TOP CENTRE Anglican Diocese of the Northern Territory November 2017

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1 TOP CENTRE Anglican Diocese of the Northern Territory November 2017 WORDS FROM BISHOP GREG October 31st is an important anniversary for the church. It is the day, 500 years ago in 1517, that a young monk in Germany, Martin Luther, nailed to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg (which was also the university chapel) 95 statements of opposition to the teaching of the Catholic Church of the time. On the same day, he posted them to the Archbishop of Mainz, asking for a disputation or discussion, which would enable the truth to emerge. It was ten days before his 34th birthday at the same age, I was living in Numbulwar with Annette and three small children, trying hard to learn Wubuy. What pushed Luther into action was the visit to Germany of another monk, Tetzel, who had authorisation from the Pope to sell forgiveness. The Catholic Church taught that as well as Christ s death providing for the forgiveness of sins in eternity, Christians had to make up for their forgiven sin in this life, and that if they failed to do this, they must do so after death before entering heaven. The Church taught that people could pay money to cover this pre-heaven punishment for their sin. Further, Tetzel said that you could pay for someone else s preheaven punishment to be lessened. This created a big market for buying blessing for yourself or for dead relatives, and the Church turned much of the profit into building the huge St Peter s Cathedral in Rome, which stands to this day. As Luther had studied the New Testament in its original language, he had become convinced that a number of the Church s teachings, including selling forgiveness were out of step with what the Bible said. His 95 Theses are considered the springboard of the Reformation, because they were part of a major rethink of Christian doctrine which spread right across Europe. It was not the first time that this had happened, but this time it was much more widespread and long-lasting. Five slogans began to ring out: Bible alone, Christ alone, grace alone, faith alone, for the glory of God alone. In other words, the Bible was the ultimate source of authority on its own, not added to or mediated by the church. What the Bible said was that God rescues us purely because of his kindness not because we deserve it. This rescue comes only through the death of Jesus, and we receive this rescue simply by trusting God s promise not by contributing good works of our own. Because only God does the work, the praise goes only to God. (continued p.2)

2 From Bishop Greg The teaching of the Reformation, not just by Luther, but others in different parts of Europe, led to a major split with the Catholic Church. Eventually, the Catholic Church was pushed to engage in its own process of self-evaluation, which led to some changes, but a hardening of the divide with the Protestants. The Anglican Church is the English expression of the Reformation. Anglican doctrine, including our understanding of the Bible, Christ s work, grace and faith, as set out in the Book of Common Prayer and the 39 Articles of Religion, line up with the teaching of the main European Reformers. But the Reformation is not just relevant to our past. By studying the Scriptures, Luther discovered that church teaching that had existed for centuries was not right. By studying the Scriptures today, in fellowship with others and with appropriate tools of interpretation, we must remain open to being continuously reshaped in our understanding and our Christian practice. As we seek to hold on to God s truth, we may, like Luther, have to stand against a tide of opposition. I hope that Territory Anglicans will be heirs of the Reformation in these ways, as we celebrate, proclaim and demonstrate the saving work of God in Christ. Reformation Celebrations A combined churches commemoration of the Reformation was held on October 31st in Darwin, at St Mary s Catholic Cathedral, Smith St, at 6pm. Bp Greg will be preaching. While there are still major theological differences between Roman Catholics and Churches of the Reformation, it is interesting to note that the Lutheran and Roman Catholic Churches believe that the doctrine of justification by faith, which caused Luther to be excommunicated by Rome, is no longer a point of division between them. At the same time as acknowledging our differences, we want all the people of the Territory to understand that Jesus Christ alone is the climax of God s rescue plan for the world. We hope that a combined service draws attention to this, and that many members of the community will want to find out more about him, and respond as God s word teaches them to. Also on October 31st, St Peter s, Nightcliff, held a Reformation dinner and celebration from 5-7pm, including drama and optional dressing up. An English translation of Luther s 95 Theses was on display.

3 Domestic Violence Matters At the recent clergy, workers and family conference one of the sessions focussed on the issue of domestic and family violence matters (DFV). If we didn t already know it, the media has brought our attention to DVF matters in the church and community in recent times. There is clear evidence that there are both victims and perpetrators in our churches, who need us to learn and understand more about DFV so that we are better equipped to be of help them. Two resources that are recommended are: This TED Talk is very helpful for understanding more about what victims are thinking and going through. It will be 15 minutes well spent. The website address is on the right: Why domestic violence victims don t leave. morgan_steiner_why_domestic_violence_victims_don_t_leave This Report was produced by Moore College specifically for those in Christian Ministry, seeking to learn more about supporting victims. Although it was written for a NSW audience, it contains a wealth of helpful information and resources. publications/domestic-violence-a-starting-point-in-supporting-victims/ If you, or those in your congregation need support, Anglicare s Resolve counselling service may be able to help.

4 Indigenous Theological Education Training In Central Australia ITECA Training Course 10th to 14th July ITECA members have continued in 2017 to facilitate Indigenous students travelling and studying at Nungalinya college. However, this is not a possibility for many Indigenous people so ITECA continues to offer courses in Alice Springs as well. In July a one-week training course was held for Indigenous Christian leaders from various dominations and remote communities across Central Australia. There were 18 participants in total. The teacher was Dr Lee Levitt-Olsen from Nungalinya College. Literacy Learning During the course students read the Bible in their own language as well as from a simple English version of 1 & 2 Timothy that is especially designed for Indigenous people. Drawing on accelerated literacy techniques students were assisted to read the English version to help develop their English literacy skills. While ITECA does not consider English to be a superior language to first languages, English skills do give Indigenous Christian leaders the ability to engage more broadly with the wider church. There were three types of learning taking place on the course: Learning about the Bible Students read all of 1 & 2 Timothy and reflected on what can be learned about Christian leadership from these books. Lee Levitt-Olsen was very skilled at helping students understand what was going on at the time Paul wrote the letters to Timothy and students were able to make connections between their context and Paul and Timothy s. Among other things, they were encouraged to think about who their mentors were as well as who they could mentor and how to be the next leaders in their churches. Patti Martin, Maryanne Cameron, Warwick Marsh and Stuart Cameron who sang with Asane Sante on Anzac Hill Praise Garang celebrates her 8th birthday with mother Apajok Giir, looked on by Fr Hiley and Revd Brian

5 NATSIAC News In October, four church leaders from Arnhem Land travelled to Melbourne for the annual meeting of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council. NATSIAC is a body set up by the national synod to provide a voice for Indigenous Australians in the Anglican Church, and to encourage and support Indigenous ministry. They were an encouragement to the other NATSIAC representatives from all over Australia. The Chair of NATSIAC, Rev Gloria Shipp has spent significant time in the Territory, when she was a fulltime student at Nungalinya College in the mid-1990s. Our diocese s four representatives are Rev Yulki Nunggumajbarr from Numbulwar, Rev Colleen Mamarika from Umbakumba and Jojo Huddlestone and his wife Mandy Sammy from Kewulyi. Getting to Melbourne wasn t easy. The scheduled flight from Groote to Darwin for Yulki and Colleen was cancelled at very short notice, so a last-minute charter was booked so that they could get their Melbourne flight from Darwin. There was another flight change on the way home which also caused difficulties. But the representatives all made it to Melbourne and home again. The Central Australian Aboriginal Women s Choir directed by Morris Stuart at Ormiston Gorge One thousand people listen to the Acapella in the Gorge during the Desert Music Festival

6 The Clergy Conference for 2017 Our triennial Clergy Family Conference was held at Mt Bundy Station, at the beginning of October this year. The guest speaker for the week was Bishop Chris Edwards from North Sydney, who spoke to us from 2 Timothy and the need to persevere.

7 There was lots of opportunity to catch up with others from around the NT, some of whom they don t see very often because of the distance. Many reported that they enjoyed spending time together, loved the food, the pool, the animals, the kids program, the extravaganza quiz night and the coffee.

8 Heather Jeffries gives the children s talk at our Family Service on Anglicare Sunday Eileen Boocock receives a seniors award for excellence from Minister of Territory Families, Dale Wakefield for her volunteer service to the Alice Springs Five newly Baptised at Church of the Ascension Caitlin Whan, Teegan and Abbey Mowles with Karen Heath and Andrew Mowles (L to R) The Australian Boys Choir workshopping in the Church of the Ascension with Asane santa conducted by Noel Ancell and Morris Stuart St. Mary s Chapel now fully secured with new screens thanks to a grant from NT Heritage Bisi Olaleye with Elisha and Elizabeth Wuor and her children Deng, Machot, Chan and Nyanuer

9 Future Training Rita Diweula, Revd Darryn Farrell, Fr. Hiley Diweula and Revd Gayangwa Lalara at Mt. Bundy Station Indigenous Christian leaders continue to express a desire to deepen their understanding of the Bible and ministry. ITECA members have been invited to participate in a course being put on by Finke River Mission at Mt Liebig on 1 Samuel. For next year ITECA is looking to develop an accredited Cert III level program in Theology and Ministry. The faith of these leaders in the face of much adversity and their willingness to share continues to give ITECA encouragement and hope. It is encouraging that ITECA s application for incorporation was accepted by its five corporate members and approved by the NT Government Licensing Branch. Bishop Greg cuts the cake for his birthday and celebrates 3 years as Bishop of the Northern Territory. Both Ways learning The course encouraged students to share their own experiences, knowledge, culture and language with each other and with the teacher. All participants are leaders in the communities in some way and during the course all participants were both students and teachers. All those who participated in the course responded positively. They were particularly encouraged by the similarities they were helped to see between their culture and the Bible. Oliver Phelps enjoys Messy church guided by Heather Fr. Hiley Diweula cuts the cake celebrating PNG National Independence Remembrance Day

10 Introducing the New Diocesan Safe Ministry Officer Hi, my name is Kerith and I am the newly appointed Diocesan Safe Ministry Officer (DSMO). I am very excited by the opportunity to be able to provide Safe Ministry support to the community of Anglican churches in the NT. My previous work in the field of Human Resources with NT Christian Schools included assisting in the oversight of staff compliance with organisational policy and legislative requirements. Kerith Donnan An example of this was ensuring all staff had a current Working with Children Clearance and a police check on commencement. I really hope to be able to bless the ministry of your churches with the extra support this role is able to provide. Early last year it was impressed on me how important safe ministry is after reading a Bible Society article published in March 2016 by Neil Ormerod, Professor of Theology at Australian Catholic University. It reinforced the crucial nature of implementing safe ministry protocols and finished with a sober reminder that the responsibility to make our churches safe rests with us all. My regular days of work will be Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and I look forward to meeting many of you at one of the Safe Ministry Awareness Workshops. Kerith Donnan dsmo@ntanglican.org.au or at the office (08) Please note that Kerith s main role is administrative. If you have concerns about harm or safety, please call the Safe Ministry Helpline.

11 St Peter s Annual Church Camp St Peter s held its annual church camp on August this year. We had over 80 adults and 40 kids/youth there from both morning and afternoon congregations. It was a good time of fellowship as we read the book of Habakkuk. We were reminded that God always hears our prayers, and were challenged that his answers to them might be quite surprising. Look at the nations and watch - and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe even if you were told. (Habakkuk 1:5). Spending a weekend together as a church family was a great opportunity to build relationships and for us to continue to help everyone grow in Jesus Christ. From The Registrar Maintaining the Diocese's properties in communities can be quite a challenge at times. The cost of maintenance is obviously a major consideration. So when the Northern Territory Government announced its stimulus funding for Not For Profits, it was time to get some work done. We reported about the work done on a property in Ngukurr in a previous Top Centre. Now in addition to this, the stimulus funding enabled us to get some much needed work done on a property in Angurugu. CMS missionaries, Terry and Liz McCoy moved into one of the Diocesan houses at Angurugu which was in less than ideal condition. The Diocese received a grant of $120,000 from the NT Government which enabled us to contract C and R Constructions to carry out the works. John Gotts from C and R is a long time friend of the Diocese, and parishioner from Church of the Good Shepherd Fred s Pass. His commitment to the project meant all those little tasks finally got attended to. Having the McCoys on site however enabled the massive task of having the roof replaced as well as many other repairs to the property.

12 Darwin Palmerston Fred s Pass Batchelor Pine Creek Timber Creek Nightcliff Sanderson Katherine Gunbalanya Mataranka Jilkminggan Kewulyi Minyerri Urapunga Numbulwar Ngukurr Nhulunbuy Bickerton Is Alyangula Angurugu Umbakumba Important dates DC Meeting (Darwin) 10th - 11th Nov Many of the places where we are working in the Northern Territory. Tennant Creek Safe Ministry Training 19th Nov Workshop pm Rural - St Luke s Palmerston Alice Springs Yulara Anglican Diocese of the Northern Territory The next issue of Top Centre will be published in February Please send all contributions through to admin@ntanglican.org.au by the 18th of January MISCONDUCT Spiritually Physically Emotionally Respect each other Care for each other s safety Report concerns about people s safety Report Abuse and Bad Behaviour at Church In case of emergency, call Police ( ), Lifeline ( ) or Medical (000).