Insights - February/March 2016 by Insights Magazine

insights FEBRUARY MARCH 2016

EASTER HOPE, WHEN ALL SEEMS LOST MINISTERS SHARE THEIR REFLECTIONS ON UTALK MAKING SENSE OF THE DOLLARS

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W E L C O M E F RO M T H E M O D E R ATO R

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“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35) Over the Christmas break, I attended the Vietnamese National Conference held at Merroo Christian Conference Centre.

REV. MYUNG HWA PARK MODERATOR

THE MODERATOR IS ELECTED TO GIVE GENERAL AND PASTORAL LEADERSHIP TO THE SYNOD, ASSISTING AND ENCOURAGING EXPRESSION AND FULFILMENT OF FAITH, AND THE WITNESS OF THE CHURCH.

Vietnamese Uniting Churches from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney came together to renew their faith and to strengthen their Christian fellowship with worship and praise. The conference’s aim — with its theme of “Go!” (based on Mark 16: 15) — was to equip and train attendees for effective discipleship. Although I don’t understand the Vietnamese language, I still enjoyed the fellowship and joined in the singing of Vietnamese songs of praise to God which touched my soul in the same way as it did for those Vietnamese-speaking disciples of Christ. Despite our limited communication, as we showed our love for each other, we were inspired to share the good news and encouraged to commit ourselves to evangelism. Early this year, I took the opportunity to go to a Presbyterian Church service in my local area. At the door, I was warmly welcomed by an elderly couple who said I was very brave to come to the church.

I sat near the exit — so, if needed, I could leave the church unnoticed! In the pew I saw the familiar small blue book, The Australian Hymn Book (the AHB, as I used to call it). Instantly, I felt at home and had a deep sense of connection with the people in this church who were using this hymn book common to both our heritages. I thought to myself, “These people could have been Uniting Church members if they had voted to be ‘Uniting’ in 1977 rather than remaining as Presbyterian.” During the service, I was overwhelmed with gratitude to this Congregation for keeping The Australian Hymn Book, which connected me with the early part of my life in the Uniting Church! On my way home, I couldn’t stop thinking about the connectedness and continuity in the church tradition that I had experienced in that service. It made me wonder, “Could we be doing more to achieve the Christian unity we were called to when we were named ‘Uniting’ 30 years ago?” The quiet voice of Christ sounded in my ear saying, “If you have love for one another, others will know that you are my disciples.”

h ts means “Go”, and “Fire” means “Passion”. So a year of the Red Fire Monkey would mean one that brings quantum leaps. This year, with the prospect of a year of quantum leaps, I would like to encourage you to join me to fill 2016 with courageous steps in evangelism, preaching the good news about Jesus. Carrying the message in our own lives that begin with love for one another. For the Synod meeting which will be held in April this year, the theme is to be a heartfelt prayer: “Come Holy Spirit, Renew Our Hearts.” It is my prayer for the renewal of our hearts, for restoration of our relationships with each other and with God’s creation and also for the revival of our church as an effective witness to Christ’s ministry of healing and reconciliation. I earnestly encourage you to renew your commitment as disciples of Christ for the mission of God and join me with this simple prayer -“Come Holy Spirit, Renew Our Hearts!”

2016 is the year of the Red Fire Monkey, according to the Chinese Zodiac. “Red”

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16 C OV E R S TO R Y “The scriptural accounts of the foretelling, betrayal, denial, trial, passion and resurrection of Jesus connect with a great swathe of emotions and human experience,” writes Rev. Dr Stephen Robinson as he reflects on his work with the Disaster Response Chaplaincy Network

REGULARS 3

FROM THE MODERATOR

LETTERS

NEWS

LECTIONARY REFLECTIONS

FELLOWSHIP NEWS

BELIEF MATTERS

CULTURE WATCH

ENTERTAIN ME

THE UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA IS ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S LARGEST DENOMINATIONS. OUR VISION IS THAT IT WILL BE A FELLOWSHIP OF RECONCILIATION, LIVING GOD’S LOVE, FOLLOWING JESUS CHRIST AND ACTING FOR THE COMMON GOOD TO BUILD A JUST AND COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITY OF FAITH.

MANAGING EDITOR Adrian Drayton PRODUCTION/DESIGN/EDITING Belle&Co SUB-EDITING Ben McEachen EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING/ DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES PHONE 02 8267 4304 FAX 02 9264 4487 ADDRESS Insights, PO Box A2178, Sydney South, NSW, 1235 EMAIL insights@nsw.uca.org.au WEB www.insights.uca.org.au Insights i u li e y t e nitin u in u t li yno o e out le n t e ti le n e ti in ontent o not ne e ily e e t t e ie o t e ito o of the Uniting Church. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Australia $38.50 (incl. GST); overseas $50. © 2016. Contents copyright. No material from this publication may be copied, photocopied or transmitted by any means without the permission of the Managing Editor. CIRCULATION: 16,500. ISSN: 1036-7322 Commonwealth of Australia 2016

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s D O E S C L I M AT E A L A R M I S M CONDEMN THE POOR?

Many Churches are preaching global climate disaster and saying it is being caused by humans turning coal into cheap and reliable electricity. For example, we have the Pope’s recent encyclical. Our Uniting Church is disinvesting in companies that produce electricity from coal. The last issue of Insights (December/January) was replete with climate alarmism and exhorted us to walk for “climate justice”. “The Pope condemns the poor to eternal poverty” is the subtitle of Professor Ian Plimer’s latest book Heaven and Hell, and it neatly captures the immorality of beating the climate catastrophe drum.

MORE FOCUS O N G O D ’S C R E AT I O N

I was very pleased to read in Insights the article on the Church and the environment (“I’m dreaming of a Green Christmas” December/January). I believe that for too long it has been ignored. The Ministry needs to focus more on God’s Creation. I liked the part about Christmas waste, at a time when the excesses are so brought to the forefront in an orgy of Father Christmas and gift giving. Zona Brown, Old Bar

How does climate alarmism condemn the poor to eternal poverty? Most relevant is the $US168 billion subsidies that developed world governments now spend each year trying to force green energy on their economies. Subsidies will rise to $US206 billion by 2040. These billions could be spent on reliable electricity, vaccination, clean water, sewerage, hospitals n ool o t e oo in t i o l ount ie tifi i lly in tin t e o t o ene y to e en t e e onomy n o reduce the ability of richer nations to assist poorer nations in the future. Then there is the $US60 billion a year, set to rise to another $US100 billion a year, that rich nations are giving to poorer countries, to install wind farms and solar panels. Giving solar panels instead of cheap reliable electricity denies them the thing most crucial to lifting themselves out of perpetual poverty. It is not as though there is evidence suggesting that cutting on io i e emi ion ill i nifi ntly lo e t e l net temperature. Even if all world governments honour their Paris commitments and keep to their emission reductions throughout the rest of this century the difference this will make to global temperature is 0.17C degrees, and this is probably an exaggeration. Churches preach concern for the poor and the marginalised. We are urged to give to clean water projects, to help the starving in drought areas, and to donate when natural disasters occur. At the same time we are being told we must stop the poor having cheap electricity from coal, when this hurts the poor and poses no threat of dangerous global warming.

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS

Jeff Raberg in his letter (“Your Say”, Insights, December/January) was correct when he spoke about the atrocities being committed against Christians in the Middle East. There are even fears that a Christian genocide is underway and that Christianity will be eliminated in its birthplace. When Tony Abbott was Prime Minister he committed 12,000 refugees from Syria to Australia and stated they would prioritise Christians. They are the most persecuted people on the earth at this moment, according to the latest report by Catholic Charity Aid. Now, [if] we take the most vulnerable people from camps, what happens to the Christians [left behind]? It’s people in the camps themselves that gave those people such an awful time t t t ey e t e e u ee camps to save life and limb. Not knowing much about politics, it’s hard for people like myself to understand why these people aren’t at the top of the list. Violet Griffiths, Cobar

Rod McLeod, Eastwood

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T H A N K YO U

Be rewarded for having Your Say. Every contributor to Your Say receives the DVD The Intern from Roadshow Home Entertainment. Your Say letters should be sent to insights@nswact.uca.org.au or posted to Insights, PO Box A2178, Sydney South NSW 1235. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

W H O C A N S AY W H AT ?

fi m i ol e i on illin ne to o e i o inion about the “Moving Forward Together” article (Insights, August/ September). As he says, “Everyone is entitled to a position not just the Church hierarchy.” (“Your Say”, Insights, December/ January 2016) At the same time, it seems to me that his assertion that the church does not have a right to give its opinion on political matters “…without the complete consent of the Congregation” betrays a misunderstanding of the nature of the prophetic ministry of the Church. I doubt very much that Jesus, a prophet in word and deed, consulted his disciples before calling Herod a fox, or polled the crowd on the wisdom of casting the money-changes from the Temple in Jerusalem. The Uniting Church committed itself to being a prophetic voice in Australia through its “Statement to the Nation” at its in u u l em ly e e e fi me mon ot e t in t t t e fi t lle i n e o i ti n i o un e o e judgment the policies and actions of all nations must pass. We realise that sometimes this allegiance may bring us into on i t it t e ule o ou y ut t e nitin u mu t on t ntly t e t e uni e l lue i mu t fin expression in national policies if humanity is to survive.” Situations such as the mistreatment of asylum seekers, reluctance to tackle the crisis of global warming, and the continuing disadvantage of some minority groups in our country demand that we speak up and act for justice. Full consensus is a worthy goal for which we strive, but there are also are times when someone has to say “Thus says the Lord!” Time and careful listening will usually tell whether such an utterance has the ring of truth. Brian Brown, Kotara NSW

W H AT H U M A N S SHOULD DO IS HELP ALL PEOPLE

I noticed that a person om te u y ote in suggesting that Christians be given some sort of priority in being admitted to Australia (“Your Say”, Insights, December/ January). This is really wrong. I recall that the letter-writer asked “What would Jesus do?”, or something similar. What Jesus would do is an interesting question. He might have said, “Yes, let people of my own tribe e ety fi t ut e certainly would not know what a Christian was, or be able to identify ‘Christianity’ as having much to do with what he was teaching. At least this is the strong impression I get from the excellent book, Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Asian. e e l ue tion i t should we do — as human beings? And what we should surely do is help those in need, whatever kind of people they are. Having met many Muslims in other countries, I have been struck by their

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hospitality and their welcome, no questions asked. We could learn a lot from them. We have tortured 1600 people in the Nauru and Manus Island hellholes for long enough, more than two years. We must bring them to Australia for resettlement. We must stop turning back boats and, altogether, we must stop behaving like barbarians, and live up to the 1951 UN Convention on Refugees and the 1967 Protocol. If PM Malcolm Turnbull will not listen to reason, we will have to use every kind of non-violent pressure to make his life inconvenient, until he does the decent thing. And then we need ill o i t to m e sure abusive, anti-human rights legislation, such as the NT “Intervention” and the “paperless arrest” laws — as well as the wretched laws applied to people arriving by boat seeking our help — are thrown out by the courts. Stephen Langford, Paddington

s H OW TA X I D R I V E R S H E L P U S L O O K TO T H E INTERESTS OF OTHERS One of the things exPresident Rev. Prof Andrew Dutney taught me was the value of conversations with taxi drivers. This may seem strange given all the wonderful theological thoughts he’s penned, but it has been my joy to gain insights into their different cultural perspectives. Recently an Ethiopian taxi driver told me of the late leader of his nation who had come to power to defeat poverty. “He had no political ambition”, my new friend said. “No agenda. Simply, one thing he wanted to focus upon — to beat poverty!” “Early in his leadership people spoke against him but he didn’t listen to them. He died with his boots on, leading by example, working alongside others to beat poverty. “After he died, people realised more fully what a great leader he was. He led by example and taught people what they could do for themselves.” In the letter to the church at Philippi, Paul has some profound things to say which I relate to the conversation with my Ethiopian friend. At the beginning of a new year, his story about leadership and what Paul wrote in this passage of Scripture remind me of what’s important for

the followers of Jesus. For we who have been encouraged, comforted and loved are to be encouragers, comforters and lovers of others. “Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4) In the account of the Ethiopian leader’s singleness of purpose, we hear of one who in the mind of many in his nation ut t e inte e t o ot e fi t By working alongside people in the challenge of ending poverty, he encouraged and comforted his sisters and brothers in Christ. Like Jesus (and through him), we are united in our struggles and sufferings. Also, we are united in love. The Australian summer has already been devastating with the tragic consequences o fi e in e e l t te n e ent oo in i ti n community, we are one with those who have suffered loss. Our compassion is expressed through the support of chaplains, the disaster relief fund aising, and the many local communities who comfort, encourage and love in very real and practical ways. ,In our thoughts and prayers, we hold the individuals,

families and communities, along with emergency and relief workers, and volunteers.

(Philippians 2:5-11) of one who humbled himself, was lifted up and exalted by God.

Paul speaks of a need for “tenderness and compassion” and the Greek language gives for me a literal picture of an ache in the gut for those who are suffering. As I did in my installation sermon, I point again to our tenderness and compassion for those seeking refuge from trauma and on i t e e o t o e in detention. Particularly, we continue to call for an end to children being held in detention, and for Nauru and Manus to be closed.

o u i lle fi tly to have a relationship with our sisters and brothers in Christ. This communion in the Spirit is a common sharing that is true community. In humility, we are to value sisters and brothers above ourselves. This “above” is the surpassing wealth of knowing Christ at work in us (Philippians 3:8) and it affords the peace of God that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Our hearts go out to, and we pray for, the little girl who was recently reported as being e u lly u e on u u e t in to o e mily it growing number of people and politicians, we again ask how the Australian Government can justify its inhumane treatment of vulnerable and traumatised sisters and brothers.

“...in humility regard others as better than yourselves”. (Philippians 2:3) Humility, real humility is not about putting yourself down. It’s about lifting others up.

My dear friends, in humility let us, the community of Christ, share with our wider communities the love of God, valuing others above ourselves. The question to be asked is: “Are our eyes on our own Between Christmas and New Year I attended the Vietnamese interests or, as they should be, National Conference in Sydney. on the interests of others?” My message at the opening Markupmirri, worship was titled: “Live – following my example”. I asked Stuart McMillan, President, Uniting Church in Australia people to think of those in their lives who have shown them the way of Christ by the “Markupmirri” means deep affection — way they lived their own lives. love, as with a brother or sister — in the Jesus is the perfect example Yolŋu languages of NE Arnhemland.

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s U nit in gR e d r e s s The Uniting Church is committed to conducting itself in a way that upholds our core values of care and compassion, and to supporting survivors of abuse. We are committed to contributing to the healing and justice process for survivors. The UnitingRedress team was established in 2015 by the Uniting Church as a Synod-wide initiative to provide redress to survivors of physical and/ or sexual abuse. Various Uniting Church Synods and Synod institutions have operated redress schemes in some form in the past. In the Synod o n t e nitin n e ley operate a redress scheme for people who were formerly in the care of some organisations under the responsibility of the Synod (such as children’s homes). NEED MORE INFORMATION? A website will soon be launched with userfriendly information about the scheme. It will include forms to lodge a claim. Brochures about UnitingRedress are available for Congregations.

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W H AT I S T H E UNITINGREDRESS SCHEME?

In September 2015, the Royal Commission made it fin l e ommen tion e in e e n i il litigation. The Royal Commission recommended a national government-administered redress scheme or, as an alternative, a state government-administered redress schemes. The Uniting Church supports these recommendations. It could take some time for the federal and/or state government to decide if they will accept the Royal Commission’s recommendation. It could also take some time before any government redress scheme is operational. In light of this and the fact that there are survivors that require immediate assistance, the Royal Commission has recommended that institutions address the need with interim arrangements. e nitin u in u t li yno o n t e ACT provides an interim UnitingRedress scheme to anyone who experienced physical and/or sexual abuse as a child in Uniting Church children’s homes, schools and similar facilities. There are three components of the scheme: • Counselling and support — where eligible, UnitingRedress will pay for counselling as required; • Direct personal response — this may include a written and/or verbal apology, when requested by the survivor; in n i l e e in eli i le e fin n i l redress will be offered by way of an ex-gratia payment. This is a payment made in recognition of the seriousness of the hurt and injury suffered as a result of abuse. These forms of assistance are consistent with the recommendations made by the Royal Commission. eo e u i o n lte n ti e to i il liti tion Acknowledging that the legal process can be adversarial, expensive, time consuming and impersonal for survivors. Our goal is to provide a pastoral response consistent with the ethos of the Uniting Church.

MEET THE UNITINGREDRESS TEAM Each member of the UntingRedress team is highly experienced in their artic ar e

Helen Basili Social Worker (Part-time. Mon-Wed) Helen is a mental health social worker accredited by the Australian Association o o i l o e e een working with survivors of interpersonal violence since 1997 in a diverse range of government and non-government organisations. For the past 12 years, Helen has focused on assisting survivors of sexual assault through the provision of case management, counselling, advocacy and policy development. REBECCA HAYNES Legal Counsel (Part-time. Tues-Fri) Rebecca has a particular interest in social justice. She is currently undertaking post graduate studies in jurisprudence. Rebecca’s work has included work for the n i enou omen o m omen e l e i e e l i n professional body representing doctors. RHONDA IANNA Senior Legal Counsel (Part-time. Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri) Rhonda has extensive experience as a solicitor, mediator and legal manager in government and non-government roles. She has specialised in litigation and administrative law. Rhonda’s work includes many years working with and advocating for victims of crime including adults and children who have suffered sexual, physical and emotional abuse.

CONTACT US o m e l im o fin out more about the interim scheme, please contact: UnitingRedress Phone: 1800713993 (Mon to Fri 8:30am-5:00pm) Email: unitingredress@nswact.uca. org.au il onfi enti l nitin e e The Uniting Church in Australia Synod o e out le n t e PO Box A2178 y ney out 12 ALL ENQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS ARE CONFIDENTIAL AND ARE TREATED IN A TIMELY

at a refugee camp in l y i e o e fin in new home in Australia. He then became a candidate of ministry, studying at the then Melbourne College of Divinity (now University of Divinity). He has been a minister at an Englishspeaking congregation in Sydney for 15 years. Another example is Hung Ly. He has spent the spent nine years of his ministry fin in ome o t e Vietnamese community in Australia and within the Uniting Church. In 2009, he initi te t e fi t ietn me e National Conference. By the end of 2015, Ly had grown his congregation at Footscray from 30 to 120 members. This outreach was extended to the Vietnamese community in Mitcham, which is now a faith community in Mountview Uniting Church.

WE MARCHED FOR CHANGE — A N D WO R L D L E A D E R S R E S P O N D E D

The theme of the Vietnamese National Conference was “Go” or y i t e e t t e intention of the Vietnamese community to listen and obey God, and to share the Good News everywhere God has asked them to go.

On 27-29 November, more than 1,000 NSW and ACT Uniting Church members marched for our neighbours on the frontlines of climate change, and for the planet God created for us and all of His creatures. We joined 785,000 others around the planet — and world leaders got the message. At the COP21 climate summit in Paris last December, for the fi t time in 20 ye 200 ount ie e e n eement to keep global warming below 2°C over pre-industrial levels. They will endeavour to stay below 1.5°C. Further, each year until 2020, wealthy countries will raise $100 billion to help poorer nations transition from fossil fuels to renewables. nitin o l n e o u tne i in t e ifi Rev. Seforosa Carroll, expressed how the agreement exceeded expectations, acknowledging there is much work to be done. n in i le t e eement i oo out ome o t e ifi in t t t e oi e o t e ifi e e e te t ou out it e i e oll e t in o t e ifi ie in t e elo 2 m fi u e on i e e impossible to reach agreement upon leading up to COP21 and u in t e fi t ee o it i e i u ion “However, the real work begins in its implementation, which will rely on the commitments of the agreement being followed through,” explained Rev. Carroll. Our Church wants a world in which all of our neighbours are safe, a world we can say we haven’t failed as its guardian. A world with clean air and clean water. United, we must push for our political and industrial leaders to put this agreement into action. Strive to stay below 1.5°C for the common good.

RESILIENCE AND G R AC E A R E A L I V E AND WELL

The Vietnamese National Conference held its members in love and prayer over the Christmas break, gathering on Boxing Day to share their ministry and mission together. As ministers and pastors shared their stories, I listened to the struggles and concerns, the dreams and achievements. I realised they shared a common theme: resilience and grace are alive and well in the Uniting Church. Let me share just two examples. Firstly, Conference chair Ha Le spent a couple of years

Both President Stuart McMillan and the Moderator, Rev. Myung Hwa Park preached, sharing their personal stories of following God’s calling to go wherever He has asked them to go. Rev. Dr Ji Zhang shared t e o o nitin o l and I shared my personal e e tion on i ion om t e om o o The Conference was long journey of participation and commitment in the house of God. I am humbled by the Uniting Church making space for grace in the Vietnamese community to openly share t ei jou ney in fin in home in Australia. Apwee Ting

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G I V E U P TO G E T B AC K TO G O D

As I surveyed a mini-tsunami of wrapping paper after the gift giving, I found myself wondering yet again about excess and sloth. Even our cats (who move as little as possible anyway) hardly bothered to roll over between Christmas and New Year. In the midst of all this, it’s pretty easy to lose the image of a child born in a backwater, growing up beside the poor and living out his call to share bread with strangers. Even more challenging is translating the sentimentality of the Christmas season into something solid and lifechanging all year round.

consistently of others. This year, the season of Lent starts on February 10. Typically, it’s the time in the i ti n len to e e t upon our spiritual lives in a quest for growth, forgiveness and connection. These 40 days are a God-given opportunity to recalibrate: heart, mind, spirit. it t i in min m l nnin to take up a challenge t ou nitin o l ent Event — attempting to live im ly e e t mo e ee ly on my faith and act to support people working hard to free themselves from poverty.

a couple of projects I’ve seen fi t n i e e tin n e in t e ifi i Lanka and Zimbabwe.

parched that without this income, Charles and his wife would be down to one meal per day.

e ll l o e imin to en time e e tin me it tin and praying, reading and learning about our faith as well as the faith of our partners in Asia, Africa and t e ifi m o ten m e by how easy it is to see people in these parts of the world as “needy” and underestimate their creativity, spiritual depth and sheer courage.

This puts our 40 days of simple living into stark perspective. But my hope is that as we take up this challenge, we’ll not only be contributing to the survival of Charles and his community, we’ll learn more about our God, our world and ourselves.

These people include Charles (pictured above), who recently told my colleague Steph that For me and my family, it’ll be a he wanted “many of you to come here, to Zimbabwe, to chance to start the year right by thinking about what we eat see what we have done and So, here we are in February, and why, including all the add- how happy we are!” wondering where January went, and furiously attempting ons (snack foods, desserts, He was referring to the small alcohol, the occasional taketo keep track of New Year’s business he has built with a y lun t o e e resolutions that probably number of others, breeding also going to assess our involved at least one of layer chickens and selling reliance on technology. the following: cutting back e t m et e ofit on excess; paying more are helping his family thrive e ll on te t e money e attention to our inner lives; would have spent on all this to in a part of the country so and, perhaps, thinking more

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If you want to get involved, check out www.Lentevent. com. There are plentyof resources are available right now, and are all free to download. The include videos, worship resources and activities for children, as well as an App (you can download it from the App Store or Google Play). Cath Taylor, UnitingWorld

MANNERING PA R K I S 5 0 ! ON 15 NOVEMBER, MANNERING PARK UNITING CHURCH CELEBRATED 50 YEARS. THE CHURCH WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED IN 1965 BY THE MODERATOR OF THE METHODIST CHURCH AND ASSISTED BY RESIDING MINISTER REV. BEST. THE REV. BRUCE EDGELL AND REV. ALAN PALMER, THE MODERATOR AND CAROL MADDOX (THE DAUGHTER OF ONE OF THE RESIDING MINISTERS) LEAD AND WERE PART OF THE SERVICE. THE MODERATOR, REV. MYUNG HWA PARK NO DOUBT HEARD MANY STORIES SHARED AFTER THE SERVICE AT THE BUFFET LUNCH WHERE PEOPLE REMINISCED ABOUT THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH THE CHURCH.

N A R R A B R I TO C E L E B R AT E M A J O R M I L E S TO N E

shed or the squatters’ dining room. It was not until 1876, t t t e fi t et o i t u a weatherboard building, was built at a cost of £180. Twenty years later another larger church was built, to cater for the growing congregation so t e fi t uil in e me t e Sunday School Hall (known as “Namoi Hall”) and in 1925 the erection of a stone fence and other renovations to the The great north-western second building were carried country constituted a vast out. Other works over this time bush mission area, covering the country from the Namoi to span include the building of emo i l ll 1 the Barwon and beyond – from and a Parsonage (1959), Carrol and Gunnedah in the the rebuilding of the main out to l ett in t e e t Mungindi in the north, and out church building in 1973 after fi e n ome eno tion to Bingara and Tamworth in the extensions in 1993. north and north-east. Around March 1866, the Rev. A. Kirton Corner in his early twenties set out from Newington House on the Parramatta River for the township of Narrabri. He as to be in his er rst placement with the Methodist Church in what was called the “Narrabri and Wee Waa circuit”.

In 1868 another young man in his twenties, Rev. J E Carruthers, arrived in i l o to i fi t appointment as a minister. In an autobiography, he tells of church services held in town courthouses, in a school house, in a station’s wool

Since 1868, a total of 64 Methodist ministers and nine Uniting Church ministers have ministered to two generations of people living in t e i ee circuit”, generally completing one or two year appointments apiece (In 1977 the Methodist

church joined with two other denominations to form “The Uniting Church”). There have been weddings, baptisms and child dedications, funerals and farewells and many community interest groups over that period. In remembrance of the Methodist church existing in Narrabri for 100 years, Rev. em en ou e i readers to “look forward and outward and upward” in the years ahead (taken from the “Methodist Centenary Narrabri 1866-1966”). He wrote that “...history will be made again that we can be a part of, with faith and optimism, courage and determination”. And 50 years on, his words still ring true. The people that have and still worship at Narrabri Uniting Church have strived to continue the good work begun by these 75 ministers and their congregation members, seeking to be a witness at home and impacting lives in a positive way in the district, in our country and overseas.

150 years of life spans across two generations and for the Methodist church in Narrabri, much has been accomplished during those lifetimes. Now, it is with excitement that the congregation look to the next 50 years, with the challenge before them, as God has directed in Matthew 28.

In remembrance and celebration of its 150 Year milestone, a Celebratory Service will be held on Sunday, March 6, at Narrabri Uniting Church (corner Dewhurst and Balonne Streets). The service will begin at 9:30am, to be followed by a luncheon. If you wish to attend the luncheon, please RSVP to Kara Taylor — iankara1997@yahoo. com.au — by 14 February.

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P O S I T I O N VAC A N T M I N I ST E R O F T H E WO R D – N H U L U N B U Y

P O S I T I O N VAC A N T CHAPLAINCY & YOUTH FAITH FORMATION

The Pilgrim Presbytery of Northern Australia is inviting applications from those who may have heard God’s call to serve in this position.

A unique and exciting opportunity to shape and form young people in a parish and school setting involving:

Members of the Nhulunbuy Church in the Northern Territory are looking for a Minister of the Word to join with them to share God’s love in this unique corner of Australia. This is a welcoming congregation who is keen to be involved and use their gifts in church and community life. They are looking for ways to grow their ministry beyond the four walls of the Church and to engage more in the region. This is a half-time position based in Nhulunbuy and an off-site manse and vehicle are provided. This position would be an ideal placement for a family looking for a change, a single person keen on adventure, or a minister nearing retirement. Applications for this position are sought by 11 March 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION about this position please contact Rev. Bruce Slater, Presbytery Chairperson, bruce.slater@ns.uca.org.au or ring 08 8982 3400.

• Leadership in the faith formation of youth and young adults through worship events and community/social justice activties at St. Leonard’s Uniting Church • being part of a ministry team delivering chaplaincy services to St Leonard’s College through pastoral case and educational opportunities A background in teaching and theological at a tertiary level would be well received. Position description available at www.stleonards.org.au APPLICATIONS: Secretary St. Leonard’s Church, 2 Wolseley Grove, Brighton VIC 3186 or email contact @stleonards.org.au Initial enquiries: Rev. Kim Cain 0419 373 123

GO AS A FAMILY. GROW AS A FAMILY. Excellent Bible teaching. Fantastic kids program. Beautiful Blue Mountains.

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F RO M T H E M A N AG I N G E D I TO R ’S D E S K

s ti ns s st ti n

ADRIAN DRAYTON MANAGING EDITOR

COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER, THE UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA SYNOD OF NSW AND THE ACT

As I write this, we are preparing this issue of the magazine (with its new design!) for you in early January.

seems that restoration and our thinking around what this means is even more important than trying to reach our goal weight.

It’s now a bit of a cliché to make New Year’s resolutions. The internet and social media is rife with “Seven ways to make your New Year resolutions stick” and “50 New Year’s Resolution ideas — and how to achieve each of them.”

I have been reminded while reading Rev. Dr Stephen Robinson’s excellent piece e e tin on i o it the Disaster Response Chaplaincy Network (p. 14) that our hearts yearn to be restored to Christ. He also reminds us that the Easter account particularly resonates ‘with so much of our life’. That we are able to ‘empathise with the disciples’ experience of concern, fear, disappointment, guilt, anger, sadness, grief and hopelessness — even before we join them in their confusion, wonder and joy at the news of the resurrection.’

As both the General Secretary and Acting General Secretary are taking welcome and needed breaks over the Christmas/ New Year period, for the fi t time ite t i olumn n it me e e tin on many things, particularly the aforementioned resolutions and how quickly we can launch into the New Year without really thinking too hard about what changes we should be making. I don’t know about you, but 2015 was a blur. There was much ‘doing life’ and not a lot o time to e e t m planning this year to try and lo o n e e t e more. Take time to enjoy the little things.

So I’m planning to try to e e t on t it me n to restore my resurrection life. To be more mindful of the need to listen for that still, small voice that prompts me to be the person God would have me be.

In Jonathan Dodson’s book Living the Resurrection?, he writes: ‘Once we make our way through doubt, come This may sound a little like a to understand the gospel list of resolutions, but I prefer story and saving faith in the to think of them as points of risen Christ, these questions arise: How do we practice restoration. the resurrection? What difference does it make in As we move through Lent you and me? How do we live and then into Easter, it

this new, or raised, life?’ It’s a great set of questions we can ask ourselves as we move through 2016. Despite what I said earlier, I do like lists, and if we are to live the resurrection life, there are four key ways to make it happen. • In community – because following Jesus is a communal effort, you need others and they need you • In prayer – because this is an invitation to know God and join his grace agenda for our lives • In repentance and faith – because they are integral to us receiving God’s grace • In the story – because the Bible was inspired by God and teaches us how to live the resurrection life by knowing and understanding our Saviour Rev. Dr Stephen Robinson talks a lot about “connection and hope” and it’s something we all need more of in 2016. Let’s be more connected and look to the hope of the resurrection. More than just aiming to be resolute in our every day life, Easter reminds us that the bad (and good!) things we experience form part of our resurrection lives – and that we always look to the Cross as our hope for the future.

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h sh Jesus is for sinners. He lived for them. He died for them. He rose for them.

This is not about a doctrinal formula. This is about Jesus being with us.

Jesus is for us. He lived for us. He died for us. He rose for us. Jesus is for us because we are all sinners.

Easter starts with the conception of Jesus in the womb and the annunciation of Immanuel — God with us.

Sadly, too many of us in the Church get caught up in sin, but in the wrong way. We are self-centred, self-focused creatures; obsessed, more often than not, with our own comfort and our own wants and needs. We fall short of God’s call through the prophets to love God through justice, mercy and humility. We sin through the way we act and the way we fail to act.

Easter continues through the life, teaching, example, and working of Jesus, which sets him against empty religion based of transactional righteousness (where a symbolic, ritual action supposedly changes God’s attitude towards us and puts off judgement against us).

It is just as wrong to get caught up in focusing on sin in ways that lead us to become judgemental and condemning of others. When we focus on the sin of others we usually end up as hypocritical self-righteous, religious bigots. Jesus is for sinners. He came to save us. This is not about a theological transaction.

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Easter sets Jesus against systemic power of governments, traditions, culture, and religion which places people in privilege over others and leads to wrong perceptions of selfrighteousness and worth. Easter continues to the cross where Jesus is a religious and political victim of those who seek to hold privilege and promote power. Easter continues to the tomb where God allows us to believe that

st we can rid ourselves of the annoyance of transcendent conscience and delude ourselves that we have ultimate power over our lives and the lives of others. Easter continues through resurrection to re-enter our world in a shocking way (just as in the birth of Christ). It remind us of Immanuel – God with and for us — and that there is nothing, not even our worst, that can kill God’s active love for us.

come from faith – but faith is a large part of accessing it. Righteousness comes from God. It comes from Jesus. It is not transactional, but relational. We don’t earn it, nor are we rewarded with it. We can’t purchase or trade for it.

Righteousness is being in relationship with God. It is about knowing, not only about Jesus, but knowing Jesus. It is about following not only religious rules, traditions and culture, but following Jesus in faithful Jesus is for sinners, and loving service to God and because we are all sinners, others. It involves the Jesus is for us. Jesus is ifi i l i in o t e e t Immanuel – God with and for us. God is love and Jesus of ourselves to work for the best in others and the world; is the love of God incarnate: not to earn righteousness, lo e i i t e ifi i l but because it is simply the giving of God’s best to work for our best and what is best right response to the love for the world. We are sinners, and grace of God. God is but before that, we are God’s. for us and, when we seek to live rightly with God, our sin melts away as we are healed, Righteousness does transformed and renewed. not come from belief – Happy and holy Easter. although belief is involved. Righteousness does not Jon Humphries is the come from ritual – although Chaplain at Ravenswood ritual can be helpful. Righteousness does not even School for Girls

Good Friday 2016 Witness the suffering of Jesus Christ at Wesley Mission’s drama, Journey to the Cross procession followed by Good Friday worship 1.30 pm Friday 25 March 2016—Martin Place Amphitheatre 3 pm Good Friday Service—Wesley Theatre

wesleymission.org.au

WEC2016_2_Easter_Posters_Insights_Ad_Good_Friday_A4.indd 1

18/01/2016 3:40 pm

Easter Hope

WHEN ALL SEEMS LOST

THE FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT GIFT OF THIS MINISTRY IS THAT, LIKE JESUS HIMSELF, WE MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE HURTING As a Uniting Church minister in a parish, Easter was always the season that affected and absorbed me like no other. The danger with hearing any story more than once (let alone many times) is that we can become complacent to its power, so each year I would try to read the gospels accounts of the passion and resurrection of Christ as if for the rst ti e

of ministering part-time in emergency and disaster recovery chaplaincy. In my current role I have worked all over Australia, and increasingly in t e ifi mon eo le who have experienced loss t ou i te y fi e oo windstorm, cyclone, accident and terrorism.

In NSW, the Uniting Church Synod is a Community Partner within the State’s welfare plan. During disasters and The scriptural accounts of the major emergencies we are foretelling, betrayal, denial, trial, passion and resurrection present in evacuation centres alongside the Red Cross of Jesus connect with a great (which offers personal support swathe of emotions and and assists in registration human experience. These of evacuees), the Salvation accounts resonate with so Army (which supplies food), much of our life. Read anew, ADRA (accommodation) and we can empathise with the Anglicare (providing personal disciples’ experience of concern, fear, disappointment, requisites and support to guilt, anger, sadness, grief and other agencies). The Synod’s role is to provide ecumenical hopelessness — even before we join them in their confusion, chaplaincy through the NSW Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy wonder and joy at the news of Network (DRCN), which I the resurrection. coordinate with the assistance Easter is more than just a good of a dedicated group of volunteers. This network of story. It is the point at which nearly 180 ministry agents God, in Christ, enters every from a wide range of faiths part of our experience, even and denominations cares for our despair (“My God, why eo le t t e mo t i fi ult n have you forsaken me?”) and confronting of times. our death. It’s been more than two years since I conducted Easter worship in a parish setting. For the past two and a half years I have been ministering full-time in the area of disaster recovery as the National i te e o e y fi e it the Uniting Church Assembly. This followed some 15 years

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As I read the gospel accounts of Easter now, it is increasingly through the eyes of someone who shares time with people beyond the gathered Congregation during “Easter moments” of their lives. These are times where loss is deeply real, death is near or seemingly overwhelming and

the world as they have known it is shaken, if not destroyed. This has, if anything, enhanced my understanding of the reality of loss, the value of hope, and the power of the resurrection.

T H E ROA D TO EMMAUS

My favourite Easter story of the gospels is that of Jesus with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, told in Luke chapter 24 (verses 13 to 35). It reminds me that the initial reaction to the good news of Jesus’ resurrection was not joy, but fear and confusion. The disciples were not in a place to readily accept the hope of the e u e tion t ey fi t to comprehend, if not understand, the costly death of their beloved teacher and friend. Cleopas and his companion are walking home after a disastrous weekend. Their worldview has been shattered by the devastating events of Good Friday. The one upon whom they had placed all their hopes (v. 21) had been tortured to death.

BEING THERE

The essence of chaplaincy is often described as a “ministry of presence”. The very best chaplains I have seen are those who are able to simply come beside people as they move from a place of devastation and loss. e fi t n mo t im o t nt gift of this ministry is that, like Jesus himself, we meet people where they are hurting. On the street, as they leave something awful, or as they gather with loved ones to make sense of it all. When the Quakers Hill u in ome fi e o e out in November 2011, it led to the evacuation of 90 residents and t e e t o 11 fiel e a team of seven chaplains in a nearby Anglican church that was set up as a spontaneous evacuation centre.

The level of need was nearly overwhelming. Residents and staff who had been evacuated e e ein ent on in eet of ambulances to hospitals and aged-care facilities all over Sydney. The family and As they walk, they are talking friends of residents were also through every detail of their arriving, along with other staff experience. What they saw, what they heard, in what order that needed to understand what had happened to those it took place, how they felt. they cared for. DRCN chaplains They are doing what most of simply sat with them, working us do when we suffer a lifewith the police as loved ones shattering shock — trying to talk it out and make sense of it. waited. We remained with them as they received the allimportant news about whether It’s at this point that Jesus their loved ones’ had survived comes beside them, yet they — or died. “were kept from recognising him”. (v. 16)

MEMBERS OF THE DISASTER RESPONSE C H A P L A I N C Y N E T WO R K

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R E V. D R . S T E P H E N RO B I N S O N LISTENING

On the road to Emmaus, Jesus understands that, although he had just died and lived the Easter event, the disciples need to have understanding from their point of view. Rather than jump in with incomprehensible news, he asks them what is going on. “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” (v. 17). He sees the need for them to catch up. We don’t leap into resurrection without processing the reality of death. And with Jesus asking comes wonderful regard. I love that, time and time again, Jesus asks the people he cares for what they think, and what they want. Even with his supernatural knowledge of their circumstances, Jesus asked the question and e e te n i nifie t ei response by listening as they named the thing they felt they most needed.

PICKING UP THE PIECES

Major Don Woodland is a well-respected (now retired) Salvation Army chaplain, and no stranger to disaster. He uses the metaphor of a jigsaw puzzle to describe a person’s life. As we grow, pieces are added over time to build up a picture of reality, memory and meaning. When a traumatic event happens — that jigsaw picture is shattered, the pieces are scattered, disordered and some lost. The role of the chaplain in these circumstances is to come alongside and to help pick up the pieces. The person’s life will not look the same again. Some pieces may never be found and there will be gaps (such as having lost a loved one). Others may take some time to fin n e l e ut as life goes on, the picture will be added to – building again from the edges.

THE VALUE OF FIRST LISTENING TO THE ONE FEELING THE LOSS IS INCALCULABLE given the honour of offering the blessing for the meal and, as he breaks bread with them, something powerful happens. Perhaps it was the memory of words spoken and bread broken at a previous table, but maybe something more.

The role of chaplaincy offers connection and hope. To walk onto fi e oun n e the words, “Thank God, the chaplain’s here.” To stand with num e o l yin o e and cards following the Martin Place siege. To have someone tap your shoulder and say “thank you for being here”, is a reminder that, through and beyond us, the risen Christ continues to walk alongside te oo l in o out suffering people. Even as we on the streets, joining people are sustained by the sure experiencing the grief of returning to their water-ruined, and certain hope of the risen Christ, we allow other people to mu fille ome ey e lean upon us, and bring God’s the loss of those beginning to make decisions about the long, assurance that this is not the end. A new day will come. i fi ult jou ney to e o e y There is something wonderful about breaking bread with people at a time of crisis. Our chaplains make a point of being at the meal tables in evacuation centres. The act of sharing a meal transcends a professional/client relationship to be something that is more akin to family or friends.

SHARING EASTER HOPE

This is what Jesus is doing, as they walk and talk together Along with the ministry of on the road to Emmaus. He presence, comes the ministry is giving them time, speaking of silence. Being absolutely into their lives with fresh vision. attentive to the “story” of the person at a point of need. Even He helps them to reframe the context of that weekend as, if we judge their story is not piece by piece, he brings the entirely accurate or fair – it is their story and listening brings bigger picture together to give it new meaning. with it a regard for a person’s loss and circumstances.

I am absolutely reliant on Easter – for only in what Jesus did can I join completely with God, to overcome all that can come against me. Christ’s actions throughout the events of Easter give us blessing, forgiveness, healing, assurance, salvation, and eternal life.

For us, who come from a protestant tradition with a high regard for The Word (and a tendency to bring answers!), this is not easy. The value of fi t li tenin to t e one eelin the loss is incalculable.

In disaster recovery chaplaincy, we share life with people who will say they have “lost everything”. Life as they know it has been shattered, and all they have depended on appears to be gone – houses,

BREAKING BREAD

Joining them on the way, listening to their concerns, and helping them pick up the pieces of their shattered lives, Jesus arrives (still unrecognised) at his followers’ home in Emmaus. Jesus is

possessions, even loved ones. The present is unimaginable; can there possibly be hope in the future? Our very presence and ministry brings a quiet assurance that there is more than this. This is not the end.

Rev. Dr. Stephen Robinson is the National Disaster Reco er cer ith the Assembly of the Uniting Church. He is also the disaster recovery coordinator for the Synod of NSW and ACT, and coordinator of the NSW Disaster Recovery ha ainc et or is b o is at https://stephenrobbo. or ress co

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COMMUNITY AND SENSE OF

purpose

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nt th i it Last year, the Moderator, Rev. Myung Hwa Park, undertook a series of gatherings called UTalk, which aimed to connect ministers in a way that would engage and inspire them to share their experiences. As Rev. Park explains: “The whole idea came about to encourage ministers in their ministry. Ministers are very isolated in many ways and meeting up with others is one a o a r in their sense o ca harin abo t ministry in a place where they can be understood is very important.” Ministers who have been involved have been really positive about the gatherings. “One of the things we forget is that ministers are set apart for this ministry,” Rev. Park continues. “Many operate in isolation and the gatherings have enabled sharing of the frustrations, uncertainty and experiences. Moments of enlightenment have been shared and they discover common ground. “In the future I would like to open the gatherings up to ministers in placement, ministers who are chaplains an s eci e inisters a a so annin a orean speaking UTalk. In June, we are aiming to have a ministry conference, which will address the issues that have come up from these gatherings. “I want ministers to feel free to run UTalk in their own contexts; to have facilitated a model that they can share. o the secon ha o e i be enco ra in people to use this model and continue to share this reflecti e ractice

I N T H E I R OW N WO R D S, M I N I S T E R S TA L K A B O U T T H E I R U TA L K E X P E R I E N C E S S H I R L E Y M A D D OX

It was fun to meet old friends and interesting to hear about the experiences of the present Moderator. It is 21 years since I was Moderator and both UCA and the community in which it lives out its calling are very much changed. In such exciting and challenging times I stand in awe of the work Myung Hwa does and the leadership she gives with such grace and hope and commitment.

JOHN BLAIR

Those special UTalk hours were helpful to me, as was my e e tion on my 2 ye in ministry, including 11 years’ service with the UCA. We listened well as preselected speakers shared ie y it o t ei o n stories. I should think many of us listening could identify it ifi e in n stretching for the love of God. Those who spoke encouraged my o n e e tion o m ny y ollo in e e tion which took me inevitably and humbly down Memory Lane. UTalk meetings might help retirees’ appreciation of their past life choices. It might also increase the important sense of self-worth as mortal ‘standard bearers’ of the Love of Jesus Christ, in these i fi ult y o iou n i tu in on i t

D O RO T H Y MCRAE-MCMAHON

When I was heading towards the UTalk gathering for retired ministers, I must say I had no idea how it would feel to be there. Then I walked in and saw all these people, most of whom I had not seen for decades. In the past, I had shared critical moments of my life and ministry with many of them and, when we talked together, the memories and feelings oo e I saw that some people who had been strong leaders were now quite vulnerable and others were simply quietly wise. As I talked with many of them, I looked at the extra years of life on their faces and often heard of journeys which included grieving for lost loved ones. I felt so comfortable and comforted as I shared similar experiences. I felt very honoured to have been invited to speak about where I am in my life now and when I left the gathering, carried with me so many gifts from people I respect. I give my grateful thanks to our Moderator for initiating such a special event.

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WE ARE ALL UNIQUE PEOPLE WITH INDIVIDUAL R R R R R R R R B E R NA R D T H O RO G O O D

As one of the more ancient of the retired ministers, I found it refreshing to have a collective looking-back at our varied ministries. We are all unique people with individual approaches to the mystery of grace; these gatherings gave time for the personal to be revealed, without polemics, ut it lm e e tion struck by the way humanity shines through ministry. Perhaps it is good for the Church to learn that, for many ministers, the journey has been painful as well as blessed. I am not sure whether our Moderator was helped by ou e e tion ut e e e encouraged by her quiet onfi en e i i uilt on such a wide experience of the family of God. Can our loved church be UNITING still? We thought that we may indeed unite the gifts of many cultures, even though we falter along the way to the broader unity of Christians — because that is not a small sign of grace.

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JOHN A PENDER

First up I would like to record my commendation and appreciation of the steps taken by the Moderator to establish this program. I believe this to be a very timely exercise for the life of the Church. I have participated in two sessions of UTalk workshops. t t e fi t o o in ite to e my e e tion on ministry. I made the point that I believed the UCA had embraced an ethos of ‘Doing’ at the expense of ‘Being’. I have been very surprised at the endorsement of that observation both at the workshops and in subsequent communication. It seems to me that a consequence of this is a diminished sense of the sacred and the holy. Essentially, it has to do with the spiritual nurture of the individual. At the Leura workshop, I found myself in a small group in it fi e ot e eti e ministers. What became painfully obvious was the disconnection these ministers felt from the Church that they had served in ministry.

It was not that they wanted to do more in their retirement, but more that they were a living part of the fellowship of the Church. There is a way to go with these workshops and part of the challenge is to know where they are taking us in regard to our understanding of ‘being church’ in the world today. Patience is necessary.

what are some of the current issues with which ministers are grappling now. It pleases me to think that the Moderator has set herself the task of listening to ministers and I hope this will lead her, in her time as Moderator, as she guides the church in her openness and Spirit-led way.

In essence I believe there is a need for a period of healing in the life of the Church that allows for the recovery of the life-giving fullness of the Gospel.

N E R I DA D R A K E .

e fi t t e in tten e was in 222 Pitt St, and consisted of many retired ministers. The Moderator was a gracious host and it was fascinating to hear the variety o e e tion on mini t y t t were presented. I enjoyed listening to the experiences of my colleagues and the camaraderie of getting together. Some retreads, like myself, like to dwell in the past, so to go to a Utalk on the Mid-North Coast helped me to stay in touch with

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT U TA L K If you would like to know more about UTalk events planned for this year, contact the ecretariat on or e ai e i oss at suew@nswact.uca.org.au

SYNOD

MEETING

2016

Come Holy Spirit

RENEW OUR HEARTS

COME HOLY SPIRIT, RENEW OUR HEARTS DIARISE THE DATE 16-19 April 2016, Great Hall, Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga PRAY FOR THE MEETING Pray for your elected members as they gather to seek Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will for the life, mission and future of the Church. As the Moderator, Rev. Myung Hwa Park has said that as members meet, they wait on the Holy Spirit to enliven and renew our sense of mission purpose and calling in our communities and our state. CHECK FOR UPDATES AND VIDEOS ON THE WEBSITE Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve launched the Synod Meeting 2016 website at Synod2016.uca.org.au for all regular updates and news on the event. MEMBER REGISTRATION Soon representatives elected by their presbyteries will be sent out information to register. Members can then download the Synod2016 App for their phones and tablets to be kept up to date with reports in the lead up to the event.

GUEST SPEAKER Fr Stephen Bevans, SVD will be a featured guest speaker at the event. Fr Bevans is a Roman

Catholic priest in the Society of the Divine Word, an international missionary congregation, and served for nine years (1972-1981) as a missionary in the Philippines. He has published numerous books on the subject of mission and missiology. In 2014, he was one of four Catholics appointed by the Vatican to the Commission on World Mission and Evangelization at the World Council of Churches (WCC). He has taught and lectured in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Italy, Ireland, Taiwan, Ghana, Thailand, and Hong Kong.

POSITION VACANT CHAPLAIN, NEPEAN HUB (BASED AT SPRINGWOOD) - FULL TIME U niting ( form erly known as U niting C are N S W. AC T ) is seeking a com passionate O rdained M inister or su itab ly uali ed lay person to ll a full time Chaplaincy placement in the epean ub of niting geing, est area. s ub Chaplain, the successful applicant will be based at Springwood illage esidential Care acility, reat estern ighway, Springwood S but will also support our programs within the wider area of the lue ountains and epean alley. The role includes leading a team of astoral Care or ers and implementing the delivery of pastoral care, sacrament, worship services and chaplaincy programs to meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of residents, clients, staff, families and volunteers. pplicants must have experience in ministry in an aged care context, demonstrating a passion for pastoral care. e are see ing a proven ability in, and understanding of, reflective transformational pastoral practice as well as strong administrative and leadership s ills. n addition, this position offers the opportunity to wor with the wider chaplaincy team in shaping the vision and delivery of pastoral care across U niting Ag eing .

or ing hours and Terms of lacement are in accordance with the uidelines of the niting Church, Synod of S and the CT and calls for the Chaplain to adhere to the polity and ethos of the niting Church, and the ission V ision and V alu es of U niting . ENQUIRIES: For enquiries or for a copy of the position description please contact Rev. Kevin Duck on; Phone: +61 (02) 4735 0712 Mobile: 0427 266 022 Email: kduck@uniting.org APPLICATIONS: Covering letter & resume are to be forwarded to: Rev. Jane Fry, Synod Associate Secretary Email: janef@nsw.uca.org.au Address: PO Box A2178, Sydney South, 1235. CLOSING DATE: Monday 22 February 2016 Uniting is proud to be an EEO employer. Uniting supports an inclusive approach in the workplace. We celebrate our diversity and welcome staff regardless of ethnicity, faith, sexual preferences, gender identity and lifestyle choices. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. Appointment will be conditional upon a satisfactory Federal Criminal Records check.

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• • • • • • • •

in ing WARREN BIRD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UNITING FINANCIAL SERVICES

ON 12 JANUARY 2015, WARREN BIRD OFFICIALLY STEPPED INTO THE ROLE OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UNITING FINANCIAL SERVICES (UFS). LIKE MANY GREAT CALLINGS IN LIFE, WARREN WASN’T LOOKING FOR THE OPPORTUNITY — IT FOUND HIM. NOW THAT HE HAS SPENT 12 MONTHS IN THE ROLE, WE SAT DOWN WITH WARREN TO FIND HOW HE’S SETTLED IN TO THE POSITION AND WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR UFS.

The role of Executive Director see e i e a nat ra t or Warren. Before joining UFS, he’d spent more than 30 years or in in nancia ser ices and Federal Treasury. Most notably, 16 years with Colonial First State, where he helped grow it from a small boutique operation into Australia’s largest n s ana e ent r t its peak, his own team was managing $60b in cash and e interest in est ents When he left Colonial in he ha a t o ear sabbatical — taking the time to do some consulting and writing, and to work out his “next chapter”.

n the “Prayer of Jabez” [see: 1 Chronicles 4:10] where Jabez asks God to bless him by extending his coast. For me, this role has extended my coast because I've been dealing with a much broader variety of the issues each day, which are quite stimulating and fascinating.”

positive focus on the ethical investment policy. The Board encouraged me to work with the vision of making sure UFS is a leading ethical investor — both within the Church, but also more broadly.

“So I've encouraged my team to start looking for positive opportunities. For “The other thing that really example, we’re researching keeps me going is the great some interesting ideas in group of people I'm working commercial property. We’ve with. It's a great pleasure to also taken steps to be more tu n u to t e o fi e e y pro-active in the Treasury Having the support of a great portfolio in terms of focussing team is vital, especially during security holdings on assets the times of market volatility.” that have positive alignment with the ethical policy.

FIRM FOOTING TO G O F O RWA R D

As we could imagine, Warren It was during this period that n i te m e i nifi nt he met Neil King, the previous challenges on a daily basis. Executive Director of UFS. The biggest one is that When Neil decided to move investment returns have back to Queensland to spend declined in recent years. “The more time with his family, he Reserve Bank cut interest “marketed” the job to Warren te t i e in t e fi t ou le before suggesting him to the of months after I started in Board. The rest, as they say, is the role and that's provided history. a real challenge trying to generate decent returns for “What attracted me to the role t e in e to e e t en is what continues to excite me about it” says Warren. According to Warren, despite “The mission matters: In the challenges which markets te m o t e ofit t t nitin present, Uniting Financial is Financial generates to enable on a sound footing. ”We are distributions to Synod to ofit le e e oo help run the church, and the clean balance sheet thanks investment returns for the to Neil, and we're in a position church investors. where we can actually start rebuilding for growth.” “Our business is supporting the work of gospel mission. “In terms of plans for the There's a little prayer in future, one of my strategies the Old Testament called is to introduce a more

“The other thing we're trying to do is to develop a more broad-based wealth management offering that invests in a broader range of assets — equities, property, domestic and international — so we can put together some more interesting investment products that will suit some of the Church investors down the track. “A lot of opportunities for ethical investing are in the environmental space, such as green bonds. But there's also social-impact-type investing. I'm looking at being more involved in these sorts of developments so we could, for example, invest in assets which have a pay-off based on having a really good positive social impact in key areas,” explains Warren.

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W H AT M A K E S THE UFS ‘BRAND’ SPECIAL?

When people talk about brands, they often give the impression that communicating what they stand for is mostly to do with visual things such as logos, corporate colours and fonts. “UFS believes its brand is more about the experience investors and borrowers have every time they are in contact with a member of the team. Every email, letter, presentation and brochure can make a difference to the way UFS is perceived,” explains Warren. “The brand will be strong if all who deal with UFS really believe, from their own experiences, that it is a trusted advisor. One that works with and for them as they go about gospel mission.” People often ask about the ou olou e o et in the UFS logo and what they represent. These are iconic elements of the UFS brand and represent corporate services, loan products, investment services, and all other services.

They were designed to represent unity and a gathering of ideas. They encapsulate and differentiate how UFS products and services work for investors.

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D OW N L OA D T H E NEW UFS MOBILE A P P TO DAY

“We are always looking for new ways to provide a positive experience when someone invests with or borrows from UFS. At the same time, UFS also needs to be competitive with the banks and other fin n i l in titution in t e service that it offers,” says Warren But UFS doesn’t want Church organisations to deal with it only because of Synod’s rules, but because they genuinely enjoy and value the relationship with UFS.

That’s why UFS launched its new smartphone App. The App seamlessly integrates with the Uniting Financial Services website, as well as Uniting Online. The smartphone App lets you check your balances and transaction histories, and has six handy calculators which cover home loan repayments, o o in o e fi e deposits, church loans, stamp duty and income tax. Sarah Sullivan

T H E S M A RTPHONE APP You can download the UFS App from the Apple App Store or Google Play for Android devices. For more information, call Uniting Financial Services on 1300 133 673.

O As I was trying to look away from all of the excited eyes and old-school camera hones flashin at e as asked: “Tell them why you think education is important for girls.” This is what my mind blurted out: “It’s important because it means they’re able to make their own, informed decisions.” But that’s not what I said. Having been in India for two weeks at that point — researching education and menstrual health through survey questions that I would soon ask all the mothers ittin on t e oo in ont of me — I knew that answer wouldn’t go down well. mi t e in n t e I felt myself slipping into panic mode as I struggled to

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ing come up with an answer that appealed to their values, as much as my own. “I’ve known ever since I was little that if I worked hard at school and got a good education, I’d get a great job one day.” My words were bellowed in Hindi by my colleague. Cheers bounced off the plain cement walls while I nodded and grinned in bewilderment. Last summer, I decided to forgo Sydney’s beaches during university holidays. I went to Delhi and volunteered full-time to help improve adolescent girls’ knowledge about menstrual health management (MHM). One of the aims of such personal education was to improve the rates of attendance at school by girls.

t I was placed with an organisation called Restless Development, which works to educate young people all over India about governance, livelihood and health. They employ a peer-to-peer strategy, empowering young people to educate their own communities. Along with the o iou enefit o t ei family and friends, the skills these young people learn through volunteering with Restless Development lead to better job prospects. Restless Development has created a number of stepby-step training modules and guides that help these volunteers to run workshops. t e e fit in e the eight weeks I spent with Restless Development, I researched and wrote a module that could be used to train school teachers as to

why and how they needed to teach MHM in schools. I quickly learned during my fi t ee in n i y working on this topic. In India, menstruation is considered i ty n efinitely not to be brought up in casual conversation. Indian mothers are insistent that girls should not be told about menstruation prior to their fi t e io e ultin in t em being scared and unsure what to do when the time comes. Too embarrassed to ask their mothers, girls will turn to their friends, who rarely know what to do either. Girls are left immobile, because they don’t have a proper method of stopping t e o o loo ultu l practices, such as not being allowed to touch water (that means they can’t bathe),

gi s TOO EMBARRASSED TO ASK THEIR R R R R R R R DO EITHER and a lack of knowledge about nutrition results in girls becoming anaemic or sick with infection. Unable to leave the house because of these reasons, many girls miss school, fall behind, fail their next test and, as a result, are no longer allowed to attend. The training module I was set to write would address this by ensuring that girls knew how to stay healthy during their period. They also would be provided with the proper facilities in schools to carry this out. While the module was originally intended to be

written for the use of school teachers, part of my project was to also conduct a needs assessment. I would then base the manual on that. Restless Development staff will always say going out into t e fiel i t e e t t of their job. Visiting a rural village in Rajasthan, three hours from Jodhpur, was the best part of my time in India — even surpassing a weekend trip to the Taj Mahal. I got to meet and interview girls who were in-school and outside-school, their mothers,

ti n in n i and a few teachers. An organisation called SPECTRA already had been working in this community with the girls and their mothers — who were all happy to talk about menstrual health.

teachers to teach students, it would be used by young volunteers from Restless Development (and staff from organisations like SPECTRA) to educate teachers about why they had to teach MHM.

The teachers were another story, though. When I asked them how much they knew about MHM, they couldn’t answer. Instead, they laughed in embarrassment.

m yet to fin out et e training module written by an Australian university student for people in India is going to work. I’ve seen how SPECTRA has already managed to communicate MHM to all of the girls and their mothers in one village, and I’ve seen how determined the Restless Development staff are to improve the lives of everyone in their country.

I got back to Delhi, questioning whether there was any point in writing the module at all. It was at this point that my ever-cynical supervisor stepped in and changed her tune with a pep talk about how change takes place. She explained that we would just have to adjust the focus of the module. Instead of being used by school

It was a privilege to work in this environment, with such inspiring people. Grace Liley

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A TRADITION OF CHRISTIAN CARE AND CONCERN

Richard & Deborah Spiteri, proprietors

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERALS CONDUCTED THROUGHOUT SYDNEY

MEMBERS OF THE FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION OF NSW

P O S I T I O N VAC A N T G E N E R A L S E C R E TA RY U N I T I N G C H U R C H I N AU ST R A L I A , Q U E E N S L A N D S Y N O D The Synod of Queensland is seeking a new General Secretary to commence from 1 July 2016. The General Secretary provides collaborative leadership to develop the Synod’s capacity for mission and ministry in partnership with presbyteries, congregations and agencies. The General Secretary leads Synod Support Services and exercises the responsibilities of Secretary to the Synod (as per Regulation 3.6.3.4). Expressions of interest are encouraged in writing (email is appropriate) to the Chair of the General Secretary Selection Committee, Rev. David Baker.

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For full details of the position including position description, please go to: ucaqld.com.au/ administration/personnel-services/ Please mark correspondence with the title General Secretary – Expression of Interest to careers@ucaqld.com.au or Rev. David Baker, GPO Box 674, BRISBANE, QLD 4001. Applications close 29 February 2016.

M A K I N G M O N E Y M AT T E R

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Jesus wants us to be rich — abundantly so. It’s why He came to earth, becoming poor for our sake so that we could become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)

WARREN BIRD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UNITING FINANCIAL SERVICES

This isn’t ‘prosperity gospel’. Let me make it clear that the richness Jesus came to bring is not material wealth. Many people in Jesus’ day tended to think that owning material possessions was a sign of God’s blessing. If you were poor, that was seen as a sign of being on the outer with the Lord. Jesus used many of His teaching sessions to challenge that thinking. Like the day someone in a crowd called out to Him: “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” (Luke 12:13) A reasonable request, it would seem. A request for fairness. But Jesus saw a deeper issue and far from acceding to the request, he used it as an occasion to remind the crowd of the Ten Commandments (the 10th, in particular). “Take care,” He warned, “and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15) You can imagine the crowd gasping at Jesus’ response. To drive home his message, Jesus told a story about a man whose property produced abundant riches,

h s gi n s ti but whose early death meant t t e i n t enefit om it The man in the story faced a perilous eternity, called to account for behaviour described as foolish because he’d stored up treasure for himself, but had been not “rich towards God”. (Luke 12:16-21) What does that mean, not being “rich towards God”? The story gives us some pointers. First, Jesus says that the man’s land produced great wealth. This really means that it all came from God, who provided i llotment in t e fi t place and then the growing conditions that enabled it to ou i et t e e i no int of gratitude or thankfulness from the man for God’s blessings. Ingratitude eats away at the soul. Second, the man holds it all for himself. He could have sold at least some of his surplus for others, or given some to the poor and still retained plenty. The Old Testament had taught the Israelites to at least leave the gleanings of their crops for the poor (see: Leviticus 23:22), but this man had no thought for anyone else. Such elfi ne in oo spiritual return.

rather than continuing production. With his surplus he could have employed more people to continue to work his land, enabling them to share in the abundance God had provided. But no, he lets it go fallow and puts his feet up. He utters those famous words about eating, drinking and being merry – again with no thought for how God’s blessings to him could be used to help others to eat, drink and have some happiness in life. Such a lazy, presumptive attitude brings about spiritual poverty. Jesus at no point criticises this man for having wealth, but He lays into him for his attitude and the behaviours that come from his thankless, elfi e um ti e ilu e to use what God had given him for the greater good. In doing so, Jesus warns us. Anyone who similarly lays up treasure for themselves is a fool and is not rich towards God. This is not what Jesus wants for any of us. Rather, He calls on us to make our money matter – that is, to use what God has given us productively and, with a spirit of gratitude and generosity, to enjoy an abundant spirituality in close fellowship with our heavenly Father.

Thirdly, as I read this story, the man decides that he’s got enough to see him through for years to come and, so, stops producing from the land. His effort goes into storage,

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Check out your options for education and training with the 2016 Prospectus from the Uniting Learning Network. Options include practical workshops across NSW and ACT and beyond, vocational education and training courses, and Charles Sturt University subjects taught through United Theological College, St Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Canberra and Trinity College Queensland. The Prospectus is published by the NSW/ACT Synod and includes opportunities developed by UME (Uniting Mission & Education) and Uniting. Contact Uniting Learning Network Director Duncan Macleod for more information 0439 828 718, duncanm@nswact.uca.org.au See more on the events and options online at ume.nsw.org.au, utc.edu.au & uie.edu.au

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LECTIONARY REFLECTIONS

FEBRUARY 7: TRANSFIGURATION AS WE ENTER EASTER, LET’S FIRST 1 CORINTHIANS LISTEN TO JESUS, AND NOT JUST 15:1-11 TO WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT HIM Here’s a conversation starter for your Congregation, or at un y lun t i o fi t importance? Is it Jesus’ death for our sins and resurrection, as Paul says here? Or loving God, self and neighbour (enemy), which means doing for others as we would have them do for us?

were true, babies, toddlers, people with Alzheimer’s and some of the mentally disabled, are doomed.

Our beliefs can’t become the work that saves us, relying as they do on our age, mental state and the like. And even if L U K E 5 : 1 - 11 we believe, that wouldn’t be Peter and the others had just had their Best. Day. Ever! More enough. James is an antidote fi t n t ey e e een in to u o e onfi en e a catch. Yet they do an Isaiah, and leave it all behind to follow L U K E 4:1-13 Jesus. Crazy kids! Have you Having just heard directly ever done anything this crazy from none other than God, in response to a divine call? and hearing something Are your kids or grandkids pretty awesome (“You are being equally irresponsible my beloved son with whom with their lives? If not, maybe I am well pleased”), Jesus give them a push. The Jesus is driven into the outback to movement wasn’t started by work out what that means. hard-working students and He’s the Son of God. What responsible employees, but by now? How to get people unreliable semi-literates with to believe and follow? Will no commitment to their work he bribe people to join him or families. Don’t tell my kids I with the promise of bread, said that, though! or astonish the crowds with feats of invulnerability, or simply compel obedience? F E B R UA R Y 17:

LENT 1 RO M A N S 1 0:8 B -13

The point of Paul’s argument is that you don’t have to follow works of the Law to be saved, nor do you have to be Jewish. It is an offer for everyone, for Christ is the end of the Law (v. 4). So let us not turn it into a claim that an intellectual belief in the resurrection is required for salvation. If that

PS: I reckon it’s worth reading ahead to verse 19, where Jesus declares what he is going to do.

F E B R UA R Y 21: LENT 2 G E N E S I S 15:1-12, 17-18

The lectionary reading ends with the heart-warming verse where God promises a vast tract of land to the childless Abraham, and wisely omits the lists of Aboriginal tribes who will have to be murdered or enslaved to make that possible. How do we read these promises post-Terra nullius? The “Old Covenant” clearly delivers salvation at the expense of others. Does the “New Covenant” do the same, or is it different in its nature?

Now that the Uniting Church acknowledges in its preamble that God was here it t e fi t u t li n and that they have unique As we know, he rejected all of insights into God’s ways, what do we make of readings those temptations. What of which make Aboriginals those of us who are leaders now? Are we out there trying in other parts of the world expendable pagans? to bribe, dazzle, or compel? What of those of us who follow? To what extent are we following someone simply because they are giving us what we want, or dazzling us, or even compelling us?

L U K E 9:28 -36

We recapitulate the baptism, but this time God addresses the disciples, not just Jesus. “This is my Son, my chosen one, listen to him.” Interesting that word, “chosen”. It’s also used of Jesus choosing his disciples, and smacks of adoptionism. Matthew and Mark avoid it. As we enter Easter, let’s listen to Jesus, not just to ot e eo le e e tion about him.

F E B R UA R Y 2 8 L U K E 13:1 -9

This passage starts with Jesus dismissing the theology that bad things happen to bad people, while reminding his audience that we all need to repent. Unfortunately, the lectionary then stops before we get the example of what Jesus is talking about: Have we ever got upset because something ungodly seemed to be rocking the boat, only to discover later that it was actually God at work? Are we sure we know what we’re doing when we ask God to be present at our worship?

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LECTIONARY REFLECTIONS

kingdom at hand, calling people to do something really simple about it: to love God, self and neighbour. To love even your enemies and do good to them, because God is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. But they didn’t. e le e u ifie t ei enemies, Jesus included. Nonetheless, Jesus asks for their forgiveness, and offers assurance to the criminal at his side. At Jesus’ death, the crowds are no longer jeering, they are sorrowful. Even the centurion acknowledges the Empire’s wrongdoing.

M A R C H 27 : E A S T E R DAY J O H N 20:1-18 O R L U K E 24:1 -12

MARCH 6, L U K E 1 5 : 1 -3, 11B-32

This speaks to me of our global ecological situation: Many of us are the prodigal son. Will we humble ourselves and offer to make reparations — or continue to live in increasing degradation? The Climate Summit in France late last year is part of that decision-making process. Will our rich nations, especially the ones who claim to be Christian, lead us away from consumption and the protection of our wealth, and back to God and to just reconciliation with our older brothers? Will they do a Zacchaeus? What are each of us willing to give up to return to a proper relationship with God’s earth family?

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WHAT ARE EACH OF US WILLING TO GIVE UP TO RETURN TO A PROPER RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD’S EARTH FAMILY? M A R C H 13, J O H N 12:1-8

Given everything else Jesus said about money and wealth, I’m really, really sure that this is a condemnation of judgementalism, not a defence of maintaining the status quo.

M A R C H 20, PA L M S U N DAY L U K E 19:28-40

There’s no better way to give people a sense of this day than to have the kids, or half the Congregation, parade into your church while Eye of the Tiger is blasting out of the speakers. Here comes

Jesus, the Messiah, to kick some Roman butt and expel the religious collaborators! At least so they thought. Google “palm Sunday political meaning” to see what I mean. Back in the day, waving palms was an “up yours” to the Roman occupiers.

G O O D F R I DAY J O H N 18:1-19:42

It probably is Good Friday if you go with John’s reading, where everything seems very inevitable and predestined and even triumphal. But if you stick with Luke’s story, there’s more of a sense of sadness. Jesus came preaching God’s

Which story will you go with on Easter day? Will you go with John? If so, we have Mary and the gardener who is, of course, Jesus (still in total control of the situation). Of course you will sing, “I come to the garden alone.” If you choose this reading, skip over 20:17 and its apparently noninit i n t eolo y n fini resoundingly with 20:18. Or will you stay with Luke? Then you can celebrate that the story didn’t end with breast beating and a belated recognition by the centurion. God gives people one more chance — starting with the women, and then those on the road to Emmaus, then all t e i i le n fin lly u the readers of the gospel — to “listen to him.” These e e tions ha e been prerpared b e ason ohn

UnitingforGood A sustainable future is in your hands

Leaving a bequest Bequest_Ad.indd 1

Bequests are important to the work of The Uniting Church, educating, transforming unjust social structures, safeguarding our vital community support, looking after the next generation and helping to continue our faith and mission. After providing for your family, a bequest is a special way of ensuring

that the mission of the Church is sustained. Find out how your bequest will allow Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work to continue at www.nswact.uca.org. au or please call 02 8267 4303 or email contactus@nswact.uca.org.au

5/09/2014 2:45:56 PM

N E W S F RO M U N I T I N G C H U R C H A D U LT F E L L OW S H I P ( U C A F )

shi n s Welcome to another New Year and blessings as you continue your groups and activities. Our fellowship and time together is important, despite our shrinking numbers. Special greetings from the NSW/ACT Synod Committee which celebrated its Annual Dedication and Communion Service on 10 February, led by our Moderator Rev. Myung Hwa Park.

NEW PROJECTS FOR 2016

Last year’s project “Shine a Light” with Uniting World raised $3,941. The Committee has a new Project for 2016 — “Living Water Come Drink”. The project focuses on Frontier

Services’ popular volunteer program “Outback Links”. They asked UCAF to assist volunteers and ministers by purchasing reserves of te to e u e in t e fiel The water will carry Frontier Services’ logo, and the “I am the water of life” scripture.

and every Friday between 8.30am and 11.30am. With four members now retired -- Rev. Alistair Christie, Tony Boughton, Carol Smith and Joyce Swanson – more help is always needed. We thank the outgoing members for their valuable contributions.

with a $100 deposit. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet UCAF members from all over Australia. Check website www.assembly.uca.org.au/ fellowship for all information and post-tour details.

Project donations from your groups should be forwarded to Treasurer Geoff Hicks (176 Lawes Street, East Maitland, NSW, 2323).

Total raised in 2015 was $21,000 -- a truly remarkable effort! Please continue collecting. You also can encourage local businesses to save their stamps for you.

• The Hunter: 30 March, East Maitland Uniting Church • Canberra Region: 6 April, Queanbeyan Uniting Church • Illawarra: 26 May, Wollongong Uniting Church

THE STAMP COMMITTEE WANTS YOU

The Stamp Committee’s dedicated volunteers meet on Level 2, 262 Pitt Street, Sydney, every Tuesday between 8.30am and midday,

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hamiltonfunerals.com.au 42

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NATIONAL CELEBRATION IN GEELONG

The National Celebration in Geelong, Victoria, will be held 13-17 April. The full cost is $792 shared and $982 single

RALLIES AND GATHERINGS

If you would like to share your fellowship news or have any questions, please contact Judy Hicks on judyh_rnh@hotmail.com

B E L I E F M AT T E R S

h hs nh ng g in ith people can take the “observer” (third person) perspective.

Our Congregations could bene t ro ne an e citin chan es occ rrin ithin Christian Education. One brea in e e o ent is a ee er n erstan in o ho a o escents e e o their ability to understand the ers ecti es o other people and social groups. This is an essential social s i or chi ren i the are to or hea th re ationshi s It also could help our young eo e to ore rea i ras ho the isci es an others e erience es s Recently I was part of a teaching/learning experiment at a “Christian School” in Sydney’s North West. The staff sought to discover more effective teaching methods to help Year 7 and 8 students experience the reality of God in an educationally natural way. Their discoveries about this age group’s spiritual learning could be used in our churches — especially as we often have trouble retaining them. The teaching program aimed to foster engagement with the Bible by getting students to take the perspective of people within biblical narratives. Using the account of Nicodemus in John 3, we wanted students to enter into people’s experience with Jesus. We also hoped they would discover how Jesus’ example in that passage applies in the present day. The new Bible teaching program at the school was designed to give some basic

At the school, students took the perspective of Nicodemus, the crowd or the disciples in John 3. All the students were then asked to take the perspective of a modern-day “Nicodemus”. We suggested people with mental problems who are in jail, as the sort of person Jesus would want to visit and value. Using YouTube videos to assist teaching, students quickly realised there is no quick solution in such situations. Some began to see that changing the world to make it a better place takes wisdom, the searching for answers and working with others.

WE CAN HELP YOUNG PEOPLE EXPERIENCE R R R R learning steps to help young students take the perspective of the people who met Jesus. Children take years to learn the social skill of “taking the second person perspective” but it is a natural process. Usually by upper primary school, early adolescents are able to listen to what someone else is saying and to perceive their perspective with onfi en e ey n e in to take into account their own response to the other person’s ideas and know the other person is doing the same. By Year 8, many students acquire awareness of what a hypothetical observer might

think of any interaction a student is involved in. This realisation often results in an adolescent accepting their own personal sense of accountability and transcendence toward a wider spiritual/moral community. Many adult Christians demonstrate this through being conscious of God’s presence in their lives. They use this to transcend their own particular perspective, to become inclusive of God’s perspective as revealed in the pages of the Bible. True spiritual and moral thinking is possible once

It is in ways such as this that our churches can help adolescents transition from the more simplistic, concrete-thinking faith of their childhood, to a more nuanced and richer biblical faith. One that is comfortable with the ambiguity of a loving God who is Lord within a world that experiences many evil human actions. This teaching program can be readily transferred to youth groups, senior Sunday schools and sermons. Thomas Smith rther in or ation on this teachin etho or any other questions re ate to it can be sent to the a thor at tho as s ith ai co

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ns i ing n n t ing gi n t nt Many may know Dan Widdowson who, between 2000 and 2007, was a Saturday Disney presenter. But even more of us know him as the talented co-host of Hope 103.2 FM’s breakfast show with Laura Bennett. But Dan is also a scriptwriter and Associate Pastor at Coast Community Church, on the Central Coast. He has a deep desire to perform and help others unlock that “God-given” talent within them. Dan’s passion for performing and encouraging the talent of others has seen him launch the Salt House Theatre Company. They’re offering workshops, performance groups, and touring groups for six-year-olds to adults. Salt House Theatre Company was born from a ministry that Dan and his wife Leia ran during their time on Norfolk Island. In the three years they were there, they ran both a youth group and a separate drama group. “We found that more young people attended the drama

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group and opened up more about their life dreams and life struggles,” says Dan of the group on Norfolk Island. “Perhaps this was because when you take to the stage, there is a level of vulnerability and trust of the others on stage with you. The Widdowsons brought the idea back to the mainland. When Dan took over the role as Associate Pastor at Coast Community Church, it has continued to enhance the youth ministry he is involved with. In 2014, Dan produced and directed Beauty And The Beast and they have just fini e e on o Mulan. “We had so many young people get involved and unlock these talents they never knew were inside them,” says Dan. ol fi m on i tion t t God has placed unique gifts inside every single person. Sometimes we’re unaware of these abilities, that is until we take the time to explore. “At Salt House Theatre Company, we work in teams with the purpose

of discovering the skill set God has placed inside each performer,” explains Dan. “We t en t in t e e o me to fine tune and practice their gifts alongside others. “Enrolling in a Salt House Theatre Company workshop gives you the opportunity to create unique performances as part of a performer-driven creative conglomerate. Throughout the workshop, performers practice the art of improvisation and storytelling. Gradually the adlib performances are grouped and scripted, serving as the base for a mid-year and endof-year showcase.” While there are a lot of theatre groups around, few offer the opportunity to be encouraged in the performance gifts that Dan believes Salt House will pinpoint and cultivate. Salt House has a unique connection to the Uniting Church, with workshops being held at Kincumber Uniting Church. “It has been a blessings to work with Kincumber Uniting Church,” says Dan, of working with

the local Uniting Church. The Kincumber Congregation shares Dan and Leia’s desire to reach into lives of the Central Coast’s young people, in a positive way. “They caught the vision of helping young eo le fin t ei o i en gifts and wanted to work alongside us.” Salt House Theatre Company enrolments are currently being taken for 2016.

E N RO L N OW Visit the website at www. salthousetheatrecompany. com.au Like the Salt House Theatre Company Facebook page For all enquiries, contact Administration Manager: Leia Widdowson / salthousetheatrecompany@ gmail.com / 0402 475 010 Workshops will be held throughout the four terms this year at Kincumber Uniting Church, 4 Hawk St, Kincumber NSW, 2251

C U LT U R E WAT C H

i s Spotlight i fine film in t e ne e film en e i e All the President’s Men (1976) or t e mo e e ent Nothing But The Truth 200 it ontinue t e itty on een e i tion of real events as seen through e ue n n in jou n li ti en i onment

THE CAST OF SPOTLIGHT Spotlight is not a abo t heroes t is base on the in esti ati e o rna is o the ot i ht tea at the Boston Globe rin an to e ose the nat re an e tent o chi se a ab se b riests in the atho ic rch iocese o oston Their work provided an impetus to further work by other reporters and also t e e elo ment o o fi i l investigations not only in the ut in ot e ount ie in lu in u t li e “Spotlight” journalists won the 200 ulit e i e o u li e i e ei o i in l e o t make illuminating reading, not only for their investigative style but also for the detailed and len t y n ly i t ey o i e When the idea of the “Spotlight” team is explained to the new Globe editor, near t e t t o t e film Spotlight, it sounds almost quaint to our 24-hour news/twitter/instant-

in o m tion y o t in in m ll te m o e e ien e n o u e jou n li t on i e u je t o e o ten spending months (or, possibly, ye o t o e e in analysing and writing before u li in t time en people want instant results and opinion, there is little opportunity for sustained in e ti tion u t i

n u e t e te m n u iou to e i e me i o e in Australia, during the period when the “Spotlight” in e ti tion enin This is a helpful word; the idea t tt e u n m ny journalists of the time were seemingly not interested in knowing what was happening n t e e tent to i it enin

e film i li t t e ontinue nee to y o in e en ent jou n li m t one point during Spotlight, en t e le o t e u e i un o e e ue tion are raised by one of the journalists: Why did we not know? Someone must have known? Even at the Globe, it e me e i ent t t e t in stories were known, but were not onne te o ollo e u in u t ine y

t too llen in o t e ontinue n no m l o e tion o t e u n ultu e

At the 2015 Australasian eli iou e o i tion on e en e o n i on ommente on t i m tte

i onte t t e o o ite of the idea of inquiry, and e e le n in i e en e t t to i e ultu e o ignoring or even suppressing in o m tion note t e Globe didn’t pursue some e o te e i not e u e it u t nti lly t e y eo le o t oli faith but, rather, the overall ultu e i not en ou e u t ine iti ue o omin nt in titution n ut o itie

Even though it is set 15 years ago, Spotlight is a sobering film o u mem e n ultim tely ontem o y o iety t le ll ie e to on i e ou e on e n lle i n e i it to t e “institution”, or to the one oly uni e l n o toli u Spotlight also proves illuminating about why there een i e o iet l n e in te m o t e t u t n ene l e e tion o ie t n mini te As one of the survivors says on een ey y it ju t y i l u e ut it mo e t n t t i i itu l u e ou no y I went along with everything? e u e ie t e u o e to e t e oo uy Spotlight is an example of how good writing and telling a story ell n le to e l n e It avoids the self-righteousness t t n ometime ome out in i ti olly oo film In this way, it should help all viewers to examine their own li e it n in u iou tie Peter Bentley is the President of the Australasian Religious Press Association (ARPA)

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nt t in READ THIS

THE CASE FOR THE PSALMS – WHY THEY ARE ESSENTIAL

The Psalms are like the original Hymn Book of the Bible. In his great book about them, author N.T. Wright urges us to reclaim the songs of praise as a source of spiritual nurture and learning. Wright asserts that the poems and songs of Psalms have the ability to shape our worldviews in powerful ways that other kinds of literature and art do not. Even used as prayers, they are deep ways of connecting with Christ. The Psalms, says Wright, have the capacity to reform our worldview as individual Christians and communities. He pays most attention to how the Psalms invite us into a particular way of experiencing time, space and matter. Regarding time, the Psalms are historically located. They envision Israel’s narrative, which Jesus claimed oun it ulfilment in im n e the Church, also are caught up in). The Psalms help us “bring the past into the present, and that will sustain us as we wait in the dark for [God’s] future”. Regarding space, Wright talks about the temple’s unique role in Israel’s way of being. Regarding matter, Wright claims “the Psalms celebrate…the sheer physicality of creation”.

BIG SCREEN

RISEN (M)

The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ has been the subject m tte o multitu e o film t i i in intrigue, controversy and is at the heart of the largest world religion. It could be said that all has been said about this story. Yet, as Easter looms, film m e e till t i in to it li e on the greatest turning point in history, Sony provides the latest outing with this Messianic investigation, Risen. ete n i e to e in eynol Robin Hood eli e e n fi tion l in on t i e e tion lly ell no n t ue story. Risen is told from the viewpoint o l iu o e ienne om n soldier charged with ensuring that Jesus’ body remains dead and buried. With political and religious order threatened by what Jesus represents, Clavius must investigate rumours of his resurrection. As he gets on the case, Clavius begins to question his beliefs and consider whether this one man and his followers could be telling the truth.

Ultimately, Wright believes that the Psalms are transformative and need to be upheld as ways of connecting with God through prayer and song.

e tin n i e tion li t t i it e film o e t i e e te o such efforts. But it is the screenplay that e lly i e enti te t i i t ent e outin t e e ti ely llo t e fi titiou Clavius to have actual historical events happen around him. Audiences can be entertained with the notion of this Roman centurion travelling through the Biblical record, asking the questions that many still ask today: Did Jesus really rise? How did people respond?

Adrian Drayton

Russell Matthews

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P R E S S P L AY

THE INTERN (M)

Retirement has not been completely ti yin o en itt e o e t e Niro). As a retired widower, he misses his wife and desires to be reconnected to his previous life in the working world. Those connections with people and the sense of accomplishment and purpose that used to drive him to get out of bed. e 0 ye ol i i en ne le e on life with a “Seniors Intern Program” at an online fashion site, founded and run y ule tin nne t y Director Nancy Meyers manages to spin the central relationship as mentor/ intern into something refreshing for a modern comedy. She capitalises on two innin to in t e le ole ut t i e ome e i o film The Intern is not groundbreaking cinema, but it is an enjoyable journey into the value that each generation can provide to one another. In the book of Proverbs, it can be read: e lo y o youn men n omen is their strength, grey hair the splendour o t e ol oe 20 2 The Intern epitomises this Bible verse by showing the value and wisdom of the aged and the need for mentors in life. i film n t e o e e e communicate that each chapter in life is new and the challenge for each of us is to take full advantage of each opportunity that comes along. Russell Matthews

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Wesley Mission Easter events 2016 Palm Sunday Procession and community family event 1.30 pm Sunday 20 March 2016 — Philip Street, Circular Quay 1.45 pm Community family event— First Fleet Park Good Friday drama, procession and service 1.30 pm Friday 25 March 2016— Martin Place Amphitheatre 3 pm Good Friday Service— Wesley Theatre Easter Sunday Sunrise Service 6 am Sunday 27 March 2016— Sydney Opera House wesleymission.org.au

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