Digital Advent Calendar

In this 2 minute video Greg Clarke at The Bible Society introduces 25 days. 25 people. 25 words. for Christmas.

Sounds like a great idea – and ideal to pass on to your friends.

Northwest Network December 2012

The latest issue of Northwest Network (December 2012 – PDF), the newsletter of the Diocese of North West Australia, is now out. Good to download to help in praying for the people of NWA.

The Passing of Giants

On Friday evening, John Chapman (‘Chappo’), a much loved son of the diocese, died at the age of 82. He is best known as the Director of Evangelism in the Diocese of Sydney (1969–93) and as an exceptional preacher and teacher whose influence has spread across the world. The evangelistic passion which today characterises the Diocese of Sydney owes much under God to Chappo and his ministry. He stirred generations to evangelise through expositions of the Bible. Right to the end he challenged us to keep Jesus Christ, the forgiveness of sins and the promise of life with God forever at the centre of our message and our life together. Chappo was also Emeritus Vice-president of the ACL and his memory will encourage us to remain vocal and stand firm in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Swiftly following on news of the death of John Chapman comes news of the death of another significant contributor to the cause of Christ in Sydney and the world. Stuart Barton Babbage, at various times Dean of Sydney (1947–53), Dean of Melbourne (1953–1962), Principal of Ridley College Melbourne (1953–63), Master of New College at the University of New South Wales (1973–83), and Registrar of the Australian College of Theology (1977–92). Dr Babbage made a distinctive contribution to the life of the Australian church with a breadth of perspective and depth of intellect which few could match. In 1995 he was became a Member of the Order of Australia.

These men were very different in temperament, style and ministry concerns. Yet both were mightily used by God to build his church and encourage his people. The ACL thanks God for all that he did through them and prays that those who were closest to them and who feel most keenly their loss might know the comfort of the gospel and the hope of the resurrection.

Gav Poole
President
Anglican Church League

(Photos: Chappo, via Mary Andrews College; Dr Barton Babbage, New College UNSW.)

Remembering Stuart Barton Babbage 1916–2012 (updated)

Ridley College in Melbourne has posted this tribute to Dr Stuart Barton Babbage, who died on Friday.

And Professor Trevor Cairney, current Master of New College at UNSW writes –

“Rev Dr Stuart Barton Babbage AM passed away on Friday 16th November at the age of 96. I heard the news with sadness because he was a dear friend who I will miss greatly, but also with thankfulness, knowing that he is with his Lord.”

Professor Cairney also writes:

“Relatives and friends of Rev. Babbage are invited to attend the service and interment at St. Jude’s Anglican Church, 106 Avoca Street, Randwick, on Friday (November 23, 2012) at 10 a.m.”

(Photo: Ramon Williams.)

Royal Commission on child abuse

Media release from SydneyAnglicans.net –

A public statement from the Archbishop of Sydney on the Prime Minister’s announcement of a Royal Commission into child abuse and institutional response.

“The Diocese of Sydney expresses its unqualified abhorrence of child abuse, wherever it occurs. While the terms of reference have yet to be decided, we will work and pray for an outcome which will result in a safer society for the most vulnerable.”

Dr Peter Jensen,
Archbishop of Sydney
12/11/2012 AD

Archbishop Philip Freier’s Melbourne Synod charge

Archbishop Philip Freier’s opening address to the 50th Melbourne Synod earlier this month is now available on YouTube, or as a PDF file.

(The full video of Archbishop Peter Jensen’s 2012 Sydney Presidential Address is now online as one higher quality file here, courtesy Audio Advice.)

North West Australia 2012 Synod

Bishop Gary Nelson addressed the first Synod of the Diocese of North West Australia since his arrival in May. Read his full address here (PDF). And there’s a brief report on the Synod here.

“I certainly feel I know the diocese better, even if it seems somewhat blurred at this precise moment in time. What a great God-given honour it has been to:

  • glimpse gospel ministry throughout this vast diocese;
  • meet with faithful gospel servants;
  • hear of God’s work in the lives of congregational members;
  • share with people of many backgrounds and experiences – yet one in Christ.

But what next? Where do we journey together as we love and serve our great God? Let us reflect on those questions by looking to God’s word; and then, drawing some implications for us. We will focus on three significant issues as we ponder our future. …”

‘Anglicare says thousands going hungry’

“Anglicare Australia says Australia’s poorest are going without food, sometimes for up to 24 hours. The organisation has launched a report based on a national survey of families receiving its emergency support. …”

– ABC News has this report. Story: Anglicare Sydney.

Download “When there’s not enough to eat”. (Image: ABC.)

Synod notes Gippsland actions with ‘grave concern’

“Synod has repeated Standing Committee’s concern about the actions of the Bishop of Gippsland in appointing a clergyman openly living with a male partner. …”

– SydneyAnglicans.net has the report. Related posts.

New BCA Victorian Regional Officer

“The Bush Church Aid Society … has appointed a Ridley Melbourne Senior Lecturer, the Revd Adrian Lane, as Victorian Regional Officer…”

– Anglican Media Melbourne. (BCA media release – PDF).

Meet the new Presbyterian Moderator-General

The Pulse, the magazine of the Presbyterian Church in NSW & ACT, has a profile on Moderator-General-designate David Cook. Himself a Moore College graduate, David served as the Principal of SMBC for 26 years.

Read the profile here or on page 7 of the October 2012 edition of The Pulse (PDF). h/t Gary Ware.

October — November Prayer Notes from DNWA

Bishop of Northwest Australia, Gary Nelson, writes:

“Dear Praying Friends,

It is such a delight and encouragement to hear about the many who are praying for gospel work in the north-west. It’s certainly a matter for rejoicing in the Lord. I know it is very easy to get anxious about the ordinary things of life, let alone the responsibility of Christian service. So Paul’s words to his friends in Philippi are such a terrific reminder that when we’re anxious we need to be turning to our loving Father in prayer. …”

– Download the latest Prayer Notes & Bishop’s Letter here (PDF).

Speaking of Prayer, there’s a request to pray for “God to raise up someone to minister in the parish of Paraburdoo-Tom Price”.

Northwest Network, September 2012

Fuel for your prayers – Northwest Network (PDF) – from the Diocese of North West Australia.

ABC Q&A 10 Sept 2012 now online

If you missed (or would like to see again) last night’s Q&A programme on ABC TV, it’s now available to watch or download on their website. Don’t miss the last word. (Image: ABC TV.)

Prayers for Defence Chaplains and those in their care

This would be a good time to especially uphold in prayer the Defence Chaplains and those to whom they minister.

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