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a healthy church...transformingLIFE

Tasmanian Anglican

June 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Tasmanian delegates at the AMS National Conference, Newcastle, NSW. L-R Max Robinson, Herbert Harding, Leo Hurst, Ron Miller, Trevor Cowell and Ian Batge

 

Clergy inspired by the Anglican Men's Society

by Max Robinson

 

 

Thirty-three delegates representing over 500 members Australia-wide, met for the National Conference of the Anglican Men's Society, at the Closebourne Centre, Morpeth, NSW, on the last weekend of April.

Eighteen delegates were accompanied by their wives who were well catered for on the day of the actual conference and then joined in with all the other activities including an entertaining and thought-provoking workshop.

Tasmania had their strongest representation on record for an interstate Conference - six delegates including Ian Batge accompanied by his wife Dot. On a population and membership basis, Tasmania's representation was greater than that of any other State!

Transforminglife prayer

At an appropriate time our Bishop John's booklet, 'Transforminglife,' was introduced and we all joined in the transforminglife prayer.

Each day commenced with Eucharist before breakfast and Evensong was celebrated at sunset - on the Sunday night at the magnificent Newcastle Cathedral - with each service conducted by a different priest or bishop. (The news got around that Trevor Cowell from Longford, could play the organ. We were singing rather well prior to this, but with his accompaniment the singing became far more enthusiastic and joyful.)

After one service when the Celebrant said, 'Go in peace to love and serve the Lord,' he added, 'You (the AMS) have inspired my faith!'

The Ven. Irvine Scott, Queensland's Provincial Chairman, in his report, said, 'All members of the Anglican Church have a responsibility of supporting the men of our Church... In the wider community…there is reluctance …to accept responsibility in advancing the ideals of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We must never be guilty of slipping away from this most important aspect of our lives.'

We were constantly reminded of the pledge the Society's pledge: 'I have promised, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to pray to God every day, to be a faithful communicant and by active witness, fellowship and service, to help forward the Kingdom of Christ.'

Determined

Our National President, Bishop Colin Sheumack, had a nasty fall on the Friday morning, but was determined to attend this Conference. In obvious excruciating pain and discomfort, he still managed to chair the Conference, attend the weekend's activities and celebrate the Eucharist on the Monday morning. We ask everyone to remember Bishop Colin in their prayers and pray that the result of this fall will not complicate his on-going health problems.

AMS has just launched its website at http://www.amsnational.org.au/index.html