Encounter August/September 2018

Encounter August/September 2018 | issue no. 478

v o i e c h e T

of our youth Hearing our youth

Seasons of change

Space for children

This edition Encounter magazine shares the flourishing children and youth ministries across the Diocese as we celebrate the voice of our youth.

Bishop Peter reflects on the important work of the Diocese to build our capacity to hear and speak in multiple voices.

Bishop Charlie asks us to recognise that our life together is fuller and truer for us all when children are included authentically

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Reflections

Seasons of change BISHOP PETER STUART bishoppeter@newcastleanglican.org.au

Over the next 18 months we are going to see some significant changes as the Anglican Church, serving the people living in the region from the Hawkesbury River to Lake Cathie, from the coast to beyond Burning Mountain. As anxious as people feel, there is a growing acceptance that we need to carefully re-establish our foundations for mission and ministry both now and in the coming decades. We know that this will involve significant structural change.

As the people of God, we engage this work with strong theological convictions. The church, the community of disciples, flows from the community of God the Holy Trinity. Our shared life is meant to reflect the deep mutuality evident between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. As we experience and

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respond to God's grace, made known in Jesus the Christ, we are moved to love, to relationship and to service.

We hold dearly the life and teaching of Jesus in which the life of God is revealed through children and people for whom life contains many struggles. We understand the great hospitality of God through which we discover that the norm of God's way is to eat with the outsider, the wrongdoer and the stranger. We trust that the canvas of God's work of reconciling all creation to Himself centres on a birth in Bethlehem, a cross and empty tomb in Jerusalem and across the universe as the Holy Spirit draws everyone and everything more fully into God's life.

We know this message to have been announced by women and then by men, and we pledge to continue to tell this Good News.

There are some out-workings of these theological convictions that we trust will take hold more firmly in our shared life as part of our current decision-making and action.

All of Australian society, including the churches, have been called to hear again the voice of children. This vocation should rest comfortably with us because of the teachings of Jesus, but confronts us because of our past failure to ensure the safety of children. The simple question that will feature in our schools, in Samaritans and in our parishes is – "What are our children wishing to say to us?". Whenever we structure our programmes and our work around this question we will hear different things. We will also be ready to hear them when they say, "Something is troubling me". It is not much of a jump to recognise that the same

Reflections disposition of listening can and should feature in every aspect of our mission and ministry. Over and over we can ask, "What are ‌ people saying to us?"

One of the confronting things that has come to the surface, as parishes have explored the best application of financial and building resources, has been the expression of longheld hurts and in some cases enmity.

Some people have simply said, "If I have to worship with those people, I won't!". As these feelings have been named, some long-held and unresolved tensions have risen to the surface. Clearly, to fashion our future way of life on this would be to build on sand. Part of our continuing work is to embrace practices of reconciliation and healing.

The other week over 100 people representing the breadth of parishes within the Diocese spent time listening to Bishop Ric Thorpe from the Diocese of London speak about church planting. As we prayed in twos and threes at the end of the day, there was a renewed sense that we can and must continue our work of starting new things. We were reminded that we can form a new assembly of people exploring kingdom life with as few as four people who are committed to inviting other people to join them. We were refreshed in our knowledge that these expressions of church often do not look like the church from which the people are sent. There will be many and diverse expressions of Christians gathering together. We embraced again the fact that this mission begins and continues with prayer.

Alongside our commitment to move towards other people is our desire to show great hospitality and welcome people. As part of our decisionmaking around buildings we are wanting to ensure that our places

of worship and fellowship are easily accessible by people who have impaired mobility. We want to ensure that people who need assistance in participating equally find our churches sensitive to their seating, personal care, seeing and hearing needs. We have some catching up to do to keep pace with the standards that are increasingly normal in the wider community. The buildings we use in the future need to be physically welcoming.

At the Synod in October we will be experimenting with some different processes aimed at building our capacity for collaborative decisionmaking. For some time the Synod has been structured to spend time on the critical business that diocesan leadership and the people most familiar with Synod process have organised. There has also been a desire to do the most amount of work we can in the shortest amount of time. We have done important work but in the coming season of our diocesan life we need to build our capacity to hear and speak in our multiple voices. We will spend time building our responses to pressing questions from the ground up.

One of our core commitments is to ensure that people are physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually safe. We see safety as one of the central elements to people being able to explore their relationship with God and hear God's particular call on their life.

From our theological convictions, and because of our history, we will continue to devote time and resources to ensuring that the church in this diocese is a safe place for all people.

In the week leading up to writing this piece for Encounter I was involved in two separate conversations with young adults in which they both said, "But your church is not safe

for me". Both of the young adults have a history of connection with the Anglican Church. Neither is sure about walking into an Anglican event with confidence that it will be safe for them. Both people are children of our church and identify in some way as LGBTQI+. They, like many other LGBTQI+ people and their families, place the church in its many forms very high on the list of places causing anguish. Both young people expressed concern that conversations in our diocese about LGBTQI+ Christians, especially in response to last year's change in the marriage law, will cause hurt rather than bring hope. In this season they are hoping for something different from us.

One of the changes that has occurred for me in being called to be your Diocesan Bishop has been a much deeper living into the call to be your "Father in God". The depth of this has surprised me simply because of the various ministries that I have been privileged to exercise with and among you for nearly a decade.

On some nights I wake up with the complex weight of our diocesan life stirring within me. I find myself like Jairus. Jairus, a leader of the synagogue, in loving desperation reaches our to Jesus and exclaims to him, "My only daughter is dying".

As the story unfolds, things only get worse but Jesus says to Jairus, "Do not fear. Only believe, and she will be saved."

May we together go to Jesus in prayer, holding before him the things of deep concern to us, believing in his promise of new life and being faithful with the things he has entrusted to us.

With every blessing, +Peter

"We have done important work but in the coming season of our diocesan life we need to build our capacity to hear and speak in our multiple voices."

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Reflections

"I am meeting adults who recognise that our life together is

fuller and truer for us all when

children are included authentically."

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Reflections

Making Space for our Children BISHOP Charlie Murry bishopcharlie@newcastleanglican.org.au

Occasionally being free to attend my children's school assembly was a tremendous privilege of parish ministry in Singleton. A different class hosted the assembly each week.

Whatever the host class's age level, between kinder and year six, there was a bunch of constants in school assembly.

Among these constants were invitations to sing the national anthem and the school song, and to say the intriguing school prayer.

I suspect the school song and the school prayer were both composed at about the same time as "girt by sea". Although maybe a more recent editor decided we should address my God rather than God when we prayed "that I may grow up to be an honest citizen, of use to my country".

That language always jarred a bit with the clear tone of the assembly which always celebrated the inherent value of each child rather than each child's usefulness to any cause or system. The resonance of school assembly with what we were trying to do in parish ministry always struck me.

There was the weekly celebration of recent achievements. There was active participation in the celebration of arriving here and now by the whole school community— students, teachers, parents and other carers. And there was also always the expressed hope of the school's contribution to the further growth

and flourishing of each student so that society as a whole might flourish.

In contrast with the supposedly secular school, in parish ministry we were always free to recognise God's invitation to worship and I think in most spaces it was our explicit intent to do so. I say spaces because I learnt a great deal about ministry with families and children through DIG, the Singleton drop-in group.

Debbie Gilbert and her DIG team offer a ministry much more about creating an environment than delivering a program. They chiefly make a generous space where encounters can happen. Some of that space is created with play dough, paint, paper and glue.

My hesitation to dive across the threshold into that particular world of endless creativity became a running joke with the DIG team, with my family and the Messy Church team too.

Some of the ministry space is created by committing a piece of unstructured time to the possibilities of the moment. I believe my experience of our Messy Church grew all the richer because of the hundreds of times at DIG children asked again and again to read to me that dog-eared devotional classic One Hundred Trucks. I learnt a lot there about godly conversation.

Beyond our ever-growing understanding of our duty to keep children safe, spacious time remains an ever-present priority in ministry with children. It is in spacious time that I learn to hear the contributions my own and other children have to make. I have to make both in the sense of possessing potential and in the sense of our need to make contributions as part of discovering who God is calling us to be.

Despite the predominance of grandparent-aged people in the congregations I visit from week-toweek as a new bishop, I am meeting children, toddlers to teenagers, Sunday by Sunday. And I am meeting adults who recognise that our life together is fuller and truer for us all when children are included authentically.

I hear us yearning to make space to include children, not as objects of the sentiments or instruments of the agendas of others, but as growing contributors alongside us. That is not to abrogate the role of adults as teachers of the faith.

It is to acknowledge that practising sharing humbly with our children the awe and delight of coming to know who God is for us, especially in Christ Jesus, is to come to know better how we might all, in every age, come to the wonder of celebrating, not that our children are our future, but that ours and our children's future is held safe in the hand of God.

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Topics

Anthony's Story launched at Christ Church Cathedral Anglican Church Newcastle hosted a special launch event of Marija Radojevic's book Anthony's Story on Tuesday July 3 at Christ Church Cathedral.

Anthony's parents, Marija and Alex, told their deeply moving and heartbreaking story, sharing the deep "sense of rawness and chaos".

"This book is for the families, for the lives of those who are broken," Marija said.

"My hope is if any parent who has been going through this experience, and reads it [Anthony's Story] and finds something there, then my job is done."

Bishop Peter Stuart spoke at the launch of the book in Newcastle and encouraged the audience and the wider community to read the book.

"A few months ago Marija shared with me her family's experience and the journey she had been on in writing the book. I was deeply moved by her story and by the wisdom she was bringing from her professional experience to the needs of family and friends making a similar journey," Bishop Peter Stuart said.

The publication of Anthony's Story follows the conclusion of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in December 2017. It is about her son's sexual abuse at a Sydney school and death in 2014.

Marija wrote Anthony's Story for all those thousands of families who, like hers, have been torn apart by a

This edition

Encounter

2 Bishop Peter Reflections

The Anglican Encounter, the magazine of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, is published bimonthly from February to December. The Anglican Encounter is a member of the Australasian Religious Press Association.

4 Bishop Charlie Reflections 6 Topics 8

Voice of our youth

18 Samaritans 20

Around the Diocese

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What's On

30 Recipe 31 Book Review

Bishop Charlie, Marija, Alex and Bishop Peter

Contact Details PO Box 817 Newcastle NSW 2300 P: 02 4926 3733 F: 02 4926 1968 E: editor@newcastleanglican.org.au www.newcastleanglican.org.au Production Team Editor/Designer: Louise Mackay Editorial Committee: Robyn Ashley-Brown, Dianne Rayson Proofreaders: Kath Dockrill, Pat Dring, Barbara Sweet, Judith Weaver, Pamela Lusty Subscriptions Local $30 per year; Overseas $40 AUD per year. To subscribe please contact the Editor.

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similar "living death".

Copies of Anthony's Story are available for purchase at Christ Church Cathedral for $38.50 (cash only). You can also order your copy from Harry Hartog. Find out more: www.facebook.com/Anthony.

Radojevic.Story

Advertising Contact the editor for a rate card and bookings. The Editor is not responsible for opinions expressed by contributors, nor do their views necessarily reflect the policy of this paper or of the Diocese. Acceptance of advertisements does not necessarily mean endorsement of product or service.

Contributions Welcome The Editor and Editorial Committee welcome contributions of stories and photographs for consideration for publication. The Editor and Editorial Committee reserve the right to edit or cut all submitted material. Submissions can be emailed to the Editor (please send images as high res JPEG attachments). Articles should be a maximum of 250 words and are not guaranteed publication. Please supply your contact details.

Next Deadline: September 7, 2018

Topics

St Augustine's receives funding for heritage conservation St Augustine's Anglican Church on Llewellyn St, Merewether has been successful for an $85,946 grant for heritage conservation from the NSW Liberal National Government.

Member of the Legislative Council, The Hon Taylor Martin MLC said the Heritage Near Me Strategic Project funding would go towards the conservation and reconstruction of St Augustine's Church by Heritage Restorations; a half day heritage building skills workshop; the development of an Asset Maintenance Plan; and a History of St Augustine's Church.

"St Augustine's Church was dedicated in 1889 and has been a part of the history of Merewether since that time," Mr Martin said.

"It is pleasing the see the NSW Government support the conservation of local heritage for current and future generations.

"Helping communities to conserve and share their local heritage is a key feature of the Heritage Near Me Local Heritage Strategic Projects funding stream."

Priority is given to projects that are

collaborative and multidisciplinary, support long-term sustainability through the transfer of skills, knowledge and experience, address an identified community need and increase awareness of local heritage values.

For more information on the Heritage Near Me program, which offers a range of grant programs to assist local communities, owners and managers of heritage items, visit

In Brief Appointments

Diocesan Office

The Rev'd Nicole Baldwin was ordained Deacon on June 30, 2018.

Rev'd Nicole will serve as Honorary Deacon in the parish of Cessnock.

Elyssa Kingston-Brown has been appointed Strategic Property Adviser and commenced on May 7, 2018.

The Rev'd Jacqueline Drewe was ordained Deacon on June 30, 2018. Rev'd Jacqueline will serve as Honorary Deacon in the Cathedral parish.

The Rev'd Philip Morris was ordained Deacon on June 30, 2018.

Rev'd Philip will serve as Honorary Deacon in the parish of Wallsend.

Memoriam The Rev'd Stephen Niland's mother Ailsa Niland died on June 5, 2018.

The Rev'd Mark Watson's mother Wilmar Watson died on June 18, 2018.

www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ heritage-near-me

Want more?

Why not sign up for our e-newsletter, the Diocesan Messenger, to receive all the latest news and updates straight to your inbox.

Anglican Church Newcastle sends out regular e-newsletters with updates from the Bishops, special events, news from around the Diocese, links to galleries and more.

Visit www. newcastleanglican.org. au/e-news to sign up today.

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g n i r a he

voice

of the our y o ut h

This edition Encounter magazine shares the stories of some of the flourishing children and youth ministries across the Diocese as we celebrate and listen to the voice of our youth.

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Voice of youth

Small Voices - Big Impact Lakes Anglican - Words by Annette Shorten Lakes Anglican values the voices of the children who call it "their voice". From bubs through to teens, under the leadership of the Rev'd Tim Waghorn and Annette Shorten, the children have a belief that they are heard and responded to. Young people have helped shape directly what the 9.30am service looks like, formed mentoring mindsets at the youth group 628Crew and purposely lived out evangelism at school. They are using their gifts for God's glory and for the building up of his people.

Kelsey (17) who has grown up at Lakes Anglican has been on the leadership team for Kidzone (Sunday School) for two years and says, "I love going to Kidzone because I love seeing how involved the kids are and how enthusiastic they are to learn!" With between 25-30 kids most Sundays this is a lot of enthusiasm to lead.

Brooke (12) who also attends the 9.30am service has a passion for drama. Her sense of belonging and understanding that she had a voice and value within the church was demonstrated when she asked the Rev'd Tim if she could run a drama

group after the service that could engage with the congregation.

Brooke quotes, "After asking Tim, he helped me launch our Lakes Anglican Drama (LAD) group and he even came to a couple of the sessions. It was nice because we had 6-yearolds through to 80-year-olds. I am 12 and I love serving in this way."

have fun, learn about God and get new friends." Jess (11) echoes this sentiment, "Girls Cru is a fun and loving place where you can learn about God and let your true colours shine." Tahlia (11) adds, "Girls Cru is fun and you get to learn about the Bible and God and you feel safe and people listen to you!"

628Crew is a youth group that meets on the first Sunday of the month between 6-8pm for those in Year 6 to Year 12. Edan (15) and Callum (14) have been a part of 628Crew since it began in 2015. Edam states, "Our church has encouraged us to have a voice and to be leaders of our own group. Callum and I are in Year 9 now and wanted to help and encourage the new Year 7's and so we run a lunch-time Bible study group at school called 7Cru."

Last term Annette began a brand new music and movement program for toddlers and their parents and/or grandparents called Heartbeat. This program allows families to connect through a 30 minute activity followed by a yummy morning tea where conversation with the wider church family is fostered. Annette believes that "as we create intentional space and opportunity for people to share, we build intentional relationships that let people know we care. We choose to be Gods' hands and feet.

Heartbeat complements the already thriving Playtime which is a group for those aged 5 and under and their families where again the little ones are honoured and safe. Playtime is for many to the first connection to the church.

Annette has for the last 5 years been running a Years 5 and 6 Bible study group at Lakes Grammar – An Anglican School. Each week Girls Cru gathers to read the Bible, share with each other about a life of faith, play games, craft it up. Carly (11) says, "Girls Cru is a place to

"Girls Cru is fun and you get to learn about the Bible and God and you feel safe and people listen to you" ~ Tahlia, 11 years old

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Voice of youth

Hearing the Voice of Our Youth Cessnock - Words by The Rev'd Nicole Baldwin Hearing the voice of our youth starts with a willingness to listen and engage in conversation that is important to the young person.

An ongoing success story began almost seven years ago when my 13-year-old daughter and her friend told me "we need a youth group".

In the 175th Anniversary of St James' Morpeth, A Church for All Seasons book, Catherine states, "I remember all the effort it took to convince Mum we needed a youth group. So what was said in church could be broken down for the younger people."

It was about 12 months between first hearing the voices of these two young girls, to the launch of Apis Te. With only a couple of youth in the parish of Morpeth, I wondered with parish priests at the time, Sonia Roulston at Morpeth, Janet and Grant Killen at Thornton/Beresfield, what a youth group might look like if our two parishes worked together.

Our team of leaders from both parishes committed to every second Friday night of the month, for a minimum of six months. That is almost six years ago.

The next big change to Apis Te, came through listening to the needs of the youth members. Several of the group

told us, "We are like a family and a month is too long not to see each other‌ we need to meet more often".

So, we began meeting on the fourth Friday evening as well.

There are currently between six to fifteen young people who regularly attend Apis Te and they range in age from 11-18. Some have grown up through Apis Te and moved on and others have grown up enough to be able to join Apis Te. Flick, Lilly and Marissa used to ask me, "When can I come?" The answer, "When you are in year six".

I remember one conversation with James. He was 16 and his sister was an Apis Te member too. He asked me, "Is it okay if I go to another youth group? It's where all my friends go".

I assured him that it was more than okay and that I valued him being a part of Apis Te for the time that he had been, and that I was pleased he had found a youth group that met his changing needs.

There was one song One Way that had become our theme song, but we did not sing it one night, we had planned to introduce other songs. I was asked, "Can we sing our song now?" at the end of the night. So we did. We use that song as our final

song at the eucharist at youth group camps.

We have held three successful camps at Lostock School House with another planned in November this year.

Leaders and youth come from the parishes of Beresfield/ Thornton, Mount Vincent/Weston and Cessnock. During other years Morpeth, Gresford/Paterson, East Maitland and Raymond Terrace have been part of Apis Te. The needs of our youth have changed as they have grown, so we too are able to change so that we continue to hear their voice and meet their needs.

At a recent youth group night we talked about the things that the youth value about being a part of Apis Te. Jorge said, "We are a diverse, energetic community. I have met people and made friends here that I would not have if I didn't come."

Ricky said, "I come to meet new people and to eat food."

Lilly said, "We don't do Scripture at high school, so I come here to learn about Jesus and to be with my friends."

SRE in Cessnock Another place that I hear the voice of young people is while teaching SRE in our schools in Cessnock Parish with the Rev'd Michelle.

Walking into a classroom with infant school children is rewarding in so many ways.

We have a great responsibility to these children to hear their voice and help them to know that God loves them. Engaging them with the stories of Jesus and His love for

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them enables us to witness their faith and how it deepens.

Through music, singing, dancing and movement the children express their understanding of God. When they leave scripture and sing their favourite song all the way back to their classroom, that is a beautiful thing to witness.

As is their eagerness to hear stories and contribute to the

discussions. School holidays coming up always mean we hear, "I'll miss you." One of the class teachers tells me "the children really look forward to their Scripture lesson."

Another wonderful moment is when a child leads the class in prayer in their own words ‌ there are always many volunteers to do this.

Voice of youth

CEY Ministries at Cessnock

CEY Ministries at Lakes Anglican

CEY Ministries at Lakes Anglican

CEY Ministries at Cessnock

CEY Ministries at Cessnock

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Voice of youth

Reaching Digital Natives Words by Jesse Baker, Youth Leader - Camden Haven I've seen a shift in the youth culture. Generation Z – those born between 1995 and 2012 – have more "instantaneous" access to information than past generations.

They are a visually-stimulated, fast-paced, tech-savvy, and globally-connected generation of digital natives. With this new cohort entering adulthood, new problems are emerging – issues that when evaluated impact on how we witness to the next generation.

Mission Australia's 2017 Youth Survey indicates that mental health is the overarching problem among adolescents. "From 2015 to 2017 the proportion for those indicating mental health as a national concern rose from 14.9% to 33.7%." Jean Twenge – a researcher of Generation Z – says that the average high school senior spends six hours a day texting, gaming, streaming, and using social media. When this is added to the stress of school study, future career decisions, and the fact that the adolescent brain is remodelling into an adult from a child, brash and impulsive decisions can lead to disadvantageous lifestyle outcomes.

So how did past generations spend their time? The simple answer is that they socialised, exercised, studied, slept, and participated in spiritual communities more than Generation Z. They had the time to do so. With these increased social connections, a healthier lifestyle, and a hope in the afterlife, there were fewer cases of mental health issues.

What does this data teach us? The more time spent behind screens equates to increased unhappiness, loneliness, hopelessness, lack of meaning, and – in some severe

cases – a loss of interest in life.

According to Twenge, "Teens who spend more than three hours a day on electronic devices are 35% more likely to have at least one suicide risk factor," while "46% more teens killed themselves in 2015 than in 2007." This risk increased with the introduction of portable computers – the "smartphone".

As we look ahead at our society – through the virtual window of Generation Z – the physical, social interactions and communities we enjoyed may slowly dissolve and be replaced with a predominately online world. Our trips to the mall may replace themselves with online orders that arrive at our doorstep.

Our face-to-face discussions in our universities may replace themselves with online study. Our architecture may increasingly separate us from our neighbours. Our church communities may dissolve and replace themselves with megachurch podcasts. The physical world may then replace itself with a digital society that undervalues the comfort and challenge of enjoying life in a physical community. One day we may ask, "Where is everyone?" The answer may be simple, "They are online."

Considering the mental health crisis of our teenagers and their lack of physical community, I remain confident. Our teenagers are longing for something more. They desire acceptance and love. They are hungering for something beyond the ordinary diet of a digital world. They are looking for something intriguing, other-worldly, and strange. They desire the love of God as expressed through a welcoming, accepting, authentic, hospitable, and caring

community. Such warmth is even more intriguing than a dopaminestimulating text message or social media love-heart.

Jesus is that place of rest. Jesus is the one who entered our chaos, listened to our cry, empathised with our sorrows, and declared that there is freedom from the chains of screen addiction. What a joy it is to hear the comforting words of our Lord to this generation: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28).

Jesus is the rest in which our virtually intoxicated teenagers need. He is the one who can fill the void of their unhappiness, meaninglessness, and insecurities. Our disengaged teenagers need to re-engage with God. So what is our response? Are we ready to learn how to use social media and point our teens to bring light to the dark places online? Are we bold enough to build relationships with schools, support chaplains, raise money for scripture teachers, launch breakfast clubs, serve in canteens, and start lunch groups?

Are we willing to open our homes to young families and share our whole lives with them? Are we prepared to provide warm spaces in our churches to engage youth with the scriptures in new and relevant ways? Would we describe ourselves as a Jesuscentred church, intriguing the next generation with the Spirit-filled peace of Christ?

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. I encourage you to prayerfully consider what it looks like for you to labour in the field of Generation Z.

"Our teenagers are longing for something more. They desire acceptance and love. They are hungering for something beyond the ordinary diet of a digital world."

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Voice of youth

Rock Solid Kids Club at Camden Haven

Rock Solid Kids Club at Camden Haven

CEY Ministries at Muswellbrook

CEY Ministries at Muswellbrook

CEY Ministries at Muswellbrook

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Voice of youth

"Children must be enabled to express their views. We must provide opportunities for them to participate in decisions that affect their lives."

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Voice of youth

Giving our children a voice The Rev'd Les FORESTER I'm so thankful that my parents believed me when I told them I had been abused. My mother must have seen the terror in my eyes and the panic in my breathing. She was willing to ask me what was bothering me, and she was ready to listen and to believe my account. I can't imagine what it would have been like if she had said: "Oh don't make up such terrible stories", or "Things like that don't happen amongst our people", or "It's not so bad. Get over it", or "You must have asked for it."

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse has made it plain to us that had parents, carers, priests and bishops actually believed children when they spoke up, then much of the abuse experienced by children in our church could have been prevented.

One of the 10 Standards the Royal Commission has established for child safety is that children are to participate in decisions affecting them and that their voices are taken seriously. Children must be enabled to express their views. We must provide opportunities for them to participate in decisions that affect their lives. The importance of their friendships must be recognised and support from peers encouraged, helping children to feel safe and to be less isolated.

Children can be enabled to access sexual abuse prevention programs and information. Church staff and volunteers must be attuned to recognise signs of harm, and facilitate child-friendly ways for children to communicate and raise their concerns.

We can hope that the days of "children should be seen and not heard" are well behind us. Some of us might even be in reaction claiming that "Kids these days are only too aware of their 'rights'." However, the natural reticence that abused children have to speaking up, places extra onus on us adults to look, ask, listen, and act. Children may well be sending non-verbal signals, which are in fact red flag indicators of their distress.

I am part of the team which leads Safe Ministry Training Days in our Diocese. Often, we show a video of Pam telling her story of being abused as a child. One of the poignant and moving moments in the video is when the elderly Pam looks back on her life and asks: "Why didn't someone do something? Things might have turned out better". If only an adult in her life had noticed, asked and listened, giving that child a voice.

There is more to giving children a voice than listening after the event.

Giving children a voice in everyday life can be a great protective factor too. I'm glad that my grandchildren are part of an education system that says to them "If you are feeling uncomfortable, take action, say 'no', then go, and then tell".

One place we adults can make a start on including children in decisions is for us to work on our own attitudes. All of us have our reasons for our views and our actions, each of us employing our own emotional logic, according to how we see our circumstances. Children do too. Most children are deciding and acting in reasonable ways, according to their own lights. So, when we adults

are puzzled or challenged by what a child says or does, we could ask ourselves "Why would a reasonable, rational, good child say that?" Asking ourselves such a humanising question can open us to the child, remind us that we don't know everything. It can make us curious, and prime us to really listen. Asking this humanising question is also a good way for us to rein in our natural adult tendency to assume that our position is the only power that matters, and that our knowledge is the only wisdom.

If we want to involve children in decisions that affect them, we will need to move beyond clever adult manipulation, decoration and tokenism. Roger Hart, Professor of Psychology at New York City University, likened involving people in decisions to the steps on a ladder: moving from informing children, to consulting them, to sharing with them, and even to making decisions which are initiated by the children and shared with adults.

Our gospel stories use strong language to teach us some home truths. Mark's gospel has Jesus saying: "If you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck."

(Mk 9.42). We are told that when His disciples prevented the children from coming to Him, Jesus "indignantly and sternly rebuked" his disciples. (Mark 10.13).

My mother didn't have much time for church talk or preachers, but she made time to listen to me. We too could learn to listen and involve children in matters that affect them.

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Voice of youth

Our commitment to children through teaching SRE Kate Baker SRE Co-ordinator

"Do you enjoy working with children?"

This would normally be the first question I ask when we are looking for additional SRE (School scripture teachers). A connection to, and interest in, children is essential for anyone wanting to work with children through teaching Christian SRE. Research often quoted by Albert Mehrabian shows that 93% of our communication is through our body language and tone of voice. Only 7% comes from what we say. Being committed to children's welfare shows. In my experience, children are good judges of character, too.

The philosophy of respect for children runs throughout the training that Hunter Christian SRE Committee run for SRE teachers in this Diocese.

The training covers such topics as: child development and teaching with sensitivity, and in an age appropriate way. Participants are encouraged to think about the fact that some children are from families who despite choosing SRE, may not subscribe to the teaching themselves.

Some of the children may not personally describe themselves as "Christian" either. We hope that from the training participants will come away with the knowledge that it is crucial to show understanding, respect and kindness to all children and their families, regardless of their religious affiliation, or not.

There may also be children whose family have a different belief or no religious belief but have chosen to send their child(ren) to SRE. The training provided by Hunter Christian

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SRE encourages SRE teachers to be both respectful and mindful of these things.

It has happened on occasion in my classes, that a child will say for example "My dad doesn't believe in God"…to which I may respond something like "That's OK, it's is up to everyone to make up their own mind about faith matters". Occasionally a child will be in SRE classes and say "I don't believe in God…" and I might respond "It's good that you are thinking about these things…".

Children need to be heard and have their opinions and views respected.

Something which I have come across in good SRE teachers, in terms of showing a commitment to children, is the idea of self-reflection.

In fact this is soon to become a requirement by the NSW Department of Education of all SRE teachers.

Together with my manager, Assistant Bishop Sonia Roulston, I have been putting together a list of suggested questions to ask after your SRE class such as: What went well? What didn't go so well? Were the students mostly engaged and interested in the lesson? Did I try and cover different learning styles in the activities that I chose for the lesson? Was I warm, positive and professional in the delivery of my lesson? Did I have any Work, Health and Safety (WHS) or Child Protection concerns during my lesson?

Working for the Anglican Diocese, I feel confident that we are working hard to address the hurts of the

past and deliver a healthy future for children in, and associated with, church. All SRE teachers have regular Safe Ministry Training and a Working With Children Check. They are also subject to checks via the NSW Dept. of Education.

In 2015 I did a survey of SRE teachers in terms of their training and experience in working with children.

I was amazed and impressed to find that many of them had at least 20 years' experience in working with children, often in a church setting. Around 50% of respondents had formal teacher training, and a number of others had other educational training, eg.. Tafe teaching. In my own observation, SRE teachers are commonly not only committed to children's ministry via teaching SRE, but are generous with their time. Some SRE teachers deliver at least nine lessons per week and also run children's programs and are often involved in many other community activities.

There is much research to suggest that educating children in the Christian faith has benefits for them eg understanding Western culture, building resilience, giving tools for coping in a crisis, and health benefits (especially in mental health) to name a few.

Upon reflection, I am glad that there are many people in different capacities are working to make sure we are committed to children's welfare in and through the delivery of SRE.

Survivor Support

Walking alongside survivors

As we continue on the journey of flourishing by grace, we need to remember that those who walk amongst us are survivors of childhood trauma and sexual abuse. The person sitting next to you in your parish could be a survivor. In a recent interview with Survivor Support Coordinator, Liz Studdert, she urged us to treat everyone around us with dignity and respect.

"The important thing to remember as we discuss the future of our diocese is that survivors are among us. We also need to keep in mind the secondary victims, the families and friends of these survivors, who are also among us in our church life," Liz said.

For many survivors of child sexual abuse the trauma never goes away.

"They have times when the trauma

impacts every part of their life - the physical, the mental, their faith, their family, and relationships. Every single survivor has a massive story to tell," Liz added.

The Survivor Support Office, consisting of Liz Studdert and Naomi Lewis, sits within the Professional Standards Department and helps survivors navigate through life on a daily basis.

"We value them, we listen, we support them through their ups and downs of being a survivor," Liz said.

"We advocate on their behalf to medical professionals, psychologists and government and nongovernment agencies, such as the Department of Housing and Centrelink."

Liz went on to explain that often, because of their symptoms of PTSD, survivors have barriers when it comes to seeking assistance, making appointments, finding a psychologist, or seeking to see a doctor on a regular basis.

Liz and Naomi also assist survivors with redress applications. This is often a confronting and difficult process for survivors.

"An important part of our role is listening to the needs of each individual; validating them, believing them."

If you, or someone you know, needs support, please contact Liz or Naomi in the Survivor Support Office on (02) 4907 5730.

If you need immediate support call Lifeline 24 hrs on 13 11 14.

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Samaritans

"At thirteen I wasn't able to live with my foster carer anymore so I spent years couch surfing with friends."

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Samaritans

A journey out of

youth homelessness Natalie* is a 17-year old who currently attends school in Newcastle and dreams of working in the medical field. Yet Natalie's future didn't always look so bright.

"When I was seven years old, I was placed with a foster carer because it wasn't safe to live at home anymore.

My mum has always struggled with drug and alcohol addiction and I spent much of my childhood in and out of family refuges," Natalie said.

Natalie describes her early teenage years as a time of uncertainty.

"At thirteen I wasn't able to live with my foster carer anymore so I spent years couch surfing with friends. I found that I was too old for a foster

care placement and I was welcomed into an amazing home with my boyfriend at the time.

"While I remain very close with him and his family, after we broke up I wasn't able to stay there anymore which is when I found Samaritans.

"I found a placement at Samaritans youth refuge where I was able to be linked up with some funding, a case worker and I felt looked after," she said.

Samaritans staff worked to find Natalie a safe and permanent place to stay and she was referred to Samaritans Youth Accommodation in Wickham.

"I was so excited that I would have a

place for myself, and that I wouldn't have to worry about where I might be sleeping at night, or if I would be safe," Natalie said.

Samaritans Student Accommodation has given Natalie a home and allowed her to focus on herself and school.

"I have opportunities. I am able to pursue my hobbies and most importantly, my dreams for the future," Natalie said.

Samaritans Student Accommodation is completely funded by members of the community who donate to Samaritans fundraising appeals. *Name has been changed to protect the identity of this young person.

Samaritans to recruit new members for experienced Board Samaritans Foundation has embarked on a search for two new members to join its experienced Board.

Samaritans, the social welfare arm of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, has a turnover of $65 million (2017), with over 800 staff and 500 volunteers across five regions. Each year Samaritans provides unconditional support to over 38,000 people throughout Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, Hunter, Central Coast, Central West and the Manning Valley.

As a member of the National Anglicare Australia Network, Samaritans is linked to more than 40 organisations throughout the country. As a network, our services are delivered to 1 in 40 Australians, or 930,000 vulnerable people every year.

Samaritans strategic plan is focused on sustainability, people and partnerships. As an organisation, Samaritans promotes with courage the development and implementation of social policy which is consistent with Christian teaching.

Samaritans is now calling for expressions of interest from people with appropriate experience to join its quality Board. The successful candidates will have appropriate governance expertise or experience in executive roles in large organisations.

As Samaritans continues to evolve, it is critical that Samaritans' Board draws expertise from a wide range of disciplines. People with interest or skills in risk and compliance, government relations, strategy, property development

and those with academic links are encouraged to apply. Experience in the fields of Child Protection and Disability Services will be highly valued.

As a member of Samaritans' Board, you will have the opportunity to use your expertise and skills to make a meaningful impact on the local community. You will be an integral part of an organisation that is committed to providing a good life for the people Samaritans supports.

To obtain further information on the Board, and on the process of making an Expression of Interest, you are invited to phone Samaritans Acting CEO, Brad Webb, on 02 4960 7109.

Expressions of Interest will close on August 17, 2018.

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Around

The Diocese

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Around the Diocese

Ordination to the Diaconate 2018 The Ordination to the Diaconate took place at Christ Church Cathedral on June 30, 2018. The Rev'd Nicole Baldwin, the Rev'd Jacqueline Drewe and the Rev'd Philip Morris were ordained to the diaconate.

Nicole Baldwin, to serve as Honorary Deacon in the parish of Cessnock, said, "The call to ordained life, for me, is not a destination, but is rather an ongoing journey of change and growth, which I am privileged to be part of.

"Being ordained to the Diaconate will mean being drawn into a deeper, closer relationship with God, as I respond to the call that has been placed upon my life. It is a privilege to be able to serve God and God's people as the Holy Spirit directs and guides me."

The Rev'd Philip Morris

Jacqueline Drewe, to serve as Honorary Deacon in the Cathedral parish, said, "Early in the second century, Ignatius described deacons as being 'entrusted with the business of Jesus Christ'. Diaconal ministry is deeply incarnational: deacons are called to live Christ's mission through deep, life-giving engagement in the world, and to lead others in that mission.

"I am passionate about the power of the gospel to transform lives and communities, so for me, becoming a deacon is about faithful service to Jesus' radical, transformative vision of a world made whole as God intended it. By God's grace, my ordination to the diaconate will help me grow and flourish in the ministry of making Christ known."

The Rev'd Jacqueline Drewe

L-R: Bishop Sonia Roulston, the Rev'd Jacqueline, Bishop Peter Stuart and Bishop Charlie Murry

Philip Morris, to serve as Honorary Deacon in the parish of Wallsend, said "I believe that once I am ordained deacon then I will be able to help people more and by doing so I will be better able to serve my parish and the community. I will be able to live more on the cusp of the Church having one foot on the outside and the other on the inside in order to assist those who are seeking. As a deacon I will also be able to assist those who mourn and those who ask for baptism. To be a beacon for God in a more affirming manner.

"There is still the unknown for all of us and I am excited to continue on this journey and the greater journey for our Diocese."

Photos thanks to Eduardo Hernando.

The Rev'd Nicole Baldwin

Bishop Peter Stuart

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Around the Diocese

Christ Church Cathedral Celebrates NAIDOC Week On July 8 the ecumenical churches of the Hunter region came together at Christ Church Cathedral for NAIDOC Week to recognise and celebrate the remarkable women shaping our communities.

The service involving the Anglican, Catholic and Uniting churches was led by Anglican Rev'd Di Langham and began with a smoking ceremony and a dance performance from Hunter school girls.

Special guest speaker, Aunty Brenda Mathews, shared her remarkable and motivating story of being stolen from her Aboriginal family five years after the NSW Government changed its official policy.

The service recognised the NAIDOC Week theme for 2018 – Because of her, we can! As pillars of our society, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have played – and continue to play – active and significant roles at the community, local, state and national levels.

Aunty Brenda Matthews

The Rev'd Di Langham

Leave a gift in your will to the Church Once you have made provision for your loved ones, you have the opportunity to make a lasting gift to God, by leaving a bequest to his church.

A gift in your will is one of the most valuable and lasting ways you can continue to support its mission and ministry within your community.

Contact Linda Wilson at the Diocesan Office for more information on 4926 3733.

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Around the Diocese

Anglican Women Service 2018 The Annual Service of Anglican Women in the Diocese of Newcastle took place at St Peter's Church, East Maitland on June 5. About 120 people braved the rain and cool conditions to attend the service.

Bishop Peter Stuart celebrated at the service, his sermon was thoughtprovoking, as he mentioned how a spider weaves its own web with very strong, intricate, sticky threads that do, however, break. When this happens, the spider starts all over again and another beautiful creation occurs. We are not all that dissimilar from the spider as, even though we have strength, we are, as a diocese, quite fragile, but we do have an opportunity to create something new and beautiful for the future.

Following the Eucharist, Bishop Peter commissioned the new Executive.

Guest speaker, Nicki Stuart, was interviewed by her husband, Bishop Peter Stuart. This was a friendly, laid back interview, full of many and varied topics. When asked, "What is it like to be married to a bishop"' she replied that, "she is married to Peter – who happens now to be a bishop!"

Talking about her life, Nicki said that she very much sees her career in helping people to live a fuller life as her ministry. In Nicki's capacity as a physiotherapist with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, she shared many instances of working with children and adults living with a disability.

Nicki and Bishop Peter Stuart

Bishop Ric Thorpe Visits the Diocese Bishop Ric Thorpe visited the Diocese on July 6 for a clergy and lay conference at St John's Church, Raymond Terrace.

Bishop Ric Thorpe is responsible for the London Diocese's goal of creating 100 New Worshipping Communities by 2020 and is also working nationally to support Dioceses to plant new churches.

Bishop Ric shared the things that were learnt through London's 100 New Worshipping Communities by 2020 project, as well as training on church planting.

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Around the Diocese

Art therapy paints more than a pretty picture The benefits of art and its therapeutic benefits for the elderly were on display on June 21 at Club Macquarie as Anglican Care brought together consumers from their home care and day support programs and services to enjoy a day of fun, friendship and creativity.

While art therapy is an established and regular activity throughout all Anglican Care's services, the 'Create A Masterpiece' function is a first for Anglican Care – which brought together around 60 consumers with varying needs, where they were provided with easels, canvases and paint equipment as well as expert tips and advice from Paint Your Town.

Chris Giles, Anglican Care's General Manager of Community Care Services, said studies conducted all over the world report on the positive effects art therapy can have on the health and wellbeing in the elderly.

"Art Therapy has many benefits for people in aged care. It can allow the expression of complex thoughts and emotions, help to alleviate anxiety and depression, improve motor skills and cognitive functioning, and encourage discussion and socialising," Ms Giles said.

The therapy is particularly of benefit to people with dementia or Alzheimer's as they can experience

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a range of physical, cognitive and psychological benefits and can sometimes even unlock a memory or creative side of the person which may have been forgotten in their senior years.

"Many people go for years without nurturing their creative side. Others remain creative but give up in old age. Everybody is creative, no matter their skills, age or background.

Picking up a paintbrush, making

something with your hands, even dancing, playing an instrument or singing, often brings back memories but it can also uncover hidden talents."

Participants of the program were treated to morning tea, then calming music was played and the participants were encouraged to start their own Masterpieces under the guidance of the talented artists from Paint Your Town.

Around the Diocese

Georgetown Parish Shines for Winter Solstice St Matthew's Anglican Church, Georgetown hosted a special event to celebrate solstice in the Christian tradition. Shine took place over June 23-24 with interactive and experimental worship, reflecting on and worshipping the God of the seasons.

Guests were also treated to hot soup and mulled wine.

Dungog

Celebrating MU at Cardiff This month the Parish of Cardiff held an MU Promotion Day following their services to share and celebrate the wonderful things the ladies do for the community. They shared some photos of the MU ladies and the craft group cutting out the comfort cushions and will sew and stuff them this week.

Some of the activities Cardiff MU is involved in are making Comfort Cushions for breast cancer patients.

They are currently holding working bees to make 100 cushions due to increased demand. Cushions are taken to Lake Macquarie Private Hospital Breast Cancer and Day Admissions wards and are provided free. They usually have several on hand for individual requests. They collect toiletries and other goods in December for gift packs distributed

by Mission to Seafarers in Newcastle; MU members and members of Cardiff Craft group make beanies for distribution to seafarers by the Mission to Seafarers; they contribute items for baby bundles provided to underprivileged new mums at John Hunter Hospital; then knit jackets for premature babies in Neo-Natal

Intensive Care ward at JHH; they knit squares for rugs distributed

by Samaritans, and knit beanies for patients staying at Ronald MacDonald House; they donate part of the proceeds from our Promotion Stall to MU Australia for projects

in northern Australia and overseas Members also volunteer for Coffee and Care at Worimi Children's Court providing coffee, tea or juice and a listening ear for young people and their support persons waiting to appear in court.

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Around the Diocese

Sea of Hands at Christ Church Cathedral to mark Reconciliation Week The grounds of Christ Church Cathedral have become a Sea of Hands to mark Reconciliation Week.

Anglican Church Newcastle partnered up with Samaritans, Manning Valley Anglican College and Newcastle Grammar School to install the hands to express our commitment to reconciliation and recognise the work that still needs to be done.

Acting chief executive Brad Webb said the Sea of Hands first appeared in 1997 in front of Parliament House, Canberra as a statement of solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

"It is an act of recognition – of identities, cultures and history. I hope that the Sea of Hands inspires our community this week to reach out, listen, and learn from the wisdom of the oldest living culture on Earth."

Anglican Bishop of Newcastle and Samaritans Foundation president the Right Rev'd Dr Peter Stuart was joined by staff members, people supported by the organisation, community members and students from schools including Newcastle Grammar.

"The beauty of the hands is, that together when we hold hands,

we are showing that we are in partnership, we're connected to one another – so this is a very visual way of saying we want to be together," Bishop Peter said.

"We will build better and stronger

communities for all people as we take seriously the journey of reconciliation," he said.

"We have much to learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people."

Bishop Peter Visits Lakes Grammar – An Anglican School Last month Lakes Grammar – An Anglican School, welcomed Bishop Peter Stuart to the school.

"It is always wonderful to have his presence within our school community," a spokeswoman said.

The day started with a student-led Q&A session during Chapel which was very insightful, during which Bishop Peter's advice to students of "be kind" was an extremely powerful message.

Next some visits to classrooms got some more deep and meaningful questions from the little people in our school which certainly brought about a chuckle.

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Around the Diocese

Anglican Men's Weekend 2018 The annual Diocesan Men's Weekend took place at Tahlee during May 18-20, 2018. Archdeacon Arthur Copeman spoke on the theme "Living in the Real World". Guests took part in activities that made the most of Tahlee's environment such as fishing, bushwalking, and a bonfire on Saturday night. Photos thanks to Grant Killen.

Samaritans Winter Appeal at Westfield Kotara Thank you to everyone who supported Samaritans Winter Appeal drive at Westfield Kotara. Over the two days 1,181 nonperishable items were generously donated. These items have been used to restock the shelves of Samaritans Emergency Relief Centres. Samaritans Winter Appeal will run until the end of August. Find out how you can contribute at www. samaritans.org.au/donate.

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Around the Diocese

Newcastle Anglican Schools Corporation Celebration Day On June 13 Year 7 students from our Anglican Schools came together for the 7th Annual NASC School's Celebration Day held at Christ Church Cathedral. This day was an opportunity for the four Diocesan schools to gather together and celebrate.

Students from Scone Grammar School represented the school with enormous pride and their Chapel band and vocalists performed beautifully. Students were treated to guided tours of the Cathedral, a wonderful service of worship and excellent interaction with the students from the other schools.

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What's On

Dates For Your Diary August 11 Diocesan Convention

October 4 BIODIVERSITY DAY

October 13 Morpeth Quiet DAY

The annual Diocesan Convention will take place at Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College on Saturday August 11.

Come and share in the fun this feast of St Francis! Visit the Newcastle Anglican stall for free native flower potting, Franciscan giveaways, and to meet others called by Christ to care for our environment.

Christ Church Cathedral together with the Company of Servers invite members of the wider Diocesan family and friends to share with us a Quiet Day. The Quiet Day will be led by the Rev'd Martin Davies, Rector of Stroud, on the topic "Knowing My Faith: Another Look at Humility", with two addresses, a meditation and the Eucharist. Morning tea and a lunch of soup, damper and fruit will be provided, with "silent" and "talking" areas during lunch. There will be time to enjoy the peaceful surrounds.

Our keynote speaker will be John Capper who will be speaking on Evangelism and apologetics.

We will also hear from Sally Bathgate who will present on Tea and Threads, plus a presentation by CEY on hearing the voices and views of our children.

Date: August 11, 2018 Time: 9.15am–3.30pm Venue: Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College Tickets: $20 available online

Enter the Diocesan Biodiversity Photo Competition – winners will be displayed on the day (entries close September 20).

More details and competition entry form are available from www. stlukeswallsend.church/biodiversity Date: October 4, 2018 Time: 10am-2pm Venue: Blue Gum Hills Regional Park

Date: October 13, 2018 Time: 10am-2.30pm Venue: St James' Church, Cnr of Tank and High Streets, Morpeth

For more information on events and to find out what's on visit www.newcastleanglican.org.au/events

Advertise with Encounter Advertise with the award-winning Encounter and take advantage of great rates and reach an audience of over 10,000 Anglicans.

Don't miss out on your opportunity to promote your business, product, service, event or position to Anglicans and their families. Contact the editor for a rate card and bookings.

Contact the editor on 4926 3733 or editor@newcastleanglican.org.au

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Recipe

Chocolate honeycomb Tim Tam fridge slice This easy cake is jam packed with honeycomb, nuts, Arnott's Honeycomb Tim Tams and other goodies - perfect with a cup of tea morning, noon and night.

Prep 4:30 | Cook 0:05 | Makes 18 | Difficulty Easy

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INGREDIENTS

METHOD

2 x 200g pkts Arnott's Tim Tam Gelato Messina Honeycomb 120g (⅔ cup) coarsely chopped macadamias, lightly toasted 110g (⅔ cup) coarsely chopped pistachios, lightly toasted, plus extra, to serve 50g chocolate-coated honeycomb bar, chopped 95g (½ cup) raisins 395g can sweetened condensed milk 200g dark chocolate, chopped 100g butter, chopped Cocoa powder, for dusting

Step 1: Lightly grease the base and sides of an 11 x 21cm (base measurement) loaf pan. Line with plastic wrap, allowing the sides to overhang. Coarsely chop 1 packet of Tim Tams. Combine the chopped Tim Tams, macadamias, pistachios, chocolate honeycomb and raisins in a bowl.

Step 2: Place the condensed milk, chocolate and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Add to the nut mixture and stir well to combine. Spoon into the prepared pan and top with the remaining Tim Tams, in 3 rows, gently pressing to secure. Cover with overhanging plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 4 hours, preferably overnight or until set.

Step 3: Remove the slice from the pan. Dust with cocoa, sprinkle with extra pistachio nuts and cut into 18 slices to serve. Store, covered, in the fridge.

Book review

Big Picture Parents A Book Review Anabelle Copeman ANEW PARISH

There are many books on Christian parenting and many more on parenting generally. So why is this book worth reading and what does it add to the conversation?

Harriet Connor is not an expert in child psychology or behavioural problems. She is, however, a theologian and a parent. Big Picture Parents is written very honestly, by a modern parent struggling to make sense of all the advice out there, from a Christian point of view. As the title suggests, she is looking for God's big picture on the topic of parenting.

She explores the fundamental Christian doctrines of creation, our fallen humanity, forgiveness and redemption and how they relate to God's purposes for family life and child rearing.

A major theme of the book is that God's purpose for our parenting is not to make our children happy.

The opening chapter, which lays the foundation for the rest of the book, finishes this way. "We and our children were

made for more than happiness – we were made to be in relationship with God, His creation and each other. Parenting is not about helping my children to feel good, but to do the good they were created to do. Giving my children a sense of purpose and connection to God, creation and others is the best way to help them find lasting happiness."

The book is easy to read with a very helpful summary at the end of each of the short chapters. It is well researched with relevant quotes from other authors and the Bible. It is also full of real life stories from her own experience as a mother.

This book is not a manual to fix specific problems you might be having with your child. It is, however, a great read for any one wanting wise guidance on raising children in a manner consistent with God's purposes. It also come with questions for group discussion and would be great material for a parenting group at any church.

Meet Harriet Connor Harriet Connor graduated with a Master of Divinity from Sydney Missionary & Bible College in 2008.

Since then, she has served as a lay pastor and teacher in several parishes within the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle. Her husband, Daniel, is an Anglican priest and now serves as the Principal Chaplain to the NSW Police Force. The Connors have three sons and enjoy being part of the parent community at Lakes Grammar - An Anglican School.

About the Book Last year, Harriet Connor published her first book, Big Picture Parents: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life. The book provides an opportunity for modern parents to step back from all the parenting "shoulds" and "shouldn'ts" and reflect on the bigger questions. She hopes that her book will help many families to see how the big truths of the Bible can help them to make sense of life and parenthood. Big Picture Parents was shortlisted for the 2017 Australian Christian Book of the Year Award and is available from Koorong and Amazon.

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Diocesan Convention 2018 With The Rev’d Dr John Capper The annual Diocesan Convention will take place at Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College on Saturday 11 August.

Our keynote speaker will be the Rev’d Dr John Capper who will be speaking on evangelism and apologetics.

We will also hear from Sally Bathgate who will present on Tea and Threads, plus a presentation

by CEY on hearing the voices and views of our children.

Date: Saturday August 11, 2018 Time: 9.15am–3.30pm Venue: Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College Tickets: $20 each Book: www.newcastleanglican.org.au/diocesanconvention2018

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