The article has to be an April fool’s day hoax.  Very well crafted, had me fooled for the first paragraph but the ‘cultural training’ made me realise I was reading finely crafted satire.

Well the News boys almost got me with this one

Oh, you guys!

This is brilliant. Best chortle I have had in ages.

Thanks!

This topic has changed into something more serious then the April Fools joke. And quite rightly. I am reminded that the Brotherhood of St Laurence started in Newcastle where a Rector had seven centres in his parish. All were poor. He got a couple of young single ordinands and they started all 3 living in the rectory on one wage. They worked very hard and within a couple of years had created two viable parishes (see God and Three Shillings). That probably sounds a little “Catholic” for Sydney. Their model was the very Anglo Catholic bush brotherhoods which provided ministry to much of New South Wales, Queensland and the whole of the Northern Territory for most of last century (see Ivan Southall who I believe was converted by the bush brother’s ministry Parson on the Track)

I am also reminded that Sir Marcus Loane introduced a “New Areas Committee” with the Rev’d Alan Witham (not sure of the spelling) the then priest in charge of Mt Druitt (I think it was called Whalen with....?) as the chairman. With Sir Marcus’s encouragement he got a number of very rich parishes to partner poor ones (for example from memory St James Turramurra funded much of the construction of St James Whalen)

How about some new schemes along these or indeed new lines.

Hi

A SAD truth.

SO what are we going to do about it?

Can Anglicare employ evangelists to start Community Bible Fellowships for the poor and vulnerable?

Di

Peter Kirsop - 02 April 2008 09:21 AM

I am also reminded that Sir Marcus Loane introduced a “New Areas Committee” with the Rev’d Alan Witham (not sure of the spelling) the then priest in charge of Mt Druitt (I think it was called Whalen with....?) as the chairman. With Sir Marcus’s encouragement he got a number of very rich parishes to partner poor ones (for example from memory St James Turramurra funded much of the construction of St James Whalen)

How about some new schemes along these or indeed new lines.

Peter, I agree wholeheartedly with the need, but sadly it is all talk and no action these days…

FYI Allan Whitham still comes to church here at St Marys sometimes. His daughter and son in law are regular members.

Even when parishioners are keen it seems certain rectors of our $1M+ a year churches are not at all keen.

And before you ask, no, I will not publicly name names, but I am not impressed!

David Clarke - 02 April 2008 12:19 PM

Peter, I agree wholeheartedly with the need, but sadly it is all talk and no action these days…

Even when parishioners are keen it seems certain rectors of our $1M+ a year churches are not at all keen.

And before you ask, no, I will not publicly name names, but I am not impressed!

Hi David,

How very sad....

Perhaps it is a case of being able to take England out of the Diocese’s name much more easily than you can take England out of the class attitudes of some of its leaders?

Grace & peace,
Terry

Even when parishioners are keen it seems certain rectors of our $1M+ a year churches are not at all keen.

Its the myth of the level playing field… if a ministry struggles its the rectors fault.

And if the ministry flourishes, its the rector’s fault (or the positive alternative).

Dear Jeremy,
Thank you for alerting me to how our events webpage could be misinterpreted.
St Andrew’s, Lakemba, has had a Bible study group [Adult Fellowship] for the past forty years.
The second group meeting -daytime- was discontinued after our full-time minister became ill.
Our Dinka congregation now meets at Belmore Anglican Church. The bishop moved them when the Rev. Greg Clifton became ill. [See the note at the bottom of the events page.]
Regards,
Val Fizzell

Hi Val,
Welcome to these forums and thanks for the clarification.
Grace & peace,
Terry

Thank you, Terry, for the welcome. Although reading the forum from time to time, I have not felt the need to post before.
It is useful to know how the information on the website can lead to misunderstandings.
Regards,
Val

On the more serious side of this forum regarding some of the ‘deserts’ of (Anglican) Christian Witness in Sydney ...  Please note Archie Poulos’ brilliant little article on ‘Grass Roots Evangelism’ (from Jan 2007). It deserves careful study and reflection (it appeared on ‘out of the vault’ when I logged on this morning - coincidence?)

Find it here:  Grass Roots Evangelism

Just a little quote:

We are becoming increasingly aware of the reality that we have little gospel presence in areas covering a wide geography. In days gone by we have sent people into these areas, often with little to show for it after years of faithful work.

I wonder if my grass observations can help?

I wonder if rather than pouring resources into the centre of barren areas, which are often cut off from contact with other growing ministries, whether we should put more resources into areas surrounding the barren geographies, with the aim of strengthening these ministries. The resulting strengthened ministries could then begin new ministries in the barren areas near them, just as the grass runners begin to encroach on the areas of dirt.

Worth serious reflection.

Dear Richard,
The demographics of Lakemba, as most of you will know, have changed considerably over the years. I am ancient enough to recall a full church Sunday by Sunday and a Sunday School filling most available spaces.
This no longer so.
Nevertheless, there are faithful worshipping groups of God’s people in Lakemba.
At St. Andrew’s, the gospel is preached faithfully Sunday by Sunday, the sacraments are offered, people love and care for each other and strangers are welcomed.
‘Barren’ areas would welcome ‘watered, flourishing’ areas to spread here. :)
Regards,
Val

Dear Val,

Apologies if anything I have said was discouraging given the tough time your parish has been going through.

I have also been alerted to similar issues at Belmore parish. It sounds like the laity of both parishes are doing are fine job of keeping things together.

I will remember both parishes in my prayers.

best wishes
Jeremy