AMS News
An amazing conference
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.
TG Cowell