A M A G A Z I N E F O R W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A N S | N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 6

making way

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Life is aj o u r n e y . . .

5 MARKS OF MISSION

1 Witness to Christ’s saving, forgiving, reconciling love for all people (Tell)

2 Build welcoming, transforming communities of faith (Teach)

3 Stand in solidarity with the poor and needy (Tend)

4 Challenge injustice and oppression (Transform)

5 Protect, care for and renew life on our planet (Treasure)

CONTENTS

Bishop Kate Wilmot 5

Anglicare WA 6

Articles 9

Cathedral 21

St Bartholomew’s House 32

Schools 34

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Where to Worship 46

Reviews 38

Crossword 41

L E F O R G I V E N T U W A R N S E B A G

M C A N O N A I S A H T T U B C V S C O U R N E C H O H U B R I S A C E T I C A D A S C E T I C T E P M U N R O T D A I B W O M A N B U L T I E M A T E S C R U P U L O U S L Y

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The Reverend Dr Elizabeth J Smith

EDITORIAL ADVISORY GROUP

The Reverend Dr Elizabeth J Smith The Reverend Gillian Rookyard

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hen do you start thinking about Christmas?

In this issue of the Messenger, you will read about some good theological reasons for Christians to be sure we explore Advent. You will also hear some equally good reasons for not getting too grumpy about the culture around us, as it races towards Christmas and all the commercial opportunities it brings. If we do like to shop, though, St Bart’s team invites us to shop for toiletries and other gifts that can be shared at Christmas time with St Bart’s residents.

Several articles this month recall our shared history in the West. John Wollaston Anglican Community School remembers the pioneer priest their school is named after in the celebration of their Founders’ Day. Others are walking in the footsteps of another pioneer, Colonial Chaplain John Wittenoom, all the way from Fremantle to Guildford. Mandy Herriman

meditates on the role of saints in the daily journeys each one of us takes. Although November ends with Advent, it begins with All Saints’ Day.

The Anglican Church is on a journey of reconciliation between Australia’s First Peoples and those of us who have come later. To help us along the way, an Aboriginal Ministry Day of cultural awareness, ministry storytelling and creative exchange of ideas is planned for Saturday 18th February next year. Mark that date in your diary as you read about the feast of practical possibilities that will be shared.

Goldfields God-talk tells the story of the funeral of Kalgoorlie-Boulder teenager, Elijah Doughty. Every preventable death and every consequent suicide points to the need for more action to overcome the sorrowful history of the dispossession of Aboriginal people over so many years. Please keep praying for

the communities most affected by tragic deaths from poverty, crime, incarceration and suicide.

November 25th is White Ribbon Day, and Anglicare reports on one of its important programmes that interrupts the attitudes of male entitlement that underlie much domestic and family violence. As Anglicans we can be very proud of the mission being carried out in our name by Anglicare and the other agencies who work alongside those in need. They not only meet people’s immediate needs; they also fight to change the habits and culture that contribute to poverty and powerlessness.

November begins with the saints and builds towards Christ’s coming with judgement and with mercy. As you read this edition of the Messenger, may your companions be holy, your shopping simple and your hopes high, exploring the difference you can make in the world.

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On many days of the week, and in bright daylight, I catch a glimpse of these beautiful little animals skipping across the overgrown parts of the garden, dashing into the deep shade beneath shrubs or sometimes simply nosing around the rose bushes at the front of the house.

They behave as though the place belongs to them and I suppose, from their point of view, it does.

They are a constant reminder to me that there’s a world beyond loaded diaries and hard matters and important but challenging meetings.

Whatever I’m doing in the course of a day, somewhere at home there’s a bandicoot pursuing its purposes, seen or unseen.

Our liturgical year ends at the tail end of our calendar year, with the celebration of the Reign of Christ or Christ the King. This year, that’s 20 November. The new church year opens the very next Sunday, Advent Sunday. These two important feast days are the only ones in the church calendar that celebrate things that haven’t already taken place in history. Instead, they look forward to Christ’s return and the final establishment of his just and loving reign.

The new liturgical year always brings the message of ‘wake up, take notice, get ready, Jesus is coming back.’

As Advent progresses, the Sunday readings dovetail into the events surrounding Jesus’ birth at Bethlehem. This is because the second part of Advent gets us ready to start telling the story of Jesus’ life and ministry beginning when that earthly life began, at Christmas.

The truth is, we are an Advent people, because of all the human beings that have ever lived, we are the ones born, and still living, between Jesus’ ascension and his return.

So whenever we are in Lent or celebrating Pentecost or Easter, our lives are still pacing out the Advent rhythm: watch, be alert, prepare.

Like the bandicoots, Advent encourages us to lift our eyes, to understand that God’s time and purpose is unfolding whether we are aware of it or not. Whatever our daily concerns or to-do lists, God’s huge themes move closer to fulfillment. Day by day the establishment of God’s reign of love and justice draws closer because God wills it and Jesus came proclaiming it.

If we, as the people of God, don’t observe and value Advent, no-one else in the world is going to do it for us. By the time we mark Advent Sunday, advertisers will be wanting to get people’s minds full of Christmas, consumed with to-do lists and concerns about seating plans and cleaning the barbecue.

The question is whether we can look beyond ourselves to what is timeless and of ancient promise. Perhaps we can sometimes lift our minds out of our daily tasks and the things vying for our attention and understand that there are bigger purposes, God’s purposes, always unfolding, whether we are paying attention or not.

The bandicoots show me what it’s like to live a free life as part of God’s good creation. They are at ease, unapologetic and carefree. I find great refreshment in understanding that there are much bigger things in the world than myself and my list for today.

May the huge and cosmic themes of Advent grant us the freedom to look for God’s unfolding purposes, big and small. And may we rejoice, with the bandicoots, when we find our place amongst it all.

mong the unexpected blessings of my house are the bandicoots in the garden.A

The Right Reverend Kate Wilmot | Administrator | Diocese of Perth

The question is whether we can look beyond ourselves to what is timeless and of ancient promise

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‘Her secret life was encapsulated in the discovery, soon after her death, of a small overnight suitcase, hidden in the back of the wardrobe.’ This quote is by three daughters, Joanne Craigie, Lisa Sforcina and Mary Balzary, about their mother whose second husband eventually killed her upon being told she was going to leave him. She was 67 years old.

25th November this year is the day Anglicare WA will focus on physical, emotional or mental abusive behaviour when we once again join the White Ribbon Campaign, a

movement to prevent men’s violence to women. One person exerting coercive control impacts on victims in deeply traumatic ways. Not stopping the perpetrator is a problem, as he grows more connected to his attitudes of entitlement over time.

Women become entrapped and then interact in systems that think leaving the relationship stops the abuse. We know that leaving can make things even more dangerous. Families need to be supported by front-line professionals to assist with safety strategies.

er secret life was encapsulated in the discovery, soon after her death, of a small overnight suitcase, hidden in the back of the wardrobe.’ This quote is by three daughters, Joanne Craigie, Lisa Sforcina and Mary Balzary, about their mother whose second husband eventually killed her upon being told she was going to leave him. She was 67 years old.

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Tori Cooke | Family and Domestic Violence Consultant | Anglicare WA

WHITE RIBBON - INTERRUPTING THE ATTITUDES

God of wisdom and care, we pray to you for all whom you call to share in the work of transforming the world so that girls and boys, women and men,may live, work and learn together with respect and dignity.

For maternal and children’s health workers and advocates for girls’ education,Living God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For law-makers, policy-makers and lobby groups,shaping structures that protect and promote women’s wellbeing,Living God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For marriage counsellors and relationship educators,developing healthy partnerships and good parenting skills,Living God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For religious leaders and communities of faith,shaping beliefs about the worth of women and girls,Living God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For women in business, industry, politics and education, leading by example and providing role models,Living God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For police and community workers sifting through the damage done by domestic violence.Living God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For prison chaplains and restorative justice programmes, giving hope where violence has shattered many lives,Living God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For counsellors and social workersoffering a new start for survivors of domestic violence.Living God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For women’s refuges and men’s support groupscreating safe spaces for problems to be named and tackled,Living God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For campaigners against human trafficking and the sex trade, pricking the conscience of complacent societies.Living God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For organisations, programmes and individuals offering support to survivors of rape and sexual abuse,Living God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For specialised care for traumatised children bringing healing and hope for a life beyond suffering, Living God, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, O God,for you will take no rest from your work of healing until you have wiped away the tears from every face,through our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

WHITE RIBBON DAYA litany for transforming relationships

What is in the heart of an abuser? What is he thinking and feeling? Do they know what they are doing? The critical question is: what can we do every day to ‘interrupt’ the attitudes that lead to the entitlement we see in our work at Anglicare WA?

What would it mean to ‘interrupt’ abusive behaviour? What difference would it make to the silent victims in this war behind closed doors? And, importantly, what difference would it make to the men who abuse?

Perpetrators rely on families, communities and workplaces to say nothing. We remain silently intimidated because we worry that it’s not our business. The entitlement expands his view that control over his partner is his right. He thinks everyone agrees with him and that either other men think the same

as him or, if not, they are less than real men. Over time, he locks himself into a spiral of self-righteous entitlement and superiority that spins out of control until he wakes up and finds his hands around her throat and his kids screaming in fear – a deeply damaging scenario.

Interruption strategies start whenever we see disrespectful attitudes. The White Ribbon Campaign offers Fact Sheets and ideas to help us learn to make a difference.

It is our business to interrupt attitudes that show entitlement for disrespect and interrupting these attitudes makes a difference to everyone, including the abuser!

Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline

Telephone: 08 9223 1188Free Call: 1800 007 339 9263 2091 getinvolved@anglicarewa.org.au

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GIVE SOMEONE IN NEED THEIR WISH THIS CHRISTMAS

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Margaret Doust is a dedicated volunteer peer supporter in Anglicare WA’s ARBOR program, a support service for family and friends who have lost someone to suicide.

Over the years Margaret has met with hundreds of Anglicare WA clients bereaved by suicide and supported them through their journey of grief. She has sat with them in their grief, and she has shared her personal story and messages of hope for life after suicide.

Margaret joins with an ARBOR counsellor to attend home visits to clients who have recently lost someone to suicide. Margaret has experienced that often people who have recently lost a loved one to suicide just want to sit with someone who has been through the same experience.

She is involved in organising and sharing at regular memorial

events, such as Walk Through Darkness, which starts at 4am and walks towards the sunrise. The Walk represents the journey through despair and darkness, towards the rise of hope and life, and can be a powerful message of hope to those recently bereaved.

Margaret has also been instrumental in establishing HOPES, an independent, monthly, volunteer-run support group for people who have lost someone to suicide.

Margaret is incredibly open and generous in sharing her personal story of how the loss of her daughter through suicide has affected her. Margaret’s firm belief is that through this she will be able to help those who are also suffering with the loss of a loved one. She has a deep understanding of human nature and grief, and is committed to offering clients the perspective

that they are not alone, offering them important hope for their futures.

A celebration was held on 30 September at our East Perth Service Centre, where staff and volunteers joined with our Executive team to congratulate Margaret on her richly deserved recognition. We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have Margaret as one of the many dedicated volunteers at Anglicare WA.

If you have lived experience of losing someone to suicide, and would like to support others going through the same journey as Margaret does, please contact Anglicare WA’s Volunteer Coordinator to discuss volunteering in our ARBOR program: volunteering@anglicarewa.org.au or 9263 2109.

nglicare WA was very proud that Margaret Doust, one of our fantastic volunteers, won the 2016 Anglicare Australia National Award for Volunteer Achievement. Margaret Doust was recognised at the annual Anglicare Australia National Conference held in Darwin in September.

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Amy Thom | Volunteer Coordinator | Anglicare WA

RECOGNITION FOR A DEDICATED VOLUNTEER

The Venerable Mandy Herriman | Deacon | Kingsley – North Woodvale

TRAVELLING WITH THE SAINTS

The well of sorrow was deep and the trials were as hard as stone – they tore and dug and rent great holes in my soul. But my step was lightened and the path ahead suffused with the fragrance of promise. The burden became part of my soul – knit in threads of gold and silver, weaving within and without, through and between.

Life and I travelled on from the crossroads and, as we went, our path intersected with the footsteps of others. I walked with and between the furrows of their passage and shared for a while burdens become too heavy for fragile hearts. I journeyed on towards the illuminated horizon, until at last the golden glow of sunset shone fair upon my face and the cool wind from the deepest ocean caressed my work-worn heart.

And there, oh there, I laid my burden down and my woven-thread soul became a raft upon which to travel the luminous sea.

And there, oh there, as before and betwixt – was God.

The saints are those who illuminate the path of the faithful life, who point to God who was, and is, and is to come. We read their stories, are inspired by their faith, hold their words as wisdom in our hearts, seek to emulate their path and draw from their strength. They have much to teach us and we have much space to fill with learning. Martyrdom and suffering are part of the parcel of sainthood, along with miracles. And always with saints there is the connection with community, the care for the poor and downtrodden, the rejected and the unlovely.

Saints are those who see the face of Christ in all they meet, who look deep within to discern the divine. The definition of ‘saint’ is one who is holy by virtue of how they live their life. Edward Hays – that great Catholic theologian and parable teller – tells us that a saint is one who is sent: sent into the world to share the love of God

for all humanity and to walk the path with others.

We walk the way with saints every day of our lives. Those people who cross our paths, who lighten our souls, who show us the way of the Kingdom in the way they live their lives and the words they speak. Saints are those who carry and share the burden of suffering and show forth the love of God. A saint is one who lives in the presence of God.

I travelled briefly with saints just recently: a group of young carers travelling to a holiday with a community of young disabled people. Young carers, illuminating the world around them with care and compassion for those whom society would rather ignore. Young people, bringing into community those on the outside and showing them the face of the divine. Young people bringing about the kingdom of God here on earth and illuminating the path for others.

May we recognise the saints with whom we travel.

met Life at the crossroads and she asked,‘From whence do you come and to where do you go?’And I answered ‘God’.‘And how do you travel and who goes with you?’And I answered ‘God’.‘What see you within and what see you without?’And I answered ‘God’.‘And what is in the baggage you carry?’‘It is toil and travail, laughter and tears, joy and sorrow.’And the burden was light even as it was laid upon my heart.

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We walk the way with saints every day of our lives.

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After all, shopping centres and other venues will already have their versions of a Nativity scene in place, carols and other so-called Christmas songs will be played everywhere, and all to entice people to spend on Christmas gifts. That, of course, raises another dilemma – what do you buy for people in a culture of instant gratification? Is there anything wanted these days that hasn’t already been bought, as soon as the desire (or what we allow advertisers to persuade us is a ‘need’) for it was recognised?

In light of this, there is, no doubt, something to be said for the Church’s insistence on ‘waiting for the manger’, with all that implies of waiting to celebrate Christmas: waiting, that is, until the Feast of the Nativity, December 25, actually comes. Traditionally, the Church has kept the season of Advent as a season of waiting: waiting in expectation for the Feast we know is coming, and using that experience of waiting to help turn our minds to the waiting for Christ’s triumphant return. Once the Feast is here, we then go on celebrating the full Twelve Days of Christmas (and not just in the carol!), until the Feast of the

eeing an article entitled Waiting for the Manger in this November edition of the Messenger might suggest you’re being invited to read a piece of fiction. S

WAITING FOR THE MANGER

The Reverend Dr Gregory Seach

Warden | Wollaston Theological College PREACHERS’ DAY OUT- Waiting for God: Preaching the Psalms of Lament -

TRAINING & EVENTS

Advent is the season in which we reflect on waiting: waiting for the celebration of Jesus’ first coming, and looking forward expectantly as we await his triumphant return.

To provide some stimulus for all who will preach through Advent, the Reverend Canon Dr Matthew Anstey, Principal of St Barnabas College, Adelaide, will lead some reflections on the Psalms of Lament, which tell the story of waiting on God!

Register now for the day by visiting www.perth.anglican.org/events or contacting Barbara McDonald at

Wollaston Theological College, 9286 0272 by Friday, 18 November 2016.

When: Thursday, 24 November 2016

Time: 9.30 am – 3.00 pm (Registration will open from 9:00 am)

Where: Wollaston Conference Centre, 5 Wollaston Road, Mount Claremont

Cost: $50.00 (includes morning tea and lunch)

Epiphany. It was then, on January 6, that, traditionally, the Christmas decorations came down, the cards were put away (or, hopefully these days, recycled) and life returned to normal.

In one of his sermons, Rowan Williams reminds us that, in Advent, ‘we all become Jews once more’ – recognising that our elder sisters and brothers, children of Abraham, still wait for Messiah, still wait for the unfolding and revealing of God’s reconciling and restorative justice and righteousness. In Advent, as Williams puts it: ‘we relearn the lessons of the old covenant: that we cannot make God, however we long for God; that we must be surprised, ambushed and carried off by God, if we are to be kept from idols.’ That is clearly a lesson worth relearning, and if a way of enforcing that relearning for ourselves means we sometimes take a ‘bah-humbug’-ish attitude to celebrations of Christmas beginning in October, that is probably helpful.

But the great tension and ambiguity Advent also brings is that, obviously, we don’t have to wait for the manger! ‘The manger’ has already been. By the manger, and our celebration of it and all it entails, we remember and rejoice that God ‘became flesh and dwelt among us’; that God is with us. At a certain time, in a certain place – first-century, Roman-occupied Palestine – God chose so to be identified with God’s people and creation that the eternal Word of God was born into poverty and oppression, as a way of showing forcibly that God will not allow poverty, oppression, or any of the symptoms of humanity’s rebellion against God, to have the last word.

Therefore, we can acknowledge ‘the manger’, and all it suggests, as an already-existing sign of God’s love for the

creation.

Therefore, we can acknowledge ‘the manger’, and all it suggests, as an already-existing sign of God’s love for the creation. And, as we wait for the triumphal return of Jesus – as the One who, finally and eternally, establishes the reign of justice, peace, reconciliation and love that is God’s will for all creation – we are called to live as those who have already seen, in the manger and all the other signs of God’s love (not least the great mysteries of Holy Week and Easter), what that reign will look like. We wait, but in confident hope of what will finally be confirmed and revealed.

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Those of us who are part of the Christian Church tend to get a bit annoyed when the wider community gets things wrong. They should know, we argue, that Advent is a time of mindful and prayerful preparation and that carols only really have a place on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Mind you, we can be accommodating when pressed, and we can enjoy a service of Carols by LED Light Stick (use to be by candle-light) even if it takes place a couple of weeks before Christmas. In these events there is, however, a certain amount of eye-rolling and head-shaking when we come to sing ‘Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ or ‘Jingle Bells’.

While there can be a certain amount of comfort about having superior knowledge, it

can come across as being a bit smug and superior when watched from afar. That being the case, I want to offer another way of responding, one that is grounded in our own lives rather than in observing the lives of others.

The seasons of the Church year have not grown out of a desire to regulate the rhythms of nations and individuals. The origins of festivals and fasts are to be found in the desire of the people of faith to embrace the fullness of life. In liturgy, the Lectionary guides us through the Scriptures, ensuring that our reading does not dwell solely on those parts which we find most edifying, but includes the more difficult aspects of God’s word. The festivals and fasts perform the same function, at times bringing us to our knees in

confession, and at other times, raising our hands to the heavens in celebration. The seasons of the Church function to bring each of us closer to our Lord, and should not be an invitation to look elsewhere in judgement.

So I offer two suggestions. The first is to rejoice wherever and whenever you hear a carol or see a hot cross bun. Rejoice, for somehow the rumour of God has not departed from the people. If you are able, talk about what the people sing, see and eat. These things offer invitations that might bring some closer. But rejoice, for signs of God and sacrifice are still in the land!

The Right Reverend Allan Ewing

Bishop of Bunbury

o carols playing in the supermarket in September upset you? Do you shake your head in wonder when Hot Cross buns appear in the same supermarket on Boxing day? If so, it is most likely that you are a person who regards themself as a Christian.

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GRACE TOWARD OTHERS, CHALLENGE TO OURSELVES

Anglican Children& Youth MinistryDiocese of Perth

Training Faith

Community Transition

Opportunities for Inspirational LeadershipChildren & Youth Missioner (Training)Fulltime A youth and children’s ministry professional with a background in leadership training and mentoring.

Children & Youth Missioner (Faith Formation)Part-timeA professional educator with a background in working with children and youth, working in both school and community contexts.

Expressions of Interest are also invited forChildren & Youth Project OfficersMultiple Casual PositionsPeople with children and youth ministry experience who would be available to assist the College for specific project and event-based work.

For further information, please seewww.perth.anglican.org/ministry-opportunities or contact Victoria McDowell, wecadmin@perth.anglican.orgClosing Date: Friday 25 November 2016

The Anglican Diocese of Perth is looking to appoint staff to a number of children and youth ministry focused positions, working as part of the multi-disciplinary team of Wollaston Theological College.

Applications are to be made to The Reverend Dr Gregory Seach Warden, Wollaston Theological Collegewecadmin@perth.anglican.org

The second is to make these moments opportunities for prayer and reflection. How much better it would be if every sight of a hot cross bun invokes in each of us a simple prayer acknowledging and thanking God for the Cross and the promise of Resurrection. And how much better it might

be if that prayer starts the moment after we affirm the birth of Jesus. How might it be if the sound of a carol in a supermarket brought not annoyance, but thanksgiving for Jesus’ birth?

I do not imagine that these suggestions will be easy to follow, for there is a great

weight of ‘rightness’ that resists such ideas. After all, what is going on with chocolate flavoured hot cross buns? However, it does seem to me that grace toward others and challenge to oneself is a good approach to every season of the year.

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Idiom comes from the Greek idios meaning personal, and originally meant ‘speech peculiar or proper to a people or country.’ We use idioms all the time, often unaware we are doing so, causing much confusion for those not in the know; for example, ‘kicked the bucket’ means ‘died’.

If you’re studying a foreign language, idioms are the hardest phrases to translate and none more so than the now almost impenetrable idioms used in Hebrew, which produce much confusion in biblical translation and interpretation. This week in my ongoing study in this area, my latest revelation

was in regard to Matthew 6:22-23 where we read about the eye being good and full of light or bad and full of darkness. This, it appears, is an ancient Jewish idiom and one still used today. To have a ‘good eye’ (ayin tovah) means to be generous, whilst to have the opposite, a bad eye (ayin ra’ah) means to be stingy. For me this is new light for one of those seemingly bewildering passages that pop up in the lectionary from time to time.

Although not all the Bible is idiomatic, much is hidden from us when we forget to grapple with its original cultural context, which is often at odds

with what we think we know but when unveiled offers new illumination to our received understanding.

In Luke 2 we are told that Joseph was returning to the place of his family origins. For a Middle Easterner, though he himself may not have been born there, his family’s village of origin is an integral part of his identity. Even if he has never been there before he can appear suddenly at the home of a distant cousin, recite his genealogy, and he is among friends. Joseph had only to say, ‘I am Joseph, son of Jacob, son of Matthan, son of Eleazar, the son of Eliud,’ and the immediate

t doesn’t mean that!’ is phrase you get used to hearing regularly when you are learning another language by immersion and not in a classroom. I’m told that the reason for that is in part because of the idiomatic nature of the everyday language a people-group shares.

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UNVEILING IDIOMS

The Reverend Alison Gilchrist | Mission and Evangelism Enabler

response must have been, ‘You are welcome. What can we do for you?’

‘All behaviour is communication,’ is not an idiom but is a phrase that needs no explanation for me because as a former educator of special needs pupils it is a given when the use of words is limited. As a phrase it helps to highlight even further how the nuances of collective knowledge in a particular setting affect our understanding or lack of it.

Hospitality, such as we’ve heard would have been offered to Joseph by his extended

family whether he had met them previously or not, was, and is, a given in Judaism. In ancient times, hospitality was viewed as a pillar on which the moral structure of the world rested. It included welcoming strangers into the home and offering them food, shelter, and protection. Providing hospitality also involved recognising the stranger’s worth and common humanity. Hospitality is an important theme in Scripture and is central to the gospel story itself. Both rewarding and challenging, hospitality remains an important expression of Christian faith today.

The Christmas story as we have received it is filled with challenges about hospitality, or lack of it, for the Saviour few recognised as Messiah. To call on a final idiom we could say the world failed to ‘make room’ for the one we now call ‘the hope of the world.’ As we journey through Advent to the place of the manger again, let’s keep in mind the call on us to emulate the one born a Jew, for whom offering welcome was a given.

Watch out for details of The BIG Welcome 2017 – coming soon the Diocese of Perth.

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The Reverend Dr Elizabeth J Smith | Mission Priest | The Goldfields

A good half of those present are children and teenagers. The boys are wearing their best shirts in crisp white or smart black. Some children have t-shirts printed with their friend’s photo, or a montage of Elijah sprouting angel’s wings.

Footy club members form a guard of honour. Aboriginal pastors read tributes, messages, Bible verses. The slide show, like the lost life, is too short. There will be no photos of this boy turning 18, hugging a girlfriend, heading to work in hi-vis, starring in a grand final, raising children of his own.

Young people write their names in texta on the white coffin. A little bit of each of them will be buried with Elijah.

At the graveside, the wind is whipping up red dust. The pastor asks everyone’s question: ‘Why?’ But no one has an answer. All we can do

is leave Elijah in God’s care. Blue balloons fly high. We file past the grave, leaving petals, flowers, Goldfields earth. Young men pick up the waiting shovels and fill the grave.

Back at the basketball stadium, food is ready to share. The mood is subdued. Adults seem weary and worried. Young people have energy and nowhere obvious to put it.

I am praying for resilience and cultural pride for local Aboriginal people. I thank God for organisations like footy clubs where talent counts more than race.

I am praying that Aboriginal people will find ways to process their profound sadness at this death, and their accumulated rage following decades of injustice, without violence turned inward to self-harm or suicide, or turned outward as aggression to others. I am

praying that all these children will choose life.

As a pastor myself, I am praying for Aboriginal pastors who have to do too many tragic funerals of young people. They struggle to speak of hope and mercy in the face of systemic disadvantage and despair.

I am praying for the parents and grandparents of Aboriginal children. They know from bitter experience how often their kids will hear chronic abuse directed at their skin colour, feel acute blame directed at their friends and family, even suffer physical attacks. The best and most conscientious parents can’t protect their children against racism. Racism doesn’t check a child’s school report card or a family’s employment status before it applies its demeaning labels.

I am praying for the man accused of Elijah’s death, and

lastic chairs are arranged in the basketball stadium. Hundreds of people are sitting, hundreds more stand, lining the walls. P

GOLDFIELDS GOD-TALK - FUNERAL

Prices start from a low $15,950not just for him. I am praying for all of us who, even for a moment, have ever felt angry with another person or group of people, angry enough to talk them down, turn our back on them, hit out at them with words or actions. Every human heart is a battleground where kindness doesn’t always win.

Please pray with me that Kalgoorlie-Boulder will be a place where kindness does win. Where trust grows. Where change is possible. Where healing happens.

Please pray with me that Kalgoorlie-Boulder will be a place where kindness does win. Where trust grows.

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The Right Reverend Dr Peter Brain | Parish of Rockingham-Safety Bay

As we consider the theme, make way for the manger, the Advent emphasis on our Lord’s glorious return – ‘on the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty, to judge the living and the dead’ – will keep us from sentimentalising or sanitising the manger. Our Lord’s incarnation, affirmed in our creeds and collects, is the foundational and wonderful miracle (‘conceived by the Holy Spirit’) and event (‘born of the virgin Mary’). This supernaturally mundane event sets the scene for our Lord’s ministry and atonement. Rightly contemplating it, we are filled with awe and wonder: wonder that God the Son should deign to take our nature by adding

it to his divinity. Reflecting on this wonder, Augustine wrote: ‘He lies in a manger, Ruler of the stars, he nurses at his mother’s breast. He is both great in the nature of God, and small in the form of a servant.’ In his classic, Knowing God, J.I. Packer writes: ‘The incarnation is in itself an unfathomable mystery, but it makes sense of everything else the New Testament contains.’

Our liturgies never make light of this great event , nor do they make it central in either our affirmation or devotion. Our liturgical centre of gravity is to be found elsewhere. We see this in the BCP and APBA First Order prayers of consecration,

and thanksgivings in the various Second Order services of the Lord’s Supper. The focus is the cross. Our Lord became incarnate in order to die in our place and make atonement for our sins. The centrifugal attraction and pull is found in this event which we celebrate each week. When this balance is maintained and cherished we are less likely to fall for the traps of either denying our Lord’s miraculous conception (since only one who is fully human and fully God could possibly make atonement for our sins) or the reductionism that settles for a human and humble display of God’s love that betrays an amnesia about the depths and gravity of our sin that

here is a German proverb that runs: ‘The main thing is to always keep the main thing the main thing.’ When it comes to our western celebration of Christmas, our liturgies can be counted upon to help us keep the main thing the main thing.

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made his coming a necessity. The manger, we do well to remember, was our Lord’s bed because there was no room for him anywhere else.

Packer reminds us that the key text in the New Testament for understanding the incarnation is not John 1:14, ‘the Word became flesh,’ but the comprehensive statement from 2 Cor. 8:9: ‘you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich yet for your sakes he became poor so that you through his poverty might become rich.’ Riches accrue to any impoverished sinner who recognises that their bankruptcy was dealt with upon the cross by none other than the Lord of

glory. ‘The incarnation’, notes Packer ‘is set before us not simply as a marvel of nature, but rather as a wonder of grace.’

The glorious return of Jesus keeps us properly focussed at Christmas. ‘He will come to judge the living and the dead’ are words of real reality that will keep us from the triviality typified by the festive season. We are taken seriously by God and as such accountable to him. Jesus comes to save us from all that would diminish us. The One in the manger demands that he should become our Manager. The sublime paradox of God taking upon himself our humanity in

the womb and our sin on the cross was for the purpose of us finding real meaning in humbling ourselves by seeking his pardon, then giving ourselves to him in obedient submission and service. Our Prayer Book prayers, with phrases like ‘whose service is perfect freedom’ and ‘we offer ourselves to you as a living sacrifice’ , so counter-cultural, provide the meaning and key to meaningful life through joyful discipleship. Riches indeed.

OUR RICH LITURGICAL HERITAGE

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Jesus didn’t come so we could have more presents, food and things. Jesus came to change the world, to alter the configuration of whom we hang out with, what we do with our stuff, and how the world functions. It was meant to be a scandal that God was born to an unwed teenage mother of no means, and it is no less of a scandal that the first people to worship him were members of the underclass of Jewish society, a bunch of shepherds.

According to Rowan Williams, this changes things dramatically, as ‘the entire system of the universe, ‘the fire in the equations,’ is contained in this small bundle of shivering flesh! Is it possible that God has given

himself away so completely that we meet him in poverty and weakness? He acts by giving away all worldly definitions of strength and success. The universe lives by a love that refuses to bully or force us, the love of the cradle and the cross.’

The love of the cradle and the cross. That’s pretty intimate. No wonder we prefer a distant, remote, powerful God who is easier to ignore, blame or only call upon when we needed. As Advent ends, the waiting is over. God has kept his appointment and spoken out the great word of his incomparable love in the form of Jesus. This we celebrate in majestic fashion in the timeless beauty of the

words and music that fill so many of our hearts with joy at this time of the year.

But the challenge remains. Howard Thurman, an American author and civil rights campaigner, wrote: ‘When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flock, the work of Advent and Christmas begins: to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among others, to make music in the heart.’

dvent is a word that means ‘to come’, ‘to prepare’, or to ‘show up’. In the chaos of the shopping and party frenzy, Christians are invited to slow down and do some soul-searching. Company is coming in the form of a baby, Mary’s child, the Saviour of the world. The question that Advent asks of us is simply – ‘Will there be room?’ Can we sweep out the clutter of our lives and leave a space into which God might become more of a reality?

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LEAVING A SPACE FOR GOD

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The Very Reverend Richard Pengelley | Dean | St George’s Cathedral

NOR’WEST POSTCARDJocelyn Ross OAM

Familiar faces at Synod were Chancellor Joshua Thompson, Deryn Lee of Kununurra, Bill Adams of Port Hedland, Jim Williams of Carnarvon, Herb and June Richards from Mullewa, Chris and and Gill Campbell of Dongara, Robert and Jennifer Borschmann of Kalbarri, Pam Lewington and first time representative Connie Sullivan from St George’s Bluff Point, Allan Hetherington and Martin Bellinger of Holy Cross Cathedral. New faces and friends included Nicholas Young representing Paraburdoo / Tom Price Parish, and Natasha from Wickham. BCA WA regional staffer The Reverend Rob Healy and CMS WA The Reverend Ray Arthur gave short presentations, as did Dr David Kummerow from Trinity Theological College in Perth.

End of the year moves are being announced, and one piece of sad news for us is that The Reverend Sam Morton, youth pastor at Holy Cross Cathedral, with his wife Jess, two-year-old

Percy and one-year-old Lois, will move to Sydney to St Luke’s Miranda.

It has also been announced that Bill and I will hand over the helm at Geraldton Mission to Seafarers after seven years, to be replaced by The Reverend Wayne and Gladys Sutton. It has been a wonderful time with the Mission and all the seafarers who visit the Centre, not to mention the special people on the committee and all who volunteer. Our plans are to stay in our present home in Geraldton.

Clergy from parishes are continuing to mention the loss of members of their congregations with cutbacks, and itinerants who move on at the end of the year. It is hard to farewell friends, even though it might mean an opportunity to meet again in a different place in Australia, and there is the satisfaction of ‘sending out’ someone who has grown in faith so they are able to be used

by the Lord in a new setting. Thankfully the Lord raises up or sends others to fill the gaps. Jehovah Jireh!

A former Minister of Dongara, The Reverend Rob Stubbs with Jenny, diocesan archivist, visited last month. Jenny was a member of the Dongara Patchwork Club and they attended the Club’s ‘Showing of the Quilts.’ Such beautiful hand-work! And everyone was delighted to see Rob and Jenny.

Vale Betty Jagger, until recently of Geraldton Parish, MU member and a blessing to all who knew her. A Memorial Service at Holy Cross Cathedral was held,following her death in Perth in October. You certainly learnthings about a person from their eulogy, on this occasion prepared by her daughter and son Constance and Ken.

Thank you for your interest and your prayers for our Diocese. To God be the glory!

he bi-annual BCA Field Staff Conference on the Sunshine Coast, following the School of Theology and Synod in Geraldton last month, was an absolute bonus for the clergy, their wives and children who serve in the Diocese of North West Australia. Dongara, Karratha, Tom Price / Paraburdoo, Newman, Port Hedland and Kununurra families headed off early in November for a week of worship, teaching and fellowship with colleagues from every state. It is such a welcomed time, especially for those with children.

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Ordained in Holy Cross Cathedral, Geraldton on October 2, 2016: The Reverend David Hilton Chaplain – Greenough Regional Prison, The Reverend Jake De Salis, Dampier Mission to Seafarers Chaplain, The Reverend Roger Kyngdon, Assistant Minister at Bluff Point Parish, and The Reverend Stephen Combe, Minister in Sharke Bay.

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The following is the summary of his 50-year journey of priestly ministry.

He was ordained as a priest in Lichfield cathedral on the 25th of September 1966. His first parish, as a curate, was in Hanley, one of the six towns in the potteries in the city of Stoke-on-Trent. Then he

became the locum chaplain to the two hospitals in north Staffordshire for eight months, and this changed his life.

He married Valerie at St Peter’s Church, Southsea, part of the city of Portsmouth down on the south coast of England. Then he went to work in a parish in Birkenhead, on the

south bank of the River Mersey and near the city of Liverpool. In three years the family was expanded by the addition of two daughters, Mary-Anne and Susan.

With his family, Kevern migrated to Perth in March 1973 and he was commissioned as rector of St Michael’s Mount

he 50th anniversary of The Reverend Kevern Rapkin’s priestly ordination was celebrated at St Bede’s parish, Beechboro on 25th September 2016. More than 100 people, including The Venerable Jack Thomson, The Reverend Brian Stitt, The Reverend Geoff Chadwick, The Reverend Luke Durham, the parishioners of St Bede’s and the parishioners of Kevern’s former parishes, the Rapkin families and friends attended both the Eucharist and the social gathering which followed.

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Pleasant in April 1973. He had seven glorious years in Mount Pleasant and during that time his son David was born.

After seven years in Mount Pleasant, he was invited to become rector of the parish of Rockingham-Safety Bay. Ten years later he became rector of St Swithun’s church in Lesmurdie in the Hills. After

nearly ten years there, he returned to England, where he worked as one of the team priests in Southampton parish for four years.

In due course, Kevern and his family returned to their home in Lockridge, Perth. He became the locum parish priest for St Bede’s, Beechboro in mid-2007 and was there for

the next fifteen months. He and Valerie still worship at St Bede’s Beechboro and continue to minister in various ways. In 2016, Kevern helps once a week at St George’s Cathedral, welcoming visitors to the Cathedral.

KEVERN RAPKIN – FIFTY YEARS A PRIEST

He had seven glorious years in Mt Pleasant and during that time his

son David was born

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PARISH OFFICE BEARERS’ TRAINING II

TRAINING & EVENTS

Parish Wardens and Treasurers are urged to attend a SECOND Parish Office Bearers’ Training day to assist in their work and responsibilities.

Topics to be discussed:

• Parish Governance Statute The Venerable Lionel Snell

• Property Mr Alan Gray

• Risk Management Mr Brian Dixon

• Professional Standards Mrs Tracie Chambers-Clark

• Finance Mr Andrew Reynolds

To register for the Parish Office Bearers’ Training, please visit www.perth.anglican.org/events

For further information, please contact Barbara, bmcdonald@perth.anglican.org or call 9286 0272.

Date: 12 November 2016

Venue: Swanleigh Conference Centre, 58 Yule Road, MIDDLE SWAN

Time: Registration from 8:30am 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Morning tea will be provided.

In the past decade, there has also been a significant increase in professional interest in what is called the ‘pet effect’. There are new medial research findings on the positive effects having a pet has on physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being.

The Australian Family Physician Journal notes that companion animals ‘can be helpful in practical ways for patients with weight problems, high blood pressure, susceptibility to stress and anxiety, loneliness, depression and difficulty socialising.

The psychological benefits are greatest among vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and the socially isolated, chronically ill or handicapped.’

Australians have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world with nearly two thirds of all Australians owning at least one pet living amongst 7.6 million households.

any churches around the world celebrate the feast of St Francis of Assisi on October 4, bringing pets to church for a blessing. M

Brendan Phillips

In ‘The National People and Pets Survey’ 92% of respondents felt ‘very close’ to their pet, 86% of respondents found comfort with their pet during times of stress, and 62% of respondents felt their pet made for a friendlier environment and helped with conversation between humans.

Homeless people also benefit from having a pet. One survey found that participants cared for their pet because it gave a sense of companionship, responsibility, emotional wellbeing and increased levels of social interaction. Children commonly report missing their pets when homeless and that almost half expressed losing their pet as their greatest concern. Another study found that nearly two thirds of people chose the family pet as the companion of choice if stranded on a desert island.

Veterinary researcher Sandra Barker teaches students about pet loss and grief. The death of a pet can hurt as much as the death of a relative. Some people were surprised and even ashamed that they grieved more for their pet than for a family member. But the pet had given them constant companionship, and depended on them totally, and that is why they were grieving so intensively.

Our pets are also great community building enablers. The 2011 Australian Census also showed that more free time is spent caring for their pets than socialising, community participation, visiting entertainment venue, cultural events and religious activities combined. The 2011 film Red Dog became the highest selling Australian DVD of all time. Red Dog was the loveable focus of the Karratha-Dampier community and a unifying force and now has a statue commemorating his life. Interestingly, no statue exists of William Dampier.

OUR LOVE FOR PETS

One survey found that participants cared for their pet because it gave a sense of companionship, responsibility, emotional

wellbeing and increased levels of social interaction

So let’s celebrate God’s gift of pets this Feast of St Francis and especially let’s give thanks for the love we share with our pets past, present and future and all the wholeness this love brings us.

Brendan is the first Anglican graduate from Murdoch’s PCD chaplaincy program. He provides chaplaincy for Aboriginal students and staff at Murdoch University’s Kulbardi and is undertaking doctoral research on ‘sense of belonging’.

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The ‘reserves’ were in or adjacent to towns throughout Noongar country. In the 1960s the Anglican Church established a unique endeavour. It sent people to live and work on the government gazetted reserves. The Anglicans were working an about twelve reserves and an important part of their role was in helping people to build houses.

Mary Elliott and May Street were both trained Social Workers, having trained at Josephine Butler Memorial College in Liverpool, England. They were in correspondence with the Reverend E.C. King who headed up this work. The two women expected to live in a caravan on one of the reserves; however, they were informed that Archbishop Appleton wanted them to work in Perth, as there was nothing being done for the increasing numbers of Aboriginal people

moving into Perth and living adjacent to the city.

The Public Works Department offered the Mission the use of 2 Norbert Street, East Perth and the Anglican Family Centre commenced its work. They were given no instructions but wer told to find out what the need was.

The women became immersed in the community. A report from the period notes: ‘The threatened eviction of several families from houses in East Perth, and the fact that one whole family is living in the backyard of another house rented by a large family has made obvious the need for a concerted effort for housing... Nor is the problem confined to the Metropolitan area, for all our teams are constantly beset by it. What is needed is a short term action to meet the present situation and long term planning to meet the problems of the

future. The Mission can be little more than a pressure group; the responsibility must rest with the governments and departments concerned.’

This led to Miss Elliott undertaking systemic advocacy around housing with the government officials of the day and in the media. The media responded with an editorial, which in some ways is not dis-similar to issues being raised about housing and tenancy fifty years later.

There was no Aboriginal Medical Service, or Aboriginal Legal Service at the time. There were also no community legal centres, or specialist tenancy advocacy services. This was pioneering work in the area of tenant advocacy, both individual and systemic. It is important to honour this work, fifty years on.

here were between 175 and 200 Aboriginal people living in East Perth during the 1960s . It had a strong sense of community and the restrictions on Aboriginal people made East Perth like a reserve. ‘It was just like a reserve in the city,’ said Helena Pell Pritchard.

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Stephen Hall | Shelter WA

ANGLICAN HOUSING AND TENANCY ADVOCACY 50 YEARS AGO

Every year or so, REMSWA holds a music camp on the September long weekend, trying to circulate around the South West to pick up rural as well as city players. This year our group chose the wheat-belt town of Wongan Hills.

Our activities were centred on the Wongan Hills Caravan park, but we also used the Anglican Church hall for part of the weekend. We decided to volunteer to play at St Peter’s Wongan Hills at their 9:00 Eucharist. Archdeacon Kathy Barrett-Lennard was enthusiastic, so eight of our members turned up with five different sizes of recorder. We decided to play an ancient, 10th century motet called O nata Lux, set to a version by Thomas Tallis, and adapted by local composer Glyn Marillier. The Latin text is translated below. We performed it during the administration of the sacrament, in which six of the visitors shared.

The congregation were so moved that they applauded after our performance.

The visit and the performance were real ice-breakers for conversation over morning tea, after the service. We have been invited back next year, with the promise of the parish’s brand new Mocardy Centre as our base.

he Recorder and Early Music Society is a Western Australian group which has been established for 32 years. We take the playing of the recorder seriously and with enthusiasm.T

Barrie Baker

O Light born of Light,Jesus, redeemer of the world, with lovingkindness deign to receive the suppliants’ praise and prayer.

Thou who once deigned to be clothed in fleshfor the sake of the lost,grant us to be membersof thy blessed body.

MEDIEVAL MUSIC AT ST PETER’S, WONGAN HILLS

Recorder group with St Peter’s Wongan Hills congregation

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St Bartholomew’s House provides safe supported accommodation for people

experiencing homelessness.

To find out how you can make a difference this Christmas, check out

our Christmas Hamper Appeal in this issue.

St Bartholomew's House Inc7 Lime Street, East Perth, WA 6004 T 9323 5100

E reception@stbarts.org.au W www.stbarts.org.au

One real need is for cultural awareness training targeted specifically at church and general ministry contexts. The Aboriginal Ministry Policy Working Group and Wollaston Theological College have organised a day of practical hints for Aboriginal, particularly Nyoongar, ministry,

entitled Whadjuk Bibbulman Katijininy, on Saturday 18 February 2017 at Wollaston. This is aimed at all church members, clergy and lay, who have an interest in learning about Nyoongar culture and in brainstorming ideas to engage in ministry with them. We plan to invite

he Perth Diocese has affirmed a commitment to ministry with, to and by Aboriginal people over many years through Synod motions, acknowledgements of country, general cultural awareness training and the like. Our Mission Plan speaks of ‘engaging with the Aboriginal community across a wide range of areas, from spirituality to worship to the provision of

service, underpinned by a powerful sense of reconciliation.’ Work in this area has a long way to go, but the Diocesan Aboriginal Policy Group is encouraging people and suggesting small, manageable steps towards such ministry.

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Dr Carolyn Tan

ABORIGINAL MINISTRY DAY: 18 FEBRUARY 2017

One real need is for cultural awareness training targeted specifically at church and general ministry contexts.

We are delighted that The Reverend Lenore Parker, Yaegl elder and Anglican priest from the Grafton Diocese, has agreed to come to Perth to speak about her experiences in ministry and spark some more ideas about what we could do here. Lenore is famous for her wonderful ‘God of Holy Dreaming’ Thanksgiving for Australia, which appears APBA (pages 218-9).

The event will close with a smoking ceremony, didgeridoo music and a chance to put some of the ideas into practice in a short closing worship.

Our church has made many commitments to walk alongside our First Peoples in proclaiming the good news in this land. This is a good chance to share the learnings, struggles, hopes and joys of this journey together. Please contact Radhika Roy on 9286 0276 or rroy@perth.anglican.org for more information, or to express your intention to attend.

SUBIACO 9381 5888 ROCKINGHAM 9528 1244MYAREE 9330 6344 MANDURAH 9581 9166

chipperfunerals.com.au

When the Chipper family began providing funeral services, Western Australia was known as the Swan River Colony. Since then, Chipper Funerals has seen the city of Perth and surrounding areas grow into the community we enjoy today.

Throughout this time, Chipper Funerals has been a friend to Anglican families at a dif�cult time, providing the highest levels of care, professionalism and guidance to those in need.

Friends from the beginning.

various local elders, so it will also be a good opportunity for people new to Western Australia, or those who have lived here all their lives but have not had much contact with Aboriginal people, to meet with and learn from some of the First Peoples of this place.

In the course of the day Tom Little will introduce us to Nyoongar cosmology and spirituality. The detailed programme is still being planned, but we hope to hear from The Reverend Katrina Holgate and Pastor Sam Dinah about their Church in the Park in Guildford, and discuss whether similar or differently-styled services might be offered elsewhere. The Reverend Lyn Harwood, chaplain at Bandyup and Boronia Prisons, and Gail Wynne, Aboriginal prison chaplain, will discuss some ideas for funeral ministry based on their experiences in leading such services in prisons. We plan a panel for a conversation about Aboriginal ministry in schools and agencies, and we hope also to get input from other churches about their work in this area. We hope these discussions can be frank and interactive, covering what has worked or could work, what has not worked, and what would be culturally inappropriate.

Artwork by Daphne Davis

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ARCHBISHOP ROGER HERFT Temporarily standing aside as Archbishop 10.10.16

APPOINTMENTSThe Reverend Patrick King Vocations Advocate, Wollaston Theological College 01.10.16

Commissioning Tuesday 8 November 2016 at 6.00pm Wollaston Chapel

The Reverend Peter De Yaak Assistant Priest, Quinns-Butler 28.09.16The Right Reverend Kate Wilmot Administrator 10.10.16

LOCUM TENENSThe Reverend Howard MacCallum Esperance 28.08.16 – 28.02.17The Reverend Jim Crawley Midland 29.09.16 – 28.02.17

PERMISSION TO OFFICIATEThe Reverend Peter Bourne 29.09.16

RESIGNATIONSThe Reverend Dougall Ethell Chaplain, Hale School 31.12.16

VALEThe Reverend Peter Kan

CLERGY NEWS

PURPLE PATCH – NOVEMBER 2016

06 Bishop Kate Merredin – centenary Apthorp Hall and 50th anniversary All Saints’ Church Bishop Jeremy Kwinana

13 Bishop Kate Nedlands Bishop Jeremy Kensington

20 Bishop Kate Willetton Bishop Jeremy Swanbourne-Mt Claremont

27 Bishop Kate North Perth Bishop Jeremy Karrinyup

Gavin Drake | Anglican Communion News Service

BRITAIN’S ROYAL MINT TURNS TO BISHOP FOR CHRISTMAS COIN DESIGN

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The Royal Mint are issuing just 30,000 of the new £20 silver coins They have been produced for the collectors’ market and, while legal tender, are not designed to enter general circulation. People who purchase the coin will also receive a specially designed

booklet ‘with space to note down your favourite moments of 2016 and wishes for the coming year,’ the Royal Mint say.

‘Commemorative coins are generally treasured for their aesthetic and collectable

value, or for their rarity,’ they said. ‘Collectors appreciate the detailed hand-finished processes and expert skills used to make them.’

The design features the Magi’s visit to the holy family, bringing gifts in homage to Jesus.

ritain’s Royal Mint has produced the UK’s first-ever Christmas coin – and has turned to the Church in Wales’ Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron, for its design. Bishop Gregory, a former deputy secretary general of the Anglican Communion, designed the UK’s last round-pound, which was released in May.

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Arrangements will be different this year, because St Bartholomew’s House is in partnership with Foodbank WA to provide the food part of the hamper. Accordingly, St Bart’s is appealing for toiletries and small gifts – but not for food – to make up the packages. There’s a list of suggested items, published elsewhere in this edition of the Messenger.

During the year, the Parish of Kingsley North - Woodvale presented St Bart’s with more than a car-load of toiletries for the women who live in our Kensington Street facility, and I was amazed at how thrilled the women were with their gifts. Three school groups also brought toiletries to St Bart’s during September, with similar kinds of results.

Santa Maria College’s Byrne Home Room provided 40 packs of toiletries for the 40 James Watson residents. James Watson Hostel residents are men, aged over 65. The students organised morning tea and a whole morning’s worth of activities.

Middle school students from Hale School visited to provide care packs of toiletries and other items to residents in Crisis Care

as well as for the Kensington Street women. This was part of a wider project called The Butterfly Effect.

From four or five different schools, year 11 and 12, who were enrolled in a theology and ministry course called Vetamorphus, personally delivered individual care packs to women living at Kensington Street.

Every year, a great number of schools, particularly our Anglican Community Schools, have assisted with the St Bart’s Christmas hamper programme. A special mention should be made of St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School, who provide us not only with valuable donations for the Christmas Appeal each year but also provide us with students who volunteer their time to assist us make up the 550 hampers we provide for residents.

It’s worth mentioning that a number of other schools help out at St Bart’s on a regular basis. Kennedy College have been supporting James Watson aged care residents for two years. They have come in about eight times a year, meeting up with residents on their bus trips to Bank Reserve. Trinity College

students have supported St Bart’s for more than ten years by coming in to James Watson Hostel on Friday afternoons to assist with Bingo afternoons. And more recently, students of St George’s Anglican Grammar School will be making regular visits on Monday afternoons to interact with residents.

St Bartholomew’s House has grown to become a large and complex organisation, and it relies heavily upon the continuing help of volunteers. In my opinion, the youngsters who assist in the ways that I’ve mentioned are probably doing more good than they realise.

People who would like to help St Bartholomew’s House with its Christmas 2016 hamper project, might choose from the following options:

(1) Send gifts of toiletries, confectionery, chocolates or gifts of money to St Bart’s Christmas Hampers, 7 Lime St, East Perth WA 6004;

(2) or if you prefer to give time, ring volunteer coordinator Mitch Hanson on 9325 5100 or email Mitch at coordinator.volunteers@stbarts.org.au.

ime gallops on, and it’s already time for St Bart’s to be making arrangements for Christmas hampers. Once again we’re looking at providing hampers for a minimum of 350 men and 250 women.

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MANY HELPERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The Reverend Dr Alan Forsyth | Chaplain | St Bartholomew’s House

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E St Bartholomew’s House Christmas Hamper

AppealIt’s that time again when we call upon your generosity to give to our Christmas Hamper Appeal.

St Bart’s will be providing hampers to 350 male and 200 female clients this Christmas. In partnership with Foodbank WA we have organised Christmas food hampers, and we are looking for your support to provide the following;

ToiletriesShampoo & Conditioner (or 2-in-1)

Toothbrush (soft or medium)

Toothpaste

Deodorant

Shaving Cream

Disposable Razors

Tissues (individual packs)

Body Wash or Moisturising Soap

Sunscreen

GiftsGeneral:Chocolates, Nuts & Confectionery

Refillable Water BottlesFor Men: Toiletry Gift Packs

Caps

Thongs/Flip Flops

Pens

Socks & Jocks (new)

Deliveries:All donations can be delivered to 78 Brown Street, East PerthMonday - Friday, 9.00am to 4.00pm, from Wednesday 30 November to Friday 17 December 2016

All food should be nonperishable and within use-by date. All clothing, toiletries & other items should be new/unused.

Please do not wrap gifts. Food hampers have been supplied in partnership with Foodbank WA.

St Bartholomew’s House Inc. 7 Lime Street, East Perth WA 6004T 9323 5100 E reception@stbarts.org.au W www.stbarts.org.au

Financial donations can be made by credit card or cheque. Please contact us to help us make a difference this Christmas.

For Women: Toiletry Gift Packs

Face & Body Moisturiser

Perfumes / Body Spray

Socks & Jocks (new)

For Children: Colouring Books

Coloured Pencils & Sharpeners

Water based paints & brushes

Scrapbooks

Textas, Pencils, Glue Stick, Pens

Thank you for your generosity

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The Ministers for Education across Australia’s states and territories also met recently with their Federal counterpart, Simon Birmingham. There was much media coverage of the Federal Government’s desire to shake up the current ‘Gonski’ funding arrangements for schools which, Minister Birmingham says, will see extraordinary discrepancies in funding between states and territories by 2019. Allegedly WA will be the worst off. I will write about this matter in coming editions, as progress is made by the Ministers.

Getting considerably less coverage in the media was a paper which went to the Ministers’ gathering recommending a cut to the number of university places offered for students who want to enter the teaching

profession. The paper argues that universities should stop over-enrolling students into lower-cost degrees (such as those in education and teaching), simply because there is a demand for places, funding available for those places and it suits a university’s business model. Rather, the university sector needs to welcome reforms which would see them being driven by the needs of schools, matching the supply of teachers with the demands of schools.

A reality for many years in Australia is that we have an oversupply of primary school and physical education teachers, for example, yet a shortage of appropriately trained teachers of mathematics and science. The supply of chemistry and physics teachers are at a critical low. They are an ageing group, with

those retiring exceeding those entering the profession. Figures out of the eastern states confirm this story. Over the past five years, primary teacher graduates are up by over 10%, whilst in that same period there has been a 30% drop in science teacher graduates and a 10% decline in mathematics teaching graduates. Remember there were already too many primary school graduates for job offers back in 2010 and earlier, and too few science and mathematics teachers. This discrepancy has only widened in the past five years.

An unfortunate consequence of flooding any market is a perceived lessening of the product’s perception by the consumer. The teaching profession is no different. A century ago, teaching was considered one of the

he annual Synod of the Diocese of Perth has either just started or is just over, depending on when you received your copy of Messenger! We were delighted and honoured to again host Synod at Peter Moyes Anglican Community School in Mindarie.

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The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM

CEO | Anglican Schools Commission WA

Future Chaplain, Amazing Ministry

DPS:MAR043-16

web: www.airforce.gov.au/chaplains email: raaf.chaplains@defence.gov.au

greatest professions to pursue. Alongside law, medicine and the priesthood, teaching was a noble and esteemed profession. Today, there is an oversupply of teacher graduates in some fields, yet an undersupply in others. Places are possibly too easy to gain at some Australian universities, not matching the employment reality some four years later. The NSW Minister for Education, Adrian Piccoli, talks of ‘encouraging high-quality students to do teaching because it’s a high-quality profession’. We must do this, and do it now.

International research suggests that students undertaking teaching degrees should be drawn from the top 30% of Year 12 graduates, if we are to be a world leader in teaching

and learning. It used to be so! Whether this is ever achievable (again), our schools will not be well served by universities constantly increasing the number of places on offer in areas where supply well exceeds demand. Yes, less is more.

One of the privileges of my position is to spend a day each January with all the teachers new to WA Anglican schools. Each year there are approximately 150 teachers who are starting their journey with us. I have been involved in this day for 13 years now. Over that time, what has struck me is the quality of graduate teachers who are beginning their careers in our schools. They are bright, engaged and thoughtful young and not-so-young graduates

who are eager to share their lives and knowledge with the students in WA’s 20 Anglican schools. There is no question that Anglican schools attract the finest graduates from our five universities; therefore little surprise that whether they are primary school or physics teachers, they have been ‘snapped up’ by our Principals and offered employment in an Anglican school.

Each year I close the January presentation to the new teachers by reminding them that teaching in an Anglican school is a vocation – not a vacation, and not simply a job! Those of us who are Christian believe God has called us to this highest of professions: teaching and caring for the young. There is no greater calling.

LESS IS MORE

36 37

The afternoon’s festivities began with a staff-versus-students mixed netball match, with the victors to be awarded the Principal’s Cup. Despite strong vocal support by the students for their peers, the staff triumphed to retain the Principal’s Cup for the sixth consecutive year. The Wollaston Marketplace then commenced with a range of food, novelty and games stalls, transforming the inner quad. Primary and Secondary students and staff visited the stalls, with old favourites such as face painting, portrait drawing, the bouncy castle and slide proving popular. The activities were a great success, with all funds raised going to the John Wollaston team participating in the Ride to Conquer Cancer.

The school was founded in 1989, taking its name from John Ramsden Wollaston. An Anglican Archdeacon born on 28 March 1791 in London, John Wollaston enjoyed the greater

part of his life as a village priest in England. He was schooled at Charterhouse where his father, Edward Wollaston, was a Master and his maternal grandfather was Headmaster, and at Christ’s College, Cambridge (BA 1812, MA 1815). Having taken holy orders, he married Mary Amelia May in 1819, the youngest daughter of Colonel George Gledstones. They had five sons and two daughters.

Finding the income from his time at West Wickham, Cambridgeshire, insufficient for his growing family, he applied in 1840 for the position of Chaplain to the Western Australian Land Company’s proposed settlement at Australind.

In 1841, aged 50, he left the known comforts of parish life to begin a ministry in the colony of Western Australia. He arrived in the settlement of Australind in that year as a free settler, only to find that he was unable to receive an appointment or

salary as a colonial chaplain until he had constructed a church building. Struggling for survival against the harsh and strange conditions, he completed the little church at Picton, with the help of his family, in less than 18 months.

His energy and efficiency became widely known, and he was asked to minister to the people of Albany. In 1848, he completed St John’s Church and was appointed the first Archdeacon of Western Australia. In this capacity, he rode on horseback all over the South West, caring for the church and its people. He was much loved by lay people and earned a reputation for bringing the very different clergy of the colony together. He died, chiefly as a result of exhaustion, after his second main archidiaconal tour in 1856. In 1984, he was proclaimed as a local saint and hero of the Anglican Church.

The school community has settled into the new facilities and embraced the many opportunities provided by the central location. Our students have enjoyed immersing themselves in the vibrant city environment and making full use of the wonderful facilities and resources Perth has to offer. Our students have become a familiar sight in the CBD in their eye-catching red blazers.

The school’s strong academic results are a true reflection of the commitment of our students and the calibre of teaching staff we are so fortunate to have. This academic emphasis and strong pastoral care is a big attraction for families and creates a very special learning environment.

Our strong relationship with St George’s Cathedral allows us the use of the magnificent Cathedral for our weekly Chapel Services and special celebrations such as our annual

Founders Day, St George’s Day and special Charity events. The recent Music Festival was a wonderful display of the musical talents of our students and Burt Hall provided a beautiful venue for this event.

St George’s offers an extensive sporting programme which makes full use of the outstanding facilities in and around the city. Our students started the year rowing at the WA Rowing Club. Athletics training and Carnivals were held at UWA Sportspark and the Swimming Carnival at Bold Park Aquatic Centre. The Inter-House Cross Country event was held in the beautiful surrounds of Elizabeth Quay, where students enjoyed running alongside our magnificent Swan River. Various activities took place at Langley Park: Archery, Cricket, Rugby and Soccer to name but a few. We even entertained the public with the St George’s Olympics at Elizabeth Quay, where we attracted much support from fascinated onlookers at the

staff-versus-students handball games!

The opening of the Perth City Library has been a wonderful asset to our English programme as all our students have automatic borrowing access along with the use of the beautiful spaces the library has to offer.

This year’s school production of Legally Blonde, the Musical was held at the state-of-the-art Heath Ledger Theatre and was an incredible display of the talents of our students. The cast and crew really benefitted from working alongside the professional staff of the State Theatre to put on a truly professional production.

We look forward to another successful end to the academic year and wish our graduating students the best of luck with their upcoming WACE exams.

his year John Wollaston Anglican Community School celebrated its 27th birthday with a wonderful Founders’ Day on Friday 19 August. Attended by the whole school and a small group of parents and grandparents, the Service allowed the school community to reflect upon and give thanks for the initiative and work of our forebears who established the school and

pioneered its development in the early years. Much like our namesake, The Venerable John Ramsden Wollaston, who toiled tirelessly throughout the south west of Western Australia to grow the Anglican Church, our founders worked hard to realise their vision for a low-fee Anglican school to be established south of the river. Principal Anne Ford commented that the John Wollaston community is indebted to the Anglican Church, the Anglican Schools Commission, community leaders, School Council members, Foundation Principal Victoria Morgan, chaplains, staff, students and parents who have shaped and sustained the growth of John Wollaston Anglican Community School.

t George’s Anglican Grammar School, Perth’s first high-rise City School, has recently celebrated the first anniversary of the opening of our new city campus. It has been a most successful year for the school in all aspects.

T

S

Ms Anne Ford | Principal | John Wollaston Anglican Community School Mrs Rensche Diggeden | Principal | St George’s Anglican Grammar School

FOUNDERS’ DAY 2016 AT JOHN WOLLASTON ACS

SCHOOL ACROSS THE CITY

38 39

BOOKS

An appealing mixture of art, storytelling, scripture, poetry and insightful theological reflections, this beautifully presented book is a delight to give to anyone at Christmas.

Be prepared for a journey through the great masters with 35 full colour reproductions, each one a reflection on both art

REV

IEW

S

APPROACHING CHRISTMAS, Jane Williams $19.95

and the meaning of Christmas. Each artwork is set in a context, with the painting itself being chosen to illustrate the theme that respected theologian Jane Williams is drawing on. The delightful ‘Angels Playing Music’ by Saronno is the perfect backdrop for her chapter on music. Combining the experience of Christmas music in Canterbury Cathedral today, the history of music and then the subjugation of music in the seventeenth century, music in the Bible, in CS Lewis, and in John Milton, Williams concludes that ‘Christmas is God’s invitation to us to join in his dance and sing the song of creation…joining in the deep harmonies of life and helping to spread the music further and further.’

Likewise a chapter on Christmas trees is packed with anecdotes, Isaiah, Dickens and the famous artwork by Hicks, The Peaceable Kingdom. When

we bring a tree indoors, ‘just for a while we imagine a time when the inside world and the outside world live in harmony.’

On Epiphany, she draws some enticing contemporary ideas about the crib. At the crib of Jesus, all are welcome: this is what the wise men tell us. Today there are representations of different races in the crib scenes and the portrayal of the vistors at different stages of their lives. What they all have in common is that when people see the baby in the crib, they know that they have seen someone who will change their lives.

With more chapters including decorations, food, family, and making lists, this inexpensive, hard cover, magnificently-illustrated gift book makes a great gift, sermon resource, or personal meditation. The book describes itself as a companion to the Christmas season.

All books reviewed available from St John’s Books, Highgate Court, 26 Queen St Fremantle books@stjohnsbooks.com.au | 9335 1982

JOURNEYING WITH MATTHEW Lectionary Year A, Bringing the Gospel alive for groups and individuals, James Woodward, Paula Gooder, Mark Pryce $26.95

This is the first of three volumes covering the Liturgical Year, Year A Journeying with Matthew, Year B Journeying with Mark and Year C , Journeying with Luke. As this volume (Matthew) came into the bookshops three years ago, our cycle is back again for 2017. All three volumes are currently in stock at St John’s Books and the complete set would make a very useful resource.

The three authors have extensive experience in teaching and learning. They ‘share a passion for theological learning that is collaborative, inclusive, intelligent and transformative,’ and Paul Gooder is personally known to many in Perth Diocese.

Journeying with Matthew covers Biblical introduction with an inviting and informative discussion on the shape of the Gospel, storytelling technique and the main theological themes of the Gospel. Then follow nine chapters covering the major seasons in the cycle of the church year – Advent, Christmas, Epiphany and so on. Each chapter contains material for personal reflections

*A one-off handling fee of $5.50 per transaction applies to all purchases. An additional fee of $4.40 per transaction applies for delivery via Registered Post. WASO16_073

BOOK NOW Tickets from $40* Call 9326 0000 quoting 1541 or visit waso.com.au

HANDEL’S MESSIAHDon’t miss this beloved Christmas tradition!

BAROQUE SERIES

HANDEL’S MESSIAHFri 2 Dec 7.30pm & Sat 3 Dec 2pm MATINEE Perth Concert Hall

Hear the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, the WASO Chorus and acclaimed soloists in a stirring performance of one of the best-loved choral works, Handel’s Messiah. With its joyous arias and rousing choruses including the famous ‘Hallelujah Chorus’, this concert is a “must” on your festive calendar!

Stephen Layton conductor Eleanor Dennis soprano Helen Charlston mezzo soprano Gwilym Bowen tenor Robert Davies bass WASO Chorus

and liturgical preparation, sermons, meditations and questions to use as a group study. A study group could not find better material to work with, but the book covers the whole liturgical year, so it might be advisable not to tackle the whole book, but to be prepared to take it in pieces.

The book is packed with original poetry, meditations and reflections. At the risk of taking a section out of the context of the book, let me quote briefly from the first and last stanzas of a four stanza Advent poem (reflecting on Matthew Chapters 24 and 25) which is indicative of the depth of the writing throughout.

Living in the last days

What are you expectingAs the king comes near?

A gift like Herod’s stonesBeautiful and vast?A majestic structure?Temples golden in the sun?

Do not hope too much for these:All broken down, every one.

What guest are you expectingAs the traveller comes near?

An absent lord returning?The delayed groom arriving?An investor now demanding?A hidden saviour begging?

Keep longing, looking, loving, givingUntil he brings the completing.

Shirley Claughton

40 41

MAPPING NOVEMBER?

CLUESACROSS DOWN

October  solution  

P   A       P   A   C   I   F   I   C       I   R  O               L   O   G   O   S               K                       L   O   X                      V               U   T   T   E   R               K  E   P       O   T   S       S   A   F       S   O  S   A   N   T   O               C   E   D   E   S  S   C   R   I   P   T       C   H   U   R   C   H  E   E       C   I   R   C   L   E   D       T   E  L               A   U   R   A   L               R                       S   U   I                      S               S   T   E   M   S               S  I   N       U   I       T       T   R       I   P  C   O   M   M   I   S   S   I   O   N   I   N   G  

 

 

 

October solution

Mapping  November?    1           2   3   4   5   6   7           8   9  

                10                                  

                    11                              

12               13               14               15  

16   17       18             19       20       21      

22       23                       24       25          

26                   27       28                      

29           30           31                   32      

                33                                

                    34                              

35               36               37               38  

39   40       41           42       43   44       45      

46                                                  

1,8, & 36 across. Can he be sabre rattling in the capital of Israel’s desert? (4,5)

2. I allege intrigue in the northern parts of Israel. (7)

8. See 1 across.10. Can the alb be

crumpled on the polyglot tower?

11. Consumed mixed drink from India. (3)

13. Hindu god in the yeshiva. (5)

16. Evangelise everyone to begin with. (2)

18. The shortest route from Song of Solomon to Ecclesiastes. (3)

19. Short episodes at Esperance Primary School. (3)

21. That is, a hundred pulled from the ice. (2)

22. Crossed juju deadly in old Jewish homeland. (5)

24. Synod dysfunctional, writes Enid Blyton. (5)

26. The bun era turned out to be courteous and cool. (6)

28. An article from jealous, stirred in units of energy. (6)

29. Not only a short negative. (2)

30. Strew about at crest. (7)

32. An English Emergency Room? (2)

33. A heath flower from a rice blend. (5)

34. Start with total nonstop action. (3)

36. See 1 across.39 & 41 across. Yet

I crossed the abominable snowman. (4)

43 & 45 across. Transcendent yoga zaps Palestinian city. (4)

46. A neat reminder rolling in Romans’ sea. (13)

1, & 9 down. Dog speak for tree’s skin? (4)

3. Initialled Arabic Bible. (2)

4. Loathe not nothing with carpenter’s tool. (5)

5. Istituto Biblico Evangelico Italiano starts in Rome. (4)

6. Depart in leaven. (5)9. See 1 down.12. The French I month

six is arid and uninteresting. (6)

13. A scent wafts from his posture. (6)

14. Interrupted sleep on a pea. (6)

15. Coupled bogey serves as hot springs. (6)

17. Pay for it with tea off the circuitous route. (4)

18. Oceans in disease? (4)20. Ours turned out bitter.

(4)21. Ride across a concept.

(4)

23. Devotional Bible abridged. (2)

25. Start Diplôme de Langues. (2)

27. Heart broken by the planet. (5)

28. Short Jordan to Tabor taxi. (2,3)

31. Insensitivity to music blended near it. (3,3)

35. Clergyman holds health club. (3)

36. To occupy the seat in immensity. (3)

37. For cooking across a galaxy. (3)

38. And turns into a patriarch. (3)

40. Ecclesiastes and Ecclesiasticus. (3)

41. Titanium – just under dough! (2)

44. Short cut from Ashdod to Nazareth? (2)

45. Start from Zoar to Ai. (2)

This is an original and most delightful new children’s Christmas book. Newly published, it is a hard cover with dust jacket, and is in humorous verse and lavishly illustrated.

GOODNIGHT, MANGER, Laura Sassi, illust Jane Chapman $25.00

In very large landscape format, it is ideal for reading to a group of children, and would be delightful and acceptable in both church and school communities, or a very special book for a bedtime story.

‘Stars are twinkling.Baby’s fed.Mama says, It’sTime for bed.’

It’s bedtime for baby Jesus, but who knew a stable could be so loud?

The combination of imaginative verse and the charming and enticing illustrations will draw out the youngest children to search for favourites, discuss the amazing diversity of

characters in the pictures and encourage readers to think of questions about the nativity. The conversation has started. The opening is there for the reader to introduce more of the story.

Suggested for 4-8 year olds, the quality of the production, the humour and the imaginative text and illustrations mean that it could appeal to an even wider age group. If searching for a book of this quality outside of the Christmas theme, a similarly attractive book by the same author and illustrator is titled Goodnight Ark.

42 43

Anthony Howes

he major arts companies have all launched their programmes for 2017. I recommend perusing their colourful brochures to see if a subscription might not make the ideal Christmas gift. And don’t forget WAAPA’s 2017 season brochure, also.

My recommendations for this month include something that is not ‘theatre’, though it is full of the energy and craftsmanship common to theatrical performances. The Perth concert of the world-renowned British early music vocal ensemble, The Tallis Scholars, will take place in St Mary’s Cathedral on Tuesday 8 November at 7.30pm. The Tallis Scholars have performed in both sacred and secular venues, notably St Paul’s Cathedral in London, the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, the Church of St Ignatius Loyola in a collaboration with Sir Paul McCartney, as

well as the National Gallery London, where they appeared with Sting, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The BBC calls them ‘one of the UK’s greatest cultural exports.’

A new Australian adaptation of May Gibbs’ Snugglepot and Cuddlepie plays at the State Theatre Centre from 9-14 November as part of a national tour. The colourful world of one of WA’s favourite daughters springs to life on stage for children aged 5-10 (and their adults!)

The WA Ballet’s The Nutcracker Ballet comes to His Majesty’s

Theatre from 18 November to 11 December. Artistic Director Aurelien Scannella says he has wanted to present a truly traditional Nutcracker to Perth audiences ever since coming to the Company four years ago. Aurelien is joined by Jayne Smeulders and Sandy Delasalle in a ‘collective’ choreographic collaboration. The West Australian Philharmonic Orchestra accompanies the full company of dancers with Tchaikovsky’s much-loved score.

Avenue Q, acclaimed as the most hilarious puppet show ever, is set to return to the

T

THEATRE

Nicholas Hiatt and Thomas Pidd in Snugglepot and Cuddlepie (Photo Heidrun Lohr)

The Tallis Scholars in St Pauls

Thomas Pidd, Lucy Goleby and Nicholas Hiatt in Snugglepot and Cuddlepie,

Crown Theatre for a limited season from 26 November to 10 December. Avenue Q, directed by Peter J Snee, is an irreverently witty and uproarious insight into a world where Sesame Street-esque puppets rub shoulders with humans. Critics tell us that Avenue Q hilariously navigates adult life from a puppet’s point of view - no strings attached! Of the production, The Australian Stage reported, ‘Avenue Q is a show for anyone who’s ever questioned the meaning of life, made irresponsible choices and wished to be a child again.’

Now, a note for Sunday, 11 December. Thanks to audience response, A Dickens of A Christmas is back for its fifth year! There will be two shows at 2.30 and 7 pm at Claremont’s historic and picturesque Christ Church parish church, with free parking in the adjacent CCGS car park. A Christmas Carol (told by the theatrical family of Jenny and Bernie Davis, daughter Rebecca, husband Stuart Halusz, and their daughter and son) – is interwoven with seasonal music from Giovanni Consort, the RAS Perth Brass Ensemble,

organist Stewart Smith, and you singing carols. You even get me as Scrooge! The professional artists involved have all donated their services, thus all proceeds go to the homeless of Perth and Fremantle. Bookings with Trybooking; $25 adults, $20 concessions. – enquiries to Christ Church on 9384 9244. See you there?

My recommendations for this month include something that is not ‘theatre’...

44 45

Review: Mark A Hadley

RATING: MA15+

DISTRIBUTOR: Icon

RELEASE DATE: November 3, 2016

There are times in life when we discover for ourselves whether or not our faith in God is real. I don’t mean those joyous occasions where we, ‘Thank God!’ It’s easy to praise him when the sun is shining. I mean the darker days – an unexpected death, a troubling birth, a heart-wrenching betrayal… Once, when I was younger, I came close to drowning, and as I sank beneath the water for what seemed like the final time, I was surprised and comforted to realise that I actually did believe. Hacksaw Ridge is built on a series of realisations like that. The true story of a Christian man who had to discover the reality of his faith in a number of trying circumstances, right up until he carried it into the furnace of the Second World War.

Hacksaw Ridge is built around the life of Desmond T. Doss, an American Seventh Day Adventist who refused to carry a gun but still wanted to serve his country in the Pacific. Australian acting icon Mel Gibson returns to the director’s chair to tell a story that is likely

to take its place alongside Chariots Of Fire and The Passion Of The Christ as one of Christianity’s most stirring stories of belief. Gibson uses rising star Andrew Garfield to introduce us to Doss long before he confronts the trials of the Pacific. In small-town Virginia, we’re made privy to the events that shaped his life. Rachel Griffiths plays Doss’ mother, a source of quiet, determined faith; Hugo Weaving his father, a troubled alcoholic shattered by the First World War. Doss is repelled by violence and attracted by the thought of saving lives. He enlists to be trained as an army medic, but his refusal to carry a rifle throws him into conflict long before he reaches a transport ship.

Hacksaw Ridge is not just a story that involves a Christian; it is a story about the daily struggle to be a Christian. No-one understands Doss’ conviction that he can love his God and his country, without wanting to kill its enemy. The persecution he then undergoes comes in a variety of extreme but still sadly familiar forms.

Doss’ commanding officer tries to reason him out of his faith, telling him ‘You won’t win wars by giving up your life.’ His fellow soldiers are more direct, mocking and beating him – ‘I don’t think this is a question of religion. I think this is cowardice, pure and simple.’

Most poignantly, Desmond’s father assures him that he will find no joy in following the path God has set before him. ‘You think this world will fit in with your beliefs?’ the broken man pleads. ‘If by some miracle you survive, you won’t be thanking God.’ To this very day, Christians face the same challenges from the mouths of authorities, peers and parents. Yet Doss perseveres, not because he has an iron will, but because his faith is his identity:

‘Maybe I’ve been prideful. But I don’t know how I can live with myself if I don’t stay true to what I believe.’

Hacksaw Ridge delivers Doss his baptism of fire on the shores of Okinawa, the island chain where American troops first set foot on the Japanese homeland.

Gibson pulls no punches in conveying both the brutality and pointlessness of war. The hellish vision that unfolds is easily as disturbing as any war film I have ever viewed. But neither does the director indulge in elevating one viewpoint over another. The conflict is salted with non-Christians who behave valiantly, as well as Christians who are prepared to take up arms – and enough bravery, cruelty and futility to challenge and shame both sides. But it’s Doss’ moment of decision that the story turns on. Terrified and alone, confused and struggling, Desmond calls out to God,

‘What do you want from me? I can’t hear your voice!’ Silence ensues… then he hears the desperate scream, ‘Medic! Help!’

It will in no way spoil this heart-rending, heart-moving tale to include that Desmond T. Doss was awarded the Medal of Honour for single-handedly saving the lives of 75 of his comrades in one night. When the lights came up on Hacksaw Ridge at the Venice Film Festival it received a ten minute standing ovation. However what I will remember the most is the three times it brought me to tears. The first, for the sheer horror that soldiers were asked to endure. The second, for the terrible choices mere men were asked to make. And finally, for the sheer beauty of one man’s realisation that serving his God was more important than any safety this world might offer.

HACKSAW RIDGE

MO

VIE

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46 47

ST GEORGE’S CATHEDRAL

38 St George’s Terrace, Perth

Mon-Sat: 7.30am Morning Prayer and 7.45am Eucharist.

For details of all other daily Eucharists and Evening Prayer, see our website:

www.perthcathedral.org | 9325 5766

SUNDAY SERVICES 8am: Holy Eucharist (BCP) with hymns

10am: Choral Eucharist and Sunday School 5pm: Choral Evensong

SPECIAL SERVICES IN NOVEMBER 2016

SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER 10am: Choral Eucharist of All Saints. 5pm: Solemn Requiem of All Souls.

Music: Fauré.

FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER 10.30am: Armistice Day Act of

Commemoration by the Villers-Bretonneux Cross, followed by procession and

placement of poppies in Cathedral Square.

SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER 10am: Dedication Festival Choral Eucharist.

12.30pm: UK Combined Ex-Services Federation Service. 2pm: Families Connect.

5pm: Remembrance Sunday Service, commemorating the First Anniversary of

the Paris terror attacks.

SUNDAY 20 NOVEMBER 5pm: Civic Service. Followed by the launch of the new Cathedral Dance and Theatre Programme, with a brief performance at the reception in the Burt Memorial Hall.

SUNDAY 27 NOVEMBER 5pm: Said Evening Prayer. 7.30pm: Advent

Carol Service. Music includes excerpts from Messiah (Handel), and works by

Gibbons, Weelkes, and others.

WHERE TO WORSHIP

Opening Space for SpiritGroup Dialogue Facilitation

Leadership Coaching Retreats and Quiet Days

Michael Wood www.michaeljohnwood.com

Ph. 0435 065326

PALMYRA

ST PETER’S

SUNDAY EUCHARIST 9.30am WEDNESDAY MASS 10.00am

Office 9335 2213 www.fremantleanglican.com

FREMANTLE

ST JOHN’S

SUNDAY EUCHARIST 9.30am

DAILY MASS Monday 12.30pm Tuesday 12.30pm

Wednesday 12.30pm Thursday 12.30pm

Friday 12.30pm

Office 9335 2213 www.fremantleanglican.com

JOHN SEPTIMUS ROE ANGLICAN COMMUNITY

SCHOOL

St Paul’s Chapel Choir

Director: Jamil Osman

Organist: Jonathan Bradley

CHORAL EVENSONG

TUESDAYS at 5.00 pm

during school term

St Paul’s Chapel

John Septimus Roe Anglican

Community School

Corner Mirrabooka and Boyare Avenues,

Mirrabooka

(Parking is available on the

School grounds)

DIOCESE OF PERTH –

PARISH VISITS 2016

St Michaels’s Mount Pleasant

9.30 am Sunday 27 November

St Pauls Mirrabooka Evening Festival

of Lessons and Carols

6 pm Sunday 4 December

For information regarding the Chapel

Choir please refer to the School website

www.jsracs.wa.edu.au

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RICH HARVEST CHRISTIAN SHOP

Bibles, CDs, cards, apparel, gifts statues, religious vestments

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CONTEMPORARY SPIRITUALITY

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For further information, a free introductory session or Retreat booking Find Josephine at: P: 9207 2696 E: jojo1@iinet.net.au W: www.contemporaryspirituality.com.au

KINLAR VESTMENTS

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Contact: Vickii SmithM: 0409 114 09340A Tendring WayGirrawheen WA 6064

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ST JOHNS BOOKS FREMANTLE

FREE POSTAGE ON ALL ORDERS

in Metropolitan Perth during November 2016

Check out our resources for Year of Matthew (Year A) and large selection of Christmas books, cards, diaries and Nativities.

Shop hours: 10am - 1.00pm Monday-Friday

(12.00noon Sat’s)

email: books@stjohnbooks.com.au web: www.stjohnsbooks.com.au phone: 08 9335 1982 postal: Shop 1 Highgate Ct 124 High St Fremantle WA 6160

ALBANY

St John’s welcomes you to join in worship at

St John’s, York Street Sundays 8.00am Eucharist (with hymns)

9.30am Sung Eucharist and Sunday School. Visitors welcome

www.anglicanchurchalbany.org.au

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

GIVING BACK

An incorporated member of the Anglican Diocese of Perth

Anglican Community Fund (Inc) is not prudentially supervised by APRA. Contributions to the Fund do not obtain the benefit of the depositor protection provisions of the Banking Act 1959. Anglican Community Fund (Inc) is designed for investors who wish to promote the charitable purposes of the Fund.

For more information visit us at the Diocesan Office, Level 8, QBE House, 200 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000contact us on (08) 9323 4182drop us an email at info@anglicancf.com.auor visit www.anglicancf.com.au

call (08) 9325 4182 or visit www.anglicancf.com.au

TO THE ANGLICAN COMMUNITY