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Vicar's Musings for the Fifth Sunday in Lent2 April, 2017 I am delighted to announce that we are soon to appoint a new Priest Associate at St Peter's. Fr Greg Davies, currently finishing his time as Vicar of the Anglican Parish of Gisborne, will be joining the clergy team at The Hill in a non-stipendiary capacity next month. Recently appointed the National Director of Education for Ministry (EFM) Fr Greg will be based at St Peter's, and has offered his services to the parish for Sunday services and leadership in Christian Education here. It is of course impossible for anyone to replace Bp Graeme, who has been working in this area of ministry in our parish since 2009, but Fr Greg's arrival in the parish is very opportune as Bp Graeme's retirement approaches. Fr Greg has written a few words of introduction ahead of his first Sunday at St Peter's on Sunday 14 May. "I was born in Melbourne and grew up in Coburg. In 1972 as a family we moved to Perth — I had finished High School and studied for a BA at the University of WA — majoring in French and History. Then I did a Diploma of Education. I taught for five years — starting in Newman, Merredin and Perth. In 1980 I was accepted as a candidate for Ordination for the Diocese of Perth, and studied for a Bachelor of Divinity at the United Faculty of Theology/Trinity College. On 1st March 1984 I was Deaconed and on November 30th ordained to the Priesthood. My curacy was at Christ Church Claremont from 1984 to 1986, before serving as Rector of Willagee/Winthrop (1986-1990), Rector of Duncraig (1990-2000), Rector of Christ Church Claremont (2000-10) and most recently Vicar of the Parish of Gisborne (2010-17). "During my curacy I was introduced to the Education for Ministry (EFM) program, and over the past thirty or more years I have been leading groups as a mentor in each of my parish settings. In 2005 I was invited to become a trainer of mentors and then in 2015 with the retirement of the Rev'd Trevor Smith as Director, I was appointed as Director by the Diocese of Brisbane which administers the license for EFM from the University of the South, Sewanee USA. Over all these years EFM has been one of my passions as I have witnessed its value in faith formation and ministry for both laity and clergy. Over this time I have been committed to theological formation and education not only through EFM but also with the Catechumenate or Journey of Faith (a journey of welcoming those new to the Christian faith and exploring spirituality). "On a more personal level, my own spirituality has been formed and influenced by St Benedict and his rule. I am a Benedictine Oblate of St Mark's Abbey, Camperdown. I greatly enjoy film, the French language, opera, theatre and travel. I love Melbourne (but don't ask me for directions as I am severely geographically challenged) and I look forward in semi-retirement to enjoying it even more. I am single, with a sister-in-law, niece and nephew in Western Australia. Sadly, my immediately family have all passed away over the last few years. "My thanks to Fr Hugh and the Parish Council for their welcome and agreement for the Education for Ministry program to be located at St Peter's. The ministry and location that St Peter's offers I pray will be of mutual benefit and I look forward to joining St Peter's and assisting where I can." The Rev'd Dr Hugh Kempster |
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