IN THIS EDITION Christmas Reflections Prayer Giving time Room at the inn Safeguarding lessons Back to the bush Deadly 60's Steve Backshall ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018
IN THIS EDITION
Christmas
Reflections
Prayer
Giving time
Room at the inn
Safeguarding lessons
Back to the bush
Deadly 60’s Steve Backshall
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made;
without him nothing was made that has been made.
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1 1 - 5
2
CONTENTS
EDITOR'S NOTE 4
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 5
BISHOP'S NOTE 6
OUR RICH LITURGICAL HERITAGE 7
ROAD TO RETIREMENT 8
HEART RESOLUTION 9
NO SNOW? 10
ROOM AT THE INN 11
VOLUNTEER TO BRING CHRISTMAS JOY 12
A SAFER CHURCH FOR ALL 13
BACK TO THE BUSH VETERANS’ REUNION 14
BRUCE ROCK SERMON 16
INSPIRED BY NATURE 17
MOVIE REVIEWS 20
THEATRE COLUMN 23
BOOK REVIEWS 24
NOR’WEST POSTCARD 27
GOLDFIELDS GOD-TALK – GREY GUMS 28
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING NOTICED 29
SCHOOLS
RETELLING THE STORY 30
UNIVERSITY SUCCESS 31
CATHEDRAL TAKES CENTRE STAGE 32
THE WORD BECAME FLESH 33
TALL TALES AND TRUE 34
CROSSWORD 35
CLERGY NEWS AND PURPLE PATCH 37
CLASSIFIEDS 39
5 MARKS OF MISSION
1 To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
2 To teach, baptise and nurture new believers
3 To respond to human need by loving service
4 To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence
of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation
5 To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and
renew the life of the earth
3
THE GIFT OF TIME AND KINDNESS
EDITOR'S NOTE
Lou Hendricks | Editor
Despite a little German blood in the table, which was also a no costs us nothing but can be
our ancestry, we hadn’t until last fuss effort. All three courses priceless. Thank you for all the
year celebrated Christmas in the were simple and sufficient and feedback on the Messenger
European tradition on Christmas we were thankful and relieved recently, it’s heartening to hear
Eve. Knowing that Christmas to have eliminated the usual from our readers, in particular
can be an overwhelming and pressures of Christmas meals. about the stories we’ve shared.
stressful time, last year we did We did not have any leftovers or If you haven’t made a comment
just that, and shared Christmas waste and spent only a modest or suggestion yet, please do. On
dinner on the evening of 24 amount on our celebration. This behalf of the Messenger team
December. As a keen baker, made our time together as a (our graphic designer, Sarah
cake decorator and cook family all the more precious Stirling and me) I wish you all
(peppered with moments of (and fun) and as we said grace a serene and joyous festive
buying ‘ready’ meals associated we thought of those who were season. Share what you can
with being time challenged) I not as fortunate, spending the with those around you and do
decided to push the German season alone, sad, cold, hungry, it with love and no expectations,
theme to the limit, relying on sick or depressed. We promised like my dear old Adelaide
a certain German supermarket to register to volunteer at a neighbour Mr Reed did all of his
to take care of the menu. My community Christmas lunch this life. We will toast him and our
goal was to cut time spent in the year, which we have done and dear departed on Christmas and
kitchen, increase family time but are very much looking forward Boxing Day and give thanks for
more importantly minimise the to. The value of making even a their lives. Our first 2018 edition
usual pressures of the occasion. small difference to someone will be in March, featuring the 10
Everything was prepared by a else’s life can be profound and February installation of the new
cook other than me and the only I urge you not to forget how Archbishop. No doubt many
effort expended was heating important reaching out to others of our readers will be looking
up the oven, opening some is. Even a moment smiling at, forward to that momentous
packaging or the fridge. I looked or talking briefly as you make event at St George’s Cathedral.
at it as a gift to my family. We your way to work or study, might May peace be with you and your
spent the time that I would have be the highlight of someone’s loved ones.
used on preparing and cooking, day and perhaps the only social
singing carols and decorating interaction they have. Kindness
Graphic design Sarah Stirling The opinions expressed in the The Messenger is a part of ARPA
Printing Vanguard Press magazine do not necessarily reflect (the Australasian Religious Press
those of the editor, or the Anglican Association)
ADVERTISING AND COPY DEADLINE
Diocese of Perth.
PHOTOGRAPHS
10th of every month prior to
The Messenger welcomes
publication. Permission needs to be sought
contributions for consideration,
from parents/ guardians/ carers for
messengerads@perth.anglican.org especially where these show
photographs with children.
parishes and church organisations
messenger@perth.anglican.org
at mission. Publication can’t be Digital photos should be a high
Acceptance of advertisements guaranteed. resolution 300 DPI jpeg or tif.
does not mean endorsement.
This publication is printed using When submitting an article or image
Articles must be under 400 words
vegetable inks, is ECF (Elemental it is the author’s responsibility to
and are subject to being edited for
Chlorine Free) and has ISO approval ensure that they do not breach
content and length without notice.
for international environmental copyright laws.
certification.
4
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear editor Dear editor
I think the article (November As a first-timer to synod, The Messenger welcomes letters
Messenger) on the Desmond and only there because I to the editor for consideration.
Tutu award is a wonderful was at the end of a queue of Publication can't be guaranteed.
initiative. I have an interest in representatives and alternatives
Anglican Messenger
cultural matters and as a ship who couldn’t attend, I was
GPO Box W2067
visitor with the Flying Angel pleasantly surprised at the
Perth WA 6846
Club, I am seeing matters welcome and acceptance I
relating to social justice every received throughout, and the messenger@perth.anglican.org
day. Hopefully, this focus will different processes which occur
make many of us aware of the over the synod weekend.
work that people in the diocese
I was impressed by the
are involved in helping others.
assurance and self-confidence
Michael Kitafuna of speakers and the way
Flying Angel Club in which the whole synod
Multicultural Ministry seemed to come together,
Commission member and this feeling was captured
well in the comments printed
in November’s Messenger.
Congratulations to the team Whilst it is unlikely all those
on such a wonderful issue key people in my parish will be
of AM. I love the new style absent again at the timing of
and what a bumper issue is next year’s synod, I was glad
the November edition! Much that I had the opportunity to
appreciated and thank you all. have that experience.
Every blessing Rosemary Clifford
Helen Krynen Fremantle parish
Carine/ Duncraig
5
BISHOP'S NOTE
GOD IS DOING A NEW THING
The Right Reverend Kate Wilmot | Administrator | Diocese of Perth
We sometimes forget that the old or broken but life brought as something for children or as
Gospel of Luke begins not with forth when it seems there can a remembrance of old stories
the beloved nativity images be no life, just as the church but as a celebration of new
we associate with Christmas - believes that God created the life in Christ. As we share this
shepherds, angels and a new world ‘ex nihilo’ – from nothing. celebration of Jesus, who is God
born baby in a manger, but With Luke’s birth narrative we with us, may you be full of the
with the story of Elizabeth and are put on notice. God creates knowledge of the new things
Zechariah, the parents of John and goes on creating and in that God has made possible in
the Baptist. When we read of Jesus (who is God with us), a the last year. May you take hold
this faithful couple, living out new relationship between God of the hope of being created
their old age childless, we see and human beings has come to anew in Christ.
a close similarity to Hannah and pass. It is as though the world
Elkanah, the parents of Samuel has been made anew. + Kate
whose story is described in
As in scripture, so in what we
the first book of Samuel. The
see around us. Even as we
Hebrew scriptures contain a God Most High,
consider what is broken, old,
number of references to people
worn out or barren in the church whose eternal Word
who conceive as a result of
and in the world, still God’s chose a dwelling
God’s intervention, even though
intricate creativity is alive and at
they thought they would have among us,
work. With the coming of Jesus,
no children, beginning with
a new era began in the journey that we might live in
Abraham and Sarah, extending
of God with God’s people and
into the next generation with your presence:
the Christ we proclaim continues
Isaac and Rebekah and into the
to be revealed to people of grant us a spirit of
next with Jacob and Rachel.
different ages, backgrounds
wisdom
The story of Elizabeth and and ethnicities. I see this most
Zechariah, has a shape that clearly as people come forward, to know how rich is
feels familiar to us from earlier week by week, for baptism and
the glory you have
books of the Bible, but this confirmation. Candidates say
narrative forms a ‘bridge’ ‘I’ve found something and my
given us,
between something well life is full of new energy and
and how great is
known (an elderly or barren purpose.’
the hope to which
couple conceiving as a result
Christmas is about more than we are called in the
of prayer) and a new thing,
giving the same old stories Word made flesh;
Mary conceiving by the Holy
another spin. Instead it is about
Spirit even though she has no
rejoicing in all the new things who lives and reigns
husband. We are supposed to
that God has brought to life, in with you in the unity
understand that with Mary, God
the church and in the world.
has done a new thing. This is of the Holy Spirit,
There will be people who
not an act of creation from a
celebrate Christmas afresh this
one God for ever
place that is barren, worn out,
year not as a family occasion, or and ever. Amen.
6
LITURGY
OUR RICH LITURGICAL HERITAGE
The Right Reverend Dr Peter Brain
The words we say together each we must share with those who righteous; and he is the perfect
Sunday, ‘He will come again in refuse to recognise their rebellion offering for our sins’ reminds
glory to judge the living and the and perilous condition. Salvation us that we will not stand alone
dead, and his kingdom will have is not automatic. Jesus must be and helpless at the judgement
no end’ serve to lift our thoughts received if we are to be saved, if we stand with him now. We
and hearts from earth to Heaven, as affirmed in the Christmas Day will want to live for him who
from the present to the future gospel ‘but to all who received has been so gracious to us.
and from the transient to the him, who believed in his name, We will make it our personal
eternal. This intentional refocus he gave power to become and corporate desire not to
is a gift that delivers us from children of God’ (John 1:12). deny him. We will do all in
the folly of living for the present our power to live for him as
The reminder that our reigning
whilst giving real meaning to all individuals and members of his
Lord will come again gives us
we do. The present is important church so as to make our local
confidence that all we do in his
but far too important to sap our churches winsome reflections
name, in his way, has an eternal
energies and to set our hopes of that great heavenly assembly
purpose. This wonderful truth
upon. It has often been remarked which will be ‘the kingdom that
means that we have a reason
that, in Australia life is so good will have no end’.
to get up every day and that it is
why would we even want to
worth living for the Lord Jesus The reality of our Lord’s return
think about the future?
no matter the cost, come what as judge assures us that we are
The Creed comes to our rescue may. We will not cave into the important. We are accountable
reminding us that we are all world’s values or agendas since because our lives have been
under God’s judgement. This they are under the scrutiny of given by God to be lived for
real reality is emphasised by our living and loving Lord. What him. Eternity gives our transient
the frankness of our general is done for him will be honoured pursuits meaning. Dorothy
confession ‘we have sinned and contribute to eternity, Sayers put it succinctly ‘it is
against you in thought, word and whereas a life lived without precisely because of the eternity
deed and the grace-filled words him, for our own purposes, will outside time that everything
looking for his coming again, we suffer eternal and irreparable in time becomes valuable,
celebrate, with this bread and loss. The impartial judgement important and meaningful.
this cup, his one perfect and of God assures us that every Therefore, Christianity… makes
sufficient sacrifice for the sins thought, word and deed will it of urgent importance that
of the whole world’. What a great be properly dealt with at the everything we do here should
joy these realities are. A world judgement. The outcome of this be rightly related to what we
under judgement that can look to sobering. This Christ centred eternally are’. Our acclamation
the Saviour for relief. That Christ reality is very practical. It means ‘Christ has died. Christ is risen.
Jesus has borne the full weight that we will want to be found Christ will come again’ reminds
of God’s judgement is the good in Christ, for without him we us that only lives lived for our
news we share with those who would have nowhere to stand Lord, count for and contribute
come burdened with the guilt at the judgement. The words to ‘that kingdom that will have
of their rebellion. The coming of assurance from 1 John 2:1- no end’. Riches indeed.
judgement is the cutting edge 2: ‘we have an advocate with
of our message and the words the Father, Jesus Christ the + Peter
7
ROAD TO RETIREMENT
Lou Hendricks | Editor
With retirement on the horizon the entire diocese, with a might look like) and conducted
for The Right Reverend Allan commitment to the ministry of a communion and baptism in a
Ewing, Bishop of Bunbury, this every member of every ministry. church that was so small we
edition of the Messenger is I also hope it affirms that had to carry the font outside
the last he will be contributing humour is an essential aspect so that everyone could share
to. The Messenger, on behalf of our life of faith.” the event.”
of readers, wishes to extend
What’s among your proudest What will you focus on now in
its gratitude to the bishop for
achievements in ministry and retirement – what will keep the
his valuable contributions over
life in general? body, mind and spirit active?
the years. Bishop Ewing is the
ninth Bishop of Bunbury. He was “I hope that I have lived in the “I hope that I shall have more
elected in 2010 and has led the diocese as one who serves time to give to family and
development of the diocesan rather than one who expected friends and wish to continue to
mission to be ‘a diocesan family, to be served. I am deeply offer a ministry of counsel and
growing into the likeness of pleased that we as a people encouragement to clergy and
Jesus, all owning the ministry have been able to respond to other individuals. I shall also try
of Christ.’ He has actively the abuse within our church with to develop my creative skills in
encouraged the expansion of profound apology and a humble writing.”
the commitment to life-long commitment to a changed life.”
learning through the Bishop’s How do you feel you’ve changed
Courses of Ministry for lay or affected parishioners’ lives in
people and an annual five week your time?
shared focus on Christian life for
“The core of a bishop’s role is to
everyone within the diocese,
know the people of the diocese,
called ‘Growing Together’. The
and to be known by the people
Messenger takes a look at what
of the diocese. I have been
has shaped his time as Bishop of
challenged and changed by the
Bunbury and what he’s looking
love I have experienced here and
forward to in retirement.
I hope that the same is true for
How have you grown? those in every ministry of our
“The life of the Diocese of church.”
Bunbury has been part of my Can you share a funny or
life every day for the past eight entertaining highlight of your
years. I have grown through the life and ministry? Bishop Allan Ewing and wife Tricia
encouragement and support of Photographer Neville Peterkin
“As a person who grew up in a
so many as we have faced great
suburban housing commission
challenges together.”
estate I have great delight in all
What legacy do you feel you I have learned from the people
leave? of the rural community. The
“I’m not sure that I’m the one revealed mysteries of animal
to suggest what the legacy of husbandry have been fascinating
my episcopacy will be. I hope and I shall always treasure the
that it might include sustaining day I blessed an air seeder
a mutual ministry shared by (having no idea of what one
8
HEART RESOLUTION
The Right Reverend Bishop Allan Ewing | Bishop of Bunbury
One of the many aspects of life to a need for book learning, To learn is to look and listen with
in the Anglican church which I although I know of many expectation and excitement.
celebrate is that our New Year who find their vows to never A resolution concerned with
begins four Sundays before undertake another course or learning can draw each of us
Christmas Day. I like the idea write another assignment are close to God and to the human
that we can get in early with broken on a regular basis. But beings with whom we share our
our own New Year resolutions. there cannot be an end to lives. Giving is an expression
The best resolutions are those human learning. Not one of us of love. Without love there
which engage with the heart of should ever imagine that we can be no giving and without
what it is to be a human being. now know all that there is to giving there can be no love. The
Resolutions which attempt know. The wonder of creation opposite of giving is selfish self-
to deal with habits that we absorption, an inability to engage
simultaneously resent and enjoy with anything beyond oneself.
(eating chocolate, perhaps) This is a sterile and loveless
are unlikely to last beyond the life. Giving is always more than
expected four day life span of the presents or money, at their
a conventional first of January best these can only be tokens
resolution. But a church New of something deeper. More
Year resolution does not need important are the gifts of time
to worry about habit, instead and self. To share time with
they should attend to the heart. others and to engage in caring
Three areas are particularly relationship are gifts that cannot
important for us as human be purchased or sold.
beings in relationship with the A resolution concerned with
living God, relationships, learning giving should be one that
and giving. In each of these demands something of the
aspects of life there is always giver beyond finance. The
challenge and blessing. When act of giving should be one
asked, Jesus suggested that that changes permanently the
there were two pre-eminent one who gives. These three,
commandments. Love God and loving, learning and giving, are
love your neighbour. Love is the the places where we should
essential nature of God, and it go when thinking of new year
should be the essential nature resolutions. Being profound
of all people, after all, we are aspects of what it is to be made
made in the image of God. So in the image of God, these are
why can it be so hard to love, the places of challenge that can
or even accept, those who are bring each of us closer to God
different from ourselves? Why offers daily insights that we have and closer to our neighbour.
can it be so hard to love some never engaged with previously. May you have a wonderful New
of those with whom we share Simple realities such as our own Year. Go forward, strong in faith
our life? A resolution to love aging mean that mean that even and in the power of God’s Holy
more must have a specific focus within the routines of life we Spirit.
and a way of knowing whether face new challenges. As one
that commitment is making a older person explained to the
difference. Above all, and as far carers in a nursing home ‘you + Allan
as we are able, let our lives be have to understand that you
a reflection of the love of God know more about being eighty
for all of creation. than we do, for we have never
done this before.’
There is most certainly an end
9
NO SNOW?
The Reverend Alison Gilchrist | Mission and Evangelism Enabler
Travelling back more than three channels informed me that and so we have developed
hours from rural WA on a fairly temperatures in Bethlehem in Veranda Ventures, Beedawong
hot Saturday afternoon recently, winter range from an average of Business, a genuinely contextual
I decided to take the time to 7° in January to 25° in November Western Australian approach.
consider all things Christmas and that April, January and
Authenticity is also a desire
because, of course, it’s looming. December are the months when
of most in our younger
Like all who prepare seasonal it is most likely to rain. No snow?
generations. In a recent
services and activities, including A number of sites covered the
article I read this ‘…we have
the possibility of engagement controversy of frosty nights
learned that young people‘s
with those who don’t usually and the life of Middle Eastern
departure from the church is
frequent church, finding a way sheep, in debating the correct
not necessarily a departure
to say something engaging and date for the Saviour’s birth. One
from faith or spirituality. They
insightful can be somewhat of meteorologist, keen to ensure
long for connection with God,
a challenge. Where to begin? the correct information was
they by and large like Jesus and
My mind went to my Facebook available, reminded readers
want to live like him and they
feed where already a number that you can still see shepherds
desperately seeking an authentic
of memes told me it was less outside at night around
expression of faith that looks
than 60 days until Christmas. Christmas in Bethlehem, and
more like the early church than
All those posts pictured chubby that they are in short sleeves.
do the offerings of contemporary
pink-cheeked Santas, red-nosed He also added that there was no
church.’ Consolation for the
Rudolfs, twinkling fir trees and real surety that the shepherds
topic of this article came as I
lots and lots of snow. There in the biblical narrative were
described Posada to someone
was even a snow globe nativity Jewish, they could have been
in a parish. As the concept was
scene. As I surveyed the dusty Bedouins, who were nomads
heard, instantly possibilities
red countryside, I felt a real and didn’t (and still don’t) corral
to connect ‘the nativity story
disconnect, a dissonance in sheep, even in winter. Again, no
authentically into the tinsel and
my soul as I recalled travelling snow!
trappings of consumer madness’
across the Israeli countryside
Continuing through my search were made and evangelism
on my way to visit Bethlehem.
results I read, on a site offering didn’t seem so daunting after
Just how different the social
‘authentic’ festive decorations all. People can and do, go to
media visuals were to the
‘given Christmas falls in the lots of places to get Christmas
panoramas of that particular
Australian summer, it can be cheer. When they choose
journey, and how my northern
fun to play around with beachy church during the Christmas
hemisphere upbringing, with its
themes.’ This time sand instead season it’s not because they
winter wonderland scenes, was
of snow! So, why writing on want to see more of what they
at odds with the setting of the
a page where mission and can get elsewhere. They’re
first nativity and my current WA
evangelism is the key theme, coming because they want to
reality.
should I raise this? Here are hear about Jesus and hear that
Unable, of course, to Google two of many reasons: In the as ‘authentically’ as possible.
while driving, I decided that past year I have been challenged
as soon as I get home I’d to help us contextualise our
investigate what the weather missional approach in a more
would have been like around authentically Australian manner.
Bethlehem as Jesus arrived As many will know such
among us. The weather resources are scant nationally
10ANGLICARE WA
ANGLICARE WA MAKES ROOM AT THE INN
Ian Carter AM | CEO | Anglicare WA
The great story of the heart of the Christmas More importantly, our they seek help. However
tradition is not just the birth of Christ, but counsellors work together those who reach out to
also the circumstances how this came to be. on long term solutions for Anglicare WA are given
Mary and Joseph were far from home, had those experiencing family every assistance. Our
little money, few possessions and relied on and domestic violence, Young Hearts counselling
the help and support of strangers. They had making sure they service, as an example, is
travelled a long way only to find that despite receive the necessary dedicated to supporting
Mary being heavy with child, there was no services from the police, children affected by
safe, clean, warm or suitable accommodation courts, Centrelink and family and domestic
for them at this life changing moment. Despite those depar tments violence and demand for
this adversity and disruption to their lives, with which can assist with this service is increasing.
help from strangers, they were able to make housing, schooling and We do our part in living
do with their situation as best they could. other essential services. out Christ’s agenda – to
In the process they gave the world Jesus Anglicare WA helps bring wholeness and
and his message of hope which has echoed thousands of domestic healing where there is
through the ages. violence victims every injury and disruption. At
year. Western Australia’s Anglicare WA, there is
Part of the Christmas story then, is the moral
rates of domestic violence always ‘room at the inn.’
obligation we all have to help those in need and
are rising. Last year WA
the benefit to all of us that comes from helping To donate to our
Police were called to
people and families reach their full potential. Chris tmas A ppeal
15,000 incidents. Many
No person or family should be left behind and call 9263 2091 or visit
cases go unreported
all of us can make wonderful contributions to anglicarewa.org.au/
as victims and families
society if we are given the opportunity and donate
are fearful of reprisals if
the resources we need to be the best we
can be. This is the underlying ethos which
underpins all the work we do at Anglicare WA
through our outreach and service delivery. Compassion lives on.
The ‘disruption over Christmas’ is a situation
known to us only too well and the festive
season experienced by many families is not
enjoyed by all. While many of us look forward
to time with family and friends, for others it
is a period of heightened stress, anxiety and
disconnection. Sadly, it’s a time of year when
Anglicare WA sees an increase in family and
domestic violence, putting pressure on our
resources and capacity to respond. Yet we do
everything we can to ensure that the victims,
young and old, are safe, and as far as possible
we ensure that their Christmas is as normal Reach out your hand to future generations by
as can be with goodwill, joy, friendship and leaving a gift to Anglicare WA in your will.
support. T 08 9263 2091 E bequests@anglicarewa.org.au
11AMANA LIVING
VOLUNTEER TO BRING
CHRISTMAS JOY
Stephanie Buckland | CEO | Amana Living
Christmas is just around still be a lonely time for
the corner and it is a some. Aged Care Minister
joyous time for many Ken Wyatt recently said
people, a chance to catch many aged care residents
up with family and friends don’t receive any visitors
and to reflect on the year. and sadly it’s true. We’re
At Amana Living, our very conscious of social
teams put a lot of effort isolation and we have an
into making the festive enrichment programme
season special for our in place to ensure all our
clients and residents. residents and clients enjoy
They create a packed meaningful interactions positive relationships and rewarding connections
social calendar full of fun and relationships. Our with the Amana Living community.
and lively entertainment, volunteers play a critical We’re always looking for volunteers who
with lots of opportunities role in this programme. can help our staff. There’s a range of roles
to enjoy good company They make a real available including help to deliver the activities
as well as great food. difference to our residents programmes, providing social support by
However Christmas can and clients, enjoying popping in to enjoy a cuppa and a friendly chat,
or supporting clients and residents to get the
most out of the outings we plan. We’ve also
introduced new programmes where volunteers
can help to deliver our Tune into Life music
programme for people with dementia, or teach
clients and residents how to use technology
Amana Living Incorporated to surf the net, connect on social media and
Subiaco, Western Australia be entertained.
Amana Living, the principal aged care agency of the Anglican The opportunities can be adapted to suit your
Diocese of Perth, invites applications from suitably qualified and interests and availability, so why not consider
experienced candidates for the position of: volunteering at Amana Living if you’re thinking
SENIOR CHAPLAIN of how you can give back to your community
this Christmas. As well as enriching the lives
Amana Living is one of Western Australia's largest not-for-profit
of others, you’ll enjoy the physical and mental
providers of care, accommodation and support for older people
and has been serving the community since 1962. health benefits. People who volunteer make
new friends, are more connected to their
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Senior Chaplain is the
community and feel better about themselves.
most senior clergy person within Amana Living and the leader of
the Chaplaincy Team which delivers pastoral care services to Volunteering can ward off depression and it
Amana Living clients and their families, employees and volunteers. has been proven to be good for your heart!
Position description and process for application are available via If you’d like to get involved in volunteering at
https://www.livehire.com/job/amanaliving/HMNQQ/ Amana Living, get in touch with our friendly
Please direct queries to Kristy McKay on (08) 9424 6301 or Volunteer Services Coordinator who can
kmckay@amanaliving.com.au. talk you through the roles available. Email
volunteers@amanaliving.com.au or call
Applications are to be received no later than
Wednesday, 10 January 2017 at 5pm AWST.
9424 6335 to start your volunteering journey
today.
12A SAFER CHURCH
FOR ALL
Lou Hendricks | Editor
“Mandatory training crosses the whole training seriously. It is ambitious,” Bishop Hancock said.
Advisor Graham Tilby says promoting safeguarding is
church. It’s been painful for dioceses but
everyone’s business and relies on integrity and respect,
we deliberately want to raise the bar.” and a culture of openness, and challenging poor practice.
Graham Tilby, National Safeguarding “This requires transparency and scrutiny. We shouldn’t
be on the back foot, we shouldn’t be behind, we should
Advisor, Church of England.
be leading the way, we should be pioneering and leading
As the Church of England moves to fully the way”. He said safeguarding initiatives need to be
implement strict new processes to ensure properly resourced and the training is mostly face to
the safety of children and vulnerable adults, face, with an element of online learning. “Professional
there is a lot to be learned from the past. High standards units can’t do this on their own. It’s up to the
profile cases of abuse in the United Kingdom diocesan secretaries and registrars to work together. We
highlight the need for all organisations, need a national approach. The reality is if you don’t deal
religious or secular, to ensure their staff are with the legacy of the past we’re never going to move
thoroughly trained in recognising signs of people on.” The NST’s mission statement is ‘a national
abuse as well as knowing how to respond professional safeguarding service working collaboratively
to victims. The 79th Bishop of Bath and to promote a safer church for all’. So far 40 out of 42
Wells, The Right Reverend Peter Hancock and Church of England dioceses are actively involved in the
the church’s National Safeguarding Advisor safeguarding programme with further measures set to
Graham Tilby recently shared the Church of be implemented.
England’s learnings on commissioning and
delivering independent safeguarding audits
of all dioceses in England, with registrars at
Professional Standards Unit
the National Anglican Registrars’ Conference
hosted by the Anglican Diocese of Perth. The Professional Standards Unit has a
The National Safeguarding Team (NST) is
multifaceted approach and is responsible for
responsible for promoting a safer culture • Responding to complaints of child sexual
across the church, providing expert abuse and sexual misconduct
guidance, advice and support to dioceses,
• Safe Ministry Training
cathedrals and church bodies and developing
and implementing a national survivors' • Screenings
engagement and support network. It is • Management of known sex offenders
also tasked with developing a consistent in parishes
approach to the support and oversight of
• Managing the grievance process as
offenders and those who may pose a risk
within dioceses and other church bodies, as outlined in Policy 55
well as doing case work on complex cases
and those involving high profile individuals.
The Right Reverend Peter Hancock said the
I f you wish to make a disclosure of
child sexual abuse or sexual miscon
duct
or have questions or concerns rega
NST introduced a diocesan self assessment rding any
aspects of safe ministry, please con
programme, independent safeguarding audits, tact the
Director of Professional Standards
overviews and safeguarding progress reviews. on 9425 7203
or psu@perth.anglican.org
“We employed a training officer and in a year
have trained about 1,000 people. We’ve got
22,000 people and we want to train every perth.anglican.org/feel-safe/professional-standards/
single person in our church. We take our
13Peace Window
BACK TO THE BUSH VETERANS’ REUNION
Lou Hendricks | Editor
Doug Moles has a touch of the the occasion. Veterans and their and think geez, we’re lucky
Aussie larrikin about him but families come in caravans, utes, (to be alive). I had a bullet that
beneath his jovial nature are and cars, camping on the oval missed my head by four inches,
memories that he and other and at the caravan park. “We I dug so deep in the ground I
Vietnam veterans can’t erase. get together at the Bruce Rock thought I was a rabbit! I could
When we speak of his time District Club, have a chat and feel the leaves dropping on my
as a ‘forward scout’ and jack drinks and roll home at about head."
of all trades in Vietnam, where midnight,” Mr Moles said.
"A lot of laughter’s gone out of
he went as a 20 year old, the
Doug Moles was a national people’s lives and it’s getting
now 72 year old Bruce Rock
serviceman, who still suffers a bit too serious. It’s good to
resident quickly returns the
from the psychological effects see everyone laughing here,”
conversation to talk about the
of the war. “The camaraderie Mr O’Neill said. About 22 of the
Back to the Bush Veterans’
we share now brings a lot of group meet a few times a year in
Reunion, an annual get together
value to our country,” he said Perth for a platoon dinner which
that started as just Vietnam vets,
before passing the phone to includes a Christmas gathering
but in recent years has grown
his good mate ‘Blue’, 70 year for their veteran ‘family’.
to include all service personnel.
old red-headed Bruce Rock
Even though many are feeling On Saturday morning 4
local Dennis O’Neill, a Vietnam
the ravages of time, the reunion November the main street
machine gunner who was part
week (30 October – 7 November fills with market stalls and the
of the reinforcement unit. “I
2017) in the Wheatbelt town of Kelmscott/Pinjarra 10th Light
have 11 of the guys I went
Bruce Rock continues to draw Horse group brings its mobile
away with to Vietnam staying
a crowd of about 2,000 each museum, while kids take turns
at my place, and it brings back
year, with many younger folk on the bouncy castle and at
memories. We have big hugs
recognising the importance of riding a pony. By 11am, the
14Doug Moles and Dennis O'Neill
clock ticks over and it’s time in front of the leadlight ‘Peace
for the big march from near the Window’ which has been in There's dust on mother's
cenotaph and council chambers place since 2000, the first in an Bible its pages are worn
to St Peter’s Anglican Church. Australian church dedicated to with age
Among the procession are Vietnam veterans. Later Dennis
school students and loved ones and Doug sing together as the
And though it's old and
of departed service personnel, duo ‘Doug and Blue’, Doug’s
wrinkled mama's there on
all keeping step with the fingers strumming the strings
every page
veterans everyone has come to of his guitar. They perform an The night the angels called
tip their hats to. People squeeze old Buck Owens song Dust on her mama called me to her
into the church, and many more Mother’s Bible. side
sit on chairs outside listening to And she handed me her old
the service on a speaker. The Bible said son let this be
Reverend Karen Arnold has lived your guide
in Bruce Rock for half a century
after initially only planning to stay Now I picked up mama's
for a year as a young teacher. old Bible and to my heart
She married a born-and-bred I pressed it tight
Bruce Rock farmer in 1969. And I thought I could hear
“He’s the reason I’m here. We her whisper ever so gently
have about 700 residents but we
Son I'll meet you on the
have a very small congregation.
other side
If we have 15 we have a crowd.
This reunion does my statistics I kissed my mama's old
no end of good! The service Bible and I wiped away the
and march are emotional. This dust
is what Jesus’ message of love Oh you'll never know until
is all about,”Reverend Arnold she's gone how you miss
said. During the service, The your mother's love
Reverend Alison Gilchrist speaks
about her first visit to Bruce
Rock seven years ago (see page Dust on Mother's Bible,
16). A candle is lit and placed Buck Owens
15BRUCE ROCK SERMON
Seven years ago, after hearing kneeled beside him to see if he byline Anon. The story told is
the distinct call of God to come could do anything to help. As he important, not the storyteller.’
to Western Australia, my family did so into his hand was thrust I think I kind of understand
and I flew across the world for a well-worn New Testament, where Jane is coming from with
an interview. During those 10 pulled from inside the dying this and that it might apply to
days we were brought out to young man’s uniform jacket. other forms of literature – it’s
Bruce Rock to join you and to With the last of his breath he not the case for this book – its
see one of the truly amazing urged his caring comrade to not the case for the Bible. This
things that happens in rural go to the address on the scrap book is also known by many as
Western Australia. We had of paper he would find tucked ‘a love letter from a Father to
a mind-expanding time and inside the front cover, to take his children’ and who wouldn’t
were absolutely captivated by the Testament, and to thank want to know the writer of a
the story of how this gathering the lady who lived there. He love letter we all know how
came about. In the intervening asked his comrade to say these frustrating unsigned Valentine
years we have travelled across words ‘I don’t think I ever said cards can be! It’s also known
the world and shared the story thank you but I am sending this to me and others as ‘the word
of our trip to Bruce Rock literally Testament as a way of sending that points us to the Living
hundreds of times in various my thanks back to you, so you Word,’ who of course is Jesus,
locations across the globe, and will know that what you taught God incarnate, of whom St John
I am still totally blown away by me mattered, because of all you records as saying ‘Whoever has
the initial story of those who shared with me… and who you seen me, has seen the Father.’
made it happen, and the ongoing introduced me to… I am able to The ongoing story we tell as
story I am again part of today. die in peace today.’ Christians is about Jesus, the
Today I want to talk for a few After the war was over the Saviour, who gave his life for us.
moments about another ongoing young soldier followed up on his Together with other believers
story we are part of, one that we promise and found himself at the we live for him and share his
find in the pages of the Bible. front door of a small cottage in love with others.
Although the cannon of scripture a small English village, one with I only ever crossed to the other
is closed (Council of Trent of about the same of population side of the world once before
1546 for Roman Catholicism, the Bruce Rock usually has. The I came to Australia for that
Thirty-Nine Articles of 1563 for elderly lady opened the door interview. In late 1982 I found
the Church of England) the story in response to his knock was myself in green camouflage
goes on and millions of Christians surprised to see a stranger on uniform, in Port Stanley, in
around the world are testimony her doorstep. After introduction the Falkland Islands, as part
to that. We know St Luke wrote she welcomed him to come in of the logistical support of a
the The Acts of the Apostles – and have some refreshment. peacekeeping force sent to
the earliest story of what Jesus Initially somewhat puzzled as he stabilise the islands after the
followers got up to after he had told his story, the elderly lady short war there. That experience,
returned to heaven, and those of was moved to tears, and then like my trip to Bruce Rock seven
us who follow Jesus today are to smiles, as she realised that years ago, was unexpected but
the ongoing story begun by Peter, her years of teaching Sunday all part of God’s plan for me, as
John, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, school, of sharing the stories part of the writing of his ongoing
Paul and others. found in the pages of the Bible story of the history of this world,
Very near the beginning of my with children, had indeed made in the lives of those who call
part of this ongoing story, not a much more difference than themselves Christians. Today as
long after I decided to follow she could ever have imagined. we gather to remember, to share
Jesus, I heard another part of In an essay entitled Working all that has been and dream of all
the ongoing story. Up to Anonymous, Jane Yolen that is yet to be, we might take a
suggests ‘The best writers, moment or two to ponder what
During a very WW2 fierce
are the ones who really, in their sort of ongoing story we hope
battle a young soldier was shot
heart of hearts, aspire to the to allow God to write through
and fatally injured. A comrade
our lives.
16INSPIRED BY NATURE
Lou Hendricks | Editor
greeting a new day. We discussed almost to play with you. It’s
his love for life, the joy of sharing seeing things I’ve never seen
his passions with others, his idol before, seeing things that in
Sir David Attenborough and what some cases that nobody’s seen
actually frightens him. You’d be before, and moments like that
surprised! when you’re exhausted and you
feel like you have nothing left in
Are there moments in your
your body all of a sudden they
adventures that you just stop
Waking up on a houseboat give you the extra little jolt of
and think geez, I’ve got to
bathed in warm morning sun energy that you need.”
be the luckiest person alive,
while birds graze the surface of
getting to see all of the stunning What inspires you day to day,
the river is a far cry from being
environments you trek through? year to year, what is it that
dangled from a helicopter above
makes you tick?
a crocodile’s nest. “I couldn’t agree more. I think I’m
the luckiest person in the whole “It’s nature. It’s early in morning
For English TV presenter, daredevil
world. For someone who has the in England. The sun is just
and naturalist Steve Backshall, it’s
kind of passions that I have, to coming up. I live on a houseboat
all part of the exciting fusion of
be given the opportunity to do on a river and the sun is just
serenity and danger that blend
what I do, I count my blessings coming up over the river and
in his adventurous life. After
every single day.” the light is just glorious. There
two sell out Australian tours,
are Cormorants and Swans and
the wildlife enthusiast is headed When things get tough, what
Grieves flying over the surface
back to Australia in January for keeps you going?
of the water, I saw a Kingfisher
his Deadly 60 Downunder show “Little moments fuel morale flying over a moment ago, and it
that promises plenty of audience such as waking up at sunrise just makes me glad to be alive.
participation, and some of the opening your tent and seeing Ooh, and there is a Heron flying
country’s deadliest creatures up the whole world stained bright past and landing on the opposite
close. I caught up with Steve by pink and gold. It’s having a wild side of the river to me and it’s
telephone from his houseboat animal that wants to interact just magic! Even if there were
home in outer London, shortly with you and find you and wants grey skies pouring down with
after 7am, as the wildlife was
17“I train physically every rain, there would still be with them hanging on his
something exciting, the every single word. Every
day, and I do some kind moment you connect with minute that I spent in his
of exercise every single and engage with nature.” presence is something
day, whether that’s So many people are
that I will always value and
never forget.”
going out on my kayak, distracted by their
technology that they don’t “Sir David’s 92, he’s
cycling, going for a run. appreciate the beauty probably inspired at least
I study and I learn all the that’s in front of them… two generations if not
time and I believe that’s “One of the things that
more. He's been working
in that space since he
important to keep the has really excited me
was a young man, he has
about the last two tours
brain active.” completely changed the
to Australia is so many
tide of what is possible in
young people who that
film making and always
just is not true of, who are
pushed the boundaries
massively connected to
and even now in his 90s,
wildlife and even obsessed
he is still developing his
with wildlife and who are
message, developing
outside all the time and
the way he makes films,
who have very, very active
programmes and I find that
and energetic lives and I
an absolute inspiration. Sir
understand that I am very
David, he doesn’t hide his
privileged and I get to
passion when you see him
meet the kind of kids that
experiencing or watching
are that way, but it does
a wildlife event, you can
my heart good to see so
sense the excitement,
that in a world that has so
even now in his 90s. I have
many temptations there
exactly the same thing, it’s
are so, so many young
very important to allow
people in Australia who
your natural enthusiasm
are taking what I would
to seep out. He first and
consider the best path.”
foremost is a storyteller,
Do you think (late) Steve he wants to make sure that
Irwin had an impact on he brings to life the things
Australian children? that he is lucky enough to
“I would have no doubt see, and he gives them a
that he has been a massive focus and a context that
part of that and there has can make them real for
been no one who has done people who will never get
more for the appreciation the chance to see such
of reptiles than Steve did.” wonders.”
Tell me about working That’s the great gift you
with nature guru Sir David have as well – do you see
Attenborough? it as a gift that you are
giving to others?
“He is the greatest
story teller I have ever “The great marine biologist
seen. He has the ability Jacques Cousteau said
to hold the attention of simply that people protect
a room of gnarled old what they love and I think
conser vationists and the role that I have if any,
biologists without a script, is to help people to love
18wildlife, because if they do How many languages do you out in the jungle or being out in
they’re more likely to want to speak? the mountains that’s what I’m
take care of it.” comfortable with, that’s where
“I would say that I only really
I’m most at home, so I don’t
Who do you feel you connect speak English but I have pretty
continually fear for my safety.
with, is it a broad age group? good Japanese, Indonesian,
That said obviously there are
French and a bit of Spanish and
“In Australia, most of my situations where I get frightened
if I live in those countries for
audience is young. Only the and I wouldn’t be human if there
more than a few days it starts
‘Deadly’ programmes have weren’t but generally speaking I
coming back because I’ve spent
been shown in Australia, so you don’t live every day in fear.”
a bit of time there in the past,
haven’t seen most of my more
and by the end of a week or It often looks like it’s just you and
grown up programmes. I did a
two I’m chattering away in any a couple of people around, do
talk on Sunday and there were
of those languages.” you have a big crew around you?
kids there, four year old kids
and grandparents too. I’m also You’ve had some brushes with “Generally speaking it’s quite
getting to an age now, that kids death, a broken back, and leg a small crew, we usually have
who have grown up watching and a fall most recently, what do three or maybe four crew but
my shows are now adults. To you learn about your personality, there are situations where that
be able to speak to an audience what does that teach you about number increases, if we’re diving,
that broad is fantastic and it’s a you as a human being? or working on ropes, we need a
challenge, but it’s a challenge few extra people but most of the
“When I had the climbing fall,
that I relish. The kids come up time it’s a small crew.”
it all looked pretty bleak for a
and say oh, I’m in university
while. There was a lot of talk of Have you had to dial the
now and I’m studying biology
me not walking again and a lot of danger factor back since you
now because I watched your
quite bleak prognoses. The thing got married (to Olympic gold
programmes and that’s just a
that I found most helpful was medallist Helen Glover)?
wonderful thing to hear.”
that I had contact with people a
“Not at all, Helen is just as out
What keeps you physically and lot worse off than I am. It really
there and considerably fitter than
emotionally fit? put it in perspective, seeing the
I am! She is very, very keen to
kind of challenges that people
“I train physically every day, and join me on as many expeditions
get through and get past every
I do some kind of exercise every as she can.”
single day in their lives. People
single day, whether that’s going
who have long term chronic Will your Australian show
out on my kayak, cycling, going
problems that were so much appeal to those who might be
for a run. I study and I learn all the
worse than anything I was going squeamish, will be it be a show
time and I believe that’s important
through and that just made it for everyone?
to keep the brain active.”
absolutely impossible for me “There are going to be lots of
You seem to be always picking to get maudlin and depressed big stunts and lots of audience
up new skills, I read that you and just think about how do I participation. It’s going to be
speak several languages, is that do this how do I get past it. I very visual and hopefully a
correct? did get past it and I’m now back very fun show. It’s themed on
“Learning new things, no to doing big climbs and just as Australian wildlife, so it’s very
matter how old you get is really active as I was before.” much ‘Deadly 60 Downunder’,
important. We have a tendency When you embark on your it’s all about the extraordinary
to let our brains fail as we get trips, do you think about your wildlife that you have there in
older and the potential to just slip mortality, do you think this could Australia.”
into a rut and do things that we be my last trip? Deadly 60 Downunder is on
are comfortable with. The more
“I am actually far more concerned around the country and plays
you keep challenging yourself
for my safety when I’m in a big in Perth at the Riverside
the more you keep throwing
city, particularly on a Saturday Theatre on 27 January, and
yourself into new and different
night, after closing time at a in Geraldton on 28 January.
situations the more you continue
pub, than I ever would be being
to develop even into later life.”
19MOVIES
A SUMMER OF UNLIKELY HEROES
Mark A Hadley | Reviewer
A skilled communicator and writer for more than three decades, Mark has scripted and produced TV
shows including The Christ Files and The Life of Jesus, as well as reviewing films, TV programmes and
children’s books.
These Christmas holidays will of the twisted Kylo Ren, who Kylo Ren can only draw closer
be crammed with films for every last episode killed his father Han to the dark side of the force if
Aussie taste, but spare your Solo. Rey is just as troubled by he distances himself from his
eyes for those that promote her master’s fears and seeks natural and spiritual parents.
the most unlikely champions. An guidance in an unexpected However, in an age where it’s
empowered orphan, a clumsy direction. Star Wars is, as popular to encourage children
bear, a quadriplegic’s wife, and always, a human struggle to to find their own way, The Last
a struggling entertainer – each bring order out of chaos. ‘You Jedi puts great weight in the
contributes a story that will fill find the most ancient story of wisdom of elders. Like the Bible,
out your family’s idea of just how good against evil, told in a most the path to understanding begins
unimportant worldly success fascinating way,’ says with acknowledging mums and
can be. Gwendoline Christie, who plays dads might know better: ‘Listen,
the evil Captain Phasma. Yet the my son, to your father’s
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
real pay-off for parents is the instruction and do not forsake
Christmas approaches, and so institution that takes centre your mother’s teaching. They are
the decorations go up, the place. ‘It’s about family, and a garland to grace your head and
specials are announced and the that’s what’s so powerful about a chain to adorn your neck.’
latest Star Wars saga opens at it,’ said the late Carrie Fisher.
Paddington 2
theatres. This time though, The
Last Jedi presents us with one 2014’s Paddington was the
of the franchises’ most surprise success of that
conflicted heroes. In The Force Christmas season and this
Awakens, Daisy Ridley’s budding year’s follow up about the
Jedi, Rey, discovered the lonely brave bear from darkest Peru
planet on which Luke Skywalker will provide similar hijinks and
was hiding. Now, in The Last an even stronger affirmation of
Jedi , she begins her the everyday hero. The second
apprenticeship, however, Luke Paddington film opens with
entertains serious doubts that its clumsy bear a welcome
helping her to command her member of the Brown family.
powerful connection with ‘the However he is missing his
force’ will return the galaxy to Aunt Lucy and hatches a plan
balance. The Jedi master fears to buy her an antique pop-up
Rey will follow in the footsteps book. Paddington offers his
20skills as a window cleaner to Gleeson, Michael Gambon, setting the American dream
the community and predictable Hugh Grant, Joanna Lumley to song in the musical, The
calamities ensue. However and, of course, the return of Greatest Showman which is
before he can buy his gift, it’s Ben Whishaw as the voice of based on real-life promoter,
stolen by a fading actor who Paddington bear. The value of P.T. Barnum, the founder of the
recognises in it the secret to the storyline, though, lies in Barnum & Bailey Circus. Phineas
renewing his fortune. the form Paddington’s heroism Taylor Barnum is working in a
takes. Many children’s heroes counting house that abruptly
are lauded for their superpowers goes bankrupt. P.T. is frustrated
and success. Paddington is by his inability to provide the
valued not for his abilities but life he promised his childhood
his desire to do his best, and sweetheart Charity (Michelle
his determination to see the Williams). So, rather than return
same in everyone around him. to another venture that might go
‘Paddington wouldn’t hesitate bust, Phineas tells his family his
if any of us needed any help, idea for introducing America to
he looks for the good in all of a world of curiosities. What
us,’ Mr Brown says. It will be follows is a contraction of the
a welcome parallel for parents historical Barnum’s life, leading
trying to teach their children to Jackman recruiting everyone
that God isn’t looking for great from bearded ladies to Siamese
deeds but a devoted heart: twins to create a spectacular
‘Serve [God] with wholehearted singing and dancing show.
devotion and with a willing mind, Jackman doesn’t exploit the
for the Lord searches every unusual humans he discovers,
Paddington is framed for
heart and understands every so much as celebrate the
the crime, and the Browns
desire and every thought.’ individuality each represents.
must come to his aid if he’s
‘Every one of us is special and
to prove his innocence and The Greatest Showman
nobody is like anyone else,’ he
send his present on its way.
Hugh Jackman introduced the tells the dubious little person
Paddigton 2 is a combination
world to Australian culture in The soon to become The World’s
of slapstick routines that suit
Boy From Oz, uncovered the Smallest Man. The real P.T.
young children. Its cast includes
seeds of the French Revolution Barnum had a reputation as a
some of Britain’s best – Brendan
in Les Misérables and is now hoaxster but this value of the
21You can also read
