The Gippsland Anglican

The upside-down

challenge page 2

Declaration

Day page 3

Prayer vigil for refugees

page 5

Youth ministry summit page 6

TheAnglicanVolume 111, Number 3, April 2014 Published in Gippsland Diocese since 1904

A month of smoke

and ash page 5

Conscience to the nation, page 11

Gippsland

John Fenton – Against fracking

Fire at Hazelwood coal mine close to Morwell – see page 5

Photos courtesy of Lock the Gate

John Fenton, a farmer who has 24 gas wells on his property in Pavilion, Wyoming, in the United States, spoke to a crowd of 200 at the Rosedale Mechanics

Institute on Friday 7th March. He described the methane contamination of water on his farm, and other impacts of the !"#$%&'(#)$*+,-$,-&$./0$"(1+#+2!$"!"+2#,$(3+24+2!$,-&$5",&36$the mining companies now truck in clean water. Fenton has become an antifracking activist, and has been on a speaking tour of the eastern states of Australia.Meanwhile, Mirboo North recently declared itself coal and

coal seam gas free. (See story on page 3.)

TGA

The Gippsland Anglican April 2014

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The Gippsland Anglican!"#!$%&!'()*"+,!newspaper of and is published byThe Anglican Diocese of Gippsland,

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www.gippsanglican.org.au

Editor: Jan DownTel: 0407 614 661

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The editor reserves the right of )-+,! *%'"*&! +-.! ('/0+$! '(! 0+$&/"+,!included in each issue. The Gippsland Anglican and the editor cannot necessarily verify any material used in this publication. Views contained in submitted material are those of conributors.

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TheAnglicanGippsland

IndexAgainst fracking 1

Letter from the bishop 2

Declaration Day 3

Tenth annual quilt show 4

Kidsplus+ camp 4

Open doors and 4 celebrations

A month of smoke 5 and ash

Prayer vigil for refugees 5

World Thinking Day 5

Youth and family 6 ministry summit

Farewell Camille 7

Welcome to my place 7

Parish picnic 7

From the schools 8

Look out for God 9

New citizens 9

Our response to 10 asylum seekers

From the editor 10

Conscience to the nation 11 Discipline leads to joy 12 Diocesan calendar 12

5%That’s the interest you can earn when you deposit your money with

the Anglican Development Fund (A.D.F.) for the Diocese of Gippsland.

Enjoy good rates of interest on your deposit. Current interest rates

for deposits with the A.D.F.

• 3.75% At Call • 4.75% Term Deposits to $20,000 • 5.00% Term Deposits $20,000+We’ll make your money work in low risk investment opportunities,

!"#$%&'(%)*&+)!,#-*.)/012)'(*#)*&+)3'#1+.+)*#).+,4+)*&+)5'..'#( of the Church here in Gippsland.

What a great opportunity to Save with your deposit and serve the

church at the same time.

Consider also that there are No Fees or Charges to operate your Account with the A.D.F. It’s all part of our free and friendly service.

So, here is your opportunity to learn the art of Giving while Receiving.

Give us a call on (03) 5144 2044 or write to The Registrar at P O Box 928, Sale, 3850,

or you can drop in to the Diocesan Registry at 453 Raymond Street,

Sale for an Application Form to open an account with the ADF.

Note: Neither the Anglican Diocese of Gippsland nor the Anglican Development Fund – Gippsland is prudentially supervised by APRA. Contributions to the Fund do not obtain the 7&2&%,$89$(&:8#+,83$:38,&;,+82$:381+#+82#$89$,-&$<"24+2!$0;,$=>?>)

Bishop John McIntyre

In the game of life, the resurrection is not just a gamechanger but the

gamebreaker. It is the moment that breaks life open in a way that means absolutely nothing will ever be the same "!"+2)$ .1&3@$ "#:&;,$ 89$ '+9&$is irreversibly transformed because Christ is risen. The world is turned upsidedown, or to quote Jesus, from now 82$ A,-&$ %3#,$ "3&$ '"#,$ "2($ ,-& '"#,$%3#,B)$C-&#&$ "3&$ %2&$ 583(#$ "2($

%2&$ #&2,+D&2,#$ 7E,$ (8$ 5& really shape our whole lives in the light of the lifechanging reality of resurrection? That is ,-&$;-"''&2!&$,-",$."#,&3$-8'(#$out before us. Are our values shaped by the upsidedown 3&"'+,@$,-",$+#$"9%3D&($7@$F8($

in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead? I ask myself this question as much as I put it before anyone else.C-&$ 3&#E33&;,+82$ +#$ F8(B#$

“Yes” to Jesus in life and in death, and to all that he said "2($ (+()$ G,$ +#$ ,-&$ "9%3D",+82$that in Jesus we see what it is ,8$7&$ 9E''@$-ED"2$ 938D$F8(B#$point of view. Whereas with merely human eyes we may see H&#E#B$(&",-$"#$"$#+!2$89$9"+'E3&6$the resurrection tells us that +2$F8(B#$ &@&#6$ H&#E#$ '+1&($ '+9&$as God wants life to be lived.

The resurrection raises up Jesus as the epitome of human '+9&6$ "9%3D&($ "2($ &I"',&($ 7@$God. His life is the pattern of life for each of us, together and in our lives as individuals. To be fully human, is to live in the imitation of Christ.The starting point for this

life of imitation is to walk humbly in grace before God out of love for God. That we do this truly is demonstrated in the way in which we walk humbly in grace before each other and all whom we meet, out of love for each other. As it was for Jesus, this is most potently demonstrated when

we love those from whom we are most distant and who may even cause us harm. Jesus calls us to love our enemies.This is the upsidedown

challenge of the resurrection. It #,"2(#$+2$(+3&;,$;82J+;,$5+,-$"$world shaped by commitments which arise out of our loyalties to just about anything other ,-"2$ '81+2!$ 8E3$ &2&D+&#)$ <@$those loyalties, we so easily justify why, when it comes to some people, we feel no responsibility at all to walk humbly in grace before them and with love for them. Tragically this is

sometimes as true within our churches, families and communities as it is for those who in our minds are so far off they do not even register as having a call on our compassion or our concern for justice.."#,&3$ +#$ ;&3,"+2'@$

worth celebrating, for in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead lies the "##E3"2;&$ 89$ F8(B#$gracious love for us, even though it is our wrongdoing that puts Jesus on the cross. At the same time, it lays before us an awesome challenge, in the real sense of

that now often overused word (awesome). It is the challenge to live in love for all and any, beginning with those least likely, and to act in grace and with humility before them. KE((&2'@$ ,-&$ ."#,&3$

challenge looks bigger and -"3(&3$ ,-"2$ +,$ D"@$ ",$ %3#,$appear. Thank God we go on ,-&$."#,&3$L8E32&@$+2$,-&$:85&3$89$F8(B#$K:+3+,)

Letter from the Bishop

The upsidedown challenge

Every aspect of life is

irreversibly transformed

because Christ is risen.

TGA

The Rev. Geoff Pittaway, 3&;,83$ 89$ K,)$ M"3@B#$Mirboo North, added a

N-3+#,+"2$ 18+;&$ ",$ ,-&$ ,852B#$Declaration Day when he spoke ,8$ OPP$ :&8:'&$ ",$<"38D+$/"34$about the dangers of mining coal seam gas in Gippsland.Geoff told the crowd on

Q&73E"3@$ >R$ SG,B#$ F8(B#$ &"3,-$and we need to be responsible stewards of the resources God has given us, including the beauty and the amenity of the place”. He also thanked the committee of the community group, Coal and Coal Seam Gas Free Mirboo North, for their hard work. They have been meeting regularly in K,)$ M"3@B#$ N-E3;-$ T"''$ 983$some time.F&899$ #"+($ ,-",$ -&$ 5"#2B,$

representing the church – St. M"3@B#$(8&#2B,$-"1&$"2$&I:'+;+,$position on the issue – but he agreed to speak so as to put a Christian perspective on it.Other speakers on the day

included Councillor Don Hill, local organic dairy farmers, "2($3&:3&#&2,",+1&#$89$F"#%&'($Free Seaspray.Prior to Declaration Day,

CSG Free Mirboo North had doorknocked and taken petitions around the town.

They claim that 96.6% of the townspeople are against coal and coal seam gas.The Declaration document

was delivered to the South Gippsland Shire Council in the week following Declaration Day, but it remains to be seen what impact the declaration has. F&899B#$ E2(&3#,"2(+2!$ +#$

that the Council is sympathetic, but does not have any power to stop the mining companies. The Council can represent the views of the local people to the Victorian government, but he says it will be “up to the government to stop it”.He says the declaration

will soon be tested, because a mining company is reportedly intending to test in areas including Seaspray and Mirboo North. There are currently &I:'83",+82$ '+;&2;&#$ 983$ ;8"'$seam gas covering the whole of Mirboo North. Geoff thinks that the issue “will come to a head eventually”.Phil Piper, a member of

the committee for CSG Free Mirboo North, says that legally, the Declaration has no power. He argues, however, that what the mining companies want is “a social licence”, and he claims that the Declaration has the power to take away that social licence.Phil said that typically a

mining company would go into a town and try to build goodwill by donating money U$983$&I"D:'&6$S,8$"$;-E3;-$83$a footy club”. He said that a farmer has the right to say no to a mining company that wants to drill on their land, but the company can then go to VCAT and VCAT is very likely to let the mining company go ahead. However “[the companies] are reticent to do that because

of the adverse publicity they would get”.Suzanne Wightman, an

organic dairy farmer from Mirboo North, argues that the Declaration and the work of CSG Free Mirboo North are worthwhile because it is all happening early enough. She compares South Gippsland to Queensland, where the mining companies came into farms and had wells sunk before farmers understood the implications. <@$ ,-&2$ +,$ 5"#$ ,88$ '",&$ ,8 stop them.Suzanne also said that the

Declaration will “hopefully encourage other towns to do the same thing,” adding “I would encourage everyone to use their voice – sign a petition, talk to your neighbours, be informed. .1&3@82&$ 2&&(#$ ,8 be informed.”For Suzanne, being

an organic dairy farmer means that coal seam gas wells on her property ;8E'($ -"1&$ %2"2;+"'$+D:'+;",+82#)$ SG9$ ,-&3&B#$any contamination, I lose D@$ ;&3,+%;",+82V$ ,-&3&983&$I lose the premium that I get paid for my milk”. However, she said that being organic was not the primary issue for her. She would still be involved in the movement to stop CSG mining and would care about

the issue whether her farm was organic or not. Her hope is that the mining companies will “get ,+3&($89$%!-,+2!$"2($!8$"5"@W)Phil Piper argues that coal

seam gas is inappropriate not just because of the impact it has on farming. He said “At ,-&$ &2($ 89$ ,-&$ ("@6$ +,B#$ 82'@$a bandaid, because what we should really be focussing on are cleaner, lesspolluting forms of energy such as wind power or solar. The technology is here but we have these (+28#"E3$ +2(E#,3+&#$ ,-",$ (82B,$want to change”. He claims that although some people say gas is cleaner than coal, what ,-&@$(82B,$,"4&$+2,8$";;8E2,$+#$,-&$5-8'&$:38;&##$89$&I,3";,+2!$

+,$ 938D$ ,-&$ !"#%&'(#)$ T&$ #"@#$that there are leakages, and when methane goes into the air, it is far worse than burning coal, in terms of greenhouse gases.The state government has

imposed a moratorium on fracking while the process is under investigation. However the Gas Task Force, an initiative of former Premier C&($<"+''+&E6$-"#$3&;8DD&2(&($that the ban on fracking be lifted and that the government support the industry. Other recommendations include the appointment of a Gas Commissioner to liaise with local communities, chair the independent water committee and provide advice on fracking.The Hon. Peter Reith, a

former Deputy Leader of the Australian Liberal Party, and more recently chairman

of the Gas Task Force, said in a December 2013 speech ,8$ N.X0$ YN8DD+,,&&$ 983$.;828D+;$ X&1&'8:D&2,$ 89$Australia) that ‘more science is 2&&(&(B$ "2($ ,-",$ S&I:'83",+82$is the best way to gather information on water”. He also said “In my opinion, to secure &I+#,+2!$ L87#$ "2($ ,8$ :381+(&$the prospect of more jobs, both Victoria and New South Wales cannot afford to delay. We should follow the lead of the US where gas production has revitalised the manufacturing sector”. He argued that “gas is not only important to lower emissions, it is also essential to the use of wind power” and pointed to rising gas prices in Victoria, saying these could have a negative impact on manufacturing.Mr. Reith quoted

Professor Peter Hartley from the University of WA (a former President of the US Association for .2&3!@$ .;828D+;#$ "2($ "2$economics professor at Rice University in Houston) as saying “There is no proven ;"#&$ 89$ 93";,E3+2!$ JE+($ 83$

hydrocarbons produced by fracturing diffusing from the fractured zone into an aquifer”. This comment was made on October 8, 2013 in a speech at Deakin University, Melbourne.However, since then, water

contamination has occurred in New South Wales. The Sydney Morning Herald reported on March 8 this year that ";;83(+2!$ ,8$ "2$ 89%;+"'$investigation, “A coal seam gas project operated by energy company Santos in northwestern NSW has contaminated a nearby aquifer, with uranium at levels 20 times higher than safe drinking water guidelines”.With its Declaration, Mirboo

Z83,-$-"#$;'&"3'@$&I:3&##&($+,#$desire not to take any chances with ground water, agricultural land and human and animal health.

April 2014 The Gippsland Anglican

Declaration DayResidents gather to declare Mirboo North coal and coal seam gas free

by Jan Down

The Rev. Geoff Pittaway

Suzanne and Scott Wightman"s organic dairy farm

by Tania ErnstDrouin

D38E+2B#$ N-3+#,$ N-E3;- opened its doors to the wider

community throughout the %3#,$ 5&&4$ 89$ Q&73E"3@$ ,8$allow people to look around the church, and appreciate a time of quiet contemplation and prayer. A range of vestments was on display

with informative details available from our team of S[+1+2!$<884#W)$A marvellous combined

service was held on February 23 at which the Celebrant and Preacher was Archdeacon .D&3+,E#6$ ,-&$ \&1&3&2($ \"@$.''+8,)$\"@$5"#$;&'&73",+2!$,-&$60th Anniversary of becoming a priest.We congratulate Ray upon

achieving this milestone and give thanks to God for

\"@B#$ D+2+#,3@$ "D82!#,$ E#V and for his ministry throughout F+::#'"2($ X+8;&#&6$ <&2(+!8$Diocese and for a short time in ,-&$N-E3;-$+2$.2!'"2()$During his life Ray has

served as Dean of the Cathedral and as an Archdeacon. Over 80 people attended the service and later enjoyed morning tea and fellowship with Ray and Joyce. A beautiful "33"2!&D&2,$ 89$ J85&3#$ 5"#$presented to Joyce.

Kidsplus+ Camp on Raymond Island

by Mary Nicholls

Open doors and celebrations TGAAround The Parishes

Forty eight participants enjoyed our 2014 Kidsplus+ Camp, this

year held at Raymond Island, 14th to 16th March. The campers were challenged with the task of “Looking out”, encouraging each other to 3&;8!2+#&$"2($;&'&73",&$F8(B#$gifts in nature, creation and one another. Campers under eight

prepared a nature mural as ,-&@$;82#+(&3&($F8(B#$;82#,"2,$presence with us and His creative gifts. The upper primary group constructed a roadoflife mural, emphasising the use of various ,3"9%;$ #+!2#6$ "#$ "2$ &I"D:'&$ 89$F8(B#$(+3&;,+82#$983$E#$ ,8$-&&($if we choose to follow Him. Discussions ensued as to the challenges we face in our faith journeys. Diocesan Youth Development

]9%;&36$ ,-&$ \&1&3&2($ \+;-"3($Lanham, challenged the senior campers in discussions initiated 938D$%'D$;'+:#$938D$,-&$:8:E'"3$A.1"2$0'D+!-,@W)$S[884$8E,6$7&$prepared, alert, and attentive to F8(B#$ '&"(+2!6$ :38,&;,+82$ "2($the opportunities He provides.” That was the basic message of the various devotional activities provided this time.Leaders from the parishes of

Moe, Traralgon, Korumburra, and Sale cooperated to provide this opportunity with David Gover from Maffra assisting the team with the canoeing activity.

YC-"24$ @8E$ X"1+()^$ C-&$ %2&$weather enabled us to fully use the site for the inevitable Koala hunts, archery, craft, parachute and other games, beach ";,+1+,@6$%#-+2!$"2($"$K",E3("@$morning highlight cruise on the Endeavour across the lake and around Raymond Island. The @8E2!$ :&8:'&$ 938D$ T&@%&'(6$Nyora, Moe, Traralgon and Sale cooperated wonderfully and many new friendships were formed.0$ 2ED7&3$ 89$ %3#,$ ,+D&$

Kidsplus+ Camp attendees were welcomed and we do hope their enthusiasm will encourage &I,3"$:"3+#-&#$,8$D"4&$,-&$&9983,$,8$ #&2($ 3&:3&#&2,",+1&#$ 2&I,$time. (Yes, the talk has started ,-",$ :&3-":#$ 5+,-$ #8D&$ &I,3"$support from across the diocese another camp may be possible, this year. “Look Out” for such information.)The diocesan Kidsplus+

Z&,5834$ &I:3&##&#$ ,-&+3$appreciation to parishioners and friends across the diocese who have supported this activity through prayer, sponsorship and provision of equipment, time, and transport. Two special small grant applications to Melbourne X+8;&#"2$N.<K$YC-&$02!'+;"2$<8@B#$K8;+&,@^$3&#E',&($+2$#8D&$much appreciated funding for the provision of the special cruiser activity and also the hire of a bus to collect our campers along the highway.

!"#$%&'()*+,-%./0*%'0,%1#++%1/""23$-%4'56%1#77$-%8+#$9'%.20*$-%:'0#'%;"0$<%'0,%=/<9%>"**0%20% <9*%?2"0#07%2@% <9*%A#5#@2+#'%B'"',*% $923#07%'% 52/C+*% 2@% D#$#<2"$% @"2?%1'""9*',-%E'0','% F$#$<*"% 5#<6% 2@%G"2/#0H%'"2/0,%E9"#$<%E9/"59


L-R: Al Steenholdt, Dr Hugh Chisholm, Rev Janet Wallis, Peter Wallis, Pat Bowman

by Margaret Motton

Westernport

The 10th annual Quilt Show for Lang Lang will be on May 3 – 4, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Most quilts are on display, but there are a small number for #"'&)$C-&3&$5+''$"'#8$7&$%9,&&2$stalls selling patchwork fabrics and supplies, handmade buttons, craft work and cakes.With many people

involved from the community in setting up the hall and organising the event, and many visitors, the Quilt Show is a form of outreach for the church.

2013 at Corinellaand Lang Lang

0,$ K,)$ H8-2B#$ ["2!$ ["2!$in 2013 there were fashion parades in April and November and a Flower Show. These have a good following and raise funds for the church.0,$ K,)$ F&83!&B#$ N83+2&''"6$

the opportunity shop has done well all year. There was a very good Cent Night in winter. Community Lunches are held once a month and provide a link to the local community.

10th Annual Quilt Show for Lang Lang

Morwell was on our TV screens every night for weeks due the fire in the Open Cut. There was smoke, dust and smell over the town for a month or more. There were days when the smoke was blown away and the sun shone, then the wind turned and the town was covered again. It was amazing how the coal dust seeped into houses through miniscule cracks and crannies.

The uncertainty about how long it would take to get the fire under control caused a particular emotional challenge for everyone here. There was an enormous amount of work going on to put the fire out. Helicopters criss-crossed the sky constantly, trailing water buckets on long ropes. Fire trucks travelled along the roads bringing new fire fighters to relieve those who had worked for many hours.

A Respite Centre ran in Moe for several weeks to provide information and respite. Health checks were available and free train travel from Morwell was offered by Vic Rail.

The church’s response was above all acknowledging the resilience of the people of Morwell. Morwell has a core population who have lived here all their lives. They are committed to their town and their church. There were many offers of accommodation in other parts of the state. Though grateful, most people wanted to stay at home. There was some anger that outsiders were using the situation in Morwell for their own ends. Some people who are against the mining of coal were bussed here for public meetings and masqueraded as Morwell residents. Members of the media were determined to put the blackest view on this situation and were stirring up anger and blame.

The smoke and ash affected day to day activities. The Safe Ministry Workshop was postponed. Fossick and Find kept operating but sometimes volunteers had to be sent home because of the smoke. Archdeacon Heather Marten and the Rev Lyn Williams, and all members of the congregation were frequently contacting each other, especially those who are older or unwell. There was constant prayer and worship services continued as normal.

VCC (Victorian Council of Churches) visitors came from other areas of the State to support the people of Morwell. With Latrobe Council staff and volunteers, they visited thousands of homes. As a description of one of those visits, the VCC visitors called on one elderly woman, who said “Thank you for coming, I’m doing fine. But there is one thing which is worrying me. Today is my 90th birthday. My son said he would send me a card and some money. There is no postal delivery and I cannot get to the Post Office”. The visitors took written permission from this lady to the Post Office so they could collect her mail. On the way back to her home they bought a birthday cake and celebrated her birthday with her in her home. Bravo!

Victorian Council of Churches visitors. Some came from other parts of Victoria to support the people of Morwell.


World Thinking Day at St. James by Bevil Lunson

Orbost

On 23rd February, St. James was transformed 5+,-$J"!#$"2($E2+983D#6$

as the local Girl Guides and Scouts attended for a church service to commemorate World Thinking Day, the anniversary of founders, Lord and Lady <"(&2_/85&'')

<@$ "2$ +2,&3&#,+2!$coincidence, Lord and Lady <"(&2_/85&''$ 5&3&$ &";- born on the 22nd February, although some years apart, so it was natural that Guides and Scouts, all over the world use this day to “think” about their founders and each other. The Thinking Day fund

is used to help in countries where disasters strike or

where there is national strife.The photograph below

shows the Guides and Scouts preparing to parade into the church with their 3&#:&;,+1&$ J"!#)$ <8,-$groups participated in the service which was followed by morning tea.

On Sunday the 2nd March, a small group of people from Maffra,

Sale and Avon parishes met at Holy Trinity Stratford to pray that Australia and the World Community will establish and implement compassionate and just policies to care for the refugees of the world.The Vigil was led by Avon

:3+&#,6$ ,-&$ \&1)$ <3+"2$ CE32&3$who, as participants lit candles, read from a list of 160 countries from which over 11 million refugees are seeking refuge. <3+"2$ 5"#$ &2;8E3"!&($ ,8$

hold the Vigil after reading the information from GetUp! “Light the dark Community Vigil”.The worship occasion

3&D+2(&($E#$ ,-",$F8(B#$:&8:'&$are sojourners, are hospitable, work with God to meet human need, and struggle with obedience to Authority!X8`&2#$ 89$ <+7'&$ 3&"(+2!#$

were listed to support these statements and those attending were given some accompanying questions to consider, such

"#$ S*-86$ +2$ ,-&$ <+7'&6$ 5"# a refugee?”The worship included a

recognition that it was not easy to welcome everyone! Readings from the prophet

G#"+"-$ Y?a)b_>^$ "2($ H&#E#B$challenging words in Matthew O?Rc?_db$ 5&3&$ 3&"($ 98''85&($7@$ #+'&2,$ 3&J&;,+82)$ *&$ #"2!6$unaccompanied, two hymns,

A]$F8($ 89$ [81&B$ "2($ A<&"E,@$983$<384&22&##B)$A Statement of Faith,

intercessions and a Litany completed the worship.A picture of a woman refugee

behind a wire fence stands behind the Prayer Tray in Holy Trinity reminding us each week that our responsibility in prayer and action continues.

TGA Around The Parishes

A month of smoke and ash at Morwell

by Carolyn Raymond

Prayer Vigil for Refugees – Stratford

Le! to right: Brian & Lynette Teese, Brian Turner, Kate Campbell, May Kyne, Graham Knott, Judy Tulloch, Denise Vranek

Photo courtesy Snowy River Mail


TGA

Youth and Family Ministry SummitAround The Parishes

by Rich Lanham

I am so happy to report on the success of the Youth and Families Summit that

was held at Raymond Island on the 2123 of February. The ",,&2("2;&$ 5"#$ ,&33+%;$ 5+,-$great representation of clergy and lay people from across the diocese.XE&$ ,8$ :&8:'&B#$ "1"+'"7+'+,@$

and other commitments, the weekend was arranged so the bulk of the interaction and discovery happened on Saturday. The feedback I have had has been very positive. Thank you to all who attended and thank you to our keynote speakers. The keynote addresses are available on audio, on request.

CELEBRATING TOGETHER On Saturday we had the chance to hear from three 1&3@$ &I:&3+&2;&($ :&8:'&)$ ]E3$intention was to unpack the key elements of the diocesan #,3",&!+;$ (+3&;,+82#)$ <+#-8:$H8-2$ 5"#$ 8E3$ %3#,$ 4&@28,&$speaker, addressing the “Celebrating together” aspect. He gave us some background to the strategic directions process and also some great insight to our current situation as a diocese. Last time we went through

,-&$ :38;&##$ 89$ %1&$ @&"3$planning we looked at our “strategic plan”. This time we have taken the step to provide a “directions framework” for our parishes from which they can form their local strategic plans. So in our parishes we can

ask the questions, “How are we as a parish going to plan to go +2$,-8#&$(+3&;,+82#eW$"2($S.";-$year, what are we going to 98;E#$ 82eW$ .##&2,+"''@$ +,B#$ ,-&$difference between the diocese telling the parishes what to do, versus creating a framework for parishes to discover their :'"2$983$,-&+3$;82,&I,)The bishop was very

encouraging about our diocese, while at the same time pointing out that we need to act now to reach our local communities and look at fresh ways of being the church.

LIVING TOGETHEROur second speaker, Sarah Gover, comes to us from Anglicare and is a wonderful blessing to many of our parishes who are seeking to be creative as they connect with their

community. Sarah spoke to us about “Living together” – reaching out to our community. She spoke about some great &I"D:'&#$ 89$ D+2+#,3@$ "38E2($our diocese, but also told about her journey with the now <+#-8:$ 89$ *&''+2!,826$ Z&5$Zealand, Justin Duckworth, and the story of community engagement in Wellington. How we as the church have the great opportunity to become once again intrinsically connected to the life of our community. She spoke of the great opportunity to show the love of Christ to the people outside our church walls. Sarah is available to come to any of our parishes to provide support in community engagement planning.

GROWING TOGETHEROur third speaker, the Very Rev. K,&1&$N'"34&6$X&"2$89$K,)$/"E'B#$cathedral at Sale, spoke to us about “Growing together” – the journey of discipleship. He reminded us of the need to move beyond the routine of church and to reconnect with a God who is far bigger than our ideas and practices. He suggested that we need to be aware of the danger of “functional deism” – to relook at our walk with the Lord, our trust in God and our understanding of following Jesus. Discipleship begins with an understanding of a loving God and our journey is the change that comes from being connected to that love.

YOUTH FOR CHRIST SPEAKERS AND THE

NEED FOR CONNECTION

Later in the afternoon we heard from two Youth For Christ representatives, John Van der Marel and Dave Nott. Dave and John spoke about the ways in which Youth For Christ can support our work in our local communities. John spoke particularly about his partnership role with the parish of Neerim South.All in all it was great time

for workshopping issues and #8'E,+82#6$ #-"3+2!$ &I:&3+&2;&#$and ideas and listening to great stories of ministry, praying for each other and simply connecting. I believe connecting

through sharing our stories and challenges is essential for us. As I have spoken to others "78E,$,-&$KEDD+,$"2($3&J&;,&($on the discussions had, I am convinced of our need to come

together more regularly. I &I:'"+2&($ ",$ ,-&$ #EDD+,$ ,-",$we are to establish a youth and families ministry network with gatherings throughout the year, across the diocese. There is a plan to have another gathering in June, possibly in Korumburra, more detail to come. These will be oneday events.

DEVELOPING LOVERS I was very encouraged by

both the speakers and the conversations with people who attended. I loved hearing the :"##+82$:&8:'&$-"1&$,8$&I:'83&$the strategic directions for their parishes and the hope they have to see people changed, healed and restored by an encounter with Jesus. 0#$ G$ 3&J&;,$ 82$ 8E3$ 38'&$

as church in society, I am convinced more and more of the “power of love” U$ F8(B#$ E2;82(+,+82"'6$generous, unlimited and allencompassing love. Love is not simply a passive emotion, but also a powerful action. I am compelled to discover more what this looks like as God loves me and wants me to love others.More and more I feel

we focus too much on developing leaders and frontofhouse professionals instead of developing lovers. Lovers of God and lovers of F8(B#$;3&",+82)G,B#$!88($,8$-"1&$"2$+,+2&3"2,$

person come and tell us about mission and ministry, a “subject D",,&3$&I:&3,W$5-8$;"2$,&''$E#$

-85$5&$2&&($,8$(8$,-+2!#V$7E,$5&$ "#$ F8(B#$ :&8:'&$ 2&&($ ,8$7&$ 98;E#+2!$ 82$ &I:&3+&2;+2!$and showing love such as God shows us. To be generous and #";3+%;+"'6$ ,8$ 7&$ 983!+1+2!$"2($ +2;'E#+1&)$ [&,B#$ :3"@$ ,-",$F8($5+''$%''$E#$5+,-$ ,-&$T8'@$K:+3+,$ ,-",$ 5&$ 58E'($ %2($ L8@$in the life God has for us, and share that joy with others. YK&&$H8-2$=cRcd_c?^Our community engagement

plans will come from this. Jesus brought people along 5+,-$ -+D$ 983$ ,-&$ L8E32&@)$ GBD$sure it would have been easier if he just forced people to live the way he described, or if he simply did without us because of how much we might slow the process down. We need to

be people who bring others along with us. It is costly, time consuming and sometimes tedious. It can be frustrating "2($ #'856$ 7E,$ +,B#$ 5-",$ H&#E#$(8&#$5+,-$E#)$T&$(8&#2B,$7E''@6$manipulate, coerce or reject. He waits, he nurtures, he forgives, he encourages. Jesus +#$8E3$:3+D"3@$&I"D:'&$89$-85$to minister to our community and how to grow disciples.[&,B#$ 7&$ '81&3#6$ 5+,-$ H&#E#B$

5"@$ "#$ ,-&$ (&%2+,+82)$ C-&$more we love like Jesus, the more we will lead like -+D)$ YK&&$ M"34$ =PR$ dc_d?^$ God bless you.

THE REV. RICH LANHAM IS ASSISTANT MINISTER AT ST.

PAUL’S, SALE, AND DIOCESAN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT OFFICER.

Camille (left) working in the kitchen


by Sue Jacka

Hospitality and the idea of “welcoming the stranger” have been marks of our faith since Old Testament days. Have you ever wanted to offer hospitality to people who come from a different culture, but you were not sure how to go about it in a way that made your guests feel comfortable? “Welcome to My Place for Dinner” is an opportunity for Australian Christians, compelled by the love of Christ, to show hospitality to migrants, asylum seekers and refugees during Refugee Week, 15-21 June 2014.

There is a very helpful website with great resources; some are easy to read with practical hints and others set out a

Biblical basis for hospitality and welcoming strangers. Churches are encouraged to put on an event where people from other cultures are invited and the church community provides a meal. Others are planning simple ‘Come to my place for dinner’ invitations where one or two families are invited. At the recent training session, I found some helpful suggestions:

• Put on a smorgasbord of different types of food so that your visitors can choose what’s appealing to them.

• Have a variety of cutlery on the table in a casual way rather than set places.

• Remember food restrictions: Muslims eat Halal meat – all fish is Halal, otherwise you need to buy Halal meat or go vegetarian.

• People from India often do not eat beef, even if they are Christian. If in doubt, ask your guests what they would like to eat.

• Bring out photos of your family or favourite places to encourage conversation.

• Ask your guests to bring items from their culture or photos so you can learn more of their story.

Will you encourage your church to get involved or gather a few friends to get together to provide a welcome for some newly arrived neighbours. For resources:welcometomyplace.org.au

Welcome to my place

by Deirdre Crawley Trafalgar

The Parish of Trafalgar has been saddened by the loss of a faithful friend

in Camille Key at the end of October. Her daughter, Glenda, spoke

at the memorial service, held at K,$ M"3@B#$ C3"9"'!"3)$ N"D+''&B#$;-+'(-88($ 5"#$ ",$ M"2#%&'(6$5-&3&$-&3$:"3&2,#$-"($"$(3":&3B# shop. Her decision to pursue nursing training was interrupted by contracting polio but after learning to walk again she completed this, later working in Darwin. She returned to Melbourne,

where she married Ronald Clive f&@$ +2$ =>?>)$ C-&@$ -"($ ,58$daughters, Glenda and Jan.Camille returned to her

nursing when the children were 8'($ &28E!-6$ &I:&3+&2;+2!$ 0!&($Care, Industrial and District Nursing. She always showed "$ ;8DD+,D&2,$ ,8$ ;8DDE2+,@V as Guide Leader, Red Cross Volunteer and even when she was no longer able to work. She would combine her love of knitting, sewing and other craft so she could send packages to people less fortunate. When the girls left home,

N"D+''&$ D81&($ %3#,$ ,8$ \"5#82$where she was a warden at K,$ C-8D"#B$ .3+;"$ "2($ ,-&2$ ,8$C3"9"'!"3$"9,&3$\82B#$(&",-)$M8E2,$<"5$<"5$5"#$#:&;+"'$,8$-&3$"#$+,$was where she met her husband. They made lifetime friends there and families grew up together.The Rev. Sue Jacka, who met

Camille in later years, describes her love for the Lord. Camille enjoyed discussing Scripture, contemporary issues and how we should respond to them as people of faith. Camille was a member of the Cursillo movement, was "$ 3&!E'"3$ ",$ f285$ g8E3$ <+7'&$Yfg<^6$"2($98E2($,-&$A.(E;",+82$

983$M+2+#,3@B6$"$98E3$@&"3$;8E3#&$89$study, very stimulating. Camille 5"#$ 3&;,83B#$ 5"3(&2$ ",$ C3"9"'!"3$and a great believer in the church reaching out to others, so she was involved in the monthly Yarragon M"34&,$ 93&&$ 4+(#B$ ;3"9,$ #,"''$ "2($holiday programs. Camille was also interested in prayer and meditation, enjoying trips to the Abbey at Raymond Island and Quiet Days.The Rev. Neil Thompson

89%;+",&($",$N"D+''&B#$9E2&3"')T&$3&;"''#$ "$ -+!-$ :8+2,$ 89$ N"D+''&B#$life as, after years of gentle nudging by his friends and the Holy Spirit, her husband Ron declared his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, not long before his death at the Warragul hospital. It was a wonderful time of celebration.F'&2("$ &I:3&##&($ "(D+3",+82$

983$ -&3$ D8,-&3B#$ "7+'+,@$ ,8$ "(":,$to her changing circumstances, describing the wonderful friendships she too now enjoys, 7&;"E#&$89$-&3$&I,&2(&($2&,5834)$K-&$ (&#;3+7&($ -&3$ D8,-&3B#$blossoming independence in later years, and courage to take little holidays on her own. These included a trip to South Australia, to visit her daughter Jan and her family.Glenda tells of having found a

note where Camille had written: “Ron gave me the courage to step out and do the things that I believed I could not do, and introduced me to #4++2!$ ",$ M8E2,$ <"5$ <"5W) Camille will be remembered as a lady who lived out her faith.

TGA Around The Parishes

Farewell Camille

Swimming at Blue Rock Dam

TrafalgarParishPicnic

by Deirdre Crawley

On a beautiful Sunny afternoon under clear blue skies, parishioners

"2($ 93+&2(#$ 938D$ K,$ M"3@B#6$Trafalgar, gathered on the '"52#$89$<'E&$\8;4$X"D)It was a perfect day for an

old fashioned picnic. A packed lunch, some nibbles and refreshments were shared on picnic rugs and chairs.This was followed by games,

and a chance to hop in the kayak to paddle out to the horizon – if you were strong enough – to the peace and 7&"E,@$89$F8(B#$;3&",+82)$*+,-$a First Aider in attendance, children and many adults A-"($ "$ !8B6$ 5-+'&$ 8,-&3# just enjoyed the afternoon and #8D&$ 3&'"I&($ ;821&3#",+82)$What a lovely space we enjoyed!


TGA

School, church and community working together

As part of the Year 9 .21+382D&2,"'$ K,E(+&#$curriculum, the Year 9

students of Gippsland Grammar have been studying food security. Students were asked to bring in an Australian and foreign made product to investigate food miles. This food was then gathered to be taken to the Anglican Cathedral in aid of the Cathedral Pantry Appeal. On the 12th of March the

students went down to the Cathedral to learn about how the Cathedral helps struggling people and also to learn how to sort the food. The students participated in four different sessions based around food security. One of the activities was to go and visit the Salvation 03D@B#$988($(+#,3+7E,+82$;&2,3&) They learnt about what food and items are used in food parcels and they also learnt many different reasons as to why people might need a food parcel.

One of the other activities was to go and visit the community garden behind the chapel. Rich told the students stories of how you should not do things because you want something back but because it makes you feel good. They also got to look at the community garden and hear stories of how they make people feel happy and gives them something to enjoy.Students also participated in

an activity where they had an average weekly budget and had to divide it amongst different categories of spending.

They then had to start redistributing the money as things started to go wrong. The aim of this activity was to show the students that life ;"2$ 7&;8D&$ 1&3@$ (+9%;E',$with little money and that sometimes it is not the fault of people when things go wrong and that it could possibly happen to them.C-&$ %2"'$ ";,+1+,@$ 5"#$

learning how to sort the food needed for food parcels. The students learnt what food was good, what food was to be thrown away and what foods were only sometimes suitable. They then had to ,3@$ "2($ #83,$ ,-38E!-$ "$ 78I$of their donations and make sure they were all put into the right categories.This day was really an

"D"`+2!$&@&_8:&2+2!$&I:&3+&2;& for all of the students. Many thanks to the following people who organised and presented the day: Sarah Gover, the Rev. Rich Lanham, Christine M833+#$ "2($ <&'+2("$ 0';8;4$(Salvation Army Community Services Coordinator).

Year 9 and the Cathedral Pantry Appeal

By Claudia Klose, Year 9Gippsland Grammar School

Grade six students from St Paul’s Anglican School Traralgon organised a community Shrove Tuesday morning at St James’ Traralgon. The Rector, Canon Jeff Richardson, a chef in his former life, rallied the students together in the kitchen. All the students had turns cooking pancakes, while some prepared the toppings and arranged the tables and chairs outside. It was the first time the school and the church had worked together on a community project. Students, parents, parishioners and

members of the community gathered to sample the delicious savoury and mouth-watering sweet pancakes. The young students displayed exceptional organisational skills and were most courteous and polite as they dished up the pancakes to the adults (and other students). Canon Jeff is hoping that the school may be able to link into other projects planned for 2014, thereby creating further connections between the parish and the school community.

Gippsland Grammar inducts new prefects

Canon Jeff and students preparing pancakes

Letting people knowThe community garden at the cathedral

An Induction Service for the 2014 School Prefects was held at F+::#'"2($ F3"DD"3B#$ F"32#&@$ N"D:E#$ 82$ M82("@$ Q&73E"3@$c)$K;-88'$/3+2;+:"'6$M3$X"1+($<"4&36$ ;82!3",E'",&($ ,-&$/3&9&;,#$on their appointment as School leaders and role models for all students. Prefects, parents and guests attended the service, which was followed by morning tea in the Chapel of St Anne.1'5I%=23%F4%<2%=HJ Richard Ingrouille of Goon Nure, Georgia

XE24'&@$ 89$*@$gE2!6$ .''+&$02(&3#82$ 89$ Q'@226$TE!-$.1"2#$ 89$<"+32#("'&6$ M+4&$ f&33+#82$ 89$ C3"3"'!826$ \@"2$*8378@#$ 89$*@$gE2!6$ Z+;-8'"#$ M;N821+''&$ 89$ <"+32#("'&6$ X"2$ [&&$ 89$ <E#-@$Park, Maggie Taylor of Sale, Lilly Walsh of Sale, Ms Jan Henry (Deputy Principal – Head of Garnsey Campus).A"20<%=23%F4%<2%=HJ Leah Sjerp of Granite Rock, Angus Rose

(Vice Captain) of Paynesville, Georgia MacQueen (Vice Captain) 89$ ."!'&$ /8+2,6$M3$ X"1+($ <"4&3$ Y/3+2;+:"'^6$0D&'+"$hE+''&3D+2$(School Captain) of Cowwarr, Al de Steiger (School Captain) 89$<"+32#("'&$"2($f&'#&@$\&,,+28$89$<"+32#("'&)

Students discuss the contents of a food parcel

From The Schools


TGA

We have just returned from a Kids+ camp on Raymond Island.

It was a great time for young :&8:'&$ ,8$ ;822&;,6$ &I:&3+&2;&$fun activities, laugh, share and hear from God.The theme for the camp

was “Look Out”. Look out for God, see God in your daily '+9&6$&I:&3+&2;&$F8(B#$'81&$"2($;"3&6$ %2($ F8(B#$ :38D+#&#$ +2$#;3+:,E3&6$E2(&3#,"2($H&#E#B$!+9,$to us and to see a future where 5&$&I:&3+&2;&$"2($"3&$;-"2!&($7@$F8(B#$'81&)$

Ecclesiastes 12:1K=*?*?L*"% 62/"% E"*'<2"%#0% <9*% ,'6$% 2@% 62/"% 62/<9-%%L*@2"*% <9*% ,'6$% 2@% <"2/L+* 52?*% '0,% <9*% 6*'"$% 'CC"2'59%39*0% 62/% 3#++% $'6-% M!% )0,% 02%C+*'$/"*%#0%<9*?NOP

G,B#$ &"#@$ 983$ E#$ ,8$ !&,$ +2,8$ "$habit of doing our own thing and learning ways to cope with life or make decisions without 3&;8!2+#+2!$ F8(B#$ :3&#&2;&)$God is always there but we can feel alone and disconnected 7&;"E#&$ 5&$ -"1&2B,$ 3&"'+#&($God is always with us.At camp when we had our

Sunday morning worship, it was the very young children who had the most to say about who God is and where we can %2($-+D)$$C-&@$42&5$H&#E#$5"#$F8(B#$ #82$ "2($ ,-",$ F8($D"(&$the world and us and that he loves us all. It seems though as 5&$!&,$8'(&3$5&$%2($8E3#&'1&#$busier and busier with daily activities, so God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit get put on the back burner or forgotten altogether.So I asked the young people

some questions. “Can God love you more than he already does”? And the general answer was no. Then I asked, “Can

God love you any less than he does”? Again the answer was no. So I asked, “Can we make God love us more than he already does”? And the answer was no. Finally I asked, “Can we make God love us any less”? And the answer was no. If this is the case, which I believe it is, then we have an opportunity to &I:&3+&2;&$,-&$'81&$F8($-"#$983$us in Jesus. So here is the great message

5&$"3&$"7'&$,8$-&"3$"2($&I:'83&)$God loves us no matter what. H&#E#$#"@#$G$'81&$@8EV$G$!"1&$D@$life for you.

John 3:16

A2"% >2,% $2% +2D*,% <9*% 32"+,%<9'<% 9*% 7'D*% 9#$% 20*% '0,% 20+6%

Q20-% <9'<% 392*D*"% L*+#*D*$% #0%9#?% $9'++% 02<% C*"#$9% L/<% 9'D*%*<*"0'+%+#@*O

HE#,$ "#$ +,$ #"@#$ +2$ .;;'&#+"#,&#6$“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth”. Now is the time while you are young, to (+#;81&3$ F8(B#$ !3&",$ '81&$ "2($:'"2$983$@8E)$<&$-"::@$7&;"E#&$God loves you and Jesus is with you. And let that love change you and see it change others.

A prayerG*'"%.*$/$-%<9'0I%62/%<9'<%62/%+2D*% ?*-% <9'0I% 62/% <9'<% 62/%,#*,%@2"%?*%'0,%2@@*"%?*%'%+#@*%L*<<*"% <9'0% '06% !% 52/+,% ?'I*%@2"%?6$*+@O% !% ,20N<%3'0<% <2% +#D*%?6% +#@*% 3#<92/<% *(C*"#*05#07%62/"% +2D*%'0,% !%3'0<% <2% @2++23%62/O%R*+C%?*%<2%<"/$<%62/-%+2D*%62/%'0,%+2D*%<9*%32"+,%'"2/0,%?*O%!%3'0<%<2%L*%<9*%C*"$20%62/%5"*'<*,%?*%<2%L*O%!0%62/"%0'?*%!%C"'6O%8?*0

8% Q2/<9% Q/,'0*$*% 52/C+*% '0,% <9*#"% 59#+,"*0% L*5'?* 8/$<"'+#'0% 5#<#S*0$% 20% 8/$<"'+#'% ,'6O% :9*% T*#% @'?#+6J% 806##I-% 8+#*"-% '0,% 59#+,"*0-% C'"#$9#20*"$% 2@% Q<O% B'/+N$ E'<9*,"'+-%Q'+*O

=#59%'0,%<9*%59#+,"*0%'<%U#,$V%E'?C

Look out for Godby Rich Lanham

Diocesan Youth Development Officer

Free smartphone app for Anglicans this Lent

Short Bible readings, prayers, suggested activities and daily stories from the world-wide Anglican Communion will arrive each day this Lent via a new app devised by ABM. The app can be installed on Apple and Android smartphones and tablets.

ABM Education Officer, the Rev. Jazz Dow says that the app is designed to bring a day by day awareness of the many expressions of God’s mission that can be seen throughout the international Anglican family.

“Each day your phone will prompt you to stop and reflect upon the urgent and exciting work of the Holy Spirit,” said Jazz.

The app is available as a free download from the Apple store and Google Play. Just search ‘ABM Lent’.

Other Lent resources, including videos can be found at www.abmission.org/lent.

The Anglican Board of Mission (ABM) is the national mission agency of the Anglican Church of Australia.

New citizens


From the editor

William P. Alson, an American professional philosopher, was finding his way back to faith after many years of living a secular life. While he was spending some time in Oxford in the 1970s, his daughter suggested he try the worship services at the Anglican cathedral, which had a world-famous choir.

It was not philosophy that brought William back to God, but rather the Anglican liturgy and music. He writes, “Oxford is a marvellous place for being drawn back into the church, if music plays a large role in one’s communication with the divine, as is true in my case”. (From an essay in God and the Philosophers, OUP, 1994)

This reminded me of something I had read many years ago: that the really happy person is closer to finding God than an unhappy person, because they

can’t help but look for someone to thank.

In this issue, Bruce Armstrong (see back page) finds music leads to worship, and next month look out for a story about a woman who needed to see that Christian faith could be reasonable before she could believe – that you don’t need to bury your intellect in order to be a Christian.

So many different paths to faith – philosophy, music, farming, sailing,... perhaps even the occasional sermon! God knows what will help each person to find their way home.

Jan Down

by Carolyn Raymond

I .join with many other Christians in condemning ,-&$ F81&32D&2,B#$ :8'+;@6$

]:&3",+82$ K81&3&+!2$ <83(&3#)$I am appalled by what the Government says it in doing in my name. Asylum seekers come to our shores desperately seeking peace and security. Our response to their arrival is to punish them for using people smugglers. We are attempting to reach the people smugglers by destroying their victims. We are using vulnerable nations, Papua New Guinea and Nauru, to carry out this policy and prevent the asylum seekers reaching our shores.I agree the coming of

asylum seekers to our shores 7@$ 78",$ +#$ "$ (+9%;E',$ "2($challenging problem. It is very hard for us in Australia, where we have peace and considerable freedom, to begin to appreciate what it is like to live in a community where violence is an everyday event, to imagine being targeted because of our race, our faith or our political allegiance. Where some of those we loved have been brutally murdered, where access to schools, medical help and ability to travel to another area are

denied. People who come by boat are desperate. You do not get on a leaky boat and set off into the open ocean unless you are desperate.For many years I was a

member of Rural Australia for Refugees. This local group was facilitated by people from the Uniting Church. All the members of our group were Christian but we came from several different denominations. We attempted to bring greater understanding of the situation of the asylum seekers to our community. We wrote to the papers, we wrote to politicians. We spoke to groups. We put on displays and created art work. We also wrote to individual asylum seekers who were in detention on Nauru. We sent them things which would make their lives easier. All the people I wrote to were

from Afghanistan. They were from the persecuted minority the Hazaras. In some cases, as these young men matured they were at risk of death by the Taliban. Their families raised money to get them to Australia, hoping here they would be safe. Many of the young men I wrote to were sent back and I do not know what happened to them after they left Nauru.Our group, RAR, disbanded

when the Labor Government was elected under Mr. Rudd. We were getting older and no longer had the energy to be constantly working to increase public understanding. However the situation has deteriorated again under both the Labor and Liberal Parties. What can I do, what can our church do? We can welcome and assist

any refugees that we know. ]E3$ ;-E3;-6$ K,$ M"3@B#$Morwell, is richly blessed by having several Sudanese families as part of our church family. I know Archdeacon Heather Marten and the Rev Lyn Williams, and several members of the congregation have been tireless in their emotional and practical support for these families, as they learn about our culture and settle into a way of life which is foreign to them. We are also raising money

983$,-&$KE("2$.D&3!&2;@$QE2($as our Mission project this year. The money will be distributed to needy communities through the Church of Sudan.Personally I have begun to

help at a Homework Group run after school at Liddiard Rd School. There are many Sudanese students here, many of whom have not had the opportunity to go to school before they came to Australia.

I have also volunteered as a tutor for adult students 5-8$ "3&$ '&"32+2!$ .2!'+#-$,-38E!-$C0Q.)I am aware that this is

very little. I am also aware of

how much I am learning and appreciating getting to know such wonderful people. The asylum seekers in detention on Nauru and on Manus Island are in my prayers.

Our response to the asylum seekers coming here by boat

TGAOpinion

It is essential for the prophetic voice to be heard in Australia today. From

a Christian perspective, this means it is essential for the concerns of God, as we know God in Jesus, to be spoken into the Australian situation as we know it today. Sadly, there is 5+,-$3"3&$&I;&:,+82$"$(&"3,-$89$the prophetic in our national life from anywhere, least of all from the churches. Those who stand responsible in the church for raising a prophetic voice need to be reawakened to the urgency of the task. Prophets are voices of

conscience <2 the nation. Noone is in a position to be <9*%conscience 2@ the nation. However, it is essential to the health of any group of people to have those within the group who speak and act out of their own consciousness of what +#$ 3+!-,$ "2($ 5382!V$ ,8$ #:&"4$and act in conscience. Where those voices are silenced and those actions suppressed, the spiritual and moral health of the whole is imperilled. Where those voices are heard and their proposals heeded, there is hope. Their voices and actions are prophetic insofar as they are informed by a consciousness shaped by concerns usually alternative to the concerns of the mainstream group. They are conscience <2% the nation.

AN ALTERNATIVE CONSCIOUSNESSThis demands courage, and D83&$ #8$ +2$ &I,3&D&$ ;82,&I,#)$Witness the voice of Dietrich <82-8&99&3$ +2$ Z"`+$ F&3D"2@6$5-8$ (&%&($ T+,'&3$ 5-&2$ &1&2$the rest of the church of his day spoke from within the mainstream voice and were shaped by the concerns of mainstream consciousness. Ultimately he was to pay with his life because of the words he spoke and the actions he took, inspired by his alternative consciousness.This was in turn shaped by his understanding of God in Jesus Christ. Not many are called to pay

this high price, but there is usually a price to pay when a person speaks with a prophetic voice. It certainly always takes courage. To be conscience to the nation requires the growth

of perception that lies outside mainstream understanding.Paulo Freire gives a prime

&I"D:'&$89$-85$"$;82#;+8E#2&##$alternative to the mainstream is nurtured in a community. In B*,'7276% 2@% <9*% WCC"*$$*,, he writes from within his &I:&3+&2;&$ 89$ &I:'8+,",+82$ 7@$the United States of countries in South America, including his 2",+1&$<3"`+')Part of the strategy of

&I:'8+,",+82$ +#$ ,8$ E#&$ "#$ "$weapon of oppression what Q3&+3&$ 2"D&#$ "#$ ,-&$ A7"24+2!B$concept of education. In this way of educating, the oppressor +D:"3,#$"$A7"24B$89$+2983D",+82$to those who are oppressed to &2#E3&$,-&$LE#,+%;",+82$983$,-&+3$oppression is believed, even by those who are oppressed. In contrast to this, Freire sees true education as the means of liberation from oppression by a process of consciousnessraising through dialogue. It sets free both the oppressed and the oppressor, by nurturing human capacity.

EDUCATION AND MEDIA.(E;",+82$ 89$ "$ ;8DDE2+,@$ +#$not just about what happens in schools and universities. A community is also educated by the manner in which information is shared, most potently through the media. Who controls our media when we are adults is as important as who teaches us when we are children. Where what Freire names

"#$ ,-&$ A7"24+2!B$ ;82;&:,$ 89$education undergirds our educational and media processes in Australia, there is little chance of nurturing the prophetic voice. Rather, educators will simply D"4&$ #E3&$ #,E(&2,#$ A7"24B$enough information to pass their tests well enough to get into the job where the banked information can be utilised to make money, the more the better. And media outlets will continue to provide only that +2983D",+82$5-+;-$%,#$,-&$3E'+2!$materialist mentality of most Australians. Here the prophetic voice is easily sidelined and essentially silenced. And where there is no prophetic voice there will inevitably be manipulation of the people.

Australians are easily manipulated because by and large our aspirations are pretty basic. We are essentially a materialist country in the worst sense of the word. What matters most, what we worship, is security and achievement, symbolised by material wealth, ,-&$ :E3#E+,$ 89$ 'EIE3@6$ ,-&$acquisition of things, and #:83,+2!$ :385&##)$ .1&2$ 5-",$0E#,3"'+"2#$ ;"''$ A#:+3+,E"'B$ +#$often about what I can gain for myself in a more secure state 89$&I+#,&2;&$+2$D+2($"2($78(@)$Some of the new and fastest growing religious groups in Australia play successfully on ,-+#$#8_;"''&($A#:+3+,E"'B$,-+3#,)$

In communities shaped by this kind of aspiration, nurturing a prophetic voice is a priority. That voice will arise out of the alternative consciousness that recognises the ultimate truth 89$ ,-&$ 583(#$ 89$ H&#E#V$ ,-",$‘those who seek to gain their own life will lose it and those who are willing to give up their '+1&#$ 983$ N-3+#,B#$ #"4&$ "2($ ,-&$F8#:&'$5+''$%2($+,B)$]2'@$5-&2$that prophetic voice is raised with clarity in the life of our nation will there be true hope for us. Only then will we know a community where justice is done, compassion is shown, and where leaders are chosen on the strength of their capacity to serve the common good because they are motivated by compassion and the pursuit of justice and truth.

Christians have much to contribute into the processes that will ensure that there is at least some chance of nurturing and maintaining the prophetic 18+;&6$ 78,-$ +2$5-",$5&$ &I:&;,$of the educational process and +2$ 5-",$ 5&$ &I:&;,$ 938D$ 8E3$media outlets. It demands an approach to

&(E;",+82"'$ &I;&''&2;&$ ,-",$nurtures human capacity and dares to confront headon the question of values and values formation. This needs to be (82&$+2$"$5"@$,-",$&I"D+2&#$,-&$7"#+#$89$5-",$+#$3+!-,$"2($5382!V$that develops the conscience or moral consciousness, and lays a foundation that nurtures in those being educated the capacity to speak prophetically into the life of our communities.It demands an approach to the

D&(+"$ ,-",$ +#$28,$#",+#%&($82'@$with the socalled ‘facts of the D",,&3B$ 7E,$ 5-+;-$ 3&;8!2+#&#$that behind the reporting of every matter there is an agenda, often based on an implicit A";;&:,"7'&B$ 5"@$ 89$ ,-+24+2!6$in which those who think otherwise are marginalised and even demonised.

OUR CHURCHES<E,$ +,$ 7&!+2#$5+,-$E#$ "2($-85$we ourselves are prepared to live. We must ensure that the ;E',E3&$89$8E3$;-E3;-&#$3&J&;,#$the concerns of God, who asks that we ‘seek justice and show compassion as the sign that we 5"'4$-ED7'@$7&983&$8E3$F8(B)$<&+2!$N-3+#,+"2$+#$28,$LE#,$"78E,$being religious. It is about who we are and the way we speak and act. It is about the way we live in community and the attitudes we encourage in all the ;82,&I,#$+2$5-+;-$5&$'+1&)$G,$+#$about seeking and speaking the truth, and shaping all that we

are and do in the light of that truth. It is about taking a radical approach to what it means to live out the demands of God as revealed in Jesus Christ in the whole of our life.To commit to a call to nurture

,-&$ :38:-&,+;$ +#$ +2$ ,-&$ %3#,$place to commit to looking at the way we in our churches conduct ourselves: what we -8'($ ,8$ 7&$ +D:83,"2,V$ 5-",$5&$&2;8E3"!&$+2$8E3$D&D7&3#V$-85$we discipline, and whether the policy makers of the churches have the courage to encourage members to be constructively critical of the way those in leadership do things. If we would nurture an alternative consciousness, we must practise that consciousness ourselves right now. If we want to nurture the prophetic in our midst, we must be willing right now to shape all we do by the demands of justice and compassion that lie close to the heart of God.I believe that if the outcome

we seek is holistic living, understood from within the insights of the faith we proclaim as Christian, then we can nurture a muchneeded alternative voice within the life of our nation. That voice will be conscience to the nation, right now as we seek to embody the ideals of our faith in our communities, and into the future as those whose lives are formed within our communities are emboldened to see the world in terms of what is just, compassionate and true, and to speak into the world in the light of those concerns. Those voices will be prophetic.Nurture the prophetic voice

and sow seeds for justice and compassion, for the sake of the soul of this country. Let that be our mission as Christians: let that be our vision as churches.

Aprill 2014 The Gippsland Anglican

TGA

Who controls our media when we are adults is as important as

who teaches us when we are children.

Conscience to the nationThe prophetic voice

by Bishop John McIntyre

Opinion

by Jan Down

Can you worship God when playing the trumpet? “Absolutely!”

&I;'"+D#$<3E;&$03D#,382!)$T&$delights in playing obbligatos "2($ %2(+2!$ 5"@#$ 89$ 5-",$ -&$calls “embellishing the music” to enhance a song or hymn, and 983$ <3E;&$ ,-+#$ +#$ 583#-+:)$ T&$says he loves to “sing and play the praises of our good Lord and Jesus Christ”. Clearly his faith makes an enormous difference to his music. He is fervent about ,-+#6$ #"@+2!6$ Sg8EB3&$ 28,$ LE#,$7'85+2!i$g8EB3&$28,$LE#,$D"4+2!$"$ #8E2(i$ g8EB3&$ 583#-+::+2!$F8($ 7@$ E#+2!$ F8(B#$ !+9, of music”. <3E;&$ "2($ 9"D+'@$ "33+1&($ +2$

*"33"!E'$ +2$ =>b?6$ +2,&2(+2!$82'@$,8$#,"@$983$#+I$@&"3#)$<E,$-&$became Director of Music for ,-&$*"33"!E'$ME2+;+:"'$<"2($+2$1968, his family settled into the life of the town, and they stayed on very happily. He has only had three years off from leading the band, back in the late 90s. So how did this all come

"78E,e$ <3E;&$ 5"#$ '+1+2!$ +2$<&2(+!8$ 5-&2$ ",$ ,-&$ "!&$ 89$nine, his parents took him ,8$ ,-&$ <&2(+!8$ N+,+`&2#$ "2($<8@#$ <"2()$ <8,-$ :"3&2,#$ 5&3&$musicians, and were determined ,-",$ <3E;&$ 58E'($ "'#8$ 98''85$that path. He began learning to play cornet and trumpet and -"#2B,$'884&($7";4$#+2;&)*-@$ ,-&$ ,3ED:&,e$ <3E;&$

says that the choice of brass instrument is determined by the size of the mouth piece rather than the sound of the instrument. T&$&I:'"+2#$,-",$,-&3&$"3&$#&1&2$different brass instruments: #8:3"28$ ;832&,V$ JE!&'-832V$,&283$ -832V$ 7"3+,82&V$ ,-&$,38D782&$9"D+'@V$"2($,58$#+`&#$89$ ,E7"$ U$ ,-&$ ..$ "2($ ,-&$ <<)$<3E;&$ #,"3,&($ 5+,-$ ,-&$ ;832&,$and “stuck with it”. He says SG$58E'(2B,$7&$5+,-8E,$+,W)The Warragul Municipal

<"2($ :3";,+#&#$ 82;&$ "$ 5&&46$or twice if they are rehearsing for a big concert or contest. <3E;&$ "'#8$ ,&";-&#$ 73"##6$ 82$ "$voluntary basis, one afternoon "$ 5&&4$ +2$ ,-&$ <"2($ 388D$ ",$Warragul. The instruments are 1&3@$ &I:&2#+1&$ ,8$ 7E@6$ #8$ ,-&$band hires them out to students.As well as practising with the

<"2(6$ <3E;&$ :'"@#$ 93&jE&2,'@$at home. He says there are 24 muscles around your lips, and you need to keep using them.

He tells the story of James Morrison, the great trumpet :'"@&36$ 5-8$ #"@#$ +9$ -&$ (8&#2B,$practise for two days, he notices ,-&$ (+99&3&2;&V$ +9$ -&$ (8&#2B,$practise for four days, his @'0$%notice.A student once amused

<3E;&$ 7@$ #"@+2!6$ SG9$ F8($ -"($wanted me to play a cornet, he would have made my mouth a different shape”.<3E;&$ "'#8$ '81&#$ :'"@+2!$ +2$

,-&$ ;-E3;-$ 7"2($ ",$ K,)$ /"E'B#$Warragul, with others who play percussion, rhythm guitar, bass guitar and keyboard, and four people who play brass. The rector (and Archdeacon) Philip Muston, often joins the band to play rhythm or bass guitar.

]E,$+2$,-&$;8DDE2+,@6$<3E;&$plays for RSL funerals, for Armistice Day and Anzac Day. <3E;&$ #"@#$ :'"@+2!$ #8'8#$ 983$these requires a lot of practice, as people are so familiar with the :9*% =*D*#++* and :9*% 4'$<%B2$<, “they will tell you if you get it wrong”, and it is very important to them.<3E;&$ -"#$ :'"@&($ T"2(&'B#$

&*$$#'9 twice, and also T"@(&2B#$ :"/?C*<% E205*"<2%#0% ;% X'<, when he was in <&2(+!8)$ T&$ #"@#$ -&$ '+4&#$ "2@$music he can play, and loves listening to classical music, especially trumpet. He has 3&;&2,'@$(+#;81&3&($,-&$.2!'+#-$,3ED:&,&36$0'+#82$<"'#8D)$SK-&$just melts me with her purity of #8E2(W6$-&$ #"@#)$<E,$-&$ +#$ "'#8$“rather partial to some of these modern hymns and choruses”, so his musical taste is broad.The discipline of practice

-"#$7&&2$:"3,$89$<3E;&B#$'+9&$983$many decades. “My mum and ("($ &I:&;,&($ D&$ ,8$ :3";,+#&W6$#"@#$ <3E;&)$ S<E,$ G$ ,&''$ D@$students, ‘I thank my mum and ("($ &1&3@$ ("@$ ,-",$ ,-&@$ (+(B)W$Q83$ <3E;&$ ,-",$ (+#;+:'+2&$ -"#$been a path to joy.

The Gippsland Anglican March 2014

Diocesan calendarApril

b$ <884$Q"+3$U$T8'@$C3+2+,@$02!'+;"2$N-E3;-$-"'' Mcfarlane Street – Stratford 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Saturday April 12 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Sunday April 13 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

13 Palm Sunday procession: Guest preacher, the Rt Rev. Dr Ian George 7:00 pm $ <'E&#$"2($<'&##+2!#$N82;&3,$5+,-$Q+82"$<8@&#6$$ $ guest musicians, and combined community choir$ K,$/"E'B#$N",-&(3"'$K"'&

=?$ ==RPP$"D$<'&##+2!$89$,-&$]+'#$"2($\&2&5"' $ 89$]3(+2",+82$h85#$U$<+#-8:$H8-2$bRPP$:D Opening of the Cathedral Art Show and judging of entries. A special Forum on Spirituality and Art $ 5+,-$,-&$X&"2V$X3$G"2$F&83!&V$"5"3($5+22+2! $ +2,&32",+82"'$"3,+#,$X"52$K,E77#V$"2($F+::#'"2( Gallery curator Simon Gregg, followed by supper showcasing local produce and regional wines $ K,$/"E'B#$N",-&(3"'$K"'&

17 6:00 pm Maundy Thursday Foot Washing, Stripping of the Altar, and Vigil, Sale Cathedral

18 9:00 am Good Friday Liturgy of the Cross 3:00 pm Stations of the Cross in the Garden$ K,$/"E'B#$N",-&(3"'$K"'&

OP$ bRPP$"D$.E;-"3+#,$"2($[+!-,+2!$89$,-&$Z&5$Q+3&$ aRPP$"D$."#,&3$KE2("@$.E;-"3+#,$ =PRPP$"D$."#,&3$KE2("@$Q"D+'@$.E;-"3+#,$ K,$/"E'B#$N",-&(3"'$K"'&

May

2 – 4 Creative Spirit Festival, featuring a visual art $ &I-+7+,+82$",$K,)$/-+'+:B#$02!'+;"2$N-E3;-6$N85&#6$$ $ and other performing and visual arts events

c$U$d$ kE+',$K-85$",$K,)$H8-2B#$["2!$["2!6 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. See details page 4

10 Anam Cara Community Quiet Day $ U$K,$H"D&#B$C3"3"'!826$>RcP$"D$U$cRcP$:D

June

21 Anam Cara Community Annual Thanksgiving Service $ K,$M"3@B#$M835&''6$==RPP$"D

TGA

Discipline leads to joy The Arts In Gippsland

A conversation with Bruce Armstrong, Director of Music for the Warragul Municipal Band

“"e trumpet shall sound, and the dead will

be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

1 Cor. 15:52b

“With trumpets and the sound of the horn,make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!”

Psalm 98:6

Photo courtesy Carol Monson

PPhoto courtsy oSnowy River Mial

The Gippsland Anglican

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