Sydney Service of commemoration for Orlando victims
A special public Christian service of commemoration for those who lost their lives in Orlando will be held in Sydney’s St Andrew’s Cathedral on Wednesday 15th June, at 6 pm.
Premier Mike Baird will attend the service, along with the Governor, General David Hurley and the US Consul-General, Hugo Llorens.
“This service is an opportunity for people to gather together to express sympathy and compassion for those who have been affected by the terrible events in Orlando.” said the Dean of Sydney, the Very Rev. Kanishka Raffel.
“It is a time to acknowledge our common humanity, to pray that all people will be able to live in peace and safety, to affirm the dignity of all people as made in God’s image, and to reject utterly violence against people because of their sexuality.” Dean Raffel said.
The Anglican Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies, will preach at the service, with Bible readings to be given by the Premier and the Governor.
At least 49 people were killed and 53 wounded in a massacre early on Sunday by a gunman, believed to have been inspired to terrorism by ISIS, who targeted a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
– From SydneyAnglicans.net.
It’s unanimous — ARV and Anglicare to merge
ACL President Gav Poole wrote this opinion-piece for the current issue of The Australian Church Record:
“Pray that such a key diocesan organisation will be used for kingdom growth and the proclamation of the gospel.”
Full text:
Very rarely does every member of the Sydney Diocesan Synod agree. If they do, it is usually on minor matters. Given the size and significance of the decision to merge the Anglican Retirement Villages (ARV) and Anglicare, it is amazing that the entire Synod agreed. When Synod met on Wednesday, 27 April, it had one decision to make – ‘Should ARV and Anglicare merge?’ When crunch time arrived there was not a ‘nay’ in the house.
There were however amendments to the motion but most of those were easily decided. The exception was one amendment which entailed whether or not to retain the phrase, ‘at least’. Retention of the phrase was won by one vote. A small phrase took up a lot of time and was carried by a small margin.
Most debating time was taken up on two left field amendments concerning branding. Five speeches were against them, with one of the opposing speeches labelling them as ‘ridiculous’ and that they needed to be ‘booted out’. They were ‘booted out’ on the overwhelming voices. If nothing else, they offered comical relief.
The decision could have been made by Standing Committee but it would only take three people to insist that the ordinance be promoted to Synod. Standing Committee would have been unwise to try it. Imagine the objectors, ‘Standing Committee did what? How could they?’ But now … we’re all in this together. This had to be decided by Synod.
This was a significant decision. Consider the sheer size of the merged organisation – $1.5b in gross assets. If the company was publicly listed it would imaginably be in the ASX300. Consider the people – over 10,000 will be serviced by the new organisation in one form or another. Consider the history – the Church Society (Anglicare’s genesis) was established in 1856. And consider the partnerships with the many parishes across the diocese.
It’s not every day you get to make a decision of this calibre. Very few Synod members would have experience with any company merger, let alone one of this size. So how can so many people, with so little experience make such a large decision and be united in it? The answer – information and after that, more information.
For this reason, the decision to postpone the Synod was a good one. It would have been near impossible to be well informed if Synod had been held in March. Questions had to be asked, alternatives had to be properly entertained, numbers had to be crunched and advice sought. Although it was slightly embarrassing and inconvenient, a month’s deferral meant that Synod members were informed.
Synod members should be commended on their preparation. Most of the questions were asked at the three pre-Synod briefing meetings, where approximately 170 members were in attendance. Comprehensive reports were completed by the CEOs and Standing Committee. Seven good questions were asked at Synod, all of them demonstrating that they had read the subject matter. This was proof positive that given the chance Synod will educate itself and come prepared.
It is now over to Standing Committee to pass an ordinance that closely reflects the motion of Synod. Synod has noted the reports, including draft ordinances. Things like objects and the board make up must closely resemble that of the draft ordinances. Standing Committee’s work is all but done.
Synod’s work however continues. The decision to merge is only the beginning. It will be important for Synod to receive the promised reports and keep the merged organisation accountable. The legal makeup of the organisation will only go part of the way to ensuring the conditions of Synod are met. The board must be committed to these conditions and work in partnership with other parts of the diocese. This will take careful attention during elections. Synod’s motion will be fulfilled legally, politically and prayerfully.
Pray that such a key diocesan organisation will be used for kingdom growth and the proclamation of the gospel. Pray that the board, executive, employees and partners will act wisely and efficiently to protect the gospel character of the organisation. Pray for those who will be the object of the new organisation’s compassion. Most importantly pray that Christ be honoured as Lord and Saviour in every community.
Realistically this is unlikely to be a part of your regular quiet time. That would be great but you are most likely to pray when you receive prayer bulletins or booklets (every organisation seems to be doing this), or when your congregation is visited by a representative. Pray when prompted.
Such organisations can quickly go off track and after a while resemble their secular counterparts. Hopefully, this one will not. It is the motivation of such an organisation that will inevitably distinguish it. Truly righteous acts are seen by God, an audience of one. In Jesus Christ, we have freely received and gifts from God are to be freely given. A life impacted by the gospel will delight in expressions of generosity and compassion. We resemble our Father in heaven and such an organisation gives us access to the vulnerable and needy. Synod was unanimous in its decision, let the diocese be unanimous in its ongoing support.
The main motion agreed to at the Special Synod, 27 April 2016
2/16 Approval of the merger of Anglicare and Anglican Retirement Villages
Synod, noting the report of the Standing Committee in relation to the proposed merger of Anglican Retirement Villages Diocese of Sydney (“ARV”) and Sydney Anglican Home Mission Society (“Anglicare”) together with accompanying draft ordinances and other documents in relation to the proposed merger received at this session, approves in principle the merger of these two organisations on the basis that –
(a) the indemnity provided by ARV to Anglicare is intended to ensure that survivors of child abuse have at least an equivalent level of recourse as if Anglicare had continued to operate in its own right,
(b) the merged organisation will actively aim to continue to deliver services provided by Anglicare and ARV to socially disadvantaged people at an enhanced level,
(c) the merged organisation will actively aim to continue the work undertaken by Anglicare with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples at an enhanced level,
(d) the merged organisation will actively aim to continue to alleviate necessitous circumstances through the provision of education at an enhanced level,
(e) the legal name of the merged organisation is “Anglican Community Services”,
(f) consideration is given to making provision in both the Anglicare and ARV constituting ordinances for a gift fund for both entities,
and requests the Standing Committee to pass such ordinances and take such other action it considers necessary or desirable to give effect to the merger on this basis.
(Reprinted from the June 2016 issue of The Australian Church Record.)
Winning the Good Fight — Queen’s Birthday Conference
Two Ways Ministries and Phillip Jensen are holding an encouraging afternoon of thinking and praying about our progress in evangelism.
Queen’s Birthday Conference – Winning the Good Fight, Monday 13th June, 1:30 – 4:30pm at Moore College in Newtown.
Click the image for a larger invitation.
And, to help with catering, they would be very grateful if you could let them know you are going – there’s an e-mail address on the invitation.
(Learn more about Two Ways Ministries.)
Death and the Life Hereafter in focus
“What happens after death? Will I get a spot in heaven? Is hell for real?
We’ve all asked ourselves such ultimate questions and the Annual Moore College Lectures will dare to provide answers.
Held between August 19 and 26, ‘Death and the Life Hereafter’ will be an engaging lecture series which investigates some of the most important aspects of our existence…”
– Dr Paul Williamson is giving this year’s Annual Moore College Lectures.
Keith and Sarah Condie to spearhead new mental health and pastoral care initiative
“Dr Keith Condie, Dean of Students, and his wife, Sarah, have been appointed Directors of the Mental Health and Pastoral Care Institute with Anglican Deaconess Ministries…”
– News from Moore College.
Sydney Synod votes to merge Anglicare and Anglican Retirement Villages
“The Synod of the Diocese of Sydney has voted to merge Anglicare and Anglican Retirement Villages (ARV) to better meet the need for their services in the future.
Anglicare is celebrating its 160th anniversary, having been established as the The Sydney Church Society in 1856 by Bishop Barker. ARV was founded by Archbishop and Mrs Mowll in 1959 and has grown to be a significant force in aged care services.
But Archbishop Glenn Davies told a special synod called to consider a merger that the landscape of aged care in Australia has dramatically changed…”
– Full story from Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net.
Here’s a media release from Anglicare: ARV and Anglicare Sydney merge to further expand services in the community.
Moore College Open Events coming up in May
Here’s a good opportunity to learn about Moore College – especially if you are contemplating being better equipped for mission and ministry –
Open Night – Monday 2 May 7:15pm – 9:00pm.
Open Week – Monday 2 May – Friday 6 May.
Sydney appeal opens for Lahore bomb victims
“The Archbishop of Sydney’s Anglican Aid has opened an appeal for the victims of the Easter Sunday attack on Christians in Pakistan…”
– Details of how you can help at SydneyAnglicans.net.
Christopher Ash at the Moore College Graduation 2016
Christopher Ash gave the Occasional Address at the 2016 Moore College Graduation.
Watch the encouraging, but challenging, video at the link.
Earlier related story from SydneyAnglicans.net.
Moore Graduates called to die to self
“This year’s 102 graduates from Moore Theological College have been called upon to “die to self” in their ministries, so that their work will produce more fruit for the gospel.
The address, focussing on John 12:24 and delivered by former Director of the UK Cornhill Training Course the Rev Christopher Ash, directed people to the pattern of Christ…”
– Story from SydneyAnglicans.net. Please be encouraged to pray for those who are now seeking to serve Christ in various spheres of ministry.
Praying for Belgium
“On Good Friday night, a performance of the Messiah at St Andrew’s Cathedral was dedicated to the people of Belgium.
Here is a transcript of the introduction by the Dean of Sydney, Kanishka Raffel…”
– read it at SydneyAnglicans.net.
Archbishop Glenn Davies interviewed on Sydney Radio for Good Friday
Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies, was interviewed by Chris Smith on Sydney’s 2GB this morning, Good Friday 2016.
Listen here. 15 minutes.
Messiah ‘dedicated to the people of Belgium’
“Anglican Diocese of Sydney
Media Alert
Good Friday, 2016
A performance of Handel’s Messiah tonight at St Andrew’s Cathedral Sydney is to be dedicated to the people of Belgium…”
– From SydneyAnglicans.net.
Because the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, crucified, risen and reigning, is the only hope for men and women everywhere.
Archbishop Glenn Davies’ Easter Message 2016
Archbishop Glenn Davies has released his 2016 Easter message.
Watch the 90 second video on Vimeo.
And here is a story and summary from SydneyAnglicans.net –
The leader of Australia’s largest Anglican Diocese, the Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies, has spoken of the power of the Christian symbol, the cross, and the threat to religious freedom, in his Easter Message.
“The most universal symbol of all is the cross. Even that is being targeted now in China, where authorities are removing crosses from churches. In fact, religious freedom is under threat around the world.” Dr Davies said in his annual Easter message.
“It is strange that the cross should be feared for its power, because in Jesus’ time a cross meant execution – it meant failure and death. But the great power in the symbol of the cross for us is that is is empty. Yes, Jesus died on the cross but he was raised from the dead.”
Archbishop Davies will preach at the Cathedral on Easter Day (Sunday).
In his Easter Message, Archbishop Davies stressed the resurrection of Jesus which he said “was not merely a resuscitation, because he rose not to die again but to inaugurate a new era beyond this age of death, disease and decay.”
“The resurrection of Jesus means a second chance for all of us, if we will accept it — a chance for new life, eternal life, as our sins are nailed to the cross so that we too shall rise with him.”
Dr Davies also commented on plans for a fixed date for Easter. Dr Davies spoke with the Coptic Pope, Tawadros II, about the issue in Cairo last year. Anglican Primates are close to agreeing on a fixed Sunday for Easter. Dr Davies said “I believe it will be of significant witness to the world if all Christians could unite together with a common date to celebrate this ‘empty’ cross and the inauguration of the new aeon when Jesus rose from the dead and defeated death once and for all.”
Peter Bolt to take on role at Sydney College of Divinity
News from Moore College:
“Dr Peter Bolt, Head of New Testament at Moore College, is to become the Academic Director at the Sydney College of Divinity.
Peter has been teaching at Moore since 1990, during which time he has not only passed on a love of the Gospels to hundreds of students but has written numerous books and articles and brought to birth the College’s own PhD program.
‘We owe an enormous debt to Peter’, said the College’s Principal, Mark Thompson. ‘He is an extraordinary exegete, a first-class scholar and has led our New Testament department with distinction for the last fifteen years. While his departure is a very significant loss for the College and for many of us personally, we trust the Lord is opening up an opportunity for Peter to use his exceptional gifts more widely for the advance of his kingdom.’
Please pray for Peter as he makes this transition and for the College as we look for someone to build on Peter’s legacy.”
– Source. Related: Sydney College of Divinity.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…