The document summarizes events in the Anglican Diocese of Gippsland, including:
1) Fires burned large areas of Gippsland in February, threatening the town of Morwell. Clergy provided support to evacuees.
2) A blues concert in Bundalaguah raised funds for hall restoration and a youth music facility in Sale.
3) The bishop's letter discusses the need for corporate and national repentance for past injustices in working towards justice and mercy in society.
The document summarizes events in the Anglican Diocese of Gippsland, including:
1) Fires burned large areas of Gippsland in February, threatening the town of Morwell. Clergy provided support to evacuees.
2) A blues concert in Bundalaguah raised funds for hall restoration and a youth music facility in Sale.
3) The bishop's letter discusses the need for corporate and national repentance for past injustices in working towards justice and mercy in society.
The document summarizes events in the Anglican Diocese of Gippsland, including:
1) Fires burned large areas of Gippsland in February, threatening the town of Morwell. Clergy provided support to evacuees.
2) A blues concert in Bundalaguah raised funds for hall restoration and a youth music facility in Sale.
3) The bishop's letter discusses the need for corporate and national repentance for past injustices in working towards justice and mercy in society.
The document summarizes events in the Anglican Diocese of Gippsland, including:
1) Fires burned large areas of Gippsland in February, threatening the town of Morwell. Clergy provided support to evacuees.
2) A blues concert in Bundalaguah raised funds for hall restoration and a youth music facility in Sale.
3) The bishop's letter discusses the need for corporate and national repentance for past injustices in working towards justice and mercy in society.
How bright is our light? page 6 Beans and Smudge page 12 !"# $%&'()*% Volume 111, Number 2 March 2014 Published in Gippsland Diocese since 1904
We are the evidence page 5
Steve Clarke: Approaching Easter There is a magic deeper still, page 10 !"#$%&%'"%( !&")* ,-'(. F ires in February burned through many hectares in Gippsland. Some homes and stock were lost, but thankIully not lives. Days aIter the fres began that threatened Morwell, the town was still shrouded in smoke, according to resident and church member Sandra Wagner. She said Sunday 9th February was 'a horrifc day. It all blew up about 1:30 in the aIternoon, with smoke
billowing all over the town. Many people evacuated, especially Irom the south and west oI Morwell, as two separate fres came Irighteningly close to the town. By 6:00pm on Sunday, the Princes Highway to Traralgon was the only road out oI Morwell. Sandra said it was a 'really scary situation. The rector at Morwell, the Rev. Heather Marten, and assistant priest, the Rev. Lyn Williams, visited many homes to check
on parishioners, and then went across to Traralgon to help out at the relieI centre there. Heather said that she decided to leave her own place, partly because people across the road Irom her, and in the next block were being evacuated, and partly so that she could help at the relieI centre. She said it was 'awIul to see the devastation to Iarmland having visited Moe, she had seen both sides oI the Ireeway between Moe and Morwell were 'just black. She also made the comment, This is a pretty resilient community and they bounce back pretty well. Other places around Gippsland were also aIIected by the fres, not least by many road closures, and the trains being unable to go beyond Moe. The Rev. John Batt said that at Neerim South that Sunday, the power went out at 10:45 am and did not come on again until ten o`clock that night. It was 'very windy and wild and pretty worrying. Some people were evacuated Irom Buln Buln and Jindivick, and roads were cut. For many people, it brought back memories oI the trauma Irom fve years beIore, when there
was terrible devastation in the Black Saturday fres. John said they held prayers beIore the church service Ior the CFA, SES and people in general. Joy Andrews Irom Warragul said We were much more Iortunate than fve years ago. At Malacoota, Sunday`s black-out caused some concern, but Club Terrace was worse aIIected, according to the Rev. Roger Jackman. Smoke Irom the Hazelwood coal mine fre has been causing on-going health problems Ior Morwell people. ,(--.'*%/ T he Bundalaguah Blues concert was a sell out with 250 people spilling out oI the hall. The concert was held to welcome renowned Australian blues guitarist and singer, Fiona Boyes, into the Gippsland blues community. The charity concert, on Thursday February 13th, raised Iunds Ior the restoration oI the Bundalaguah hall, and Ior the creation oI a youth Iacility in Sale, to be set up by St. Paul`s Anglican cathedral. One purpose oI the 123 Youth Project is to provide recording studios and a place Ior young local musicians to practise. Many oI the blues perIormers at the concert were on their way to the Bruthen Blues and Arts Festival. Bishop John McIntyre and Archdeacon Philip Muston (above) were also among the perIormers on the night. The Rev. Rich Lanham, Diocesan Youth Development OIfcer, said 'It was a Iantastic night. The hall was Iull and the vibe was awesome. Gippsland res by Jan Down !"#$%&%'"%( !&")* ,-'(. Two photos by Jan McIntyre !,$ Page 2 The GippsIand AngIican March 2014 Member of Australasian Religious Press Association Member of Community Newspapers Association of Victoria Registered by Australia Post Print Post Numer 34352/00018 The Gippsland Anglican is the offcial newspaper of and is published by The Anglican Diocese of Gippsland, 453 Raymond Street, Sale, Victoria, 3850. www.gippsanglican.org.au Editor: Jan Down Tel: 0407 614 661 Email: editor@gippsanglican.org.au Printed by Rural Press Printing, 30-32 Grandlee Drive, Wendouree, Victoria, 3355. The editor reserves the right of fnal choice and format of material included in each issue. The Gippsland Anglican and the editor cannot necessarily verify any material used in this publication. Views contained in submitted material are those of conributors. Advertising Rates Please contact the editor for all advertising submissions, costing and enquiries, including about inserts in the newspaper. A full advertising schedule can be sent out upon request. !"# $%&'()*% ,(--.'*%/ Index Bundalaguah Blues Night 1 Gippsland res 1 Letter from the Bishop 2 30+ groups 3 against fracking Hospitality brings blessing 4 South Sudan update 4 We are the evidence 5 Trafalgar awards 6 How bright is our light? 6 Theos award 6 Deep gratitude 7 Farewell for Janet Wallis 7 Grammar Schools 8 VCE results Local support for 8 children in Thailand Caring for the environment 9 Approaching Easter 10 From the editor 10 Letter to the editor 10 Beans and Smudge 12 Diocesan Calendar 12
/0 That's the interest you can earn when you deposit your money with the Anglican Development Fund (A.D.F.) for the Diocese of Gippsland. Enjoy good rates of interest on your deposit. Current interest rates for deposits with the A.D.F. 3.75% At Call 4.75% Term Deposits to $20,000 5.00% Term Deposits $20,000+ We'll make your money work in low risk investment opportunities, !"#$%&'(% *&+ !,#-*. /012 '(*# *&+ 3'#1+.+ *# .+,4+ *&+ 5'..'#( of the Church here in Gippsland. What a great opportunity to Save with your deposit and serve the church at the same time. Consider also that there are "# $%%& #' ()*'+%& to operate your Account with the A.D.F. !t's all part of our free and friendly service. So, here is your opportunity to learn the art of Giving while Receiving. Give us a call on ,-./ 0122 3-22 or write to The Registrar at P O Box 928, Sale, 3850, or you can drop in to the Diocesan Registry at +53 Raymond Street, Sale for an Application Form to open an account with the ADF. Note: Neither the Anglican Diocese oI Gippsland nor the Anglican Development Fund Gippsland is prudentially supervised by APRA. Contributions to the Fund do not obtain the beneft oI depositor protection provisions oI the Banking Act 1959.
Bishop John McIntyre T he season oI Lent is upon us, and right now I believe we Australians collectively are much in need oI repentance about many things. Individual repentance is oIten emphasised in Lent but we tend not to be too big on the idea oI corporate repentance. That puts us at odds with the peoples oI Biblical times. In the days oI Nehemiah we read that the people came together to conIess their sins and the sins oI their ancestors` (Nehemiah 9.2). Not only was their conIession corporate, it included conIession oI the sins oI those who had gone beIore them, the consequences oI which they recognised continued to have ongoing ill eIIect on the liIe oI their nation. They understood there could be no justice and mercy in the liIe oI their nation while they did not separate themselves Irom their national sins, both past and present. Would that we had such an understanding today. Past injustice is oIten the Ioundation oI present injustice. II an injustice goes unrecognised, its consequences in the liIe oI our community can be assumed as normal and go unquestioned. In this way, we may unwittingly perpetuate an injustice. It is not until past injustice is acknowledged as injustice and conIessed, that we can overcome its consequences among us and build the Ioundation Ior a just Iuture. This realisation lies at the heart oI the Lord`s Prayer. Without the Iorgiveness oI sins Ior which we pray in the prayer (Forgive us our sins), there is no hope that God`s justice and mercy will be done (Your will be done on earth), and so become a reality in the liIe oI the communities and nation oI which we are a part. As I write this, the Greens are advocating Ior the removal oI the Lord`s Prayer Irom the beginning oI parliamentary
sessions. It is something oI an irony that the political party that makes so much oI its claim to stand Ior justice wants to remove Irom parliament the commitment to justice implicit in the Lord`s Prayer. In repeating the Lord`s Prayer, our parliamentarians are being reminded to remember their accountability to seek justice, and Ior that matter, to show mercy. They are reminded oI their common humanity with us all (Our Father), and oI their need to repent oI their part in
the problems oI our nation iI they are to fnd solutions to the national issues they are called to address (Forgive us our sins). Both these acknowledgements lay a frm Ioundation Ior justice and mercy Ior all in our national liIe.
At a time when the Federal Government is commending the retelling oI history in schools to deny our injustices towards the frst nations oI this land, the Greens suggest we remove the one act oI corporate commitment to justice in which our parliamentarians are asked to engage together. At a time when our barbarity towards those who seek asylum in this country is covered by a shroud oI shameIul secrecy, the Greens want to remove our parliamentarians` common commitment to show mercy, implicit in their recitation oI the Lord`s Prayer. I certainly understand the tragic reality that repeating the Lord`s Prayer in our parliaments is in danger oI becoming merely tokenistic, but a call to remove it makes little sense. All the more reason why we as the people oI God, on behalI oI our nation, should conIess our corporate sins past and present during Lent 2014. And what better way to do this than by saying the Lord`s Prayer? Letter from the Bishop 012&(3# 4. 567 .(%. The Greens suggest we remove the one act of corporate commitment to justice in which our parliamentarians are asked to engage together. !,$ C ommunity Groups around Gippsland are galvanising to challenge unconventional gas (or coal seam gas`) mining across the region. They say it will desecrate the environment, devalue land and reduce the region`s population. According to Sale activist and pediatrician Jo McCubbin, more than 30 groups have Iormed across the region, Irom Poowong East to Lakes Entrance. Included are church people concerned Ior what the process, popularly known as Iracking`, will do to the creation and people`s health. More than a hundred people met at Meerlieu. Groups in Mirboo North, Seaspray and Poowong have undertaken door knocking to engage with local residents. Seaspray is reported to have voted to be a gas feld Iree` community. East Gippsland communities are encouraging each other to work together to survey their communities. They have threatened, iI necessary, to blockade drilling planned Ior this month. 'The people are fnding a voice across Gippsland, she said. Dr McCubbi n sai d Gippsland`s water supply and means oI Iood production were under threat Irom the mining process. It involves drilling pipes vertically down through coal, rock and shale, and then horizontally into seams or gas pockets to extract tight gas` (gas retrieved Irom rocks oI low permeability) by pumping a mixture oI water, chemicals and sand along small seams. The Irack fuid` is then returned to the surIace, by this stage consisting oI water mixed with hydro- carbons, heavy metals and radioactive substances leached Irom the rocks. It is disposed oI by various means. Possible risks oI the process include the devaluation oI Iarming land, leading to reduced population, and pollution oI agricultural water by pollutants including radioactive elements that may make their way into the Iood chain, Dr McCubbin says. 'There is no requirement to test Ior radioactivity in agricultural water, she said. 'Engineers are interested in the technology oI the mining, but oIten don`t consider the disposal oI waste to be their problem. There is no legislation Ior who has to fx up the mess at the end, or who has to make sure the well casings that are leIt, do not begin to leak. Dr McCubbin was concerned that there was insuIfcient baseline monitoring oI water, air and health standards required by legislation. It was oIten leIt to mining companies to selI- monitor. 'Gippsland is already a Iragile area, she said, adding that the Strezlecki Iormation was an unstable Iault-line and Gippsland was prone to earth movement and subsidence. Those in Iavor oI CSG mining, including many in Government and business, cite the benefts as including more jobs and cheaper natural gas Ior consumers. 'These supposed advantages are questionable in the long- term, said Dr McCubbin. 'Although initially contract drillers will be employed, many will be brought in Irom other parts oI Australia as fy-in fy-out workers. And with devalued Iarming land and shrinking towns many jobs will be lost as well. She said there was now such a surplus oI natural gas in the US that America now wants to export it to Australia`s markets. Dr McCubbin said Iarmers were pressured into allowing mining companies onto their land. Exploration Licences aIter fve years could be replaced with Retention Licences that could be renewed, resulting in Iarming land being tied up in the Iracking process Ior up to 30 years, even iI no signifcant gas actually fows. The 'Lock the Gates initiative was encouraging more Iarmers to resist the process, she said. 'II people stick together and talk to their neighbours about it, they can be strong. She said Gippsland people should also 'have a chat with their local members to voice their concerns about CSG extraction. 'Government and some Iarmers are seduced by big business, she said. 'Politicians are being very quiet about the whole thing, although to their credit they have extended the current moratorium on the chemical Iracking until aIter the state election. 1)#.%& ()%&.( 23#2)4#* Another person associated with the challenge, Community Over Mining`s Tracey Anton, said the mental health risks associated with CSG extraction had not been widely canvassed. As landholdings are devalued through multiple drillings and contamination oI water and soil, and through localised subsidence oI land, properties will become unsaleable. You won`t be able to borrow to improve your land iI it is worth little. 'With this, a lack oI clarity on insurance and continued rating oI such properties will cause increased stress, with depression to Iollow. Ms. Anton warned that young people would move out oI regional communities in search oI jobs. 'The mining companies say they will put back into` the community through giving money to sporting groups and other groups. But there`s not much use in doing this iI the people especially the younger people have gone, she said. CSG mining has been widely practised in parts oI the USA Ior several decades. But the results have been destructive to the environment in many regions, notably in Texas and around the GulI oI Mexico. The Social Responsibilities Committee oI the Melbourne Anglican Diocese has produced a detailed report on coal seam gas mining which can be seen at: http://tinyurl.com/lllpIdo/. March 2014 The GippsIand AngIican Page 3 Philip Muston investigates concerns about coal seam gas mining !"# %&'()* +%+,-*. /&+01,-% ,- 2,))*3+-4 Farm photograph: Jan Down, sign photograph courtsey Gas Field Free Seaspray Dr McCubbin said Gippslands water supply and means of food production were under threat.
RICH LANHAM SAYS THE FIRST PRIORITY FOR PARISHES DEVELOPING YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRIES IS TO SEEK GOD`S DIRECTION, PRAY TOGETHER AND EVEN TO FAST I t`s with great enthusiasm and expectation that I begin my regular spot in the Gippsland Anglican paper. I`m excited and hopeIul about the conversations and possibilities that will be generated as we serve the Lord, developing and growing ministry to Iamilies and young people. 2014 is also the year the new fve year diocesan plan really begins to roll out, as parishes adopt and plan to address key elements oI the Diocesan Strategic Directions. My role as Diocesan Youth Development OIfcer has me invited to diIIerent parishes with a view to supporting them, as they develop their ministry plans Ior their communities. OIten this goes beyond simple youth ministry, as the parishes recognise that youth ministry is a component oI the whole parish activity, and sometimes there are other more pressing issues that need to be addressed, well beIore a youth ministry is begun. In addition to this some parishes are recognising that youth ministry is not their most immediate ministry need; in Iact I have advised a number oI churches to consider children`s and Iamily programs like MOPS or Mainly Music as beginning points Ior their strategic plan, as these ministries provide an excellent platIorm to grow relational ministry to parents and their children. I recently asked two parishes to consider two questions as they seek to develop their new ministry plans: 1. What are vou prepared to do? and 2. How long are vou prepared to do it for? I asked these questions aIter telling the story oI the Aboriginal church in Gilgandra that Jules and I worked with, and how two people met Ior church every Sunday Ior fve years, believing that the Lord would send people to their church and it would grow again, and God did and the church grew. I would like us all to consider these questions, as they challenge us to assess our dependence on God and trust in his provision. As Christian people making plans Ior God`s people, we need to frst look at ourselves. To be aware that God loves us dearly and that Jesus` death and resurrection Iree us Irom Iear; and to experience the joy that comes Irom knowing this. The greatest ministry/tool resource that God provides us with is 'us. We are the people whom God restores, heals and Irees. The people whom God created us to be. God wants to use each oI us as evidence oI his great love and grace, and we are challenged to embrace it and refect it to others. I would ask us all to consider our time spent with the Lord. I think the frst parish activity should be to gather together Ior prayer about where the Lord wants us to Iocus. To develop a regular prayer routine and even Iast together. There are always plenty oI programs or activities that we can run in our churches; however we need to be sure we are seeking God Ior direction as we decide what to do. I hope to see many oI you at the Youth and Families Ministry Summit on February 21-23 at Raymond Island where we will discuss, share, brainstorm and encourage each other in
building these ministries. I`m always keen to talk with any oI you about growing ministry in your churches and I am available to come to you and meet with your people as you develop your parish ministry strategy. I can be contacted on 0419392462 or richlanham optusnet.com.au. I`ll leave you with Jesus talking to us about trusting him to provide and seeking him Ior his direction and plan: !"##$%& ()*+,-. 'ThereIore I tell you, do not worry about your liIe, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not liIe more than Iood, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds oI the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father Ieeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one oI you by worrying add a single hour to your liIe? 'And why do you worry about clothes? See how the
fowers oI the feld grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one oI these. II that is how God clothes the grass oI the feld, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fre, will he not much more clothe you you oI little Iaith? So do not worry, saying, What shall we eat?` or What shall we drink?` or What shall we wear?` For the pagans run aIter all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek frst his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ThereIore do not worry about tomorrow, Ior tomorrow will worry about itselI. Each day has enough trouble oI its own.
The Lord Jesus bless you. The Rev. Rich Lanham Assistant Minister St Paul`s Cathedral, Sale Diocesan Youth Development OIfcer We are the evidence of Gods love and grace This year Christians are being asked to help break down barriers by welcoming asylum seekers and reIugees into their homes or churches Ior dinner during ReIugee Week, 15 21 June, 2014. The theme Ior ReIugeee Week this year is Restoring Hope. It is hoped that through this experience oI hospitality, new Iriendships will develop. World Visions` Visier Sany said 'Many asylum seekers and reIugees who come to Australia oIten Ieel marginalised and excluded. Welcome to My Place asks Chritians to heed Christ`s message oI reaching our to our Iellow man and making them Ieel welcome. Christians are invited to sign up Ior a training session to learn about running Welcome to My Place. Participants will then be equipped to teach other members oI their churches about hosting a dinner. Training will take place in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide during February and March. Melbourne Training Session: Thursday 6th March 6:30 9:00pm NewHope Baptist Church 3 Springfeld Road Blackburn North VIC 3130 Wecome to my place inviting refugees to dinner Welcome to Australia and World Vision partner in joint campaign to offer hospitality and friendship to asylum seekers and refugees. Page 4 The GippsIand AngIican March 2014 Rich with Chyop on a frst fshing expedition !,$
Youth and Families A container of computers, clothes, school equipment, army tents and other materials, which was sent last year from Gippsland to the Bor orphanage in South Sudan, has been raided, with everything taken except for some Colorbond roong material and the container itself. Abraham Maluk, Executive Director of the Bor Orphanage and Community Education Project, reports that the children from the orphanage in Bor are now hiding beside the Nile River. People are fearful because the rebels are still in the area. The team of workers from the orphanage are trying to do what they can to care for the children, but the situation is very bad. Many homes have been burned down, and there is an urgent need for tents, food, medical supplies and mosquito nets, especially as the rainy season approaches. Abraham asks that people continue to pray for the children and workers in Bor, as well as the team here in Gippsland, and all those who have lost family and friends in this crisis. The civil war in South Sudan began in December last year. Many thousands of people have been killed, and hundreds of thousands displaced in the violence. While there has been a shaky ceasere, the crisis is far from over. For up to date information, see the ABM website: www.abmission.org/programs/overseas/south-sudan/ and this poster for the fundraising Bingo night in Traralgon. March 2014 The GippsIand AngIican Page 5 Hospitality brings blessing by Jane Peters Wonthaggi/Inverloch O ver the past Iew months the Wonthaggi Inverloch church has been pleased to to host diIIerent groups who in turn have blessed us. Last December a group oI students Irom the Christian Union at Monash University arrived aIter attending their National Training ConIerence. They were immediately able to put some oI their training into practice as they participated in parish activities, especially the Christmas program involving the Inverloch-Kongwak Primary School. Each class came Irom
the school Ior a 1.5 hour session highlighting the Christmas story. The uni students were kept busy helping with the craIts, story reading and the singing sessions. On Sunday they participated in the services in diIIerent ways. Soon aIter Christmas the parish hosted the Inverloch SUFM team. The team is based at the church property and the parish helped out by providing showering Iacilities and catering Ior some oI the events. The week kicked oII with a Fun Run and sausage sizzle and it was great to see a large number oI people participating.
The SUFM runs with the support oI many churches in Inverloch and surrounding areas and it is a blessing to be able to host them each year. A closing service saw the participation oI representatives oI many oI these congregations. As the holiday season comes to a close the parish is conscious that the blessings that fow Irom hospitality will be continuing as we begin our Monday Community Meal program Ior 2014. God`s love and provision is evident as we share meals and our lives with diners and volunteers who come Irom week to week. Contestants prepare for the start of the Fun Run. Lorna White and Wendy McBurnie discuss the next session with Ale, Tim and Samuel from Monash Uni Christian Union. Page 4 The GippsIand AngIican March 2014 !,$
Around The Parishes 53".( 5"$%# "6$%.) 7 .() !34 346(%#%') by Jan Down
Page 6 The GippsIand AngIican March 2014
Two Trafalgar parishioners were recognised for their service to the community on Australia Day. Jackie Neale was the Trafalgar Citizen of the year. She has worked with various community groups, includ- ing playgroup, when her chil- dren were small; the Battle of Trafalgar (president for three years); Scouts; the Public Hall committee; the Trafalgar Com- munity Development Association; and the Trafalgar Lions. Jackie is an ideas person, but is also willing to put in the hard work to make a project hap- pen. She used her knowledge of the building industry to as- sist the Trafalgar Anglican Parish to work towards the building of a community complex, which should start soon. For the past two Christ- mases Jackie has organised a friendly event at the Public Hall for people who may have spent the day alone for a variety of reasons. Linda OConnor was working in the CFA and MFB communication centre in 2009 when there was a very bad re season, including Black Saturday and Darlimurla complex res. She worked through- out this intense period when many people called in and, along with some other workers, has been rec- ognised with a National Emergency Medal. Linda says the atmosphere was intense in the call centre and all the workers felt under huge pressure, especially some whose own homes were under threat. !,$ How bright is our light? Around The Parishes Trafalgar Australia Day Awards for Two 1. 2. 3. 3. by Carolyn Raymond Morwell
St. Mary`s Morwel examines its own gospel living N ow that school is back, it Ieels as iI the year has really begun. At St Mary`s we have celebrated the 'start oI the year by spending one Sunday in looking at the strengths oI our parish liIe and also what we can do both to grow our spiritual lives and to reach out to our community. Archdeacon Heather Marten invited the Rev Trevor Smith to come and spend the day with us and to Iacilitate the conversation. We had only one service that day so all could come and be involved. Trevor preached, and the gospel reading was a timely reminder that we are the salt oI the earth and the light oI the world. All through the service the congregation could look at the wonderIul altar piece made Ior us by the Sunday School. This large altar hanging reminded us all to count our blessings. Some oI the beatitudes were printed below the title. At the end oI the service, Trevor gave out cards on which each oI us had to write oI one event or characteristic oI our parish in which we were Iulflling the gospel, and were living as the light oI the world. Later, when we gathered together Ior our conversation, we compared the diIIerent ways in which we strongly lived as a light to the world. We then joined in groups oI like-minded people to see the signifcance oI this action. It may be outreach through the Christmas services, prayer and the collection oI money Ior those in need, resilience and Iaith in times oI diIfculty, the ministry among children, or the ministry oI Iunerals. Each group looked more deeply into one oI these ministries, considering the action; the belieI that had supported the action; and the result oI this action. This was an aIfrming look at the liIe oI the parish and will encourage and direct our parish liIe in the years to come. Trevor will collate this material and bring it back to the Parish Council who will share the result with the congregation. Thank you Trevor, Ior your support oI our liIe at St Mary`s. Captions: 1. Some members of the Sundav School sharing the altar frontal that thev had made for us. 2. The people of St Marvs gathered in the hall to have a 'Conversation` about our future direction as a parish. 3. Janet Harris, Lorraine Peake, Archdeacon Heather and the Rev Trevor Smith at the Conversation Teos beach mission won the Lakes Entrance Australia Day Award for Event of the Year. Photo courtesy of East Gippsland Newspapers. L-R: Al Steenholdt, Dr Hugh Chisholm, Rev Janet Wallis, Peter Wallis, Pat Bowman Marion Noppert third from right Photos by Ezara Jennings March 2014 The GippsIand AngIican Page 7 by Mary Nicholls Moe A summer progressive .dinner was hosted by the parish as an early Iundraiser and more importantly a social occasion. Approximately 40 parishioners, Iriends and children participated as we travelled in cars and mini bus to parishioners` homes Ior nibbles, barbeque main course and then back to St Luke`s hall Ior coIIee and dessert. AIter enjoying the hospitality and unique garden setting at Marion Noppert`s home, we were pleased to be able to use the occasion to express our deep gratitude to Marion who has IaithIully served the parish Ior over 30 years as the Kindergarten hall caretaker/cleaner. Only those in the parish Iamiliar with St Luke`s Kindergarten and our Iull children`s youth ministry programs could begin to imagine the unique and arduous task this demanded. Kindergarten equipment seemingly disappeared (into store rooms) two to three evenings per week and at weekends, making way Ior our busy parish activities. Graeme Nicholls (warden), on behalI oI the parish expressed our gratitude with a small giIt presentation. He refected on Marion`s un-fappable fexibility and graciousness as unexpected short notice Ior hall use occurred on occasions. Yes Marion was employed by the Kindergarten committees; however, as a Moe Parishioner, she acted as a wonderIul liaison between the church and the community. The closure oI the Kindergarten at the end oI 2013 marked 60 years oI community service, which was fttingly celebrated in December. Changing community needs and an expansion oI local shire kindergartens had made our once valuable community service redundant. The parish is now considering the best way Iorward in utilising its Iacilities and grounds Ior local ministry. Deep Gratitude by Marion Dewar Leongatha O n Sunday evening, on 2nd February, the Reverend Janet Wallis and Mr Peter Wallis were Iarewelled Irom the Anglican Parish oI Leongatha aIter more than six years oI ministry. People Irom St Peter`s Church, the other churches within the parish, and churches Iurther afeld, as well as people Irom the community and nearby towns joined in an evening oI celebration oI the ministry oI the Wallis Iamily. The evening began with a barbeque tea, Iollowed by some home grown entertainment and a number oI speeches. The speeches were made by Hattie Steenholdt (on behalI oI youth and children oI the parish); Grace Kuhne (on behalI oI centres oI Dumbalk and Meeniyan); Doug Grigg (on behalI oI centres oI Tarwin Lower and Venus Bay); Howard Stevens (on behalI oI Leongatha Primary School Christian Religious Education Program); South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Jim Fawcett (on behalI oI the shire and the community); Father Peter Kooloos (on behalI oI the Ministers` Fellowship and the Christian churches oI the district); and Dr Hugh Chisholm (on behalI oI the parish). Mrs Margaret Stokes made a presentation to Mr Peter Wallis and Mrs Pat Bowman made a presentation to the Rev Janet Wallis. !,$
Around The Parishes Farewell for Janet Wallis
Page 8 The GippsIand AngIican March 2014 !,$ Eales Irom Warragul (95.4) and Frances Manson Irom Nar Nar Goon (95). A Iurther nine students obtained scores over 90. This year`s results are another pleasing perIormance Ior the School. 16 oI students obtained an ATAR score oI over 90 putting them in the top 10 oI the state; whilst 42 obtained an ATAR score in excess oI 80 placing them in the top 20. 81 oI the students placed in the top 50. One student obtained an
ATAR score over 99; whilst a Iurther nine students achieved scores over 95. In terms oI study scores in individual subjects, we were delighted that 63 oI the scores were above the state average oI 30; whilst over 10 oI the scores were over 40 and hence will be published on the VCE high achiever`s list. The list oI high achieving students continues to show an impressive geographical diversity refecting the School`s large catchment. Gippsland Grammar VCE results 2013 The Dux oI St Paul`s Ior 2013 was Adam Smetana Irom Drouin. Adam obtained an outstanding ATAR score oI 99 which included fve scores over 40; two oI which were over 45. Adam plans to study Medicine. Close behind Adam were David Hamilton Irom Warragul (98.6); Jessica Bibby Irom Drouin (98.55) and Benjamin Fraser Irom Warragul (98.55). Other very high achievers included: Liam De Vries Irom Morwell (97.95); Kristen Bovery-Spencer Irom Traralgon (97.6); Leon Raymond Irom Traralgon (96); Bonnie Koopmans Irom Warragul (95.65); Daisy-Anne G ippsland Grammar student, Laura Wigney, spent part oI her summer holiday as a volunteer in Thailand, working on a community project with Empower International. Empower, which was Iounded by her Iather, GeoII Wigney, is a not-Ior-proft, Iair-trade organisation which aims to empower the privileged to empower the poor. Laura and her Iather were part oI a team oI eighteen selI-Iunded volunteers, who travelled to Northern Thailand to work on the Clear Skies House`, which has received
support Irom Empower Ior the past three years. In 2011, Empower frst sent a team to rebuild the original bamboo structure which was then housing eight children. This new house consisted oI separate sleeping areas Ior boys and girls, bathrooms and a room Ior the carers. It also had an outdoor kitchen area and dining room. The most recent project saw Laura and the team working to build a new dormitory and security wall to ensure the saIety oI the children. The Clear Skies House` now houses twenty-fve children and all living and education expenses are covered by Empower. The group aims to help educate the children so
that they may have a bright and saIe Iuture. An important Iocus Ior Empower is to oIIer a saIe living environment to vulnerable women and children who are oIten at risk oI being Iorced into human traIfcking and sexual slavery. OIten the children are orphaned or abandoned and have nowhere else to go. Empower International has a retail outlet at 188 Main Street in Bairnsdale. The shop is not-Ior- proft and supports Iair-trade. All products are handmade and careIully selected Irom small businesses oIIering training and employment to those in need. For Iurther inIormation, please go to: www.empower.org.au/. 81)*' .4--129 :12 )"('/2#% (% !"*('*%/ by Meredith Lynch The Dux of Gippsland Grammar for 2013 is Lachlan Buck, from Lakes Entrance. Lachlan obtained an ATAR score of 98.75, with ve scores over 40, including a 46 in Physical Education, which he studied in 2012. This years results are another strong performance for the School. This year six out of the top ten ATARs were scored by girls. Close behind Lach- lan were Sarah Scott from Sale (98.6), Mark McAn- ulty from Maffra (97.8), Emily Lade from Flynn (96.9), Harry Thackray from Maffra (96.7), Melis Rutherford from Paynesville (95.95), Emily Simpson-Page from Pearsondale (95.85), Ritchie Hua from Sale (95.5), Dallas Adams from Newry (95.45), and Mikayla Colley from Sale (94.85). One student, Sarah Scott, achieved a perfect score of 50 for Legal Studies. As a school we are thrilled with the outstanding results attained by our high achiev- ing students; however, there are many other success stories this year not listed in these notes. We would like to congratulate all of our students who successfully obtained their VCE or VCAL certicates and also our dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly to assist these students for many years. ;9 <*4'. ,2*==*2 ;)"11' > ?@A 2#.4'9. BCDE by David Baker, Principal Children and house parents standing in front of the new dormitory at Clear Skies House in Thailand March 2014 The GippsIand AngIican Page 9 !,$
by Sue Jacka A nglican Earthcare Gippsland exists to promote the fIth mark oI the Anglican Communion: to strive to saIeguard the integrity oI creation and sustain and renew the liIe oI the earth`. AEG is a home-grown` organisation oI our own diocese, Gippsland. Our aim is to have people who are concerned about caring Ior creation in each parish getting together to learn more and to encourage wise use oI the earth and its resources. Our principle Iocus currently is to support the development oI the Abbey at Raymond Island as a centre Ior spirituality and the environment. We recognise that this is a very special place with abundant wildliIe as well as some beautiIul coastal native vegetation. It is a place where people can connect both with nature and with God; our ap- preciation oI creation oIten leads us to praise God Ior the beauty and complexity oI the natural environment. I recently visited the Abbey to discuss with Archdeacon Edie Ashley, the Abbey priest, some do-able` projects that your parish might like to support. Some oI these may involve manual labour or Iundraising. All will support the development oI the centre Ior spirituality as well as caring Ior the natural environment: Planting of Ena Sheumack House garden with indigenous species. Removal of polygala (introduced from South Africa) from the grounds and coastal areas. Tend the native areas. Some areas have had weeds removed and now we have to wait for the indigenous plants to re-emerge. This involves monitoring by taking photographs of new growth and checking what is growing, as well as removing the non-indigenous plants that recur. Provide quality signage and labels to raise awareness of the local plants and their history. Sponsor an energy audit of the property. Pay for an electrician to test the lighting system and replace existing light bulbs with energy efcient bulbs. Sponsor the conversion of the former boating shed into a small environment centre. The construction of habitat boxes. Provide interpretive signs for the night sky. Look after the garden/s outside the units and other buildings. Join an environmental education and work party details and dates will be advertised soon. Each of these projects needs to be considered in consultation with the Abbey Chapter. Tere are many exciting possibilities here, so why not see if your parish can partially or fully support one? Donations to Anglican Earthcare Gippsland are tax deductible, so this may encourage some people or groups to donate to your project. Call Sue Jacka 5633 1021 or Edie Ashley on 5156 0511 to discuss. The Swamp paperbark scrub growing along the foreshore. These areas are good habitat for birds and slow down erosion. The paperbarks are under pressure from the increased salinitv of the Gippsland Lakes. Invasive weed removal is a prioritv for these areas. The Forest red gum woodland growing around The Abbev. Forest red gums are food trees for the koalas on Ravmond Island. Grassv eucalvpt woodlands like this are threatened nationallv. One aim is to bring back some pockets of this woodland within the grounds of The Abbev. @*2(%& :12 9"# #%3(21%=#%9 Approaching Easter: There is a magic deeper still Page 10 The GippsIand AngIican March 2014 !,$ The Rev. Steve Clarke, Dean of St. Pauls cathedral, Sale, reects on three art works in the lead up to Easter From the editor What can one person do? And equally What can one person get away with? Where does individual responsibility end, and corporate begin? Does it really matter whether I, as an individual, buy recycled toilet paper or fair-trade coffee? The bishop speaks in this months letter about the need for corporate repentance. Philip Muston writes about a community or corporate response to fracking on farms in Gippsland, and Sue Jacka asks whole churches to support earth care projects on Raymond Island. I have just been reading about the churches in Devon, in the south of England. Martin Goss, who is Diocesan Environmental Coordinator for Exeter, describes a large map in their diocesan ofce entitled Devons Green Churches. There are dots and stars scattered over this map, each representing a church that is taking corporate responsibility for creation care in some way, through actions such as installing a composting toilet, or putting up solar panels, or by undertaking an energy audit. He points out that it is often individual pioneers in a church who get projects like these started. So individual action then becomes corporate. The dioceses of the South West of England are having a Carbon Fast for Lent, to encourage church people to nd ways to reduce their fossil-fuel needs. I know of one family who have decided, for ethical reasons, to give up supermarket shopping for Lent something not all of us could do. Last I heard, they were spending the months leading up to Lent in nding local alternatives, including growing and preserving some of their own fruit and vegetables. I nd it encouraging (and challenging) to know that my individual actions and choices do matter, because they are part of a bigger picture. Many individual actions combined can have a huge impact both negative and positive. While big corporations may wield enormous power, often to the detriment of people and environment, there is a different, awesome, leavening power at work in the world at the same time. Your kingdom come. Amen! Letter to the editor Oh dear, the bishop is cross again. Cross with the Abbott government. Before the last election the bishop was trenchant in his criticism of the Liberal party and he also took a swipe at the ALP, which he described as not much better. Nevertheless, it seems that about 80% of Anglicans in Gippsland clearly disregarded the bishops views and decided to vote for Liberal and National parties or the ALP. The days are past when relatives, union leaders, company bosses, clerics and other notables are able to wield power over the voters. Most Australians, happily, can think for themselves. And when the bishop espouses such prejudiced and extreme views, sadly it makes people even less likely to listen to him when he has something worthwhile to say. Roger Doyle Moe S ome oI us reading this, are old enough to remember the 1969 album released by King Crimson, 'In the Court oI the Crimson King. Its opening track was a provocative and prophetic attempt to predict the experience oI western society in the next millennium. It was simply entitled '21st Century Schizoid Man. Cats foot iron claw Neuro-surgeons scream for more At paranoias poison door. 21st centurv schi:oid man. Blood rack barbed wire Politicians funeral pvre Innocents raped with "#$#%& '() 21st centurv schi:oid man. Death seed blind mans greed Poets starving children bleed Nothing hes got he reallv needs 21st centurv schi:oid man. Andrew Fletcher, an 18th century Scottish moral philosopher, wrote, 'Give me the making oI the songs oI a nation and I care not who writes its laws. Songs, as with other Iorms oI popular art, are a major access point to the mind- set oI a culture. They play a dual role, that oI insight and infuence, Ior they shape moods and reveal convictions. So, in the light oI Fletcher`s maxim it is worth pausing a moment to refect on these lyrics, and those oI the album`s 3rd track, 'ConIusion Will Be My Epitaph Between the iron gates of fate, The seeds of time were sown, And watered bv the deeds of those Who know and who are known, Knowledge is a deadlv friend When no one sets the rules. The fate of all mankind I see Is in the hands of fools. Confusion will be mv epitaph. As I crawl a cracked and broken path If we make it we can all sit back and laugh, But I fear tomorrow Ill be crving, Yes I fear tomorrow Ill be dving. For King Crimson, liIe`s epitaph is summed up in one word conIusion. The predictions are compelling as the imagination
is leIt to wander through scenes oI senseless violence, needless hate, and heartless cruelty, behind which lies an unshakeable barrenness oI soul amidst the uncertainty oI a Iuture anchored in Iutility. The profle oI the 21st century 'schizoid man? Nothing he`s got he really needs. In case you think this is too bleak a picture, I oIIer an account Irom renowned US Anglican sociologist, Robert Bellah. In his book The Good Societv Bellah tells oI a student speaker at a recent Harvard University graduation ceremony who said, I believe that there is one idea, one sentiment, which we have all acquired at some point in our Harvard careers, and that ladies and gentlemen is in a word, confusion... Thev tell us that it is heresv to suggest the superioritv of some value, fantasv to believe in moral argument, slaverv to submit to a fudgement sounder than vour own. The freedom of our dav is the freedom to devote ourselves to anv values we please, on the mere condition that we do not believe them to be true. The Harvard student`s sober evaluation oI her educational experience echoes the sentiment oI the earlier lyrics, Knowledge is a deadlv friend When no one sets the rules The fate of all mankind I see Is in the hands of fools. I want you, as Christians to pause a moment with me and
recognise the degree to which we oIten hide behind neat philosophical and theological arguments, heavily Iootnoted Ior eIIect, rather than Iace the hurts, conIusion, passions, and loves oI those among whom we live. The unmasked vulnerability, the heartIelt anguish, the soaring aspirations oI those around us too oIten go unrecognised. I invite your attention as we consider three images that bring together the threads oI this article, and oIIer what I believe to be an answer to the disorientation oI this generation and the way back to a coherent society that truly values all its members. In 1633 Rembrandt portrayed the crucifxion oI Jesus and twice included himselI in the painting. First we see him at the Ioot oI the Cross, gazing up, as iI sharing responsibility Ior the deed. Second we see hi m, hand out st ret ched, clutching what appears to be a Cross, looking straight into our Iaces, as iI to invite us to enter the scene, to accept our place in this d r a m a . We see also the puzzled fgure with overly large hands in the lower leIt. He accentuates Re mbr a nd t `s i m a g e r y , encapsul at i ng
the questions, invitation, mystery, and sublimity oI this extraordinary moment. The three fgures raising the Cross pushing, pulling, carrying the burden oI this awIul deed. And central to the image is Christ HimselI. Bathed in light, He is suspended between heaven and earth. His near naked Iorm leaves no doubt that He is truly human one oI us. Yet his gaze heavenward tells us that that He looks into the Face oI the Divine He sees what we cannot. You can hear` the words oI entreaty Father, Iorgive them, Ior they know not what they do`. It is a painting Iull oI rich imagery, Iull oI human experience and emotion, and divine promise and hope. It is intimately personal and yet embracing oI all who would enter its scene. In the 1960s Andy Warhol painted Campbell`s Soup cans. In all he created a set oI 32, one Ior each variety Campbell`s produced. Warhol`s biographer, David Bourdon, says the inspiration came Irom seeing empty soup cans on his desk and the desire to show modern liIe as being without any substantial personality or individual expression`. As Warhol simply explained a group oI painters have come to the common conclusion that the most banal and even vulgar trappings oI modern civilization can, when transposed to canvas, become Art`. He understood the modern era as one oI commercialisation and indiscriminate sameness`. By repeating mechanical derivatives oI a packaged commercial product Warhol was mocking any pretension to discrimination or perception. (See: http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Campbell`sSoupCans) Noticeably absent Irom Warhol`s work is the person, whether human or divine. For him, we are merely consumers, without substantial personality or individual expression, mere captives to the banal and derivative. The can is the object oI meaning, itselI an absurdity. In stark contrast, Ior Rembrandt, our identity is tied to the crucifxion oI this Man on a Cross; He is the object oI veneration and wonder. Both images raise questions oI human signifcance and divine purpose. Rembrandt`s and Warhol`s works oI art serve as powerIul symbols in terms oI their respective visions oI reality. Every society has its symbols, its icons, which tell oI its search Ior meaning. Once a crucifed God was our vision; now we stare at Campbell`s Soup cans. Once we were gathered around the crucifed Jesus, but now we are merely consumers. You Are What You Worship There is something terribly hollow about modern liIe. As John Alexander reminds us, The tragedy oI modernity is that we have nothing worthy oI worship; the absurdity oI modernity is that we go ahead and worship anyway`. You see, the question oI what we worship is inextricably linked to our understanding oI who we are ourselves. The absence oI the human Irom Warhol is ultimately due to the absence oI the Divine. The biblical insistence is that, in Christ, human beings fnd clues to meaningIul identity. Without meaningIul identity we devolve into mere consumers. In such a world, thereIore, all things are ultimately absurd. The presence oI the human in Rembrandt is due to the presence oI the Divine. It is in the crucifed Christ we fnd clues to what our humanity entails. His presence among us speaks oI our inalienable value and worth. Our presence at His death speaks oI our disorientation and culpability. We are hollow because we are alienated. Rembrandt`s painting is Iull oI these rich images. What about Warhol and soup cans? They, like us, are Iaced with emptiness. In Warhol`s world the emptiness is trivialised. In Rembrandt`s it is conIronted. As we approach this Easter, we are again conIronted with the question oI the meaning oI the crucifed and risen Christ. In moving Irom the one-dimensional banality oI Warhol to the multi- dimensional spirituality oI Rembrandt we have to ask, What do we worship, and why?` As a Christian I worship Christ, crucifed, and risen Irom the dead. Why? This is the crucial question in these postmodern times. We have passed Irom Warhol`s `60s image oI empty consumerism; but to what? A commonly cited depiction oI the post-modern condition is Iound in Edvard Munch`s painting, The Scream. It shows an agonised, tormented fgure on a lonely bridge, holding its head in a desperate attempt to shut out the raging violence which surrounds it. The fgure is asexual, the swirling background unidentifable. The only clarity is in the agony oI the person the Scream! There is a conIronting potency to this image when considered Irom a Christian perspective. At the heart oI the Gospel is the assurance that God has heard humanity`s scream. It is an agonising cry oI human despair, borne out oI disorientation and the alienation that Iollows. God has come among us; He has conIronted the raging violence oI our moral and spiritual conIusion; He has embraced in protective love all those who have Iallen victim to sinIulness and alienation. As Rembrandt so powerIully depicted, the Cross tells us to stop lying to ourselves and Iace our vulnerability. We crucifed Him. Yet He bore our alienation willingly. It is in this mystery that we come to know the power oI the Risen Christ. The vacuum oI postmodernism yearns not merely Ior proof oI the Resurrection. Rather it yearns Ior the meaning oI the Resurrection. The victory oI Jesus over death and alienation promises the silencing oI the Scream, It puts the soup cans back where they belong, on our supermarket shelves. But to comprehend all this we must stand with Rembrandt at the Cross, gaze in wonder at Jesus` love, and own our share in His death. In his extraordinary novel, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C. S. Lewis captures the drama oI the death and resurrection oI Christ in a penetrating allegory. The Lion, Aslan (the Christ fgure), triumphant over death, greets the children (whose deception by the Witch has lead to Aslan`s demise on the Stone Table), and explains, It means that although the Witch knew the Deep Magic, there is magic deeper still which she did not know. Her knowledge onlv goes back to the dawn of Time. If she could have looked a little further back, into the stillness and the darkness before Time dawned, she would have read there a different incantation. She would have known that when a willing victim who had committed no treacherv was killed in a traitors stead, the Table would crack and death itself would start working backwards. Lewis` point is both simple and proIound. There is a deeper magic. Seen through the eyes oI Him who conquered death, liIe is not a scream, nor is it an empty, impersonal existence. It is taken up in adoration and wonder, in the worship oI the One whose liIe was not only given Ior us, but is now shared with us, so that death itselI would start working backwards`. I close with these words Irom Iormer Archbishop oI Canterbury, William Temple; Worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience bv His holiness, nourishment of mind bv His truth, purifving of imagination bv His beautv, opening of the heart to His love, and submission of will to His purpose. All this, gathered up in adoration, is the greatest of human expressions of which we are capable.` Here then, is the key to the unity oI all human experience and its relationships. LiIe is lived as a giIt, as an act oI worship. Philosophy Irom Socrates to Aristotle, Irom Aristotle to Plato, Irom Plato to the present has sought Ior the one, uniIying theme oI liIe, and has ended in conIusion. Is it knowledge? Is it pleasure? Is it power? No! it is in Temple`s statement, it is in the submission oI all oI our nature to God. Conscience quickened bv His holiness Nourishment of mind bv His truth Purifving of imagination bv His beautv Opening of heart to His love Submission of will to His purpose All this gathered up in adoration is the greatest oI human expression. It is liIe in Jesus Christ that Iuses all else together. The alternative is a series oI disconnected events and experiences that build no over-all purpose. There is a magic deeper still! March 2014 The GippsIand AngIican Page 11 !,$ At the heart of the Gospel is the assurance that God has heard humanitys scream. by Jan Down I had suggested a quiet place to meet Ior this interview, but any chance oI that was totally blown by Lizzie and Jimmy (see photo), who insisted on coming with us and were shouting at each other within a minute oI my arrival. Or rather, Lizzie was yelling, 'Jimmy? JimMYYYY?!! in an eIIort to help Jenny fnd him. Jimmy was hiding somewhere in Jenny`s crowded suitcase. He popped up eventually, and then it was all on. None oI us adults could get a word in. So we headed up to a local Korumburra caIe, hoping to keep the young Iriends amused while we talked. It worked up to a point... The Rev. Brenda Burney and the Rev. Jenny Ramage tell me they began working creatively together beIore either oI them was ordained, when they were both worshipping at St. Mary`s Morwell, about 1996. They began by using the puppets during church services. Jenny had Jimmy, and gave Lizzie to Brenda, who didn`t have anyone. Then came two old ladies, Elizabeth and Felicity. These were characters they adopted Ior some short skits during services. The setting was a home Bible Study group so they would have a table and chairs at the Iront oI the church, with cups and saucers on it, and they would be dressed 'very demurely, as two elderly church-going ladies. The two clowns were next. Brenda is Beans (she has always been Iull oI them) and Jenny is Smudge. Jenny says she was an extremely reluctant clown at frst, but when she tried it, she loved it. She is mostly a silent clown, and can be both sad and happy. Beans simply can`t be quiet or sad. They are both white-Iaced clowns, but Beans says she is 'a mongrel between the Augustine and the white-Iaced, while Smudge is part white-Iaced, part tramp clown. (See link below Ior more about types oI clowns.) The inspiration Ior their stories came Irom the Bible readings Ior the day. When they were regularly perIorming, they would have late night supper sessions together, poring over the set readings and bouncing ideas around. These times were oIten hilarious, but they had a serious side too, as the two would fnd themselves having to deal with their alter egos and the things that came up Ior them Irom their own hearts, as well as needing to watch out Ior the temptation to step over boundaries. Out oI this work came the stories that touched hearts as well as Iunny bones. Both say that clowning has a way oI giving people permission to cry as well as laugh, and is another avenue Ior learning Irom God. One day in church, Beans and Smudge claimed they were keeping all oI the Ten Commandments, and decided to sit on the altar rail so as to be as close to God as possible. However, as Keith South, the minister, began explaining the real meaning oI each commandment, and the clowns began to comprehend that they were not quite so perIect aIter
all, they began to move Iurther back down the church. By the end oI the commandments, they were out the door. Keith South was one oI several people Jenny and Brenda co- opted into their creative ministry at Morwell, with Keith becoming Puddles the clown. AIter a clowning workshop with the youth group one night, they all went Ior a walk, and it had been raining. There was a huge puddle and Beans jumped in it and splashed Keith she says 'I just couldn`t help it. I love jumping in puddles! Keith then took his umbrella, dipped it in the puddle and tipped it out onto Beans... I ask iI they have ever done Iormal training as clowns, and Brenda says that Jenny taught her: 'Jenny has been a giIt oI God Ior me. Jenny is selI-taught, and it clearly comes naturally to both. They also Ieel they`ve been taught by God. 'OIten we would know where we were going, and God would do a U-turn on us, or a right angle. They have run clowning and puppet workshops at diIIerent times and places around Gippsland. There have been some bizarre and Iunny moments. Travelling back Irom an event late one night, they stopped Ior a coIIee at a service station and were running across the road in costume when suddenly they remembered that there had been a an armed hold- up recently by a clown. They slowed to a walk. As well as clowning in church, Beans and Smudge have also visited the La Trobe Regional Hospital and nursing homes. When the Olympic torch came through Morwell, the clowns were there, running their own relay with their Iake torch, as well as perIorming in the church tent. Beans has also been seen clowning around at community events in Westernport, Brenda`s last parish. She hopes Beans will be involved in the Australia Day community activities in Churchill next year. During the late 90s and early 2000s, in the re-structuring and privatisation oI the electricity industry in the La Trobe Valley, there was a huge loss oI jobs and consequently oI Iamily traditions, which caused a lot oI pain. Jenny and Brenda Iound there was a great need Ior laughter and connection with people. Their Madcap Ministries at Morwell met a real need in the community. Brenda says their creative work is 'a way oI having Iun with the gospel and being ourselves, which is what God wants us to do. Both now have some opportunities to use their creative giIts separately in their current parishes, but would love to do more together in Iuture. That`s iI Lizzie and Jimmy will give them some air space... For more information on the historv of clowning. http.//tinvurl.com/md6rrdw Page 12 The GippsIand AngIican March 2014 Diocesan calendar 1%42( 5 Ash Wednesday 7:00pm Imposition oI Ashes the Rt Rev. John McIntyre, St Paul`s Cathedral Sale Lenten Studies: Being Disciples: Through Lent with Matthew contact the Sale oIfce Ior details oI study groups 14 16 Kidsplus Camp, Raymond Island 15 Anam Cara Community Quiet Day St James` Heyfeld, 9:30am 3:30pm 864-& 5 Anam Cara Community Strategic Directions Day: Growing in Christ Refections by Bishop John, St Paul`s Cathedral Sale, 9:30am 3:30pm. 13 Palm Sunday procession: Guest preacher, the Rt Rev. Dr Ian George 7:00pm Blues and Blessings Concert with Fiona Boyes, guest musicians, and combined community choir St Paul`s Cathedral Sale 15 11:00am Blessing oI the Oils and Renewal oI Ordination Vows Bishop John 6:00pm Opening oI the Cathedral Art Show and judging oI entries. A special Forum on Spirituality and Art with the Dean; Dr Ian George; award winning international artist Dawn Stubbs; and Gippsland Gallery curator Simon Gregg, Iollowed by supper show-casing local produce and regional wines St Paul`s Cathedral Sale 17 6:00pm Maundy Thursday Foot Washing, Stripping oI the Altar, and Vigil, Sale Cathedral 18 9:00am Good Friday Liturgy oI the Cross 3:00pm Stations oI the Cross in the Garden St Paul`s Cathedral Sale 20 6:00am Eucharist and Lighting oI the New Fire 8:00am Easter Sunday Eucharist 10:00am Easter Sunday Family Eucharist St Paul`s Cathedral Sale 1%9 24 Creative Spirit Festival, Ieaturing a visual art exhibition at St. Philip`s Anglican Church, Cowes, and other perIorming and visual arts events 10 Anam Cara Community Quiet Day St James` Traralgon, 9:30am 3:30 pm !,$ Beans and Smudge One day in church, Beans and Smudge claimed they were keeping all of the Ten Commandments...