Bishop's Blog
26.2.10 > Praying the office this morning I enjoyed the words of psalm 32. That psalm begins with a statement about the greatness of God: By his word the heavens were made, by the breath of his mouth all the stars. He collects the waves of the ocean; he stores up the depths of the sea. Here we have a God who is clearly all powerful. more info >
lent is not meant to be an easy season...
Lent is a divine gift to the Church when disciples pause and, under the power of God’s Holy Spirit, examine their lives in the light of the Gospel. Every disciple is a sinner in need of God’s saving love. There is the rub. It is so easy to be comfortable with the way we live, with the habits of our religion that we do not see our sins. But driven by the call of Jesus to repent and to turn to God, we expose every aspect of our daily living to the scrutiny of divine light. If we come out of Lent in the same way we come into the season then we know that we have dealt with ourselves in a fraudulent manner. Through prayer, through acts of self denial, through works of charity, through examining the Scriptures and through the sharing of our faith with others, God will transform us and make us more like himself. But the hard yards are up to us for Lent is not meant to be an easy season and it is so easy to coast along. Let us pray that this Lent we are filled with a divine passion driving us to new ways of living.
Called to Serve
There is often confusion between the role of the Vocational Deacon and Authorised Lay-Ministries. This information day will be an opportunity to meet with people from both ministries and to explore further your own calling. WHEN: 13 March 2010. TIME: 10am to 2pm. WHERE: Holy Trinity Anglican Church. more info >
Chrism Mass
Come and join us as we celebrate this special day together. If you would like to sing. If you would like to serve. If you would like to renew yourself. If you would like to learn more from speakers and workshops. If you would like to be emboldened in faith! If you would like to experience the church together. If you are simply curious... This is the day for you! more info >
LENT Bible Studies 2010
TAKE UP YOUR CROSS. Anglicans across the diocese are encouraged to share these studies with others. They can be done as personal studies or as a part of a parish or community study group. They follow through the Sunday readings for Lent and so tie us into the worshipping communities around the whole world. more info >
Haiti Appeal
On Tuesday morning (AEST) 12 January 2010, the Caribbean nation of Haiti was struck by a massive 7.0-magnitude earthquake. It could be felt strongly in eastern Cuba, more than 200 miles away (BBC).Much of the infrastructure has been destroyed including hospitals and roads. ABM Appeal details follow... more info >
Sermon Notes
Sermon Notes for 7 March 2010 available now. more info >
The Chronicle
The Chronicle is the official newspaper of the Anglican Diocese of Ballarat. .If you would like to make a contribution to The Chronicle email your article and and images to: Janine Stewart, The Editor: editor@ballaratanglican.org.au. February 2010 issue is available now. more info >
Videos
The Diocesan Youtube Channel with Video Messages from the Bishop and video footage from various events. *NEW* Bishop's Message 28 September 2009. more info >
Diocesan Events
A new set of Diocesan Dates for your Diary are available. more info >
Intercessions
Diocesan Prayer Calendar for 2010. more info >
Mission Resources
A range of resources are available to be borrowed from the Ministry Development Officer, Fr Peter Yeats. more info >