St John's Cathedral Community News October 2017 #91

St John’s Cathedral Community News Issue 91 October 2017

God of the

borderlands, you travel between the foreign and the familiar; open our world to those we would exclude and despise; heal and liberate us when we are outcaste that we might learn to praise your name with hearts that are whole; through Jesus Christ, the Rejected One. Amen. From Prayers for an Inclusive Church

OCTOBER OUTREACH Mercy Community Services’ Romero Centre

Centrespread pages 12-13

In this edition

Calendar

2 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 6

New Farm seminar Afternoon at the Movies EREMOS magazine 8 National Mental Health Week 9 Contemplative Eucharist 10 Multi-faith seminars 10 Praying the Daily Offices 10 Anti-Poverty Week 2017 11 Meditation group 14 Community of Practice 14 7 8

Feast of St Luke Open forum Mission to Seafarers 15 Stewardship + Dedication 16 Cathedral sound system 17 Podcasts latest news 18 November date-claimers 18-19 Cathedral news 20 New books reviewed 22 Why we do what we do #3 23 14 15

New girls’ choir Sunday Conversation Mystics, Theologians and God-botherers Wasting Time with God Choral Evensong Thank-you from Sophie New group studies BNE Open House

1

OCTOBER 2017

CATHEDRAL CALENDAR

OCTOBER Sun. 1st

▪ Choral Eucharist, 9.30am • followed by Labyrinth Walk ▪ Pet Blessing, 11.00am ▪ “Brightest and Best” high school festival, 3.00pm ▪ Choral Evensong, 6.00pm, with Mystics, Theologians and God-Botherers, 7.00pm

Mon. 2nd Wed. 4th

Queen’s Birthday public holiday ▪ Wasting Time with God, 9.30am ▪ Choral Evensong, 6.00pm

Thu. 5th ▪ Free morning concert, 10.00am ▪ Sheldon College ‘Music Extension’ concert, 7.00pm Fri. 6th Concert: Canterbury College Cantabile Choir, 7.30pm “Voices from Heaven” Sat. 7th Brisbane Open House Day, 9.00am – 2.00pm Sun. 8th Brisbane Open House Day, 12 noon – 4.30pm Mon. 9th National Mental Health Week Service, 10.00am Wed. 11th ▪ Free morning concert, 11.00am ▪ Contemplative Eucharist, 5.30pm for 6.00pm Sun. 15th ▪ Information session, 11.15am “Praying Morning and Evening Prayer” ▪ Brisbane Chorale concert, 2.00pm Tue. 17th National Youth Concerto Competition recital, 1.00pm Presented by QYO Wed. 18th Feast Day of St Luke, Choral Eucharist service, 6.00pm Sun. 22nd Open forum, Darnell Room, 3.30pm

“Exploring the Ministry of Laying on of Hands with Prayer and Anointing”

Thu. 26th St John’s Anglican College “Evening of Music” , 7.00pm Sat. 28th St John’s Series Concert 3, 7.00pm Sun. 29th ▪ Dedication Festival Choral Eucharist, 9.30am • followed by barbecue ▪ Annual Seafarers Service and Wreath-laying Ceremony, 11.30am NOVEMBER Wed. 1st ▪ Wasting Time with God, 9.30am with Archbishop Phillip Aspinall: “Are Anglicans off the planet?” ▪ Choral Evensong, 6.00pm

Thu. 2nd Free morning concert, 10.00am Sun. 5th All Souls’ Commemoration, 6.00pm (Note: in place of Evensong) Wed. 8th Contemplative Eucharist, 5.30pm for 6.00pm Sun. 12th Instructed Eucharist, 1.00pm – 4.00pm

Material for the November 2017 edition – including news of events between Wednesday 1st November and Sunday 10th December – should be received no later than FRIDAY 20th OCTOBER please. Email direct to: communitynews@stjohnscathedral.com.au

NOVEMBER CCNews MATERIAL DEADLINE

2

OCTOBER 2017

Walk the Labyrinth

Labyrinth Walk after the 9.30am Eucharist Walking the Labyrinth occurs on the first Sunday of each month following the 9.30 am Eucharist. If you have not walked the Labyrinth before, you would be most welcome to join the group who regularly do so. Please join us to walk the Labyrinth – we meet under the Rose Window. The path is always new, because, as a spiritual discipline, the labyrinth is a path of contemplation, reflection, prayer … Beneath the surface, walking the labyrinth is a profound discipline in listening, in active silence, in finding movement and rhythm in the stillneses underneath and in between everyday’s noise. Walking the labyrinth is an exercise in finding the voice speaking in whispers underneath the whirlwind of sound. ~ Travis Scholl, “Walking the Labyrinth – A Place to Pray and Seek God” p.17, IVP Books, 2014

Sun. 1st October after 9.30am

NEW ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL GIRLS’ CHOIR FIRST REHEARSAL

Over the past few decades, English cathedral choirs have introduced girls’ choirs into their music tradition, changing the face of almost 900 years of music history. It is a pleasure to announce that we are following in these footsteps with the creation of the St John’s Cathedral Girls’ Choir, under the direction of Kathryn Morton. St John’s Cathedral is excited to offer the opportunity to girls to allow them to make music and develop their education in this magnificent space. This ensemble is open to girls aged 9 to 14, and rehearses on Sunday mornings from 11:00am to 12:00 noon each week during term time. A performance schedule is to be announced with a service being performed every three weeks or so. Services at the Cathedral will occur on Sunday mornings 9:30am–11:00am (with rehearsal prior at 8:30am) or Evensong 6:00pm–7:00pm (with rehearsal prior at 5:00pm). Other services held during feast days and liturgical celebrations will also be an important part in the role of this choir. This ensemble’s first rehearsal is on Sunday 1st October 2017 at St John’s Cathedral from 11:00am to 1:00pm. This extended time will provide an opportunity to meet the staff of the Cathedral, as well as each other, and to start making music together. All enquiries to: kathryn.morton77@gmail.com

SUNDAY CONVERSATIONS

The On The Way podcast is produced by St John’s to encourage the exploration of the deeper mysteries of faith, meaning, and beauty. Through the podcast St John’s invites others into conversation who are also “on the way”; seeking a transformative spirituality and inclusive faith that speaks to real issues of today. Sunday Conversations provide an opportunity for us to explore together the themes raised in the podcasts. The October discussion will explore the third podcast, “Gender and God” .

Sunday 1st October 3.30pm

The next Sunday Conversation will be held on 5th November – see p.18 of this edition for more information and details of our latest podcast release.

3

OCTOBER 2017

Mystics, Theologians and God-botherers

The Very Rev’d Dr Peter Catt on Teilhard de Chardin In the final of this Evensong series for the year, the Dean will explore the life and spiritual legacy of Teilhard de Chardin. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin SJ was a Jesuit Priest who died in 1955. He trained as a palaeontologist and geologist and was involved in the discovery of Peking Man. In his writings he sought to explore the implications of evolution and an evolving universe for Christian theology and spirituality. These works were censored during his lifetime, a move that prevented him from developing an integrated philosophy. In more recent times Pope Benedict XVI and other Catholic figures have praised his work and Pope Francis drew upon Teilhard’s work for the encyclical, Laudato si’. You are invited to stay on for discussion with Peter over refreshments as we explore the value of Teilhard’s legacy for today. Invitation to photographers to share images of forest, land, wilderness or river for this year’s… SEASON OF CREATION 1 September, 2017 – 4 October, 2017 Inspire others through your photography to celebrate creation and participate in bringing healing to the Earth. Queensland Churches Environmental Network Photographic Display Inspiring others through photography to celebrate creation and participate in bringing healing to the Earth, the Queensland Churches Environmental Network Photographic Display features selected works in the Cathedral. This is your last chance this year to savour this stunning exhibition celebrating the Spirit of Creation. For more, visit www.seasonofcreation.com

Sun. 1st October 6.00pm

“Seasons of Creation” photographic display – LAST DAYS

Finishes Wednesday 4th October

Invitation to photographers to share images of forest, land, wilderness or river for this year’s… SEASON OF CR ATION 1 September, 2017 – 4 October, 2017 Inspire others through your ph togra hy to celebrate creation and participate in bringing healing to the Earth. Queensland Churches Environmental Network Photographic Display St John’s Cathedral Chorister Scholarships

s to share images ness or river ’s… EATION tober, 2017 y to celebrate creation and g to the Earth. twork Photographic Display

For four Sundays in September, Christians around the world celebrate the Spirit in Creation . QCEN is seeking photos to share as resources for liturgy during this season. A selection of photos received will be displayed in St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane. You can post your photos to www.fb.com/QCEnvNet , email your files to admin@qct.org.au or send printed photographs to PO Box 2096, Toowong Q 4066. All photographic work will be acknowledged. For more information visit www.fb.com/QCEnvNet or contact Craig Batty at cdbatty@gmail.com or 0414 744 558. For 2017 Season of Creation resources, visit www.seasonofcreation.com . Join us as we culminate this season with a Celebration of Saint Francis Day and Gathering of Eco Groups at St Philip’s Anglican Church on Saturday 7 October, 6pm followed by dinner in the Friary at 115 Cornwall St, Annerley. RSVP to The Rev’d Miriam Nyrene tssf at deaconmiriam@gmail.com or 0434 385 508. Do you kn w a young boy wh likes t sing? Boys who sing as treble choristers in the choir of St John’s Cathedral receive a half scholarship to the Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie). We are currently accepting expressions of interest from musical boys in years four and five. The ability to already read music is not necessary. Being a Cathedral Chorister provides a musical education that is second to none, as boys perform at the highest possible standa ds e ch week. For more information, or to arra ge an i formal audition, please visit: www.stjohnscathedral.com.au

4 For four Sundays in September, Christians around the world celebrate the Spirit in Creation . QCEN is seeking photos to share as resources for liturgy during this season. A selection of photos received will be displayed in St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane. You can post your photos to www.fb.com/QCEnvNet , email your files to admin@qct.org.au or send printed photographs to PO Box 2096, Toowong Q 4066. OCTOBER 2017

Wasting Time with God ~ Ash-Lee Lund

Ash-Lee is 21 years old, is studying for a Bachelor of Education and currently is a Youth Ambassador for Anglican Board of Mission (ABM). She will be talking about the pilgrimage to Vanuatu that she and the other two youth ambassadors embarked on at the beginning of this year. Ash-Lee is looking forward to sharing some incredible stories of the generous people they met as well as explaining more about the ABM programs they witnessed.

Wed. 4th October 9.30am – 11.30am

Join us for a time of prayer and reflection in the Lady Chapel at 9.30am before sharing morning tea followed by the presentation with Ash-Lee.

Choral Evensong

Evensong, a musical and liturgical reflection for the end of the day, occurs not just every Sunday evening but also on the first Wednesday of the month at 6.00pm. Please join us for a time of contemplation and beautiful music this month – and again on 1st November.

Wed. 4th October 6.00pm

Marriage equality survey

The Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia, The Most Rev’d Dr Philip Freier, in a letter to the Bishops last year wrote, “If the plebiscite does happen it will be important that Christians – and others – vote according to their conscience and their view of what is best for society…” Some helpful and reflective resources on what the Bible really says about marriage and what the majority of Christians are thinking and feeling can be found at Christians for Marriage Equality: www.christiansforequality.com.au/

Thank-you from Sophie

We received this lovely thank-you note from Sophie in appreciation of all our kind donations towards the purchase of her special wheelchair!

5

OCTOBER 2017

Two new small group studies commencing in October

From 3rd October to 7th November, 10.30am – 12noon Pilgrim: A Course for the Christian Journey ~ The Commandments Pilgrim is a course which explores the great issues of faith not through persuasion but participation in a pattern of contemplation and discussion in the company of a small group of fellow travellers. This course will take us through one of the foundations of faith: The Commandments . Through weekly discussion and group reflection, the course explores the ways in which Jesus interprets the Commandments for his disciples and expands their meaning. The course will run for six Tuesday mornings in St Martin’s House. Come to reception. All resources and study materials are provided free of charge. From 5th October to 9th November, 7.00pm Receiving Christ … in five different ways “To all who received him…he gave power to become children of God” (John 1:12). This raises big questions. Aren’t we all children of God anyway? Just how do we receive Christ? What does it mean to have a ‘relationship with God’ …? In this five week course we will tease out how the New Testament shows us various ways in which we can receive Christ, with the help of a course booklet and recorded discussions from leading Christians in the UK from a variety of backgrounds. We will see how St John’s gospel has very practical implications for our day-to-day lives. The course will run for six Thursday evenings in St Martin’s House. Come to the rear corner door and press the buzzer marked ‘passageway’. All resources and study materials are provided.

Tuesdays from 3rd October

Thursdays from 5th October

For more information on either of these small group studies please contact Sue Wilton on 0413 108 584 or email swilton@stjohnscathedral.com.au

Sat. 7th October 9.00am – 2.00pm Sun. 8th October 12noon – 4.30pm

The Cathedral will once again be a featured location as part of the Brisbane Open House event. Even though we’re open 364 days a year, the BOH seems to encourage and entice Brisbanites to see their own city through the eyes of a tourist and we usually welcome a multitude of visitors who pass remarks such as “I drive past here all the time but I’ve never been inside”. VOLUNTEERS FOR VISITORS’ REFRESHMENTS As we did last year, we would like to offer tea and coffee service to visitors who come to see the Cathedral. Council is asking for volunteers to take responsibility for serving tea/coffee for either of the session times in the box at left. This only requires time on the nominated day. If you have some time available and would like to be involved please contact Helen Lancaster or a Council member or email cathedralcouncil@stjohnscathedral.com.au

Saturday 7th 9.00am – 12noon Sunday 8th 1.00pm – 4.00pm St John’s Cathedral COWS Coffee On Wednesdays 10am to 2pm

While on the subject of beverages …

… a timely reminder (if somewhat flimsy segue) of our regular COWS (Coffee on Wednesdays) gatherings between 10.00am and 2.00pm ~ which are followed by our free English conversation sessions between 2.00pm to 3.00pm. Good friends, good food and great conversation all round. Please feel ‘mooved’ to join us!

6

OCTOBER 2017

+ FREE English conversation 2pm to 3pm Wednesday

SEMINAR IN NEW FARM

CHRISTIANITY .…. 1ST CENTURY….. NOW….. IN THE FUTURE

Sat. 7th October 9.00am– 3.00pm

Merthyr Road Uniting Church Centre 52 Merthyr Rd, New Farm Sponsored by Merthyr Explorers and Progressive Christian Network Qld Sat 7 th Oct 9:00 – 3:30 Registration from 8:15 Cost: $50 per person including morning tea. BYO lunch or order for $15 Bookshop available – cash or cheque only

Speakers: Prof Hal Taussig , USA scholar in early Christian Literature Michael Morwood , prominent Australian theologian 9am – Our introductory activities Morning Program – Future Christianity out of renewed thinking from the past 9.15am – 10:30 Hal – The making of New New Testament why? and what? How is all of this relevant to contemporary Christians? Time for questions 10.30am – Morning tea 11.00 – 12:15 Michael – Why we need a radical re- interpretation of ‘God’ and ‘Jesus’. Some comments on ‘a personal God’ or ‘an everywhere God’. Afternoon Program – A new kind of Christianity 1.15pm – Hal – The shape of an emerging new type of Christianity, followed by questions 2.15pm – Michael – Presenting Jesus to the modern world, followed by questions 3.15pm – Last words/reflections/comments from Hal and Michael. 3.30pm – Close Time for questions 12.15pm – Lunch

Phone enquiries : 0409 498 403 Email: drgarn@bigpond.net.au Registration form available at http://ucforum.unitingchurch.org.au

ST FRANCIS DAY CELEBRATION TO CLOSE THE SEASON

Join us as we culminate this season with a celebration of St Francis Day and a gathering of Eco Groups at St Phillip’s Anglican Church, followed by dinner in the Friary at 115 Cornwall Street, Annerley. RSVP to The Rev’d Miriam Nyrene tssf on 0434 385 508 or by email to: deaconmiriam@gmail.com

Sat. 7th October 6.00pm

7

OCTOBER 2017

AN AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES #2 – BABETTE’S FEAST

Contemporary film offers a rich source of theological reflection and discussion. The Divine doesn’t only meet us in sacred texts, but human creativity continues to explore the mystery in rich and varied ways and to communicate powerful truths through the arts. The challenge is always open to us to mine the breadth of life’s experiences for wisdom and insight. This Sunday we will be screening Isak Dinesen’s Babette’s Feast (G). From the author of Out of Africa comes the story of a strict religious community in a Danish village that takes in a French refugee from the Franco-Prussian War as a servant to the late pastor’s daughters. Babette’s presence changes the community in unexpected ways. It is a Danish film from 1987, and there will be subtitles. All are welcome to join us in the Darnell Room. The EREMOS magazine is published quarterly by the Eremos Institute. Eremos is a uniquely Australian forum providing support for individuals and groups to explore, express and deepen their spirituality. Eremos is Greek for wilderness or desert place, as entering the wilderness may enable us to discover what is most essential and true. EREMOS magazine is the ‘meeting ground’ for members to experience fresh insights, evocative challenges and encouragement to persevere in the journey of spiritual awareness within context. It includes an array of articles, poetry, graphics, news, reviews and networking information. See our website www.eremos.org.au to learn more about Eremos, |its activities and the magazine and sign up for our free newsletter. To subscribe to the EREMOS magazine choose ‘Become a member’ on the Quick links at the bottom of the page.

Sun. 8th October 1.00pm

EREMOS – Exploring spirituality in Australia

“EREMOS is one of the few places where the individual pilgrim can find insight, solace and support.” ~ Professor David Tacey

8

OCTOBER 2017

2017 National Mental Health Week

Karen Crouch Executive Director, Anglicare Southern Queensland and The Very Reverend Dr Peter Catt Dean of St John’s Cathedral Invite you to celebrate at a cathedral service 10am Monday 9 October St John’s Cathedral, 373 Ann Street, Brisbane. A light morning tea will be held following the service. For more information, contact us on events@anglicaresq.org.au Celebration

National Mental Health Week is an opportunity to acknowledge the importance of mental health and wellbeing, to reduce the associated stigma surrounding mental health challenges and to celebrate the service of mental health workers. Our goal in 2017 is to encourage more Queenslanders to start the conversation and to support those living with mental health challenges to live the life they want. As a provider and advocate for mental health services for people from all walks of life, Anglicare Southern Queensland is proud to host this annual service in partnership with St John’s Cathedral.

anglicaresq.org.au

CSC5514

9

OCTOBER 2017

Contemplative Eucharist

SOUTHSIDE / 14th St Bernard’s Catholic Church Hall (left of the Aspinall centre) 4 Klumpp Road, Upper Mt Gravatt NORTHSIDE / 29th Aspley-Albany Creek Anglican Church of the Resurrection Church Hall 30 Ridley Road, Bridgeman Downs How can communities of faith respond with compassion & justice, guided by teachings to treat others as we want to be treated, welcome the stranger and recognise the dignity of all people? Love Makes a Way (LMAW) and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) present an interactive workshop of reflection and sharing ways of how to have value-based conversations informed and motivated by your faith with family, friends, fellow community members, as well as people of influence, about the issues that impact people seeking asylum. Now more than ever, the situation faced by people seeking asylum is critical. Learn how you can help and engage your community to do the same. RSVP by email to: action.qld@asrc.org.au or by phoning 0432 699 934 “Allow: embrace the world as it is” On the second Wednesday each month all are welcome to share in a Contemplative Eucharistic service featuring music, poetry and silence. Come and reflect on what it means to listen to the gentle voice of the Spirit and sense the call of the life that is peculiarly your own. Music will again guide us through the liturgy as we encounter God in the stillness, and in the bread and wine. We will gather around the main altar as our guest pianist and harpist together provide contemplative music and lead us in the songs of Taize. The service commences at 6.00pm, but those who would like to meditate before are welcome to arrive from 5.30pm to enjoy the silence. The Prayer Book services of Morning and Evening Prayer (the Daily Offices) are among the great spiritual gifts of the Anglican Communion. Evensong and Matins are sung versions of two ancient forms of the Daily Offices. Monday to Friday we offer said versions of these services in the Cathedral. They can also be prayed at home. The regular use of the Daily Offices enables one to connect with Bible readings, with the story of the Christian faith and to celebrate the ebb and flow of the church year. This morning the Dean will be leading a session on ‘how to drive’ the prayer book to get the most out of this way of praying. The session will cover the use of the lectionary (calendar of psalms and readings), choosing the prayer of the day, and some tips on the use of silence and the choosing of prayers. The session will be in Room 23, St Martin’s House and all are welcome.

Wed. 11th October 6.00pm

MULTI-FAITH SEMINARS

Sat. 14th October 1.00pm – 5.00pm Sun. 29th October 1.00pm – 5.00pm

Changing the conversation about people seeking asylum

PRAYING MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER

Sun. 15th October 11.15am

10

OCTOBER 2017

15-21 October 2017

Poverty and severe hardship affect more than a million Australians. Around the world more than a billion people are desperately poor.

In Anti-Poverty Week help fight poverty and hardship. • Why not organise a display, stall or award? • Maybe a workshop, lecture or forum? • How about a fundraiser, fact sheet or petition?

For more information and ideas: • visit www.antipovertyweek.org.au • email apw@antipovertyweek.org.au • call 1300 797 290

Principal National Sponsors The

11

OCTOBER 2017

October Outreach : Mercy Community Services’ Romero Centre

Mercy Community Services’ Romero Centre: providing safety and support to asylum seekers. “The ones who have a voice must speak for those who are voiceless.” ~ Archbishop Oscar Romero (1917-1980) Asylum seekers face complicated challenges and uncertain futures. The Romero Centre in Dutton Park provides a warm welcome and customised support for people seeking asylum in Brisbane. Named after Archbishop Oscar Romero from El Salvador, a passionate human rights campaigner, and managed by Mercy Community Services, the Centre was established in 2000 in response to the needs of people seeking safety in Brisbane. The Centre operates an individualised case management service which enables access to an appropriate mix of support and expertise, connecting asylum seekers with emergency support (including food and shelter), legal assistance, English classes, medical care, trauma counselling, and community. Last year, without government funding, the Romero Centre team provided over 2,300 actions of support for people seeking asylum. The Centre relies on donations and volunteers to support their work.

There are asylum seekers living in Brisbane with limited or no access to income. In late August, some who were receiving government support lost financial assistance immediately, and accommodation with little notice. Such changes in policy contribute to growing needs in emergency supplies for children, families and individuals. Without money, meeting basic needs becomes impossible. Asylum seekers are real people, with real stories. They seek the safety we enjoy. People who flee from dangerous countries are trying to escape persecution. It’s as simple as that. But for hundreds of people in the Brisbane area, life is anything but simple – it’s complicated and frightening. Since the most recent shift in

government policy, some face an even more uncertain future. Beyond the basic needs, there is isolation, with no friends or family.

12

OCTOBER 2017

October Outreach : Mercy Community Services’ Romero Centre

Abida* is one of those recently informed that her income support was gone, and she had to vacate her accommodation within a few weeks. Although 25-year old Abida has a bridging visa and the right to work, she cannot access education to gains skills for employment. Having arrived by boat, she will never be granted the right to settle here. Without an income, Abida can no longer meet her basic needs. Facing homelessness, she came to the Romero Centre where the team took time to understand and assist with her immediate needs: food, transport, and accommodation, and a plan to ensure she can access appropriate support to receive a fair go. Gemma* fled from war-ravaged Sudan, eight months pregnant and with no money, friends or family. Homeless and close to giving birth, she needed emergency support. The Romero team was able to provide safety when most needed, organising accommodation for Gemma before the birth of her baby girl. The sadness of isolation was most felt by Tran* when his application for asylum was rejected.

Having fled his home in the Middle East, he was emotionally exhausted and “just wanted to die”. Having an application rejected is not uncommon, usually due to incomplete documentation and errors easily made with limited English. Tran needed emergency counselling, and expertise to assist with the appeal process. Everyone has the right to feel safe, supported and welcome. We try hard to welcome those who come into the Cathedral. Can we help the Romero Centre to show that same welcome to those seeking asylum in Brisbane? Donations to the Romero Centre are tax- deductible. Outreach envelopes for October are available at the Outreach Board in the Narthex. Please place your donation in an Outreach envelope and either • give it with your offering • place it in the Donations Box in the Cathedral • give it to a warden • or give it to the Cathedral Office during office hours Monday-Friday. If you wish to receive a receipt, please write your name and address clearly on the reverse of the envelope. Thank you. *Names changed and stock photography used to respect and protect privacy.

13

OCTOBER 2017

Christian Meditation Group

Meditation on Tuesdays is held in the Lady (North) Chapel when the cathedral is available, or in St Martin’s House.

Tuesdays at 6.45pm

Come at 6.45pm for meditation or come earlier, bring food and share a meal with the group who gather anytime from 5.30pm in the kitchen of St Martin’s House. Please come to the Darnell Room corner entrance and press the passageway buzzer. New members are always most welcome. For more information about Christian meditation please go to http://wccm.org or contact Sue Wilton via the Cathedral Office. May the silence of this place be a power to open the hearts of men and women to the vision of God, and so to each other, in love and peace, justice and human dignity. ~ From the prayer of the World Community for Christian Meditation

Community of Practice for Non-Violent Living

Community of Practice is now held on Tuesday evenings following the Meditation Group

Now Tuesdays 7.30pm

Community of Practice is a small group of people who wish to commit to non-violent ways of being in the world, and who are seeking a place to grow in courage, wisdom and commitment to a non-violent way of life in a safe and supportive community. The Cathedral Community of Practice is evolving and responding to the needs of the group. It has been decided that because the practice of meditation and gathering more frequently are both important to the group, Community of Practice will begin meeting straight after meditation every Tuesday evening. Meditation group commences at 6:45pm in the Lady Chapel of the cathedral whenever it is available, and Community of Practice will follow in St Martin’s House at the conclusion of meditation at 7:30pm. All are welcome to join this ecumenical group, and it is particularly for those who wish for a community to support them as they seek to live out their faith in love and non-violence. Contact Sue Wilton on 0413 108 584 or email swilton@stjohnscathedral.com.au

FEAST OF ST LUKE

Wed. 18th October 6.00pm

A Choral Eucharist will be held to celebrate the feast day of Gospel writer St Luke the Evangelist.

14

OCTOBER 2017

OPEN FORUM : DARNELL ROOM ~ ALL WELCOME

Exploring the Ministry of Laying on of Hands with Prayer and Anointing Healing, reconciliation and restoration are integral to the good news of Jesus Christ. For this reason prayer for individuals, focused through laying on of hands or anointing with oil, has a proper place within the public prayer of the Church. God’s gracious activity of healing is to be seen both as part of the proclaiming of the good news and as an outworking of the presence of the Spirit in the life of the Church. ~ Introduction from Common Worship We are exploring the possibility of reintroducing this ministry in a public setting into the life of the Cathedral. Sometimes simply referred to as ‘the ministry of healing’ it is a very powerful offering of the church that also needs to be approached with sensitivity and care. To find out more and to share your views, please come and join us!

Sun. 22nd October 3.30pm

Commemorating the 80th continuous Seafarers Service by The Mission to Seafarers in St John’s Cathedral AND the 79th year of the Company of Master Mariners of Australia, Brisbane.

Sun. 29th October 11.30am

GOING FORWARD WITH YOU AGAIN

Forward Day by Day is a booklet of daily inspirational meditations reflecting on a specific Bible passage, chosen from the daily lectionary readings as listed in the Revised Common Lectionary. The August/September/October edition is available from the literature table for $5.00 (simply place your payment in the dona- tion box). Its meditations offer a wide range of witness and experiences with each month’s meditation written by a different author.

15

OCTOBER 2017

Celebrating Stewardship + Dedication Festival

This year we will again celebrate stewardship in conjunction with our Dedication Festival. To help us prepare, a resource brochure about stewardship will be available soon. Please take a copy and, in the immortal words of the collect, “read, mark, learn and inwardly digest” the thoughts and ideas it contains. Stewardship is about our relationship with God. It is a pastoral issue, not a financial one. Stewardship is about an act of worship, not a strategic fundraising program. Stewardship is about caring for our church and its mission. Stewardship is about giving, both of ourselves and of our resources (including our time, our talents and our money). Please take time to reflect on your own stewardship of your gifts and talents, including your money. We focus on developing stewardship because: 1. in stewardship there is movement towards God; 2. it takes trust in God to give; 3. it takes an interactive relationship with God to be able to hear God’s prompting As our relationship with God develops, and deepens, there is greater opportunity for us to become more Christ-like, with all of the behaviours and characteristics that that evokes. Christian stewardship involves active commitment, not passive acceptance. We give because we understand our responsibilities, because we refuse to stagnate, because above all, we care about Christ’s work in this sad world. Stewardship is ministry undertaken by every member of the congregation who is prepared to accept and live by the teachings of Christ Himself. Practical realities Knowing what financial commitment you wish to make gives Cathedral Chapter some certainty as it prepares its budget and considers staffing and possible projects for 2018. So, on Sunday 29th October, you will be invited to complete and offer your financial commitment form for 2018. Please pray: Good Shepherd, we are calling for an expansion of the ministry of this Cathedral. We want to share your Good News with the people of this city and this state, so that they will have the opportunity to enter their eternal life through the doorway that is Je-sus Christ. Give us the willingness and the enthusiasm to provide for this ministry through our stewardship of all your resources. Amen. ~ John Postle, Chris Gourlay, Helen Lancaster, Cathedral Wardens Celebrating Dedication, Celebrating Stewardship Port. As has become our custom, you will be most welcome to contribute a gift of port for use in our Eucharistic celebrations during the year to come. On Stewardship Sunday (and the following couple of Sundays) there will be a basket in front of the Altar where you can place your gift of port or you can leave your gift with a sides-person or at the Cathedral Office. Dedication Festival Today (29th) we will be celebrating the anniversary of the Cathedral’s dedication. There will be a community barbeque after the 9.30am service, to which all are invited. The festivities will continue with Choral Evensong at 6.00pm. Let’s rejoice together and acknowledge not only the dedication of this magnificent building, but also our dedication to one another as a community. All welcome. as to whom, when and how much to give. Through stewardship we grow closer to God.

Sunday 29th October

16

OCTOBER 2017

“Dollars for Decibels” : new sound system

‘The bread that once was ground with corn’...?

Many are the messages heard by our audience and visitors to this magnificent place, although rarely at the same time. Our sound system is renowned, but for all the wrong reasons. Years of additions, rewirings and extensions have left us with a set-up of disparate speakers and broadcast qualities such that mime or semaphore seems almost a better way to communicate! In 2017, we have created and costed a sound solution, one which integrates all spaces of this wonderful building with a cohesive installation of new equipment throughout. Our target is $220,000 and we are already more than 14% on our way to that goal! We are inviting our supporters to be a part of this vital project. Donations are tax-deductible via the National Trust St John’s Cathedral Completion Fund . Brochures are available in the Cathedral to donate by using your credit card, or you may make an online EFT donation to: Bank: NAB BSB: 084 004 Account: 046026337 St John’s Cathedral Completion Fund Please ensure we have your name, postal address and phone/email contacts if you wish to receive a receipt by email or postal mail.

Blessed are the ‘cheese-graters’ ...???

‘The sheep will inherit the turf’...???

17

OCTOBER 2017

Wasting Time with God ~ Archbishop Phillip Aspinall

Are Anglicans off the planet? Anglican approaches to life and faith in the 21st Century Join us for a time of prayer and reflection in the Lady Chapel at 9.30am before sharing morning tea, followed by time with the Archbishop in the Darnell Room.

Wed. 1st November 9.30am – 11.30am

NEW CATHEDRAL PODCAST RELEASED

You can download all the podcasts from the iTunes store, or using your preferred podcast App, including Android. Search by the names “On the Way” or “St John’s Cathedral” Subscribe for free and receive these great conversations straight to your device every month! CDs are also available for those who do not have access to the podcast online. These are available in the Cathedral shop for a donation. “On the Way” is a series of recorded conversations exploring the deeper mysteries of faith, meaning, and beauty that people from all over the world are able to listen to on their Smartphone or computer. The podcast invites others who are also “on the way” into conversation; seeking a transformative spirituality and inclusive faith that speaks to real issues of today. Together in dialogue and storytelling we seek to make meaning and articulate a Christianity that expresses the liberating and life-giving message of the Gospel in our time. We are exploring together the themes raised in the podcasts during the current series of Sunday Conversations. “On the Way” – podcast number 7 released! Our latest podcast episode “Future of the Church” is now available. In this episode The Very Rev’d Professor Martyn Percy, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, and Dean Peter Catt once again join Dom Fay for a discussion exploring what shapes the Church might take in its kingdom mission in our time.

Podcast 1 The Big Story of God – talking about life and what are the biggest

questions. Podcast 2

Life Beyond Dualism – avoiding an “us and them” mentality. Podcast 3 God and Gender – explores issues of gender and spirituality. Podcast 4 Christianity, Islam and the power of friendship – explores the urgency of peace and understand- ing and working for the common good. Podcast 5 Science and Religion – debunking the myth that science and religion are essentially in conflict. Podcast 6 What is the Bible – and how do we read it when we take our sacred text seriously?

18

OCTOBER 2017

All Souls’ Commemoration

This annual commemoration of those who died and are now living in the nearer presence of God will be held in place of the usual Evensong. During the liturgy we have the opportunity to light candles, remember those who have gone before us, celebrate the Eucharist together and be uplifted by beautiful music. This year the choir will be offering Requiem in C Minor by Michael Haydn. If you would like a departed loved one remembered during the liturgy, please add their name to the All Souls’ Prayer List found in the Narthex.

Sun. 5th November 6.00pm

Books and Christmass Crafts stall

Our annual Books and Christmass Crafts stall will be held again this weekend in the Cathedral, at this stage on Saturday 10.00am–4.00pm and on Sunday 7.30am–4.00pm. Donations of craft items, especially, will be gratefully accepted before then. Please contact St Martin’s reception of phone 3835 2222 if you would like to make a contribution.

Sat. 11th + Sun. 12th November

Instructed Eucharist

Liturgical worship uses movement, ritual, music, colour and smell to assist people to feel connected to God and to one another. It is one the strengths of Anglicanism. The feeling of connection that liturgy engenders can be enhanced through the gift of understanding. Attending an Instructed Eucharist is one way of increasing our understanding and appreciation of what happens in our worship. During an Instructed Eucharist a commentator adds verbal notes at various points in the liturgy which described the various parts of the service, their history and purpose. Attending an Instructed Eucharist provides the opportunity to ask our “Why do we do this?” and “What does this mean?” An example of the text used at an Instructed Eucharist can be found at: www.trinitycathedral.org/worship/instructed-eucharist 360 Project seminars have been happening all around the diocese over the last few months and there are more to come. You can book in to any of these days at www.formedfaith.org (look under ‘events’). Anyone is welcome at any location! FAITH360: Praying in Anglican Ways is a practical workshop about forms of Anglican spirituality and prayer. This all day workshop, written by the Rev’ds Penny Jones and Jo Inkpin, enables participants to ponder their own spirituality and the methods of prayer and worship that can enhance relationships with God. Discover deep Anglican wells of spiritual practice that provide resources for faith today – and all you need to bring is a pen and your lunch! Register online at www.formedfaith.org (look under ‘upcoming events’) • or leave your name at Cathedral Reception, St Martin’s House, • or phone 3835 2222.

Sun. 12th November 1.00pm – 4.00pm

360 Project seminars

Sat. 18th November 9.00am– 3.30pm

19

OCTOBER 2017

CATHEDRAL NEWS

English conversation classes Every Wednesday 2.00pm to 3.00pm we host English conversation classes in the Darnell Room, in which our wonderful team of volunteers assist people who would like to practice their English speaking skills. We are also seeking more volunteers to help. You don’t need any special qualifications at all, just a patient and friendly demeanour and the urge to help others. Please contact the Cathedral Office on 3835 2222 if you feel you may be able to give of yourself in this way. Flower Guild The Flower Guild hopes you enjoy the floral decorations in the Cathedral. If you would like to join the Flower Guild and help do the flowers in the Cathedral on a one Friday morning a month rotation, or just as a reserve, please be assured you will be most welcome. Please contact Eleanor on 3870 3873. Blessed Sacrament Chapel concept drawing Jack Barnes has developed a concept for the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. A copy of the concept drawing is on display in the Chapel. The concept seeks to honour the riddel posts that were previously part of the chapel furniture. The new structure will incorporate the Cherubs that previously stood upon the riddle posts. It is envisaged that the structure would be carved in Queensland Maple or similar. The Cathedral Chapter is seeking your comments on the design. Please direct your comments to the Dean, in person or tby email to: pcatt@stjohnscathedral.com.au Tapestry cushion exhibition Cushions in this month’s display creatures of the sea and reef, such as turtles, puffer fish, and shells, as well as Butterflies and Birds, all of which remind us that we are surrounded by God’s wonderful creation.

Wednesdays

October

EARN & LEARN 2017 CONCLUDED – outcome to be advised!

Our thanks to everyone who has been collecting the Woolworths Earn & Learn stickers and dropping them in the box in the Cathedral. These have been passed on to the students and staff at Brisbane Central State School and we will let you know the outcome of everyone’s efforts as soon as we hear from BCSS Business Manager Carolina Duncan. Past E&L efforts by the Cathedral community have helped BCSS obtain thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment for the school.

20

OCTOBER 2017

CATHEDRAL INVOLVEMENT

Lady Chapel Sanctuary Lamp – In Memoriam The lamp in the Lady Chapel holds a seven day candle. This gives an opportunity to offer the candle as it burns for a whole week (Sunday to Saturday) in thanksgiving for the life and love of a family member(s) who have died. The cost is $10. An acknowledgment – This week the sanctuary lamp in the Chapel of our Lady and the Holy Innocents shines in memory of [Name] and in thanksgiving for their life and love. A gift from [Name] (Optional) – will occur in service notes on the Sunday the week commences. If you would like to reserve the candle for a particular week please contact the Cathedral office with names, date and payment. Holy Trinity Parish Pantry Don’t forget that the Cathedral community collects food for The Holy Trinity Parish Pantry at Fortitude Valley. Key items needed include: long life milk, processed cheese slices, toilet paper, jam (any flavour), canned fruit 400g, tinned stew, two- minute noodles, tinned tomatoes (whole or diced), tinned beans, peas and carrots, peas and corn etc 400g size, pasta sauce, pasta (spaghetti, dried pasta spirals, macaroni, etc), biscuits, canned tuna, baked beans 400g size, tinned spaghetti 400g size, vegemite small, sugar, rice, coffee, breakfast cereal. Volunteers sought Do you love the Cathedral? Do you like meeting people? Are you looking for something different to do? If you said yes to any of these questions here’s an idea: become a Shop Volunteer! St John’s Cathedral Shop is looking for enthusiastic people to work in our Shop. Experience is not a prerequisite – we offer all the training you could need. The Shop operates Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 2.30pm and on Sunday between the services in the morning and until 2.00pm in the afternoon. It is a requirement that all volunteers are eligible to apply for a Blue Card. If you would like to join the team, please contact Jacki or Jan on 3835 2222 or email jscott@stjohnscathedral.com.au Keeping the Community together We have a number of Cathedral members who find it difficult (even impossible) to get to the Cathedral on Sunday for want of transport. We are therefore looking for people who would be willing to give a lift to someone who lives in their area. We are aware that providing such a ministry can be daunting because sometimes our plans need to change. Any such offer would be accepted on the understanding that a last minute cancellation would be both understandable and acceptable. If you would be willing to be part of this ministry please make your offer known to a warden or the clergy.

21

OCTOBER 2017

NEW BOOKS FOR YOU IN THE BOOK CENTRE

Dear readers, If you have been browsing the shelves, unable to find anything tempting enough to read, here are some newly-acquired titles you might try. Philip Yancey, The Jesus I never knew, USA, 1995 This is a really helpful and enjoyable book to read. I’ve been reading it at home for the first time, and am so impressed that I’ve gone to Koorong to get a new copy for you. John Dougill, In Search of Japan’s Hidden Christians , 2012 Written in Japan by a Westerner living in Kyoto – and also published in Japan – this is an historical account of persecuted Japanese Christianity, first brought to the island of Kyushu by Francis Xavier’s Spanish mission in 1549. That’s the mission dealt with in the novel and recent film, Silence, so if you missed Silence, here’s the non-fiction version of events to bring you up to date. Richard Rohr, Breathing under Water, USA, 2011 Richard Rohr and Joseph Martos, The Great Themes of Scripture , USA, 1988 Readers have been recommending Rohr to me for some time, and at last I have bitten the bullet and purchased two of his books. This first purchase develops the obvious similarity between ‘conversion’ and the Twelve Steps program of Alcoholics Anonymous (which is a comprehensive health- regaining plan for living originating in America). Both start with an empty house – and, in my experience, a rock-bottom feeling of brokenness and depression – and fill it gradually with hope and salvation. The second purchase offers to clarify Scripture. Please let me know if its aim has been successful for you. Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses Luther wrote these discussion points by hand in Latin – the language university scholars wrote in at the time – and displayed them on the timber front door of the church where he was serving as priest. (He had previously joined the Augustinian order of monks in response to a promise he had made when his life was in danger!). He had hoped to engage in some scholarly debate among friends, but soon the theses had been translated into German, printed on a printing press and distributed across Germany. The Reformation – of which our theology is a product – had begun; but what did Luther actually say? Happy browsing and reading till next time, Coralie

22

OCTOBER 2017

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO #3 – The Five Marks of Mission

EVENSONG

The Purpose of the Anglican Church

“In Quires and Places where they sing.” In 1544 Thomas Cranmer wrote to his boss Henry VIII with a blueprint for church music in the newly Reformed age. It should “not be full of notes, but as near as maybe a syllable for every note; so that it may be sung simply and devoutly”. Cranmer had put his finger on a dilemma that had been inherited from the medieval period and would remain unresolved 400 years hence. Is it the primary job of church music to clarify the word of God or refresh faltering souls? Which matters most: meaning or sound? In 1651, everything came to a full stop when Oliver Cromwell cancelled not just Christmas carols but all church music. The story of church music is one that celebrates the sheer pleasure of raising a joyful sound to the Lord and resolves to worry about what it all means later “Evensong as we know it today.” Daily in Anglican Cathedrals around the world, we begin the work for which we have come to church, that of praising God. Observant Anglicans sing and chant their way out of the working day in a short but outstandingly beautiful ceremony known as Evensong. One of the great duties of faith is to be the carrier of culture. Religions are the repository of our wonderful liturgical music and the majestic language of the King James Bible. Sung Evensong represents at once the most rousing and soothing aspects of faith. It is an opportunity for rest and reflection at the end of a day’s work, play or trials. It incorporates the Psalms which are precious and holy to us because they formed the Lord’s hymn book, and can never be superseded; the two great hymns of the church, The Magnificant and The Nunc Dimittis ; The Apostles Creed, our belief for which we live; the Responses and the Anthem. This act of Divine worship is not a solo. Priest and people each need the other’s goodwill and prayers. “Evensong at St John’s.” The average church goer still looks upon Evensong as a Sunday service only. Daily Evensong or Evening prayer has been for many years part of this Cathedral’s worship, but very little use is made of this privilege. On occasions, the only attendees at Evensong might be the choir and clergy. If you go, you can think spiritual thoughts, or think secular thoughts about the history of Australians who carried the culture to this land, struggled to build mighty edifices like this Cathedral and who bothered to preserve this timeless liturgy. A wonderful peace and stability of soul is gained by those who year after year have said or sung the Church’s Daily Prayers. The risk is that, if no one goes, Evensong as we know it might disappear into the mists of time. For further on the Marks of Mission please visit http://www.anglicancommunion.org/identity/marks-of-mission.aspx

Evensong is sung* in this Cathedral every Sunday of the year at 6.00pm. (*except in January when it is said.) Evensong is also sung on the first Wednesday of the month at 6.00pm.

23

OCTOBER 2017