MISSION

STORIES OF

& FAITH

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E A N G L I C A N D I O C E S E O F C A N B E R R A & G O U L B U R N

A Publication of the Anglican Diocese of Canberra & Goulburn

Editor: Sue Hanna Design: Qoriniasi Bale Jr Publisher: Jeremy Halcrow Printer: BytesnColours

PREFACE
To the pioneers
By Ollie Long Down memory road I journey And enter once again A realm of tears and laughter A realm of joy and pain. Where youth and faith make council Where Hope lights rugged face And stalwart hearts engender The courage of their race No great cathedrals grace their hills They worship neath Gods dome And the tinkling bells of the sheepfold To vespers call them home Their hearts become their altars And here the Feast is spread With steadfast faith, abiding love Their souls are richly fed.

Elsie Viola Long (Ollie), was born on a dairy farm in Adaminaby, September 29, 1898. She was grounded in the Anglican faith by her mother, who died when Ollie was 10. More than 60 years of Ollies life was spent teaching the faith to children. She was an imaginative and energetic teacher, who took any opportunity to communicate the basic truths of the faith to anyone who would listen. Later in life, Ollie moved to Wagga Wagga. In 1981, she sold her home and moved into a retirement unit, so the proceeds from the sale could form a deposit for the loan to enable the construction of St Pauls Turvey Park. Ollie died aged 96, August 30, 1995. A favourite saying of Ollies was: Life is not the wick, nor the candle, but the Burning Contributed by Kevin Farrelly

Helping Hand Pantry at St Pauls Ginninderra

By Doug Newman

Distributing around 20 tonnes of low cost food to help hundreds of families each year, the statistics are overwhelming, just five years after its humble beginnings. The Helping Hand Pantry (HHFP) started in August 2008 with our first pallet of food from Food Bank NSW. The parish put in $120 and parishioners donated some fridges no longer needed at home. Two months earlier St Pauls Ginninderra was reviewing our strategic plan and it became very obvious that while the parish had a good smattering of representatives from the other suburbs in the parish we had very little connection with the families immediately around the church centre in Spence. We applied our minds to the challenge but could not see any clear path forward so we resolved to walk and pray through Spence we did this on three consecutive Saturdays and felt more connected with our local area, but no more enlightened on how to engage with the people around us. Several weeks later a parishioner travelling in rural NSW visited a parish with a food pantry and brought the idea before parish Council with the offer that he and his wife would volunteer to establish and run a pantry for the

first year if the parish agreed. They also funded the first food delivery with a donation of $95. Since our start the Pantry has assisted over 1000 different families. Our best year was 36 tonnes. This is a good thing and worthwhile, but it is not the good news. The Pantry started with the conscious intent of engaging the people who came to it and establishing pastoral relationships fostering belonging. This was a much slower process than we initially understood and 6 months in attempts to interest attenders in vaguely Christian activities or extra social activities failed to attract any interest. So we backed off and reviewed our approach. We found people open to personal prayer only when they had trust and a relationship with those leading. We prayed openly at the start of each shopping session but learned to keep the words simply, direct and short. One by one peoples lives were touched with healing, comfort, reconciliation (often dealing with past hurts from church) and building friendships and an oasis of peace formed in the midst of often difficult personal circumstances. The focus at this point was more pastoral than evangelism but the people who

We are known and connected with the local shops, we are more focused outwards than inwards and despite our share of the usual challenges, we are more optimistic and fired by hope.
came, particularly the young children, started to refer to Pantry as their church. We had begun to understand that for them, church would have to be on Thursday or Friday and that Sunday was a bridge too far. Things began to change the community that had formed began to stabilise and we had less new-comers and more longer term attenders people who came not just for the food but because this was now their place. This was strongly brought home in the 2009 October school holidays when we had 34 windows smashed in one Wednesday evening. Our free clothing covered in glass had to be thrown away and on the Thursday the Pantry community was incensed. On Friday, one group came to us and asked did we want to know who had done the deed. We responded that we did not want to know and the community response was dont worry, it wont happen again, we have spoken to their mother. The community had taken some ownership and some steps towards a form of behaving. We have begun to get the occasional attenders at Sunday services, starting with the de-churched families. In 2013 Pantry continues and has a deep sense of Gods presence on most days a habit of team praying and meeting together helps. Several older ladies come regularly to church, as do a small number of younger families. More importantly in the last two years, these younger families have begun to take leadership positions within the ministry and are consciously drawing others into the community and are actively sharing their refreshed faith. They have an authenticity and ability to connect and minister in the community that breaks down barriers. There is still a long way to go. It has also brought us into closer working relationships and fellowship with the other churches in our area. We have celebrated a wedding, a baptism and a renewal of wedding vows together. And for St Pauls? We now feel a real part of Spence. We are known and connected with the local shops, we are more focused outwards than inwards and despite our share of the usual challenges. We are more optimistic and fired by hope. Has this journey brought in more money no. Has it brought in lots of families and/or resources no. Has it changed our hearts and our faith absolutely!

A gift of Hope to Batemans Bay

By Revd Colin Walters

Holbrook Parish, St Pauls Ladies Breakfast

By Kelly Cathcart

About nine years ago the Batemans Bay parish started a group for people affected by drug and alcohol problems, mental illness and those who struggle in life generally. Hope Fellowship meets every Wednesday night at 7pm and involves sharing about how each persons week has been. We share around the Scriptures reminding people of Gods love and ability to set people free. Hope fellowship has become a church in its own right based very much on the first century church where people gathered together, ate together and helped each other. We have facilitated Alpha with this group on a number of occasions. A little over a year ago the group initiated

a Free Feed for needy members of the wider community. This was done so that members of the Hope Fellowship could give something back to the community. The members of Hope Fellowship provide the food for these evenings as their gift to others. Thank God its Friday is a fledgling group which has developed from the concept of Hope Fellowship. Its target group is young families and people on the edge of the church. Participants gather on the second Friday of the month at 6pm. They share food together, provide activities for the children attending and an opportunity to discuss their faith with those who come.

For many years it was on my heart to start a Ladies Breakfast once a month at St Pauls. As everyone in a small parish knows there are always things to do yet time is at a premium. I kept saying, I am too busy, who could I get to help and how could I take on yet another job? But God is ever faithful and he started to put women in my life that seemed to have the same vision as I. Our first ladies breakfast started in August 2012. Our numbers vary each month but the ladies who come are enjoying the friendship and fellowship. Our prayer is that this monthly gathering of woman will grow not only in numbers but in the joy of knowing a living God.

One Child + Three Adults = Vibrant Kids Ministry

The Amazing Recipe of St. Michaels Starshine Club
By Helen Dean

The parish priest, Trish Stuart Smith, articulated a passionate vision of renewal with a vibrant childrens ministry and young families attending regularly.

The congregation at St Michael and All Angels at Hall was small but faithful. There were no young families. Because there were no children there was no childrens ministry. When a family did occasionally come, they did not return because there was no childrens ministry and there were no other children. On the positive side, one older couple occasionally bought their young granddaughter (J) to church when she was visiting. An even older widow brought her even younger great grand daughter (R) even more occasionally. Families with no church connection sometimes brought a baby for baptism. The parish priest, Trish Stuart Smith, articulated a passionate vision of renewal with a vibrant childrens ministry and young families attending regularly. The congregation was inspired by the vision and examined their resources. There was a suitable room close to the church, three adults willing to help and one child who could come more regularly (J). One of the willing helpers was Js grandfather. Trish recruited a talented teacher from St Barnabas, the main parish church, to

come to St Michael and All Angels after the service at St Barnabas. And so they started the Starshine Club one teacher, one child and three assistants who would come as needed. Two of these people had done safe ministries training and the others committed to doing it as soon as possible. And it progressed. R came more often and joined J. Both R and J had younger sisters who were babes in arms but soon grew into a participating toddler and preschooler. A few families came and stayed and so the age range grew. As a result, St Michaels and All Angels has a welladjusted Starshine Club on Sundays. The children have performed puppet shows for the community at the church fetes and at the most recent community Christmas Carols. In each of the last three years, children have been prepared and admitted to Holy Communion. The congregation is larger, still faithful, very thankful , and now ranges in age from little babies to great-grandparents. Thanks be to God.

Christ Church Hawker:

Children and Families Ministry at Hawker

By Adam Mannion

At Christ Church we are engaging with children and young families in a number of pastorally significant ways. As a parish, we want people to know and engage with the Lord Jesus Christ as saviour: his life substituted for ours! Jesus called little children to himself and said they belong to the kingdom, so we are intentional about including children in our services. An important yet simple way that we demonstrate this is the inclusion of childrens songs, and prayers for children, at our 10am Sunday service.

Children are very much the church of today, and so we give them a space every Sunday to learn from Gods word in the Bible in our Kids @ Church (K@Ch) Sunday School. We also have a special service for children each school term at our regular 10am service slot. As a parish, we are engaged in intentional outreach at our local schools (Weetangera Primary: lunch-time kids club; Belconnen High School: breakfast club, young carers support group) and support an invaluable chaplaincy work at Hawker College. Being a visible,

supportive and approachable presence in as many public communities is key to sharing Jesus with our actions, and just as important, to tell others the Gospel and share the hope we have. Many young families are under significant pressure in our community, so a significant part of our ministry to them is intentional hospitality. Inviting them to our homes for a meal, encouraging them to commit to a home group Bible study, and checking in with them periodically is a significant way we demonstrate the love of Jesus to them.

Extraordinary generosity for Youth Work in Crookwell

By Kevin Stone

Recognising the need for intensive, sustained work for youth at St Bartholomews Crookwell, one local anonymous giver was prepared to fully fund a full-time Youth Worker. It took some time for a specially elected committee to interview potential youth workers. Eventually one person was unanimously agreed to by the committee. Shanan Brown began work in February 2008. Ably assisted by three other adult workers, the work blossomed. Not only did Shanan meet regularly with a Youth Group each Friday night at St Bartholomews, there were other gatherings during the week for Bible study and one-on-one mentoring. In addition, Shanan was adopted as the

unofficial Chaplain at the local high school. During lunch hours there was the opportunity to freely mingle with students and to reach out to those who didnt normally come to the youth group. One story was of memorable proportions. Shanan had been asked by one pupil to attend a birthday party by a person that she did not usually have regular contact. The theme for the party was death. So Shanan went dressed in a brightly coloured clown costume. Everyone else was dressed either in black or in other morbid costumes. Here then was an opportunity for Shanan to explain that death was something she feared because of her trust in Christ. Her colourful clown costume was deliberately worn for celebration. She would be

In recognition of Shanans excellent work amongst the youth of Crookwell, the local council asked Shanan to organise activities for Youth Week, financed and sponsored by the local council.

having a party in heaven! In recognition of Shanans excellent work amongst the youth of Crookwell, the local council asked Shanan to organise activities for Youth Week, financed and sponsored by the local council. The activities that followed were a testament to Shanans ability to organise effectively and to liaise so well with the young people who participated in the week. In addition to the ongoing anonymous funding there was also the recognition by the Bush Church Aid Society of the importance of this work. Partial funding by the BCA was an encouragement to the local church of the importance of this work, recognising that many of the youth came from isolated areas in and beyond Crookwell. In addition to such generosity there was a successful application for the purchase of a mini-bus through the Diocesan Pelican Grant. This bus has been well used by the Youth Group and has also attracted funds for the program when it is hired out to others. All in all this 150 story in this sesquicentary year of the Diocese augurs well for the spiritual health of the youth of Crookwell. Even though Shanan has now moved on after three years to other work, the Youth work in Crookwell is still continuing with good adult mentoring and the regular weekly opportunities of engaging with the young people of Crookwell with the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Such generosity from many quarters!

The King takes Bishop: Chess and Coffee at Lyons

gone on to compete in tournaments, the program has had many other positive effects. Friendships have been built and participants have socialised at picnics and home meals and play dates - outside the program; older members of the parish have enjoyed the company of children and parents. In one case, a parent who attends the chess program made a valuable link between a friend of hers who speaks Farsi and a young asylum-seeking family from Iran. At a parish dinner, the translator was able to help parishioners talk to the Iranian family and find out their life story and hopes. Reaching out across the chessboard has helped St Albans reach out across the community.

Many bishops black and white each week help the Parish of St Albans Woden reach out to the community. The parish is also ably assisted by knights, queens and kings. How does one humble Canberra parish receive such high-powered support? Chess and Coffee has been building bridges from the parish into the Woden community since the second school term of 2011. The one and a quarter hour program, run nine weeks a term by a group of volunteers, involves about a dozen children receiving chess lessons from experienced tutor, Jeff Suptut. Afternoon tea, served by church members, is provided to the kids and their parents in a social atmosphere in the community hall. While a number of chess players have

St Pauls Manuka: Helping AIDS Orphans

By Les Bohm

Yes we can help AIDS Orphans in Tanzania! In early 2008, the St Pauls Manuka Young Adults Group committed to raise funds for AIDS orphans in Tanzania through the Carpenters Kids Program. The Young Adults Group wanted to contribute to international community development assistance, building community within the St Pauls parish and beyond. Following a visit to St Pauls by Bishop Mdimi Mhogolo and his wife, Irene, from the Diocese of Central Tanganyika, Dodoma, Tanzania in 2007, the group became committed to the Carpenters Kids program. The Carpenters Kids is supported by the Episcopal Church in the United States and other international parishes. Matambulu Parish became the link parish for St Pauls. In Tanzania, there are more than 2.5 million AIDS orphans. While schools are free in Tanzania, student must provide their own uniforms, shoes, books and stationery. Most of the children, Bishop Mdimi explained, are looked after by neighbours or relatives, but because of the pressures on the extended family, the guardians are not able to afford to send them to school. That is the first stage of giving them hope, of building their future lives. St Pauls sponsored 50 children in a Matambulu Parish for $50 a year for five

years, with the money raised funding a school uniform for each child, a pair of school shoes, school materials as well as breakfast on each school day. Bishop Mdimi speaks of a transformation taking place in those children in the program. They are now going to school; they are confident; they are part of the society now where they feel loved and cared for. We are, he says, giving them hope, because it is only through education that they will be able to build up their lives. In late 2012, the Parish agreed to a further 5 year commitment for 50 orphans until June 2018. A Carpenters Kids Committee was formed to manage the program. Support now was USD$70 (approximately $77) per child per annum and the program had expanded to provide vocational training. In June this year, more than 50 supporters met to discuss ways of developing the relationship between St Pauls and Matambulu. Already this year USD$7,000 was raised and sent to Tanzania to cover July 2013 to June 2015 commitments.

Two St Pauls parishioners will participate in the New York Dioceses August Pilgrimage to Tanzania and be the first representatives from Manuka to visit Matambulu. As part of the visit, the Parish has donated funds for local purchases of much needed materials and resources for the children: soccer balls, net balls, pumps, exercise books, pencils, pencil sharpeners, backpacks, sweaters, t-shirts, plus Hymnals, Bibles, Prayer Books and Childrens Bibles all in Kiswahili, school textbooks, school desks. A link has been established with Radford College in Canberra to contribute to the Christmas Awareness and Fundraising Project, a bilingual (English and Swahili) 2014 28-page wall calendar with photos of program activities in Matambulu and drawings by children from Radford and Matambulu. The calendar aims to support a further 50 orphans for a year in Matambulu. For more information: www.thecarpenterskidstz.org or email les.bohm@gmail.com

Good Shepherd Curtin: Connecting with Gen Ys

By Revd Guy Matthews

For some years the Good Shepherd Curtin has had two traditional Sunday morning services. These met the needs of those who were comfortable with Anglican tradition and who liked meeting in the morning. However we found that we were not connecting well with younger generations. In August 2012 a small group of 8 started meeting on Sunday afternoons to pray and plan for a new congregation at Good Shepherd with the aim of connecting with Gen Ys (20-35). On October 21st 2012 we launched a new 4.30PM congregation called ShepherdPM. The style is relaxed, contemporary and interactive: chairs are arranged in a way

that promotes intimacy; we have little formal liturgy; interviews, discussion, questions and extemporary prayer are encouraged; the music and singing is up-to-date; refreshments are served before and after the service; and we have a meal together once a month (in conjunction with the Lords Supper). As of July 2013, the congregation has grown to an average attendance of around 30 adults along with four or five children. Most of these members are new to Good Shepherd and most would be Gen Ys. We praise the Lord for his work at the Good Shepherd and continue to pray that he will make our love increase and overflow for others.

The style is relaxed, contemporary and interactive: chairs are arranged in a way that promotes intimacy; we have little formal liturgy; interviews, discussion, questions and extemporary prayer are encouraged;

10

A Story of faith in the Holy Land

By Katherine Rainger

10

I am a student at St Marks and was fortunate enough to receive the Beatrice Robinson scholarship which enabled me to travel to Israel and Palestine in June this year. I knew that my understanding of both theology and biblical studies would be enhanced. I was not expecting the spiritual upheaval! I travelled with seventeen other Australians to Bethsaida in Israel to participate in an archaeological dig. It was quite an idyllic two weeks; digging, washing, finding and cataloguing our finds each day. Our afternoons were spent in the Sea of Galilee or in the lobby socialising in person and via wifi! We spent four days visiting places such as Megiddo, Capernaum, Nazareth, the Mount of Beatitudes and Tabgha. We visited churches and Holy Sites which commemorate the events in the Gospels. I stood in places where the church has remembered for generations the actions of Jesus and his followers. At the end of these two weeks of digging and exploring, however, I was left feeling quite disorientated. After over 30 years of Christian faith I wondered how Id managed to be Christian before this experience. Everything was before me, around me and yet within me I was

feeling as choppy as the Sea of Galilee in the afternoon swell. I walked the landscape Jesus knew, I came as close to picturing life as a first century male as I ever had before. And it was a jolt to my faith that I did not expect. Who was this man Jesus? My story of faith in the Holy Land does not end there. After spending two weeks in the dirt my faith was re-orientated and transformed through interaction with the living stones of Israel and Palestine. Worshipping with the congregation at the Anglican Church in Haifa was deeply moving. When the congregation sang the Lords Prayer in Arabic I felt that all the pain of the people gathered there, myself included, was caught up and held in that prayer. Gathering to share the bread and wine and then Arabic coffee after the service was a chance to fellowship with brothers and sisters in the Anglican Communion. The story continues and moves through the checkpoint and into Bethlehem. Here I attended the Global Young Adults festival hosted by Sabeel Palestinian Liberation Centre. The conference was attended by 150 young adults from 38 countries. We formed community over our week together. The stories of injustice were heartbreaking and the resilience of

the people inspiring. I walked through the checkpoint into Jerusalem and watched the Palestinian conference participants in front of me and behind me get fingerprinted while I walked straight through. For three days I mixed cement to rebuild a Palestinian home which had been demolished six times. The injustice stung. I walked through the checkpoint from Bethlehem into Jerusalem for a third time on our final morning. I wept for a people who face constant discrimination. I then walked the Via Dolorosa and wept for innocent victims past and present. We stood in the prison cell of Jesus on the way to the cross and each of us said the Lords Prayer in our own language as we remembered innocent victims everywhere. The resurrection on that day occurred when the 150 participants danced to the beat of the drums on the steps of the Damascus gate in the Old city of Jerusalem. I felt a profound sense of celebration and of the sacred. Through community, through worship, through working for justice and peace and through the cross and resurrection of the innocent victim I heard the call of Christ anew. The living stones of faith, hope and love were made real to me in the Holy Land and I will be forever grateful.

11

Katherine Rainger with Palestinian student Marcelle

12

Enjoying a beer, drink from the river of life

11

By Lou Oakes

Once a month the pub at Wolumla hosts an open mic session and its a real family event with packed tables on the deck, kids dancing and singing along, and time for conversation, all with spectacular views over the village and mountains and just around the corner from the church. Im still a bit of a novelty when I turn up. But I go along to meet people and again get the questions about being a woman working in the church and what being a deacon means. So I share my story. I tell them what were working on at St Lukes and how well be using the building in different ways. I tell them our plans to use the building as an arts and craft workshop as well as a place of worship. I hear their interest that were building a public toilet at the church as part of the project and how itll be available for families to use when theyre at the park, or for kids to use when they wait at the school bus interchange and hopefully by the end of the conversation I dont seem such a strange creature and Ive explained why we care. It may seem a strange way to begin mission but it all started because there was nowhere to go. Last year I lost the use of my studio and I felt bereft that I had nowhere to paint until our Rector suggested that he might have just the place one of the outlying centres of our Parish, St Lukes in Wolumla. St Lukes, an older, brick built church, was in use

Revd Lou Oakes (centre)

only once a month for a service of Holy Communion for a small gathering of 10 or 12 people. St Lukes is a beautiful space and once I had a look around I realised it seemed to offer a huge potential for something a bit different. And from that first visit grew an idea for a project to use arts and crafts to engage with the growing population of the village. But as we talked about the idea we realised that we had some work to do, there were some renovations that needed to be done to make the church a warm and comfortable place to gather for workshops and that wed need a loo. And as we began to talk to people in the village we discovered that not only did we need somewhere to go they needed somewhere too. The church is close to the public barbecues and childrens playground and also just around the corner from the school bus interchange. People had been asking the council for a public toilet for years but the funds just never seemed to materialise. So we

offered the idea of a partnership and the council accepted the proposal. Flushed with the success of our proposal were now working with the council to provide something the community wanted and its given us as a church a way to begin to connect with the village. Weve had offers of help for maintaining and cleaning, conversations with people that we had no contact with before and what was an inconvenience has become a mission shaped relief This was a story that Bishop Stuart shared when he came for the Pilgrimage of the Cross that was the final piece of months of preparation. It prompted people to come forward to give their lives to Christ. The prayer, the work of the Holy Spirit which flowed as a river of living water through all the preparations and the testimony of a life story. All of these worked together to bring 12 people to come forward at the altar call. Two were my friends and I wept for joy. I pray that over the months to come many more will be touched by the work of our Parish and drink deeply from the river of life. St Lukes long term vision The long term vision is to transform St Lukes into a multipurpose venue for worship and mission-focused, creative activities. The parish plans to use arts and crafts as a basis to build a community, which is open to hearing the Gospel.

13

Overseas Mission in Ghana

By Alex Dr Noddy Rose

12

Alex Rose with students in Tumu

Im a firm believer that you need to build relationships to share faith.

As a recently graduated 23 year old male university student living in Yass, I was looking for a change! I was raised in a Christian household, had attended St Clements Yass my whole life, had belonged to the local youth group, was a camper and a leader as Dr Noddy at Camp Pelican. I am also a campanologist, help out around the church doing small jobs, and recently started a Post graduate Diploma of Theology at St Marks. I wanted to give something back to the world and to share my faith! For the last number of years I have had a heart for the youth, the less fortunate and those who are disadvantaged, particularly from West Africa. After a few phone calls and meetings across the country, I found myself packing my bags and heading off to Ghana for three months, to live in a small northern town called Tumu, (which is about the size of Yass). Even though it was winter, Tumu is 10 degrees north of the equator, and the heat was very dry. I only saw rain once for 20 minutes and the temperature was often over 45 degrees, and that was in the shade! When I arrived I was shown around the township by Penny, a full time missionary based in Tumu. She showed me all the places of importance and introduced me to some significant people. Even though Im used to living in multi-cultural Australia, it was slightly overwhelming

being one of only 6 white people within 150km! One man I was introduced to was Tanko, a local man who had an amazing heart, one of the greatest hearts I have ever met. As well as being a full time teacher, he volunteered many hours daily at the community centre, gave drama classes, started a football team called Wieken Dolun F. C. and performed major roles in one of the local churches. He is a local celebrity, Ras Ottokori, and a singer song writer. Having a love of football, I assisted Tanko with his football team each afternoon training together from 3.30pm to 6pm. I used this time to connect and build relationships with the boys who were aged from 13 to 25. Out of the 40 guys, only one was Christian! I spent time with them around the field and was invited back to their homes, which helped me get to know the Ghanaian culture and them individually. Throughout each evening I conducted various activities, bible clubs, did mathematics tutoring and computer classes. It was compulsory for high school aged kids to learn the basics on the computer, however many had never touched a computer, so they were all required to learn through paper print outs. Most evenings I would share dinner with some of the local guys who lived around a friends house. Im a firm believer that you need to build

14

relationships to share faith. As I was only there for three months, I knew my job was to plant the seeds in these guys hearts. I saw in this remote community what the western world would describe as, extreme poverty. Some of these guys had limited possessions and limited income, even if they were employed. However what they did have was a smile on their faces and a sense of community. They lived with family and had close friends, and would go out of their way to help. I remember one conversation with David, a handy man where I lived, I asked him what he had done that morning and he told me. He didnt just state that he got up had breakfast and came into work, he listed everything. He woke up, bathed, made some breakfast and made lunch for work, swept his room, then he proceeded on telling me what he had done while at work. The Ghanaian culture is very caring and this is an example of the relationships and how they work. They care about each other and what each other do. One day, while we were sharing a meal, Dave described exactly what he had done to prepare it, listed each ingredient and how he cooked it. Ghanaians share everything, no matter how little they have they would always want to give it to other people. Just walking past somebody

eating they would automatically ask you to join them. Seeing these guys, they were always happy, always wanting to chill and hang out, always wanting to talk. Even though they have little in money and possessions they have close community and good relationships with each other. When I returned home to Australia, I found myself experiencing culture shock. After living in a community which expects an honest answer to the question how are you?, and in Australia we are expected to answer Im good or fine, this hit me hard! We live in a country with everything, our culture loves gadgets, the latest iPhone, latest technology, but we as a culture are spending less and less time with friends and family. Through this chapter of my life I learnt that I need to start spending more time with friends and family, spend more time working on friendships and developing a stronger relationship with God. And now, this mission trip has extended to include my parents! The caretaker of the SILDEP guesthouse I stayed in Tumu hadnt had a holiday for years. After I returned to Australia, my mother and father decided to travel there for 6 months there and give her a break! Now they are getting to know my friends, and build their own friendships as well.

Through this chapter of my life I learnt that I need to start spending more time with friends and family, spend more time working on friendships and developing a stronger relationship with God.

15 less than themselves, learn about other cultures and reflect on their own faith, culture, develop their leaderships skills and appreciate the fact that what they did in their short time made a huge difference to the St Christophers community. Laurens Fiji Trip By Lauren Reilly (St Martins student) Initially, I decided to go to Fiji because I have always had a desire to volunteer to help out, especially in countries that are still developing. I also enjoy working with small children, and when I heard about the program St Martins College offered, I thought this would be a great way to extend my understanding of students from diverse backgrounds, which can only help me when I am a qualified primary school teacher. There were many things I valued about my time in Fiji, but I think the most valuable thing was forming friendships with the older girls, whom I still communicate with today, over a year after I met them. Leaving these girls who I had grown attached to through our time together was hard, and was the driving force behind me applying again to revisit them, to see how their lives had changed over the course of the year. We were able to attend church and see the importance God plays in their lives, and the dedication that the Sisters have to the children, which I found to be most humbling. Experiencing these things is very much life-affirming, and I would recommend anyone to visit Fiji and find out for themselves what it has to offer.

Lauren, Sonya & Kelsey with two of the St Christophers residents

St Martins College Volunteer Trip to Fiji

13

By Jenny Willsher (Head of St. Martins College)

Most people travel to Fiji for a holiday, but not St Martins College students. Each year since 2010, a small team of College students have travelled to Fiji for an ongoing mission with St Christophers Childrens Home, which care for 23 children. This year three students Sonya Franke, Kelsey Deeves and Lauren Reilly travelled with me, to help out at St Christophers. The team worked both to improve the physical space at St Christophers, and to support the residents. St Christophers is an Anglican Childrens Home run by the Sisters of the Community of The Sacred Name. The Sisters are Fijian and Tongan and the Order is based in New Zealand. The children are either orphans (now a minority due to changing social circumstances in Fiji) or are in the home because of neglect, abuse, poverty or being abandoned by their families. The whole of St Martins College helped

with fundraising for St Christophers Home in the lead up to the visit. The $2500 FJD raised was used to employ a Special Education teacher in the Home for those residents with intellectual disabilities. During the visit, the positive effect of this teacher was noticeable, particularly by Lauren Reilly who had participated on the 2012 trip. There is one resident with severe intellectual disabilities and her behaviour and social interactions were a vast improvement compared to previous visits. The students faced and met a range of challenges including learning to read Fiji body language, working with the constraints of Fiji time, cooking with minimal ingredients, roosters crowing and dogs barking all through the night, and very early mornings and long days of work (most days were 6am-10pm). At the same time they had the opportunity to make new friends, make a valuable contribution to those who have much

16

What a Trip!
By Graham Schultz

The Story of God unfolds in Tacoma

14

During a recent trip to the US, I learned about mission in a way that I have never seen before! I visited Soma Communities, a church based in Tacoma, a city in Washington State in the US. Tacoma is about 30 minutes south of Seattle, and its a city thats a blend somewhere between Wollongong and Newtown. First, the church starts with a Story, in fact it starts with THE Story. Soma taught the value of sitting down and going through the story of God from Genesis through to Jesus Christ and his coming Kingdom. This story then intersects with our own lives when we meet Jesus Christ through his word in Scripture and by the Holy Spirit, meaning, our own story, our lives, past and relationships are all interwoven into Gods great plan through Jesus. The message is that it is not what they do that makes them significant but who they know (Jesus) and how he restores them as Children of God.

Second, is that the foundation of church mission is not in systems, programs, projects and strict time management, rather, its in the depth of relationship that the people in the church have with Jesus. Mission is about drawing near to Christ by discipleship and community then outwardly worshipping Jesus through the gifts we have been given. At Soma Communities I met a man who moved his family of four into a housing commission tenement that the church had set up to support people who were between jobs, had just been released from prison or were trying to reintegrate into society after living on the streets. This man had an office job and went to work every day in a suit. One day after a big day at work he returned to find one of his neighbours in a rage, having just lost his children in a custody battle. He yelled at him for two hours, the suit on the man representing everything this man had

lost. Later, this man had been able to talk with him, share a meal, and pray with him. Over time he has been able to tell his neighbour the Story of God, and how Jesus Christ redeems all people, giving them a right and perfect relationship with God through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Their mission was simply to love their city, which comes to fullness when they love Christ first. I saw little things as well, a single mum with six kids who couldnt afford beds had them set up by the end of the day provided to them by the network of people in the church making a few phone calls, or the community garden set up and maintained by the church for the benefit of the local area. The simple story of Soma Communities is that we dont go to church because Jesus has made us the church for Gods mission to all people.

17

A Scrappy Challenge Gap Year finds Life in Pacific By Brad Lovegrove for Vanuatu
By Judith Langfield

15

In 2011, the Young District Anglican Ministry chose as its mission the ABM Literacy in Vanuatu. A Womens Lunch with a guest speaker raised the money for this project. A visit to Vanuatu by a couple of parishioners with Christian Fellowship Tours put us in touch with school teacher, Jennifer Atisson who after a query as to how we could help her, suggested we make Scrap Books for the children in her school. This project started with great enthusiasm and we worked over the following months, parishioners making their own books. We collected bright pictures of Australia, and world events, film stars and weddings etc, and then glued them into the books. Each of the books were different and individual. We made and sent sixty scrap books to Jennifer and she distributed them to her grateful and eager students. This started off another project of making up sewing boxes for the craft ladies in Vanuatu. We collected new items of sewing needs such as cottons, needles, pins, scissors and other goods. These were put in good tins, sealed and we sent off forty boxes to Jennifer who again distributed them to her ladies. Having personal contact has given us encouragement to help our friends in Vanuatu.

16

The faith lives of three Bishops Gap Year (BYG) students was transformed during a team mission to the Solomon Islands in 2012. Anthony Cozens was struck by the way the Islanders overflowed with praise to God: when we went to Koa Valley, you didnt need directions to the church; you just followed the sound of children praising God! It was so loud that at first you wanted to block your ears - but you couldnt, because you didnt want to miss their singing. It brought tears to the eyes of many on our team. One phrase sums up Koa Valley: where heaven and earth collide. After his time in the Solomons, Anthony said Ive grown in my faith, and grown closer to God, and now I want to hold onto that. The students joined a mission team from Batemans Bay parish, which has an ongoing relationship with All Saints, Honiara. During the two week trip, they visited many churches and schools in Honiara and Isabel. The team led several Ministry Nights of teaching, skits, testimonies and prayer ministry; and the Gap Year students were involved in leading Bible studies and praying for locals. Kahlia Cathcart was amazed when Stevie, mute from birth, began to speak after being prayed for. He had never spoken before. We prayed

for him, and asked God to get Stevies tongue working. And praise God, Stevie talked! His very first word was Jesus, and his first sentence was Jesus loves me. The students will never forget seeing God work: we saw God answer so many prayers. I can see things more clearly now, said Kahlia, the trip has increased my trust in God. I fell in love with the culture, with the people, and with Jesus all over again. I cant wait to go back one day! The team also visited Rove Prison in Honiara, where five inmates gave their lives to Christ. I was amazed that the Islanders were living with so little, yet were still so generous, said Tim Stevenson. They had deep joy, despite their poverty. BYG is run by Synergy Youth and Children, the youth ministry of CanberraGoulburn Anglicans. As well as a weekly parish placement, BYG students are involved as team members on Synergys camps and conferences, are equipped for life and ministry, and are mentored in their Christian walk each week. In addition, the students complete a Certificate IV in Christian Ministry and Theology at St Marks College Registered Training Organisation. For more information contact Brad Lovegrove: 02 62632 3613, brad@ synergy.org.au

18

Participants in a CLMT course held recently in the Riverina.

17

Centre for Lay Ministry

Training for lay leadership in the Diocese is being revitalised, thanks to the establishment of a Centre for Lay Ministry and Mission. The Centre began offering courses two years ago, with the aim to help lay people grow in their chosen ministry area. Since the Centre began 124 people have signed up for a course, to help develop skills in both leading worship and in pastoral care. Many have been empowered in their ministry through attending the courses offered, said Centre Director Margaret Wheelwright. Participants have commented on not only the course content but how they were encouraged by the others present. In addition to the ministry development courses, the Centre offers a Mission Possible course, led by Archdeacon John Barnes, which is designed for a parish team or individuals to develop a common understanding of the mission of Jesus and the role of the local church in His mission. This is a two day course which can be run over a couple of weekends. Contact Margaret Wheelwright email: dclaymin@goulburncathedral.org.au or Ph: 0425 231 477

Bungendore: Jumping Castle as Ministry

By Becc Morris

18

Bungendore may be a very old town, but it is predominantly populated by families with young children. How could the Anglican congregation of Bungendore reach out to these families and make them feel welcome in church services? In conjunction with a dedicated Kids Family Church (affectionately known as KFC) at 9am on the third Sunday of every month, we were able to borrow a large jumping castle from Paul Cohen, who was then the Rector of Cooma. Brian Roberts would collect the jumping castle and return it afterwards. The congregation then noticed that the jumping castle was a ministry tool, in a multitude of ways. The location of our church is on one of the main streets of the town and so setting up a jumping castle on the front lawn was a great silent advert: We welcome young children!

After the service the children assist each other getting on and off and it only takes a couple of adults to supervise activities, but with firm rules the children quickly get used to the expectations. Parents are able to hang around and talk without having their children interrupting and so relationships can be built. All these wonderful relationship building benefits were recognised, but how could Bungendore afford to buy its own castle when we cant even employ a Rector fulltime? The Parish Council decided to step out in faith and purchase one anyway. Quietly, over a few months, donations came in until the castle was paid for. Already it has been used at Gungahlin. The Mulwaree Ministry District has borrowed it, and it has been used at a Carwoola community day. In the future, there are plans to share it for more community activities.

19

Basement
By Emily Lambert

19

What is Basement? Basement Ministries was one of the first ministry units in the Diocese to have social networks rather than a geographical territory as its basis for mission. It is a lay-led ministry which began in 2005 when a group of seven young adults who were actively involved in St Simons, Kaleen left the parish. They were seeking a more practical and culturally relevant way to embody the faith among their peers. They felt God calling them to create a new faith community and so began meeting regularly for a time of worship and teaching in a lounge room. The residents informally called the lounge room, a converted downstairs garage, the basement and with time the name just stuck. Basement was a network church, drawing in young adults who were looking for an alternative way to encounter God and be incarnationally involved in mission as a community. Without realizing it, a fresh expression of church emerged that helped young adults experience Gods rest and restoration when many had become disillusioned or frustrated with mainstream Anglican life. Its first seven leaders were Emily Lambert, Caitlin Lance, Hayley Thorpe, Megan Yates, Emilia Roberts, Rebecca Ditmar and Sam Primrose, all of whom were licensed as lay leaders. It was formed with the blessing of Bishop George Browning and the assistance

of then Archdeacon Sarah Macneil and many others. It emerged at a time when the diocese was open to rethinking traditional patterns and reworking diocesan parochial arrangements in order to facilitate mission, after all church planting had became a priority in the diocesan strategic plan, Confidence in Christ (2004). Consequently, it was one of the first ministry units to have social networks rather than a geographical territory as its basis for mission. At the end of the first 12 months, it outgrew the lounge room and moved into the Scouts shed in Amaroo St, Reid in 2006. St Johns hospitality was significant as then rector (now Bishop) Greg Thompson became Basements first mentor/chaplain. Although the shed was drafty in winter and stifling in summer it was home for three years. A fresh expression of church is the name Anglicans have given to alternative and experimental forms of ecclesial life that often recalibrate and rebalance the linkages between worship, witness, fellowship and service. They are formed when people want to go out and build new kind of churches through engagement with unchurched people. The vision for mission and ministry that emerged was a holistic one whereby participation in Gods mission to the world is sustained by worship and where everyone actively embraces a life of witness and service. When Basement was formed, the

discussion about fresh expressions of church was in its infancy. While everyone knew that traditional forms didnt work for many young adults, few had a sense about what an alternative might look like. The team moved slowly into this unknown space with help from a group of mentors from within and out of the Anglican Church who coached and supported them in developing their dream. These mentors included Bishop George, Bishop Len Eacott, Bishop Stuart Robinson, Fuzz Kitto, Judy KochoDouglas and Matthew Gelding. The teams imagination and capacity were also stimulated by a diocesan supported study tour of emerging and fresh expressions of church in the US and UK. An association with Soul Survivor NSW, an offshoot of the movement launched by Mike Pilavachi and the New Wine movement in the Church of England, also proved particularly significant. As a lay led, youth network based church, Basement has seen many leaders move on while encouraging others to step into leadership roles. In 2009, the Rev Wayne Brighton started as chaplain while undertaking postgraduate studies and coordinating fresh expressions training in the diocese. Bec and Rob McAuliffe and Miriam White have since become involved with Caitlin stepped back from leadership in 2010, Lauren in 2011 and Emily in early 2012. With the birth of many children, Sophie developed a coordinated childrens

20

program while Ben Paton leads an interactive kids Sunday for children of all ages to know God through play. For the most part, a completely different group of people now constitutes the community. Basement continues to be a place where people discover Gods mission and those burnt by past church experiences find their wonder at Gods kingdom refreshed. Although the Ice Burg Caf (2008-9) was closed with the business model proving unsustainable, the Flats involvement has reduced and it still looks to find ways to stimulate the desire for people to become leaders that actively participate in Gods mission incarnationally. It looks forward to playing an ongoing role in manifesting Gods kingdom in Civic and developing fresh expressions of church across the diocese in the years to come. Basement Ministries Flats One of the ways Basement serves the local community is through facilitating free community lunches and activities at the Currong and Allawah flats in Civic. This ministry started in May 2007 and it gave the members the opportunity to become an active example of the love of God within the community. It began as a monthly free lunch and as some residents attended more regularly they began to assist in the running of the events. In November 2008 Basement received a Pelican Foundation grant to financially support the expansion of the

community lunch, which enabled a team member to work in the centre one day per week. The Basement community assisted with government run programs in the community centre, regularly prayer walked in the area, accompanied residents on walks around the lake, and now runs quarterly festivals that includes a meal, games, live music, prayer spaces, face painting, prizes and much more. These activities are designed to help the people living at the flats to actively engage with their immediate community and build support networks. By providing fun, food and prayer our team has begin to challenge their negative views about church life and introduce them to Jesus. Basements work at the Flats has evolved according to the needs of the residents and the availability of members. Initially, Hayley Thorpe and Gail Catchlove coordinated the flats work. In 2009, Emily Lambert led the team until early 2012 when Sophie Lawrence took it on. Base Base is Basements current worship gathering. It is an opportunity for people to come together for a time of worship, teaching and prayer for mission. When the IceBurg caf contract finished, Base met briefly in the diocesan conference room but then moved to its present location at the Bogong Theatre and Fireside room, Gorman House, Braddon, in mid 2010.

The Base team strives to provide an environment that enables a variety of styles and expressions of worship with an emphasis on personal experience and engagement. Its primary aim is to help people to find a way of connecting with God in everyday life. Base could be described as relaxed and fluid with a format that emphasizes discussion, sharing and personal prayer. For the most part, its style is non-liturgical drawing inspiration from the flexibility offered by A Prayer Book for Australias outline order. For several years, its leaders curated the engaging, interactive prayer spaces at Blackstump and Soul Survivor festivals using artwork, photography and music.

21

Growing where you are planted

By Sam Gregory

20

Appearances can be deceiving. We may think mission needs to look big and impressive. While we may be frequently be amazed by the magnitude of what God achieves, we shouldnt fail to give thanks when He is at work in small ways. A great example of Gods mission can be found in the work of Peter and Rebecca Willis, who until recently were members of St Matthews, Wanniassa. Rebecca works at the University of Canberra with the short-term overseas students. These students live and study in Australia for less than six months and it is Rebeccas job to orientate them to Australian life. Through this work she has an opportunity to meet those who are already Christian and interact with those

that are interested in finding out more about Jesus. Peter and Rebecca decided to start a group for these students, meeting in their house to share a meal and study the Bible. They started where they were at. Like Peter and Rebecca, we need to ask how God might have already positioned us in His mission what resources do we have available right now that we could be using in His service? Peter and Rebecca invest into each new student that joins their group knowing their time here in Australia is very short; there is no opportunity for these students to repay them for their service a love that can never be earned or repaid. All mission is born out of this love it starts in small ways.

Like Peter and Rebecca, we need to ask how God might have already positioned us in His mission what resources do we have available right now that we could be using in His service?

22

Gungahlin Anglican Church at Forde:

21

By Michael Dasey

changing response to a changing situation

In negotiations with the developers, the Rector found a warm reception. With funding from the developer, a carol service was commenced in 2008 as the first major community event in the suburb. Three hundred people braved bitter weather for the event. In 2009 a small team of volunteers was called out and commissioned from GAC and met for almost 6 months in preparation to plant a new congregation at Forde. As no community space existed, this intrepid group of about fifteen people, ran weekly services in the pre school of the second campus of Burgmann Anglican School now being established at Forde. With minimal help from the paid staff and with no real budget, a small group was successfully established. The Forde service was launched in February 2010, however once it was established, it did not attract new people. The Forde ministry team was occupied completely with running the Sunday Service and had little energy left for outreach. After much prayer and thought, the team decided to re establish the new service in the new built Heyward Hall at Burgmann, which offered a much larger space. This new service was launched in February 2011 and had an extra 35 people joining the congregation from the mother church. Today this growing church, called Gungahlin Anglican Church at Forde (GACF), has about 80 people each week and many of these are new people. It has energy and purpose and is able to outreach into its neighbourhood. GAC has begun planning for a new congregation in yet another of the new Gungahlin suburbs. And the Christmas Carol event which began five years ago, is now exceeding 1500 attendees.

Fourteen years ago, Gungahlin Anglican Church (GAC) met for the first time in the heart of the fast growing northern suburbs of Canberra, at the Burgmann Anglican School Chapel. Before long, the 200 seat capacity of the chapel was full each Sunday. However, suburbs surrounding Gungahlin continued to be built and GAC was faced with the challenge of how and where to meet this growth. A diocesan leader noted that GAC needed three times as many staff as the current 2 Full Time Equivalent staff. The church held no property, had no office and possessed a substantial debt. Yet the church needed to respond to the burgeoning growth of Gungahlin. The initial response was to plan for many small churches operating in community spaces in a number of new locations. The not yet built suburb of Forde was identified as an appropriate starting site.

23

Anglican Parish of Murrumburrah Harden.

22

By Dorothy Smith

I would like to tell you about one of our local parish initiatives; our Christmas Hampers. These were inspired by a Bible Study which some parishioners were involved in 21 years ago and instigated an outreach to the Community. The food items are supplied through gifts of kind and donations of cash contributed by members of our congregation. The toys for families with children are donated by the local community who place them under the Rotary Christmas tree which is erected in one of the banks a few weeks before Christmas. Our local apiarist

also supplies a jar of honey for each hamper. We liaise with St Vincent de Paul committee to ensure that no needy family is overlooked and the toys collected are distributed appropriately. Approximately a week before Christmas the food and toys are gathered and transported to our parish hall where they are sorted ready for packing by a faithful band of workers who deliver them upon completion.. The generosity of our parishioners and the local community is overwhelming and extremely gratifying but it is in the packing and delivery of these hampers that we receive most joy.

Until a few years ago we were assisted by a young girl called Lara who had a disability; it was Laras appointed task to place a packet of jelly in each box which she did with great care and pride and in doing so she delighted other members of the team. On completion of the packing Lara then accompanied one member on deliveries. It was her greatest joy and the highlight of her year to see the faces light up on those that received them. Lara received her joy from the joy of others and we received ours from her. Praise The Lord!!

Gungahlin Anglican Church: Army Chaplaincy (Reserve)

By Andrew (Red) Taylor

23

The Bible has multiple references to soldiers and their impact, both good and bad. One of my passions is serving the men and women of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as a Part Time (Reserve) Chaplain. I find this role both encouraging and challenging, let me tell you why. First, there are great opportunities to support members of the ADF who serve our country in sometimes very difficult situations. This is encouraging, as Chaplains are well received in the ADF. And yet the role is challenging, as the spiritual and pastoral needs of ADF members (and families) can be complex.

Second, spending time serving in Chaplaincy helps grow my ability to serve others (Parish included), as I get exposure to experiences, training and different world views. This is encouraging as I get to meet new people and share in their lives, but challenging in the effort required to juggle both serving in a Parish and spending time and energy in Chaplaincy. Third, in a world with increasing illiteracy regarding things of a spiritual nature, there is opportunity to serve people as they wrestle with some of the big questions of life. The encouragement comes as people often have a genuine curiosity regarding things of God and

faith. The challenge is it takes time to bridge the spiritual illiteracy gap through building trust and relationships. There are a number of Military Chaplains who serve in different locations across our Diocese and many others who have had military background, experience or family members. As the Diocese celebrates its 150 years, Army Chaplaincy celebrates its 100th year. Please pray for members of the Australian Defence Force and the Chaplains (Full time and Part time) who serve them. Pray that as ADF members explore things of a spiritual nature, that the wonder and truth of Jesus love for us would transform lives.

24

Combined Alpha course in Temora

Jason Hill

24

By John Jenner

Members of the churches in Temora are rejoicing at the kindness of God in the success of the recent Alpha program. The Anglican and Catholic churches joined together to run the course which was attended by 50 people over an eight week period. This combined ministry has led to healing for many people, as well as being well received in the town as an indication of Gods grace at work in peoples lives. The final celebration dinner had 80 people rejoicing in Gods goodness and listening to stories of grace. One such story was that of 16 year old Jason Hill. Jason asked Jesus into his life last year during Bible studies at our Real 12 conference led by Bishop Trevor. He has been a keen member of our youth group (SPY) and worship team. His testimony, written for the dinner, is included below. In it we see the

wonderful kindness of God in caring for Jason and his family. Jason Hills Story Hello, I am 16 years old and I am a student at Temora High School. I was asked by Lex to give a talk regarding the recent Alpha course I have just completed. The Alpha course ran for eight weeks and was a time of great fellowship, food, great learning and most importantly learning about Jesus and how to become closer to God. Each week our group leaders, Gill and Renae would lead us, guide us, and help us to answer all the questions we had, especially after each video. The session I enjoyed most was session 9, How to be filled with the Holy Spirit. This session was delivered at our weekend away at Galong, which was wet, cold and lots of fun. During prayer time around our table we

were offered the opportunity to ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I knew that this was something that I had wanted for a long time, and was filled with the Holy Spirit on that day. Having the Lord in my life has helped me overcome many obstacles and struggles that I have had to deal with. I have lost loved ones from my life through illness and accident. Although these times have been sad I have always believed that God has guided me and helped me through these hard times. Having lost my mum at the age of three, I know I am blessed to have the wonderful family I have. My Nan, my aunties and uncles, my cousins and especially my church are all very precious to me. I try to make time each day to pray, not only for myself, but for others as well. Alpha was great and I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to undertake it with my very special church family.

25

Gundagai: From the Derelict to the New

25

By Graeme Liersch

Gundagai is perhaps best known for its Dog on the Tucker Box or even Dad, Dave, Mum and Mabel but few outside of Gundagai would know that its short history is deep and rich. The town was gazetted in 1838 and in 1861 the foundation stone of St Johns Church was laid. Over the next thirty years the rectory, stables and hall were built and it was from this location the Priest would journey out on his horse and sulky to visit local communities and take services. It is to these stables that our story now centres. The engineering of this building is quite remarkable for it had a brick floor and beneath the bricks there was an elaborate sewerage system to drain the urine from the building to the outside. The wood work is remarkable in not only the wood used but by the joints in putting it together. All up the Stable housed two horses and a sulky with a loft

above for the fodder. Sadly with the introduction of motor vehicles, the need for the horse and sulky had passed by the 1950s and slowly but surely the Stables fell into a state of disrepair. Nevertheless the history within this building of workmanship remained and to some extent hidden until recently when a decision was made to do something about the state of its disrepair. By the mid 2000s the state of the building had become so bad that it leaned dangerously toward Punch St and the power lines, with cladding falling off and foundations giving away. This resulted in the building being condemned and ear marked for removal. For some strange reason though no one seemed to have the fortitude to remove it so it remained leaning with a few items stored inside until one day in 2010 when the Priest In Charge looked up inside and saw the wonderful timbers and the

workmanship and thought: We cant pull this down, surely we can do something with it. Investigations soon showed that the building did have some historical value, despite not being listed as such, and with some help from Anglicares fundraising it was decided to lodge an application for a Community Building Project Grant to the State Government in order to build new foundations and set the building up to become some useable offices. At the time of the application the region was still in the grip of the 10 year drought and this was causing much distress for regional farmers including Gundagai locals. Hence it was decided to base the application around setting up a local counselling service in order to support farmers. One of the difficulties for local farmers was the only real regular support at an on call basis was either by phone or traveling to Wagga Wagga.

26 In addition Anglicare saw this as an opportunity to add a new dimension to Foster Care support for locals in the Gundagai Tumut region. The application was thus lodged for a conservative amount with the qualifiers listed above and to the surprise of those concerned the grant application was successful. Merely winning the grant though was only half the challenge as now it was necessary to have the builders to make a start on the work. Sadly the initial builder pulled out due to other commitments and then the next builder also pulled out as they had won some more government contracts. This left us in danger of failing to be able to complete the project in time. Much pressure was felt by those who had the original vision for the place. Eventually we did what we always should do fall to our knees in prayer. The simple prayer prayed was: Lord you gave us the vision, please now make it happen. It seemed to be no time at all after the prayer than a third builder stepped forward to do the work, however this builder proved to be more than a local builder he was a craftsman. Through this builders work and the support of Parish Council this historical building has now been restored to a state where it has not lost its ascetics and is a functional building housing the parish office, a counselling room and a third office for general use. There is still more work to do such as converting the loft into a conference room and landscaping the surrounds but at last a historical building has been rescued which has thus become a good news story and a good practical space for future ministry in the Anglican Parish of Gundagai.

We aim to give carers a day off, so we provide transport, and there is a short service in the morning for those that want to attend.

Holy Covenants Holistic Care Nurse Ministry

26

By Anne Ranse

Holy Covenants Holistic Care Nurse Ministry (HCN) was initially founded as a free service to isolated, elderly people in the community several years ago. Consultations are private and confidential and a referral is not required. Anne Ranse launched the service and in its early days worked one day a week as a voluntary nurse with the help of the parish outreach team. However the service has grown to now employ a permanent part time enrolled nurse, Nicole Kulesza. A member of the congregation who is a skilled RN, Kathryn Body, has passed up a paid day at work to also join the team and HCN is blessed to have Judith Anne Daniels working with the HCN team in an administrative role. These three additions and the ongoing increase in referrals, have pushed HCN client numbers to 30, and are all an answer to the prayer that soaks this ministry. Through the assistance of members of the congregation we have been able to set up teams of visitors to some of the isolated, house bound clients in the

community. Without these people we could not do the ministry. They are a tremendous asset and incredibly faithful and committed to their clients and the ministry. The model of care using teams has many benefits and works well. The Holistic Care Ministry owns a vehicle that is fitted with a wheel chair lift and can carry five seated passengers and a driver. Its a wonderful asset, enabling us to take clients on appointments, activities and outings, something that was not happening for them prior to our involvement. An initiative of the program is the Covenant Care Day Hospice, run one day per week at Holy Covenant and jointly sponsored by the parish, Anglicare and the Palliative Care Society. We aim to give carers a day off, so we provide transport, and there is a short service in the morning for those that want to attend. Up to twelve people attend the Hospice each week and are cared for by a nurse, activities officer, and many wonderful volunteers We are thrilled to be able to serve the community in this way.

27

Holy Covenant Holistic Nursing Care: A Case Study

By Anne Ranse

27

This is one of several clients we have on the HCN ministry books whose lives have literally been saved and who can see hope from a hopeless situation. Where banks and agencies have been unhelpful we have been able to assist and bring hope. This couple tell me that its a wonderful gift when we came into their lives. Without it we would have ended our lives. A husband and wife came to my attention through a conversation with their daughter who said they were in deep crisis and having difficulty living from day to day and suicide was not far from their minds. I agreed to go and see them to see how the nursing program could possibly help. I visited their home and found a lady of around 62years old who was mobile with a wheelie walker and a man just a couple of years older, mobile and working hard taxi driving for very little return. Their home was run down, the bathroom floor had collapsed and the ceiling possum infected. It was the middle of winter and there was no heating. There was no covering on the floors except the floor boards. They told me their business had gone bankrupt and the bank was going to repossess the home. She was on a disability pension and he at times only made as much as $50 a week. Both of them have multiple health issues with her being the more serious and debilitating. Food was being obtained from a charity place with very little variety and the cost

of medications and living was greater than their income. All of their utility accounts and rates were many thousands overdue and they had no money in the bank. I began to work with them and after conversation with the bank this family decided to sell the house privately to see what they could get for it especially as there was no hope of doing any of the necessary repairs.

A husband and wife came to my attention through a conversation with their daughter who said they were in deep crisis and having difficulty living from day to day and suicide was not far from their minds.
We went to pray, the house went to auction and of all things sold. The house was brought by a builder who wanted to do it up but they were given 10 days to get out and had nowhere to go. In working with the family and real estate agent we managed to get a rental property but had no luck in getting one that would allow them to take their pets. A home was found for the elderly dog

where they could visit and the very old cat was taken to the RSPCA. The grief and loss for this couple in so many ways was huge. HCN ministry, through a very generous bequest, was able to pay something like $8-9,000 in overdue utilities and rates/ phone to clear that debt for them and for the rental ute to move. They are finally feeling settled in their new residence and their life is looking considerably brighter. The husband has now a full time job at Magnet Mart so there is a steady regular income. The wife has been referred to Covenant Care Day Hospice, will attend the Community Lunches at church and maybe the craft group. The womans medical issues are being addressed properly and she is recovering from a severe heart attack, we have also been able to provide her with medical aids in the home and a recliner chair. From the HCN ministry they are also receiving a regular visitor and receiving counselling from our program. They have invested what they have from the sale of their house after all expenses paid and are hopeful of owning a new home in the future. To me this is what I see as Holistic Nursing. It has all the elements of Holistic Care and again we at Holy Covenant can be assured that this ministry is of tremendous value, not just to us as a church ministering and caring for broken people. But its doing the work of God, seeking out the lost, the sick, the hungry, and the poor, and lonely, just as Jesus asked of us.

28

Holy Covenant Artist in Residence

By Susanna Pain

Trisha Watts

28

Holy Covenant is a vibrant community which includes people of all ages. This year we were fortunate to welcome singer songwriter Trish Watts as our Artist in Residence in May. Trish brought her gifts of music and liturgy to a number of workshops over the weekend, including a singing workshop, a retreat, a healing service, and a Taize Service. Those who attended were from within and beyond the parish. One of the participants had never heard of Holy Covenant before, even though she has

lived in the same suburb for years! She is now attending one of our Breathing Space spirituality programs, and is eager to participate in other parish offerings. The Artist in Residence challenged and extended us, and enhanced our worship. We hope to invite another artist in two years. Holy Covenant began the artist in residence program last year as a way to explore theology and the arts, to invite people within the parish to broaden their understanding, and people outside to join in discussion. It has been exciting

to have the arts inform our Sunday worship services, and to see newcomers become part of our community of faith. We are being extended and challenged. This year Trish Watts and Susanna Pain presented a sermon using both movement and the spoken word to reflect on the gospel. That was something powerful and new! When the artists within the community of faith present exhibitions, we attend, and invite them to reflect on their work in the context of their faith journey.

29

Encountering God through.....

29

By Katie de Veau

Encounter God through.... prayer, community, hospitality, creativity, service, the Lords Prayer, music, conversation, ... the list goes on. These are some of the topics covered in our monthly Encounter Service. A group of people gathered for dinner one night in January several years ago, with the desire of discussing a similar vision: the creation of an evening service to connect with the young adults at Holy Covenant. As discussions continued over the following weeks, the vision grew. The group knew they didnt want to compete with existing ministries and services at the church or within the wider diocese, but rather complement them. The group also knew that they wanted a place where creative forms of worship could be expressed, discussed, explored and taught. It seemed like a natural flow on from the 24-hour prayer

ministry that was growing in the church. And so Encounter was born. Encounter strives to provide a place to encounter God through creative forms of worship, inspirational teaching, and communion over food. It is aimed at connecting with 1730 year olds but all are welcome. Gifted theologians, poets, and authors, are amongst some of the guest speakers. Encounter is held on the last Sunday each month February to November at 6 pm at Holy Covenant Church, Cook. The creative service is followed by high quality themed meal. In June this year, Fuzz and Carolyn Kitto, sought after preachers, speakers and ministry trainers spoke on Encounter God through Discernment. It was a great a night of good food, wonderful fellowship, fabulous speakers, and encountering our speaking God through the gift of discernment.

Encounter strives to provide a place to encounter God through creative forms of worship, inspirational teaching, and communion over food.

Holy Covenant Spirituality Centre: Breathing Space

By Susanna Pain

30

Breathing Space builds on what is already happening in the parish to deepen peoples spiritual lives. It offers a space to explore ways of listening to self, each other and to God, and developing spiritual practices that are life enhancing. The vision for Breathing Space is to offer a safe place for exploring and sharing our stories either through one on one spiritual direction or companioning, or through participation in a range of group activities. This year, the program has included retreats, a series on dreams, workshops on the enneagram, quiet days, a Retreat in Daily Life, a Lenten study on wilderness and garden in the Bible, seminars on theological themes such as resurrection, ecclesiology and atonement, an introductory series on Christianity and Anglicanism, reading groups as well as individual soul companioning.

30

Rainbow Fellowship Simply sharing Gods love!

Goulburn Cathedral: F5
By Stuart Robinson

31

By Susanna Pain

Rainbow Fellowship is a Holy Covenant ministry that reaches out to people with intellectual disabilities, and those who want a simple study of Scripture, worship and experience of community. It acts as a friendship group for anyone who wants to talk about God in an uncomplicated way. The main aim of this ministry is to support people with disabilities and to share the love of Jesus, to encourage each other on our faith journey, to help members understand and apply Gods Word to our lives and to give us an opportunity to serve others and have fellowship in a way that is meaningful. Sometimes we have excursions. Last year we went to an Art Exhibition at Belconnen Arts Centre, where one of our members work was included. Earlier this year one of our members was baptised in a simple, yet profound service, followed of course by a shared meal. Rainbow Fellowship meets the first Sunday of each month at 4 5:30 pm, February to November only.

32

F5 Fellowship at 5, is a service held Sunday afternoons (excepting the first of each month) at St Saviours Cathedral, Goulburn. The title, F5, is a word-play; the F5 key on a laptop is the Refresh button and we use the tag, F5- Be Refreshed! The refresh theme is deliberate as the target group for F5 is people who have had a connection with a church at some stage in their lives but for a raft of reasons (divorce, relocation, crises of faith, bad experiences, et al) they have disconnected. Open de-churched is the technical term. In August 2012, a small team comprising Caroline Campbell, Paul Baxter, Robyn Baxter, Jane and Stuart Robinson launched F5. It was all relatively low key and mainly word of mouth (personal invitation). The format is a simple evening service liturgy with well known hymns and songs, a homily based on the readings for the day with personal prayer (for healing) to follow.

As people arrive they are greeted by welcomers and bottled water or juice (we want them refreshed) and the whole service concludes within an hour. It is an all age service; infants and children stay for the whole programme and an optional bespoke crche area with (silent) toys and books and adult supervision is provided. People have invited their friends (who are followed up within 24 hrs) and some 45-65 people attend each week. We have held Christianity Explored course midweek (in a parishioners home) and have just started our first home-group. Each Monday morning an adult fellowship group (F10) meets for craft, conversation and coffee in a beautiful local guesthouse (owned by a parishioner). F5 recently participated in the Anglicare Winter Pantry Appeal, the 150th Bible Distribution and will go on mission together to Boorowa in Advent 2013.

31

Prayer For Healing Service.

By Stuart Robinson

33

For the past four years St Johns Canberra has generously hosted the Bishops Prayer for Healing service on the first Wednesday of each month. In 2010 Bishop Stuart and Jane gathered and trained a group of 18 people lay and ordained, and established a set of protocols and guidelines for the ministry. The format of the evening is simple enough. A healing liturgy is in place (with songs and a homily) and after 25 minutes or so, people from the congregation are invited to come forward for prayer. Two team members pray for each person seeking ministry. There are generally six prayer stations so people do not have to wait too long before they are greeted and their needs addressed. With the permission of the person being prayed for, hands are laid and anointing with oil may occur. Many hundreds of people have been blessed by this ministry and reports of Gods gracious gift of wholeness and comfort are not uncommon. The service attracts between 30-70 people each week and unlike a regular congregation, people often travel great distances and may only attend once (though some are regulars). The team is a wonderfully selfless and faithful group who themselves often make great sacrifices (especially in travel) to be present.

Kooringal: Free Music Lessons for Youth

By Lucas King

34

My role with St Albans includes many of the standard yet wonderful things a youth pastor does. These include running Bible studies, running activities, running a lunch time Christian group at the local High school and much more. However, one unique aspect of this ministry is providing music lessons for youth. These free music lessons involve myself teaching any youth that would like to learn guitar, bass or drums. Since we started teaching two years ago, we now have six students. The catch with the free music lesson is that they are to play at a Sunday church service once a month and come to youth group. Four of these youth are now connected and engaged with our church service and parish life and all four have begun to invite their friends. One particular 13 year old girl was invited to youth group by a friend earlier this year and started music lessons with our group. She has little to no faith interaction in her life. Within a very short amount of

time, she has caught something very special. I know without a doubt that she has begun to understand and see the love of Christ through the youth group and parish life. She is so excited about this new found acceptance, that she is dragging her friends from school along. One of them is about to start music lessons as well. So what is the point? Let me share with you something profound that I have learnt from the journey that this young girl has begun. What started with one student learning drums with me at church three years ago, has now turned into six. The fruit of this is exponential. These youth are engaging with Christ, the Church community, and are now passionate to see their friends come. This has taught me that the small, seemingly insignificant gift or talent each of us may have, can be used by our God to set forth in motion something wonderful that will help others to experience this amazing grace.

32

A Home for the Homeless at Rickys Place, Bega

By Vicky Hancock

35

Rickys Place began operating on 12 August 2009 after several months of intensive planning and preparation by the Anglican Parish of Bega. Originally proposed as a soup kitchen in the Parish plan at the time, the concept gained momentum and support when it was discover that Bega had one of the highest rates of homelessness in the state according to the 2007 Census. After running a community forum facilitated by Anglicare at which several welfare organisations and local groups were invited, it was decided that a meal service staffed by volunteers, where the emphasis was on hospitality and supporting the dignity of the patrons, offered something more than just a soup kitchen. It was also proposed that offering access to a shower would contribute greatly to the immediate welfare and comfort of those in need. The plan included setting up a vegetable garden on the Church property to supply the kitchen. Through use of the local media, the concept struck a chord with the wider Bega community and gained a great deal of support. Many individuals, businesses and organisations came forward with donations of time, goods and money to make it work. Other Christian Church groups were invited to

send volunteers and many responded. The local Council provided support and advice to overcome any regulatory hurdles. All volunteers attended a food handling course run by the Council and also attended a workshop on dealing with disadvantaged groups. A grant was obtained from Anglicare to install a shower and disabled toilet in the Parish Hall and to provide some funding for part time administrative support. The name Rickys Place was chosen in honour of a homeless man call Ricky who became a loved member of the Parish. He had fallen on hard times and had his personal demons but he had found faith and strength through acknowledging Jesus as his saviour. He felt the Lord wanted him to set up a soup kitchen and garden to feed people like him. Ricky moved on a couple of years before Rickys Place was born but he had left a lasting legacy and influence on the Parish. Once opened, the popularity of Rickys Place with the target group of patrons grew. In addition to catering for the needs of acute homelessness, over time it has become a regular meeting place for disadvantaged and marginalised people in the local community. Members of the Aboriginal community, people with intellectual and physical disabilities and patrons with mental health issues, as

well as people who are simply poor and doing it tough, all sit down to up to three meals per week served with respect, hospitality and love. In 2012 we were blessed greatly by a substantial donation from Bega Cheese. This has enabled us to employ a Lay Minister for Social Concern, on a casual basis, during 2012. During 2013 we commenced the refit out of our kitchen, bringing it to a commercial standard. We have been blessed also by many local businesses that have either donated their time or have helped in various ways. We continue to be supported by Woolworths, Pappys (local fruit and vegetable shop), Tura Beach bakery, TAFE hospitality and Coles. The community also drop in donations of home grown vegetables and it never ceases to amaze us where the donations come from. Rickys Place is an outward mission of our parish and in the near future we hope to incorporate some new fresh expression of our faith which will meet the needs of our community. We look forward to the reopening of our new kitchen, we give thanks to God for the many blessings that have flowed and look forward to serving the people of the Bega Valley.

33

Jindabyne: Combined Rural Ministry

By Owen Davies

36

If the love our Heavenly Father has revealed in the Lord Jesus is so wonderful we have asked the very hard question, Why have the churches of the parish not grown in the last 153 years? In late 2010 the partnership between Anglican and Uniting Church was established to revive the mission in the high country and continue the presence of a full time minister. While most have embraced change and Holy Spirit renewal, we still struggle with the inflexibility of a few. Another hard question is, Did we form a partnership to prolong the inevitable - without radical change from the religious habits that got us to the point we were at three years ago?

There has been significant growth in the combined Anglican and Uniting service held at Jindabyne Uniting where the great facilities assist the creative family worship and childrens program. Through prioritising family worship in the largest town the eight smaller centres in our 6000 km2 district carry on as best they can. Please pray with us as we approach our combined churches celebration and covenant review that all our church centres will be overflowing with men and women, girls and boys returning to friendship with God. Lord Jesus please do everything necessary in me to make me to grow the church in our region for his glory for the next 150 years.

There has been significant growth in the combined Anglican and Uniting service held at Jindabyne Uniting where the great facilities assist the creative family worship and childrens program.

34

Braidwood: Holiday Makers hear Gods call for Kids Connect

By Cathy Allen

38 37
St Pauls Turvey Park: mainly music
How do we reach out to young families in our community? How do we show them Gods love? To answer these questions a member of Parish Council suggested we find out about mainly music. That was in May 2012 and it was the start of a very special journey for us. By October 2012 we had our team! We thank God for the team and for the gifts each one brings from music, hospitality and craft to communication and administration. We also praise God for a grant from St Pauls Outreach Trust to purchase the resources we need. Our kitchen was up a flight of stairs and in poor condition. We committed that to God too and praise Him that we now serve morning tea from a beautifully refurbished and relocated kitchen. In February this year, after much prayer and preparation, we began our mainly music ministry at St Pauls. Twenty families (35 children) attend regularly and 14 families are on a waiting list. Our families include baptism families and some church families but the majority have little or no connection with the church. Our commitment is to providing the most loving and supportive environment possible in the session and to pray for the families and where appropriate provide practical assistance and support outside the mainly music session. We have experienced the power of prayer, the joy of teamwork and the blessing of reaching out to the community in love. We are trusting God for the outcome.

At the end of 2011, Tim and I and our two little boys just happened to take the inland road down the coast to visit Tims family in Eden and we drove through beautiful Braidwood. As we drove through town, I spoke the words, This is beautiful, I could live here. WOW! the power of words!!! After our trip we looked into living in the Braidwood area and made a special visit to meet the local church, schools and other facilities. We visited St Andrews and were greeted by a stunning historic building and a lovely small congregation of about 60 members. All of which was absolutely lovely and welcoming, but no facilities for young families with children. Nevertheless, we thought we could still move to the area and simply find a church that has a Sunday School. So Tim started looking for work in Canberra and Goulburn but after three months of applying we gave up. The more I looked at what we had in Sydney, including and most importantly a fabulous church in which to raise my kids, the more I thought, We cant do this, we cant move to Braidwood. So the move to Braidwood was abandoned. But God had other plans as He does! I felt so unsettled and the

35

Our children, all children have a right to know about God. And it is our responsibility as Christs followers to teach the younger generation about God.
feeling of wanting to move to Braidwood was still strong. So we visited a second time, falling in love all over again. But God, I said, there is no Sunday school, no playgroup, no young families at church - we cant move here. And God said Yes you can, you can start it. Tim and I had been serving at St Pauls Castle Hill in First Steps Sunday school, Kids Connect Playgroup and Id been helping in the toddler and crying rooms, meeting young mums. You can do it, God said. It was only after I accepted the idea in my heart and made a conscious decision that I could do it, the doors started to open for us. The biggest closed door was employment for Tim; he had previously asked about relocating his job four months earlier and was - told outright NO. But he went back to work to his now new boss and asked; she said YES. So here I was, planning a playgroup to outreach to non-Christian families in Braidwood knowing we needed a Sunday school too; I hadnt even seen the Anglican Hall where it would be held and I hadnt even met the new priest who had since started at St Andrews - Canon Gill Varcoe. The first week after moving in, I thought I need to head into town to enrol Nicholas into pre school which happened to be right next to the Anglican Hall. We pulled up out front of the building. As I sat there in my car I looked upon this old hall! Wow, I felt overwhelmed. The hall needed a lot of work, a HUGE amount of work. I said, God, I can start the Play Group and Sunday School too if you want, but I cant fix the hall. I can, He said. So as I sat there overwhelmed with my two little boys in the back seat of the car saying Are we going in, Mummy? I now noticed the door was open. So God said, Go in. We popped our head in and there was the parish Treasurer and a member of the congregation assessing the work that was needed to fix the hall. I explained who I was and what I wanted to do. The idea was welcomed with open arms. Two weeks later I met with the new minister of St Andrews, Gill Varcoe who was thrilled about the idea and there was even a small team of people who wanted to help with the teaching of the Sunday school and childrens facilities. The outcome was a plan to start the Sunday school Kids Connect. Canon Gill offered the North Porch as a Sunday school room. It is the cutest room you have ever seen ... and it works. The kids are part of church; we have a lesson about God, pray and sing to God and then play noisy games outside. All children have a right to know about God. And it is our responsibility as Christs followers to teach the younger generation about God. If we dont teach them, who will? Braidwood has a Public School of 500ish children; the local Catholic School has 100-ish children; not to mention a very full preschool and day care centre and the other children in the area who dont yet attend either of these. The church has room to grow and with Gods will, what we require to reach these kids and families will be provided. This is my prayer: that God will reach these families through St Andrews.

36

The formation of the Mulwaree Mission District

By Tom Frame

40
Yass: Beating the Parish Bounds
By Ken Rampling

39

The custom of Beating the Bounds dates back to the 11th century England, where the priest and churchwardens walked the parish boundaries. Hymns would be sung and prayers for protection and blessing for the lands, the local residents and their activities were also made. As part of its 175th anniversary the Parish of Yass got together on June 30th to reenact the ancient custom of beating the bounds. Each of parishs existing churches was visited. It was an opportunity to remember why each community is unique and to pray for the church and the broader community in which it exists and makes it unique. Starting at All Saints, Murrumbateman at 9am then onto St Marys Mundoonan,

St Clements Yass, and finally St James Bowning each church was visited in turn. It was a squeeze in some of the smaller buildings (as you can see by the photos), but it did add to the atmosphere and the sound of a full church singing praise to God is always a special thing. While we were attending Saint Clements in Yass we also took time to remember the churches that had once been but were no longer still part of the parish. Some had disappeared altogether; others were no longer in use and others were no part of other parishes in the diocese. The day concluded with lunch at the Rollonin Cafe in Bowning. We learned a lot about each other and we will definitely being making it a regular part of our church year.

Anglican ministry to the north of Canberra and to the south of Goulburn was the subject of a new exercise in the recognition of natural community when the Mulwaree Mission District was formed in late 2012. It involved subdividing an existing parish and adding a worship centre from another parish to create a new entity that better reflected local loyalties and the social interactions of the constituent congregations. Background The Parish of Bungendore was expanded in the early 1970s to include three churches St Matthias Currawang, St Andrews Tarago and St Johns Lake Bathurst that had formerly comprised the Parish of Lake Bathurst. At the same time the Parish of Bungendore relinquished Jerangle to the Parish of Cooma. Thereafter the Parish of Bungendore consisted of seven centres located along a strip of land to the east of the ACT spanning 100 kilometres from Lake Bathurst in the north to Captains Flat in the south. The people residing in the three northern centres had practically no connection with Bungendore beyond sharing the ministry of the parish priest. In terms of social and economic interaction, the people of these centres looked to Goulburn, or perhaps Canberra, rather

37

than Bungendore. The northern centres considered themselves a discrete subset as they were contained within the Mulwaree Shire and not the Yarrowlumla Shire (renamed Palerang in 2004) in which the rest of the parish was located. While the three northern centres were served ably and energetically by a succession of priests, the number of regular worshippers declined after 2001 while the costs associated with maintaining three churches increased. A wide-ranging public discussion on the future of the churches at Currawang and Tarago was initiated by the Reverend Canon Brian Roberts shortly after his induction as Rector of Bungendore in August 2011. This discussion identified three realities. The first was the rising cost. The second was the small number of regular worshippers and calculations that freewill offerings were not meeting the continuing costs of maintenance and ministry. The third was recognition that the greatest potential for growth in the Parish of Bungendore lay in the village of Bungendore itself and that concentrating ministry there rather than in the north represented the parishs best opportunity to again fund a full-time stipendiary ministry. In effect, Bungendore was subsidising ministry in the north while resources were being deployed in situations with limited growth potential.

These same discussions prompted a number in the north to declare their desire that all three churches remain open and this led to expressions of willingness to contribute financially to meeting the costs of maintaining an Anglican presence in Currawang, Tarago and Lake Bathurst. As a counterpart to the discussions being held in Bungendore in relation to the northern centres, a similar conversation was underway in the Parish of Gunning concerning ministry at Collector. Much of what was said about the northern Bungendore centres could also be said of Collectors relationship with Gunning. At its June 2012 meeting, the Gunning Parish Council resolved unanimously that it supports All Saints Collector becoming part of any New Mission District that may be formed with the three northern centres of the Bungendore Parish. Prospects for renewal The inclusion of the word Mulwaree in the name of the mission district (the Mulwaree River rises to the south of Tarago and flows into the Wollondilly River near Goulburn) gives the Anglican presence a genuine local feel which resonates with the residents whose homes are located within the GoulburnMulwaree local government area. The inclusion of the word Mission in the

The inclusion of the word Mulwaree in the name of the mission district (the Mulwaree River rises to the south of Tarago and flows into the Wollondilly River near Goulburn) gives the Anglican presence a genuine local feel...
name emphasises the importance and priority of mission. It is critical that this arrangement is not seen as a tool for managing continuing decline and eventual closure of one or more of these centres. The creation of a stand-alone mission district has the potential to give Anglican ministry to the south of Goulburn and to the north of Canberra a new identity that better reflects the character and dynamics of the natural community and could become a model for ministry elsewhere in the Diocese of Canberra & Goulburn.

38

Christ Church Hawker revisits fond memories for nursing home residents

41

By Patrick Cole (Rector)

Weve been trying, alongside re-connecting with youth and families, to upgrade our ministry and care to seniors, parallel with supporting chaplaincy at the Ginninderra Gardens aged care facility. Sundays can be very quiet and lonely days for nursing home residents, with fewer staff on duty and very few structured activities. If relatives live elsewhere, or arent closely supportive, the sight of other residents receiving visitors compounds that loneliness. And for men who feel the lack of male conversation and company in what can be a largely female care environment, the loneliness is all the more acute. Working with Assistant Chaplain Jill Elliot and volunteers, the parish hosts a chaplaincy afternoon tea 2.30-3.30pm every Sunday afternoon at Ginninderra Gardens. Besides tea and coffee (served in an amazing array of individual sets of matching fine china cups, saucers and plates), there is always a huge range of

scones, slices, cakes and biscuits to go along with reminiscences at each table. We have heard great stories from residents past, of favourite (and most detested) foods, favourite childhood or adult-life songs, most vivid childhood memory, stories of their lives, stories of their achievements, and memories of parents, spouses and children. Thanks to the Internet and Google Maps/Street View, we have been able (electronically) to take residents back to actually see again their childhood homes in Australia or the UK, to literally walk past on screen places to which they have travelled, and to re-visit places of fond family memories (e.g. of first meeting wives or husbands). The Internet can be a powerful memory-recovery tool! We have shared photographs, and had lots of fun talking about hobbies and books. Residents have become more and more confident as they recall things from early life, and as they find adults who take an

interest in fascinating lives. Weve had great discussions about why and where the British car industry failed. Weve heard that in early Canberra, folk at the Kingston Power House knew when the RAN naval radio station at Belconnen started transmitting: it drew so much power that the generator in Kingston shook with each letter transmitted! Each afternoon tea ends with a brief devotion, where we bring something very concrete, either from life or a life challenge, into a comforting Biblical perspective, and then end with a short prayer. Around 30 residents, including a growing number of residents visiting family members, now join us for these sessions. This has been just as much a blessing to us as to any of the residents, and a joy as weve seen interest and joy in life reawakened, faith strengthened, and life-giving interest in Jesus stirred afresh in twilight years.

39

42

St Philips OConnor: Pandoras at St Philips

Pandoras @ St Philips is a highly successful second hand clothing shop. It was originally set up be a team headed by Sandra Lamerton, the wife of Rob Lamerton, the former rector. Here Sandra shares how Pandoras came about. During 2002, Rob and I pondered and prayed about a couple of specific needs in the parish. Firstly, a way of creating community between St.Philips and the people of OConnor, and also stimulating a much needed ongoing financial income, for the maintenance of the plant and developing new ministries. We knew of the healthy attitude to recycling of goods in the Canberra, and we were impressed by profit generated from the sale of recycled clothing at the annual parish fair. Two people from Anglicare were invited to discuss the possibility of a shop, and that concept. They gave valuable information, especially the results of a detailed survey conducted by the Brotherhood of St. Laurence in Melbourne. Most notably, the need to include the name of the suburb in the name of the shop (ownership) and to remember that 94% of shoppers wanted a bargain or believed in recycling and to be sensitive to the fact that poor people were mostly psychologically lifted by a cheap new item rather than anything secondhand. Finally, we were encouraged to follow a developing trend to specialise in something; in the ACT there was one shop promoting maternity wear and childrens clothes in another (Plus Sizes became our push). There was a meeting of interested people and everyone seemed keen to go ahead. A name for the shop was settled on Pandoras at OConnor, because hope had remained in Pandoras box when the ills of mankind had escaped. It was decided to keep simple book-keeping, financial income

to go to the parish common purse, to keep the stock turn-over at best quality and the prices low. A fund-raiser to purchase clothing racks came next, named Tiffin and Telling Quilts. It was an inspirational display of exquisite quilts and the telling of the makers growing faith through creating them. Then a plea to parishioners went out to donate clothes, a revamped collection bin from Anglicare was acquired and housed at the car park entrance, the parish office was rehoused in the rectory study to establish the first shop, a roster of volunteers drawn up (including neighbours, friends etc.), and advertising of many kinds told the public of our new venture. On a lovely morning in January 2003, Rob committed the new endeavour to God and sought blessing and guidance on this new ministry. Sharing stories has resulted in as much love, concern, prayer and friendship as the money raised. Supporting people facing trials has found stock going freely when needed. Gradually, this place in OConnor became valued at many levels. An exciting new development is that Pandoras will shortly move into a new building, the Lamerton Centre, a multifunctional space that will enable the continued outreach at St Philips through various programs. The new building has been made possible through the generous donations of parishioners, grants from Anglicare and the ACT government and the work and generosity of Pandoras volunteers over many years.

40

St Saviours Rose Window Hanging

By Graham Holgate

44

St Saviours Rose
By Graham Holgate

43

For the 150th anniversary of our diocese and proclamation of Goulburn as a city, the Friends of St Saviours Cathedral embarked on a journey of faith in sponsoring the development and distribution of a new St Saviours Rose. The ruby through magenta tones of the rose were chosen as being representative of the colours for kings and queens and therefore significant for Christ our king and saviour. This venture culminated in orders for over 570 roses. These roses were delivered over wide areas, from the coast to near the Victorian border and to many places in between. The Goulburn Mulwaree City Council purchased 150 roses

for distribution around Councils rose gardens and also with the aim of creating a Council St Saviours Rose garden on the Cathedral Common. A limited number of roses are still for sale and another 200 will be available in 2014. The president of the Friends of the Cathedral, Diana Body, and the committee would like to thank those whose support has helped make this venture a success. They wish all who have acquired St Saviours Roses much pleasure in seeing their roses bloom year after year. May they be to all a reminder of our 150th milestone and also of our Cathedral and the saviour and king who is worshipped there.

As part of the Cathedrals contribution to our diocesan 150th celebrations, Fay Longstaff, an award winning patchwork artist, and Julie Wood were commissioned to produce a rose window patchwork hanging. With the assistance of St Saviours patchwork group, this dedicated group of enthusiasts have achieved a magnificent result. This was a huge undertaking, both in its artistic planning and in its making. The hanging measures 3.2 metres by 3.2 metres. It was hung high on the Cathedrals western wall in the Ascension Chapel and was dedicated and blessed by our Sub-Dean, Canon Mark Cooper, on Sunday, March 10. It was therefore in place for our special sesqui-centenary matins service on March 14. Cathedrals traditionally had a rose window incorporated on the wall at the other end of the cathedral to the high altar and over the entrance. However in our case, one wasnt included because it was planned to have the organ positioned in this area. With the organ long since removed to its more functional present position, it is fitting that a rose window tapestry hang in this place and bring a sense of artistic completion to the Cathedrals western interior. The Friends executive saw this as a most fitting addition to complement our Cathedrals beautiful architecture and so the Friends donated $1,000 toward the cost.

41

Diocese and Goulburn celebrate 150 years

By Graham Holgate

45

On Thursday, March 14, there was an air of excitement, anticipation and pride as hundreds of people from near and far entered our Cathedral for the special sesqui-centenary thanksgiving service of matins. On entering the Cathedral, the sight was particularly moving. The interior was bedecked with flowers thanks to CIT floral art students who made two chartered bus trips from Canberra to complete this special events component of their course. Special guests included NSW Governor Marie Bashir, Premier Barry OFarrell, Senator the Honorable Dr Ursula Stephens, NSW MP the Honorable Pru Goward and our Mayor, Geoff Kettle. Clergy from other denominations included retired bishop, Pat Power from Canberra, Revd Father McDermott from Mary, Queen of Apostles Parish Goulburn

and Revd Aimee Kent, deacon at the Goulburn and District Uniting Church. Bishop Stuart Robinson gave the promulgation homily which is included below. The music was led by an augmented Cathedral Choir which included members of the Uniting Church Choir and previous members of St Saviours Choir. Peter Guy, Director of Music at Newcastle Cathedral was the organist and Greg Oehm conductor. It was a grand musical celebration with the singing of that great hymn of praise, the Te Deum, followed by the joyfulness of the Jubilate by Charles Villiers Stanford, and Psalm 122 I was glad when they said unto me; let us go into the House of the Lord. The choir performed the John Goss anthem Stand up and bless the Lord which was composed to celebrate the re-opening of Hereford Cathedral in

1863. The hymns included Praise my soul the King of Heaven, Now thank we all our God and Almighty God lift up our eyes. At the conclusion of the service hundreds of people attended the civic gathering on the Cathedral Common adjacent to the Cathedral. Speakers included Mayor Geoff Kettle, Bishop Stuart Robinson and Polish born High School student, Jakub Nabagco, who told of his appreciation of his newly adopted city. The birthday cake, a very large cup cake depicting Rocky Hill War Memorial, was cut by the Governor. Adding their own particular sesquicentenary celebratory touch to the joyful occasion were the St Saviours roses in full bloom as if to say, Hey! Look at us! With our kingly colours we remind you all on this special day that Christ, our saviour, is our glorious king!

42

St Lukes South Wagga: Space at St Lukes

By Sue Hanna

46

Early in 2012, the city of Wagga Wagga experienced unprecedented flooding. Hundreds of residents of North Wagga needed to be evacuated and rehoused as their homes were inundated with floodwater. One of the flood casualties was the preschool run by the Anglican Parish of Wagga Wagga. St Marys Rainbow preschool needed a new home while the schools foundations took 10 months to dry out! The short term answer was to move the preschool into the vacant St Lukes Hall South Wagga. Out of this relocation was born a longer term vision for a new, innovative ministry, geared towards young families. Space@ St Lukes combines a coffee shop with an indoor play space, serving as a community shopfront which offers a toddler friendly environment. It will be a place where local families will be able to meet and share a decent cup of coffee and a regular programmed activity for

their children. The indoor play space is styled on a creation theme, of an oversized garden built as a permanent playground to engage young children. Space@StLukes is located next door to St Lukes preschool and is across the road from the Wagga Base Hospital. Its location is ideally placed to serve members of the community who need a third space that is welcoming to young families. It dovetails nicely with the existing ministry in the parish to young families through two vibrant preschool communities. However, Space will be more than a venue for family outings. Staffed by parish volunteers, it will be a place for parishioners to get to know the families who visit, to connect and over time build supportive, loving relationships. In practice, it will serve as a much needed common ground for our aging congregation to connect with a part of the community that seems to have disconnected from our parish. And

down the track, part of this journey will very much be discovering how we might become a worshipping community that is attractive to young adults and their families. Space@StLukes will be blessed and dedicated during the St Lukes church 100th anniversary in mid-September.

43

Four Stories of a Thousand Flower Girls

St Mary in the Valley Seniors Group

By Sue Hanna

48

By Bill Wright

47

Every Wednesday lunch time, more than a dozen people gather in Calwell to share a meal and play games. Members of the St Mary in the Valley parish gather to welcome the visitors, and one member faithfully cooks lunch every week. The group began in 1999 as an outreach to people in Calwell who were lonely and isolated. At its peak, 25 people attended each week, but now the group gathers about 17 people. Most of the people who come live alone, and the lunch gives them a chance to mix socially. Each week participants enjoy shared meal and an afternoon of board games. Through the group, one person has decided to join the church community, however, that is not the aim of the group. Ultimately, it is a practical outreach to the local community, where anyone can socialise in a safe and friendly environment.

Church bulletins and annual reports mention or thank the ladies who arrange the flowers, but the ladies are seldom named. There are flower girls in every parish, preparing tiny bush churches, or big town churches or the cathedral for services of worship. The story of the flower girls, Ollie, Enid, Sue, Mary and Shirley in the Gundagai parish are five of many in one community. There are many more, dozens, hundreds and thousands more. Ollie Dunn and Enid Hawke were sisters in law who lived next door to each other, their homes fronting Morleys Creek in Gundagai. Both were keen gardeners. They took pride in having flowers through all seasons of the year, especially to be able to bring beauty to the services in St Johns Church. Each Saturday they would gather baskets of flowers before beginning the long walk, up the steep slope of Mount Parnassus, to St Johns, set on the hillside. Year after year, in times of drought, bushfire, bitter winter or flood, they made the three kilometre round trip from home to church and back. It was only in later years that Ollie and Enid needed to depend on the local taxi service.

Sue Tout, a teacher in fashion design and floral art, was a keen gardener. Masses of palm branches from her property gave special significance to the annual observances of Palm Sunday. Sue gave generously of her time, not only skillfully arranging flowers for Sunday services, special occasions and flower shows, but also in encouraging others. Sisters Mary Brooke and Shirley Brooke were married to brothers Tom and Des. They lived at Nangus, well out of town, where the brothers were engaged in rural work. On retirement the two families moved into Gundagai, quickly establishing gardens and making a natural transition from farm life to living in town. Mary and Shirley each derived much joy in gardening and growing flowers. Providing and arranging the church flowers provided them with great pleasure and satisfaction. Ollie, Enid and Mary have completed their earthly gardening. Sue is well cared for in a nursing home. In March 2012 Shirleys home and garden were severely damaged by flood waters. Shirley is now back in her restored home and recovered garden, and happily flower arranging and worshipping in St Johns Church.

44

Womens Ordination: Not in the Sanctuary

49

By Bill Wright

When I was growing up on the family farm at Taralga during the Second World War, I was well aware of the shared roles of men and women. There were very few tasks that women couldnt tackle and do as well as men. Well, there was one exception....church. Women did cleaning, flower arranging, and many very necessary practical duties, but there were no roles in the sanctuary; it was an all male domain. Following the war there was a shortage of clergy. Lay chaplains, including women, began being appointed in various pastoral situations. In parts of the Anglican Communion roles such as churchwarden and synod representative were opened up to women for the first time. Women began to question that if they were responding to a call from God, why then shouldnt they also be ordained? In August 1944 a female Anglican priest, Florence Tim Oi Lo, was ordained in Hong Kong to meet special circumstances. There were decades of discussion,

passionate debate, campaigning and synods before it became possible for women to be ordained in Australia. Bishop Owen Dowling and the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn were leaders in the path towards ordaining women in Australia. After legal challenges and delays the first female deacons in the Diocese, Daphne May, Ruth Mills and Margaret Streatfield were ordained in St Saviours Cathedral Goulburn on Palm Sunday, 12 April, 1987. The first female priests in Australia were scheduled to be ordained in Goulburn on the feast of the presentation of Christ in the Temple, 2 February 1992, but an eleventh hour court injunction prevented it happening. The service did go ahead with many, in the overflowing congregation inside and surrounding the cathedral, feeling sad, hurt and dismayed at the courts intervention. The eleven women and six men deacons sat as a group during the service. The men were ordained priest. The women were prayed for and their faithfulness and

call to ministry affirmed, a path of healing and hope created. The women had to wait until the end of the year before they were ordained priest. Meanwhile, the first women priests in Australia were ordained in Perth on 7 March 1992. The delayed ordination of 20 December became a fulfilling of Bishop Dowlings tireless promotion of womens ministry and also completion of his leadership as Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn. The eleven women and one man were ordained to the priesthood, with two other men made deacons. The first female bishop in Australia was consecrated in Perth in 2008, and a second soon after in Melbourne. The third female bishop in Australia, and first in New South Wales, Genieve Blackwell was consecrated bishop in St Saviours Cathedral Goulburn on 31 March, 2012. The ordination of women to the priesthood has been controversial. Yet the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn, while showing strong leadership, has shown respect and goodwill to those holding other views.

45

Canberra Grammar School: A special offering

50

By Chris Welsh

They came clutching a small paper bag and gave it to me before Chapel at Northside. The girls had been busking in the city, wanting to do something for the poor kids and hadnt known what to do next. We said a short prayer for the poor and struggling and thanked God for the love of those who care for them and, more significantly, who think to care for them. Their weekend effort had raised almost a hundred dollars, not a small feat for two young musicians in Year Two. Last week in Chapel at both Junior and Senior Schools, we launched our annual support for the Anglicare Winter Pantry Appeal. The need is obvious,

but we considered our motivation. The boys were presented with a number of motives, two of which they should reject. Please dont bring food for the hungry because we tell you to, they were advised. CGS students often show great generosity and willingness to raise funds for a good cause. They respond readily to any request for support. And please dont do this because it will make us feel good or look good in any public arena, they were told. Unconditional giving is precisely that it is pure gift without even a hint of whats in it for me? Do it out of love, we said. Make the need of others part of your everyday thought

and action, part of your being, to such a point that it requires no prod or reminder; it just happens. The two seven-year-olds had not heard this Chapel address, and clearly hadnt needed to. At this time the disciples came to Jesus and said, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven? So he called a little child to him whom he set among them. Then he said, In truth I tell you, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.Matthew 18:1-4

Replanting the Edwards Tree

By Chris Welsh

51

When Canon Edwards was persuaded to take his school from Cooma and replant it in the embryonic national capital, he brought a couple of students to help him find the right spot. Among the sites offered was the present one. Others had been found wanting, but Edwards and his young charges camped at Red Hill for a few days, prayed and felt the Spirit of God in the place. The decision was made. Two trees sheltered them from the heat of the day eucalyptus blakeyi, one of which still stands today outside the Chapel of Christ the King. It is known as the three-forked tree and has become a symbol of growth and longevity, a

constant reminder that the work of the gospel and of education are not shortterm projects. In both endeavours, things that endure will not be formed and nourished by a quick fix. In 2010, the tree that had died was replaced with a young sapling. At its planting, Bishop Stuart celebrated the event as a renewal of the founders commitment to a spiritual life that upholds and sustains Canberra Grammar School, a place of education in the best traditions of breadth and depth. On that day, it was said, Let us never forget why we are here, how we continue to be called into Gods presence and purpose. This young tree will grow, as our

School does and, especially, as our young people grow. Their growth is our purpose. Like the tree, God has made them who they are and has given them a chance for development. It is a gift of Gods grace to be cherished and celebrated. The Edwards tree has three branches that grow from its low trunk. It holds a young child in its cradle. It reminds me of the threefold God in our Christian tradition. God holds us in the threefold security of his being the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Giver of life. How fortunate we are to know this. How blessed we are to experience it. How privileged we are to carry its meaning to the young people in our care.

46

Wambirri
By Tony Hancock

St Matthews Wanniassa: A Parish with a Mission

52

By Geoff Deustcher

53

St Matthews Wanniassa is actively engaged in a number of outreach projects. These include ministry to: Goodwin Village Community, Monash and mission to Wanniasa School including a Breakfast Club, reading program, mentoring club and Holiday Club. For several years St Matts has had a parish partnership with Holbrook Parish and over the past two years a wonderful team of teenagers and adults under the direction of our Childrens Minister Bernadette Mannion and Youth Minister Dave Abraham, has been involved in

a Holiday kids club during the April school holidays. Indeed the number of children attending doubled from 2012 to 2013. Some teenagers also attended and Rector James Coats has started a fledgling Youth Ministry as a result.

Everyone has a story to tell about Wambiri whether it be mechanical about buildings, maintenance and managers or something more emotive such as friendships, Jesus and journeys. In my short time here, I have met many people who have come to faith in Christ during a stint at Camp Pelican. Some of these are now parents who are keen to see their children come to this meeting place. Some are now teachers who bring school groups back to the place they visited during their school days. I believe Wambiri to be a special part of our diocese and whilst it doesnt currently tick all the boxes for some groups, it is our Wambiri. Vicki and I would like to encourage all Anglicans as individuals and parishes to come and spend some time at Wambiri and start your own story.

47

St Phillips Care, OConnor

Robin Moore in the kitchen at St Philips Care

54

By Sue Hanna

Providing a weekly lunch for people living on the margins is not work for the fainthearted. But Revd Robin Moore, who through St Phillips Care in North Canberra cares for up to 110 people weekly, could not imagine being anywhere else! Since Robin began work at St Phillips, she has cooked a nutritious free meal for people living in Canberras inner north each week. Homeless people are particularly welcome. In that time, more than 54 000 people have passed through her doors! It may seem like a lot of hard work, but Robin views it as a liberation! Before she took on St Phillips Care, Robin said she had been searching for that elusive something in life. I had a deep longing within me and I had been praying about it, she said. When I was offered the role at St Phillips Care, it didnt sound like an easy time. But I didnt hesitate! At first, it was a

whole world I knew little about. So I had to decide to go forward or go home! Now in her 18 year of service, Robin would not be anywhere else. Our materialistic society makes us the promise that we must always be happy! But it doesnt teach us how not to be happy, she said. Being at St Phillips is a wonderful liberation from all of that, because the materialistic world doesnt have an impact there. The things that burden us in the materialistic world, no one cares about! With the people at St Phillips, things are taken at face value, what you see is what you get! Shopping doesnt last, it doesnt give you the inner peace and contentment that God gives you. The weekly lunch is about far more than food. It is a point of connection for all who come. Physical support is offered in the form of clothing and material goods and emergency food supplies. Practical

care is also provided in the form of community information and referrals. Robins decision to stick it out for the long haul has not been without its trials. The Centre operates out of a tiny kitchen and room at the Northbourne Flats, which when she first arrived was rundown and in disrepair. Robin resolved to take the approach of one step at a time. Each week I would try to make something better, she said. You needed that sense of optimism, otherwise you would be overwhelmed. I worked to make it a pleasant place to step into. And her hard work has paid off. Although the space is tiny, it is now functional (no square inch is wasted ) and spotless! It is the engine room of an extraordinary ministry, that is truly sacramental in its service!

48

Adriana Kleiss A perspective through cancer

By Greg Thornton

55

In 2011, Adriana Kleiss started Year 10 at SCAC but in late March she discovered a lump on her neck, which was diagnosed as Hodgkins Lymphoma. A PET scan revealed that this had spread to her diaphragm. At age 15, Adriana and her family faced the fear of cancer in their family for the first time. She was immediately transferred to the Childrens Oncology Unit at Westmead Hospital. Here she received four rounds of intensive chemotherapy and fourteen radiation treatments. She willingly part took in research programs always thinking of how she could help others. Her treatment continued with nineteen blood transfusions and three platelet transfusions. As an outcome of these treatments she was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy and required physiotherapy treatment. During this unsettling period of time she experienced twenty-one Angel Flights from Bega to Sydney. Finally in late October 2011, she entered remission and started school full time in 2012. Not surprisingly Adriana has become an advocate for cancer fundraising within the school and takes every opportunity to promote causes which support patients suffering from cancer. She has single-handed led fund raising during bandanna Day in October 2012 raising over $1300. She has been an

ambassador for Relay for Life and her story and passion continue to drive her on to inspire other students to count every day as a blessing and to live life to the full. Of course it is easy to gloss over this story without appreciating the moments Adriana went through but in a letter read to the College she encapsulates some beautiful truths. She wrote; Over the past months Ive had to deal with things I never thought Id have to experience. Ive learnt that life can be cruel and that you dont always have the chance to prepare yourself for whats coming. My eyes have been opened to the world beyond my own worries, but I didnt only realize the bad, I realized the kindness and compassion that humans are capable of. Even though its been a tough year and Ive had to fight for every moment of it, Ive never once felt like I was fighting alone. I came to this school at the beginning of the year, scared and homesick, but the people at SCAC made me feel at home. I had known you for only four months when I got sick so you can imagine my surprise when I found out how much you all cared and how much you were all doing to help me. Even as the months have gone by, never once have you forgotten. I want to thank everyone who helped organised fundraisers and a special thanks for all your prayers. Everybody

that fights cancer needs something to fight for, it makes the treatment seem insignificant compared to what you get in return. I was lucky, I have so many things to fight for, my family, my friends, my future, and another 2 years at SCAC. Adriana become School Captain in 2012 and has continued to lead with compassion and grace. She has educated the College about cancer and many students have been profoundly touched by the knowledge that those they know with cancer, are not forgotten. On the 26th of January 2012 - Australia Day, Adriana Kleiss was awarded the Bega Valley Shire Young Citizen of the Year Award, which was presented by the Mayor, Cr Bill Talyor. Humbled by such accolades her mature and rare perspective on life is nothing short of inspirational. Responding to questions about her experience she says she wouldnt have it any other way. Im glad I have experienced cancer. It has made me a better person and given me a clearer perspective about life and its priorities. Adriana continues to be a source of grace and peace at Sapphire Coast Anglican College. She is clearly focused on achieving her goals and maximises each day to its full potential. She has bought her audiences to tears or both sadness and joy and while her story itself is amazing, the attitude with which she lives life now is simply inspirational.