Religions for Peace Tasmania Branch Interfaith Gathering for this March 2015 is entitled ‘Sharing Story and Ceremony‘ is in honour of International Women’s Day. It will be held on the East Coast of Tasmania on 14 March.
Welcome
Religions for Peace Tasmania Branch Interfaith Gathering for this March 2015 is entitled ‘Sharing Story and Ceremony‘ is in honour of International Women’s Day. It will be held on the East Coast of Tasmania on 14 March.
We are inviting women from all faiths to meet at Andrea’s Cottage, Flack’s Rd., Coles Bay at 12 noon. Allow 3 hours for travelling. Transport is available if it helps people to get there (Inquiries 0438 069 728).
We will be staying at Minna-Reatta and doing ceremony at Larwey Niree Tana Bona … Culla-Minna the Mother of All Life.
Kris Schaefer Shanti will lead us in a program of making peace with the Earth, ourselves and each other. Bring your stories, songs, prayers and meditations.
There is the option of staying overnight at Andrea’s Cottage. For further details, contact Kris on 0421 042 135.
Tasmanian Council of Churches:
Here’s a brief reminder that this Friday, 6th March, is World Day of Prayer(WDP).
For each year, an ecumenical group of Christian women in a different country prepares the annual service for the World Day of Prayer. This year, the service has been prepared by Christian women in the Bahamas.
There are a number of services being planned for WDP in communities around Tasmania. Usually, the support for WDP is strongest among women’s organisations in local churches, although both women and men are welcome to participate in WDP.
I’m aware of the following services in the Hobart area for WDP. In each case, these services were organised by representatives of a variety of churches working together:
- Hobart City: Hobart North Uniting Church (Corner of Elizabeth and Swan Streets, North Hobart): 11:00 a.m.;
- Hobart Northern Suburbs: Moonah Salvation Army Citadel (Hopkins Street, Moonah), 11:00 a.m.;
- Sorell: St. George’s Anglican Church, 10:00 a.m.;
- New Norfolk: St. Paul’s Uniting Church, 7:00 p.m. (Please note this is the one evening service for WDP of which we are aware.)
If there is a service in your area listed here, please remind the leaders of your congregation’s womens’ organisation about these services.
Sikh Community
Waheguru ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji Ki Fateh.
Venue : Mather’s House, Mathers Place, 108-110 Bathurst St, Hobart.
7th March 2015: Rainsbai Kirtan
Programme: Paath Rehraas Sahib from 6pm onwards; Kirtan by Hobart Raagi Jatha 6.30-7.15pm; Akhand Kirtani Jatha 7.15pm-4am For further information, contact S Harjinder S Grewal 0417 414 399.
Indigenous Spirituality
Adjunct Prof Tjanara Goreng-Goreng, the Founder and Co-Convenor of the Foundation for Indigenous recovery and Development, Australia, a community based group to provide spiritual education and social advocacy services for Indigenous people, will conduct the two programs listed below
.
Tjanara has taught Raja Yoga meditation for 30 years. She is an Aunty, ngungkari and Songwoman in her Aboriginal clans – Wakka Wakka Wulli Wulli Qld and culturally adopted to Yankunytjatjara peoples of the Central Desert NT.
- Venue: Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centre, 51 Risdon Rd (cnr Bell St)., New Town
- Saturday 7 March 10am-4pm
- Discovery and Recovery: Understanding your family of Origin.
Do you have difficulties in relationships, understanding your parents, partner, children? This program helps us to understand how early emotional development can affect us as adults in our relationships, family of origin, parenting and in our professional lives.
Aboriginal Law and Spirituality: A talk with meditation.
Tuesday 10 March 7pm-8.45pm
This program is about the foundational laws of Aboriginal spirituality and those practised in all clan groups. Cultural information and understanding will be offered in an interactive program to enable participants to experience Aboriginal culture in a practical way.
Bookings required: 6278 3788 or hobart@au.brahmakumaris.org
Both events are free of charge as a service to the community, but contributions are welcome to help cover costs.
Pints of Faith
There is an open invitation from Catholic Youth Ministry to attend the next Pints of Faith gathering in the South on 12th March, with Francis Sullivan of the Catholic Church’s Truth, Justice and Healing Council.
In the note about this event on the Pints of Faith Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/events/793024117448546/?fref=ts), Rachelle Smith noted:
“Francis Sullivan is the CEO of the Truth, Justice & Healing Council.
The Truth, Justice & Healing Council was established by the Australian Catholic Church in recognition of the importance of the Royal Commission and the imperative for the Church to address the past openly and honestly, the good with the bad. The council coordinates the Church’s response to the Royal Commission allowing the Church to speak with one voice before the Royal Commission representing the numerous organisations that make up the Catholic Church.
Francis Sullivan is a brilliant speaker. He is in high demand around the country for the significant work he is doing and for numerous speaking engagements.
We are deeply appreciative of the time Francis can spend with us to share about the work of the council, the Royal Commission, what has happened to date and what is yet to come. This is a significant time for the Church to seek Truth, Justice and Healing.
CYM highly recommends taking full advantage of this opportunity and passing on the invitation to anyone who might be interested.
As we are expecting high numbers to this event, it is imperative that you book your place to ensure our venue is adequate to cater for all who would like to attend. Please rsvp on this Facebook event or by contacting Rachelle: rachelle.smith@aohtas.org.au or 0400 045 368
As always, we will begin at 6.30pm at Hotel Soho with an opportunity for a meal, a drink and to catch up with friends (or meet new ones). Francis will begin at 7.30pm.
While Pints of Faith is offered by Catholic Youth Ministry with a focus on young adults, there is always a strong welc
ome given to people who are not Catholics (or not all that young). Given that this is an issue of high interest to all faith communities, a large turnout may be expected. It is essential that you please RSVP to Rachelle so that she (and the staff at SoHo) have a good idea of numbers.
Four Faces of Woman: in celebration of International Women’s Day
The Four Faces is a wonderful exploration into freeing ourselves from limiting beliefs. The faces are of authenticity, conformity, rebellion and spiritual power.
The faces are: the Eternal Face, I am; the Traditional Face, I am who you say I am; the Modern Face, I am not who you say I am; the Shakti Face, I am the power to be who I am.
Jill Shanti, a Community Worker from Victoria, who has run many workshops for women nationally and internationally, will facilitate this workshop.
- Date: Saturday 21 March 2015 from 10.30am-4.00pm
- Venue: UTAS Multifaith Centre, TUU Building, Churchill Ave.,Sandy Bay.
- A light lunch will be provided.
- Bookings are required by phoning 6278 3788 or email hobart@au.brahmakumaris.org
- This is a free event as a service to the community.
Dances of Universal Peace
Travelling Light Tours presents news about a Pilgrimage to India and Nepal with the Dancers of Universal Peace, to be held from 8-26 November (18 days), visiting Puri, Kolkota, Lumbini, Kathmandu, Pokhara. Contact Anahata Iradha, anahatara@mac.com
Easter Retreat, Hobart Buddhist Meditation Centre
Easter Retreat 2015 at Dorje Ling Retreat Centre, Lorinna
Development of compassion and wisdom
with a pliable mind and body
Based on the Six Perfections, which are: Generosity, discipline, patience, energy, meditative concentration and wisdom.
- Family friendly 4-day Easter retreat at Dorje Ling focusing on bringing together Buddhist meditation and Yoga.
- The meditations will be led by senior students from Hobart Buddhist Meditation Centre, with Roslyn Alexander leading yoga sessions.
- There will be some karma yoga included as part of this low cost retreat.
- Simple wholesome vegetarian meals provided.
- Cost: $240 waged, $200 concession. Youth scholarships are available at $120 (under-25s, please enquire). For non-members, there will be an additional membership cost of $45.
- Arriving Friday 3rd in afternoon, light supper provided. Departing Tuesday 7th after lunch.
- Enquiries to info@tashicholing.net or call Charles on 62235023.
About Hobart Buddhist Meditation Centre
Meditation and Discussion 7.30-9 pm, every Tuesday. Entry by $5 suggested donation.
71-3 Liverpool St [Goulds building, down the laneway to the right of the building, in the door between the bamboo pots and up the stairs to the 2nd floor]
email info@hobartbuddhistmeditationcentre.com
website www.hobartbuddhistmeditationcentre.com
Chaplaincy Training
Alphacrucis College is running a Chaplaincy Training course in Tassie this year. The details are here: http://ac.edu.au/schools/awards/certificate-pastoral-care/
Peter Swift (pjswift@netspace.net.au) is the local contact for the course.
The course is Certificate IV in Pastoral Care. Sessions are listed below:
Hobart
- Intensive 1 5 – 7th March 2015
- Intensive 2 21 – 23rd May 2015
- Intensive 3 30/7 – 1st August 2015
- Intensive 4 24 – 26th September 2015
- Intensive 5 19 – 21st November 2015
If we can assist you or one of your church members with any questions or application/registration please feel free to telephone on 02 8893 9000 or email Bethany.may@ac.edu.au
Emergencies Ministry Training
There is still time to register for the Emergencies Ministry training and refresher course for Personal Support Workers.
- Mar 26 & 27, Devonport
- May 7 & 8, Hobart
The refresher course (for those who have already completed the 2-day course) starts at 10.15 am on the second day in each city.
There are forms and further details available at www.tcctas.org.au/?page=21.
Please contact Gus emprojects@tcctas.org.au, 0432 620 253 for more information.
Spiritual Care Australia Conference
Spiritual Care Australia Conference – The Ground of our Being: Heritage, Identity, Connectedness. The diversity within our multi-faith association, Spiritual Care Australia, has a great capacity to enrich us all. Nevertheless, each one of us needs to recognise that our work as chaplains or pastoral carers works best if ‘grounded’ in our own particular faith and spiritual roots thus making us more open and effective carers for others. As pastoral care practitioners it is indeed essential that we must be sure of where we are ‘coming from’ and what informs our practice. Without this clear understanding it really is more difficult to fulfil the role of spiritual caring. This is work that will savage anyone who attempts to do it from a shallow understanding of what matters in life.
When: 20th – 22nd April 2015
Where: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart
More Information: Spiritual Care Australia
Spiritual Direction Available
Would you be interested in being accompanied in spiritual direction? Or do you know of someone who might be interested? The commitment involves about an hour every month or six weeks throughout the year and is free of charge. Spiritual direction offers accompaniment on your spiritual journey through deep listening which encourages you to reflect on what you are noticing in your life experiences and how this may relate to aspects of your spiritual life. It is not counselling or therapy in the traditional sense. You can talk in confidence about a range of everyday situations relating to work, family, friends or personal life circumstances. These matters do not have to be particularly spiritual in nature.
Kerstin, a student participating in the WellSpring spiritual directors formation course, is available to offer spiritual direction during 2015. WellSpring is part of Sentir, Graduate College of Spiritual Formation, University of Divinity, Melbourne. During the formation program and beyond, Kerstin is under personal and group supervision and is in spiritual direction herself. She is also insured for professional indemnity as part of the WellSpring group policy and is required to conform to the Australian Ecumenical Council for Spiritual Direction (AECSD) code of ethics.
Enquiries welcome: for further information, please contact Kerstin on letterwingpress@gmail.com
Parliament of the World’s Religions:
Many of us found the Parliament in Melbourne in 2009 to be an extraordinary experience.
The n
ext Parliament will be held in Salt Lake City, USA from 15-19 October 2015.
Early Bird Registrations close on 31 March 2015.
More information can be found here
Light of Torah Tour
departs Sydney 13 April 2015
We have 21+ pilgrims ready to depart for three weeks of touring and biblical learning (‘the text in context’) on 13 April as part of the Light of Torah tour. Last call for last-minute bookings! More at www.lightoftorah.net
In 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 the Light of Torah ministry, in collaboration with MennoJerusalem Bible Lands Tours and Harvest Pilgrimages, held a 19-day tour of Israel and parts of the Palestinian territories. This is an educational and inspirational journey, exploring the biblical text ‘in context’: the Land, the People, the Book.
A feature of this tour is its attention to the deep connections between Judaism and Christianity. Walking in the steps of Jesus we become aware of his Jewish identity and the traditions that formed him. We touch the sacramentality of the Land and taste the Scriptures as living texts. We listen to the stories of this unique place on earth, its peoples and their struggles.
For those in Sydney, the tour involves four preparatory gatherings and one follow-up session. Suitable reading material is provided for those geographically out of reach of these gatherings.
The tour is suitable as a renewal program for teachers, pastoral leaders and parishioners active in ministry with a desire to deepen their biblical awareness.
For further info and sample itinerary read more here.
Next Tour planned for April-May 2015.
To make an enquiry, click here.
Bat Kol Institute – 2015 programs
Study the Torah with Jewish rabbis and Christian teachers in Jerusalem; tour the Land and gain insight into the importance of the Judaism to Christian identity. Two courses are being held in July and November 2015. More at: www.batkol.info
Sufi Books of Broken Hill
The path of Tasawwuf (Sufism) is a path of total transformation, inward and outward and of caring not just for oneself but for all of creation. The seriousness of the teaching of Sufism and the endeavour to acquire the sweet nectar from the hives of our own selves requires learning and practicing. It is most important to collect books that relate to this teaching so that the psyche will obtain fresh and new realisations to balance the self.
Sufi Books of Broken Hill provides the other wing of teaching for everyone who seeks to change, because reading on the subject is one of the first steps on the path of transformation.
The time spent on the path varies according to the sincerity of the seeker and a genuine longing to experience the realities of the Truth, here and now.
Sufi Books of Broken Hill also operates as a mail order service locally and internationally, specialising in the sale of books on Sufism.
Alhamdulillah, we are happy to announce the launch of our Facebook Page. We hope that this will be an additional support for you to continue to connect with us and keep up with all of our new stock as it comes in. Orders can still be made via the website at www.almirajsuficentre.org.au/osc or if you see something you like here, just message us and we mail or arrange for in-store pickup.
The address for the new Facebook page is www.facebook.com/SufiBooksBrokenHill
Come and visit us soon!
Wa assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah. And Peace be upon you and the Mercy of Allah.
Sufi Books of Broken Hill
For Human Development – To Being
158 Argent St/PO Box 332
Broken Hill, NSW 2880 Australia
+61-8-8088-1019
Phone:+61-8-8088-1019
Fax: +61-8-8088-1019
Byakko
This is a note that the new Byakko website is up and worth a look.
http://byakko.org/
http://byakko.org/welcome-to-the-new-byakko-org/
Please let me know if there’s anything more you’d like to know about any of it, including workshop facilitation in your area.
I’m just back from a most beautiful ten days in Tasmania, enjoying the ‘work’ I do immensely, catching up with some of the peace friends and colleagues I haven’t seen for years, and meeting many new people.
I will be gone again on Friday, with Perth as my destination, once again flowing my peace ‘work’. Uluru is also on my agenda for March, with April and May seeing me in Brisbane, Melbourne & Japan, as well as our own Retreat in late April.
Coda
This month’s Coda comes from Zeehan:
St Fursaeus Church, Zeehan
This church and former convent was provisionally registered by Heritage Tasmania in 2006. There seems to be some questions about the history of St Fursaeus, who, at times, is called Fursa, Fursey. A common narrative of the life of St Fursa is given by Dr Reeves.
The Launceston Examiner reported on Monday 10 July 1905
FATHER B. MURPHY. CELEBRATES A JUBILEE.
ZEEHAN, Sunday. Father Bernard Murphy, who recently celebrated his 25 years’ jubilee as a priest in the Roman Catholic Church in various portions of Tasmania, was the recipient tonight at St. Fursaeus’ Church of two presents at the hands of his flock. These were an address from the sisters of St. Joseph’s Convent and the children of the congregation, presented by Master Nagel; and a purse containing £55, by Mr. Peter Gannon, who handed it over to Father Murphy on behalf of those who for some time past have been very busy collecting this practical memento of their appreciation of his continuous efforts on their behalf.
The rev. gentleman, in the course of his remarks, heartily thanked all those who laid contributed towards the purse, which had been subscribed to by many persons of other denominations. He made kindly reference to the great assistance he, his church, and school had received at all times from members of other denominations. Father Murphy made reference to his arrival from Ireland 25 years ago, when it was thought, owing to chest troubles, that he had not many years to live. He had laboured at Launceston, Hobart, Westbury, Latrobe, and New Norfolk, putting in seven years at the latter picturesque spot, and twelve and a half years on the West Coast. Father Murphy has always been looked upon as an organiser and a practical worker.
At New Norfolk it is understood he was largely responsible for the erection of the church, and since his arrival here the church property has assumed very much larger dimensions. The church has now twice the floor space. Spacious buildings have been erected to accommod
ate the St. Joseph’s sisters, whon Father Murphy was instrumental in introducing to Zeehan; while the commodious hall known as the Hibernian has also been erected during his tenure. All the work has been done under his active supervision, and may be valued roughly at £2500.
In peace,
Terry
Convenor RfP Tasmania Branch
6272 6521
Religions for Peace Tasmania
