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From
the Pen of the Executive Director
How do we view sin?
How
one views sin will have a marked effect on one’s ministry, including
counselling, and how the problems of society are viewed and solved. If on the
one hand we feel that human beings are basically good or at worst, morally
neutral, we will view the problems of society as stemming from an unwholesome
environment. Alter the environment, and changes in individual humans and their
behaviour will follow. If on the other hand, the problems of society are
rooted in the radically perverted mind and will of individual human beings,
then the nature of those individuals will need to be altered, or they will
continue to infect the whole.( Erickson, Millard J, Christian
Theology, Grand Rapids; Baker 1985; page 562)
The Bible presents sin as an inner
force, an inherent condition, a controlling power that lies at the core of our
being.
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According to Psalm 51:2,4 sin
involves a personal act of turning away from God. It is rebellion against God.
It involves breaking God’s commands (Mathew 15:3—8, Romans 5:14). It includes
unloving actions against other human beings and even mistreating our own
bodies (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17).
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Sin can also be an attitude or
mindset that may be hidden behind a mask of respectability or piety (Matthew
5: 28; 23:25).
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Sin is also a powerful force within
that affects our lives (Romans 7:23—27; 8:12). As a force, sin can encourage
sinful tendencies in individuals and in communities (John 7:7; 1 John 5:19).
The bible also teaches that because of the sin of one man, Adam, the entire
human race has become corrupted and guilty in God’s sight (Romans 5:12—19;
Ephesians 2: 1—3). Therefore at the core, we human beings are so totally
corrupted that in ourselves we have no way of making amends and avoiding the
condemnation and the just punishment that is coming.
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Hence, we become alienated from God
(Ephesians 2:1—3), we experience disease and death (Romans 8:10) and we are
sentenced to death (eternal separation from God, Romans 5:12, 15, 18), but for
those believers who are in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation (John 3:18;
5:24; Romans 8:1).
So where does all this leave us? I
hope not discouraged. First, whether a counsellor recognises it or not, he or
she is dealing with the influence of sin in the lives of clients, and the
counselling is always hindered by sin in the counsellors own life.
Second, even though sin has permeated
our society, because of Jesus Christ, people can be changed into ‘new
creations’: any of us can find forgiveness, and there is hope for genuine
healing. The effects of sin are still with us, but we have the promise that in
the future sin’s impact will be gone (1 John 3:2,3).
Staff Matters
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Donna Boughton has been appointed
to staff as a sessional counsellor in Moree.
Wendy Long and Donna will be conducting a ‘Know Yourself’ course in Inverell:
June 25; July 2,9,16.
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Lois Reid and
Catherine Hungerford
will be doing ‘Know Yourself’ in Dubbo: July 2/3, 16/17. The Anglican Bishop,
Richard Hurford, was happy to grant his permission for this to happen as he
has had previous connections with ACS.
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3 days before she was due to have
an operation on her knee, Jenny Regan had an accident on her pushbike. She
suffered a broken left wrist and right femur. After a couple of week
bedridden, she appeared at work on crutches. She is working reduced hours,
until her body can catch up to her mind.
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Most of the staff attended a
spiritual retreat at Copeton Dam on 22/23 April with Betty Chiswell leading
the devotions on the theme ‘Jesus says, Come’. The effects of the drought were
obvious as the water level was way down, and the grass was all brown. However,
the peacefulness was appreciated as we spent time by ourselves, with God, in
amongst the kangaroos, trees and natural sounds He created.
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Brian
and Meryl (Admin Asst) will
be attending a forum in Sydney in May. It is being hosted by the Federal
Attorney General’s Department, and Family and Community Services. Funding,
research and the proposed new Family Law System are some of the issues to be
discussed. Fortunately, the government will be covering the costs of travel
and accommodation.
Money Matters
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LRCCS reaccreditation and
registration as a Registered Training organisation is coming up. The cost for
this has increased from around $5000 to $15 000. Thankfully an extremely
generous donation from Quirindi Parish is helping to pay for this unexpected
increase. Jenny Regan (Principal), Catherine Hungerford (Tutor and Marker) and
Robyn Smyth (Chair of LRCCS Academic Board) are doing the bulk of the work in
this process.
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ACS finances are going to be tight
due to less fees from clients than anticipated and higher counsellor staffing
costs and travel.
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As ACS looks to the 2005/06
financial year, significant cuts will have to be made to maintain services to
clients whilst reigning in an anticipated deficit of $83 000. Please pray with
us that these cuts will be only short-term and that God will supply what is
needed to operate an effective and efficient counselling and education service
to the region.
Praise Matters
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Donna Boughton’s appointment as
counsellor
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Jenny and Betty back at work after
operations
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The peaceful staff retreat.
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Generous donations from our
Friends.
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The increased numbers of people
attending ‘self-awareness’ workshops.
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The collaboration between
‘Community Health’ and ACS for adult survivors of sexual abuse. A group
programme is currently being conducted in Tamworth.
Prayer Matters
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Rain … please !!!
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Jenny, Judy and Betty’s health
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Safe travel for Wendy, Donna, Lois
and Catherine running ‘Know Yourself’ courses.
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LRCCS staff and Academic Board as
they prepare the documents needed for reaccreditation
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Federal Budget deliberations.
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Ongoing submissions are looked upon
favourably.
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The Board as they meet to look at
recommendations to rectify forecast budget deficit of $83 000 for the 2005/06
financial year.
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For counselling staff as they hear
the pain of clients daily due to relationship breakdown, abuse, domestic
violence, depression, loss and so on.
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Future location of the Counselling
Centre in Tamworth. Need for funding and a suitable building—approximate cost
is $500 000
Anglican
Counselling Service, Executive Director: Rev Brian Kirk
Lois Reid
College of Counselling Studies, Principal: Jenny Regan
Financial
Counsellor: Faith Boehm
Relationship
Counsellors: Ruth, Donna, Libby, Catherine, Judy, Caroly, Wendy, Ros,
Lynn, Jenny M, Ran, Jenny R, Nancy, Shirley, Betty
Intern:
Bettina
Other Staff:
Cheryl, Lois, Fran, Meryl, Carol, Elaine, James, Allan
Volunteers:
Barb, Colleen, Jane, Eleanor
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