CPAORINSNHECTIONS
OCTOBER/NOVember 2018
Image courtesy of Michael Leunig
Opinions on a Just War
the rev’d dr Ivan Head
Just about everyone calculates war, while theoreticians are still I am going to take an historically
that the wars they fight are just. arguing about the character of the specific approach to the topic
Whether a history of wars could war in question, and whether it was rather than the more abstract
show this is doubtful. But who is to just, or ‘just a war’. or hypothetical approach of
say? Why was it ‘just’ for Alexander naturalistic or theological ethics.
the Great to go walkabout with an Respect for servicemen in the
army to conquer the world? Some Vietnam conflict has risen long after This leads one to ask immediately,
might quote it up as libido dominandi the debates about the prosecution of ‘Which wars in particular were just
but lust to rule might be blunter. that war and what its intentions and and which were not?’ A question
achievements were. Anzac must close to this is, ‘Which wars
And military units and soldiers be honoured (and mourned) even if would we have been better not to
today may still act justly, we have moved on from the grand
honourably, and within rules of imperial age. Or think we have. continued overleaf
opinions on a just war continued
participate in?’ There is a vital sub- and theorist Carl von Clausewitz Within greater Britain, internal
question about a just war and it is said in 1830 that ‘War is politics by wars also raise the question of a
to do with ethical conduct within other means’. In Europe much of the Just War. What does one make
any war, large or small. conflict was over the failed politics of the Stuart occupation of the
of dynastic arrangements. Some throne, lost definitively through
That question is to do with such marriages between representatives of successive wars following the
things as the treatment of prisoners, ‘kingdoms’ or even Imperial regions alleged abdication of James II? An
the treatment of non-combatants, failed to achieve stability or failed to opinion remains that the English
and the use or banning of particular cement a union of realms or created commander at Culloden, which
weapons such as poison gas, neuro- blowback. The Armada followed the settled the matter after 60 years,
toxins or even nuclear weapons. ‘failed’ union of Philip of Spain with deserved the epithet ‘Butcher’
Mary Tudor. The English-French Cumberland. He may have been
It’s also a dangerous path because it War of the Spanish Succession was unjust but he settled the matter.
leads to second-guessing the past. fought over the English objection to a
‘If only Le May used nukes in North dynastic union between France and The hitherto mighty Prussian army
Korea’ versus ‘If only the Americans Spain, which would have been a pre- was defeated in a day (at Jena,
had not been in North Korea’. Euro colossus. October 1806) by the Napoleonic
French. The subjugated Prussians
What is now called Europe rather Before too much post-WWII (Germans) went away to work
than Christendom has generally back-patting, we cannot overlook out how this would never happen
been free from major military the Cold War and the strategy of again, and to some extent they did
conflicts or inter-national war for living under the nuclear umbrella. this by out-Napoleoning Napoleon
the six decades years since the end This was known by the excellent and becoming more Napoleonic
of WWII in 1945—a war in which acronym MAD or Mutually than this mimetic object of rivalrous
the Soviets were allies. Assured Destruction. It’s not as desire. Napoleon becomes a prelude
if a positive peace broke out in a for Anti-Napoleons and Mega-
In 1946 there were more refugees thousand flowers. Napoleons. One can track the line
on the roads of Europe than at any that runs from 1806 to 1914 and 1939.
time in the 300 years since the end Both France and the UK were major
of the Thirty Years War in 1648, as players in MAD and both developed Justice and Injustice in War do not
Diarmid McCulloch says. WWII and still retain nuclear arsenals. We simply arrive abstractedly. They are
was a bad war and it cost ‘the just’ could all be fried any day. The theory part of the vicissitudes of history,
to end it. But that does not make any is that the French and the English even a viciousness embedded
particular phase of that war ‘just’. are now good, sensible and civilised, within history—and that’s now
It came down to a ‘win at all costs’ so MAD seems OK. Fingers crossed, a given, what has happened and
phase in which the barbarous was since it’s hard to legislate original sin cannot readily if at all be undone.
normalised. Napalm was invented out of existence.
to burn cities where civilians lived, The page has largely been filled, or
which is an endgame strategy, a Agincourt was a familial and ‘the writing is on the wall’.
terrible cost of dominance. dynastic dispute amongst pre-
Reformation Catholics about The French scholar René Girard
Europe has a long history of War. ‘Who should be King?’ In the 1300s pitched the story of Cain’s irrational
About six hundred years ago we weapons were the cross-bow and murder of Abel at the fountainhead
reach Agincourt and the Hundred the long-bow, various swords, of all history. That’s a warning sign
Years War. The long centuries maces, mallets and spikes, and the that pleads for Christ,who was also
back to that yesterday were rarely defence weaponry was plate and murdered for no good reason. Thus,
free from war. French, English, steel armour, great in cold weather the Baptism of children can become
German, Spanish, Russian, Italian, on hard ground, but a ‘personal a radical ‘anti-Cain’ step.
Polish, Swedish, Ottomans and coffin’ in wet and soft and muddy
others enter militarily from Stage earth. Basically, it was disgusting. We tend to gloss the little
Left or Stage Right at regular Knights died flat on their backs with apocalypses in the Gospels, the
intervals—and stay onstage. a knife thrust through a lifted visor. warnings of the End. I find it
perfectly thinkable that Jesus could
The German military practitioner imagine the larger world, a world
PAGE 2 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS October/november 2018
opinions on a just war continued
that would come one day, that of the post WWII hegemony of catastrophic outcomes and the
simply enhanced and exaggerated the USA and its projection of last state being worse than the
everything negative, destructive and military dominance as far as Japan first. Triggering the rise of the ISIS
evil in human life; things that were and throughout Western Europe. Caliphate was but one unintended,
already evident to him in those non- We now cannot imagine other disastrous consequence.
halcyon days. than this, and few have the lived
experience of the prior alternative Perhaps the destruction of Syria
I think he foresaw the Uprising in our region—the British Empire. and the opening up of the Middle
against Rome coming soon, and East as a potential theatre of total
warned against it. It’s not all We cannot second guess the past. war is another.
‘after the event hindsight stuff’ Singapore fell. The Empire ended.
by his later followers. Hence, I We are bound to take WWII as It’s all far from the Just War and
think he extrapolated to a greater the epitome of the just war. Hitler is more The Fog of War. It’s more
catastrophe beyond that at the and a Japanese equivalent were a collapse into extreme force to
end of the age if humanity did not war leaders making the war both achieve a doubtful end, and a failure
change or heed his message. In a necessary and just, no matter of that diplomacy which is politics
strange sense, Jesus left open the careful explication of how all this by means other than war.
possibility that his message of came about inside the strange
the Kingdom of God would not pendulum machine of history. Dr Ivan Head is an Anglican Priest and was
be received, could be distorted Warden of St Paul’s College, Sydney, and
and might fail. That’s hard for an Can we make the same assertions Christ College Tasmania for 27 years in
ecclesia of God to hear. about just conflict in Iraq and total. He is an honorary Canon of Bathurst
Afghanistan? I don’t think so, but Cathedral. His PhD from Glasgow was
In Australia, we still make our it’s too complex to spell it out titled ‘How Miraculous can we consider
assumptions about reality in light here. It has something to do with Jesus to have been?’ He welcomes comment
on [email protected].
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rev’d andrew sempell Suffering, Self-sacrifice
With God on our Side and respect. Dylan leaves us asking
was Judas Iscariot merely doing
Bob Dylan’s anti-war song ‘God on the bidding of an omnipotent and
our side’ included the following omniscient God, and might we be
verses: betrayed in similar ways?
Oh my name it ain’t nothin’, my age it Of course, a dilemma here is that Photo: Christopher Shain
means less without Judas’ betrayal there
would have been no crucifixion, often reflecting the context,
The country I come from is called the which would have meant no culture and ideas of believers—
Midwest resurrection, and therefore no even their desires. Moreover, such
redemption and salvation. Judas’ divergent views of God can lead
I was taught and brought up there, the betrayal was therefore integral to to irreconcilable differences of
laws to abide salvation history, yet in no way opinion and schism, especially if
can it be understood as a Godly act. we want to have God on our side
And that land that I live in has God on Dylan, on the other hand, seems to and defeat those with whom we
its side…. suggest that the betrayal of Jesus disagree or dislike.
is akin to the betrayal of people
…Through many a dark hour I’ve been by their governments through the
thinkin’ about this creation and glorification of wars
aided by the religious groups that
That Jesus Christ was betrayed by a kiss legitimise them. He then questions
But I can’t think for you you’ll have to what happens when there is failure
decide and loss, such as in the Vietnam
Whether Judas Iscariot had God on his War; does this mean that God was
side…. not on their side? Well, it depends
on your theology.
…In the nineteen-sixties came the
Vietnam War The God who Rules and An example can be seen in the many
the God who Suffers theologies of the atonement (which
Can somebody tell me what we’re is about how people become ‘at
fightin’ for? My chaplain’s office in Townsville one’ with God). I can think of ten
had two crosses located on the different atonement theologies that
So many young men died, so many walls opposite each other. One tend to reflect people’s ideas about
mothers cried was a crucifix showing the human the nature of God, all of which were
Jesus suffering and dying on the formed within a context. Of course,
Now I ask the question ‘Was God on cross, and the other was a ‘Christus such beliefs then flow on to the
our side?’ rex’ that showed the resurrected idea of the church and its mission
Christ wearing a kingly crown and in the world. If God is the supreme
The song described the history of the robes of a priest. These were judge then we are likely to seek
the United States’ involvement the symbolic representations of judgement, if God is all-loving then
in warfare, both internecine and the God who suffers and the God we will seek to bring love, if God is
international. It includes the killing who rules, or more theologically, the rescuer of his people then we
of native Americans, the Spanish- between the incarnate and the will seek to be rescuers, and so on
American and Civil Wars, the First transcendent God. They expressed and so forth. In this way theology
and Second World Wars, the Cold a type of before and after narrative shapes the church.
War and so on, with the refrain that affirmed, despite suffering,
that Americans always win because God is ultimately in charge. A common problem that arises
‘God is on their side’. in our exploration of the divine
Part of the work of theology is to is that we often discover an
It highlights the tendency of provide an understanding of the anthropomorphic God, one who
religion to legitimise the actions of nature of God. Of course, such is created in our own image
the state; a practice that is common understandings will be diverse,
across all cultures down through
history. This behaviour tends to
feed the triumphalist attitudes of
religious groups, which in turn
leads to abuse of power. There is,
however, a twist in the verse near
the end of the song that raises the
matter of Judas Iscariot’s betrayal
of Jesus by a kiss, an action that
would normally indicate affection
PAGE 4 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS October/november 2018
and Grace
and shares our desires and the levers of nature to bring forth a uniquely human problem.
prejudices. This is congruent with natural disasters or allows evil There has been an ongoing
a triumphalist church that wants behaviour, then this looks like a debate between the ideas of the
a God that can win battles and capricious God who may well play dominance of human free-will
dominate others, a God who is favourites but ultimately cannot and determinism; which is to say
clearly on our side! In this way be trusted—a selfish tyrant. Many between people having a choice
we start to see ourselves and our people, including the second to behave morally and there being
values as equal with God; yet, century heretic Marcion of Sinope, no choice and that all human
orthodox Christianity sees such have seen this as a description of behaviour is pre-destined.
behaviour as the primary basis for the God of the Old Testament. On
sin and brokenness toward God the other hand, Jesus’ description of Christians are not of one mind on
and each other. God offers some different qualities, this matter, however the mainline
as revealed in the loving father in position is that people have free-
In addition to theology, many of the parable of the Prodigal Son will to choose to do good or evil and
the humanities such as philosophy, (Luke 15:11–32). The Christian that this is a necessary condition
psychology, sociology and understanding is that God is in a world driven by love. Love is a
anthropology have important parts incapable of being evil because it risky business for it is impossible
to play in the understanding of is the opposite of God’s creative, for one person to make another
faith. Some theologians, however, just and loving nature; so, is there person love them. All that can
prefer to keep other disciplines out another explanation? be done is to offer love and hope
of the business of theology because that others will respond. Love is
they have a potential to challenge A way of understanding suffering therefore a position of vulnerability
theological constructs and propose is that it is part of the nature of the rather than control. We humans
ideas and processes that are not world in which we live. While God therefore have a choice to cause
easily controlled by religion. This might be the creator of the universe, suffering or to reduce it, and this is
silo-mentality can lead to circular nevertheless God doesn’t meddle the problem of good and evil.
theological arguments that are with its natural processes, touching
self-referential and out of step on Einstein’s saying that ‘God Further to this, we discover a unique
with contemporary thought doesn’t play dice with the universe’. feature regarding God through the
and knowledge, such as six-day This view accepts that the cosmos life of Jesus, which is the revelation
creationism, Biblical literalism, and is evolving through a process of of the God who suffers. Far from
the like. physical change, both on earth and being a God of victorious armies or
in space, which can nevertheless of a triumphal church, the God of
The matter of suffering is an bring disruption through natural Jesus is one who suffers along with
especially contentious one in phenomena. Coupled with this humanity, sharing the fate of death
theology. How can a loving and is the recognition that all living by a cruel execution, but achieving
‘all powerful’ God permit suffering things die and, moreover, some new life through resurrection. The
of innocent people? It may be living things die so that others may triumph of resurrection is the
asked: ‘If God sets people up for live; thus, there is a hierarchy of triumph of transformation and new
failure and misery, is this a God consumption from amoeba, through life; it is not the triumph of political
worth worshipping?’ There are herbivores to carnivores each one supremacy or religious dominance.
several problems here: one is our eats another. This is the natural The church therefore exists to be a
understanding of the nature of God evolutionary order, but it also means of transformation rather than
and the other is our understanding brings suffering. of control, of grace rather than law.
of the nature of the world in which
we exist. Finally, we consider the notion Through the crucifixion story we
of evil, which is to say acts of discover God in suffering instead of
God’s omniscience and intentional harm inflicted upon the exercise of power, wealth and
omnipotence (attributes of being others unjustly and without any status, which is a scandal to those
all-knowing and all-powerful) ultimate good purpose. Many of the hegemony. Here God is on
begs the question of responsibility people ask, ‘Why does God allow the side of people who are treated
for the suffering of the world. If evil?’ This is where we approach
God controls everything and pulls continued overleaf
October/november 2018 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS PAGE 5
Suffering, Self-sacrifice and Grace continued
badly, who are not in control, who conservative group within the benefit of humanity then it should
are poor, who are refugees, who are Anglican church. Such divisions, give it away and not sell it! Luther
treated unjustly by the powerful. on all sides, happen in the church didn’t believe that the church had
This is anything but the God of the from time to time and have been the such a monopoly over grace, but
triumphalist church that seeks to origin of many of our sects, parties, nevertheless he argued that God’s
win battles and dominate others. lobby-groups and denominations grace could not be possessed by any
down through the centuries. person or institution, and that it
Theological certainly could not be sold.
Imperialism and the Nevertheless, the behaviour of
Divided Church church factions often segues into As recent commissions, inquiries
a type of theological imperialism and court cases have revealed, the
A lecturer in my theological college where a stronger power seeks use of power is a major problem for
days once described the church as to take over a weaker one and today’s church, leading to abuse,
having become a ‘laager’, which is thereby control more resources bullying, theft, and irresponsibility,
a defensive circle of wagons with and widen its sphere of influence which has nothing to do with grace
all the ‘good guys’ inside peering and control. To succeed, it needs and everything to do with betrayal
out with their guns to hand at all to prioritise law over grace, power of trust. In contrast, the early
the ‘bad guys’ being threatening over service, status over humility, church had little power and often
on the outside. While this might self-interest over generosity, and faced hostility and persecution.
not necessarily be a triumphalist defensiveness over transparency— A very different world emerged
position for the ‘good guys’, it is activities of opportunism and a couple of hundred years later
certainly a defensive one that seeks realpolitik. It resonates with what when the Emperor Constantine
to protect those who belong at the the Banking Royal Commission has established the Christian church
expense of those who do not. been discovering about Australian as part of the state (which became
financial institutions, or what we Christendom), a situation that has
Metaphorically, what the church is see in our political parties. continued in various forms until
doing in this image is protecting its modern times.
entrenched theological positions or In this way, it would seem that the
viewpoints against all opponents. greatest threat to the church today I suspect that nostalgia for such
Another analogy might be that the is the church itself. For it suggests cosy church-state relations still
church (reflecting contemporary that we have given up following the grips many church members and
society) has adopted a theological suffering God and instead sought leaders today. Indeed we, the
‘border protection policy’ to keep out one who will win arguments, church, continue to seek a special
people out who don’t believe beat others into submission, and status with privileges from the
the right things or do the right uphold religious law. In short, wider community and the state, as
things and are therefore deemed we want to be able to say, ‘We the recent debate about ‘religious
not to belong. Of course, what have God on our side’ and, by freedom’ exposes. But this is not the
such behaviour does is turn the implication, God is not on the side way of the kingdom and the cross,
church into an exclusive club of others, be they sinners, heretics, as revealed in the Bible.
for religious people rather than a people of ‘the wrong politics’, or
transformational Godly community people of ‘other faiths’. We can see In contrast to self-interest, power
for all. It is a betrayal of the gospel. such posturing by campaigners for and privilege is the theological idea
the religious-right in the United of ‘kenosis’. It means to ‘empty
But the exclusive club metaphor States and similar behaviour is out’, to ‘give away power’, or ‘self-
goes further when coupled with emerging here in Australia. sacrifice’. The Hymn to Christ
growing internal factionalism (not in the Letter to the Philippians
dissimilar to our political parties), Give it Away! describes Jesus’ kenosis, and it
that give rise to different groups remains a challenge for us:
seeking to dominate the life of the Martin Luther, in his critique of
church. A recent example is the the sale of indulgences as a means Do nothing from selfish ambition or
emergence of the Global Anglican to securing a place in heaven, conceit,
Future Conference (GAFCON), argued that if the church had a
which seeks to create an alternative store-house of God’s grace for the but in humility regard others as better
than yourselves.
PAGE 6 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS October/november 2018
Suffering, Self-sacrifice and Grace continued
Let each of you look not to your own death – even death on a cross. Murray said, “It is not as though
interests, but to the interests of others. (Philippians 2: 3–8) we have to go out and win for God…
anyway, God’s idea of a win is the
Let the same mind be in you that was in The Christian faith is not about cross!”, and it is at this point that
Christ Jesus, trying to be stronger and cleverer God is on our side.
than all around you and thereby
who, though he was in the form of God, seeking to win at every opportunity. The Rev’d Andrew Sempell is the Rector of
did not regard equality with God as Instead, it is about humbly St James’.
something to be exploited, accepting who we are under God,
but emptied himself, taking the form of following our calling, being faithful,
a slave, being born in human likeness. and bringing grace. As the poet Les
And being found in human form, he
humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of
October/november 2018 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS PAGE 7
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A MODERN ECHO OF AN ANCIENT BATTLE Fr Robert Willson
In 1821 a visitor standing in Hyde in the year 9AD, just over 2000 The Meroë Head of Augustus
Park in Sydney would have seen years ago.
workmen busily completing the Wikimedia Commons
new St James’ Church of England Jesus was then a boy growing up in
on the corner of King Street. The Palestine, also under the iron hand used his Roman training to plan an
project was proceeding under the of Rome, and would have known ambush and destroy the Romans.
direction of Francis Greenway nothing of this. This Battle was He secretly continued to be a leader
who had been transported to the between three Roman Legions led of the Germanic tribes and he
Colony only a few years before. By by a General named Varus, and a loathed the Romans he pretended
December of that year, St James’ hoard of Germanic tribesmen who to serve. He was able to unite the
was ready for worship. ambushed and slaughtered the Germanic tribes and prepare a trap.
Romans in a three-day massacre.
If the spectator then turned his In 9AD the Roman legions were
back on St James’ and looked the That Battle had momentous marching north to a winter camp.
other way, he would have seen the consequences for the language in Arminius told the unsuspecting
walls rising of the first authorised which I am writing this article, and Varus a tale of a local uprising and
place of worship for Roman the language we use in worship, suggested that the Roman army
Catholics in the Colony. This and daily life. Today, English is should take a detour through the
building would be the genesis of St the most influential language in thick forest and deal with it. They
Mary’s Cathedral. the modern world and that battle, did so and the force of 20,000 men
which the Romans were to call ‘The found themselves trapped in a
LANGUAGES? Varian Disaster’, led directly to the rain-soaked killing field, and totally
What language would be used in shaping of our language of English. at the mercy of the enemy hidden
these two buildings? among the trees.
AUGUSTUS
St James’ would be dedicated to Jesus Christ was born in the reign THE END FOR VARUS
the worship of God in the language of the Emperor Augustus, the first Ancient historians record that
of the Book of Common Prayer. Roman Emperor. By the time of scarcely a man survived the
The Authorised, or King James’, Augustus, large parts of Europe, slaughter. Varus fell on his sword.
translation of the Bible would be including the lands we call France In three days the army was wiped
read at every service. This marked and Spain, had been conquered out. It was one of the greatest
St James’ as heir to the 16th century and settled by the Romans. These military defeats ever suffered by
Reformation in England. peoples came to speak so called Rome. A few legionaries managed
‘Romance’ languages, languages to escape and tell the tale.
But the visitor to St Mary’s would influenced by Latin, the language
hear the traditional Mass in the of Rome. During the time of Christ, The Emperor Augustus was
Latin of the old Roman Empire and the Emperor Augustus planned to devastated. The defeat ended his
with the Scripture readings in the extend the Empire to include the dream of conquering Germany and
vulgate translation of Saint Jerome. Germanic peoples. no later Emperor dared to try again.
This tradition would persist The Rhine remained the Imperial
until the 1960s when the Roman The Empire sent three Roman frontier. To the west the Provinces
Catholic Church finally accepted legions and supporting units to were Romanised and their speech
a vernacular liturgy in the light the area under Quintillius Varus, a
of the Second Vatican Council. relative of Augustus, and a general continued overleaf
Today, both churches use modern with a ruthless reputation. In
English liturgies. the Roman auxiliary army was a
Germanic prince named Arminius,
We may reflect on the remarkable trained in Rome and even given a
fact that the English language used Roman knighthood.
every day in St Mary’s and St James’
was directly shaped by one, often Arminius must have been a good
forgotten, clash: the Battle of the actor. Varus trusted him completely
Teutoburg Forest in north Germany but Arminius was a traitor who
October/november 2018 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS PAGE 9
a modern echo of an ancient battle continued
and language and grammatical in 9AD, and the Roman defeat, was Battle, makes a fascinating story.
structure became a form of Latin. the key to shaping the language we
They are the Romance languages. To speak today. The later history of So in St James’ the hymns we sing,
the east of the Rhine the Germans England added vast stores of words the prayers we offer and the liturgy
stayed defiantly German and from Latin and Greek and all the we share in, are all a modern echo
continued to speak the languages nations of the later British Empire, of an ancient battle, a battle which
that eventually came to England. but the basic structure remains changed our history.
Germanic or Anglo Saxon.
So the name of England and the FURTHER READING:
word ‘English’ came to us from a The Battle was famous in history The Quest for the Lost Roman Legions:
corruption of ‘Anglish’, one of the but one mystery remained. Where discovering the Varus Battlefield by
Germanic tribes that arrived after did it take place? A statue was Tony Clunn. (Spellmount, 2005)
the Romans left. How our modern erected to Arminius, also known
English developed from Old as Hermann, but in the wrong Fr Robert Willson has been a priest and
English and Middle English makes place. How a British Army Officer, teacher in the Diocese of Canberra and
a fascinating story. The Internet stationed in Germany, used a Goulburn for more than forty years.
will tell you more. metal detector to rediscover and
reconstruct the correct site of the
But that vicious and bloody battle
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profile: max singer brooke shelley
Max, how long have you been at When I was very young, I used to Finding a young man in a sailor’s
St James’ and what brought you attend Christ Church St Laurence costume relieving himself on the
here? with my parents. I’ve always been crypt doors at midday last year, a
an Anglican. few days before New Year’s Day.
I’ve been working at St James’ I think he was attending some
coming up on one and a half years. Would you like to say something themed club event in the city. He
I had previously attended St James’ about your faith journey over the was very apologetic and told me
with my parents, and early last year I years – how it began, some of the that if I could bring him a bucket
emailed Fr John about the possibility things you have learned, how it of water and detergent he would
of doing some volunteering at the affects your daily life? Have there clean it up. Needless to say, when I
church as I was between jobs and been any other influences on you? returned with water and detergent,
living close by. He suggested I apply he had disappeared. There’s some
to be an Assistant Verger. I didn’t really interact with any kind of life lesson in that experience.
church much throughout my high
Were you born and bred in school years, and during this time Brooke Shelley is Communications and
Sydney? If not, would you like to religion wasn’t a big part of my life. Media Manager at St James’.
say something about your origins? Because of this, it’s been especially
wonderful to be a part of St James’ ‘The soul in which philosophy
Born and bred in Sydney! and to re-experience services from a dwells should by its
slightly older perspective. Watching health make even the body
What and where are you genuine and healthy engagement healthy. It should make its
studying? with faith is very inspiring. tranquillity and gladness
shine out from within;
I’m currently in the last year of Do you have any particular (or should form in its own mould
a Bachelor of Arts degree at the peculiar) interests or hobbies? the outward demeanour, and
University of Sydney. My majors consequently arm it with
are film studies and international I’m very passionate about techno a graceful pride, an active
relations. music. On the surface level, it and joyous bearing, and a
sounds nothing like the kind contented and good-natured
What do you enjoy about being of music performed at church countenance. The surest
a Verger? Did you know what a services and concerts, but its sign of wisdom is constant
Verger was before you came here? effect on mood and emotion are cheerfulness.’
very similar. The challenge is
I had no idea what a Verger was sifting through the junk—it’s a —Michel de Montaigne
before I came to St James’. Being a very abstract genre of music, and
Verger is an interesting job. There bad abstract anything is all too Submitted by Stan Cowper
is a lot of down time and then large easy to mass produce. It is also
bursts of activity, so you have to learn important to listen to techno
to prepare a lot in the down time. in mixed ‘sets’ of songs, which
are hour-long performances of
What do you enjoy about St James’? continuous movement and flux.
Listening to individual songs is
I’ve found that, by and large, the what makes techno seem primitive
parishioners and clergy have a and lifeless to newcomers. For
great blend of being passionate anyone interested, I would start
but measured and easy going. This with Stephan Bodzin’s sets, which
makes for both an engaging and a can be found on YouTube. He
welcoming church, especially for is an old bloke and a classically
those who are still working out educated musician!
their relationship with their faith.
What’s the strangest thing you
Are there any other churches that seen or experienced at St James’
you have been a member of over as Verger?
the years and have you always
been an Anglican?
October/november 2018 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS PAGE 11
DR Raymond Nobbs book review
Bertie Boyce: Pioneer Clergyman, Social Reformer
by Robert Withycombe
(Reservoir, Victoria: Morning Star Publishing, 2018)
This book is an admirable example and his early pioneering ministries archdeacon of West Sydney in 1910.
of the way in which biography mainly in western New South He kept the breadth of his diocese’s
ought to be written. It provides Wales. Chapters 2–6 form by far traditions alive, and was a leader in
a lucid account of the main the most substantial part and deal the NSW Council of Churches.
features of this man’s life and then with his work from when he was
provides an insightful analysis appointed to St Paul’s, Redfern in As you read the book you will see
of his parochial ministry and the 1885 until 1930 when he retired to how the author has brought to
nexus with social reform. This Blackheath at the age of 84. life the qualities of this man, and
book, based on careful research, his dedicated use of them. Boyce
is a delight to read. Felicitously The growing working-class responded to perceived needs
written, we are spared unnecessary character of Boyce’s Redfern parish pragmatically. For him the Gospel
trivia. We are enabled to discern (where he served for forty-six had implications (through the basic
developing patterns of work and years), which included Sydney’s nature of God and his Kingdom)
of the way in which principles railway yards and workshops, made for social and even international
were progressively and consciously him a vigorous social reformer. In relationships. For this man of God
articulated then adopted. the interests of the Church, he ‘doing justice and walking humbly
steadfastly withstood the inclination and wisely’ meant seeing God’s
Such a work as this is long overdue. of the secular to drive religion out principles of equity applied, and
Although there have been some of the public square. He joined the practice of mercy shown, in the
short biographical pieces written, the Christian Social Union in the practical social agenda of his age.
and Bertie Boyce’s own small books, 1890s. In the interests of the poor,
pamphlets and other publications he campaigned for temperance, old (A copy of the book is lodged in our parish
are available in select archives, age and invalid pensions, and slum library and may be purchased online at
never before has there been a clearance. He was president of the http://morningstarpublishing.net.au/
detailed study of this Christian NSW Alliance for the Suppression product/bertie-boyce/)
activist who promoted the welfare of Intemperance from 1891 to 1915.
of the society in which he lived. But In the interests of the nation, he Dr Raymond Nobbs is a parishioner at
while there are several plaques in fought for the ongoing involvement St James’ and was the Foundation Dean
churches and a sandstone obelisk of the churches in public education, and a Professor at the Sydney College
memorial to this man, few would for the observance of Empire Day of Divinity. He is currently a member
remember Francis Bertie Boyce as the celebration of ‘all things of the Review Panel of the Australian
today. So one might therefore be which uplift an empire’s people’, Government’s Tertiary Education Quality
entitled to ask, what reason is there and the annual observance of Standards Agency.
for trying to revive that memory ‘Church History Sunday’ to give due
and writing this study? As we acknowledgement of the positive
read, because it is ‘an invaluable role of the Church in Australia’s
guide to emulating a remarkably development. In all of this the author
practical and effective pastor’. demonstrates how Boyce showed a
What is unfolded is both cautionary shrewd grasp of the political skills
and exemplary. In an age where needed to attract and influence
the primacy of ‘evangelism’ was public opinion and to work amidst
being asserted, Boyce had insisted faction and party politics.
that ‘addressing the social context
and needs of the people to be Boyce had no distinct political creed
evangelised were essential to any and while a convinced Evangelical
wider evangelism’. he was by no means a narrow
‘party’ man. He became a canon of
Chapter 1 covers his early years, St Andrew’s Cathedral in 1901 and
PAGE 12 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS October/november 2018
profile: Gilbert Santayana brooke shelley
Gilbert, what brought you to St to the cause of being involved. Is there anything you’d like
James’ to share with the Parish
What do you enjoy about St James’? Connections readers that haven’t
I was in the second year of my early been covered here?
retirement when one of my friends The seemingly close-knit members of
asked me if I wanted to return to the congregation and the beautiful I enjoy going for jogs whenever
the workforce, albeit part-time service every Sunday, coupled with I have free time. I like being out
only. I answered in the positive and beautiful church songs provided by in the open and looking at the
he told me that one of his clients/ the excellent members of the choir is beautiful scenery while being active
friends, who was working in St amazing to experience. and taking care of my health at the
James’ Church, was looking for a same time.
replacement Verger as the current Are there any other churches that
Verger had recently retired. A you have been a member of over What’s the strangest thing you
successful interview ensued with the years? saw or experienced at St James’
Fr Andrew Sempell, Sid Blairs and as Verger?
Tony Papadopoulos. No, but I currently attend St
Declan’s Parish for mass. Thankfully, nothing so far.
Were you both born and bred in
Sydney? If not, would you like to Would you like to say something Brooke Shelley is Communications and
say something about your origins? about your faith journey over the Media Manager at St James’.
years – how it began, some of the
I spent the first 30 years of my life things you have learned, how it
in the Philippines until I migrated affects your daily life? Have there
to Australia in 1992. been any other influences on you?
What do you like about being a My parents raised us as Catholic.
Verger? We were brought up in the
Catholic faith and we follow and
The regular interactions with the apply the teachings of the church.
members of the clergy and some
of the parishioners; I want to be Do you have any particular (or
active, and the work provides peculiar) interests or hobbies?
the atmosphere and space to do
it. Assisting and helping during I love to read books, watch movies
the Morning Tea breaks for the and ride my bike. I also like to go
parishioners and Sister Freda’s free out for breakfast with the rest of
lunch for the homeless people adds the family, if there’s time, as I enjoy
the ambience.
Establishing Morning Prayer at St James’
The Parish of St James’ is seeking expressions of interest for volunteers to join a roster of leaders and readers
to establish Morning Prayer, Monday to Friday at
St James’ Church.
A brief information session will be held in the
Chapel of the Holy Spirit on Sunday 14 October
after the 11am service, to which all are invited. If
you are unable to attend at that time but would
like to register your interest or find out more
about this ministry, or if you would like to
volunteer as a leader, please contact Christopher
Waterhouse on 8227 1305 or email
[email protected]
October/november 2018 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS PAGE 13
loretta king Counselling connection
IS IT JUST ME, OR HAS THE WORLD GONE MAD?
Thoughts on War, Violence, Madness and Survival
War generally denotes violent acceptable model and means of and violence than others. While
acts of aggression using armed power and control to achieve genetics can predispose us, negative
force between perceived enemies order and/or compliance, often environments, particularly in
or competitors, with the ultimate at the expense of mutual respect, childhood, trigger the propensity.
aim of destroying the opposition’s cooperation and collaboration that Children continually experiencing
capacity to cause major hindrance provide benefit to all rather than or witnessing violence and abuse
or harm. This issue’s theme a powerful few. Such dynamic, in are at the greatest risk of either
which questions ‘can any war be turn, activates negative emotional modelling the behaviour and
just?’ opens up many contextual arousal, such as anger, rage, fear, becoming perpetrators of violence as
considerations based on the horror, guilt and/or shame, which they grow and develop into adults
intention of the aggressive act: is often displaced onto the least or, alternatively, becoming ongoing
a desire for greater power and/ powerful in our communities and victims of violence throughout
or economic gain; a utilitarian families, ultimately producing their lives due, in both cases, to
conviction in the achievement of a everyday perpetrators and victims. unresolved trauma and an inherent
greater good; a cultural belief in a Aggressive or violent behaviour sense of fear and/or misplaced guilt,
code of honour; a response to a deep thus becomes commonplace, shame and low self-worth.
sense of unfair disadvantage and emulated in many forms of mass
exploitation; and/or a retaliation in media, including movies, songs, We are hardwired to respond to
the face of attack for the purpose music videos, and video games, perceived threats to our survival
of survival. Indeed, these are all and within social media through through the basic mechanisms
authentic perspectives for debate, cyberbullying and intimidation. It of fight, flight or freeze, which
which also must take into account infiltrates our workplaces, schools, are accompanied by a release of
a country or group’s value system colleges and universities, social and stress hormones (adrenalin and
based on its culture, customs and sporting organisations, religious cortisol) that heighten our arousal
beliefs, as well as the welfare of institutions and finally our homes when we need extra strength,
its inhabitants or members and through any number of overt and and harm our minds and bodies
their survival needs. The problem covert abusive practices, including through chronic stress when we
with war is that there is fallout for physical, sexual, emotional, don’t. These primitive responses
both the victors and the defeated psychological and economic, often of the brain to external threat,
through its horrendous horror and resulting in critical injury or, at which we share with the reptile
devastation, injury and death tolls. worst, suicide or murder. and animal kingdom, can be
regulated by our more advanced
As combatants return to their Studies in neuroscience conclude human cortical executive brain
everyday lives they take with them that the more we experience function when a more rational,
the physical, mental, emotional violence, be it through war, crime, balanced and effective response
and psychological trauma of the politics, the media, sport, social is required. Unfortunately,
battlefield. While they are duly or personal relationships, the continual, excessive levels of
honoured for their courage and greater our tendency to perpetrate stress can hijack this higher brain
sacrifice, war is also celebrated, violence. As humans, we learn capacity causing a spectrum of
particularly in the case of the through modelling the actions anxiety disorders, the extreme
victor, with pomp and pageantry, and behaviours we witness and/ of which is post-traumatic stress
and acts of violence in the name or personally experience, and as a where the sufferer experiences
of ‘a just cause’ are officially result can become desensitised to at an unconscious and body level
sanctioned and publicly revered. the relentless patterns of aggression, what seems like a continuous
This promotes the use of aggression violence and cruelty that our videotape loop signalling
and violence to resolve conflict and hearts and minds are subjected to. immediate and present danger. This
often problematically legitimizes Indeed, there are many variables condition can trigger a number
it within a society’s institutions, which determine why some people of physical, mental, emotional,
communities and families as an are more prone to aggression psychological and behavioural
PAGE 14 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS October/november 2018
symptoms, including, but not women, children, the aged, the and respectful nurturing; quality
limited to, systemic inflammation, disabled, the homeless or, indeed, affordable education, healthcare
concentration and memory our war veterans and everyday and housing; peaceful political and
problems, depression, panic attacks, workers) who are often vulnerable social engagement; and assertive
nightmares, flashbacks, startle to abuses and deprived of communication (open, authentic,
effect, hypervigilance, dissociation appropriate support and assistance, self-reflective, and respectful). A
and anger issues. Lower than a living wage, fair working true ‘war to end all wars’, based
normal levels of serotonin (a brain conditions and decent living on qualities of self-awareness,
neurotransmitter that stimulates standards, is a consequence of this. emotional self-regulation,
positive emotions), and higher And perhaps the most frightening motivation, social skills and
than normal levels of testosterone and concerning consequence: the empathy – defined by American
(a sex hormone naturally more depletion of our natural resources psychologist, Daniel Goleman,
prevalent in males), or the through near-sightedness and greed as ‘emotional intelligence’. This
excessive use of anabolic steroids via the ravages of mining extraction, would seem, by far, a smarter,
that imitate testosterone, can deforestation, the human carbon fairer, kinder and indeed more
also increase violent tendencies print on global warming and the effective approach to resolving
in individuals who already have resultant extreme and violent all our current individual, social
the propensity as a result of climactic cataclysms in the planet’s and global problems compared to
ongoing negative environmental fight for homeostasis or rebalance. the too common primitive resort
experiences. Additionally, the This has led to food shortages and to war or other above-mentioned
overconsumption of other natural the pollution of our water systems, forms of aggression and violence.
or synthetic chemicals (including and continues to be an ongoing This is of particular concern
alcohol, caffeine, refined sugar, and threat to our planet’s delicate given the devastating capacity of
prescription and non-prescription ecology that supports life itself. our new innovations in warfare
drugs), generally self-prescribed technologies and their potential
as an antidote to stress, but which And this is the socio-politico- apocalyptic consequences!
often become addictive, can also economic setting that supports our
trigger maladaptive emotional current mental health evidence- Loretta King is a psychotherapist,
reactivity, as well as lead to based practices: a scientific counsellor and coach. She specialises in
physical and mental illness. bio-medical model utilizing cost- many areas of mental health and wellbeing,
effective managed care that limits and works with individuals of all ages,
We live in a world of extremes, sessions and psychotherapeutic couples, families and groups. She is
where individual and corporate approaches to brief therapies. available by appointment at Counselling
wealth can often outweigh the This process, in turn, is backed @ St James’.
economy of whole countries, by pharmaceutical companies to
thereby influencing policy, focus on individual ‘disorders’ and
governance, social expectations their treatment through a litany
and quality of life. In this of prescribed medications, often
regard, wars have often been without regard to underlying
fought to benefit the few at the causes and the possibility that the
expense of the many, sometimes madness or ‘pathology’ might be
precipitating mass revolution at the very core of the society we
and acts of terrorism. The world live in and its dysfunctional power
refugee crisis and displacement structures, practices and injustices.
of peoples and their migration to Thus, the vicious cycle continues.
other countries and continents,
often finding themselves cruelly In conclusion, based on the above
confined indefinitely in detention perspective the only just and
centres, is a consequence of this. conscionable war I can conceive
Worldwide indifference to, and/or of is one that fights ignorance,
exploitation of the disempowered prejudice, inequality, cruelty,
or disadvantaged (including complacency, corruption and
greed: one based on caring, gentle
October/november 2018 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS PAGE 15
colin’s corner
A SESQUICENTENARY!
Hanging on the wall of the Parish
Office in St James’ Hall is a print1
of a cartoon published in the
English satirical magazine, Punch,
on 24 October 1868…150 years ago.
Depicted in the drawing are
the Right Reverend Ashurst
Turner Gilbert, Bishop of
Chichester, and the Reverend
John Purchas (MASTER P-CH-S),
Perpetual Curate of St James’
Chapel, Brighton. The Bishop
is admonishing the Priest and
waving a birch, wrapped in the
Thirty-Nine Articles, with his
right hand. Purchas is wearing
a cope and holding a thurible.
The cartoon is a comment on
the rise of High Church teaching
and practices in the Church
of England, which had started
with the Oxford Movement.
Ritualism became increasingly
prevalent during the 1850s and
1860s, to the extent that a Royal
Commission was set up in 1867;
undeterred by this scrutiny, it
continued on its course, reaching
a peak in the 1880s.
During his curacy at St James’ interdicted3 the Reverend John G. C. Boase notes:
Chapel (1866–1872), Purchas Purchas for ritualism in services at
introduced the use of vestments, St James’ Chapel. These decisions gave rise to
including the cope, chasuble, alb much difference of opinion
and biretta, and the use of lighted Litigation followed in ecclesiastical and led to a prolonged
candles on the altar, crucifixes, courts and in the Privy Council. controversy …A copy of the
images, incense, processions, The Privy Council decided order of suspension was
wafer bread and holy water. against Purchas on 16 May 1871, affixed to the door of St.
When celebrating the Holy on practically all points raised. James’s Chapel on 18 Feb.
Communion, he mixed water He, however, made over all his 1872, but Purchas continued
with the wine in the chalice. property to his wife, and neither his services as usual for the
Purchas stood with his back to paid the costs, which amounted remainder of his life. He died
the people when consecrating to £2,096/14/104 nor discontinued at his residence, Montpellier
the elements and elevated them. any of the illegal practices. On 7 Villas, Brighton, on 18 Oct.
February 1872, the Privy Council 1872, and was buried in the
Bishop Gilbert, while of High suspended him from the discharge parochial cemetery on 23
Church opinions himself, was of his clerical duties for twelve Oct. He left a widow and
adverse to Catholic ceremonials. months. five sons.5
On 14 October 18682, he
PAGE 16 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS October/november 2018
The Reverend John Purchas The Right Reverend Ashurst Sir John Tenniel (1820–1914)
(1823-1872) Turner Gilbert (1786–1870) Self-portrait, 1889
Bishop of Chichester NB: Tenniel’s initials, as shown
(1842–1870) in this sketch, can be seen in the
cartoon, bottom left.
Although he wrote a number of cartoonist for over 50 years. Horsburgh AM in 2006.
books, Purchas’ most important Tenniel contributed about 2,300
literary achievement was the cartoons and other illustrations 2. Only ten days elapsed between
editing of the first edition of to the magazine. Today, he is best Bishop Gilbert interdicting Purchas
the Directorium Anglicanum: being remembered as the illustrator of and the publication of the cartoon in
a Manual of Directions for the right the first editions of Lewis Carroll’s Punch.
Celebration of the Holy Communion, children’s books, Alice’s Adventures
for the Saying of Matins and Evensong in Wonderland (1865) and Through the 3. interdict: to cut off authoritatively
and for the Performance of the other Looking-Glass and What Alice Found from certain ecclesiastical functions
Rites and Ceremonies of the Church There (1871). and privileges.
(London, 1858; a standard work
on Anglican ritual). There is so much more detail in 4. To appreciate the scale of the costs,
the cartoons of the period than in in 1872, a house could be rented in
***** cartoons today. The drawing is a Brighton for £13 a year.
work of art.
This cartoon, ‘The Chichester 5. Boase, George Clement, Dictionary of
Extinguisher’ was drawn by Sir 1. The print was donated to St James’ National Biography 1885–1900 Volume 47.
John Tenniel, who occupied the Church by Associate-Professor Michael
position of Punch’s chief political Thank you to Punch Limited, London, for
allowing reproduction of the cartoon, ‘The
Chichester Extinguisher’, in Parish Connections.
Colin Middleton is the Archives
Assistant at St James’.
JOKE SPOT
A Parish Priest was asked to inform a man with a heart condition that he had just inherited a million
dollars. Everyone was afraid the shock would cause a heart attack and the man would die.
The Priest went to the man’s house and said, ‘Joe, what would you do if you inherited a million dollars?’
Joe responded, ‘Well, Father, I think I would give half to the Church.’
…And the Priest fell over dead.
From The World’s Greatest Collection of Church Jokes, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.
October/november 2018 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS PAGE 17
st james’ RETREAT – THE divine office
T� e S T J�Me S ’ ReT R e�T At 5:00pm on Friday 7 September, 34 people gathered
7-9 September 2018 at St Mary’s Towers, Douglas Park, for the annual St
James’ Retreat. Our theme this year was on corporate
The Divine Office prayer and the development of the daily offices, which
we maintain in the daily disciplines of Morning and
Evening Prayer, and on occasion the night office
(Compline). The Rev’d Catherine Eaton led us through
the weekend with an introduction to the Liturgy of the
Hours, otherwise known as the Divine Hours or the
Divine Office; an ancient practice of a daily prayer cycle
every three hours from the first rays of light in the early
morning through to Vigils, the prayer of the dark—
watching and waiting in the darkness.
Catherine challenged us to think about how we pray
together, and how our own prayer discipline when
we are alone can in fact connect us to the worldwide
church; that in our liturgy we come together as God’s
people wherever we are and at whatever time, and we
pray together.
—Christopher Waterhouse
Photos for this article: Chris Shain (Images for Business)
PAGE 18 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS October/november 2018
Here is an extract from Catherine’s
opening address on the Friday
evening.
The Daily Hours for Us
The Divine Hours are a gift the
church has to offer the world.
It’s a gift the Anglican church in
particular has been entrusted with,
and we are failing to recognise and
protect it.
The values of our individualistic and service, a word used in public life Reasons
materialistic society have infiltrated to refer to the work of the people. There are other reasons why we
our faith life. We’ve lost sight of our It was then applied to the worship need to rediscover the place of the
essential interconnectedness and we life of the church, indicating that Divine Hours.
give undue worth to those things liturgy is a shared work, a work
which have measurable results. of the people of faith. Each of the The first is that the hours reconnect
Hours then is a work of the people. us to the rhythm of the day—as
The Liturgy of the Hours gives us the sun moves through the sky, so
a way of praying with the whole Then, when St Benedict was our prayers shift in energy and
world. We lend ourselves to that developing his Rule of life for his orientation. At a time when our
continuous prayer whenever we monks in the 6th century, he referred planet is suffering because of our
pray the Daily Office. And if we to the daily offices as the Opus Dei – disconnection from it, the Hours
believe in the communion of saints, the work of God. This is not only the offer us a way to realign ourselves
then our prayer is not just joined people’s work, it is also God’s work. with its rhythms.
with others of this age, but with the As the people pray, God works to
countless others who have prayed heal and transform them and the This is not a return to something
throughout the ages. world for which they pray. pagan, but a reminder that we are
inseparable from the rhythms of the
However, as Thomas Cranmer Benedict exhorts his monks to earth. We too are creatures whose
realised, there’s no way that the ‘prefer nothing to the Work of God’. task is, as the psalms remind us, to
ordinary person with all the For Benedict the prayer of the praise God with all creation.
responsibilities of work, family and community is the foundation for
so on, can devote themselves to everything else, and the constant The second reason is that we sense
praying seven offices each day. So, reminder that their lives are to be the world we live in is coming
no-one is expecting you, on this lived in thanks and praise of God. undone. As Yeats said, ‘the centre
weekend, or at any other time, to be cannot hold’. We’re losing our
praying formally seven times a day! centre as a human community.
But tonight, I want to give you a The Divine Office is therefore a work This steady pattern of prayer, that
brief overview of those seven offices, of the people and a work of God. simply holds the ground of faith, in
the Liturgy of the Hours, not just a frightened and frightening world,
so we can know what we’re talking Michael Ramsay said, “the offers a new centre.
about, but so that we can find, in problem with clergy today is they
these hours, a resource for ourselves, think the ‘office’ is a place.” It’s And as Anglicans we hold a treasure
for our own prayer and daily life. true—the place where we fulfil we’re in danger of destroying
our obligations to our job takes through neglect. After Vatican 2,
Liturgy precedence over the place we fulfil the Catholic Church developed
The word ‘liturgy’ comes from the our obligations to God and where
Greek word ‘leitourghia’, meaning God carries out his work in us. continued overleaf
October/november 2018 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS PAGE 19
st James’ retreat continued
new rules for the Liturgy of the
Hours for monasteries and clergy.
Their biggest regret is that they
didn’t develop something which
would encourage the participation
of the laity. They now look, with
a kind of envy, at the Anglican
Book of Common Prayer. Thanks
particularly to Thomas Cranmer,
the prayer of the church has been
returned to the people.
During the weekend we prayed “May we who are wearied by the theme, ‘The Joy Of The Spirit.’ Do
together on 14 occasions in total, changes and chances of this fleeting please consider joining us. The 2019
keeping as many of the Offices as world repose on your eternal retreat will be held from Friday 6 to
we were able to, within the scope changelessness.” Sunday 8 September 2019.
of the Retreat programme and the
availability of the chapel. Aided Certainly, the retreat provided a Reflections from the
by four choristers from The Choir chance to rest with God, to pray weekend:
of St James’ (Brooke Shelley, Phil together, to gain an understanding Catherine Eaton
Murray, Josie Ryan and Chris of where we’ve come from in our There’s an old saying—in Latin:
Shain), who sang and chanted with corporate prayer life, and perhaps lex orandi, lex credendi—the rule for
us and for us, we joined our voices this might help inform us of where praying is the rule for believing.
in prayer at various times, keeping we go from here. It was one of the
the offices of Lauds (very early most joyful retreats I have been on,
morning), Prime (the first hour of which provided us then with the
the morning), Matins (our Anglican theme for our retreat next year. The
Office of Morning Prayer, according 2019 St James’ Retreat will be on the
to the BCP), Sext (midday), None
(the 9th hour, or 3:00pm), Evensong Individual and Corporate Prayers
(again according to the BCP) and
Compline, the hour before sleep. Throughout the years prayer has and is offered to Almighty God.
Compline is an underappreciated Both individuals and groups worship every three hours day and night.
and certainly rarely used liturgy The characteristics of the hour form the basis of prayer.
these days, which is a great pity. Some of the hours relate to events in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
It contains some of the most People and events all over the world are being held up in prayer day
extraordinary prayers of the Prayer and night.
Book. Scriptural references abound We can silently join them in worship however briefly
as we recall the story of the road to by turning to God frequently throughout the day.
Emmaus where Christ is revealed We can also wait upon God in silence listening for that still small voice
to the disciples when he breaks to lead us into the spiritual realm
bread with them. In Compline we to be the person that God created us to be.
pray: “As the watchmen look for
the morning, so do we look for thee, —Jean Olsen
O Christ. Come with the dawning
of the day, and make thyself known
in the breaking of bread.” Perhaps
the greatest of prayers comes at
the end of Compline as we pray,
PAGE 20 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS October/november 2018
st James’ retreat continued THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS
How we pray is how we believe. We demonstrate our Lauds
faith by the way we pray. Do we not give priority to
praying together because we do not believe what we The Hours are like chimes of devotion,
say, or what the scriptures say, or about what history Calling us to live more prayerful lives;
has to tell us? Embracing time in sweet communion,
Ensuring this tradition survives.
Our faith is formed as we pray together. Someone said
it is the Daily Offices which teach us how to pray and Prime
form us in our faith.
Not simply medieval role-play,
But it can also go the other way. We need to consider But now touching our reality;
what we believe and ask ourselves, how then should Punctuating every fleeting day
we pray? With reminders of eternity.
I remind you again of something from yesterday – if the Matins
Eucharist is the heart of our worship, then the Divine Offices are
its soul. We need to attend. We know if our heart isn’t In a space of true simplicity,
working. Sometimes it’s less easy to know when our Communal worship, faith, observance,
soul is out of sorts. It is a hidden, silent stream of life Prayer is the rhythm, the harmony,
which courses through us, and we are equally damaged Shaping our thoughts to reverence.
when it’s neglected. So too with the Prayer of the
Church, it is a hidden stream of life which the church Sext
needs more than ever.
Whether time-pressed, or the days stretch long,
As our city puts its own soul at risk, so we need to be We’re transported into God’s presence
more in touch with the soul of the church if we are to By choir voices raise in plainsong;
offer anything real and substantial to those around us. And in his keeping still, in silence.
The Liturgy of the Hours, the cycle of daily prayer, the
Morning and Evening Offices offer us that chance to None
reconnect with the soul of the church.
Our thoughts and our paths are prone to stray,
Holding fast must always be the goal;
Praying the Hours keeps us to the way,
Silence is for healing of the soul.
Vespers
The daily practice of reflection
Across centuries of piety,
Serves to link every time and nation,
Through this old, familiar liturgy.
Compline
Though here but for a season, our stay
Is in real-time, the heartfelt moment,
Marking our thoughts throughout each day,
Ending in vigil when day is spent.
—Margaret Johnston
October/november 2018 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS PAGE 21
The St James’ Donation form for:
Foundation
The St. James’ Building and Property Foundation
An invitation from the Right & The St. James’ Music Foundation
Reverend Richard Hurford, OAM
Directors: Chairman
In 1999, as the Chairman of the Australian Council of the International CEO
Guild of Church Musicians, I was part of a small group of church Right Reverend Richard Hurford OAM, KStJ
Graham Smith
music supporters which shared the vision of establishing the St James’ Christine Bishop LLB (Syd) FAICD
Foundation. I then served as the Foundation’s first Chairman. Robert Cameron JP
Daniel Ferguson JP
The current Board of Directors invite you to support this dynamic Gregory West CA
resource for St James by way of donation or bequest.
Name
The St James’ Foundation Ltd. Phone
The St James’ Foundation Ltd is a company limited by guarantee and is the Mobile
trustee of two charitable trusts, the St James’ Music Foundation and the
Address
St James’ Church Building and Property Foundation.
Right Reverend Richard Hurford OAM, KStJ (Chairman), Postcode
Graham Smith (CEO), Christine Bishop LLB (Syd) FAICD,
Robert Cameron JP, Daniel Ferguson JP and Gregory West CA Email
are directors of the Foundation. Please accept my donation to the
Capital Fund of the Music Foundation
The St James’ Music Foundation
$
The object of the Music Foundation is:
To provide financial and other assistance to enable the production and Please accept my donation to the
performance of sacred and secular music with a particular focus on choral Capital Activities Fund of the
Music Foundation
and pipe organ music along with other expressions of the creative
and performing arts. $
The Music Foundation allows two kinds of donations; those towards the Please accept my donation to the
capital fund, which is invested to provide annual distributions to the Parish. Organ Replacement & Restoration Fund
of the Music Foundation
The second kind of donation can be to particular reserves, like the organ
restoration/rebuilding fund, scholarships, production of CD’s or other $
reserves that meet with the requirements of the Foundation and the needs
of the Parish. Donations to the Music Foundation are tax deductible. Please accept my donation to the
Capital Fund of the Building Foundation
The St James’ Church Building
and Property Foundation $
The object of the Building and Property Foundation is to provide financial Please draw cheques to the
assistance to St James for the restoration, preservation, maintenance, St James’ Music Foundation or
improvement, enhancement and upkeep of the Church building, its The St James’ Building Foundation and forward to:
fixtures, fittings and ornaments. The Building Foundation is principally a The Treasurer, Unit 2702/5 York St, Sydney 2000
capital fund, the income of which is distributed to the parish. Donations to OR
the Building Foundation are not tax deductible.
Direct Bank Transfer
The two Foundations have provided well over two million dollars, in (electronic payment) to:
distributions to the Parish of St James over the past 13 years. WBC - BSB 032 007 / Acc. No. 181314
OR
Please debit my: Visa Mastercard
Card No. /
Exp. Date
Signature
Please send me information (to the above address) of
how I might include a bequest for The St. James’ Music
Foundation or The St. James Building Foundation in my will
All donations to The St. James’ Music Foundation
over $2.00 are tax deductible
PAGE 22 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS October/november 2018
Mothers’ union AT ST JAMES’ Noelene Rannard
Mothers’ Union also been sent to those confirmed or Parish picnics, and the annual
(MU), which married at St James’. Mothers’ Union Christmas Service
began in England and Lunch.
in 1876, is A Luncheon for young mothers
an Anglican in the congregation was given on From 2006–2008, the branch held
organisation, 5 March 1980 in the Crypt. Mrs an annual Parish Young Families
with members Mildred Walker spoke about Morning Tea after the 9:00am
meeting regularly for education ‘Communicating with children’. Eucharist to enable parents and
in the Christian faith, bringing children to meet informally with
up Christian families and When a Caritas group was each other, with the Kids@Church
practical parenting; and to give established in 1986 under the Coordinator, and the clergy. A
encouragement and support to one leadership of Kerry Holland, St literature stall was also available
another. The Mission Statement of James’ Mothers’ Union provided with books and pamphlets for
MU Sydney is ‘Sharing Christ’s love by ‘babysitters’ for the children, to allow teaching children the Christian faith.
encouraging, strengthening and supporting the Caritas members to participate
marriage and family life’. more fully in the meeting. Caritas Members volunteered for rostering
is part of the Mothers’ Union with to provide a Court Morning
A Mothers’ Union branch was similar interests (faith, marriage, Tea Service: free morning tea
formed at St James’ in 1897 but went family) but with an informal and a listening ear (though no
into recess from 1956 to 1978. In 1978, style and a focus on outreach and comments could be made about
the branch was re-formed and held friendship. The St James’ group was court activities) to those attending
its first meeting on 7 June 1978, with mainly mothers with young children, sessions at the Children’s Courts,
Grace Robson as its President, and or those with young children in their the Maintenance Court and also
eleven ladies attending. care, meeting monthly in various the Family Court at the St James
homes (at Belmore South, West Centre. These were often very
Meetings were held on the Pennant Hills, Harris Park, Gymea), stressful times for mothers. The
first Wednesday in the month for morning tea and then an opening service is organised by the Diocesan
(except January) in the Church, Prayer and a speaker, discussion Social Issues Coordinator.
commencing with the Eucharist or or activity. Topics over the years
the Mothers’ Union Prayer Service included: Contemporary Christian During the period from 1986 to 2012
at 10:30am. This would be followed Marriage; a Marriage Encounter members were involved in hospital
by a speaker, Bible study, or activity course; Child Esteem; Retreats; visiting to mothers at Royal North
(making crosses for Palm Sunday; Children and Religion; Crafts; Shore Hospital Maternity Ward.
sewing gifts for hospital visiting), Infection Control; Prayer; Anglican They visited one day a week
and then lunch and the Business Education; and the Peace Movement. during each month; the branch
meeting. Occasionally, meetings Occasionally, a dinner for members was rostered on by the Diocesan
were held in a member’s home. and their husbands was organised at Hospital Visiting Coordinator. An
a local restaurant. MU Welcome to Baby card and
The following are some of the a small gift such as bootees, hat,
activities the members have been In 1987, approximately twelve mittens, bib, or knitted teddy were
involved in. From 1979, the branch members and more toddlers given to each mother.
gave all babies baptised at St James’ attended each meeting. In 1992,
a Baptism celebration card and after a decline in numbers, it The branch has welcomed at its
small gift (coat-hanger or literature). was decided to introduce Coffee meetings many visitors from
Later a Baptism roll was established evenings, and vary the days of overseas, interstate and country
and cards were sent to the children the week for meeting. While the MU branches. Sybil Fairhurst from
on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd anniversary members were mainly parishioners Selby Abbey MU and Barbara Hay
of their Baptism. From 2002, a at St James’, visitors were warmly from Southwark Cathedral MU
small book of Bible stories and welcomed. The group continued were both guest speakers during one
a letter of introduction to Kids@ meeting until mid-1995. Members of their visits to Sydney. Lone and
Church were included with the 3rd from both organisations combined Diocesan members were warmly
Anniversary card. Greeting cards for the Corporate Communion on
for Confirmation and Marriage have Mothering Sunday at St James’, continued overleaf
October/november 2018 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS PAGE 23
mothers’ union at st james’ continued
welcomed at the special Christmas the building of a MU Girls hostel help maintain supplies required for
Service and Lunch at the December at Egbo-Egbado, Nigeria in 1990; the Baptism and Hospital Visiting
meetings held in the early years. funding salaries for MU workers gifts. They have also been speakers
The branch hosted Deanery days in Melanesia in 2007; and the at meetings, and Keith Johns
welcoming members from other Ethiopian MU Literacy fund in 2014. played the organ at the annual
branches in our Deanery area. Christmas Services.
The branch has been blessed with
Through prayer, correspondence, having very supportive clergy, Members have been mostly St
greeting cards, and exchange of who celebrated the monthly MU James’ Parishioners but some have
Diocesan and Branch literature, etc., Eucharist, led numerous Bible transferred to St James’ MU when
members of linked branches shared studies and spoke on a variety their branch closed (Mavis Crain,
their MU life with each other. St of topics, e.g. Bringing up your Thelma Richards, and Patricia Harvey
James’ was linked with branches at children in the Christian faith; to name a few). On 6 June 2018 we
Selby Abbey in England from 1982 Prayer; A Chaplain at the Olympic celebrated the fortieth anniversary
until 2018, and for some years with games; Grief, mourning and hope. of the re-established MU branch
Iwearne Minster in Dorset, England, Rev’ds Peter Kurti and Andrew at St James’. However, with an
and Llanraeder in Wales. Sempell held a Q&A session each ageing membership and declining
November meeting, which members attendance, it was also the final
Branches were not to make fund- greatly appreciated. Questions meeting of the Branch. Members
raising their main purpose, but could be about biblical, spiritual, or wanting to continue their association
in 1989 members commenced Anglican Church matters. with this worldwide organisation
collecting five cent coins, which became Diocesan members.
were forwarded annually to the Over the years the Branch has also
Diocesan Office for MU Overseas been fortunate in having assistance Noelene Rannard is a parishioner at St
fund and Northern Outreach fund. from parishioners. Some have James’ and was a member of St James’ MU
Additional donations would also be made beautiful baby coat-hangers, branch from 1985–2018, and a member of
made for special projects such as others bootees, hats and bibs, to St James’ Caritas 1986–1988.
Present for morning tea at final meeting of St James’ MU were Gwen Shackell, Robyn Shaw, Patricia Harvey, The Rev’d John
Stewart, Noelene Rannard, Dianne Causer, Elane Gilbert and Tricia Graham (President).
PAGE 24 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS October/november 2018
REVEREND DR JOHN BEER ian westbrook
John Beer died on Sunday 23 It was around this time he also John was also made a Fellow of St
September. He was almost 87, having became involved in political Paul’s College at the University of
been born on 18 December 1931. issues. This wasn’t exactly career Sydney, holding this position from
enhancing and he was moved to the 1980 to 2014.
He had a long connection with position of Prison Chaplain. After
St James’. He was an Honorary two years in Townsville, and with John completed his PhD in 2010
Assistant Priest for 38 years from his father in Sydney not well, he when he was nearly 80. It’s not
1976 to 2014 and wrote his PhD decided to move back to Sydney known exactly when he started
thesis on a former rector, Dr Philip and continue his education further. this since he negotiated several
Micklem. extensions to his thesis on The
He enrolled for a Bachelor of Arts Contribution Dr Philip Micklem to
John grew up in Eastwood and at the University of Sydney and Australian Anglicanism. Dr Micklem
Epping. He went to Eastwood graduated in 1971. During this time was rector of St James’ from
Public School then Shore he was also doing locums at various 1917 to 1937. He was educated at
School. After gaining his Leaving Sydney parishes. His friend Brian Harrow and gained his degrees
Certificate his father encouraged Porter was involved at St James’ and doctorate from Oxford. He
him to follow in his footsteps and then and mentioned to John there became a priest in 1903 and in
try chartered accounting, but it was a job advertised for an English 1909 was invited to be principal
wasn’t for him. His interest in the Master at Sydney Grammar School. of St Francis Theological College
church had begun at a young age, John applied and ended up teaching in Brisbane. When he came to St
at Sunday School at St Phillip’s there for 20 years to 1991. James’, the Australian Dictionary
Eastwood and then St Alban’s of Biography credits him with
Epping. So when he was looking The teaching position enabled him establishing St James’ as ‘an Anglo-
for an alternative to chartered to live near the school and this led Catholic parish, with elaborate
accounting he took an opportunity to his becoming more involved choral services’. In 1931, Micklem
to join the staff of the Sydney with St James’, with the then rector, gave the Moorhouse Lectures titled
Diocesan office at Church House Howard Hollis, inviting him to Values of the Incarnation. When John
in the time of Archbishop Mowll. become an Honorary Assistant submitted his thesis he was grateful
In the great tradition of Australian Priest in 1976. to St James’ choir member, Brooke
nicknames it was here that he Shelley, who typed it for him.
was first called ‘Frothy’ Beer, not Around this time John also enrolled
an appellation he particularly for a Master of Arts degree at the When John retired from Women’s
liked but it was perpetuated by University of Sydney. His thesis College he went to live in the
friends from that era. A few years was on the work of Australian
later he went to study at St John’s writer Martin Boyd, and he continued overleaf
Theological College, Morpeth, graduated in 1980.
becoming a deacon in 1958 and
priest in 1959 when he was 28, John’s friendship with a former
being ordained in Armidale. He warden of St James’, Fred Jackson,
was rector for a time at Emmaville enabled him to move to a house Fred
in the Armidale diocese and there owned in Marrickville. John moved
he established friendships which subsequently to Women’s College at
were lifelong. One of these was the University of Sydney where he
with a young George Browning was appointed Senior Tutor. One of
who was subsequently ordained the college Principals during John’s
and became Bishop of Canberra time there was Quentin Bryce, who
Goulburn diocese. later became Governor General
of Australia. In a note from Dame
In 1965 John was offered an Quentin read at John’s funeral,
opportunity to move to Townsville, she referred to the important role
taking up the position of Director John played in College life and the
of the Department of Mission with wider contribution he had made to
the Diocese of North Queensland. the country.
October/november 2018 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS PAGE 25
reverend dr john beer continued
Anglican Retirement Village in parishioners from St James’, office and is now at ABM. There
Turramurra, where he lived for some including the rector. Eulogies were were a number of references to
years until needing to move into a given by John’s cousin, Anthea John’s gift of friendship and his
care facility. He died at Strathdale Merewether, and Graeme Bailey, concerns for social justice.
Nursing Home, Strathfield. with The Rev’d John Deane reading
a eulogy from Dr Brian Porter. The John was predeceased by his brother
John’s funeral at St Paul’s Burwood Intercessor was Robert McLean, Phillip, also a high school teacher.
was attended by a number of who used to work in the St James’
Ian Westbrook is a parishioner at St James’.
Praetorius’
Christmas Mass
Angels and Trumpets:
A Renaissance Christmas
saturday 8 December 2018, 5:00pm The Choir of ST JameS’
auSTralian Baroque BraSS
St James’ Church, King Street, Sydney
Directed by John Foster
Tickets $50/45 • T: 8256 2222 • www.cityrecitalhall.com
Counselling @ St James’ Editorial
policy
St James’ Church offers a socially inclusive and non-faith based
professional counselling service as part of its outreach ministry to We aim to publish a
the city. wide range of views and
opinions in this magazine.
Our professional counsellors/psychotherapists/coaches are available Publication should
to assist individuals, couples and family members on a wide range therefore not be read as
of issues. Appointment flexibility is offered to accommodate work St James’, the Rector,
schedules. The service is provided in rooms in the lower level of St Parish Council, staff or
James’ Church, located in the heart of the city. parishioners necessarily
endorsing or approving any
To make an appointment, or for further details, please visit www. particular view or opinion.
sjks.org.au or telephone 8227 1300.
PAGE 26 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS October/november 2018
the Focolare movement alex gaffikin
Alex Gaffikin is a member of the Focolare
movement, a lay movement bringing
together members of the Catholic,
Anglican, Lutheran, Swiss Reformed,
Orthodox, and other Christian churches.
Their focus is on ecumenism and Christian
Unity. On Sunday 28 October the St
James’ Institute welcomes Christopher
and Jane Evans from Focolare’s Centre for
Unity in London to speak on Unity and
Ecumenism. Alex Gaffikin writes about
the Focolare movement and how she came
to be involved in the movement.
You would think being an Anglican Carol singing activity to raise money for a homeless shelter
in a Catholic lay movement would
be a challenge… but this is no The teenaged girl was Chiara and from ‘when two or more are
ordinary movement! For a start, Lubich, who, during the Second gathered in my name, there I am in
the Focolare Movement (AKA The World War, found inspiration the midst of them.’ (Matt. 18:20).
Work of Mary) has members not from Jesus’s words in the Gospels.
only from other Christian churches, Chiara and her friends realised that Every month we have a leaflet that
but also of other faiths and wider Jesus was telling them that the tick- is distributed called the Word of
secular society. The founder was, the-box attitude of some Christians Life. A sentence from the gospel
at the time, a teenaged girl in Italy wasn’t enough. They really had to is chosen and is accompanied by
and the president always has to live Jesus’s words 24/7: ‘love your a call to action on how to put it
be a woman. The charism is one enemy’, ‘be the first to love’, ‘love into practice in daily life. There
of Unity, rooted in the Gospels, everyone’. In practice this meant is often a story from a member
but the challenge is to be a living sharing belongings, food, time, of the community on their
witness to this ideal, not just to kindness, conversation, love and, if own experience, something to
talk about it. Putting Jesus’s words they failed, starting again. inspire. Once a month we have a
‘May they All be One’ (Jn 17:21) into worldwide link up sharing news
practice isn’t just a Sunday activity, Fifty odd years later when I got to from around the world. I can’t
but something that has inspired know the Focolare, these universal tell you what a great antidote
and filled my life. themes of Love, Fraternity, this is to the vacuousness of the
Kindness and of course Unity newsfeed on my Facebook page, or
Activity at one of our Focolare events had attracted thousands, if not the relentless bad news peddled
millions of people. The key behind by main stream media. Don’t get
it is that we aren’t asking people me wrong. The stories from our
to change their faith or their community worldwide aren’t all
denomination: on the contrary, stories with happy endings. On
people involved in the Focolare the contrary, we hear news from
want to live their religious lives areas of conflict or from places of
100%. Instead, our evangelisation poverty, but the difference is the
is one that encourages Love. Love positive impact that individuals
for the other, Love even when there or groups are making because they
is suffering, Love when times are choose to Love, even in the darkest
hard, Love for all. I am capitalising of situations.
Love deliberately of course, because
for me, that Love comes from God continued overleaf
October/november 2018 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS PAGE 27
the focolare movement continued
I got to know the Focolare Christopher Evans at an ecumenical event centre for unity
movement back in the UK when
I lived in London. In Welwyn and Christopher Evans are also ecumenism which draws together
Garden City there is a place called Anglicans and have both been people of all ages and walks of
the Centre for Unity which hosts involved in the Focolare for years. life. I am pleased that they are
retreats and away-days for many Christopher is an Anglican priest able to come and discuss some
organisations and charities, as well who has served in a number of of their experiences and insights
as events organised by the Focolare. parishes in England and Wales. into ecumenism at the St James’
The Centre has a remit to focus on Together with his wife, Jane, they Institute. Please do come along;
ecumenism and we have had many play a key role in fostering unity it will be on Sunday 28 October at
events encouraging ecumenical and dialogue at a grassroots level. 2:00pm in St James’ Hall.
dialogue. In February this year, Their experience is of a lived
there was the annual meeting of
leaders from various churches.
Ecumenism is an easy word to say,
but for me it has meant putting it
into practice. And what does that
mean? Fundamentally, it means to
love my neighbour’s denomination
as I love my own. Through this
I have come to see the beauty of
unity in diversity and to even find
love in the suffering of not being
in communion with my fellow
Catholics, Orthodox or even some of
my Protestant brothers and sisters.
At the end of October, I have two
friends visiting from the UK. Jane
Living Dialogue:
Spirituality at the Service of Unity
In conversation with Christopher and Jane Evans
Christopher Evans is an Anglican priest who has served in a number of parishes in
England and Wales. Together with his wife, Jane, they play a key role in fostering unity
and dialogue at a grassroots level. Their experience is of a lived ecumenism which draws
together people of all ages and walks of life.
Striving for the fulfilment of Jesus’ last testament: ‘May they all be one’ (Jn17.10), they
draw their inspiration from the spirituality of unity of the Focolare Movement which offers
practical tools for building bridges of friendship between people of different
denominations and of different faiths.
They are actively involved in the Focolare’s ‘Centre for Unity’, in Welwyn Garden City,
close to London, which has an ecumenical community and welcomes thousands of
visitors each year.
Sunday 28 October, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Followed by Choral Evensong sung by the Choir of St James’
PAGE 28 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS October/november 2018
celebrating 10 years of
parish connections
PCAOrISNHNeCtIONS
OCtOber 2010
NOVEMBER CPAORNINSEHCTIONS PARISH CONNECTIONS HOw mANy
2008 FROM THE OCTOBER 2009 tIleS Are
NOMINPAATROIRSHS PHILLIP JONES Needed
wspaWeraererevethkilsccasoeovasfmigntaeohgn.etdtoopttahehrneeicssfholiirumcsrotammegedemrictuplieoneanwirtyeosr.hfTecPeohatmrissis,mhiwsuClhnioniniccknhaeectwdtioiewonrniesbt.hieTntthtwhrioseedeipsnurcpianeandtrdetadwocofiorttudhhpeevrltaeroriofiaofluws e tO COver A
aahauTltarnlhletldfeocheoonperfmgrwltoashmatsceatyeen.sAdnsTdidnoiohanncfetgueiffsoiapinavnlandeGrtiiPPonesearnaghtaterheitcasioerehseannnhnAlSedetNMurwratscntohheiwRdmeoebaetnhtiiyicsnhonB.thargobooetreoaeoptrorf.pwdsftTrhS(etihnwehteecnaJPhifatpiauomvwrasewilesinolsshelo’efr)mrireusmfvosaeiwackrlaemleeerlcsleytled suitable for appointment. Our CHurCH rOOf?
contact details are provided here
oitTnhuhtereelrriiuemdsnetinataeibnndedgrhoegisfneontduhetrerhcapeilslasyriasibnstehdo,infeprfnreoocermosmuuoarpttaeigtvuheepe.csIcoetomamfomlsirnouognpthiertoveyevrdnipditrsesecs,supassrismnoigvooinnrde,eegeeaidfvrfsete.iccftaliecvstesouafsbeoouft (an email to one of us will reach tHOmAS-ANdrew, geNerAl mANAger
all five) or feel free to speak
with us on Sundays. We would, CPAORNISNHE C T I O N S OCTObER 2013aaacWncsordpyeopooshuesuartQwvspeupaaaeliikredwendfcosooonSrwmd,qtneumhraPfaaruhnnelikd.llylAsiinsptlglpoSwaaatrtlroktlereloekinntutigroinornsniedwe
however, appreciate receiving to cover the costs of replacing the Slipped tiles also pose a safety hazard
your advice as soon as possible. many donors and benefactors. roof and subsequent stone and brick to public areas below. Piecemeal
restoration. patching has been carried out over
iaWwkMnsehttoeehohpsweetdipaonmonefanowtynohotsttoauhhnheewadpnevyrticleoolapganuhlradracecavosoegesmn.eerCspeio.tucousReptruieeivwersmeseoedewrabmtswsihbilatilheseraor:eblwwftwyehrwaaeaey-ntnwmstucb.aapeseijdsalk.aeansWcvtd.eooasirndelgawdih.abaorciullyopel petbinoyeyrottaehouvmeagwiciilnvahiledbul tlpraeocnrheiadnaffctiornhiiretfowtnahrdnemo.edske In the early stages of the process, 3. Please, and very importantly, Part of the strategy will include the stohleuyteioanrsi,sbtuotrtehpelamceostthceoesntteirfefective
owfephrealvime bineaernyattatseknsdrineqgutioreadrabnyge appreciate that the entire process Phillip Jones opportunity to “purchase “ tiles. tvrioemnobft.ielIarnteitaohvneewscoliiulnlribsneegoiamfntpdhriossavwrekdoi,nrdkge, craoyoefd
the Diocese, with input from the must proceed in a spirit of tel 9660 4669 See page 9 for details. This is an
mwvWCiieihgtewuhharistncrboehafewnnfaordabiwrebldneeeedtynnosogsnopaafdgrnoSetddvthiPJeidanaePmrsaiueesrsehsis’kwChbinioowtgthuhhnthoceil. discretion and utter confidentiality. npejotn.aeus4@bigpond. And now our attention turns to the opportunity for everyone to assist
appropriate advice. We will not be able to present Swrouiontfnd.eaIsywseiondnFtdheeberrbhuuoacwrkyemattatbnermyigppadatirenisgohntieooners in the restoration and to encourage
tWheemwteolctohme oefcfiocnet, rpibreufteiroanbslyfrboymemmaemil:boefrfiscoe@f tshjkesc.oonrgg.raeugation. Please send Ian Westbrook ‘progress reports’ or answer crwaraiinnckmtehadektciihnleagslleaeannsdgyecinparuoossaienddgsbtayhsrteoorurirogeuhnsttihael others in each of our field of influence arenpdladcoewdnapnidpecsopwpiellrbflearsehpinagirse,dg.utters
oFfrl.oPnegt-esrearvnidceLlienadvaeKinutrhtei tel 9958 1359 questions about what is happening wtharseatthetocoamureeralewcthriecnalitwwirains gn?eWedehde?re to do so as well. These will be on pfeWoxaripenaelttscihnlteagSatslioaotftn1et0hiw0setiyclheleaaibltriesnt.uhgRsisueendrpodaaoeinrfrdswtahtinhelldelast
spotted enjoying a day [email protected]. at any stage of the process. And sale from Sunday October 17, at the
country kindly remember that gossip rededication service of the tower and
and speculation will not help the spire and anytime afterwards.
The Ministry Team, Wardens and General Manager parishAt this time, and over the months process go forward, and might
indeed prove damaging as we tHe New welSH SlAte rOOf
PcAoriSnRhnfeAeJquOIcuNRuitéSef’miOSoR nS ahead, there are three engage with suitable persons. The roof was last replaced in 1976 pgarolljeercyt.wTihllebeestinimclautdeeddcaosstpoafrtthoifsthis
We are mindful of the trust you during a previous phase of major
ConneCask of parishioners:
tions oCtober 2012Mary Sanders things that we Bev Horsburgh The Conservation Appeal Committee is work is $1,080,000 (net of GST).
tel 9660 5396 launching Phase Three on 20 October
tel 9412 2581 mbhorsburgh@
marywindeyer@ netspace.net.au
hotmail.com Richard Cogswell
1. Please continue to pray for us. have placed in us, and are grateful tel 9810 2448 works when, due to cost constraints,
We are utterly dependent on for the opportunity to serve the hriochtmaradilc.coogmswell@ Spanish slate was used. This has a
the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Parish in this way. The page heading is in fact a
and trust that you will join us in
laying our needs before our loving R If I agreedserious question! The person
and generous God. ElATINg TO JESuwSwhose answer is closest to the
boitthh you, we'dfaicrstut atillneuiTnmHtbhEeeriRrwnEilavlmr’edec. eEdinvOetrRtiheOse THy
be wrong.to the office ([email protected].
au) close 19 October at 5pm.
october 2011 A suitable prayer: high iron content, is a brittle and
Lord God, you are our shepherd and inferior material compared with
higneuatidhrteis:wIphnaoryiwosuhilrlamwshearelkcpyhinegrrydaonautfrtyeworauyyrosCuarhnuodrwcnh ltrEadEitional Welsh slate and has not
sung liturgically by the Choir of St James JtwehsiatuthsylCoovhuirrninsgtacomaureremLwaoayrtdcb.heAogmvloeerrniyf.ioedu;rtpheroopulgeh, proved to be durable. A significant
2. wsffPuoelhetreukoaumrssieen. woYgafeoenttuhmeinmewigPtiRhgoahtureitcccshtohhonawrovs.rueiOtalhgtrb,euoyonusoreutrspaotemlhorcenisgooqihmnfutsymakowleinutnhoihetowssamvawoebifegoaphdusethtvrobistcouheenleds number of slates are cracked and
MONdAy 3 NOVEMBER at 6:30PM poor fixing has resulted in leaks
* See page 1 3.causing water damage in the church.
The ionrSitoghiuenla1-lS8st8ei0rtstrifniongrgcAmollmuSSpoiocuslaset’ddSbatyyJfaMamauesrSsé
Photo: Christopher Shain Who speaks For Christianity?Recent contentious statementsare differing points of view across be an additional Christian voice
Join the network?Fr AnDrew SeMPeLL the Christian faith, to date there in public discourse. We want
breygJairmdiWngahlloamceoosefxthuealApuesotpralel,iamnadehas been only one general lobby to represent the voice of the
Christian Lobby (ACL) have group. In response, a number of Christians who are trying to view
raised the issue of whether there church leaders have decided to life from the future.”
can be a unified Christian voice create an organisation to provide
on all matters of morality, ethics an alternative point of view. This
and social policy. The problem is will provide the opportunity
that ACL speaks as though it is for enriching public debate and
facilitating a more nuanced
PARISHrepresentative of the Christian Christian perspective. A report on
this new group follows.
churches even though it has no
C O Nmandate to do this. Its vision is
NECTIONSto ‘see Christian principles and
“We want the Australian public to
understand that conservative lobby
It is not surprising to be told criticised in the media, but there are the ease by which they can include groups might be one expression of ParishIs Jesus my personal lord and
that the ongoing development also more profound engagements new people, and they have little the Christian faith, but they are by
of communication technology is cftooarkllgianobgoodpralpatiucoern.p,Mohsoaenwsyseuivncethreoraatshcateciroasndasermeariec structure thereby minimising the no means the only expression,” Dr saviour? I’ve been thinking
cost of their maintenance.
PArishwhaovrilndg. Tahperoafboiulintydoimf ppeaocptluepwoinththe c o na good deal lately about this
necTionsquestion: what it means to be a
connectcommon interests to interact with
i o n seach other across cultural, national Christian and to be in some kind
of relationship with its founder,
tahnedwdiasytawneceubnoduernsdtaanridessioscciehtayn, ging whom we believe rose from the
ourselves and even the nature of dead and is ever-present through
human identity. People now talk the Spirit. This reflection has
about ‘virtual communities’ of come as a result of several distinct
people linked by mutual ideas and and disparate conversations with
with a desire to share their views friends and colleagues, mostly of
(and themselves) with others an Anglican bent.
through the use of information Catt commented. ocToBer/noveMBer 2016This is hardly a new thought, who find such language a little
technology. strange and even off-putting. They
The triviality and shallowness of ethics accepted and influencing “The application of faith to life but we in the Anglican church
some of these activities are often the way we are governed, do requires us to endeavour to look are not actually united in our
business and relate to each other as back from the future. To have an eye opinion of what the connection to
a community’, however it is quite for how future generations will view Jesus Christ means for our lives.
independent of the churches and our current actions. It seems to me On the one hand are those who
pursues its own agenda. that the conservatism that is born insist that a personal relationship
of our tendency to be backward- with Jesus – ‘my personal Lord
glancing leaves the church playing and Saviour’ – lies at the heart of
catch up. For example, we find Christian discipleship and ministry.
ourselves having to apologise to the Candidates in our diocese are often
women whose children were taken asked about that relationship with
more pernicious such as in the dark The church is as much caught up OCTObER/NOvEmbER 2015Looking to the Future for forced adoption.” understand the Christ-connection
world of terrorism. in this innovation as any other rather differently, perhaps in
A new cross-denominational sacramental or ecclesial way. a more
AaCdhPdrritosogtirpaeunsbsgilvricoeudCpihshcroiassutribaseneeinVnofAoicrumesterdaltioa.
organisation. Part of the influence (APCV) describes itself as ‘a cross-
of a network is its ability to create denominational group seeking to
new allegiances that cut across play a role in public discourse by
traditional and physical religious representing Christians who are
boundaries. Moreover, and arising trying to view life from the future’.
from this, some networks have President of APCV, The Very
sought to create what is called Reverend Dr Peter Catt, Dean of
‘realignment’ as a way of describing
bthaeseddevueploonpmpaerntticouflnarewthehoelgoegmieosn, ies
practices or loyalties and supported
october/noVeMber 2014A concept that has grown out of It is acknowledged that Christian It’s too tempting, of course, to
input into public debate is vital weidvieatnnhtgciefayltichtaholeliAcfonArgmnligeclrainceaxsnpasnr.edBssutihtoetnhlawatttitehr
these developments is that of the for a successful representative would be simplistic and therefore
‘network’; an informal group of democracy on the one distorting of something that is more
people who communicate with as for the fulfilment of hand, as well
a view to working together for Christ’s Jesus. On the other hand are those
a particular purpose. Networks mission to bring in the kingdom continued overleaf
transcend traditional forms of social
engagement and even political on the other. However, while there Brisbane, has said: “We want to continued overleaf
allegiances. They have the ability
to connect people across cultural
and national borders (and their
controls), they are porous because of
continued overleaf
Public theology Photo credit: The Knotted Gun via photopin (license)
Dr Anthony Jensen in AustrAliA vIOlENCE ANd RElIgION Theology Building BridgesTHE REv’d CANON dR IvAN HEAd
The man who beat God – Ron Williams, age should have a say in public Deschooling Society, said: “The answer – KnocKing down wallsmvmIsiooorlrdeeelenisrgceniecoitutnyhlapaartanprwdtodoowuofeeltdrhsseofiatpnihtrcheohrbcwaloreingmsede?oovnfaevniimoshlaennwyceefroeinrsmims opfly
a private individual who brought to the question cannot be found at
ParishCourt rejecting Tony Abbott’s life and indeed whether it has the level at which it is asked.” DPuae rtoiisnchreaCsedopnosntaegecantdiporinntisngScoustbs, wsecnreediptotcihoarngesfsioJhJotfnhOweeuohalhesrllruseoouluucyorrmbwssmodwLmaeduoe’aeloedareleenndrrsgnmtedesrwrdthw..ansowJaMrdtiiievm‘iottatesteyhuasdtuppkecawatsleanhveyhrtnhooemoautmoduioblpvdisldittoditecmchyiuhdhrltdoeooeti.iinuissmv-Hstrhrehfeaekoeioonlceoislllfewddotnllfopoveaiw.ndtwdrittHooyiacaooeilelanreasnnrsonansnb.nasolcdHtseaascmeoowr’rmce,beaa‘aivpdnianvnswicuroidiivnrdloothliloeeftunaiano-rencgstwlotdthcehleahtoeaehlnisawflyfotaildthshelwt,oeihasgteyawaeiGoansgnnnhodgaddeisrcsrJpoetheeesfehsslsliftuipi.nshtoseIoeanotcopttJsafoh.epupnfrefepuohfraeesnirprasas-arlsvcestsiirommsotiathlbigieTlaqenaeteusrcamteefihtos.pooerHtflumehJtgee,ehshsnfeouoooibrssnfemajvvoetmiifeacotlttteallthetsoieinenftorchsGhntetehiiotsftevosoupipmrotpreitlaeoolehirsrnnsemaet–lit
the successful action in the High anything of relevance to say and bFasCatyrhictsdrrhaiaiesfyyiticc.ineaeOgnninn“tsLerhweocaooahvfkniectrwrhheee-htaehvdaxietioplvdylreieeaonasplctesphenaetconaheflaaeJhstdeupsctmeuoocsnatasnhottaiifhtstyteushowtaielvsoisilgvnlGiydgoooolpoeftondowcetehre
connectioscheme, was given this title in In the field of commerce we find dr anThony Maher
add to the economic debate. Taking acknowledged in a textbook that continued overleaf
the position that the way society business ethics are based on the
n sa recent newspaper headline. golden rule of ‘Do unto others
controversial school chaplaincy what you would have them do
to you’. While the book did not
organises itself is a moral matter and reveal where that insight came Less than three decades have A‘kseieapnsouant’dIncduirgreennotluysMAuussltirmalsi.ans, initial steps as a way forward: first,
othf ejucshtiucrec,heqhuaaslaitryoalendinhtuhme apnursuit from, as Christians we know it is passed since liberated Berliners lReaedliigniognsoismtehetobdigesiscsruibeeoofuoruargteime, to encourage the wider study of
In response, David Zyniger of the fundamental tenet of Christ’s knocked down the wall that washpeonstth-seerceuhlaars, naenvderyebte, eanrgmuoabrely, theology, particularly amongst
octoBer/noVemBer 2017Melbourne University summed teaching which has its basis in the divided Europe. Sadly new walls bfeealrieaf,ntdhiegonloograicnacleliatreoruacnydirseilnigious peoples of faith; second, to work
up the zeitgeist of the relationship rights, I want to explore what this second great commandment, ‘Love have been built in Israel, North/ rapid decline. This essay briefly for the liberation of theology from
between state and theology: ‘The socially driven gospel or public your neighbour as yourself’. We are South Korea and across mainland advocates the potential of theology hegemonic interests, and third, to
theology might mean to Australia indeed our brother’s keeper and we Europe whilst Donald Trump, if within ecclesial contexts to build support the theology of liberation,
Church is declining greatly in terms oanf idtsloporkesfeonrcper,aacntdicfaolcmusanoinfewsthataitons elected, promises to build a wall bridges to overcome division in for poverty and oppression, along
abtooifSbiaaltvismciobaoluirbmrelsiesceosaesclmaiiagnslefltylooudfebsrneiicnvdeeninwemrgisitonhisinspahneseleh,deti.dhf’teof continued overleaf to divide the USA from Mexico. our communities, suggesting three with theological ignorance, are
might be a Christian manifesto for a Closer to home, and pandering key contributors to the growth of
radically different society. to our fear of the “other”, Pauline religious fundamentalism.
Hanson is ever busy building
This raises the question as to To do this we might heed what the metaphorical walls of division to continued overleaf
whether the church in this secular influential philosopher Ivan Illich,
the late Jesuit and the author of
a fee to cover the cost of sending out copies of Parish Connections.
From 2018 we will have two subscriptions available:
PAUWELS, F. Luther posting his 95 theses in 1517. Wikimedia commons ŪŪ Individual: $20 (6 issues per year; includes postage)
rtBheeefeorsr,uwmcoactmeisoesnnoafndLustohnegr:’s ŪŪ Parish/Institution Bi-Monthly: $50 (20 copies of one issue,
includes postage)
the VerY reV’d dr andreas Loewe
gwEpmolaoaFoOaurfbhcpiainirjnnvoavyreugoedgriun3usLlpiTeetete1tauehmgidodtgOfetelhisehiipacc.cceekelaoAustPeecnrtosanrsa’iotewsbggodnuhmeaeynmedidliirl,nar,msodomsstt1frrftovt5euhieaaoIerr1ne(f’nn7nemsotoidd,,dtahrBnueMypomseeollntcegdyixSiatatneocnrstbrcpbsiiWltcvrynotielieiogeunscpnethwifahbfttLofiotmuteeedslfuredrygepetatnecaarhtnwesbsonasooedonetninsrptotrsssepoghgpliuucberud.oacbmc’eeeL,esslcastrekt‘uuiedtihaensnatcsttidehanshahictcoftesthhheudhrnirtmieeaol’iiess.cestbsosIiNkacTsyeolloa)ohilntnmnvegh,esetyteeesysn- t that Luther’s success was principally due to three key
factors: beer, women and song.
Beer ŪŪ Parish/Institution Yearly: $300 (20 copies of 6 issues, includes
vtilfmBnhiieqlereotGuyeenRrireydaeeiresissdmnattthirnacohentoiedtchrysooiagpewnltetdibs,pBhoeuieaetsnm,dvtrGeaa,ae,nril.etiscIraaiowtmnnghsceaabtoesniwrlli1peylc5hw’ris1sdeo6eBnbrt,riheasniweetbksrahlmt.ytPiaAepouosrusnrsbtwliteaetapyaetopoensfLldpentaruhteewolhgeifat.aursthItlhandeabfertreteeishnedterkby postage)
continued overleaf
To be put on the mailing list or to purchase a Parish Subscription,
please call the office on
8227 1300 or email [email protected].
October/november 2018 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS PAGE 29
A ST JAMES’ PILGRIMAGE TO SANTIAGO
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Hayllar Music Tours is seeking expressions of interest for a two week tour in April/May 2020.
The proposed tour across Spain will include concerts by The Choir of St James’ and informative
St James’ Institute talks, as well as plenty of spare time to explore.
Group leaders will include The Rev’d Andrew Sempell, Warren Trevelyan-Jones and Christopher Waterhouse.
Please register your interest by Monday 29 October 2018 by emailing Brooke Shelley on
[email protected] or by phoning 8227 1300.
Hayllar Music Tours crafts the finest small-group music and cultural tours, providing guests with experiences of the best
opera and classical music around the world, exclusive recitals, private guided tours, luxurious accommodation and fine food.
PAGE 30 ST JWAWMEWS’.HPAARYISLHLCAORNMNEUCSTIICOTNOS URS.COOMctober/november 2018
‘We will remember them’
CENTENARY OF ARMISTICE
COMMEMORATION
Choral Matins
Sunday, 11 November 2018 at 10:50am
Preacher: Chaplain Neil Mathieson
St James’ Church, King Street, Sydney
milestones
BAPTISMS
Heidi Florence Morgan.....................................................................................................................................5 August 2018
Carol Ann Webster..........................................................................................................................................19 August 2018
Archer Oliver Price....................................................................................................................................22 September 2019
WEDDINGS
George Warrington Holman and Kelly Anne Mahoney........................................................................18 August 2018
FUNERALS
Valmay Louisa Sheppard..................................................................................................................................2 August 2018
Marion Douglas Barton.....................................................................................................................................7 August 2018
PARISH DIRECTORY WHO’S WHO AND HOW TO CONTACT THEM
THE PARISH OFFICE Level 1, 169–171 Phillip Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
PHONE 8227 1300
FAX 9232 4182
WEBSITE www.sjks.org.au
OFFICE E-MAIL [email protected]
RECTOR The Reverend Andrew Sempell 8227 1303 (m 0419 018 225)
associate RECTOR The Reverend John Stewart 8227 1304 (AH 9410 3077)
DIRECTOR of ST JAMES’ INSTITUTE Christopher Waterhouse 8227 1305
HEAD OF MUSIC Warren Trevelyan-Jones 8227 1306
ORGANIST Alistair Nelson 8227 1308
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Dianne Ward 8227 1300
ACCOUNTANT Michelle Chan 8227 1302
Communications & MEDIA manager Brooke Shelley 8227 1301
PARISH CONNECTIONS EDITOR Brooke Shelley [email protected]
PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Sue Mackenzie [email protected]
counselling@St james’ Loretta King 8227 1300
Pastoral Care Coordinator Chris Cheetham 0407 017 377
Facilities Manager Tony Papadopoulos 8227 1312
VERGERs Gilbert Santayana/Max Singer 8227 1312/0412 295 678
October/november 2018 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS PAGE 31
ST JAMES’
S N 2018INSTITUTE
ept– ov
Let Us Pray:
A seminar on prayer writing
Janet Nelson (Melbourne)
Saturday 29 September
2:30pm - 5pm
The Door to Paradise:
The Music of the Eton Choirbook
Dr Stephen Darlington (Oxford)
Thursday 18 October
6:30pm - 8pm
Lift Up Your Hearts! The Human Heart
and the Book of Common Prayer
Revd Dr Michael Jensen (St Mark’s Darling Point)
Wednesday 24 October – 4:30pm- 6pm
CHORAL EVENSONG WITH THE CHOIR OF ST JAMES’ FOLLOWS AT 6:15PM
Living Dialogue:
Spirituality at the Service of Unity
Christopher and Jane Evans (London)
Sunday 28 October – 2pm-3:30pm
CHORAL EVENSONG WITH THE CHOIR OF ST JAMES’ FOLLOWS AT 4PM
God in theWarzone
Archdeacon to the Army – Catie Inches-Ogden
Saturday 3 November – 3pm - 4:30pm
THE ST JAMES’ CHOIR CONCERT ‘A VOICE FROM HEAVEN’ FOLLOWS AT 5PM
How We Came to Sing Hymns
Associate Professor Michael Horsburgh AM (St James’ King Street)
Saturday 17 November
2:30pm - 4:30pm
Online – www.sjks.org.au/institute Phone – 8227 1305
How to Book In person – Parish Office, Level 1, 169-171 Phillip Street, Sydney
st James’ institute update christopher waterhouse
In October we are delighted to pattern of religious life which choral conductors in the world
welcome Dr Stephen Darlington, defined the choral establishment speaking about one of the most
Organist Emeritus of Christ at Eton College in the late 15th significant volumes of choral
Church Oxford, to speak at the and early 16th centuries. Browne’s music in existence. Tickets for this
St James’ Institute and to conduct masterpiece was the centrepiece special event are $30 adults and
The Choir of St James’ at a service of that first disc (More Divine than $25 concession. Free for St James’
of Choral Evensong. On Thursday Human) in 2009, and since then I Institute subscribers. Tickets are
18 October at 6:30pm in the St have recorded a total of 24 works selling fast, so you are advised to
James’ Hall, we are pleased to by 13 composers from the collection, book as soon as possible.
present The Door to Paradise: The some edited and recorded here
Music of the Eton Choirbook, a lecture for the first time. It has been a The following week, we will welcome
by Dr Darlington about the Eton most rewarding project which has The Rev’d Dr Michael Jensen, Rector
Choirbook, a 16th century collection revealed the extraordinary breadth of St Mark’s Darling Point, who will
of choral music written for Eton of style amongst these composers: a present Lift Up Your Hearts! The Human
College. Under his direction, project which has brought to public Heart and the Book of Common Prayer at
the Choir of Christ Church, attention the magnetism of English the St James’ Institute on Wednesday
Oxford recorded a five CD series liturgical music of the period. 24 October from 4:30pm to 6:00pm.
showcasing the extraordinary In this seminar, we will explore the
compositions contained within ‘Overall, the composers of the Eton language, liturgy and structure of
the Eton Choirbook. Writing in Choirbook reveal a wide range of the Book of Common Prayer, and
the liner notes to the 2018 CD approach to structure, harmony, consider ways to incorporate it into
collection published by Avie sonority, imitation, ornamentation our modern liturgies and private
Records (avie-records.com) Dr and improvisation alongside a prayer devotions. What is it about
Darlington writes: profound identification with the the language and structure of the
texts and their interpretation BCP that speaks so deeply to the
‘My first encounter with music through the medium of music. It is human heart? How is the book
from the Eton Choirbook was John this last aspect which has been the structured? How can we use its rich
Browne’s wonderful setting of the driving force behind this project resources in our daily prayer life
Stabat mater, such a compelling work and one which has been life- in our homes and churches today?
that I was determined to record it affirming for all those involved.’ After the seminar, please join us for
with the Choir of Christ Church (Dr Stephen Darlington, 2018). Choral Evensong according to the
at some point during my tenure as 1662 Book of Common Prayer at St
its director. Despite its complexity, In his lecture at the St James’ James’ Church at 6:15pm. The Choir
I knew that this repertoire could Institute, Dr Darlington will of St James’ will be conducted on this
find a new expression through speak about the recording occasion by Dr Stephen Darlington,
the voices of a contemporary choir project, and about the music of Organist Emeritus of Christ Church,
of men and boys, deeply engaged the Eton Choirbook. Don’t miss
in the ritual of daily worship and this extraordinary opportunity
not very far removed from the to hear from one of the leading
continued overleaf
October/november 2018 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS PAGE 33
st james’ institute update continued
Oxford. All are welcome. Tickets to In November, we will mark the Hymns is on Saturday 17 November
the seminar are $30 adults and $25 100th anniversary of the end of from 2:30pm to 4:30pm in St James’
concession. The service is free to the First World War. As we Church. Tickets $30 adults, $25
attend and open to everyone. commemorate The Armistice, the concession, and free for St James’
St James’ Institute will welcome Institute subscribers.
On Sunday 28 October we look the Archdeacon for Army, Brigadier
forward to welcoming Christopher Catie Inches-Ogden to speak about After Choral Evensong on Sunday
and Jane Evans to present Living the role and ministry of Defence 25 November we’ll be launching
Dialogue: Spirituality at the Service of Unity. Force Chaplains in history and in our 2019 subscription programme.
Christopher Evans is an Anglican the present time. God in the Warzone Do please join us for a glass or
priest who has served in a number is presented in the St James’ Hall two of sparkling wine as we
of parishes in England and Wales. on Saturday 3 November from share some of the highlights of
Together with his wife, Jane, they 3:00pm to 4:30pm. Tickets are $30 our upcoming annual programme.
play a key role in fostering unity and adults, $25 concession, and free Annual subscriptions for 2019 will
dialogue at a grassroots level. Their for St James’ Institute subscribers. be on sale from this date and can
experience is of a lived ecumenism The St James’ Choir concert for be purchased at the launch. Those
which draws together people of Remembrance-tide, ‘A Voice From who sign up at the launch will
all ages and walks of life. Striving Heaven follows at 5:00pm. receive two free guest tickets to
for the fulfilment of Jesus’ last any event in the first part of the
testament: ‘May they all be one’ (John On Saturday 17 November, new year, anytime before Easter,
17.10), they draw their inspiration Associate Professor Michael so that our subscribers have the
from the spirituality of unity of the Horsburgh AM takes a look at opportunity to introduce friends
Focolare Movement, which offers How We Came to Sing Hymns in an or colleagues to our programme
practical tools for building bridges interactive seminar to be held in of activities. The launch is free
of friendship between people of St James’ Church. Exploring how to attend and open to all. Choral
different denominations and of hymns came to take their place in Evensong on Sunday 25 November
different faiths. They are actively our services and how congregations is at 4:00pm, the launch will follow
involved in the Focolare’s ‘Centre for came to join in the singing of hymns, in the St James’ Hall from 5:15pm.
Unity’, in Welwyn Garden City, close this seminar takes us through the RSVP to [email protected]
to London, which has an ecumenical development of psalm chants to
community and welcomes thousands gallery choirs and eventually the To book for these events, or to
of visitors each year. (Read more singing of hymns by everyone in find out more about the St James’
in the article by Alex Gaffikin on the congregation. Aided by a group Institute, visit sjks.org.au/institute,
page 27). This talk is free to attend of choristers from The Choir of St or call 02 8227 1305 or email
and open to all. Sunday 28 October, James’, there will be opportunities [email protected]
2:00pm to 3:30pm in St James’ Hall. during this seminar to take part
Choral Evensong with the Choir of St by singing hymns, familiar and Christopher Waterhouse is Director of the
James’ follows at 4:00pm. unfamiliar. How We Came to Sing St James’ Institute.
advertising next edition
Have you ever considered advertising your The next edition of Parish Connections will be
business in Parish Connections? published on Friday 2 November.
Please phone 8227 1301 or email Deadlines (advertising and editorial):
[email protected] for advertising design Monday 22 October. Please phone 8227 1301 or
criteria, quotes and copy deadlines. email [email protected].
PAGE 34 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS October/november 2018
music notes ALISTAIR NELSON
August and September were will be Edgar Bainton’s moving concert ‘A Voice from Heaven’, both
not so busy at Music@St James’. anthem And I saw a new heaven. Only events taking place on Saturday
Highlights included a splendid the day before will be the annual 3 November. Then there are the
cantata whose beauty belied its Requiem for All Souls, with a events with musical themes, such
bloodsoaked text. In the concert performance of Duarte Lobo’s eight- as ‘The Door To Paradise: The
‘Cease all tears’, we heard how part Missa pro defunctus. Music of the Eton Choirbook’, led
composers found music serene and by Stephen Darlington, and ‘How
impassioned in the face of death. Also in November will be a rare we came to sing hymns’ with our
Then at the end of September, the opportunity to hear the service of very own Michael Horsburgh. So
audience packed the church to Choral Matins sung at St James’, I strongly recommend all these
hear Aled Jones sing accompanied marking Remembrance Day in opportunities to come and be better
by The Choir of St James’, his son, this the 100th anniversary of informed about the music that you
and his own boy soprano voice in the Armistice. This service will hear from Music@St James’.
recorded form. feature Herbert Howells’ sublime
Collegium Regale setting of the Te Dr Darlington’s talk on music of
In October the final Bach Cantata Deum and Jubilate. In my opinion, no the Eton Choirbook also forms part
service for 2018 will take place, other composer quite matches the of a workshop series presented
featuring Cantata 162 Ach! ich sehe, emotional impact of the Howells by The Song Company (SongCo
itzt, da ich zur Hochzeit gehe. The in their setting of the Te Deum text. Lab Metro), in association with
text for this cantata takes as its Then on Friday 16 November will The Academy of St James’. The
inspiration Jesus’ parable of the be the Orchestral Mass Fundraiser workshop series, Sing From The
royal wedding banquet. In this and Launch: put this in your diary, Source, will teach singers how
parable, the initial invited guests and I hope to see you there to hear to sing music from the Eton
do not turn up, and the king sends the exciting details and make your Choirbook facsimile. Reading music
his servant to bring guests off the donation! from its original source is a valuable
street. One guest who does not discipline, revealing nuances and
come well-dressed is thrown out, As I survey the upcoming events of historical references so often lost
and Jesus concludes that ‘many October and November I am struck in the translation into modern
are called but few are chosen’. The by the number of links between notation. This workshop series
text of the cantata depicts life as a Music@St James’ and The St James’ is a sample of the vision of The
journey to a wedding banquet, and Institute, and in particular how the Academy of St James’. It is hoped
in it the travelling soul pleads with Institute events allow us to reflect that the Academy will be a centre
God to be found worthy when it on music and themes in the Music@ for music education not currently
arrives. The music leans towards St James’ programme. This is due in offered in Australia, based on the
depicting the joy of the wedding, no small way to the creative design Anglican Choral tradition and
but not without hints of the darker of Institute director Christopher historically-informed performance
alternative. Waterhouse, whose great love of St practice. The Academy is still in its
James’ Church is evident in the way early stages of formation. If you’re
Then in November, the subscription he has involved himself holistically interested in finding out more
concert ‘A Voice from Heaven’ in every aspect of parish life. about The Academy of St James’,
will bring a reprise of Brahms’ Ein please contact the Rector, the Head
Deutsches Requiem in an arrangement In the coming months, the events of Music, or the Communications
with accompaniment for two which link directly with the music and Media Manager.
pianos. If you haven’t encountered programme include ‘Lift Up Your
this arrangement yet, you can Hearts! The Human Heart and Alistair Nelson is Organist at St James’.
get a taste for it by purchasing the BCP’, which will precede
the Choir’s CD recording of the Choral Evensong on Wednesday
work. The Brahms has also been 24 October, conducted by Stephen
performed by the Choir in Adelaide Darlington, former Organist
this year, and will be sung again in and Director of Music at Christ
Bundanoon on 10 November. Also Church Oxford. And then ‘God in
featuring on the Sydney programme the Warzone’ complements the
themes of remembrance in the
October/november 2018 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS PAGE 35
music@st james’ in october/november
choral music
The Choir of St James’ continues to offer inspiring choral music of the highest standards. Here is its music list for
the next two months.
WEDNESDAY 3 OCTOBER 4:00pm – CHORAL EVENSONG
Responses: Clucas
6:15pm – CHORAL EVENSONG Canticles: Howells – Westminster service
Responses: Sanders Anthem: Bainton – And I saw a new heaven
Canticles: Howells – ‘Collegium regale’
Anthem: Aliseda – Beatus Franciscus WEDNESDAY 31 OCTOBER
SUNDAY 7 OCTOBER 6:15pm – CHORAL EVENSONG
Responses: Ayleward
11:00am – CHORAL EUCHARIST Canticles: Howells – Westminster service
Mass setting: Mozart – Missa Brevis in F Major Anthem: Brahms – Geistliches Lied
Motet: Hassler – O sacrum convivium
FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER
WEDNESDAY 10 OCTOBER
6:30pm – REQUIEM EUCHARIST
6:15pm – CHORAL EVENSONG (Upper Voices) FOR ALL SOULS DAY
Responses: Plainsong Setting: Duarte Lobo – Missa Pro Defunctis
Canticles: Grenyer – Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis on a
Hexatonic Scale SUNDAY 4 NOVEMBER
Anthem: Greene – The Lord God is a light
11:00am – CHORAL EUCHARIST
SUNDAY 14 OCTOBER Mass setting: Victoria – Missa O Quam Gloriosum
Motet: D. Lobo – Audivi vocem de caelo
11:00am – CHORAL EUCHARIST
Mass setting: Tye – Missa Euge bone WEDNESDAY 7 NOVEMBER
Motet: Monteverdi – Cantate Domino
6:15pm – CHORAL EVENSONG
4:00pm – cantata service Responses: Smith
Cantata: Canticles: Lassus – Magnificat primi toni
J.S.Bach – Ach! ich sehe, itzt, da ich zur Hochzeit gehe Anthem: Wood – O thou, the central orb
WEDNESDAY 17 OCTOBER SUNDAY 11 NOVEMBER
6:15pm – CHORAL EVENSONG 11:00am – CHORAL MATINS
Sung by the Choir of St Swithun’s, Pymble for REMEMBRANCE DAY
Introit: Brumby – God be in my head Responses: Radcliffe
Responses: Hamilton Canticles: Howells – Collegium Regale
Canticles: Brewer in D Anthem: Parry – My soul, there is a country
Anthem: Archer – And I saw a new heaven
WEDNESDAY 14 NOVEMBER
SUNDAY 21 OCTOBER
6:15pm – CHORAL EVENSONG (Upper Voices)
11:00am – CHORAL EUCHARIST Responses: Shephard
Mass setting: Howells – Collegium Regale Canticles: Moore – Canterbury service
Motet: Ireland – Greater love hath no man Anthem: Mendelssohn – Lift thine eyes
WEDNESDAY 24 OCTOBER SUNDAY 18 NOVEMBER
6:15pm – CHORAL EVENSONG 11:00am – CHORAL EUCHARIST
Responses: Smith Mass setting: Guerrero – Missa Sancta et immaculata
Canticles: Dyson in D Motet: Lobo – O quam suavis est
Anthem: Tomkins – O sing unto the Lord
WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER
SUNDAY 28 OCTOBER
6:15pm – CHORAL EVENSONG (Lower Voices)
11:00am – CHORAL EUCHARIST Responses: Nelson
Mass setting: Hassler – Missa Octava Canticles: Monteverdi – Magnificat Secondo
Motet: Moore – Morning Prayers Anthem: Byrd – Gloria tibi, Domine
PAGE 36 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS October/november 2018
music@st james’ in october/november
SUNDAY 25 NOVEMBER – CHRIST THE KING WEDNESDAY 28 NOVEMBER
11:00am – CHORAL EUCHARIST 6:15pm – CHORAL EVENSONG
Mass setting: Leighton – Sarum Mass Responses: Tomkins
Motet: Gibbons – O Clap your hands Canticles: Bullock in D
Anthem: Tallis – Audivi vocem de caelo
4:00pm – CHORAL EVENSONG
Responses: Tomkins
Canticles: Blair in B minor
Anthem: Bruckner – Christus factus est
LUNCHTIME CONCERTS
Experience the peaceful atmosphere of Sydney’s oldest church as it is filled with music every Wednesday lunchtime
between 1:15pm and 1:45pm. A suggested donation of $5 helps us cover the cost of putting on the concerts.
3 October 7 November
The Scholars of St Mary’s Strelitzia
10 October 14 November
Sydney Camerata – string trio Austral Harmony
17 October 21 November
David Reccia Chynoweth – organ Alistair Nelson – organ
24 October 28 November
Ria Andriani – soprano NSW Police Band
31 October
SSO Chamber Players
Bach Cantata Series BWV 162
Music at St James’ presents a series of Free Admission
Cantatas performed in a liturgical setting
The Wedding Banquet
Ach! ich sehe, itzt, da ich zur Hochzeit gehe
4:00pm, Sunday 14 October
St James’ Church, King Street, Sydney
The Choir of St James’ with BachBand@St James’
Directed by Warren Trevelyan-Jones
Composed in 1716 and revised in 1723, J.S. Bach’s Cantata for the Twentieth Sunday after Trinity
depicts life as a journey to a royal wedding banquet.
The often joyful music belies the dark undertone of the king’s rejection of the underdressed wedding guest.
October/november 2018 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS PAGE 37
Cantata Cream Tea
&BWV 162
The Friends of Music at St James’ invite you to Cream Tea following the
Cantata Service at 4:00pm on Sunday 14 October in the Crypt.
● Free for Friends of Music members
and bring a friend for free
● Non-members $5 cash or card at door
RSVP 7 October:
T: 8227 1300
E: [email protected]
The Door to Paradise
Music of the Eton Choirbook
Thursday 18 October 2018
6:30pm-8:00pm
St James’ Hall
Tickets $30/25 | Free for St James’ Institute Subscribers
bookings: sjks.org.au/institute or 8227 1305
Professor Stephen Darlington, recently retired Organist and
Director of Music at Christ Church, Oxford, presents this lecture
about the Eton Choirbook, a 16th century collection of choral
music written for Eton College. Under Dr Darlington’s direction, the
Choir of Christ Church, Oxford recorded a five CD series showcasing
the extraordinary compositions contained inthe choirbook.
Lift up your hearts!
The human heart and the Book of Common Prayer
with The Rev’d Dr Michael Jensen
Wednesday 24 October, 4:30pm-6:00pm
St James’ Hall
$30 adults - $25 concession
bookings: sjks.org.au/institute or 8227 1305
A practical seminar aimed at better understanding how to use the Book of
Common Prayer in our liturgies and in our private devotions.
Choral Evensong according to the 1662 Book of Common Prayer follows at
6:15pm sung by the Choir of St James’, directed by Dr Stephen Darlington .
PAGE 38 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS October/november 2018
PREPARE YE THE WAY FOR 2019
St James’ Institute 2019
Subscription Programme Launch
Sunday 25 November
St James’ Hall
Join us for a glass or two of sparkling wine as we
share some of the highlights of our upcoming
annual programme.
Annual subscriptions for 2019 will be on sale
from this date and can be purchased at the
launch. Sign up at the launch and receive two free
guest tickets to any event anytime before Easter.
Free to attend and open to all. Please RSVP to
[email protected]
Choral Evensong is at 4:00pm; the launch will
follow in the St James’ Hall from 5:15pm.
Orchestral Masses 2019
Fundraising Appeal Launch
Friday 16 November
Clergy House, Chatswood
Don’t miss the chance to preview the three
Orchestral Mass settings for January 2019,
when they will be revealed on Friday 16
November at Clergy House, Chatswood.
The Choir of St James’ will provide light
entertainment for the occasion.
Tickets: $50 per person
RSVP by 9 November 2018 to [email protected].
au or 8227 1300
Donations can be made to the St James’ Music
Foundation on the night.
Donations are tax deductible.
October/november 2018 ST JAMES’ PARISH CONNECTIONS PAGE 39
God in the warzone
With Archdeacon Brigadier Catie Inches Ogden
Saturday 3 November, 3:00pm-4:30pm
St James’ Hall
$30 adults - $25 concession
bookings: sjks.org.au/institute or 8227 1305
As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the
First World War, this seminar explores the role of Defence Force
Chaplains in history and in the present time. We will explore poetry,
prayers and liturgies used in conflict zones and hear first-hand from
Australian Defence Force Chaplains about their ministries.
The Choir of St James’ concert A Voice from Heaven follows at 5:00pm.
A Voice from Heaven
Music of sacrifice, loss and hope commemorating the 100th anniversary of Armistice,
featuring Brahms’ ‘human’ Requiem
Saturday 3 November 2018, 5:00pm The Choir of St James’
with Bradley Gilchrist and
St James’ Church, King Street, Sydney Christian Lillicrap (piano)
and Alistair Nelson (organ)
Tickets $50/45 • T: 8256 2222 • www.cityrecitalhall.com
Directed byWarrenTrevelyan-Jones
How we came to
sing hymns
with Associate Professor Michael Horsburgh AM
Saturday 17 November, 2:30pm-4:30pm
St James’ Church
$30 adults - $25 concession
bookings: sjks.org.au/institute or 8227 1305
Explores how hymns came to take their place
in our liturgies and church services.
Featuring members of the Choir of St James’ with the opportunity for
audience participation as we sing together some early hymns.