Written by Reverend Melinda McMahon, Conference Organiser
Writing a reflection on a conference you both organised and attended, is always a bit precarious – how is it even possible to be objective, knowing the months of organisation that was invested?
However, having received many warm comments from participants of how much they were encouraged by the hours we spent together I am inspired to reflect on how the Spirit moved.
As the sun went down on Friday evening, 11th October, a gathering of spiritually hungry saints of God gathered for worship and praise. Bishop Ian Lambert, Chair of ARNA and SOMA, presentation did not disappoint reminding us of God’s supernatural power and the need to step out of our comfort zone in order to be used by God as his representative in the world. When we handed over the evening for the Holy Spirit to minister through prayer and soaking, we could see the Spirit move in the hearts of those who came to be refilled. We’d like to especially thank the worship team from Stockton Anglican who accompanied our worship in music and song. Thanks for your contribution.
While most headed home for an early night, to ensure their energy was preserved for the next day’s teaching and ministry, the team of around 10 youths from the Solomon Islands, who had travelled from Dubbo, arrived and began to set up. In the quiet of the evening, while having a brief rehearsal, I was immediately reassured Saturday was going to be a day of wonderful worship as Southlakes Anglican was filled with heavenly music, accompanied by voices overflowing from a heart of devotion and love for God.
As dawn broke, and 8.30 am chimed, we welcomed more hungry souls, ready to be taught. It was delightful to see so many come from different churches and denominations to worship together and be inspired by a broad range of speakers from as far as Victoria, Canberra, and more locally.
After our hearts were pulled into worship of our glorious God, Dr Jacqueline Service, our keynote speaker from Charles Sturt University, shared on the joy of our participation in the life of the Triune God.
Being inspired by the servanthood and humility of Mary, Jacqueline challenged us to recognise that although we have been adopted into the family of God, if we are to imitate Christ, our attitude must be as a slave utterly surrended to the Lordship of our amazing God.
Then, after a short discussion of the insights we each gained from Dr Jacqueline’s message, we settled down to be taught by Rev Brett Watterson on how as Anglicans we can incorporate Spirit-led worship into the rich liturgical tradition we know and rely upon.
Although Brett’s talk spoke directly to those involved in shaping Anglican worship services, he shared from his own experience of how even the most traditional service can still be a transformative environment whereby the Spirit moves powerfully, so that all who gather know and experience the presence of God.
After sharing a wonderful morning tea, provided by the ladies of Southlakes Anglican, we gathered again to be taught by Rev Graeme Liersch, who had travelled all the way from South Gippsland to be with us. Graeme reminded us that the call to be led by the Spirit will involve acknowledging our engagement in a spiritual war which us forces us to live on a battlefield, usually centring around our thought life.
After taking sustenance from a delicious lunch, again organised by the ladies from Southlakes Anglican, we returned to be taught by the gentle and humble, Rev Natalie Quince, who shared her personal journey of learning how to participate with the Spirit of God. After disclosing her growing acceptance of being a ‘comprehensive prepper’ (a quality shared by many), she shared how God invites us to offer all our vulnerabilities, so that His strength and power may shine through our weaknesses. The call to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God, stood as a break in the proceedings as we gathered around the sanctuary.
Then, we dispersed to our chosen electives. Surprisingly although there were participants in most groups, Melle McMurray’s Semi Abstract Works of Worship was one of the favourites, transforming the Southlakes Anglican’s foyer into an art studio, complete with 12 easels ready for some artistic worship to be created. The calm, meditate muttering overheard during this elective remarkably produced some delightful spiritual works of art.
Another popular elective was Bishop Ian’s When Healing Doesn’t Happen, which was absorbed by all participants. One of the participants of Rev Colin Walters Spiritual gifts elective, commented, “the insights gained at this elective will transform how I consider my ministry within my church”. Also, I heard, Rev John Davies’ on Successful Living stirred much discussion.
While some went home to rest, other participants lingered sharing afternoon tea. Others needed to returned home to prepare for Sunday services. Nevertheless, during the afternoon, the Southlakes Anglican ministry centre was abuzz with people relaxing until the evening service commenced.
The final evening service again kicked off with some powerful worship. I was overjoyed to hand over the evening to Rev Michael Marklew to lead. Michael took us on a journey through Acts, sharing the vital connection between the ministry of healing with the proclamation of the Gospel. Being a passionate evangelist, Michael had us discussing how we would explain the good news of the Gospel simply to a youth if asked. While Rev Michael’s evening talk wasn’t recorded, much of what was shared can be watched on Stockton Anglican’s YouTube channel.
Then Michael invited his wife Alison to share her own personal journey of healing. After struggling for several years with an incurable, and terminal condition, Alison shared her deepening awareness of God’s faithfulness. This long story of God’s abiding presence was interwoven with the most beautiful poems of God’s love and grace.
We then handed over the rest of the evening to the Holy Spirit, allowing personal prayer and ministry to be offered to all.
Here is what some reflections from other participants:
Graham writes,
Thank you for a great conference. The speakers were 1st rate, but I had to leave early as I experienced overload. I can only imagine how you are feeling and who ever said that you are a powerhouse was certainly right. Thanks again with every blessing.
Another participant wrote,
That was a great conference. I especially was blessed by the worship on Friday night, and His presence. Saturday was different and easy to take in because the speakers got their messages out without rambling. Loved Bishop Ian and his wife. Beautiful people, very humble.
Rev Michael added,
Thanks you so much for the opportunity to be part of the conference. I’m exhausted physically but spiritually full. I know the rest of this year will look different because of the conference and its impact in me. God did great things and I can’t wait for the next one. I am sure a lot more people will come now knowing what to expect.
Rev Alison reflected,
Thank you for running such a great conference. I loved the worship and the messages – especially Jacqueline’s. It was also good to see clergy from around the Diocese there. Although I had to leave after lunch to get ready for Sunday morning and also Messy Church in the afternoon. I’m sure the workshops were great.
One of our elective presenters, Colin, wrote:
I found Jacqueline Service’s session excellent, informative, great teaching, risk taking which opened up new ways of thinking for me. Natalie Quince’s session, like Jacqueline’s session, captivated me. I could have heard more from both of them. Ministry time was refreshing, filling and healing. The other sessions were also engaging and thought provoking.
So, next year’s Anglicans Ablaze is already in the calendar from 14-16th November and will be held at St Columb’s Anglican Church in Hawthorn. And if that is too long to wait until the next filling opportunity, why not contribute to the AnglicansAblaze Blog and become a contributing writer, so others can celebrate the Spirit’s blaze within the Anglican Church in Australia.