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'Barnabas Column'- Stories of Encouragement
This column was launched by Bishop John during his 2008 Synod Presidential Address.
AMS News
The 2008 Triennial Conference of the Anglican Men's Society was held at the St John of God Retreat Centre at Shoalwater Bay, Western Australia from 5-8 September.
And what an amazing conference it was. With around 30 members from east and west - some accompanied by their wives - contributing towards the residential weekend it was socially bonding, intellectually stimulating and spiritually energising. And hilarious!
The Centre itself provided 4 Star accomodation and the Conference Chaplain, Kevin Wheeler (a former twice Commonwealth Games sub-four minute miler who now runs another race) and Clerical Vice-Chairman, Bishop Tom Wilmot provided 5 Star inspiration. And, as if that wasn't enough to satiate the enthusiastic gathering then it was topped up by a most memorable Conference Dinner address by the Archbishop of Perth, the Most Reverend Roger Herft. With a mix of humour and forthrightness the Archbishop's address was challenging and encouraging.
The business of the conference was dealt with on the Saturday, during which wives present for the weekend went to the Fremantle Maritime Museum - 'Outstanding!' they said.
Reports were received from AMS Branches across Australia. Office bearers for the next three years were elected, including Trevor Cowell of the Parish of Longford who was re-elected as National Lay Vice-President. The conference strongly supported two motions which resulted in substantial donations being made to aid a water project in Tanzania and a solar power initiative in Kenya - about $8000 overall.
Eucharist on Sunday was celebrated by Bishop Tom whose sermon elevated us all to an even higher understanding of Christian love and service. A tour of the Garden Island Naval Base in the afternoon was followed by a chaotic, and therefore comprehensively enjoyable, games night with Queensland taking out the AMS Perpetual Cup.
Preceding the conference over 20 attended a retreat at New Norcia: for all of them amongst the most astonishing experiences they have ever had. None will ever forget those hours.
2008 saw some major Anglican gatherings: Lambeth, Jerusalem, AMS Conference in Western Australia, the last as distinctive as the other two!
In 2009 AMS members will gather for a National Council Meeting in Bathurst, NSW.
TGCowell
Drought still grips parts of Tasmania
In late January I visited a family in crisis. These photos show another level of crisis to deal with and it still hasn't rained anything substantial. (Revd Bob Witten)
Photo by Revd Bob Witten. The location is in the Lemont area, east of Oatlands.
In time of drought, flood or bushfire
All things look to you, O Lord,
to give them their food in due season:
look in mercy on your people,
and hear our prayer for those whose lives and possessions are threatened by drought.
In your mercy restore your creation and heal our land.
So guide and bless your people,
that we may enjoy the fruits of the earth
and give you thanks with grateful hearts,
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
Rain
God our heavenly Father
through your Son you promised
to those seeking first your kingdom
and your righteousness
all things necessary for bodily welfare:
send us, we pray, in this time of need
rain to water the earth,
that we may receive its produce
to strengthen and sustain us
and always praise you for your bounty;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
© 1995, Broughton Publishing Pty Ltd. Reproduced with permission from APBA.
St Columba Day Weekend 2008
St Columba Day was celebrated for the first time last year in an effort to engage with the Pyengana community. The concept was a simple one: that we worship together in St Michael and All Angels; enjoy a shared lunch at the appropriately named Holy Cow café and do a Falls walk to honour Columba in the chill of the afternoon.
This year it was expanded to a two day event, including a poetry and harp session followed by a candlelight Taizé service of sung chant, prayer and silence and a bush dance.
The weekend has been in any terms a success, however success is measured in many different ways by different people. While some in 'the church' question what a weekend of secular and religious activities can offer to believers and non believers alike, it is in the sacredness of the 'everyday' that God is ever present. It is in seeing God in the eyes of the stranger that we are paradoxically both challenged and blessed. It's vital to remember that God with meticulously love and care, created every single person for salvation, not just the ones who 'fit our mould'.
In candlelight, in silence and in the chanting God drew near. In shared space, in poetry, harp; in laughter and in the rhythm of dance, God moved and spoke and for a time, we were one and will be again. So too in the brightness of sun filled worship, God was behind us, within us and before us as we fearlessly flung wide our arms in a gesture of love and inclusion. We are all one community in Christ, traveling forward together on our journey home.
Isabel Telford
for
Break O' Day Anglican Parish
St Helens North East Tasmania