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Castlemaine Anglican Parish is a community of people from many different walks of life who gather together in a variety of ways to express and explore their Christian faith
The two churches in the Parish are St John's at Chewton and Christ Church at Castlemaine (on Agitation Hill) Rev'd Bryn Jones will be the new Rector of Castlemaine Parish commencing in early October Until then the Parish is under the care of Locum Minister Rev'd Sally Boothey, assisted by Rev'd Scott Holmes Their ministry is much appreciated Contact the Parish for information
including for baptisms (infants, children, adults), weddings, funeral services, and other pastoral and faith matters Please feel free to contact the parish in the case of a bereavement or a seriously ill person Everyone is most welcome to engage with the Parish by attending worship at either church, by saying hello to to the presiding priest afterwards, by meeting and talking with others, or by experiencing different aspects of Parish life You can contact the Parish by phone or email 
Playing the organ, preparing for Sunday
"And all that heard him were amazed"
Back in 2004 an arch of rainbow balloons joins parishioners of Christ Church with those of the Uniting Church to celebrate Christian faith. Now people from both communities come together regularly to share reflection and prayer.
All are welcome
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Parish Groups and Activities
Women's Fellowship Meets every Wednesday following the 10am service at Christ Church Men's Group Gathers each month usually in the evening over pizza For more info contact the Parish (details below) Into the Silence Gathers for meditation and reflection each Friday at 10.00am in St John's Chewton All welcome Agitation Hill Artists A dedicated group of diverse arts practitioners who gather regularly on third Thursday afternoon each month to connect, support and share ideas, hold workshops and exhibitions New participants most welcome ~ contact the Parish (details below) Concert Programs and Music Events Each year the Parish offers to the public a program of Chamber Concerts and other delightful music events. These are usually held in historic Christ Church with its excellent grand piano and organ. Money raised though ticket sales, hire fees, commissions or donations contribute to the work of the Parish Programs for Advent, Lent and other special times A range of different opportunities for reflection, discussion, and prayer are held regularly during the key seasons of the liturgical year Details in the Parish Newsletter YIMBY Parishioner led, best practice composting to feed the church gardens supported by parishioners who weekly bring their compostable food scraps etc. YIMBY = Yes In My (church) Back Yard The Labyrinth and meditation garden Everyone is welcome to visit the Labyrinth and meditation garden at Christ Church anytime in daylight hours Ecumenical Weekly Vigil for Peace Community led prayer for peace at 5.00pm each Friday for now being held in the Uniting Church Chapel - everyone welcome Communications A weekly Parish newsletter is emailed to those who wish to receive it It includes weekly prayers and scripture sheets, reflections, news and information about events and gatherings The Agitator, the Parish's quarterly journal (hard copy only) is available at each of the Parish churches. Articles or reflections from parishioners are most welcome Harvest Community Lunch Held fortnightly and cooked and served by parishioners, the Harvest Community Lunch is open to all. The cost is by donation if possible. Includes veg & GF options. An opportunity for parishioners and those from the wider community to share a relaxed and delicious social meal Fundraising for Anglicare and the work of the Parish A core group of parishioners plan and do fundraising assisted by many others in the Parish. Funds are raised for the work of the Parish and for Anglicare Victoria Gardening An informal group undertaking working bees in the garden at Christ Church Friends of the ABM A wide range of national and international projects of support and assistance are enacted by the Anglican Board of Mission (ABM). Castlemaine Parish is currently supporting the Solomon Islands Climate Change and Disaster Management project. Friends of the ABM share information and raise funds for this project through social and other events. Everyone is welcome Choirs The Christ Church Choir is a full choir which participates in the Sunday Eucharist at Christ Church and Choral Evensong, with rehearsal once a week New members welcome Choral Evensong A traditional Choral Evensong is held on the first Sunday of every month at Christ Church 5pm (6pm during Daylight Savings) followed by refreshments Church and Liturgical assistance In both church communities many parishioners are regularly rostered to help at worship and other church services. Tasks include welcoming people, reading scripture to the congregation, leading prayers of intercession, assisting the presiding priest, opening and closing the churches, setting up for regular services, sourcing and arranging flowers, cleaning and polishing, leading evening prayer services, setting out and serving refreshments after weekly and other services. Please speak with the priest if you are interested in becoming involved And of course everyone is welcome to any of the regular worship opportunities. Worship services and other events are listed on the Worship & Events page You are most welcome! If you have a query about any of the above groups or activities please email or phone the Parish Heritage Building Conservation The Parish has a long-standing and ongoing commitment to conserve the historic buildings in its care. Parish leaders in liaison with the Rector have sourced funding for specific projects including in recent years at Christ Church rebuilding buttresses and repairing /replacing roof gutters and downpipes. Bequests from parishioners as well as grants from philanthropic organisations support this work |