An audience with the Anglican archbishop

By Melissa Meehan
A VISIT from the Anglican Archibishop of Melbourne, Dr Philip Freier, has allowed for Upper Yarra parishioners to catch up on initiatives for the future.
On his first visit to Warburton, Archbishop Freier was warmly welcomed by parishioners at St Mary’s Church Hall.
Enjoying a friendly and relaxed dinner with parishioners, Archbishop Freier chatted with all of the 50 present.
Church Warden Beryl Begley said that she was impressed with his warmth and the obvious interest he showed the people he met.
Following the dinner, Archbishop Freier spoke about Aim4 Melbourne which he has developed since being elected archbishop in 2006.
The project will extend over the next three years and aims to encourage Anglicans in Melbourne and Geelong to be more deeply connected with God, each other, the community and with different generations and cultures.
“My aim is that we are people connected with people and each other,” Archbishop Freier said.
Vicar of the Upper Yarra Parish, Reverend Gail Pinchbeck, who issued the invitation to Archbishop Freier said she thoroughly enjoyed the visit and it would help to encourage and motivate ongoing work at the parish.
“It is a great privilege for me to work as both Anglican Vicar and United Church Minister in the Valley,” Rev Pinchbeck said.
“On a local level we are working as part of the archbishop’s wider vision of Melbourne.”