The Open Door. Dandenong Community News Our year in review

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1 December 2017 The Open Door Dandenong Community News 2017 Our year in review One of the many blessings that this time of year offers is the chance to connect with our wider community and share the creative comings and goings we ve experienced over the year. We were very sorry that our Craft and Friendship Group, led by our dear friend Maureen, finished. Maureen has been coming to The Open Door every Tuesday, almost since we began. We miss her very much. Thank you Maureen for outstanding service and great support for everyone who attended Tuesday mornings. We began Card Making workshops with Jan and they are in full production. Look out for the masterpieces during this festive season. Thea (from Art in an Hour ) led a wonderful series of nature based workshops and teaching techniques using different media. Gabby and Nadine (from Council s Artists in Residence program) workshopped words and water colour, and an imaginative way to combine the two. We showed a year s worth of talent with an exhibition. The Writing Group, now in its new format, invited local poet John to share his writing and tips; and Council s Suburban Studio Project provided the opportunity to workshop with an inspirational Spoken Word Artist, Abdul. Our Guided Imagery and Music workshops continued to enhance our listening attention throughout the series and offered us some magnificent classical music. John s Gospel is deepening our understanding of Jesus and his disciples; we are also learning about the history and social context of that time. It s a safe space to explore this gospel. We added to our cooking repertoire at Trish s Table with Doreen s spicy curry and Bev s expertise in bread making. Our guest speakers at Talks on Spirituality addressed our eager-to-learn audiences on the homeless in our society, Pope Francis, the Child Within us and Coping with Anxiety. EarthSong offered their final series on the Sacred Elements of Life; air, water and fire. We will certainly miss Anne and Pat s gentle teachings and hope we honour their work by caring for our environment. More importantly than the outcome of our creativity is the journey. Our tenth year has been a busy and happy one, and we wish those on this journey with us - the new faces, familiar faces, and faces we don t see any more but are imprinted on our hearts - a very Merry Christmas.

2 Page 2 In this issue Jo s journal Jo s journal Open Door 2 3 by Joanne Morrison Trish s Tales 4 Our handbook 4 The creative seed 5 Unidentified man 5 John of God Story Part 14 Life lessons An interview with Pat Cahill Brandy cream recipe Upcoming events Quotes for kids Connect It s never too late 2017 is the year I ve undertaken tertiary study - something I always dreamt of doing, but wondered if I ever would. Throughout high school, my plan was to earn money and travel once I d finished Year 12, which is what I did - and I loved every minute. I planned to go back later to study as a mature age student, but of course life took over, which again, I loved, and it wasn t until my daughter was looking into tertiary options that all the different and (more promisingly) accessible courses re-ignited the spark within. This spark was fanned into a flame after gaining support from Columba and Trish, and that of my family. It amazes me how easily this dream became a reality once it was opened up to the universe. The Diploma of Creative Writing through Australian College has been an incredibly positive experience, creative writing being my passion. As well as discipline, and advice, it has taught me the how to for genres I would never have tried writing and I m proud of what I ve produced. Exercises have pushed me out of my comfort zone and I ve revelled in writing a memoir, crime fiction, poem and even a screenplay. The online tutors have made it exciting and achievable. The flame to continue my writing is well and truly lit and to say that I m extremely grateful to my family, work mates, and regional office for this opportunity is a huge understatement. Learning and challenging myself in this way has been rewarding, and an experience I m glad I didn t miss out on, no matter how long it took me. If you would prefer an electronic copy of the newsletter, instead of a paper copy, please call Trish or Jo on or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au

3 Page 3 My experience of art at The Open Door by Lucy Neilson Some of you may remember me as part of The Open Door team, working with Kelly at the Mornington house. During my time with The Open Door I was fortunate on many occasions to be able to join the Art of Soul group at Dandenong. I loved my Wednesdays at Dandenong and the opportunity of joining this group of friendly, happy and talented people. There is no competitiveness in this group and no one upmanship, but rather a willingness to share tips, encourage each other, and form friendships. A little while back, I was invited to join a four week course called Art in an Hour, run by the lovely Thea Bates. I hesitated at first as events had occurred in my life that stopped me from making a commitment to doing something for my own enjoyment. Most of you will have lived long enough to experience the feeling of walking your path in life, going in a certain direction and under the illusion that you have some control of where you re going and what is to take place. Then suddenly the universe tips on its axis and throws you unceremoniously off your designated track and leaves you uncertain of your life, your future and how you can go on from there. This bolt from the blue can take many twists and turns that differ for each of us depending on our situations. For me personally, it has taken more than a year to motivate myself to find the path and begin moving forward once again. So I booked in for the course and it was the right decision. Thea led the group through many and varied fun activities over the four weeks that included making bespoke paint brushes from things easily found in nature, such as sticks, twigs, leaves, acorns and really any interesting thing that could be dipped in paint to make a mark. It was fun experimenting to see where this could lead. We made little booklets and decorated them with art work, which could then have several different uses. We did several pieces of art in different forms, including ink drawings. Many of the group excelled and showed real talent. For myself, art is more of a fun hobby and form of relaxation and believe me this is not false modesty. I find it fun to play around at art, get messy and enjoy the company of other like-minded participants, even if the result is hard to distinguish from my three-year-old granddaughter s attempts at art. Thea is a wonderful teacher; patient, enthusiastic and always encouraging. I think I can safely speak for all that attended in saying we all enjoyed it very much and were sorry to see it end. I am pleased to have taken a step forward on my new pathway and look forward to many more days at The Open Door enjoying art, meditation or any of the other workshops that are on offer and led by the fabulous team at The Open Door.

4 Page 4 Trish s tales Goodbye winter and hibernation. Hello summer and sunshine - you are very welcome. Now, before everybody starts jumping on me and telling me how we really need the four seasons I know. Autumn is very beautiful and sets the place alive with wonderful colour. It s almost magical watching the trees change colour, there are colours galore - reds, yellows, browns, oranges - it s such a lovely sight, then in time, falling to the ground making beautiful soil. Lovely sunny days crisp cold nights Easter is also an added bonus in autumn! Winter I m sure there s good stuff happening in winter, but other than warm soup and keeping warm I can t really think what. Oh, I guess there s people who like skiing and doing stuff in the snow and of course there is Football. Oh, and walks on the beach in winter is nice - if you re all rugged up of course. And even though we can t see it, we know the soil is doing its work in the garden. Spring.enter my heart dear spring, I love you so much! Even though you can be a bit temperamental at times, you still bring some frost and fogs with the sunshine and rain. There is so much rain in spring, but along with the sun you bring new growth in the gardens; it s a scene to behold with the blossoms and blooms everywhere, they are a promise of good things to come. Summer.sunshine and warm breezes - even hot breezes are ok with me! Daylight Saving, long sunny days, family and friends getting together, lots of yummy food and drinks, being outdoors enjoying the beautiful long evenings, listening to the crickets and swatting at the mozzies and Christmas! Christmas is my best time of the year, the decorations, the songs that go on AND on in the shops, the breakup parties, holidays, and best of all are the little ones waiting in anticipation for a visit from the big fat man with the long white beard. I don t know how he manages every year; he s a marvel - almost magic. And of course none of this would be possible if it wasn t for the REAL MAGIC that happened on December 25 all those years ago Get your copy of our handbook today Our handbook, Exploring Spirituality Today, is selling well. We are now into a second print run. If you would like a copy ($15) contact Jo or Trish.

5 Page 5 The creative seed By Jenny Cook An unknown bird flew over our vegetable garden a couple of years ago. Nothing unusual about that, you say? But what happened next was surprising to say the least, because as it flew over our garden, it must have deposited some droppings. A few weeks later, my husband discovered a small, unidentified seedling in the middle of his zucchini patch. He decided to leave it and see what developed. It got watered and fertilized along with the vegetables and it grew at a phenomenal rate. He was soon able to identify it as a wattle tree. After only a year, it was as tall as our house and was covered in fluffy golden blossoms. The following year it had doubled in size and was smothered in beautiful flowers. Looking out of my kitchen window every day, I see that magnificent accidental tree and am reminded that, given the right help and support, anything is possible. I equate being a member of the Writer s Group at The Open Door, to being like that haphazard seed. I had always loved writing - diaries, journals etc, but had never attempted story writing. Having seen an ad in the local paper, I arrived at The Open Door to be enfolded in an amazing, loving, caring atmosphere...the perfect soil in which to grow my creative seed. Over the years I have seen the enrichment and development of the writing skills of all the Group members. Coming together every month encourages us to continue with and improve our writing. Expressing myself through Creative Writing has brought another dimension to my life and brings me so much joy. I feel blessed that The Open Door is available in our Community so that anyone can fulfil and develop their creativity and spirituality in such a warm, welcoming environment. Visitors to Coventry Cathedral in England are met with this heart warming message: Unidentified man: We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, widowed, straight, gay, confused, well-heeled or down-at-heel. We especially welcome wailing babies and excited toddlers. We welcome you whether you can sing like Pavarotti or just growl quietly to yourself. You re welcome here if you re just browsing, just woken up or just got out of prison. We don t care if you re more Christian than the Archbishop of Canterbury or haven t been to church since Christmas 10 years ago. We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60 but not grown up yet and to teenagers who are growing up too fast. We welcome keep-fit moms, football dads, starving artists, tree huggers, latte sippers, vegetarians, junk food eaters. We welcome those who are in recovery or still addicted. We welcome you if you re having problems, are down in the dumps or don t like organised religion. We re not that keen on it either. We offer welcome to those who think the Earth is flat, work too hard, don t work, can t spell, or are here because Granny is visiting and wanted to come to the cathedral. We welcome those who are inked, pierced, both or neither. We offer a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, had religion shoved down their throats as kids or got lost on the Ring Road and wound up here by mistake. We welcome pilgrims, tourists, seekers, doubters and you.

6 Page 6 John of God story... part 14 John had great devotion to the passion and death of Jesus. Friday was a special day for him because that was the day Jesus died. Because Granada was a garrison town with many soldiers, there was a popular demand for brothels. John wanted to help the women involved. So he started another ministry that was at risk of being misunderstood and criticised. Every Friday he would visit a brothel; he went up to one of the women who worked there and said: I will pay you what another would pay and a bit more. I ask you to listen to a few words from me in your room. Once in the room he invited the woman to sit down. Then he knelt and held between them a small crucifix. Without any reference to her misdeeds he started to accuse himself of his own sins and ended by praying for God s pardon. Often the woman would be moved to leave the brothel with John. It wasn t easy for every woman who wanted to leave. Some were in bondage to the brothel owner and needed to be bought out. That was just another challenge for John. He got the necessary money from amongst the wealthy and noble ladies whom he knew in the city. If that wasn t available he signed a promissory note himself. Some of these women became helpers in the hospital; some cared for the children John had rescued from other situations. Some felt drawn to a life in the convent and John had them placed there with the Nuns. Most women want to get married, and so it was with John s refugees. He was a great problem solver - so good in conflict resolution - he found husbands for them and provided their dowries. References: De Castro Frances The Life of St John of God, first published 1587, Florence Brian O Donnell O.H. John of God Father of the Poor, 1991 Life lessons I think John shows enormous emotional maturity here. It s easy to judge what is wrong with the world and even the people in our lives who annoy us. It s much more challenging to look into our own hearts and own what is not so perfect there. And that s where we can start: with self-awareness, forgiving ourselves and others if necessary, and helping those who need us.

7 Page 7 An interview with Pat Cahill Pat has been coming to The Open Door after finding our ad in the what s on section of the local paper in She has hardly missed a Tai Chi or meditation workshop and is a regular, beautiful voice at our monthly sing-a-longs. Pat is an avid knitter, inspite of uncooperative fingers, and has made many knitted jumpers and beanies for disadvantaged babies overseas. We sat down with Pat and asked her a few questions. We know you belong to a couple of local choirs and singing groups, what would be your alltime favourite song? Somewhere over the rainbow. We also know you are a keen gardener (we ve been the beneficiaries of blooms and gardening tips over the years). What do you love about your garden? In the Spring, watching the birds taking the pollen from the trees early in the morning. What has been your best moment so far this year? Getting back into singing and being part of the chorus. If you were hosting a dinner party and could invite any guest you like, living or dead, who would they be? Having my family back together, having lost two of my children. If you won the lottery, what would you do with the winnings? Share it with family and close friends. Brandy Cream A must have Christmas recipe by Claire Alvarez Ingredients 1 egg ¾ cup castor sugar ½ cup whipped cream 2 tablespoons brandy Method Beat egg white until stiff. Add egg yolk, sugar and whipped cream. Add brandy. Claire is a long standing friend of The Open Door, and is Daniel s other half. This local duo, pictured, are staunch supporters of The Open Door and the Social Justice outreach projects that we raise funds for. Each Christmas in July fundraiser we have, Claire s brandy cream is requested and devoured, either adorning the traditional pud, or with ice-cream and fruit. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

8 Page 8 Upcoming events 2018 The Open Door Goes Out A Pilgrim s Walk Daytime Book Club Movie/Social Days Continuation of John s Gospel Trish s Table cooking workshops 500 Card Club Check our brochure for dates and further details Quotes for kids that are still relevant today Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It s not. The Lorax, Dr. Seuss Promise me you ll always remember: You re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. A. A. Milne It is our choices Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, JK Rowling But the children knew, as I m sure you know, that the worst surroundings in the world can be tolerated if the people in them can be interesting and kind. The Bad Beginning, Lemony Snicket Believing takes practice. A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L Engle Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever. Walt Disney The Open Door Connect with us on Social Media The Open Door is a ministry of the Sisters of St John of God which seeks to develop a community where people feel safe to explore their own creativity and spiritual journeys. The centre is family friendly, offering affordable programs in a range of creative and spiritual themes including meditation, tai chi, creative writing, art, line dancing, book club, gospel workshops, guided walks and retreats. More information Tel: Trish or Jo on theopendoor@ssjg.org.au Web: Address: 110 Ann Street, Dandenong 3175 Blog theopendoor3175.blogspot.com Facebook the-open-door-an-ssjg-ministry Flickr theopendoor3174