Anabaptism and New Monasticism Conference

As we were preparing for the bi-annual, bi-national AAANZ conference on Anabaptism and New Monasticism, we attended a house church gathering in the Blue Mountains of western Sydney. Several people shared about their heroes of the faith like Dorothy Day an C.S. Lewis. 

They encouraged conversation about life choices and how we could live our lives.  Does following Jesus in life impact the daily decisions we make? Does it give us a clear view of the world and motivate how we interact with folks and the creation around us? 

We traveled to Canberra and after an evening with Moriah, she joined us driving to Melbourne for AAANZ's conference over the Australia Day long weekend. [See Moriah's blog]

The weather was a weekend of cool between two very hot weeks.  We weren't prepared for the winter-like sleeping weather and were cold until Mark remembered the two wool blankets in the boot (trunk) of our car.

Mark and Mary started the first gathering for the weekend with a get to know each other activity.  Usually folks know the two of us, if not anyone else, but there were so many new folks that we didn't know everyone either.  The topic drew them.

Then we introduced Anabaptism and that the early Anabaptists were accused of starting a new monasticism.  [see Mark's article about Anabaptism and New Monasticism at www.csu.edu.au/special/accc/worddocs/Papers%20&20Publications/AAMZ%20missions%20confernce/Hurst.pdf ] 

Many of the new comers knew little, if any Anabaptist history and theology.  During another session, we explained AAANZ's beginnings.  For many sessions, Mary helped out with computer/ digital projector hook-ups and advancing PowerPoint programs.

Speakers from various intentional communities shared the hopes and struggles with living in communities that are committed to God and serving others. [see blurbs on several of the communities in the middle of the Frontline page on the AAANZ website www.anabaptist.asn.au ] 

 

Gordon Preece spoke on 'Everyone a Monk' - Monasticism, Anabaptism & New Monasticism.

Paul Wallis from Jesus Generation told us about the history and  development of Monasticism in England.  His baby daughter was the youngest attending but slept through most of the talks.  

Another group, The Community of the Transfiguration is a Baptist monastery outside of

 Melbourne that has been together for thirty years.  The Ephrata Cloisters greatly influenced their 'way' of being  community.  [Mark's folks live just a few miles from the Ephrata Cloister]

The first morning they led us in worship using an icon of the transfiguration created for them by the Bruderhof at Inverell.  Two of their group also presented talks for two sessions.  

Two years ago in Perth, I had been able to listen to a young woman as she contemplated joining the community.  It was good to see her so settled and at home with the group.  

Mark and I enjoyed meeting up with a man we met back in the early 1990's when he was part of the House of the Gentle Bunyip Community.  I (Mary) am always amazed at how God leads and directs our lives into the places that are good for us.

Early on Australia Day, Ross Langmead led our morning worship.  

Sunday morning we worked in four groups to organize a worship around hospitality.  Using the gifts in the group and much creativity, a passage in Kings on hospitality offered to Elisha came alive. 

Amy and Josh, friends who have often hosted us while in Perth, spoke about the daily life rhythms of the Peace Tree community.

 

Three folks from Urban Neighbourhoods of Hope also related the practices that sustain and encourage their work. 

Marcus Curnow-Scott spoke of the work of Urban Seed in inner city Melbourne.   [Mark and I spoke to the interns at Urban Seed the day after the conference.]

Though the program was packed, spaces in the afternoons were left for special groups to convene over issues or interests like  CPT [Christian Peacemaking Teams].  Free time was allowed for exploring walking trails around the campsite, visiting the local chocolate store or getting to know others.   One day Mary even had a nap to catch up on the sleepless might when she was too cold.

There was also time for conversations around meals or between organized gathering.   Several folks played games of 500 or 'Irish Fish' into the wee hours of the morning.

The last afternoon was spent in brainstorming and small group discussion on directions ahead and suggested priorities for AAANZ.  

The excitement around the issue of wedding a commitment to spiritual practice with service to others was contagious.  I, Mary enjoyed watching older radical Christians connecting to young adults newly interested in following Jesus in all of life, in community, and in service to the 'least of these'.