, for the first time I can remember, I was totally free of anxiety …. it was a miracle.” Now, when bouts of anxiety return she knows how she can pray for relief and put her trust in God, knowing he has a plan for her. Steve has become Ali’s dearest companion and it is the happiest, most loving relationship she has ever known. “I know that he was sent to me by God” she said, “And that he knew it was the right time to reach my heart with Steve alongside to guide me.” Ali said that she is still learning a lot and feels hungry for knowledge. She has just finished an “Introducing Jesus” course run by what is now her church in Melbourne and her conviction is growing stronger by the day. Ali’s final words are: “I have a long way to go in my faith journey, but my life has forever changed because God reached for my heart, I felt him, I heard him, I listened, I let him in and I now walk in his love and grace.” We should never underestimate the power of God to take whatever we are able to share about our faith, and bring new life and hope for all who hear those words. Ali’s story is testimony to this truth.

Four of Our Own Honoured for Queen’s Birthday The Queen’s Birthday Honours list for 2018 was announced on 11 June and included among the honourees were three from the community here in the Adelaide Diocese. Awarded the Member of the Order of Australia was former Chancellor of Synod Mr Richard Dennis PSM for significant service to the community of South Australia through a range of voluntary organisations, and to the Anglican Church of Australia. Also awarded the Member of the Order of Australia was Mr Andrew Marshall for significant service to the building and construction industry through professional organisations, to academia, and to the Anglican Church of Australia. Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia was recently retired Headmaster of St Peter’s College Mr Simon Murray for service to secondary education, and to professional associations. Also named a Member of the Order of Australia was Mr Peter Routley, in recognition of his significant service to the international community through the leadership and administration of foreign aid programs. He has also been a project manager with World Vision in Mauritania, Cambodia and Mali, a volunteer with Cathedral Relief Services in Calcutta, and a project co-ordinator with World Families Australia.

Advertisement

Anglican Future Conference 2018 Grace & Truth in uncertain times A conference to encourage us in a Biblical and Christ centred faith, to consider the future of the Anglican Church in Australia, to encourage us to persevere in the face of opposition and to help us understand better the culture of 21st century Australia.

September 6—8 2018 Planetshakers Church 400 City Road, South Melbourne

Ticket Prices Full Time EARLY BIRD — $240 (until June 30, 2018) Full Time (from July 1, 2018) — $290 Group of 4 (from 1 parish) — $250 per person See website for other options

Main Speakers Rev Frog Orr-Ewing, Dr Wesley Hill, Dr Justine Toh & Mr Mike Baird see website for details: anglicanfuture.org.au

13


FAITH

Vocations Sunday by Stuart Langshaw

Sunday September 9 will be observed in the Diocese as “Vocations/ Calling Sunday.” It will be a day when our attention is given to God’s call to all of us to be involved in some way in God’s loving mission to the world.

God calls some Christians into the ordained ministry. There they serve God as parish clergy, as chaplains to various places, perhaps ministering in a cross-cultural context … the “missionary” call. God calls many … most Christians … to serve God in their daily lives and routines. They use their gifts and talents to glorify God in their employment. They worship God through their daily work, caring for clients, patients, passengers and colleagues, expressing God’s love in their employment. As members of church congregations they worship God liturgically, and they care for and support the other members of their congregations through their friendship and fellowship. Christians who have retired use their time, talents and interests to serve God through the volunteering they take up, through spending time with family and friends and through the membership of their local church. When you see God’s call in this way, you see that plumbers and accountants and gardeners and therapists and drivers and doctors and electricians and teachers and printers and artists and all occupations are ways of fulfilling God’s call to us to serve him and his people. “Christian vocation” is not limited to the ordained clergy but applies to all God’s people, whoever they are and whatever they do. The interviews with four people in this issue of The Guardian – two ordained people and two lay people – highlight how God’s call comes to us to serve God in various ways.

14

However, the thrust of Vocations/ Calling Sunday this year will be the ordained ministry. This is spelled out in Vision 2022, the vision for our Diocese for the next five years. Here in our Diocese we are blessed with faithful, dedicated bishops, priests, deacons and members of religious orders. We are blessed, too, with committed lay people who play their parts in helping forward the kingdom of God here on earth. Among the lay people there are those whom God will be calling to serve in the ordained ministry or the religious life. Perhaps someone reading this page is such a person. Make this a matter of your own prayers. Speak in confidence to a priest and to other mature Christians about it. Ask one or two if they will be partners of yours in prayer as you seek to clarify God’s call to you. Continue to play your part in the life of your congregation as a “test” of your commitment to leading and caring. Look for opportunities to expand your Christian experience. And immerse all this in your prayers. God will definitely call you – perhaps into the ordained ministry – perhaps into continuing your life and work as a faithful, committed lay Christian. This is what Vocations/Calling Sunday in September will be all about.

Angela Evans What do you love about your job? My job has morphed in to an array of connected ones over three decades: clinician/podiatrist, employer/ business owner, researcher, teacher, volunteer. Alongside this, have been voluntary community roles – professional bodies, sports medicine, old scholars, Anglican community, various boards and councils. Since 2005, I’ve had active involvement in aid project work for infants with congenital clubfoot deformity initially in Vietnam, and ongoing in Bangladesh. So, I love different things about the different roles, and the variety seems to keep things fresh – although the old adage ‘it never rains, but it pours’ is a frequent reality. I enjoy people. As a clinician I see a lot of children with all types of needs, active/older/sports people with foot/leg pain or injury – it’s great to get them back on track. I’ve enjoyed working things out for as long as I can remember. I had a special pair of school shoes (Clark’s ‘super snoops’), that along with Carolyn Keene’s ‘Nancy Drew Mysteries’, almost convinced me to become a detective – which is actually quite a good bent for both research and clinical problem solving. I love the time I have with Uni students, where there’s such great energy, such hope, and always tangling questions. At the tertiary level, life and learning are very


intertwined, and realizing this means that facilitating and inspiring learning are as vital as actual subject content. Collaborating with colleagues is rewarding and in the research domain, can direct better investigations, and share the kudos as well as the load. Currently these are ‘live’ both within Australia, and in the UK, Europe, New Zealand, Bangladesh. How do you apply your faith to the work that you do? It’s just treating everyone the same and trying to extend equity, and compassion in all directions. It’s in the recognition of our common humanity, the divinity of that encounter that sees many sharing one time and space, one planet, one common life. We all begin and end the same way, the superficial differences so much less important than our common ground. The more inclusive we can be, the less scary our differences become, and the better for the wider community. When I was about 14, we studied Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird” at school, and with the guidance of a terrific English teacher, it was inspiring for teenagers. Atticus’s wonderful description of empathy was conveyed to children Jem and Scout along the lines of – that to really understand some one else’s point of view or circumstance, you have to be prepared give up being who you are for a while, and climb inside their skin, walk around in it and see and feel the world by walking in their shoes…. Everyone has a story, and listening to stories is the most important part of being a clinician – we call it ‘taking a patient history’, and well done, can provide 80% of diagnoses. These days, 40% of my billable hours are pro bono. For me this is about having ‘enough’, and giving what I have decided is ‘surplus’. It means living within a means that allows for others, and it does enable a flexibility that one cannot buy, as such. Speaking at a recent business ethics event, I mentioned this choice, and posed a challenge to them – “imagine how your life would be and the impact you could make by spending 20% of your working life in a voluntary role”.

Working in Bangladesh continues to remind me that people are just people, no matter where they are from, how poor or rich, whether able bodied/minded or not. Many, many times we see dreadful poverty, dire health, disability, disease and physical circumstances. The gratitude of the parents for any help, and the selfless love they have for their children, in the toughest of settings is immensely humbling – it is true grace – and makes sense of basic Christian principles, which are pretty much shared my Muslim colleagues. In essence, for me, this is about deep gratitude for this extraordinary gift of existence and living it as well as is possible, and in such a way that others can too. Then the ‘golden rule’ of treating everyone as you would like to be treated – that’s justice, that’s compassion and reciprocity, that’s what Jesus was on about – and it’s no ‘namby pamby’ thing; it’s radical, often unpopular, and risky. But, like Martin Luther King’s ‘dream’ speech and Rosa Parke’s bravest of bus rides, it’s important to continually challenge unjust structures - the church, and aspects of our own lives, included. Just last weekend, Bishop Michael Curry appealed to millions about a love-inaction kind of world, as with whirling arms, he implored: “there’s power in love. Don’t underestimate it. Don’t even over-sentimentalise. There’s power, power in love..”

Michele Yuen What is your current vocation/how long have you been in this vocation? I am currently the Deacon at St Peter’s

Anglican Church Glenelg. I’ve been a Deacon since December 2016. Were you previously in another line of work? I worked in Information Technology as a Business Analyst. It entails the implementation of new or improved software to helps organisations change and transform their operations to be more effective, customer friendly or comply with government regulations. I was the meat in the sandwich, where I’d give the front-line staff and middle management a voice to how the change and transformation would occur then translate it for developers to make it happen. Then I’d have to train the staff, write support documentation and other unexciting things. Was there a particular moment when you felt called by God into your current vocation? Oh, good question, but it’s a long answer. Several significant things happened. 1) I decided I wanted to learn more about the bible for myself. I enrolled in an “Interest Only” subject at a theological college. Much like St Barnabas College has these types of courses. And I wanted to know more and more. This started me along the pathway to gaining a Bachelor of Theology from St Barnabas College. 2) I went travelling through Greece and Turkey. I had moments in Athens, at the Parthenon by the temple of Athena where I was reminded of the unknown God in Acts 17:22-23. While at Ephesus, I was taken how the culture and context of walking through the city made the letter to the Ephesians real. 3) In my personal prayer life, I was asking Jesus, how am I to serve you? I was already leading worship music and reading the scriptures in the service, serving on the parish council, attending (and had lead) a bible study group. One night, somewhere between 3-6am God woke me wanting me to listen, much like the how the Lord calls Samuel in 1 Samuel 3. One morning, I awoke to the scripture John 21:15-17 where God asked me to feed my lambs, take care of my sheep, feed my sheep if I love Jesus. The next morning, I looked up this scripture and prayed about it. I discussed this with my Parish Priest

15


Rev’d Martyn “Woody” Woodsford and he asked if I had considered this is how God wants me to serve. I was taken aback. I was reluctant to go into the discernment program and ordained ministry because I had built a wonderful career in Information Technology, which was taking off. Woody suggested that I talk to the Archbishop’s Chaplain Rev’d John Stephenson about ordained ministry and entry to the Discernment program. I had a subsequent discussion with Archbishop Dr Jeffery Driver and was admitted into the Discernment program. During this program, I was praying and asking Christ, what role in ordained or lay ministry do you want me to serve you? There was a quiet voice that answered parish ministry as Priest. Throughout all my experiences of God talking to me, similar to how the Lord called Samuel, I have always prayed over the message received, asked others to pray for me regarding the message or disregarded it accordingly. What do you love about your job? I love working with such a large range of people, young, the not so young. The people living rough in the Glenelg area to those who give, because they know how much Christ has given them. I absolutely love seeing how people grow through their faith, how their faith sustains, how they cherish their faith and how they share their faith with others. I love seeking opportunities for outreach and involving those on the outskirts of the church to become involved. I love knowing that God is using me in a way that serves Him and his people. How do you apply your faith to the work that you do? I apply my faith in my work, by praying for people who are not only in my parish, but the stranger who knocks on the church’s door for help, having compassion or a friendly smile. I can be the voice for the voiceless, forgotten and lonely. I encourage those who need lifting up. I explain scripture in a way that encourages people to wonder for themselves. Why is it important for Christians to consider the work that they do as ministry? ordained or otherwise…

16

We are all called to live out our faith and serve Christ. We express the love, compassion and hope that Christ has for us through our actions, they are our expressions are unique to us. Some people choose to apply their skills, knowledge and labour to serve their parish and its people, others broader afield to a Christian organisation or mission field. I see us all as pieces of clay to be moulded by Christ for differing purposes. When we respond to what Christ wants for us, we grow as disciples, we trust Christ, and more is given to us too. We aren’t all called to be in ordained or lay ministry, but we are called to follow Christ and respond. What fruit have you seen borne of your ministry? I’ve helped, seen and been a part of many people’s lives. I’ve seen people heal and grow through Christ after escaping domestic violence. I’ve seen homeless people escape the pain of their past and know the healing and wholeness that Jesus provides in repairing and enabling people to live a full life. I’ve seen a 10-year-old child pick up the bible, wanting to know more, as a result of telling them a story from the bible. I’ve visited the elderly and sick in their homes and shared the good news of God’s love and sacrifice, that has helped them see scripture in a different way that helps them to grow and endure through their illness. I’ve had people say how wonderful it to have women in ordained ministry who are role models to their daughters, nieces, cousins, aunts, friends’ mothers and grandmothers. I’ve had a reassuring presence to parishes going through “interregnum” too. Would you ever consider going into ordained ministry/why should people consider going into ordained ministry? I would encourage people who are called ordained ministry to explore what it means for them, especially if they have some experience in lay ministry and leadership roles in their own church first. Every Clergy member has an experience and different pathway to ministry. Which is very different to how we find our way to jobs and the experiences they provide in the secular world. As Christ is with us in all that we

do, think and say, it is no different going into ordained ministry, but you spend even more time in prayer, scripture and reflection and understanding how to serve Christ and its people. Responsibility is great, but to see people grow and share their faith and knowledge is real joy. Especially when you hear that a single contact with a person results in life changing fruit.

Tony Iluno What is your current vocation/how long have you been in this vocation? I found God’s grace in my profession when working as a health professional, counselling, and restoring hope especially people struggling with drugs and alcohol, which has brought lots of discomfort in their wellbeing. I have a strong belief that everyone is called by God to know and love him, but it takes by His grace to find out what God want you to do for Him in life. I am becoming a mental health registered nurse because I found out that helping and mentoring people living with different health issues have always been my passion. Were you previously in another line of work? I was a disability service officer, working with people living with disabilities including mental, psychological and physical disabilities. I am dedicated to serving people and the community by advocating for them, mentoring them, and supporting them to live their lives as independently as possible by developing new skills achieving new goals. I could see myself


restructuring people’s lives, bringing back the lost sheep, bringing peace and restoring hope in different homes and communities. I have been able to interact mostly with people in need, praying for the sick, however, reaching out to people in need. I enjoy making new friends with vulnerable people especially the elderly ones while spreading the good news to them while assisting them in their activities of daily living. Was there a particular moment when you felt called by God into your current vocation? I began to find peace from God whenever I see myself ministering to people, seeing people having turning point, loving one another as well as showing God’s love to everyone at work. Most times I do visit people in their homes to pray and encourage them. I found myself also going to hospitals praying and ministering to the elderly. Most times, I’m often invited by some families for blessings in their new homes, praying for their loved ones. I have talked to different priests and men of God from different areas and there was confirmation from them all that God is calling me to deliver His people through my profession. I also found out that I love to help people and have so much passion to support and bring hope to people that are going through different life challenges with kindness and patience. What do you love about your job? I love touching people’s lives through what I do and by having great passion seeing people turning a new leaf by believing in God and experiencing God’s mercy and grace. I have opportunities through my job to interact, share ideas and my faith with my colleagues at work. Faith cannot be what it is except only when it is lived and expressed. How do you apply your faith to the work that you do? Living my life as a true Christian. Being an ambassador for Christ at work and everywhere. God has bestowed His trust

and grace upon us to witness for Him all the time, putting God first before man , being honest to everyone, share the message of hope to everyone for a better life. However, bearing at the back of my mind reasons why God has given me this profession. Bringing my faith at work is all about practice not much necessarily preaching. It is being you and whom you are, being honest, kind, and sincere, always sharing the gospel of truth, and bringing the love of God to all mankind. Why is it important for Christians to consider the work that they do as ministry? It is important to remember and understand that you are also called through your profession by God to reach out to people. So many people have the feelings that God has called just only the ordained priests and church leaders. God has also chosen everyone in different professions to save souls. As it is written in the scripture Colossians 3:23-24 New King James Version (NKJV)

my ministry at work and everywhere. The agape love which can be described as the principle, perfect, natural and noblest form of love. It is the unconditional, genuine, unlimited and unrestricted love, the love to serve another regardless of cost. According to the scripture, love is patience and kind, this have been the character of God. This means that I have seen the fruit of joy, gentleness, faith and self-control. I have seen people going back to God, not just going to church, smiling at people, sitting down listening to sermons without applying what they have listened to in their daily lives, and going through so many emotions, but I have seen people growing, changing and living their lives in the community to the glory of God, marching towards the perfect man Jesus Christ. Would you ever consider going into ordained ministry/why should people consider going into ordained ministry? I will consider going into ordained ministry to fulfill God’s calling in my life to His glory.

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 23

knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 24

I always believe that my job is very important and spiritual as the same person in vocational ministry. This is why it is very essential to seek God in every profession you find yourself because “your job and your profession is your pulpit”.

Dave MacGillivray

However, we need to do our work with excellence and enthusiasm bearing in mind that we are working for God and not for men. Above all seeking the face of God every day when you are at work, loving your neighbours as we have loved ourselves, we are going to touch so many lives and transform communities.

What is your current vocation/how long have you been in this vocation? My current vocation is as a Priest, working as a Chaplain in an Anglican school. I’ve been working in this role for 8 years.

What fruit have you seen borne of your ministry? I have seen the fruit of love through

Were you previously in another line of work? Previous to this I was a Youth Minister

17


for our church and before that an actor. Was there a particular moment when you felt called by God into your current vocation? The transition from Youth Ministry to Ordained Chaplaincy was a gradual one. Shifting from an acting career into vocational ministry was a bit more of shock! Yes there was certainly a moment when I felt a deep burning in my heart to connect with young people and a desire to make known the hope we have in Christ. What do you love about your job? I love being part of a community that is dedicated to raising young people and preparing them holistically for the complexity of life. But probably the greatest privilege is being present in people’s lives over a long period of time – especially during their formative years. I love spending time outside the classroom; our school Mission Trip to Cambodia and being a leader on Operation Flinders adventure therapy hiking trip are two highlights for me. But it’s not just about relationships with the students, it’s true for the staff too, over time, it’s not just a ‘professional’ connection, we really do share life together. How do you apply your faith to the work that you do? Prayer is essential for ministry; to discern the work and ministry that is of God, to exercise trust in the Lord for all things to come to fruition and to intercede for members of the community. But without faith, basically I have no job… I have very little to say, very little to impart or to challenge if not the faith of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.. Why is it important for Christians to consider the work that they do as ministry? ordained or otherwise… Being a Christian is an all of life thing. It’s not a part-time gig. Jesus came to bring life and life abundant. So every aspect of our lives is to be lived for him. Our lives ought to be an example for those who don’t know Christ and an encouragement for our sisters and brothers in Christ.

18

What fruit have you seen borne of your ministry? One of the great challenges in most ministry but particularly in ministry with youth is that we often don’t get to see the fruit – it doesn’t come until long after they have left school. The Parable of the Sower (or Soils) has been my "go to" scripture since my ordination. I see a large part of my role is to scatter seeds with the same generosity as the farmer in the parable. It’s hard, because you do see the seed snatched up before it even gets a chance and there are so many worries to choke a fledgling faith. But it is a real joy when you get to see fruit from your labour. I’ve bumped into students who have thanked me for something I said, (usually I can’t even remember ever having said it). I remember one time visiting a local church youth event and a young woman told me that a chance conversation we had years before set on the path to become a Christian. That’s a real buzz. Would you ever consider going into ordained ministry/why should people consider going into ordained ministry? Ordained ministry is a privilege, it means you can give yourself to ministry without having the added burden of keeping a ‘real’ job. It affords you focus and less distractions. But it’s not something you just choose for yourself. To be ordained is to be recognised as leader of God’s people and that must be affirmed by godly people. For me that meant I didn’t really think of it myself – in fact I never would have considered it had it not been for the discernment of trusted people in my life.


COMMUNITY Parishes from the inner southeastern suburbs of Adelaide joined forces in the warmer months to provide youth ministry in the form of water-skiing days on the River Murray.

G. When and where have these events taken place? DM. So far this year we have held two water-skiing events, one in February on the very hottest day (it was 46 degrees at Bow Hill), and one in the next school holidays. The water-skiing events have been made possible by the very fine hospitality of Mark and Carol Hill-Ling at their fantastic shack on the River Murray. Mark and Carol worship at St Michael’s Mitcham and in their accommodating us on these days they have been very generously assisted in the provision of boats and equipment by Mike and Helen, their neighbours on the River. We are very grateful to Mark and Carol and to Mike and Helen. The ‘shack’ enjoys an absolute river frontage with extensive lawns and shade. Mark and Carol also provided cool drinks, put their ‘slushy machine’ at our disposal and donated a BBQ lunch for everyone. When we had the benefit of daylight savings, they also provided a chicken and chips feed at tea time. On one occasion, just when we thought things couldn’t get any better, an Esky appeared filled with cornetto ice-creams! Thanks Mark and Carol, and thanks Mike and Helen! G. What’s the idea behind holding these events? DM. The water-skiing days are not just a way to get teenagers to attend

Youth Ministry

Making a SPLASH Guardian spoke with Rev’d David McDougall from St Saviour’s Anglican Church, Glen Osmond to find out how these multi-parish gatherings came to be…

a Church youth group in numbers, although they certainly achieved that. These days are carefully designed to provide a seriously fun day, one that includes meaningful and co-operative interaction with others and with adults, and from which the beginnings of authentic community among young people can grow. There is a similar ministry in the Archdiocese of Brisbane that takes young people sailing. This ministry has been a source of inspiration for what we are attempting to do. You wouldn’t believe it, perhaps, but during the ski days, not one digital device was seen; there seemed to be no desire to sit, isolated and silent, playing games on an i-pad, phone or any similar appliance. All were actively engaged in helping each other have success on the knee boards, swimming, ski-tubing, riding in the boats, or — now I know this will be surprising to some — actually talking to one another, and getting to know new people. There was a dog — no-one quite knew where he had come from, who was very helpful to us as we played cricket on the lawn. He was great in close and took quite a few courageous catches (which we, of course, recognised and gave the batter ‘out’). At lunch-time the dog took the ball, disappeared for a while, and then returned without it. We all thought the ball was lost and that we would have to leave off the cricket, but as soon as

we began to pack up the lunch things, the intelligent dog disappeared again, returning with the ball in its mouth. G. Who and how many were in attendance? DM. Attendees at these days included clergy and accredited volunteers from the parishes of Mitcham, Glen Osmond, Burnside, Parkside, Hawthorn, and Clarence Gardens, our wonderful hosts as well as nearly 30 young people. It was quite a crowd on both occasions, notwithstanding the adverse weather conditions. G. Is there a plan to hold similar events in the future? DM. We aim to continue these or similar events each school holidays going forward. Our next activity is a dolphin and seal watching sailing day on a yacht that Glen Osmond parish have kindly chartered. There will be a BBQ lunch provided. Hopefully we’ll ski again in the warmer holidays, but we had to admit, it’s a bit too cold to ski in winter! G. Are other parishes able to get involved? DM. Other parishes are very welcome to participate in our program. In order to register interest and gather information they might make contact with the Parish office at Glen Osmond or call on 0447 307 386.

19


COMMUNITY

Obituaries Dr David Swale AM & Kelvin Kay 1949 as Organ Scholar at Gonville and Caius College. He then taught music at Christ’s Hospital School in Sussex, before being appointed to St Peter’s College in Adelaide in 1961.

Dr David Swale AM Musician and Teacher Born, York, UK, 21 February 1928 Died Adelaide, 17 May 2018 David Swale was born in York, England. He sang from the age of 8 in the choir of York Minster under Sir Edward Bairstow, with whom he later studied organ. He went up to Cambridge in

In 1962 he was appointed Organist and Master of the Choristers, and later Principal Organist, at St Peter’s Cathedral, Adelaide, which posts he held for 37 years. From 1965 he also taught at the Elder Conservatorium at the University of Adelaide. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1989 for his services to music. At the Cathedral, David promoted a rich variety of music encompassing the classic Anglican cathedral repertoire, and a good deal more besides. He delved deeply into the treasury of English and continental church music, as well as promoting new Australian music.

who have served God and the Church quietly and with care, enthusiasm and love. Kelvin Kay was born in Queenstown, in the NW suburbs in the mid 1920s. His father died when he was only six. So he knew much of the harshness of the depression

Kelvin Kay 1924-2018 It has been my privilege to know Kelvin Kay for more than 40 years. He could perhaps be characterized as one of the silent majority of the Church. Though not so silent if you happened to be standing close to his clear booming voice on a cold and frosty morning, as you both enjoyed the repartee about some aspect of church life. The Diocese of Adelaide is littered with an array of faithful men and women

20

The young boy with his mother and siblings were greatly involved and nurtured in their Christian faith at St George’s, Alberton. A connection which continued after Kelvin married Claire and for most of his life. On leaving school, he studied accounting and electrical trades. He enlisted in the RAAF and trained as a radar operator on coastal patrols. Post war he returned to electrical pursuits, and then changed careers and became a Youth Probation Officer as a development of his extensive interest and involvement with youth activities through the Church.

In retirement, David remained active as a mentor and teacher, supporting the next generation of organists and church musicians in the development of their craft. Two of his former organ students, both now working professionally in opera, were among a trio of organists at his funeral. He also wrote a good deal of poetry and devotional prose, much of it inspired by his deep and abiding Christian faith, not least the Psalm Prayers he wrote for all 150 psalms. His Requiem Mass in St Peter’s Cathedral included the music of his mentors, Bairstow and Francis Jackson, as well as some of his own, and of the subject of his PhD research, the Italian baroque composer Giovanni Legrenzi. David was a truly faithful servant of Christ and the Church. May he rest in peace, and rise in glory. Peter Burdon

He became a Personnel Manager when the Department of Community Welfare and Aboriginal Affairs amalgamated in 1970 until his retirement in 1981. Most of those who know him knew he was a great Churchman and from his teen years was actively involved at St. George’s Church ---in the choir, in youth work, Sunday School, Church of England Boys Society, Men’s Society and in the digging of slit trenches in the Church yard during the war! He was a Warden there for 25 years and was actively involved in the design, organizing the volunteer building brigade and doing the electrical work in the new church building. He took great pride in his installation of the pendant sanctuary lamp such that the wiring was invisible to the naked eye! There are many folk like this, whose commitment to the ordinary life of church community goes unsung. To Kelvin it was important that the church community worked and worked well.


He also assisted in rolling the copies of the Guardian in the days when it was an old fashioned newspaper!

He was a member of Synod for many years.

He moved back to the Western suburbs in later years and was a highly respected member of St Bede’s Semaphore, singing in the choir and generally being faithful. Bp David McCall, Fr Gary Priest and I officiated at his funeral there in February.

When Kelvin and Claire moved to Glenelg in 1975 they became members of St. Peter’s Church where he was a Warden for 5 years. After his retirement, Kelvin spent every Friday at his new job -- as a volunteer at the Canterbury Book Shop where he built on existing friendships and established new ones amongst the clergy and other customers.

Fr Gary did the ‘unthinkable’ and cried out ‘Hallelujah!’(even though it was Lent!!..) in thanksgiving for Kelvin.. Of course highly appropriate! (Bp David and I just laughed)

Leaving the best until last I find not only his friendship, his hardwork, and commitment to the institution to be impressive, but also the fact that he was always at Church, quietly and faithfully week by week. Kelvin had a great sense of humour and as we’ve heard claimed it was essential to maintain it and keep your marbles which he did until his end, when in February this year he died aged 93. I am moved to say of Kelvin, as Jesus said of Nathaniel. “Behold a man in whom there is no deceit!” Stephan Clark

That Church On The Corner by Mara Di Francesco Many of us probably drive past St Martin’s on the corner of Gorge Rd and Lower North East Road on a regular basis without giving it a second glance, but it is well worth stopping to have a look. One of the distinctive features of the church is the Anzac Walk around the edge of the building. There amongst the rose bushes you will find memorial plaques commemorating the battles of the Anzac campaign. A ‘talking book’ in a bunker setting gives an interesting overall historical account. At night, changing coloured lights highlight the soldiers’ silhouettes as a further tribute to their sacrifice. This Walk was enabled by the Australian Government ANZAC Centenary Local Grant and was a joint venture of St Martin’s and Campbelltown Council You might like to continue your walk past the little historic chapel, with its beautiful stained-glass windows, into the Heritage Preserve cemetery, which is not only an attractive functioning cemetery but also a tribute to the early pioneer market gardeners of this district. The cemetery features some very old gravestones of early South Australian settlers and there are many

examples of farming implements used in the nineteenth century. Alongside this old Garden Cemetery is the brand-new Mausoleum Cemetery. Stage One of this project is complete and Stage Two is about to start. Sites are selling fast.

is part of St Martins stated vision to ‘Build Community Hope Compassion and a Future ‘ For further information, see the web-site: http://saintmartinscampbelltown.com/

St Martin’s is not only notable for its physical attributes. The church has a growing presence in the Campbelltown Community. It is home to The Backpack Project, which supplies packs of essential toiletries and other items for homeless people as well as bags of basic groceries for victims of domestic violence. It has a fully furbished BBQ trailer, which is used at community events, and for charitable work. It offers community activities like a book club, scones and chat, a movie club as well as spiritual programs. You don’t have to be a member of the church to take part in these. During this year you will see a new Community Room built next to the church. This will enable further community programs to take place. The rector of St Martin’s, Reverend Mara Di Francesco, says that all this development is very intentional and

21

COMMUNITY

Amidst all this he brought up a young family into the life of the community and the Church


COMMUNITY

Helping Fight Poverty With the Gift of Words Noteworthy Cards is an Australian social enterprise selling greeting and encouragement cards while donating 100% of profits to fund life-changing gifts for people suffering in poverty. Noteworthy Cards founder James Agnew, a member of Trinity Church Aldgate, and graphic designer, who took inspiration from other Australian social enterprises, Thankyou and Who Gives a Crap? Explains how Noteworthy Cards came to be, “There were multiple reasons why I started Noteworthy Cards, but ultimately it was because of my faith in Jesus. During his time on earth, he healed the sick, fed the hungry, restored sight to the blind and cared for many people in need. He then gave his life so that all people could be forgiven and set free from sin. “Being deeply thankful for all that Jesus has done for me, I want to use my life

22

Noteworthy Cards founder, James Agnew.

to help others know his love, and I want to care for people in need. I was challenged to think about how I could use my God-given gifts to bless others, and I realised that my graphic design and marketing skills could be used to create and sell greeting cards that would raise funds to make a difference for people suffering in poverty. “Additionally, the Bible talks about the great value of encouraging and building others up, so one of the objectives of Noteworthy Cards is to inspire people to love generously through words of encouragement. I’ve designed a variety of encouragement cards that can be used for this purpose.” Taking consistent encouragement from his wife, James took the plunge in June 2017 to go about committing himself to the project (in his spare time!). Some 300 days later the initiative was ready to launch, and in April this year Noteworthy Cards was born, and James is more inspired than ever to make a success of it, “The motivation that led me to launch Noteworthy Cards is the same motivation that keeps me working hard to grow the social enterprise: I

want to follow Jesus’ example and make a difference for people in need because I’m so thankful for His generosity to me. “Having witnessed poverty first-hand when I visited slums in the Philippines ten years ago, I know that my life is luxurious by comparison, and I don’t want to forget about those who are living in extremely difficult circumstances. The fact that 100% of profits are donated to fund lifechanging gifts for people suffering in poverty motivates me to continue running and developing Noteworthy Cards. I’m eager for more people to hear about this social enterprise and purchase cards, because together we can change lives for the better.” For more about Noteworthy Cards or to make purchases go to: www.noteworthy.cards

Guardian readers are invited to save 10% on all orders until the end of August with coupon code 'GUARDIAN'


COMMUNITY Monday 27 August at 6:45pm at Capri Theatre Goodwood, SA

Film Review: For ‘What is the best and worst the church has to offer?’ What are your thoughts on the Christian church? This query is not about the local building or the sermon that was heard last week; it is a broader question of the perception you have of the church. A question that can lead to extreme highs and extreme lows while looking at your preferred news outlet. Clicking on one video may show the beauty of a group of Christians as they attend to the needs of people suffering somewhere in the world, while the next video link depicts the horrors of things that happened behind closed doors of a prominent church leader. What is the public to make of these mixed messages? The Centre of Public Christianity based in Australia and fronted by Simon Smart, John Dickson and Justine Toh, have been working on a project that addresses these questions directly. For the Love of God: How the church is better and worse than you ever imagined has taken years of investigation and work to get to theatres, but it has been worth the wait. In comparison with the latest Marvel or heist film, there is not much action

the Love of God

to experience from this theological discussion, but the history makes for fascinating drama as the details unfold on screen. The investigative team does not hold back on exposing some of the worst that the church has had a hand in throughout history – The crusades, inquisitions, witch trials, and the oppression of women. Showing that despite the message that Jesus offers to the world, sometimes his followers can sometimes get misled. These realities are painful to acknowledge, but show that there is something to learn from history and the hope that mankind does not repeat these atrocities. Thankfully they balance the worst with the best by engaging with the actual words of the man from Nazareth. Showing that the original intent of his teachings was radical and worldchanging, but how sometimes the audience lost sight of the message. The stories of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King and more serve as an excellent counterbalance to the challenges seen throughout the past. The historians manage to show the profound impact and influence that Jesus’ teachings of humility, human rights, charity and non-violence have had on the moulding of Western

culture and have lead to some of the best events in the world’s history. A refreshing component of this video project is the quality of the filming, storytelling and the quality of the presenters. There is a logical thread that runs throughout the different segments and the consistency of the production that adds to the quality of the historical content. As a documentary, the CPX team manages to keep the pacing and the content engaging without diluting the message they are trying to convey. The presenting crew comes across as having a passion for the information that will draw audiences into the elements of each narrative shared. Despite anyone’s preconceived notions of the church or faith position, this is a film that is accessible and should lead to a multitude of robust conversations. It will not answer all of the questions people may have about the church, Jesus or God, but it does provide a rich and in-depth analysis that should be accessible to anyone with genuine curiosity on the topic of the church, for better or worse. reviews written by Russell Matthews based on a five star rating. http://russellingreveiws.blogspot.com.au

23


24


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Guardian July 2018 by Anglican Diocese of Adelaide - Issuu