The Gippsland Anglican is your award winning newspaper: Best Regional Publication Bronze Award (ARPA) 2012; Best Regional Publication Silver Award (ARPA) 2011; Item or Feature that shows the most originality Highly Commended (ARPA) 2011; Best Social Justice Story Highly Commended (ARPA) 2004; Best Regional Publication (ARPA) 2003; Most Improved Newspaper (ARPA) 2001. Primate welcomes royal commission Page 4 Elemental retreat at the Abbey page 11 Jesus Christ here and now for Traralgon parish See feature inside 2 Our Diocese - Celebrating Ordained Women December 2012 The Gippsland Anglican The Gippsland Anglican Price: 90 cents +gst each $25 +gst annual postal subscription Member of Australasian Religious Press Association Member of Community Newspapers Association of Victoria Registered by Australia Post. Print Post Number 34351/00018 The Gippsland Anglican is the official newspaper of and is published by The Anglican Diocese of Gippsland, 453 Raymond St, Sale, Victoria, 3853, www.gippsanglican.org.au Editor: Mrs Jeanette Severs, PO Box 1254, Bairnsdale, 3875 Tel: 0407 614661 Fax: 03 5144 7183 Email: editor@gippsanglican.org.au Email all parish reports, all articles, photographs, advertisements and letters to the Editor. Photographs as jpeg files. Articles as .doc or .txt files. Advertisements as PDF files. Printed by Latrobe Valley Express P/L 21 George Street, Morwell, 3840 All contributions must be received by the Editor by the 15th day of the month prior to publication. Contact the Editor to discuss variation to this date. The Editor reserves the right of final choice and format of material included in each issue. The Gippsland Anglican and the Editor cannot necessarily verify any material used in this publication. Views contained in submitted material are those of contributors. Advertising Rates: $6.80/cm deep/column black & white. Color is an extra $130. Contact the Editor in the first instance for all advertising submissions, cost- ings and enquiries, including about in- serts in the newspaper. For Sale Classifieds: Parishes can advertise items for free, for sale at prices up to $100. Email details to the Editor. Index Bishops message 3 Historic opportunity 4 Ordinations 5 Welcome, thankyou 6 Traralgon parish 7-9 Be fire ready 10 Abbey retreat 11 Trinity feature 12 Competition rewards 13 Traffic flows at fun day 13 Maffra hosts party 14 Nativity color-in 15 Perspectives 16 All about Jesus 17 Diocesan calendar 17 Op shop gives 18 Women on safari 19 Winning breakfasts 19 Diocesan pictorial 20 The Roll Call for Gippsland ABOVE: A tribute to all the women who have been or- dained priest in the Angli- can Church of Australia in the past 20 years and have lived in Gippsland. Efforts were made to include all el- igible women but apologies to any omissions and if you think there is a mistake, please contact the editor. Listed alphabetically: Elizabeth Alfred Phyllis Andy Edie Ashley Sally Boothey Brenda Burney Heather Cahill Kathy Dalton Sue Jacka Jan St James Thelma Langshaw Barbara Logan Heather Marten Caroline Nancarrow Marilyn Obersby Gayle Ockenden Anne Perryman Lyndon Phillips Lyn Porritt Jenny Ramage Elwyn Sparks Glenys Traill Amy Turner Anne Turner Maree Vines Janet Wallis Jo White Lyn Williams Designer: Jeanette Severs December 2012 Our Diocese - Bishop Johns message 3 The Gippsland Anglican I AM beginning to think Santa Claus is beyond re- demption. I have tried for years to redeem the com- mercially inspired red-and- white-colored, insipid, obese charlatan Santa by suggesting to children the real Santa Claus was actu- ally a Christian saint named St Nicholas. However, I can no longer, in good conscience, at- tempt to identify that saintly figure of Christian generosity and compassion with the current minion of grasping retail stores. It has all become too difficult and I am ready to admit defeat. I have not gone quite as far as those cynics who point out Santa is an ana- gram of Satan, but I am not far from it. I wonder if it all began with that seemingly inno- cent question: What do you want to get for Christ- mas this year? It dawns on me this question prompts from a child, a response en- tirely opposite to the re- sponse a true understand- ing of Christmas should elicit. At Christmas, we celebrate Gods gracious gift of the Christ-child to the whole world. This should inspire in us the same gracious giving in our daily responses to anyone and everyone. Surely the question we should be asking is: What do you want to give for Christmas this year? Is it possible a seemingly innocuous but wrong ques- tion has contributed to the self-centred, almost narcis- sistic, acquisitive post-mod- ern age in which we live? The Santa saga can get even worse. I shudder every time I hear an adult tell children they will not get what they want from Santa unless they are good. Santa has become a form of manipulation. If the growing child then connects Santa with God, their image of God is en- tirely opposite to the God of grace revealed in Jesus Christ, born on Christmas Day. The Santa saga neu- tralises the prophetic, mis- chievously undermining the God of grace, who dares to care for those most margin- alised and who inspires those who have the courage to stand their ground against the prevail- ing spirit of the day. God becomes nothing but a mechanism of social con- trol, a transcendent Santa ensuring the status quo. The tragedy then is, even when, as adults, people abandon this travesty of re- ligion, somehow its grace- less spirit of acquiescence can still remain in secu- larised form. Witness the ease with which the electorate is swayed by governments as- sured of the silence of the grace-inspired, prophetic edge which cares for the marginalised. We acquiesce to the denial of the rights of asylum seekers to seek asylum; to patronising intrusive legis- lation to control the people of our first nations; and to our engagement in wars without proper questioning of the motivations and in- centives of those who wage them. Of course, I cannot blame all of this on Santa. But the figure he has become today is somehow tragically sym- bolic of the spirit of our age. We reject the God of grace revealed in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, both within and be- yond the church. In so doing, we lose the one vital ingredient that makes possible the song of the angels on that first Christmas night, Peace on earth and goodwill to all people. Having said all that, how- ever, to date my experience of Christmas has never failed to produce at least one moment of grace. The amazing truth is, even in our increasingly graceless age, the God of grace al- ways finds a way of break- ing through in our celebrations of the Christ- child with surprises bringing joy and hope. May you and your family know the blessings of God at this Christmas time and in the coming year. Santa Claus is a tragic symbol Right Reverend John McIntyre Bishop of Gippsland I can no longer identify that saintly figure of Christian generosity and compassion with the current minion of grasping retail stores. 4 Our Diocese - Feature December 2012 The Gippsland Anglican By Jeanette Severs THE Primate of the Angli- can Church of Australia has said the royal commission recently called by Prime Minister Julia Gillard offered an historic opportunity to protect Australian children. Archbishop Phillip Aspinall commended the Prime Min- ister for her decision to es- tablish a royal commission. He urged the commissions terms of reference should be full and fearless and called for the commission to be properly resourced. Archbishop Aspinall said a truly federal process was warranted given child sex- ual abuse crosses state and territory borders, infecting all places where child live, learn and play, including churches, schools, sporting clubs and families. Archbishop Aspinall ac- knowledged the royal com- mission would address shameful failings on the part of institutions, includ- ing churches. But a com- prehensive, independent examination would also give ordinary Australians a chance to see for them- selves the results of a decade-plus reform process instituted across many An- glican dioceses, he said. In Archbishop Aspinalls Brisbane diocese, every al- legation of child sexual abuse is reported to police; the diocese assists police; and victims of historic abuse have been actively sought and supported. Prime Minister Gillards an- nouncement of a royal commission came 10 years after Archbishop Aspinall requested the then Prime Minister to hold a royal commission into child sex- ual abuse, a request he de- clined. Archbishop Aspinall also sought to have a royal commission into this matter in Queensland. When that request was also unsuccessful, he es- tablished an independent inquiry into the handling of abuse complaints across Brisbane Diocese, going back decades. Archbishop Aspinall has urged all members of par- liament to commit to ensur- ing the royal commission is well-resourced, independ- ent and free from any polit- ical agenda. He also reminded to the Prime Minister that all vic- tims of child sexual abuse would be looking to the royal commission for an- swers and validation, in- cluding the vast majority of victims who are abused in family settings. Of the nearly 3.6 million Australians who call them- selves Anglican, statistically one in four women and one in eight men are victims of abuse; so it is something affecting our church on many levels, Archbishop Aspinall said. Archbishop Aspinall said he would write to the Prime Minister to formalise his support for a national royal commission, to the extent of his powers as Primate and Archbishop of Bris- bane; and to raise matters for inclusion in the terms of reference. Cabinet has approved Ms Gillards plan for a national response that is expected to be Australias most ex- tensive inquiry into the pro- tection of minors; it will look at the history of reli- gious groups, sporting or- ganisations, schools, state institutions, Scouts and Guides. Ms Gillard, announcing the royal commission will begin in the new year, said too many children had suffered abuse and too many adults had let them down. They have not only had their trust betrayed by the abuser but other adults who could have acted to as- sist them have failed to do so, she said. There have been revela- tions of child abusers being moved rather than the na- ture of their abuse and their crimes being dealt with. There have been too many revelations of adults who have averted their eyes from this evil. These are insidious, evil acts to which no child should be subject, Ms Gillard said. The individuals concerned deserve the most thorough investigations into the wrongs that have been committed against them. They deserve to have their voices heard and their claims investigated. I be- lieve a royal commission is the best way to do this. Ms Gillard said the reach of the national inquiry will be vast and needs to take its time. She also said the government will consult with groups representing the interests of victims, re- ligious leaders and commu- nity organisations, as the terms of reference are de- veloped. The focus of this [inquiry] is child sexual abuse. I be- lieve we must do every- thing we can to make sure what has happened in the past is never allowed to happen again, Ms Gillard said. Child abuse is always wrong, always heart break- ing, always distressing. I think we all want to do everything we can to en- sure we do not see in the future, institutions fail to respond if there are allega- tions of child abuse in their midst. I believe the time should be taken to get it right, to make sure the royal com- mission does the work we want it to do. We need to do everything we can to prevent child abuse and we need to do everything we can to en- sure that if abuse happens, it is appropriately re- sponded to so you dont get a continuation of the pat- tern of behavior. Victoria and New South Wales are already pursuing separate inquiries and Ms Gillard said the premiers have expressed willingness to cooperate with a national approach. Bravehearts founder, Hetty Johnston, welcomed the announcement of a wide-ranging powerful in- quiry into institutional re- sponses to allegations of child abuse. She said the issues were endemic and sweeping powers were critical if the inquiry is to succeed. She also cautioned the need to pass retrospective legisla- tion to make the destruc- tion of documents illegal. In Gippsland IN Gippsland Anglican Dio- cese, Cheryl Russell is em- ployed as the Director of Professional Standards, an independent role with a focus on assisting people who have been harmed by a church worker (see regu- lar advertisement in this newspaper). Cheryl said Gippsland dio- cese welcomes Victoria's parliamentary inquiry into child sexual assault and the royal commission to inves- tigate organisations from churches to state authori- ties. "It will include how the po- lice have responded in the past to complaints and will examine areas such as those people who have been or are complicit in or committed acts of omission in regard to sexual abuse of children. "I will ensure The Gipps- land Anglican has the nec- essary information about how people can contact the royal commission early next year," she said. "I want people to under- stand the Professional Standards Office is not lo- cated in the registry and re- mains as independent from the Church as possible. Anyone who contacts me should and can expect con- fidentiality," Cheryl said. "As DPS, I handle any matter of concern, regard- less of whether it is current or historic. I rely upon peo- ple calling me about any concern they may have about anyone. This is sometimes very difficult for people because they fear they may be reporting something that may not be true or could place a slur on someone's character." However, Cheryl said it is not difficult to discern the level of seriousness of a complaint. "All child sexual assault is reported, in this diocese, to the police through Crime Stoppers (telephone 1800333000). Any person can ring this police contact number if they wish to re- port any concern. "The Victorian police have sexual offences and child abuse investigation teams across the state, including in Gippsland. These teams are staffed by experienced and qualified police detec- tives specially trained to as- sist with responding to and investigating sexual assault and child abuse. "Anyone can contact these teams: in Morwell, tele- phone 5131 5090; in Sale, telephone 5144 2244; in Bairnsdale, telephone 5152 0540; in Melbourne, tele- phone 9611 8800." Cheryl invites anyone who wants to discuss matters of sexual abuse of children or vulnerable people, to tele- phone her, on 5633 1573 or 0407 563313, or email her on cherylrussell1@big- pond.com Cheryl is part of a team, led by Archdeacon Heather Marten, that discusses and plans safe ministry training for clergy and church work- ers in Gippsland churches. Gippsland diocese has not been immune from issues of child sexual assault. In 2007, Bishop John McIntyre apologised to child sexual abuse victims of a past teacher at Gippsland Gram- mar. A healing service was held at St Paul's Cathedral in Sale for victims of sexual assault at the hands of Phillip Douglas Hazeldine, convicted and jailed in 1998. At the time, Bishop John said the service for victims and their families was ac- knowledgement by the school and the diocese that the abuse had occurred. "For some people, it's too little, too late and we ac- knowledge that ... but it's a matter of acknowledging that in the past this hasn't been well handled," Bishop John said. The school and diocese also sent a letter to all stu- dents who attended the school during the period Hazeldine taught. For several years, this newspaper has taken a proactive approach in rais- ing the need to protect chil- dren and vulnerable people in the Church. In 2008, The Gippsland Anglican ran a series of articles with a focus on protecting children against sexual abuse and investigating institutions. Mothers' Union in Gipps- land has also been proac- tive in discussing and disseminating information among its members about child sexual abuse and its effects on victims. The process PRIME Minister Gillard will recommend to the Gover- nor General that a royal commission be set up and enquire into institutional re- sponses to instances and allegations of child sexual abuse in Australia. Australias Attorney Gen- eral and the Federal Minis- ter for Families will coordinate work on the terms of reference and the inquiry commissioner or commissioners will be named in coming weeks. Ms Gillard will speak to state and territory leaders about how the royal com- mission may relate to cur- rent or proposed inquiries in those jurisdictions. A royal commission has considerable powers only restricted by its terms of reference, can compel wit- nesses, offer indemnities and seize documents. Two royal commissions have lasted four years in dura- tion. Anglican Primate: an historic opportunity to protect children ABOVE: The Primate, Arch- bishop Philip Aspinall, is in strong favor of the royal commission. December 2012 Our Diocese - Clergy Ministries 5 The Gippsland Anglican ALWAYS pray and never lose heart; in this way you will grow into the mind of Christ. So you will be led into the world for the sake of the world. It was with these words that Bishop John McIntyre addressed the four women he was about to ordain, on Novem- ber 10. With a congregation of more than 170 friends and family, the Anglican Diocese of Gippsland celebrated the ordination of three deacons and one priest at St Pauls Cathedral: Pene Brook, Fran Grimes, Katie Peken and Reverend Heather Cahill. Bishop John reminded the ordinands and those gath- ered that ordained people lead the community of faith into the way of justice, the way of being more human and so of being more Christlike. Be outstanding in this Christ-like life as you lead your communities and as you live out your faith in the world, he said. Rev. Dr Pene Brook has worked extensively in edu- cation from grade prep to tertiary levels. More re- cently, she worked as school chaplain in Brisbane, Canberra and at Gippsland Grammar and is currently chaplain at Monash Univer- sitys Churchill campus. As well as degrees in fine art and education, Pene holds an honours degree in theology and a doctorate in theological education. The call to ordination came as a terrifying and wonderful surprise both to me and to many who know me, Pene said. It has taken deep reflec- tion and time to embrace its possibilities and to come to a place where I can view it as simply a continuation of Gods ongoing call on my life. Rev. Dr Fran Grimes is a medical practitioner and has worked for 25 years in general practice, first in Melbournes western sub- urbs and for the past 15 years in South Gippsland. Fran speaks of feeling Gods call on her life to live out her passion for Christian ministry. In the past 10 years, she has facilitated and led wor- ship at Fish Creek Union Church and been involved pastorally with people right across Corner Inlet parish. In an attempt to reach out to local youth, she has run clinics at the local high school and this year was part of a youth access clinic in Foster. Rev. Katie Peken studied at the University of NSW in Sydney, majoring in English literature and Psychology. The teaching offered by the Anglican chaplaincy at the university was deeply influ- ential on the development of Katies Jesus centred faith. Before entering min- istry within the church, Katie enjoyed working as Associate Lecturer in the Psychology department at the University of New Eng- land. Subsequently, she was in- volved in ministry at St Peters Anglican Cathedral and then St Marks Anglican Chapel at UNE. Katie then studied theol- ogy at Moore Theological College and worked as As- sociate Minister at St Peters East Lindfield, Syd- ney, before crossing the border to become Family and Childrens Minister at St Judes, Carlton, in 2005. In 2011, she moved to War- ragul, where she is em- ployed as Senior Associate Minister. Rev. Heather Cahill is from Heyfield but worshipped, played music and minis- tered in churches from Port Moresby to Alice Springs to Canberra, Neerim South, Traralgon and Rosedale. My call to ordained min- istry came while I was at prayer in a European Cathedral in 1999 and, since that time, I have worked and studied toward this end. A crucial motivating aspect in Heathers journey toward priestly ordination has been the deep call of God to min- ister to people through the sacraments. Heather said she feels privileged to be called to the order and min- istry of a priest at this time and in this place. As these brief biographies suggest, these four ordi- nands are not new to this journey of Christ-minded- ness. All four are very able women, whose life experi- ence and faith add greatly to the depth of leadership in Gippsland Diocese. Contributor: Don Saines ABOVE: Katie Peken, Dr Pene Brook, Heather Cahill and Dr Fran Grimes flank Bishop John McIntyre after the ordination service. Photo: Christine Morris
Owned and operated by Ray & Maree Anderson
With care & dignity, we serve South Gippsland and Phillip Island
Main Office: WONTHAGGI/INVERLOCH (03) 5672 1074 176-178 Graham Street, Wonthaggi, 3995 Fax: (03) 5672 1747
MLM8L8 Cl AuS18ALlAn lunL8AL ul8LC1C8S ASSCClA1lCn Standing out for Christ Farewell, Don CANON Don Crewe (right) was farewelled at St James Anglican Church in Traral- gon on November 11. Canon Don is moving to live on a property belonging to his daughter and son-in-law at Willung South. Those who venture to Christ Church at Carrajung or St Pauls in Gormandale will meet up with Don and his family. Don started his career as a theatre nurse but was called by God to join the clergy while attending St James in Traralgon. Since then he has spent time in St Pauls Cathedral Sale and in Trafalgar parish. For many years, Don cre- ated and published the then monthly The Messenger and he is well known for being the editor of The Gippsland Anglican for some years, prior to his re- tirement in 2006. We have enjoyed having Don at St James since his retirement, where he has continued to play an active part in services and in the choir. Don will still be found around St James when he hosts the meetings of The Order of St Luke each month. Don attended and took services within St James and is well known and loved among the local parishioners. He has served his community for many years and will be sadly missed in the local area. We pray the Lords bless- ings will surround him in his retirement. Contributor/Photo: Tara Blomquist ABOVE: The retired clergy gathered at Warragul on Octo- ber 30 for a service led by Archdeacon Philip Muston, with Canon Dr Jim Connelly giving the address and Ethel and Bruce Armstrong playing music. Gordon and Rosemary Cooper and Graeme and Jenny MacRobb were among the participants who enjoyed lunch and fellowship time, or- ganised by Katie Peken. Photo: Laurie Baker
6 Our Diocese - Clergy Ministries December 2012 The Gippsland Anglican HER Majesty, Queen Eliza- beth II, has approved the nomination of Right Rev- erend Justin Welby for elec- tion as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury. He will succeed Dr Rowan Williams who is retiring at the end of December after 10 years as Archbishop. Justin Welby, 56, is cur- rently Bishop of Durham. He will be enthroned as Archbishop of Canterbury in Canterbury Cathedral on March 21, 2013. The Primate of Australia, Dr Phillip Aspinall, has wel- comed the appointment of Bishop Welby. I have been privileged to work with the Archbishop- elect during his tensure at Coventry Cathedral, where Bishop Welby was a key leader in Coventrys inter- nationally renowned min- istry of reconciliation, Dr Aspinall said. I encourage all Anglicans to pray for Bishop Welby and Archbishop Williams and their families during this period of change. The Archbishop of Can- terbury is a key leader in the worldwide Anglican Communion. The office car- ries great responsibility, es- pecially at this time of strained relationships and vastly different approaches and understandings across the Communion. My prayer is that Bishop Julian will re- ceive the grace needed to be a wise, insightful, coura- geous and healing leader. Justin Welby, MA, Hon FCT, was educated at Trinity Col- lege, Cambridge. After a career in the oil industry in Paris and London, he trained for the ministry at Cranmer Hall and St Johns College Durham. He served his title at Chil- vers Coton with Astley, Coventry diocese from 1992 to 1995. From 1995 to 2002, he was Rector of Southam and Vicar of Ufton, Coventry diocese from 1998 to 2002. From 2002 to 2007, he was Canon Residentiary at Coventry Cathedral and was Co-Director for Inter- national Ministry from 2002 to 2005. From 2005 to 2007, he was Sub-Dean at Coventry Cathedral and Canon for Reconciliation Ministry. In 2007, he was also Priest-in-Charge at Coven- try Holy Trinity. From 2007 to 2011, he was Dean of Liverpool. Since 2011 he has been the Bishop of Durham. From 2000 to 2002 he was Chairman of an NHS Hospi- tal Trust and he currently serves on the Committee of Reference for the ethical funds of a large investment company in the City of Lon- don. He is also a member of the Banking Standards Commission. Justin Welby is married to Caroline and they have had six children (one of whom died in infancy). ABOVE: New Archbishop- elect of Canterbury, Justin Welby, currently Bishop of Durham. FOR the past 11 months, Reverend Marilyn Obersby has been the locum minis- ter for Churchill, Boolarra and Yinnar parish, caring, encouraging and guiding the congregation. It was with a degree of sadness, she was farewelled on Oc- tober 21, at a combined service in Churchill. The theme for the day was Back to Sunday School with hymns and choruses such as Hear The Pennies Drop- ping (we had pennies to put in the plate), Wide, Wide as the Ocean and When he Cometh. Some people came dressed up in what they would have worn to Sunday school as a child, even to the point of having hankies pinned to their blouses as in the old days. So many flowers were pre- sented to Marilyn in farewell and thanks that she almost disappeared be- hind them (above). We were very grateful for her time of ministry and a shared lunch afterward en- abled more farewells to be said. The following Wednesday, Rev. Brenda Burney was in- ducted as the new incum- bent. Bishop John Mc Intyre, Anglican Bishop of Gippsland, with Rev. Tim Angus of the Gippsland Uniting Presbytery, in- stalled Brenda into her po- sition. Robern Lubawski wel- comed Brenda on behalf of the parish and Ian Com- bridge welcomed Brendas husband, Rod. Brenda re- sponded by thanking all and speaking about her ex- citement of receiving a placement in the area she grew up in and worked as a kindergarten teacher for many years. Contributor: Rae Billing TOP: Reverend Brenda Bur- ney and Bishop John McIn- tyre during the induction. New Archbishop of Canterbury Welcome Brenda, thankyou Marilyn December 2012 Our Diocese - Jesus Christ here and now for Traralgon parish 7 The Gippsland Anglican By Tara Blomquist ON February 28, 1880, the small timber church of St James of Traralgon was opened for worship at a cost of 400 (see picture, right). Eight years later, on October 25, 1888, the foun- dation stone was laid for the new church of St James. A brick structure replaced the original building for 365/9/0. This was by no means the last renovations and changes for the church, for a new place of worship was constructed in 1971 on its current location in Grey Street, Traralgon. The parish consists of St James in Traralgon, St Johns in Glengarry, St Davids in Toongabbie and St Stephens in Traralgon South. St Johns Glengarry is 10 kilometres from Traralgon and was built in the early 1900s. St Davids Toongab- bie, 20 km from Traralgon, was built in 1884 and is a local favorite venue for weddings and baptisms. (I myself was married there and also had my youngest daughter, Claudia, baptised there; both ceremonies by Canon Jeff Richardson.) St Stephens, 15 km from Traralgon, is a co-operating church alternating between the Anglican and Uniting churches. The parish vision state- ment is To know Christ and to make Him known and it can be found throughout our church and on our pew leaflets each week. Reverend Canon Jeff Richardson is larger than life and makes his presence known to all who attend the church. Canon Jeff is ap- proachable and friendly but has a unique sense of humor. Canon Jeff regularly hosts dinners for people in the parish, where his cooking skills are obvious to all who attend; his soup recipes are legendary and he can bar- becue a mean steak or sausage sizzle. Each week on Friday morning, Canon Jeff stops at a local coffee shop for anyone who wants to share a coffee with him: a latte, a chat and a time to unwind. Rev. Jo White assists Canon Jeff with services in the churches of St Davids, St Stephens and St Johns, as well as taking occasional services at St James. Rev. Jos husband, Ken, often accompanies the singing on the piano. Rev. Jo also has a very special ministry to those living in assisted care at Margery Cole Hostel, Dalkeith Memorial Homes, OMara House and Glen- wood Residential Home, where she celebrates Holy Communion. As half-time Chaplain at St Pauls Gram- mar School in Traralgon, Rev. Jo takes religious edu- cation classes and leads school services, some of which are held at St James. Jordan Breed, a Church- warden and Youth Leader, devotes a lot of personal time to the church. How he finds the time is certainly a miracle in itself. Not only does Jordan at- tend morning and evening worship on Sunday, he helps run Caf J (a monthly youth service), is an admin- istrator for the St James facebook site, plays in the band at the 10am service and has put himself forward to the Bishop as a Diocesan Lay Reader. Above all this, Jordan is studying medicine at Monash University Churchill through the RAAF where he is a Flying Officer; and he is also getting ready to marry. For many years, our Or- ganist, Thelma Edebohls, has been an important part of our church. Since 1915, St James has had only two organists. Miss V Chaundy undertook this duty and continued in this capacity until resigning in February 1975. Thelma Edebohls was then appointed, after hav- ing been choir mistress and assistant organist. It can be said by their great devotion, these two women have enriched our worship for a period of 97 years, so far. Joseph Daniel is St James Contemporary Music Coor- dinator. Joseph leads the singers at the 10 am Sun- day service, with his voice and playing the guitar and electric piano. St James services are on Sunday, at 8.30am, 10am and 7pm; and on Wednes- day at 10am. Holy Com- munion Services are held each week and a more in- formal service or family service at 10am, Sunday. The family service encour- ages young families with children, who can move around and play during the service, attend Sunday school and assist Jeff with questions and activities during the service. St James clergy and parishioners regularly go into the community to continued next page V alley F uneral L atrobe S ervices J Qualified, experienced and caring staff J Modern chapels J Refreshments and catering facilities available J Secure, guaranteed, pre-paid and pre-arranged funeral plans J Over 70 years of service to the Latrobe Valley MORWELL 5134 4937 MOE 5126 1111 TRARALGON 5174 2258 Owned and operated by Paul and Katrina McInnes Proud member of the Australian Funeral Directors Association and the Australian and British Institutes of Embalming MARK RIDDLE Consultant JOHN GALBRAITH Consultant PAUL McINNES Director 2002900 Traralgon is about people SUBSCRIPTION to The Gippsland Anglican Get The Gippsland Anglican posted direct to you Name ...................................................................... Address .................................................................. ................................................................................. Telephone ............................................................... Yes, I would like a one year postal subscription to The Gipps- land Anglican, costing $27.50. I enclose a cheque/postal order, made out to the Anglican Diocese of Gippsland. Send to TGA subscriptions, Anglican Diocese of Gippsland, PO Box 928, Sale, 3850. Enquiries, telephone 03 5144 2044. 8 Our Diocese - Jesus Christ here and now for Traralgon parish December 2012 The Gippsland Anglican from previous page into the community to as- sist, help and provide min- istry and assistance where it is needed. A visiting team, led by Claudette Mor- genson, brings comfort to Anglicans staying in the La- trobe Regional Hospital. Defence Force Service THIS year, the 8.30 am Remembrance Day service at St James Traralgon saw cadets and officers from the RSSF and Australian Air Force and cadets joined the local parishioners in their remembrance of Australias defence forces. It was a day to remember those who have sacrificed, fought, suf- fered and died in the vari- ous wars and conflicts around the world. Remembrance Day and Defence Sunday remem- bers all those who have passed and those who are still with us, as we say thank you for giving us a home of peace to live in each day. Thanks to their great sac- rifice, not only in conflicts and peace keeping missions of today, but also from days gone by, we can call ours a nation of free men. The cadets and officers paraded into the church, following Canon Jeff and the choir, carrying the Aus- tralian flag and the Royal Australian Air Force ensign. Several cadets did the readings and took part in the service. At the end of the service, the cadets and officers marched out of the church, this time leading our clergy and parishioners. Traralgon parishs very own church warden and youth leader, Flying Officer Jordan Breed joined his comrades in uniform on this day. It was wonderful to see him standing proudly among our defence force personnel. The Kohima Epitaph, read during the service, is: When you go home tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow we gave our today. Pets blessing ST JAMES Traralgon was over run with animals on Sunday, October 7, with the annual Blessing of the Pets service. Held in celebration of Saint Francis of Assisi, Canon Jeff Richardson opened the church doors to the communitys furry fam- ily members for a blessing. All members, whether two or four legged, were well behaved and the singing of hymns was a mixture of human voices and dog howls. After the service, everyone stayed for re- freshments and a chance to get to know newcomers over a cup of tea. Melbourne visit PARISHIONERS recently visited St Pauls Cathedral and St James old cathedral in Melbourne. The first des- tination was St Pauls Cathedral, with spires reaching for the sky catches and holds the eye as soon it comes into sight. Set in the centre of Melbourne and surrounded by modern transport and the hustle and bustle of todays life, the cathedral reminds all of Victorias past and settle- ment. The construction of St James old cathedral in West Melbourne com- menced in 1839 and is only one of three buildings to predate the Gold Rush of 1851. This building was originally constructed in a different location and was pulled apart and recon- structed stone by stone into its current location. Each individual stone was num- bered and this can still be seen today. After enjoying a packed lunch within the church grounds, the group set off for home. After this suc- cessful event, Dianne Fer- guson will be organising more in the future. ABOVE left: Officers and cadets at the Remembrance Day service included Flying Officer Jordan Breed (far right), also St James church warden and youth leader with the parish. ABOVE: Joseph Daniel, St James contemporary music coordinator, is part of the team that leads the 10am Sunday service. PREVIOUS page: The original tim- bered building, St James Anglican Church in Traralgon, opened on February 28, 1880. FAR left: St Davids Anglican Church in Toongabbie, built of timber in 1884, is a local favorite venue for weddings and christen- ings. LEFT: Canon Jeff Richardson leads an active lay team of parishioners in Traralgon district. BELOW: The current St James Anglican Church in Traralgon, con- structed in 1971. There have been three St James Anglican churches in Traralgon, with the second opened in October 1888, con- structed of brick. December 2012 Our Diocese - Jesus Christ here and now for Traralgon parish 9 The Gippsland Anglican ABOVE: Ella, Jade and Georgia Halket with Spud the pug at St James annual pet blessing, in Traralgon parish, recently. RIGHT: Melissa Furlong with her rabbit, Nigle, at the pet blessing serv- ice. FAR right: Emma Richardson, with Banjo. ABOVE far right: Elizabeth, Dianne and Jenny rest during the parishs visit to Melbourne to view St Pauls Cathedral and St James old cathedral. The trip was organised by Dianne. Photos: Tara Blomquist 10 Government Awareness Advertising Campaign December 2012 The Gippsland Anglican December 2012 Our Diocese - The Abbey of St Barnabas at ABeckett Park 11 The Gippsland Anglican THE last of the Elements series of retreats for 2012 was held at the Abbey of St Barnabas at ABeckett Park, on Raymond Island, on No- vember 9 to 11. Archdeacon Susanna Pain, an Anglican priest from Holy Covenant Church, Bel- connen, in Canberra led an enthusiastic group of peo- ple in a weekends explo- ration of the spiritual aspects of water. Susanna, a very experi- enced retreat leader and one of the founding leaders of InterPlay in Australia, very skillfully blended times of movement, dance and childlike play with quiet and reflective meditations and discussion of the political and spiritual nature of water. Finding joy in the simple things of life was a key theme and expression of di- vinity through play a high aim of the retreat. Once again, our physical needs were wonderfully catered for by the Abbey cooks, David and Debbie Chambers and Sue Gibson. A visit from the dolphins in the lake seemed most ap- propriate to the theme of the weekend. A very friendly and hot magpie joined in by taking a shower under the water- ing can as one of the partic- ipants was watering the garden. Contributor: Ann Miller Retreat theme dances with water ABOVE: Participants in the retreat at the Abbey of St Barnabas. Photo: Ann Miller RIGHT: Illawarra building is currently undergoing renova- tions to the conference area. Photo: Edie Ashley 12 Our Diocese - Advertising Feature December 2012 The Gippsland Anglican By Dr Muriel Porter OAM TRINITY College Theologi- cal School (TCTS) offers a broad range of courses for people of all ages and back- grounds, according to the Dean of the Theological School, Reverend Professor Dorothy Lee. Women and men, young and old, those thinking about ordination and those wanting to learn more about their faith; all are welcome to join Trinitys friendly, inclusive commu- nity, she said. Trinitys community gath- ers primarily on campus at Trinity College at the Uni- versity of Melbourne, but also online and in a parish- based study program. Trinity is a community where the ordained min- istry of women is not only celebrated but modelled, with Dorothy, herself, an Anglican priest. The school recently hosted a confer- ence and book launch to commemorate 20 years since the ordination of women priests in the Angli- can Church of Australia. Australias first woman bishop, Kay Goldsworthy, was a student here, some- thing we are very proud of, Dorothy added. Trinity is also proud of its status as the theological college for the Anglican Province of Victoria. Trin- itys students come from the other Victorian dioceses and interstate, as well as from Melbourne, ensuring a vibrant student body. Trinity is part of MCD Uni- versity of Divinity, Aus- tralias first specialist university and one of the oldest ecumenical institu- tions in the world. Dorothy and the Warden of Trinity College, Professor Andrew McGowan, are among MCD Universitys inaugural 10 professors. Dorothy, who has taught New Testament for more than 20 years, is an ac- claimed biblical scholar, specialising in the Gospel of St John. She has published widely in this area. Andrew lectures for Trinity in Patristics, the study of early Christian writers known as the Church Fa- thers. Both of them are highly regarded scholars in- ternationally. At Trinity, students have access to the ecumenical Dalton McCaughey Library, acknowledged as the largest and best theological library in the southern hemisphere. A short walk from Trinity, it is housed in a state-of-the-art centre of- fering superb facilities and online access to the leading databases for theological research. There is also Trin- itys own Leeper Library available to all students. According to Dorothy, Trin- ity is known for its aca- demic rigor and commitment to excellence. At TCTS, students study with internationally re- garded scholars and priests committed to the pursuit of high standards; and who also possess significant pastoral experience and a deep commitment to the task of preparing men and women for ministry, she said. The faculty staff includes Rev. Canon Dr Ray Cleary, formerly Chief Executive Officer of Anglicare Victoria, who brings a wealth of ex- perience in welfare issues in Australia and internation- ally. He has a strong, bibli- cal commitment to social justice and a deep under- standing of the challenges facing Australian society and the Anglican Churchs role in it. Ray has helped Trinity broaden its commitment to the emerging church. Dr David Gormley-OBrien and Dr Meg Warner also add to the Schools wealth of knowledge, teaching Greek and Patristics and the Old Testament, Dorothy said. As well as its academic program, Trinity runs a Min- istry Formation Program where students come to- gether to worship, to be formed for ministry, both lay and ordained, and to enjoy fellowship with each other. They look at the practical- ities of preaching, leading worship, and engaging in pastoral care, evangelism, mission, educational chap- laincy and justice issues. Online, students have ac- cess to an increasing num- ber of study options. These now extend to a range of diplomas and degrees in theology, such as the Mas- ter of Divinity and the Grad- uate Certificate in Educational Chaplaincy. At the parish level, Trinity offers a flexible, user- friendly certificate course offering an introduction to theology and ministry through six units that can be timed to suit individual parishes. Like to know more? We would love to hear from you: website www.trin- ity.unimelb.edu.au/theol- ogy telephone 03 9348 7127 or email tcts@trin- ity.unimelb.edu.au The Theological School provides this wide range of options on a limited budget. The Theological School warmly welcomes dona- tions from individuals and parishes to fund its impor- tant ministry. For information about how you can donate or remem- ber the theological school in your will, please contact the Trinity College Advance- ment Office at telephone 9348 7116 or email ad- vancement@trinity.unimelb .edu.au Trinity to study theology December 2012 Our Diocese - Family, Children and Youth Ministries 13 The Gippsland Anglican TRAFFIC flow at the Mor- well Traffic School was steady but constant at the Kidsplus+ family afternoon held on Sunday, November 18. Bikes, trikes, skate- boards, skates, push cars and their owners gathered from Mirboo North, Thorp- dale, Moe, Newborough and Traralgon; one family with long association with GFS came from Melton. More than 70 participants converged on the site where a sausage sizzle wayside stop was provided and devoured. Children aged from tod- dlers to late teens enjoyed the opportunity to explore this community resource, sponsored by the Gippsland GFS Kidsplus+ Network, using some of the funding allocated through the dio- cese for our networks min- istry to children and youth. Families had responded to our promotion through The Gippsland Anglican news- paper, parishes and through the mainly music groups. Thank you to all who helped with this communication. This years activity re- placed the long running, Cowwarr Weir diocesan family picnics that have served many people from diocesan parishes for more than 20 years. Such activi- ties are only made possible by the generosity of parish representatives willing to serve the wider diocese through networks like Kid- splus+, Girls Friendly Soci- ety (GFS) and Mothers Union, who often assist our activities. We are always seeking a broader parish representa- tion as we plan for future events. Watch our website through the Gippsland diocesan webpages for fur- ther information. TOP right: Abraham Maluel with Naration and Courtney. Photo: Glenn Purcell IT IS a joy to have a grow- ing number of young people worshipping at St Marys Morwell. The older mem- bers of the congregation re- ally enjoy being with the young people. During the giving of the peace, it now takes longer to move around the church and greet everyone, sharing with them Gods peace. Reverend Lyn Williams or- ganised a pizza and film night for the young people who come to church and their friends. It was a great success. Large quantities of pizza were eaten and sev- eral films were shown for the mixed age range of the young people. The congre- gation were told that the Rectory fridge had to raided at the last moment to make sure everyone had enough to eat. Every month in Parish Life newsletter, Rev. Lyn writes up a competition, part of the Kids Corner section and designed for the teenagers in the congregation. To an- swer some of the ques- tions, it is necessary to read several verses of the Bible. Some of the ques- tions refer to the special services held at St Marys; for example, All Saints Day. There is also a coloring competition for young chil- dren. The winner of each section is awarded a prize, given out at the end of the 10am service, so we can all ap- plaud. The photograph, above, shows CJ Reilk re- ceiving his prize for getting the greatest number of questions right. This month we have had several children baptised at St Marys. Some of the services were private serv- ices held outside the nor- mal service times. Jacob was brought by his mother Erin and father Glen, to be baptised during the All Saints Day service. Many of his family and friends came to support and pray for him at his bap- tism. It was especially sig- nificant to have Jacob welcomed into the family of the church on All Saints Day. Contributor/Photo: Carolyn Raymond IN Moe parish, younger members of the parishs GFS (Girls Friendly Society) and BAMM (Boys Anglican Ministry group) and Sunday school members held a Whoppa Wednes- day Fun Night at the hall. Parents and congregation members were able to participate in a wide variety of activities. The evenings activities also proved to be an opportunity for some po- tential new members for the chil- drens group to participate. Jumping castles, pool on a billiards table and soccer table games, Mega Four and giant floor games kept participants busy. On Friday, November 30, the parish hosted a Showcase of Art and Craft as a fundraiser and outreach opportunity to see and showcase the skills of many in our local com- munity. Exhibits from the Latrobe Valley Quilters, Steiner Gallery pottery, local painting and art groups, paper crafts groups and lots more art and craft were displayed. Local grape grower, Graeme Scott, assisted with the wine tasting and a gourmet cake and cuppa corner provided opportunity for fellowship. LEFT: Cameron Nicholls was show- ing some pool skills at the Moe parish Whoppa Wednesday Games Night . Photo: Lauren Kittwood Traffic flows at family fun day Competition rewards ABOVE: Gary Prosser supervises children from Moe, Thor- pdale and Newborough. Photo: Glenn Purcell Whoppa Wednesday fun Thank you Thank you, once again, to the many parish correspon- dents and photographers who contributed news throughout the past year for other members of the dio- cese to read in The Gipps- land Anglican; thank you to other contributors; and thank you to our advertisers for supporting the newspa- per. You all help make TGA interesting for readers. Jeanette Severs,Editor 14 Our Diocese - Family, Children and Youth Ministries December 2012 The Gippsland Anglican ON November 18, in Maf- fra parish, residents at St Johns Close joined with the wider church family to celebrate the 20th birthday of the Close. A service of celebration at St Johns church was followed by morning tea in the gardens, followed by lunch in the parish centre. Tex Murphy who has lived at St Johns Close since it opened, cut the celebratory cake. Reverend Dr Jim and Anne Connelly joined with us to celebrate this mile- stone. Jim was Maffras Rector at the time of build- ing and opening of St Johns Close. ABOVE: Tex Murphy cuts the cake to mark 20 years since St Johns Close opened in Maffra. Photos: Heather Baker Maffra hosts 20th celebration party RIGHT: Musi- cians and some of the attendees at the annual thanksgi vi ng lunch hosted by GFS Kid- splus+ Net- work in Gippsland. Photo: Lauren Kitwood Thanksgiving lunch December 2012 Our Diocese - Family, Children and Youth Ministries 15 The Gippsland Anglican Color in the picture Literature By Margaret Carlile Carlile M (ed.) and Wilkinson E (illus.) St Thomas Bunyip Cook Book (2012) BUNYIP parishs St Thomas Church craft group, known as the Church Mice, are always busy with their craft items and ideas for their stalls. This year, they decided to include a cookbook, using contributions from our con- gregation and our friends. We now have the finished product and are thrilled with the results. After a great deal of planning, the book contains many recipes, (most are rated easy), covering all courses: starters, soup, light meals, mains, salad, desserts, slices, cakes, bread, scones and cookies and preserves. All are tried and true recipes. The book con- cludes with a little hints chapter. An added Christian ele- ment throughout the book is a Grace at the beginning of each chapter. We have also included some amus- ing little anecdotes, which tend to give the book a warm and friendly feel. I have enjoyed the chal- lenge of selecting the recipes and producing and editing this book and, with the expertise of my friend, Chris Bennie, who worked tirelessly on the layout, and my 11 year old grand- daughter, Emma Wilkinson, who created the illustra- tions, we feel we have an excellent book that will fit into anybodys cooking li- brary. Copies are available at $15 each plus $2 post and packing for each book. To order, telephone Margaret on (03) 5629 9615 or email maxmarg3@bigpond.com By Mark Hadley Hadley, M and Lee, N (illus.) Friends (2012). Youthworks. WITH the belief friendship has to mean more than just being with people who make you feel good, Nathan Lee and Mark Hadley have teamed up again to deliver Friends, the second book in the Panda series. In Friends, Panda takes his second journey of dis- covery, this time learning about an essential ingredi- ent for building healthy re- lationships. He learns inward-looking friends who show no concern for ones identity or desires are hardly friends at all and real friends put their pals needs first. For children aged five to eight years, Friends is full of quirky illustrations by Nathan Lee and references to modern culture and will engage children to think more deeply about their friendships. It is as relevant for children as for adults, reminding us that God calls us to love others in the same way he loves us. Friends includes teaching notes for parents, providing questions and talking points to further uncover the themes in the book. Available online at www.cepstore.com.au or telephone (02) 8268 3344 and at bookstores. RRP: $9.95. TO mark Social Inclusion Week, an innovative digital story-telling research proj- ect, I Just Want To Go To School: Voices of young people experiencing educa- tional disadvantage, was recently launched at a school in Richmond, NSW. The project, a collabora- tion between Good Shep- herd Youth and Family Service, Jesuit Social Serv- ices and MacKillop Family Services, aims to further understand factors con- tributing to young people leaving school, by giving voice to young people themselves, to ultimately promote positive change in the education system. Key findings from the proj- ect, included in the report, have identified bullying and youth mental health prob- lems and a lack of sufficient strategies to effectively re- spond to these within the education system, as signif- icant issues and deterrents to children engaging with their education. A lack of understanding of the range of complex issues young people face, particularly those already vulnerable and involved in the child protection system, was also identified as a barrier for young people attending school. The project, launched by Child Safety Commissioner Bernie Geary, centres on 13 young people sharing their stories through digital video of wanting to attend school and the bullying, violence and social and financial bar- riers preventing them from doing so. Project about youth wanting to go to school ABOVE: Many families at- tended this years second Traffic School fun day, or- ganised by GFS Kidsplus+ Network for Gippsland dio- cese. Abraham Maluel bor- rowed the stilts from the Kidsplus+ equipment trailer to practice walking tall. 16 Our Diocese - Perspectives December 2012 The Gippsland Anglican By John Dickson GIVEN the Judaeo-Christ- ian origins of our long held tradition of caring for the frail, census data indicating the demise of Christianity and the ageing of Aus- tralias population could herald a perfect social storm. The 2011 census makes clear Christian affiliation is diminishing, falling seven per cent in the past decade to 61 per cent. The slack has been picked up by those claiming no re- ligion, with almost five mil- lion of us, or 22.3 per cent, turning our backs on God (or, at least, on Gods reg- istered brands). That is up seven per cent since 2001. At the same time, we are getting older. The median age rose in the last decade from 35 to 37 years. That might not sound like much, but it indicates a significant increase in the number of elderly people in our com- munity. HammondCare, a leader in aged-care and dementia services, notes that by 2050, one in 20 Australians will be 85 or older. Coupled with this is an expected in- crease in the number of us with dementia, from 269,000 to one million. And here is the problem. For almost 2000 years, the biblical claim all humans are made in the image of God, and so are profoundly and inherently valuable, has called on those who be- lieve that idea to treat men and women as sacred, re- gardless of capacities or contributions to society. Of course, the secularist will point to all the evils of Christendom. But these just show Christians have not been Christian enough. They do not obscure the fact it was the Judaeo- Christian view of the human being that gave the west its hospitals, charities and the language of the rights of the weak. As yet, there is no alternative narrative to guarantee the inherent dig- nity of all, regardless of ca- pacities. Of course, most of us love our grandmothers. We do not need religion to tell us to look after them. But as more Australians move into high-care facili- ties and dementia units, sometimes at a great dis- tance from family, society will need a solid intellectual ground for increasing con- tributions to those who can no longer give back. Ancient Greece and Rome, the cultures against which Christianity first competed, had little by way of philo- sophical reasoning that could guarantee the inher- ent worth of those lacking rational capacity or social utility. So infanticide was com- mon and social welfare for the aged and dying was vir- tually non-existent. Christianity changed this. It inherited from the Jews a theology of human dignity and a program of social welfare and added the thought that Christ had died for the world, even for the lowly and neglected. Compassion was due to all, especially to the over- looked. So was born the tradition of charity. Educated Greeks and Ro- mans criticised Christianity for this. To them it was a religion for the poor and useless. Atheist philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, was one of the first in the mod- ern era to admit that the death of God meant the end of objective ethical val- ues. He did not mean we would all descend into immorality as soon as we stopped be- lieving in a creator; only that at the philosophical level a secular society has to abandon the notion of a universal moral law. Ethics could, henceforth, only be based on social convention or practical utility. The secularist may feel like saying humanity is in- estimably precious, atheist philosopher Raimond Gaita says, but only someone who is religious can speak seriously of the sacred. Yales great philosopher- theologian, Nicholas Wolterstorff, goes further in his book Justice: Rights and Wrongs. He argues a rational justi- fication for treating humans as inestimably precious, regardless of capacities, can only be found in a the- istic framework. Only if the abandoned in- fant on the hills of ancient Rome or the estranged res- ident in a Melbourne de- mentia unit is created in the image of God, can we se- cure an intellectual basis for treating both individuals with the same dignity we afford societys most able. If he is right, we should all be concerned there is an ageing population at the same time there is a decline in belief in a transcendent narrative of humanitys sa- cred worth. The secular West may one day be able to offer an ac- count of human dignity equal in power to the bibli- cal one. Or perhaps one of the other religions on the rise in Australia will take Christian- itys place in providing the conceptual framework for defending lifes disinherited and condemned. Until then, I worry that we all love our gran will not cut it in the long run. Dr John Dickson is an au- thor and historian and the founding director of the Centre for Public Christian- ity in Sydney. This is a slightly edited version of an article which first appeared in The Syd- ney Morning Herald on July 14, 2012; it also appeared in The Melbourne Anglican August 2012 issue and is reprinted with permission. Christianity and ageing By Dr James Garth, Warragul PERHAPS the most noteworthy aspect of how my faith relates to my work life is how little conflict or clash there actually is. In my profession of aerospace engineer, divides or schisms along theological lines are virtually non-existent. I work with Christians, Hin- dus, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, general theists, new age thinkers, agnostics and ardent atheists; working together in teams, using our combined skills to design complex aircraft structures, components and systems. Granted, I am perhaps more fortunate than some of my friends in biology, neuroscience or psychology, who have to grapple somewhat more head-on with al- leged conflicts between their research and their reli- gion. Some of these issues might include the classical mind/brain problem (that is, do we have a soul sep- arate from the body; if not, does this threaten tradi- tional religious beliefs?), the origins of consciousness, free will, whether morality is simply a by-product of evolutionary forces and so on. Personally, although I think these are interesting and legitimate areas of concern requiring reflection, I ul- timately do not think Gods existence is influenced one way or another by their outcome. It seems to me that if we love and value truth, we ought not be afraid of the insights gleaned from scientific discoveries. If we allow science to sensibly inform our religious perspectives and our religious insights to challenge, stimulate and interpret our science (particularly its as- sumptions and limitations), then we are more likely to understand Gods truth in all its fullness. I can honestly say none of the above sorts of con- flict arise in aerospace engineering, where I deal with machines and components with a beautifully austere simplicity. Generally, being an aerospace engineer is not threatened by commitment to any particular macroscopic scientific theory (although if you doubted Newtons laws of motion, the physical laws which de- scribe the relationship between forces on a body and its motion, then you probably would not get very far). It matters not what one thinks of human origins, whether we have a soul, or even how old the universe is. We simply get on with the job and keep designing, analysing and testing components and systems; checking designs have the necessary strength, stabil- ity and thermal characteristics for the given environ- ment and are fit for the intended purpose. To be honest, I entered the field of aerospace be- cause of an almost primal love of high technology and the cool factor it brings. I have since become gradu- ally aware that working in such a high-tech industry can be seen as a valuable, God-honoring, even hu- manitarian pursuit in its own right. The aircraft, helicopters, spacecraft, satellites and other technologies we develop play a vital role in transporting goods, moving people around the globe, bringing together cultures, rescuing people in danger and measuring and understanding our environment. The net benefits to humanity are immense and I think engineers play a particularly deep role in fulfill- ing our biblical mandate to act as responsible stew- ards of Gods creation [Gen 1:26, Gen 2:15, Lev 25:23, Jer 12:4, Ps 148, Ps 24:1]. With this in mind, I should mention the only real area of conflict I think a Christian aerospace engineer can (and should) be faced with is to what degree does one support developing technology that could be used to harm another human being? A huge portion of aero- space development is driven by and for the defence industry and I think this is one area where some le- gitimate concerns can arise. Should I use my skills to help develop ballistic mis- siles, if they will help to keep peace between nation- states? Should I work on platforms to deliver combat troops or, equally, disaster relief teams? Should I de- velop unmanned vehicles, increasing pilot safety, even at the expense of situational awareness? I offer no easy answers here; save to say I have found the process of grappling with these issues to be a constructive one; it has led me to a greater appre- ciation and awareness of the complexities and nu- ances involved. I believe it is extremely valuable to have Christian perspectives represented at the high- est levels of science and technology; particularly so in defence-industrial companies; where thoughtful contributions by Christians can ensure we adopt nei- ther a laissez-faire nor Luddite approach to technol- ogy development; but instead one guided and supported by an informed conscience. Faith and work December 2012 Our Diocese - Perspectives 17 The Gippsland Anglican By Gordon Dowth- waite, Leongatha ONE Sunday morning at church, the song leader ex- plained a bit about the story behind a well-known Matt Redman song. I like hearing these stories as they invariably bring deeper meaning to a song, so I looked it up to make sure I had got the details right. The story goes that in the late 1990s, Matt, in his early 20s, was a music leader at Soul Survivor church in England; a fast growing modern church where music played an im- portant part in Sunday wor- ship. The Pastor of the church perceived an apathy in the church he decided was caused by a loss of focus. He shut down the music team; any singing that oc- curred would be a Capella. Matt was out of a job and learned, along with others, that he had put music in too high a place in his life. Rather than finding his worth in Jesus Christ, he had placed too much value in what he did and the use of his gifts. He penned these words: When the music fades, and all is stripped away; And I simply come, long- ing just to bring something thats of worth I am reminded of Paul who had great credentials, but also lost his job after the Damascus Road experi- ence. He learned to con- sider his strengths a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (Phil 3:8). After some time in obscu- rity, he returned to teach of the supremacy of Christ in and over all things (Col 1:15-19) and call Christians to remain rooted in their faith in the peace we have with God through the blood of Jesus, shed on the cross (Col 1:20-23). I am reminded of experi- ences in my own life when things I have valued have been taken from me; and how my faith in Jesus and knowledge of God has grown because of these times. I am only too likely to be proud of my gifts and abilities and to place my value in what I have or can do. I have learned this is wrong but need the re- minder that Matts song gives: Im coming back to the heart of worship, and its all about you, all about you, Jesus; Im sorry Lord for the thing Ive made it, when its all about you, all about you, Jesus Matt did not give up music forever and the church did reintroduce music. This song became internation- ally known and he has penned other songs simi- larly well known and theo- logically sound. Pauls credentials did not prove worthless in his min- istry. I think God gives each of us gifts, abilities, concerns and passions that may be used for his glory. But if we find ourselves doing stuff for God, maybe we need to give that up and come back to the cross of Christ; and worship him alone with all our heart and soul and mind and strength. As Matts song puts it: King of endless worth, No one could express, How much You deserve; Though Im weak and poor, All I have is Yours, Every single breath During my reflections while singing that Sunday morning, my thoughts turned to our diocese. When I review the issues within the diocese as ex- pressed in The Gippsland Anglican and by our lead- ers, I wonder whether our stated unity in Christ has become little more than rhetoric. I see and hear many opin- ions: care for the disadvan- taged; care of the environment; celebration of women in ministry; the im- portance of inclusion; re- sponses to political policy; promotion of the family; what we might learn from other faiths; what people from our churches are doing; and many other top- ics, some very worthy. But I see little mention of Jesus, his saving work on the cross and his call to put our own causes aside and submit our whole life to him; what we say is our point of unity. Sure, we may say we take all that as a given. But, if we do not have constant re- minders, we all too soon make it all about us. My response has been to reflect and write some arti- cles of what I have learned about Jesus on my walk with him. I encourage oth- ers to do the same. If nothing else, maybe we should examine ourselves, put aside our causes and works for a while, however good they may be, and get back to the heart of wor- ship: its all about Jesus. Quotes from Heart of Wor- ship, Matt Redman 1999 All About Jesus Diocesan calendar 2012 International Year of People of African Descent, National Year of the Farmer, National Year of Reading December 1 Anam Cara Community Day: Waiting (Advent); Holy Trinity, Stratford; 9.30am to 4pm; BYO lunch; RSVP Brian Turner, 03 5144 1914 2 Commemorative service celebrating 20 years of women priests; 2pm, St Pauls Anglican Cathedral, Sale; Don Saines, 03 5144 2020 6 St Augustines annual dinner, Newhaven Yacht Squadron, Bass Phillip Island parish 9 Commemorative service celebrating 20 years of women priests in Melbourne; 2.30pm; St Pauls Anglican Cathedral, Melbourne 24 Christmas Eve 25 Christmas Day 26 Boxing Day 28-Jan.1 Sale parish family outreach: Summer in Seaspray 30 110th anniversary of St Thomas Bunyip; 10am; RSVP 15/12/2012, 03 5629 5295 or email anglicanbunyip@dcsi.net.au 2013 110th year of The Gippsland Anglican diocesan news- paper January Dec.28-Jan.1 Sale parish family outreach: Summer in Seaspray 9 Bass Phillip Island parish fair 11-16 Summer under the Son, Church Missionary Society (CMS), Adventure Resort, Phillip Island; www.summerundertheson.org 12 St Nicholas Lakes Entrance fair February 2 Anam Cara Community Day; 9.30am to 4pm 3 St Philips Dedication Festival, Bass Phillip Island parish; guest speaker, Archdeacon Edie Ashley 9 Ordination service, Priests; St Pauls Cathedral, Sale; 11am; Don Saines, 03 5144 2020 March 1 Australian Voices performance at Cowes 2 Anam Cara Community Day; 9.30am to 4pm 20 Mothers Union Lady Day; St Pauls Cathedral Sale; 10am; guest speaker, Marilyn Oulds, Worldwide Mothers Union; BYO lunch 25 Catholic v Anglican and others Golf Day, Sale Golf Club; Registry office, 03 5144 2044 26 Renewal of ordination vows and Blessing of oils service; St Pauls Cathedral, Sale; 11.30am 29 Good Friday 30 Easter Book Stall, St Johns Metung, Patterson Park, Metung 31 Easter Day 31 Easter Book Stall, St Johns Metung, Patterson Park, Metung April 1 Easter Book Stall, St Johns Metung, Patterson Park, Metung 6 Anam Cara Community Day; 9.30am to 4pm 25 ANZAC Day May 4 Shared spiritual Art festival at St Philips and St Johns, Bass Phillip Island parish 4 Anam Cara Community Day; 9.30am to 4pm 17-19 Gippsland Anglican 37th annual Synod, Sale; St Pauls Cathedral, Friday evening; then St Annes campus of Gippsland Grammar, Sale June 1 Anam Cara Community Day; 9.30am to 4pm 3-5 Clergy conference, with Charles and Peta Sherlock 12 Mothers Union June Join-in; details TBC 23-26 Quadratos in an Australian context, a retreat organised by Anam Cara Community; Palotti College, Millgrove 27-29 Growth in Ministry intensive; Bishopscourt; Sale Details in calendar as available at the time of printing. 18 Our Diocese - Missions and Ministries December 2012 The Gippsland Anglican AS Sri Lanka rebuilds, churches support through the Christmas Bowl sup- ports people like Kamala. With the help my family received, we have been able to return to our home in Sri Lanka, living in a safer environment. I am so grateful for all the help we have received, Kamala (right) said. Kamala and her husband were so afraid when the bombing and violence got close to their home, they fled war-torn Sri Lanka with nothing but the clothes on their backs. During five long years in a refugee camp in Tamil Nadu, south- ern India, they dreamed of raising the daughter born to them in the camp in their homeland. Now, they are safely home in Sri Lanka. Support for the Christmas Bowl from churches around Australia helped Kamala and her husband to survive in the camp and to provide vital healthcare to their baby. It helped Kamala and her family return home once it was safe. Life is still tough, but Kamala is grateful to have the opportunity to re- build her life. Kamala and her husband are among hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans forced to flee the civil war in their country between 1983 and 2009. Many fled to Tamil Nadu, southern India and have been living in camps there ever since; and now the conflict has ended, many are yearning to return home. Australians who support the Christmas Bowl in 2012 will be helping more Sri Lankan refugees like Ka- mala to make a safe return home and providing refugees who are still in camps with vital health care. The Christmas Bowl is the Christmas Appeal of Act for Peace, the international aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Aus- tralia. Photo: Janet Cousens/ Act for Peace THE Parish Council of Lakes Entrance and Metung parish decided to make it a priority that, as the NicholasJohn op shop is supported by the commu- nity with donations of goods, the parish will give back to the community by donating to other chari- ties. The parish funds an annual music scholarship to Lakes Entrance Secondary College and a leadership program and a science program at the college. The parish has donated money to Ocean Rescue Squad, Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club, Palliative Care, (buying a Reverie Harp), Gippsland Lakes Commu- nity Health and Metung community Health, to cancer research and, recently, to Lakes Entrance Primary School to buy a marquee for sports activities (see November 2012 issue of The Gippsland Anglican). These are only a few of the groups and activities the parish has supported. We have also donated to Anglicord and Marysville. NicholasJohn welcomes all visitors to the op shop with the offer of coffee and biscuits. We have many volunteers from our church as well as the commu- nity, but naturally more are welcome. The parish appreciates the wonderful work of op shop coordinator, Terry McMaster. He would tell you the volunteers are a wonderful group of people who are very supportive of the work he does. Contributor: Kath Grandy Op shop gives to community Christmas Bowl helps Kamala and her family By Elizabeth Keever TELEVISION screens regu- larly show graphic images of the destruction and human misery caused by natural disasters. We, the audience, are deeply moved and send money to organisations we hope will be able to help the afflicted and rebuild lives. What if the worst impacts of such disasters could be avoided? What if people could be better prepared and better able to protect themselves and their com- munities from much of the destruction natural disas- ters usually bring? This is the philosophy be- hind the concept of Disaster Risk Reduction. ABMs Dr Julianne Stewart met in Sri Lanka with a team of dis- aster relief and develop- ment workers from all over the Anglican Communion earlier this year. The meeting was the sec- ond in a series of meetings focused on the production of a Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness Toolkit (tentatively named Pastors in Disasters), for use by An- glican churches and the communities in which they live in the developing world. Churches often have a deep reach into rural areas where many natural disas- ters hit. So it makes sense to equip them with tools to prepare for and minimise the risk of injury, loss of life and damage to property and the landscape during disasters, said Julianne. Writing of the toolkit was the brainchild of Episcopal Relief and Development, the development arm of the Episcopal Church in the United States, which is funding most of the project. The idea came about from experience that existing disaster preparedness tools did not provide enough de- tail to be an effective train- ing manual for churches that are often first to re- spond to disasters in their areas. In the event of an emer- gency in any country in which ABM maintains a re- lationship with a church partner, we will channel funds through their respec- tive church emergency committees in order to en- sure the response is medi- ated by people close to the situation on the ground. ABM supports our partners by helping to prepare them for emergency situations and educating them on methods to mitigate the ef- fects of climate change. Read more or donate to ABMs emergency programs at www.abmission.org ABOVE: San Lin from Myan- mar role-plays a disaster risk mapping exercise for use with communities. ABM pastors in disasters ACROSS, a TEAR partner of 28 years, is working to strengthen communities and improve education, agriculture and health in the new nation of South Sudan. The birth of the new na- tion of South Sudan in July this year offers a real op- portunity for people to re- build their lives and hope for a better future. How- ever, there are many seri- ous challenges, especially in areas like basic infra- structure, water and sanita- tion, health care and child mortality. TEAR Australia is working through local partners to help with the development of South Sudan. ACROSS works in partnership with local churches to strengthen communities and improve education, agriculture and health. The Community Health Project is centred around three health clinics. Many women come to the clinics to give birth, which is help- ing to address the high ma- ternal mortality rate. Clinic staff also train community health workers, who use their knowledge in their own communities. The Education Project in- volves activities like helping girls stay in school longer and teacher training, help- ing local teachers develop skills including classroom management and lesson preparation. Planning for the returnees (inset photograph) means there is a need to build more toilets and wash- rooms, so a partnership with SLDA, a local agency, has meant local people (above) being employed to construct water closets that can sustain high density usage. Health and education December 2012 Our Diocese - Missions and Ministries 19 The Gippsland Anglican CWCI completed a suc- cessful safari through East Gippsland recently, with Ro Verspaandonk as speaker. Ro is very well known in East Gippsland and many women were happy to renew friendship with her during the safari. Ro spoke about Finding Treasures for Life and used some visual displays in her talk. She encouraged women to seek Gods treas- ures He has in store for us when we ask Him for guid- ance in our lives. Ro visited with other members of the CWCI team to Mallacoota and Cann River, Orbost, Lake Tyers Trust, Metung and finishing at Bruthen. Christian Women Commu- nicating International (CWCI) is a worldwide in- terdenominational Bible- based ministry. It began in Australia in 1957 with a small group of women who joined together for a week- end of Bible teaching. Local CWCI events are held in cities and country areas, offering encourage- ment, inspiration and Bible teaching. Know Your Bible studies are used regularly by women with more than 2300 KYB groups in Aus- tralia. Studies are also available in more than 45 languages and are used in more than 70 countries. CWCI safaris travel into remote areas of Australia with Christs love and teaching. Women wanting more in- formation about CWCI can contact, email asoho@cw- ciaus.org.au or www.cwci- aus.org.au Contributor/Photos: Shirley Crutchfield TOP: Vivienne Clamp, Ro Verspaandonk and Gabbi Minchin at Metung. ABOVE: Lil Lillyman, Mar- garet Crouch, Norma Brown (soloist who sang at each venue) and Heather Baillie. Women on safari High octane breakfasts at Cowes for GP VICTORIAs Motorcycle Grand Prix (GP) in October at Phillip Island was a huge success and a lot of work for Bass Phillip Island parish. Approximately 120,000 people attended the race track over four days. Many attendees stayed overnight in Cowes and some then needed break- fast. Volunteers from the Cowes congregation have every year put on a full cooked breakfast for visi- tors and bikers, raising money for the parish and also showing an Anglican presence at the GP. For the four mornings, a total of nearly 500 hot breakfasts were served with juice, cereal, coffee and toast, not forgetting the vegemite spread. Saturday morning was the peak period, with one breakfast coming out of the kitchen on average every 80 seconds. This continued for a three and half hour period. A full hot breakfast can consist of eggs, bacon, sausages and baked beans; that is a lot of food being cooked by volunteers. There is no shortage of volunteers for this large production; it can be hard work, but also enjoyable and rewarding with cama- raderie among volunteers and the social contact with customers. Some volunteers and cus- tomers return for the breakfasts every year. Contributor: Ralph Leditschke ABOVE: Happy volunteers in the kitchen take a short break. LEFT: Volunteers serving breakfast to a constant flow of visitors during four days of the Motorcycle Grand Prix. BELOW: Satisfied cus- tomers make time to chat with a Cowes parishioner. Photos: Robert McKay 20 Our Diocese - Pictorial December 2012 The Gippsland Anglican THE parish fair or a flower, art or crafts show are op- portunities for the church and community to come to- gether; an opportunity to enjoy fellowship together and raise money for church and community activities (particularly given so many churches raise funds to support community out- reach and supporting other groups missions, too). The summer months are particularly popular for fairs and shows. In the past month, Bairnsdale and Or- bost parishes held their an- nual fairs and Bunyip parish held its annual St Thomas Bunyip Flower Show and Market. This is one of the few stand-alone flower shows still held in Gipps- land. TOP right: At Bairnsdale parish fair, jam maker ex- traordinaire, Ken Casey, with helper, Jan Stephen- son, help customers. BELOW: A harpist and gui- tarist were among a range of musicians at Bairnsdale parish fair. Photos: Ursula Plunkett RIGHT: Handcrafts were for sale at Orbost parish fair. BOTTOM: Food is always popular at parish events, including this barbecue at Orbost parish fair. Photos: Barbara Lunson BELOW right: Devonshire tea is a popular refresh- ment, including at Bunyips Flower Show, which pro- vided a feast for the eyes (bottom right). Photos: Chris Bennie ABOVE: The gardens of Bishopscourt in Sale were the venue for a Quiet Day organised by Mothers Union Gipp- sland recently. Photo: Jan Misiurka By Archdeacon Ted Gibson ON January 20, 2013, Bishop John McIntyre will lead de- consecration of a church which has served the people of the rich Mitchell River flats since July 1898. After January 20, the congregation of St Martins Lindenow will move across the road to the Uniting Church to continue with An- glican worship. Since 1989, the two congregations have worshipped to- gether, originally while the Uniting Church were building a brick church. United by a common lectionary and the Aus- tralian Hymn Book, they so bonded that when the new church opened, they decided to alternate use of the build- ings from week to week. This has happened without the need for a Co-operating Church agreement. With the passing of the years, numbers have declined mainly by death and re-location. Anglican services in the area began in the 1840s when the Rector of Cooma travelled through Gippsland and held services at homesteads, baptising and marrying at many locations as far as Port Albert. The weatherboard church dedicated by Archdeacon TH Armstrong (later Bishop of Wangaratta) was located at Walpa (Coongulmerang) and shifted into Lindenow in 1954. In the 1980s, the Shire of Bairnsdale asked the congregation to upgrade the facilities and contractor Peter Down added a kitchen, two toilets and access ramps at front and back. A beautiful mural featuring the Lindenow flats was given by artist, Mrs Margaret Alexander, and four windows were given by members of the congregation. These particular gifts will be re-located to the Uniting Church along with other furniture. St Martins Church is unique in Gippsland diocese be- cause it was not named after one of the saints of the early Church but after Robert Martin, who came to them as a stipendiary lay reader and a retired sea captain. He bought land at Wy Yung, naming the property, Mizpah and by horsedrawn vehicles he serviced an immense area in- cluding Paynesville, Meerlieu and Fernbank. Robert Martin retired in 1918 at the age of 85 years and died at his property aged 92 years. His single daughter stayed on at Mizpah and sold it to the church for the foun- dation of Clifton Waters Village, the initiative and vision of Canon Douglas Smith in 1953. So January 20, 2013 will not be the sad occasion some may worry for. It will be an occasion for thanksgiving and hopefulness as we simply cross the road. All who have had links with St. Martins over the years are warmly invited to the service and to the fellowship in the Uniting Church af- terward. End of an era looms Parishes on show