A brief round-up of some recent events of and for ABM and AID supporters.

ABM and AID supporters have been busy across Australia learning about, raising funds and celebrating what God is doing through ABM and AID and our partners. We would like to thank all our volunteers and supporters involved in these events as they participate in God’s mission alongside ABM and AID and our partners.

Christmas Appeal Online launch

On Wed 22 November, ABM supporters gathered on Zoom with the Rt Rev’d Garry Weatherill to hear from Mr Ben Van Gelderen, Principal of Nungalinya College in Darwin and the Rev’d Canon Victor Joseph, Principal of Wontulp Bi Buya College in Cairns. They heard stories of transformation and hope about the students and staff of these two indigenous colleges. If you are interested in receiving a copy of the recording or the notes, please contact ABM Reception. We will continue to hold online Zoom launches to provide our supporters with an opportunity to interact with our partners.

Bendigo

The Bendigo ABM Auxiliary held their AGM and invited Meagan Schwarz, ABM’s Key Relationships Manager, to be their guest speaker, over Zoom. Meagan provided an update on the situation in Gaza and gave a preview of the upcoming Advent and Christmas Appeal. While in-person gatherings are irreplaceable, having a guest speaker Zoom-in to a function, can be an effective use of time and resources. Please contact ABM Reception if you’re interested in having a guest speaker.

Perth

The Perth ABM Committee hosted the Annual ABM Choral Evensong at St George’s Cathedral on Sunday 29 October. Hosted by the Dean of the Cathedral, the Very Rev’d Chris Chattaway, Perth Committee members were joined by approx. 70 ABM supporters to hear the Rev’d Ernest Lennon from St John’s Fremantle preach. The prayers were timely, given the situation in Gaza.

The Chair of the Perth Committee, the Rev’d Matthew Smedley reports: “The Reception following the service was generously catered for by the Cathedral. It was good to have the ABM [display] table set up and all four ABM pull-up banners there as well. It was reassuring to meet many who have connection with ABM, especially one who was a committee member 30 years ago! The general feedback was positive and happy that there will be an annual ABM service.”

Adelaide

On 29 November, the South Australian Provincial ABM Committee hosted a Prayers for Mission service at St Andrew’s Walkerville. ABM supporters prayed for mission activities within the Province of South Australia and across Australia and the wider Anglican Communion. An update on Gaza was provided over supper.

In late September, St Oswald’s Parkside decided to hold their first ever Spring Wander as a fundraiser for ABM, walking around part of the beautiful Adelaide Parklands. ABM helped the Parish set up their own JustGiving fundraising page, which made it easier for them to promote their fundraising walk and receive and track donations. They raised over $1000 for ABM AID’s Institutional Strengthening Project with the Anglican Church in PNG.

We are able to support any parish who is wanting to hold a fundraiser by setting up their own JustGiving fundraising page to help them promote their event and raise funds.

Grafton

The Grafton Diocesan Representative, Ms Janice Peate, had the pleasure of presenting stoles to two newly ordained priests in Grafton Diocese. The stoles are a reminder of the connections we all have with Anglicans across the Communion.