Anglican Women of Australia National Triennial conference
Presentation to South African visitors Lucille Henniker and Rachel Over-Meyer by President Alison Ison with Treasurer Anne Richardson looking on.
In perfect harmony
Colossians 3:14b Love which binds everything together in perfect harmony… was the theme of the recent Anglican Women of Australia National Triennial conference in St John’s Church, Launceston from Monday 11 to Friday 15 May.
Delegates and some partners gathered from around Australia and South Africa to share worship, fellowship and to elect national office bearers for the next three years.
A wonderful week when Bible studies, workshops, a coach tour, a mission lunch, national AWA meeting and liturgies were enjoyed. The inspiring Bible studies, led by Bishop Ross Nicholson, brought alive the theme of the conference.
Workshops included an impressive tour of St John’s Church with Jenny Gill, looking at its people and history; an informative visit to the Tamar River Wetlands; ‘Harmony Between Beliefs’ led by Bishop John which captured participants’ interest; ‘Floral Discussion’ with Lady Sally Ferrall including a delicious afternoon tea; missionary experiences with Elizabeth and Robin Smith, who told of a particular financial need in Tanzania to which delegates generously responded; and ‘Relaxation with Artists’, happily guided by Alison Wallace and Christina Booth.
The Mission Speaker was Pamela Cornish, from the Launceston General Hospital, who spoke about her role as Chaplain, which gave rise to much discussion.
On the Wednesday night delegates and partners enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere of the official conference dinner at Archer’s Manor. The revised and updated version of the history book Anglican Women of Australia – the Strength of the Hearts that Serve was launched, with thanks to all who had contributed.
At the AWA business meeting Janice Peate of Grafton Diocese was elected the new AWA National Co-ordinator for three years, with Margaret Gibbs of Newcastle Diocese on the new National Executive. Alison Ison is Past National Co-ordinator.
At mealtimes diocesan delegates presented reports highlighting their local initatives, showing different ways of fulfilling the aims of AWA. Val and her team of cooks and helpers provided plentiful, delicious and varied meals each day. Other parishes supplied mouth-watering morning and afternoon teas.
How wonderful it was to have such a successful national conference in Tasmania involving more than sixty Tasmanian women, forty interstate delegates and two South African ladies, all of whom found time to make new friends. It was a truly blessed and harmonious week.
My thanks to all who contributed.
Alison IsonPast National Co-ordinator