PARISH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 12 OCTOBER 2014

Transcription

1 PARISH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 12 OCTOBER 2014 FROM BISHOP STUART: ISLAM AND OUR RESPONSE. I commend to you this very helpful and succinct piece by Dr John Dickson our Convention speaker this year. A letter to my church about Islam By John Dickson Posted 30 Sep 2014, 3:00pmTue 30 Sep 2014, 3:00pm As fears about Islamic State echo around the West, John Dickson urges members of his church to shun simplified understandings of Islam and instead meet Muslims with love and friendship. Dear St Andrew's, I want to talk briefly about Islam and the awful events of recent weeks. Speaking about the faith of the world's 1.6 billion Muslims is difficult, and complicated by at least two factors. First, as with Christianity, there is a huge spectrum of belief and practice in the Islamic world. The five pillars of Islam are shared by all 1 adherents (confession of faith, daily prayer, gifts to the mosque, fasting during Ramadan, and a pilgrimage to Mecca) but, beyond this core, the Sunni, Shia, and Sufi see things quite differently. The second problem has to do with us. Westerners tend to impose their own imaginings onto Islam. Following September 11 years ago, and again more recently, people seem to break into two camps: those that rush to condemn Muslims per se as violent and poisonous, and those that defend Islam as a perfectly loving, nonretaliatory, democratic religion. Both groups are a little 'imperialistic', imposing their own perspectives onto a tradition without letting that tradition be itself. The first group projects its fears and tribalism onto Islam. The second projects its liberal democratic views of 'what a religion ought to be' (mostly informed by the best bits of Christianity). The instincts of the latter group are probably nicer, but both are ultimately unwilling to listen to and understand this ancient faith.

2 I can't give a balanced account of Islam in a brief note. I do want to say two things. First, it is undeniable that, in certain contexts, the Quran sanctions the use of force to defend and promote the honour of Islam. And Muhammad himself was a highly successful military commander, inspiring the incredible conquests of the first caliph Abu Bakr. The peace created by early Islam was not unlike the ancient pax romana, the 'peace of Rome', where conquest was thought to be bring stability and unity to the world. The so-called 'Islamic State' terrorists in Syria and Iraq today are trying to recreate this ancient caliphate. They have a genuine religious tradition to draw upon. That said, it is equally clear that most Muslims in the world today do not support the actions of IS. While it seems to be reported only in passing, many important Islamic scholars and imams around the world, including in Australia, have roundly condemned the Islamic State, declaring it 'haram', a powerful religious term meaning forbidden by Allah ('halal' meaning sanctioned/approved). While most of these religious leaders would accept the permissibility of military jihad under certain conditions, they do not accept the beheading of journalists in Syria, or random attacks on the streets of Australian cities. I have no doubt that almost all the Muslims we're likely to meet in Sydney wish us no harm. They want what we want - health, safety, education, and a future for their kids. Those that are religiously observant - remember, many Muslims are nominal - are of course keen to see Islam spread throughout Australia. They naturally think sharia law is wiser than secular democracy (and this is an argument we may increasingly need to have). But they do not want to hurt us to achieve their ends. It is no cliché to say that the vast majority of Australian Muslims are law-abiding and peace-loving, just as it is also true that some of them find inspiration for violence in their sacred traditions. It is complicated! Finally, whatever conclusions we come to about the technicalities of Islamic belief and practice, God's true Word teaches us two highly relevant things for the current crisis. First, civil authorities have sanction from the Creator to use force to protect the innocent and bring justice. In Romans, Paul writes: For the one in authority [speaking of Roman authority] is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. (Romans 13:4) I support the actions of our government, the military, and our state and federal police. Let's join together in praying for them at this time of heightened tension and risk. In the same epistle, however - indeed, in the preceding chapter - the apostle insists that the Christian community itself has no share in the exercise of sanctioned force. Rather, believers have one course of action when confronted with opposition. They are to follow the Lord Jesus in enduring suffering, refusing to retaliate, and committing to love enemies. Paul writes: 2

3 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath. (Romans 12:12-19) Paul is no doubt reflecting here on the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Luke 6:27-28) These things lie at the centre of the Christian life, for they are at the heart of the gospel of the One who endured a Roman cross for sinners. In the end, I have a simple thing to say, and I feel a strong sense of God's pleasure in saying it. Common sense and Christian faith urge us to shun both a naïve recasting of Islam as the mirror-image of liberal democracy, and a hateful projection of our own tribalism onto Australian Muslims. Instead, let's go out of our way in the coming weeks and months to pray for the Muslims around us and to convey love and friendship toward them. I commit to pray for every Muslim I see, and when I meet Muslims personally, I will try to express friendship in Christ's name. I gave it a go last week at Adelaide airport. I greeted a Muslim family, conveyed my fear that recent media coverage might make them feel under the microscope, and expressed my sincere welcome and friendship. They were taken aback, but the woman held her hand to her heart and said, "Thank you. That means so much to me!" The look on her face almost made me cry. I tried it moments later with my taxi driver and he laughed, "Oh no! I am a Hindu!" Still, you get the point! We follow the Lord who bears the wounds of love and reconciliation. God bless, John This open letter originally appeared on John Dickson's personal blog. John Dickson is co-director of the Centre for Public Christianity, and is an Anglican minister at St Andrew's Roseville, Sydney. SCHOOL CHAPLAINCY NEWS Greetings prayer partners, We have a couple of articles in both Canberra Times and ABC indicating that Joy Burch has accepted the funding, but her preference is to work with the sectors that supported her, namely the Catholic and Independent Sectors and swing chaplaincy away from government schools and give most of the funding to the private sector. With this in mind we still have a journey ahead and we'll await further developments at a local level. My hope is that we can continue to partner with the schools who want to retain our current chaplains and find a way to place a 3

4 chaplain in new schools, though there is mention that as each government school chaplain leaves their positions the role will not be replaced but handed over to the private sector. Sad to say, the game of politics is beyond me, but not beyond our God who reminded me in Ps 46 this past week that he 'will be exalted in the nations, and in all the earth.' God will find a way and is neither surprised nor dismayed at the ways of our politicians. Please continue to pray as we seek creative ways forward to provide government schools with the opportunity to retain their chaplains and for the new government schools who are wanting a chaplain in Canberra News Article: ABC Article: rl= 06/school-chaplaincy-program-agreed-toby-actgovernment/ &ct=ga&cd=CAEYAioS NjE0Nzc5MzQ4Mjc4ODg3MzU2Mho5OTg3 YTI3MmE3MmVhMDVhOmNvbTplbjpVUw& usg=afqjcngllqh4bja98ljsjlnlwqbwnz w61g Sincerely, Di Dianne Priest Director Chaplaincy Services School Chaplaincy ACT 4 AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN LOBBY S 2014 ANNUAL CONFERENCE, SPEAK UP. ACL is committed to shaping a political environment in which your church is able to flourish. We do this by facilitating engagement between Christians and government. By God s grace, this influence has secured many political wins for Christ s values which we know contribute to the common good. The Opposition Leader Bill Shorten is our keynote speaker and Assistant Immigration Minister Michaelia Cash will join us from the Government to talk about refugees. Please consider joining us at the Hyatt, 120 Commonwealth Avenue for dinner with the Most Reverend Anthony Fisher on Friday October 24th at 6:30pm and/or for the full conference on Saturday October 25th from 8:30am to 3:30pm. More information about the conference is available at A fair day s pay for a fair day s work. It s one of our most cherished values, yet for many domestic workers in Australia today, it is sadly out of reach. You might be surprised to know that earlier this year; a report found that many domestic workers in Australia compared their lives to being in a jail, like a prisoner, like a slave and like a servant. One woman in a domestic home was told you must iron my clothes and make my food

5 whenever I like and whatever I like you must care for me you are here to do the housework otherwise it s no use keeping you here. 1 There s a name for this sort of treatment: Modern Slavery. And there are a number of steps the federal government can take to ensure no domestic worker in Australia is subjected to it. Domestic slavery can take many forms: 16- hour days without breaks, violence, threats, and little or no pay. In short, it s when private homes become prisons that people cannot leave. By their very nature, these abuses happen behind closed doors and many Australians are not aware they are occurring. But if we come together, we can make domestic slavery an urgent priority, and spur the Government of Australia's immediate action to ensure no domestic worker is enslaved here. It is estimated that there are 54,000 domestic workers in Australia, many of whom have travelled to Australia to take up their job. 2 By taking action now, we can help protect every one of these workers from the nightmare of modern slavery. In solidarity, Kamini, Jenny, Laura, the Salvation Army in Australia and the Walk Free team P.S. Walk Free is proud to be partnering with the Salvation Army Freedom Partnership on this campaign to end domestic slavery in Australia pdf 2 Walk Free is a movement of people everywhere, fighting to end one of the world's greatest evils: Modern slavery. SPRING CONCERT AT ALL SAINTS CHURCH 25 October at 14:30 All Saints' Anglican Church, Ainslie (ACT) in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory A Spring concert featuring the musicians and friends of All Saints' Anglican Church, Ainslie (ACT) to raise funds for the Music Fund CAMP PELICAN The summer camping program is just around the corner and preparations are full steam ahead. Camps will be held over the first two weeks in January (4th-9th and 11th-16th) with registrations opening on Monday 13th October All the relevant information, including the camp brochure and the link to online registration is on the Camps website BYG - THE BISHOP S GAP YEAR Applications for the Bishop s Gap Year are now open. BYG is open to anyone post year 12 and under 30 who would like to spend an amazing year experiencing life in ministry. All the information including a formal information pack and application pack can be found on the website This is a fantastic opportunity for your parish to support a 5

6 young person in their faith journey. Please do get in touch if you would like more info on the BYG. CHRISTIAN MEDITATION. The Australian Christian Meditation Community (ACMC) invites you to take part in Christian Meditation the Heart of Creation with Fr Laurence Freeman OSB in December: Friday 5th (7.30pm to 9.30pm) and Saturday 6th (9.30am to 3.30pm) at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Blackall St., Barton, A.C.T. This ecumenical gathering is for those who have been meditating a while, for newcomers to meditation, and for those who may be wondering..just what is this Christian meditation all about? Many Christians have been helped to recover the church s ancient tradition of meditation (contemplative prayer) because of the work of Fr John Main OSB ( ) and Laurence Freeman, his successor and current spiritual guide of the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM). Fr Laurence is a Benedictine monk and the author of many books and articles, and has helped to convey the gift of meditation in more than one hundred countries. Fr Laurence is active in interreligious dialogue and international peace initiatives with the Dalai Lama and leaders of other faiths. He encourages the teaching of Christian meditation to children and students around the world, and the recovery of the contemplative wisdom in the Church and society at large. Registration via the ACMC website: NationalConference2014.pdf FORTHCOMING EVENTS EARLY NOTICE FOR YOUR DIARY: Confirmation Service and Morning Tea 19 October. Also SYNERGY SUNDAY Parish Walk and Picnic Sunday 2 November. Annual Electoral Meeting 9 November Community Fair 15 November 2014 Christ the King Services 23 November 2014 and Parish Welcome Lunch. SMiV Parish Centre anniversary BBQ and Carols Service, 5pm BBQ and 7pm service, 14 December. Community Christmas Carols Friday 19 Dec pm Sunday Kids Klub annual graduation (Advent 4) 21 December 2014 Annual General Meeting TBA March 2015 Bishop s Dinner March. PARISH PICNIC AND WALK NOON SUNDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2014 Come along for a Spring Picnic at London Bridge, Burra. Salad Rolls, fruit and juice provided. After lunch take the short hike to view the beautiful London Bridge, then relax and watch the children s games or stroll around the picnic area to see the historic Shearer s Shed and Quarters. EVERYONE very welcome to join us for our Parish WELCOME LUNCH! Following our special Christ the King Services on SUNDAY 23 NOVEMBER An opportunity for newcomers and old hands to socialise and get to know each other. Join us for a delicious lunch followed by a short talk on part of our Parish History. 6

7 St Mary in the Valley and St Edmunds Tharwa Prayer Notes October 2014 If you have any specific prayer requests or any event you would like to be included in the prayer diary please contact Graham Bartlett on or facilitate worship, teach our young, lead or assist in groups, and the Parish Council and uphold the wardens and council praying for wisdom and guidance. Pray that through the Holy Spirit, God will continue to share His vision for this parish and that He will continue to provide all of the resources we need for the growth and administration of SMIV, including people and financial resources. You may also wish to select eg 10 families per week from the Parish Roll and pray for them. Thank you for your support in this prayer ministry for St Mary in the Valley. Give thanks that God has called us to be a part of SMIV, the Tuggeranong Valley Community, St Edmunds Tharwa and the ministry that we have to each other. Thank you for your support in this prayer ministry for St Mary in the Valley. Give thanks that God has called us to be a part of SMIV, the Tuggeranong Valley Community, St Edmunds Tharwa and the ministry that we have to each other. Give thanks for all who are involved in parish ministry and pray: that more people will volunteer their time to assist in the various ministries, share their gifts of hospitality, Give thanks for those: gifted with their hands and maintain the building, grounds and gardens, care for us, Sunday Pray and give thanks for: The community of SMIV for freedom to worship God openly and for the calling to be a beacon to others in the Valley. Sunday worship, for all who are involved in setting up for the services, the ushers, servers, lay reader. The ministry we have to each other. The ministry to the sick and dying. For those who are studying to improve their relationship with the community of faith. Those attending church today that all will be blessed, in a way that they will know can only be of God. Pray for companionship for the lonely, comfort for the sorrowing and relief for those in pain. Increase in us a spirit of compassion, that we may not add to the suffering of others, but comfort and befriend those who are in need. Monday Pray for: 7

8 For the Diocese, Bishop Stuart and Assistant Bishops Trevor and Genieve. the people of St Edmunds Tharwa our confirmation class and for their families Sunday Club activities, upholding and giving thanks for the teachers and assistants and for the children and the blessing they are to us. Pray for that God will raise up new people during the year to offer their gifts and talents in this important for Stephen as Chaplain to Caroline Chisholm High school For the Kingdom Kids the leaders, the children and their families Youth Group Praying for increased membership and for the leaders of the group, for safety in all that they undertake and pray for those attending Camp pelican over the holidays, for their safety and for a deeper relationship with the Father through the Son. We pray for peace in Gaza, for an end to the violence and bloodshed. for the Palestinian people, who suffer from injustice and the difficulty of everyday life, do not lose hope in your justice and mercy. We pray that they do not give in to despair and continue to place their hope for a better future in the strength of your hope. Those involved in pastoral care and ministry to the sick, pray that God will raise up others who want to share in this ministry. Tuesday Members of the parish with surnames beginning with A - F Pray for the world situation particularly for the Australian servicemen and women serving overseas and for their families. Ask God to raise up leaders who will seek peace. Give thanks for and pray that God will strengthen and protect those who work for peace, for those who care for the widows and the orphans, for those who seek to eliminate poverty and those who work to reduce the suffering in the world. Pray for the world that needless destruction of our rainforests will cease. Continue to pray for rain in those areas that have had little. Pray for those who support and minister to the farmers and their families as they recover from this period of drought. Pray for outreach programs such as Alpha, and for new ways of sharing our faith for the organisers and for their safety, pray that God will raise up those necessary for the task. The Christians of in all areas of conflict will know the close presence of Jesus, the guidance of the Spirit and the protection of the Father. Humanitarian assistance would reach all who are in need. Wednesday Pray for: Members of the parish with surnames beginning with G - K Give thanks for and uphold the: Music Group as they meet and prepare to lead us in music during our Sunday Services. Pray for other musicians particularly that others who have a heart for music will continue to offer their services. Worship, praying that we will continue to be open to the touch of the Spirit especially as they prepare the services for Lent and Easter. 8

9 Give thanks for the newcomers and pray that they will find warmth and refreshment with SMIV. For the leaders of all the nations, looking for ways to work together beyond fear and suspicion, For people of goodwill, responding generously to the needs of suffering communities, For the Australians who have friends and family involved in areas of conflict and disaster, For communities that are terrified by missiles, snipers, vigilantes or death squads, For the vulnerable and defenceless in conflict zones, for the children, the elderly, the disabled, the sick: Thursday Pray and give thanks for: that our parish will be encouraged and strengthened through the vision of the Mission Plan. Pray for all either returning or coming to SMIV for the first time that they will want to press-in and seek the heart of God. Pray for those who will be confirmed, for fellowship and gentleness in their classes and a deeper understanding as they draw closer to Jesus. For the West Africans affected by the Ebola virus and for an international response, and For the easing of tensions in the Ukraine, Crimea for peace and stability in these communities. Prayer for our Community Fair, for participation of as many as possible from the congregation and positive outreach into the community Members of the parish with surnames beginning with L - Q Pray for those with depression and eating disorders, especially our children. Pray for doctors and specialists who treat them, that they will be able find effective solutions and reverse the damage. Pray also for individuals who suffer may they also come to understand the damage and gain the will to want to change. Friday Members of the parish with surnames beginning with R - Z Give thanks to the Lord for all he has provided to us, praying that we will be responsible stewards of those gifts and also pray that He will continue lead us and provide those resources we need to fulfil His will. Uphold those of our Parish family who will be travelling over the Christmas period, for their safe journey.. Pray for those returning to school and for those attending for the first time, may they all be blessed and kept safe. Pray for an effective solution to bullying in our schools; for the victims and the bullies. May the bullies have their hearts changed and come to know the hurt this causes. Give thanks for Roberta, praying that her day off will be one of refreshment and enjoyment. Saturday Pray and give thanks for: Roberta, as she prepares for Sunday. Our Sunday worship and for all involved in the worship. Pray that all who attend church tomorrow will be blessed in a special way by God. 9

10 Uphold the Wednesday services and for blessing of all attending. Uphold the parish prayer ministry, praying that more people will seek to be involved. Gracious God, We pray for peace in our communities this day. We commit to you all who work for peace and an end to tensions, And those who work to uphold law and justice. We pray for an end to fear, for comfort and support to those who suffer. For calm in our streets and cities, that people may go about their lives in safety and peace. We uphold our Muslim sisters and brothers as they feel victimised, praying that they will recognise that not all in the community are against them. For the Sick Continue to pray for those we know are sick, giving thanks for healing. 10

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13 In Canberra, Saturday 18 October at 7.30pm At Immanuel Lutheran Church, 37 Burnie Street Lyons Singer, Songwriter, Song Leader, Arranger, Composer. Publisher, Thinker, Lover, Encourager and Follower of Jesus. For nearly 40 years Robin has helped shape contemporary Christian music in Australia and beyond. In worship and in celebrations of life and faith, Robin s songs are used to enliven and enlighten God s diverse church. Robin has been the main man (!) behind the All Together Songbooks. Robin is touring New South Wales and the ACT to help us lift our expectations of what we as God s people can do with our music. We invite you to take this opportunity to discover new things about how music connects us with God and our world. Maybe Robin can help you on this journey. Stay for coffee. There will be a free will offering during the evening to cover costs. Robin also will have CDs and books for sale. You can also join Robin at worship on Sunday morning at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Cnr Emu Bank Road and Eastern Valley Way, Belconnen at 10:00am. 13

14 WORLD COMMUNITY DAY SERVICE Friday 31 October am St Benedict s Church Cnr Jerrabomberra Ave & Tallara Parkway NARRABUNDAH Theme: Building with Godly wisdom The service has been prepared by the Cootamundra Branch of the NSW Unit of ACW. A dedication of Fellowship of the Least Coin offerings will take place at this service. The general offering will be split equally between the ACW Special Project for 2014 and ACWC for the International Scholarships Project. A light lunch will follow the service at a cost of $6. We look forward to sharing Fellowship with you. 14

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16 Thursday 2 October 2014 For immediate release MEDIA RELEASE WODEN SET TO CELEBRATE AMAZING COMMUNITY SPIRIT The 2014 Woden Valley Festival will celebrate everything wonderful about the region with a full day Carnival event in Eddison Park on Saturday 8 November Woden Valley Festival organiser Marieke Janssen said the Woden Valley Festival is a major community event. Now in its seventh year, it is a great opportunity for the community to come together and showcase local performers, organisations and services. said Ms Janssen. This year we re hoping to involve even more people in the celebration. We have a fantastic line-up of performers for all ages including Liam McKahey and the Bodies, Trick Winter, Second Sun, Johnny Huckle and Louise Page. Warehouse Circus, brass and salsa bands, belly dancers and several community groups will also be performing. There s free face painting and activities, workshops and performances for children and the young-at-heart, a reptile zoo, jumping castles and a pet parade. Let s not forget to mention the capoeiro and drumming demonstrations, the medieval pavilion, the Photo Walk, skate lessons, an obstacle course and a fire truck. Stalls will give people a head start on their Christmas shopping. Market stalls as well as lots of delicious food and drink options Ms Janssen adds. Over 100 performers, 50 volunteers and 6000 attendees took part in Ms Janssen said the Woden Valley Festival is a growing annual event that is a credit to the dedicated volunteers and community members who make it happen each year. The Woden Valley Festival, hosted by Woden Community Service and other sponsors, including the ACT Government, celebrates the amazing community spirit of Woden. We encourage everyone to venture out into your neighbourhood and check out the best that the Woden Valley community has to offer! said Ms Janssen. To find out more, visit the website at or contact Woden Community Service on Media Contact: Marieke Janssen, Woden Valley Community Festival Coordinator Phone: (02) , or marieke.janssen@wcs.org.au. 16

17 KALEIDOSCOPE PRODUCTIONS presents Job Pilgrim An original dramatised oratorio based on the book of Job, set in the present day. by Vivien Arnold Featuring: Neil Roach and Louise Page at The Q Theatre in Queanbeyan Thurs Nov 20th and Frid Nov 21st at 8pm Tickets from The Q box Office or on-line: $35 adults; $25 concession Proceeds in aid of Home in Queanbeyan 17

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