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APRIL/MAY 2015FREE

Commemorating100 YEARS OF ANZAC

BISHOP GREG: OPENING A DOOR TO WIND AND SUNLIGHT REFLECTIONS: WORKING FOR

PEACE, JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION TOWARDS JUSTICE: SOCIAL JUSTICE TASK FORCE IN FOCUS:

SAMARITANS

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BISHOP GREG THOMPSONbishopgreg@newcastleanglican.org.au

OPENING A DOOR TO WIND AND SUNLIGHT

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I opened the chapel door for morning eucharist on a sticky warm morning. The breeze cooled the gathering, disturbed the papers and books on pews, but also let the sunshine in. When we open doors the wind and the sunlight bring both blessing and disruption to our home. In a cyclone season people secure themselves from stormy dangers, but in the regular seasons of life we open doors for fresh air and warmth to permeate our homes. When the disciples shut themselves up in a room after the crucifixion (John 20:19), Jesus entered their room to help them open the door to their world with news of resurrection. So too as life rises within us, insightful leadership will open doors to carry life to others.Leadership as it opens doors to life must work with safe uncertainty - that is, good leadership ensures a place of safety with one another in our community in order to explore life giving possibilities in uncertain times.Yet life is highly disruptive of our leadership plans. We are less able to respond to the uncontrollable than we imagined.

So we may deal with our anxieties and fears by pursuing certainty in the face of challenges, when certainty about the future is unattainable. Or we may resign ourselves to having someone else be responsible for our happiness and want others to make decisions for us. Or we may say to ourselves that a new leader will save us and a new program will deliver us out of our circumstances. Good leadership however opens a way forward through challenges, not always knowing the resolution to them. Each of us can offer our leadership irrespective of our position when we seek to collaborate, attend with listening skills and nurture a co-operative spirit. Blocking change or subverting leadership may appear to have their reasons, but our leadership needs to be exercised with others in community for the common good.Jesus once said to the disciples, "You feed them," when faced with hungry thousands on a hill. And so a boy with his lunch steps forward for Jesus’ blessing. The lad with the lunch felt safe enough among the disciples to step forward and offer what he

had. While we may be worried about the demands of life we can create safe spaces for people to feel welcome and belong in our churches, where newcomers, young and older, stranger and leader are able to contribute. Emotional and spiritual safety allows our community to have space for good conversations and to discuss options in uncertain times. What are the good practices for people to know they are safe to belong, to make suggestions, to contribute in our churches? Are people threatened by another’s gift or can we have an open stance to possibilities yet to be explored? So the invitation today comes to us not a hill with thousands to feed, but among our neighbours and friends who desire something more in life. Recently Bishop Andrew Curnow of Bendigo led the clergy of the Diocese on a process called Mission Action Planning. It wasn’t a cure for decline or a recipe for solving problems, but he showed us some practices for each parish or ministry to make a way forward in being a people of resurrection and of good news in their community. Can this be an open door for us? Why not ask your pastoral leader how you might work together on a mission action plan? In the Pentecost season ahead, the leadership required in the church is likened to opening a door and inviting others to experience the breeze of the Spirit that washes in and sends us out. It is opening the door for sunlight to shine in our churches, so that we can truly see clearly and bear witness to the God who raises the "dead" in us and our neighbourhood. It is like setting the fire place in our churches for the Spirit to be ablaze that we might bear witness to love.Sometimes the fireplace we set holds a fire that shines into the darkness of tragedy, illuminating suffering and bearing witness to love. Such leadership is self giving. Journalist Kenji Goto

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The Anglican Encounter, the magazine of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, is published bi-monthly from February to December. The Anglican Encounter is a member of the Australasian Religious Press Association.

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2 Bishop Greg: Opening a door to wind and sunlight

4 Reflections: Working for Peace, Justice and Reconciliation

5 Missional Church

6 Topics

8 Commemorating 100 Years of ANZAC

14 Q&A: Diocesan Council

15 Parish Profile

16 Mission

17 Thinking About Faith

18 In Focus: Samaritans

20 Social Justice Taskforce

22 Our Organisations

24 Around the Diocese

28 Easter Service Times Dates for your Diary

30 Recipe Wine of the Month

31 Puzzle Film Review

IN THIS EDITIONOn February 1 2015 the Islamic State militant group released a video showing the killing of Japanese hostage Kenji Goto, who was kidnapped in Syria in October 2014. (The material below is adapted from Ian Paul, Associate Minister at St Nic's, Nottingham and Honorary Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham).Kenji Goto never liked to be described as a war correspondent although he often faced great danger, venturing into war zones that other reporters refused to enter. He did so to report not on the fighting, but on those who were vulnerable and suffering, particularly children. What is not known is that Kenji became a Christian in 1996 and his faith shaped his life and approach to the people he lived among.Henry Tricks, a reporter for The Economist, knew Goto when he was based in Tokyo wrote; "It is hard to reconcile the soft-spoken, gentle man, who once paled in a bowling alley because the sound of the balls reminded him of bombs dropping on Iraq, with the image of a hardened war correspondent. But he covers wars with a difference. Instead of focusing on who is winning or losing, he tells the stories of ordinary people, especially children, who are forced to endure conflict and the horrors surrounding them. It is their resilience that inspires him, he says. When you ask how he reaches the dangerous places he reports from, he says he follows the footsteps of normal people getting on with their lives. They show him the way."Kenji Goto’s faith led him to document the suffering of the people of Syria and to motivate the wider world to support them. Goto was particularly motivated by the plight of a fellow Japanese Haruna Yukawa. Yukawa appeared to be a troubled loner, who wanted to set up business as a military contractor, but was clearly out of his depth.“He was hapless and didn’t know what he was doing. He needed someone with experience to help him,” Goto, 47, told Reuters in Tokyo in August.When Yukawa was abducted, Goto felt obliged to do what he could to get him out of trouble. He thought that he would be treated differently from Western correspondents, in the light of Japan’s

pacifist commitment which meant they had stayed out of the military conflict. “I need to go there at least once and see my fixers and ask them what the current situation is. I need to talk to them face to face. I think that’s necessary,” Goto said, referring to locals who work freelance for foreign correspondents, setting up meetings and helping with the language. This decision led him into captivity. ISIS released a video of both of them kneeling side by side.“I have seen horrible places and have risked my life, but I know that somehow God will always save me,” he said in May 2014 Japanese publication Christian Today. Kenji opened the door on the plight of Syria’s children. He bore witness to a faith which is transfigured by laying down one’s life for another. (We remember acutely this month such leadership in the horror of war as we commemorate the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign.) When harm and hurt takes place it is hard to know how to respond – as a community we may bear witness to the suffering that others have borne by standing with them and to the mercy of Christ by the love we show to both victim and offender. Kenji Goto’s life bears witness to leadership that gave loving presence in hard places.In this season of Holy Week and Easter we follow the way of our pioneer Jesus Christ who has opened up for us a way into the Father’s heart by love (Hebrews 10:19-22). The leadership of Christ has made a way for us to do what we could not do for ourselves. As we walk this way of Christ we move in the path of God’s certain love and care, but we walk not yet knowing how God’s love works out in our lives. Christ’s leadership provides an example for us to follow, helping to open doors to the possibilities for justice, love and resurrection in our community.May Easter bring sunlight and the Spirit for our families and friends, and open us up to the possibilities through loving leadership.+Greg

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REFLECTIONS

Last December Nicki and I had the privilege of travelling to Korea. I was representing the Anglican Board of Mission and the Anglican Church of Australia at the consecration of a new bishop. As we were getting ready we realised that we didn't know much about Korea. We were glad we checked the weather before packing as it was quite cold with temperatures below freezing. We knew little about the recent history let alone Korea’s great depths in philosophical history and culture. Two of the most significant learnings for me related to imperialism, war, peace and justice. I hadn't realised that from 1919 until 1945 the Japanese had ruled Korea, having also exercised great influence in the decades before that. There were aspects of Japanese colonisation which denigrated Korean lifestyle and wisdom. There were many degrading incidents during the Second World War. The relationship between the two nations is very complex. Yet I discovered that for something like 30 years the Japanese and Korean Anglican bishops have been meeting together. On the first Sunday I was in Seoul, the Prime Bishop of Japan was preaching in the Cathedral, the first to do so since the end of the war. During the war the Japanese and Koreans sat in different parts of the Cathedral. There was no such division that day as two small churches sought to bear witness to the kingdom.I was reminded that day of two men of great faith I met in my early years as a priest, Maurice and Keith. One decided on returning to Darwin to work

for reconciliation. The other carried the wounds so deep that he wondered whether he would ever be able to forgive those responsible for what he had seen. Two men committed to Christ seeking to make sense of what they had experienced.As I spoke with the Prime Bishop we talked about our fathers. I shared with him that my father had been a gunnery officer on a Royal Navy ship off Burma. He was responsible for ordering action against Japanese planes. It was difficult to speak about, yet there was something about that conversation that allowed the past to be consigned to the past. Speaking truth, even uncomfortable words, is healing.As Nicki and I wandered around the Cathedral we saw pictures of the seven Anglican martyrs of the Korean War. One was the grandfather of Archbishop Paul Kim, the Primate of the Anglican Church of Korea. Archbishop Kim’s father, also a priest, had gone into hiding during the war. We did not know of this aspect of the Korean War and the brutality towards Christians. The stories of the martyrs would bring much pain to a family yet, in Archbishop Paul we found a man committed to the highest principles when opportunities for working with North Koreans emerge.The Archbishop of Canterbury has made the work of reconciliation a central element of his leadership. Drawing from the wellspring of his time at Coventry Cathedral, and the Community of the Cross of Nails, he is encouraging deep listening and practical action. The depth of his thinking was on display when he expressed sorrow for the bombing of Dresden. I recall well a wonderful Christian man who had served in the RAF on those missions and who carried the marks on his soul and psyche of that operation.As we reflect on the first Anzacs in a few weeks time I find myself once again in anguish about war and its consequences. I long for the peace and justice captured in the visions of scripture: for the time when the lion will lie down with the lamb

and when the swords will be beaten into ploughshares. I long to see the spirit that makes for war vanquished. There will be times when for the wellbeing of the whole of humanity or for an endangered group, people will need to turn to weapons. Yet, my first impulse is to pacifism and non-violent responses. While there is so much disparity in wealth and we hear the cries of injustice there will be people who can see no other way than to take up arms, but we can promote and practice the just sharing of the world’s resources.As Christians we should honour those who labour for peace and the alleviation of the suffering of those caught up in war or those still traumatised by the ravages of war. We should join our prayer and work with those who seek to witness to justice and goodwill, especially those who are or were their enemies. Jesus would have us do no less. He gave us the overwhelming challenge of loving our enemies. In Korea I learnt of the work of TOPIK – Towards Peace in Korea. ABM supports this program and they write the TOPIK works toward alleviating famine in North Korea as well as promoting peace and stability between the North and South Korean nations. ABM says, “TOPIK works hard to take advantage of all opportunities offered to them to assist ordinary people in North Korea. Most recently this has involved purchasing and equipping (in neighbouring China) an ambulance for a hospital in the North Korean city of Najin in consultation with the local People’s Party there. TOPIK will also provide medicines and equipment for the hospital.” TOPIK is a practical way of peace making in a complex situation.On ANZAC Day I will remember a father and a grandfather who served in war and returned. I will remember the many men from the districts of our diocese who went to foreign lands, especially those who did not return. I will continue to seek for peace and justice so that war will be no more and I will pray for those who give of themselves in our defence forces now.

WORKING FOR PEACE, JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATIONBISHOP PETER ST UARTbishoppeter@newcastleanglican.org.au

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MISSIONAL CHURCH

In early February Bishop Peter, Les Forester and Sue Williams travelled to San Antonia to represent the Diocese at the 2015 International Symposium on Ministry Development and the Living Stones Partnership meeting. It was an inspiring time with many opportunities to share theological reflections, case studies and group discussions focused on the future of the Church, God’s mission and collaborative ministry. At the conclusion of the gatherings Peter, Les and Sue wrote an open letter to the Bishop...

Dear Bishop Greg,We would like to thank you and the Diocese for the opportunity to attend the Second International Symposium on Ministry Development under the banner “What church does God’s mission to the world require?” and the North American Living Stones Conference which gathers people annually to reflect on the practice of collaborative ministry.Both gatherings exhibited a strong commitment to the equality of participants marked by highly attentive deep listening as well as a strong commitment to conversation or dialogue rather than debate.It is clear that we have a lot to be thankful for in the Diocese of Newcastle in the enthusiasm of clergy and laity for the ministries of worship, pastoral care, fresh expressions and community engagement. People here celebrated with us all that has been done over the last decade.Both gatherings affirmed the importance of working with the context. As we heard about the partners in New Zealand, Scotland, England, Canada and the USA each diocese was involved in a mixed economy in which a variety of expressions of church life were present. At their best there was a commitment by all to see the flourishing of each expression with deep mutual respect. Your invitation last Synod to build a healthy diocese living with safe uncertainty sits very comfortably with what we heard.Our time has been focussed richly in theology especially ecclesiology and missiology. Our bible study in the first week centred on John 4 – the encounter between Jesus and the woman at the well in Samaria. In our worship space there was a symbol of the river and in our groups we often discussed the movement of the river with calm patches and rapids, deep water and shallows.We were given an opportunity in Living Stones to reflect in a focused way on three dioceses and invited to share the story of our Diocese. Our partners said to us that our Diocese is complex with many demands. They asked us a few questions. As they heard of the changes in parishes which have clergy in local mission they asked, “If the Church has discerned God’s call to people to

share in the ministry of word and sacrament, what does it mean in our relationship with God if these ordained people do not have the opportunity to express that ministry?” They also asked, “In all of the change how can we get to the place where people are reassured that they will not be swept away by change?” People from various dioceses wondered together whether in our various expressions of collaborative ministry if people (within and beyond the Church) were being helped to hear God’s call and assisted to exercise their God-given gifts. In some contexts the incumbent doing all of the ministry had been replaced by a team doing all the ministry. We were reminded that ministry will have many different forms and needs to be affirmed when it is evident even if different from original plans.It was clear to us that the insight in our diocese that collaborative ministry will look different in different contexts is now common. It also seems to us that where collaborative ministry is taking root the local congregation is guided by key principles rather than structures. It is released from the obligation to try and do everything and is instead asking questions – what are we longing for in this place, what are we celebrating, what is working, what would we like to learn more about, who else would we like to join in this pilgrimage? Integral to congregational health and vitality is the question – what part of God’s mission is God now asking us to share in? We can easily see how the Mission Action Plans and Regional Structure with its focus on coaching, mentoring and education sits well with this work.As we met to work through our insights as a diocesan group we each came to the conclusion that it would be timely for us in the Diocese to sit down and reflect on our diocese’s experience of collaborative ministry. We wondered if you would be open to gathering all the people who have been involved in ministry teams as well as others on a Saturday to do this. We imagined that we might briefly share our story but that we would then as a diocesan family, with the help of an experienced facilitator, listen to our experience and reflect together on the future.We also wondered whether you might be happy for this letter to become an open letter as a form of report to the Diocese as a whole.

With every blessingPeter Stuart Sue Williams Les Forester

Bishop Greg responded saying that he was very happy for the letter to be shared across the Diocese and to have "a gathering at the fire place to hear and reflect on our journey and where God might be taking us. Please join us at the fire place.

BY SUE WILLIAMS

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TOPICS

Appointments – Anglican Church of AustraliaBishop Kay Goldsworthy (currently Assistant Bishop in Perth) has been elected to be the next Bishop of Gippsland. Kay’s installation was held on Saturday March 21 2015 in St Paul’s Cathedral, Sale.

Bishop Genieve Blackwell (currently an Assistant Bishop in Canberra/Goulburn) has been appointed Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Melbourne. Her commencement date will be announced at a later date.

The Rev'd Chris McLeod from the Parish of Brighton in Adelaide has been appointed Assistant Bishop in Adelaide and Willochra with responsibility for Aboriginal Ministry. His consecration dates and the final details of his role will be announced at a later date.

Ms Anne Hywood has been appointed as the General Secretary of General Synod. Anne has served as the Executive Officer of the Diocese of Adelaide and Acting Registrar of Grafton.

St John’s Gospel provides an inspiring and much loved account of Jesus of Nazareth. The Gospel invites us to consider how Jesus challenges many of the conventional religious and political attitudes of his day. A Guide to St John’s Gospel is aimed at those

A GUIDE TO ST JOHN'S GOSPELBY THE REV'D FERGUS KING SPCK PUBLISHING 2014

beginning theological study and those who wish to engage with the Gospel’s complexities. Dr King draws on recent significant studies: short notes make clear details and difficulties in the text; longer commentary sections encourage the reader to see how Jesus challenges the way we think about God and to understand the value of Jesus’ teaching today. There are also four essays that are written by authors from different parts of the world. These essays provide deeper reflection on key themes and features of the Gospel. Lastly, Dr King gives helpful suggestions for further reading.

GIVE US A SIGN PROJECT PROVES A SUCCESSThe Give Us A Sign project that ran throughout Lent has proven successful with churches and organisations from all over Australia showing their support for Asylum Seekers.The Give us a Sign project sought to engage churches and organisations across Australia in displaying positive messages about asylum seekers on their public noticeboards during the six weeks of Lent.Bishop Greg Thompson backed the project and encourages parishes to continue the good work.“May our communities be places of welcome and hospitality and let us encourage our wider community to share in that hospitality to strangers and aliens in search of a home,” Bishop Greg Thompson said.

NEWS

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A service of remembrance to mark the death of Dietrich Bonhoeffer 70 years ago will be held at 6pm on April 9 at the cathedral.The service will take the form of a vigil and will feature:

• An opening anthem and postlude by the cathedral organist, Peter Guy

• A formal welcome by the Dean• The two hymns composed by Bonhoeffer• A lament, two canticles and an anthem sung by

Counterpoint, a diocesan ecclesiastical choir• Reading of poems by Bonhoeffer and WH Auden dedicated

to Bonhoeffer• Extracts from Bonhoeffer’s Letters and Papers from Prison• Bonhoeffer’s commentary on Psalm 42• A Scripture reading relevant to the occasion• Responsorial prayers and a litany of commemoration

Fr Erich von Dietz, a former chaplain at University of Newcastle and a relative of one of those who plotted with Bonhoeffer in the failed 1944 assassination plot against Hitler, is preaching on Romans 5:5, and the bishop, the Rt Rev’d Greg Thompson, will deliver the blessing.The focal point of the service will be the extinguishing of a single candle on the high altar to symbolise Bonhoeffer’s death.Further details: Fr Stephen Moore gresfordparish@bigpond.com 0411 406 522

Being quiet and reflective is part of a Christian’s vocation, duty and joy. We are to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), indeed we might never know that God is God until we are still, quiet, attentive and listening in a way we have not done for a while. This is hard to do because we are not only busy, but have got used to our busyness and often wear it as an emblem of how busy we are about God’s business.The Cathedral has provided a number of days each year where we can be quiet and at ease in God’s presence. They were begun by Dean James Rigney in 2009 and will continue this year under the direction of Fr. Glen Hughes and Fr. Roger Sharr. Glen is the Supervising Priest of Merriwa and Murrurundi and Area Dean

QUIET MORNINGS OF REFLECTION AT THE CATHEDRAL

IN BRIEFAPPOINTMENTS

The Rev'd Andre Jacobs will be appointed Associate Priest working with the Parishes of Charlestown and Belmont–North Redhead. He will be welcomed into this ministry by Archdeacon Wendy on March 29.

The Rev'd Will Johnston was appointed Assistant Curate in the Parish of East Maitland in November 2014.

The Rev'd Jody Zammit was licenced as Priest in Charge of the Parish of Denman in January.

The Rev'd Karen Jansson was appointed Priest in Charge of the Parish of Clarence Town in January.

The Rev'd Dan Connor has been appointed New South Wales Police Chaplain based in this Diocese in January.

The Rev'd Les Forester was appointed Rector of the Parish of Stockton. He was commissioned February 23 at St Paul’s Anglican Church Stockton.

The Rev'd Mark Harris will be appointed as the Rector of Forster-Tuncurry. He will be commissioned on Monday April 13 at Forster.

BONHOEFFER SERVICE

of the Upper Hunter and Roger is the former parish priest of St. James’ Morpeth and has recently retired. He is doing a Ph.D. at the University of Sydney.• Saturday April 11: The Spirituality of the Bush

A glimpse into the spiritual life and practice of Anglicans living inland, and how this has shaped new ways of being faithful.

• Saturday May 9: Songs of Life 2 In the season of Easter, we turn again to the Psalms for wisdom on celebrating the love and generosity of God.

Find out more at www.newcastlecathedral.org.au

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Commemorating100 YEARS OF ANZAC

The nation is preparing to mark the passage of a century since the Australian submarine AE 2 penetrated the Dardanelles and entered the Sea of Marmara, and Australian forces landed on the shores of the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. Those who took part in that ill-fated operation have all died. None remains to speak of what occurred on April 25 1915. And yet, those men and that day still linger in our memory. After so many years, and with the world changing so very much, let me pose three simple questions to guide our commemoration: what ought we to remember, why is remembering important, and how might we remember?There is a very helpful line in Psalm 112. It reads: "The righteous shall be held in everlasting remembrance". Do you think they will? As people who watch, read and listen to television, newspapers and radio, do you really think the good, the true and the virtuous will not be forgotten? Apart from the obituary notices, most people and the majority of lives are ignored and, except by a small circle of family and friends, forgotten in time. If someone displays altruism, selflessness and compassion, we will probably not notice them or their deeds although these very things undergird civilised society and impart hope for a better world. But it is the corrupt, the evil and the violent that usually make news and even become infamous. "The righteous will be held in everlasting remembrance". Is this verse from the Psalms true or merely wishful thinking?

GREAT WAR AND MORAL AMBIGUITYBY TOM FRAME

That the "righteous ought to be held in everlasting remembrance" is, of course, wishful thinking. It is more than wishful thinking but it is at least that. We want to know that the noble, the brave, and the courageous are not forgotten. We feel in our bones, and in our being, that goodness deserves recognition and should receive it. Yes, the righteous ought to be held in everlasting remembrance because they have something good to share and wise to impart. So what can we do? As part of an effort to transform that "ought" into "will", Australians gather each year on April 25 and continue to remember the spirit and deeds that marked out the Anzacs, and their successors, as worthy of emulation, and which pointed to righteousness and those things that reflect the character and purpose of a good and loving Creator. It is important that we do this, especially when we come to reflect on war and its victims. Remembering remains important because we need to be reminded again and again that war is destructive and that the human beings touched by it are affected physically, emotionally, morally and spiritually. Thousands upon thousands of Australians who have left these shores in uniform have been killed and incapacitated in the belief and with the hope that they offered themselves in the service of something greater. They gave their tomorrow for our today. We should never forget nor fail to esteem their sacrifices nor the price of freedom calculated tragically in human blood. And those who returned from later conflicts and are among us today, who strived in their different ways to build a peace among a people who prefer always to live in peace. They are entitled to our gratitude and deserve to be

remembered. What we do for them also discloses something about ourselves: we don’t want to be ignored or forgotten. And so, we remember in our own ways both individually and together. Each occasion is made solemn by the symbols around which ordinary Australians gather and the ground upon which they stand. Something of enduring significance has been invested in each place. Church plaques, community memorials and district cenotaphs embody something that cannot be exhausted by familiar rituals or reduced to mere words. They hint at the spiritual, the numinous and the divine and, as a people, we believe that these things abide because they underscore all that is needful in life and living. On the centenary of the landings at Anzac Cove, we are encouraged to stand together and remember. When we utter those solemn words "We will remember them", let us seek divine guidance not just in what we ought to bring to mind but how we might honour those who strived to shape a world free from militarism, tyranny and oppression. Although those we commemorate might not be known to many or to any, the God who gave them life knows their faces and remembers their names. We can all take solace in the Psalmist’s assurance that the righteous shall be kept in everlasting remembrance.

Tom Frame is Director of the Australian Centre for the Study of Armed Conflict and Society at UNSW Canberra and former Anglican Bishop to the Australian Defence Force.

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The Anglican Parish of Denman has a Great Wall Memorial Board with 148 names from the Denman area on it. The Memorial Board also has inserted into it four original Memorial Plaques or Dead Man’s Pennies. These bronze "pennies" were presented to the next of kin of men and women who died in WWI. They are about 12 cm in diameter with the words "He died for freedom and honour" printed around the edge. The images on

the exposed side of the penny are of a lion standing over a small eagle, with the lion symbolising Britain and the eagle Germany. To acknowledge the same sacrifice made by everyone, no rank or unit was inscribed on the penny, only the soldier’s name.Some families returned their Memorial Plaques because they were offended that such a thing could be offered in place of their loved one.

DENMAN REMEMBERS DEAD MAN'S PENNY

POPPY PROJECT PROVES POPULAR BY REBECCA CASSON

When Margot Bilston and Julie Davies first embarked upon the 5000 Poppies project, they thought it was an ambitious goal to reach.“In fact, when I announced it to the congregation in church, there was a collective gasp,” laughed Julie, craft convenor for St Alban’s Anglican Church in Forster. Instead, with over 13,000 hand crafted poppies rolling in and still counting, it turns out the bar of 5000 was not high enough.The 5000 Poppies project was originally conceived by two women in Melbourne, as a way for communities to pay tribute to the "Australian servicemen and women who have served the country for more than a century of service in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations." Local resident Julie Davies came across the Melbourne project last year, when she was looking for ideas to engage her church actively within the Great Lakes community, whilst also giving the church’s weekly craft group a project to grab with both hands. And so on Anzac Day 2014, the Great Lakes great poppy project officially began.“I’ve been amazed at the community response. There’s been so much interest,” Julie said, pulling out the ‘poppy phone’, so named because she gets so many calls about poppies on it.

Poppy project organisers Margot Bilston and Julie Davies have their sights set on Anzac Day’s display. Photo courtesy of Shane Chalker Photography.

“It has really reached out to the wider community. I think it’s because just about everyone has had someone who has served in the forces.”St Alban's fellow parishioner Margot Bilston has been coordinating the project with Julie and has boxes upon boxes of poppies accumulating in her home. The women attribute them to the efforts of up to 300 contributors. Some arrive in the post, some are hand-delivered, some have personal dedications attached to them. Whether they are knitted, crocheted, felted, or sewn, they come in different sizes, based of course around the colour red.

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1010

After 25 years in Parish ministry I felt the call of God to move into full-time Army Chaplaincy. Army chaplaincy is a rewarding ministry for those who are willing to walk alongside the rawness of people’s lives.Today my life as a chaplain started with a 35kg pack march over 5km with young officers out of Duntroon embarking on their journey into the demanding world of an armoured vehicle commander. After a shower I went to the Health Centre where there were patients with issues ranging from back injuries, an appendix operation and a viral infection. Later in the day a soldier spoke to me about the continuing grief he was experiencing some weeks after the traumatic death of a family member, while yet another soldier talked about how the Army may not be right for him - he felt overwhelmed and not able to keep going.This is a ministry that is a wonderful privilege, as are all ministries. But it is so raw, so demanding and you share so much with so many people from many different backgrounds, faiths and experiences. It is but one day. On other days I might be blessing a soldier before he is deployed or being part of the team notifying a family that their son or daughter has died. The Army has been, and remains, a challenging place for people. The basic

ARMY CHAPLAINCYBY MICHAEL O’BRIEN, CHAPLAIN

concept is that the Army protects people and this may involve the use of violent force. The effect of this training and operational experience can create a sense of ambivalence or even disconnect. Ministry among defence personnel is full of the most raw personal emotions and chaplains are there to hold them, walk with them, support and encourage them.For six years I served in an Army Reserve capacity. Four of those years were at the Army School of Ordnance. At the School of Ordnance I first meet the young people who have left high school and have joined the Army - they experience a culture shock. They have to be disciplined about punctuality, about their physical presentation, and be reminded of the respect they have for themselves and others. To join the Army is not a 9-5 job. You may be called to action at any time. Soldiers are trained to be ready.Here I first encountered soldiers who joined the Army to "make a difference", "serve the nation" and "help others". The Army motto is “Serving our Nation”, so it was pleasing to me to see that many of them had adopted that into their own lives.But it is a far stretch from the teenager on the couch at home playing Xbox whenever they feel like it. Here there is structure around their lives. One of the often referred

to quotes is this: “The oath to serve your country did not include a contract for normal luxury and comforts enjoyed within our society. On the contrary, it implied hardships, loyalty and devotion to duty, regardless of your rank.” (Brigadier George Mansford) What was true in the past of WWI is still true today.After four years in the Army School of Ordnance, I was posted to the Army School of Health. In the Medical Corps soldiers are trained to be nurses and paramedics. This is demanding and essential training, so the pressure is constant.At the beginning of 2014 I transferred into the Regular Army. Now I serve in the School of Armour at Puckapunyal in Victoria. This is a combat training school where soldiers are trained for the Armour vehicles including the M1A1Abrams tank, the ASLAV Light Armoured Vehicle and the M113Armoured Personnel Carrier. Here the conflict between the person and the task is really gritty.Chaplains go with the troops in all kinds of situations. We stand alongside them, and work alongside them. We are constantly assessing behavioural, verbal and physical issues.Another joy has been working ecumenically. On base we run chapel services ecumenically so that has been encouraging as well. There is of course the interfaith role of chaplains, we are to understand and help all in their journeys of faith and help them remain faithful to the Army values of Courage, Initiative, Respect and Teamwork.I am pleased to be able to represent God and the Church in this challenging world. The Army is not perfect but does its best to live up to the ideals of the Australian community and by serving the nation bring that to the world.

Michael O'Brien Pictured, third from left

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William Ashley-Brown was a chaplain to the forces during the war in Turkey, the ANZAC evacuation, and later battles in Fleurbaix, the Somme and Ypres.“My first service in a fold of the hills was punctuated by a two-way traffic in shells overhead from a British gunboat at sea and a Turkish battery in the hills behind the Turkish lines a few hundred yards away."I was to get used to this sort of thing in the next two years."When the orders for evacuation came nobody seemed to want to go. But as history records it was an admirable operation."Several years later a Turkish officer prisoner in India assured me that they knew we were going. This I cannot believe, for from a front-line trench I saw them digging furiously. The

EXTRACT: MEMORY OF A PADRETurks, I think, had sensed that something was up and suspected another advance."I brought a small party away one night of the evacuation operations. My lighter was so crowded that I had to leave my case holding field altar and vestments on the beach. Some good soul must have recognised it, for to my agreeable surprise years later the War Office sent it out to me in India. I have used the vestments in many parts of the world since..."We felt very sad as we stole past the little mounds with their white crosses, as at Shrapnel Gully and Shell Green. It seemed a betrayal. But our mates will sleep as soundly there as they would under their blue Australia skies."Excerpt from Memory be Green, by The Ven. Archdeacon W Ashley-Brown.

Like other suburbs, Stockton residents and its Churches pulled together to raise money for the war effort and those fighting at the front. They also raised funds for their Churches running costs as well as incidentals (new halls, memorials). Stockton’s St Paul’s was no different. In July 1914, a new site for a Church was to be obtained in the New Township, additional help was to be obtained in extending the Parish - these plans were upset by the outbreak of WW1; in June 1916 Rev'd FW Drake advised the Parish that a new hall was needed due to maintenance issues; by 1917 the Synod granted power to sell the Rectory and the land contained within its fences, money raised was to build a new Rectory and a new Parish Hall at Stockton. Parish Administrators deemed that this power was not used due to the unsatisfactory state of the building market.Rev'd FW Drake was the rector of Stockton and the new Township (northern end of the peninsula) from 1913 until 1918. Rev'd FW Drake and his congregation up till 1914 had been raising money for the St. Paul’s Church Fund but, as war broke out, they turned their hands to raise money for the war effort and the men at the front. Local women were encouraged to join voluntary organisations such as the Australian Comforts Fund which provided tobacco, condensed milk, letters, extra clothing (hand-knitted socks) plus more. Committees were formed for Stockton

STOCKTON REMEMBERS1914 – 1918

Voluntary Workers’ Association, the Belgian Fund, the Red Cross, Mayoress of Newcastle War Relief Fund and the Dinkum Girls to name a few. Concerts, band recitals, debate nights, sporting events and "Grand Entertainment Nights" were held at various sites around Stockton such as the Chelmsford Institute (the Mission to Seamen of the Church of England now Wescott) and Rawson Park. St. Paul’s continued with its annual flower and industrial exhibition, to aid St Paul’s Church Fund which was held in St. Paul’s schoolroom and grounds. Rev'd FW Drake was keen to maintain contact with his Parishioners who had gone overseas with the armed forces so made cards showing views of home and carrying words of comfort and faith.During 1917 Rev'd FW Drake was absent at the front. During this period the Rev'd WHG Cochrane undertook the locum-tenancy at the Stockton parish during his absence.At the July 1918 meeting of the Parish Council, Rev'd FW Drake reported that he would be leaving to take up the position as Organising Secretary to the Board of Missions in this Diocese. Rev'd FW Drake served Newcastle conscientiously, thoughtfully and kindly both in Parish, Synod and on Diocesan Council and Committees. In December 1921 at a meeting of the

BY DEBRA ELLIS

Stockton General Roll of Honour Fund it was decided to hold a day’s sports to raise funds for a monument. It was hoped that enough would be raised so a fitting memorial would be erected in honour of those who had served from St. Paul’s congregation. By May 15, 1922, the unveiling of St Paul’s Church of England Honour Roll took place by the Right Rev'd Dr Stephen, Bishop of Newcastle. 90 members of the Church who served are inscribed; the 20 who are marked with a cross paid the supreme sacrifice.

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1917The war dragged on and the Cathedral recorded 200 names on the Honour Roll. The city was suffering in many ways from the war and, by 1917, the imports and exports through the Port were down by 50% with attendant problems.

1916In 1916 the first Anzac Day Service was held in Christ Church and, indeed, large services were held throughout the city. "Large as the Newcastle Cathedral is, it was not nearly large enough to accommodate all who wished to attend the service there, many having to be content to remain outside the grounds. Most of the seats were occupied by the troops. Among the officers who attended the service were Lieutenant-Colonel Holborow, who commands the 35th Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Logan who commands the 36th Battalion and Commander Fearnleu in command of the Naval Reserves. Australia mourned her fallen sons."

1915As early as 1915, Dean H.K Archdall made the first tentative step towards the creation of a War Memorial, and was on record as saying that "if we win the war, the Diocese should raise some monument to Almighty God" and that he, Dean Archdall, was prepared to visit parishes to that end.

THE WARRIORS' CHAPEL

Christ Church Cathedral has commemorated the events of Anzac Cove since 1916, and has a special connection through the St Michael Chapel (‘The Warriors' Chapel’), a memorial chapel which contains many items of great significance to the region with strong links to World War I.

The Chapel is rich in symbolism and several deep and meaningful inscriptions can be found in it. One such inscription which is known to all members of the Toc H is on a carved and moulded string course around its walls. Its words are from the well-known poem written by Laurence Binyon, To The Fallen, which are used for The Ceremony of Light held at the beginning of all Toc H gatherings and meetings:

"The Warriors' Chapel was an expression of the debt and gratitude owing to the youth of Australia who gave their lives for something they loved but did not see fulfilled - freedom."Ray Geise

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL REMEMBERS100 YEARS OF HONOURING OUR HEROES

They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn, At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. 1914 - 1918.

Commemorating100 YEARS OF ANZAC

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The Cathedral houses the only flag in existence from Gallipoli - the Gallipoli Flag of the 13th Australian Infantry Battalion - it was used to mark the Battalion headquarters and was at Gallipoli from the landing to the evacuation.

The items include eleven gold artworks commissioned from Australian metalsmith, William Mark. It took William Mark two years to create the works consisting of a small bronze crucifix, the sanctuary lamp, the cross, candlesticks and vases for the altar, the alms dish, the gold chalice and paten, and the Book Of Gold.

These items are considered to be of rare beauty and contain gold and precious stones that were made from jewellery donated by women of the Diocese - engagement and wedding rings of wives and girlfriends - that were melted down and included in items like The Book of Gold - a beautifully illuminated memorial register of the names of those lost during the war from each parish in the Diocese.

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BRANXTON GRETA LOCHINVAR REMEMBERS Photography by the Rev'd Christopher Orczy

ANZAC DAY SERVICESDENMANSaturday April 25: 11am, St Matthias.

WALLSENDSaturday April 25: 9am, St Luke's

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL Sunday April 19: 3pm

COCKLE BAYSunday April 19: 6pm Special Evening Prayer in conjunction with the Boolaroo Speers Point RSL

CARDIFF

Saturday April 25: 9am Mass, St Thomas'

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PRAYER POINT

Loving God,we remember all Australians and New Zealeanders who served in the army, navy and air force during the First World War. Especially we give thanks for those of our region – indigenous and non-indigenous alike - who gave so much for the sake of their country. Make us good stewards of the freedom they won.We remember the chaplains who showed the love of Christ when danger and death were all around. Give us faith strong enough to share with the fearful and the dying. We remember the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander volunteers who fought for a nation that did not recognise them as citizens. Lead us towards true reconciliation with Australia’s First Peoples.We remember those who died in battle or from their wounds, and those who took their own lives in agony or despair. Bring them, in Christ, to resurrection life.God of peace, hear our prayer.

1920Newcastle, at this time, was experiencing a time of depression with many industries closed down and a general post-war malaise in the city. It was not until late 1922, when the steelworks reopened and other industries followed, that the city began to recover.Eclipsing all events at this time, however, was the move towards a permanent War Memorial. Following on from the tentative moves made by Dean Archdall since 1915, Dean Crotty expressed his determination to achieve this aim.

1921In 1921, the War Memorial was envisaged to take the form of "enrichment" in the St Nicholas Chapel to provide panelling, a marble floor, a Book of Gold with the names of those who fell in the Great War and also incorporate the Tinworth Panels.

1923 The Foundation Stone of the Warriors Chapel was laid by Lord Forster on the August 2, 1923.

1924 The completed Warriors' Chapel was dedicated on September 27, 1924.

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The Encounter spoke to new members of Diocesan Council and asked them to reflect on their experiences so far.

REVEREND DR FERGUS KINGRECTOR KOTARA SOUTH / AREA DEAN NEWCASTLEIt's difficult to know quite how to give first impressions of being on Diocesan Council after only one business meeting, but I’ll try. The first impression is that the business papers are substantial, and these demand considerable attention if one is to read them and be prepared to make intelligent comments on the business contained. I will feel morally responsible if my postman gets RSI or sprained wrists.

The second is that much of the business is fairly mundane. I was not aware that the legal constitution of the Diocese means that many decisions need to be made official by means of ordinances which need to be drafted, written and passed to satisfy our legal responsibilities. Many of these are mundane, and, to be honest, should be passed without needing to invoke a full sitting of Synod.

One of the other things I also learned is that DC members can ask for more controversial matters to be discussed and voted on in Synod - a practice which certainly gets my support as it encourages open government and full ownership of difficult decisions at the widest level of diocesan government, as well as providing an opportunity for what we might, following Bishop Greg’s charge to last year’s Synod, call “management with manners”.

LYN WICKHAMCARDIFF PARISH

I am a new-old member of Diocesan Council as I was originally a member of Diocesan Council some years ago and stepped down due to work commitments. Following Synod 2014, and having recently retired from the workforce, I have joined Diocesan Council as a new member under Bishop Greg Thompson’s leadership. Now, as in the past, my perspective is that members of Diocesan Council have a shared responsibility to contribute their skills and experience in handling matters affecting the Diocese which are brought to the Diocesan Council meetings. Members‘ openness to hearing the views of fellow members and supporting one another to engage in the business of Diocesan Council are imperatives to building an environment of trust in which Diocesan Council will be able to operate effectively.

In his Presidential Address to Synod (2014), Bishop Greg challenged the people of the Diocese of Newcastle to “set the fire of our life together”. During the first meeting of the new Diocesan Council following Synod, members were challenged by Bishop Greg to reflect upon and discuss “What kind of fire setting do we have for our term on Diocesan Council?”. My reflection on this challenge is that to be a flourishing Diocesan Council we must be open to ideas brought to Diocesan Council by newer members (which has a fair distribution of clergy and lay people and a greater gender and age equity than I previously experienced). Yes, we need the experience/views of members who have served Diocesan Council over a long period. However, those members have a responsibility to encourage and support newer members as we all strive to effectively serve the common purpose in an environment of trust.

REV'D CANON JANET KILLENRECTOR BELMONT / AREA DEAN LAKE MACQUARIE

As a member of DC, I have experienced two meetings. Many people had warned me about ‘the amount of reading’ that went with DC so I allowed plenty of time beforehand so I felt reasonably well informed about what was on the agenda. I expected a certain amount of nervousness beforehand for a ‘first time’ event but as I had a funeral the afternoon of DC. I had to drive straight from the burial at Belmont Cemetery which meant concentrating on the traffic rather than worrying about the meeting. Bishop Peter gave an in-depth orientation for new-comers regarding the workings and responsibilities of DC which I found very helpful. As we worked through the agenda it was obvious that

people had put in time to consider the issues, were generous in listening to each other and shared openly. I hadn’t realised how much is required of the staff at the Diocesan Office when it comes to DC. They do a lot of preparation so DC runs smoothly.

I have now attended my second meeting and found the breadth of subjects covered surprising. Christian values, diocesan ordinances and the particular circumstance of the subject under discussion are carefully considered for each item on the agenda.

DC is a group of prayerful people passionate about their faith and the Diocese, intentional about growing the ministry and mission of the Diocese. I am looking forward to being an effective and active member of DC.

Q&A REFLECTIONS ON DIOCESAN COUNCIL

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For Rev’d Tim Waghorn, coming to the Central Coast from Melbourne was different from what he had envisioned. Yet Lakes Anglican church provided him a fresh outlook and incredible opportunities.

The church was in a sense in maintenance mode having been between full-time priests, and lasting through the work of good locums who prepared the church for the next step.

What came next for Lakes Anglican was 12 months of conversations around change and growing as a church together. Here, Rev’d Tim shares his tips on how to engage with your congregation and grow together as a church.

1. ListenThe first stage of the process relates to listening to the people’s stories, understanding what the church means to them and how they understand their role in society based on their church engagement. As we listened to the stories, they were remembering a time when there was vibrancy in the church, and families, and they wanted to be that church again. They said to me “Can we be that church again?”

By understanding who they were and what they wanted to be, we were able to align it with the vision and mission we had, shaping the direction in which we prayerfully desired to take the church. Through ongoing and open communication, they are steadily taking ownership of that vision.

2. PlanAt the moment parishes are working on their Mission Action Plans. This is essential for any church, and even more so in

navigating change. When bringing in new concepts into the church, it is important to communicate how and why we are doing this. It is important to know and own the purpose, set clear goals, identify who we are reaching out to, and empower all stakeholders to own the plan. Once they have identified with the plan, they are better equipped to move to the next level and really embrace it. This creates a foundational platform on which the vision and mission can build from.

3. TransitionFor our church, transition is a process with several changes. The first step was to change the style of worship music. We had to differentiate between the two Sunday services, as they were very similar. We did so by introducing modern, contemporary recorded music into the service, which was very well received. As time went on the congregation became quite accustomed to it. After a while we prayed for a music team, to replace the recorded music. Soon enough we had a team that is allowing us is to take on a whole new form of corporate worship.

Then we reached the next stage of differential – no robes in the Sunday 9.30am family service. This has enabled us to be open to the outside world, to reach out and minister to them, and invite them into the church. “They don’t get robes, but you do,” I would say. In order for new attendees to want to engage, we need to change, so the robes went.

It was important to break down perceptions of “we have always done it this way”. I encouraged the people to come up with answers on how we can enable change. For example, we moved the church furniture around to bring a visual balance

between Word, Sacrament and Worship.

4. Understanding your local cultureIt is important for me to understand the culture of the Anglican Church in my area. The culture here in the Central Coast is uniquely different from that of Newcastle, and Sydney. We recognise the need to know our community, to know the needs of the community, and how to engage with those needs in a way that is meaningful.

We have identified valuable connections, and will continue to do so, in the local community, including building a solid rapport with Lakes Grammar. We thought about how to build that engagement, how to increase our connections through building relationships with the chaplains and staff.

5. Fasten your seat belts. We are just starting…

REV'D TIM WAGHORN PRIEST IN CHARGE, LAKES ANGLICAN

PARISH PROFILE LAKES ANGLICAN

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When you think about what your church has done in the last week, it’s easy to get caught up in the obvious stuff that is right in front of you. There have been one or several church services, some bible studies and maybe a baptism, wedding, or funeral too. Of course, there are other exciting additions, like serving those in need

KEEPING OUR VISION SET ON MISSIONREV'D TIM GOLDSMITH MEMBER OF THE DIOCESAN MISSION COMMITTEE

REV'D KATHERINE BOWYERCANON-IN-CHARGE OF MISSIONARY AFFAIRS

through organisations like Samaritans, or Mission to Seafarers, and the great privilege of teaching scripture to eager young minds.But do you count the work of the missionaries you support, when you think about what happens in your church?I was challenged, recently, to remember that little churches like yours and mine help make gospel work possible in many places throughout the world as we support our missionaries through finances, prayers and letters. This means that when I think about what we’ve done last week in Kincumber, we remember our work for the sake of the gospel in our parish, but also that we’re helping Tanzanian women have fistulas repaired and therefore have a chance at a normal life, we’re helping see Namibian and Indonesian Christians get training for ministry in their own countries, and we’re

helping BCA missionaries share the gospel in remote parts of Western Australia!Thinking this way about our partners in mission helps us lift up our eyes from our immediate context, and drink in the glory of a gospel that continues to reach out from Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). We might “have this treasure in jars of clay”, yet we know that this is “to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (2 Cor 4:7). We are part of God’s mission that reaches back to the beginning of time, and out to the very corners of the globe, and, God willing, forward into parts of the world that are yet to hear the message of true hope. What work in the world does God have planned for you and your parish this week?

When I was a teenager, one of the songs we sang at Youth Group started with the words, “It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around, can warm up to its glowing”. Starting from something seemingly so tiny – a spark- the fire grows. It’s a powerful metaphor, of a fire growing, and drawing others to the light and warmth and community around a fire. From my time growing up in a house that had an open fireplace, I also know that for the spark to take, the fire has to be set well. There’s an art to laying a good foundation for a fire – it has to be the right combination of materials – kindling material and air, for the fire to spring into life. Preparing the fire can be hard work – especially when you’re cold and want the fire going! Gathering kindling, and laying the foundation patiently means the spark has a good foundation in which to take. And once the fire is burning, you need to build the fire, gradually, until at last you can put on the logs that will burn for the long haul. If you simply light the fire, throw on the big logs and leave, the fire will die –it needs to be tended and nurtured till it reaches the point where it can burn for the night.Mission can be compared to this process of getting a fire going. Preparation for the

MISSION SETTING THE FIRE

spark to take, and then those who will nurture, tend, and feed the fire of faith so that this fire will be strong to provide sparks to light other fires. We all want the spark of faith to take, and to burn strongly and brightly, but getting to that point involves hard work, preparation, and energy.This is why being involved with Mission is so important. The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams said, “Mission is finding out what God is doing and joining in”. Mission is as diverse as we are, and occurs everywhere. We can be part of mission which occurs locally in the communities in which we live and engage. And we can be part of mission that occurs outside our communities through our prayer and support.Support of our Diocesan Mission Agencies is one of the ways we can be part of that mission which occurs beyond our communities. A wise friend once said to me, that a parish which did not support external mission had no vision beyond themselves, and would wither. I think her words are very true. The Great Commission (Matthew 28.16-20) is a call to us to be concerned with the whole world. Our ten Diocesan Mission Agencies (Anglican Board of Missions (ABM-A); Anglican Aid Abroad (AAA); Bible Society; Bush Church

Aid (BCA); Church Army (CA); Church Missionary Society (CMS); Mission to Seafarers; National Home Mission Fund (NHMF) or Outreach Fund; Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge Australia (SPCK-A); Sharing of Ministries Abroad (SOMA) )operate in varied locations and contexts throughout the world. The role of the Diocesan Missions Committee is to assist parishes and agencies to engage with the work of mission beyond our communities.Thank you for your ongoing support of the work of Mission. It’s important for us to remember that we as a Diocese began our life as a missionary endeavour, and now we have the opportunity to nurture others as they grow. May we continue to set the fire, and find out what God is doing, and join in.

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THINKING ABOUT FAITHREV'D DOUG MORRISON-CLEARYPRIEST, ANGLICAN PARISH OF BERESFIELD-THORNTONAREA DEAN, MAITLAND AREA DEANERY

We all know how to make something of Lent. Whether we fast, follow Lent Madness, give a little extra in the plate, or attend a Lenten Bible Study, Lent is a time of reflection and discipline. But what happens when Easter rolls around? It sometimes feels to me like Lent has become the queen of the church year and Easter has been relegated to third place (behind Lent and Advent/Christmas).

At the same time, we don't want to fill Easter up with a whole lot of busyness! That does nothing to speak of the spiritual importance of the season. So how can we make something of Easter that doesn't require a whole lot of activity but speaks of the centrality of Resurrection in our lives? I'm not sure I have any good answers to this question. However, I have a few ideas that might spark some good reflection, creativity and exploration.

1. STAND FOR PRAYER The ancient church forbade kneeling during worship on Sundays and during the Great Fifty Days (Easter Season). Standing speaks of our brotherhood and sisterhood with Jesus, of our hope and God's promise of resurrection, and of love and welcome. Perhaps the Easter Season can be a time when we stand for the Great Thanksgiving Prayer and for the Prayers of the People. Even stand during your prayer time at home.

2. RUN A CONFIRMATION PROGRAM Okay, this one is more in the activity slot, but the church once saw this season as the premier teaching season. All those newly baptised at the Easter Vigil now needed to be taught the full meaning of what they had experienced in water, oil, bread and wine. Maybe Lent should be more about experience and formation, with Easter being the time for a study program?

3. BANNERS AND ARTWORK This is the season to decorate the church. Store away the purple and drape some extra gold cloth around. Maybe some white and gold ribbons. Find some extra artwork and display it

At the first meeting of DC for 2015, the members considered the following: GOVERNMENT AND OPPOSITION RESPONSES TO MOTIONS PRESENTED TO THE DIOCESAN SYNODDiocesan Synod last tear resolved that two motions on: (a) the treatment of children of asylum seekers, and (b) the need to treat our Muslim neighbours with grace and love in the current situation in the Middle East with our military’s involvement; be forwarded to the Prime Minister, Minister for Immigration, and the Leader of the Opposition. The response received from the Prime Minister’s Secretary has outlines the Federal Government’s policy for stopping the illegal boats and for rebuilding confidence in Australia’s immigration program which will provide places for up 18,000 refugees in 2018-19. The office of the Leader of the Opposition responded that the Synod “motion very much reflects the approach and policy of the ALP … and we believe that now more than ever we must make a concerted effort at social inclusion in relation to our Muslim sisters and brothers….”

REPORT FROM THE DIOCESAN COUNCIL MEETING

FUTURE OF BISHOPSCOURTAs many of you will recall when the Synod met last year it adopted a resolution recognising that the DC would give consideration to the sale of Bishopscourt. The Synod understood that any decision would be made with the long term view of episcopal and diocesan ministry in mind. The Synod resolution was passed with an overwhelming majority. Having been informed by the Trustees, the Property Approvals Board, and by receiving expert advice, the DC agreed to empower the Trustees of Church Property to sell Bishopscourt. The DC decision was a significant majority. The Trustees will now continue to exercise careful diligence in order to ensure the best outcome for the Diocese.

NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ANGLICAN COUNCILThe Diocese has decided to continue to support and promote the work of NATSIAC as it provides a forum where Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders can talk about issues of faith, mission and evangelism. It provides opportunities for leadership development through representation at General Synod to help build self-worth and significance while assisting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to voice their concerns to the

Australian Church of Australia and the wider community.

THE HUNTER RESEARCH FOUNDATIONDC has also decided to continue our financial sponsorship of the Research Foundation for a further 12 months.

MATTERS CURRENTLY BEFORE DC We are currently considering policies on Privacy, a review of the Ordinances for DC and Synod Administration, the work of Newcastle City Mission Taskforce; and protocols for Professional Standards.

REPORTING DC MATTERS – It is proposed to report on the deliberations of DC the Monday after each meeting on the website of the Diocese. When deadlines for the printing of the Encounter and the Meeting coincide sufficiently, we will report in this media. DC will next meet on Thursday 16 April 2015. Please pray for all members as we deliberate, consider and work towards the future of our Diocese .

Bev BirchDiocesan Council MemberDiocesan Council Meeting Held On Thursday 26 February 2015

for the whole season. We have lights and trees and wreathes and nativities at Advent/Christmas. We have purple everywhere for Lent. Make sure we have lots of bright colours, candles and beauty around for the Great Fifty Days.

4. CELEBRATE ASCENSION AND THE ROGATION DAYS We have all those extra days in Lent when we come together as a community to worship. There are some extra days traditionally observed in Easter with Ascension being the most important one. When we gather for worship we are saying publicly that there is something more important than just me and my needs and desires. Let's say that loud and clear during Easter!

5. FEAST If fasting is the soul of Lent, then surely feasting is the soul of Easter. Invite people over for dinner. Start a soup kitchen or free lunch program. Go on a date with your partner. Find a way to feast each and every one of the seven weeks of the Easter Season.

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A couple of years ago the Hunter region was selected as a trial site for the new NDIS to pilot the new approaches over a three year period.We are already more than halfway through the trial period with the expected roll-out across the remainder of NSW to commence in mid 2016.There are now over 3000 people with a disability living in our region who are participants in the new scheme and most are enjoying the increased choice and control over how they spend their lives. This has certainly been the feedback we have received at Samaritans.The NDIS has been described as the most significant change in social policy since the introduction of Medibank back in 1975. The scheme has bipartisan support at both Federal and State Government level, even though it involved a significant increase in the Medicare levy. Most Australians supported the scheme when it was introduced. It was really encouraging to see governments and communities pulling together in this way.

OPINION PIECE ON THE NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEMECEC SHEVELS, CEO SAMARITANS FOUNDATION

The scheme puts people with disability in the driver’s seat of service delivery.They decide what support they need to participate more fully in community life and they choose who will provide the supports and when and how services should be provided.The new approaches are welcomed by human rights advocates who regard this as a key development in the push to ensure people with disability have the same rights, opportunities and obligations as everyone else. It is also supported by free market thinkers who welcome the transfer of service, especially away from government to the more competitive and efficient private sector where support agencies must present their services in a way which will attract the customer (the person with a disability).The scheme is not without its critics. Unions and the families of current residents are opposing the proposed closure of the Stockton Centre, but they will have a tough battle ahead as the government remains adamant . The whole disability department of the State government is to be scaled back over the next 5 years as ADHC withdraws from service delivery. This must be a worrying time for their staff. Also some smaller NGOs are having to explore merger options in an effort to remain financially viable. The funding available seems less generous than the former government annual grants.There will be a huge increase in employment opportunities as the scheme rolls out across NSW but staff need to be prepared to work flexible, casual hours and to be directed more by customers than by professional managers. Disability support workers are concerned about regular incomes and uncertain career paths.But we must remember the NDIS is a huge opportunity for people with disability to play a more active role in community life. Their dreams and personal goals are finally becoming achievable and it is no surprise that these goals are similar to the goals of most other people:

• The opportunity to work and pursue their interests and passions

• The opportunity to move into a place they can call home

• Friends and soul-mates to share their lives with

• The freedom to travel, shop, attend events of their choice and contribute to others

Some of these dreams will take time to achieve. Then we need to ensure that our education system helps students with a disability to achieve their potential and that there is a real opportunity to move into employment after school / vocational training (we are currently ranked 21 out of 29 OECD countries providing work for people with disability.)Organisations, employers, community groups and individuals need to examine the barriers they set up, albeit mostly unknowingly, which exclude certain groups.We need an increased supply of affordable housing so that people can have a real choice over where they live. Despite the many challenges, most people and our team at Samaritans, are optimistic about the future. There continues to be bi-partisan support for the NDIS from both State and Federal governments and both major parties will pledge their support in the upcoming State election.The scheme will benefit not just people with disability but also their parents who, in the past, have had to abandon careers and jobs to become full-time carers.Economic optimists are even claiming that the NDIS will eventually save the Government money as people with disability and their carers have more opportunity to join the workforce and contribute to the nation's GDP.I certainly believe this and we can look forward to a better future for friends who have a disability and their carers.

Cec Shevels is the Chief Executive of The Samaritans Foundation which provides quality disability support to locals and helps them achieve their goals.

IN FOCUS: SAMARITANS

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TAHKIESHA ACHIEVES HER UNIVERSITY DREAMTime was running out. Tahkiesha King had encountered an unexpected hitch in her university enrolment plans. And she didn’t know whom to turn to for support. Tahkiesha was Cessnock’s LGA’s Young Person for 2013 – 2014, a talented public speaker she had just been offered a place at the University of Western Sydney to study Criminology, majoring in Policing. Being a Cessnock girl meant that she needed accommodation in Sydney and she was excited and comforted to be allocated on campus accommodation. The catch was an advance payment to secure the accommodation before it was snapped up by other students. Pooling her resources Tahkiesha called to make her accommodation payment. Only to find she had been incorrectly advised of the required amount. In need of assistance Tahkiesha came to Samaritans at Cessnock seeking advice. Senior Samaritans Worker Lesley Radnidge exhausted all avenues of support. And then she phoned the wonderful ladies from Cessnock Wine Country Lions Club who Lesley says “didn’t hesitate for one moment”. They stepped in immediately, providing additional funds to assist with Tahkiesha’s accommodation and initial university expenses.Tahkiesha was moved to tears - both overwhelmed by the amazing support from Cessnock Wine Country Lion’s Club and excited to be empowered to begin her dream of a tertiary education. She is now looking forward to her time at university and the many career opportunities her specialist degree will provide. She has also promised to come back and show us her official badge when she graduates! All the best Tahkiesha, we’re so pleased Samaritans could help support your University journey!

SAMARITANS ASSISTS YOUNG PEOPLE WITH LIFE SKILLSOnly six months ago Eryka was unsure about her future. Bright and mature, 17 year old Eryka had ambition but lacked the support to achieve outcomes in some areas of her life.She was referred to Samaritans Youth Accommodation at Wickham and since October 2014 has been a resident participating in the Foyer Model program at Wickham. Now working towards her Certificate III in Hospitality, Eryka considers herself very fortunate to have a traineeship at a local café. She is gaining both invaluable experience whilst earning an income that allows her to start her journey towards independent living.Eryka loves life at Samaritans Student Accommodation, in Wickham. She said, “It’s close to everything and I can walk to work. And it’s quiet living here - I can have my own space.” At Wickham there’s also the opportunity to study or undertake a traineeship while living in a safe environment where learning life skills and independence is encouraged and supported.When we met Eryka she was navigating her way around on her new laptop (purchased to assist with her studies) trying to work through the intricacies of internet banking and Bpay. After a few pointers she was well on the way. Eryka is quick to point

YOUTH SERVICESIn April we celebrate Youth Week. At Samaritans there are a variety of Youth Services that operate throughout Newcastle, the Central Coast, the Hunter and the Mid North Coast offering support to young people aged from 12 years.

This includes support with everything from counselling, accommodation and parenting advice to mental health and wellbeing support and a variety of specialist homeless services.One of Samaritans newest services for young people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless is facilitated by the Community Engagement Officer. This service engages with young people in external settings such as schools to link them and give them information. The service also works with other community services and companies to build the profile of Samaritans Services and link them to accommodation options as well as create connections to improve outcomes for the young people Samaritans supports.For more information on all of the Samaritans Youth Services go to: www.samaritans.org.au

out that school and many support services do little to prepare young people for life in the real world. Understanding how to do some basic things, such as budgeting, managing and paying rent, shopping and dealing with services such as Centrelink can be a major challenge. Eryka said it can be overwhelming for many young people who lack support.In recognition of the need for the residents to develop skills and achieve their goals, Samaritans is launching a Mentor Program. This program will provide the opportunity for each resident at Samaritans Youth Accommodation to build a relationship with a like-minded mentor who will provide guidance, friendship, advice and motivation. News of such an opportunity is very exciting to residents such as Eryka. For more information on the Samaritans Youth Accommodation at Wickham go to www.samaritans.org.au/service/samaritans-student-accommodation

Tahkiesha is at right in the photo with from left Jan Brien of Cessnock Wine Country Lions Club and Samaritans Lesley Radnidge

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I self-identify as an Aboriginal woman and have worked for Samaritans for 12 years. I am proud to say Samaritans is fully supportive of Aboriginal aspirations for self-determination and won’t apply for Aboriginal-specific funding. In services where Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people are the target group, Samaritans works with Aboriginal organisations as equal partners including Awabakal, Worimi, Ungooroo and Wandiyali. However there are still many myths and misinformation too, if we are serious about Sorry Day and true Reconciliation. 20 years ago, a National Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission inquiry was launched resulting in the Bringing Them Home Report being tabled on May 26 1997, which exposed evidence of the forcible removal of thousands of Aboriginal children from their families between 1910 and the early 1970’s. The first Sorry Day was held the following year to recognise the Stolen Generations. This is in our lifetime; the youngest of these children are now just over 40. On May 26 every year, events are held around the country to commemorate Sorry Day.In another 10 years, in 2007 the The Little Children are Sacred Report by the Northern Territory Government was tabled leading to the Federal government launching the NT Emergency Intervention. Yet the Federal Government implemented only 2 out of 97 of the report's actual recommendations. Indigenous peoples, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, were involved in drafting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2007. Australia was one of four countries to vote against it. Australian didn’t give formal support to the Declaration until April 3 2009. 10 years after the Bringing Them Home report was tabled, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, tabled a motion in parliament apologising to Australia's Indigenous people, particularly the Stolen generation for laws and policies which had "inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians". Sadly, community perceptions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still built upon ignorance, misinformation highlighting societal exaggerations and a belief in what the media portrays that continue to perpetrate a divide.

Recently while attending a local event, I heard a conversation highlighting that for many non-Aboriginal people their views of Aboriginal people are still built on ignorance and misinformation. One of the girls had just found out that her great, great, great grandmother was Aboriginal. She believed now she could say she is Aboriginal and gain many benefits, such as cheaper university fees and higher Commonwealth assistance. There was no intention of racism, but it showed a lack of understanding of the true nature of what it is to be Aboriginal (even those who may not “look” it) and the reality of what supports are available. Is it as easy as this girl suggested to claim Aboriginality? There are many people who are Aboriginal that proudly identify but don’t have the confirmation letter required by government departments to access Aboriginal support programs. For many Aboriginal people, it is a complicated difficult process to gain formal confirmation, especially for the stolen generation or those adopted by non-Aboriginal families, as there are requirements to show family connections, identification and affiliations to the Aboriginal community. And all those benefits? Just like any Australian support programs, you have to meet criteria; Aboriginality is only one of the many criteria applied to the programs, but unfortunately, if the media portrays a certain picture people want to believe it. Often we hear how much housing is just given to Aboriginal people. Yet despite the 2007 NT Emergency Intervention’s $672 million housing budget, by June 2010 only 11 houses have been built for Aboriginal people in the seized communities, whilst 56 houses have been built for non-Aboriginal people in those same communities. By 2010, the Government said it would provide housing to Aboriginal communities in exchange for 40 year leases over community land. Even worse, one community agreed and signed over their land for 50 houses. This number was later reduced to 15 houses. So much for all the free support being handed out!

LEARN THE FACTS FOR TRUE RECONCILIATION

TOWARDS JUSTICE: SOCIAL JUSTICE TASKFORCE

BY JULIA WOODS, CO-ORDINATOR QUALITY ASSURANCE AND RESEARCH, SAMARITANS FOUNDATION

So get informed, attend Sorry Day events and learn the real facts not these media driven stereotypes and misinformation.

http://www.nsdc.org.au/events-info/history-of-national-sorry-day http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/politics/a-guide-to-australias-stolen-generations

The Circle of Life: Artwork by Dulcie Varagnolo, a Wandiyali Artist

Meetings: Artwork by Julia Woods

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“What would you do if it were one of your own children being locked up?”

This was one of the challenging questions that we were asked as we gathered for an ecumenical workshop on social justice. During the day we were asked to consider what a Christian response to asylum seekers might be. 60 Christians from a number of different churches, including representatives from nine of our own Anglican parishes, attended this event on February 14 at Jesmond Park Uniting Church. The workshop was hosted by the Newcastle and Hunter Ecumenical Social Justice Network. The day began with a reflection on a passage from Scripture: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2) On the issue of asylum seekers and refugees, it was noted that what is needed is the transformation of our nation’s heart. Teresa Brierley from the Catholic Church spoke on the six principles of social justice:1. The Common Good2. The Dignity of the Human Person3. Preferential Option for the Poor4. Solidarity5. Stewardship of Creation 6. Subsidiarity and Participation She noted that these principles promote a vision of a just society that is grounded in biblical revelation, the teachings of the leaders of the early Church, and the wisdom gathered from experience by the Christian community as it has responded to social justice through history. We were then privileged to hear a young Afghani man share his personal story as an asylum seeker. Yassir recounted his harrowing experiences as a teenager living under the rule of the Taliban and the persecution he and his family faced. The tragedy and uncertainty that Yassir has endured moved us all deeply.

Helen Edwards shares what her parish of All Saints, Belmont is doing in the field of social justice. We have a ministry team focusing on social action and justice which we established in July 2014. Many of the previous activities, such as our support for the Mission to Seafarers, the Kairos Prison Ministry and Grandparents as Parents (GAPS) have continued. We are also very active in supporting Samaritans projects. To

SOCIAL JUSTICE IN PRACTICE PARISH PROFILE: ALL SAINTS, BELMONTincrease our profile, our parish website also includes a “Social Action” page which we make sure to keep up to date. We are keen to support and partner with other organisations working for social justice, including the Hunter and Newcastle Ecumenical Social Justice Network. As part of our efforts to work with other churches, we have sent letters to leaders of most other local community Christian Churches to invite them to pursue participation and sharing of resources in justice matters. All have been invited to attend an evening with Val Edwards on 24th March relating to her work in Palestine and Israel.We are particularly pleased with a partnership that has been established whereby Belmont and North Belmont Redhead parishes work together in supporting Afghani refugees. Our parish members are invited to be involved through the donation of baby packs, and by supporting picnics and other scheduled events.

We have also been pleased to support the Recognise campaign which seeks to secure Constitutional recognition to our Indigenous peoples.We believe in the importance of community consultation. We are currently planning to host a Community forum later this year. We hope to get to know and listen to our community in terms of how we can support and work with them to address some of their needs for justice.As we undertake this work of social justice, we bear in mind the great words of the Prophet Micah: “God has shown us what is good and that is to do justice, love kindness and to walk humbly with him.” (Micah 6:8)For further information on any of our activities contact Helen Edwards, Ministry Team Leader, by email to helenedwards1@bigpond.com

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ASYLUM SEEKERS

Yassir was compelled to flee Afghanistan and eventually arrived at Christmas Island. He explained some of the hardships of living in detention centres and community detention. His bravery and desire to support his family still living overseas were an inspiration to us all. Justin Whelan from Paddington Uniting Church spoke of the various policies of successive governments towards asylum seekers. He reminded us that “stopping the boats” does not mean that people are not still in danger and at risk of death. He gave an analogy: in many ways we are celebrating the boarding up of a burning house. It’s true that no one will die trying to jump to safety, but these people still remain trapped in a burning house. He shared with us a number of movements that the churches have supported in response to the asylum seeker issues, including: Give Us a Sign, Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce, Give Hope, Common Grace and Love Makes a Way.Undoubtedly, the issue of asylum seekers is complex and has unfortunately been deeply politicised. This workshop encouraged us to think with compassion about the people who flee the violence of their homelands, and what our Christian response might be to their plight. We commit these words of Archbishop Oscar Romero to your prayerful consideration: “When we struggle for human rights, for freedom, for dignity, when we feel that it is a ministry of the church to concern itself for those who are hungry, for those who have no schools, for those who are deprived, we are not departing from God’s promise. He comes to free us from sin, and the church knows that sin’s consequences are all such injustices and abuses. The church knows it is saving the world when it undertakes to speak also of such things.”

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OUR ORGANISATIONS

MADDI ELLIOTT NAMED YOUNG ATHLETE OF THE YEARHUNTER Paralympian Maddison Elliott has been named alongside Stephanie Gilmore and Michael Cheika at the NSW Sport Awards.Elliott clinched the Young Athlete of the Year with a Disability award at the ceremony on Thursday night. It caps a stellar year for the 16-year-old Gilliestown Heights swimmer, who claimed gold in the para-sport 100m freestyle S8 category in world-record time at the Commonwealth Games in 2014.NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation Stuart Ayres said this year's awards included more nominations than ever before.“The NSW Sport Awards recognise and acknowledge the hard work and outstanding achievements in high performance and community sport across NSW,” said Mr Ayres.“Many of these athletes and officials come from communities across NSW, demonstrating that no matter where you are from, if you have a sporting dream and are prepared to work hard, you can achieve it in NSW."Source: Newcastle Herald

BISHOP TYRRELL ANGLICAN COLLEGE

Lakes Grammar - An AnglicAn School

Cnr Sparks Rd and Albert Warner Dr Warnervale 2259 T 02 4393 4111 | W www.lakes.nsw.edu.au

Lakes GrammarLakes Grammar is an independent, K-12 co-educational Anglican school providing a quality education in an environment that is caring and nurturing as we believe education is about the whole person.

Features of Lakes Grammar include:Affordable fee structurePrivate School BusStudent wellbeing programsExtra-curricular programs including music, visual arts and sportsTechnology rich learning environment

To arrange a School Tour, please contact our Registrar on 4393 4111.

DESIGNTECH 2014 SHOWCASE HOLLY DARGE’S MAJOR PROJECTLakes Grammar graduate Holly Darge has her HSC Major Project on display at the Powerhouse Museum as part of DesignTECH 2014. This annual exhibition highlights outstanding projects by students of the NSW HSC Design and Technology course. This is an enormous achievement for Holly who commenced at Lakes Grammar in Year 11 having never studied Design and Technology as an elective at her previous school.One of the hardest aspects of the Major Design Project for HSC students is identifying a need. After weeks of researching and idea generation with her peers, Holly found interest in Acoustic Diffusing Panels. These are panels that change the angle that sound waves reflect off walls. Holly saw an opportunity to create a portable foldable wall panel inspired from origami which could be used in a home recording studio.“I am very proud of Holly. Her concept appears simple yet it is ingenious. A project such as this requires much careful planning and perseverance. I congratulate Holly and her teacher, Greg Sewell.I wonder what inventions of Holly’s we’ll see in the future?” said Mr Hannah, Principal.Holly Darge’s Major Project was the feature artwork used by the Powerhouse Museum on the promotional material for DesignTECH 2014 which again is testament to Holly’s wonderful achievement.

LAKES GRAMMAR

Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College

Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College 256 Minmi Road, Fletcher 2287 | 02 4979 8484 | www.btac.nsw.edu.au

Attend our next Open Day: Friday, 15 May 2015 from 9:00am

Register your attendance via our websitewww.btac.nsw.edu.au

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Lakes Grammar - An AnglicAn School

Cnr Sparks Rd and Albert Warner Dr Warnervale 2259 T 02 4393 4111 | W www.lakes.nsw.edu.au

Lakes GrammarLakes Grammar is an independent, K-12 co-educational Anglican school providing a quality education in an environment that is caring and nurturing as we believe education is about the whole person.

Features of Lakes Grammar include:Affordable fee structurePrivate School BusStudent wellbeing programsExtra-curricular programs including music, visual arts and sportsTechnology rich learning environment

To arrange a School Tour, please contact our Registrar on 4393 4111.

BISHOP TYRRELL ANGLICAN COLLEGE

On Wednesday, March 18 Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College celebrated Bishop Tyrrell Day. This celebration is an important day in the College Calendar providing an opportunity for Year 2 – 12 students, teachers and parents to come together to remember both the opening of the College on March 14, 1999 and to honour the life of William Tyrrell the first Anglican Bishop of Newcastle. In this sense it is the College’s “foundation day”. The Cathedral Eucharist provides a tangible link with the College’s namesake in William Tyrrell as the first Bishop of Newcastle. This year the ceremony also included the commissioning of our new College Principal – Mr Peter Moulds and College Chaplain – Mother Jane Trigg as well as the formal induction of our Captains, Prefects and other student leaders.

Student Leaders for 2015Girl Captain: Claudia SmithBoy Captain: Jesse WolfgangGirl Vice-Captain: Alex PrestonBoy Vice-Captain: Brandon HayesCurrey House Captain and Prefect: Claire GummowCaptain and Prefect: Jed ShepherdVice-Captain: Madeline Scott Darcy House Captain and Prefect - Phoebe TurnbullCaptain and Prefect - Joseph PilgrimVice-Captain – Claudia Sonnichsen Fletcher House Captain and Prefect - Amy McCauleyCaptain and Prefect - Lachlan HoptonVice-Captain – Mitchell Bischoff

Thomas House Captain and Prefect - Claudia SmithCaptain and Prefect - Jackson ManahanVice-Captain – Kelsey Preston SRC President and Prefect: Madeline Garrett-Jones, Prefect: Brooke Budden;Prefect: Emma Mitchell, Prefect: Alexandra Cuthbert-Freese, Prefect: Jasmine Pearce, Sports Vice-Captain: James Wilson,Performing Arts Vice-Captain: Sullivan Mackenzie, Performing Arts Vice-Captain: Gracie BoylePrimaryGirl Captain: Pepita BartonBoy Captain: Jack CampbellPrefect: Laura Doolan, Prefect: Olivia Cooling, Prefect: Charlotte Eve, Prefect: Erica Wattus, Prefect: Aidan Knipe, Prefect: Aidan Holman, Prefect: Dara Moheimani, Prefect: Kyle Cochrane

BISHOP TYRRELL DAY CELEBRATIONS

Primary School Leaders – Jack Campbell and Pepita Barton

Secondary School Leaders - Brandon Hayes, Alex Preston, Jesse Wolfgang and Claudia Smith

Mr Peter Moulds Mother Jane Trigg

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AROUND THE DIOCESE

For further information please contact the Customer Service Centre on FREE CALL 1800 733 553www.anglicancare.com.au 11541

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Providing quality services for Seniors, Anglican Care is the

aged care ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle.

Offering Retirement Living, Community & Home Care

and Residential Care in the Hunter, Central Coast

and Manning Regions.

St. James' Church of Morpeth, one of the oldest churches in the diocese still in use, has launched its 175th anniversary. The actual date of the consecration was December 31, l840. It was to be an event of some significance, as St. James' Church was the first to be completed and consecrated in the Hunter Valley. To welcome in its 175th anniversary a beautiful Evensong was held in St. James' church on New Years' Eve, 2014. Then on February 1 of this year the actual launch of the anniversary took place at the morning service when the Rev'd Dr. Ray Williamson OAM gave an inspiring sermon to a packed church. He was most welcome and indeed it was most appropriate that he should be Guest Preacher for this service as he had been a rector of St. James' from l980 to l985 and prior to that he was on the staff of St. John's College. He was most familiar with St. James' Church and quite a number of parishioners.Each parishioner on entering the church was handed a celebration

MORPETHCELEBRATING 175 YEARS

memento post card, which had been photographed by one of the parishioners. They depicted different aspects of St. James' Church in all seasons. After the service the congregation walked across the road to the Parish Hall for a celebration brunch provided by the Parish Council and cutting of the birthday cake, which was made in the shape of a cross by another parishioner, and decorated with an intricate lace pattern in white icing around the sides and 175 in burgundy icing on the top. A truly memorable launch to the 175th anniversary celebrations. It is of interest to note that the Parish Hall where the congregation had adjourned was once a school built in l849 by Bishop Tyrell. 88 pounds was spent on the construction of a school and fence on land also donated by Lt E. Close. It was reported in the early records that the Morpeth school was the Model School for the Diocese of Newcastle.

On February 8, Matthew and Timothy Clare received their first Holy Communion at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Old Bar. Matthew and Timothy and their parents Marcelle and Michael have just recently moved to Old Bar, and we are blessed to have them with us. Pictured with them are Rev'd Helen, Ian Dimmock and Ellen Cochrane. Both Matthew and Timothy are looking forward to Confirmation perhaps next year. The day was also a celebration of welcome to the Clare family, and was marked with a special cake made by Kim Bussey and the Mothers' Union.

TAREEFIRST HOLY COMMUNION SERVICE

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the Anglican Diocese of NewcastleAnglican Church of Australia

The Diocese takes allegations of misconduct and abuse seriously.Professional Standards protocols provide formal procedures for handling complaints of misconduct.

We welcome and encourage people with concerns to come forward by speaking with a contact person.

Contact persons are trained to listen, will maintain confidentiality and will help you understand the processes involved. If required, they can also assist in documenting the complaint.

To discuss your concerns in confidence, please phone

1800 774 945You will be put in touch with a local contact person.

Professional • Experienced • Competitive

• Conveyancing & Commercial• Wills, Probate & Estates• Family Law & Criminal Law• Driving Offences etc

Phone: 4954 7288 25 Marianne St, Cardiffemail: admin@warlandsolicitors.com.au

ABMYOUNG ANGLICANS SHARE THEIR VISIONS FOR THE CHURCHThe Anglican Board of Mission has brought together young Anglicans from every state and territory in Australia to discuss their visions for the national church. Trinity College in Melbourne hosted the group of 14 young people as they met together to pray, reflect upon the scriptures and share stories of mission from their local contexts. The group also visited the intentional Christian community Urban Seed and spent time with the Brotherhood of St Laurence as they considered the long term legacy of Anglicans like Gerard Tucker, Frank Coaldrake and Eileen Heath.

Retreat participants shared stories of what God is doing across the national church as well as praying and reading the scriptures together

On Monday March 2 Hunter Christian SRE held a Co-ordinators Lunch at St James Anglican Church, Morpeth. Over 40 SRE Co-ordinators and SRE professionals from around the Hunter attended. It was a really useful day with a talk by local C3 Church SRE Co-ordinator Kate Rigby with tips for encouraging your team and recruitment ideas. Sally Smith from the Baptist Church was presented with award from the Minister for Education by Robyn Parker (Federal Member for Maitland). The Working With Children’s Check was discussed as well as the enrolment form. Some good news stories and ideas for using in the classroom were shared by the participants. You can get a copy of the notes from this event from Kate Baker (details below).The Department of Education now requires that all SRE teachers complete "initial and on-going training in classroom management". The next full Basic SRE Training course is being held at Lambton on May 19, June 13 and June 20.For more information, please contact Kate Baker, Diocesan SRE Co-ordinator 4926 3733 katebaker@newcastleanglican.org.au

SRE (SCHOOL SCRIPTURE) UPDATE

Robyn Parker with Sally Smith

BLESSING OF THE WATERSThe second Blessing of the Waters service took place on January 5 at the Hunter River in Hexham. Fr Doug Morrison-Cleary held a special service on the banks of the river. Around 20 parishioners celebrated and gave thanks for the river and the living it gave to the many fisherman and their families in the early years, and still does to some extent.

BERESFIELD/THORNTON

26

AROUND THE DIOCESE

The ASDF supports the charitable purposes of the church in the Diocese of Newcastle

For more information call us today on 02 4926 3733 or visit our website www.asdf.org.au

Benefits:• No fees or charges• Competitive interest

rates• Planned electronic giving

• 24 hour access through ASDF Online

• Local and focused customer service

Bishop Nathan meets with Gary Dodd at Mission to Seafarers

Bishop Peter and Bishop Nathan, visiting the Diocesan Office

BISHOP NATHAN OF THE SOLOMAN ISLANDS VISITS THE NEWCASTLE DIOCESE

Our Diocese has been blessed by the generosity of benefactors in times past. As we see to expand Christ's mission in the 21st Century, can you think how much you might contribute?

You should get legal advice before making your will. You may wish to consider the activities of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle as the recipient of either a special gift or the residue of your estate.

The following wording may be useful for you and your legal advisor when making your will:

I bequeath to the Trustees of Church Property of the Diocese of Newcastle in the State of New South Wales, the sum of .......... to be used for the general purposes of the Diocese of Newcastle in such matter as the Trustees may approve.

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT REMEMBERING THE CHURCH IN YOUR WILL?

Bishop Nathan visits Lakes Anglican Grammar School: L-R Mr Peter Oates (Junior School Chaplain), Bishop Nathan Tome, Mr Michael Hannah (Principal Lakes Anglican Grammar School), The Rev'd Matt Shorten (Senior School Chaplain)

Bishop Greg and Bishop Nathan signed the Covenant between our two Dioceses as Companion Dioceses on March 15 at the Cathedral

27

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On January 24 Joyce Kirby celebrated 80 years of service as an organist both here in Australia and in the UK at St Mark’s Chatham. Joyce began playing at the age of 14 in Ramsbury, England (1934), where she also taught Sunday school and was a member of the Parish Council. She then met Ted Kirby just after the war and migrated with him to Australia in 1953. They were married in St Thomas’

TAREEORGANIST CELEBRATES 80 YEARS OF SERVICE

Cundletown in 1954. The late Fr Ted Kirby was the first priest in local mission in our diocese, and he worked very closely with Fr Milton Fowell during his time in ministry. Joyce continued to play at St Thomas’ until 2009, and then played at St Mark’s until 2015. We thank Joyce for sharing her amazing gifts with us. She is much loved in the Parish of Taree, and now resides in Storm Village.

RAYMOND TERRACETHE ECUMENICAL SERVICE WORLD DAY OF PRAYER ON MARCH 6

The ASDF supports the charitable purposes of the church in the Diocese of Newcastle

For more information call us today on 02 4926 3733 or visit our website www.asdf.org.au

Benefits:• No fees or charges• Competitive interest

rates• Planned electronic giving

• 24 hour access through ASDF Online

• Local and focused customer service

Joyce Kirby

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EASTER SERVICE TIMES

BELMONTMaundy Thursday: 7pm Commemoration of the Last Supper & Foot washingGood Friday: 9am Service of Reflection Holy Saturday: 7pm Easter VigilEaster Sunday: 6am Ecumenical Sunrise Service at Redhead Beach (TBA); 8am Holy Communion; 9.45am Holy Communion with Sunday School

BELMONT NORTH/REDHEADPalm Sunday: 9am Eucharist & Welcome, St Alban's March 30: 7pm Chrism Eucharist, Christ Church Cathedral April 1: 6pm Stations of the Cross, Belmont North Maundy Thursday: 6pm Washing of the Feet & Eucharist, Belmont North Good Friday: 9am Solemn Service, Belmont North Holy Saturday: 7pm Lighting of the New Fire, Redhead Easter Day: 6am Lighting of the Fire & Community breakfast, Redhead Beach; 9am Eucharist & Lighting of the Paschal Candle, Belmont North

BERESFIELD/THORNTONApril 1: 7pm St Michael’s, Thornton TenebraeHoly Thursday: 6:30pm St Paul’s, Beresfield Roast Lamb Dinner, followed by Maundy Thursday Foot Washing, Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar at 7:30pmGood Friday: 8am St Michael’s, Thornton Good Friday Ante-Communion with Solemn Reproaches; 9:30am St Paul’s, Beresfield Good Friday Ante Communion with Solemn Reproaches; 3pm Outdoor Stations of the CrossEaster Saturday: 12noon St Paul’s, Beresfield Noon Prayers in the Memorial Garden; 5:30pm St Michael’s, Thornton Family Easter VigilEaster Sunday: 6am St Paul’s, Beresfield Dawn Eucharist followed by Breakfast; 8am St Michael's, Thornton Easter Eucharist; 9:30am St Paul's, Beresfield Easter Eucharist

BRANXTON/GRETA/LOCHINVARMaundy Thursday: 7pm St John's, BranxtonGood Friday: 8am Holy Trinity, Lochinvar; 10am St John's, BranxtonEaster Vigil: 7pm St John's, BranxtonEaster Day: 8am Holy Trinity, Lochinvar; 10.00am St John's, Branxton

CAMDEN HAVENGood Friday: 8am & 10amEaster Sunday: 6am Sunrise service at North Brother Mountain lookout; service times 8am & 10am, 6pm

CARDIFFMaundy Thursday: 7pm Mass with Foot WashingGood Friday: 9am Liturgy and ReflectionEaster Sunday: 5.30am Lighting of the New Fire, Renewal of Baptismal promises and First Mass

of Easter; 9am Mass April 11: 6pm Mass & Meal: Easter? Eggsactly! Family fun and worship.

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRALMarch 29: Passion Sunday of the Palms 7am Eucharist; 8am Eucharist, 10am Choral Eucharist, 6pm Choral EvensongMarch 30: Monday in Holy Week 7pm Chrism Eucharist April 1: Wednesday in Holy Week 7.30pm Tenebrae LiturgyMaundy Thursday: 7.30pm Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Supper Good Friday: 8am Morning Prayer and Litany, 10am Children’s Service, 12pm Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, 6pm Taize ServiceHoly Saturday: 7pm Solemn Easter Vigil LiturgyEaster Day: 7am Eucharist, 8am Eucharist, 10am Orchestral Eucharist, 6pm Festal Evensong

CLARENCE TOWNMaundy Thursday: 6pm St Andrew's Seaham Good Friday: 9.30am St John's Clarence TownEaster Sunday: 7.45am St Columba's Karuah; 9.30am St John's Clarence Town

COCKLE BAYMaundy Thursday: 7pm Commemoration of the Last Supper and Foot washing, St David's Church TeralbaGood Friday: Proclamation of the Passion, an Act of Contrition and the Promise of Mercy followed by Holy Communion 7.45am All Saints Boolaroo; 9.30am St David's Teralba Easter Day: Lighting of the new fire, Renewal of Baptism Vows and Easter Mass 7.45am All Saints Boolaroo; 9.30am St David's Teralba

DENMANMaundy Thursday: 6.30pm St Matthias Good Friday: 8:30am St Matthias Easter Sunday: 8.30am St MatthiasEaster Sunday: 11am St Mark's Wybong

HARRINGTON/COOPERNOOKPalm Sunday: 9am St Peter’s HarringtonMaundy Thursday: 7:15pm St Peter’s Harrington, Eucharist of the Last Supper & Washing of FeetGood Friday: 8am Good Friday Liturgy St Peter’s Harrington, 10:30am St Barnabas Upper Lansdowne, 12:15pm Stations of the Cross, St Luke’s Coopernook, 2pm Stations of the Cross, St Peter’s HarringtonHoly Saturday: 7:30pm Combined Church Service @ Uniting Church Harrington + Lighting of the New Fire, + Renewal of Baptismal Vows + First Eucharist of EasterEaster Day: 8am Holy Communion St Peter’s Harrington, 10:30am Holy Communion St Mark’s Mitchells Island

KOTARAPalm Sunday: 7:30am Low Mass, 9am Procession and Sung Mass, 5pm all-age WorshipMaundy Thursday: 6:30pm Institution of the EucharistGood Friday: 11am Way of the Cross (at St Philip’s RC, Vista Pde- tbc), 3pm The Liturgy of the CrossHoly Saturday: 8pm Vigil Mass & Lighting of New FireEaster Day: 9am Sung Mass, 5pm All-age Mass

LAKES ANGLICANMaundy Thursday: 10am Foot Washing and Holy Communion, 6pm Foot Washing and Holy CommunionGood Friday: 7.30am Good Friday Liturgy, 9.30am Family ServiceEaster Sunday: 5.30am Service of Light, 7.30am Holy Eucharist, 9.30am Family Easter Celebration

LAMBTONPalm Sunday: 7.30am Jesmond, 9am Lambton 'liturgy of the palms'Maundy Thursday: 7pm Lambton Foot Washing and Lord Supper followed by prayer vigilGood Friday: 9am Lambton 'at the foot of the cross' service of prayers, reflection and dramaEaster Sunday: 7.30am Jesmond, 9am Lambton

MAITLANDMaundy Thursday: 6.30pm Holy Eucharist Good Friday Liturgy: 9am, 3pm Stations of the Cross St Mary’sEaster Eve: 6pm Lighting of the New Fire, Renewal of Baptismal Promises & First Mass of EasterEaster Sunday: 8am Sung Eucharist, 10am Family Eucharist

MERRIWAMaundy Thursday: 6pm Holy Eucharist Holy Trinity MerriwaGood Friday: 9am Solemn Liturgy Holy Trinity MerriwaEaster Day: 8am Holy Eucharist St Columba's Cassilis; 10am Sung Eucharist Holy Trinity Merriwa

MORPETHMaundy Thursday: 7.30pmGood Friday: 10am & 2pmEaster Day: 5.30am and 9am

MT VINCENT/WESTONApril 1: 7.30pm St Mary's, Weston (Tenebrae)Holy Thursday: 7.30pm St Paul's, KurriGood Friday: 8.30am St Mary's Weston; 12pm Christ Church Mt VincentEaster Eve: 7.30pm St Paul'sEaster Sunday: 8.30am St Mary's Weston; 10am Christ Church Mt Vincent

MURRURUNDIPalm Sunday: 9am Holy Eucharist and ProcessionMaundy Thursday: 5.30pm Meal, Eucharist and Foot washingGood Friday: 9am Solemn LiturgyEaster Day: 7am Easter Vigil & Lighting of the New Fire; 8am Parish Breakfast (All Welcome); 9am Holy Eucharist with Children's Activities

NEWCASTLE St John'sMaundy Thursday: 10:30am Informal Communion, 7pm Quiet and Reflective Communion Good Friday: 9am Traditional Service, 10:45am Children and Families ServiceEaster Eve: 7pm Quiet reflection and Lighting the new fireEaster Day: 9am Traditional Communion, 10:45am and 5pm Informal Communion

PALM SUNDAY: MARCH 29MAUNDY THURSDAY: APRIL 2GOOD FRIDAY: APRIL 3EASTER SATURDAY: APRIL 4EASTER SUNDAY: APRIL 5

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

STOCKTONMaundy Thursday: 7pmGood Friday: 9amEaster Day: 8am

SWANSEAMaundy Thursday: 7.30pm Commemoration of the Last Supper & Foot Washing, St Peter's, SwanseaGood Friday: 8am Commemoration of the Crucifixion, St Peter's Swansea; 9.45am Commemoration of the Crucifixion, Gwandalan Community Hall; 2pm An Hour at The Cross, St Peter'sEaster Eve: 5pm Children’s Programme, St Peter'sEaster Day: 8am Eucharist, St Peter's, Swansea; 9.45am Eucharist, Gwandalan Community Hall; 4pm Eucharist, St Peter's

TAREEMaundy Thursday: 7.30pm Mass of the Lord's SupperGood Friday: 9am Liturgy of the Passion of Our LordEaster Day: 5.30am/9am/5pm Holy Eucharist is celebrated (Mass of the Dawn)St Mark the Evangelist, ChathamEaster Day: 7.30am Eucharist Our Lady of Fatima Church, Old BarEaster Day: 9.30am Eucharist

TELARAH/RUTHERFORDPalm Sunday: 8am Mass at St Christopher's, Rutherford beginning with a combined Liturgy of Palms with St Paul's Roman Catholic Church; 10am Mass at St Luke's, Telarah including a procession with a donkey from a local donkey rescue societyMaundy Thursday: 6pm at St Christopher's, Rutherford Agape meal with washing of feet, Mass, stripping of altar and watchGood Friday: 9am at St Christopher's, Rutherford Stations of the Cross; 3pm at St Luke's, Telarah Passion and Adoration of the CrossHoly Saturday: 7:30pm Easter Eve Mass at St Christopher's, Rutherford with lighting of the new fire, blessing of Paschal Candles, renewal of baptismal vows and Paschal FeastEaster Sunday: 9am Combined Parish Mass at St Luke's Telarah with Easter Egg hunt

TERRIGALMarch 29: The Sunday of the Passion the Right Reverend Gregory Thompson to visit, 10am whole parish Eucharist incorporating Confirmation, 12.30pm bring and share luncheonMarch 30: 8am Morning Prayer, 10am ‘Whispers of Love’ - a meditation, 5.30pm Evening Prayer March 31: 8am Morning Prayer, 10am ‘Whispers of Love’ - a meditation, 5.30pm Evening Prayer April 1: 8am Morning Prayer, 5pm Eucharist, 5.30pm Sacred Readings, 6.30pm Lenten Bible StudyMaundy Thursday: 8am Morning Prayer, 10am ‘Whispers of Love’ - a meditation, 5.30pm Evening Prayer, 7pm Washing of Feet, Celebration of the Institution of the Lord’s Supper, Stripping of the Altar, ReposeGood Friday: 7.30am and 9.30am Behold the Cross of Christ, 3pm An Hour at the Cross, 5.30pm Evening Prayer

April 4: 8am Working Bee church and grounds, 7am The Vigil Eucharist, New Fire, Renewal of Baptismal Vows, Holy EucharistEaster Day: 7.30am Sung Eucharist, 9.30am Said Eucharist, 5.30pm Evening Prayer

THE ENTRANCEMaundy Thursday: 7pm Holy CommunionGood Friday: 9am "An Hour at the Cross" serviceEaster Sunday: 9am Holy Communion

TORONTO Palm Sunday: 8.30am Holy Eucharist and procession of the PalmsHoly Monday: 8.30am Holy Week EucharistHoly Tuesday: 5.30pm Holy Week EucharistHoly Wednesday: 8am Holy Week EucharistMaundy Thursday: 5.30pm Maundy Meal, 7.30pm Institution of the Lord’s Supper and Foot washingGood Friday: 8.30am Solemn Liturgy, 2.30pm Stations of the CrossHoly Saturday: 5.30pm Lighting the New Fire & Easter VigilEaster Day: 6am Ecumenical Sunrise Service, 8.30am Easter Day Eucharist

WALLSENDMaundy Thursday: 7pmGood Friday: 9am; 11am children's serviceEaster Sunday: 7.30am and 9.30am, followed by croissant, fruit, and champagne breakfast

WINDALEMaundy Thursday: 5.30pmGood Friday: 11am Passion Reading & Proclamation of the Cross; 12pm Stations of the CrossEaster Day: 8.30am

WOLLOMBI VALLEY Palm Sunday: 10am St John’s Church, Paynes Crossing Road, Wollombi.Maundy Thursday: 6pm St Mark’s Church, Great North Road, Laguna.Good Friday: 10.30am Ecumenical Stations of the Cross St Michael’s Catholic Church, Wollombi Road, Wollombi.Easter Day: 10am St Mark’s Church, Great North Road, Laguna.

WOY WOY/UMINAPalm Sunday: 8am St Andrew's Umina; 10am St Luke’s Woy WoyMaundy Thursday: 8.30am St Luke’s Woy Woy; 7.30pm St Andrew's UminaGood Friday: 8am St Andrew's Umina; 10am St Luke’s Woy WoyApril 4: 7.30pm Easter Vigil St Luke’s Woy WoyEaster Day: 8am St Andrew's Umina; 10am St Luke’s Woy Woy

WYONGPalm Sunday: Regular service times 7.30am & 9.30amMaundy Thursday: 7pm (Last Supper Celebration)Good Friday: 9amEaster Sunday: Regular service times 7.30am & 9.30am

APRIL

10-19 National Youth WeekNational Youth Week is an annual, week-long celebration of young people (12 to 25) throughout Australia. National Youth Week encourages youths to share ideas, attend events, discuss youth issues, showcase their talents and even have a bit of fun. www.youthweek.com

11 Scrapbook and Card Making Workshops, Kotara SouthWorkshops will be held in Scrapbook and Card Making on Saturday 11/4 & 2/5. Cost $15 includes all materials and afternoon tea. Join us from 1pm - 4pm at Church of the Good Shepherd. All welcome. For all enquiries call Lauren Austin Ph. 4947 1980 or email: laurenaustin237@outlook.com

15 Youth Homelessness Matters DayYHMD aims to raise awareness and public discussion about youth homelessness. www.youthhomelessnessmatters.info/

22 Earth DayEarth Day is a celebration of the environment we all share. It also acts as a day of conservation awareness. www.earthday.org

25 Anzac Day

29 Fashion Parade, BooragulAnglican Care Auxiliary will hold a Fashion Parade in Timbury Hall, Anglican Care Village Booragul commencing at 2pm. Fashions from Noni B Mount Hutton. Afternoon Tea provided. Enquiries to Lynette 4954 0459.

MAY

10 Mother's Day

11-17 National Volunteer Week

24 Pentecost

25 Bus Trip, BooragulAnglican Care Auxiliary are hosting a bus trip. Leaves Booragul 9am. Enquiries and bookings to Beryl 4954 0459.

26 National Sorry Day

27 May - 3 June National Reconciliation Week

JUNE

26 Theatre Night, Friends of the SamaritansThe first fundraiser of the year will be to Lady Windermere's Fan by Oscar Wilde at the Newcastle Theatre Company, 90 DeVitre Street, Lambton. The play will commence at 8pm, and champagne & nibbles will be served at 7.30pm. Tickets from Anne Clarke 4963 1672 or the Samaritans 4960 7100.

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Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 50 mins | Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS

250g cream cheese, at room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup (55g) caster sugar 4 eggs 175g softened unsalted butter 175g brown sugar 200g self-raising flour, sifted 400g plums, seeds removed, sliced Icing sugar, to dust White chocolate custard1 cup (250ml) milk 300ml thickened cream 4 egg yolks 2 tablespoons cornflour 1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar 100g white chocolate, finely chopped

METHOD1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and line an 18cm x 28cm lamington pan.2. Add cream cheese, vanilla, caster sugar and 1 egg to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat for 2-3 minutes until smooth.3. Place butter, brown sugar, flour and remaining 3 eggs in a clean bowl and beat for 2-3 minutes until creamy. Spread half the flour

mixture in the tray followed by half the cream cheese mixture, swirling to gently combine, then top with half the plums. Top with remaining flour mixture, cream cheese mixture and plums. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden.

4. For the custard, heat the milk and cream in a saucepan over medium heat to just below boiling point. Whisk together yolks, cornflour and sugar until combined, then pour the hot cream mixture over the egg mixture. Transfer to a clean saucepan and cook, stirring, over low heat for 4-5 minutes until custard coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat, add the chocolate and stir until smooth.

5. Dust the plum tray bake with icing sugar, then slice and serve with warm chocolate custard.

Hey fellow wine lovers, hope you enjoyed the Christmas article, I finally managed to convince that goose Bazza to let me go and write about decent wines again. I can’t believe Louise let that happen. Ahh well no accounting for taste. Now I know some wonder about expensive wines and if they’re worth it. I for one enjoy good wines and one of my little pleasures is buying, cellaring and drinking good wines with friends and family.Early in 2013 I was invited by a good mate to a degustation dinner and wine tasting at Pacific Dunes in Medowie. The wines were supplied by Andrew Thomas a boutique wine Hunter Valley maker and one of my favourites. (Andrew by the way was previously the wine maker at Tyrrell’s Vineyard.) The meal was spectacular, and the wines varied from his low end whites

BY RICHARD TURNBULL

and reds to his signature Hunter wines, the Braemore Semillon and Kiss Shiraz.During the evening there was an opportunity to order wines, which of course I did. Among others I purchased a case of 2011 Kiss Shiraz. Last Friday night I visited the same friend and I took a bottle of Kiss Shiraz to share. This was its first tasting for us since we had purchased the wine nearly 2 years before. It was spectacular in 2013 and 2 years cellaring has improved it no end. This wine can be cellared up to 2031. The Kiss Shiraz is a benchmark Hunter Shiraz from what is now regarded as a classic Hunter vintage. The wine is coloured bright crimson purple. The nose has aromas of red berried fruits and a subtle peppery spice. The palate is dark berry fruits and nicely integrated oak, a typical Hunter medium bodied wine.

Generally there are only limited bottles available due to the boutique nature of the vineyard. The 2011 vintage only produced 590 dozen and has now sold out, however if you enjoy good quality Hunter Shiraz the 2012 Vintage will be bottled in July. But be quick!Kiss Shiraz sells for $60 per bottle from the cellar door or website.Andrew’s wines are available from the Small Winemaker’s Centre in Pokolbin or via his website www.thomaswines.com.au/shop-onlineCheers.

WINE OF THE MONTH

RECIPE PLUM TRAY BAKE WITH WHITE CHOCOLATE CUSTARD

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3 Which cemetery did the Australian “Unknown Soldier," who is interred in the Australia War Memorial, come from? 4 The fighter planes that attacked Broome WA in 1942 came from which nation?6 During WW1 which famous German fighter plane shot down and killed 80 allied planes and crews?7 Name the Harbour where the USS Arizona was hit on December 7, 1941?8 Which is the biggest Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery on the Western Front?11 The first campaign that Australians were involved in was a hastily raised force known as the Australian Naval and Military __________ force in September, 1914?12 What were the NorthVietnamese Fighters commonly known as?14 Which British Commonwealth Nation has NO soldiers remembered on the Menin Gate? 16 Which significant Australian battle of WW1 is not remembered on the Sydney NSW Cenotaph?19 Who was the last British Commonwealth General "Knighted" in the field by the then King?20 What was the surname of the young girl famous for her wartime diary written during the Holocaust? 22 The first joint Australian & New Zealand force grouped together in what year of WW1? Nineteen Fifteen, Sixteen or Seventeen? 23 The powers who joined forces to fight the Allies in WW11 were referred to as the ?

FILM REVIEW THE THEORY OF EVERYTHINGREV'D TIM GOLDSMITH ASSOCIATE MINISTER - KINCUMBER ANGLICAN CHURCHES

The Theory of Everything… It’s really something!

It’s a dangerous road, seeking to tell the story of physicist and staunch atheist Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) and his first wife Jane (Felicity Jones), a devout Anglican. On one side is the potential of creating a caricature of a man who defied a two-year life expectancy, after being diagnosed with ALS (commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease),

and has gone on to be one of the greatest scientific minds ever. On the other side is the temptation to turn such a story into a hagiography, sweeping under the carpet tensions in relationships and lives that inevitably follow such difficult circumstances.The Theory of Everything, however, deftly skirts these shoals and delivers the stunning story of Hawking’s desire to make the most of every moment of his life, whilst never shying away from relational turmoil that accompanied the scientific discoveries.There’s no surprise that Redmayne has won the Academy Award for Best Actor. His compelling performance of a person with a disability allows an almost instant suspension of disbelief. Hawking himself is said to have claimed that it was like watching himself on film. Jones delivers a similarly stunning performance as her character stoically deals with her husband’s diagnosis, his stubbornness, the difficulties of having a family, and maintaining her Christian faith within an often-antagonistic context.One of the few disappointing elements to the movie is that the tension between Stephen’s Atheism and Jane’s Christian faith is used as a plot driver, set up in the very first moments with Stephen stating that cosmology is “a kind of religion for intelligent atheists”, and “I have a slight problem with the celestial dictatorship premise”, yet the rationale for Jane’s faith and how she reconciled her beliefs is never really explored. The movie assumes a level of antagonism between science and religion, but never really explores whether that distance can be bridged (or if in fact it really exists?)In conclusion, if you’re looking for an in depth exploration of Hawking’s cosmology, or a solid look at the science vs. religion debate, then this movie may not deliver for you. If, however, you’re looking for a well crafted and beautifully shot movie, which highlights the struggles of human frailty as well as our ability to explore the boundaries of human endeavour, then this is the movie for you. It’s well worth a visit to the big screen.The Theory of Everything will be available on DVD on May 28, 2015.

BY THE REV'D JUDY WALSH

APRIL PUZZLEREMEMBER THEM

ACROSS1 In what month did the first ANZAC assault force go ashore in Gallipoli? 5 Another commonly used name for the Thai Burma railway?8 True or False – There were more bombs dropped on Darwin than there were on Pearl Harbour?9 In WWII the 1st Division to depart Australia left from which Australia Port?10 The city which was the base of the Australian Task Force in Vietnam is now known as? 13 Who was Prime Minister of Australia when WW1 broke out?15 Who was The First Lord of the Admiralty at the commencement of WWII? 17 Broome WA was bombed initially in which month of 1942?18 “We shall fight them on the beaches” is exactly what Winston Churchill said in his famous speech of June, 1940. RIGHT or WRONG?21 Who was the original author of the Poem “In Flanders Fields”?24 What was the name of the base for the 1st Australian Task Force in Vietnam? 25 Which world power had colonised parts of New Guinea in 1884 setting up a wireless base that had to be destroyed by our first Naval and Military Forces?

DOWN2 What was the nick name of the Australia troops who defended Tobruk?

SOLUTION TO LAST MONTHS PUZZLE:CHURCH CALENDAR

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God of love and liberty,we bring our thanks today for the peace and

security we enjoy.We remember those who in time of war

faithfully served their country.We pray for their families,

and for ourselves who freedom was won at such a cost.

Make us a people zealous for peace, and hasten the day

when nation shall not lift up sword against nation

neither learn war any more.This we pray in the name of the one who

gave his lifefor the sake of the world:

Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.