Re-Emergence: 2023 ASA National Conference
By Reverend Andy Fleming, Chaplain
"Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things," Philippians 4.8.
Between Thursday to Saturday last week, Radford was heavily involved in the Anglican Schools Australia National Conference. Some 240 delegates from Anglican schools around Australia attended the conference. The theme, Re-Emergence, highlighted that the conference was returning in person for the first time since 2019. After the natural disasters of fires and floods that have displaced so many families and finally coming out of the pandemic at the end of last year, one might think we are clear, but 2023 has its own challenges for many in our wider community.
Among the keynote speakers was Astrophysicist and Radford parent Brad Tucker. Brad’s most entertaining address provided great insight into the ways his work and team are attempting to ‘clean up’ the space junk caused by humans (it's astonishing to think that even space is impacted by humans). I found the science behind Brad’s presentation mind boggling.
Radford Collegian and former Olympian, Brennan Dowrick, showed that he is still more than capable of performing gymnastic routines on the pommel horse even 25 years since he finished competing. Mr Andy Gordon can certainly attest to the strength, agility and endurance required just to get up on the pommel horse!
Radford students also contributed to the conference. Will Pak Poy (Year 11) and Jenna Munro (Year 12) shared their experiences of Eden Canoes. This proved impactful and many delegates sought Will and Jenna after their talk to find out more about their time working alongside First Nations peoples. Angus McKee (Year 12) sang for the conference members, while Dinugi, Hannah, Amber, Sophie and Venya from Year 6 started Saturday morning with an Acknowledgement of Country.
The Primate of the Anglican Church, Archbishop Geoffrey Smith, pointed to our re-emergence through detailing how re-emergence involves stepping out in faith. Archbishop Smith explained the ministry of Jesus and how apostles such as Paul can still speak to us now. Mark 1.15 reads, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." In our modern thinking, the word 'repent' is typically interpreted as 'turning away from sin'. In the ancient world, repent was about changing one’s attitudes or changing one’s mind, while 'believing in the good news' is to trust that this is true. Archbishop Smith cited the example of Jesus travelling throughout Galilee, preaching the good news and healing the sick to show how Jesus also invites us to take the opportunity to re-emerge from our challenges by placing our faith in his message of love and hope in the kingdom of God.
One of the very cool things I heard during the conference was Julia Baird quoting the Bible verse, Philippians 4.8. This was written by Apostle Paul, who himself endured much adversity. As we know, what we constantly think about, shapes our attitudes, sense of self and actions. As we continue to re-emerge from the past four years and life’s challenges, this verse is an invitation for us to dwell on the things that are best in our lives. The conference certainly provided the opportunity for delegates to experience this.
Perhaps we could think more regularly about the things that inspire and encourage us, for as we do, we may encounter God’s enduring grace and peace more fully, whose love created and gifted to us all those good things we experience.
Rev. Andy