Insights - June/July 2015 by Insights Magazine

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Livingis Giving Get behind my community by helping me become a leader

By supporting Uniting Church Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women in leadership together we can... E quip women with the skills they need to become Aboriginal Ministers and leaders in their communities S trengthen the pastoral ministry of women within disadvantaged communities N urture the next generation

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Help raise $50,000 to reach our goal. With this money we can develop new education programs for Aboriginal women. These programs can provide women with the skills and motivation they need to become inspirational leaders within their community.

Donating is easy and secure. Make a donation by completing and returning the donation envelope in Insights. Go online to make a secure donation at www.livingisgiving.nsw.uca.org.au Donate over the phone by calling LivingisGiving 02 82674303 Donations to LivingisGiving are not tax deductible.

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Welcome from the Moderator

The interconnectedness between life and faith

n Christmas Eve of 2004, I packed up and set off for Ireland after 18 years of living in Australia. Fifteen of those years had been as a Uniting Church minister. For the next four years I was a community worker for severely handicapped adults in Ireland. I also studied ecology and religion, which eventually brought me back to Australia.

Rev. Myung Hwa Park Moderator

The Moderator is elected to give general and pastoral leadership to the Synod, assisting and encouraging expression and fulfilment of faith, and the witness of the Church.

My studies in ecology and religion not only taught me that I am part of all things around me but also about the interconnectedness of all things. Particularly, the interconnectedness between life and faith, ministry and what’s happening around us as we engage in ministry. This sense of connectedness is enhanced by the deeply embedded notion of the triune God. The relationship between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit is reflected in the whole creation, heaven, earth and all living creatures. In my role as Moderator I have the opportunity to travel to many places — some which I have never heard of — and learn about the encouraging things happening there. I thank God for this exceptional privilege and joy. During my recent visit to presbyteries in northern NSW, I had the opportunity to meet church members in varying contexts, including a tiny church in Kendall celebrating 100 years of faithful service. On my trip to Port Macquarie I was inspired by the work of our UnitingCare aged care service reaching out to the community with its new ‘hub’ concept, offering multiple services to generate a strong sense of community. At the Mid North Coast Presbytery meeting I heard results of the National Christian Life Survey. I also engaged in serious conversation with members of Presbytery about how we can offer an effective Christian witness in the 21st Century.

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I have seen signs of God’s mission (movement) in rather unexpected places. A retired doctor in northern NSW, deeply committed to the process of Covenanting, had organised a successful ‘Referendum Talk’ in the local community. A sure sign of God’s work in that presbytery. While visiting churches in New England North West Presbytery, I was able to meet with three local groups, all of whom were affected by and concerned about Coal Seam Gas mining. They were local women acting against mining, Aboriginal elders opposed to mining, and farmers facing an uncertain future, their livelihood threatened by mining. While our churches are preoccupied with empty pews and deficits in our budget sheets, I was reminded of Paul’s vision when he heard a Macedonian man calling, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ (Acts 16: 9) I too felt that call as people in the communities I visited sought the Church to respond to their concerns about mining, the environmental crisis, climate change and social issues in rural areas. In August, there will be another Moderator’s Murray Darling Basin Tour. I see this as part of our Church’s response to the critical water issues facing our inland, as well as the subsequent environmental impact on people. Travelling through the Darling River Basin for eight days (1 – 8 August) may not constitute a joy ride but, rather, a pilgrimage in which the Church can show its commitment to affected people, the threatened environment, and struggling communities. The tour will be a time to ask: ‘What would Jesus do if he were in our land?’ Will you join me in the Murray Darling Basin Tour this year?

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28 14 Cover story What do you get when you combine a church with a specialised school for disadvantaged teens? Margaret Jurd College — a unique high school in the suburbs of Newcastle, nestled on the grounds of Shortland Uniting Church. This is a school created for young people whose needs are not met in the mainstream education system. But the story of the College is also of a Church that believes Jesus’ call to love, care and be compassionate.

Regulars 3 from the Moderator 5 letters 7 news

31 making money matter 38 lectionary reflections

Editor Adrian Drayton PRoduction/DESIGN Belle&Co SUB-EDITING Ben McEachen Editorial/advertising/ DISTRIBUTION inquiries email insights@nswact.uca.org.au Phone 02 8267 4304 Fax 02 9264 4487 ADDRESS Insights, PO Box A2178, Sydney South, NSW, 1235 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. Circulation: 18,000. ISSN: 1036-7322 © 2015. Contents copyright.

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43 fellowship news 44 belief matters 45 culture watch 46 entertain me No material from this publication may be copied, photocopied or transmitted by any means without the permission of the Editor. Commonwealth of Australia 2015

36 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 Some have said the answers lie in the traditional wisdom of the past. The spirit of the age is certainly not saying that now. Anybody have any ‘edgewise’ word? At the end of the age the church will decline. The death rattles are going to create noises that will not be pleasant. (It may be important to say 'that time may not be now'.) But at that time hope, true hope, will increase. Graham Johnson, Portland

To move beyond sadness, we must be and do Resurrection Hope?

Where are we to find 'Resurrection Hope'? (Insights, April/May) In the same place we have always found it for the last 2000 years — in the Easter story of Jesus rising from the dead, as faithfully and truthfully recorded in the New Testament. But that may not have been the way the question was intended. Where do we find 'Resurrection Hope' now? The above answer still applies, but now many no longer seek or experience that hope. In a ‘modern’ context, there is another possible reading of the question. By making it a question it implies, perhaps, plural, multivalent, progressive, culturally divergent answers. Where do we find fresh hope? We keep saying we need to be positive and proactive. Some say we should ‘change the narrative’, that ‘we need to change’. But in the broad picture, the spirit of the age has ‘gagged’ the Spirit of God (not denying personal experience of the Spirit or small localised revivals). Does the Holy Spirit think the church should be strongly standing against this modern/post-modern, secular world? The answer may well be 'Yes.' Is there a coherent critique of the world by the church? Is there a visible reforming of the church? No.

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As a retired Minister, who leads worship in different centres, I’ve been thinking recently about the needs of Congregations. I notice an increasing sadness among Congregations. It’s not just 'Where are the people who used to worship with us?', but also 'I can’t do the work that is needed in our building, so what worth am I?' The ‘doing’ ethic, the work ethic, is so strong that the ‘being’ is becoming neglected. That old-fashioned term ‘soul care’ is sometimes neglected, while we attempt to fill rosters for things that have to be done to keep open the church building, etc. Maybe there is a clue for intergenerational church here. We ALL need to balance ‘being’ and ‘doing’ in our faith communities, whatever our age. Rev. Christine Sheppard OAM, Newcastle NSW

Apparently, it’s all our fault!

After reading the responses from Susan Turner and Alan Harper to Rev. Jason John’s ‘Letter to a dying Congregation’ (Insights, April/May), I am compelled to put pen to paper to counter Rev. Jason’s obvious ageist polemic.

We see adverts on television (voiced by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki) regularly telling us what a burden we (the older generation) will be to workers in the future. And now we have these same sentiments being echoed by ministers of our Church, claiming their Congregations cannot function with a high proportion over 60. Is it any wonder that the over 60s are eight times more likely to suffer from depression and other forms of mental illness! We (the older members of our Church) thought the one safe place we had left, where we were free to just be and enjoy God’s love and fellowship, was our Church. Now Rev. John has taken that from us! You see, I think Jason and Susan (and even Alan) somehow miss the point of being church. God does not require me (or anyone else) to do anything to enjoy His love. And that love does not cease beyond a certain age — there is no ‘use by’ date on God’s love. There is absolutely nothing I can do to increase God’s love for me just as there is absolutely nothing I can do to stop God loving me. If this is the case, it becomes equally important that our Church caters for and accommodates our older generations. We, as the Uniting Church, should be countering the doom-sayers that seek to bring down the older generations. Our older generations need to be reminded that they are loved and wanted. Churches are NOT out of balance if they comprise disproportionately (?) older people. It is only necessary that these churches are a fellowship of believers sharing God’s love, one with another — no matter what their age. John Gorham, South West Rocks

In these modern times we are told on a daily basis that those over 60 are the very cause of our country’s misfortunes. We are, in effect, the millstone around the neck of the economy, our politicians tell us. Insights June/July 2015 5

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Your Say Letter to a dying congregation (part two)

My Soapbox article in the February/ March issue of Insights evoked a range of responses, from the very affirming, to the very negative. Most of the affirming included phrases such as ‘brave’, which reminded me of the old TV series, Yes Minister. It was always an ominous phrase on the lips of Sir Humphrey. My reply has been that the letter looks braver than I intended it to be. It was written as part of a collection of ‘Letters to a dying church’, which the editor of Insights invited from a cross-section of the Church. Expecting the others to be largely positive, and perhaps overly so, I reflected on what I would write to a Congregation I knew where several of the members considered their church to be ‘perfect’ — despite having nobody in attendance from my generation or younger, and probably not from a generation older than me either. When the special feature didn’t happen, the Editor asked to use my contribution in Soapbox, and eventually I agreed. In hindsight, it didn’t translate well to its new place, since Soapbox is framed as the contributor’s message to the whole Church, not specifically a letter to the dying church as requested. Much less the letter to a dying Congregation, which I wrote. The Editor was quite correct: it has sparked some conversation, but I should have started from scratch. Obviously, although what I wrote was true, there is more truth I would want to convey to the whole Church, because I’m still here! What should have been a challenging but balanced letter to a loved one, sounded more like a breakup letter to some readers. A question I was left with after reading the Synod Secretary’s much-more measured reflection on ‘Where are they now?’ is how do we get access to the ‘break-up letters’ from the multitudes who have left 6 Insights June/July 2015

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us. And what do we do with them? I candidated as a deacon partly because of a desire to help the Church care for the marginalised Creation around us, and partly because most of my passion surges towards the inclusion of those on the fringes of the Church and beyond. I regret if my frustration at one situation, where that concern is apparently absent, implied that I was tarring the whole Church with that brush. Likewise, I am passionate about the ongoing survival of the Uniting Church’s vision of the church, and of how faith engages contemporary society. If I’d written my Soapbox from scratch I’d have taken more pains to affirm those Congregations which are actively praying about how to carry that vision into the future as pilgrim people, whether large or small, old or young, even growing or shrinking, before expressing my frustration at those who appear content to dwell in a ‘continuing city’, albeit a declining one. Rev. Jason John, Valery

Same purpose, different path

Later this month the Uniting Church will mark its 38th anniversary. In June 1977 the Sydney Town Hall was packed with those who witnessed the birth of the infant denomination. The world was very different then and in an Australian context church membership and attendance was relatively high. Yet as we reflect over these past 38 years, the events that have marked the mileposts on the Uniting Church’s journey thus far have, in many ways, contributed to and shaped the Church we see today. Space in this column does not permit the cataloguing of these events and each of us can easily recall those which at the time, and even now, have determined both our individual and corporate lives. Those 38 years have seen many of the people who witnessed the inauguration of the Uniting Church leave as we journeyed. Whilst new members have joined us within the various faith communities in our fellowship, our journey now brings

us to the crossroads. The signposts are confusing, we are faced with decisions, some hard and difficult to accept. The surrounding topography of life is very different, even strange, certainly nothing like the location we left at the start. So too the landscape. The familiar landmarks we left behind have given way to the new. The shingles outside the buildings continually remind us of the new world of compliance, regulation, social change, community attitudes amongst many more. All these raise doubts in our minds. What should we do? Yet despite these distractions on what now may seem like a road to nowhere, we are part of a group with a clear purpose based on a faith that has seen the test of time. As I journey with the fellow members of the Uniting Church, I sing the words of Robin Mann’s Walkin Down the Road — ‘Oh, stay by my side, Jesus, You be my guide Don't you know how I trust in you Show me where I should call Pick me up when I fall As I'm walkin’ down the road with you.’ Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook

Be rewarded for having Your Say Every contributor to Your Say gets Still Alice on DVD, courtesy of Icon Film Distribution. Your Say letters should be sent to insights@ nswact.uca.org.au or posted to Insights, PO Box A2178, Sydney South NSW 1235. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

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News Your feedback on proposed Proceeds of Sale Policy In September 2014, a number of proposals were taken to the Synod Meeting relating to proceeds of sale, manse policy and the particular covenantal relationship with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC). These proposals substantially reflected proposals developed in the workshops and consultations. Members at the Synod Meeting gave direction to the Synod Standing Committee to “articulate the purpose of the Sales Proceeds Policy, including a biblical reflection on missional use of property, not stewardship”. This affirmed the general understanding that the primary role of property is to support mission.

UnitingWorld and ABM engage students throughout Australia in issues of global poverty What do you get when you mix 400 young social justice leaders with two Church agencies and a special guest from the Philippines? The One World WonTok Youth Conference, which was held in different locations around Australia during April and May. Now in its fourth year, the One World WonTok Youth Conference uses a series of hands-on activities to engage students from Uniting Church and Anglican schools in complex issues of poverty and development. This year students created solar cookers in South Sudan, played an interactive computer game about farming in developing countries, lived a precarious existence in the fictitious Tie Islands, brainstormed a sanitation project in rural Papua new Guinea and grappled with universal education. The students also met with Gideon Bustamante, a project officer from Anglican Board of Mission (ABM) church partner in the Philippines. Gideon talked about his harrowing experiences during Typhoon Haiyan and explored with students the benefits insights.uca.org.au

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of ‘strengths-based’ community development projects. Students from the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Perth also had the opportunity to meet with young UnitingWorld volunteer Alex Baker, who shared his recent volunteering experiences in the Solomon Islands and North India. He talked through how the students themselves can get involved. Brad Chapman, one of WonTok's facilitators, explains that “the aim behind WonTok is not only to interest and engage young people in global justice, but to actively equip them to become peer leaders in their own schools and communities." "These young people are intelligent, energetic and extraordinarily well connected through social media. When they become passionate advocates for global justice, the opportunities for a fairer, more compassionate world are almost limitless.” The Conference is a collaboration between ABM and UnitingWorld. The conference ran from 28 April to 8 May and visited Anglican and Uniting Church schools at the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne. For enquiries call: Marnie Frost at UnitingWorld – 0409 057 204

A new paper seeks to provide some biblical reflection, set out within a Uniting Church context. It will also incorporate what we understand by "mission" and how property fits into that mission story, as well as a proposed Proceeds of Sale Policy. A separate policy relating specifically to ministers’ residences is being developed and will also be made available for discussion in due course. The role of those who read this new document is to review, discuss, and provide feedback by 31 July. All feedback will be considered in preparing a policy for Synod Standing Committee’s consideration and possible approval. “The only reason that it might be worth reading this paper is if you are willing to think differently about what the Church looks like, how it is to operate and how you can be part of making the resources of the Church work much harder for the mission of God,” says Rev. Niall Reid, who has written this document. You can view and download Property for A Pilgrim People: Proceeds of Sale Policy at bit.ly/PropertyForAPilgrimPeople Send your feedback to: contactus@nswact.uca.org.au Insights June/July 2015 7

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News God, SOD and Hope In response to their concern for creation, Maroubra Junction and Maroubra Bay Congregations at Hope Uniting Church have launched a Community Garden. They are partnering with other local groups. While no member of Hope Uniting claims to be an expert in the area of environmental sustainability or ecology, they have been possessed by a persistent wondering and interrogating of their Christian faith. Questions of sustainability, responsibility and connection to the earth have been prominent.

Lifeline South Coast volunteers recognised for life-saving services National Volunteer Week celebrated volunteerism and thanked the millions of volunteers throughout Australia dedicated to helping their local communities. As part of National Volunteer week (10-15 May), Lifeline South Coast was the recipient of a prestigious Community Fellowship Award from the University of Wollongong for its exceptional service to the region. Three volunteers at Lifeline South Coast were recognised for the important role they play in in the area of suicide prevention for the local community. Lifeline is a critical part of the local region’s suicide prevention program. It takes 16,000 thousand calls from people in crises annually. Support services such as financial counselling and online resources are offered for people in need. The award was accepted by Lifeline South Coast Executive Director Grahame Gould, along with Board Chair Stephen Long and three volunteers who were recognised for their long service: Joan Bell, who has volunteered at Lifeline South Coast’s warehouse for more than 31 years; UOW Associate Professor Audrey Wilson, volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporter since 1996; and Ros Clare, volunteer Telephone Crisis Supporter since 1996. The award was presented by UOW 8 Insights June/July 2015

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Chancellor Ms Jillian Broadbent, AO. “UOW believes it is important to acknowledge how much Lifeline South Coast is valued in our shared communities,” said Chancellor Broadbent. "Of course, Lifeline South Coast is the sum of its volunteers, therefore this award is a symbol of appreciation for all past and current volunteers who give their time and energy to the service." Along with more than 180 volunteers, the Moderator Rev. Myung Hwa Park attended the recognition ceremony and luncheon. Mr Gould said the “Lifeline South Coast team should be proud to have their commitment and compassion recognised with the Community Fellowship Award.” An example of the effort that volunteers dedicate to Lifeline was its March Book Fair. Held in the Shoalhaven this year, it raised a record $136,000 for Lifeline services in the Illawarra and South Coast, including providing for 24 telephone crisis support. Events such as the Book Fair would not have been possible without the hard work of volunteers who packed and sorted 80,000 books. There are 43 Lifeline Centres across Australia. Of these, 23 are owned by the Uniting Church and operated by UnitingCare including nine of the 15 Lifeline Centres in NSW. Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis telephone line is 13 11 14.

Eco-theology is a vital concern for all who would follow Jesus today. Not only because it is a major social issue, but because it also addresses our fundamental questions of identity and belonging. Who do we belong to? The actions and questioning of the Maroubra Congregations are fuelled by statements such as author Michael S Northcott wrote in his 2007 book A Moral Climate; The Ethics of Global Warming: “At the heart of the pathology of ecological crisis is the refusal of modern humans to see themselves as creatures, contingently embedded in networks of relationships with other creatures, and with the Creator." One way of exploring further the questions being asked by Hope Uniting will be to attend this year’s School of Discipleship, at Naamaroo Conference Centre (near Chatswood). SOD will be held between July 3 and 6. This year's theme is 'Where on Earth is God?: Discipleship and Eco-Theology.' SOD offers an in-depth examination of these concerns, led by Rev Dr Vicky Balabanski, Senior Lecturer in New Testament at Flinders University (SA), and Director of Biblical Studies at the Adelaide College of Divinity and the Uniting College of Leadership and Theology. For more information on SOD, please go to www. schoolofdiscipleship.org.au insights.uca.org.au

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Wear Purple Day "Wear Purple Day" is an initiative started by St Ives Uniting Church and supported by UnitingCare Ageing. It aims to highlight Respect for Seniors Week, which runs from 7-14 June. Respect for Seniors is a grassroots campaign that empowers individuals and communities to share the vision of a more respectful society. The goal is to create a safe, caring community where all can age with dignity and respect. The week culminates with "Wear Purple Day" on Sunday 14 June, which is intended to increase awareness of the diversity of interpretations of "respect". Through listening to other’s perspectives, individuals will have the experience of giving and receiving respect through the mutual exchange of ideas. Resources and other initiatives for Respect For Seniors weeks and Wear Purple Day can be found at www.respectforseniors.org insights.uca.org.au

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Garage sale raises over $20,000 for Vanuatu relief Wesley Castle Hill Congregation’s bi-annual garage sale raised nearly $21,000. This impresive total has gone towards assisting the relief effort and rebuilding of the lives and livelihood of the people of Vanuatu, in the wake of the destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Pam during March. Minister at Wesley Castle Hill, Rev. Karen Mitchell-Lambert, said the amount was surprising given the inclement weather in the leadup to the sale. “This is a fabulous result. The work of the garage sale committee and a large band of volunteers is a reflection of the commitment at Wesley to support the people of Vanuatu during such a difficult time. We thank the local community for making this such a successful event despite the rain!" For several years, Wesley Castle Hill has partnered with Paama Seaside Presbyterian Church in Port Vila. Wesley has been supporting

Paama Seaside’s school, as well as providing scholarships to students and teachers. In addition to the sizeable donation, the long established Vanuatu committee at Wesley has planned several fundraising events. • Saturday, 13 June: A concert will be held at the Church. Featured acts will be local singers Christina Kinley and David Sanders (members at Wesley), along with Radhika SukumarWhite, a student minister from the United Theological College. MC will be Gareth McCray OAM. To purchase tickets ($25 per head, including supper), please contact the Wesley Church office on 9894 8999. • Tuesday 23 June: A “Macca’s Night” is planned at McDonald’s Castle Hill (located on Showground Road). McDonald's Castle Hill will donate 20 per cent of all in-store sales to the Vanuatu relief efforts.

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News Church bells chime to mark centenary year More than 100 people gathered for the anniversary service to celebrate the centenary of Stroud Road Uniting Church (formerly Methodist) on Sunday, April 19. The church was officially opened on Wednesday April 21, 1915. The first Sunday service was held on April 25, 1915. Terry Moe leads the May workshop.

Working to inspire Courageous Congregations Uniting Mission and Education and Parramatta Nepean Presbytery hosted "Courageous Congregations" in May as part of a series of workshops and seminars focused upon exploring adaptive leadership, community organising and transformation. The workshop was a space for sharing knowledge and wisdom from some thought leaders from our Church and beyond. Terry Moe, a Lutheran pastor and community organiser from Portland, Oregon, was the guest speaker and facilitator of the workshops. “The idea of community organising is that you bring together people who want the same thing, and then give them a purpose; give them a way to act together to get what they want,” discussed Mr Moe. Among other speakers at the first workshop was the General Secretary Rev. Dr Andrew Williams. He spoke about the Church’s tendency toward having a “comfort scale” and the need for growth and positive change through “creative disequilibrium”, which should bring people out of their comfort zones. “Some people are comfortable where others aren’t. But if we want to move forward, we have to make some people uncomfortable,” remarked Mr Williams. “But we have to make sure that we don’t push anyone into chaos, because there is no growth there either.” 10 Insights June/July 2015

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Among many topics during the workshop was how community organising helps to shape the reaching out and doing of God’s work. “Community organising is work that Jesus did, that Wesley did, that Martin Luther King did,” said Rev. Geoff Stevenson, Minister from Parramatta Nepean Presbytery. Co-director of the UME's Leadership Institute, Peter Kaldor spoke about adaptive leadership and the challenges of change with a large organisation. "Experimenting is important. While a couple of people hang back and keep doing what they've always done, others have to branch out and see what else could work."

To mark the occasion, the church bell rang out. Everyone was thanked for attending, especially those who had travelled interstate. A brief history of the church was presented. Acknowledged was the significance of the Gallipoli events, which occurred at same time 100 years earlier. The service was led by Rev. Andrew Watts who was a minister at the church during the 1990s. After the service, a luncheon was held in the church hall. The cake, made in the shape of the Church, was cut by the oldest member Darcy Warner. Many happy memories were shared, catching up with past members and ministers over lunch and into the afternoon.

Naomi Nash, Director of Strategy and Development for New River, told attendees that there aren’t many people under 35 who have hope and passion for the Church. Those who do need to be included in more of the conversations that matter. She shared about many discussions she had with people hurt by the organisation. Because there is no forum for them to voice grief and pain, though, many have turned away from the Church. “I came into this organisation wanting to change everything,” revealed Ms Nash. “I have done little things that I believe have made a big difference.” For more information and any resources from this series of workshops, go to www.courageous.org.au insights.uca.org.au

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From the General Secretary’s desk Your community is your Congregation

ne of the greatest challenges for the church in the 21st Century is its lack of connection to its community. Far too many churches today have become drivein, spiritual social clubs and not the agents of community vitality and life transformation they used to be. As a result, communities are suffering, churches are dying, and far too many people are searching for hope in all the wrong places.

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.

We have a fabulous opportunity to interact, engage, build relationships, and make disciples with the people living and working in the communities surrounding us. We must view the community as our Congregation — seeing Ms Smith, the local corner store owner, as a cherished member, whether she belongs to our Church or not. And viewing Mr. Jones, the principal, and his primary school as a vital campus within our community. I believe we are at a moment when if we return to our biblical roots of community engagement and covenantal relationships, we will reclaim the church’s rightful place as the centre for life and community transformation.

Learning people’s needs and identities It isn’t that Congregations don’t know they are supposed to be outwardly focused. There is conversation in many Churches about reaching out to the community. In fact, most Congregations have some type of outreach ministry. There are many Congregations bustling with food pantries, soup kitchens, opshops, and other great services that help people. The problem is that if we ask the people engaged in these serving ministries the names of those they are serving, what’s going on in their lives, and what is the deeper need in order for them to reach God’s dream for their lives and their community — “I don’t know” is often the answer insights.uca.org.au

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We are often doing ministry for people, but not with people. Many of us are doing ‘caring’ ministry, but are we engaged in ‘transformational’ ministry? Jesus always knew the identity of those he touched. Even if he didn’t know everyone by name, he knew the root cause of their human condition; he was always ready to change someone’s life for the better, and he was positioned to help them see the power of being in a deep, abiding relationship with Him.

Forging authentic relationships The challenge for most people is building authentic relationships that are mutually beneficial; relationships that build community vitality. As we become more dependent on social media, it seems as if we need to regain the art of having deep conversations that build authentic relationships.

Embracing and loving our communities You’ve got to get to know your community and let your community get to know you. You must constantly inspect your community and get to know it like the back of your hand. This does not have to be a complex process. It can be done simply. Get engaged! If our Church is going to engage effectively with the community around it, we must spend time seeing, hearing, feeling, touching, embracing, and loving our mission field. We must behave as if the community is our Congregation. The streets are our sanctuary. The back alleys are our altars of blessing. Farmlands are our fields of opportunity. New housing developments become our narthex through which new life is ushered. And the shopping centres of suburbia become creative places for leading people to salvation. As John Wesley suggested, the world is our parish. Insights June/July 2015 11

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Vale Rev. Dr Gordon Dicker (1930-2015) Relationships and matters of the heart and spirit Cecil Gribble, the General Secretary of Methodist Overseas Mission, saw his potential and persuaded him to serve in Timor as a missionary. Gordon was reticent about his own achievements in Timor but more forthcoming about the impact of the experience on his family. For example, they learned the meaning of real poverty and that people with little could be joyful and full of hope in God. Like many who grew up during the Depression, Gordon did not have a sense of entitlement. He was careful not to place too much importance on wealth and possessions, but rather on relationships and matters of the heart and the spirit.

ordon Dicker was a gifted country boy from Girilambone, a small town some 660km north-west of Sydney. His father, Alfred Vernon, was a kind, gentle and respected man — a devout Methodist, but not a wowser. Gordon’s mother, Ida Amy, was extremely ambitious for her children, especially Gordon, the youngest of her six sons. Despite the obvious disadvantages of attending a one-teacher school, Gordon’s natural ability won through and he was accepted into Fort Street, Sydney. At 16, Gordon went to the University of Sydney, taking English, History, Psychology and Philosophy. Gordon shone at philosophy, and had hoped to do honours in it. However, the Methodist Conference had other plans for him. After his BA, Gordon was sent to Wagga Wagga for a year as a Methodist probationer. Then, not yet 20, he started studying theology at Leigh College. While at Leigh, Gordon began to blossom as a leader. He was elected co-president of the Student Christian Movement at Sydney University and Senior Student at Leigh College.

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After two terms in Timor, Gordon returned home to take the position of Vice-Master of Wesley College and Chaplain to Methodist students at the University of Sydney. The final year at Wesley was very difficult with a new baby and family sickness. Gordon decided to take his family to the United States of America, where he studied with Professor Paul Lehmann at Union Theological Seminary in New York. Gordon also served half-time at a United Church of Christ church in New Jersey. On Gordon’s return from the USA at the end of 1969, he served in the Belmont and Gladesville Circuits. From 1976 until his retirement at the end of 1995, Gordon was Lecturer in Theology and Principal Of United Theological College.

Theologian Gordon was not a flamboyant theologian but was solid and thoughtful. His strength was that he wrote for the people of God, not for other theologians. Before his Faith with Understanding was published there were few other systematic theology texts accessible to lay people. Gordon did not dabble at the edges; his concern was the central teachings of Christianity and the need to help people

better understand their faith. For Gordon, theology and preaching went hand in hand. His sermons always had theological depth, passion and the common touch.

Churchman Gordon was a committed churchman. He was not a self-proclaimer. He learned early that the first rule of ministry is to listen well. As Moderator in 1984/1985, he faithfully followed that rule. Gordon’s churchmanship was shaped by a spirituality which emphasised conversion, faith, discipleship, commitment and personal sanctification, balanced by service to the poor and needy. He was concerned with what he saw as an emphasis on law rather than grace in the life of the Church, as well as a dependence on structures as substitutes for spirituality.

Principal Gordon’s strength as College Principal was his ability to strengthen relationships between the College and the leaders of the NSW Synod. He held the respect and the confidence of the wider Church. Even when the College was faced with severe budget constraints, Gordon had the goodwill and the skills to negotiate his way through. As Principal, Gordon had an enormous workload. He could not have coped without the support of his wife Ruth, good friends and a faculty prepared to share his burden. Gordon will be remembered as a thoughtful and trustworthy theologian, a highly-respected churchman and a much-loved Principal. He was a shy and complex man who did not promote himself but, throughout his life and ministry, put Christ and the work of the Church first. He is survived by Ruth and three sons Alan, Peter and Russell. Rev. Dr William W. Emilsen insights.uca.org.au

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Towards healing and justice Matthew 5:23-24

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you; leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Why a redress scheme? As The Royal Commission continues its consultation into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, the Uniting Church in Australia remains committed to playing an active role in contributing to the healing process of survivors of sexual abuse and those closest to them (including their families). Throughout this process, our priority has been on reconciliation and the needs of survivors. As the inquiry continues, it is clear a sensitive redress process needs to occur as a matter of priority. The impact of child sexual abuse is felt for a long time. Not only by survivors but for their families and those they are close to. The legal process can be arduous and we acknowledge this has had a negative impact on many involved.

These elements require a direct and personal response by the institution if the survivor chooses to engage with it, including an apology and face-to-face engagement with a senior member of the Church. This may include access to therapeutic counselling and psychological care as needed throughout a survivor’s life, and monetary payment as a tangible means of recognising the wrong survivors have suffered. In the second half of 2015, the Royal Commission will publish its final report on redress and civil litigation. These elements of redress will be guided by specific principles. They will be survivor-focused, as well as being offered, assessed and provided with appropriate regard given to the needs of particularly vulnerable survivors. They also will ensure access to redress can be obtained with minimal difficulty. We look forward to reviewing the Royal Commission’s recommendations. We will continue to act to ensure our Church is the safest possible place for those in our care. We will continue to provide updates through Insights and e-newsletters, as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and openness.

More information

The Royal Commission in January outlined elements of a redress scheme — www. childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au Lodging a complaint Reports of child sexual abuse in the Uniting Church in Australia, or a Uniting Church agency, should be reported to the police in the first instance. If you would like to make a complaint, please contact Rev. Jane Fry, Associate Secretary, Synod of NSW and ACT • Email — janef@nsw.uca.org.au • Phone — (02) 8267 4452 • Mail — Addressed to “Confidential”, The Associate Secretary, Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of New South Wales and ACT, PO Box A2178, Sydney South, NSW, 1235.

Many survivors who provided evidence at The Royal Commission expressed a strong need for an alternative to civil litigation in making claims. This valuable feedback has prompted the Church to review a more compassionate approach to redress and to supporting survivors, reflecting our values in a way which will positively contribute to the long term healing and justice for survivors and their families. Pastoral contact with the Church is a central part of this approach. At this time, we are in consultation with our agencies to develop a redress scheme based on the elements outlined by The Royal Commission in January. insights.uca.org.au

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The Moderator Rev. Myung Hwa Park outside Knox Grammar School, where ribbons honour survivors of sexual abuse.

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hortland no longer has a typical church setting. On one side of the church building is a basketball court; the other, demountable classrooms for Margaret Jurd College. The old hall has been converted into the College's offices. Every weekday, up to 60 students study, jostle, and chill, chat or pour their hearts out on the grounds of a Congregation which has forged a novel path into community outreach. Reverend Ray McIlwraith plays handball and lends an attentive ear. Long-standing member of his Congregation, Syd Hingley, mows the lawn. Ladies from the Congregation bake cakes and cook BBQs at special events, and hold craft mornings during school hours. Throughout the week, they bring a Christian presence into an environment that has the extreme highs and lows of adolescence. Remember: this is a school created for young people who have been kicked out of every other school or didn't fit within the mainstream education system. A ministry of the Uniting Church of Australia, Margaret Jurd provides tailored education to year nine and ten students who are at risk of slipping through the cracks of the standardised way we do schooling. Assisting those that most other schools do not support. can be a challenge for College staff. But heart-warming stories of care, concern and personal growth emerge from the student body [for some examples, see side panels]. These stories speak volumes about a place that is doing great good for many children who have often only experienced the opposite. “I think it was a brave thing for the Congregation to do,” summarises Rev. McIlwraith. “To just say, 'Look, we're going to give our land away to this school.’” Better known as Rev. Ray at the College, Rev. McIlwraith joined the parish after the Margaret Jurd partnership had been arranged in 2009-2010. “They were searching; looking for The Lord to lead them in a certain direction because they were just one of many dying little churches.” Such a partnership between a vital social service and a local Christian group should grab our attention. As debate repeatedly simmers and rages about how best to use the property

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and possessions of Congregations, Shortland is a bold signpost. An unusual demonstration of Christian witness by sharing what it has with those who need it.

History lesson Melise Sutton is the College's manager. She's a lot like a principal, just with more to do. Full of genuine concern for all her students, Melise remains gobsmacked by the gifting of land and buildings several years ago. “I didn't think for a minute that any Congregation would do what the Shortland Congregation did. It still amazes me. I know how attached people get to their churches.” The College was previously known as the Margaret Jurd Learning Centre. Since 1992, and before Shortland, it had been located in a non-descript twostorey building at nearby Lambton. The Centre grew out of the Newcastle Youth Service, an initiative largely instigated in the mid-1960s by educator Margaret

There’s nothing more addictive than seeing someone’s life improve Jurd, a Christian philanthropist. Like a shelter or refuge that incorporated education, the Service developed out of Margaret's desire to practically help disadvantaged people, especially youth.

Jake, 15 Year nine student Jake is in his first year at Margaret Jurd College. How's your first year at Margaret Jurd been? Good. Really good. What was school like for you, before you came here? Bad. The teachers didn't really care about the students' education. We didn't really learn much, at all. But I want to get good grades, of course. What changes have you noticed in yourself since coming to Margaret Jurd? I'm more happy. I'm actually learning things. Do you have a lot to do with Rev. Ray? Yes. He's a good guy. He joins in with games outside, like handball. Can he beat the students at handball? Some of us. Not you? Sometimes (Laughs). Do you get to chat with members of the Church? Yeah. They can do a little conversation with us in the morning. Say, “Hey, how are you going?” and talk about some stuff. After you leave Margaret Jurd, what would you like to do? I would like to become a mechanic. I prefer bikes. Harleys, and all that.

Margaret died in 1984, three years before Hazel Hawke opened the Margaret Jurd Learning Centre for atrisk young people. Melise never met Margaret but feels strongly that she knows “what her heart was”. “We share the same passion for young people,” says Melise, who has a photograph of Margaret by her desk. “There's nothing more addictive than seeing someone's life improve.” The Lambton site combined residential care and education for a small number of special-needs students. But space was limited and the facilities were outdated. However, in 2009, plans to expand and upgrade were sent off in new directions, due to changes to government funding. When churches in the Hunter Presbytery were approached insights.uca.org.au

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Georgia, 17 Year ten student Georgia is in her second year at Margaret Jurd College. What was school like for you before Margaret Jurd? I went to a Christian college. It wasn't that bad when I first started year seven there. But then it started to get really strict. I didn't like the rules. I had to start taking off my make-up. Stuff like that. I ended up dropping out of there during the holidays at the end of year seven. I just didn't go back after that for year eight. I had a few relationships with people that probably weren't positive for me. I went through a really rough time and I didn't go to school for two years. What did you do for two years? Nothing. I was pretty much a mess at that time. How did you come to attend Margaret Jurd? One of my friends from primary school went here and she told me about it. Usually, people get sent here from other schools but I actually wanted to come here. My mum had tried to get me [into other schools]. Your mum must have been happy about you being accepted into Margaret Jurd. What's it been like? Good. This school is very different to other schools. You feel like someone actually cares about you. You don't feel like you're just in class and you're given this work to do. Here, people do care and want to see you succeed. You can tell by the kind of the staff are and how they act towards us. They're very patient. Have you had much to do with Rev. Ray? Yeah, we're close, me and Rev. Ray. He's one of the best people at the school. He's really easy-going but he can also be there for you. What would you like to do after you leave Margaret Jurd? Unfortunately, I'm leaving here. I don't know what I would like to do. I might go to Jesmond [Senior Campus, in Newcastle] to do year 11 and 12.

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by Margaret Jurd Board members about how individual Congregations could help, Shortland reacted quickly. Within months, the Congregation held various meetings, and dealt directly with the Board. “There were a lot more positives than negatives,” reflects Congregation chairperson Margaret Hingley on Shortland deciding to invite Margaret Jurd to live with them. “People in churches can become very protective of their own properties. We were an ageing, smaller Congregation and we could see the benefits of reaching out to young people; to give them a good chance of changing their lives, concentrating on education. To give them a future they may not have got in mainstream schools. We felt, as a church, this is a very positive and Christian way to share our property.” By the middle of 2010, with the backing of nearby Wallsend Congregation, Margaret Jurd College moved in to Shortland's buildings and sizeable grounds. The old church and the new school have since enjoyed a close bond. Notably, there is a respect between the students and parishioners that defies stereotypes of younger people wanting nothing to do with Christians or their churches.

Mutual respect The Moderator Rev. Myung Hwa Park was struck by this bond when she visited the College earlier this year. “I felt the school and the church had a strong mutual respect for each other and both valued each other’s presence for their identity and wellbeing,” says The Moderator, who commends the work done at Margaret Jurd College. She suggests Scripture such as John 15:13 or 1 Corinthians 13 are being enacted by the Christians involved with this unusual community service. One of the parishioners involved told The Moderator how she views what is going on, on their church grounds. " She said that the membership of Shortland Congregation is small and is decreasing and one day, they may not be there anymore. But they are happy because they can see that there is a future with Margaret Jurd College." Rev. Ray also is pleased at how Shortland's members are so well received by students. “The kids just love the oldies,” he chuckles.

Rev. Ray and Margaret Hingley point out the Congregation strives to use its Margaret Jurd opportunity to demonstrate Christians are ‘normal people’ and ‘don't have two heads’. “You can see the benefit of the students being on a church property. They are showing respect they didn't have before they came there,” says Margaret. “And they appreciate the opportunity that's been given to them. Melise does very well at showing them that the Church has given this to them.” What the College has given to the Shortland church members is a newfound appreciation for the difficulties, stresses and problems that Margaret Jurd's students have endured or continue to live with. “The ladies have seen the kids go off at times and they don't bat an eye. They know the type of kids that are there,” reports Ray, without being harsh or insensitive.

Care and concern for students’ holistic growth is central to the College’s purpose The young men and women that attend the College are among the most marginalised in our society. Childhood trauma inclusive of abuse, domestic violence and mental-health diagnosis are sadly common among students. “The trauma that some of them have witnessed, you wouldn't sleep for a week if you knew the things they have experienced as children,” explains Melise, who has worked in the welfare sector for more than 20 years. “Yet we expect them to come to school every day and respond in the classroom like a kid who has had a cushy existence. And they just can't. That's how they've ended up here. They're not all in that category, but many are.” The supportive education environment of Margaret Jurd includes, per classroom, one teacher, one teacher's aide and one case worker. Care and concern for students' holistic growth is central to the College's purpose. Assistance with behaviour management, or emotional and psychological issues, are steadily provided to all students. Nutritious food is also available to all, including breakfast and lunch. Tellingly, those Insights June/July 2015 19

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being helped do notice and frequently respond positively to the different way of doing school.

Ray of light Students also react favourably to the approach of Rev. Ray, their beloved chaplain. Having grown up in a dysfunctional home, Ray only came to Christian faith in his mid-30s. He was a chaplain in Queensland's juvenile detention system, but only learned about Shortland's bond with the College after he got the job. “God works in funny ways,” offers Ray about how his personal and professional experience with marginalised kids seems such a perfect fit with Margaret Jurd College. Found each week with teams on the sports field or chatting one-on-one with a student in the pews, Rev. Ray's approach to the teens in his churchyard is all about relationship.

You wouldn't call us a Christian school, but we are a school that exists because of Christianity “I don't go in there to preach at them or try to bring them to Christ,” says Ray. “I go in there to befriend them. I play sport with them. I play handball with them. I'm no spring chicken anymore; I'm 67 in August. "I just try to build relationship with them so they feel that I'm there if they need to talk. And they do.”

Approach with care This relationship building hasn't resulted in any of the students or their families attending church on a Sunday. Although Margaret Hingley says Shortland considers the students part of their Congregation — “we feel that's an outreach happening right on our doorstep” — neither side of the College partnership aims to evangelise. “You wouldn't call us a Christian school, but we are a school that exists because of Christianity,” explains Melise. Several staff members are Christian and open about their faith, 20 Insights June/July 2015

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but religious education or Scripture classes are not on the curriculum. “If I put a whole heap of crosses around this school, the kids would not cope,” says Melise about making Christianity a more prominent feature of College life. “If I started playing Christian music through the PA, they wouldn't cope. You've got to recognise who your target group is. “But they coped very well on the last day of term when I had one of my staff — who is a strong Christian — shared with the kids, for a good 40 minutes, about the message of Easter. They sat glued to him. I was so amazed. “It was very deep and hard-hitting stuff about the crucifixion and why Jesus did what he did. It was beautifully done. If it had been someone else, they would have said 'No.' But it was that relationship they already had. "So that is what needs to be established, so that Christian heart doesn't get lost,” reflects Melise.

Property trust What's been clearly established between Shortland Congregation and Margaret Jurd College is a prominent union between Christians and community service. While usage of property remains an enormous debate within our Church, this unique example in Newcastle remains just that. Unique. But it doesn't have to stay that way. Margaret Hingley and Rev. Ray agree that the partnership between Margaret Jurd College and Shortland was an opportunity not all Congregations everywhere are presented with. But they strongly encourage other Congregations to consider using their buildings or grounds to assist some social action or community service.

Brittany, 14 Year nine student Brittany is in her first year at Margaret Jurd College. What was school like for you before Margaret Jurd? Horrible. I'd be suspended every week, pretty much. How come? I just didn't like it. So I found that the easy way out was to get suspended. What didn't you like about school? Everything. It seems that you now like school. A lot more. It's made a big difference. I'm a lot happier and I want to come to school. What has caused that difference in you? The teachers understand you better. They're there a lot more for you, and the case workers. And the school's a lot smaller and everyone gets along with everyone. You get to express yourself here. Have you had a lot to do with Rev. Ray? Yeah. He's easy to talk to. He's a nice person. Do you know what you would like to do, after you leave Margaret Jurd? I'd like to do a course to be a diesel mechanic. It just sounds amazing. At home, I pull engines apart and put them back together and make random things. Like, I got a lawnmower [engine] and put it on a bike.

“We were fortunate in that they came to us,” admits Margaret. “We could have said 'No' and there were a couple who probably didn't approve. But the majority did and could see the benefit. "We felt that this was Christianity working in us and being able to do something that we wouldn't have done had we not been approached. It made us sit up and think about what are we here for. We are to help one another and this was a way of extending what we preach and what we profess to be.” Ben McEachen insights.uca.org.au

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Ref lection

Don’t leave your luggage unattended

t a recent evening service, we were talking about our blessings during 2014. A number of people referred to their travel overseas and a safe return home as one of their blessings. We started discussing the mantra “Do not leave your luggage unattended”. You know, the mantra you hear from the minute you leave home in Wagga till you return. Loudspeakers in airports, railway stations and other public places hammer the message. What baggage must we keep our attention on? Our baggage may be full of valuables: souvenirs and gifts for ourselves and others; stories of our experiences; our riches of access to fresh water and shelter; our caring and loving relationships with our family, friends and colleagues. God has helped us to pack our bags with the good things we need, so we can carry out his will, as pointed to by the Hebrews and Matthew passages (see “Personal Reflection”). Our baggage may also have dirty clothes in it. Perhaps these are memories of unpleasant and sorrowful events, culture shock, self-centredness, fear, anxiety and reluctance to go outside our comfort zone. If we take our eyes off our luggage, we may lose our valuables, particularly relationships with God and others.

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Prayer Week gives us the chance to check inside our baggage, honour the many valuables and gifts we have (particularly our relationships with others). It also allows us to take out the dirty laundry, and cleanse it. If your dirty laundry relates to relationships, hurts between people, words or deeds of anger or criticism, now is the time to seek reconciliation and forgiveness. It may be that you can’t approach the person with whom you have a fractured relationship: they may have moved away or passed away. Still, now is the time to seek peace and resolution in your heart by talking to God — and, maybe, another person — to pursue the healing of the Holy Spirit. If your dirty laundry relates to the constriction of your comfort zone, now is the time to take courage and stretch out to follow the Bible’s message in our reading from Hebrews 13: “Do good and help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God.” As Jesus said in the context of loving your enemies (in Matthew 5:46-47): “Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! And if you only speak to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that!” Check what’s in your baggage. What dirty laundry can you take out

and cleanse, then either discard or repack for use on your daily journey with the familiar and the strangers, the prosperous and the disadvantaged members of our community? What do you need to re-pack carefully with love and respect, to pay attention to, to nurture you and others in your daily journey in the community? Remember: Do not leave your baggage unattended.

Personal reflection “May your Kingdom come; May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) “Do not forget to do good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God… God has raised from death our Lord Jesus, who is the great Shepherd of the sheep as the result of his blood, by which the eternal covenant is sealed. May the God of peace provide you with every good thing you need in order to do his will, and may he, through Jesus Christ, do in us what pleases him. And to Christ be the glory for ever and ever!“ (Hebrew 13:16, 20-21) Marilyn Walter, Wagga Wagga UCA This article was first printed in the May 2015 issue of Ruminations, the quarterly journal of the Rural Ministry Unit. It has been edited for length. insights.uca.org.au

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LivingisGiving UnitingforGood

Your guide to supporting our Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission in 2015-2016

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Livingis Planning Form Giving FOR JULY 2015 – JUNE 2016 Congregation’s Treasurer to complete & return by June 30, 2015 Congregation LIG Number: L (see Synod Directory, Index of Congregations)

Congregation Name: Presbytery:

Treasurer’s name: Treasurer’s phone number: Treasurer’s email address:

LIG Ambassador’s name: Phone number: Email address:

Anticipated total 2015–16 Living is Giving contribution: TOTAL AMOUNT $ (whole dollars please)

Month of first payment:

FREQUENCY

o Monthly

o Quarterly

o Yearly

AMOUNT $

PAYMENT OPTIONS Donate with Visa or Mastercard via the following secure link: http://bit.ly/unitingforgood

EFT o (Congregations Only) You can donate by paying directly into Westpac account number 100017927, BSB 634 – 634. Description: LiG Congregation name e.g LiG Blakehurst UC

Authorised Signatory

Name

Signature

Date

CHEQUE o Please make cheques payable to Living is Giving. All payments should be mailed to: Living is Giving, PO Box A2178, SYDNEY SOUTH, NSW 1235.

BY JUNE 30, 2014

ONLINE o

COPY AND SEND FORM

Please go to this link for more information and to download the Direct Debit Request form: www.livingisgiving.nsw. uca.org.au

Once this form has been completed, make a copy for your Presbytery (if required) and for your needs, and send the original to Uniting Resources before June 30, 2015, or email to fmsg@nswact.uca.org.au

DETACH OR PHOTO-

DIRECT DEBIT o

RETURN THIS PLANNING FORM TO Uniting Resources - Finance PO Box A2178 SYDNEY SOUTH, NSW 1235

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“Stewardship calls us to think beyond our own bubble of wants and needs and think about how others are doing. Giving, be it time, money or energy — even a small amount —– means someone else is not forgotten or overlooked. But it provides the opportunity to be gathered into God’s realm as a much loved and valued disciple .”

– Bronwyn Murphy, UME consultant

DETACH OR PHOTO-

COPY AND SEND FORM

BY JUNE 30, 2014

ith God's guidance and love, we can help to build a sustainable future for the Church. We are moving towards a more just and compassionate community and Living is Giving is how we engage with and sustain the mission activities of the Church. The annual pledge program of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of NSW and ACT, Living is Giving asks Congregations to financially support the varied, widespread work of our entire Church. Your generosity through Living is Giving is combined to equip ministries and provide valuable assistance (see panel, right). For example, Living is Giving funds support ministry agents such as Bronwyn Murphy, Uniting Mission and Education’s Lay Education, Discipleship and Rural Ministry Consultant. Bronwyn’s mission work through UME provides support to rural communities, as well as equipping and strengthening them with the resources and materials needed to continue their own vital works. Living is Giving also helps to develop programs, such as those which identify new areas within our Church seeking to give voice to the voiceless.

Thank You!

We achieved so much during the past year due to the generosity and financial support of Congregations and Church members throughout the Synod! Thank you for partnering with us! But the future of many programs relies upon the financial support of you and your Congregation. Without it, our Church will be unable to keep providing some of the ministries, services and training that are highlighted on these pages. To help us all grasp the importance of Living is Giving, seven different but crucial ministries have been focused upon. To inspire and excite our united giving. insights.uca.org.au

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Here’s how your stewardship sustains these vital areas: Assisting and equipping First Peoples

The ministry at Wellington Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress was restored in January, 2014. It has grown to offer various sessions which support and strengthen the local community. These include the usual Sunday Service, as well as an Elders Gathering, Men’s Shed, and Kids Club. The ministry aims to give to community members (in particular, young people) a sense of hope, and help in achieving what they want to – personally and also within the community. Resource worker for the UAICC in NSW and ACT, Pastor Ray Minniecon recently gave thanks to supporters for enabling the revival of Wellington. “I want to thank you first and foremost, but also encourage you to continue your giving. So that we can continue the great work that our Creator has started amongst our people and build these churches to their greatest capacity for the glory of God.”

Uniting rural communities

“Our two rural chaplains continue to exist on the generosity of one Sydney Presbytery and many Congregations. These are not all large and wealthy Congregations, but ones that feel called to look beyond their own needs and provide what support they can for those who are struggling. So, it is not just the

contribution that is a blessing, but the generosity of attitude as well,“ explains Bronwyn Murphy. Wherever they go, rural chaplains Julie Greig and Phil Matthews are the face of the Uniting Church. They address the issues that affect members of rural communities, including mental health and natural disasters. They are also the voice of those they visit, connecting them to the wider Church and building relationships. One of the ways they get the word out is through the regularly updated Rural Chaplains Adventures blog. Visit the blog to learn more about the communities they are visiting — ruralchaplains.blogspot.com.au

Speaking up for justice, fairness and peace

Social justice and, in particular, issues surrounding asylum seekers, are very close to Frances Milne’s heart. “I’ve been very committed to asylum seekers,” says Frances, who is Asylum Seeker Coordinator at Balmain Uniting Church. “And it has gradually built into structures which we have been able to

Turn to page 26 for:

• Next generations and new forms of Church • Education and leadership development • Chaplaincy • Living in a multcultural church

How does Livingis Giving work?

Explore

Start-up

Strength

Grow

Together we need to explore how we can sustain the mission work of the Church. Living is Giving provides funds to make the mission happen

Through online giving, direct debits and fundraising at your local Church, you can support the work of Living is Giving to deliver mission across areas that most need it

Together, we work to strengthen the mission of the Church through Living is Giving

Through Living is Giving, we support a sustainable future for our Church, that is actively involved in mission in the community and in the lives of people who most need our support

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Magazine on your phone or tablet

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Super fun and games as students team up Nyngan comes alive wit h a camp like no other

t the Small Schools Super Camp in March, 130 students and 30 teachers from 10 small schools came together with 10 teachers and 22 students from three Sydney schools. Held at Nyngan in rural NSW, the Super Camp was a huge chance for students to enjoy art, dance, drama, music, science, netball, and touch football and soccer activities.

Principal of Hermidale Public School Leone Dewhurst said, “It is great to see the camp going from strength to strength, building relationships between students of the various schools and staff. We often meet on sporting fields, which is competitive, but this was a wonderful opportunity to meet together, learn and play together; forming new friendships across communities.”

Students from schools with more than 1,000 students camped with students who learn at home or those from schools with as few as five students. They enjoyed playing sport in teams with other children, from all over the state.

Camp participants were especially grateful to the Bogan Shire Council for providing access to the Nyngan

The third time this annual event has been held, the Small Schools Super Camp aims to allow larger schools to share expertise with smaller, isolated schools, so their students experience a wider curriculum. Much hard work by public primary school teachers and Uniting Church chaplains was behind the Camp. Grant applications were submitted, and Sydney private schools were approached for resources, as well as teaching and mentoring abilities of staff and senior students. “It’s important for students from small schools to socialise with children their own age,” said Julie Greig, Rural Chaplain from Hillston. “For the city students, it’s important to experience rural life and, for the Uniting Church, it’s important that we use our resources to support rural areas.” Primary students from Hermidale, Weilmoringle, Wanaaring, Marra Creek, Enngonia, Gwabegar, Carinda, Quambone and Girilambone Public Schools, as well as Bourke and Walgett School of Distance Education, met senior students from three Sydney schools: Knox College, Pymble Ladies’ College and Ravenswood School. 28 Insights June/July 2015

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“I felt very privileged to be part of the week. Trips like this foster relationships between the schools, and we hope we can build on this and return very soon” showground and its facilities. Students and teachers camped in pavilions throughout the week, and the oval was the venue for constant games and hands-on learning. “The showground kitchen facilities were wonderful,” commented Jane van Beek, a teacher from Ravenswood, “and the generous team of ‘chefs’ from Gordon and Nyngan Uniting Churches spoiled us with tasty treats all week.” “Everyone in Nyngan welcomed us so warmly”, she added. “Maria, Tammy and Maria in the library helped us print and laminate camp photos each day, and Donna, the Community Development Officer at Bogan Shire Council, printed a huge map of NSW so we could trace the

journeys all the different schools made to come together at Nyngan.” Judy Neale, a parent who accompanied her children from Weilmoringle Public School, said, “I think it’s important for kids to get together and enjoy activities like team sports that are not normally available to them at their schools.” Zoe Fisher, a student from Ravenswood School, commented, “I think this camp is really important because it allows students from small schools to have interactions with students their same age.” Alice Gough, a Year 3 student from Hermidale, who loved the painting and ceramics activities, said, “It was good fun and it was good for our learning.” Serena Troncoso, a kindergarten student from Gwabegar, explained what she loves about dance. “Dance is the feeling in your heart. It gets faster and slower. When it changes, you change.” Artistic learning activities included dance, drama, oil pastel drawing, watercolour painting and creating decorated clay sculptures of small animals. In science, students learned about flight by making paper models. They also created slime and sherbet using household substances. “I felt very privileged to be part of the week,” said a teacher from Pymble Ladies’ College. “I loved watching our Pymble girls in action and the way they responded very well to a new situation. But I feel we have probably learned more from the locals. Trips like this foster relationships between the schools, and we hope we can build on this and return very soon.” Rebecca Gibson, Lauren Jones and Hannah Walsh (Year 8 students at Ravenswood School, Sydney) insights.uca.org.au

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UnitingforGood A sustainable future is in your hands

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

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

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Making Money Matter Give like the first followers of Jesus

ome of the most understated passages in the Bible actually have a huge impact if you look carefully. One of these is the opening verses of Luke chapter 8. This passage tells us about ‘certain women’ who provided for the material needs of Jesus and the disciples ‘out of their own means’. They had worked out how to make their money matter.

Warrren Bird Executive Director Uniting Financial Services

Having spent most of my working life in the finance industry I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the significance of money in our lives. In seeking to live faithfully as a Christian at home, at work and in my community, the issue of having a healthy relationship with money has been vital for me. Based on the number of Bible passages that touch on the subject, it’s vital for all of us. Whether it’s too little that’s the problem, or if we have plenty, we all have to live with the issues that money creates for our daily lives. The rubber of our spirituality really hits the road of life in our attitudes to money and wealth. In this column over the coming months I want to explore the Bible’s teaching about money and wealth. Along the way I’ll discuss real-world situations and topical money issues, all with the aim of listening to what God has to say about the relationship between money and faith. Which brings me back to Luke 8. For a whole lot of reasons, these women had been moved by Jesus. All of them had been “healed of evil spirits and infirmities”. In particular, Luke tells us that Jesus had released Mary Magdalene from demonpossession, for which she’d have been very grateful. Perhaps Joanna – possibly the most well-off of the group – could see the wickedness of her husband’s employer, King Herod. Perhaps she contrasted his false kingship with the true hope that, in Jesus, God’s kingdom had come.

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Whatever the specifics, each of these women had become followers of Jesus. The heart of their spirituality was faith in Him – a living, breathing faith that showed it was alive through the use of their wealth to provide for Jesus and the apostles. They weren’t ordered to do it, there was no law commanding it. Rather, it was a genuine response to the One who had touched their spirits deeply. Context is important and this short passage follows one of the best known stories from the gospels. At the end of Luke 7, Jesus is seen dining with a leading Pharisee. This was no doubt a ‘high society’ affair. However, the Pharisee watched in shock as Jesus calmly allowed a woman described as ‘a sinner’ to approach Him, open an expensive jar of perfume and pour both it and her tears on Jesus’ feet. When the Pharisee expressed amazement at Jesus’ seeming lack of discernment, the Lord told a parable about two financial debts being forgiven. The point of the parable was that the one who had the largest debt forgiven would be the most grateful. The woman, Jesus said, was forgiven her “many sins” and her loving adoration was a poignant and powerful spiritual response. In a different way, the women referred to in Luke 8 are excellent examples of Jesus’ words. In their case, their faith showed itself in practical, helpful, generous action. In putting these stories alongside one another, Luke was showing us that loving adoration and love in action are both part of Christian spirituality. Does our attitude to money and what we do with it really matter? Mary, Joanna and the rest of these women would say that it most surely does.

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Strength succeeding grace

The Moderator, Rev. Myung Hwa Park (centre), with Ex-Moderators and their wives at the Retired Ministers Luncheon at Turramurra Uniting Church.

“T

hinking of the gathering of retired ministers gave me butterflies in my stomach. What am I going to say to the people who have already walked the path that I am walking now; who have knowledge, experience and wisdom in ministry? Wouldn’t it be difficult to preach to the converts? Then what about preaching to a gathering of preachers?” The Moderator Rev. Myung Hwa Park made this humble introduction to some 200 ministers at the Retired Ministers Luncheon at Turramurra Uniting Church in May. Her speech was just one part of a vibrant gathering of retired ministers and ex-Moderators. As part of this important annual gathering, there was deep acknowledgement of the service to the Church of those present, as well as it being an opportunity to celebrate the deep well of wisdom. Apart from being an impressive array of Ministers of the Word and ExModerators, it was also an opportunity for those attending to rekindle connections and catch up with former colleagues in ministry.

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During the service, the Wahroonga Preparatory School choir delighted the packed auditorium with two choral items. Prayers of Invocation were offered by the Rev. Christine Sheppard, while Bible readings came from the Rev. Graham Ellis and Prayers of Intercession from the Rev. Carol Morris. In setting the theme for the event, “Strength Succeeding Grace”, the Moderator recognised that the grace and wisdom that precedes us gives us the strength to carry on. “In doing so, I hope that we can be clearer about how to support each other in the ministry of Christ,” she continued. The Moderator believes while change is imperative, acknowledgement of the great well of wisdom of the past is an important part of moving forward. “Since our society is becoming increasingly individualistic, materialistic and constantly pushing away the value of community and denying our interconnectedness, we are ever challenged to be a dwelling place of God, where people find a healing and reconciliation,” said the Moderator. “We can offer a sense of community; a dwelling place of God

to our society, which disintegrates individuals and isolates people through greed and selfishness.” Such social pressures impacting the Church’s survival were among the concerns expressed to the Moderator, when she took on the leadership role. Rather than be negative or apathetic, the Moderator was inspired by an Old Testament encouragement.“I was reminded of the phrase used by Mordecai to his niece, Esther, who was unsure about her responsibility for her people when she was elevated to the role of queen: ‘Perhaps you came into this world for such a time as this.’” At the luncheon, The Moderator also launched her series of events known as UTalk (the first event was held at the Synod Offices on 25 May with more than 40 retired ministers attending). This new initiative seeks to encourage personal reflection and sharing among ministers, both retired and in placement. UTalk hopes to facilitate the sharing of insights, wisdom and lessons learned from ministry experience. Adrian Drayton insights.uca.org.au

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Grants for community service projects Norman and Florence Price Memorial Trust The Norman and Florence Price Trust provides small, one-off grants for porjects that, in some way help relieve poverty. It is administered by the Board of UnitingCare NSW.ACT. Applications are being sought for 2015-16. To be eligible, an organisation must be accountable to a congregation, presbytery or mission with 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 organisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s members/volunteers (financial or in-kind) to the project; and the level of collaboration with the serviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clients and/or other services. For more details or to apply, visit: www.unitingcare.org.au/resources/grant_programs /price_trust. Deadline for submissions is 9 am, 24 August 2015.

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Modern way of sharing Christian message from a Scottish landmark D

r. Andrew G. Ralston, an Elder at Glasgow Cathedral in Scotland, describes a recent venture which uses the latest technology to promote the good news of Jesus Christ — to the world. Australia’s connections with Scottish Presbyterian churches goes right back to when it was first colonised by Britain. Many of Australia’s earliest Congregations were founded by settlers from Scotland in the early decades of the nineteenth century. Today Glasgow Cathedral, one of the Church of Scotland’s most historic churches, regularly welcomes Australian visitors. One of the most distinguished is Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, who participated in a moving service held last summer to mark the centenary of the start of World War One. That centenary service was broadcast across the world and was the most recent of many significant national events which have given the Cathedral a high profile. In a way, though, attracting widespread attention is nothing new for the Cathedral. Within 50 years of the building being dedicated in 1136, Bishop Jocelin was “gloriously enlarging” the structure to accommodate the growing numbers of pilgrims coming to the shrine of St. Kentigern. Also known as St. Mungo, Kentigern is the patron saint of Glasgow. He is believed to have founded a church on the site of Glasgow Cathedral and been buried there around 612. More than an historic monument, though, the Cathedral is home to a thriving Congregation which has not forgotten St. Mungo’s injunction to “let Glasgow flourish by the preaching of the Word”.

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Appropriate for the medieval setting of the Cathedral, one way of living out St Mungo’s call is through the high standard of the musical component of its services. The choir now consists of fourteen choral scholars and choristers. Leading them is young and enthusiastic Director of Music, Andrew Forbes, who endeavours “to make this the preeminent church choir in the country.”

If you’re not able to be at Glasgow Cathedral in person, the members and office-bearers invite you to join them in worship at this ancient place — by means of the latest technology The Cathedral has a vision of sharing its musical excellence with as many people as possible. During the past two years, it has developed a novel method of doing so, by offering live streaming of a weekly service of Choral Evensong at www. glasgowcathedral.org.uk This traditional service of music, prayer and Scripture readings remains online for seven days. Statistics suggest viewing of the service is evenly split between those who follow it live on a Sunday and those who watch the recording during the following week.

The technical side of the venture is in the hands of Canadian-born Glen Collie and his wife Jane. Glen started his working life with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and sees the broadcasting of Choral Evensong as a means of carrying out the enduring Great Commission. As Jesus said: “Go … and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Indeed, these evensong broadcasts are reaching all nations, with regular followers not only in Australia but from as far afield as India, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The service is even watched by a considerable number in China. “In its second year of operation, the broadcast has reached 17,000 hits,” says Glen. “Anecdotally we know many people watch with others, and so the 17,000 hits could represent as many as 25,000 people effectively attending the Cathedral’s Evensong.” Viewers can also access a series of short “Thoughts for the Day”, delivered by Rev. Dr. Laurence Whitley. Australian holidaymakers visiting Scotland this summer are assured a warm welcome at Glasgow Cathedral. And if you’re not able to be there in person, the members and officebearers invite you to join them in worship at this ancient place — by means of the latest technology.

Follow the broadcasts of Choral Evensong at: www.glasgowcathedral.org.uk

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Review

Poirot investigates pioneers of faith

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Lectionary Reflections June - The Holy Spirit at work

The gospel of Mark quickly gets into the action and impact of Jesus Christ. Before the passages we are looking at during June and July, Jesus already has been proclaimed God's beloved Son (1:11), withstood temptation by the Devil (1:12), and taught and healed many. As we pay careful attention to chapters 3-6, the detailed portrait of Jesus being presented should cause us all to ask: how do we righly respond to His words, deeds and power?

7 June Mark 3:20-35 It is a blessing to be a part of the Church – the Body of Christ. We are the disciples of Jesus and we bear witness to him through our worship, witness and service. However, we kid ourselves if we think this is an easy thing to be or do. Jesus was not an easy person to be around. In this small section of the fastpaced action in Mark, Jesus is being mobbed by people. He is getting called ‘Satan’ by the religious leaders and he is talking about the dissolution of traditional family connections and loyalties as part of his vision of the Kingdom of God. What would it have been like to be one of his disciples? To deal with all this commotion? This passage raises some interesting issues that we might seek to wrestle with. How radical are we willing to be as we follow Jesus? How much are we willing to let our discipleship take us away from the norms of society and family life? As a Church, who believes that the As Spirit a Church, weamong believeus? theHow Holy is at do work Holy Spirit is at work among careful do we need to be as weus? judge How careful do we need be as the calling of others? Or thetochallenge weothers judge the calling that might raiseofforothers? us, when Or the challenge that others they believe Jesus is calling us might to raise for us, when they believe something we might believe to be what Jesus calling usWhere to something God hasisset down? do we find they might believe to be what the line between orthodoxy and God the has set down? Where do we find the call in Christ to new things through the line between orthodoxy and Spirit? the call in Christ to new things through the Spirit? 38 Insights June/July 2015

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14 June Mark 4:26-34

28 June Mark 5:21-43

Jesus is again attracting large crowds and teaching them. In Chapter 4 we have a series of parables to do with seeds, and one to do with lamps. In the middle of all this thinking and parabling about the Kingdom of God, Jesus gives us a warning: “Consider carefully what you hear... With the measure you use, it will be measured to you — and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”

Here we have the healing stories of Jairus’ daughter and the woman who touched Jesus in a crowd. I take inspiration from Jairus who humbled himself to connect with the radical, unsanctioned rabbi, as well as from the woman who broke all the social and religious conventions of her time — in faith, and in her need to get well.

As a Church facing the challenges of post-Christendom, we can be a little fearful of the future. We can get caught up in worrying about the institution that we are a part of and how our Congregational part of this might change, and even disappear. However, Christ challenges and encourages us. The seed of the gospel hasn’t The seedHow of the gospel hasn’t work to changed. can Christians changed. How can Christians work toto rediscover what it is we are called rediscover what it is we are called to grow and focus on growing that, rather grow and focus on growing that, rather than how the garden might look? How than ‘the how soil’ the garden look? How might of our might faith need some might ‘the soil’ of our faith need somethe faith fertiliser to re-enrich it so that faith of fertiliser to re-enrich seeds faith might grow?it so that the seeds of faith might grow?

However, I confess, having lost my own father and buried a little girl whom I taught, I want to believe these stories. But I struggle and wrestle with them and what they seem to offer. You may be of greater faith than me. I am like the man in the story we will encounter in Chapter 9. I pray to God, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!' (Mark 9:24) What conventions might we need to cross or break in order to connect with the Christ? When has your faith called you beyond your comfort zone and stretched you beyond the limits of social, cultural and religious conventions?

21 June Mark 4:35-41 One of the traditional symbols for the Church is that of the boat. The UCA emblem suggests that kind of symbolism. In this passage in Mark, Jesus is in a boat with the disciples. They are going through some choppy and troubling weather and Jesus calms it and them. But we are left with the last words of the passage in our minds, 'Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?' and 'Who then is this?' As the As the Church, Church, what what do dowe wefear? fear? What What might be the source of ourWho fear? might be the source of our fear? do Who do we say Jesus is? What do we say Jesus is? What do we really we know really knowabout and believe and believe him, about him, as opposed to what we might feel we should say we believe about him? insights.uca.org.au

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Guest speaker Mark Berry Church Mission Society, UK Mental health workshops Community development Resourcing for lay ministry Information, story & resource sharing

umeinfo@nsw.uca.org.au

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Lectionary Reflections July - Nurturing disciples

5 July Mark 6:1-13 We are a part of the holy, catholic and apostolic Church. In other words, the people of God who are set apart (holy) to follow Jesus as one universal (catholic) family with the purpose of being sent out (apostolic) to love and serve God in the name of The Christ. In our passage, Jesus gave his crew their first work experience assignment and their first taste of being apostles (the sent-out ones), while still as disciples (learners). In various forms, this story of being sent out occurs in all the three synoptic gospels. They all share the common thread of being sent out on training missions, but with little in terms of material resources or belongings. How does your Congregation nurture disciples? How do you train people to be ready to be apostles in the world? How are you taking up the challenge of being formed in your discipleship? What opportunities and experiences are you seeking to develop your gifts and talents and hone your skills so you can use them in the loving service/ministry of others?

12 July Mark 6:14-29 Irish writer and politician Edmund Burke famously noted: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good [people] to do nothing." Most of us in the Church will have heard the story of the death of John the Baptist. The story itself tells the well-worn truth that those who speak up against corruption and against the powers that be often pay a great price — often with their life or their job. This is the reality of what Jesus meant when he called his followers to take up their cross and follow him in a few chapters time. (Mark 8:34) 40 Insights June/July 2015

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How have you had to pay the price for being prophetic and speaking out against injustice and/or corruption? Share the questions and stories about this with people in your Congregation. How have you and your Church been complicit in the evils of this world How have you and your Church through inaction or apathy? Maybe been complicit in the evils spend some time looking intoofFair this and worldwhy through inaction or Trade your congregation apathy? Maybe spend might consider becomingsome a Fairtime Trade looking into Fair Trade and why place (if it isn’t already). your Congregation might consider becoming a Fair Trade place (if it isn’t already).

19 July Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 Ministry – that is, the loving service of God and others – takes energy and can be draining. This is the challenge of ‘ordinary time’. God recognises this. In the passage, the disciples return from their mission and tell Jesus about how things went. But people are coming and going, so Jesus takes them on a ‘retreat’. We need to recharge our batteries. But we also should note that, for Jesus and his disciples, the sacredness of selfrenewal soon takes a back seat to the needs of people who find where they are and come in their neediness.

26 July John 6:1-21 This passage takes a little lectionary side-trip away from the synoptic gospels, as we spend a couple of weeks in John. In this first week of the series we explore once again the feeding of the five thousand. Most of us will be very familiar with this story, so it is good to read it all the more carefully. We may be incorrectly assuming that we know its details. Take some time to read the In this account, Philip a various stories ofJesus Jesusasks feeding question to test him. How might large groups of people in eachthis of story us see howa God might the help gospels. Make list to helpbe testing us as Church? What might you note thea differences in the the nature of that test be for you? stories. Spend some time thinking about what the differences draw attention to and what that might be asking us to reflect upon.

These reflections for June and July were prepared by Rev. Jon Humphries, chaplain at Ravenswood School for Girls.

It is good to remember that ministry service is not just about us. It is not just about our needs, but is more about the needs of others. It is certainly not about what we bring, but is more about how God uses and enhances the little that we have to offer and share. What might Jesus being saying to you Whatserving might Jesus be saying to wider about the people in your you about serving thethe people community? What are gifts that in and youryour wider community?have Whatto you congregation are the the needs gifts that you and your meet in your community? Congregation have to meet the needs in your community?

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To mark June 2015 as Multicultural Month in the Synod of NSW and the ACT, we bring you the

Uniting Multicultural Festival Saturday 27 June, Centre for Ministry, 16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta 8.00am - 5.00pm There will be multicultural food stalls, dance and music competitions, and much more. Come and enjoy a day of fun and entertainment. All ages welcome. See the website below for competitions and stall holders applications forms.

We celebrate the Uniting Church in Australia Anniversary with a

Multicultural Worship Service of Thanksgiving 4pm, Sunday 21 June, Newington College, 200 Stanmore Rd, Sydney

Registrations forms & resources online at www.ucafestival.com.au We encourage local churches and groups to celebrate multicultural month in June. See resources on the web site above. For further enquiries contact Katalina Tahaafe Williams, Synod Multicultural Consultant, at katalinat@nsw.uca.org.au.

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Belief matters

“The forgiveness of sins…”

he confession of the forgiveness of sins was a relatively late addition to Christian statement, the Apostles’ Creed. The earliest baptismal confessions spoke simply of “the Holy Spirit, the holy church, and the resurrection of the flesh.” But a dramatic debate arose among third-century believers about the nature of sin and forgiveness. Christians in those days were still subjected to periods of bitter persecution under the Roman emperors. In 250, the emperor Decius decreed that all inhabitants of the empire would have to make sacrifices to the Roman gods. Christians who performed the sacrifices would be issued certificates declaring their loyalty to Rome. Those who refused to sacrifice would be put to death. By publicly sacrificing to the Roman gods, such Christians were effectively renouncing their baptism. But things soon returned to normal, and the apostate believers – known as ‘the lapsed’ – soon came back to church. This situation created a pastoral crisis for many churches. What is to be done with believers who have renounced their baptism? Even more awkward was the question about clergy who had made the pagan sacrifices. When ministers of Christ invalidate their faith, does it mean that their ministry has been invalid all

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along? Would you need to get baptised again by someone else? These were difficult questions. It was a time of intense soul-searching for many believers. Through this struggle over ‘the lapsed’, the deepest questions of Christian identity came sharply into focus. What is it that makes you a follower of Christ? And what can you do if you’ve strayed from Christ’s path? The third-century crisis led to some clear answers to these questions. The Church is for everyone who confesses Christ and receives Christ’s baptism. It is not only for the pure, the upright, and the spiritually successful. Failures in discipleship – even dramatic public failures – do not exclude a person from the grace of God. There is no need to be baptised more than once, since that would imply that we need to be forgiven more than once. The forgiveness of sins has taken place once for all in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His one act of grace is fully sufficient. Baptism can never be repeated because forgiveness never needs to be repeated. These conclusions were so important that the ancient church began to include “the forgiveness of sins” as part of the baptismal confession – or as the fourthcentury Nicene Creed says, “We believe in … one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.”

A church that takes a stand on the forgiveness of sins can never be a church of the pure. It will always be a pilgrim church; a community that is patient and understanding towards the timid, the doubting, the unsure. Whenever a judgmental, elitist, puritanical spirit enters into the Christian community, we need to hear again the confession: we believe in the forgiveness of sins. We believe that we stand not by our own achievements but by the achievement of Jesus Christ. We believe that the spiritually strong and the spiritually weak are both sustained by the same forgiving grace. We believe that we rely solely on grace, not only in our worst failures but even in our best successes. We believe that if ever we should turn from this grace, if ever our hearts grow cold and we forget Christ and become unfaithful to his way, Christ will not forget us. His faithfulness is deeper than our faithlessness. His ‘Yes’ is stronger than our ‘No.’ As explained by a seventh-century teacher, Isaac of Nineveh: ‘Like a handful of sand thrown into the sea, so are the sins of all humankind compared to the mercy of God.’ Ben Myers is Lecturer in Systematic Theology at United Theological College

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27/05/2015 3:11:20 PM

Culture watch

I think, therefore He is

here was a time when human beings looked to the stars to discover intelligent life. If there was a mind in the universe other than ours, it was definitely going to be found ‘out there’. But from The Avengers’ sequel to Chappie, Hollywood continues to suggest the first new mind we encounter will most likely be one we manufacture ourselves — an artificial rather than an alien intelligence. But do scientists share the film industry’s conviction that it will be a real consciousness? Of course humanity has long harboured a deep-seated angst over the consequences of creating new life. Conceived by author Mary Shelley, Frankenstein’s monster was feared as much for his terrible strength as his horrific looks. And many fictional films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Battlestar Galactica, or I Robot have followed in that monster’s footsteps, troubling us with what our superior children might do. Meanwhile, in the factual world, leading scientists have issued parallel cautions, particularly about creating artificial intelligence (AI) capable of learning for itself. The ability to improve at an exponential rate led physicist Stephen Hawking to conclude artificial intelligence might very well “spell the end of the human race”. insights.uca.org.au

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Yet, despite these drawbacks, the development of AI is being seen on and off the big screen as a coming-of-age for the human race. The creation of a thinking, self-aware being has been held out by some as a potential proof there is no God. The argument goes that if we can create a being that is in every respect indistinguishable from human life, then we have created life itself. Consequently there is no need to imagine a divine being who bestows it – and so God disappears in a puff of logic. To quote the entrepreneur Peter Weyland in sci-fi film Prometheus, “We are the gods now.” But at this point, Hollywood’s vision of electronic brothers and sisters may amount to little more than straw men manufactured from silicone and circuits. Scientists are far less certain they will be able to create a mind of the sort movies imagine. In 2015 cinema release Ex Machina, the film’s would-be gods used the Turing Test (devised by the computational genius Alan Turing). The test holds that a machine capable of performing like a human being in every respect is capable of intelligent behaviour. One that could do the same tasks even better than humans might be considered a superior intelligence. But the philosopher John Searle has pointed out that replication, however advanced, does not equate to consciousness, or even understanding.

What if our struggle to create life, off and on the screen, was actually pointing in a direction other than the demise of God? Descartes’ famous maxim, “I think, therefore I am” suggests our ability to perceive ourselves is the key proof that we exist. A computer’s circuitry might be brought to simulate every connection of the fatty tissue and electricity that make up the human brain, but self-perception would still exist somewhere outside of its box. Not within all that wiring. However, let us imagine for a moment that humanity is one day able to produce an electronic mind capable of thinking creatively and perceiving itself. What might that prove? Even Alan Turing was cautious of mistaking the shell for its contents: “In attempting to construct such machines we should not be irreverently usurping [God’s] power of creating souls, any more than we are in the procreation of children: rather we are, in either case, instruments of His will providing mansions for the souls that He creates.” As the writer Kel Richards once put it, “An explosion in a brick factory is not likely to produce a radio station.” No, the sheer difficulty of what we might one day achieve will argue for the existence of our own Designer, not pronounce His death. In which case “I think, therefore I am” may actually lead us to conclude, “I think, therefore He is.” Mark Hadley Insights June/July 2015 45

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