On Sunday 28th April Bishop +Garry Weatherill visited the Parish for Confirmation. At the conclusion of the liturgy he announced that

The Reverend David Oulton

will be the next Rector of Hamilton.

Fr David is currently the Rector of St John’s Ballarat North where he has served for the last 12 years.

In announcing this appointment Bishop +Garry said that Fr David is an excellent pastor who will bring his considerable skills to the life of the Parish.

Bishop +Garry intends to Induct Fr David as Rector in July.

We pray for Fr David and Janine as they prepare to leave St John’s and look forward to welcoming them in Hamilton Parish.

11th Bishop of Riverina

On Saturday 23rd February the Synod of Riverina Diocese elected  our Rector, Fr Donald Kirk, to be their next Bishop. As a parish we share some sorrow at Fr Donald leaving after such a short time here but, at the same time, congratulate him on his election and wish him well as he prepares for this new ministry.

Fr Donald will be consecrated and installed in St Alban’s Cathedral Griffith at 10.30am on Saturday 15th June. Please pray for him and for Camryn as they prepare for this new ministry.

On Friday 26th and Saturday 27th October the annual gathering of the Synod of the Diocese took place at the Cathedral and Diocesan Centre, 49 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat. Bishop Garry presided and the Clergy of the Diocese and Lay Representatives of every Parish in the Diocese attended.

There were three significant issues that the Synod dealt with:

1. Changes to the Parochial Government Act that will give greater flexibility to Parishes in relation to them meeting financial obligations, and some minor alterations to the tenure arrangements for clergy. (These new arrangements only apply to appointments make after the conclusion of this Synod.)
2. A long discussion about the National Redress Scheme and our Diocese’s participation in that scheme. There will be a bulletin published from the Diocesan Office soon that will explain in straight forward language our support for survivors of Child Sexual Abuse and what that means to the Diocese financially.
3. A motion was passed, after a long debate with passionate and eloquent speakers on both sides of the issue, asking the Diocese to affirm it’s welcome of all people into our Church regardless of gender or sexual orientation and asking the Bishop to consider authorizing a service of blessing for same-sex couples who have already entered into a civil marriage. Bishop Garry explained to the Synod that he would not respond to this request immediately as the Bishops of the Australian Church are meeting in February and this would likely be a matter included in their discussions.

Sunday 29th July 2018

Following the 10.30am Sung Parish Eucharist over 50 people attended the Annual General Meeting in the Canon Julien Centre. The meeting lasted for just under 30 minutes. The reports and financial statements were presented and accepted by all present. Overall it was a harmonious gathering and the parishioners are pleased at the direction the Parish is traveling.

Parish Council

The following people were elected and appointed to the Parish Council for the next twelve months:

Churchwardens:

Robyn Wilken (Rector’s)
Jason Tonissen (People’s)
Claire Hilsdon (People’s)

Councillors:

Graeme Mustow
Stewart Otton
Jenny Rankin
Tony Roe
Gavin Wallis
Peter Walsgott
Earlene Gellert (Rector’s Appointment)
Elizabeth Nichol (Rector’s Appointment)

Centre Representatives:

Shirley Mailes (Cavendish)
Elisabeth Cuming (Glenthompson)
Maree West (Penshurst)

we congratulate them and pray God’s blessing on all they do in these leadership roles in our Parish’s life.

http://www.anglicannews.org/news/2018/02/justin-welby-calls-for-greater-anglican-communion-involvement-in-selection-of-archbishops-of-canterbury.aspx