OUR NEW CHAPLAIN –REVEREND STEVE MORRISON

It seems somewhat strange to be introducing Steve as our “new” Chaplain as he has been with us for a very full six months.

In reflecting on his commissioning by Bishop Garry to Chaplaincy here at Ballarat Grammar, Steve spoke about how one of the most cherished Chapel Hymns resonated with him and his life:

Steve has been responding to God’s call since he was 13 years old. His journey has seen him work in local ministry, in national leadership positions and most recently as the Senior Chaplain at Westbourne Grammar. 2022 was a Year of Discernment for Steve and his family which saw him appointed for Ministry here at Ballarat Grammar and within the Anglican Church.

Quickly demonstrating his enthusiastic approach to sharing God’s Love and ‘breaking open’ the Scriptures, Steve has been embraced by the whole community. His sermon at the Easter Services featured the Chamber Choir singing “at this table” with Steve explaining that God invites everyone to the feast; this point was made visually when Steve unveiled a painting of a cross, painted by his wife Naomi, the multicoloured arms indicating once more that all are welcome. Around the Chaplaincy office, Steve’s favourite question is: “Why?” Usually asking about specific traditions and rituals, Steve doesn’t ask why in order to reject any aspect of our School’s traditions but to understand the purposes behind them so that he might best present them to our community for the benefit of all.

Steve has a particular love of and gifts in music - he cannot stand simply stand still and sing, the Junior School Students particularly enjoy it when he calls on our organist Leigh Askew to stop playing so that we can add some marching or clapping or foot-stomping. Some of this has started to appear in Middle & Senior School Chapel Services as well!

In Week 3 of Term 2, Steve accompanied teachers Fiona Whitehouse, Dee Simmons and Laura Bramble on the piano at the Middle & Senior School Chapel Services where they sang the beautiful hymn “In Christ Alone” making this reflection of the resurrection of Jesus come alive for all who were in attendance.

We are pleased to continue to make ‘Rev” feel welcome in the Ballarat Grammar community as he leads us into a deeper relationship with God and with each other.