It’s that time of year again; another year at Newington comes to a close, the anticipation of Christmas celebration builds and then we reset our focus to an exciting 2018. As we reflect back on 2017, what a year it has been; academic progress, musical brilliance, new heights on the theatrical stage, sporting success aplenty, tours to Tonga, America, UK, Europe, the Red Centre and throughout Australia. There’s never a time to grow tired of being thankful for the abundant opportunities that we are blessed to experience, thanks to the sacrifices made by others. Christmas is the time to ponder the value of life and consider the purpose and role we play within our community.

When Mary had given birth to Jesus, the Bible says in Luke 2:19 “Mary, treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.” What exactly did she ponder? To consider the context, she had traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem on a donkey while being nine months pregnant, before giving birth in a stable. Soon after, she was visited by an eclectic host of strangers that included angels, shepherds and visitors from the East referred to as Magi. Then shortly after giving birth to Jesus, Mary and Joseph were forced to seek refuge in Egypt to escape King Herod’s tyrannical quest to put the Messiah to death. There was much for Mary to ponder and treasure, particularly when we consider that theological scholars estimate that she was likely a teenager when she gave birth.

As we spend time pondering all that we value in life, despite recounting the personal woes we may have experienced, there is so much for each of us to treasure. Spending time with our loved ones must never be understated as precious; being genuinely thankful for the myriad of privileges should never be taken for granted; excelling at all opportunities that come our way is our prerogative; investing in building lifelong friendships is to be enjoyed; and striving to live out what we truly value includes discovering what’s possible.

I’d like to pay tribute to my counterpart, Reverend Peter Morphew as he retires after sixteen years of service here at Newington. Peter has served as Chaplain across all three Newington campuses, along with his trusted puppet friend ‘Francois’ who has been an engaging fixture at the Prep Chapel services. Peter’s sense of affection, humility, wisdom and encouragement, along with his inspirational chapel messages, have provided counsel and support for a generation of students, parents, fellow staff members and Newingtonians. Peter has been an incredible friend to me and an endless source of support and encouragement. He will be dearly missed by us all. We wish Peter much enjoyment in his retirement and do hope he drops by our campuses from time to time.

Finally, our ‘Newington and Community Christmas Carols Service’ will be held on Sunday, 17 December. Although this will be held during the holiday period, I do hope many of you can come as this will be a very special event and a time to celebrate together. Christmas nibbles will be served at 5 PM, with the Carols commencing at 5:30 PM. Please bring your family and friends.

Rev Geordie Barham
College Chaplain