Easter messages

The resounding refrain of ‘Alleluias’ heralds the Easter Proclamation that Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again. The focus for Easter, however, is that Christ is risen and that the resurrection joy results from the pangs of Good Friday. Easter is what we have been preparing for during Lent, through fasting and prayer; with days of self-denial until, through the cross covered, elevated and revered on Good Friday, we see the tree of defeat becoming the tree of glory. One of the most uplifting Easter Day decorations are the church crosses covered with beautiful flowers, alongside the image or décor of an empty tomb, where the stone is rolled to the side. Easter signifies victory over defeat and life over death, as light shines in the darkness and beauty is born from brokenness - hope from despair. May the joy of the resurrection bring great joy to our lives as we endeavour to bring joy to others and as we live the resurrection joy, fully aware of the transforming power of God within our lives.

The Right Reverend Clarence

E. Bester Bishop of Wangaratta

In his 1st century letter to Christians in the city of Corinth, the Apostle Paul notes he had handed onto them “as of first importance” the following information: that Jesus Christ had “died for our sins”, he “was buried”, and “was raised on the third day”. Not only were these events foretold in the Old Testament, but also, says Paul, Jesus Christ subsequently appeared to individuals like Peter, the twelve disciples, and then to more than 500 people. In fact, Paul reminds them that Jesus Christ even appeared to Paul, who had been persecuting Christians up to that point. For Paul, this combined evidence was conclusive proof that Jesus Christ was who he claimed to be: the Son of God. Furthermore, argued Paul, it is also proof there is resurrection, or new life, after death. If these things were not true, Paul points out, the Christian faith would be in vain. As you may have already guessed, he, and many millions since, have reason to believe they were true.

It is these events that make Easter so important to Christians. I wish you a very Happy Easter!

The Right Reverend Dr Ian Coutts Bishop of Bunbury

Asc Schools Week

Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us.

Martin Luther King

The Anglican identity shone bright as diamonds in the last week of March, as all 15 schools came together in worship and performance for the sixth ASC Schools Week.

The theme this year was ‘Creation’ and celebrating everything that is good within it.

Eucharist 29 March

The first significant event was the Schools Week Eucharist, presided by The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO, Archbishop of Perth, at St George’s Cathedral.

While the organ was played, student leaders proudly carried the school banners into the Cathedral to lead the procession at the commencement of the service.

Archbishop Kay spoke to students’ hearts and minds by using the popular music of Rihanna to liken people to diamonds, shining brightly and full of potential to be beautiful and unique.

Another highlight was the warm and powerful gospel reading in Noongar by elder, Len Collard, while students performed a wonderful dramatic interpretation.

The John Septimus Roe choir filled the Cathedral with their sweet song as they sang to celebrate God’s goodness throughout the service.

So shine bright, tonight, you and I

We’re beautiful, like diamonds in the sky

Eye to eye, so alive

We’re beautiful, like diamonds in the sky

Rihanna

Concert 31 March

The Schools Week Concert enables music students to come together, rehearse and learn from professional conductors and musicians, culminating in a vibrant musical event at the Perth Concert Hall in front of family, friends and special guests. The concert saw nearly 400 students and professionals shine onstage as they delivered a diverse musical program, expertly led by ASC Schools Week Concert Director, Michael Newton. Choirs, orchestras, a hip hop group, rock band, stage band and percussion ensemble performed a repertoire that ranged from traditional Hungarian dances and Hansel to Amy Winehouse and Star Wars. Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture came with pyrotechnics and a sound warning in surely the most powerful moment of the evening!

The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM perfectly summed up the magnificent celebration of community when he addressed the crowd during the concert, “What a joy to have students from all 15 ASC schools with us tonight!”

ASC Schools journeyed from near and far to participate in the event, with special mention to Cathedral College Wangaratta and Cobram Anglican Grammar School from Victoria, and Trinity Anglican College from Albury New South Wales. Special mention also goes to Esperance Anglican Community School, who spent 8 hours on a bus to travel to Perth, and Georgiana Molloy Anglican School in Busselton, who journeyed for almost 3 hours.

Special thanks to

• Concert Director: Michael Newton.

• Guest Conductors: Elise Chong, Perry Joyce, and Stephen Williams.

• Guest Artists: Marc Earley, Scott Griffiths, Elise Reitze-Swensen, the team from Boss Arts Creatives, and organist Allesandro Pittorino.

• School Heads of Music.

• Helpers and supporters from across the schools and ASC network.