Vale Margaret Rodgers

Readers will be saddened to hear of the death of Deaconess Margaret Rodgers early this morning (31 May 2014).

Margaret was a well-known figure in Sydney Diocese over many years.

Most notably, she served as Principal of Deaconess House (now Mary Andrews College) 1975–85. As well, she was Research Officer, General Synod, 1985–1993, CEO of the Anglican Media Council 1994–2003 and the Archbishop of Sydney’s Media Officer 2004–2007.

Margaret also served on a variety of key boards and committees within and outside Sydney Diocese.

In the 2014 Australia Day Honours List, Deaconess Rodgers was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

Kara Hartley, Archdeacon for Women in Sydney Diocese, writes:

“Margaret was passionate for women to be mobilised for ministry. As Principal of Deaconess House, and through her involvement in the Diocese and national church, she was tireless in her support & encouragement of women seeking to serve The Lord. The deaconesses have lost a dear friend and sister.”

Moore College Principal Dr Mark Thompson writes:

“Moore College owes a considerable debt to Deaconess Rodgers who, as Principal of Deaconess House, gave lectures in church history and participated in the life of the faculty, and of the College more generally, in a variety of ways. The College has lost a very dear friend.”

Archbishop Dr Glenn Davies writes:

“A warrior for Christ, not ashamed of the gospel and not afraid to confront those with whom she disagreed, but always with a winsome smile and a heartfelt desire to see Christ honoured in all areas of life. She will long be remembered, but greatly missed.” (More here.)

Jane Tooher, Director of The Priscilla & Aquila Centre at Moore College, adds:

“I last spoke to Margaret a couple of months ago when I invited her to speak at a conference. Although she was unable to be involved because of her precarious health, the conversation with her was remarkable. She encouraged me and her wonderful sense of humour left me in hysterical laughter at points. All who knew her, and especially those of us at Moore College, have very good reasons to thank God for the life of this faithful servant.”

John Sandeman of Eternity Newspaper has this tribute:

“Most Australian Christians will complain about how the mass media deals with their church, or Christianity itself. It’s rare to see someone set out to deal with this problem and even rarer to see someone succeed, not just once but many times. Margaret Rodgers, who ran media relations for the Sydney Anglicans for a decade and a half, fitted the third category exactly.”

In 2007, Margaret was farewelled on her retirement. “Media Officer’s brilliant career.”

In 2011, the Synod of the Diocese of Sydney took time to specially thank Margaret.

(Photo: Mary Andrews College.)

Morning Tea for Moore

Work in the City?

This Wednesday (28th May 2014) there’s an opportunity to learn about Moore College over morning tea.

Vice Principal Bill Salier, and faculty members Jane Tooher and Peter Orr, will be on hand to chat about the College and to answer questions. In the QVB Tea Room, 10:00–11:00am – details here.

With thankgiving for Ailsa Knox

We are sorry to report the death, this afternoon (14 May 2014), of Mrs Ailsa Knox, beloved wife of the late D B Knox who was Principal of Moore College 1959–1985.

Ailsa suffered a stroke on Saturday and did not recover.

Ailsa was born Ailsa Lane in 1924 in Sydney. She first met Broughton at an Inter Varsity Fellowship meeting at Sydney University in 1947. They married at St. Swithun’s Pymble in September 1950. Only six weeks later she travelled with him to England as he began his doctoral studies at Oxford.

Broughton and Ailsa had six children: Margery, Deborah, Jonathan, Stephanie, David and Rosemary.

Moore College students will fondly remember Ailsa for her kindness and hospitality, and also for her beautiful soprano voice (she even gave the occasional public recital). She was a great woman of faith who gently encouraged generations of women at Moore.

After Moore College, Broughton and Ailsa left Sydney in January 1989 to found a new Theological College – George Whitefield College – in South Africa. When they returned to Sydney four years later, they left the College as a going concern.

Ailsa was persistent in prayer, and has been described as the fun-loving lighter side to the Knox family. She loved going to CMS Summer School at Katoomba each January, and last attended in January 2013.

While there is sadness for those left behind to remember Ailsa’s legacy, there is also great rejoicing that she is now with Christ.

Archbishop Dr Glenn Davies reflects –

“Ailsa modelled Christian virtues at so many levels. Her ministry especially among faculty wives and students was a great encouragement and a godly example. I have no doubt that the impact of Broughton Knox upon our Diocese would not have as profound or as significant had he not had the life companion of Ailsa by his side. Precious indeed, in God’s sight, is the death of his saints.”

– More from SydneyAnglicans.net.

Moore College Principal Dr Mark Thompson remembers –

“Among the list of marvellous ministry marriages which have served the cause of Christ and his people in this city so extraordinarily well over the past 225 years, the partnership of Broughton and Ailsa Knox has been and continues to be a cause of great thanksgiving to our loving Heavenly Father.”

“Mrs Knox’s call home is a sadness for all who knew her and were encouraged by her faith in Christ, but for her it will be pure joy as she now knows as she is known”

– See the tribute from Moore College.

And here is a Tribute from George Whitefield College.

Update: Ailsa’s funeral will be held at St. Paul’s Castle Hill, 421 Old Northern Road, at 11:00am on Friday 23rd May, 2014.

(Photo: Mrs Knox in 2005 at a College Supporters Lunch. Thanks to Moore College.)

Archbishop Glenn Davies speaks about Moore Theological College

Moore Theological College recently interviewed Archbishop Glenn Davies about his thoughts on the College.

You could use these videos in home groups or in churches to encourage the study of God’s word and the support of the College.

See the videos here –

1. The Archbishop of Sydney and Moore College (3’33”)

Dr. Davies speaks his about his long-standing connection with the College, his training at Moore, his long association and his new role as the President of the Governing Board.

2. Moore’s Unique Role in the Diocesan Mission (4’52”)

Glenn considers the unique place of Moore in the mission of the Diocese of Sydney.

“…Moore College is essential for continuing the work of teaching the Bible. We can never take the teaching of the Bible for granted.”

3. Moore College: Serving the World (4:03).

The Archbishop talks about the College’s three ministry Centres, about engaging with churches and training people of other denominations for gospel work. Lastly he encourages us to pray continually for the College’s students and faculty.

Background info at the College website.

Moore College Open Night — 5th May 2014

“An informal night to come along and check out the College and find out for yourself what Moore is all about.”

– Details from the MTC website.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at St. Andrew’s Cathedral for Easter Sunday

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were guests at the Easter Sunday service at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney yesterday. Prime Minister Tony Abbott and his wife, Margie, were also present.

The service was a carefully planned reminder of the wonder of the cross and resurrection. It was as normal an Easter Sunday service as possible, given the circumstances, with the regular congregational members of the Cathedral in attendance.

The Cathedral Kids sang Colin Buchanan’s ‘He died upon the Cross’ and a long-serving choir member was farewelled.

The Cathedral was full, and Sydney Square was packed with people vying to get a glimpse of the couple.

The Dean of Sydney, Phillip Jensen, led the service. Archbishop Glenn Davies preached on the resurrection of Lazarus and how it differs from the resurrection of Jesus.

All the elements of the gathering worked together so that the importance and meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection were clearly proclaimed.

Both couples, the Duke and Duchess and the Prime Minister and his wife, engaged fully in the service and appeared to appreciate the occasion.

In addition, the service was a major test for the Cathedral’s new sound system, which performed brilliantly.

Photo: Ramon Wiliams.

Story and photos at SydneyAnglicans.net, The Herald Sun (with a very nice News Corp photo) and Eternity Newspaper.

Duke and Duchess to sign Australia’s first Bible on Easter Sunday

“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are attending church this Easter, joining the congregation at Sydney’s St Andrew’s Cathedral.

The royal couple will sign the First Fleet Bible and Prayer Book as they leave the church on Easter Day. The books were originally the personal Bible and prayer book of Australia’s first chaplain, Richard Johnson…”

– Story from Eternity Newspaper.

Archbishop Glenn Davies’ Easter Message 2014

Click here for the full text and PDF download. Read more

Remembering Archbishop Marcus Loane

Sir Marcus and Lady Loane at Bishopscourt 1980, published 1981 Today marks the 5th anniversary of the death of Sir Marcus Loane, Archbishop of Sydney from 1966 to 1982 and Primate of Australian 1979 to 1982. (Thanks to Greg Blaxland for the reminder.)

Perhaps it’s a good time to pause to give thanks for him and his legacy in Sydney and beyond.

Here are a few articles from the archives –

Statement from Archbishop Peter Jensen – 14 April 2009
Dean Phillip Jensen’s tribute – 17 April 2009.
Archbishop Marcus Loane photo gallery.
Remembering with gratitude Sir Marcus Loane, on the Centenary of his birth – 14 October 2011.
Sydney Synod gives thanks for Marcus Loane – 18 October 2011.
The Marcus I Knew and Loved – an appreciation by Greg Blaxland.

The Day Death Died — Cathedral Easter Convention 2014

This year’s Easter Convention at the Cathedral is a very worthwhile way to spend Good Friday afternoon.

Phillip Jensen and Mark Thompson are the speakers. Good Friday, 2:00 – 5:00pm. Early Bird Rate $15. ($20 after 13th April.)

See the promo video and book in here.

Chris Edwards consecrated Bishop of North Sydney

Bishop Chris Edwards was today consecrated as Bishop of North Sydney. He is pictured here with Archbishop Glenn Davies.

Russell Powell at SydneyAnglicans.net has the story.

The connection between George Whitefield College and Moore College

Mark Dickson, Principal of George Whitefield College, was invited to speak at Moore College Graduation 2014.

In this video he speaks about the vision of George Whitefield College and its connection with Moore College. Most encouraging.

New BCA Regional Officer to be Commissioned

The new BCA Regional Officer for NSW and the ACT, the Rev. Peter Adkins, will be commissioned tomorrow afternoon, at 5:30pm 19th March 2014, in Sydney.

The Service is at St. Philip’s York Street, and Archbishop Glenn Davies will preach and conduct the commissioning. Please pray for Peter in his new role.