The Gippsland Anglican - April 2013

Volume 110, Number 3 April 2013
Published in Gippsland Diocese since 1904

The Gippsland Anglican is your award winning newspaper: Best Regional Publication Bronze Award (ARPA) 2012; Best Regional
Publication Silver Award (ARPA) 2011; Item or Feature that shows the most originality Highly Commended (ARPA) 2011; Best Social
Justice Story Highly Commended (ARPA) 2004; Best Regional Publication (ARPA) 2003; Most Improved Newspaper (ARPA) 2001.
Wendy Mayer using
gifts on Lady Day
Pages 4 to 6
Primate washes
feet for Easter
Page 3
Gippsland diocese
1924 to 1933
Pages 13 to 15
Breaking the
poverty cycle
by educating
people about
reproductive
health
Messy church
ABOVE: Messy church, a family faith based after-school activity, has begun in a
number of parishes across Gippsland diocese. At Bairnsdale, Sue Lester is one of
a number of helpers. Photo: Judi Hogan
MARG Docking (right) has
more than 25 years expe-
rience working as a
Christian midwife across
Yirrkala and Aurukan to
Kenya and Uganda. She
has seen first hand the
cycle of hopelessness and
devastation that lack of
education can cause.
She passionately believes
in training people with fun-
damentals of family plan-
ning and sanitation, so
they may escape the
poverty cycle.
Marg has recently
returned from Uganda and
works through Wise
Choices for Life, an organi-
sation she helped set up.
Further information can be
found at the website,
http://www.wisechoices-
forlife.org
Wise Choices for Life is a
ministry set up to empow-
er vulnerable Ugandan
men and women in the
child-bearing age group
with knowledge and skills
to break the poverty cycle.
Targeting young adults
first, the training in repro-
ductive health challenges
the view of many
Ugandans that large fami-
lies produce strength. This
attitude is replaced with
one of children by choice,
not chance.
Marg Docking will be talk-
ing about the program and
her experiences at the Co-
operating Churches,
Williams Avenue, Churchill
on Wednesday, April 17,
2013 at 7.30pm.
2 Our Diocese - The Abbey of St Barnabas at ABeckett Park April 2013
The Gippsland Anglican
The Gippsland
Anglican
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The Gippsland Anglican is the official
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The Anglican Diocese of Gippsland,
453 Raymond St,
Sale, Victoria, 3853,
www.gippsanglican.org.au
Editor: Mrs Jeanette Severs,
PO Box 1254, Bairnsdale, 3875
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Index
Reproductive health 1
Bishops message 3
MU Lady Day 4,5
Q&A with Wendy 6
House athletics 7
Kidsplus+ news 8
Messing about 9
Dean resigns 10
Bronze medal 11
Diocesan calendar 12
110 years of news 13-15
Hamiltons humor 13
Deaconesss journey 14
Nourishing body & soul 16
A bells life 17
Talking about God 18
Songs for Pentecost 18
Life in fragments 19
MU Pictorial 20
A PHOTOGRAPHIC work-
shop will be held from April
19 to 21, at the Abbey of St
Barnabas at ABeckett Park,
on Raymond Island in East
Gippsland.
The tutor, Robert McKay, is
an enthusiastic amateur
photographer and will help
to demystify the use of
cameras, demonstrating
what all the controls are
used for, as well as the use
of the camera itself.
Rob will also lead partici-
pants through exercises
looking at the artistic side
of photography, including
composition balance, har-
mony and perspective; the
type of knowledge which
helps to get the best use
out of you and your cam-
era.
There will be time for dis-
cussions and also plenty of
time to go out and put the-
ory into practice. Exercise
subjects include land, sea
and cloud scapes, natural
history (nature), close-up,
tabletop, portraiture, fash-
ion, figure, architecture,
flash, studio and other as-
pects of photography.
There will also be time to
learn about editing and
presentation of photo-
graphs using computer ed-
iting and matting and
framing techniques.
Bring along your cameras
and memory cards and. if
you have them, a tripod,
flash equipment and laptop
computer. It is sure to be a
fun three days.
June Treadwell, a history
teacher with an interest in
the medieval and renais-
sance periods for many
years, will lead a workshop
from May 10 to 12 titled
Rescuing the Dark Ages.
Junes major interest is in
the period 500 to 1000 CE
and how Christianity and
western culture survived
the barbarian invasions of
Europe.
At this workshop, the
focus will be on the role
monasteries played in res-
cuing our Christian her-
itage. Manuscripts such as
the Book of Kells and the
Lindisfarne Gospels will be
examined.
The remote places where
manuscripts were hidden
for centuries such as Iona
and the islands off the West
coast of Ireland will feature
in the program. Bedes Ec-
clesiastical History of
Britain and The Anglo
Saxon Chronicle will be
used as the major written
sources from the period.
Expert demonstrations of
manuscript binding and cal-
ligraphy will take place and
participants can design
their own medieval book-
plates or bookmarks.
Further information on
these and other workshops,
or to book, telephone the
Abbey, 03 5156 6580 or
email info
@theabbey.org.au
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The AMF exists to resource employment of
Aboriginal people in ministry; training of
Aboriginal people for ministry; development of
Aboriginal ministry in the community; the
planting of Aboriginal churches; & education
of the Diocese about Aboriginal issues.

Be a part of achieving these aims.

For more information, contact the
Diocesan Registry Office at
453 Raymond Street, Sale, Victoria
PO Box 928, Sale, 3853
Telephone 03 5144 2044
Fax 03 5144 7183
Email registrar@gippsanglican.org.au
Abbey workshops
WITH the theme, The
Enduring Love of God,
on Saturday, March 2,
14 people from the east-
ern region of the diocese
met at Holy Trinity Strat-
ford for a Lenten Quiet
Day, led by Brian and
Anne Turner, members
of the Anam Cara Com-
munity leadership team.
The day began with a
creative worship experi-
ence in the Chancel of Holy Trinity. The main sym-
bol was a long purple cloth, symbolising the journey
we all make during Lent to our own Jerusalem. After
worship, Brian Turner shared a reflection on Psalm
63:1-8 leading participants to reflect where they
were in their journey to Jerusalem.
Brian Turner: For me and perhaps for you, too,
where I am on the road leads to questioning and
doubt, personal struggle and sometimes regret. It
is here, in the middle of this journey, we are prom-
ised times of refreshment and a banquet in the
midst of the dusty land when our hunger is real and
we need to be nurtured and fed.
Brians reflection was followed by Anne, teaching
the discipline of Lectio Divina, Divine Reading, to
pray the scriptures or spiritual writings. After expe-
riencing this form of prayer with the psalm, the
group dispersed with resources for a time of quiet
reflection before lunch and an afternoon guided
meditation and quiet reflection.
Individuals gave $125, to be used for a donation
to the parish for using the facilities and the balance
going to ACC funds for distribution at a later time.
The continuing program of the ACC is on the web-
site at www.anamcara-gippsland.org Anam Cara is
offering a Quiet Day in Traralgon on May 4, at the
home of Carolyn and Oliver Raymond at 32 Kassan-
dra Drive, Traralgon, beginning at 9.30am.
Everyone is welcome to attend and it is not neces-
sary to be a member of Anam Cara. At the quiet day
on May 4 will be opportunity to learn and share with
a Quaker, Joan Good.
Joan has been a member of the local Quaker Com-
munity for many years. She will share in conversa-
tion what it means to be a Quaker and teach about
their forms of worship.
The Quaker community has included long periods
of silence as an integral part of their worship and
they also have great concern for social justice is-
sues. The day will end at 3.30pm and participants
are asked to bring their own lunch.
For more information about the day, contact Car-
olyn Raymond on 03 5174 3455 or Marion White on
03 5623 3216 (pictured above).
ACC focuses on
love & Quakers
April 2013 Our Diocese - Bishop Johns message 3
THE overwhelming sense
emerging from the Gospel
accounts of the resurrection
on that first Easter morning
is a sense of bewilderment.
There is excitement, confu-
sion, fear, joy, hope beyond
hope and disbelief, as the
women and the disciples
run in all directions and try
to come to grips with the
unimaginable possibility
that Jesus has risen from
the dead. The impossible
has happened. They are be-
wildered.
This all takes place in a
situation of abject despair,
loss, shattered dreams and
hopelessness. In Jesus, a
shaft of light had broken
into their lives. Then it had
been mercilessly snuffed
out and viciously torn from
their lives by cynical politics
and acts of horrendous cru-
elty, hatred and betrayal.
The contrast could not be
more stunning. In the
Gospel story there is dra-
matic movement. It begins
with the light beginning to
break through in the life
and ministry of Jesus. It
moves suddenly to the
utter darkness of his un-
timely death. Finally, it
breaks into the brilliant
glare of the resurrection.
With the movement of the
story goes the emotional
journey of the disciples. It
begins with the murmur of
awakening hopefulness in
their lives shared with
Jesus. It moves suddenly to
the dashing of their hopes
by his death. Finally, it
breaks into the unspeak-
able disbelief and joy of his
resurrection. It is an emo-
tional roller-coaster ride,
cast vividly in the unem-
broidered telling of the
Gospel accounts.
Christ is Risen! He is Risen
Indeed! In any human lan-
guage this cry of joy and
response of wonder to the
Gospel story is both uplift-
ing and strangely unsettling
and mysterious. Spoken
with heartfelt conviction, it
can still bear an edge of in-
credulity. It is the truth, but
how can it be possible? Be-
yond our disbelief, in the
midst of our doubts, God
breaks in to make all things
new.
This is the Lenten journey
that comes to its climax in
the Easter celebration. We
are called to live through
this wondrous journey by
the liturgical practices of
this Christian season. It is
our belief that, by so doing,
we will be revisited by our
hope in the risen Christ.
It is all too easy to be
overwhelmed by our trou-
bles in life; to focus on what
has been lost or never
known despite our yearn-
ings. In our personal lives
and in the life of the com-
munity, the nation and the
world, there is much that so
easily can move us to de-
spair and to a longing for
things to be better. The
same is true in the life of
the church. It is so easy to
focus on what is wrong,
what has been lost or what
is missing. It is so easy to
lose heart. Darkness is easy
to find and difficult to break
out of.
The Easter story reminds
us that into our deepest
darkness, when all hope is
lost, the light of Christ
breaks through in resurrec-
tion. The impossible hap-
pens and hope comes, a
hope to keep before us and
to offer to others, a hope
beyond our disbelief and
theirs.
This Easter season, I pray
you will know and experi-
ence the wonder experi-
enced by the first witnesses
to the resurrection of Jesus
Christ from the dead. I pray
you will be disturbed by the
mixture of excitement, con-
fusion, fear, joy, hope be-
yond hope and disbelief by
which they were disturbed
on that first Easter morn-
ing.
I pray it unsettles you as
much as it unsettled them
and stirred them to share
with all whom they met the
wonder of all they had seen
and heard in Jesus Christ.
By their witness, the light
shone in the darkness, their
own darkness and that of
others. By our witness
today, the light continues to
shine in the darkness, our
own darkness and that of
others.
Christ is Risen! He is Risen
Indeed! Dare to believe it.
Dare to live it.
Right Reverend John McIntyre
Bishop of Gippsland
Christ is risen,
he is risen indeed
It is the truth, but how can it
be possible? It is all too easy
to be overwhelmed ...
Humble Primate washes feet
THE Primate of the Anglican
Church in Australia, Dr Philip As-
pinall, washed the feet of commu-
nity servants, ordinary
Queenslanders, as part of the
Maundy Thursday evening liturgy.
A soldier, a victims advocate, a
nursing home worker, an Indige-
nous leader, an 83 year old volun-
teer and a flood survivor, a man
living on the margins and a gener-
ous teenager were all invited to St
Johns Cathedral, in Brisbanes cen-
tral business district, to participate.
The washing of the feet ceremony
dates back 2000 years, to the time
of Jesus and the night of the Last
Supper, at which Jesus washed his
disciples feet.
Those whose feet the Archbishop
washed include a digger who saved
a young childs life while on deploy-
ment, a victim of southeast
Queenslands 2013 and 2011 flood
disasters, a psychiatrist involved
with the Churchs abuse response
program, a nursing home carer and
a vulnerable man.
He also washed the feet of an oc-
togenarian volunteer who works in
Brisbane dioceses palliative care
ministries, an Indigenous elder in
her 90s and a teenage student
from a local school, with a strong
commitment to community service.
In Jesus time, people went bare-
foot or wore sandals and the ser-
vants would wash the feet of
visitors as a sign of hospitality and
respect, Archbishop Aspinall said.
This service welcomes those who
have walked tough journeys and
whose efforts reflect the Easter val-
ues of struggle, service, courage
and sacrifice, he said.
We have those who lead by ex-
ample in serving their community
and nation, as well as those our
church reaches out to, through dis-
aster relief, our helping ministries
and education.
These people have walked in the
footsteps of Christ by helping oth-
ers, facing hardship and giving
their all, even at great cost. I am
honored to wash their feet.
During a deployment to Papua
New Guinea as a medic, Corporal
Warwick Young saved the life of a
three-year-old local child and ran
health clinics for villagers. His PNG
service was recognised with an
Australia Day Medal.
Twice in three years, waters 1.5m
high inundated the Lockyer Valley
home Lorraine Keller shares with
husband, Rod, and their two adult
children. The Kellers are still re-
building following the floods dev-
astating impacts on their home,
farm, family and livelihood. The
family belongs to the Anglican
parish of Gatton. Lorraine volun-
teers for the parishs nursing home
ministry and pastoral care team
and serves on parish council.
Queensland psychiatrist, Joan
Lawrence AM, is one of her profes-
sions most respected leaders. In
recent years, she has provided in-
dependent expert advice to Bris-
bane diocese in addressing historic
abuse claims. She also serves as a
member of the diocesan panel to
determine the level of assistance
offered by the diocese to victims of
sexual abuse within the Church.
Now in her 90s and as vibrant as
ever, Aunty Vi McDermott is a re-
spected Indigenous elder. Aunty Vi
grew up in bush camps and rural
towns of Queensland and now calls
Inala home, where she is a board
member of the Inala Elders Associ-
ation. A woman of great faith, joy
and dignity, Aunty Vi McDermott is
a storyteller, performer, public
speaker and cultural advisor.
During the last school holidays,
Brisbane teenager Louisa Son-
dergeld became a fulltime carer for
a profoundly disabled girl at the
Sony Foundation Childrens Holiday
Camp. The aspiring doctor will play
The Last Post at a special ANZAC
service at Brisbanes Shrine of Re-
membrance and is one of more
than 20,000 students enrolled in
Anglican schools across Brisbane.
Loleta Rieke is the sort of carer
you would want caring for an eld-
erly parent or grandparent. A per-
sonal carer at Anglicare Southern
Queenslands aged care home at
Manly, on Brisbanes bayside, Lo-
leta is much loved and makes a
daily difference in the lives of resi-
dents, says her manager. Loleta, is
originally from Western Samoa.
Despite being highly vulnerable to
isolation and exploitation, both as
a child and an adult, Trevor is a
very sociable person who helps
others. A familiar sight around
inner city Brisbane, Trevor is often
spotted on Brisbane City Council
buses, using his trips to meet and
talk with new people. Trevor is one
of the people, one of the friends,
who are part of the Anglican dio-
ceses local outreach program and
intensive recovery support.
4 Our Diocese - Mothers Union Lady Day April 2013
By Jeanette Severs
A LARGE number of
women (and a couple of
men) travelled from
throughout Gippsland to
enjoy fellowship at Lady
Day at St Pauls Cathedral
in Sale on March 25. Lady
Day is celebrated in honor
of Mary Sumner, founder of
Mothers Union. Guest
speaker was Wendy Mayer,
Education Officer with
Mothers Union Australia.
At the beginning of her
presentation, Wendy posed
the question to attendees:
ask yourself, what can I do
for Mothers Union?
Never underestimate
your worth and never un-
derestimate your gifts and
talents and what God wants
of you, she said.
Wendy based her talk on
the parable of the talents
(Matthew 25:14-30), where
the master gave his posses-
sions to his servants based
on his perception of their
ability; to one he gave five
talents, to another he gave
three and so on.
Wendy told a story about a
friend who was married re-
cently.
It was her second mar-
riage and both she and her
new husband had houses
full of furniture and as-
sorted gadgets. Buying
them any of the things tra-
ditionally given as wedding
presents would definitely
have been bringing coals to
Newcastle. So what do you
give someone who has
everything they need and
more resources than you
have?
Do you ever feel that way
about bringing your gifts to
God? she asked.
The creator of the uni-
verse doesnt need the
things I can do or bring. He
is complete and perfect and
he will always achieve his
plans; so what can I possi-
bly contribute?
How do you feel about
MU? An organisation of four
million members in 83
countries isnt going to be
impacted by anything I can
do. Or is it?
Our MU Australia theme
for 2013 is Bringing our
gifts to the 20/20 vision.
Sometimes we can be
tempted to think we have
nothing to bring, but re-
member God created you
and your gifts and talents
and you are precious to
him.
Jesus Christ died to take
away your sins, so you can
spend eternity with God in
heaven. The price paid for
you was the life of the Son
of God, so never underesti-
mate your worth; and
never underestimate what
God can do through you,
using the gifts he gave you.
When Jesus told the
parable of the talents, not
everyone was given the
same number of talents;
and we see that is true in
our world. But notice every-
one was given a talent. Also
notice that the person with
two talents wasnt expected
to bring the same return as
the one with five talents.
The return expected was in
proportion to the gifts
given; but note and note
clearly, a return was ex-
pected.
It was the act of burying
the talent and not using it
at all that brought condem-
nation. Even the act of put-
ting it on deposit to earn
MU: God wants your talents
ABOVE: Wendy Shiels, Joyce Fletcher and Ila Hine looking at contents of the blessing box
(see story) brought to Lady Day by Wendy Mayer. Photo: Jeanette Severs
continued next page
April 2013 Our Diocese - Mothers Union Lady Day 5
from previous page
interest would have been
acceptable, but ignoring it
because anything I could
do wouldnt count for
much, was condemned and
punished. The phrase use it
or lose it applies just as
much today as it did in the
parable Jesus told, Wendy
said.
Are you prepared to come
to God and ask how he
wants you to support fam-
ily ministry? God knows
what he wants you to do, so
ask him.
Wendy provided a number
of examples of resources
available to MU members,
including through the edu-
cation officer and she had
brought along a blessing
box.
The blessing boxes are an
encouragement tool; a dec-
orated box containing
seven wrapped gifts - but-
terfly soap, pot pourri, a
bookmark, a handkerchief,
often a candle and a gift tag
to focus a persons atten-
tion to God.
In our branches and
churches, the blessing box
and contributing to it, are
ways we can show people
we care for them, Wendy
said.
She suggested offering
service to other women in
the church; such as offering
to babysit so a young
mother can get her hair cut
or so a couple can have an
evening out without their
children.
I think we often feel we
are weak and God couldnt
ask us to do anything,
Wendy said.
But God said he will be
with you (Judges 6:16). It
isnt our abilities God
needs, its our availabilities.
So how available am I and
how available are you to do
Gods work?
Wendy used an example of
fire fighters to illustrate her
point: fire fighters need to
be prepared, trained, re-
sourced and in communica-
tion with their supervisors
and the command centre.
Its the same for us. We
need to be in contact with
God through contact with
our church, through pray-
ing, by coming together like
today. When we read our
bible each day, it prepares
us for Gods call, she said.
Think about why youre a
Christian and how you
would explain that in two
minutes. It is much better
to speak for two minutes to
someone who then asks
questions, than go off in a
diatribe where the person
you are talking at, their
eyes glaze over and they
are keen to get away from
you, Wendy said to partic-
ipants.
She described the re-
sources available through
MU Australia and on the
website, such as books,
magazines, music and in-
structions for making gifts.
But all the resources in
the world are not helpful if
we dont use them and help
other people come to know
Gods love.
Remember, when God
closes a door, he opens a
window. Dont be afraid of
changing ministry. We may
find, however, we have to
look hard to find what win-
dow God is opening for us.
In the parable of the tal-
ents, the master only ex-
pects his servants to use
the talents they have; and
God only expects us to use
the talents we have. Dont
be surprised to find how op-
portunities open up for
you.
Local activities
MOTHERS Union Gipps-
land president, Karin
McKenzie, reminded mem-
bers of upcoming events in
the diocese. The June Join-
In will be held at Newbor-
ough, with a speaker from
Kairos Inside. Kairos Inside
is a Christian group that
ministers to prisoners, in-
cluding in Gippsland at Ful-
ham Prison, near Sale.
Australian president of
MU, Libby Crossman, will be
in Gippsland on August 22,
at Leongatha, to help cele-
brate 50 years of Mothers
Union in that parish. A
luncheon will be held and
all parishes are invited to
attend. Donations on the
day will go to two Mothers
Union projects, Literacy in
Ethiopia and the MU St
Barnabas family holiday
fund, to pay for families to
have a holiday at ABeckett
Park on Raymond Island.
A quiet day has been or-
ganised for November 9,
under the leadership of
Reverend Tony Wicking, at
St Johns Bairnsdale.
Lastly, the annual general
meeting of MU Gippsland is
on September 17 at War-
ragul and Karin encourages
people to consider standing
for the various roles on the
executive.
All positions become va-
cant at the AGM this year
and it would be great not to
just shuffle the chairs, she
said.
LEFT: Jan Misiurka selects some cards from resources available from the Mothers
Union bookstall, helped by Gwen Matheson.
ABOVE: Joyce Elliott, Penny Clothier and Alisha Jones.
Photos: Jeanette Severs
ABOVE: Beryl Goodridge, who was celebrating her 80th
birthday at Lady Day, with Diane Moyes.
Photo: Jeanette Severs
More photographs on page 20.

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6 Our Diocese - Mothers Union Lady Day April 2013
Q: Where are you from;
geographically and your
journey in life?
A: I am a Sydney girl,
born and bred and it is the
only place I have lived per-
manently during my life, al-
though I have lived in
various parts of Sydney. As
my husband comes from
the USA, we have spent a
bit of time over the years
visiting his family, mosly in
Florida.
In life, I have achieved
grandmotherhood; I work
part time as Womens
worker at the Anglican
church at Normanhurst; I
am Head of Education for
Mothers Union Sydney, as
well as MU Australia; and I
help my mother maintain
her independent living.
Q: Who are your family?
A: My husband, Bob, and I
live alone now as our three
children are all adults. Our
eldest daughter, Michelle,
has been married to David
for 13 years this Easter and
they have three daughters:
Emma who is 11 and Lucy
and Charlotte, eight-year-
old twins, who are not just
non-identical, they do not
even look like sisters.
Our second daughter
Kathryn, trained as a
graphic designer, then de-
cided she wanted to be a
medical doctor instead and
is currently in third year
medical school at the Uni-
versity of Western Sydney.
She is living with our son,
Ben, who works in IT, which
is very handy for me.
My mother, Betty, who
turns 90 this year, lives in
self care in a retirement vil-
lage and some of my time
is taken up helping her and
taking her to medical ap-
pointments.
Q: What was your role be-
fore you had children?
A: Before I had children I
worked for CSR as an ana-
lytical chemist, but in the
late 1970s there was not as
much opportunity to work
part-time; so when our first
daughter was born, I gave
up work to look after her
and our subsequent chil-
dren.
Q: What church activities
have you been involved in?
A: I grew up in a Christian
family and taught Sunday
school when I was a
teenager, so when our eld-
est started Sunday school
at three years old, I started
teaching again; and I also
got involved with the pre-
school our church runs.
I have been a parish coun-
cillor, bible study leader,
womens group leader,
playgroup co-ordinator,
childrens holiday program
organiser; and I am still
teaching Sunday school 32
years later.
I spent eight years as chil-
drens minister at Norman-
hurst, before changing to
womens minister there
three years ago.
Q: I see you have been in-
volved in pastoral care;
what does that involve?
A: My role as womens
minister involves making
sure the women at St
Stephens feel they are
loved, valued, encouraged
and equipped for whatever
ministry God has called
them to do. I cannot do this
alone, so I have recruited a
team of women who look
after those who are particu-
larly vulnerable.
Our aim is to encourage
the women in our church to
look after each other and
when there are special
needs, they let me know
and I can visit; and, where
necessary, arrange extra
care for them.
One of my great delights is
reading the bible and pray-
ing with other women and I
often have the opportunity
to do this when I visit. I
also have a committee who
plan events to help the
women from our different
services get to know each
other, as we have four sep-
arate services in our one
church building.
Q: Tell us about your ex-
perience of breast cancer?
A: Going through breast
cancer was the worst thing
that has happened to me
and one of the best.
The physical aspect of sur-
gery, chemotherapy and ra-
diotherapy was horrible but
the experience of Gods
presence with me and the
support of Christian friends
and other MU members
across the world who
prayed for me, was some-
thing I would not want to
have missed; and I will al-
ways remember that time
as one of great blessing as
well as suffering.
Q: Why are you interested
in childrens and womens
ministry?
A: I first worked in the
area of Industrial Chem-
istry, which did not have a
lot of women in it in man-
agement positions. At that
time (early 1970s), I be-
came passionate about em-
powering women to achieve
their potential in society
and not be limited by per-
ceptions about what
women could and should
do.
As I grew in my own
Christian faith, I realised
both women and men can
only reach their God-given
potential through faith in
Jesus Christ as their Sav-
iour and Lord; and that this
is far more important than
any material or physical
achievements we can make
here on earth.
This also applies to chil-
dren and we adults are re-
sponsible for teaching them
the things they need to sur-
vive and flourish as they
grow up. There is nothing
more important than faith
in Jesus which brings rec-
onciliation with God and
eternity in Heaven. I try to
share this from my per-
spective, as a woman.
Q: How did you become
involved in Mothers Union
and get to your role today
within MU Australia? What
does this mean to you?
A: I knew about MU for a
long time before I joined.
For a long time, I worked
on the day our MU group
met and no one suggested I
could still be part of this
Christian organisation, that
supported marriage and
family life, even if I could
not attend a meeting.
I wish someone had and
today I want to encourage
people to think about be-
longing, even if they cannot
attend branch meetings.
There is more to MU than
the local branch.
When my son was born, I
took a break from paid
work for a while and our MU
branch president tried
again. This time I joined
and started attending the
meetings.
A couple of years later, I
was asked to be treasurer
for MU Sydney and then
head of education. At that
time, I started writing bible
studies for MU and discov-
ered it was something I
loved to do.
I have been a vice presi-
dent of MU Sydney and,
after a break, was asked to
return to the education role
for MU Sydney.
Three years ago, I was
nominated to the position
of education for MU Aus-
tralia and have found it a
great blessing to have the
extra contact with members
of MU from across Aus-
tralia. It has widened my
perspective and I hope I
have been able to help oth-
ers by providing resources
which share Christs love
through encouraging,
strengthening and support-
ing marriage and family
life, which is our MU vision.
ABOVE: Karin McKenzie, president of Mothers Union Gipp-
sland, with Wendy Mayer, guest speaker at MU Lady Day
at Sale and education officer with MU Australia.
Wendys experience of
family, ministry & cancer
A Question and Answer between editor of The Gippsland Angli-
can, Jeanette Severs and Wendy Mayer, education officer, Moth-
ers Union Australia, based on a similar session held at MU Lady
Day at Sale (see story, pages 4 and 5).
April 2013 Our Diocese - Childrens and Family Ministry 7
IN late March, the St
Annes Junior Campus of
Gippsland Grammar held its
House athletics competi-
tion. All students partici-
pated in multiple events on
the day as they moved
from activity to activity in
their age groups.
Field events including shot
put, high jump, long jump
and triple jump were held,
along with sprint and mid-
dle distance track events
and hurdles. The Lions Club
organised a $2 sausage siz-
zle for lunch.
A very large number of
parents attended, with
many helping to run events
and supporting their chil-
dren on the day. Tisdall
Hotham was the winning
house and there was much
rejoicing as it was their first
success since 2001.
RIGHT: Age champions at
the House athletics compe-
tition of St Annes Junior
Campus were Finn
Stephenson, Bailey Itten-
sohn, Sarah Treasure,
Tabitha Manson, Chloe
Manson, Luke Droppert,
Ben Lang and Tilley Gordyn
ABOVE right: A big jump
from Connor Waixel.
Contributor/Photos:
Gippsland Grammar
Preschool play
in Moe parish
IN Moe parish, Kidsplus+ Play-
group commenced in February with
a very enthusiastic group of chil-
dren, parents and carers. GFS Kid-
splus+ ministry in the parish caters
for preschoolers, primary, second-
ary and young adult groups, with
the added advantage of support
and fellowship with the diocesan
network.
We are fortunate our facilitators
from within the parish include lead-
ers with early childhood experience,
kindergarten and teacher training.
Already some pleasing links and fel-
lowship have developed and an-
other opportunity for our parish
multicultural assimilation is evident.
As a parish where hall facilities are
used in partnership with a commu-
nity kindergarten, we grasped an
opportune time, when a Friday
morning kinder-free time slot be-
came available to us.
It has been difficult in the past to
secure the use of a suitable venue.
We celebrate that this long term
goal has been finally realised for
this year.
Contributor/Photo: Mary Nicholls
House athletics

The Anglican Diocese of Gippsland does not
tolerate abuse, misconduct and harm in its
Christian community.

The Diocese is committed to ensuring all people in contact
with the Church can participate in a safe and responsible
environment. If you may have been harmed by a church
worker, or know someone who has, please come forward.

The Director of Professional Standards, Cheryl Russell, is
available, and will maintain confidentiality, on telephone
03 5633 1573, on mobile 0407 563313, or email
cherylrussell1@bigpond.com
OFFICE OF THE Director of
Professional Standards
8 Our Diocese - Childrens and Family Ministry April 2013
CHILDREN and youth of
Gippsland diocese are re-
minded to complete and
send their applications for
the forthcoming Kidsplus+
Camp to be held at Coon-
awarra Farm resort on May
3 to 5 (see advertisement
on page seven). Applica-
tions are already due as
readers receive this issue of
The Gippsland Anglican.
Those interested in at-
tending should telephone
Mary on 03 5127 2929 to
be assured of a place. If
any parishes have leaders
wishing to attend with their
parish representatives,
please also make contact.
The bring-along, rather
than send-along method
makes our young people
most comfortable.
The annual GFS State
meeting this year will be
hosted by Gippsland dio-
cese on Saturday, April 20.
We are looking forward to
welcoming representatives
from the other five Victo-
rian dioceses to the meet-
ing and some social activity
at Gippsland Heritage Park
on this day.
Young children and youth
are invited to participate in
the day, sharing in explor-
ing the park and monthly
market, a barbecue lunch
and ideas and visions for
our future ministry (such as
preschool activities, above).
A games and activity pro-
gram will run parallel to the
meeting. If you are inter-
ested in attending this ac-
tivity, RSVP to Lauren
Kitwood, GFS Diocesan
Chairman, through gipp-
skidsplus@people.net.au or
telephone Mary on 03 5127
2929. Participants should
meet at the meeting room
at Moe at 10am. The day
will conclude at 3pm.
Expressions of interest are
also being sought to attend
the National GFS (Kid-
splus+) Conference on the
June long weekend in Mel-
bourne. We will be accom-
modated at the new CYC
City Camp at 538 Collins
Street, in a heritage-listed
Melbourne building. Cost
estimated at approximately
$350; details on enquiry.
These conferences always
provide inspirational speak-
ers and workshops to en-
courage those in ministry to
children, youth and fami-
lies.
Contributor: Mary Nicholls
FACNG THE
TRUTH
GO online for progress on
the Victorian enquiry into
child abuse and the Com-
monwealth enquiry into
how institutions dealt with
reports of child abuse.
For personal help, contact
Victorian police:
Morwell, 03 5131 5090
Sale, 03 5143 5000
Bairnsdale, 5150 2675
Melbourne, 03 9247 5538
Or contact Cheryl Russell,
Director of Professional
Standards, Gippsland An-
glican Diocese, 0407
563313 or email cheryl-
russell1@bigpond.com
Camps, gatherings,
inspiring speakers
Color in the picture
ABOVE: He is not here! He
has risen! Color in and puz-
zle maze. Enter the maze at
top left and travel through
to find the correct route to
the empty tomb.
Copyright: www.ser-
mons4kids.com

April 2013 Our Diocese - Childrens and Family Ministry 9
CHILDREN from Moe GFS,
the Boys Group (BAMM)
and the Sunday school
have assisted in clearing
and replanting the veg-
etable garden originally es-
tablished through the work
and generosity of Sue and
Peter Lendon, of Newbor-
ough parish.
Two years ago, the vision
was to work alongside
Gippsland TAFE to provide a
horticulture training area
and opportunity for some of
our South Sudanese men.
Funding and other obsta-
cles brought that idea to a
halt, however the ground-
work is now happily being
utilised by the young peo-
ple in our ministry program.
We look forward now to
that season of growth and
hope that the vision might
be revitalised. Happily, lo-
quat, persimmon, feijoa
and pecan nut trees planted
by the Lendons are thriv-
ing, giving us encourage-
ment.
MESSY church was introduced at St Johns Bairnsdale in
February this year and is held on the second Thursday of
each month. This is a special service for families, aimed at
primary school-aged children and their parents; the in-
volvement of parents and carers means it is not a drop-
ping off service.
A great deal of preparation goes into each service, as the
theme differs every month. There were about 10 volun-
teers to help the rector, Reverend Tony Wicking, including
a pianist from Gippsland Grammars Bairnsdale school.
Parents are expected to participate in the session. Twelve
children attended in February and had something to eat
on arrival. Activities started punctually at 4pm.
Children, parents and volunteers involved themselves in
craft, painting, learning and praying about the days
theme of Gods first days of Creation. After the activities,
everybody moved into the church to hear a bible message
and and to sing lively songs.
After the service a light meal was served, the two hours
having been used to provide insight into Gods creation as
well as having a lot of fun. It was pleasing to have six chil-
dren with their parents attend who are not connected to
the church.
Contributor: Ursula Plunkett
RIGHT: Dinner time at the end of messy church. The first
session was held at St Johns Bairnsdale in February, then
the second Thursday of each month ongoing.
Photo: Judi Hogan
Messing about with church
Children engage
with Moe gardens
ABOVE and above right: Members of Moes GFS primary
group tending the garden. Each group has enthusiasti-
cally taken some responsibility for the gardens.
Contributor/Photos: Mary Nicholls
10 Our Diocese - Clergy Ministry April 2013
THE Dean of St Pauls
Cathedral in Sale has an-
nounced his resignation, to
take effect from the end of
May. Dean Dr Don Saines
(right) and his wife, Dr
Pene Brook, moved to Sale
parish in April 2010.
Prior to his appointment
as Dean, Don was an asso-
ciate lecturer in the School
of Theology of Charles Sturt
University and an Anglican
priest in the Canberra and
Goulburn diocese.
He knew Bishop John
McIntyre when Don was the
rector of Newtown and
Bishop John was the rector
of Redfern, both in Sydney.
More recently, Pene was
ordained a deacon and took
up the role of chaplain of
Monash University Gipps-
land.
Don will take long service
leave before taking up a
new role, as Dean of the
United Faculty of Theology
(UFT) in Melbourne.
This was not a decision
made in haste but one re-
sulting from much prayer
and heart searching by
Pene and me, he recently
told the congregations of
Sale parish.
I will miss my ministry as
Dean of St Pauls Sale and
priest to the Cathedral
parish and my collegial
ministry with Bishop John
and colleagues across Gipp-
sland diocese. These last
three years have indeed
been a most happy and re-
warding experience.
Pene will continue her
ministry as chaplain at
Churchill, as the couple in-
tend to move to a house
they own at Upwey, at least
for the time being.
The United Faculty of The-
ology was formed in 1969
as an ecumenical theologi-
cal partnership between
three separate colleges: the
Jesuit Theological College of
the Society of Jesus (JTC),
Australian Province of the
Society of Jesus; Trinity
College Theological School
(TCTS), Anglican Province
of Victoria; and the Uniting
Church Theological College
(UCTC), Synod of Victoria
and Tasmania.
The partner colleges share
their staff and facilities for
the purpose of teaching and
research and college stu-
dents study in common
classes. Classes are also
available to independent
students
The UFT Office is located
at the Uniting Church Cen-
tre for Theology and Min-
istry (CTM), in College
Crescent, Parkville, near
Melbourne University.
Dean resigns
from Cathedral
BASIC TRAINING PROGRAM FOR
VOLUNTEER PASTORAL CARE
VISITORS
A series of five workshops at Delbridge Hall, Sale. Led by
Dean Don Saines, Reverend Lyndon Phillips and Rev.
Heather Toms. Each workshop from 10am to 12noon.
April 27, June 22, August 17, September 21, October 26.
RSVP: St Pauls Cathedral office, 03 5144 2020
New priorities for
Anglican Witness
By Reverend John Kafwanka,
Director for Mission
Anglican Communion Office
THE core group of Anglican Witness:
evangelism and church growth initiative
in the Anglican Communion, representing
nine regions of the Anglican Communion
and five specialised ministries, met re-
cently in London to receive and consider
the implementation strategy of the ACC-
15 evangelism mandate. This was the
first core group meeting after the Angli-
can Consultative Council (ACC) met in
Auckland New Zealand in October and
November last year. Among attendees at
the ACC in New Zealand was Gippsland
dioceses Robert Fordham, who is also a
member of Bishop-in-Council.
Aware of the importance of children and
young people to the present and future
life and dynamism of the Church and
their participation in Gods holistic mis-
sion in the world, the ACC-15 requested
the Anglican Witness to put special em-
phasis on children and young people in
the renewed mandate.
To underscore the ACCs commitment to
this aspect of work, Reverend Robert Si-
hubwa, an experienced and passionate
leader in ministry among children and
young people, has joined the core group
and brings relevant experience and
strategic thinking.
The breadth of diversity of context and
experience of the core group members is
an important resource to the group itself
as well as to the vision of Anglican Wit-
ness, which exists to promote evangelism
and church growth in the Anglican Com-
munion and facilitate sharing and collab-
oration.
Encouraged by the progress made in the
last three years, the core group has un-
dertaken to prioritise the following areas:
children and young people; discipleship;
unreached and engaged people; gather-
ing and sharing evangelism resources;
and communication tools; to sustain and
enable all these priorities.
The priority on children and young peo-
ple will include having a focused section
on children and youth within Anglican
Witness work; compile a profile of exist-
ing relevant resources within and outside
the Communion; establish an annual
prize competition for young people; high-
light existing relevant training programs
for children and young people; and en-
gage theological institutions in the Com-
munion regarding emphasis on training
for ministry among young people.
The meeting was hosted at the Anglican
Communion Office where the Secretary
General of the Anglican Communion,
Canon Kenneth Kearon, welcomed the
group and thanked them for their com-
mitment to taking this work forward,
work which is central to the life and exis-
tence of the Church. The meeting took
place in the context of prayer and wor-
ship and was enriched by bible studies fo-
cussing on Luke 10.
As part of its working ethos, the core
group always engages with the mission
context of the host Church for mutual en-
richment. In London, this took included a
mission day of engagement with mission
leaders in the Church of England on Fresh
Expressions of Church, Migrant and Mis-
sion and Resourcing for Mission; an
evening with two young members from
Regeneration Church whose ministry
focus is on young people; and the final
experience was the mission encounter
over the weekend when core group
members were hosted in parishes across
London and beyond.
The experience here included taking
part in evangelistic initiatives, speaking
and preaching during Sunday worship.
Both hosts and guests have reported
having life-changing experiences during
the mission encounter weekend.
The core group received a visit on the
first day from the Archbishop of Canter-
bury, Justin Welby, who shared his pas-
sion for evangelism and church growth;
spur the groups confidence to provide a
platform for resource-sharing and learn-
ing that is supported by him.
April 2013 Our Diocese - Youth Ministry 11
Boys row to a
bronze medal
Youth hut in
Sale parish
Get Voting:
a resource
for schools
and youth
Get Voting website is the
Australian Electoral Com-
missions new and innova-
tive education resource to
support schools to conduct
free and fair school elec-
tions. Visit
education.aec.gov.au/getv
oting for more information.
GIPPSLAND Grammar
ended another successful
rowing season with a medal
at the Australian National
Rowing Championships.
The event was held at Pen-
rith and combined with the
first round of the Rowing
World Cup, giving students
the unique opportunity to
row alongside national and
international rowers. The
school entered two crews
for the event this year.
The senior boys crew,
Craig Munson, Jirra Moffatt,
Charlie Gerrand, Angus
Rose and Eden Rice (cox),
competed in the coxed
quad scull event. The crew
won their first heat and
moved straight to the final.
The final line-up was a re-
peat of their previous final
at a Canberra regatta,
where they finished in sixth
place, so they knew they
had a huge task before
them. The race was very
close and at each 500m
marker, the boys held onto
third place, going through
to win the Bronze medal.
The girls crew, Lucy Shep-
hard, Genevieve Pyne,
Demi Redenbach, Marnie
Deller and Claire Purcell
(cox), were in a category
with 35 crews, in the
Schoolgirls coxed quad
scull event.
The girls finished fourth in
their heat and made it
through to the repechage,
where they again finished
in fourth place, missing the
final but proud of their
achievement.
The rowing crews will soon
meet Olympic rower,
Karsten Fosterling, who will
be guest speaker at the end
of season dinner.
ABOVE: The senior rowing
crews of Gippsland Gram-
mar, Genevieve Pyne, Demi
Redenbach, Craig Munson,
Jirra Moffatt, Charlie Ger-
rand, Eden Rice, Angus
Rose, Claire Purcell, Marnie
Deller and Lucy Shephard.
Photo: Gippsland Grammar
TOP and above: The youth hut
at St Pauls Cathedral in Sale
has been refurbished, relo-
cated and, recently, blessed
and re-opened by the Dean of
the Cathedral, Dr Don Saines.
Renovations, which began
early last year, included
adding a partitioned office
space, lower ceiling and north
facing windows.
Photos: Christine Morris
12 Our Diocese - Features April 2013
Diocesan calendar
2013
110th year of The Gippsland Anglican diocesan newspaper
April
1 Easter Book Stall, St Johns Metung, Patterson Park, Metung
4-7 Cursillo, Mens 34; Blackwood House, Gippsland Grammar,
Sale; contact Lindsay McKay, email
lindsay.mckay4772@gmail.com or 0403 170320
6 Anam Cara Community School for Prayer Day; 9.30am to
4pm; Praying with Scriptures, led by Reverend Anne Turner; St
Pauls Anglican Cathedral, Sale; 9.30am to 3.30pm; BYO
lunch, bible and journal. RSVP Jane Macqueen, 0411 316346
or jane.macqueen@anamcara-gippsland.org
19-21 Creative Spirit Festival art exhibition; St Phillips Cowes
20 Avon parish garden bus trip; contact Lorraine, 03 5145 6911
25 ANZAC Day
26-28 CMS Autumn mission weekend, Bendigo; with Brian Rosner;
www.cms.org.au
27 Basic Training Program for Volunteer Pastoral Care Visitors; St
Pauls Cathedral parish; RSVP 03 5144 2020; workshop 1,
10am to 12noon.
May
4 Anam Cara Community Day; 9.30am to 4pm; enquiries, Jane
Macqueen, 0411 316346 or jane.macqueen@anamcara-gipp-
sland.org
7-8 Working with Complex and Chronic Mental Health workshop,
Rosedale; RSVP by April 26 to Sarah Gover, 0458 450370
17-18 Gippsland Anglican 37th annual Synod, Sale; St Annes
campus of Gippsland Grammar, Sale; begins 2pm on Friday.
21 Mothers Union executive meeting, Morwell; 9.30am
24-25 Anam Cara Community retreat, Abbey of St Barnabas,
ABeckett Park; enquiries, Jane Macqueen, 0411 316346 or
jane.macqueen@anamcara-gippsland.org
25 Ordination service, priests; St Pauls Cathedral, Sale; 11am;
Don Saines, 03 5144 2020
June
1 Open day, Abbey of St Barnabas, ABeckett Park, Raymond
Island; demonstrations of spinning and weaving, landcare,
organic agriculture, chooks, sheep shearing, craft, jams,
preserves, games for children, food to purchase; enquiries Ann
Miller, 03 5144 3597, 0427 445866 or
tarkaan@netspace.net.au
1 Anam Cara Community School for Prayer Day; Christ Church
Drouin; 9.30am to 4pm; enquiries, Jane Macqueen, 0411
316346 or jane.macqueen@anamcara-gippsland.org
3-5 Clergy conference, with Charles and Peta Sherlock
12 Mothers Union June Join-in; 9.30am for 10am service;
Newborough; guest speaker, Tim Rock from Kairos
14-16 Residential writing workshop, Abbey of St Barnabas, Raymond
Island; with Sue Fordham and Archdeacon Philip Muston
10am to 12noon.
23-26 Quadratos in an Australian context (a retreat), Anam Cara
Community; Pallotti College, Millgrove
27-29 Growth in Ministry intensive; Bishopscourt; Sale
29 Anam Cara Community annual thanksgiving eucharist; St
Marys Morwell; 11am to 2.30pm; enquiries, Jane Macqueen,
0411 316346 or jane.macqueen@anamcara-gippsland.org
July
sland.org
August
3 Anam Cara Community School for Prayer Day; St James
Traralgon; 9.30am to 4pm; enquiries, Jane Macqueen, 0411
316346 or jane.macqueen@anamcara-gippsland.org
8 Mary Sumner Day, Mothers Union
16 Clergy Wellbeing Day; Latrobe Convention Centre, Traralgon
10am to 12noon.
20 Mothers Union executive meeting, Morwell, 9.30am
22 Celebrating 50 years of Mothers Union at Leongatha; guest
speaker Libby Cross, MU Australia president.
September
sland.org
8 Back to church Sunday
13-15 Anam Cara Community retreat, Abbey of St Barnabas,
ABeckett Park; Living as a contemplative in the world;
enquiries, Jane Macqueen, 0411 316346 or
jane.macqueen@anamcara-gippsland.org
Film festival
entries open
THE 2013 Ignite Short Film Fes-
tival, Australias premier Christian
Short Film Festival, is now calling
for entries. Filmmakers will need
to get cracking on storyboards for
Ignite, a competition encouraging
film-makers to creatively commu-
nicate the truths of the bible.
While the festival is Australia-
based, films in recent years have
come from countries as diverse as
Argentina, India, Cambodia and
the UK. This year, Ignite is run by
Bible Society Australia in conjunc-
tion with Festival Director, Allan
Dowthwaite, who created the
competition in 2004.
Mr Dowthwaite explains: Ignite
is all about getting people to read
the bible and to be creative in
telling its story. The quality of
films each year has been terrific,
and its been great to see a few
past entrants go on to successful
media careers.
Daniel Peterson is one such suc-
cess story. In 2008, with just a
years editing experience, he won
in the Bright Spark, Best Editing
and Special Effects categories.
I made the film with some
mates and it was good fun. It was
also an opportunity for me to ex-
plore film making with a focus on
Gods word. It was significant in
my decision to pursue a career in
media.
Today, Mr Peterson runs Salt
Media, his own production com-
pany.
Films submitted to Ignite must
be no longer than five minutes
and must be based on a bible
verse or passage containing the
key word. Last years theme was
Hope and the winning film, Cen-
tre, by Michael Snowdon, focused
on the futility of relying on any-
thing other than the cross.
Entering Ignite each year has
drastically improved my film-
making, encouraged my creative
thinking and sharpened my un-
derstanding of how to make Jesus
known. Ignite provides an av-
enue for Christian film-makers,
like me, to get serious about pro-
ducing high-quality films
that communicate Gods word,
he said.
The theme for 2013 is Joy.
Filmmakers need to investigate
what the bible says about joy,
base their film on a passage con-
taining the word and communi-
cate what they discover in a film
five minutes or less in duration.
There are eleven award cate-
gories, including one for school
entries, with the winning film
awarded $2,000. Entries close
July 31, 2013 and the awards
evening will be held in September.
For entry details and to see last
years winning film and the panel
of judges,
visit www.ignitefilmfest.com
Contributor: Rachel Hockings
April 2013 Our Diocese - Commemorating 110 years of diocesan news 13
By Jeanette Severs
THE Church News of Janu-
ary 20, 1924 announced
the appointment of Rev-
erend KE Hamilton, of Maf-
fra, as editor and the
opening on February 5 of
the Church of England Girls
Preparatory School at Sale,
under headmistress, Dea-
coness Sundell (qualifica-
tions, Cambridge Teachers
Diploma). Mrs Cranswick
was advertising for a house
maid and a parlor maid.
Canon Haultain, under the
headline, Wanted Strong
Men, provided his thoughts
on the recent Gippsland re-
cruiting campaign. The
campaign was to recruit,
not only for Gippsland, but
also for Melbourne and as
far afield as England.
Canon Haultain discussed
beliefs the role of a clergy-
man was a soft job, involv-
ing tea parties, mothers
meetings and such things
and not for true men, who
work hard for a living. He
also spoke about the need
to be an educated man;
that the collar and clothes
can put people off; and the
poverty of the clergy.
Canon Haultain pointed
out the life and work of a
clergyman could be as hard
as he makes it but that the
average Australian was not
ecclesiastically inclined and
cited the home and social
influence, which too often
fails to place the glory and
splendor of a clergymans
life before our boys.
He concluded the recruit-
ing campaign was thor-
oughly worthwhile. There
were offers of services;
there will be many more.
The newspaper reported a
car was purchased for the
Warden of the Brotherhood,
from donations from 44
parishioners across the dio-
cese and two Melbourne
parishioners, amounting to
250/6/6.
Another article, The Work
of the Women of the
Church, commended the
Stratford ladies guild, the
Bush Church Aid Society
and other friends for en-
abling Sister Dorothy to
give the Croajingolong chil-
dren the wonderful bliss of
Christmas trees. This en-
abled children at Cann
River, Croajingolong (Malla-
coota), Genoa and Wongra-
belle to receive gifts from
under the trees, taken from
two boxes donated by Mel-
bourne supporters of the
BCA. Some presents were
given to the children of the
high country at later dates.
Under this headline was
further information about
the opening of the school
(see paragraph one), under
the auspices of Deaconess
House. Arrangements for
day pupils and boarders
could be made with Dea-
coness Sundell, who
brought Victorian and Eng-
lish qualifications to her
role.
The work of the Dea-
conesses and other women
was commended. Sister
Dorothy, as already men-
tioned; Sister May at Won-
thaggi; Miss Warren would
shortly be returning to work
from illness; Deaconess
Sundell starting the school;
Deaconess Shoobridge, on
horseback or in pony and
trap, visiting the high coun-
try and Croajingolong; Miss
Newnham, Mrs England
(also known as Mrs Laird)
and Mrs Jensen; and Sister
Marle taking up the work of
Literature Secretary of
Mothers Union from Mrs
Jensen.
Lindenow-Fernbank re-
ported the first visit of the
Warden, Reverend PA Wise-
would, at Lindenow on De-
cember 9 (1923) and
preached at the service in
the evening, linking the
area with the Brotherhoods
fellowship. He returned on
December 15, along with
his wife, to the fair at Lin-
denow, by car from Strat-
ford, to open the fair and
join in the festivities.
Bishop Cranswick visited
the parish on January 6, to
big congregations and
warm welcomes at Meer-
lieu, Lindenow and Fern-
bank. A focus of the
parishioners was raising
enough money to buy a
motorbike, presumably for
the use of the incumbent,
Brother C Woodhouse (al-
though it was not stated).
Rev. Hamilton, as the new
editor, suggests readers re-
member his human frailty
in acquitting the role while
exhorting them to subscribe
to the newspaper and view
it as a reflexion of the
Churchs work in Gippsland,
leading on social and Chris-
tian principles.
He requested varied and
interesting articles about
parish and diocesan hap-
penings along with
thoughtful texts written by
clergy and laity alike, giving
others the benefit of their
thinking, reading and expe-
rience. He promised fea-
tures in the newspaper
which he hoped would be of
interest and benefit to the
readership.
Children
UNCLE John became re-
sponsible for the Childrens
Page in 1924, to provide
some interesting reading
every month. He compared
children to the flowers in
the garden, where the
wise gardener has his
seedling house where you
can see tiny plants growing
in boxes and beds to re-
place the old plants when
they die. The Sunday
school is the seedling house
of the Church, Uncle John
wrote.
Uncle John explained the
meaning of Easter and what
each day means to Chris-
tians and Jews, from the
Friday before Palm Sunday
to after Easter. He also
wrote about Sunday school
lessons for ANZAC day,
Australias Holy Day.
The Church News of Feb-
ruary 10, 1925, reported
Guides beginning in Gunyah
and Boolarong, under the
influence of Sister Clare, of
Sale, who spent a week in
the district.
In 1924, the Sale Church
of England Girls School was
offering kindergarten and
senior classes. In 1926,
Deaconess Sundell was also
offering education to boys
in the preparatory division.
In The Church News Octo-
ber 17, 1933, an article an-
nounced intent to celebrate
10 years of the school, on
February 5, 1934, and gave
tribute.
Starting with a few girls
in the junior grades, it has
grown and expanded until
now there are senior girls
preparing for the Public Ex-
aminations of the University
of Melbourne, some of
whom have gone right
through the school and
some who have entered it
as seniors.
The author points out
steps needed to be taken to
provide additional accom-
modation for both the
school and boarders and a
Friends of the School
diocesan committee had
been formed to support the
school.
In 1929, the first issue of
The Church News for the
year was published in Janu-
ary. Opilio was the author
of the Childrens Page and
began with a quote from
Cowper. Opilio encouraged
REVEREND KE Hamilton (later
Archdeacon) and Mrs Hamilton (right).
Rev. Hamilton was editor of The Church
News from the first issue of 1924. He
demonstrated a broad sense of humor
from the first issue, illustrated by these
two stories he published under the
headline Clerical Nonsense:
Archbishop Trench, on account of an
accident to his knee, was somewhat
unsteady on his legs. He was sitting
one day in the park. The chair was low,
the bishop somewhat shaky and he had
to make some effort to rise. A little girl
came up and said: Shall I help you,
sir?
The archbishop replied: It is very kind
of you, my dear, but do you think you
are strong enough?
Oh, yes! I have often helped my
daddy when he was much drunker than
you are!
AND
A bishop was staying with one of his
country clergy. He heard the strains of
Rock of Ages sounding through the
house and at the breakfast table he re-
marked how sweetly the hymn
sounded.
Said the vicars last born: That was
cook. She always sings Rock of Ages to
boil the eggs. Two verses for soft-
boiled, four for hard!
Hamiltons humor
ABOVE: Dealing with a blown tyre on the way to clergy
conference, at Traralgon, 1925.
continued next page
Womens work, a school & a
ships captain made minister
Continuing our look back at 110 years of diocesan news, this month the decade 1924 to 1933.
14 Our Diocese - Commemorating 110 years of diocesan news April 2013
from previous page
the children to read as
much as possible and di-
rected them to the monthly
text in The Church News
and questions that needed
answering. At the end of
the year, a boy and girl
would receive prizes for the
best answers.
From December 27, 1929
to January 2, 1930, the first
Church of England camps
for girls and boys were held
in Gippsland. The girls
camp was held at Raymond
Island, under the command
of Reverend Deaconess Sis-
ter May and the boys camp
was at Metung, under com-
mand of Rev. JH Blundell,
Traralgon rector.
ABeckett Park at Ray-
mond Island and Nyerimi-
lang Park at Metung were
deeded to the Anglican
Church in Gippsland for the
use of camps for girls and
boys respectively. By 1933,
the fifth annual camp for
girls was held on Raymond
Island from December 29,
with two camps running
concurrently under the
command of Sister May;
one for juniors 13 to 15
years and one for senior
girls, aged over 15 years.
Bp Cranswick
BISHOP Cranswick was
wont to call a spade a
spade regarding what he
termed life outside the
church. Of the police strike
in Victoria, he wrote:
where constables broke
their oaths, left the lives
and property of the citizens
unprotected and provoked
loyal police to strike by a
system of intimidation, they
were wholly in the wrong.
Of newspapers, he wrote:
It is certainly permissible
to expect the Press to be
representative of public
opinion, if only to provide
the public and its leaders
with a necessary opportu-
nity of seeing whither they
are drifting. It seems right
also to expect a Press
with any recognition of the
responsibility of its influ-
ence, to be always a little
ahead of public opinion
along the paths of truth.
Of the Empire, he wrote:
The real forces that make
for nationhood are found in
the common culture of liter-
ature, art and religion. It is
these which bind us to-
gether and provide a family
feeling among men and na-
tions.
This decade also saw the
development of a new, or
revised, prayer book or, al-
ternatively, an Australian
Prayer Book, containing ad-
ditions in the form of
prayers and services for
Australian life.
Bishop Cranswick warned
against a spirit of compro-
mise in the interests of
peace for where truth is
concerned, compromise be-
comes impossible. In
1925, the House of Clergy
rejected proposals to elim-
inate the principle of sub-
jection, in the marriage
service, of wife to hus-
band.
A letter writer beseeched
the Church Assembly to de-
bate more important is-
sues, than whether a wife
shall perjure herself by
promising to obey her hus-
band wives never have
and never will obey their
husbands, so tackle live
questions which really mat-
ter, bemoaning it was this
attitude that led to people
leaving or staying away
from church.
Subsequently, moves were
afoot and proposals made
and accepted to the ques-
tion of autonomy of the
Australian Church. The de-
cision to process on this
question was supported
favourably by dioceses at
General Synod, with the
question of 1923 to be ex-
plored further and brought
back to Synod in 1926.
Consequently, in October
A RECORD of travel by a Deaconess in
The Church News, February 12, 1924,
titled Santa Clause and the Magic
Lantern:
A box of gits had come from kind sup-
porters of the Bush Church Aid Society
to be distributed at Christmas or at dis-
cretion later on.
A lantern trip had been arranged for
later on, in January, among the hill folk.
So off the Deaconess set one morning
and the passengers looked on curiously
as one after another the lantern outfit
and different packages were deposited
on the platform. Still more curiously did
the mailman look as he sought to find
places for the extra luggage. But most
curious did his car look as finally we
started off on our climb up the graded
road.
A case of fruit and the cylinder box on
the step, two big mail bags on the bon-
net, three passengers and the driver in-
side, besides numerous packages of
meat and bread, mailbags, suitcases,
lantern and cases of slides (formerly a
box of volumes of Shakespeare) with
the parcels of toys dodging about at
every bump and playing battledore and
shuttlecock with a new broom.
After various episodes on the way, such
as dropping the case of fruit and stop-
ping to cool down the engine before
climbing certain hills, we at last safely
reached the highest part of the ridge.
There waited the charioteer to drive
me and all the various packages and
outfit along a six foot mountain road to
the little school of Valley View. (Inciden-
tally, he tucked in that case of plums too
and dropped it at its rightful destina-
tion.
Valley View is rightly named, because
of the wonderful views it gives both
north and south of the range. After tea
with a neighbour the sheet was fixed up
and the service began. So glad was
everyone of the novelty, that families
had come from every quarter; one
mother even had ridden up with her two
girls from some five or six miles down
the Valley.
A special talk to the children on our
Lords boyhood was followed by an illus-
trated address to the adults, Dianna or
Christ? Some of the little ones had
fallen asleep, but there were no eyes
shut when the packet sent by Santa
Clause was opened.
Oh! The exclamations of delight of the
adults as well as the children, as one
thing after another was brought out.
Then came a discussion as to how the
outfit was to travel on. Everyone was
willing to do their bit. At last it was hap-
pily settled, so that another service
could be fitted in at Valley View, but
more especially for children this time.
My friend, the charioteer, and his wife
took me back to their home for the
night. Next morning visits were paid to
a few families off the track, especially to
an old couple who enjoyed seeing the
slides and hearing the message. Then
some willing hands carried the lantern
outfit up a very steep hill, practically im-
passable for a vehicle, and above waited
my friend with a borrowed jinker to
drive me down a rough and, at times,
very steep back track. It was only the
second time that Nobbler had been in a
jinker, but he took to the breeching very
well. Once on a very steep bit he heard
our remark and stopped to listen to the
word of praise. But his mistress de-
serves the Masters. Well Done!
She is one of the army of home-mak-
ers, working like a man to keep that
home together, milking early and late.
In between times she rides some days
to do washing or sewing for a neighbour
miles away; or clears the little selection
of its huge logs and bracken and sledges
the can of cream down to the nearest
part reached by the cream wagon.
One needs to see these big trees to re-
alise the lion hearts of these hill folk.
Many of them measure 60 or 70 feet in
girth (five or six feet up); some even
have been over 80 feet. Into one stump
I, myself, took my pony and could eas-
ily have found room for three more of
her size. How the severe winter, too
after the long drought has told upon the
cattle and horses of these struggling
settlers!
However, this mother cheerfully gives
of her time to ensure her children may
have a second chance of seeing those
pictures. As the rain had fallen during
the night, the track had become too
greasy and slippery to venture to drive
back, so she brought horses and be-
tween us we carried the lantern and
cylinder boxes and also a sheet and rid-
ing valise back again to the summit of
that steep hill, ready to be taken on
down to the little school at the foot.
Nearly all the same people turned up
with a few more; in spite of it being
more a childrens night. And the com-
ments on the gifts showed the joy given.
The games had already been well
played, books read, etcetera. Look, Ive
got my new socks on, said one little
chap to everyone and he had told his
mother, If I put my new socks on itll
make my foot better!
One baby put out her arms for the doll
and put its face right up to her own. A
small boy had no eyes for anything else
when his train was linked up. Oh! bush
children are really appreciative because
these sort of things come so seldom in
their way!
That night the nearest neighbour kindly
took me into her wee little home, plan-
ning in the morning early to drive me
along that 6ft track to meet the cream
wagon; but the horse had got away
after its companions of the previous
evening and the boy didnt get back with
it until after nine. So she had to drive
me all the way to the mail route. How-
ever, there we learned the traction en-
gine with its load from the sawmill and
the cream wagon had already gone, so
she had no fear of meeting either of
them as she drove home with the two
little boys on the floor of the trap at the
back and the babe in the box at her feet.
The five lantern services held that
moon week enabled visits to be paid in
as many different districts and interest
to be renewed in the Sunday school by
post papers and the Mothers Union
magazines sent out regularly from
headquarters at Sale.
Now the children and all round Valley
View feel they have friends in the out-
side world who care about them in the
hardships.
A Deaconesss journey
ABOVE: Deaconess Shoobridge.
ABOVE: Major ABeckett with two women on a pleasure
drive.
BELOW: The Sunday school picnic at Gormandale East,
1923.
continued next page
April 2013 Our Diocese - Commemorating 110 years of diocesan news 15
from previous page
1926, a Convention of Rep-
resentatives of dioceses
considered a draft constitu-
tion for the Anglican Church
in Australia.
Reporting at Synod 1926,
Bishop Cranswick stated he
had permission from the
State government to give
the aboriginals of Lake
Tyers a ministry of their
own and that Reverend AR
Raymond was tasked to see
this happened.
In April 1928, The Church
News reported practically
every diocesan synod has
now accepted the constitu-
tion and it only awaits the
vote of one or two and the
presentation of the Bill to
the State Parliament to
make the Church of Eng-
land in Australia a self gov-
erning church enabling
internal administration
and, the author hoped,
publication of an Australian
Hymnal, rather than the
current multiplicity of
hymn books an annoy-
ance, confusing, conflicting
and unnecessary.
Other news
IN 1926, the Anglican,
Presbyterian, Methodist and
Congregational churches
agreed the Christian Sun-
day is an indispensable pro-
vision and day of rest
from all labour that is not
absolutely necessary [in-
cluding] physical and social
recreation [that] does not
displace the obligation and
blessing of public worship.
Parishes
REVEREND L Sawtell, of
Heyfield, took on responsi-
bility for sub-editing parish
news, or Parish Echoes
from the November 9, 1926
issue. He subsequently
highlighted the activities of
Heyfield parish in that
issue.
Three children were in
hospital with appendicitis;
the ladies guild and vestry
had made preliminary
preparations for the annual
garden fete in the rectory
grounds on December 11,
1926; and Miss Esther Mus-
ton, Sunday school teacher,
was farewelled prior to her
marriage to Mr Draper, of
Malvern.
A tribute to the late Rev-
erend Robert Martin is in-
cluded in The Church News
of March 11, 1924, ex-
pressing appreciation of
his noble character. In the
1880s, Robert Martin con-
ducted Church of England
services on his own initia-
tive in the greater Bairns-
dale district, while travelling
around as a fire insurance
agent.
He had been the skipper of
a ship, a miner and a min-
ing expert among other oc-
cupations. He was
eventually nominated to a
stipendiary readership, ap-
pointed by Bishop Moor-
house. Eventually he was
deaconed (1900) and
priested (1903).
He ranged far across East
Gippsland and into New
South Wales, a lively and
strong preacher and an ad-
vocate for temperance.
Robert Martin died on Feb-
ruary 2, 1924, at 92 years
and the church of St Mar-
tins at Lindenow, closed
late last year, was named
for him, along with a creek
and a landmark tree.
At Boisdales annual tea
meeting and concert in
1926, there was welcome
rain and in a land of hospi-
tality and good cookery, the
Boisdale ladies always
excel.
In The Church News of
February 8, 1927, Edith
Kelly reported on the work
of the Mission of St James
and St John in East Gipps-
land and Korumburra dis-
trict, in specific disease,
whose ravages are too well
known by thinking people,
a great check is being made
and here and in the home
for the unmarried mother,
not only kindly help and
medical attention is given,
but the girls are helped by
a definite training in some
occupation that they may,
when health allows, take
their places as self-respect-
ing citizens.
She wrote about delin-
quent boys housed at a
farm, to learn outdoor work
and trades. Day old babies
receive all the love and
skill of a trained nursing
and honorary medical staff
and the country homes for
boys and girls encourage
positive behavior and good
manners.
In January 1927, Orbost
parish supported the Dis-
trict Scout Camp and Dis-
trict Guide Camp, held
respectively at Lakes En-
trance and Metung, with St
James 1st Orbost Girl
Guides winning the banner.
In 1928, Canon Thornton
pointed out Sale parish had
completed 75 years of
parish history and was
planning improvements to
the Cathedrals interior, in
line with the celebration, in
1929, of this jubilee. He en-
couraged the parishes to
consider St Pauls Cathedral
a diocesan work, rather
than parochial.
A committee was subse-
quently appointed at Synod
in 1928 to design a new
building, to be submitted at
the next Synod.
Reported in The Church
News of September 10,
1929, the Mothers Union
heard from Mr Black about
a scheme for a Baby Health
Centre at Yallourn and Mrs
ES Whittakers, of Loy Yang,
spoke about Early Recollec-
tions of the Aborigines.
Publishing a January issue
of The Church News contin-
ued from 1929.
In the last issue of the
newspaper of 1933, at a
conference of the Girls
Friendly Society in Gipps-
land, participants discussed
the work of the Dea-
conesses in Gippsland and
the work of GFS. The con-
ference resolved to open a
diocesan GFS library; Miss
Grace Harris, of Warragul,
was appointed librarian.
The clergy retreat, at In-
verloch, November 21 to
24, 1933, was reported
anonymously in The Church
News. The theme was
based upon Pilgrims
Progress and was led by the
Bishop of Riverina: the ex-
periment of inviting a lead-
ing Anglo-Catholic to
conduct a retreat in a dio-
cese which is predomi-
nantly Evangelical proved
an unqualified success, re-
ported the anonymous
writer.
Titled Of Interest to Young
Women was a report the
council of St Hildas House
of Training for missionaries,
deaconesses and other
church workers was offer-
ing a bursary (for 1934) to
a suitable student desiring
to train for whole time work
in the Church of England.
Smaller bursaries were also
offered.
Candidates were required
to be aged more than 20
years and must have ob-
tained at least the Interme-
diate Certificate or be able
in some other way to satisfy
the council as to their intel-
lectual qualifications.
Girls wanting to live and
work in Melbourne were en-
couraged to reside at St
Hildas and take a training
course in the evening.
The hard working choir at
Warragul, under direction of
Mr Bunn, was rewarded
with first prize at a Band
Musical Competition in
1933. Coming into the end
of the year, they had begun
practising for the Passion
Cantatas to be presented
during Holy Week in 1934.
As the year 1933 came to
a close, the Great Depres-
sion had begun to affect
Gippsland; more in next
months history. Of note,
the editor mentions atten-
dance at football games
does not seem to be af-
fected; 75,000 people paid
to see the Victorian Football
League final at the end of
season 1933.
Photos: Diocesan archives.
ABOVE: Parish picnic, Port Welshpool, 1931.
ABOVE: St Johns Meerlieu, 1920s.
ABOVE: Christ Church Omeo Ladies Guild, 1932 (some of
the women's husband's names are provided in parenthe-
ses). Back: Miss Dorothy Brumley, Mrs HC Burgoyne, Mrs
Jack Holston, Miss Thelma Fitzgerald, Mrs Beatrice Slater
(Walter) and Mrs Hilda Ah Sam (Edward, called Ned). Mid-
dle: Mrs Tom Brumby, Mrs Zillah Newlands (Andrew), Mrs
Myrtle Pearson (Arthur Mervyn), Mrs C Langdon, Mrs Mary
Holston (James), unknown, Mrs Richard Greenwood, Mrs
Eileen Petersen (Gustave). Front: Geoffrey Newlands,
June Pearson, Mrs Elizabeth Hyland (Henry), Mrs Adelaide
Kracke (Herbert), Mrs ET Cowper, Mrs Claude Woodhouse
(wife of Reverend Woodhouse), Mrs Sarah Greenwood
(Walter), Mrs Ellen Kracke (William) and unknown child.
Photo: William Kracke
16 Our Diocese - Parishes April 2013
Passion and food
for soul and body
WHAT a wonderful way to
follow on from Palm Sunday
services than with the an-
nual Passion play, with a
difference. Once again Les
Ridge, of Bass Phillip Island
parish, wrote a play both
spiritual and entertaining
and the perfect way to keep
our minds tuned to Easter
week. Guilty by association
depicted some of the disci-
ples discussing their feel-
ings and activities during
the 12 months or so prior to
the crucifixion and the short
period following.
The play depicted the
characters as normal,
everyday people involved in
unusual happenings and
thus made it easy for we
modern mortals to glimpse
what it may have been like
in those times.
Congratulations to Les and
his cast of players: Narra-
tor, Sandy Ridge; Andrew,
Don Wilson; Simon Peter,
John Stott; James, Bruce
Chambers; John, John
Dawson; Zebedee, Eric
Hornsby; Zebedees wife, Di
Wilson; and to Rob Mackay
who was in charge of the
front of house lighting.
It was a wonderful
evening with many in at-
tendance (approximately
65), including people from
other churches on the Is-
land and beyond.
I am sure they enjoyed
the food provided and the
inspiring entertainment.
This is Les Ridges fourth
play so far; may he con-
tinue with his writing for fu-
ture years.
Contributor: Cath Kent
TOP: The cast at the first
encore after performance.
ABOVE: A large buffet to
nourish the body.
BELOW: During Act One.
Photos: Rob McKay
THE Moe Mothers Union group hosted a St Patricks Day
afternoon tea at Karen Ridleys home, as a mission
fundraiser. These afternoons have become a parish fa-
vorite, with participants dressed in green outfits and each
year rising to the challenge of trivia fun and quizzes, led
by Beryl Brien.
The green tinges to the afternoon tea complemented the
theme and certainly did not detract from the taste. Moe
MU group, although small in number, has sustained solid
ministry and mission fundraising throughout the history
of the parish.
The group, as with its diocesan counterpart, has very
willingly supported childrens and family ministry and in
Moe plays an integral role in maintaining the shine on a
considerable number of church brass furnishings. Our
parish values this group for their work, fun, caring min-
istry and fellowship
The choral presentation of The Crucifixion by John
Stainer was again presented by the occasional choir, led
by David Davies, at Moe parish on Palm Sunday evening.
The choir was invited to repeat the presentation at
Drouin parish on Tuesday of Holy Week. Many in both con-
gregations appreciated all the preparation and talent this
group offered to assist us in our preparation for the Holy
Week preparations for our Easter celebrations.
Contributor: Mary Nicholls
ABOVE: Some of Moes Mothers Union members, Beryl
Brien, Lainey Moore, Elsie Stayches (secretary) and Joan
Bennett, with the Moe MU banner.
BELOW: Attendees at the St Patricks Day lunch held by
Moes Mothers Union group to raise money for missions.
Photos: Mary Nicholls
Going green
in Moe parish
April 2013 Our Diocese - Parishes 17
A bells life
ABOVE: Sale parish held its Easter Art Show at St Pauls Cathedral and Delbridge hall,
with artworks in painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, textile art, floral art and re-
ligious art. Prizes were awarded in the open, religious/spiritual and photography sec-
tions. Julie Mielke (right) coordinated the delivery and hanging of the artworks. She is
pictured with artist, Julie Ward, and one of her paintings.
LAST month saw move-
ment at the Wonthaggi
church as the historic bell
was removed from the bell
tower which was then re-
moved from its footing. Just
how historic the bell is, no-
body is quite sure.
We do know it was located
behind the old Wonthaggi
church building that was
moved from Walhalla to
Wonthaggi in 1919. Some
senior members of the con-
gregation remember climb-
ing on the bell tower when
they were children quite a
few years ago and others
assure us the tower was
constructed at the local
mine.
Whether the bell came
with the building in 1919 or
was acquired and installed
some time later is unclear.
The inscription on the side
seems to read J Anderson,
Union Foundry. If anyone
can throw any light on the
bells history, Wonthaggi In-
verloch parish would be
very happy to hear from
you.
Whatever its history,
there are plans for the bells
future and for the area on
which it has stood for so
many years. The bell will be
cleaned and restored and
the rusty bolts that were
only just holding the bell in
position will be replaced.
Once the bell tower is re-
painted, together with the
bell it will be relocated to
the side of the present
church, allowing it to be
seen more easily.
The area where the bell
tower stood is now in the
process of being redevel-
oped into a playground.
This will be a great asset to
the parish providing a child
safe outside play area for
mainly music and commu-
nity meal activities as well
as being enjoyed by the
children after church.
Contributor: Jane Peters
LEFT: The bell tower in the
church grounds at Won-
thaggi, before the bell was
taken down and the tower
moved.
ABOVE: The bell is moved
by crane, prior to cleaning
and refurbishing. It will be
re-installed in the grounds
of the church.
Photos: Jane Peters
LENT is a time for prayer and reflection.
As Archdeacon Heather Marten has named
it, a Communal Retreat. Services in Mor-
well parish have reflected this time of con-
centrating on the inner journey.
As an aid to prayer we have had simple
but graphic displays in front of the altar.
These help us to concentrate on the jour-
ney into God.
As part of our journey this Lent, several
members of the congregation are joining
together in a Lenten Study. We are shar-
ing together studying the book Lentwise,
Spiritual essentials for real life.
This has been a time for real sharing and
thought. We have also had laughter and
enjoyment in being together. Different
members of the group have taken in turns
to lead the group.
The study has looked at our spiritual com-
pass and our spiritual nourishment, Jesus
as the Bread of Life. We have explored
Jesus as our Light and our Shelter. The
studies have been based on scriptures
from the Gospel of John.
As part of our Lenten discipline some of
the congregation have also been reading
the book Abiding. This is written by Ben
Quash, the Professor of Christianity at
Kings College in London.
This is the Archbishop of Canterburys
Lent book for 2013. This is a marvellous
book. Both books were recommended by
Archdeacon Heather.
Planning for the services for Holy week
and Easter was well underway at the time
this article was written. We look forward to
the services at this most sacred time of the
year.
Contributor: Carolyn Raymond
ABOVE: Some of the members of the
Lenten Study group with the items they
had brought which represented security to
them. Among those present were Pam
Remington-Lane, Sandra Wagner, Rob Roy
and Jenny Roy.
Photo: Carolyn Raymond
Lenten study at Morwell
18 Our Diocese - Media and Literary Reviews April 2013
Rutherford, G&J
(2013) Beloved Father,
Beloved Son: A con-
versation about faith
between a Bishop and
his atheist son. ISBN #
9781743240199
By Jeanette Severs
WE are all too familiar with
the recent debates between
religious believers and
atheists and the strongly
held opinions on both sides.
What happens when the
protagonists are from the
same family? This book
provides a unique angle,
being a conversation about
faith between an Anglican
Bishop and his atheist son.
Graeme and Jonathan
Rutherford endorse pas-
sionately and intelligently
their respective beliefs, but
do so in the context of their
strong bond of familial love.
In a recent interview,
Bishop Graeme explained
how he was retired and ap-
proached to write a book
explaining the schisms in
the Anglican Church in Aus-
tralia. His response that he
had enough to deal with in
his own family caught the
attention of the publisher
and the seed for this book
was born.
Jonathan described him-
self as a Christian in his
childhood and youth but as
he grew into adulthood he
began to doubt his beliefs
even as he explored the
writings of religious and hu-
manist leaders.
In the mid-1990s, as a
young man, he saw the ef-
fects of genocide and heard
personal stories; and he
began questioning where a
loving God was in allowing
such atrocities.
He argues the world would
not look as it does, nor
would there be such suffer-
ing, if God was in charge.
Bishop Graeme agreed the
suffering Christ is a prob-
lem for many people to ap-
proach and believe in; and
that unanswered questions
and guilt about great suf-
fering experienced in such
places as Calcutta and leper
colonies is hard for many to
grapple with and find a faith
in God.
God didnt send a side-
kick, he himself came in his
Son and is sympathetic in
that he shared temptation
and death with us, Bishop
Graeme said in the inter-
view.
Bishop Graeme referred to
his preference for Ecclesi-
astes and what he per-
ceives as its sympathetic
and real sense of lifes ex-
periences, as support for
himself. He also explained
how he continues to yearn
for a closer relationship
with God.
Jonathan agreed this
sense of realism [of Ecclesi-
astes] is no doubt helpful to
support people in their ex-
periences of life; but criti-
cised his fathers belief in
Gods mercy and love for all
men as unrealistic.
However, he said he un-
derstood how dying people
(for example, those with
terminal illness) experience
comfort from their Christian
faith; that consideration of
impending death is a fright-
ening experience and all
people, whether atheist or
not, view it with trepida-
tion.
While Bishop Graeme ad-
mits he struggles with
Jonathans simplistic view
and questions how he can
reconcile his environmental
and humanist beliefs with-
out a Christian faith;
Jonathan admits the belief
of atheism is too simplistic
for him to adopt the label
and rather views himself as
a humanist.
Overall, the interview I
heard and the book itself
demonstrates that two men
can share close blood ties
and support each other,
even while holding true to
their own beliefs and cri-
tiquing that of the other.
Jonathan also admitted
that, if he had children, he
would not be averse to his
parents sharing their faith
with his children and would
balance that information
with his own viewpoint.
In conclusion, Bishop
Graeme said he hoped the
book would enable patient
conversation to develop be-
tween people of faith and
people of no faith.
Available from www.mo-
saicresources.com.au
A father and
son talking
about God
Songs for Pentecost
By Fay Magee
LOOKING ahead to the festival of Pen-
tecost in May, there are some interest-
ing new songs to consider if you have
not found them already. English poet
and lyricist Cecily Taylor has contributed
The bright wind is blowing, no. 263 in
Together in Song.
The first verse is:
The bright wind is blowing, the bright
wind of heaven, and where it is going
to, no one can say; but where it is pass-
ing our hearts are awaking to grope
from the darkness and reach for the
day.
Each verse gives fresh expression to
old metaphors to explore the role of
Gods Spirit in being with us and ever
stirring us to action and reflection. The
last line: so lean on the wind, it will
show us the way is particularly simple
yet powerful.
John Maynard, who has worked with
Taylor for many years, provided the
tune to match the simplicity of the text.
It is in triple time with a straightforward
structure and a descant is provided for
verse three.
The song She sits like a bird, brooding
on the waters is another insightful song
from the partnership of John Bell and
Graham Maule. This time we are chal-
lenged with the inadequacies of both
the English language and masculine-ori-
ented theology which has failed to get
us past gender in talking about God
and, in this case, the Spirit of God.
This song draws on the Hebrew word
sometimes used for Spirit, ruach, which
is feminine. The first verse is:
She sits like a bird, brooding on the
waters, hovering on the chaos of the
worlds first day; she sighs and she
sings, mothering creation, waiting to
give birth to all the Word will say.
We have wonderful images of nesting,
nourishing, startling and concluding the
fourth verse with the line enemy of ap-
athy and heavenly dove. The setting is
by John Bell with a simple folk-like char-
acter and structure and an accompani-
ment designed more for keyboard than
pipe organ. The accompaniment also al-
lows time to pause between the verses.
As I mentioned previously, as well as
enjoying the singing it is good some-
times just to sit with a text as well as
having the musical setting in mind to
guide your reflecting.
Pilgrims and prophets
Jones, A (2011) Pil-
grimage: The journey
to remembering our
story. United Kingdom:
The Bible Reading Fel-
lowship.
By Jeanette Severs
ANDREW Jones, author of
Pilgrimage, is an archdea-
con in Wales and regularly
leads pilgrimages. He ex-
plores the popularity of pil-
grimages in this modern
era, whether by committed
Christians, spiritual seekers
or the simply curious.
Jones describes his own
excitement on pilgrim jour-
neys of witnessing the ex-
citing faith moment for
people. He talks about how
the Christian triumphs over
evil and refers to Soviet gu-
lags, the concentration
camps and gas chambers of
World War II, Cambodias
killing fields, Rwandan
genocides and the bomb-
ings of September 2001,
especially 9/11.
He muses on how belief
systems can become evil.
We will need to produce
powerful signs that will en-
able others to catch a
glimpe of the hopeful future
that lies ahead ... the act of
pilgrimage is a vital re-
source in this task, he
writes.
Jones looks at pilgrimage
and prophecy as historical
constructs, with prophecy
adding to the strength of
religious legalism.
At the heart of the con-
temporary prophetic task,
lies an invitation to journey
as pilgrims together.
He describes the medieval
pilgrim, who often went on
a journey of pilgrimage to
the holy relic of a saint or a
holy well, to pray for the
healing of loved ones or to
seek healing in their own
lives.
Some churches, such as
St Beuno in the village of
Pistyll, were hospitals, as-
sociated with the ministry
of healing and popular with
sick pilgrims.
Jones then goes on to ex-
plore the significance of
eight pilgrimages popular
with pilgrims: Glendalough,
Lough Derg, Canterbury,
Iona, Pennant Melangell,
Whithorn, Lindisfarne and
Ynys Enlli.
Jones includes an After-
word, discussing Gods
close relationship with the
human race and his con-
stant renewal of his
covenant with us as a cen-
tral part of our life of faith.
Pilgrimage is ultimately
about progressing into the
heart of God, he writes.
Exploring faith
Idleman, K (2012) Not a
Fan: Completely. Com-
mitted. Follower (DVD)
(PG) Heritage Films &
City on a Hill Productions.
KYLE Idleman is the pastor of
the fifth largest church in
America. His film, Not a Fan,
explores a mans nominal faith
and his journey to a richer be-
lief and a follower of Christ.
Based on Luke 9:23, it ex-
plores Jesus message Follow
me and how completely com-
mitted followers are created.
The DVD is supported by a
six-week small group study se-
ries.
April 2013 Our Diocese - Media and Literary Reviews 19
Banks, R&L (2013)
View from the faraway
pagoda. Victoria:
Acorn Press.
By Jeanette Severs
AS I grew up, every cou-
ple of years my fathers
cousin, Olive, returned
home from overseas and
what followed was a whirl-
wind of family activities and
church and community
meetings, as she spoke
about her life as a mission-
ary and her work within a
country north of Australia.
So I was personally inter-
ested to read the story of
Sophie Newton, whose de-
sire to serve God led her to
missionary work in south
east China from 1897 to
1931.
Olive remained unmarried
and spent her working life
in womens and health min-
istry, living in appalling
conditions. Sophie Newton
was another Australian An-
glican woman who, half a
century earlier, spent her
life working with women in
ministry. What led her to
spend 35 years in China in
ministry?
Sophie Newton was from a
strong Anglican family, with
clergymen (including her
fathers brother and her
grandfather), church
builders and community
leaders, including a parlia-
mentarian among her an-
cestry. At 20 years old,
Sophie became governess
to seven younger cousins
on a cattle and sheep sta-
tion in New South Wales.
Two years later, she
moved back home then to
Sydney with her family.
Three years later, her fa-
ther, a doctor, died and So-
phie needed to find work to
support her family.
Her strong faith led Sophie
to seek Gods mind and
hand in the opportunities
available to her, seeking
Gods advice in prayer. She
had met one of three Dea-
conesses then in the Syd-
ney diocese and thought
that was work she could do.
Shortly after, Sophie was
offered a job as the fourth
Deaconess in Sydney.
Her growing interest in
China was on hold until her
siblings were grown and in
work. However, a massacre
of Australian missionaries
in China in 1895 shocked
Australians, including So-
phie, who had met some of
them.
In early 1896, Sophies
hearts desire has been
granted to serve God
overseas in China.
In View from the faraway
pagoda, the reader will
learn about CMSs idea of
Bible Women, about thr
growth of womens schools
and schools for girls, about
the practice of foot binding
and about the pits outside
villages where girl babies
were disposed of.
Sophie and her two fe-
male companions, one a
nurse, were quite ambitious
with aming for a womens
boarding school, a perma-
nent church building and a
district hospital in the
province they were sent.
They entered into the lives
of the local people and also
experienced typhoons,
bloody rebellion, local con-
flicts, early communist up-
risings, opium wars and
World War I.
In seeking to empower
women, they found women
had to have their husbands
permission to leave their
village, so Sophie and her
sisters in mission walked to
the villages scattered
through the province in
order to minister to the
women. Travelling was a
great risk for many rea-
sons, but it enabled the
missionaries to engage
more directly with more
women.
View from the faraway
pagoda draws on family
journals, personal letters,
official records and news-
paper reports to draw an
in-depth portraiture of So-
phie Newton and how she
made a lasting difference to
a community. The book is
written by Sophie Newtons
grand nephew, Robert
Banks and his wife, Linda.
Sophies life
and mission
inside China
Lisbon, M (2010) Fragments of
Home: Piecing Life Together after
Childhood Sexual Abuse. Victo-
ria: Acorn Press
By Jeanette Severs
AS Victoria (along with other states)
and Australia face government investi-
gations into childhood sexual abuse and
the conduct of organisations responsi-
ble for the care of children and the in-
vestigation of childhood abuse,
Fragments of Home is one book pub-
lished to be a resource for survivors of
abuse, as well as the friends, family
members, pastoral workers and other
caring professionals who support them.
It is accessible to those largely unac-
quainted with literature on abuse and
trauma while offering fresh insights to
those already familiar with these
themes. The book is supported by a CD
of songs by the author.
Fragments of Home is Monique Lis-
bons journey, exploring her experience
of childhood abuse and how she faced
this, became a survivor and how she
moved onwards beyond survival to
healing. The book includes reflections
on its impact and on her journey.
As a teenager, Lisbon began sharing
her history of abuse with Christian
friends and their parents and received
their support, but she grows up im-
mersed in self-loathing, scared and suf-
fering severe panic attacks.
Lisbons father was her abuser and she
explores her first decade as an adult,
seeking the help of a psychologist and
trying to discuss the abuse with her fa-
ther and actively trying to forgive him,
before she realised she needed to move
on, as he was not going to engage with
her and her journey.
It is this honesty in her reflections and
exploration of her journey that will en-
able others to understand the effect of
the abuse on her and help them to un-
derstand the effect of abuse on others,
perhaps in their own families.
A life in fragments
Stories for children
By Jeanette Severs
LIONS figure in both books and the
DVD reviewed for children this month.
They are a main character in many of
the stories and incidental in one book.
McAllister, M and Hall, A (2011)
Aesops Fables. England: Lion
Hudson plc
IN Aesops Fables (2011), retold in this
instance by Margaret McAllister and il-
lustrated by Amanda Hall, lions figure in
a number of stories, including the lead-
ing one, The Lion and the Mouse.
Aesop was a slave who lived in Greece
about 2,500 years ago and his fables, a
collection of stories, each with warnings
and a moral message, have lived on and
remain popular today.
The stories shine a light on the short-
comings and weaknesses of humankind
and this collection is wonderfully illus-
trated by Amanda Hall.
Margaret McAllister is true to each
story and includes a short sentence at
the end of each tale that will be familiar
to many. For instance, with the tale of
The Hare and The Tortoise, the final
statement is: Slow and steady wins the
race.
Paul the Little Missionary: Daniel
in the Lions Den (DVD) (2012)
Heritage Films
A DVD, Daniel in the Lions Den, is an
animated feature with Paul the mission-
ary telling stories of Daniel, highlighted
by his adventure in the lions den. Paul
the Little Missionary is a series of ani-
mated movies for children, illustrating
Paul and his friends journey through life
and show how to overcome problems
through the Word of God.
The series starts with the old testa-
ment and moves through the new tes-
tament. The colorful animated features
are ideal for home, Sunday school and
other childrens ministry activities, en-
gaging with children and encouraging
questions.
Pasquali, E and Vagnozzi, B
(2012) All Aboard the Ark. Eng-
land: Lion Hudson plc
ALL Aboard the Ark is a board book for
young children, with a finger trail (a se-
ries of punched out illustrations for little
fingers) on each page, encouraging
young children to engage in the story
and in the bright pictures. Simply told,
we initially follow the animals, including
the lions paw prints, into the ark, hear
about the plop of raindrops that turns
into a flood then experience the wonder
of the dove and a rainbow.
The text, by Elena Pasquali, cleverly
and clearly supports both the basic
story of Noahs ark and the illustrations
by Barbara Vagnozzi, encouraging dia-
logue between the reader and the child.
20 Our Diocese - Mothers Union Pictorial April 2013
LEFT: President of Mothers
Union Gippsland, Karin McKen-
zie, addresses attendees at Lady
Day, held annually by MU, at St
Pauls Cathedral and hall, Sale
(see pages 4 to 6).
ABOVE: Grace Gray, turning 98
later this year, at Lady Day.
ABOVE: Ethel Armstrong, Iris Maxfield, Pam Davies and Beryl Brien.
ABOVE left: Jan Stephenson, Frances Ellman and Pat McKeown.
LEFT: Deidre Hardy and Lorraine Wooding.
BELOW: Pam Davies and Heather Baker.
LEFT:: Elsie Stayches, Penny
Clothier and Ethel Arm-
strong looking at resources
from Mothers Union.
RIGHT: Jan Osborne became
a member of Mothers Union
recently and was one of the
Warragul group on duty,
selling goods at the trading
table.

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Volume 110, Number 3 April 2013

Published in Gippsland Diocese since 1904

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