The Spirit - November 2016

The

monthly Anglican Diocese of Bendigo

november 2016

issue 124

Ordained: Melissa Clark kneels before Bishop Andrew, surrounded by clergy of the Diocese of Bendigo as she is ordained a priest

Journey to priesthood fulfilled Andrew Eaton

“M

inistry is to be costly” preached the Dean, the Very Revd John Roundhill, at the ordination of the Revd Melissa Clark to the ministry of priest on Saturday 22 October at St Paul’s Cathedral, Bendigo.

“Costly in terms of time and energy” he continued, a vocation where “at times it is exhausting” and where “the boundaries between what it is work and what is not, are incredibly blurred.”

The congregation nodded knowingly with the final piece of advice to the new priest - “take your day off, take your fifth day off, read whatever, relax and find time to

Tracey Wolsley inducted page 3

unwind, make time for your friends and partner and family.”

It was a grand occasion, with the incense flowing, the cathedral choir in fine voice, and all the congregation joining the Dean in singing a verse of his happy song, “Daydream Believer” by The Monkees. It was not only fun and proved we can sing unaccompanied, but reminded us that music can help us transcend even the most difficult of days.

The diversity of people gathered was a testament to the breadth of experience in Melissa’s journey to the priesthood. Along with her husband Ray and family, Melissa was supported by the Parish of Woodend-

Wasabi anyone? page 5

Trentham and members of the Central Highlands Cluster where she began her ministry as deacon just a year ago.

Along with friends and clergy from the Bendigo diocese, there were clergy from the Diocese of Melbourne, students from Trinity Theological College where Melissa was head student last year, and a healthy number from Melbourne parishes including her home parish of Holy Apostles Sunshine.

In the notes to the ordination service, Melissa says she still had to ‘pinch herself’ that she was there and being made priest. For those of us who know her, it is no surprise she is here, and we are most pleased she has answered God’s call.

The Elvis Mass page 8

Nine Lessons and Carols page 10

The Bishop

writes

Another challenge in some areas of the diocese is a declining population.

Across the diocese towns and cities with a population of over 5,000 people are continuing to grow, but it is often at the cost of surrounding rural areas as farms get bigger and less and less people actually live on the land.

Dear Friends,

I

t’s that time of the year again; the Cathedral Christmas shop is open, the Melbourne Cup is run and the shops are beginning to scream Christmas! This year there is one big difference - there is water everywhere all over the diocese! I have spotted ibis in Korong Vale, stopped for water over the road and been beset by plagues of mosquitos as I move around the diocese.

It’s been a busy month with much to thank God for. There was the 50th Anniversary of Christ the Worker at Underbool with a full church, people of all ages being received and confirmed into the Anglican Church at South East Bendigo and Boort, and a service to celebrate the faith of Elvis Presley at St Mary and St John’s Barkly.

I also inducted Tracey Wolsley to the clustered parishes of ElmoreHeathcote and ordained Melissa Clark to the priesthood in the Cathedral.

At Huntly, St Clement’s has been transformed to become True North, a new expression of church for a new and rapidly growing community. From each event I came away feeling optimistic about the future of the Church.

However, there is a flipside to all that - the experience of parishes facing a future that is daunting and uncertain.

They are concerned about the age of church buildings and the cost of maintaining them, the increasing cost of sustaining a parish, the aging of congregations, the declining numbers of people with the capacity and energy to undertake many of the tasks associated with the parish and the challenge to attract new members.

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Since the beginning of white settlement in Australia rural ministry has always been a challenge. In many rural parishes across this diocese you only have to read old minute books or parish histories to see that finding clergy has always been a test. In early times there was a shortage of clergy and often bishops would move clergy around rural parishes every three years just to share the limited resources around.

At present across Australia there is not a shortage of clergy, but it is not always easy to convince clergy to serve in rural areas. Another reality we face at present is that many rural parishes struggle to be able to pay for stipendiary clergy.

In all of this ebb and flow I am committed as bishop to endeavour to provide ordained clergy across the length and breadth of the diocese.

As many of you know and have experienced I have introduced two other streams of ordination in the diocese to give us more opportunity to resource clergy across the diocese.

They are Ordained Local Ministry (OLM) and Ordained Pioneer Ministry (OPM). OLM clergy serve in parishes across the diocese and have proven to be a great help in bringing ordained leadership and offering sacramental and missional ministry to many areas.

OPM clergy operate outside the confines of the parish and their gift is to bring ministry to the many people who have no connection with the Church.

So, in the words of Paul, I “do not lose heart” (2 Cor.4:16) and feel that while we are facing testing times in the Church, there is still much to be encouraged by what is happening in many places across the diocese.

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This is not to deny the reality we are facing in some communities and churches will continue to close as the Christian footprint shrinks. Churches in future will have to be more innovative and creative to engage people and local communities.

For decades now the place of Sunday has been altering radically and the Church must take this into account. I believe the time has come where we should try church at different times and in different places. In other words, in some communities church should try meeting other than on Sundays and might be built around a meal or community event.

We need not be downhearted, but we must be realistic and pray that God will lead us into a future….

With every blessing,

Spirit The

Monthly newsmagazine of the Anglican Diocese of Bendigo

Address: The Spirit, PO Box 2, Bendigo 3552 Member, Australian Religious Press Association Telephone: 03 5443 4711 General: thespirit@bendigoanglican.org.au Chair and Editor: The Revd Andrew Eaton Publishing Editor: Sarah Crutch Consultant: The Revd Dr Charles Sherlock The Spirit is published in the first week of the month (excluding January).

Advertising rates are available from the Editor. All advertisements are accepted at the Editor’s discretion; acceptance does not imply endorsement of the product or service.

Contributions are welcome, and will be edited. Email contributions are preferred.

Anonymous articles will not be considered for publication.

Photographs should be sent in digital form to the general email address above. Full size, ‘raw’ files are necessary. Physical photos are normally not returned.

The Anglican Diocese of Bendigo and the Editor are not responsible for opinions expressed by contributors, nor do these necessarily reflect the policy of the diocese.

Contributions for the next issue must be submitted by Friday 18 November.

www.bendigoanglican.org.au

Kyneton bushdance for mental health

Marina Stehle

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his Kyneton Bushdance was a team effort by all the local churches in aid of Kyneton Caring Community who distribute food parcels and provide caring support for people.

New ministry: Bishop Andrew congratulates Tracey Wolsley on her induction

Induction marks new beginning for Elmore and Heathcote Gordon Lingard

T

he Revd Tracey Wolsley was recently inducted as rector of the parishes of Elmore and Heathcote, warmly supported by a packed church of friends, family and colleagues.

There is nothing like a bushdance to break down the barriers and make people of all walks let their hair down while clapping, twirling and trying to get the footwork in time. In fact, one person commented that his mouth was sore because he was smiling so much!

In his sermon, Bishop Andrew reminded Tracey’s new congregants that whilst support of their new rector was key, the mission at hand was still something that we all need be involved in.

Many key members of the Bendigo community, including civic representative, Cr Peter Cox, were

Phil Melgaard and his musical accomplice Peter Anderson arrived and set up their Bushdance Band.

The parishioners of the combined churches all pitched in and brought plates of Australian themed food, including vegemite sandwiches and even billy tea for afternoon tea.

As soon as the music began, everyone let down their guard and smiled as they were dancing. As Phil called the dances, we were all twirling around and the kids’ faces lit up with joy.

There was an atmosphere of joyful comeraderie with goodwill all around.

Noel Claridge (Principal) and Danielle Derksen (Assistant Principal) of Eaglehawk Secondary College gave a warm but also reluctant commendation to her new parishioners with a mixture of delight for Tracey but sadness at their loss of a wonderful school chaplain.

Warm welcomes were also given

by Mark Collins from the Parish of Elmore and Susan Turner from the Parish of Heathcote, along with the Revd Brian Spencer of the Uniting Church in Colbinabbin who was also in attendance to welcome Tracey to the district in her new position.

This is quite a big leap forward, with the churches uniting to try and help local people, regardless of their beliefs, who have mental health issues. It was an act of human compassion for those who are struggling and may feel invisible or forgotten. We wanted them to know they are cared for and valued human beings, as many people at some point may find themselves in trouble.

Hopefully there is more word of mouth and community support generated from this bushdance, for an even better one in the future.

Inducted: Tracey Wolsley speaks at her induction service also present to support Tracey as she commences her new ministry in the parishes of Elmore and Heathcote.

A great occasion followed by a wonderful supper in the packed hall.

Swing: The bushdance ‘ballroom’ 3

MU, together with Think, Prevent

Community Workshops Being an Active Bystander Active bystander intervention is about promoting cultures that are safe and inclusive of women, as well as challenging violent supportive attitudes and behaviours of discrimination, sexism and violence Workshop 1 Wednesday 23 November 1:30 pm at Christ Church, Swan Hill Workshop 2 Thursday 24 November 10:30am at Eaglehawk Cost: $10 (FTE) Other: no charge Register online: thinkprevent.com or on the day Enquiries: Leone Tress (Swan Hill): 0417 585 380 Janet Everitt (Eaglehawk): 0458 700 479 Ronda Gault: 0428 544 874

Engaged: Bishop Stuart Robinson addressing the MU State Conference

MU gathers to share stories at state conference in Ballarat Janine Stewart and Jenny Rainsford

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bout 40 men and women from Bendigo Diocese joined 100 other men and women from across Victoria for the MU State Conference held at Ballarat Grammar, with this tri-ennial conference marking 140 years of Mothers’ Union around the world.

ANGLICARE VICTORIA’S OUT-OF-HOME CARE APPEAL

Please donate today and change a life Albury. Bendigo.

Deniliquin. Echuca.

Kyneton. Maryborough.

Mildura. Swan Hill.

Wangaratta.

1800 809 722 anglicarevic.org.au 4

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Bishop Stuart Robinson of CanberraGoulburn spoke of his rejection by his unmarried birth parents to his adoption by a childless couple. Their values became his values, including the fact that Jesus was his friend, but it was through a small group at school that he committed his life to God. Eventually he traced his paternal grandfather to Lebanon, which was a deeply moving experience for him particularly when he said, “welcome home, my son. We have always loved you. We have been praying for you for 30 years.”

Bishop Garry Weatherill of Ballarat began his story with his great great grandfather, a Cornish miner who emigrated to South Australia. When Bishop Garry went to Willochra, first as Ministry Development Officer, and then as bishop, he felt very much at home. It was a wrench therefore when he was elected Bishop of Ballarat, to have to leave South Australia where he had such strong roots. He encouraged the MU members with something he learnt during his years

november 2016

in Willochra where there were many small congregations without a priest, which is “not to moan about what you haven’t got, but to celebrate what you have got.”

It was an unexpected pleasure to welcome Bishop Tennyson of Dogura, who happened to be visiting Australia as the ABM Martyrs Day visitor. He said that the Church in PNG is a “product of the hard work and resolve of the people who came from Australia to our difficult part of the world.” He described his Diocese of Dogura as the “last frontier of the Anglican Communion” where the first people to greet him at each village are usually members of the Mothers’ Union.

Storyteller Anne E Stewart brilliantly demonstrated how to tell stories, which is a sharing of heart and spirit.

She encouraged all present to tell their stories in the small groups, over lunch, and no doubt in cars, trains, and buses as people travelled home from what had been a very memorable and inspiring conference.

www.bendigoanglican.org.au

Ron Stone has joined Mount Alexander Funerals

Missionaries: The Jackson family shared their experiences from Japan

Wasabi anyone?

Greg Harris

W

hen was the last time a church function involved smearing salmon with hot wasabi and not a jelly slice to be seen?

In October over 100 people sat down for a Japanese themed meal at South East Bendigo as part of a visit by the Jackson family who are the parish’s link missionaries. The Jacksons, who are missionaries with the Church Missionary Society, have been serving in Kobe, Japan for the past 9 years.

195 High Street, Kangaroo Flat

Cuisine: Adrian Hensley and Al Sharp preparing the Japanese meal

societal expectations many Japanese work incredibly long hours and with very little time for any other activities including gathering for church.

Another interesting cultural aspect is the expectation that when a gift is received the person will give a gift in return - which has a huge effect on understanding the free nature of grace in the Christian faith.

Served: A Yakisoba dish

Ron is well known in Bendigo and the surrounding region. He brings with him much experience in caring for people at critical periods in their lives, and has a particular interest in post bereavement follow-up and support.

If you would like Ron to assist at your time of need, or you wish to have him visit after a bereavement, please call our office on 5447 0927.

On the menu for the night was a traditional dish called Yakisoba along with salmon, chicken and avocado sushi. Yakisoba is BBQ pork strips, onions and fried noodles flavoured with a Tonkatsu base and served on large share platters.

After the meal everyone moved into the decorated church where Brad and Michelle Jackson gave an insight into a ‘day in the life of a missionary in Japan’. Of particular note were the large differences between Japanese and most western culture and the effect that it has on ministry. Due to

After many years of leadership, service and ministry in the Anglican Church of Australia, Ron decided on a change of career.

The Diocese of Bendigo expects the highest standards of professional service from its Clergy and Lay Ministers.

IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT Please call (free)

1800 135 246

A phone call to the above number will mean that your complaint will be handled by the Director of Professional Standards.

The Diocese is a full participant in the Victorian Anglican Provincial Abuse and Harassment Protocol.

This is an independent, objective procedure adopted by the Diocese of Bendigo.

The themed night was the third held in recent years with the other two being Pakistani and Indonesian themed.

Everyone is looking forward to which missionaries will be returning next and what gourmet treats might be in store…Spanish anyone?

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Around the Diocese

Navigating the Church using True North

Truth North Church aims to make sense of the Church to the growing number of people for whom Church is irrelevant. It seeks to provide a Church that is culture current, relationally authentic and creatively fresh in its expression.

Established in North Bendigo, True North Huntly recently had its first meeting in St Clement’s church building. The freshly renovated space is now home to the combined Six O’clock Service and the Huntly congregation, which moved out for several weeks to allow the renovations to happen.

We would value your prayers as we begin this new venture.

- Gordon Lingard

New beginning: The first meeting of True North at Huntly

Admiring the view from above

In preparation for live streaming the American Election Results in St Paul’s Cathedral on 9 November, we looked at the live feed of the International Space Station.

This was an unplanned moment with a number of us gathered in the church, in awe. What we are looking at on the Cathedral wall is a live view of the Earth from space. It was beautifully calming and surprisingly moving to see this feed in the context of a church. Some of the gathered were even moved to tears.

“For God so loved the world...”. It was a unique moment to see the whole world from space.

The feed is available on YouTube, just search for “ISS live”.

- John Roundhill Perspective: The live stream from the International Space Station

Celebrating 50 years at Underbool

The golden anniversary of Christ the Worker Underbool was celebrated on Sunday 2 October, with worshippers travelling from as far as Queensland and Adelaide to be a part of the 50th anniversary celebrations.

In a special service led by the Revd Andrew Gall of the Central Mallee Cooperative, Bishop Andrew preached about the importance of a church built on strong foundations.

Following the service the congregation enjoyed a magnificent luncheon. Over lunch, Joan Willsmore shared a history of the church over its 50 years, much of which was based on the research done by her mother, Maise Elliott. To finish the celebrations, a beautifully decorated cake in the shape of a Bible was cut and shared.

Milestone: The congregation gather outside Christ the Worker

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- Contributed

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Around the Parishes

Families come together in support of rural ministry The Barclay and Weickhardt families recently attended the biannual Bush Church Aid (BCA) field staff conference on the Sunshine Coast.

The Bible studies each morning were based on Joseph and lessons applied to those in ministry. We were reminded about God’s providence in all of life’s situations and our lives being in his hands.

The Barclay and Weickhardt children renewed their friendships activities including boogie boarding and a high ropes course keeping them well entertained. It was a very encouraging time and a period of refreshment for the parents particularly.

BCA helps regional and remote churches around Australia and we appreciate their support of rural ministry in our diocese.

- Dale Barclay Support: The Barclay and Weickhardt families

Gathering all creatures great and small

The dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, teddy bears, and their human friends came to church at St George’s Trentham on 9 October to celebrate the life and work of Saint Francis and to pray for all of God’s creation.

We learned about Saint Francis’ commitment to the poor and his dedication to the ideal that all of God’s creatures mirror God’s love. All of the furry congregation members were very well behaved, and most of the human ones were too!

Meanwhile at Christ Church Castlemaine, Sunny the rescue horse came to church for a blessing, but was not too keen on going inside, and once blessed thought it a good time to go home!

- Melissa Clark and Anne McKenna

Blessed: Anne McKenna blessing Sunny the resuce horse

Sausage sizzle supports Saltworks

October has been a busy month for St Peter’s, holding several fundraisers in support of Saltworks. This recently included a sausage sizzle outside a local store where much needed funds were raised.

Saltworks includes a Friday night meal with a number of helpers from the parish, several Bendigo Bank volunteers, and a few volunteers from nearby Catholic parish schools. The food pantry currently operates several days a week in addition to the fortnightly ‘Hands on Health’, where an allied health practitioner offers a voluntary service to needy community members.

Each of these areas of Saltworks provides an opportunity for clients to share their stories and feel welcomed and encouraged.

- Jenny Rainsford

Volunteers: Revd Peter Monsbourgh with Andrew and Gail Stubs

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The Elvis Mass: The congregation at Barkly sang the gospel music from the King of Rock and Roll

Singing in the chapel: using Elvis’ music to worship

Extract from a homily delivered by the Revd Andrew Eaton at Barkly (Readings: Romans 7:15-19, 8:1-2 and Matthew 7:7-8)

W

e celebrate today the music of a great singer and artist, but also someone who was a deeply flawed human being. If ever we need evidence that wealth and fame can’t buy happiness and health, it is Elvis Aaron Presley.

Unlike many celebrities who embrace that culture of fame and do not think twice about God or the spiritual life, Elvis was a seeker. Elvis’ childhood preacher said that Elvis came to visit him in the 50s after he had already become famous. The preacher quotes Elvis as saying:

Pastor, I’m the most miserable young man you’ve ever seen. I’ve got all the money I’ll ever need to spend. I’ve got millions of fans.

I’ve got friends. But I’m doing what you taught me not to do, and I’m not doing the things you taught me to do.

I am encouraged by Elvis’ determination to continue to search for meaning in his life. It seems his entire life was spent seeking something. His hairdresser quotes Elvis as saying, “All I want is to know the truth, to know and experience God. I’m a searcher, that’s what I’m all about.”

The earliest name for Christians was to be known as people of ‘The Way’. This suggests a journey, not a fixed point.

The presiding bishop of the Anglican Church in the USA, Michael Curry, speaks constantly about being part of ‘The Jesus movement’, and I think that is helpful. Because it reminds us that being part of a movement means being in solidarity with others. That the journey is not just ours to make.

That we would be surrounded with love and support.

the broken relationships, we might judge him as sinful and having failed in some way. For all we know, God might too. But if we take a step back, look at the whole canvas of his life, we might see a different picture.

His body of work, which included so many songs of faith, as we are singing today, how many lives might they have touched? How many young people might have heard about Jesus for the first time because of

If the fruit of the Spirit in Elvis’ life was to make music that made people happy...then Elvis’ life definitely bore much fruit I wonder if Elvis felt part of the movement of young people who were invigorated because of his music? I wonder if his constant searching was evidence he was very alone in his life?

Biographies of his life do speak of him being a ‘prisoner’ of his own success, something he might have in common with both Jesus and Saint Paul.

If we were to look at Elvis’ life in isolation, at the drugs, the alcohol,

the music of Elvis Presley? If the fruit of the Spirit in Elvis’ life was to make music that made people happy, that made their souls sing for joy, that was life-giving, then Elvis’ life definitely bore much fruit.

And perhaps on that fateful last night of his life, perhaps Elvis found himself knocking at the door of the kingdom, and discovered a God willing to forgive all his worldly sins.

I like to think the prison Elvis found himself in life was transformed through his death in Christ and that his Tennessee twang has found a special place in the heavenly choir that has gathered around the throne and sings glory to our God. And maybe we can live with the same desire to know God, know God’s truth in our lives, and to use our God given talents to bring joy in others’ lives as well.

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Opening closed doors in North Korea Neil Fitzgerald, OLM

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ention ‘North Korea’ and chances are everyone has an opinion. Some also see themselves as experts on the topic – mostly gained from what they read in the western press.

I have been regularly visiting the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (to give it its official name) for nearly 10 years and still after all that time I really have no idea on the workings of this secret state.

My first visit to North Korea was only a brief five-day visit and certainly made for the tourist. However I left feeling that there was more to be discovered and more that could be done. As much as I was happy to be back in the real world (well, China at least) a nagging feeling inside of me wouldn’t let me leave the DPRK behind.

The Australia-DPRK Friendship & Cultural Society contacted me soon after; world organisations had been invited to Pyongyang to attend an International Peace & Reunification Summit – would I be interested in joining the Oceania Delegation?

Support: Neil Fitzgerald on a visit to a school in North Korea Pyongyang and a co-operative farm about an hour’s drive from the capital.

The school is supplied with computers and at times has received teachers of English from Australia and New Zealand with our support.

The collective farms house around 5,000 families and are self supporting communities with schools and hospitals. We have provided tractors

Many people would wonder why we continue...the answer is simple, because we can and we want to Ten years later I still visit about every 18 months and I am involved in the wonderful humanitarian work conducted by the Society and its sister organisation in New Zealand.

The Societies sponsor two main projects, an inner city school in

for the workers and warm clothes, computers and musical instruments for the schools.

It is with a tinge of sadness that, although they are very welcoming of our help and support from the Anglican Church, the subject of

religion is strictly ‘off the table’. There is one Catholic church in the capital, Pyongyang; we have been trying for years to be allowed a visit, still with no success.

As we are continually flanked by secret service agents and not allowed outside the hotels unescorted, the opportunity to discuss topics like religion is literally impossible. The punishment for bringing in and distributing religious publications is imprisonment – or worse.

Many people would wonder why we continue, especially given all the bad press the DPRK receives over the treatment of its own citizens. The answer is simple, because we can and we want to.

We know we are changing lives for the better and although we are prohibited from preaching the Gospel, it is at the very core of what I and others do – to take the light of Jesus into the darkness and to spread his message (even if we do so by actions alone).

St Mary’s Woodend, and now St John’s Malmsbury have been instrumental in their support of our projects. The Ladies’ Guild has provided us with hats and scarves and we recently gifted a new keyboard to the kindergarten.

Our next visit is planned for August 2017. Anyone interested in joining the delegation is most welcome to contact me: revneil@interDDR.com 9

Spiritual Care Volunteer Training Program A course for those who wish to become good listeners and to provide quality spiritual care as volunteers or pastoral carers Saturday 26 November 9:30 am registration for 10:00 am start At St Luke’s Anglican Parish Centre 494 Napier Street White Hills

s n o i t s l sugge

a Season

Christmas carols with a difference

D

oes your town have a public carols service in the weeks leading into Christmas? Have you felt the hymns and songs sung are moving more towards the secular ‘Santa’ or ‘seasonal’ variety rather than traditional Christian hymns? It can be difficult for our churches to reclaim that sacred ground of singing Christmas carols with the aim of praising the incarnation of the Christ-child.

Perhaps your parish might consider a service of Nine Lessons and Carols. First sung in 1918 at King’s College Chapel at Cambridge University, England, the service has quickly become a distinctive Anglican carols service, steeped in biblical readings, traditional Christmas Carols and always trying to showcase at least one new Christmas hymn or song.

Nine Lessons and Carols Basic Structure

No cost involved Lunch, tea and coffee provided

Opening Hymn Once in Royal David’s City

Limited places available To register phone: Angela Lorrigan 0418332094 Evelyn Robertson 0418303489 Wendy Young 0419516046

Welcome Opening prayer and ‘Our Father’ Nine readings alternating with nine carols The readings are:

The Spirit online!

1. Genesis 3: 8-19, 2. Genesis 22:15-18, 3. Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

Like an email?

If you’d like a full colour pdf of ‘The Spirit’ emailed to you each month, let us know!

4. Isaiah 11: 1-3a, 4a, 6-9

Just email thespirit@ bendigoanglican.org. au and we’ll add you to our e-mailing list!

8. Matthew 2:1-12

Read online You can also read ‘The Spirit’ and other diocesan publications on issuu.com.

Just search for ‘Anglican Diocese of Bendigo’.

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5. Luke 1:26-35, 38 6. Luke 2:1, 3-7 7. Luke 2:8-16 9. John 1:1-14 Finishing Collect and blessing Nine Lessons and Carols is a distinctive, joyful and biblical service, focused on narrative and song. It will set your church apart from other carols services, enable you to explore lesser known Christmas carols and, although traditionally falling on Christmas Eve, can be held earlier during Advent.

For more information and examples of the service, visit http://www.kings.cam. ac.uk/events/chapel-services/nine-lessons.html

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clergycontemplations Anne McKenna | Parish of Castlemaine

Waiting for the door to open Brooke Christensen

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little over a year ago a mother had approached us with great concern for her 14 year old daughter Jessica’s well-being as she had not attended school for months and had withdrawn from the family to her bedroom.

My first introduction to Jessica was to a closed bedroom door. I sat at the closed door, explained who I was and asked her whether it would be okay if I dropped by once a week. Our first hour, on opposite sides of the door, ticked away in silence, and this would be our pattern for the next four weeks.

I found myself questioning the value of my presence and whether I could be of any assistance. All I could do was patiently focus on my task of being there and persist with hope.

On the sixth week, I arrived for my silent ritual at Jessica’s door to find that something had changed. Her door had been left ajar. Could this be an invitation? Or was it just an oversight? I asked Jessica whether she would allow me to enter her room. She stayed silent, but I could sense clearly now that the open door was her granting permission. That was the day I first properly got to meet Jessica.

A recent zoo excursion was the culmination of many brave steps on Jessica’s part in dealing with her social anxiety and emotional turmoil: leaving the sanctuary of her bedroom, stepping out of the house, reconnecting with family and friends, exploring a return to school. It was wonderful watching her chat openly with the animal keepers and to be so inspired to pursue a career working with animals after her schooling.

There were times when Jessica’s courage abandoned her, but that was okay. I would simply step back with her, trusting that she would have another go when she was ready. It was a trust that had its foundation in those silent early weeks on opposite sides of a bedroom door, and the day when Jessica felt ready to open it.

One afternoon I was in a bookshop...

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ecently one afternoon I was kidnapped by a senior cleric, who shall remain anonymous, and frog-marched into the Daylesford bookshop. Despite my protests I was dragged in kicking and screaming. Passer-bys cast me somewhat sympathetic glances though most seemed resigned to the fact that there is no resistance to a great bookstore.

Having been drawn into liber temptation I resolved to keep my hands in my pockets. Well, that lasted all of two minutes as I spied a book with an alluring cover – a rather feline face peering out from the comfy bed of blankets that she was ensconced in.

It was a copy of The Dalai Lama’s Cat

by David Michie. There was something about the beguiling eyes of the cat that seemed to say “come here my friend”.

Thinking that I had better find something more academic to ensure my companion didn’t consider me a complete dunce, I found, to my delight, a copy of Thomas Cahill’s How the Irish Saved Civilization. Well, that was enough to get my Celtic genes in a spin, especially the recommendation

by Thomas Keneally which said “Shamelessly engaging, effortlessly scholarly, utterly refreshing”. It never ceases to amaze me how seasoned writers can say everything about anything in so few words of nothingness.

Anyway, I was intrigued, and my friend suitably impressed. No doubt you too would like to know the “untold story of Ireland’s Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the rise of Medieval Europe”. Alas, you will have to wait while I plough my way through. I was delighted to see that my companion had settled for an historical novel!

Such banality! I expected no less than Barth’s Dogmatics in Outline.

Back home in the parish the emails beckon and lo and behold there is Sarah looking for an article for The Spirit. Anyway, I decided to offer you some other literary gem. This is part of a poem from a collection by John

O’Donohue entitled Conamara Blues.

Let me quote:

The mind is an old crow Who knows only to gather dead twigs, Then take them back to the vacancy Between the branches of the parent tree And entwine them around the emptiness With silence and unfailing patience Until what was fallen, withered and lost Is now set to fill with dreams as a nest.

On reading this I decided that it is a wonderful metaphor for parish life. We too are trying to gather up twigs and mesh them into some sort of resting place for the soul. As we weave and wind them into a new creation we envelop with dutiful care the boughs of the past with the sprigs of new life.

Sometimes we end up with an untidy mess and the crows caw with disapproval. Other times we succeed in melding unlikely shoots into a semblance of serenity where the peace and love of God are embraced and embedded.

As for the dreams – what are they?

Perhaps nests of life overflowing with the joy of the Spirit, a world of hope, a new Jerusalem of perfect justice and freedom.

Ah yes, says the Dalai Lama’s cat as she purrs with approval and I dream on of saving civilization.

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Caption this...

what’s on events calendar

Council of the Diocese Tuesday 8 November Clergy Christmas Party Saturday 26 November

What is Melissa saying to Bishop Andrew?

Opening of Mooroopna worship centre Sunday 27 November

If you have a great caption, quote or description to go with this photo, let us know! The winning caption will be published in next month’s issue and a prize will be forwarded to you.

Retired clergy Thanksgiving Service 30 November, 2pm at St Paul’s Cathedral Blessing of Pipe Organ, Talbot Sunday 11 December at 11.00am

Send us your captions to thespirit@bendigoanglican.org.au

Deconsecration of St John’s Glenlyon Sunday 11 December, 2.30pm

From last month...

Christmas Day Sunday 25 December

Bishop Andrew whispers quietly, “Don’t tell anyone but I’ve laced the cordial with some gin!”

Got an event coming up?

Send the details to thespirit@bendigoanglican.org.au

Sent in by Ruth Murphy from the Parish of Kyneton

Caring at a time of need

151 McCrae Street Bendigo 12 Victoria Street Eaglehawk

P. 5441 5577

www.williamfarmer.com.au

A tradition that continues...

It’s amazing what you can discover under a few wrinkles Every older person has a story to tell.

Benetas Unexpected Heroes is a unique photographic exhibition showcasing the unexpected, extraordinary real life stories of older Victorians.

Do you have an older hero in your life?

Be a part of Benetas Unexpected Heroes by sharing a photo of your unexpected hero on social media, using #unexpectedheroes.

www.benetasheroes.com.au facebook.com/BenetasAgedCare

Rids van der Zee, 85 years, has travelled the world as a magician bringing joy to others.

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Spirit The

november 2016

www.bendigoanglican.org.au

2016-10 BSP

#unexpectedheroes