Guardian Advent 2014

ADVENT 2014

THE MAGAZINE OF THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF ADELAIDE

Advent: the of

Challenge

Hope

INSIDE: SERVING GOD AND COUNTRY

G

THE ANGLICAN GUARDIAN Published by the Diocese of Adelaide

Edited by Katrina McLachlan THE ANGLICAN GUARDIAN Phone: (08) 8305 9348 Fax: (08)of8305 9399 Published by the Diocese Adelaide Email: Edited by Katrina McLachlan communications@adelaide.anglican.com.au Phone: (08) 8305 9348 www.adelaide.anglican.com.au Fax: (08) 8305 9399 Email: Layout and design by WOW! Creative communications@adelaide.anglican.com.au Phone: (08) 8362 1533 www.adelaide.anglican.com.au www.wowcreative.com.au Layout by Writing by Ashleigh Knott and Ellie Benjamin vanCooper Caspel Phone: 0478 082 114 Photography by Brenton Edwards www.caspeldesign.com Phone: 0419 815 443 www.storieswelltold.com.au Photography

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A PIANIST’S HANDS LOOKING BACK

by Joan Fenney

David Thornton-Wakeford Looking back, do you see some daft moments when you must have totally lost the plot and had a brain freeze?

Looking back, do you wish you’d had the insight to know you were barking up the wrong tree without a prayer?

Looking back, were you too impatient to see the big picture; driven to distraction with fleeting fancies?

Phone: is (08) 8179 9900 The Guardian a member of The Australasian Religious Press Association The Guardian is a member of The Australasian Religious Press Association

I knew my grandfather Looking back, from a distance. you can’t change a thing and He was a quiet man ‘the benefit of hindsight’ his words stayed folded is poor consolation for like a letter never opened. your mistakes.

Only once do I remember Lookinghis back: words to me. I was twelve. what’s the Hepoint? asked if I played the piano All you’ll reallywere get long at best said my fingers and slender is a sore neck or at worst like the pianist at his church. a pillar of salt.

I stayed silent scared to cover his words with mine.

I wanted to photograph them frame them in my mind hold them as a reminder of all the words he might have said to me if someone had opened the letter.

Ann Nadge is The Guardian’s poetry editor. Submissions of 20 lines or less are welcome.

Ann Nadge is The Guardian’s poetry editor. Submissions of 20 lines or less are welcome.

Send to the general editorial email address.

Send to the general editorial email address.

The joy of learning

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ADVENT –

THE CHALLENGE OF HOPE

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FA ITH

Archbishop Jeffrey Driver

Advent is a season of expectation. With the already too familiar decorations in the shops, and well-worn carols piped into our ears, we make our journey towards the festival of Christmas. Despite frayed shopping nerves the air is filled with chirpy cheer.

On the other hand, in Advent traditionally we also think about “the last things”, the end times…eschatology, the theologians call it.

This might seem like all gloom and doom and a long way away from the cheery jangle of Christmas shopping.

But Advent is thoroughly a season of hope. It tells us that there is something beyond things as they are. Beyond the present state of things, there is fulfilment, completion, an end and purpose.

The world might well despair of purpose. We have good cause to worry about whether our planet can bear our exploitation of its resources, our despoiling of its fragile ecological balance. We can easily despair at the seeming futility of a vision for peace, when wars and conflicts continue to proliferate and persist despite our best endeavours. Many of our young look at the world’s future with foreboding and powerlessness.

What is true on the global scale can also be true on the personal. Through the traumas, the disappointments, the losses

we experience, our hope can be bruised, our personal optimism lost. Foreboding about what might become of our personal world can rob us of optimism and hope.

The atheist philosopher, Jean Paul Sartre, spoke of a being (which was) characterised by nauseating nothingness. Too many of our young live in this empty space and in Australia too many of them are choosing not to continue living, or are numbing their living with substance addiction.

Even in the Church, optimism and hope can be flattened by the contradictions, failings and frailty we see about us. Our sense of purpose can be lost in the petty; our vision can be fogged in the struggle for survival.

Advent calls us to greater things. Advent calls us to vision. Advent calls us to the courage of hope.

This is the season that reminds us that despite the stupidities and contradictions of humanity, despite the cruelty and darkness we sometimes confront, despite the pain and shadows that loom before us, we can know that our lives are caught up in a great and wonderful purpose. The human journey has not just a destination, but a rich fulfilment.

Our lives matter. Our endeavours count.

This is the hope of Advent.

Our challenge is to live it!

+Jeffrey

4.

Being Missional

6.

Serving God and Country

8.

A Warm Welcome for Eleven Ordinands

10 MISSION 10. A Lesson in Forgiveness 11. 6th Bishop of the Northern Territory Installed 12. Children Embody the Meaning of Charity 13. Love Came Down at Christmas 14. Strong Foundation for the Future

16 FOCUS 16. St Barnabas’ is Coming Home 18. The Power of Networks 19. St Chad’s Community Garden Official Opening

20 SCHOOLS 20. Advent Celebrations at St Peter’s Woodlands 21. Walking in the Footsteps of Heroes

22 COMMUNIT Y

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contents

22. God Words 24. Local, National & International News 26. People and Places On the cover: St Peter’s Woodlands students Austin, Gracie and Lewis light the Advent Candle in their School Chapel.

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F AITH

BEING MISSIONAL

by KEITH STEPHENS

As Registrar and Secretary of Synod every now and then I am extended the pleasure of a personal invitation from a parish to join their congregation on a Sunday for worship. I say pleasure because whenever I have an invitation to a parish it is usually to respond to some sort of crisis (or worse I come uninvited) and then it usually means that something is really wrong!

Often when I visit a parish it is to be all legalistic and read out the Licence of the clergy person at their induction. In many ways, the role I play is the least pastoral and friendly component of the service – nobody likes being told that their Licence can be taken away with three months notice – nonetheless, it is important.

Recently, I was invited by the Parish of Elizabeth to join them for their Patronal Festival. The invitation was not just to join the congregation for worship and a nice lunch afterwards, Archdeacon Lyn McRostie requested that I speak during the service, preferably on the subject of our Mission.

The Gospel reading for the day was John 3:13-17. This seemed very apt for a parish that started life as a missional community in the early days of the new city of Elizabeth and ‘right on the mark’ for a reflection on mission. In particular, my attention was on the last two verses of John’s words: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

I have heard it said that this passage is the Gospel in a ‘nutshell’ and, to a Christian, there should be some resonance to that statement. However, as a ‘catch all line’ it is probably not much use to us in a postChristian world. You would probably get many blank faces if you started talking as John does! Though, I challenge anyone not to be moved by John’s poetic narrative of darkness, light and life.

So, we are left with this wonderful passage that should mean something to us as believers and followers in Christ. Indeed, this passage brings before us so much of what our faith is built on; so much so that it is woven through our Creeds and

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Thanksgiving prayers, both of which we regularly recite and pray. For those who would call themselves Christians, we can identify and recognise the significance that our belief in Jesus gives us eternal life and through Him we are saved.

As I mentioned before, this might not mean a lot to those outside the Christian community, so we are left with a little bit of a conundrum... How do we share this message? How do we live out our calling as Christians to share the gospel?

Sadly, this is something that all of us have to learn and embrace anew.

Modern theological thinking would call it Missio Dei, or translated as ‘Mission of God’. Put much more simply you can think of it like this: • Bring people to Christ • Gather them together • Live as God in the world I would like to think that these three simple points are something to which all of us can relate and articulate in a way that would be easily identified – and with prayer – embraced by others.

However, from my experience of working in the diocese, as a parishioner as well as being a Christian, my observations on mission are this: • To be missional requires energy • To be missional requires that whatever we do, must be sincere • Mission must be authentic • Our mission is not just something that can be given a label and promoted for a month, then forgotten • Mission is not just about Sunday services starting on page 119 of the Prayer Book • Our mission cannot be outsourced

• Most of all, to be missional requires prayer.

There is no doubt that being missional in 21st century Australia is not easy.

Anglicans in Adelaide have had probably 20 or more years of world-shaking change; we have lost our privilege, our importance, our numbers, our voice, but in all this, and I still believe it to be so, I don’t think we have lost the relevance of our message. Our relevance today is as important as it was 50 years ago, when we had thriving church communities full of youth groups, young families and song filled choirs. Yes, our energy is depleted, numbers and resources are scarce, but these are the truths we face.

John 3:13-17 is part of a conversation with a Pharisee named Nicodemus. John does not tell us how the conversation ends, but Jesus does give Nicodemus a bit of a ‘shake down’ which you can only assume had an effect on him as he appears on two further occasions. On the last occasion at Jesus’ Crucifixion, Nicodemus is helping Joseph of Arimathea prepare Jesus’ body for burial. Clearly, Nicodemus was moved by his knowing of Jesus.

To me, when you think about Jesus as a person who was amongst us, who showed us what life and light is all about, it is hard not to get inspired about our calling as Christians to live out our mission and bring people to know God! Thinking about loss and change in the Church, for me, it is the acceptance of the lost privilege that gives me the energy, but most all the faith to embrace God’s Mission. To be raw and real about our work is much more important than assuming a position in our community just because we are a historic institution. I would rather our Church take a position in the community because we want to bring people to know Jesus, because we gather community and because we live as God in the world. If we can do these things, we might truly share with others that in Jesus there is eternal life.

For the diocese (and I use this term in the broadest sense) we are just starting to appreciate what God’s Mission might look like, without the veneer of assumed position and privilege. For example, the Playford Ministry Initiative, which is based in the Parish of Elizabeth, is all about rethinking and expressing how we share our message.

It is about BEING church rather than DOING church. What I like about this initiative is that it includes so many people and brings so many groups together. This is certainly not an ‘outsourced’ activity!

who we are, we are known to Him by name, we are worthy of His love.

The previous Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, had this to say about God’s Mission.

Let’s look at the words of John again:

At root it all has to do with whether we believe that religion is about fullness of life or about control ...religious education is about conveying ...what I call the peaceful worthwhileness of each person. The person as he or she is at rest is worthwhile, just as they are. From that God will move.

God will create. God will change.

I think this reflection sits nicely with our passage from John and rests well against our conversation about mission.

At the heart we have a message that God loves every one of us and, no matter

Our mission is about sharing that love and we get the opportunity to do that every day.

Whether it is in our close relationships, with our neighbours and colleagues, or with the stranger who comes to the Elizabeth Mission Hall, the Magdalene Centre or the parish drop-in centre for a meal and some company. We get the opportunity every day to express what God’s love means to us and, most importantly, to live as God in the world.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Our mission as a diocese for our congregations and parishes, but most important our mission as individual Christians is to take this ‘nutshell’ and pray. Pray that we might reflect on the truth of what John is saying and from there be encouraged and inspired to bring people to Christ, gather them together and live as God in the world.

We must sit and stare directly at our truths, as hard and sad as it can sometimes be, but in this grief for a lost age and church, we can find the comfort and presence of God and with His presence we find acceptance.

It is easy to mourn the lost church, and we can often spend an inordinate amount of time lamenting the past, but putting it in perspective, we cannot escape that Jesus lost all this too. Jesus lost his dignity, his friends, and ultimately his life, to die in humiliation on the cross.

However, our faith is based on the story of life coming out of loss and death. For each one of us, the grief we might have for whatever it is that we feel we have lost, there is the promise of light and life.

I like to think about Jesus’ death, not just about his sacrifice, but also in the life that he did have. Each person he met in his brief life, he showed what it means to live as God in the world. In short he loved everybody and was relevant to their lives and always profoundly life changing to them.

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F AITH On Remembrance Day, November 11, the sacrifice of servicemen and women was honoured by the Adelaide Anglican Diocese.

The day was especially poignant, following Australia’s commitment to further military action in Iraq.

In every conflict since World War One, Defence Chaplains have assisted the people who serve Australia, caring for their emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

Archbishop Jeffrey Driver reflects on the difficult question of when it is right or justified to enter into conflict.

“The fundamentalist answers are always the easy ones – the extremist leaders of ISIL have no doubts about the rightness of taking up arms to impose their view of the universe,” he says.

“The Christian tradition has a more nuanced approach, there are times when to take up arms, or to go to war, is the least evil thing to do.”

The Archbishop says it’s important to pause before taking action.

“In any situation where we might contemplate the use of military force, that touch of hesitancy, that note of caution and ambivalence, is the gift of our own humanity,” he says.

“So if there are times when we feel we must take up arms, let it always be with a heavy heart; and for people of faith may it always be with a prayer on our lips.”

SERVING GOD and

country

by ELLIE COOPER

The Australian Defence Force have, throughout history, protected the freedom of our country and aided other nations in need.

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With the current mission in mind, it is important to be grateful for our freedom and to keep those personally impacted by war in our thoughts.

“For stable and wealthy nations like Australia, the tragedy of conflict should always remind us that the very wealth and stability we cherish brings a responsibility within the global family,” the Archbishop says.

Defence Sunday, held annually the Sunday before Remembrance Day, recognises the contribution made by the Anglican Church to the lives of Defence personnel and their families.

The initiative of the Anglican Defence Bishop encourages parishes throughout Australia to pray for the work of Defence Chaplains.

The Rev’d Neil Mathieson has served in this role in South Australia for four years and is part of a vital support network for servicemen and women.

“One of the lovely things about Defence Chaplains is that our primary duty is one of care, and that allows us lots of flexibility and the ability to provide pastoral care on a whole number of issues,” he says.

“There are a number of pressures – family life can be stressful for everyone, and throw in living away from home and deployment and it’s very difficult for people.”

While Defence Chaplains are commissioned members of the Defence Force and wear the khaki uniform, the ‘Padres’ are well known as approachable confidants.

They visit workplaces, accompany personnel on exercises, and visit homes to assist in personal matters and provide support to families.

“It’s actually very similar, strangely enough, to School Chaplaincy in that you’re there for people and you talk to the principal, or in our case the Commanding Officer,” Neil says.

“Chaplains are a very good release valve for people because most of the conversations we have are off the record,” Neil says

“There are cases where some soldiers experience posttraumatic stress and there are significant repercussions for their health and wellbeing – we’re here to help,” Neil says.

“People can ask questions and blow steam and all those sorts of things and know that it’s not necessarily going to go anywhere.”

“Then some people go on with their career and manage the things that they do.

“A lot of stuff is informal – I’ll just say ‘G’day’ and see how things are going.”

Once the initial rapport is established, Chaplains begin to build a trusted relationship with their charges.

With Australian Forces now in Iraq, Chaplains counsel soldiers and their loved ones through the stark reality of war.

“One of the soldiers told me he has another deployment, so he’s just about to go back to Iraq,” Neil says.

“That’s quite stressful for his family because it’s not a particularly fantastic place to be in.

“If we have a member who is going we catch up to see how they are and put in place a plan to contact the family on a fairly regular basis to make sure they’re ok.”

“Padres are seen as unthreatening, even though we hold some rank, and in essence we’re a friendly face.”

Defence Chaplaincy is far removed from parish duties, and Chaplains take on the challenges of Service life, entering conflict zones and experiencing family separation.

Neil has worked with the Adelaide University Regiment and currently cares for the Cadets and the 10th/27th Battalion.

“Chaplains aren’t going to be out on the front lines so they won’t be on patrol, but still there is danger,” Neil says.

Defence Chaplaincy wasn’t something Neil had considered before being approached by the Bishop of Defence but he decided to take it up and all the stages of traditional Defence Force recruiting, including ‘the dreaded physical’ followed.

“When Chaplains went to Timor and they would go through the markets they would need to take an escort.

“As I went through the process it felt more and more like it was the right thing to do,” Neil says.

“Each person responds differently to their experience.”

The strength of Chaplains is their ability to recognise and meet the individual needs of each person who makes up the Defence Force.

Whether standing by the side of soldiers or waiting with family for their return, Defence Chaplains are a solid foundation in times of instability.

“So there are significant risks Chaplains undertake.”

Even when a military conflict is over and soldiers return from war the care provided by Chaplains continues.

To become a Special Service Officer Neil also undertook courses at the Royal Military College, Duntroon, in Canberra, “Whether you’re a doctor or a lawyer or a medic we all do the same course in Canberra so we learn basics of how to be a soldier,” he says.

“Then there’s some Padre training that’s on top of that on how we conduct ourselves.”

The main tactic, according to Neil, is to always be present.

“The Chaplain’s department has a saying, ‘we loiter with intent’, so often we hang around what we call a ‘brew point’, which is a tea and coffee point,” he says.

“Most soldiers will come to that at some stage, and if you’re around you can start up a conversation.

The Rev’d Neil Mathieson

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F AITH

GRANT MOORE: THE LONG ROAD Grant Moore proves it’s never too late to achieve your goals, finally realising his dream of becoming a Priest after more than 50 years.

Preaching as a lay person and teaching outside the church will hold him in good stead for his duties.

Grant told the Guardian he is looking forward to devoting his time to sharing God’s word at St Peter’s Cathedral without having to “worry about earning a crust doing anything else”.

When did you become involved in the church?

Even when I was two years old my mum said I was asking questions about God, and I loved Sunday School and hearing all the stories about Jesus – it was almost in my DNA. Recently ordained: The Rev’d Mary Cranston and The Rev’d Grant Moore.

It was very unusual for me to go alone to church with my mum.

welcome a warm

But on this day, I was eight yearsold, I pointed to the Minister in his elevated pulpit and said, “That’s what I’m going to do when I grow up”.

FO R E L E V E N O R DI N A N D S This year our Diocesan Ordination Service, celebrating St Andrew’s Day (transferred from the Monday), was held at St Peter’s Cathedral on Saturday the 6th of December.

The service was a week later than usual, so that Adelaide could be represented at the consecration of a new bishop for the Northern Territory.

Archbishop Jeffrey Driver is again delighted with the number and depth of ordinands to both the Priesthood and the Transitional Diaconate.

To the Priesthood the Adelaide Diocese welcomed: Lynn Arnold - Devoted to public service, Lynn has worked in education, severed as Premier and has spent fifteen years in the community sector with World Vision and Anglicare.

Coria Chan - Coria was born and raised in Hong Kong where she studied

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Theology and, as a Chinese female priest, her vision is to introduce Jesus to the local Chinese community.

Samuel Chan - Samuel married Coria in 1982 and after teaching in Hong Kong their family immigrated to Sydney in 1992 where he spent a decade as a church pastor before returning to China as a Bible teacher.

Simon Hill - Simon grew up in country South Australia, moving to Adelaide to further his education and worked as an engineer in Belgium and Japan before devoting his time to the Church.

Simon Jackson - Before entering full-time ministry Simon was a physiotherapist for five years in Adelaide and Sydney, but has always been very involved with the Church – when he’s not enjoying coffee and cycling.

Matthew Lehmann - Matt was introduced to Christianity while backpacking in Europe and returned to Adelaide to study and pursue youth ministry, which then fostered his passion for church planting.

And Grant Moore (see right).

And to the Transitional Diaconate we welcomed:

I had a very distinct calling, my mother took me to St Steven’s Lutheran Church.

David Broxholme (for CMS missionary service) – While at the University of Adelaide, a Christian group led David to complete a Bachelor of Theology and he has since worked at Holy Trinity Adelaide as well as serving in East Asia with CMS. Andrew Forder - As well as avidly pursing his own studies, Andrew has been teaching for more than 20 years and is the Worship Coordinator at Woodcroft College and enjoys the pastoral rewards it brings.

Simon Marshman - After completing his medical degree in Adelaide, Simon moved to country Victoria to serve in a small church and work as a GP before furthering his study and taking up a pastor position at Holy Trinity Adelaide.

And Mary Cranston (see right).

The Guardian spoke to Mary Cranston and Grant Moore about their very individual journeys to ordination but welcome all of the ordination candidates and we look forward to sharing their stories and experiences through the pages of the Guardian very soon.

Having had a calling at a young age, why did it take so long to be ordained?

I actually wanted to go to Theological College when I was 19 but I realised that I was too immature, too young, and I didn’t have life experience.

When I got married and my kids were in primary school I said to my wife I was ready.

She said I didn’t have the leadership skills yet.

I’ve always taken the view that in a marriage you should make big, unilateral decisions together – if God wants you to do something he’ll show your partner as well.

My wife died when I was in my late 40s and that was a traumatic time, and then I remarried and had a very difficult second marriage.

It resurfaced after we divorced when I had a period by myself, then married my current wife.

It was right at the back of my mind, and I thought it had probably passed me by.

But I had Archbishop Jeffrey as one of my lecturers at St Barnabas’ College and I asked him whether he’d ordain “an old bloke like me”.

He told me to come and have a conversation.

What have you been doing in the meantime?

MARY CRANSTON: SERVICE EXPERIENCE

it’s hospitality and the opportunity to serve and make people happy.

Four years ago Mary Cranston experienced a strong pull towards service, even before understanding what it meant to be ordained.

All of the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met and experiences I’ve had will hopefully stand me in good stead to be able to just be present with people, rather than always trying to find answers.

Since her calling Mary has studied to become a deacon, preparing for her role through church duties while managing the ethically focused Artisan Café in Blackwood.

She calls Adelaide home and was raised Anglican but the inspiring woman has also followed her own path – running a business, working in local government and travelling extensively overseas.

For Mary, becoming a deacon is the next stage in her journey and she told the Guardian her experiences will help her engage with people from all walks of life within the community.

How will your varied background shape your approach as a deacon?

I haven’t had the easiest or smoothest life and I’ve met a fair bit of adversity, so now I find myself able to listen.

People are just looking for someone to witness their story and what I’ve experienced in my own life has led me to be the person who can do that.

There’s some similarity between running a café and being ordained because

We’ve had people come in over the years for a cup of coffee everyday and that’s their connection to community.

What does it mean to be an ordained woman?

I’m aware of enormous changes since the first female ordination and of the women who have paved the way.

There’s still a lot of work to do in how women understand their role and how men understand women’s roles and how we grow together.

I started out teaching post-primary kids in the Northern Territory, on an Aboriginal settlement in the Tanami Desert.

They were kids who weren’t considered academic enough to go into Alice Springs but they were doing a training course.

Then I came back home to South Australia and I was a primary school teacher for nearly 20 years.

When I was at an R-12 school my boss said, “I know you love geography, would you consider teaching the Year 12s?”

In the end I jumped completely to high school for the last 15 years of my career.

Will your teaching background be useful as a Priest?

Someone told me when I was preaching the other day that I still sound like a teacher explaining things to a class.

In my first year at the Cathedral we had a group of young people who wanted to be baptised and confirmed so I took them every Sunday to teach them the basics of the Christian faith.

Given all my experience with senior students, the Archbishop also made me chaplain of St Mark’s as university students are only a year or two older.

I’ve loved it there, I go to dinner there every week and sit with the students and chat.

I’ve only been there for a few weeks so I’m still finding my way but from what I can see there’s lots of big projects going on.

The community is growing and there are lots of different cultures within it.

The congregation sings beautifully even without any sort of accompaniment and just has a very humble, charitable and sincere approach to their faith.

How have you found chaplaincy at St Andrew’s College?

I’ve never been a chaplain before and it was a huge learning curve.

St Andrew’s is a remarkable school that really strives to move forward in relationships with people.

For me, personally, when I felt called into ministry my gender never came into it.

I found the eagerness from both the Church and the school to work together is phenomenal – recognising that it isn’t always easy.

I seek to communicate with people less on race, culture and gender and more on what I’m hearing.

The children are sensational and tend to be the ones that end up giving me the homily – I just have to ask the right questions.

I’m very privileged to be part of the tradition of ordination and also part of female ordination.

Even those who don’t engage to start with, when they become accustomed to the fact that the questions are going to be asked they’re almost ready for them and little hands are popping up everywhere.

You recently moved to St Mary’s. Tell us what makes this parish special.

St Mary’s has the Picket Fence Community Centre, a market garden, table talk, and lots of community engagement.

I see this growth in them where they start to look into the gospel and teach us as they do it.

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MISSION

a lesson in

6th Bishop

FORGIVENESS The Rev’d Ben Bleby reflects on Bishop Alexis’ recent visit to St Peter’s College As part of the Year 11 Religion Studies course, students at St Peter’s College study Ethical and Social Justice Issues in an effort to explore and understand religious positions on them. Some classes have been exploring many of the complicated dynamics that led to the Rwandan Genocide which occurred 20 years ago and brought about the killing of over 1 million people in the space of 100 days.

We ask questions like “How do things like this happen?”, “What role does religion play in them?” and particularly “What has been the role of the Christian Gospel in the rebuilding of relationships and peace in Rwanda?”

Our Year 11 Religion Studies students recently had the pleasure of a visit from Bishop Alexis Bilindabagabo, Bishop of the Diocese of Gahini in Rwanda who himself has been a refugee three times in his life, was saved from the slaughter of 1994 by a series of what could only be described as miracles, and returned to Rwanda to play a critical role in the reconciliation of his home country. God has called him to be a ‘father to the fatherless’ and with five of his own biological children and six adopted children he sees the 15,000 orphaned children that have been placed in families over the years very much as his own.

Bishop Alexis Bilindabagabo meets with St Peter’s College students.

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OF THE

NORTHERN TERRITORY INSTALLED

Here are a couple of responses from our students to his visit:

I found the talk with Bishop Alexis very interesting. He obviously has a very complicated and interesting story, and given more time in perhaps a more private setting, I would have loved to hear more of his life during the conflict in Rwanda. The biggest part of his talk that stayed with me was his finishing note on forgiveness. To be able to confront those that murdered your family in cold blood, for no crime at all, and tell them they are forgiven for their sins in incredible. Bishop Alexis brought a more ‘in-depth’ light to the Rwanda genocide and taught me a new aspect of the Bible.

Tom, Yr 11 Bishop Alexis’ talk was quite honestly one of the best talks I’ve heard. It was very interesting to hear about the obstacles he had to overcome and how brave and righteous he was in the way he crossed them. His words on “being an orange tree” were quite inspiring, it made be realise that everyone should strive to be their greatest and bounce back from conflict. I had previously learnt about

The Service and Installation of the Reverend Doctor Greg Anderson, the 6th Bishop of the Diocese of the Northern Territory took place on Saturday 29th November at 9 am in Christ Church Cathedral in Darwin.

Archbishop Jeffrey Driver and Mr Keith Stephens were among the hundreds of Anglican Church representatives who attended the event.

the Rwandan genocide earlier this year through the 40 Hour Famine, but I hadn’t heard many of the personal stories, Bishop Alexis’ recount made me realise how terrible the genocide truly was. His talk also made me realise that there is no benefit in revenge, the only way forward is reconciliation and forgiveness.

Oliver, Yr 11

The Diocese of the Northern Territory is the youngest of the 23 dioceses (regions) of the Anglican Church of Australia.

The Diocese is responsible for the ministry of the Anglican Church across the whole of the Northern Territory and comprises almost one fifth of the Australian landmass, over six times the size of Great Britain.

The total population of the Northern Territory is about 230,000 people with 30 per cent of those being Indigenous Australians.

Dr Anderson was the Head of the Department of Mission at Moore Theological College, Sydney, since 2007 and has had a long-standing interest in the Aboriginal church and in ministry in the Northern Territory.

In the 1990’s, he and his wife worked with CMS as missionaries in the Territory.

As well as training Indigenous leaders at Nungalinya College in Darwin, he was also Indigenous Ministry Development Officer for the Diocese of the Northern Territory.

The Bishop has expressed his gratitude for the prayers of many as he takes up his new appointment.

“The Territory has a rapidly growing population, with many challenges, and also many opportunities, including opportunities for Christian ministry,” the Bishop said.

“The situation of the Indigenous churches is precious – people whose traditional culture is thousands of years old, and who are thinking hard about what it is to be both Aboriginal and Christian.

“A particular opportunity for Territory ministry is for people from different cultures to read the Bible together and be open to how God can correct our own culturallyshaped blind-spots through hearing one another’s perspective of what God is saying.”

Above: Bishops and Archbishops; Robert Gillon, Roger Herft, Jeffrey Driver, Gary Nelson, Bill Ray, Saibo Mabo, Clyde Wood.

Below right: Bishop Anderson being blessed.

Below left: Numbulwar ladies forming an arch for Bishop Elect Gregory Anderson to be presented by Rt Rev’d Rob Forsyth, Dr Andrew Bell and Mr Max Horton Ms Vivienne Hayward and Rev’d Pat Williams (obscured).

Photos by Adam Burgan.

Bottom of page: All of the processors, including visiting clergy.

Bishop Alexis certainly highlighted to us the uniqueness of Christian forgiveness through Jesus Christ, both for each of us personally and corporately within our communities.

ANGLICAN BISHOP FROM RWANDA VISITS ADELAIDE

He spread a message of forgiveness and gratitude during his three week tour of Australia in October.

Having emerged from the horrors of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, Bishop Alexis Bilindabagabo made it his mission to care for the orphans of his home country.

The Bishop has a strong focus on ensuring children are taught to make the right choices and are aware that their decisions have a wide-spread effect.

Bishop Alexis has five biological children, six adopted children and 15,000 other children in his care in the Anglican Diocese of Gahini, Rwanda.

He believes he is meant to be a ‘father to the fatherless’ after his survival of the Rwandan Genocide.

In Adelaide, he focused his visit on secondary schools and gave lectures at Trinity College, St Peter’s College, Pedare College and Pulteney Grammer.

This was the Bishop’s 14th tour of Australia.

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MISSION

CHILDREN embody the meaning of CHARITY

by ELLIE COOPER While many of us are blessed with basic necessities and more, there are families who aren’t as lucky. Caring for those in need is important all year round, but Christmas especially is a time when everyone deserves a gesture of love and support.

The kind-heartedness of children can teach us the importance of charity.

St Andrew’s student Ariel, Year 1, donated her birthday money to South Australian charity Kickstart for Kids, which provides breakfast and lunch programs to children in need.

(Left to right) Elaine, 6, Ariel, 7, Felix, 6, and (behind) Ian Steel, Kickstart for Kids Founder, enjoy breakfast.

Her parents gave Ariel the choice to have a present or to donate, and she selected Kickstart herself.

Ian Steel, Founder of Kickstart for Kids, jumped at the chance to meet Ariel to thank her for her gift.

“I said donate because it’s really important for lots of charities to have money to buy breakfast and other things,” Ariel says.

He says every donation and gesture like Ariel’s makes a difference to the organisation and to the growing number of disadvantaged children in SA.

“I gave it to the charity because it’s a very important meal, breakfast, and I thought children in need and schools in need that don’t have breakfast, they would having nothing to eat and nothing to get them started and ready.”

Ariel has a generous spirit and donated to the Smith Family, another children’s charity, last Christmas.

She says she is currently deciding which charity to give to this Christmas as well.

“It’s not just you that you should care about, it’s also other kids because they’re very important to the world too and it’s a really good idea,” Ariel says.

“We don’t get any government funding so it costs us $10,000 a month to run our program so we need all the donations we can get,” Ian says.

“And obviously beautiful little girls like Ariel who have heard about what we do and want to donate their birthday money is outstanding.”

Ariel first learned about Kickstart for Kids from her friend, and Ian says often children really care about their peers, even those who they haven’t met.

“I just had an email from a family who’s got two kids and they’re going to donate all of the money from their birthdays to Kickstart,” he says.

“It’s great these kids who get breakfast want to look after the kids who don’t have breakfast and don’t have lunch.”

The organisation works especially hard in the lead up to Christmas.

With no way of reaching the children they look after during the holidays, Kickstart sends food hampers home in the last week of school.

FULL CAROL TEXT

BY CHRISTINA ROSETTI, 1830- 1894 Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love divine; Love was born at Christmas, star and angels gave the sign.

Kenyan children

Love came down

Christmas

AT

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without carols.

It would be hard to choose a favourite as there are so many but one of the most beautiful is entitled, Love came down at Christmas. It reminds us that the greatest gift of all was the Incarnation.

Being born in a smelly cattle stall in a backwater province of the Roman Empire, God took on human flesh and became one with us: the little baby at Bethlehem.

This great gift to humanity is the reason that we exchange presents at Christmas.

The custom is a reflection of God’s never-ending love for each one of us.

As we head towards Christmas, ABM would like you consider making another

Worship we the Godhead, Love incarnate, Love divine; worship we our Jesus: but wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token; love be yours and love be mine; love to God and all men, love for plea and gift and sign.

You can show your thanks by helping one of three projects.

ABM’S ADVENT & CHRISTMAS APPEAL WORKING FOR GENDER SOCIAL JUSTICE

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth through ABM’s Reconciliation program. This project aims to show God’s love by lowering suicide rates.

ABM supports the Gender and Governance Initiative in the Senanga area of western Zambia, to raise awareness about domestic violence and promote basic life skills.

gift – a gift in response to all the blessings in your life over the past year.

• Gender Action Groups in Zambia to target 6,000 villagers. This project aims to show God’s love by working to reduce domestic violence against women and children and by promoting basic life skills.

• The Anglican Church of Kenya to provide Christian formation to children.

This project aims to show God’s love by building young children’s faith and encouraging them to develop a conscious and intimate relationship with God.

Donations can be made at abmission.org or phone 1300 302 663.

A new Gender Action Group will be formed in the Lui Namabunga area to help raise awareness about harmful cultural practices that impact on women and children, and promote life-building skills.

This group and the Lui River Gender Action Group will target 6,000 villagers with their outreach through indigenous songs, dance, story-telling, poetry, drama and discussion groups.

The new volunteers will be trained in how to promote positive cultural practices, as well as learning skills needed to start an income generation project.

A core focus of this project is to raise awareness about the inappropriate tolerance of gender-based violence in local communities. In 2007, the Zambian Demographic Health Survey showed that 46% (5,235) of women between 15-49 years of age have experienced some form of physical violence. One in five Zambian women reported that they have experience sexual abuse violence at some point in their lives.

“We’ve got a Christmas Hamper Appeal coming up over the next couple of weeks and we hope to get a thousand hampers out to all the kids who we help,” Ian says.

“We’re going to put a toy in it and just some treats that they don’t normally have like chocolate and Nutella – just some things that they don’t have the opportunity to have around Christmas time.”

During the festive time of year, when we are so generous to family and friends, we should take the opportunity to look further and donate, give time to charity, or even offer a prayer for those in need.

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Zambian women in the Gender Action Group. Photo: Lina Magallanes

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Strong foundation

FOR THE FUTURE

by MICHAEL WHITING In celebration of the University of Adelaide’s 140th year, Archdeacon Emeritus Michael Whiting authored the book Augustus Short and the Founding of the University of Adelaide (Barr Smith Press).

Released in November the book charts the development of Adelaide’s cornerstone university and he shares some thoughts with the Guardian.

Walking along the northern side of North Terrace, from King William Road to Frome Road, is an inspiring cultural experience and embrace much of Adelaide’s history – Parliament House, Government House, the War Memorial, the South Australian Institute, the State Library, the South Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of South Australia, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia; and nearby, the Festival Centre and the Botanic Gardens. Our civic leaders over several generations have left us a unique legacy.

On the 6th of November 2014, The University of Adelaide celebrated 140 years since legislation was proclaimed for it’s foundation and land was granted for the University buildings on North Terrace.

Many people share the honours of the University’s foundation, perhaps none more so than the first Anglican Bishop of Adelaide, Augustus Short. An outstanding scholar in the 1820s at Christ Church in the University of Oxford, then a teacher at the same college in the early 1830s, Short came to ‘the Province of South Australia’ in 1847 a determined innovator and reformer in both church and society. His ecclesiastical legacy is well known – his social legacy, especially his enthusiasm for education, less so.

The Collegiate School of St Peter, begun in 1847, was to be precisely that in Short’s mind;

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not a school as an end in itself but one in a ‘collegiate’ relationship with an institution of higher education. Short envisioned a university alongside the Collegiate School at Hackney but that was not to be; lack of finance, religious suspicions, and a still too small colonial community frustrated such plans. Nevertheless, Short shared his vision from 1849 and it was reformist and imaginative. Short’s university would not be like Oxford and Cambridge – where the focus was primarily the Classics, Theology, Philosophy, and Mathematics.

An Adelaide university would embrace European History, Modern and Oriental Languages, Civil Engineering, the Fine Arts, and the study of scientific knowledge.

Over time he even abandoned Theology as a university study in the proposed institution.

The restlessness for higher education in the colony reached a crucial point in 1872 when the Baptists, Congregationalists and Presbyterians established Union College, which was then overwhelmed by a promise of £20,000 from the pastoralist and mining identity, Walter Watson Hughes. Such a benefaction was seen as the turning point for a university in Adelaide and Union College magnanimously decided on that objective for the benefaction. The University Association then formed to negotiate with the Government for this reality was chaired by Augustus Short. For two years negotiations continued until on the 6th November 1974, legislation of the South Australian Parliament founding the University of Adelaide was proclaimed.

The first University Council, with the Chief Justice, Sir Richard Hanson, as Chancellor, unanimously elected Augustus Short as the first Vice-Chancellor.

The Act creating the University was more reformist and innovative than elsewhere in the British Empire at that time: no religious tests for student admission or for staff; no teaching of theology; equality for men and women as students, and as graduates; science degrees; professorial teaching not teaching in colleges; and so on. Augustus Short had been the prime mover for these inspiring and inclusive initiatives as the legislation was prepared. Short fostered the ‘modern’ concept of the university:

a university was to be physically part of the locale it served, not remote from the community, having a sense of place and behaving responsibly as another and vital part of the full cultural life of the community. This dynamic interaction with the surrounding community would be the key to the success of a colonial university, hence the lobbying for the prime site in Adelaide, that facing North Terrace. Short said during the discussions, “that a strip of land from North-terrace to the Torrens should be allotted to the University, so that they might have the building on the hill, and gardens between that and the river, from which the public would not be excluded.” Such a site would be amidst the existing and planned cultural precinct of the South Australian Institute and the land adjacent, set aside for the future building that would house the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery; it would be nearby Parliament and Government Houses; and, it would be within reach of the professional and social life of the emerging city.

Augustus Short served as Vice-Chancellor for the initial 18 months but became the Chancellor in April 1876 following the sudden death of Sir Richard Hanson, and he remained Chancellor until after he had retired to England. In that time there were three important public occasions where Short delivered memorable speeches expressive of the tone and vision of the modern and progressive University Adelaide was to become. The speeches are revelations of an active and creative mind. The first was the 25th May 1876 at the Inauguration of the University when Short remarked at length on the benefit of the university to the colony, “I long to see the day when… the youth of South Australia, aspiring to eminence is all the various branches of human knowledge, shall be able in their own schools and in this Institution to find a mental training fitting them to take their place side by side with the graduates of other Universities”.

The second was the 2nd May 1877, ‘The First Commencement’, when the University of Adelaide admitted 77 local residents, graduates of other universities to ‘ad eundem gradum’ (courtesy) degrees in order to create a Senate for the new institution. Augustus

Short was given the honour of receiving the first degree. The third was the 30th July 1879 at the ‘Laying of the Foundation Stone’ for the first University Building (now known as the Mitchell Building), “The laying of the first stone of the University Buildings on this central site in the City of Adelaide is an event essentially unique in the history of the Colony. It marks an epoch in its life, when its Material Prosperity being assured, its Social organisation completed, and Political System firmly established, the demand has arisen for higher Mental Cultivation through instruction and scientific knowledge, and the varied resources of Language and Literature”.

As 1881 drew to a close, Augustus and Millicent Short prepared for retirement and return to England. Short was in his 80th year and was held in the highest regard by his contemporaries in South Australia.

The Shorts had been residents in South Australia for 34 of the colony’s 45 years.

They were colonists of long standing.

Among Short’s many students at Oxford in the early 1830s, who later distinguished themselves in church and society, was William Ewart Gladstone, By the late 1880s Gladstone had been Prime Minister of Great Britain on three occasions (with a fourth awaiting him in the 1890s). He was affectionately known by his supporters

Augustus Short and the Founding of the University of Adelaide Augustus Short was a pioneer in every sense of the word. A diligent priest, a gifted teacher and a determined advocate of social reform, his appointment as the first Anglican bishop of the tolerant and progressive colony of South Australia was to have a far-reaching impact on the community in his adopted home.

Short’s story has been recorded in several biographies, and his legacy looms large in the Anglican Church and in the Collegiate School of St Peter, but his pivotal role in establishing the University of Adelaide has remained largely unexplored.

The rediscovery of Short’s vision for a great university—free from any test of religious affiliation, with an internationallyfocused staff, a diverse, enlightened student mix, and open to every capable person, regardless of wealth—is inspiring a new generation of students and teachers. Michael Whiting’s study of Short’s contribution to education in South Australia, and especially the founding of

The Ven Michael Whiting, The Right Rev’d Dr Keith Rayner AO and Mrs Janine Whiting at the Gala Dinner to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the University of Adelaide.

as the ‘Grand Old Man’ while his longterm conservative political rival as Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, claimed that ‘GOM’ was correct but in fact stood for ‘God’s only mistake’! There was nothing about Augustus Short which was a ‘mistake’ and, if the term had existed, he could rightly have been known as South Australia’s ‘Grand Old Man’ as he sailed from its shores in early 1882.

Retirement, unfortunately, was brief as Augustus Short died in October 1883.

Acknowledging the founding role of Augustus Short, the University of Adelaide,

in a delightful gesture on the 23rd July this year, declared its principal meeting room in the Mitchell Building the Augustus Short Room. More significantly, however, the University has named its scholarships for needy students the Augustus Short Scholarships. Short always said he owed everything in his adult life to the scholarship he was awarded to attend Christ Church; this gesture by the University of Adelaide recognises so much about the man whom it now, in its 140th year, honours as its first graduate and a principal founder.

the University of Adelaide, is a story about transformation, possibility and opportunity that still rings true after 140 years.

Copies of the book are available from the University of Adelaide Press for $22 http://www.adelaide.edu. au/press/titles/augustus-short Synopsis by Peter Burdon, Manager 140th Anniversary, The University of Adelaide – and St Mary Magdalene’s, Adelaide.

The University of Adelaide has kindly supplied ten copies of Augustus Short and the Founding of the University of Adelaide to be given away to Guardian readers.

Alumni of the University of Adelaide and St Peter’s College will be especially interested in the book, as will those with an interest in the history of the Diocese of Adelaide.

Copies available on a first-come first-served basis, please email kmclachlan@adelaide.anglican.com.au if you are interested.

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F OCUS

St Barnabas’ is COMING HOME St Barnabas’ Theological College will relocate to its original 1880 site in the St Barnabas building opposite St Peter’s Cathedral 130 years after it first established itself there.

Last year’s announcement of plans to construct a new building on the grounds of Bishops Court to house the college have been superseded after the surprise donation of a magnificent collection of books.

Around 90,000 theological texts have been given to the College including every significant Anglican theological work published in English over the past 30 years.

The sheer scale of the new St Barnabas’ Library, alongside the needs of the College itself, meant that the plans for the College at Bishop’s Court were no longer viable.

Archbishop Jeffrey Driver spoke of the move in his President’s Pastoral Address at the second session of the 42nd Triennial Synod of the Diocese of Adelaide in October.

“After considerable research, including specialised architectural advice, the decision was reached to move into the St Barnabas building, presently occupied

by Anglicare,” the Archbishop said.

“Anglicare has conducted a strategic review of its operation and properties and will consolidate into major hubs in the north, south and western suburbs, while also maintaining a presence in the Bishop Augustus Short House located next to the St Barnabas building.”

The Rev’d Canon Dr Matthew Anstey, Principal of St Barnabas’ College is confident the move will further solidify the College’s future.

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“This move will allow the College to more deeply fulfil its mission of serving the mission and ministry of the Diocese, and indeed the wider church, in the education, training, and formation of leaders and ministers of God’s grace and life,” Dr Anstey said.

but will also allow the College to play a broader role in the Charles Sturt University School of Theology,” Dr Anstey said.

“Educational ventures are pivotal to the Church as a whole and require new initiatives, conversations and partnerships.”

As noted by Dr Anstey there is much to look forward to over the coming few months with the St Barnabas’ move.

The location and surrounding institutions who have established themselves in the North Adelaide precinct will ensure the College is well placed to be further involved with St Peter’s Cathedral, Diocesan Office, Anglicare, St Mark’s College, the Australian Lutheran College (ALC), Christ Church North Adelaide and Adelaide’s major universities.

The relocation of St Barnabas’ Theological College will not only provide a home for the College’s significant collection of books but it will also allow for developments in distance education and the College’s use of digital technology.

“These trends will open up new possibilities in theological education, but will also present challenges in forming people for ministry,” Archbishop Driver said.

Soon theological students the world over will be able to enrol in the courses St Barnabas’ offers, but this accessibility is a double edge sword and the College needs to offer the very best physical resources as well as digital resources to continue to attract local students.

Professor Ellen Charry in Adelaide During September and October 2014, Professor Ellen Charry was in Australia to undertake the position of Inaugural Theologian in Residence of St Barnabas’ Theological College.

With a focus on how humans flourish in the Christian perspective, Professor Charry is also interested in positive psychology and theology.

“We anticipate that the University will take a keen interest in this new site and assist in its development in the areas of the library, distance education, and digital technology.”

As the current Margaret W Harmon Professor of Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary, New Jersey, she is the author of seven books and over 40 essays and journal articles.

“We are aspiring to build on our strengths in Biblical studies and theology, and expand our teaching and research further into areas of ageing and pastoral studies, wellbeing and flourishing, and into China, where we believe there are significant opportunities,” Dr Anstey said.

During her months in Adelaide she had many engagements including the Flourishing and Faith Conference at St Peter’s College, the Women’s Symposium, and a session with ordinands and a Cathedral sermon.

At the Women’s Symposium, she presented on her exploration of the relationship between ‘positive theology’ and human flourishing.

“We want to ensure we are a place of community, prayer, learning, and fellowship, where the Word of God is central and foundational to all we do. A place where the mission of the church is realised and where we train, equip and encourage those who attend in the mission of the church.

“In my view, withholding leadership to women deprives men of the fullness of both human experience and experience of God and the world,” Professor Charry said.

As the International Keynote Speaker at Flourishing in Faith held in late September Professor Charry said the event made her “more convinced than ever that theology is needed by positive psychology to give it depth and strength.”

“But we also want to be engaged with all the people and parishes across the whole Diocese, and to offer many more opportunities for learning other than just those of formal tertiary training.”

She noted that while positive psychology is emerging in Australia’s education system it is yet to be readily integrated in the United States’ schooling system.

As parting words from her personal reflections on her ‘Australian Sojourn’, she said, “I come away from my sojourn in Australia refreshed and encouraged in the work that God has given me to do and reinforced in he gifts I have been given to do it.”

For information about courses please contact the College Principal, The Rev’d Canon Dr Matthew Anstey manstey@sbtc.org.au or 8340 0411.

“The building itself brings to life the compelling narrative of ‘returning home’ The Rev’d Canon Dr Matthew Anstey, Principal of St Barnabas’ College

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F OCUS

THE POWER OF NETWORKS The Diocese of Adelaide successfully hosted the Australian and New Zealand Anglican Registrar’s Conference last month.

The annual conference for Diocesan Registrars, Secretaries of Synod, Finance and Fund Managers, and other senior staff is an important occasion for people from a range of dioceses to come together to explore, share and deliberate on the issues that impact and form the ministry of all our dioceses.

With more than sixty delegates from around Australia and New Zealand attending, the conference programme was able to move away from parochial content and focus more on inquiry, professional development and sharing narratives and experiences.

Anglican Diocese of Adelaide Registrar & Secretary of Synod, Keith Stephens, said this year’s conference had the theme of Achievement through Networks and all sessions were enthusiastically attended.

“When crafting the programme for 2014, particularly after General Synod convening in Adelaide in July, it was impossible not

to think of the glycan Church as a complex series of networks and that at every strand, node and hub of the church, our work can be enhanced or hindered by how we engage with that network,” Keith said.

“When we look at the Church as a network, it helps us reframe our approach to our many ministry challenges, enabling us to break through the barriers and obstacles to let our gospel work prosper.”

“It is through events like these that we are seeing a growth in shared commonality that is influencing how we collaborate and work together in the future.”

“I really feel that after these four productive days together we all have a renewed sense of optimism and enthusiasm.”

The Anglican Church has a rich history of lay leadership going back to Thomas Cromwell who is often referred to as the “First Registrar”.

While Cromwell was not a ‘registrar’ in any modern sense of the term, he was a key, convicted lay leader who worked closely with the episcopate to not only enable political and structural reform, but also to proactively drive change that would bring England and its church more in line with its newly embraced beliefs and generational needs.

by KATRINA McLACHLAN Cromwell’s great gift to the church was the fact that he was not a churchman – trained in theology, liturgy and pastoral ministry – but was a shrewd, proactive, creative and able strategist with the skill to convert macroscale vision into on-the-ground action.

This year’s theme of ‘Achievement through Networks’, while not a new idea, provided delegates the opportunity to apply the ‘network paradigm’ to better understand how the Anglican Church can thrive in the 21st century and achieve more with less.

Adjunct University of Adelaide Business School academic, Mr David Pender, hosted a day of sessions focussing on how Anglican Dioceses can incorporate network thinking to better deal with the complexities of a 24/7 connected world.

“Taking all the delegates on a journey of looking at the world through a network lens as opposed to everything being in silos was designed to show how the intellectual capital of the group can be made available to everyone without diminishing its potential,” David said.

“If someone puts forward an idea and it is then taken back to individual dioceses and implemented it hasn’t reduced the capacity of the group to do it again. The network paradigm isn’t finite – and the overall capital of the group has actually grown.”

Having not worked with a Church before, David was thrilled and challenged by the sessions at the Conference.

“Someone asked the question ‘Why should we do X?’ And the answer provided was quite simple – ‘Because of the grace of God’.”

“That answer has challenged me and I have been trying to work out how that approach could be implemented into the commercial world where things are very different.”

“If the commercial world adopted that kind of thinking I know a great deal more would be achieved – it is a powerful concept for me to continue developing.”

Adelaide Parish and Ministry Support Manager Daniel Harris, Adelaide Registrar and Secretary of Synod Keith Stephens, David Pender and Business Manager at the Trinity Network Andrew Severin.

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David is not alone with having plenty to ponder over the next year, all the delegates from this year’s conference will certainly be reflecting on the knowledge and friendship shared in Adelaide and will be looking forward to doing it all again in the Yarra Valley next year.

ST CHAD’S COMMUNITY GARDEN Official Opening

by ASHLEIGH KNOTT

In a community meeting with Unley Council, St Chad’s discovered what their surrounds lacked was a community garden space.

So The Rev’d Tracey Gracey set straight about ensuring the community would have that space as soon as possible.

“What the community wanted was a quiet reflective space in which people can have some time out or enjoy time with family,” Tracey explains.

With the assistance of the City of Unley via a $4000 grant, as well as around $13,000 in donations from the community, the project began as a garden competition in conjunction with Urrbrae garden design students.

Though the passion was there in abundance, it wasn’t smooth sailing from beginning to end.

“The original design was way over our budgeted figure and Pia from In Your Garden Design was instrumental in seeing the potential of the design and offering alternatives to bring the concept to fruition,” Tracey says.

After a little over a year in the making, the St Chad’s Community Garden was officially opened to the public by Mayor Lachlan Clyne on Saturday November 1st.

For Rev’d Tracey Gracey, creating innovative spaces that encourage people to come together is central to her philosophy. So providing a space that acts as an extension of the Church as well as a community space for all to enjoy was her main goal.

The project has already strengthened the bonds between the Church and the community.

“Families are using the space and many passerbys are stopping to view and comment on the garden. Our relationship with the Unley Council and the Fullarton area representatives has also been strengthened.”

The garden features two garden beds, fake lawn, a bell tower and wind chime structure, stepping stone featuring mosaics designed by children and rocks to stimulate children’s imaginations for creative play. A significant ghost gum stands as a notable aspect of the garden and is surrounded by custom-built seating.

Besides the lighting waiting to be installed, the garden is complete and Tracey says she feels a proud sense of satisfaction for helping create a positive space for the community.

The opening of the garden coincided with St Chad’s annual Fayre Day which featured an array of bargains, bric-abrad, books, cakes, preserves along with activities for children including garden activities and face painting.

Tracey says the garden is “a reflection of St Chad’s as we are a quiet presence within the community that is seeking to live its vision which is growing faith; building community; serving needs via inspiration; imagination; cooperation.”

Photos: Bianca De Marchi

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S CHOOLS

ADVENT CELEBRATIONS AT ST PETER’S WOODLANDS

by ANDREW MINTERN Lighting our Advent Wreath reminds us of the importance of preparing for Christmas!

A significant aspect of Advent these days is the strong sense of justice that permeates the season. At SPW we launched our Christmas appeal with the Chapel Choir singing the song: “A Gift for Every Child”, which really sets the theme for us. Fostering a sense of generosity and thankfulness

The Rev’d Andrew Mintern and St Peter’s Woodlands students lighting the Wreath.

in our students invariably results in them wholeheartedly wanting to share the joy of Christmas with those who are in need.

Our Chapel Christmas tree becomes a symbol of giving rather than receiving, as every single gift under the tree and every single item of food will be going to a family unknown to the children.

This tells us that we cannot truly celebrate the gift of Jesus’ birth unless we share our gifts with those in need.

We treasure this tradition at SPW and look forward to once again supporting the Anglicare Christmas Appeal. Filling the ‘Hope-Mobile’ to the gills with food and presents is one of the eagerly anticipated highlights of our year and is a very important way to prepare for Christmas during this season of Advent.

We wish you a Happy and Holy Christmas from all at St Peter’s Woodlands.

WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HEROES

by ELLIE COOPER The entrance to St Andrew’s will soon be transformed into a monument, celebrating the heroes of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

The pathway into the School from Church Terrace will be embedded with pavers that pay tribute to the lives positively influenced by St Andrew’s.

The donated pavers are engraved with the hands of the students, old scholars, staff and families.

Ms Malani says a solid education was an important element in her career, and St Andrew’s also fostered wonderful relationships.

“It sets your values and that builds a foundation for who you become in the future, and St Andrew’s always had a beautiful set of principles and a high standard of education,” Ms Malani says.

“It has such a beautiful community spirit and most importantly my friends today are from St Andrew’s.”

Every day, now and in the future, the students of St Andrew’s will walk along the pathway and be inspired by the success of students who walked before them.

Astronaut Andy Thomas will be recognised, as well as Rhode Scholars Robin Ashwin and Mahesh Umapathysivam.

Students who went on to become athletes, including Commonwealth Games pole vaulter Simon Arkell and AFL star Will Minson, will have pavers made in their honour.

St Andrew’s is seeking to learn more about its past students and Karin encourages people to contribute their own stories or pass on those of family and friends.

“The School celebrates 165 years in 2015 and we would also like to be able to identify and meet our oldest living old scholar,” she says.

The artwork will be a snapshot of the community and will also serve as an individual time capsule of a student’s personal journey.

“How many children will come back in years to come and try the size of their hand in the engraved outline from 2014,” Director of Development, Karin Dunsford asks.

“The laneway was named by students and the reference to Heroes is significant.”

More than sixty old scholars are World War One veterans, and the school remembers their sacrifice, particularly as this year marks the centenary of the War’s commencement.

“They will be honoured with a special Lest We Forget section,” Karin says.

“Pavers will also be dedicated to remember distinguished old scholars who have remarkable achievements and have made extraordinary contributions.”

Deputy Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Natasha Malani, was a St Andrew’s student until 1984, attending from years R-5.

Ms Malani’s success will be recognised with a paver.

“It’s a great honour – I have a lot of respect for this school and fond memories,” she says.

“My parents were involved in the Parents and Friends Committee, and I always used to bring my dog to the St Andrew’s fete and we used to groom her for the competition and my parents used to run the raffle.”

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(Left to right) Victoria, 6, George Demourtzidis, President of St Andrew’s Old Scholars Association, Henry, 13, School Captain, Natasha Malani, Adelaide Deputy Lord Mayor, Isabel, 5

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C OMMU NIT Y

GOD WOR DS

The gift of

HOPE My dog Ruby is full of enthusiasm and affection.

She enjoys spending time with me, but what really excites her is the chance to come to church.

by THE REV’D SONYA PATERSON

For Ruby, church is a place to spend time with old friends and new, a place to explore and see what changes may have taken place since her last visit, and a place to seek out and enjoy tasty treats – or at least any crumbs left over from morning tea. So whenever it looks like I’m heading out to church, Ruby is always eager to tag along.

When I look into Ruby’s eyes I see the trust and devotion that dogs so readily give us, but I also see hope, that joyful expectation of good things to come.

Indeed, the hope is not just there in her eyes, it fills her whole body with anticipation and excitement. It is also hope that allows her to wait patiently when necessary, because she remains confident that her patience will be rewarded in due course.

Hope is an attitude that I especially associate with Advent and Christmas.

During Advent we are invited to connect once more with Israel’s longing for the promised Messiah, and we join that longing with our own hope for the fulfilment of God’s kingdom in all its glory. Week by week we have the opportunity to journey deeper into the Advent season with growing anticipation

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as we draw ever closer to that joyous moment of celebration at the birth of Jesus, born to fulfil our deepest longings through his life, death and resurrection for us.

We can engage with hope on many different levels. Preparing for Christmas often involves a range of hopes relating to how we want our celebrations to unfold.

Many people will be hoping for particular gifts from loved ones. Many will choose presents carefully, hoping that they will be received with delight. Then there are the hopes we have for our family gatherings – worshipping together, eating together, and engaging together in special family traditions. These hopes can put us, and those we love, under significant pressure, because we can’t guarantee that everything will turn out just right. There is always the risk of disappointment.

Sometimes our experience of past disappointment leads us to lower our expectations, as we seek to avoid the pain of hope unfulfilled. There are times when this is a wise strategy. Proverbs 13:12 observes, ‘Hope deferred makes the heart sick’, which is why it would be foolish to place our hope in anything or anyone we could not rely on. Misplaced hope can lead to trust broken, dreams shattered, cycles of despair, and lives in disarray. But this is only one side of the coin. The proverb continues, ‘but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life’ – this life-giving fulfilment is what

The Rev’d Sonya Paterson with Ruby.

motivates us to hope in the first place, and it is often what leads us to hold on to hope, even when our hope might seem unrealistic.

Israel had a long, long wait to endure for the promised Messiah, and I sometimes wonder how heart-sick people might sometimes have felt along the way. But the stories surrounding Jesus’ birth, the stories of Zechariah, Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph, angels and shepherds, Anna, Simeon and the Magi, all carry that tree-of-life quality Simeon so eloquently expresses, ‘Lord now you let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled. My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people; a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel’ (Luke 2.29–32).

From the moment the angel first appeared to announce Jesus’ imminent birth, as people became aware of the significance of who Jesus was, their hope in God’s unfailing love took on a new dimension. As people recognised God’s promises being fulfilled, they found the ground for their hope to be sure and firm, inspiring renewed hope for the future. After Jesus’ death and resurrection the confidence of those who put their trust in him was given an almighty boost. Peter’s first letter describes it as ‘new birth into a living hope’ (1 Peter 1:3).

This ‘living hope’ brings with it courage and patience in the face of adversity. It also enables Paul to boast, not only ‘in our hope of sharing the glory of God’, but also ‘in our sufferings’ (Romans 5:2-3).

Perhaps it is in the context of suffering that hope is most profoundly important.

In the depths of Job’s despair he describes ‘months of emptiness’, ‘nights of misery’ and restlessness, and days that ‘come to their end without hope’. He is convinced that his eye ‘will never again see good’, and this is what sucks the very life out of him (Job 7:3,4,6,7), as it does for so many people who have lost hope.

For those of us who, like Simeon, have seen the salvation that God has prepared, suffering takes on a different quality, because we have already glimpsed what lies beyond it. Perhaps this is why Paul can be so confident in ‘knowing that suffering produces endurance, and

endurance produces character, and character produces hope’ (Romans 5:34). This is a cycle that only works in the tree-of-life context of hope. Paul goes on to say that ‘Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.’ (Romans 5:3-5).

As we journey through the seasons of Advent and Christmas, let us cultivate hope in our lives, and the lives of those around us: well-placed, life-giving, joyful, expectant, heart-filling and patience-inspiring hope born of love and trust – the sort that people see not just in our eyes, but in our whole being.

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C OMMU NIT Y

LOC A L , NAT IONA L & I N T E R NAT IONA L N E WS

FOSSIL FUELS NOT THE ANSWER TO GLOBAL POVERTY AT G20

ANGLICAN CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA APPOINTS NEW CHAIR OF ANGLICAN BOARD OF MISSION

By Thea Ormerod President, Australian Religious Response to Climate Change

The Rt Rev’d Garry Weatherill has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board of Directors for the Anglican Board of Mission – Australia (ABM).

In the lead-up to the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brisbane, faith leaders called for climate change to be on the agenda and given serious attention. Speaking from Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist and Indigenous perspectives, they urged the political leaders to take every opportunity to address this urgent problem in the lead-up to the all-important talks in Paris at the end of 2015.

“Economics cannot reasonably be treated as somehow separate from the environment on which all life itself depends,” said Right Rev’d Professor Stephen Pickard of the Centre for Christianity and Culture, Charles Sturt University. “We must transition quickly to ways of living which respect the physical limits of the natural world.

To do otherwise will result in unthinkable suffering, first among vulnerable people of the developing world, then among ourselves, our children and grandchildren.”

“This means a concerted effort, even in developing countries, to shift boldly to solar, wind and other forms of renewable energy,” Bishop Pickard said. “But this is being thwarted by government subsidies for fossil fuel companies, giving these companies an unfair advantage.

Governments are essentially providing incentives for companies whose products are destroying the biosphere.”

The fossil fuel lobby, including the Minerals Council of Australia, are strenuously resisting the call for change.

Their most recent campaign message is that fossil fuels are an indispensable necessity if developing countries wish to lift their people out of poverty. “This is a biased view of an industry fighting for its own survival,” said Bishop Pickard.

At their press conference they put forward a case for developing countries to “leapfrog” straight to renewables. They noted that fossil fuels take up large amounts of increasingly scarce water resources, and that burning coal is already causing poor air quality and significant health problems in places such as China and India and certain parts of Australia.

The price of renewables has come down so dramatically that they offer more cost advantages than coal, oil and gas. They also lend themselves to small-scale, decentralised energy delivery systems which means they’re more locally accessible to impoverished communities. The Australia Institute’s recent research shows that, even where fossil fuel companies are assisting

with energy poverty, it is in the form of solar power and off-grid technologies.

The religious leaders further went on to address the question of Climate Finance to assist developing countries to adapt to the impacts of global warming. Bishop Pickard said, “Australia is only the worst example of wealthy countries stepping back from their obligations in this regard.

While wealthy countries are spending $50–90 billion USD annually on subsidies for fossil fuels, most are failing to put more than the most basic amounts on the table to meet their Climate Finance commitments.

This is an up-ending of priorities. Wealthy countries must take a new direction if we are to have the binding international agreement the world so desperately needs.”

On the same day as the faith leaders released their open letter and held a press conference, President Obama and Chinese leader Xi Jinping struck an historic deal in which each increased their ambitions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. China committed for the first time to cap its emissions by 2030, or earlier if possible, and to increasing the share of non-fossil fuels to 20 percent of the country’s energy mix by 2030. The US will cut its emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. The ambition is insufficient but the significance of this is the spirit collaboration, and the buy-in at the top. This is very different from the stand-off at Copenhagen, and subsequent negotiations being conducted largely by delegates. This creates the foundation for greater ambition in the near future when climate change will be biting harder.

The implication, or course, is that Australia is being left well behind when countries with which we have important relationships are forging ahead, albeit slowly. Our 5 percent emissions reduction target is looking increasingly out of step. ARRCC indeed holds it is deeply irresponsible, especially for a nation which is relatively wealthy and whose population has one of the highest carbon footprints per capita in the world.

The open letter, signed by prominent faith leaders in a range of traditions, is available at http://www.arrcc.org.au/ open-letter-to-leaders-of-g20-in-brisbane

Photo: Alison Martin. Left to Right: Sr Geraldine Kearney (Catholic), Professor Raja Jayaraman (Hindu), Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black (Jewish), Mr Kim Hollow (Buddhist), Bishop Pickard (Anglican), Auntie Rose Elu (Anglican from Torres Straight Islands)

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Bishop Garry is currently Bishop of the Diocese of Ballarat in Victoria. He has been a member of the ABM Board for the past six years, first as the SA representative and more recently as the House of Bishops’ Representative.

Bishop Garry is also the Chair of the ABM Partnerships Committee. In his spare time, he is also Chair of the Liturgy Commission of General Synod and Chairs the Advisory Council for Anglican Religious Life in Australia.

Bishop Garry said, “I am very excited to take up this new role within ABM. The commitment of our young staff, the dedication of our traditional supporters, growing links with new supporters and the rich

relationships with our partner churches are really life giving.”

“I am honoured to work with such talented , faithful and committed people as we seek to discover how God invites us to share in God’s mission that the whole world might know love, hope and justice.”

As the national mission agency in Australia, ABM is constituted by a Canon of General Synod, the governing body of the Anglican Church of Australia.

The Standing Committee of General Synod met on November 23 and appointed Bishop Garry for a term of three years.

ABM’s Board has 13 Directors comprised of provincial representatives and skills base.

A complete list of directors can be found at www.abmission. org/board and a history of ABM can be found at www. abmission.org/history

G20 MUST SEEK NEW SOLUTIONS Statement by Dr Philip Freier, Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia and Archbishop of Melbourne: The G20 meeting of the world’s 20 largest economies in Brisbane took place in increasingly uncertain times. There are growing fears of global recession, rising international tensions and growing economic inequality between countries and within countries.

In the longer term there are vast challenges, such as managing climate change, global population growth and movement, international conflict, food security, water, and potential epidemics.

It is essential that the countries who took part look beyond their own short-term national interests and seek to address these challenges in a concerted and effective way. I echo Pope Francis, who urged that the discussions move beyond

declarations of principle to real improvements in the living conditions of poorer families and the reduction of all forms of unacceptable inequality.

It will require good will and trust on all sides if the G20 summit is to achieve real progress, and it is the nature of international politics that no one wants to go first on such a path. Yet without a clear-sighted optimism, real change will be impossible.

Failure to address these issues of economic security and justice will lead to more international conflict and reduce the possibility of human flourishing. They cannot be left to fester. The Anglican Church of Australia urged the G20 leaders to search for new and cooperative solutions that can work across the globe. To that end, we offer our support and prayers. +Philip, Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia

ARCHBISHOP JUSTIN COMPLETES ANGLICAN COMMUNION TOUR WITH VISIT TO SCOTLAND The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, recently concluded a two-day visit to the Scottish Episcopal Church - bringing to a close his 37 visits to every Province of the Anglican Communion.

Archbishop Justin and his wife, Caroline, were hosted by the Most Rev’d David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.

The visit marked the last of the Archbishop’s visits to all his fellow Anglican primates – the most senior of the bishops or archbishops in each autonomous Province of the Anglican Communion – during his first 18 months in office.

Addressing the Church of England’s General Synod last

week, the Archbishop said the Anglican Communion “exists and is flourishing” despite its diversity of views and with many Anglicans living in places of conflict and persecution.

Yesterday Archbishop Justin also visited a new Church Army project at St Luke’s Church, Dundee, which he described as “inspirational”.

“Here we see a community that clearly has real challenges but it has the capacity to face them which is inspirational,” he said. “I think this is exactly what the church should be doing. This should be emulated around the country, both in Scotland the rest of the UK. “I want us to be the kind of church that welcomes everyone.

“We want a world where it is not necessary for people to sleep

rough in church doorways, where it is not necessary to have food banks or refugee camps, and there are enough resources for everyone.”

‘The Anglican Communion is flourishing’ - read Archbishop Justin’s presidential address to General Synod.

Following a meeting with clergy from the Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane, the Archbishop joined the Episcopal congregations of Aberdour, Burntisland and Inverkeithing for worship in St Columba’s Church, Aberdour.

The Archbishop then met a wider group involved from the community at St Fillan’s Churchhall, Aberdour.

During his visit, the Archbishop also met with Scotland’s new First Minister, Nicola

Sturgeon. He then connected with representatives of other churches and faith groups in Scotland before meeting with the College of Bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church to discuss the Church’s role in society and a range of matters within the worldwide Anglican Communion.

The Scotland visit was part of the Archbishop Justin Welby’s series of visits during his first 18 months in office with primates across the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Communion has around 85 million members, spread across 38 Provinces in more than 165 countries. Each of these provinces is autonomous, with its own system of governance.

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C OMMU NIT Y

NEWS FROM ST PAUL’S TWO WELLS AND ST PETER’S MALLALA

PEOPL E & PL AC E S

On 2 November Ben Cattell and Airlie Tapscott took their first communion at St Peter’s Mallala and afterwards the congregation gathered in the Country Women’s Association rooms to have morning tea together and enjoy the cakes specially prepared for the celebration.

This month, Fr Bart Donovan will commemorate his ordination 50 years ago in New South Wales.

The congregation will join him to celebrate this significant achievement at St Paul’s Two Wells on 28 December and welcome all to attend.

For the first time in the memory of the current congregation, three candidates were confirmed at St Paul’s Two Wells on Sunday 26 October.

“Festivalgoers will get a double dose when they come to view the artwork.

“They will walk through the sacred space of the Cathedral already filled with exquisite works of art – from stained-glass windows, to intricate wood carvings and panelling, the splendid reredos and magnificent rood cross.”

The Church was filled with family, friends and congregation taking part in the service that was followed by lunch, a celebration cake and great fellowship.

Bishop Tim Harris with John, Meta and Bethany.

ADELAIDE ICONS TAKE ON MONOPOLY

As the first Australian city to take over the board game Bignell said it will be “a great way of promoting South Australia”.

“It’s a game that we all grew up playing now our kids are playing it and future generations will as well, so to have an iconic game with a wonderful city…is a fantastic marriage.”

Business Development Officer for Winning Moves, manufacturer of Adelaide Monopoly,

Matthew Chan, was enthusiastic for the launch of what is sure to be widely embraced version of the game.

“Showcasing the essence and charm of this city – from the stunning views and wineries at the Barossa Valley to the ambition and architecture at SAMRI building, and even the history at Holy Trinity Anglican Church is seen here.”

The locations were based on the suggestions of the Adelaide public.

Even the chance cards have an Adelaide spin to them, such as: ‘you get caught in rush hour traffic on North Terrace for five minutes, go back three spaces’.

As the world’s most popular board game since 1935, Monopoly has been translated into 43 languages and ‘is not only multi cultural but also multi generational’.

Apologies need to be made for an error in a story that appeared in the Guardian last edition. The Church of St Peter and St Paul in Port Pirie was declared the Cathedral of the Diocese of Willochra in 1999 and Peter Garland became Dean. At its annual meeting in May 2014, the Synod passed the Cathedral Chapter Regulation and on Saturday 29 November this year the first Canons of the Cathedral were commissioned.

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As part of the Adelaide Festival of the Arts, 27 February to 15 March 2015, the Lady Chapel of St Peter’s will be transformed into a screening house, showcasing ‘Three Women’, an original Bill Viola sound and video instillation.

“We are excited and thrilled to be partnering with the Adelaide Festival in exhibiting this atmospheric and poignant work,” he says.

After many years since the last confirmation, the service performed by Assistant Bishop of Adelaide, The Right Reverend Dr Tim Harris, and assisted by Fr Bart Donovan was a joyful and meaningful event for Meta Luxton, Bethany Cattell and John Gordon.

Mr Monolpoly himself attended the press conference along with Minister for Tourism Leon Bignell.

A work of art in itself, the iconic St Peter’s Cathedral has again been selected to host an internationally renowned exhibit.

Dean of St Peter’s Cathedral, The Very Rev’d Frank Nelson, says the Chapel is a natural place of mediation, making it the ideal setting for the event.

by Jennifer Dowling

Adelaide’s Town Crier, Tom Benney, dramatically declared Holy Trinity to be the only religious icon to take a place of the Adelaide edition of Monopoly at the official launch of the game in late October.

ST PETER’S BRINGS ART TO LIFE

St Peter’s will join other distinguished Adelaide venues, the Art Gallery of South Australia and the Queen’s Theatre, to display the broadest selection of Bill Viola’s work ever curated in Australia.

Viola is a leading artist in his medium, using moving images to create a transcendent experience that garners a unique response from each viewer.

‘Three Women’ is part of the ‘Transfiguration’ series, focusing on transformation and exploring the eternal nature of life, an invisible screen of water symbolising movement from this one to the next.

The Very Rev’d Frank Nelson draws on the link between these profound themes and the spiritual atmosphere of the Cathedral.

“Just as does Creation at large, so a cathedral speaks of God’s grandeur, mystery and awesomeness,” he says.

“Even without the worshipping community present, St Peter’s Cathedral draws people into the ambit of God’s love and invites us to stop for a moment, and look beyond ourselves.

for someone in hospital or for peace in a troubled part of the world.

“Fortunately the Cathedral is big enough to be able to make the Lady Chapel a discreet gallery for the duration of the Festival.”

Through opening its doors to the public, the Cathedral has become a haven for engagement in art and culture in Adelaide.

“It is another opportunity for St Peter’s Cathedral to reach out to the wider community, to art lovers from near and far. It is what we do here – welcome people into this sacred space.”

“Viola’s work does that to – the slow unravelling of images gives people time to think, to wonder and, perhaps, to pray.”

While audiences will have the chance to view Cathedral life continuing around the exhibition, the space will be and intimate location to quietly appreciate art.

“The life, worship and work of the Cathedral goes on – this is no ordinary exhibition hall or gallery,” The Very Rev’d Frank Nelson says.

“Viewers of the artwork will inevitably be aware of the Cathedral around them – the regular round of daily worship, the tour buses and school groups, those coming to light a candle and pray

Photo: Kira Perov

GAWLER PARISH IS HOSTING AN INTERNATIONAL ENSEMBLE ON THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY, TUESDAY 6 JANUARY 2015.

The performance, at St George’s Church, Orleana Square, Cowan Street, will be a celebration of the great composers – Vivaldi, Mozart and Tschaikovski.

The Kammerphilharmonie Koeln (Chamber Philharmonia Cologne) travels the world over inspiring people through classical music.

The concert begins at 8pm, tickets will be available at the door from 7pm (cash only), or from Gawler’s Visitor Information Centre, 2 Lyndoch Road, Gawler.

For more information call 1300 545 254.

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PEOPL E & PL AC E S

NEW BEGINNINGS FOR NORTHERN CHURCHES Following years of locums, The Rev’d Stephen Bloor has given new life to St Barbara’s at Parafield Gardens and St John’s at Salisbury.

at the parishes on 16 October.

Returning to Adelaide from the Bateau Bay, on the central coast of New South Wales, Stephen was commissioned

“It’s been wonderful to have some consistency, we’ve seen more people come to worship each week,” he says.

Even in the short time since his arrival Stephen has noticed a positive spirit spreading through the congregation.

“It means that parishioners know what direction they’re heading together as a community, both in the sense of learning together and also thinking about how they reach the community through Christ.”

The Rev’d John Stephenson will conclude his duties as the Archbishop’s chaplain following the Diocese’s Ordination Service on 6 December.

John has been a great asset in this role and I am sure we will all wish him well as he retires (again!).

Coming into a new area always poses challenges and Stephen says the first hurdle he plans to overcome is bringing the large community together.

The Rev’d Susan Straub has accepted the offer to be Archbishop’s Chaplain and will commence in early 2015 following a handover period with Rev’d John Stephenson.

“There’s 150,000 people in the City of Salisbury and those two parishes basically cover the entire area, so in comparison to the rest of the Diocese we’re about six churches short,” he says.

-Archbishop Jeffrey Driver

“So we’ve got a long way to go on impacting the community where the rest of the Diocese is already being impacted by the Church.

“The big dream is to continue to connect with the people and the communities more.”

St Barbara’s Warden Mary Pratt says it’s important to have a stable presence leading the congregation.

“After three years of having supply priests, it’s rejuvenated the Church already, there’s a real atmosphere,” she says.

“Everyone feels energized and we’re spring cleaning – he’s like a breath of fresh air.”

The Rev’d Susan Straub shared with The Guardian her diverse and exciting journey in Ministry leading up to this appointment.

Over the past month, I have been learning from The Rev’d John Stephenson the rudiments of the role of Chaplain to the Archbishop.

From 2 February 2015, I shall be ministering in that role, which will be quite a change for me.

Student Counsellor at St Mark’s University College in January 1992.

After General Synod and our Diocese passed the necessary legislation, Archbishop Ian George ordained The Rev’ds Joan Claring-Bould, Flo Monahan, Sue Pain, Sr. Juliana Rees and me to the priesthood on 5 December 1992.

While serving at St Mark’s, I was appointed Anglican Chaplain to Adelaide University. Together with my sister priests, I also had the honour of receiving the Flinders University Chancellor’s medal for services to women in religion.

After completing a Master of Clinical Psychology degree, I was duly registered as a psychologist in May 1998.

In November 1998, I farewelled St Mark’s and the University to take up my appointment to the Parish of Kangaroo Island, first as Priestin-Charge and later, Rector.

Archbishop Keith Rayner made me deacon in 1990 and I served as Assistant Curate at

My wonderful experiences with the people of K.I. included ministering as Chaplain with the Inter-Trade and Industry Mission (ITIM).

St Elizabeth’s, Warradale, before taking the position of Chaplain &

Leaving K.I. and the Diocese in 2005, I became Parish Priest of Port Lincoln

St Barbara’s Warden, Mary Pratt and The Rev’d Stephen Bloor.

12-BAR ANGLICAN SYNOD BLUES IN A

GENERAL SYNOD STANDING COMMITTEE MEETS IN ADELAIDE

A tongue-in-cheek reflection of General Synod from Peter Brown, Parish of Henley and Grange

I think I’m comin’ down with some Anglican Synod Blues.

Well, the sun outside is shinin’ But it’s cold here inside.

Yeah, the sun outside is callin’ me So why am I here inside?

My feet are getting restless, I’ll tell you the news….

I’ve got a dose of the old Anglican Synod Blues.

Well, we have to pass all these motions They’re important for them in the pews, But when a brilliant day is screamin’ Put yourself in my shoes!

With family and friends a’waitin’ I think I’ve paid my dues.

I need to go out now and cure these Anglican Synod Blues.

By Archbishop Philip Freier It was a pleasure to be back in Adelaide for the first meeting of the new General Synod Standing Committee only four months after the General Synod in July.

The Anglican Church is facing the question about how we are organised so that we can best respond to the missional opportunities across our nation. This comes as a surprise to many who have become used the way things have operated throughout the last couple of generations.

Vitality of ministry at the grassroots level right across Australia is something we must work on together. More people

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ARCHBISHOP’S CHAPLAIN

need to hear the gospel through the ministry of local communities of faith.

Archbishop Freier and the General Synod Standing Committee met in Adelaide from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November.

Yeah, the people here are friendly There’s a pretty good vibe.

And the discussion is often helpful – Opinions are varied and wide.

But when people talk for ages And all sense of time they lose….

I start to get a case of the good old fashioned Anglican Synod Blues.

in the Diocese of Willochra.

When the Parish of Cummins became vacant I was ministering not only to the churches at Port Lincoln, Wangary and Poonindie, but also to Cummins and Tumby Bay. A particular delight was being Chaplain to the naval cadets and boarding cargo ships as Chaplain for the Mission to Seafarers.

I continued my work with ITIM, both as Chaplain and contracted psychologist, further broadening outreach into the Eyre Peninsular community.

Since returning to the Diocese in October 2010, I have been Locum Tenens at Elizabeth, St Peter’s Cathedral, Golden Grove, Salisbury, Broadview and Enfield, and Prospect and Kilburn.

Now I am looking forward to a different ministry, working together with the staff at Church Office, and joining in the excitement of our parishes as the Archbishop ordains and commissions priests for building up the Kingdom of God among us.

(BLISTERING GUITAR SOLO….)

For the most part, we’re pretty orderly And the Archbishop’s in the Chair..

He keeps things tickin’ over And handles it with care; But on the finer points of legislation I simply get confused

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PEOPL E & PL AC E S

Christmas at St Peter’s Cathedral KING WILLIAM ROAD, NORTH ADELAIDE

CHRISTMAS EVE

4:00 pm Children’s Crib Service 7:00 pm Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols 11:00 pm Midnight Mass

CHRISTMAS DAY 8:00 am Eucharist BCP 10:00 am Choral Eucharist

Cathedral Office 8267 4551 www.stpeters-cathedral.org.au

CATHEDRAL ORGANIST

(permanent part-time)

St Peter’s Cathedral Music Department is embracing the future with our vision for Cathedral music. Building on the musical tradition, we wish to enrich the musical experience that is St Peter’s Cathedral.

Foster Carers can be from all kinds of family types: singles, couples, people at home, working full-time, part-time or studying. Free training and ongoing professional support (inc 24hr assistance) is provided.

You are invited to attend one of our information sessions:

Our vision includes

> Tuesday 9 December, AnglicareSA 4-8 Angas Street, Kent Town SA (Stairs access only) 6:30–8:30pm

1. Building a thriving organ teaching practice to ensure ongoing excellence 2. Developing musical performance within and outside the Cathedral liturgy

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If you’d like to hear the choir sing on tour, here is their performance itinerary: • 28/12/14 10:30 Eucharist, St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh

• 08/01/15 17:15 Evensong, Bristol Cathedral

Every few years the choir embarks on an international tour to England and around Europe. These tours are a fantastic way for the choir to share their ministry with Cathedrals, churches, and communities in other places and of other traditions.

They are also a fantastic opportunity for choristers and lay clerks to learn about the roots of the Anglican tradition that shapes their weekly ministry and to experience the living traditions of other places and choirs. While on tour the Cathedral Choir works with other choirs and musical directors in both performance and workshop environments, so that choristers start the New Year after a tour with a fresh view of the musical and liturgical traditions practiced in the Cathedral.

• 28/12/14 15:30 Evensong, St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh (Lay Clerks)

• 15/01/15 11:00 Concert, Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

• 30/12/14 17:15 Evensong, Durham Cathedral • 31/12/14 17:15 Evensong, York Minster

• 09/01/15 17:30 Evensong, Exeter Cathedral • 12/01/15 17:30 Evensong, Gloucester Cathedral

• 18/01/15 15:00 Concert, St Merry Church, Paris

• 01/01/15 17:15 Evensong, York Minster • 02/01/15 17:15 Evensong, York Minster • 03/01/15 17:30 Evensong, Lincoln Cathedral • 04/01/15 09:30 Eucharist, Lincoln Cathedral • 04/01/15 11:15 Matins, Lincoln Cathedral • 04/01/15 15:45 Evensong, Lincoln Cathedral (Lay Clerks) • 05/01/15 17:00 Evensong, Westminster Abbey • 07/01/15 18:00 Evensong, Christchurch Cathedral, Oxford

To register, or for more information, call Linda on 8131 3456 www.anglicaresa.com.au/fostercare

For more information please contact the Dean’s PA at kpalmrose@ stpeters-cathedral.org.au

The Centenary Committee, is making preparation for the Centenary of the Diocese in 2015. Part of our celebration includes the publication of a book, “In a Dry and Thirsty Land…” covering those 100 years and the years when the Diocese of Adelaide was responsible for the area.

The first comprehensive chapter is written

by Dr David Hilliard who also wrote the Adelaide history, “Godliness and Good Order” for the sesquicentenary year in 1997.

Go to diowillochra.org.au and search for the Willochra Centenary to order. There is an early bird discount if payment is made before the 31st of January. Two collection points have been arranged in Adelaide if people do not wish to pay additional for postage and packaging.

On Boxing Day the Cathedral Choir will fly to Edinburgh to begin their third international tour, to Scotland, England, and Paris.

> Wednesday 21 January, AnglicareSA 4-8 Angas Street, Kent Town SA (Stairs access only) 12noon–2pm

3. Conserving and enhancing our existing organ as part of the Cathedral 150 project.

DIOCESE OF WILLOCHRA

CATHEDRAL CHOIR TOUR 2014-15

Come to Macedonia....

Acts 16:9

Explore a call to Ministry & Service in Regional Australia The Diocese of Wangaratta covers north east Victoria and across the Albury border of NSW. This is a beautiful part of the country to serve the Lord and we anticipate that due to retirements within our clergy team, 2015 will bring several ministry vacancies in the Diocese.

We are keen to speak to interested clergy who are looking to build their life in ministry within a challenging and rewarding environment. Enjoy the unique blessings of a small country Diocese with Bishop, clergy and people working together, creating strong community connections and becoming actively involved in your town.

This region brings a variety of opportunities for ministry; close to Melbourne, in country towns, or in team ministries within the larger regional cities. Our several Anglican schools add an extra dimension, as do our extensive aged care and Anglicare networks.

Donatetotoour our Donate

CHRISTCANDLE CANDLE CHRIST

CHRISTMASAPPEAL APPEAL2014 2014 CHRISTMAS 1800249 249880 880| |www.anglicanoverseasaid.org.au www.anglicanoverseasaid.org.au 1800

Further Details about the Diocese can be found on our Website – www.wangaratta-anglican.org.au If you would like further information or wish to express your interest, please feel free to contact the registrar Mr Tim Williams (03) 5721 3484 or registrar@wangaratta-anglican.org.au

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