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ANGLICANNEWS a magazine for the Anglican Community of Canberra & Goulburn Vol. 37 No. 3 April 2020
Presence anywhere
and everywhere
Bishop Mark writes ... Image by Freddie Marriage on Unsplash.com
“And remember, I am with you which brings salvation and • ministry teams producing duties to where the needs are
always, to the end of the age.” forgiveness. online worship and disciple- greatest.
These words of the risen Jesus, Resurrection affirms our ship resources Please visit our Diocesan website
spoken to his disciples right at deepest intuitions about these • parishes setting up ‘telephone (www.anglicancg.org.au) and
the end of Matthew’s gospel, matters. On Easter Jesus does trees’ so no-one is forgotten click on the ‘Keep Connected’
have particular power in our not shrug off his body as if it and uncontacted button to be kept up to date with
current circumstances. were a distraction from his • children and young people all that is being done in Christ’s
Presence matters. It matters to mission. Instead his body is writing letters (remember Name.
us when we are no longer able to raised to new and glorious life, those?) to parishioners who None of us knows how long
be present bodily with those we the firstfruits of a new creation. don’t have access to the this present crisis will last.
love. It matters when we cannot Yet, something has changed. internet We can know that the risen
hug a relative who lives in The risen Jesus is able to be • school teachers working Lord Jesus, the one who has
another city. It matters when we present with us anywhere and tirelessly to shift to a new conquered death and the grave,
cannot extend a handshake to everywhere, unrestricted by the mode of teaching and learning will be present with us to the
a fellow parishioner. It matters limitations of life in this present • Anglicare staff being re- very end.
when we cannot simply be age. Through the Holy Spirit he is deployed away from normal
with each other sharing a meal, with his people whether they are
sharing space, sharing life. gathered in great congregations
Through his incarnation – or scattered in private homes.
taking on a human body – Jesus We are never isolated from him
understands our hunger for this or he from us.
type of presence. Read through As our nation journeys
the gospels and you’ll notice how through the challenges caused
often his body becomes a means by COVID-19 we have an ideal
of grace. When he reaches out opportunity to witness to the
his hand to heal and when risen Lord Jesus. In such a short
he reclines at table alongside time I have heard wonderful
sinners, divine abundance stories of people across our
encounters human need. At the Diocese engaging our very
climax of the gospels it is his different world with the love and
body, given for us on the cross, truth of Jesus:
ANGLICANNEWS April 2020
Crossing the Aisle
faith-based family of Abraham judge others, but we’re also not to be
under the Lordship of Christ. Multi- passive. This does not mean we don't
ethnic in the sense that it is Jew and exercise good judgment, or that we
Gentile sitting together, worshipping don't call out injustice for the ill-
together under Christ. treatment of people. We’re to defend
We need to create in our churches and advocate for the marginalized
a culture of impartiality, if all this is by challenging their abusers. But we
true, intentionally going out of our now have Jesus as the perfect judge,
way to focus on people not like us. so we are not determining a person’s
One way we can do with it is to start status before God or exercising pun-
with our own backyard as Anglicans ishment on behalf of God, rather we
and foster collegiality across the are helping people in love.
theological and churchmanship And if we are judged we’re to re-
tribes. Another way to promote spond in grace and prayer for our
impartiality is through getting to enemies, with gospel proclamation
know the other churches in our in the power of the Holy Spirit. We
area and praying for them. And can learn to be humble and listen
a third thing we can do is pray for when we’re in the presence of people
an increase in diversity. We should not like us.
Photo by Nina Strehl on Unsplash.com check our unconscious biases in our Finally. If we’re going to cross the
On 3 March 2020 the clergy from our neighbours, but to do so we’ve church toward our own tribe. Often aisle we have to learn to stand out,
across the Diocese gathered for their got to actually know our neighbours. our churches are very homogenous, not seek to completely blend in.
Annual One Day Clergy Conference. Peter explained the way Western culturally. We should ask whether or Rather we need to be distinctively
Peter Carolane from Melbourne, culture is becoming increasingly not our churches reflect the cultural Christ-like. Israel was called to be
who has had a long involvement in fragmented into tribes, defined by diversity of the local area. There a shining light to the nations and in
youth ministry and church planting, Seth Godin in his 2008 book Tribes, will be costs to being impartial, and the same way Jesus came to be the
gave two presentations on ‘Cross- as ‘a group of people connected to sometimes we’ll be crossing over to light to the world. And he called his
ing the Aisle’. To ‘cross the aisle’ is one another, connected to a leader, our enemies. disciples, he called us, to be salt and
a phrase borrowed from American connected to an idea’, and how these As we cross the aisle we also have light. While we should be distinctive
politics, where to do so is seen as a tribes are not great at communicat- to think about judgment. One of the as individuals this is a call to corpo-
virtuous action for the greater good. ing with each other, and so we are main obstacles preventing Chris- rate action. We need to ask ourselves
Peter’s church recently ran a ‘Cross- seeing increasing polarisation of tians from crossing the aisle is the whether our community knows
ing the Aisle’ festival to reach out to people in these tribes. fear of being judged. But the people we're here or would notice if we dis-
their community. He believes that Peter then showed how in his life we cross over to are probably also appeared over night. To be distinct
the church needs to be continually Jesus transcended the cultural fears fearing being judged themselves. For we need to be a shining light.
thinking about ways to find renewal, of his friends by crossing the aisle various reasons, perhaps of lifestyle, Crossing the aisle is about being
because we are an ageing institution, and meeting with people from dif- sexuality, race, economic status, dis- incarnational because God crossed
but notes that church members often ferent backgrounds, tax collectors ability, religion, huge life mistakes, the aisle first to be with us.
get scared by the idea of mission and and sinners, many of whom came to people can fear Christians when Peter concluded by saying that
evangelism, feeling that they’ve al- him because it is the sick who need a they start talking to them. he’d love other churches, especially
ready talked to the people they know doctor, rather than the healthy. So we need a Christ-like approach Anglican Churches, to be a little bit
and their relatives aren’t interested, Peter gave three principles for to the issue of being judged and more radical, a little less middle-
but they often undersell themselves crossing the aisle: impartiality, judg- judging other people. Jesus taught, class; to stand out and bring more
and the treasure inside them that ment and distinctiveness. ‘Do not judge or you too will be flavour to the world. We can't do that
they have to share. One way you can explain the pur- judged. For in the same way you unless we are willing to have sacri-
So they decided one way forward pose of Christ’s death and resurrec- judge others you will be judged and ficial and humble encounters with
was to introduce their church people tion is how it’s presented in Romans, with the measure you use it will be people who are not like us. When we
to others not from their cultural chapters 4-8, which is that God measured to you.’ do that I think we see Jesus smile.
background. Jesus says we’re to love wanted to create a new multi-ethnic, So as we cross the aisle, we’re not to
Clergy Moves
The Reverend Jenny Willsher has been licensed as Chaplain Canberra
Girls’ Grammar School (from 01.01.2020) 28.03.2020.
The Reverend Loy Buckley has been granted an ATO (01.04.2020).
AnglicanNews
Editor: Alison Payne Address: GPO Box 1981, Canberra, ACT 2601
Phone: 02 6245 7154 Advertising: enquiries to the editor.
Email: alison.payne@anglicands.org.au ISSN 2207-6484
Articles for each edition need to be submitted by the 25th day of the previous month.
Any statements or opinions expressed in articles published in this newspaper are
attributed to the identified author and are not necessarily endorsed by or representative
of the Diocese or its officers. Peter Carolane speaking to clergy in the ACCC.
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ANGLICANNEWS April 2020
Fresh in the 2nd Chair
‘How’s the new job?’ asked my Narooma neighbour when I arrived back The biggest problem at the moment of
for a visit after my first month in Canberra. I looked at him blankly. In the course, is finding toilet paper ...
seconds that followed, the last two months of my life flashed before my eyes... While back Narooma for a visit, I took
In the weeks before my consecration, Narooma, like so much of the coast, advantage of the ‘seniors shopping hour’
had been besieged by bushfires. My street had been evacuated twice. From from 7.00 am till 8.00 am. Given it was
the morning of New Years’ Eve till the 15th of February when I drove up still DARK at 7.00 am, I figured I may be
Clyde Mountain with Jay to take up residence in Canberra, I had been able to do a decent shop. After getting past
chaplain at the evacuation centre in Narooma. In the first 48 hours of its the serious looking security guard who
opening, we registered more than 4,500 evacuees. The role of a chaplain is wanted to see evidence of my senior years
all consuming in a time of disaster. The relentless combination of supporting (how rude), I was admitted to Woollies. I
evacuees, visiting those who had lost their homes and caring for fragile and shouldn’t have bothered. It was a zoo! A
shattered people in the church and community, was exhausting. person couldn’t stay 1.5 metres from another person if they wanted to. Plus
there was no toilet paper. No doubt the latest directives will change all that. I
look forward to being able to traverse the aisles without bumping into other
trollies.
We are all navigating uncharted waters as we settle into a new way of life,
at least for the foreseeable future. As we adapt and adjust to our changing
circumstances let us pray for one other and for those who are struggling
most through this time. May we continue to put our trust in the God who
holds the future in his hands, and who loves us so much he gave his Son for
us. This Easter will be different for us all – but the truths we celebrate are
unchanging.
The Lord be with you.
The week before we moved, I had a lovely phone call from our Metropolitan
Archbishop, wishing me well for my coming consecration, and asking me +Carol
how my reflection and preparation were going for this significant event. I’m
afraid I was rather blunt ... ‘I’ve barely had time to think about it’, I answered,
though I did then try to explain.
Anglican Diocesan Services
Driving up the mountain on the evening of the 15th of February, I
experienced mixed feelings – a sense of overwhelming relief at escaping the
Responding to Covid-19
war zone and a sense of anticipation for the new role ahead.
So how is the new job?
It’s been full on. I spent the first week as Vicar General, while Bishop Mark
took a well-earned break. Thankfully there were no dramas. During that
week I did battle daily with technology, trying to get my Mac laptop to sync
with the office system. I learned how to find the office from our house in
Deakin without a GPS in the car; I learned my arms are too short to easily
access the parking lot through the boom gate; I learned to access the office
with a magic card and to drive the coffee machine; I located the lunch place
across the square and the coffee shop downstairs; I was introduced to the On Tuesday 24 March ADS and • Monitoring public health advice
level 4 staff, the meeting schedule and found the files I needed so I could Anglicare staff still working from and developing resources to assist
tackle the list of things to do. 221 London Circuit gathered – ministry units.
In the third week, I attended a conference in Newcastle for Australia’s outside to ensure physical distancing • Assisting ministry units and
women bishops (there are now seven of us) which was brilliant, followed requirements were observed – for a agencies to navigate the various
immediately by the National Bishops’ Conference, held in Sydney. I’ve never time of prayer and a reading from risk considerations in relation to
seen so many bishops before in one place! Psalm 121 as they prepared to move the COVID-19 pandemic.
What a delight it was to meet the other women bishops. Such a mix of deep into remote work mode. • The ADS has been working to
spirituality, wisdom, dedication and humour, with just the right amount Staff were encourgaged by Bishop model the financial impacts the
cynicism. Mark to take an item from the COVID-19 Pandemic is having
workplace home with them as a across the Diocese for:
symbol of hope, a reminder that - Ministry units;
although tough days are here better - Diocesan Schools;
days will return. - Anglicare;
The ADS office is now closed and - AIDF;
all staff are working remotely with - ADS; and
remote access capability. The ADS - Other agencies.
has a Business Continuity Plan in • Facilitating Diocesan financial
place and staff are keeping connected support strategies.
via Zoom meetings and other modes • Reviewing the various
as we continue to serve and support recent Government stimulus
our ministry units and agencies announcements, specifically the
Since returning from the conference, life has changed dramatically for all of throughout this challenging time. Boosting Cash Flow for employers
us as we have faced the rising spectre of the Covid-19 virus. Ministry and the Telephone numbers from the 221 and JobKeeper payment. The
corporate expression of our faith has taken a completely new direction. The London Circuit office have been ADS is working closely with our
bishop’s office has focused on supporting parishes as we have all had to adjust diverted to the relevant staff who can ministry units and agencies in
to the constantly changing directives and find new ways to do things. It has be contacted via the usual means. regard to accessing this funding.
been inspiring to talk to the clergy and people in the diocese and discover More broadly the ADS response • Developing a set of principles to
the new and creative ways emerging which enable us stay in touch with and to the COVID-19 pandemic has guide the provision of assistance
care for one another. included: over the longer term.
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ANGLICANNEWS April 2020
Responding to the Corona Virus
WHAT THREE DIFFERENT CHURCHES AROUND THE DIOCESE AND ANGLICARE ARE DOING TO RESPOND TO COVID-19
St Saviour's Cathedral, Goulburn St John the Baptist, Boorowa
• We update our website update We have decided that I will produce
regularly with news and items of a service each Sunday following the
interest, as well as the weekly mail service of Sunday Morning (Page
out. For Palm Sunday we also sent 383) of the Prayer Book. Some will
out blessed palm crosses with our receive it by email and for those who
expanded pewsheet can't the wardens will print a hard
• Our Facebook site https:// copy and drop it in their mail box.
www.facebook.com/ I am hoping that parishioners will
Goulburncathedral/ will also be follow the service in their homes at
updated regularly. 9.30am each Sunday. These services
• We upload weekly services which commenced on Palm Sunday. I will
can be accessed through the have a service planned for Good
cathedral site, and for Holy Week Friday and Easter day and every
The suspension of Services has and Easter there will be several Sunday following. I will also send
caused significant grief and distress services, hopefully with bishops Bishop Mark's reflection each week.
to us all. I am sure that our parishes preaching from afar! For pastoral Care we are setting up
are involved in similar activities • We have downloaded Zoom and a roster for ringing up parishioners
according to their own situation. are getting used to the idea of using St John's in Boorowa is a rural on a regular basis. Some thought
Here are some of the simple actions it for online meetings. parish. Reverend Robert Linbeck, we can also go back to the old way
we are taking at the Cathedral in the The current circumstances who is currently a retired locum in of communication – writing letters
face of this once-in-a-century crisis: definitely mean some upskilling in the parish, writes: and cards.
• Our expanded weekly Pewsheet online expertise for all of us. ‘I have been going out to Boorowa Most of our income is by offertory
with the Sunday readings, sermon In the Gospel reading for the Fifth every Sunday for the past 18 months each Sunday so the Parish Council
and intercessions are sent by email Sunday in Lent (John 9.1-41) Jesus doing one service each Sunday. We will work out a plan for how we will
each week – and for those without speaks about being the light of the have a mixture of people on email continue to receive the parishioners'
internet a team of parishioners world. and some elderly who aren't. Sunday giving.’
deliver a hard copy to their May his light guide us in this time of
mailbox. darkness and fear and may his Spirit Anglicare NSW South, NSW West, ACT
• We are using the phone to keep strengthen us to meet the challenges
Anglicare teams have responded distributed to service locations
in touch with parish community of this hour.
to the challenges of the pandemic which are supporting clients living
members. by Dean PhillipSaunders
in the following ways, from CEO rough or at risk of homelessness.
Good Shepherd Anglican, Curtin Jeremy Halcrow: • Toilet paper for those in need: Our
• Infection control workshops: We emergency relief services across all
have now gone live with the nurse- regions have been hit by a lack of
led infection control training for supply of essential non-perishable
staff via zoom, combining the groceries due to panic buying.
clinical expertise of our Junction They have been able to secure five
nurses together with training pallets of donated toilet rolls from
expertise of our Workforce Quilton, to be distributed across
Development Unit and the input the region, and are hopeful of
of staff from across a range of our finding a solution for the supply
frontline services. of tinned food and other staples.
Good Shepherd Anglican is one of website. There have also been donations
the larger city churches, fortunate • Dropping off playgroup craft kits of urgently toiletry/sanitary items
to have skills and resources in to the homes of our playgroup in partnership with Good360 and
the congregation to rapidly make families. ongoing donations of food and
changes in response to the church • Organising systematic regular toiletry items through Canberra
closures. Some things they have phone calls to members who Girls Grammar School and
been doing: would otherwise be isolated. Burgmann Anglican School.
• A team of less than 10 people • Working with neighbouring • Continuing intergenerational
livestreaming a Sunday service Uniting Church and Canberra connection: A number of Anglicare
from the church with a view to Relief Network to be a distribution ECEC services have been engaged
making the experience as engaging centre for food hampers for in connection between young
as possible for people who are families experiencing disadvantage children and residents of aged care
watching on their computers/TV due to COVID 19. facilities for some time. Sadly these
screens at home. • Encouraging all small groups to visits have had to cease due to the
• Twice weekly short video stay connected and meet online pandemic. However Anglicare
presentations by clergy team. through Zoom. ECECs are continuing this vision
• Gathering a team of Good • Planning for online video • More protective supplies have through our Art for Aged Care
Shepherd members who are interviews with Good Shepherd arrived! Pictured above is the project where the children paint
willing to offer help and support to members. Cowper St, Goulburn, reception pictures for older people in
those who might need it. • Making the most of the church set up ready for the pandemic with lockdown or self-isolation.
• Inviting requests for help and facebook site to stay connected a standing hand sanitiser dispenser. • There are many encouraging
support from church members and encouraged. We have been able to source four of stories of assistance provided by St
and the general public through our from Reverend Guy Matthews these dispensers and they are being John's care also.
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ANGLICANNEWS April 2020
Celebrate Easter
A range of resources to help you celebrate Easter are
available on the Diocesan website, on our 'Keep Connected'
page, with online worship services, family activities for you
to do at home and testimonies about the Easter hope.
You can also find a list of all churches with online resources.
Cootamundra sets An Easter Poem
up Easter teddies GOOD FRIDAY MORNING
for the children by Christina Rossetti
Up Thy Hill of Sorrows
Thou all alone,
Jesus, man's Redeemer,
Climbing to a Throne:
Thro' the world triumphant,
Thro' the Church in pain,
Which think to look upon Thee
No more again.
Upon my hill of sorrows
I, Lord, with Thee,
Cheered, upheld, yea, carried,
If a need be:
Cheered, upheld, yea, carried,
Never left alone,
Lots of people in Cootamundra are Carried in Thy heart of hearts
putting teddies in their windows To a throne.
for children out on walks with
their families, and so the parish Due to the outbreak of the
of Cootamundra is taking the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus)
opportunity to use this for Easter. Anglicare has advised staff
The above picture was Palm and clients to take precautions
Sunday. The church building has a in line with government
lot of windows and it's great seeing recommendations. Safety for staff
people out walking looking in our and our clients is our priority.
windows! Details are available at www.
from Reverend Yvonne Gunning anglicare.com.au/about-us/
health-and-safety.
It’s easy to panic at times like this. So much going on. So much uncertainty. The
Panic Room is a place to park your panic. In the Panic Room we’ll discuss why
we feel the way we do in troubled times, what responses people have, and how
there might be a pathway through it that can give us calm in a panicky world.
https://plus.citybibleforum.org/city/episode/panic-room
All episodes at Third Space: https://thirdspace.org.au/third-space/category/1636
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