Encounter Magazine | December 2022 | Newcastle Anglican

BISHOP PETER

We experience love in our bodies. Science tells us that it involves oxytocin, vasopressin, dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Love, we learn, is a complex neurobiological process. Love can exhilarate. It can reduce stress, provide motivation, and enable healing. Love is a brain and body activity which engages our sense of reward, pleasure, belief, and trust. The experience of love does something good to us.

God called creation into being in which there would be homo sapiens who respond physiologically, psychologically, and spiritually to the experience of love. God moves amongst creation calling forth love from people towards themselves and each other. God engages in creation to show the essential character of love in service, sacrifice, and humility.

E mbodied Love The Christmas promise promise Christmas

promise Christmas Love

God created a covenant with all creation through people that all things might flourish, experience the best, and be the best.

Does the idea of God making promises resonate with you?

Christians believe that God is a God of promises. He has promised that we are his people and that he is our God.

Christmas is central to the Christian understanding of God’s promises.

Christians understand that the journey of humanity and creation was shaped by people becoming disinterested in and even hating God as God wishes to be known. They understand that the course of human history was set on indifference to God’s desire for justice, peace and mercy.

So, God acted to change things. God emptied himself and took on human form, being born amongst us; showing us how to live. God, who is perfect love, was born in human likeness so that we could learn again how to love.

Christmas is God’s reminder that he will never let us go. He has promised to love us forever and for always.

Can you recall some moments when you have felt truly loved?

We know when we are not loved. Sometimes this is experienced through the intensity of hate. And, as difficult as such loathing is to experience, we know in these moments we are noticed and engaged by others. Another way we discover that love is absent is through indifference. The experience that another has no feeling, emotion, or concern for us. They simply do not care. The absence of love through hate or indifference impacts us adversely.

If it is not too painful, can you think of a time when you have

There are conditions that enable love to flourish and circumstances that cause love to wither. One of the places that Christians look to understand love is marriage. We see marriage as something to be honoured by all and a symbol of God’s unending love for his people.

Marriage enables the expression of love because it establishes a covenant between two people in which they treasure each other offering comfort, honour, protection, and faithfulness. Marriage creates an enduring bond in which persons are held – for better or worse, in wealth or poverty, or in health or sickness.

Love flourishes because a covenant exists. The commitment between two people, their families, and their community creates the conditions to support each other for better or for worse. The bond enables people to be open about who they are, to offer their vulnerability and their gifts. It enables authenticity and integrity. The vows create spaces in which challenge can be received with grace and opportunities embraced with pleasure. The covenant creates an arena of safety and blessing.

We live in a world where contracts are broken and promises are ignored. Everything seems to have a useby date. Obsolescence is built into the things we buy. Our relationships with companies are manipulated by algorithms. Yet it doesn’t have to be this way. We can walk differently on the earth and with each other.

Christians understand that on the night before Jesus was betrayed, tortured, and executed he had a meal with his closest friends. It was already a heavily symbolic meal, but he bestowed more meaning upon it. He took the cup of wine at the table and spoke words which have echoed through history, ‘This is my blood of the new covenant shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins’.

Everything God did in and through Jesus was about a new covenant which would echo with a new commandment –‘Love one another as I have loved you.’

and be

been heartbroken?

What relationships do you have that are shaped by vows and promises –either lifelong or temporary? What do your enduring covenants look like?

My hope is that at Christmas amidst the gathering with family and friends, in the giving and receiving of gifts, in acts of service and kindness you will know afresh what it is to love

loved. My prayer is that in this love you will catch a glimpse of God.

An

OPportunity for Gifts and Giving

With only weeks to go until Christmas, the countdown is officially on.

Each night another house lights up with the sparkle of Christmas lights, and thoughts turn to Christmas planning, in particular, presents for loved ones.

This year, we know that retail stores are struggling to stock their shelves due to the COVID backlog shortage.

As society becomes more eco-conscious in the way we live and purchase, many are turning towards their local Opportunity Store, colloquially referred to as the 'Op Shop'.

Samaritans have four fantastic Op-Shops across Hamilton, Mayfield, Wallsend and Boolaroo, each run by a team of committed staff and volunteers, overseen by Retail Manager Pauline Sellers.

Pauline has been managing the stores for the past twelve years. She has seen the many ways Op-Shops benefit the community, 'The Samaritans Op-Shops provide great finds for not only customers but also service many programs within Samaritans that support the people we serve.'

'One of these is our service at Wickham, which provides accommodation for young people for various reasons, so they can complete their education. This is just one of the important programs that our Op-Shops support. So, when you buy from our Op-Shops, you know that you are investing in local community initiatives that have the opportunity to transform lives.'

Bianca Bartlett, a volunteer at the Samaritan's Op-Shop, says she was introduced to Pauline in March this year and says she always wanted to volunteer but found it challenging to know how to go about it. 'The power of Pauline is she breaks down the barriers by saying "Why don't you come and see what it looks like?" so I did, and I have loved it!'

Bianca and her good friend Siobhan started an ecoconscious business in collaboration with local artisians called the 'Purple Card Project', which aims to reduce gift waste by allowing people to support projects on behalf of someone as a gift.

The self-confessed Eco-Warriors were successful in obtaining a grant from Newcastle City Council that saw a collective of local Wallsend Op-Shops including Samaritans join together to form the 'Wallsend Op-Shop Trail' where on designated dates you can be guided through five local OpShops along Nelson Street Wallsend by an Op-Shop expert and learn tips and tricks to op-shopping and hear unique stories and experiences.

'The way we view Op-Shop's has really changed', Bianca says, 'Not only in terms of the perception of what you can find in stores but also the volunteers. People of all ages and backgrounds are part of the Village of Volunteers, and we would love to see new people come and join us. As Pauline says, "Come and see what it looks like!"'

So, this Christmas, embrace the 'OPportunity' to find your loved ones something unique at an Op-Shop while also supporting a local for-purpose organisation; your gift is one that keeps on giving.

5 Reasons to support your Local Op-Shop and Community

1. Environmentally Friendly

Buying Christmas gifts from an op shop saves natural resources and reduces land fill.

2. Benefits the Community

Proceeds from Samaritans Op Shops go towards various programs for vulnerable children, families and individuals. Your contributions directly help those in need.

3. Budget Friendly

Financial pressures are mounting this Christmas with the cost of living increasing and inflation rates on the move. Purchasing items from Op Shops will save you money this Christmas.

Samaritans Op-Shop locations

Open Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm

Wallsend 145 Nelson Street, Wallsend | 4951 5779 Hamilton 19 Beaumont Street, Hamilton | 4961 5233

Mayfield 131 Maitland Road, Mayfield | 4960 9015

Boolaroo 15 Main Road, Boolaroo | 4958 2307

4. Repurposing Unwanted Gifts

If you receive a gift this Christmas that's just not you but would be someone else's treasure, don't stash it away in a cupboard to gather dust; donate it to an Op-shop and keep your cupboard clutter free.

5. Creates Social Connections

Since COVID, many services that rely heavily on volunteers to operate are in desperate need of people to come and volunteer. Op-Shops are an amazing place to reconnect with people after being in and out of isolation for so long.

angel A Christmas

With the help of 150 volunteers, Dana and her family prepare and deliver a spectacular luncheon for people in need, complete with delicious food and gifts as part of the Samaritans Christmas Lunch. Dana calls it the highlight of her year and has been coordinating the event for the last seven years with no plans to stop anytime soon.

“It is good for the soul and the most heart-warming experience – it puts everything into perspective,” says Dana.

“I love the smiles and the gratitude from all guests. Seeing the disbelief that someone cares enough to stage this event and provide food and gifts on the special day of Christmas gets me every single time. I have witnessed people cry in front of me when handing them food and a gift on Christmas – what is normal and natural for many, is a complete joy to those that need support.”

Born in Macedonia, Dana migrated to Australia at two years old. Dana grew up in the family home in Mayfield and was the eldest of four girls. At 18, Dana married her husband Bob and they had three beautiful children together. Among helping those in need, Dana’s passions consist of travelling and watching movies – which has played well into her career as the NSW State Marketing Manager for Event Cinemas.

Dana first became involved in the Samaritans Christmas Lunch when she was a marketing teacher for TAFE NSW.

“I always encourage my students to volunteer so I reached out to the Samaritans as I knew of this fabulous luncheon event in Newcastle and thought it would be a perfect opportunity to encourage my students to volunteer,” says Dana.

“Following the discussion with the Samaritans Marketing Manager, I had agreed to not just volunteer with my students but to take on the role as Event Coordinator for the luncheon given I had event experience in organising major events such as the Newcastle Show and many others.”

Since Dana came on board, the event has evolved to an enormous magnitude as more and more vulnerable people in the community need support. Traditionally, the day involved a sit-down luncheon for over 1000 people with food, gifts, entertainment, and decorations. When the pandemic hit, it brought about new and unexpected challenges. But Dana was committed that the show must go on.

“Disadvantaged people needed more support during the COVID period so we just changed the concept to incorporate an Express Lunch Pickup in 2020 followed by a Picnic in the Park in 2021,” says Dana.

“It was important to still keep the tradition of providing a lovely Christmas lunch of chicken, ham, salads, bread rolls, pudding and more as well as a gift for all visitors. This year we will combine both the picnic concept together with the sit-down lunch. I’m looking forward to delivering a bigger, brighter and happier event in 2022 in the Newcastle, Singleton and Wyong regions.”

Would you like to volunteer at one of the Samaritans Christmas Lunch events? Register your interest at pages. samaritans.org.au/christmas-at-samaritans

If you were to drive down to the Railway Carriages at Newcastle Foreshore on Christmas morning, you will find Dana Pichaloff and the team busily coordinating the region’s largest and longest running Christmas Day event.

There are a There are a variety of ways that you can get involved and spread joy. variety of ways that you can get involved and spread joy.

FROM OUR SCHOOLS

Celebrating Our Graduates and College Successes

The year 2022 has been a flurry of activity and challenges for our schools. But despite the challenges, students have continued to flourish and our schools have had successes worth celebrating. Here’s a snapshot from our school principals on the year.

This year Lakes underwent significant change. Our biggest change was the implementation of Schoolbox – our school portal that allows us to communicate directly with our community and our parents and caregivers, providing e-portfolios and growth data for each student, and clarity over student assessments and results.

We also saw several new staff join us at Lakes in 2022. This year our new Head of Junior School joined our Executive Team, and we had new coordinators in the Junior School appointed as part of our Junior School Leadership Team.

As 2022 began with the ongoing threat of COVID-19 lockdowns, the first few weeks of Term 1 were uncertain with carnivals and camps still considered too risky to undertake. But as the year progressed, we have been able to resume our normal routines where students have once again been able to attend excursions, incursions and events. Parents have also been able to come back into the school to attend speech days, welcome assemblies, award assemblies, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day breakfasts and sports events, just to name a few.

Our P&F ran our inaugural colour run in Term 3 as part of our Year 12 leaving events week. We saw a significant amount of money raised for the P&F and the school. Other fundraising and service activities run across the school included ‘shave for a cure’ led by Year 12, Year 11 raising funds for a variety of projects around our local area, and Year 10 encouraging us all to wear beanies for brain cancer.

Our Year 12 graduates of 2022 were a group of students who worked hard but also gave a significant amount to the school community. Many of our HSC students have already received early entry offers to a variety of universities and this is certainly a reflection of their continued hard work during their Year 11 and Year 12 studies. My message to our students is take a risk, prepare to fail, prepare to succeed but give everything a go. You just never know what lies ahead of you. We wish you well after the completion of the final HSC exams.

What am I looking forward to in 2023? You never know in a school because schools are places of never-ending change. I’m looking forward to seeing our gifted and talented programs in action across the school and the continued engagement of our students and staff in not only what happens in the classroom but in the broader life of the school. I’m also looking forward to consolidating all the work we have already put in place to roll out Schoolbox and continuous reporting, and to seeing how the learning power approach segues with our Schoolbox programs. Finally, I’m looking forward to seeing our new Year 7 2023 cohort settle and transition into the senior school at the same time as our four new Kindergarten classes start their journey through their 13 years at school here at Lakes.

Deb Clancy Principal

It was a year of incredible success for our students. There was very strong enrolment growth and a consolidation of our name in the local community. The highlight of the year was our first ever musical – We Will Rock You. It was a huge success and gave our students an insight into what they are capable of.

Our year 12 graduates were a small group of 11 students with diverse skills and talents who contributed positively and graciously to our school. We are likely to have some strong ATAR results from our top few students and early entry has benefitted many of our Year 12s.

I thank our graduates for their contribution to our school and wish them every blessing for the future. I invite them to come back and visit us one day but forge their own unique paths in life.

We are poised for great things in 2023 – the year of possibilities. I am looking forward to seeing our school continue to grow and thrive and to see our first ever large intake of Year 11 students commence. I am looking forward to a year of strong HSC results and strategic improvement in our school. I can’t wait to see Schoolbox in action.

Darren Parks Principal

“This year was transformative with great student growth, welcoming back parents onto the grounds and a renewed sense of pride. Highlights included our Mother’s Day and Father’s Day breakfasts, the Junior School Production and the inaugural Charity Ball.

We had a small cohort of year 12 students who came through the pandemic with half of their secondary school impacted. They were resilient, determined and a genuine team. My message to them is to stay calm as this too shall pass – and your future is yours to make.

In 2023, I’m looking forward to increased enrolments of over 100 students, the College musical, working closely with the team, and some amazing new programs and initiatives. We are going into 2023 with the theme ‘Educate for complexity’.

Paul Humble Principal

“The year 2022 has been a year full of activity and the joy of getting back into so many of the extra curricular opportunities for students, which has enabled them to experience the joy of sharing their strengths and interests and developing them.

The highlight for me was witnessing students flourishing as they had the chance to fully engage in what they love. The impact has been remarkable following the two years of significantly restricted opportunities. This has created a very busy year!

The Class of 2022 are an outstanding group of individuals who have contributed widely to school life while navigating the HSC. They have developed deep connections with staff and students. Some of their major works demonstrate the care, depth and detail generated from learners who are striving for their best and taking charge of their learning which is an outcome we are stiving from through The Learning Powered Approach and our Wellbeing.

I want to say to our graduates that you are all unique individuals who have grown and developed into fine young people. You have contributed to our school through your God-given gifts, strengths and talents and we know you will move into the world outside of school well equipped to continue this growth and contribution. We are thankful for your contribution to our school community and wish you every blessing for your future. Remember the foundation of the Christian faith and know that God promises to walk with you on your journey.

In 2023, we are looking forward to the ongoing learning generated from The Learning Powered Approach, and the ongoing flourishing of students as they know themselves better and can experience opportunities to share and develop their strengths and talents. We are also looking forward to the commencement of the next stage of our building program.”

Paul Smart Principal

mental health

matters New

The young people of Kempsey and Taree finally have access to a dedicated, professional youth mental health service in their region. The headspace openings brought dignitaries, community members, and young people together.

Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride acknowledged, “We know the unique challenges that young people face growing up outside of big cities. We have seen cumulative natural disasters, bushfires, floods and COVID. The data backs up what we’ve seen anecdotally that we’ve seen an increase in mental health disorders, especially amongst young people, and of that young women particularly are impacted.”

At 30 June 2021, an estimated 3.1 million young people aged 15–24 lived in Australia. Just over half of these people were male 51% (1.6million), and 49% (1.5 million) were female. Young people aged 15–24 made up 12% of the total population (ABS 2021a).

Since early 2020, COVID-19 has emerged as a major health threat to young people in Australia. While COVID-19 affects people in diverse ways, the social and economic impacts on young people have been substantial. For example, in the initial months following the emergence of COVID-19 in Australia, young people experienced greater levels of psychological distress, loneliness, educational disruption, unemployment, housing stress and domestic violence compared with prepandemic levels (AIHW 2021d).

Newcastle Anglican's Samaritans will manage the operations of the headspace locations in Kempsey and Taree. headspace provides support for young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drug services, as well as work and study support. Focusing on early intervention, the headspace teams work with young people to provide support at a crucial time in their lives – to help get them back on track and strengthen their ability to manage their mental health in the future.

– Shelby Mitchell Youth Reference Group member

"We are so lucky to have this facility so all young people can get the support they need; having this support in Kempsey will literally save lives."

headspace Kempsey and Taree are operated by Samaritans and join more than 150 headspace centres across Australia, which aim to meet the evolving and unique needs of young people aged 12-25 and those who support them. At the heart of headspace is the youth reference groups which play an active role in designing, developing, and evaluating the headspace programs.

Since opening, the Taree-based mental health service has been accessed by more than 220 young people, with more than 20 per cent of the clientele coming from an Indigenous background.

“This service is seen as a safe place around First Nations people to come and have a yarn and seek some support,” board member of headspace National, Dr Annette Carruthers AM, said at the opening ceremony.

Bishop of Newcastle Anglican and President of the Samaritans Foundation, Dr Peter Stuart used this time to acknowledge the struggles of young people in the region, including the needs of LGBTQIA+ young people.

“Over the last few years, it has been young people from this area who have purposefully brought to my attention the particular needs of being gay or lesbian or transgender in regional communities, and have asked for support in amplifying their voice,” Bishop Stuart said.

“Today, I want to amplify their voice as part of what we do here today in headspace.”

CEO of headspace Jason Trethowan thanked the Samaritans, particularly Clinical Services Integration Manager Felicity Scott, who has been instrumental in leading the four headspace Samaritans facilities. In summing up, he said, ‘headspace is like a national recipe with local ingredients. The future of headspace in Kempsey is safe with young people like Shelby representing the service.’

FEATURE

adopt a grand buddy program

Lifestyle Wellbeing and Diversity perspective

By Jane Meldrum,

Lifestyle Wellbeing

and Diversity Manager

The Lifestyle and Wellbeing team’s role is to facilitate the process of empowerment and to enable our consumers to make choices and decisions which maximises participation in leisure experiences that meet individual needs and wants. This is achieved through the facilitation, co-ordination and planning of leisure and recreational programmes that are designed to support, challenge and enhance the psychological, social, emotional, spiritual, cognitive and physical well-being.

Our intergenerational programs are a valued component of our Lifestyle Wellbeing and Diversity Calendar of Activities.

The Adopt a Grand Buddy program fits nicely by increasing wellbeing for young and old and many valuable experiences are gained throughout the program, enhances the

quality of life of residents and preschoolers providing an atmosphere of fun, excitement as well as offering physical, social, emotional and cognitive benefits for all.

Our residents often share their value through their life long experiences and storytelling with historical and cultural origins of intergenerational thinking.

Comments Cindy Dohnt SRV Lifestyle Wellbeing Team Leader

What is the highlight of the program?

All the residents are very excited to attend this activity. During COVID times our little people would deliver us letters to the chair outside reception. We would write back and leave letters for them on the chair for them to pick up.

We have a resident living with dementia, when you tell her that the kids are coming she has to quickly go to get her necklace made from her Grand Buddies.

What activities do the residents and children do together?

We do colouring in, Playdoh bead bracelets, pasta necklaces and designing terracotta pots to plant seeds into the following week.

We love our little buddies and will be very upset to see them head off to big school next year. However we are excited to welcome new little buddies into our home.

Opal (5) has taken a liking to Rose and every week brings her a flower

because Rose is as beautiful as the flower. Opal is very upset if Rose is not there and will ask about Rose and will sit with other kids rather than other Grandma’s.

Comments

Heather Murphy SRV Residential Care Manager

I feel there are so many benefits, the mental health of the residents especially those who do not have regular family visitors. The residents faces light up when they see the kids’ faces, many also enjoy the little notes that they get sent or the pictures

that are brought. It is the highlight of the week for many residents. The activities assist with dexterity, mental stimulation and it is just plain fun for all involved.

One resident told me today that her buddy has asked her if her mum was having a boy or girl. The resident explained that she probably couldn’t predict that, her buddy replied “Why, you know so much, I just want to know if I am getting a brother or sister.

permanence of love

The gift of love and support through care.

CARER FEATURE

When Sue

her foster care

"I was a team manager for a sports club, and one of the kids on my son's team was in care. They formed a great friendship, and for this young person to spend time at our home, I needed to do a course to become qualified so my son could have a friendship with this really nice boy."

Fast forward ten years, with her children all grown up now, Sue continues to be a carer with the Samaritans. "The rewards are so different to when I first began caring. For example, a young boy who had been trying to learn to ride a bike for years asked me to take his training wheels off his bike. The expression and pride on his face was my biggest reward; watching him ride down the street and scream "Look at me!" was pretty powerful."

The Samaritans Permanency Support Program (PSP) is a funded program through the Department of Communities and Justice to support children and young people aged 0 – 18 who are in Out of Home Care.

The permanency program is based on the ethos of achieving the goal of keeping children and young people connected to their networks, including their carers, families and significant others in their lives.

"Foster carers are critical in keeping children and young people connected to their families and supporting them in maintaining and creating lifelong relationships," says Shane Reed, Samaritans General Manager Permanency Support Program.

"The primary focus for our carers is to have people who can support a range of networks for each of the children and young people, inclusive of formal (school, doctors, psychologists) as well as informal (family, significant others, friends)."

The Samaritans PSP has demonstrated excellence in supporting children and young people to achieve permanency outcomes inclusive of guardianship, restoration, and adoption. In addition, the program offers ongoing support and training for the people in the program.

"In the past 12 months, we have supported eight children to be restored to their parents. But, more broadly, we have also supported children move from living with carers to being placed within family arrangements.”

Chantelle Scheibel is the Community Services Manager of the Permanency Support Program and says that people choose to become carers for various reasons.

"Some people wish to extend their parenting beyond when their own children have grown up; some people want to give back to society and see caring as an option; some people hear or see the trauma that occurs when children can't live safely with their parents and want to help."

"Given the range of caring options emergency, respite, short–term, long-term – some people can offer different environments for different children. For example, we have one set of carers who were assessed as respite carers for the organisation, and the first child they cared for as respite has kept going to their home every second weekend. They have decided that this arrangement works for them and the child. It is now a situation where the carers for this child and the respite carers make the arrangements themselves, making it a more normalised experience for them all.”

As part of Newcastle Anglican, Samaritans provides provide a range of foster care arrangements for people considering becoming a carer in the Hunter, New England, Central Coast and Mudgee regions.

Chantelle says, "People interested in becoming carers will undertake an assessment. This assessment will include exploring motivation for caring, understanding trauma and its impacts on development, undertaking police checks and the need to have a Working with Children's check. This all supports the young people in care to be provided with a safe and nurturing environment."

Sue reflects on her experience as a foster carer before giving advice to people considering foster care,

"I was very green, very naïve when I started caring for young people, it is not easy, but the rewards are great. My advice for anyone contemplating becoming a foster carer is to educate yourself and start small. Foster carers are needed desperately, but you need to be realistic, committed and doing it for the right reasons."

If you have questions or would like to register your interest in becoming a foster carer with Samaritans, contact us today by clicking the link and completing the enquiry form Become a foster carer | Samaritans

began

journey ten years ago, it wasn't something she set out to do.

where you are bloomplanted

We are all encouraged to reflect on life and its meaning. That is to apply our minds to learn the “truth” and to seek wisdom.

There are three ways that I have been challenged to undertake this reflection since Men’s 49. The first was, “How balanced is my life” the second, “What are my support circles?” and the third was, “Who am I?”

They say that one of the important things in our lives is that our “wheel of life” does not get out of balance. To test this, we need to choose the 6-8 things that are most important to us and rate them on a wheel. Then, you rate the importance of each factor. This tells us how smoothly your wheel is spinning. How smoothly is my wheel spinning? Well, it was a bit wobbly. Do you over, or under-emphasise anything in your life?

What’s important to me? I had a look at what I spent my time and money on. The significant things on my wheel were my church life, my family, my health, my work with the veteran community and with my mates, my charity work and my leisure time and friends. But, of course, the areas often overlap, and the things I do aren’t exclusive to one area.

Within this structure, I learned that one of the most significant factors for me was my spiritual life and my life in my church community.

One of the major challenges in Cursillo* is, “How is your tripod? If it’s not balanced, it won’t stand up.”

How is my tripod? Everything gets a little out of balance sometimes. I have certainly felt this. Life had thrown me a number of curve balls. The death of my wife and my two daughters being diagnosed with cancer came in rapid succession. All this happened under the cloud of Covid.

Then along comes Men’s 49. I had a premonition I would be asked to be on the team. I was. BUT what would my job be? Wow, Study! Well, who picked that? Someone was aware of the wobbly leg on my tripod. If I had to talk about STUDY, I decided I would have to have a good look at what I was doing. AND if I were going to talk about something, I would have to DO IT. Then the Lord played a little trick on me. He made our Cursillo one of the longest on record, so I had to do the study activities I chose for longer. This was a blessing as I could look closely at what I was doing. It gave me a long time to embed new habits. Before I started, my tripod was a little wobbly; now, I had the chance to shore up this leg. So, what did I do? I prayed, I talked, I researched and then I decided to do something.

I started reading, but felt I needed to look at the meaning, “the truth” of what I was reading. So, I started doing a daily journal to reflect. I went to Bible Study and was invited to join a “group reunion” a habit that had lapsed after the collapse of my previous group.

What has my reading, studying, and journaling been doing for me? As written in Hebrews, “The word of God is alive and active. We are “naked and laid bare” Mike Wittman (“Our Daily Bread”) wrote, “We don’t read the Bible, it reads us.” How often does what you’re reading have particular relevance to you, something that is relevant to the happenings of your day? A good friend of mine calls these God-incidences, not co-incidences. Again, in Isaiah (55:11), “My word will not return to me void without accomplishing what I desire and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it”. I have become more aware in the past month as I realised this.

One of my daily studies in the last few weeks was James 1:22. It was titled the “mirror test. “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” The Bible provides us with a map to live wisely according to God’s plans. My aim has to become a better map reader, determined to understand the path before me and how I should use scripture as a mirror into my life. It’s not just a matter of being but of doing.

So, over the past six weeks, I have done my “mirror test.” As my daughter's juggle hospital trips and medical appointments, I am actively involved with gpd (grandparent duties), helping where I can. I have increased my role in Newcastle Legacy, taking on the position of chairperson, and networking with colleagues and organisations.

My charitable work focuses on the bible scripture “To care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27). I continue to pray for my own health in preparation to replace my pacemaker shortly. This involves following an exercise program and my specialist constantly reminds me “drink more water.” I am trying to do all this.

My main area of focus has been my spiritual life and my life in my church community. We are not meant “to be alone.” I became deeply conscious of the groups around me and the support they provided during my wife’s illness and her death, and today these groups remain of paramount importance to me.

My OCCC – The old codgers; coffee club group meets once a week to solve the problems of the world. We laugh, we talk, we enjoy coffee. Within our church, there are our morning and evening prayer groups; these are valued relationships which have been built up over many years.

I recently attended my platoon reunion at Byron Bay. These were the mates I served with in Vietnam. Except for COVID, we meet annually. Nevertheless, our bond is as strong as when we served together 54 years ago. I shared the following poem with the men of Men’s 46. It highlights the support circle which exists within our platoon. The poem was written by our platoon commander, Peter Cosgrove. The poem is read as part of our Remembrance Services whenever we meet.

A Soldier’s Oath to His Mate

You are my comrade-in-arms As you go into battle I will go with you lf you rest I will guard you lf you stumble I will catch you lf you fall I will carry you home lf you die I will mourn you and honour you and remember you all of my days; your loved ones will remain in my heart I am your comrade-in-arms.

(A writing for and of the Defence and Employment Platoon, 1st Australian Task Force, South Vietnam) Peter Cosgrove

The platoon has been instrumental in overcoming posttraumatic stress disorder. They understood. They were supportive, especially my closest mates Hawkeye and Blue.

To me, the sentiments and values expressed in “A soldier’s Oath to his Mate” also apply very much to our Christian Community.

This month my two daughters have been declared cancer free. They still have more operations to face, but their test results have continued to improve. St Johns has prayerfully supported Cathy and Michelle for the past 18 months.

I see my psychiatrist bi-monthly. The therapy has been successful in helping maintain “balance” within my life and handling my post-traumatic stress. On this occasion, our discussion evolved to cover support from those around us. I reported how fortunate that I was so lucky to have wonderful support people and support networks around me. The doctor replied, “Why do you think this is so, Warren?” I thought it was just good fortune. “No,” he answered, “An important element of friendship is how you treat others.” Of course, the first two sentences of the Cursillo motto went off in my head “Make a friend, be a friend.” We have the most marvelous example to copy, “Jesus.”

In the space of a week, Matthew 16 kept coming up, as my group reunion friends were aware. In my Bible reading; in my journaling; in Morning Prayer; and in our Bible study on “The Overcomer.”

Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” Peter’s declaration was, You are the Messiah.” I puzzled over this. What is the message for me? Finally, the penny dropped. The question was one I should have been asking myself. “Who am I?” I had been confronted with the answer during my platoon reunion. One of my colleagues asked our group, “Are there any Christians here?” Although I felt a little confronted at the time, I answered, I am.” Over the 50 years we have been meeting, the question of Christianity had never arisen. When I declared I was a Christian, Dubbo, his nickname, answered, “Good! I wanted to show you something.” It was a copy of the Lord’s Prayer, which had been lasered onto a pinhead. “Who are you, Warren? And the answer is, “I am a Christian, a follower of Christ.”

From “The Overcomer” I have pondered the following words, ‘In your life, “Jesus must increase, but I must decrease”.’ (John 3:30) By confessing our trust in Christ, we surrender to His plans for us.

I have learnt that I have God’s word close at hand, I have my support network, and I know who I am.

* Cursillo Newcastle is part of a movement of the church that helps to equip and inspire Christians to be active apostles for Christ. For further information about Cursillo Newcastle visit their website Cursillo Newcastle - Cursillo Anglican Church Newcastle

30th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women

This year, 2022, marks the 30th Anniversary of the ordination of the first women priests in the Anglican Church of Australia. Despite the progressiveness of the Anglican Church, the journey for women to be recognised in ministry had been long and, at times, painful.

For many years, faithful Anglicans had prayed and protested, held silent vigils. They campaigned, discussed and debated in groups and organisations, parishes, diocesan and national synods, to reach this momentous goal.

On 7 March 1992, in a nationally televised service, ten women were ordained to the Priesthood by Archbishop Peter Carnley in Perth. By the end of 1992, 92 women had been ordained priests Australia-wide.

One of the first women ordained into Priesthood, the Right Reverend Kate Prowd, Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Melbourne, remembers sensing the powerfulness of the occasion, and vividly recalls the women walking down the stairs at the cathedral buildings to the applause of all the men.

“I couldn’t fight back the tears streaming down my face; it was just so humbling that sense of responding the best way I knew to what I believed to be God’s call,” Bishop Prowd said.

Speaking on the current state of equality for women in the community, Bishop Prowd stated, “there was still a long way to go for women to be fully valued in the church as well as wider society.”

“There have been great gains in the Church since women were ordained, and we’ve travelled a long way from being a kind of novelty and trailblazers … Women’s ordination is the norm [now] – Praise God,” Bishop Prowd said.

In 2018, the Anglican Diocese of Perth welcomed its first female Archbishop, The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy, who was also among the original group of ordained women Priests in 1992. Touted as a ‘Trailblazer’ with statements like “smashing through the stained-glass ceiling” often attached to her name, Bishop Goldsworthy is proud the Church has proved itself to be a leader in advocating for women to be leaders.

“People are still looking to women who are in places of leadership, responsibility, some kind of authority and say there’s a door opened,” she said.

“I would always say if that door’s been opened and I’ve walked through; it needs to stay open for others to walk through.”

Website References

Kay Goldsworthy Archbishop of Perth MOWATCH Movement for the Ordination of Women in the Anglican Church

Struggle continues despite 30 year milestone for women’s ordination (melbourneanglican.org.au)

Celebrating 30 years of women priests in Australia - Guardian (adelaideguardian.com)

The Ordination Service for 2022 was held on Saturday 26 November.

A reflection from

BishopSonia

Tell us what led you into ministry?

I became involved in the life of this church through the ministry of GFS, the Girls Friendly Society. Essentially my call to ministry begins there, and was further nurtured in the Parish of East Maitland and through the Diocesan Youth Ministries of the day. Our GFS leaders encouraged us to grow in our leadership, and in our parish we always saw men and women leading together. It all seemed very natural. The sense of call to ministry is something that was growing inside of me. Finally, while attending a retreat, I was triggered to get a bit more serious about listening to that sense of inner call. And here we are today.

What is your memory of the first ordination of women into the Anglican church 30 years ago?

The ordination of our first women priests in 1992 was amazing! People travelled from everywhere, the Cathedral was packed to overflowing, and there was a sense of excitement. I was at the end of my first year at St John’s College, and we were way up at the top of the Cathedral. I remember the pause as a member of the congregation stood to object to the ordination, and then Bishop Parker’s calm reply. In my mind there was cheering as he announced we would proceed. It was a joyous occasion.

How has this affected your journey to become an Anglican Bishop?

Firstly this was a great affirmation for me as someone training for ministry. Our Diocese was very pro the ordination of women. Bishop Holland was an strong advocate of moving in this way. Even so I had gone to College at the start of 1992 uncertain as to when (or even if) women would ordained as priests. So for me this ordination was deeply moving. I am very thankful to those earlier women who ‘stuck it out’ and opened a doorway for all of us who felt called to serve God’s church in the ordained ministry. I think I also learnt for this, and from following the first 11 women ordained, that there is a time to step up and own how God and the church might be calling you, even if it

feels a bit new and uncertain. I feel like this isn’t just because I am a woman though, but also because I am part of the whole people of God, and the church is at its best when we all, women and men, take our places together. I am reminded of The Hon. Julia Gillard, who when asked about gender said, “It doesn’t explain everything; it doesn’t explain nothing. It explains something.”

What would you say to upcoming women wanting to seek a life of ministry in the Anglican church?

Welcome! There is a place for you here. One of my ministries is to work with people who are discerning whether God is calling them to ordained ministry. I love working with this group each year, usually made of both women and men. I love hearing their sincerity and faith, and journeying with them. I am proud that we see all people as children of the one God who loves us all equally. Ordaining women and growing to accept that as part of our Diocesan culture has been a big step in ensuring that equality.

How does Newcastle Anglican support women to flourish in ministry, their vocation within Newcastle Anglican and life?

My experience as a woman in ministry is that I have been given numerous opportunities which have allowed me to flourish and to grow in ministry, opportunities which are the same as my male colleagues. Having said that, in the early days it wasn’t always easy, and I have observed that women needed to work harder to claim their space. I know that as time has gone on we as a diocese have also been careful to protect a culture of equality and have been on the front foot in saying that men and women serving together in ministry is an important part of who we are. Finally, for me celebrating this 30th anniversary is an important reminder that the journey we have been on is not one we should take for granted. We should celebrate. But we should ensure that future generations of women, as well as men, have opportunities to flourish in the ministries to which they are called.

FEATURE

Changes to the Aged Care Sector

What you need to know

In August, the Australian Federal Government passed a new act in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s recommendations. The Federal Parliament – Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response) Act 2022 brings several changes across aged care.

Key Changes in Aged Care

The new Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) funding model to replace the existing Aged Care Funding Instrument (AFCI) funding model

Introduction of a code of conduct for all aged care providers and staff

Introduction of a Star Rating system for all residential aged care facilities

New governance requirements

Expansion of Serious Incident Response Scheme

New Funding Model

From 1 October 2022, under the new AN-ACC funding model, an external, independent assessor will assess each new aged care resident, or resident where there has been a change in care needs. The assessment involves reading care plans, speaking with staff, and performing non-invasive, voluntary clinical assessments to best understand the time required to provide care to each resident.

Providers are required to reach requirements of each ANACC classification by 1 October 2023. Anglican Care will update residents and family members as this approaches and as the Department of Health and Aged Care provide us with additional information.

New Aged Care Codes of Conduct

From 1 December 2022, residential aged care providers and staff will be required to comply with a Code of Conduct stipulated by the Department of Health and Aged Care. Anglican Care will provide further updates to residents and family members as more information becomes available.

Star Rating System

To help future residents and family members make informed choices about residential aged care facilities, the Department of Health and Aged Care is introducing a Star Rating system for all aged care facilities. Categories in the Star Rating include:

Compliance based on a facility’s compliance history against the quality standards for residential aged care

Consumer experience based on annual consumer experience interviews for each facility by an independent consultant engaged by the Department of Health and Aged Care.

Staff care minutes based on the amount of staff time reported for each residential aged care facility each quarter

Quality indicators based on quality indicators reported for each residential aged care facility each quarter

New Governance Requirements

From 1 December 2022, new governance arrangements will be in place, including the establishment consumer advisory bodies to allow residents and their representatives to provide feedback about the quality of aged care services to the Newcastle Anglican board. Residents will be consulted as this body is established.

Expansion of Serious Incident Response Scheme

From 1 December 2022, the Serious Incident Response Scheme is being expanded to cover incidents involving home care consumers.

You can find more information at health.gov.au/initiativesand-programs/star-ratings-for-residential-aged-care

For more information about these changes to the aged care sector visit www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/star-ratings-for-residential-aged-care or contact Anglican Care on 1800733553

FEATURE

Our Continued Commitment to Respond to the Reality of Domestic and Family Abuse

Domestic and family abuse is rife within our society, and we acknowledge that it happens within our faith communities.

Between 2019 and 2021, the Anglican Church of Australia commissioned three independent research studies to better understand the impact of family violence in our churches. These looked at the prevalence of intimate partner violence among those who identified as Anglican, the attitudes and practices regarding intimate partner violence among Anglican Clergy and Lay Leaders, and the nature and experience of intimate partner violence for those with a connection in Anglican churches and how the church featured in these experiences.

In response to these findings, the Family Violence Working Group, established by the General Synod Standing Committee of the Anglican Church of Australia, developed the ‘Ten Commitments for Prevention and Response to Domestic and Family Violence in the Anglican Church of Australia.

Newcastle Anglican has embraced these commitments as the foundation for implementing long-lasting change that will help prevent violence, abuse, and any form of coercive or threatening behaviour and help our Diocese better support those affected by domestic and family abuse.

Project Officer Kylie Harrod is leading the Diocesan Domestic and Family Abuse Working Group in this work. “When I started in my role as Project Officer, I carefully read through the document which outlines the Ten Commitments in more detail.”

“As I looked at each commitment, I started to notice common categories emerge. It became obvious to me that it’s these ‘categories’ that we, as a Diocese, must look at, reflect upon, and build strategies around to help us implement the Ten Commitments.”

“Anyone can be subjected to domestic and family abuse,” says Kylie. “This includes women, children and men. It is important to note that domestic and family abuse is not just about intimate partner violence within a heterosexual relationship; it also occurs within LGBTQI+ relationships, child/parent relationships, sibling relationships and relationships with extended family members. In addition, elder abuse can also be domestic and family abuse.

The scope of the project is the whole of the Diocese. We need everyone to know, and feel, that they are being thought of and cared for in this space,”

What You Can Do

As part of the project, Newcastle Anglican asks that everyone be open-minded and embrace opportunities to learn more about domestic and family abuse. To self-reflect on personal attitudes and actions and model the kinds of healthy relationships that God wants for us. We need to be willing to say, “I believe you” and share resources being distributed as part of the project.

One of the initial stages of the project is to address the three key elements of Commitment One –acknowledgement, lament and repentance. A ‘Service of Lament’ will be held at 6pm on Monday, 28 November, at Christ Church Cathedral to acknowledge and lament the domestic and family abuse many have suffered in our community. During this time, Newcastle Anglican will repent the part it played in allowing an environment where this abuse went unaddressed.

The categories are:

Education

creating awareness of what domestic and family abuse is.

Healthy relationships education on what a healthy relationship looks like and the ‘red flags’ to look out for in an unhealthy relationship.

Church being a safe space both physically and emotionally.

Scripture

ensuring that Holy Scriptures that promote treating others with love, kindness, compassion, equality, dignity, and respect are shared and that the misuse of Scripture to justify or excuse abuse is addressed.

Communication among our churches, schools, agencies, and the broader community.

Clergy training helping to empower Clergy through training and equipping them with resources so that they will feel confident to work in this space.

Forming relationships among our churches, schools, agencies, and the broader community.

Responding learning what to do, what not to do, and where to refer to.

Prevention this will be addressed through awareness and healthy relationship education as well as through preaching Scripture about the types of relationships God wants for us.

Culture within the Church looking at current structures, policies and practices within our churches and actioning what needs to change to ensure equality and a safer space for all.

Domestic and Family Abuse.

What does the Bible really say?

A person subjected to domestic and family abuse may suffer many different forms of abuse. Spiritual abuse is one of them. Some common spiritual abuse behaviours include:

▶ using spiritual texts and teachings to justify and excuse abuse

▶ using spiritual texts and teachings to manipulate and demand, or limit, particular behaviours from someone

▶ using a position of spiritual authority to dominate or manipulate someone

Spiritual abuse can be experienced within a relationship and outside of it. Within a relationship, a person using abuse will often misuse spiritual text and teachings to manipulate their victim and justify their abusive behaviour.

Outside of the relationship, fellow parishioners and/or church leaders may also use behaviours mentioned above, which add to the shame and condemnation already being felt by the victim from within their relationship.

The Domestic and Family Abuse Working Group has now produced an updated version of our Diocesan brochure, which addressed the misuse of Scripture often used to justify abuse.

The new brochure clearly states:

▶ There should be a mutual submission of husband and wife in self-giving love.

▶ The person using abuse is responsible for breaking the marriage covenant.

▶ Forgiveness does not mean an acceptance of abuse or that someone must stay in an abusive relationship.

▶ Forgiving does not mean forgetting the abuse, accepting it in any way, or that it is safe to stay in or return to a relationship.

▶ Apologies and remorse are not repentance.

Repentance is about creating lifelong change in attitude and actions free from the need to dominate and control.

The brochure also reminds us:

▶

That we are all created “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27) and are all precious to God.

Therefore, the value and dignity of every individual should be upheld by all.

▶

That Jesus treated others with love, kindness, compassion, and equality, regardless of gender, class, age, or ability. He did not condone violence or abuse. Jesus never abused His power.

▶

That Jesus said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12)

The brochure contains information on what domestic and family abuse is. It also provides important contact information for those seeking support.

We encourage you to read this brochure and share it with those around you. The more we understand and share the messages, the more we can hold those using abuse to account. In turn, the less negative judgement, guilt and shame those subjected to abuse will carry about themselves, and the more supportive and less judgmental we will all be to those wanting to leave an abusive relationship for the sake of their safety and wellbeing.

Mel Hanson Anglican Care

Meet Mel. She is a music lover who enjoys cooking, reality TV and soaps, and lives by the mantra of starting each day with a smile.

Mel is also one of our Residential Care Managers at Anglican Care’s CA Brown Lodge at Booragul.

Mel’s journey kicked off when she began a traineeship at Anglican Care. With a lifelong dream of being a nurse, Mel has juggled her career with studying to complete her degree and become a registered nurse.

“My tip to not only surviving but thriving is to have a goal and work together with your partner, kids, family, friends and colleagues,” says Mel.

“It’s great to bring them along on the journey and share in the achievements!”

It’s easy to see how Mel is flourishing in her role. As a leader in Anglican Care, Mel has participated in the Leadership Matters program over the past year.

“The program has been beneficial in increasing my leadership skills and learning new tips on managing my time and energy,” she says.

“As the Residential Care Manager for CA Brown Lodge, I strive to be the kind of leader who is approachable, kind and patient”

This naturally comes out in Mel’s leadership approach as she conducts her day-to-day work activities with integrity and compassion. As well as beginning the day with a warm smile, Mel makes sure to greet residents and fellow staff with a friendly “good morning” before ensuring that any concerns or issues can be quickly addressed.

While her role keeps her busy, Mel also finds great fulfilment in her interactions with residents and sees herself working in aged care for many years to come.

“I love the smiles, warmth, gratitude and friendliness that comes with working in aged care,” says Mel.

“It is easy to have a genuine love and empathy for the residents. I even named my son after a particular resident I provided care to many years ago!”

Are you looking for a meaningful career change?

Find out more about starting your career in aged care by contacting www.anglicancare.com.au/careers

In our August edition of Encounter, we launched a new initiative, The Cooking Encounter to encourage everyone to share a family/special recipe. Well, we have to say we were delighted with the response, especially our Alkira Day residents! Hospitality Services Manager Barry McKibbin was kept busy selecting the scrumptious recipes that would feature in this edition of Encounter.

Three special recipes have been selected and Barry and his team have created each of the dishes which will be featured across the Residential Aged Care Facilities, in our CA Brown Café and included in our Yes Chef menu.

If you have a special recipe you would like to share, send it to us HERE and tell us what it is that makes it special to you.

‘

Banana Cake

by Jakoba Stevens

There is nothing more comforting than the smell of a warm freshly baked banana cake. This fantastic recipe has been shared with us by Alkira Day resident Jakoba, who tells us that this recipe is a family favourite which has been passed through generations. She says ‘It’s just so nice to be able to share my love of food and cooking with my family.

It’s important to me to pass on my knowledge to my family; my daughter in law now prepares that banana bread recipe better I did!’

Ingredients

60ml sour cream

1 teaspoon baking soda

3 ripe bananas 25g butter 125g sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 150g flour

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180c

A great recipe to get the kids and grandkids involved with and make it a whole family affair.

2. Mix sour cream and baking soda in a bowl

3. In another bowl, mash bananas, butter, and sugar. Place in mixer and beat until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs and vanilla, beat until mixed.

5. Add flour, turn mixer to low and add in sour cream mixture. Continue to mix on low until combined.

6. Place in a well-greased loaf pan and bake for 50mins.

storiesplate on a

The Cooking Encounter

Date Slice

by June Carroll

If you like dates, you’ll LOVE this slice! Proving that food is a connector of people, this recipe has been shared by June, a day resident at Alkira who says that “her cooking talents were one of the things that won over her now husband Peter.‘

Ingredients

4oz butter

4oz brown sugar

4oz self-raising flour

¾ cup chopped dates ¼ cup walnut pieces

Add 1 beaten egg

Vanilla Method

1. Preheat oven to 180c. Grease and line a baking tin (18cmx18cm)

2. Melt butter in a saucepan on the stove top or in a heatproof bowl in the microwave.

3. Place sugar, flour, dates, walnuts, egg, and vanilla in another bowl and mix to combine.

4. Add in melted butter and mix all ingredients together well.

5. Place into prepared baking tin and bake for 15mins until golden.

6. Allow the tin to cool before slicing.

Chicken Marsala

by Jane Cooper

Chicken marsala is a traditional Italian dish, and a great go-to for a simple weeknight dinner. This delicious recipe is shared with us by Jane, who is the Carer for her father Barrie and says that this is one of her favourite family recipes.

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise 100g butter

5g garlic

250g button mushrooms quartered 2 shallots sliced thinly 1 sprig of rosemary, chopped 2 sprigs of thyme, chopped 500ml marsala wine 750ml chicken stock

Salt and pepper

Method

1. Melt half of the butter in a pan before adding the mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and herbs.

2. Gently sauté until the mushrooms are cooked. Set aside in a warm place.

3. Lightly dust chicken breast with flour, shake off any excess.

4. Cook the chicken in the same pan until it is browned and cooked through. This may need to be done in stages. Remove from heat and keep warm.

5. Add the marsala and chicken stock to the pan. Bring it to the boil, scraping up any brown bits left in the pan. Reduce the liquid by two-thirds, add the remaining butter and stir until melted and combined.

6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh, blanched asparagus, topped with chicken and mushrooms, and then drizzle the marsala sauce over.

A delicous meal for even the fussiest of eaters!

PHONE (02) 4926 3733

EMAIL info@newcastleanglican.org.au POST PO Box 817 87 Toronto Road, Booragul NSW WEB www.newcastleanglican.org.au