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ANGLICANNEWS a magazine for the Anglican Community of Canberra & Goulburn Vol. 37 No. 11 December 2020
Remembering Jason Page
On Wednesday afternoon, 18 God will be with his people. We will be their God and they will be 40 Days of Purpose, as well as our
November, the Reverend Jason experience a foretaste of that now my children.’ annual parish retreat.
Page, Rector of Weston, was through the Holy Spirit’s presence, Julie Mitchell, parish administrator ‘Then there were the un-planned
unexpectedly called home to God. but that time is coming when we at Weston, who had known Jason places: the local coffee shops, the
He had faithfully served the parish will walk and talk with Jesus. There’s for more than 20 years and noted squash court, the pharmacy, the
at Weston for almost 23 years. a physical reality that will flow from how Jason always made her feel receptionist at the accommodation
Bishop Mark Short said that Jason that Fatherly intimacy; that God valued and appreciated and always for Synod, the neighbours; basically
had made a significant contribution himself will wipe every tear from put people first if they popped in, anywhere, anytime Jason was up for
to the life of the Diocese. our eyes. That’s the third promise. shared in her eulogy: a chat and an opportunity to share
‘His passion for sharing the good Mourning, crying and pain, those ‘Faith with humour was Jason’s the gospel.’
news of Jesus and his concern for bleak companions of dying which style. Whether it was from the Michael McKay, long-time
the well-being of others are great drive us to tears, will be no more, pulpit, a family event, a church parishioner and friend of Jason’s,
examples for us to follow. In just because death will be no more. retreat, or down at a local shop, said: ‘His life was a demonstration
the short time since his death I’ve All of those previous promises rest Jason was never the quiet one of how Jesus could fill someone’s life.
spoken to a number of clergy who on this next one, the fourth promise, and nor did he ever find it hard He showed me that it is possible to
testify how God brought them that God will make all things new. to bring his humour or his faith bring Jesus into every conversation
encouragement through Jason’s God will redeem everything that into the conversation. He never hit in a quiet and caring, but powerful
ministry when it was most needed. was distorted and broken by human anyone over the head with the bible way. I know he loved me as a brother
We give thanks for his legacy and sinfulness and rebellion. Before (that I’m aware of but I wouldn’t in Christ, as he loved all his friends
pray for God’s blessing on all who pointing out the fifth and final put it past him to do it in jest!), and all his church family. I know
will miss him.’ promise, Bishop Ross reminded but neither did he ever miss the he loved his Lord Jesus and would
A Thanksgiving Service was held those gathered that hope is always opportunity to share the gospel. He show that to everyone he met.
at Canberra Grammar School on 28 a future orientation. We live now in had such an outgoing personality ‘Jason had a huge impact on
November. a world where memory will always that you always knew when he was people. Yesterday I heard from a
The Bishop Ross Nicholson draw us back to the brokenness, the around and had such an easy going couple of my friends, only as casual
preached the sermon, based on fallenness of the present. way about him that he made people acquaintances of Jason. One said
Revelation 21:1-7 and the future Sickness, ageing, disappointments feel at ease, especially if church was to make sure everyone knows he
hope and future life described in may shape our memories and blunt a foreign concept. had a ‘Big smile, jovial nature and
that passage. He shared that this our hopes, which is why the fifth ‘Over his almost 23 years at St welcoming heart’ and the other told
future hope comes in the form of promise of God in Revelation 21:7 Peter’s it was sharing the gospel me ‘Jason was an inspirational man
five promises. is this: of our Saviour that was foremost in such an easy going way’.
One, that there will be a new ‘To the thirsty I will give water for Jason: this was done at Sunday As Julie concluded ‘See you in
heaven and a new earth. All that is without cost from the spring of services, baptisms, weddings and heaven Jason, save me a slice of
physically broken and fallen in this the water of life. Those who are funerals and then programs like pizza’.
world will be transformed. Two, victorious will inherit all this, and I Christianity Explained, Alpha and
ANGLICANNEWS December 2020
Bishop Mark Writes ... the pursuit of truth (or our version gifting us this beautiful world then
of it) without grace can lead to by choosing and rescuing a people.
discord and disagreement. God had also revealed truth, in the
In light of our struggles these cycles of the seasons, in the depths of
words from the fourteenth verse the human conscience and through
of the first chapter of John’s gospel the prophets.
come like a gentle cooling breeze at Then at Christmas the invisible
the end of a long hot day: ‘The Word becomes visible, the word becomes
became flesh and lived among us, flesh, grace and truth are embodied
and we have seen his glory, the glory in one flawless human life. As He
as of a father’s only son, full of grace grows Jesus embodies grace in His
and truth.’ welcome of the outsider, in His care
Unlike Matthew and Luke, the for the needy and in His forgiveness
gospel of John doesn’t begin with the even in death. Jesus embodies truth
events of the first Christmas. There in teaching with authority, in His
are no angelic visitors, no heavenly critique of hypocrisy and most
choir and no baby in the manger especially in making God known.
surrounded by awestruck shepherds. The very polarities we struggle to
Instead we read a profound explain, let alone express, Jesus lives
And the Word became flesh and dwelt meditation on the significance of to perfection. Then He empowers
those events. We are reminded how us to do the same. This is the true
among us, and we have seen his glory, the Word who was with God, indeed wonder of Christmas. The God who
glory as of the only Son from the Father, who was God, came into the world
that had come into being through
comes to be with us in the manger,
gives Himself for us on the cross so
full of grace and truth. Him. We recall how in doing so He that He might be in us by the Spirit.
shone bright light into our dreary Growing as gracious, truthful
John 1:14 (ESV) darkness. We are told that He reveals people is a journey that lasts a
God’s grace and truth, not grace or lifetime. It begins with a simple act
truth but grace and truth. of trust in the One who showed the
It’s not that the grace of God or the way for us. Monica and I pray that
truth of God were unknown before this Christmas your celebrations and
Christmas. For millennia God had your lives may be full of the grace
poured grace into creation, first by and truth of Jesus.
Image by Kristina Paukshtite on pexels.com
Sometimes we struggle to know authority and there’ll be no end of
how to pursue two good goals debates about how to balance them
simultaneously. with each other.
Take, for example, the yearning Or we might consider a passion for
for freedom and the desire to be truth and a desire to be gracious. At
safe. Both are important to us, but worst, seeking grace without truth
throw in a pandemic, the internet can result in silence or acquiescence
and a dose of scepticism towards in the face of evil. On the other hand
Clergy Moves
The Reverend Dr Ben Edwards was elected by his peers as the next Area
Dean Central Canberra (3.12.2020) Anglican Church seeks input from survivors of
The Reverend Gavin Krebs has been appointed Rector, Woden, and will
be inducted into that role on Tuesday 11 February 2021 at 6.00pm at St
domestic and family violence
People who have experienced violence from an intimate partner
Alban’s Woden.
(domestic violence) and also have a current or previous link with the
The Reverend Lynda McMinn resigned as Area Dean Central Canberra Anglican Church are being invited to contribute to a research project to
(3.12.2020). help improve the Church’s policy and practices.
The Reverend Peter Hayes has been licensed priest Locum, West Goulburn, An anonymous online survey contains questions about demographics
taking Sunday services and providing pastoral care as required. (such as age and gender), personal experiences of intimate partner
violence and the ways in which the Anglican Church featured in each
AnglicanNews person’s story. A small number of people will also be selected for in-
Editor: Alison Payne Address: GPO Box 1981, Canberra, ACT 2601
depth face-to-face interviews if willing.
Phone: 02 6245 7154 Advertising: enquiries to the editor. The survey is available here: surveys.ncls.org.au/NAFVP/experience
Email: alison.payne@anglicands.org.au ISSN 2207-6484 The Anglican Family Violence Working Group has engaged NCLS
Articles for each edition need to be submitted by the 25th day of the previous month.
Research to undertake the research which is titled the National Anglican
The Anglican News welcomes contributions of up to 600 words that highlight Family Violence Project. There are three studies that make up the project.
ministry and mission initiatives across the Diocese or explore new ways of engaging More information can be found online:
a world of difference with the love and truth of Jesus.
• About the Family Violence Working Group: https://anglican.org.
Any statements or opinions expressed in articles published in this newspaper are au/our-work/family-violence/
attributed to the identified author and are not necessarily endorsed by or representative
of the Diocese or its officers. • About the research project: http://ncls.org.au/research/NAFVP
2 anglicancg.org.au
ANGLICANNEWS December 2020
Ascension Day – from April 4 to
May 13. During this time members
of the Diocese will be encouraged to
seek power for mission by engaging
with God in prayer. The Reverend
Steve Nation has been engaged
by the Bishop’s Office to prepare
resources for this season. Steve has
already written an excellent resource
in the book A Call to Extraordinary
Prayer: Recharging your Prayer Life
through the Book of Acts (Christian
Focus Publications, 2017).
3 The third season, of mission,
will be from Pentecost and
beyond – from May 23 until
Jesus returns! During this time
GOOD THINGS members of the Diocese will be
encouraged to engage in God’s
CAN BE EVEN BETTER mission by sharing the love and truth
of Jesus. Bishop Mark and the Roman
WHEN WE DO THEM Catholic Archbishop of Canberra-
Goulburn, Christopher Prowse, have
commissioned a team to facilitate
TOGETHER the uptake of Alpha courses across
our churches as one expression of
Image by Alexis Brown on Unsplash.com our desire to reach people for Jesus.
Good things can be even better understand their setting for mission with First Peoples, inequality, Bishop Mark says details of further
when we do them together. by engaging with Scripture. The climate change, refugees and activities will be made available as
Next year, our Diocese will be Diocesan Public Issues Commission asylum seekers. The study booklet the year unfolds. ‘We will be working
participating together in three has prepared a set of studies for can be downloaded electronically to share resources and ideas as
seasons of focussed engagement this purpose. God of Compassion free of charge or ordered in hard widely as possible, recognising that
to help us better understand is a six-week study which looks copy for a small fee at www. Parishes, ministry units, schools and
our shared call to mission. at what God has to tell us about anglicancg.org.au/our-diocese/ agencies will also develop their own
1 The first season, of study, will
take place during Lent – from
February 17 to March 29.
compassion in the public sphere: for
those in our parish, in our Anglican
communion, nationally and inter-
governance/bishop-in-council/
public-issues-commission/god-
of-compassion-a-lenten-journey.
initiatives. Please join with me in
praying that we will be strengthened
by the Holy Spirit to glorify our
During this time members of the
Diocese will be encouraged to
generationally. Some key themes
include: aged care, reconciliation 2 The second season, of
prayer, will be from Easter to
God and Saviour in all that we do.’
WAGGA WAGGA FRIENDS HOST THEIR OWN FUND-RAISER LUNCH Colin Rush. COVID restrictions
placed limits on attendance, but in
the end 18 were entertained. It was
‘touch and go’ with the weather at
first, with people spread throughout
the lounge, dining and family rooms
for drinks, nibbles and conversation.
Then, although clouds still hovered,
the sun shone through at times,
so all moved out to the rear Patio
overlooking the garden for Pizza,
more drinks, entertainment, cakes
and caffeine.
The entertainment, well, it had a
sort of religious link, and the poems
An advertisement appeared in the organised an event which, in short ranged across topics including,
latest Newsletter from Friends of St was called, ‘The Four P’s’, but in full, ‘Not Bloody Golf Again’, ‘A Bush
Saviours Cathedral, which was an better described as, ‘A Pizza, Patty Christening’, ‘Husbands’ and ‘The
‘Invitation to a Soup and Sandwich Cake, Plonk and Poetry Luncheon’. Revolt of the Lawnmowers’.
Lunch that Isn’t’. The Soup and Husbands Wes Campbell and Takings for the event were
Sandwich Lunch has been an annual Colin Rush also got involved; Wes supplemented through sales at a
fund raising event for the Friends, providing transport, photography small Trading Table which Ruth Reverend Colin Rush reciting poetry
but this year COVID restrictions put skills and support in the patty cake and Elaine had set up. When the
You can find out more about the
a stop to it. The advertisement was manufacture, while Colin thought it guests had departed, happy and
Friends of St Saviour's Cathedral
an invitation for individual ‘friends’ was easier to provide the plonk and well satisfied in all departments, the
and how you can be involved on
to host functions of their own. poetry rather than walk to Goulburn amount deposited in The Friends of
the Cathedral website at:
In response, two friends of St for a second time. St Saviour’s Cathedral Bank Account
https://www.goulburncathe-
Saviour’s from Wagga Wagga, The Luncheon was held on Saturday was $550.00. Not a bad effort!
dral.org.au/friends-cathedral-0
Elaine Campbell and Ruth Rush, 24 October at the home of Ruth and by Reverend Colin Rush
3
ANGLICANNEWS December 2020
DEACON PROFILE - SARAH PLUMMER and in international community
development. I have sat on national
and international boards learning
from some amazing men and
women. It is truly incredible when
you trust in the Lord with all your
heart and lean not on your own
understanding, but acknowledge the
Lord in all of your ways so he will
make your path straight.
It has been a great privilege to see
how God works in us and though
us for his glory, even despite of us. I
have so many stories of what God is
doing around New South Wales and
the ACT in Anglicare, so it is hard to
know which ones to share. I learnt as
an 18-year-old that a childlike faith
BY REVEREND SARAH PLUMMER in Christ will look to God’s people,
but a mature faith in Christ will look
In May I was appointed Executive in times of grief and loss through my very first activity as a deacon to Christ and Christ alone. So I like
Manager for Mission and Training embracing ministries. Or the work was giving my deepest apologies to ask God to ‘fix my eyes on things
with Anglicare (NSW South, West & of the Reverend Peter Malone who to the Archbishop. The front page above’, so God’s will may be done
ACT), responsible for overseeing all co-ordinates our Chaplaincy Area of the Telegraph read ‘Bride of on earth as it is in Heaven. God’s
induction, formal training, mission and serves in Anglicare Retirement Christ & Bride of Craig – Sarah’s righteousness in all things, including
formation and chaplaincy within Living caring and supporting others double wedding’. My ordination justice and truth, be revealed in all
Anglicare. My role also includes through the COVID isolation. and wedding were one week apart. circumstances; God’s love pervade
engaging with parishes in the He has gently gathered the key Nothing like starting off your public my heart so that it directs what I see
Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn. chaplaincy frameworks and models ministry with messaging around and moves me to act to enrich and
Six months into my new role and that exist within Anglicare ministries perceived polygamy by a reporter. empower others.
it has flown. It is a real privilege to to inform the future directions for I was taught from a very young Our work in Anglicare is messy.
see the way parishes and Anglicare Anglicare Chaplaincy. age to be a bridge-builder between It's done with a posture of walking
partner together for those in need Each of our chaplains are bridge- the Church and the community; alongside and listening to hard
in their communities. Recently I builders into their communities. how to lovingly and prayerfully things that can stretch you, but,
have heard of an incredible Canoe They are amazing servants of Jesus support anyone who may choose to oh, what joy when you see the
project the Reverend Michael who deeply care for others around encounter the other. I have worked transformative work of God’s love
Palmer, Anglicare’s rural chaplain on them. They create connections and in schools, in hospitals, in aged care and care upon one life.
the far South Coast, is doing. He is bridges between groups of people to
an amazing catalyst of connections widen the safety net of care around
with the indigenous community, the people. They are enriched by the
naval community and the local high person and work of Jesus and that
school. The Eden Canoe Project has love shines through their words,
enriched the lives of local Aboriginal deeds and emotions.
students giving them greater We are very conscious of the
connection to Country and greater needs families and individuals are
feelings of identity and self-worth. already expressing leading into the
Building, painting, and paddling Christmas season. A mother with
the canoes has allowed them to five children burst into tears after
tap into unique creativity and picking up some food and being
spirituality that bonds them with offered a small target voucher to
the land and with each other. The purchase some toys for her children.
project also enhanced the practical, Helping your unknown mate or
organisational and teamwork skills fellow person who exists on ‘country’
of the students – skills which they with you is somehow now palatable
can carry with them into their after COVID. We have had a shared
further tertiary studies. pain, a shared story, a shared
In Orange, I heard of the huge need challenge and so many families are Eddie Woo is back for Life@Work Conference in 2021!
for emergency food relief as supplies now finding they are in economic Register now to hear Eddie Woo, Dr Jenny George, Rev
are likely to run out in March next crises like never before.
year. Our Anglicare rural chaplain This is a deacon’s calling and
Dr Sam Chan, Stephen McAlpine, plus other workers
in the central-west, Barry Porter, promise; to live out the word of just like you, as we consider the topic Under Pressure:
shared with me that Anglicare is the Christ and life of Christ to the glory The blessing of facing the squeeze in the workplace. Your
only agency left in some areas doing of Christ for the benefit of others in conference ticket includes full-conference stream, plus
food relief for families in need. the community. I have been serving
Conference Pack which will be mailed to you (so be sure to
I have had the privilege of hearing the body of Christ in Anglican
beautiful stories from the Reverend parishes for just over 30 years. The leave your address when you register).
Andrea de Vaal Horciu about the joy and challenge of the diaconate is And as a special bonus, register before December 31 and
palliative children with disabilities that the ministry pathway is always get your ticket for the early bird price of just $25.
and how their families are supported unique to each deacon. I recall https://plus.citybibleforum.org/civicrm-event/2437
4 anglicancg.org.au
ANGLICANNEWS December 2020
HOW A UNIVErsITY reSIDENTIAL COLLEGE FARED DURING coVID
others are doing grain receivals at undergraduate Social Work students
the grain silos. Others are in retail has just presented at a National
– Bunnings, Boost Juice etc. Some Health Conference (by zoom) on a
are working in Vet clinics. Nursing new initiative in TeleHealth.
students are finding work in Aged St Martin’s is a vibrant community
Care. A few students have returned that unobtrusively encourages faith
home to farms, a few are doing and whole-person development in
catch-up placements because of a supportive and pastorally-rich
COVID-19 restrictions (in places environment.
like piggeries, dairy farms etc) and Check out the website at www.
our performing arts students have stmartinscollege.org or take the
put on a production. Animators aerial drone tour of the College at
are finding work on projects and https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Oe
our international PhD students are HHwpl6NbPOO8M8obvpqqtXdNB
continuing their diverse research XCAJ_/view?usp=sharing
work in exotic areas including Applications are on the website
dung beetles, micronutrients, and and are now open for 2021.
environmental sciences. One of our by Bill Anscombe
St Martin’s College is welcoming ‘What I value most about St Martin’s
new students studying at Charles College is the family environment.
Sturt University Wagga Wagga This enabled me to make a smooth
campus and students studying transition into university life and has
medicine through UNSW at Wagga given me the opportunity to make
Wagga Campus. St Martin’s College many lifelong friends.
had its origin in the Riverina ‘The advice that I would give
Diocese and the Canberra-Goulburn to future students is to immerse
Diocese in 1992 and has since grown yourself within the community and
to a 98-bed college (12 x 8-bedroom step out of your own comfort zone!
cottages, a 2-bedroom flat and the This will allow you to have many
chapel) that surrounds the centrally- opportunities opened up to you as
located Fairfax Community Centre well as give you the chance to make
(affectionately known as ‘the Fax’). your university experience the best it
Community, inclusion of all, can be!’
support, care and excellence are at Romy, a Vet Science student going
the heart of all the College does. into Third Year, commented:
2020 has been a difficult year for all ‘Despite the lack of people on
people. The College saw its numbers campus, the few that stuck around
drop on 30 March 2020 from about during COVID became the many,
80 students to 10 students as a result and life went on. I think we probably
of the COVID-19 pandemic and the spent more time with other college
decision on the University to close students than normal, given that we
its campuses and go on-line for were all confined to our rooms for
all of session 1 and all of session 2 online lectures and there were few
(for most students). It is ‘return to other excuses to leave the house than
normal’ for the University in January to play some backyard cricket with
2021. And more than 40 returning the neighbours.
students are looking forward to that. ‘Being on campus is a no brainer,
So how did they manage 2020? especially in first year, because you
Meg from Milthorpe, in her third only have to walk 5-10 minutes
year of a four-year social work to your lectures. Within walking
course, writes: distance there is also the pool and
‘I have had the pleasure of being gym too for the sports enthusiasts.
a Residential Advisor at St Martin’s Life at Martie's is great because you
College in 2020. Though this year get to know the other students really
was difficult we continued to host well, and you'll probably spend a
events, whether virtual or in- lot of time in each other’s cottages
person, with students, according sharing dinner and studying
to restrictions and guidelines. The together in what can feel like a
current pandemic did not limit the family home.
spirit of the St Martin’s community ‘I value the shared space that we
as we all worked to adapt to ensure have within the college, including
we could still connect with each the outdoor and indoor area of the
other. Fairfax Centre, which we can use at
‘St Martin’s is such a warm and our leisure to study/relax/cook or
inclusive community where students just have a nap.’
can make lifelong friends. It is an In the summer break, the diverse
environment that fosters growth interests continue. Josh and Seb
whether that is socially, academically are out doing contract grain
or professionally. harvesting over summer and two
5
ANGLICANNEWS December 2020
CGGS STUDENTS VOLUNTEER WITH EMBRACING MINISTRIES this experience allowed me to see
the beauty that each child holds no
matter their ability.’ – Sahaana
‘Words cannot justify how grateful
I am for the opportunity to partake
in such a wonderful form of service.
It was certainly a week filled with
memories I will cherish forever.
Every child was so special in their
own ways and it was incredible to
have the opportunity to get to know
them. Seeing the smiles when we
were pushing kids on the swing,
the dancing during the drumming
workshop and the joy that filled the
room when we were stomping on
bubbles were just a few of the small
moments that reminded me how
BY REVEREND JENNY WILLSHER truly lucky I was to have met these
beautiful children.’ – Sophie
During the October holidays them to social contact outside of was one of the most eye-opening ‘Every day volunteering with
this year, several year 10 students their school and family. experiences in my life – building Embracing Ministries is a learning
from Canberra Girls Grammar The CGGS School students a bond with a unique bunch of experience, whether it be getting to
School took part in a volunteering volunteered as mentors for this children who were each beautifully know one of the kids more closely,
opportunity with Embracing program. This included running different in their own way.’ – Riya learning ASL, or learning to use a
Ministries. activities each day, looking after ‘The program highlighted that a pod. As well as learning new things,
Embracing Ministries, an initiative the children, but most of all being person living with a disability is not we also had a lot of fun, whether it
of the Anglican Church of Canberra a mentor to the children, having defined by their disability, they are a was pushing the kids on the swings
and Goulburn, aims to support fun with them and ensuring they human being with their own ideas or doing music together. While
families with youth and children had the best possible experience and thoughts and, if people take there were some bumps in the
affected by disabilities. Additionally, on the program. All the girls who the time to listen, these children road occasionally, I wouldn’t trade
they aim to educate Christian people volunteered as part of the program could educate people around them this experience for anything, as it’s
about the societal need for inclusion found it extremely rewarding and and change society for the better.’ – certainly one of the best I’ve ever
for such families, in particular describe their individual experiences Catherine had, and I can’t wait to help out
inclusion in their parishes and in the statements below. ‘My time with the kids allowed me again next year. I’m forever grateful
Christian community groups. ‘I particularly enjoyed getting to to apply my communication skills to have spent this time with all these
The holiday program provided know the children on the program in ways I never have done before wonderful children, and hope that
by Embracing Ministries aims to and learnt about how important such as learning and using Auslan they got just as much out of it as I
provide youth and children affected inclusiveness for all children was. and a POD. Though this holiday know I did.’ – Anneliese
by disabilities unique and fun Even though the program only lasted program came with many challenges
experiences, as well as exposing for a week, I can happily say that it that I have not faced before, overall
AN ANNIVERSARY AND AN OPENING IN SOUTH WAGGA and gave our hall a face-lift, God and Father your work produced
including a new meeting room and by faith, your labour prompted by
storage cupboards. love, and your endurance inspired
During a speech, the Reverend by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.’
Scott Goode spoke about our church by Reverend Scott Goode
buildings as our 'family home' in
which we invest so we can see God
grow His family.
No sooner had this event finished,
and Bishop Mark began officiating
at his first of four weekend services
where we gave thanks and celebrated
our five year anniversary.
The last five years have been a
challenging but wonderful story
of welcome, shared ministry, new
Dr Joe McGirr State Member for Wagga, Dr Stuart Gamble Chair of Parish initiatives and outreach.
Council and Facilities Committee, Bishop Mark, Mr Peter Caspersonn Chair of The weekend finished with a
Grants Team, Mr Charles Merrett Project Manager, Rev Scott Goode Rector Baptism and Confirmation service
During November South Wagga opening of the newly refurbished St where six people publicly declared
Anglican celebrated the five-year Paul's hall and amenities – the result their faith in Christ. The theme of
anniversary of the amalgamation of of a NSW Government Stronger the weekend was from Paul's letter
St Alban's Kooringal and St Paul's Country Community Funds grant. to the Thessalonians (1:2-3): ‘We
Turvey Park. Bishop Mark and This updated our 1962 facilities to always thank God for all of you ...We
Monica joined us for the official modern ground-access amenities continually remember before our
6 anglicancg.org.au
ANGLICANNEWS December 2020
A YEAR AFTER THE FIRES art and sculpture exhibition, and
initiatives such as Rising from the
Ashes in Milton are examples of
local communities working together
to express themselves and their
experiences through the various
mediums of the arts. Some people
are creating objects of art from
remnants found after the fires to
truly bring beauty out of ashes.
As much of the landscape begins to
bring forth new life and the colours
return, the flowers blossom, the
crops are ready to harvest and the
birds and the wildlife start to return,
there are signs of renewed hope and
for many there lies new fervour to
conserve and protect what remains.
BY REVEREND SARAH PLUMMER AND JANICE ACKLAND The shared experiences of the
past year have brought some
A critical question we need to opportunities for people to feel coming together to share stories and communities closer together as they
ask about this year’s catastrophic heard, supported and not alone. to remember. continue to build on the bonding
bushfires is this: What is the best Listening empathetically to a Yet not necessarily everyone who that fighting for survival brought
type of long-term spiritual and person’s story gives that person has endured the trauma of the past for them, an RFS chief in one
pastoral care we can offer people and the opportunity to process what year wants to or is able to endure the community told me very recently.
their communities over the years to has, and continues to, happen for pain of remembering. Pastorally and Other communities may not yet be
come. them and to make sense of their prayerfully, there are opportunities at that point, such is the extent of
We have communities of walking experience. It gives reassurance to to get alongside those who seek the their loss and grief and the delays in
wounded in our midst. We have the person and helps them in their enabling of someone who will listen, recovery due to sometimes multiple
experienced some of the worst understanding. This is hard work who will support them through their reasons. For some the strain has
fires we have ever seen as well as and, like any grief, there is no fixed journey of grief, of the kaleidoscope become unbearable, with couples
drought, flood and then the COVID timeline – ‘it takes time and there of emotions that come with such and families now dealing with
Pandemic. There have been so many are good days when you feel like you trauma, and assist them to more fractured relationships in the midst
external factors out of our control, is are moving towards recovery and fully process their experiences in a of trauma. Sadly, some families have
it any wonder that we are seeing so other days when you are feeling like sensitive and non-judgmental way. relocated out of their communities as
much stress in individuals, parishes you are going backwards. While the Gentle, gentle is the pace and nature paperwork and insurance decisions
and our communities. process of recovery may be long and of this journey for the wounds are so have left them unable to rebuild.
As Christian communities of painful, many people are able to use deep. I pray for compassion and wisdom
faith in the midst of this Christmas the experience to grow. People often Some people are ready to deal for us all as we move together
season, it is an opportune time to feel they come out of a traumatic with and process their trauma from towards recovery and renewal.
reflect on the God who came to us in experience with a stronger belief in the fires in positive ways. Many are Please continue to uphold our
our deepest need; on the God who themselves, with improved social actively engaging in the creative affected communities, our clergy,
beckons us to walk alongside others relationships, benefits in personal space and stories are being told pastoral care workers and Anglicare
in the mess of life to be a source of [and spiritual] growth and life through extraordinary artworks, staff still caring for the needs of
love and peace. It is important to priorities.’ (Taking Care of Yourself craft, poetry, music, prayers or those affected.
consider – what is the most helpful and Families, 2010, Beyond Blue, pp gardening. We invite you to continue to pray
way we can walk alongside those 107&109.) Recent exhibitions I (Janice) this prayer, written by Dean Andreas
who are wounded so that it brings For the professional carers, our have been deeply moved by in the Loewe, uttered at St Paul’s Cathedral
small glimpses of healing and hope? clergy, pastoral carers and bushfire Eurobodalla include Postcards early Jan this year by the Anglican
The impact of the 2019-2020 Bush recovery staff in Anglicare, burn from the Fire held in Mogo and Primate of Australia, Melbourne
Fires continues to be evident on so out and compassion fatigue is very now showing in Batemans Bay, Archbishop Philip Freier.
many levels. The huge disruption to common and poses a threat to our the Creative Arts Batemans Bay
so many people’s lives has taken an well-being. Emotional exhaustion
Almighty God and heavenly Father, we pray for this world that you love
enormous toll on mental health and can creep up unexpectedly. so much
well-being. Strong and independent Vicarious trauma can stop us in our that you sent your Son Jesus to be born as the child of Bethlehem:
communities have faced the worst tracks unless we recognise it and We pray for the safety of those sheltering from fires and those fighting fires,
and been crippled in many ways, in acknowledge it. So caring for oneself for livestock, native animals, paddocks, bushlands and sacred places.
losses experienced by individuals, and each other is vital. Practising We remember our own loved ones and those who are dear to us facing this
families and as community. kindness and compassion and being crisis.
Surviving has been a challenge ready to receive it is a gift. We pray for those tending to the injured, the frightened and the broken-
hearted,
for many financially as well as The media is reminding us of the for emergency services, emergency broadcasters, chaplains and
emotionally, physically, mentally year that was, and yet our minds and counsellors.
and spiritually. Everybody’s story bodies do not fit in this construct. We ask for your forgiveness for our own failures in safeguarding your
is different and unique although Time has paused; for some time good creation,
there are many threads that connect has stopped. Some are not ready to and pray for political and community leaders, and all those responding
us and that seem to help to build consider it has been a year. You may to the current crisis in our nation.
strength and resilience and, most be a member of your community Above all, we pray the peace that passes all understanding,
in our nation and state, in our homes and in our hearts.
importantly, hope for the future. trying to work out what to do for This we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Mental Health support through each other. It is a stark reminder
(https://www.anglicanprimate.org.au/2020/01/02/a-prayer-amidst-bushfires/)
many agencies has offered of the need for that connectedness,
7
ANGLICANNEWS December 2020
DRIVE SAFELY THIS CHRISTMAS - ADS FLEET ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE
notices related to speeding, when issued with a 10-demerit-
red lights and the use of a point loss during a recent NSW
mobile phone whilst driving. double-demerit point period.
For an example, the use So our simple message to
of a mobile phone (whilst everyone is to please travel
driving) carries a penalty of safely and pay attention while
five demerit points and a $349 you are on the roads, as the best
fine ($464 in a school zone). Christmas present you can give
The penalty increases to 10 your loved ones and friends is to
demerit points during double- arrive safely at your destination.
demerit periods, which one of Trevor Ament
our drivers recently found out Chief Executive Officer, ADS
Recent ADS Fleet infringement photos showing mobile phone use infringements
With Christmas fast increase in the number of traffic
approaching and everyone’s infringements and damaged
focus being on work, the vehicles, which are reflective
coming holiday period and of simple mistakes and poor
time/celebrations spent with choices. We all understand
family and friends, we thought it there can be significant
was important to send a simple ramifications for what seem
message about travelling safely. trivial traffic infringements,
We all know the Christmas to such as speeding, running a
New Year period is extremely red light or accepting a call
busy with so many people on your mobile while driving.
on the roads travelling to By way of background, since
their holiday destinations. April 2020 the ADS Fleet has
ADS Fleet has noticed a recent received 28 infringement
Please forward this Anglican News to anyone who might like to receive it. If you would like to subscribe to receive
the Anglican News electronically please send an email to: alison.payne@anglicands.org.au
God of Compassion:
A LENTEN JOURNEY
Diocesan Lenten Study for 2021
By the Public Issues Commission
Foreword by Bishop Mark
Supported by Anglicare
A six-week study which looks at
what God has to tell us about
compassion in the public sphere.
Travel with Jesus to the cross who,
in his life, death and resurrection,
reminded us of the priorities of God:
justice, mercy and compassion for those we don't know
or don't understand, poured out on those who have been marginalised,
the hurt and forgotten, the proud and foolish, those who have and those who do not.
The Lenten Studies will challenge us to think about our circles of care, and hopefully to enlarge them a little.
Available online (https://anglicancg.org.au/news-and-events/publications/) and in booklet form in early November.
8 anglicancg.org.au
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