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NEWSLETTERCommunity of Aidan and Hilda Australia

SPRING 2018AIDAN COMMUNITY

AUSTRALIAHILDA

Cockington Green Garden, Canberra, ACT

WelcomeBY BRUCE CHALLONEREDITOR

With the Spring Equinox upon us in Australia, naturally our hearts turn to the activities of Spring, whilst on the other side of the world, Autumn begins.

Song of Solomon 2:11-13 tells us, “Look around you: Winter is over; the winter rains are over, gone! Spring flowers are in blossom all over. The whole world’s a choir—and singing! Spring warblers are filling the forest with sweet arpeggios. Lilacs are exuberantly purple and perfumed, and cherry trees fragrant with blossoms.” The Message by Eugene Peterson.

In some places of Australia, the winter rains have not fallen for many years. Drought is across our land, and yet, the mention of Spring renews hope in the hearts of farmers nationally. For us, if there are no winter rains, we look for early Spring rain and follow up rain to water crops.

In his book, Dark Emu - Black Seeds by Bruce Pascoe, he challenges us to re-think our understanding of the indigenous people. Many early settlers saw them as only savages that needed to be subjugated to the ‘superior’ western way of living.

Bruce Pascoe goes on to explain, the aboriginal people were vastly better equipped in agriculture and aquaculture than the first white settlers realised.

The Aboriginal nation had grain storages across Australia from farms of natural grains and advanced irrigation. The early penal colony did not need to struggle so much. If only they knew, they would have saved themselves lots of heartache.

The local agriculture was founded on astronomy. At the time, more advanced than western culture. They not only planted their seeds by the stars, but by looking at the position of the Milky Way, knew when to harvest emu eggs.

As we turn to the new beginnings of Spring, may our hearts be open to a new understanding of our indigenous culture. May we not only think of them as giving us Australian art, but acknowledge an ancient history of agriculture, aquaculture and astronomy.

IN THIS ISSUE

3 Joining Execise and Prayer

How to make your exercises spiritual

5 Prayer Requests Including people, places and dates to uphold in prayer

6 Book ReviewLet Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation by Parker J. Palmer

7 Southern CrossThe Dreamtime Ancestors of the Gunaikurnai Nation

8 Healing Circle Mandala How to turn Violence into healing by Matt Lamont

10 The ‘How To’ of James Practical examples of how to apply principles of Scripture in daily living. Including personal study

13 Annual Renewal Including prayer of longing

14 What’s on Next

Australian Rainbow Lorikeet

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Joining Exercise and PrayerBY JUDITH KENNEDYTAIGUM QLD

The old adage ‘use it or lose it’ is very true for arthritis sufferers. At the same time our prayer times are just as important. In our busy lives it is hard to fit both in. After I discovered the joy of praying Celtic prayers, which bring God into every activity of the day, I realised that part of my day was boring exercises. Was this a way to make my exercise time meaningful and one I looked forward to?

One of the ways Celts prayed was to repeat Scripture back to God. So I started with Psalm 100. I soon found that this simple exercise transformed my day. Here I

was greeting God, praising Him and affirming that my God loved me and everything that happened this day was ultimately good.

Starting my day with this exercise of thanksgiving, wherever I was in the world, gave me a new appreciation of my surroundings as well as energising my body.

Gradually I introduced more prayers to become part of my morning routine. When put together they form a liturgy. So I begin the day with worship.

As we are always tempted

to rush into God’s presence the first prayer is one of slowing down and giving ourselves completely to God in this time. The exercise is very simple and gentle to quieten our minds, releasing thoughts that interrupt our time with God. We remind ourselves we are in God’s presence.

Another form of Celtic Prayer is ‘breastplate’ prayers after the tradition of St Patrick’s breastplate prayer. We cover ourselves by affirming our knowledge of Christ’s presence with-in. As we remind ourselves each morning of God’s

SPRING 2018

presence and power we take this confidence into every situation we face that day. I have a particular problem with arthritis in my neck and shoulders. This exercise helps prevent inflammation by keeping joints moving as well helping to prevent doubts and fears entering my mind.

Celtic prayers are also poignant, full of sorrow for violating the heart of God. Incorporating this into an exercise keeps me alert to the ways I mar God’s image in my life. It allows me time to focus and feel regret, but always pulling me back into God’s mercy. This exercise frees the shoulder joints and muscles.

In Next Newsletter

Having reminded myself of God’s power to forgive and also his power to protect, I can with confidence proceed to the Circling’ prayers or ‘Caim’ prayers. These involve drawing a circle around someone or something to keep harm without and God’s presence within. It is a grandmother’s joy to pray for her grandchildren. So every morning they are circled in prayer by name as I join my prayer and my body in a circular exercise.

Blessings are a gift from God. The final exercise asks for God’s blessing as we go into the day. It involves a shoulder and arm stretch that is quite difficult for many, including me, and so reflects that it is only God who can redeem

the day for his glory. I trust you will enjoy doing the exercises and praying the prayers. Just use them as a starting point to write your own. Mine contain many simple rhymes as I find it easier to remember them.

Lord, Here I am

Longing to worship you

But my mind is full of things to do

Of Aches and pains

Of responsibilities of this day

Lord, I give them to you

Free my mind

I bring you all I have

I bring you my longings and desires

You make me whole

Amen

Stand with hands by your side

Move hands up, into prayer position

Move hands apart a little until just finger tips are touching

Press fingers hard together

Press fingers harder and harder

Drop hards down to sides

Feel the blood flowing down to your fingertips

Raise right hand to prayer position

Raise left hand to prayer position

Join fingertips together lightly. Breathe in and out quietly, knowing God is present for a minute or so

Return hands to side

(Editor) In the coming newsletters we will present more exercises from Judy. I would like to personally thank Judy for letting us use them.

PRAYER FOR PREPARATION

The main point is to exercise and pray!

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Psalm 100A Psalm for Giving Thanks

1. Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

2. Worship the Lord with Gladness; come before Him with Joyful songs.

3. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who has made us and we are His; we are the sheep of His pasture.

4. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.

5. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.. Amen.

Repeat these positions throughout the Psalm

1a - Shout

1b - for joy to the Lord

Prayer Requests

Please uphold our Caim Council in prayer as we discuss the future directions of Aidan and Hilda in Australia. Pray for our stall at the Celtic Festival in Beechworth, 10th November, where we will promote Aidan and Hilda. Send any prayer requests to Sue Hicks so that we may include them in our future newsletters.

Sacred Self - A Journey Towards Home

Gary Lyons book review in each newsletter, is holding a weekend retreat on the 12th and 13th October at Santa Casa Retreat Centre, Queenscliff, Victoria. Please uphold him in prayer as he helps others gain insights and waymarks that encourage the group to ‘come home’ to their authentic true self.

Different Australian gums in flower

SPRING 2018

Book ReviewBY GARY LYONSINDENTED HEADS VIC

Let Your Life Speak; Listening For The Voice Of Vocation by Parker J. Palmer.

He is an author, educator, and activist who focuses on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality and social change. He is the founder and Senior Partner of the Centre for Courage & Renewal.

This small book (116 pages), apart from Chapter 1, is a series of essays written by Palmer over many years, all attempting to answer the question, “What is my vocation or calling”.

This book is an open account of one man’s struggle to find vocation, his struggles in not being satisfied with what he found and the realisation of what vocation looks like, can

only be found within ones self.

The following quotes from Palmer explain this.

“Our deepest calling is to grow into our authentic self-hood, whether or not it conforms to some image of who we ought to be. As we do so, we will not only find the joy that every human seeks-we will also find our path of authentic service in the world.”

“Before you tell your life what you intend to do with it, listen for what it intends to do with you. Before you tell your life what truths and values you have decided to live up to, let your life tell you what truths you embody, what values you represent.”

This book is compelling reading no matter what part of the journey of life you are on. I suggest that it mirrors many of our own struggles as we grapple with our sense of true vocation/calling.

I could relate to a lot of the honest emotions contained in these pages and was left with the question of ‘how much of our vocation/calling is dictated by our ego (representing the unauthentic self) and how much is our authentic self (as seen in Palmer’s quotes above) is really listened to.’

Points To Ponder:

How often do we stop and really listen to what our life is saying to us?

How often do we allow our ego to dictate what our life looks like?

Wholeness does not mean perfection; it means embracing brokenness as an integral part of life.

- Parker J. Palmer

Parker J. Palmer

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The Dreamtime Ancestors of the Gunaikurnai.

Narran the moon was a mighty warrior and a fearless hunter. One day, after travelling a long way, he couldn’t find any food at all. At last, he saw Ngooran (the emu) on the other side of a wide creek, but the water was very deep and he could not get across. Narran thought he could cross over the creek on a log, but Brewin, a mischievous spirit, was hiding nearby. As Narran reached the deepest part of the water, Brewin upset the log and Narran fell off it into the water and drowned. Narran’s spirit went to the sky where he is now the moon. Ngooran also went to the sky and is now the Southern Cross. Narran still hunts through the sky trying to catch Ngooran.

Gunaikurnai people are the traditional owners of Gippsland, Victoria.

Clans of Gunaikurnai

include Brabralung, Brataualung, Brayakaulung, Krauatungalung and Tatungalung.

In dreaming terms, the first Gunaikurnai came down from the mountains in Victoria’s northwest carrying his canoe on his head. He was Borun, the pelican. He crossed over the river at what is now Sale, and walked on alone to Tarra Warackel (Port Albert) in the west. As he walked, he heard a constant tapping sound but could not identify it. When he reached the deep water of the inlets, Borun put down his canoe and, much to his surprise, there was a woman in it. She was Tuk, the musk duck.

He was very happy to see her and she became his wife and the mother of the Gunaikurnai people – they are the parents of the five Gunaikurnai clans.

The black and white shield logo of the Gunaikurnai

Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) was designed by a young Gunaikurnai man, Steaphan Paton, to represent the Gunaikurnai people.

The logo depicts a lowered shield with traditional Gunaikurnai markings; the lowering of the shield is symbolic that the fight is finished, and talks can occur. The shield’s markings are of a man talking to another man with input from the women. This discourse is about family, everyone having a say and working together. This is a common philosophy or wisdom that has been passed down from Gunaikurnai ancestors through teaching. The word dhuna is Gunai for ‘speak’, the word on the right wanggan means ‘hear’. This represents the idea that whoever speaks will be heard.

For more information on the Gunaikurnai nation and their logo, see: https://gunaikurnai.org

NgooranSouthern Cross

SPRING 2018

Healing CircleCeltic Cross of Violence and Love

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Healing Circle MandalaBY MATT LAMONTNEWCASTLE - NSW

The cross arose out of a reflection on violence that I was hearing in the media at the time and the Celtic style prayer below goes with it.

The red circles are the wounds of humanity’s violence carried in the cross and these have been tended, and dressed by elders from non Aboriginal and Aboriginal backgrounds. Notice the black and white feet facing the cross at the bottom.

The four circles with black and white dots (found in the white circle behind the cross)are the healing circles of Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal elders who have come together to heal each other and the great wounds of violence.

At the center of the cross is the heart of Yeshua, who in our traditions both literally becomes and transcends the cross. When we look at the cross we are looking at Christ. The context is both cosmic and grounded in earth.

The Milky Way runs through the cross to demonstrate the immensity and enormity of the vision it carries. The pools of underground water (three blue circles at the base) and earth are depicted as been drawn into the cross and reclaiming it’s life (after all it started as a tree and then was used to kill!)

The break towards the bottom of the cross is stylistic and in hindsight, I probably would have filled that all in!

Overall this image enters into the extraordinary paradox that is the cross.

Prayer for the Celtic Cross of Violence and Love

Violence abounds... Pools of pain, blood, grief, aggression and

brutality. Deep Sadness of the Executed Ones, Deep Sadness of the Murdered Ones, Deep Sadness of the Beaten Ones, Deep Sadness of the Lost Custodians, Deep Sadness of the Scarred Earth.

And yet...

Love abounds... Earth, waters, life, cosmos reclaim and transfigure the unfeeling hateful cross. Deep Peace of the Glittering Galaxies, Deep Peace humming Silence of Earth, Deep Peace of the Underground Rivers, Deep Peace of the Wise Elders and in the Heart of all Living Things, Deep Peace Gentle Spirit of Yeshua, Cosmic Christ.

So be it, Amen.

Reflections by Editor

This Mandala can generate many mixed emotions. The following questions could be part of reflections in the days and weeks ahead.

1. As you look at this cross, what elements generate different emotions for you and why?

2. At the center of the cross are four near completed circles, holding another circle in the middle which is Jesus. As you reflect on your own life, what areas of your life are needing Christ to complete. What are the stepping stones to wholeness in each area?

3. As you prayerfully consider and contemplate the cross and its many elements, what parts of the cross become more meaningful to you? What prayer could you write down that would express this?

SPRING 2018

The ‘How To’ of JamesBY BRUCE CHALLONERLARA VIC

One of the dilemmas of Christian Living, especially spiritually, is finding practical day-by-day examples to draw upon. What one should do in particular circumstances.

This series seeks to address this issue, drawing upon manuscripts and writings of early Christian writings and applying practical examples. It is hoped that the reader may grow in a deeper understanding of what it is to belong to Christ and the wonderful gifts that we inherit to be a blessing to others around us.

Book of James

James is considered by theologians as one of the first written letters of the New Testament and credited with Jesus’ half brother James, as the author. James was written between A.D. 45 and 48. Matthew, Mark & Luke are 60’s A.D. and John 85 A.D.

At the time of James writing, the Council of Jerusalem (50) had not taken place, nor the

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destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem (70).

Using the New American Standard Bible, James 1:1 opens:

č James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings..

čThe first lesson James teaches us is never to function from your own ego. Ego is defined as a person’s sense of self-esteem or self-importance. Ego always has ‘self’ as central. Even a person with low self-esteem is still functioning out of ego.

Draw a straight line on a piece of paper. This line is called ‘self’. Label the left hand side ‘low self-esteem’. Label the right hand side of the line ‘narcissism’ (admiration of self). Our ego fits on this line somewhere.

James could have said in verse 1, brother of Jesus, to impart the importance of the writer. Instead, he uses the Greek word, ‘doulos’ meaning a slave (servant or bond-servant). The word can be used literally or figuratively, involuntarily or voluntarily. Note that James, a Jewish Christian, chooses to be a slave of his own free will.

If you were going to mark ‘slave’ on the ego (self) line you have drawn of ‘self’, where would you mark it?

If you are having trouble placing it on the line, that is good. For a slave, there is no ‘self’. Their life was for the master, never self. The line did not exist for a slave.

Sure-fire indicators that your Christian ego is in control and not God.

• You find yourself in a discussion and you just can’t back down until you have ‘won’ the argument or feel deflated if you lose.

• You constantly compare yourself to other people who you feel are better than you (better looking, more intelligent, happier, more wealthy) or the opposite, you feel you are not as good looking, as intelligent,

not as happy, as wealthy.

• You feel jealous when other people do well or have more than you do.

• You talk about yourself for 10 minutes before asking another how they are.

• You often sulk or when you don’t get your way, or become angry, anxious or depressed over small issues.

• You set yourself impossible goals and then beat yourself up when you don’t reach them.

• You blame others when things don’t go your way. It’s always their fault. If only they had done this.

• You cut in on another person’s sentence and either finish it for them or counter with your own thoughts .

• You get angry, upset, even depressed over what other people say about you.

• Life is always a half empty cup, not even half filled.

Bougainvillea

SPRING 2018

A good book on the topic of slave is Michael Card’s ‘A Better Freedom - Finding Life as Slaves to Christ’: Michael states that his book is not to argue over the word slave, servant or bond-servant and which one is better. He wants not to focus on translation but on transformation and quotes Murray J Harris’s book ‘Slave of Christ’ for those wanting to dig deeper on the academic issues.

On of the issues of thinking as a slave in today’s western societies is that slavery, in most, does not exist, and seen as the worst kind of subjugation for a human. And yet, in Christ’s time it was seen as acceptable, especially by the Romans.

Why am I going to all the trouble to recognise my ego (self). Ephesians 4:22-24 encourages us to put off the old self and instead, put on the likeness of God. What is the likeness of God? Galatians 5:22-23 are fruits that God gives us. Coming from Him, they reflect Him.

Remember the slave’s position is nothing of self and all for his master. Think of it also this way. A slave is totally dependent on his master as his provider. Should we not see this as the simplest way of living spiritually? Start at the beginning, recognising that there is plenty of self that needs to be handed over to God.

As Charles M. Schultz, the creator of Peanuts said, “Sometimes I lie awake at night, and ask, ‘Where have I gone wrong?’ Then a voice says to me, “This is going to take more than one night!”

At Aidan and Hilda we have three life-giving principles - Simplicity, Purity and Obedience. Applying the three principles to my spiritual life, I can ask, “What if my emotional state was totally simplistic, pure and obeying God.” Then following God’s royal commandment to love, this would be the only emotion I could draw upon and use. No anger, no self-pity, no anxiety, no fear, no ego. Only love!

St. Jerome (347-420) tells us about the Apostle John when he was well into his 90’s, was so frail he had to be carried into the

church. Still giving witness to the glory of Jesus Christ, ripened by wisdom and mercy distilled into a single exhortation. With all that he could have said, he simply said, “My little children love one another.” When asked “Why do you say the same thing over and over?” John replied, “Because it is the Word of the Lord and if you do this it will be enough.”

If you are struggling with the change of putting off self to become Christ’s slave. Stop! Set aside time to sit quietly with the Holy Spirit. In prayer, ask him to comfort and guide you. If your mind wanders back to self, as it has a natural tendency to, write down on a piece of paper the sentence it is saying about self and start again.

For example, self may say, “This is going nowhere” or “I’m not good enough to do what Christ wants me to”. Just write the sentence down and start again.

Consider a prayer that acknowledges our self or ego that gets in our way of serving God. It could be simply, “Father, forever allow the sins of my ego to be before me, so that I might learn meekness, humility, compassion and kindness towards others. Amen.”

Personal Study on Slave in the New Testament

Do a concordance search on the use of the words slave, servant and bond-servant in the New Testament or look up the Greek word ‘doulos’ and the context in which it appears in the New Testament.

List the people of the New Testament who were slaves literally or figuratively. Who stands out for you and why? Why would Paul, Peter, Jude and James acknowledge themselves as Christ’s slaves?

In your prayer time do you call God or Jesus “Master”. If not, reflect on the reasons why.

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Prayer of Longing

As the earth lies hard and dry, cracks open to the sky: Waiting for the coming rain To pour into the crevices of its heart.

So I long for refreshment of my soul: Your love to pour into the dry, aching loneliness of my heart.

In its season rain falls: and the desert becomes a flowing river.

As the ground is covered in riotous colour — wild, without beginning or end: So will my life be.

In its season the rain will come: Bringing your glory into my life.

My trust is in you, O God: Wait, my soul, wait. Wait on the Lord. .

Judy Kennedy

č Ask rain from the LORD at the time of the spring rain—The LORD who makes the storm clouds; And He will give them showers of rain, vegetation in the field to each man. Zechariah 10:1

č If anyone is an Enquirer, Friend, Explorer or Voyager with the Community of Aidan and Hilda Australia, annual renewal is also a time to send through, address, email and telephone numbers to our Secretary, Sue Hicks . They may have changed!

Information

Annual RenewalEach year, on the 17th November, St Hilda’s Day (Hildatide), a Voyager reads or reviews their Personal Application of the Way of Life in the days leading up to the annual renewal. Please use the Community of Aidan and Hilda Handbook, page 39 for further directions.

It is also the time for annual renewal of fees for Friends, Explorers or Voyagers of Aidan and Hilda Australia. The fees for 2018 are as follows. For Explorers or Voyagers : For those working full time $100 each. If it is for Husband/wife then the combined fee is $150.For Pensioners and unemployed, it is $40 If it is for husband/wife then the combined fee is $60.

If you are an Enquirer or Friend of Aidan and Hilda and would like to make a donation, then send to bank details below. If this fee would cause hardship, give whatever you can.

Fees are used to purchase material, as well as the up-keep of the Community. Next year is Conference, so there will be expenses organising this special event.

Bank transfer details are: Bendigo Bank BSB 633000 Account 156903775

Our Secretary, Sue Hicks can be contacted at [email protected] or on her mobile 0416 172 618 if you have any queries.

SPRING 2018

TheEnd!Our logo, the Southern Cross is considered Australia’s oldest symbol.

Australia’s Indigenous cosmology has understood its spiritual significance for millennia.

As Christians, the Southern Cross reminds us of Jesus Christ and his love for all of us. The Southern Cross shines its brightness only in darkness.

NEXT!Our next newsletter will be on the Summer Solstice which is Saturday, 22nd December 2018 (Southern Hemisphere).

Disclaimer

The material published in this newsletter is intended for general information only

and is not legal advice or other professional advice. While care and consideration

has been taken in the creation of the material in this newsletter, we do not warrant,

represent or guarantee that the material published is in all respects accurate, com-

plete and current. To the extent permitted by law, we exclude any liability, including

any liability for negligence, for any loss or damage arising from reliance on material

on this website.

Copyright in most of the content on this website is owned by the Community of

Aidan and Hilda Australia. The content in which copyright is owned by others

include images reproduced on this website under licence. Except as permitted by the

copyright law applicable to you, you may not reproduce or communicate any of the

content in this newsletter, without the permission of the Community of Aidan and

Hilda Australia. Images are sourced from Pixabay (www.pixabay.com).

Find us

č www.aidanandhilda.org.au

č Email Editor: [email protected]

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