News From The Bishop

Challenges for the Future - You Can Help

With the drought, the Diocese of Bendigo faces significant challenges including the ongoing resourcing of ministry and building an effective church for the future. At the same time, the Diocese is strongly committed to being a missionary church, ministering to our cities, towns and rural areas.

If you wish to help the Diocese, please:

  • Pray for us: The Diocesan Prayer (the Prayer is included at the end of this section)

  • Donate to our Drought Relief Fund. All donations will go towards keeping our clergy on the ground in many drought-affected communities. Donations may be sent to  PO Box 2 , Bendigo 3552

We value your feedback. Any questions, comments, etc may be sent to me at bishop@bendigoanglican.org.au 

Appointments

On Sunday, 3 February, in a Diocesan celebration at the Cathedral, 

  • Bishop Ron Stone was licensed as Vicar General and Executive Assistant to the Bishop

  • The Revd Charles Sherlock was licensed as Executive Officer to the Board of Ministry and Assistant Curate to the Bishop

  • The Revd Glenis Traill was installed as the Perry Canon

and 

  • The Lay Canonries of the Cathedral were officially named in honour of four people who have given outstanding service to the Diocese

    Mr Colin Clark was appointed to the Potter Canonry
    Mr Malcolm MacDonald was appointed to the Guest Canonry
    Ms Margaret Harrison was appointed to the Goldsbury Canonry, and
    Mr Ian Smith appointed to the Doble Canonry

Also at the service the Bishop’s Board, donated by the Heyward family, was dedicated.

Above: The Lay Canons pictured with Bishop Ron and representatives of the Goldsbury, Doble and Guest families following the service.

Other Recent Appointments

  • The Revd Linda Osmond has been inducted as the Priest in Charge for Inglewood. 

  • The Revd Glenda Templer has been inducted as Priest in Charge of St Mark’s Golden Square. Glenda will have also responsibility for Chaplaincy at St John of God and Bendigo Base critical care Hospitals. 

Glenda is pictured below with Bishop Andrew Curnow and Golden Square church wardens

 

Prayer for Rain

Following are some prayers you may find useful:

An Australian Prayer for Water

Almighty God,
whose son Jesus Christ
called those who were thirsty
to come to him,
believe and drink;
look in mercy
on your Australian people,
living in a dry land.

Forgive our misuse of water;
help us conserve this your gift to us.

We beseech you
send rain
to replenish our reservoirs,
wells and artesian reserves.

Let rivers of living water
flow out of our hearts,
so that strengthened by your Spirit,
we may continue to serve you,
and praise your holy name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

(Based on John 7: 37-39)
Written by The Revd Canon Paul Robertson
New Lambton, July 2004

In times of drought

All things look to you, O Lord,
to give them their food in due season:
look in mercy on your people,
and hear our prayer for those whose lives and possessions are threatened by drought
In your mercy restore your creation and heal our land.

So guide and bless your people,
that we may enjoy the fruits of the earth
and give you thanks with grateful hearts,
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Rain

God our heavenly Father
through your Son you promised
to those seeking first your kingdom
and your righteousness
all things necessary for bodily welfare:
send us, we pray, in this time of need,
rain to water the earth,
that we may receive its produce
to strengthen and sustain us
and always praise you for your bounty;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Diocesan Prayer

Generous God, thank you for the Diocese of Bendigo, the beautiful mountains, hills, plains and native forests that make up our environment.

Bless the cities, towns and rural areas; and the parishes and congregations in which we live and serve.

Give us vision, energy and hope to be a Missionary Church. By the Spirit’s gifts equip us to live the Gospel of Christ and make us eager to do your will, that we may share the joys of the whole creation;

Through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord.  Amen