March 2016 - Diocese of Willochra

A Prayer for our Diocese
God of hope and love,
you have called us to be
the body of Christ;
inspire us in the Diocese of Willochra
to worship with joy and energy
serve with compassion
and be welcoming of others
in our communities,
so that all will know
the good news of Jesus
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit
be honour and glory forever. Amen.
FOLLOWING Jesus ........... PROCLAIMING his gospel .......... CONNECTING with his world ........ and ENJOYING our common life.
4th Series, No 107, March, 2016
Bursary Presentation
at Clare
High
School
Bishop Chris
McLeod addressed
the school assembly
before presenting the Willochra Bursary to Jasmine
Hancock of Snowtown at the first school assembly of the
year at Clare High School.
Jasmine is in Year 12 and hopes to study Zoology at
university in the future. Dorothy Thorpe and Anne Ford from
the Willochra Bursary Committee were also present.
Dorothy Thorpe
Visit to India
by Geoff and Tracey Piggott
Before arriving in Coober Pedy in 2012, I hadn’t been
on an aircraft of any description since 1986. I was a world
traveller BEFORE GEOFF, or BG! Then, last December, we
set off for a month in India. Coober Pedy to India!
We were to spend twelve days supporting a ministry
in a poor east coast regional area. The Catacomb Church has
been connected with it for the past ten years. Brian and Judy
Underwood have been there twice in the last three years.
There are three aspects to this ministry. 1. Orphans
living in the pastor’s home and when funds allow, very poor
children from the neighbourhood pop in on their way from
school for the evening meal. 2. A school is being built on the
roof, to provide education to the poorest children in the area.
3. A vast Village Church ministry that the Pastor seeks to
support and encourage. We were mainly exposed to the latter.
Serving lunch to the
children
The Willochra Bursary:
This fund has been established so that people in the
diocese can contribute towards “closing the gap” for
indigenous students in this region. Please check the
Diocesan Website: www.diowillochra.org.au for copies of
The Willochra Bursary Donation Form and Bursary
Application Form.
Each day were collected from our hotel and taken to
village churches to teach God’s Word and pray for those who
came in for prayer. How wonderful to see these brothers and
sisters in Christ attending with Bibles open and eager faces.
God was at work, and pastors too, the latter with very little
training and few resources.
Thinking that maybe twelve people would come, we
asked if it would be possible for the pastors to come into the
town for a day of teaching. Pastor S said they would not be
able to pay for the transport. We offered to pay the $2 or $4 it
would cost them! Forty attended - all this organised in a week!
What a highlight. How great if they could attend an annual
Pastors’ Conference over three days.
Published quarterly by the Anglican Diocese of Willochra, PO Box 96, Gladstone SA 5473
2
From the Bishop.......
Coming Diocesan Events
March
15
of
16
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
“Start by doing what is necessary, then
what is possible, and suddenly you are
doing the impossible.”
(Francis of
Assisi).
We can find ourselves paralysed by fear – fear of the unknown, fear
of failure, fear of success.
On one hand, we fail to act because of the uncertainty associated
with not knowing what may be “just around the corner”, we can fail to act
because we might fail at what we do. To avoid failure, we choose instead to
do nothing. We cannot be labelled a failure if we never tried. Equally, we
can fail to act because we may succeed. As a result, expectations of our
ability will rise and life will be different, so it is much more comfortable to
stay where we are.
Imagine for a moment what would have happened if Jesus had
been gripped by fear – fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of
success. The reality is that I would not be writing about him, for he would
never have been known by anyone other than his family and the local
community in which he was raised and worked.
Jesus is fully human, as we all are. We see him struggle with the
demands being placed upon him during that long night in Gethsemane,
seeking to avoid the painful way that inevitably leads him to crucifixion.
We see him live those words of Francis of Assisi. He does what is
necessary, not out of any sense of giving up or giving in, but because he
trusts his Father. “If there is any other way...” becomes a willingness to take
“this way”, the Way of the Cross. It is necessary!
He embraces the possible. It is possible to embrace the scourging
in the courtyard of Pilates palace; it is possible to walk through the streets of
Jerusalem carrying the cross; it is possible to be nailed to the cross. It is
possible to minister to the two thieves, to show compassion for his mother,
to address the centurion and to give his last breath – “It is finished
(complete)!”
And, as a result, the impossible happens...!
He is risen!
Death is defeated! Relationship with God restored! The possibility of
our becoming renewed humanity, through faith in Jesus the Christ and the
indwelling of the Holy Spirit is made real.
You and I can do what is necessary, do what is possible and be
surprised when we do the impossible.
May Holy Week, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Day be a
blessing to you all in their own special ways.
Peace and Joy in believing,
2 pm Blessing of Oils at St Martin
Tours, Whyalla
2pm Blessing of Oils and the
Installation of the Rev’d David
McDougall as Archdeacon, and Ray
Worrall as a Canon of the Cathedral
Pt Pirie
Follow the Palm Branch Road at
Jamestown from 4-6 pm
Holy Week begins
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
Easter Day
at
20
21
24
25
27
April
2
4
4
16
25
May
1
7,8
8
Daylight Saving ends
Annunciation of the Virgin Mary
DC meets at Gladstone
School Term 1 ends
ANZAC Day
School Term 2 begins
Synod at Minalton
5.30 pm Mary Lewis installed as
Dean at the Cathedral, Pt Pirie
Please contact Church Office
for further details - (08) 8662 2249
The Diocese of Willochra is a safe place for
all. If you have a complaint or question about
sexual abuse or inappropriate behaviour,
please contact the
Director of Professional Standards:
Theodora Ekonomopoulos
[email protected]
THE WILLOCHRAN
Published four times a year for the Anglican
Diocese of Willochra, and sent out
electronically from Church Office,
Gladstone.
EDITORIAL GROUP:
Bishop John Stead, Mary Woollacott, the
Rev’d John Fowler and June Hillier [Editor].
CONTRIBUTIONS
PO Box 96 Gladstone SA 5473
Phone:(08) 8662 2249
Fax:(08) 8662 2027
email: [email protected]
website: www.diowillochra.org.au
DEADLINE: March issue:
Friday, 6 May, 2016
The Rt Rev'd John Stead .........Bishop of Willochra
[email protected]
Mob: 0417 551 689
The Willochran is now distributed
electronically! However, as printed copies are
still required any contributions toward the
cost of printing may be made to
the Diocese of Willochra,
P O Box 96, Gladstone 5473.
At times, the poor can be left shamed and humiliated
by that help. How do we empower, rather than disempower?
What about accountability from the Ministry there
concerning the use of the money?
I heard of one pastor, who was provided with a truck
as a way to become self-sustaining. When the funds in the
orphanage left the children without food, he sold the truck!
Wouldn’t you? And yet….how do you, the supporter, feel when
you have bought a truck for a certain purpose?
Since the trip to India, I cannot read the Bible verses
about the poor in quite the same way.
I love the show Grand Designs, but now I can’t bear the self–
indulgence. However a friend said to me ‘I think we are always
critical of the wealth that’s above us and yet there are people
below us who could say similar things to us. “Tracey did you
Pumping water on the
really need that new bedspread, bath mat, coat etc. when you
street corner.
are really just changing it because you prefer the colour! “
We are supported by Willochra and BCA to minister in
Coober
Pedy, not India, so how do we approach this new
Challenges
Because of his caste, Pastor S said that he would not ministry.
have been allowed to enter our hotel …or even touch the
walls. He has since been there during Brian and Judy’s visits
The church
and then ours and has grown in confidence. Yet despite his
services
brother being a long-term worker at the hotel, Pastor S will not
enter again unless we return.
Our twelve-day’s accommodation cost almost as
We both felt
much as a year’s wages for a teacher at the school, which
quite embarrPastor S hopes, will open in June. As Geoff and I drink our
assed by the
two coffees at the Coober Pedy Shell Roadhouse, I think what
degree
of
$9.60 would buy for our friends in India. So little can go so far.
h
o
n
o
u
r
i
n
g
w
e
I dressed modestly in India, wearing a short-sleeved
were shown at
cardigan over sleeveless dresses, despite the heat, and I
every church.
wore pants to my ankles. The huge poster of a half-naked
Each time we
woman outside the Victoria’s Secret shop at the airport in
spoke to groups,
Sydney, highlights one of the many differences in the two
fresh flower leis
countries.
were placed around our necks. We always spoke about being
brothers and sisters in Christ. As we re-read The Parable of
the Talents, we reflected on the fact that the man given five
talents received the same commendation from the Master as
the man given two. Both had used their talents well and it was
not to the man’s credit that he got the five, but how he used
them. That was the point of the parable. We have been given
five. How will we use them? We felt that many of our brothers
and sisters in India with their one or two talents deserved
great honour.
Being honoured
Two pastors each
receiving a bicycle.
Geoff and I worked well as a team and yet the church
culture is male oriented. To ensure we didn’t offend, Geoff did
95% of the teaching at the pastors’ conference.
We are reading a book called ‘When helping hurts How to alleviate poverty without hurting the poor….or
yourself’. Poverty is more than something material. Often
westerners ‘help’ materially, and in the process they can
increase their own sense of ‘god-complex’, yet at the same
time increase their own spiritual poverty
The Willochran - 4th Series, No 107, March 2016
4
Pinery Fire, 25 November, 2015
On the 25 November 2015 the lives of many people in
the Pinery, Barabba, Hamley Bridge, Owen, Wasleys,
Freeling, Templers, Roseworthy and Mallala regions changed
forever. Some of us at Owen, on the very edge of the fire
front, were fortunate enough to be saved by a last minute wind
change. So that day only left us with clothes covered in
cinders, and plenty of soot in homes, gardens and bird baths.
It also left us with the stress of evacuation and the fear of
being burnt out.
For many others though this day was dreadful with the
loss of loved ones. Marginally more fortunate were those who
lost homes, pets, stock, gardens, hay, fences, sheds, farm
machinery, car, - indeed just about everything they had
worked for. Recently a young farmer’s wife commented to me !
that they now had 2,700 acres of nothing – not even a blade
of grass. She went on to tell me that it would take 10 years for
the top soil to become viable again after so much of it had
been blown away.
Soon after the fire, our ears became full of heartrending stories of loss and grief. However in the midst of the
ugly darkness that was the lives of so many people, we could
see selfless love, hope, and joy beginning to blossom. People
went out of their way to help those who had suffered so badly.
Indeed, our own Bishop John Stead was one of the first to
respond by sending several cheques to some of the families
who had lost everything. His response was generous,
gracious, and most of all it was immediate. It most certainly
helped folk meet the needs of their families in that time before
government and other grants came through.
Another timely response in the Diocese of Willochra
came from Elizabeth Harris, President of Mothers’ Union in the
Willochra Diocese. Liz suggested that MU could provide 50
Christmas Hampers for people in the fire zone area. We were
thereby able to supplement the efforts of the Balaklava
Ministers’ Fraternal to deliver Christmas Hampers to as many
homes as possible throughout the region.
As people throughout the fire zone recover from their
ordeal, we are very thankful for the many prayers coming from
our diocese. Thank you all so much for caring and for inviting
God and his empowering love and compassion into the
trauma of our region. As families continue to have counselling
and children still dream of flames coming to get them, please
keep the prayers coming.
The Rev’d Flo Walters
Owen
To Bishop John Stead
A heartfelt thank you to you for the most generous
donation you forwarded to us after our recent fires. We were
immensely appreciative of the help from you and the Church
and can assure you, it will be put to good use.
We have so much to do to start from scratch, including our
daughter and son-in-law who lost their entire new home as
well.
Even though it is 7 weeks since the catastrophe, we
are still trying to sort out our immediate plans as to where to
live while the re-building is in progress. We are still living with
our parents-in-law in Balaklava and it is through this address
that Flo Walters contacted us. She has been an amazing
support to us.
It is a wonderful comfort to know that people like you
are thinking of us at this time and the support and kindness
you have given to us, will be remembered forever.
Regards, Helen and Andrew Barr
The farm as it should look
in summer!
The fire approaching as Phillip Barr saw it!
Belinda and Ed’s House after the fire went
out and the dust storms started!
Thanks for your support since the events of
November 25 !
5
Making the Faith/Work Connection
Featuring people from the diocese sharing their
views on the connection between faith and life.
Rev’d Anne Ford has
a conversation with
Barb Murphy
Barb is a member of the
congregation at St George’s,
Yorketown, in the Ministry District
of Lower Yorke Peninsula. For
family reasons, in the last few
years Barb has spent half the year
in Yorketown and the other half in
her native Canada. She continually
misses winter!
Tell me about your earliest memories of church life.
I was brought up in Canada in a mixed denominational family
and I attended the Roman Catholic Church most of the time. I
did, however, go occasionally to the Anglican Church with my
mother, so I had the experience of both churches and I leaned
toward the Anglicans. The Roman Catholic service was not
appealing to me, as the Mass was in Latin whereas the
Anglican service made sense and I liked the music. It was
also time to spend with my mother, which I enjoyed. Due to
the split church participation, I missed out on Sunday School
and studying the bible, so my early Christian education was
just based on church attendance.
Did you worship regularly as a teenager?
Yes, I was still mainly attending the Roman Catholic Church,
but now I was starting to question many of the formalities and
rules. It was about this time that I decided that I would prefer
to attend the Anglican Church. Nonetheless, the most
meaningful ‘prayer’ time for me was time spent in ‘nature’,
cross country skiing and hiking. I felt nearer to God at those
times. I also led a personal prayer life, as our home life was
full of challenges and prayer helped me through these difficult
times.
Were there any particular people who influenced your
faith journey?
Yes, there were four.
• In mid life I had some time to attend various religious
retreats which were illuminating. Through these, I met a
Spiritual Director who took me on in a modified capacity.
As my time with her was limited, we structured the
experience so that I could benefit from asking her
questions and hence I clarified some wider issues. She
was a great source of inspiration.
• Another person who was a great source of inspiration was
a Roman Catholic sister who conducted 3 day silent
residential retreats. This was somewhat of a ‘shock’
experience, but in the end, a life-turning event focused on
God’s love and forgiveness.
• In 2014, The Spiral of Prayer conducted by Michael Hillier
at Yorketown, was a turning point in developing my prayer
life and bringing me closer to Jesus.
• Lastly, a relative of mine who is an Anglican Minister, has
been a great influence as she chats with me in depth, and
continually refers to ‘how would Jesus respond’
What values are important to you?
The two values that are important to me are to: Love one
another without judgement and exercise forgiveness.
How do you put your faith
into practice?
I find it hard, as the challenges of daily living are often
distracting from my goals. However I am mindful of my values,
and focus on getting back to those basics from which I often
go astray. I am also an ‘encourager’ type of person so I have
been able to minister to a variety of people, some in despair,
others in need of pastoral and spiritual support. I do this,
mainly by showing “care”, “compassion” and “empathy.”
Is there a particular story from the Bible that resonates
with you?
Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus drives home the
existence of ‘miracles’ and while I realise I can’t always expect
lightning results, it gives me hope to keep going in all
situations. It also focuses my attention on the Holy Spirit.
What differences do you find between the church in
Canada and here?
The comparison is difficult. Firstly, in Ottawa I attend an
established church with an extended Christian Education
program, a renowned choir, several services on Sundays,
meditative time daily at noon and many church events, such
as The Messiah. Secondly, I have only one church in Canada
to use as a comparison and the one I know is well established
and under top ministerial leadership. My experience in
Australia has been primarily in a rural area with one weekly
Sunday service and few, if any, other programs. The other
aspect of comparison is in the type of leadership within the
church and in that respect they are the same, as I have
experienced many different styles in both countries.
What keeps you going to church?
Salvation is paramount and forms the anchor of my life. I
continue going to church to be part of a Christian or likeminded community which reinforces my faith through
membership.
Brother Martyn writes of his
time with the Little Brothers of
Francis,
at their Hermitage 'Eremophila'
The month (December) spent with Brothers Wayne,
Howard and Geoffrey, the Little Brothers of Francis, at their
Hermitage 'Eremophila' has given me a clearer understanding
of the life of a contemplative. On the day of my arrival, as I
walked the one and a half kilometres from the entrance gate
to the central buildings, I allowed myself to be overwhelmed
with a sense of peace and of being blessed. The urge to live
'in the bush' has been with me over the course of my life and
as I slowly ambled in a gentle light rain along the track
surrounded by 'the bush' of the foothills of the Great Dividing
Range, I recognised that I had arrived.
The Brothers guided me through the induction
process with a lightness that spoke of their deep love of God
as reflected in their love of (guest) neighbour. The 'guest' is
the fourth member of the community for the time they are in
residence.
When I entered the Guest Hermitage I felt to be arriving in a
familiar place; a table, chair, bed and a butane burner for
making a hot drink. This was the description of the Poustinac's
dwelling in Catherine Doherty's book.
The days in the life of the Brothers are full; living in
this place is only possible with much exertion and
organisation. There is however no sense of busyness. All is
done prayerfully.
The Willochran - 4th Series, No 107, March 2016
6
Not to suggest that one wanders around hands
clasped in a prayerful manner under a developing halo. No
No. This is prayer prayed in action. That is, except for the
offices conducted in the Prayer Room. Tucked in the side of a
sloping hill (which is the happy hunting ground of Guinea
Fowl, Wiltshire sheep, and the rapidly increasing population of
Rock Wallabies(-not to mention an assortment of birds, is the
place where Matins, Sext, Vespers and Compline are prayed.
Morning Meditation commences at 6.00am and Compline
completes the round at about 8:30 - 9:00pm. Night offices are
private and Terce follows the Morning Conference.
Monday is an "unstructured day" which means that all
prayer is private and the central building area comprising
kitchen, library and refectory are only accessed briefly and if
no other Brother is using them.
On my first such day I walked along one of the
boundary fences and began to understand the task to which
these 3 men had applied themselves. The underlying
substance is granite; regrowth forest cleaves the rocks apart
in the trees search for a footing, food and water. In this setting
I observed a meticulously maintained 7 to 10 strand barbed
wire fence with 3 strand of electric either at the top or bottom.
The country is home to wild dogs that have ravaged some of
the sheep and goats which the Brothers graze as part of their
fire plan.
Generally the Brothers work together in the morning
on such tasks as fence and track maintenance, fire protection,
firewood collection, gardening, weed eradication, fruit tree
care and much to our collective delight, banana harvesting.
They managed to source a Lady Finger variety some years
ago. If these 'Ladies' have fingers the size of those bananas
then expect to see a Giantess!’
While each of the Brothers has specialties suited to
their individual gifts, they are all able to look after any of the
tasks when one of the Brothers is absent. While they limit their
time ‘outside’ they take times of solitude which can extend to 4
months.
The afternoons are given over to work by oneself. For
me this proved to be a time of discovery.
Br Geoffrey
presented me with a succession of repair jobs and while
giving me freedom to choose how these were undertaken was
available for very welcomed suggestions.
The Plumbago
Creek which runs through the property, and was one of the
factors influencing the Brothers when deciding where they
would settle in 1987, provided a welcome relief from the heat
at the end of the afternoons’ work.
One anecdote that amused me: On the 18 June 1993
the Brothers observed a hot air balloon very low in the sky.
They headed off in the direction of the balloon’s flight path and
arrived in Tabulam as it landed. There was much excitement
amongst the locals present who were speaking of a "Dick
Smith" (This was the first balloon crossing of the Continent).
Br Wayne turned to the others and asked: "Who is Dick
Smith?"
Wayne was interviewed for the Spirit of Things on
ABC radio on 21 June 2009 and gives the context of the life of
the Brothers.
[http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/spiritofthings/stfrancis---still-radical-after-all-these-years/3156144]
Brother Howard gives an account of how he obtained
a Doctorate in Issue 233 (October 2015) of the St Mark’s
Review [http://www.stmarks.edu.au/review] which addresses
'Living Community in the digital age - An Eremitical
perspective.'
The Brothers have a website where a Slide Show
gives an excellent sense of how God is calling these men to
live out the example of St Francis.
[http://www.franciscanhermitage.org/slideshow.htm]
Brother Martyn CSBC
Clare Events
Kids’ Club
Breakup and
Farewell to
Joan Reed
The Rev’d Joan
Reed returned to
Clare for the final
Kids’
Club
service
on
S u n d a y
December 13 th ,
leading the
children in the
nativity play “Wombat Divine”. It is a story about Wombat and
his desire to be in the Christmas nativity play being produced
by a group of native Australian animals. Wombat (Abbie
Skinner) auditions for every role in the play but is ill-suited for
all of them, though he's always encouraged to keep trying.
And he does, until there is only one part left unfilled – that of
baby Jesus.
Thanks to Rianna Jacka, Abbie, Jessica and Matthew
Skinner for a very entertaining performance! The Rev’d Joan
then presented each of the children with a book donated by
our Anglican Women’s Fellowship. Sadly, as the Rev’d Joan
has left Clare, Kids’ Club will not continue in 2016.
Sonja Czora
Christmas Eve Children’s Service at
St Michael’s Bungaree
Father David delivered a short Holy Communion
Christmas Eve service before asking the congregation of
about 50 people to move outside the church.
We all stood under the shade of the Olive trees,
alongside the sheep, a calf called “Baby Cow” and “Roger” the
pony, in yards set up by George Hawker.
Fr David read the Nativity Story “Is There Room”
written by the Rev’d Sister Sandra Sears, while some of the
16
children
present chimed in
with the noises
associated with
each animal
(much to the
amusement of the
adults).
Afterwards, tasty
finger food, iced
coffee and cool
drinks were
enjoyed by all.
Enthusiastically
the children gave
a bottle of milk to
“Baby Cow”, fed
hay to the sheep
and rode on
patient old Roger,
led round and round the church by Vicky Stewart.
Our thanks to Fr David and all those who came to St
Michael’s. Together you made this event memorable.
Sal Hawker
7
Watchmen School of Intercession
Christmas Tree Display- message of Love and Peace
Thank you to Rev’d Jennifer Thompson and her
daughter Sophie who collaborated to make a display
representing Saint Barnabas Church for the annual Christmas
Tree Display in the Clare Town Hall.
Many local organisations, schools and businesses
decorate Christmas trees depicting a theme for the week-long
display and it is always a pleasure to walk around the hall and
admire the creations.
Sophie painted a fabulous backdrop for the diorama
and the display was eye-catching, being placed at the
entrance to the hall. What a wonderful welcome!
Sonja Czora
OFFICIAL OPENING of the Clare Kitchen and New
Hall Extensions on Sunday, December 6, 2015
I was worried: what words does an Archdeacon use in
blessing toilets? In the event, on Sunday 6 December, prior to
the Eucharist Archdeacon Prue came up with a
very
commendable form or words: “O God, bless this new toilet
block: its provision for people of all abilities indicates our
sense of hospitality to all, that reflects your generous
hospitality and care for all people.”
Prue had previously blessed a bowl of water, carried
by Rianna Jacka, and she flicked a spray hither and yon to
remind us of our baptism. Those of us who caught a shower
were glad of its coolness on such a warm day. She next
blessed the doorway into the new extension and the Hall
extension itself. Then it was the turn of the renovated kitchen.
We can be proud of what has been achieved.
The Peace Candle was lit and led us into the church
where the second Advent Candle was lit and the Eucharist the
ensued. Arch-deacon Prue was assisted by LLM Patricia
Jacka and the Rev’d Jenni Thompson, in her first official role.
Canon Ian
Barlow.
FOUNDATION LEVEL COURSE
Fri 20th May, Sat 21st May & Sun 5th June 2016
The Vine Christian Church, Stradbroke Rd,
Stanley Flat, Clare
Tea and coffee provided. Please BYO lunch on Sat 21st
REGISTRATIONS & ENQUIRIES
Jane and Ian Blakey, 08 8894 2225,
0408 071153
Email: [email protected]
PROGRAMME
PART ONE: DVD school
The Vine Christian Church,
Stradbroke Rd,
Stanley Flat, Clare.
Fri 20th May 2016 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Session 1 How prayer works
Session 2 Intercession: A lifestyle
Sat 21st May 2016 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Session 3 Understanding the DNA of your community
Session 4 Spiritual authority
LUNCH: Please BYO lunch
Session 5 Principles of small groups
Session 6 How to hear God's voice
PART TWO:
Pastors Matthew and Kathy Bolte
(Field Directors, Australian Prayer Network)
The Vine Christian Church
Sun 5th June 2016, 1 30 pm -5:00 pm
Session 7 Intimacy: The starting point for prayer
Session 8 Q & A session on DVD prayer school
Session 9 Practical: The power of praying together
* A love offering will be collected to help offset costs
to Australian Prayer Network
Photographers for this issue:
ANSC News, Jenny Thompson, George Hawker, Sally Henery,
Helen and Andrew Barr, Jan Stead, June Hillier, Geoff and
Tracey Piggott, Dorothy Thorpe and Anne Ford.
The Willochran - 4th Series, No 107, March 2016
8
.ISSUES….ISSUES….ISSUES….ISSUES…..ISSUES…..ISSUES….ISSUES….ISSUES….ISSUES…..ISSUES
Communiqué from the Primates
of the Anglican Communion
Canterbury Cathedral, England.
11-15 January 2016
Walking Together in
the Service of God in the World
The meeting of Anglican Primates, the senior bishops
of the 38 Anglican Provinces, joined by the Archbishop of the
Anglican Church of North America, took place in Canterbury
between Monday 11 January and Friday 15 January at the
invitation of Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury. The
first morning was spent in prayer and fasting.
We came knowing that the 2016 Primates’ meeting
would be concerned with the differences among us in regard
to our teaching on matters of human sexuality. We were also
eager to address wider areas of concern.
The meeting started by agreeing on the agenda. The
first agreed item was to discuss an important point of
contention among Anglicans worldwide: the recent change to
the doctrine of marriage by The Episcopal Church in the USA.
Over the past week the unanimous decision of the
Primates was to walk together, however painful this is, and
despite our differences, as a deep expression of our unity in
the body of Christ. We looked at what that meant in practical
terms.
We received the recommendation of a working group
of our members which took up the task of how our Anglican
Communion of Churches might walk together and our unity be
strengthened. Their work, consistent with previous statements
of the Primates’ meetings, addressed what consequences
follow for The Episcopal Church in relation to the Anglican
Communion following its recent change of marriage doctrine.
The recommendations in paragraphs 7 and 8 of the
Addendum A below are:
“It is our unanimous desire to walk together. However
given the seriousness of these matters we formally
acknowledge this distance by requiring that for a period of
three years The Episcopal Church no longer represent us on
ecumenical and interfaith bodies, should not be appointed or
elected to an internal standing committee and that while
participating in the internal bodies of the Anglican
Communion, they will not take part in decision making on any
issues pertaining to doctrine or polity.
“We have asked the Archbishop of Canterbury to appoint a
Task Group to maintain conversation among ourselves with
the intention of restoration of relationship, the rebuilding of
mutual trust, healing the legacy of hurt, recognising the extent
of our commonality and exploring our deep differences,
ensuring they are held between us in the love and grace of
Christ.”
These recommendations were adopted by the
majority of the Primates present.
We will develop this process so that it can also be
applied when any unilateral decisions on matters of doctrine
and polity are taken that threaten our unity.
The Primates condemned homophobic prejudice and
violence and resolved to work together to offer pastoral care
and loving service irrespective of sexual orientation. This
conviction arises out of our discipleship of Jesus Christ. The
Primates reaffirmed their rejection of criminal sanctions
against same-sex attracted people.
The Primates recognise that the Christian church and
within it the Anglican Communion, have often acted in a way
towards people on the basis of their sexual orientation that
has caused deep hurt. Where this has happened they express
their profound sorrow and affirm again that God's love for
every human being is the same, regardless of their sexuality,
and that the church should never by its actions give any other
impression.
We affirmed the consultation that had taken place in
preparation for the meeting by Archbishop Welby and
commended his approach for future events within the
Communion.
The consideration of the required application for
admission to membership of the Communion of the Anglican
Church of North America was recognised as properly
belonging to the Anglican Consultative Council. The Primates
recognise that such an application, were it to come forward,
would raise significant questions of polity and jurisdiction.
In the wake of the climate change conference in Paris,
the meeting heard about a petition of almost two million
signatures co-coordinated by the Anglican Environment
Network. Reports were made about moves to divest from
fossil fuels, the expansion of the African Deserts and the
struggle for survival of the peoples of the Pacific as island life
is threatened in many places by the rise of sea levels.
The meeting discussed the reality of religiously
motivated violence and its impact on people and communities
throughout the world. Primates living in places where such
violence is a daily reality spoke movingly and passionately
about their circumstances and the effect on their members.
The Archbishop of Canterbury himself has taken important
initiatives in bringing people together from a range of faith
communities globally for discussion and mutual accountability.
The Anglican Primates repudiated any religiously motivated
violence and expressed solidarity with all who suffer from this
evil in the world today.
The Primates look forward to the proposal being
brought to the Anglican Consultative Council for
comprehensive child protection measures to be available
throughout all the churches of the Communion.
In a presentation on evangelism, the Primates
rejoiced that the Church of Jesus Christ lives to bear witness
to the transforming power of the love of God in Jesus Christ.
The Primates were energised by the opportunity to share
experiences of evangelism and motivated to evangelise with
their people.
“The Primates joyfully commit themselves and the Anglican
Church, to proclaim throughout the world the person and work
of Jesus Christ, unceasingly and authentically, inviting all to
embrace the beauty and joy of the Gospel.”
The Primates supported the Archbishop of Canterbury
in his proposal to call a Lambeth Conference in 2020.
.ISSUES….ISSUES….ISSUES….ISSUES…..ISSUES…..ISSUES….ISSUES….ISSUES….ISSUES…..ISSUES
9
Primates discussed tribalism, ethnicity, nationalism and
patronage networks, and the deep evil of corruption.
They reflected that these issues become inextricably
connected to war and violence, and derive from poverty. They
agreed to ask the Secretary General of the Anglican
Communion to commission a study for the next Primates’
meeting. The Primates agreed to meet again in 2017 and
2019.
The Primates owe a debt of gratitude to the staff of
the Anglican Communion Office, and especially the Secretary
General, to the staff at Lambeth Palace and at Church House
Westminster.
The Primates were especially grateful for the warm
welcome, generous hospitality and kindness offered by the
Dean of Canterbury and all at the Cathedral. Their contribution
was very important in setting the mood of the meeting in
prayer and mutual listening. Thanks to the Community of St
Anselm for their prayer, help and support, Jean Vanier for his
inspiring addresses, and the Community of St Gregory for the
loan of the crosier head to sit alongside the St Augustine
gospels.
The Primates received their time together as a gift
from God and experienced many signs of God’s presence
amongst them. They appreciated the personal care and
humility shown by the Archbishop of Canterbury especially in
his chairing of the meeting. We leave our week together
enriched by the communion we share and strengthened by
the faithful witness of Anglicans across the world. The
Primates deeply appreciate the prayers of many throughout
the world over our time together.
Addendum A
1. We gathered as Anglican Primates to pray and consider
how we may preserve our unity in Christ given the ongoing
deep differences that exist among us concerning our
understanding of marriage.
2. Recent developments in the Episcopal Church with
respect to a change in their Canon on marriage represent
a fundamental departure from the faith and teaching held
by the majority of our Provinces on the doctrine of
marriage. Possible developments in other Provinces could
further exacerbate this situation.
3. All of us acknowledge that these developments have
caused further deep pain throughout our Communion.
4. The traditional doctrine of the church in view of the
teaching of Scripture, upholds marriage as between a man
and a woman in faithful, lifelong union. The majority of
those gathered reaffirm this teaching.
5. In keeping with the consistent position of previous
Primates’ meetings such unilateral actions on a matter of
doctrine without Catholic unity is considered by many of us
as a departure from the mutual accountability and
interdependence implied through being in relationship with
each other in the Anglican Communion.
6. Such actions further impair our communion and create a
deeper mistrust between us. This results in significant
distance between us and places huge strains on the
functioning of the Instruments of Communion and the
ways in which we express our historic and ongoing
relationships.
8. We have asked the ABC to appoint a Task Group to
maintain conversation among ourselves with the intention
of restoration of relationship, the rebuilding of mutual trust,
healing the legacy of hurt, recognising the extent of our
commonality and exploring our deep differences, ensuring
they are held between us in the love and grace of Christ.
Addendum B
We, as Anglican Primates, affirm together that the
Church of Jesus Christ lives to bear witness to the
transforming love of God in the power of the Spirit throughout
the world. It is clear God’s world has never been in greater
need of this resurrection love and we long to make it known.
We commit ourselves through evangelism to proclaim
the person and work of Jesus Christ, unceasingly and
authentically, inviting all to embrace the beauty and joy of the
Gospel. We rely entirely on the power of the Holy Spirit who
gives us speech, brings new birth, leads us into the truth
revealed in Christ Jesus thus building the church.
All disciples of Jesus Christ, by virtue of our baptism,
are witnesses to and of Jesus in faith, hope and love. We
pledge ourselves together to pray, listen, love, suffer and
sacrifice that the world may know that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Come Holy Spirit.
Primates of the Anglican Communion at Canterbury
Cathedral, 14 January 2016.
Flight home
Forget flights of angels I want galahs!
Forget dazzling white -
I want pink and grey and silver
wheeling and flashing
in the dawn light.
Forget choral perfection -
I want to be surrounded
by raucous squawks,
conversations across the flock;
“G’day Nige, how’s the wife and kids?”
“Hey Shirl, I see you hit it off with Wayne;
Good on ya!”
I want to be carried
by my mates
with unerring, accurate instinct,
to that distant waterhole
called ‘Home.’
7. It is our unanimous desire to walk together. However given
the seriousness of these matters we formally acknowledge
I’m sure the angels
this distance by requiring that for a period of three years
won’t mind.
TEC no longer represent us on ecumenical and interfaith
© Rev’d. Sr. Sandra Sears
bodies, should not be appointed or elected to an internal
standing committee and that while participating in the
CSBC 15/1/16
internal bodies of the Anglican Communion, they will not
take part in decision making on any issues pertaining to
doctrine or polity.
The Willochran - 4th Series, No 107, March 2016
10
Cool World
Children's television has come a long way since I was growing
up, watching the old black and white telly our parents owned. From
memory, shows
like Adventure Island and Mr Squiggle kept us
entertained together with some family-friendly situation comedies like
Mr Ed and My Three Sons. The Brady Bunch was another favourite,
and while some of the storylines were a little far-fetched and the
always happy ending seemed too good to be true, it has stood the test
of time. I found myself showing episodes to my Year 5/6 RE class at
Donald Primary School if there was a positive message worth sharing.
7th Heaven, which featured the Camdens, a family of seven
children whose father was a Christian minister, gave us plenty to think
about and became another television show I have used with a modest
degree of success during my ministry.
But it was during my first curacy, in the late 1980s, when I first
began to see the value in tuning into the shows our kids were
watching. Arguably one of the most realistic pieces of television aimed
at teenagers was Degrassi Junior High, which screened from 1987
until 1989. It dealt with serious issues such as child abuse, teenage
pregnancy and suicide. Most of my youth group and some of their
parents watched Degrassi ,so we would often spend a bit of time
during our meetings discussing some of the issues that emerged from
a particular episode. It was gritty and confronting but it did allow us an
opportunity to talk about things in an open and trusting environment.
These days kids TV, together with programming suitable for
teenagers and families, is big business. The ABC has at least two
channels dedicated to children and family viewing, while subscribers to
Foxtel have up to nine channels to choose from. It can be a little
overwhelming so let Cool World point you in the right direction.
As a Foxtel subscriber I'm spoilt for choice, but the Disney
channel seems to offer the best variety and in my opinion the better
quality programmes. Shows such as Best Friends Whenever, Liv and
Maddie and Good Luck Charlie have plenty of positive things to say
about friendship and family life, while K.C Undercover and Lab Rats
succesfully mix humour and adventure.
However, it's the feel good charm of Girl Meets World that has
captured my attention in recent months and become essential viewing
at my place. Some readers may remember Boy Meets World, which
screened from 1993 until 2000, and featured the lives and loves of
Cory Matthews, Topanga Lawrence and Shawn Hunter. Girl Meets
World is a sequel of sorts focussing on teenager Riley Matthews,
daughter of Cory and Topanga, and her tight-knit group of friends
Maya Hart, Farkle Minkus and Lucas Frier.
Like a lot of American TV, Girl Meets World can at times be
contrived, syrupy and downright silly, but when they get it right, which
is a good deal of the time, it is brilliant, compelling, captivating and
exceptionally inspiring television. In recent episodes Riley and her
friends have had to deal with bullying, peer pressure and the
expectations of others as they live their lives inside and outside John
Quincy Adams Middle School in New York City. There are challenges
to their friendships, their ideologies and their
understanding of relationships, but through it
all they manage to triumph by virtue of those
very same friendships that up until now have
held fast.
Television can sometimes take us to
places that are confronting, confusing and
challenging, but like life itself, when we find
those good places it can be worthwhile
spending some time there.
John Fowler,
Ministry District of Southern Flinders
Ministry of Spirituality
Join the Database for the Ministry of
Spirituality and receive information via your
email.
Send your email details to
[email protected]
• Retreats •
Mid Year Retreat-17-19 June, Healing Retreat/
Workshop with the Rev’d’Alan Dutton
• Courses •
New Course available:
Tuning to the heartbeat of God:
the stages of our spiritual development
4 sessions
The Spiral of Prayer • Learning to pray and
going deeper • 5 sessions
Meditation • 6 sessions
The Art of Sacred Reading • 4 sessions
The Palestine of Jesus • 4 sessions
Experiencing the wonder of God’s time: Using
the Daily Office • 3 sessions
Intercessions •1 session
The Hidden Power of the Gospels •
5 sessions
The Way of Pilgrimage • 4 sessions
• Website •
The Ministry of Spirituality has its own website.
www.bushspirituality.org.au
• Other possibilities •
Retreats, Quiet Days, Workshops, Spiritual
Direction. For further information contact:
The Ven. Michael Hillier, PO Box 47, Burra,
5417
08 8892 2313, 0458 508 628 or
[email protected]
ECO - SPIRITUALITY 2016
April 4-9 at Gum Creek Station
‘In the beginning’
Spiritual Director: Ali Wurm
May 9-14 at Alpana Station ‘the Ediacaran
Experience’
Spiritual Directors: David and Jenny Thompson
August 22-27 at Balcanoona Station
‘A mountain, a lake, sand dunes and a murder’
Spiritual Director: Angela Evans
Oct 31 - Nov 5 at Angepena Station
‘In the land of the of the Adnyamathanha
People’
Spiritual Director: Peter Linn
The cost for all programmes will be $620 which
includes accommodation, food, and facilitators.
For further details:or visit the Diocesan website:
www.diowillochra.org.au
or contact Terry Krieg (08) 8682 1571 or 0428
834 141, email: [email protected]
11
Around the traps……
T
The beautiful and unique stained glass window at St Mark's
church, Blinman
Celebrating 50 years at St Mark’s Anglican Church,
Blinman
A church service will be held on Sunday 28 August
starting at 11am with Bishop John of Willochra.
The service is to celebrate 50 years since the current
church was built by the community, debt free, and dedicated
by the then Bishop.
Everyone is welcome. Please spread the word to
anyone who has had a connection to St Marks. Contact Sally
Henery if you would like more information. Phone 86484626
or email [email protected]
The
Blinman
community is very proud
of its little church on the
hill, although numbers
have been down and
services few in recent
times. Rev’d David
Amery and Bishop John
have been conducting
services since the last
BCA funded Minister left
Leigh Creek in 2013, for which we
are very grateful.
We'd love you to join us in
August.
Sally Henery
I am still in the thrall of the Muse and Banjo
(A.B.) Patterson!
So ....
A SAD SONG OF A FRUSTRATED CLERIC
Once a jolly curate inducted to a Parish:
I’ll make it vital and lively”, said he.
So he nagged them and cajoled them,
Bothered and reproached them,
‘til they revolted and got rid of him.
Nagged and cajoled them,
Bothered and reproached them:
They cut off his stipend and drove him away.
Now his voice may be heard
As he wanders through the diocese:
“They wouldn’t listen to me,” says he.
Ian Barlow
Archbishop Philip Freier appointed to Communion’s
Primates’ Standing Committee
Jan 2016
It has been announced that
Australia's Anglican Primate, The
Most Reverend Dr Philip Freier, is
one of five Primates who have been
appointed to the worldwide
Communion’s Primates’ Standing
Committee.
Archbishop Stephen Than
from Myanmar is the alternative
representative if Dr Freier cannot
attend meetings. ANCS News
The Supreme Governor of
the Church of England,
Queen Elizabeth II, has
made a strong personal
statement of her faith, and
has told the people that she
is “very grateful” for their
prayers for her; saying that
she has felt God’s
“faithfulness” during 64 years
The little church on the hill at the
on the throne.
40th celebration in August 2006
The Queen made her
and the church bell that was at the
comments
in the foreword to
mine bell at Yudnamutana Mine.
a new book, The Servant
Queen and the King She
The growing Barlow Family! On Friday 18 December, last Serves, which has been published by three British Christian
year, two more great-grandchildren were added to June and charities as an evangelistic tool to mark the Queen’s
Fr Ian Barlow’s list. Two little girls were born in Darwin, one to forthcoming 90th birthday. ANCS News
their daughter Elizabeth’s son’s partner who has a son aged
10, and the other to her daughter who has four boys. They
were born 10 minutes apart in separate hospitals. All are
The Archbishop of South
doing well.
East Asia, the Most Revd Ng
From Anne Allen in Port Pirie …I sent my sister-in-law in the Moon Hing, delivers a sermon
UK a copy of 'In A Dry & Thirsty Land’ for Christmas. She during his installation at Saint
was thrilled as she read about people in the Port Pirie parish M a r y ' s C a t h e d r a l , K u a l a
that she had met on her many trips (14) out to visit with her Lumpur. ANCS News
brother. On taking the book to her Mother's Union meeting to
tell them about MU in the Diocese she was asked to give a
small talk on same, which she said was well received. It is
great to know that our lovely book is being used as a resource
so far away.
The Willochran - 4th Series, No 107, March 2016
12
The Annual Bishops’ Conference was held in our Diocese
at the Clare Country Club, with Bishop John hosting the
Anglican Bishops from around Australia. The Rev’d Matt
Anstey and the Ven Michael Hillier provided some of the input
into the conference. The new bishops met on the weekend
before the main conference for the New Bishops’ School.
The Rev’d Barry Luke was commissioned as Priest in the
Ministry District of Eyre on Saturday 20 February at St Simon
and St Jude, Cummins.
Lambeth Palace The Archbishop of Canterbury said he
“praises God" for the Mothers’ Union during a service at
Lambeth Palace this week to recommission Lynne Tembey as
worldwide president of the global Anglican women’s
organisation.
Barry and the Bishop
during Barry’s
commissioning service.
The Bishop blesses
Barry and Avril, and
their family.
Adelaide College of Divinity: 2016 Annual Lecture
“Revolutionary love”
The Adelaide College of Divinity would like to give advance
notice of the 2016 Annual Lecture (Flinders University
Department of Theology and Adelaide College of Divinity). We
are pleased to announce the speaker, the Rev’d Dr Serene
Jones, President of the American Academy of Religion.
Monday, 11 July, at 7 pm. the Rev’d Dr Jones will be
Archbishops of Canterbury and York pray for
addressing “Revolutionary love”. Please mark your diaries for
evangelisation of England
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have called for a this most stimulating evening with our very exciting speaker.
“great wave of prayer” for the evangelisation of England. In an More details to come.
“unprecedented step”, Justin Welby and John Sentamu have
written to every parish priest in the Church of England, inviting
churches across the country to take part in the focused prayer
Solicitors for the
initiative in the week leading up to Pentecost Sunday. ANCS
News
Diocese
Men’s Shed Service held at Burra
We welcome your
Burra has a Men’s Shed and Father Michael usually catches
instructions for
up with them for a monthly BBQ lunch and sees the men
all legal services and
around town. A number have died in recent years and with the
conveyancing.
last two there were no public funerals. It was decided to have
a short Memorial Service in St Mary’s to honour all these men.
Offices in
Families were invited and there were about 45 people present.
Jamestown, Port Pirie, Clare and Adelaide.
A Quartet of the men sang. The Ecumenical service, which
Ph 8664 1043
included other clergy, was followed by wine and cheese in the
Parish Hall and afterwards it was hard to get everyone to go
home!
Lighting a candle for each of the
departed was part of the service.
Gathering over wine and nibbles.
Advertising space
is available in the Willochran.
Costs are as follows: per edition
Business card size - the smallest
- to "fit” the bottom of a half
Lighting a candle for each was part
or third column $25
of the service.
Slightly bigger - one third column,
quarter
page
$30
Gathering
over
wine and nibbles
service.
one third column, half pageafter
(this the
is quite
big)
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half column, half page (very big)
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The Willochran - 4th Series, No 107, March 2016