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Welcome from the Moderator A problem of the heart
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here are times when the Uniting Church’s commitment to being a witness to the inclusive love of Jesus Christ, and standing with the weak, vulnerable and marginalised, takes us into unfamiliar and confronting territory.
Rev. Dr Brian Brown 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.
The Prime Minister did respond from Brisbane, but only to reassert his determination to solve the problem by “Stopping the Boats.’ This did not address the peril of children currently in detention facilities, which former Australian of the year Prof. Patrick McGorry describes as “factories of mental illness”.
The Uniting Church wrote to the Minister for Immigration offering to take and properly care for thirty children about to be moved from Christmas Island to Nauru. The Baptist Church offered to host the group of asylum seekers being moved from Villawood to West Australia; all to no avail. Catholic Bishop of Brisbane Mark Coleridge says: “What is puzzling and indeed troubling in all of this is that you have politicians who are not themselves cruel people… presiding over a policy
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Or a problem of the heart perhaps? What really perplexes me is that about 60% of Australians agree with Government policy or want even tougher measures. Perhaps, through the successful perpetration of these three myths, the dehumanisation has been effective.
Such was my experience when the Love Makes A Way group recently invited me to participate in a prayer vigil in the Manly electoral office of the Prime Minister. A simultaneous event took place in the office of the Leader of the Myth #1: Asylum seekers are ‘illegal Opposition in Melbourne, which involved immigrants’ (or just ‘illegals’) ex-President Alistair Macrae. The purpose Myth #2: Asylum seekers are ‘queueof this action was to seek a change of heart in our national leadership regarding jumpers’ the 1,023 children in Australian-run Myth #3: Asylum seekers receive immigration detention centres. favourable social security treatment.
The Group, consisting of leaders from the Uniting, Catholic, Anglican, Metropolitan Community Church and Baptists Churches, refused police instructions to leave and kept praying. We were ultimately arrested for “Breach of the Peace”, then released without charge. The Melbourne group were arrested and charged with “trespass”.
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which has to be named cruel. And this can only happen if those who are seeking refuge on our shores are dehumanised. And that’s the heart of the problem”.
Ironically, the truth is there for all to see on the 2013 Parliament of Australia website: “Asylum seekers and refugees: what are the facts”. For example: “There is no offence under Australian law that criminalises the act of arriving in Australia or the seeking of asylum without a valid visa”. “The UNHCR emphasises that a person with a well-founded fear of persecution should be viewed as a refugee and not labelled an ‘illegal immigrant’”. “The concept of an orderly queue does not accord with the reality of the asylum process.” “There is no truth to claims that refugees are entitled to higher benefits than other social security recipients”. On the contrary, many asylum seekers are living in abject poverty, being denied the right to work. I am proud to be part of a group of Christians, from Catholics to Hillsong, who are saying “no” to our bi-partisan cruel and inhuman treatment of highly vulnerable people, and “yes” to Jesus heart for the “little ones”.
You can follow the Moderator on Twitter @BrianBrownUCA Insights July 2014 3
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23 14 Cover story
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Loving our neighbour is the foundational principle of community development. This principle is applied to an individual person as community development workers seek to ensure that people’s human rights are affirmed and protected, and that they are empowered to exercise them. Cover and feature photos supplied by UnitingCare NSW.ACT
Regulars 3 from the Moderator 5 letters 6 news
32 fellowship news 34 updates from the General Secretary
Editor Adrian Drayton SUB-EDITING/PRoduction/ DESIGN Belle&Co 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 is published by the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of New South Wales and the ACT. Articles and advertising content do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor or of the Uniting Church. Subscriptions: Australia $38.50 (incl. GST); overseas $50. © 2014. Contents copyright. No material from this publication
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35 belief matters 37 culture watch 38 entertain me
may be copied, photocopied or transmitted by any means without the permission of the Editor. Circulation: 18,000. ISSN: 1036-7322 Commonwealth of Australia 2014
28 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.
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Your Say This leads me to conclude that if the humiliation of Christ’s death made such a deep impression on the first Christians, then either our hearts have grown so hard with the passage of time, or we have been so seduced by earthly delights, that the Good News of God’s love has lost the power (Romans 1:16-17) to touch us deeply. Perhaps it is neither, but simply that the message is not being proclaimed with the same clarity, vigour and conviction, as it was by those who first believed. Rev. Peter Mc Intyre
Faithful to oral tradition A stand-out article The stand-out article in every Insights is Ben Myers’ ‘Belief Matters’. It is refreshing to read something solidly and thoughtfully based on Scripture, with cultural perspectives and insights. Blessings on him and his ministry. Ann Sloane, Savernake
“Was crucified...” I was deeply moved by Ben Myers’ elucidation of Christ’s suffering on the cross in the light of the culture of honour and shame of His day (June Insights). The physical pain was great, the pain of the soul even greater. His emphasis of Phillipians 2:8 “...Even his death on the cross,” was particularly poignant. The insight he shared confirmed to me again that no matter how much we may delve into the wonder of God’s love expressed so cogently in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus our understanding will always fall short of the reality, 1 Corinthians 13:12, 1 John 3:2. Bens’ assertion that it is generally accepted that it is better to devote oneself to a life of humble service than to pursue self-aggrandisement is true. However, this knowledge has not motivated the general population to adopt a life of service to others. insights.uca.org.au
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Two letters in the June Insights concern me. They both seem to denigrate the scriptures upon which our Christian faith is built. Bronwynn Mannell would apparently have us cast away the Old Testament as too binding, but since almost every Christian doctrine has its roots in the OT one wonders what she would retain, and what it would look like. It obviously would not contain the story of Noah’s Ark, so disdainfully dismissed by Dr Orr as inaccurate. He apparently has never been exposed, as I have, to a people whose history is exclusively told orally, and because of this remains faithful to the tribal history. No matter how late the history was committed to papyrus, it would have been a faithful oral tradition telling a real history, and both Noah and Jesus remain characters in that history. Derek Watson, Jindabyne
Welcoming Church I would like to praise the Wesley Castle Hill Uniting Church for welcoming Mr Adrian Sukumar-White into their congregation as a Student Minister. In 1995 the Holbrook Uniting Church welcomed me as a Student Minister, after I had completed two years as a Candidate for Ministry.
This year was so rewarding for me as a student and the many blessings I received will follow me for the rest of my life. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the congregation of Holbrook for their welcome and I pray that Adrian’s experience, during this year, will be as rewarding as mine was. Rev. Christine Robert. Mannering Park
The elephant in the room The May Insights on ministry gives the rest of us some appreciation of challenges facing our spiritual leaders. But is there an elephant in the room for both ministers and laity? In few other professions is one expected to have such deep personal belief. Research into theology and the Bible is vital for a church moving forward. But it can often lead to challenging re-assessments of faith for the researchers. It is exciting but dangerous territory. In down-to-earth marketing terms, our product is the gospel and, packaged as we’re now offering it, it isn’t selling very well. John Court, Denistone, NSW Editor’s note: The unedited version of this letter can be read at www. insights.uca.org.au/opinion/theelephant-in-the-room-2
Be rewarded for having Your Say This month every contributor receives Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom DVD courtesy of Roadshow Entertainment. Your Say letters should be sent to insights@nsw.uca.org.au or posted to Insights, PO Box A2178 Sydney South NSW 1235. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.
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News The Moderator escorted from the office of the Prime Minister on 19 May
Arrested development It’s not often the Moderator and past President get arrested in the offices of Members of Parliament. In fact it has never happened before in Australian history. On 19 May, eight people including the Moderator and two other Uniting Church ministers were arrested in Tony Abbott’s office. At the same time, past national President Rev. Dr Alistair Macrae was among 12 Christian clergy, a nun and lay people arrested in Bill Shorten’s office in Melbourne. Many others joined the vigils in support, without risking arrest. Both groups were engaging in peaceful civil disobedience. They were praying in the offices of the leaders of both major parties, quietly and calmly demanding justice and compassion for asylum seekers. In particular, for the children currently locked up in detention centres. The Sydney group were later released without charge; those in Melbourne expect to receive a court summons for ‘trespass’. 6 Insights July 2014
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Australian Churches have spoken with one voice for many years against the increasing institutionalised cruelty to asylum seekers. Along with refugee, legal, medical, mental health and human rights experts, Churches have provided evidence of the direct physical and mental harm caused by detention. We have documented abuses. We have also offered solutions, including an offer by the Uniting Church to house and care for unaccompanied children at our own expense. In every case, Churches along with these other groups have been rebuffed or simply ignored. In the words of our Moderator, “There comes a time when such grave injustice must be confronted directly through peaceful acts of civil disobedience. We believe that to be silent is to be complicit in the injustices being perpetrated against asylum seekers.” “Through our peaceful direct action we seek to challenge the government’s
cruel approach to the treatment of asylum seekers, and to encourage other Australians to embrace a more welcoming response to those who seek asylum here,” said the Rev. Dr Alistair Macrae. The simultaneous sit-in prayer vigils point to the bipartisan support for the ongoing punishment of asylum seekers who have committed no crime. They were inspired by recent similar peaceful protests in the offices of Immigration Minister Scott Morrison and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. The sit-ins use the theme “Love Makes a Way” (#LoveMakesAWay on Facebook and Twitter), which is a response to the Australian Government’s “No Way” advertising campaign. Their campaign has already attracted support from a very wide range of church and community leaders, including Churches seen as ‘unlikely supporters’ such as Hillsong and other Pentecostal churches, Baptists and Sydney Anglicans. Now they have senior Church leaders joining in, anything is possible. insights.uca.org.au
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Are you missing out on valuable funding dollars? Did you know there is a trust fund that makes available tens of thousands of dollars to help support community service projects? The Norman and Florence Price Memorial Trust provides one-off funding for projects that help relieve poverty. It is administered by the Board of UnitingCare NSW.ACT. During 2013-14, more than $90,000 was allocated from the Trust to Uniting Church Congregations throughout NSW and the ACT. Successful projects include Church-based food programs, a medical transport service for lowincome residents, a respite service for children with special needs, a community garden, and English language classes. Applications are assessed on the: • level of analysis and planning evident in the project plan
Applications must be made via the form, which is available on the Price Trust website http://www. unitingcarenswact.org.au/resources/ grant_programs/price_trust The deadline for 2014-15 applications is 22 August.
Living our Faith: Exploring the New Testament
Granting a boost to The Kogorah Storehouse
There were people from the city and the bush; tradespeople, technicians, retirees, teachers, nurses, people in pastoral care positions, people of Anglo background and Fijian and Tongan backgrounds; and the age range started with late teens and went through to 72.
Funding from the Price Trust helped the Brighton/Kogarah Uniting Church provide a valuable food service, including a free community lunch, to many needy local residents. Margie Nielsen, the Executive Director of the Storehouse, said the lunch service provides a safe and non-judgemental environment where community members feel comfortable and relaxed. “They know they can come to enjoy a meal or share a problem with a caring and compassionate lunch volunteer or Church member.
• commitment of members/ volunteers (financial or in-kind) to the project
“There are many elderly, socially isolated, and lonely people in this community, so this lunch provides a place for them to gather and enjoy some social interaction with people from other walks of life,” she said,
• level of collaboration with the service’s clients and/or other services.
“We believe that without this weekly activity many would become even more isolated than what they currently are.”
• capacity of the organisation to manage the project
Lunch provides a place to gather and share at The Kogarah Storehouse
The latest Uniting Mission and Education’s (UME) Living Our Faith series saw more than 40 people come together to explore the New Testament.
Some were there because their minister thought it would be a good idea, some were seeking accreditation as a Lay Preacher, and some simply wanted to grow in their own faith and understanding. UME advocates taking responsibility for our own discipleship and growth, so it was wonderful to see people responding. Over the two weekends and through a mix of seminars, workshops, presentations and lectures, most of the books of the New Testament were studied. The lectures were vibrant and clear, with the content laid out logically. There was plenty of table time where we talked about the issues and where we agreed and disagreed. The next unit in the Living Our Faith series, Proclaiming Jesus Christ, will be held on 16-17 August and 6-7 September at Centre for Ministry at North Parramatta. The cost is $300 and includes most materials and all catering. If you would like more information, please contact Bronwyn Murphy on 02 8838 8920 or bronwynm@nsw.uca. org.au To register for the next series, contact Rohan England at UME umeinfo@nsw.uca.org.au
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News Join us for our 150th anniversary in Moruya In December 1864, the Wesleyan community of Moruya gazed with awe at their magnificent new church. This was the first church in the area built out of Moruya granite -- the same granite which supports the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The total cost was a considerable 1,100 pounds but the enthused Wesleyans organised fund-raising evenings and soon paid it off. It remains virtually unchanged except for carpets and ceiling fans. The Reverend James Somerville was appointed as first minister, known as ‘The Apostle to the Far South Coast’ The foundation stone had been laid the previous year by Wesleyan stalwart Jacob Luck and the first sermon was preached by the Reverend George Hunt. It is reported the church was ‘filled to overflowing’. We would like to fill our church again at a special service to be held on Sunday September 14, 2014 from 11am. The service will be conducted by our Batemans Bay/ Moruya minister, Rev. Elizabeth Richardson and we hope to have distinguished guests who may play a part in the proceedings. The service will be followed by lunch in the adjacent hall. There will be memorabilia, including a small history in pamphlet form of the church in Moruya over the 150 years. We are looking for past associates with our church and others who may have a particular interest. If you would like to join us for this significant event, which includes the excavation of a time capsule, please contact: Laurie Trimmer: laurie.martha@ gmail.com 28 Dell Parade Moruya 2537 02 44742416 Ross Hosking: rojo46@bigpond. com 93 Elizabeth Drive Broulee 2537 02 44715103
The assembled Pamper Packs ready for distribution.
Recovering from a disaster “I can’t believe people haven’t forgotten about us,” commented one of the women at Yenda Primary School when she saw what Rev. Sharon Cutts — Uniting Church Pastoral visitor – had delivered. Sharon’s Church in Wentworthville (Sydney, NSW) had created a number of men’s and women’s themed pamper packs, including: “A night out”; “Cooking up a storm” and “After sport”. The packs were distributed at the local school’s Mother’s Day assembly. Two years ago, Yenda, in the Riverina district of NSW, was flooded. Julia Grieg, Rural Pastor, helps rural communities recover from disasters such as floods. After hearing the news about Yenda, Julie secured funds from the Moderator’s Disaster Appeal to fund two lots of Pastoral visitors. She has also helped organise community events. The town also benefited from IGA vouchers.
Sharon talked with 95 people and spent many hours just listening to the story of their journey. The overwhelming emotion on receiving the packs was that they hadn’t been forgotten and that people did understand how hard and long the road to recovery had been. It was a great example of a Congregation showing care for those who had been through a tough time. “It is important that response to disaster does not all happen at the time of crisis, but is on-going for a number of years, as recovery takes that long. Our current Moderator, Brian Brown, has been very passionate about making sure the funds get out on the ground and continue to do so long after the rains have stopped falling”, said Julie. Extracted from ruralchaplains. blogspot.com.au
During her four weeks in Yenda, 8 Insights July 2014
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A tour like no other Rural Chaplain Phillip Matthews recently took some time out to scout out some towns and waterways around Echuca on the mighty Murray-Darling Basin. On his travels, he met Paul Creek from the Riverina Presbytery who is a member of the Uniting Church Murray-Darling Basin (UCMDB) group. Paul suggested that Phillip visit Nathalia and the Barmah Forest and Heritage, Education and Information Centre. Here Phillip learned the history of the area and experienced the swathe of beauty of this important eco- system It’s truly a land of contrasts. The Yorta Yorta people have lived in the area for thousands of years and visitors can learn about their traditions in the cultural centre. There are old cattle yards where the early European settlers mustered their mobs in days gone by. There are wetlands on the NSW side and the beautiful Barmah Lake, which self-fills and empties giving the mighty red gums the flood and drought that they need to grow. The value, beauty and eco importance of the Murray Darling system reaches up and down the whole system; what happens in the north effects the southern reaches. Visitors have the opportunity to experience the wonder and diversity of this great area with a tour led by Phillip in September to enjoy the country hospitality at local Churches and hear from the people who live and breathe Murray-Darling. For more information, or to leave an expression of interest or to register, visit www.ucansw.goregister.com.au/ mdbtours2014 and follow the prompts.
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News On a drive to gather goods As the cold sets in, demand for assistance increases and resources are stretched across Sydney. But thanks to the support of Wesley Uniting Church at Castle Hill this demand is being met. Throughout June, members of the Wesley congregation will take part in a Winter Food Drive to support the work of Parramatta Mission. At Parramatta Mission, Senior Minister and CEO Rev. Keith Hamilton said “The demand for assistance is expected to exceed last year’s high level. With more families struggling and the high cost of rents, electricity and food, we continue to see more men, women and children living on the edge.” Members of the Hills community are invited to contribute towards the food drive by donating items such as tinned meat, fish, vegetables, fruit and soup; rice/ noodles/pasta and sauces; longlife fruit juice; long-life milk; tea, coffee and hot chocolate, and cereal. Personal items including nappies; soap; toilet paper and toothpaste are also welcome. To make an arrangement for a drop off, please contact the Wesley Church office between 9am and 3pm (Tuesday to Friday) on (02) 9894 8999. Cash donations can be made online by visiting www. parramattamission.org.au and selecting the “How can you help” tab. Click on “Donate now”.
Condobolin
Covenanting in practice
Celebrating 50 years of Peace
In May a unique event unfolded in Condobolin in central NSW. The NSWACT Congress welcomed another Aboriginal Church into its life, and handed over use of the Uniting Church buildings for its ministry.
On The Entrance Road, which is the main road that leads to The Entrance, you’ll find the ‘Peace Memorial Church’. This local fixture is renowned for its white shell-shaped roof. The 50th anniversary of the Church is on 26 August, which replaced the original church building that was constructed in 1920.
This exciting step in ministry was a result of wonderful co-operation between the Macquarie Darling Presbytery, Congress, Sydney Cheil Korean Uniting Church, and Freedom in Christ Ministries (a local Aboriginal Church). On Saturday 17 May people from Congress, Freedom in Christ, Presbytery, the local community (including past members of the Church), and Aboriginal Christian leaders from other places gathered in the Church to give praise to God, and to thank those who had been involved. There was lots of great singing, Neville Naden preached a fine sermon on the body of Christ, people were accepted as members-in-association of Congress/ the UCA, and the Church was welcomed as a ministry centre of Congress. After the service the Chairperson of Congress, Auntie Dianne Torrens, and Pastor Beth Wolfe helped put up a new sign at the front of the Church. Then people gathered in a tent on the Church grounds and shared lunch prepared by the Church members. A crowd gathered again that night for more worship. This was truly a day to remember, a great example of co-operation and covenanting.
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Back in the day people worked hard to raise the funds necessary to pay for the building. At the time there was a very active Ladies Church Aid and a Men’s Working Group. In the early 1970s, the late Rev. Walter Whitbread formed a choir, which has become known as The Tuggerah Lakes Choral Society. Even though the number of worshippers has fallen in recent years, the Congregation actively seeks to share God’s love with others through activities such as a free weekly sausage sizzle, a kids’ community garden; a day group catering for the elderly, socially isolated people, called “New Connections”, WRAP with Love group, seasonal bible studies, and Men’s Working Group (who care for the grounds and any maintenance needed). On 17 August we will hold a special service of celebration at 10:30am for this 50th anniversary. An invitation is extended to anyone who was once associated with the Long Jetty Congregation for this occasion. A light luncheon will follow the service. insights.uca.org.au
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A night to remember Members from Port Macquarie Uniting Church turned out in their finest at a soirée specially organised to boost funds for the July relaunch of the Outback Links program. Organisers, Geoff and Roz Bond, said the inspiration behind ‘A Night to Remember’ was to celebrate and remember the extraordinary time volunteers have spent with families in rural and remote Australia through the Outback Links program. The evening kicked off with canapés and punch served by Year 10 hospitality students from St Columba Anglican School. A delightful vocalist and pianist set the scene for a truly wonderful night of entertainment, while local artists and the Sing Australia Choir continued the entertainment throughout the evening. Supper followed a presentation about the program, highlighting the vital volunteer support to families doing it tough in the bush. Frontier Services was delighted to receive a cheque for $2,300 raised from the event, including a donation of $500 from the Port Macquarie West Rotary Club.
Enjoy great savings with the 2014/15 Entertainment Book UnitingCare NSW.ACT is incredibly excited to offer you the 2014/2015 Entertainment Book. Each book includes over $20,000 worth of valuable offers including up to 50% off and 2-for-1 deals at restaurants/cafes, attractions, hotel accommodation, travel and much more. There are 2 ways you can get your hands on these great deals: • T he EntertainmentTM Book – offers are redeemed via EntertainmentTM Gold cards and vouchers •E ntertainmentTM Digital Membership – allows you to redeem offers directly from your iPhone or Android smartphone By purchasing the Entertainment Book or Digital membership you are supporting UnitingCare NSW.ACT services. 20% from every membership sold contributes to our fundraising. For more information or to order your book/membership, head to: https://www.entertainmentbook. com.au/orderbooks/913142a To order, select the number and type of membership(s) you wish to
purchase and choose your preferred delivery option from the choices outlined (there is no delivery charge for digital memberships). We have established 6 collection sites. If you select one of these sites as your delivery option you will be notified when your book is ready for collection. Help us achieve our goal by sharing this link with your Friends and Family.
Sign up to the new Synod eNewsletter Have you signed up to the new Synod eNewsletter? We have had some excellent feedback about our new weekly electronic newsletter from the General Secretary Rev. Dr Andrew Williams. This weekly communication will keep you up-to-date with weekly service offerings from Synod, news and events from all over the region. If you have an item you would like included in the eNewsletter simply send it to contactus@nswact.uca.org. au. Closing date for submissions is Wednesday every week. Alternatively, you can sign up at nswact.uca.org.au/ about-us/connect/.
Members of Port Macquarie Uniting Church at “A Night to Remember” insights.uca.org.au
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From the General Secretary’s desk Who is your neighbour?
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esus was famously asked: “Who is my neighbour?” by a lawyer who wanted to ‘justify’ himself before Jesus. It results in Jesus telling the most amazing parable of the Good Samaritan. Perhaps we are like the lawyer in Jesus’ story. We want to know what we have to do to share in the Reign of God. It is interesting that the lawyer seeks no further information on who is the God he is to love. He wants more information on who is the neighbour he is to serve.
Rev. Dr Andrew Williams General Secretary The General Secretary is appointed by the Synod to provide leadership to the Church by actively engaging in strategic thinking about the life, direction, vision and mission of the Church.
The Biblical scholar T.W. Manson observed that “The question is unanswerable and ought not to be asked. For love does not begin by defining its objects: it discovers them.” But Jesus does not give a direct answer to the lawyers’ question; rather he helps the lawyer discover the answer for himself. Jesus could have told a story about a noble Jew helping a Samaritan. Such a story would have been more easily absorbed into the religious selfunderstanding of his Jewish audience. Rather the hated Samaritan is the hero. Jesus speaks to one of the audience’s deepest hatreds and painfully exposes it. The text has a clear progression as we move through the scenes. The priest only goes down the road. The Levite comes to the place. The Samaritan comes to the man. We don’t know which direction he is travelling. If up the hill, he has just passed the priest and Levite and therefore knows of their actions. If travelling down the hill then again he is probably aware of them on the road and what they have done. But he feels compassion. This Greek word has at its root the word ‘innards’. We can say that he indeed had a ‘gut reaction’ to the man in need. More than this, his compassion is immediately translated into concrete action.
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The parable presses us to discover (along with the lawyer) that we must become a neighbour to anyone in need. Who is it that is the neighbour in this story? It is not the man by the side of the road, (the person in need). It is the Samaritan who, by his actions, becomes a neighbour. Going out to serve means we must reach out in costly compassion to all people, even enemies. The standard is set even though it may not be fully reached. We will discover that our serving, our giving, is a joyful response and that we cannot justify ourselves and earn eternal life. For the parable holds up an ethical standard to strive for. Like the command, “Be perfect”, it remains a standard even though in its fullest expression it is impossibly high. For Jesus, love is something you feel and do. Going out to serve is the action component to our faith. Two types of sin and 2 types of sinner appear in the parable. The robbers hurt the man by violence. The priest and the Levite hurt him by neglect. The story implies the guilt of all 3. The failed opportunity to do good becomes an evil. Like the lawyer we may find we are consciously or unconsciously asking the question, “Who is my neighbour?” Like the lawyer we may also find that Jesus does not answer the question directly, but helps us discover what it means to be a neighbour. Our challenge becomes whether we have the courage to “go and do likewise” or not. Which eyes do we see the world with? The priests’ rigid code-book eyes, the Levites’ “Let’s-not-get-involved” eyes, or the Samaritans’ eyes that are moved by compassion? There is a great world of need around us to which we could respond. God invites us to see the need and in seeing the need we will hear the call to become neighbours.
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hen I was growing up, “Who is my neighbour” was the most frequently asked question at Sunday school. Teachers would talk about the greatest commandment from Matthew 22:34-40 and tell us that we are to Love God with everything and love our neighbour. But who is our neighbour and how are we to love them? Loving our neighbour is the foundational principle of community development. This principle is applied to an individual person as community development workers seek to ensure that people’s human rights are affirmed and protected, and that they are empowered to exercise them. The principle can also be applied to a group of people in a society. Loving our neighbours is expressed by applying social justice principles. Social justice principles include equality of liberties, equality of opportunities to advance, and positive discrimination for those who are disadvantaged. (Community development: community-based alternatives in an age of globalisation, Jim Ife, Frank Tesoriero, 2006, Pearson.) A community development approach is used with many different communities. It can include elements of community engagement, individual and systems advocacy, capacity building, community organising, networking and community planning. It is used in disadvantaged communities to strengthen and empower groups of people to identify and solve their own issues. A neighbourhood can use the approach to strengthen the whole community, including the economic, environmental and social condition of that place. How community development principles are applied varies from community to community and from person to person. But at the heart of each activity is the goal to build a stronger and more resilient local community. Duncan Macleod, Director, Uniting Learning Network, says that Congregations use community development approaches for their mission activities. “Congregations are involved in a range of mission activities that are based on community development principles. “There are many examples: Gymea Miranda Uniting Church established a Miranda Community Garden to build community connections; Wentworthville Uniting Church operates an Op Shop to support local disadvantaged people; Baulkham Hills Uniting Church has
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ministries for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants and provide English conversational classes and social interaction; and Northmead Uniting Church is a foundation member of the Sydney Alliance and uses the tools for the common good of their community.”
venture between UME and UnitingCare NSW.ACT Community Development Partnership Program.
Many Congregations use community development principles and tools when they are involved in mission activities. Their activities may be large projects such as those mentioned above, or less complex activities such as community morning teas, seniors lunches, playgroups, a letter writing campaign or community fun days.
Ordinary people doing extraordinary things
Rural Congregations also use community development principles to undertake mission activities. According to Bronwyn Murphy, Lay Education, Discipleship, Rural Ministry at Uniting Mission and Education, “Rural and remote Congregations live among communities faced with shrinking resources and withdrawal of services. People are struggling. Community gardens, Men’s Sheds and food bank programs all seek to provide practical assistance, but also to grow relationships and develop friendships. It isn’t about building the Congregation numbers, but genuinely caring about the community. "It isn’t about building the Congregation numbers, but about genuinely caring about the community. The Marranbilla Cluster in the Macquarie Darling Presbytery is starting a program entitled ‘120 Countdown’. Their purpose is to help young drivers get their hours up so they can get their license. “Rural chaplains use community development techniques to serve communities that are spread out over thousands of kilometres. Helping communities become more resilient as they deal with mental health issues, suicide and extreme loneliness is just one aspect of their work.” The knowledge and skills of community development are being used by many people in Congregations to serve their neighbours. People may not even know they are using community development principles and approaches as they passionately undertake mission activities. Some people may be overwhelmed with the idea of developing mission activities to serve their local community. To be able to identify the best way to support Congregations, a community development equipping and training needs analysis project has been developed. This is a joint
Community development principles in practice
Bronwyn O’Brien talks about her experience as a volunteer soccer coach to a team of 19 young asylum seekers. I have always been passionate about assisting asylum seekers and refugees in our community. So when I heard UnitingCare NSW.ACT was looking for a soccer coach to train a team of Afghani asylum seekers I jumped at the opportunity. A number of the boys in the team had gone through community detention programs and had been brought together by one of the Youth Case Workers, Marco Faraz. Marco could see the boys had both talent and the need for a positive outlet in their stressful and uncertain lives. They had a team roughly formed, but had lost their coach to a career opportunity overseas. Before I met the boys, I was incredibly nervous as I had no coaching experience and was concerned about being taken seriously — being both young and female. After our first meeting, all my nerves disappeared. Each boy shook my hand, obviously excited at the prospect of having a coach again. It has been an incredible journey filled with highs and lows. It has been really challenging at times, but seven months on we are registered with Merrylands Soccer Football Club and we’re playing in the Granville District All Age Men’s competition. The boys are so talented and live and breathe football. It is an honour to be their coach and sharing in the beautiful game with them gives me so much joy. I feel as if I have gained 17 lovely brothers who I enjoy spending time with them both on and off the pitch. This would never have been possible without the generosity of Roseville Uniting Church members who covered the cost of registration for each player, or for the kindness of the Merrylands Soccer Football Club who welcomed us with open arms. Bronwyn O’Brien is just one person taking action but there are many
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Rural Chaplain Julie Greig at Weilmoringle School teaching SRE Duncan McLeod, Chris McAlpine and Bronwyn Murphy – working together on education and training pathways for community development.
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Mount Austin High School students Connor Bourke and Tiannah Carkeek donate vegetables to Phil Sheather (coordinator of Wagga Uniting Church Food Ministries) and Mick North of Wagga Uniting Church
Participants in the Living Our Faith, New Testament intensive held at the Centre for Ministry, North Parramatta. 18 Insights July 2014
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opportunities for others to help in their community. To find out more about asylum seekers and other social justice issues and how you can get involved, register to attend The Faith and Justice Expo. It’s been organised by Synod’s Social Justice Forum and supported by Paddington Uniting Church Social Change Project, Uniting Mission and Education and UnitingCare NSW.ACT. Call Jon O’Brien (02) 9407 3225 during office hours.
Strengthening connections The appointment of a new community development coordinator on the mid-north coast will help strengthen UnitingCare’s regional presence and improve its connections with local Uniting Church Congregations, Aboriginal communities and the wider coastal community. Joanne (Jo) Gilkison, who is a member of the Worimi nation from the Great Lakes and Port Stephens areas, started her role at the beginning of May. She is employed by Jaanimili Aboriginal Services and Development Unit (part of UnitingCare Children Young People and Families) and UnitingCare’s Community Services program. Based at Old Bar near Taree, Jo’s initial focus will be on the areas around Taree and Wauchope. She will work with local Congregations and communities to help identify local needs, and liaise with various agencies to try to find sustainable solutions to address those needs. “My role will be to support Congregations, Aboriginal communities and the wider community. It’s also to work with organisations, government and nongovernment, and community partners to build on and value add to what they are currently doing in their communities,” said Jo. Jo has been heavily involved in the local community, having helped as a volunteer with the Taree and District Eisteddfod for 8 years. She has also volunteered at other services, including Manning Valley Respite Care and various child care services. Before joining UnitingCare, Jo worked in a range of children and family support service roles. She worked at Homebase Youth Services (based in Tuncurry), coordinating 2 supported playgroups and a young parents’ group; then moved into family support work with Manning Support Services in Taree, where she helped develop a range of parenting and behaviour-based programs.
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Jo grew up in Tuncurry, just south of where she’s currently working. She is married with 4 adult children and one granddaughter. Jo and her husband are also foster carers for UnitingCare Burnside. They started as respite carers but now have become long-term carers. In her spare time Jo enjoys creative craft using natural materials, working with clay, painting, heading to the beach, gardening, and reading. Jo can be contacted via phone (02) 6553 3992 or email jgilkison@unitingcarenswact. org.au.
The future of lay preachers The role of Lay Preacher has always been a specified and highly valued ministry in the Uniting Church. But as shrinking resources result in fewer ordained ministers, Lay Preachers are facing increased responsibility as they serve their Congregations. In many rural areas, Lay Preachers may be the only theological voice that is heard in our Congregations. Should our Lay Preachers cease to read, study, learn and grow, our Congregations may well starve for theological depth. To be a Lay Preacher means the congregation and the Church council has placed great trust in you. They trust you to care for the people, and reflect on the context of their lives as you prepare and preach. This trust makes you a leader. This leadership responsibility is not something to be taken lightly or overlooked. As the future unfolds, the wise leadership and theological reflection offered by the Lay Preacher will become even more vital. Helping congregations navigate from what was to what might be is a difficult task. Inspiring them to realise that a motivation of self-preservation has no place in God’s realm is even tougher. Some of the Community Development principles can provide practical and achievable guidance for congregations seeking to engage with their local communities. One of the (many) things that will make or break this engagement is the driving motivation of the Congregation. Changing this mindset is just one of the many challenges our church faces. Uniting Mission & Education is committed to working with Presbyteries to equip our leaders, and our work with the Community Development arm of UnitingCare is to create resources that are tailored for this task.
If you are a Lay Preacher/Leader, I invite you to think seriously about your capacity to lead and think theologically. How long is it since you attended a course or read something that challenged or inspired you? Are you interested in resources that move your Congregation beyond itself, and out into the community? Is your Congregation nourished by your preaching, and guided by your wisdom. If you are a member of church council, perhaps you could think about what support is offered to your lay leaders, as well as what new learning might be needed for you to help lead your Congregation into active service in your local community. Lay Preachers are indeed a blessing to the Uniting Church. As you seek to lead and preach and also live your lives, know that we give thanks to God for your ministry. Please feel free to contact me for information on available courses or for more information on becoming a Lay Preacher. If you would like information about what book to read, please contact our Camden Theological Library at Centre for Ministry, North Parramatta. I know Moira and her team stand ever ready to assist in whatever capacity they can. Bronwyn Murphy, Education, Discipleship and Rural Ministry Consultant, Uniting Mission & Education. Phone:02 8838 8920 or email bronwynm@nsw.uca.org.au
Tell us what you think
We’d like to invite you to have your say about what support, training and equipping you require so that you can achieve your mission activities. We’ve created a simple, online survey. It’s designed to help us better understand what support you would need to design, develop, deliver and evaluate your mission activities that use community development principles. To take the survey, head to: http:// www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1685195/ Community-Development If you don’t have access to the Internet but would like to take the survey, please contact Bronwyn Murphy by calling 02 8838 8920 or email: bronwynm@nsw.uca.org.au It should only take 10 minutes to complete, and we’ll share a summary of the findings with anyone who completes it. Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete the survey.
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The changing face of volunteering
olunteering is a privilege that can be enjoyed by all ages. In return you are blessed by those you are blessing.
volunteered for a year. She shared her story in the September 2007 issue of Insights and the article caught their attention.
Agape is home to 100 children and young people aged three months to 22 years old, who have or who are at risk of HIV/Aids. Located in Chiang Mai in Thailand’s north, the home is providing a loving Christian environment where the residents are given care, medical assistance, education and nurture.
This year, the three ladies returned to help the seven to 14-year-olds with music, songs, dance, craft, activities, outings and English. While the children do learn English at school, having the three ladies only speak English to the children allowed them to make big improvements in their oral English.
In the past, volunteers at Agape were mostly young people. But in more recent times there has been an increase in the number of ‘young’ 60-somethings looking to get involved in with this rewarding and exciting opportunity.
Sharing some stories of giving
Three young seniors recently volunteered during the children’s summer holidays. Lurline Butler and Robyn Johnson from Keiraview Uniting Church in Wollongong, and Judith Bond from Campbelltown returned for their fifth year of volunteering. Keiraview Church and its members sponsor eight children at Agape. Lurline and Robyn became involved with volunteering at Agape after a younger lady from their Church 22 Insights July 2014
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Christine Haines, a retired Child and Family Health Nurse, is helping in the baby section where there are ten children ranging from three months to 13 months. Her husband George, a retired gardener, is helping with maintenance and gardening. He also assists with the young children at times. Christine felt privileged to be asked to help bring the newest three babies to Agape. She helped a seven month old boy and has now decided to sponsor him. Anne Hawkins from Cessnock/Bellbird Uniting Church has been a short-term volunteer a number of times helping in the pre-school with program training and resources.
Peter and Kelly Worner from Mittagong have been volunteering at Agape for 18 months. Kelly is the International Volunteer Coordinator and Peter looks after worldwide sponsorship and visiting teams. These roles have been busy but very rewarding and they would not have missed a minute of their time at Agape. Agape also has a Mother Baby Unit that cares for women of all ages and walks of life who are affected by HIV/ Aids. This unit allows women who are suffering to remain with their children. They are provided with food, shelter, clothing, medication as well as emotional and spiritual support. Another senior volunteer, Diane Wilson from Melbourne, has just finished four months working with these ladies and is planning to return again next year for a similar time. Agape Children’s home Chiang Mai Thailand will accept volunteers over the age of 20. If you’d like to get involved with Agape but are unable to offer yourself as a volunteer, sponsoring is another way you can help these children. For more information about Agape, volunteering or sponsoring visit www.nikkisplace.org insights.uca.org.au
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To be or not to be the Uniting Church
“M
en’s Sheds are not just fixing furniture and building toys; they are fixing men and building communities.” — AMSA Mission and Values Men’s Sheds are about being community-based, non-profit, noncommercial organisations that are accessible to all men. Their primary activity is to provide a safe, friendly and healing environment where men are able to work on meaningful projects at their own pace; in their own time; in the company of other men and to contribute to the wider community. Men’s Sheds play an important role in the community by providing meeting places where men can find social support and camaraderie. Their major objective is to advance the well-being and health of their male members and to encourage social inclusion.
Men’s Sheds and the Uniting Church Many Uniting Church organisations have formed close relationships with Men’s Sheds. These organisations consider ‘their’ Men’s Shed to be a part of ‘their’ Uniting Church organisation. However, Men’s Sheds are not officially recognised by the Church as Uniting Church organisations. This does not mean that a Uniting Church organisation cannot have and continue to have a relationship with their Men’s Shed. It just means that the Uniting Church is not responsible for or accountable in any way for the operation of the Men’s shed.
could be held personally liable if someone is injured in the workplace. The challenge is that the Uniting Church cannot, in any way, indemnify individuals against this personal liability.
Men’s Sheds and the Uniting Church moving forward Over the past 12 months, Uniting Resources has been in discussion with some of the Congregations that currently have relationships with Men’s Sheds. The purpose of these discussions is to help the Congregation, Church council, the Men’s Shed and their members, understand the exposures that were identified in 2012 and to work with them to mitigate their exposures. Uniting Church insurances will only cover Men’s Shed participants in situations where there is an injury sustained on Uniting Church premises and it is proven that the injury sustained was directly caused by and attributable to negligence on the part of the Church. Where the Uniting Church owns the actual building a Men’s Shed operates from and/or the contents of the Men’s Shed, then the Church will insure those assets only.
It is recommended that each man’s shed becomes a separately incorporated association in their own name and right, and holds the requisite insurance cover necessary to cover its operations. If the Men’s Shed is a member of the Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) then the Men’s Shed can source comprehensive insurance cover through AMSA, which is charged on a per head per member basis and provides insurance cover for all members of Men’s Sheds in the event that they are injured. AMSA can also assist the Men’s Shed through the incorporation process. As Men’s Sheds are not Uniting Church organisations it is also imperative that formal tenancy and/or lease arrangements be entered into between the Uniting Church and the Men’s Sheds in instances where the Men’s Shed is operating on Uniting Church property.
Where to go for more information
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Uniting Resources on 8267 4365 or e-mail vickir@nsw.uca.org.au Photo courtesy of UnitingCare NSW.ACT
2012 and the events that impacted Men’s Sheds In 2012 a number of events meant the Uniting Church was obligated to review and seriously reconsider its position in relation to a number of its activities, including Men’s Sheds. On 1 January 2012 work, health and safety (WHS) legislation changed. The change meant that the persons responsible for ‘running’ the Men’s Shed, such as the members of Church council and/or the members of the Men’s Shed management committee, insights.uca.org.au
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A Church like us for times like these T
he President Rev. Professor Andrew Dutney reflects on the national census of Uniting Church Congregations and ministers Like me, if you attended NCYC in Parramatta in January you would be equally excited about the future of the Church. NCYC was a life-giving, lifechanging, inter-cultural festival of music, Bible study, prayer, dancing, painting, eating, laughing, talking, listening, caring and deepening commitment to discipleship. The young Christians in attendance came from every part of Australia, every cultural and linguistic community, every type of Congregation and style of Christian faith within the UCA. They are passionate, smart, deeply committed disciples of Jesus who love God, each other and their neighbours of every kind. I want to be part of their Church! I had these younger sisters and brothers in mind as I received the final reports from my national census of UCA Congregations and Ministers. What kind of Church are we today? What kind of Church is nurturing and mentoring those young Christians? What kind of Church will they get to lead in the next couple of decades? For one thing, the UCA is a big Church. It is publically present across Australia. It has more than 2,000 Congregations of Christ’s people. Every week around 100,000 people gather in UCA congregations to worship and encourage one another in discipleship. Most UCA Congregations are smaller than 50 members. But nearly one in ten is larger than 100 with a handful being larger than 200 strong. It’s almost a cliché, but the best word to describe the Congregations that God calls together in the UCA is “diverse”. Our rural footprint is quite remarkable. Although most of our members are in the cities, most of our Congregations are in rural situations. Many of these are lay-led Congregations that have found innovative ways to be present and effective in their communities. There are lessons to be learned here for the whole UCA.
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We have a large order of well-trained, experienced ministers to draw on. The Synods provided me with the contact details of nearly 2,500 UCA ministers. Finding ways to release the leadership of these members should be a priority – including encouraging their mentoring of our young adult leaders, lay and ordained. Renewal in ministry will enrich us all. Although it wasn’t part of the census as such, in my role as President I have seen that the UCA has very strong partnerships and ecumenical relationships throughout Asia, the Pacific and, more recently, Africa. That is, we are in close fellowship with the thriving, growing parts of the Church of God to which we can look for encouragement and insights as we take up God’s invitation to cooperate with the work of the Holy Spirit in Australia today.
Bringing reconciliation and renewal to the whole creation The census of Congregations and Ministers has shown us that the UCA is a significant presence in Australian. To make the most of our opportunities to participate in God’s mission today, we need to recognise that we are not the same as the UCA of the 1970s. If we think and act as if we were the UCA of the 1970s we will just sabotage ourselves. There is understandable grief about that for many people – especially for my generation and the ones before mine, who came to faith in that very different Church. We miss it. Deeply sometimes. The most obvious difference is that it was bigger. In those days the vast majority of our Congregations were more than 100 strong and only a few were smaller than 50 people. Almost all Congregations had their own Minister or at least shared one with another Congregation. Ministers were an important community leader and the Church was at the centre of the community. Together with Rotary and Lions, the Church was expected
and trusted to get things done for the community. Like Scouts and Guides, Church was somewhere people sent their kids to be prepared for adult citizenship. But that Australia and that Church is long gone. We have the data to confirm it. But God has already made us into a new Church and is calling us to be Christ’s body and witnesses in this new Australia. What those young Christians who inspired me at NCYC need from the UCA is a clear-eyed acknowledgement of the kind of church we are in 2014. Then they need a commitment from their elders to bring their wisdom to bear on how we can be the best Church we can be in 2014. That will involve trying to discern the structures and practices that will nurture people in faith and mission in 2014. It will involve the Assembly working out how to resource Congregations of this new century with Regulations that reflect their actual shape and circumstances. None of this is easy, especially for people who are grieving for the Church of the past. But the Church of today and its promise for the future is so exciting that I’m sure we can do it – strengthened and guided by the Holy Spirit. Because, of course, it’s not about us or about the UCA ‘brand’. It’s about what God in Christ has already done and is doing: bringing reconciliation and renewal to the whole creation. The Church doesn’t have a mission of its own. The missional God has a Church. The UCA is one small, very recent part of that Church of God. It is our joy and privilege to participate in God’s mission in our own particular time and place – nothing more or less than that – as a foretaste, sign and instrument of “the end in view for the whole creation”. (Basis of Union, paragraph 3). Rev. Professor Andrew Dutney
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The Rev. Elenie Poulos and Rev. Rronang Garrawurra sharing stories at Yur贸ra in January this year.
Enjoying Main Stage entertainment at Yur贸ra. insights.uca.org.au
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‘Christian inaction’ versus ‘Christians in action’ T his is a little story about sowing the seed of Christianity; of Church, Congregation and community, and our journey in the Wollongong Mission in the heart of the Illawarra Region of NSW.1 Each month we host a multicultural evening that’s overseen by the Supply Minister, Trevor Jennings, and Lay Preacher Debbie Leeming.
The seed Debbie ‘Doo Ah’ Leeming, is an evangelist. The desire to spread the Good News to all and sundry just bursts out of her. Week in, week out, there is great disappointment if she hasn’t bought someone to the Church. New, old, fallen, resettled, migrant… Some stay and some go. It is not necessarily easy, the outcomes are certainly unpredictable, and the only chance of success comes with constant effort, trusting in God, and letting the spirit work through her.
The ground The existing human fields of the Uniting Church are fertile grounds if you know where to plant your crop. We often assume that an ageing Congregation is ‘retired’. But when engaged, they remain passionate workers with the time and energy to devote to serving Christ. Over time, what we have found is that the main type of new members we attract and retain come from the following groups: 1) Local people who have fallen away from attending Church, but who still have a love and belief in God. 2) Christians who have relocated to the region. 3) Refugees from all over the world.2 4) New migrants from Christian backgrounds, especially people from a Methodist or Presbyterian background, who are looking for a Church in their adopted home. 5) New Christians who have no Christian background.
Engagement The existing Congregation need to see that what is happening is fundamentally Christian, even if it appears to be taking a new form.
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It is one thing for a new ‘zealot’ to enter an established Congregation, identify everything that they see as wrong and immediately set about ‘fixing it’. Faithful Christians who have served in the Church for 60 or more years do not need ‘fixing’.
What they need, is a big dose of the Holy Spirit, inspiration, excitement, knowing that the quintessence of everything they worked for will survive and thrive.3 For this to happen, 2 important actions need to take place: 1) The existing Congregation has to accept new members and the inevitable changes that come with the exotic customs of Christians from different cultures. Paul’s letter, and his successful arguments with Peter are quite specific and proscriptive around this topic.4 2) We need a sense of urgency to bring new members into our Congregations in a sustainable fashion where new members are encouraged and welcomed into the Uniting.
The service So what does it look like and what does it feel like? It all rolls along, slowly growing as a trend, some weeks bigger than the last; some weeks smaller; some churn in the Congregation; some moving interstate or overseas, but always being replaced by evangelism and word of mouth. It’s imbued with Filipino, Chinese, Iraqis, Koreans, Indians, Indonesians, Thai, Tongans, Cook Islanders, core Congregation members, Elders, several ministers and lay preachers. Worship music is diverse and includes modern Christian music, folk music, traditional hymns, accompanied by organ, piano, or acapella. Dinner and fellowship proceed the evening service. There are lots of laughs and smiles and even some tears, but always growing closer together and becoming more familiar with each other.
Testing and community When it comes to building a strong community, it’s how we respond that makes all the difference. One of our recently Baptised Chinese
Students, David, was involved in a terrible road accident in the Riverina. His mother was killed and he and his dad were hospitalised. The scale and alien nature of our foreign country could not have been more starkly displayed. David and his father were in Griffith Hospital, his mother in Deniliquin, and what was left of their belongings were back in Hay. David and his father were very alone and a long way from ‘home’. Debbie and I were privileged to be able to get to the Riverina the following day and sort out the practical side of things. We did what we could to ease their emotional pain but I was reminded of Abraham’s grief for Sarah, “Here I am, a stranger and a foreigner among you. Please sell me a piece of land so I can give my wife a proper burial.”5
Credibility The funeral was held in the Church where only three weeks earlier, David had been baptised. Bitterly sad but not alone, here was a Christian family come to grieve and share the grief of their own Christian brothers and sisters. Though my own heart was breaking for David and his entire family, I also looked in wonder. Here was our multicultural Congregation and our Elders, and our Council members, and our Clergy united. Something was stirring, quickening perhaps. I couldn’t quite grasp it. St Paul’s words from Corinthians came to mind: “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face-to-face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”6 Wollongong’s Mission’s Multicultural service had coalesced; it had become a Congregation. Footnotes 1 Matthew 13: 3 - 9 Dept of Immigration and Border protection Fact Sheet 60 2 Matthew 25:35 3 2 Timothy 4: 7 4 Galatians 2: 11 – 21 5 Genesis 23:4 6 1 Corinthians 13: 12 – 13
Debbie Leeming is completing her Period of Discernment under Rev. Andrew Smith. Debbie runs a monthly multicultural service through Wollongong Mission on the Mall as a lay preacher, and conducts weekly Bible and English classes for new migrants.
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A focus on supporting families in need Despite minimal funding, the small agency goes from strength to strength thanks to the determination and passion of those connected to it. FOCUS has a strong foundation: its staff, volunteers and Management Committee embrace quality and they deserve the highest accolade for their continued success and growth. Amazingly, for a service that can only fund three part-time staff, over 150 families receive support annually and 60 volunteers receive the training and supervision they need to carry out the much-needed work. When you consider FOCUS currently supports four sets of triplets under 12 months, along with ten sets of twins and 35 other families – to say the support is invaluable is an understatement!
F
rom a young age, girls are conditioned to believe they have an inherent ability to protect and nurture their children. It is assumed that if the stork delivers a cherub, that special bond between mother and baby is instantaneous and unbreakable. But what if that doesn’t happen? What if motherhood isn’t the idyllic work of Huggies advertisements? What about those families that feel totally out of their depth? Focus on Families (FOCUS) has been helping new mothers in the Campbelltown region for two decades. The service was established in 1994 under the auspice of Campbelltown UnitingCare and aims to support parents who are struggling with parenting their young children. FOCUS supports families by linking them to a trained volunteer who visits the family home, usually once a week, for two or three hours. The program provides parents with an understanding of child development and behaviour; improving parenting confidence and skills and reducing social isolation. It also provides support, guidance and access to local services.
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“I was fortunate enough to have a FOCUS volunteer who was an absolute gem. She was so encouraging, helpful and supportive. On the day she was scheduled to visit, I was so relieved and knew I would make it through the day because she was coming.” A young mother who receives support through FOCUS
Importantly, FOCUS’ service delivery is professionally guided and complements the work of health and welfare professionals. FOCUS works because volunteers are parents, many of whom have experienced difficult life journeys. They understand how hard it can be and they work alongside parents in their own homes to help them cope with the stresses of parenthood, making sure they have the skills, time and strength they need to nurture their children’s development.
The FOCUS volunteer home visiting program works in conjunction with professional services, which is part of the range of early intervention supports available to Campbelltown families. It is a distinctive model of community support because the beneficiaries of the program extend beyond the participation families and children to the people who deliver the program, the volunteers. Valuing and recognising these volunteers is a FOCUS priority and explains why so many women choose to give back to their community through this small service. It’s not uncommon for volunteers to be nominated for Inspiring Women Awards, National Volunteer Awards, Pride of Australia medals and Gift of Time recognition. Outcomes for volunteers are often overlooked when service appraisals take place, but FOCUS sees first-hand what volunteering can do. In addition to improved self-efficacy, health and wellbeing, volunteers develop skills and the ability to share these skills to help others. They have enhanced long-term meaningful participation in the community and for many, it is their first step to undertake formal study in welfare or return to work. insights.uca.org.au
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Position Vacant
Executive Officer Mission Resourcing
Uniting Church in Australia, Presbytery and Synod of South Australia Applications are invited from enthusiastic, exceptionally gifted and highly motivated members of the Uniting Church, either ordained or laypersons, to this senior leadership position within the Church. The task embraces the functions of: • leading and managing all matters relating to the Mission Resourcing Ministry Centre • high level leadership across the Presbytery and Synod The successful applicant will have: • a passion for the mission of God through the Uniting Church • exceptional visionary leadership • the ability to build and maximise the potential of a high quality staff team • leadership, management and administrative skills that concentrate on delivering quality service that will energise a complex organisation • the capacity to think strategically and manage multiple complex issues at the same time • disciplined thinking and a capacity to manage change combined with a pastoral heart • the ability to continue to increase the level of missional momentum This is an exciting opportunity for a Church embracing challenging times. A full information pack and position description is available from Tracey Bost, Executive Assistant to the CEO/General Secretary, 82364232 or tbost@sa.uca.org.au. Applications close 4pm Thursday 31 July 2014. Please forward applications to: CEO/General Secretary, GPO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001 or gensec@sa.uca.org.au
Robyn Somers-Day
Soprano - Singer SoloiSt - Cantor available for Weddings, Funerals, Memorial Services and Social occasions Mobile: 0418 973 656 Email: robyn@sopranosinger.com.au Website: sopranosinger.com.au Please visit my website to hear samples of my singing and song suggestions for your special event.
Study Creation and Ecology How does our faith relate to our environment? What are the church’s ecological responsibilities? What is the future of our planet? Uniting Earth Minister Dr Jason John will be leading a five day intensive course on Creation and Ecology from 17 to 21 November at the United Theological College in North Parramatta. This subject reflects on God as creator of heaven and earth, exploring critical questions about the church’s ecological responsibilities in today’s changing world. Creation and Ecology (THL 211) is available as an elective in CSU’s Bachelor of Theology, as Single Subject Study or for interest only.
ENROL NOW
This subject may be studied as an individually assessed subject, for interest only, or credited towards further study.
For more information: Joanne Stokes 02 8838 8967 joannes@nsw.uca.org.au
To register: Renee Kelly 02 8838 8914 studentadmin@nsw.uca.org.au
A1064
www.utc.edu.au/courses
UTC is constituted within the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of NSW and the ACT, and CSU’s School of Theology.
insights.uca.org.au
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Lectionary Reflections
The "good news of the kingdom" is also to be proclaimed July 6 Matthew 11: 16-19, 25 - 30
July 20 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
July 27 Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Amid hostility and resistance, Jesus can still find time to praise God. Yet the prayer of Jesus can sound somewhat strange to our ears. Jesus is making the point that it is the humble, the childlike and the lowly who are the most receptive to the message of God. The wise and intelligent can be deceived by their faith in their own cleverness. Jesus invites all those who can see beyond his appearance to his real nature to enter into a relationship with him.
Most of us love to look at, or stroll around, a garden that’s well cared for. But such gardens are a lot of hard work and must be tended regularly. Despite the care, gardeners find themselves waging a constant battle against weeds.
Jesus often speaks about the nature and progress of the kingdom of God as beginning small and developing into something very large, and as something worth giving up everything for. To tell people of the world of its imminent arrival, the “good news of the kingdom” is also to be proclaimed.
We are reminded here that appearances can be deceptive. John was seen as too holy, and Jesus as not holy enough. How often do we fall into the trap of judging others by appearances? Is there a challenge here to the Church in how we live out God’s call?
July 13 Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Despite the losses noted in the story, Jesus paints a picture of astonishing success for those who hear his words and practice his teachings. The seeds on the good soil bring forth an abundant harvest. Jesus’ words also remind us that acceptance of the gospel will always face difficulties in an unbelieving world.
If we imagine our society as a garden, who are the weeds in it? And how are we meant to respond to them? In our society today, where many are increasingly alienated, oppressed or unloved, is it any wonder that the garden of our community has many who wrongly see themselves ‘weeds’? If we take the message of this parable at face value, it may seem that all we have to do is have faith ourselves, and not worry about our societal weeds. But Jesus challenges us to look after the poor and disadvantaged. How can the Church help the “weeds” of our local communities?
The inheritors of the kingdom, the righteous; they have clearly defined ethical behaviour laid out for them to follow. More is required of them than mere faith in Jesus: they are exhorted to do and teach even the least of the commandments (5:19) and to do the will of the Father (7:21-23).
The Church is called to catch the vision of God’s kingdom and to further its work. Consider how your Church could be an agent of growth and transformation in your community.
This Lectionary Reflection was prepared by the Rev. Elizabeth Raine who ministers at Wauchope Uniting Church and is the Southern Zone Minister for Mid North Coast Presbytery
The sown words of Jesus result in both complete failures and spectacular success. The sower accepts the risk of failure, trying different soils in order to produce a good crop. Consider whether we as the Church are prepared to risk failure in the same way. Have we become too ‘safe’ in what we are prepared to do to spread the gospel?
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insights.uca.org.au
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Do you need counselling which incorporates a faith dimension? Our Christian Psychologists have training in both theology and psychology and are dedicated to a holistic, sensitive approach to personal, marriage and family issues. Our specialist psychologist offers individual and group sessions specifically for victims and perpetrators of sexual assault and their families. People with a referral from their GP on a Mental Health Care Plan may be able to claim Medicare benefits* (* see Medicare schedule for claimable items – available on request or on the Medicare website)
Visit our website: www.pastoralcounselling.org
Let the Experts Come to You! If you’re located in a rural area and are looking for training in pastoral care, stay where you are. The Pastoral Counselling Institute will bring their team of training experts to you. The Institute offers training in a num¬ber of areas for churches and ministry teams. These include programs on: • Learning How I Listen • I’m Going Visiting • Qualities of Leadership Each of these programs is designed to encourage members of your congregation to increase their skills in pastoral care. And to ensure you’re getting the most from your training, each course can be be tailored to suit the needs of your congregation
WHAT’S COMING UP?
Professional Development Day Psychologists and counsellors interested in learning more about treatment for those using child and adult exploitive material (pornography). Led by Rev Dr Peter Powell 26th July 2014 Saturday 9:30am – 4:30pm Cost $140 for the day BYO lunch - Morning Tea and Afternoon Tea provided Centre for Ministry, 16 Masons Drive North Parramatta Must Register: RSVP 10th July 2014 to pciuca@ihug.com.au or 02 9683 3664
If you would like more information on any of the Pastoral Counselling Institute activities please call on 9683 3664 or email to pciuca@ihug.com.au
August is Conference Month at United Theological College For registration details and accommodation options visit our rebranded site utc.edu.au Postcolonial engagement: Politics, Religions, Scriptures Friday 1 to Saturday 2 August Rediscovering Courage: Faith and Justice Expo Saturday 9 August Basis of Union Conference 2014: Catalyst for Renewal Friday 22 to Sunday 24 August Preaching Conference 2014: insights.uca.org.au
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Preaching for Transformation Featuring Clayton Schmit, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary Monday 25 to Thursday 28 August All at 16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta, NSW 2151
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speak were listening Speak, we’re listening. “Speak Lord, your servant is listening” 1 Samuel 3:10
Hillsong Conference Championing the cause of the local church everywhere June 29 - July 3, 2015 Allphones Arena, Sydney Register online at: hillsongconference.com
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With Special Guests:
Joseph Prince Joseph
prince
Rick Warren Rick
warren
More guests to be announced soon!
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Updates from the General Secretary Information for individuals and congregations
Welcoming new placements •M r Seungjae Yeon, Gladesville Boronia Park, start date to be confirmed •R ev. Andrew Cunningham, Orange, 1 August 2014 •R ev. Manas Ghosh, Parramatta Mission, 1 July 2014
Induction/Commissioning • Alan White, St Ninian’s Lynham, 11 April 2014 • Ockert Meyer, Canberra Central, 11 May 2014 • Rev. Peter Overton, Far North Coast Presbytery, Casino Kyogle Cluster, 15 June 2014
In loving memory •M r David Ellis, son of Rev. Grahame Ellis (retired) passed away on 20 April 2014 •R ev. Sandy Murray passed away on 1 May 2014 •M r Sidney Werner Gore, father of Rev. David Gore, passed away on 3 May 2014 •M rs Beryl Cullen, mother of Rev. Lindsay Cullen, passed away on 15 May 2014
Conclusion of ministry • Rev. Mark Watt, 14 April 2014 • Rev. Will Pearson, 31 August 2014
A prayer for good health • Rev. Mark Watt • Rev. Dr Ann Wansbrough
Seeking Victory Trees At the end of World War 1, the Botanical Gardens donated young trees to be planted to commemorate the victory. These trees, which were donated to the Methodist Church and other churches, were planted in locations throughout New South Wales. One of the trees found a home on the site of the old Methodist Church in Pittwater Road, Mona Vale. It is a type of oak and has very dark green leaves and a very dark trunk and branches. It is going to be placed on the
Significant Trees Register. If you know of other trees, please email Noel Mills mills.noel.h@bigpond.com or Wade Orth wade.orth@gmail.com Contact us to update your details Have you taken up an office-bearing position at your church recently, such as Treasurer or Secretary? If you have, we want to make sure you receive important information pertaining to your new position. Contact Stevia Wyjaya at the Secretariat at steviaw@nswact.uca.org.au or by calling 8267 4329 to update your details in the Synod Directory. To receive the General Secretary’s eNewsletter every week, sign up by visiting the website at nswact.uca.org. au/about-us/connect/. This eNewsletter contains important information and news from around the Synod, keeping you in touch with the services offerings and events to attend.
Ministry Matters Current P lacement Vacancies as at 1 July 2014. The following placements have submitted profiles to the Placements Committee and are either in, or soon to be in, the process of seeking to fill a ministry vacancy. Placements are available to specified ministers of the UCA. These placements are listed as being suitable for a Pastor under Regulation 2.3.3(a)(ii). A non-ordained minister may offer to serve in an approved placement through a written application to the Synod. Expressions of interest may be made in writing to the Associate Secretary, janef@nsw.uca.org.au or to the Presbytery’s Placement Committee representative.
CANBERRA REGION PRESBYTERY •S t Margaret’s Hackett & St James Curtin 50/50 (ADV) • Eurobodalla 70% • Yarralumla • Bega-Tathra FAR NORTH COAST PRESBYTERY • Maclean 70% (ADV) GEORGES RIVER PRESBYTERY • Lakemba • Menai-Illawong (60%) • Campsie-Earlwood-Clemton Park
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ILLAWARRA • Dapto KOREAN PRESBYTERY • Sydney Cheil English Ministry 75%
SYDNEY NORTH PRESBYTERY •C arlingford Marsden Road 50% (ADVERTISED) •P resbytery Minister- Ministry, Mission and Strategy (ADVERTISED)
KU-RING-GAI PRESBYTERY • St Andrews South Turramurra 50%
VIC/TAS SYNOD • Bridgewater Gagebrook
SYDNEY PRESBYTERY • Strathfield-Homebush
insights.uca.org.au
27/06/2014 4:02:31 PM
Belief matters “… died, and was buried…”
W
hen Jesus died, something happened in human history that changed everything. Jesus’ earliest followers had many different ways of describing the meaning of that mysterious event. Most of these descriptions are paradoxical. They are expressions of astonishment, not straightforward doctrinal explanations. Through his shameful death, Jesus attains the highest honour (Phil 2:6-11). By succumbing to corruptibility Jesus makes human nature incorruptible (1 Cor 15). His death is the world’s life (Rom 5:12-21). It is an impoverishment that brings riches (1 Cor 1:25), a curse that brings blessing (Gal 3:6-14), a weakness that brings strength (2 Cor 13:4), an identification with sin that creates a new order of righteousness (2 Cor 5:21). Jesus’ death is the darkness that illuminates, the judgment that does not condemn (John). It is a violent catastrophe that triumphs over all the violence of human history (Revelation).
all that belongs to our nature…. Our whole nature had to be brought back from death. Thus he stooped down to our dead body and stretched out a hand when we lay prostrate. He approached so near death as to come into contact with it.”
Because of Jesus, death was no longer seen as a defeat One of the great convictions of the early Christians was that death itself had been changed because of Jesus’ death. Jesus’ followers adopted a completely new attitude towards death. Because of Jesus, death was no longer seen as a defeat; dying could become a kind of victory. That is what the martyrs showed when they loved Jesus’ death more than their own lives. In a discussion of the Christian martyrs, the Egyptian pastor Athanasius wrote: “If you see children playing with
a lion, don’t you know that the lion must be either dead or completely powerless? In the same way, when you see Christ’s believers playing with death and despising it, there can be any doubt that death has been destroyed by Christ and that its corruption has been brought to an end?” (Athanasius, On the Incarnation). When Jesus died, death died too. The martyr is the proof. Because of Jesus’ death, believers die differently. Our dying can become another way of following Jesus and of identifying with him. We die differently because we know that “neither death nor life … will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:38-39). We die differently because Jesus has touched death. He has gone there ahead of us. He waits for us there, the Lord of life, just as he waits for us at all life’s crossroads, at the beginnings and ends of all our ways. Ben Myers is Lecturer in Systematic Theology at United Theological College
Each of these paradoxes points to the central mystery of faith: the brute fact of Jesus’ death. The meaning of that fact is inexhaustible. No matter how much we say about it, we will only be scratching the surface. In Christology we are always beginners. In the Church’s early centuries, Christian pastors and teachers tended to describe Jesus’ death as a form of solidarity with human nature. We are mortal. Our nature is marked off by the two limits of birth and death, the womb and the tomb. It is impossible to be human without making contact with both of these limits. Jesus shared the full experience of our humanity. He was born so that he could meet us in our infancy. And he willingly faced death in order to meet us there too. The fourth-century Cappadocian writer Gregory of Nyssa put it like this: “[Jesus’] birth makes his death necessary. He who had decided to share our humanity had to experience insights.uca.org.au
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hamiltonfunerals.com.au Grants for community service projects Norman and Florence Price Memorial Trust The Norman and Florence Price Memorial Trust provides small, one-off grants for projects that, in some way, help relieve poverty. It is administered by the Board of UnitingCare NSW.ACT. Applications are being sought for 2014-15. To be eligible, an organisation must be accountable to a congregation, presbytery or mission within the Synod of NSW and the ACT. Assessment criteria include: the level of analysis and planning evident in the project plan; the capacity of the organisation to manage the project; the commitment of the organisation's members/ volunteers (financial or in-kind) to the project; and the level of collaboration with the service’s clients and/or other services. For more details or to apply, visit www.unitingcare nswact.org.au/resources/grant_programs/price_trust. The deadline for submissions is 22 August 2014.
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The cast of the upcoming film Guardians of the Galaxy.
Culture watch
The hero who never dies
S
everal times in the past months I’ve curled up in the comfy womb of a cinema and prepared myself for another Marvel adventure. While we don’t know what we’re about to watch, in a way we do – and we’re okay with that. Marvel Productions may begin each of its films with a flickering montage referencing decades of comic book stories, but actually it’s the same tale, told over and over again. In fact, there are four key characteristics you can tick off in each and every successful film that will keep us coming back for his adventures again and again.
1. The hero is a lover Hero or anti-hero, it doesn’t matter. Very early on in the film we’ll discover that his/her heart is captured by a deep and abiding love. It might be love of knowledge, country or even an ideal like freedom. Of course that love can be complicated too, like that between Jupiter Jones and her genetically engineered bodyguard Caine Wise in the upcoming sci-fi opera Jupiter Ascending. But the important thing is that the hero can be trusted because they understand that most basic of human feelings. insights.uca.org.au
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2. The hero is challenged Every hero faces a moment where the safety of their love comes into question, and the depth of that threat will ultimately measure the height of their triumph. In reality is doesn’t matter whether it’s Godzilla’s flying lizard menacing Lieutenant Ford Brody, or the Guardians Of The Galaxy overcoming their own shortcomings. There will be an obstacle to conquer and that victory will come at a price.
3. The hero sacrifices A point will arrive in the film where all of the hero’s weapons, skills and pluck will fail him. In order to save his love he will have to sacrifice himself. Of course it’s not always physical death that threatens. Death of a career, respect or a dream will suffice. But whatever death the hero ends up confronting, it will represent the end of a way of life, the end of happiness, the end of hope. Death is the ultimate villain because Death is the ultimate full stop.
4. The hero rises again Have you ever wondered about the fact that, as a species, we’re not content to leave it there? Hollywood tried to make Death attractive in the evolution-driven movie Creation, but it was a flop.
We can’t accept that the final curtain should come down with the hero in the grave. We hunger for a resurrection moment, and most films oblige. In May, Wolverine managed to survive death in both the past and the future. It’s not enough for the hero to defeat Death. We expect their return will have positive implications for everyone associated with them. These story truths resonate with audiences all over the planet because they reflect the God who made us all, and who designed us to be part of a much larger tale. If you like, the best elements of the stories we tell each other today are the thousand fractured pieces of a mirror that reflects the greatest story every told – the great story of God’s redemption of the world through Jesus Christ. If all creation, “… waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed,” and longs for its liberation, “…from its bondage to decay,” is it any wonder that all culture in some way echoes that longing? The real wonder is not that we regularly see heroes rising to defeat death but that, in the wake of that one history-changing resurrection, we still refuse to see the real hero they’re pointing us back to. Mark Hadley Insights July 2014 37
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Entertain me read this BIG SCREEN
press play
Calvary (MA) Father James Lavelle (Brendan Gleeson), a good man, serves as the priest of a small county parish on the west coast of Ireland. One day, while hearing confession, one of his parishioners confides that he was assaulted by a priest for a number of years in his childhood. With the priest in question having long since died, the victim has decided that he will gain retribution another way. From the moment that Father James receives this threat in the first scene of the film, he knows the identity of the victim. Instead of investigating the threat, Father James continues performing his role as one trying to provide spiritual assistance and guidance to his small community. Recent years have seen a number of films exploring narratives surrounding the past crimes and abuses of power by the Catholic Church. Calvary takes a different approach to the issue. The film explores the impact of these revelations on the church’s place in the community. It invites us to consider the plight of those remaining: people whose efforts to do good works in the world are hindered by being forced to bear the burdens of an institution that has failed them. While at times very funny thanks to the black humour, Calvary ends up being a poignant and powerful film. Duncan McLean 38 Insights July 2014
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Witness the Glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ Edit or: Rev. Dr Chris Walker This book is a celebratory publication that friends and colleagues from the academic community have collated to honour Rev. Professor Dean Drayton, who, among other things, was the Uniting Church President from 2003 to 2006. You may be tempted to simply dip into this book, reading authors or topics that catch your interest. However, editor, Rev. Dr Chris Walker, has crafted this book to reward the reader who journeys from cover to cover. We start with understanding the context, are reminded of God’s glory at the centre, and then are invited to participate in God’s mission for reconciliation and renewal. At the outset, Dean’s CV provides clues about what has shaped him in his life so far. His Presidential addresses highlight key themes of his ministry: the interconnectedness of all of creation, the need to have a public voice, being reconcilers across cultures, the need to share the gospel, and the wonder and joy of transformation through Jesus. The contributors point to tools to equip along the way. We are called to be passionate about sharing the gospel, confident that it still has the power to heal and transform broken lives and societies. Ruth Powell
Dallas Buyers Club (MA) After a workplace accident lands him in hospital, Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey) learns he is HIV positive. It’s the 1980s and the hospital is participating in a trial of a new wonder drug, AZT. Ron bribes a hospital employee to sneak him the medication. When the AZT doesn’t appear to be doing the trick, he obtains his medication illegally. Seeing an opportunity to make money, Ron starts smuggling the unapproved medications into the country and founds the Dallas Buyers Club. What differentiates Dallas Buyers Club from the standard AIDS narrative is its protagonist. Woodroof is anything but a sympathetic character. The film’s drama comes from watching the way Woodroof is transformed by his circumstances and the people around him to become an activist and voice for this marginalised community. Sympathetic he may not be, but Ron Woodroof is engrossing. Credit for this has to go to the performance of McConaughey who dramatically transformed his appearance for this Oscar © winning role. Dallas Buyers Club is a special film that manages to be uplifting without being sentimental and insightful without being preachy. Duncan McLean insights.uca.org.au
27/06/2014 2:25:14 PM
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