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Welcome from the Moderator Helping those in need
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recently had a chat to a colleague and admit the conversation caused me much reflection about the complexities of human behaviour, and what it is that drives us to behave towards others in the way we do. This applies particularly to the choices we make about hospitality to outsiders who are vulnerable and marginalised.
Rev. Dr Brian Brown Moderator
The Moderator is elected to give general and pastoral leadership to the Synod, assisting and encouraging expression and fulfilment of faith, and the witness of the church.
I confess I was deeply distressed and embarrassed by the policies both major parties put forward in the recent election campaign regarding asylum seekers. In the midst of wallowing in the disappointment of what seemed to characterise our cold and perhaps fearful attitudes to needy strangers in our so-called ‘fair go’ nation, I experienced a completely different side of the Australian community. Three days before flying to a quiet destination for a week of study leave, my colleague came down with flu. Despite spending those three days resting at home, he was still a bit weak and wobbly when he made his way to the airport courtesy of Sydney Trains. Perhaps it was unwise of him to spare the expense and not take a taxi; perhaps silly to attempt the journey in the first place. And yes, I imagine he would say it would have been better to use the lift at Central rather than haul luggage up the stairs. The outcome of all his ‘poor’ decision-making was that between Green Square and Mascot station he had to advise his wife that he was about to either throw up or faint! He fainted, only regaining consciousness as a fellow passenger was half carrying him off the train and onto a station seat at Mascot. He then threw up! He told me that what amazed him at the time, and on reflection, was the hospitable response of fellow passengers who could not have been kinder or more helpful. They supported
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this stranger with care and concern. The train guard went off to call station staff, leaving his train delayed. The station staff were attentive and kind. Fellow passengers, delaying their exit from the station, offered advice, tissues, various medications, and a call for an ambulance (which thankfully was not needed). Anglos, Asian, people of Middle-eastern appearance – not any two of those helpers were from the same cultural group. So who are we really? It seems sometimes we fall into the trap of the Pharisees and scribes, who, on seeing Jesus reaching out to the needy and the apparently undeserving, grumbled, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them”, (Luke 15: 2). We are, like them, tempted to label, judge and exclude vulnerable people from the ambit of our compassion. Then again, we sometimes live out of our better selves, as followers of Jesus. We treat the strayers as those who are lost and need to be found, and consider outsiders as human beings needing to find a home in the hospitality of God’s kingdom. I am sure that fear, or the lack of it, plays a big part in the way we respond to strangers. Perhaps this is why Jesus so often encouraged his followers with the words “Do not be afraid”. Having a heart for the outsider in need is well within our capabilities of our nation. In the current crisis, those of us who are called to demonstrate the inclusive love of Jesus have a special responsibility to stand up and be counted for the Common Good, and consistently act from the impulses of our better selves. I was relieved to hear my colleague and his wife did make their flight, but it was only thanks to the kind support of those strangers. You can follow the Moderator on Twitter @BrianBrownUCA Insights October 2013 3
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News
Your say Congratulations Congratulations on the “new look” Insights. I have always enjoyed reading this magazine but now, more so. The treatment you give to such topics as “Seeking Refuge” and the need for youth involvement in the church encourages a broad view of what the church ought to be. For too long we have been influenced by those members with a backward outlook to things in the past. Insights brings a taste of ‘new wine’ and life into our thinking and attitudes. Alf Taylor, Gosford
Wow! Wow, wow and wow again. Rev. Dr Andrew Williams article on page three (September Insights) was fantastic. I was blown away that all my thoughts were articulated so well in one article. Thank you for this article, so many, many more people need to read this. I shall spread the word! Lynn Munday
Undesirable consequences I viewed with some concern the September issue of Insights and, in particular, the messages from Rev. Dr Andrew Williams and Rev. Dr Brian Brown. Nowhere in these messages were the undesirable Continued over >>
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Lani Cloos-Torrens stands in front of the remains of her Evans Head home.
Torrens family lose everything in house fire On Saturday 1 September, the Torren’s family home tragically burnt to the ground as a result of an electrical fault in their garage. Mrs Dianne Torrens is the Chairperson of the Regional Council of Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. She and her husband, Tim, lost everything to the fire. They were away from their home attending a funeral at the time. Fortunately, her daughter and grandchildren who were in the house during the fire were lucky to get out before the fire engulfed the property.
Chris Walker takes on new role at Assembly Rev. Dr Chris Walker has begun his new role as National Consultant, Christian Unity, Doctrine and Worship. “I’m excited at the prospect of this new role, in which I will continue to resource the work of the Assembly in Doctrine and Worship but now include the working group on Christian Unity,” said Rev. Dr Walker. “The 13th Assembly has commissioned the National Working Group on Doctrine to resource A Season of Teaching and Learning next year. The Doctrine working group is also conducting consultations on
Uniting Mission and Education is appealing to those of you who would like to assist the family. You can make a personal donation in one of two ways (please note these donations are not tax deductible): Cheque - made out to Uniting Mission and Education. Please send it to: UME Torrens Appeal, 16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta 2151. EFT: For EFT details please call Apple Chu on 8838 8913. Please pray for the Torrens family as they regroup and rebuild. Photo by Patrick Gorbunovs, courtesy of The Northern Star.
the theology of marriage to present to the Assembly Standing Committee by November 2014.” “I am looking forward to being involved with our dialogue members and ecumenical partners in Christian Unity.” Until recently, Rev. Dr Walker was serving as the Assembly’s National Consultant for Theology and Discipleship. His new position will continue to reside in the Assembly’s Uniting Faith and Discipleship team led by Associate General Secretary Rev. Glenda Blakefield.
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consequences of the ‘Open Door ‘policy acknowledged. It was as if they did not exist in this difficult policy area.
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These consequences to my mind are: 1. Deaths from drowning at seamen, women and children. 2. Supporting and encouraging an immoral and dangerous industry. 3. Giving preference to ‘financially able’ asylum seekers to the detriment of equally or more deserving, ‘financially deprived’ asylum seekers. One is supportive of increased intake, of sympathetic help and assistance upon arrival, but the above concerning consequences deserve some consideration in forming an acceptable policy for our Uniting Church. The tenor of this September edition did not, in my opinion, deal fully with the issue. Barry Baird, Pennant Hills
Right belief and right action
It was with an uplifted heart that I read September Insights. It reinforced my decision to become a member of my local Uniting Church, at the age of 66. Not because I’d just become a Christian – I was ordained in 1976. I believe in spiritual rebirth, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, through faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. But it doesn’t end there. That’s just the start. Our faith is expressed in living out Christ’s love. And it applies to every Christian. We all can, and must, do something. Together and with Christ we can transform the world. Wherever, whenever the poor are touched by love, the hungry fed, the thirsty quenched, the suffering comforted, the outcast welcomed – there the Kingdom of Christ is manifested. Unfortunately, it has been self-proclaimed Christian prime ministers of late, who have led the nation to abandon these foundational convictions, and our obligation to humanity, under several conventions, in the illusory pursuit of votes and power.
Have Your Say insights@nsw.uca.org.au Continued on page 8 >>
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Act for Peace: Our Christian responsibility as peacemakers Each and every day around the world, lives are stolen by conflict. By 2014, 30 conflict-ravaged countries will account for half of all child deaths worldwide. The recent use of chemical weapons in Syria highlights the harsh and modern realities surrounding the cycle of conflict and poverty. In this context, what is the role of Christians? Can we make a tangible difference to the Syrian people and conflict affected people around the world? In answering this question the concept of peacemaking is highly relevant. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches his people what it means to be under God’s rule and what it is to live in the Kingdom of God. He draws focus to the notion of peacemakers, which is highly relevant to our conflictravaged world. As Christians we are called to actively strive for reconciliation and fullness of life not only for ourselves but for all humanity. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9 – New Revised Standard Version).
So how can we fulfil our responsibility as peacemakers? Act for Peace, the international aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia believes in the collective power of Christians to make a tangible difference in peacebuilding across the world. Peacebuilding projects save lives by reducing armed violence, removing landmines, providing support for children affected by war (including child soldiers) and helping war-torn communities to build a more stable future free from poverty. On 21 September, 21 churches marked the UN International Day of Peace with prayer, campaign action, ecumenical services, interfaith forums and various other events bringing churches together in one unified voice for change. UN general secretary Ban Ki Moon reflects that International Day of peace “offers an opportunity for the world to pause, reflect and consider how best to break the vicious cycle of violence that conflict creates”. As conflict continues to drastically affect the lives of millions worldwide we must continually ask ourselves what is our role as Christians in minimising human suffering? Are we acting as peacemakers in God’s kingdom?
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Stop the Cut to Foreign Aid
Fair Trade Fair
What will the results of the election mean for the world’s poorest people?
For many people Fair Trade is a mystery. So the Springwood and Gordon congregations are lifting the hood on Fair Trade by hosting Fair Trade Fairs.
The Coalition announced it would cut $4.5 billion over four years from promised increases to the foreign aid budget to help fund road projects. “This plan will hurt those who need our assistance most”, says Rev. Dr Kerry Enright, Director of UnitingWorld, the Uniting Church in Australia’s international development agency. “The Australian economy is one of the strongest in the world and our living standards are among the highest. We can afford to be generous while meeting our domestic needs.” “The idea that Australia has to grow its economy further before it can be generous and fair to the world’s poorest people is ludicrous, and morally wrong. “The Opposition’s plans to increase military and defence budgets instead of keeping their promise to grow our overseas aid spending is short sighted. We know that spending on aid leads to a safer, more stable region.” The Uniting Church in Australia has previously welcomed the strong bipartisan commitment of the Government and the Opposition to increase the foreign aid budget to 0.5 per cent of gross national income by 2015. “Cutting $4.5 billion in foreign aid would mean 450,000 lives that Australia had the opportunity to save will now be lost”, said Rev. Dr Enright. “We know governments need to make difficult spending decisions. But what would it feel like to drive on the roads funded by the proposed cuts to foreign aid?” The Micah Challenge, a coalition of Christian agencies, churches and individuals, is urging people to write to Tony Abbott, asking him to stop the cut to foreign aid and commit to a timetable for reaching 0.5% of GNI to aid – or 50 cents out of every $100. The Uniting Church in Australia encourages people of faith to urge the Federal Coalition to stop its planned cut to foreign aid. You can join the action here: http://www.micahchallenge.org. au/take-action. insights.uca.org.au
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A Fair Trade Fair is a market with a difference. Only stall holders selling Fair Trade goods can participate. Fair Trade means that all goods are ethically produced and sourced from groups and businesses in poor countries that pay a fair wage and offer fair conditions to their workers. By buying Fair Trade, we can offer hope to many people in poor communities – especially women. They are working for a living and not relying on aid and charity, and the community is advantaged through access to clean water, education and better health facilities. You can browse and buy from a wide range of products including jewellery, toys, carpets, homewares, bags, fashion, food, and giftware, from regions across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, India, Peru, Cambodia, Bangladesh and Nepal. Come along and find out more about Fair Trade and make it the start of a permanent change to buy and use Fair Trade at home and in your church. Springwood Fair: Saturday 16 November Gordon Fair: Saturday 23 November. Both are from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
The Canowindra Food Basket project The Canowindra Food Basket is a prime example of a community drawing on its strength to do good for others. What began in 2009 as a mission area for the Cooperating Anglican Parish and Uniting Church Congregations of Canowindra, Cranbury and Cudal soon became a development initiative. Members of other denominations, as well as people without any church affiliation, were committing their
time and expertise to assist others – particularly those of low income. The project attracted the immediate attention of businesses and clubs in the community, most of which continue to offer support today. Local business rallied behind the cause, providing food items free or at cost. The local IGA, which operates a Community Chest, generously provides funds, and local service clubs, Cabonne Council and organisations contribute each year with funds and goods. Each Friday local congregation members prepare morning tea for clients and volunteers, and prayers are led by the Coordinator or a volunteer. This encourages clients to enjoy each other’s company and allows congregation members to participate in a less demanding way. A community garden has also been established on Uniting Church grounds and produce is offered to Foodbasket clients, as well as community members, for a gold coin donation. This year we took our volunteers on a trip to the Manildra Theatre, followed by lunch and a visit to a local icecream factory. It was our way of saying “thanks” for their commitment and participation. The project has allowed many people in the district to access food and household items for minimal cost. This small activity is an ongoing prayer point each week in our church Prayer Sheet and continues to invite people from all walks of life to “Be the Gospel” in community life. The Canowindra and district Uniting Church and Anglican Church family will continue to serve others as and where needs are established, with love and care, in the name of Jesus Christ.
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In Dr. Andrew William’s words, “… the whole judgement is based on what people do.” So what are we called to do? To love the poor! Peter Butler
Inspiring
I LOVE the new Insights. I actually sit and read it. It has taken me back to my youth, made me remember why I love the Uniting Church and inspired me to go back to church, connect with the people and get involved. You should be very proud. Well done and continue what you’re doing. Teresa Read, Kariong
An new insight into an old Insight
About the new Insights. Where are the usual two pages or more of “Your say”? Where are the book and film reviews? Can we have challenging articles like that of Val Webb was it earlier this year? At least the Common Dreams conference has been advertised (August, page 28). What was wrong with the old format? Dr. Kevin B. Orr, Blakehurst
News Prayers for Peace in Palestine National Ministers’ Conferences see: http://assembly.uca.org.au/news/ and Israel The Uniting Church in Australia joined the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum and the World Council of Churches in observing the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel. “We ask Uniting Church members to join us in a prayer for peace for the Palestinian people,” says Rev. Prof Andrew Dutney, President of the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly. “This is an opportunity for us for reflection and advocacy for justice and peace in Palestine and Israel.” As a part of the World Week for Peace, Rev. Prof Dutney met with prominent Palestinian leader and president of the Lutheran World Federation’s Bishop Munib Younan to talk about the road to peace for the Palestinian people. Bishop Younan welcomed next year’s National Ministers’ Conference in Jerusalem as an opportunity to deepen the friendship and solidarity between Palestinian and Australian Christians.
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What you need to know if you work with children If you work (paid or unpaid) in face-toface contact with children in NSW you are required to hold a Working with Children Clearance issued by the NSW Commission for Children and Young People. Different rules apply depending on your role. Ordained ministers, religious leaders and spiritual officers (excluding youth workers) must undergo a Working with Children Check regardless of whether there is face-to-face contact with children. The rules state you must have undergone the checking process; hold a Working with Children Check Clearance; and your clearance verified online by every organisation you are engaged with before 31 Dec 2013.
He also congratulated the Uniting Church Assembly on its stand against Israeli products produced in the Occupied Territories.
Paid and unpaid workers engaged in face-to-face contact with children, (including youth workers and SRE Teachers) must undergo the checking process; hold a Working with Children Clearance and have it verified online by every organisation you provide a service to between 1 Jan and 31 Dec 2014.
“It’s time for Palestinians and Israelis to share a just peace,” said Rev. Prof Dutney.
Without verification online, you cannot work with children in NSW. A separate set of criteria apply in the ACT.
The World Week for Peace is an annual observance that encourages churches and individuals to participate in prayer, education and advocacy to end the occupation of Palestine.
The Synod has formulated a Background Check Policy and guidelines to assist Uniting Church organisations meet their obligations and this will be distributed to Uniting Church organisations shortly.
It has been more than 45 years since the occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Have “Your Say” by sending letters to us, send us your updates on centenaries or tell us about your local community outreach.
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Rev. Prof Dutney and Bishop Younan will meet again later this year at the World Council of Churches Assembly in Busan, Korea in November. Rev. Prof. Dutney’s Ministers’ Conference in Jerusalem from 22 to 26 September 2014 will give ministers the opportunity to meet with Palestinian Christian groups and aims to strengthen the fellowship between Australian and Palestinian Christians. For more information on the
For more details on the information supplied here contact: Vicki Roper: Employment & Industrial Relations Manager – Risk and Compliance – Uniting Resources [P] 02 8267 4365 [E] vickir@nsw.uca.org.au Emma Parr: Coordinator - Safe Church Training & Special Religious Education - Uniting Mission & Education. [P] 02 8838 8977 [E] emmap@nsw.uca.org.au
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Star of the Give Hope Campaign Song: Coffee with Charissa In last month’s Insights we announced the launch of The Give Hope campaign - a joint initiative which sees the Uniting Church, UnitingCare NSW.ACT and Uniting Justice standing together to unite for asylum seekers.The campaign culminated in the release of the music video, Were You There, which tells of the plight of asylum seekers in Australia. It was performed by Charissa Sulli, who shares her story of the experience here. “It was overwhelming. I was worried I wouldn’t do the song or the importance of the campaign justice but then I realised this wasn’t about me - it was about telling the stories of asylum seekers and refugees. “As a church we need to have one strong voice to speak up for asylum seekers and refugees, so the ‘Give Hope’ campaign is incredibly important. I hope it shakes the nation insights.uca.org.au
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up and helps raise awareness that our current Australian policy is not working. “My three daughters watched the video with me and once it ended there was absolute silence… which is a rarity! They said the video made them feel hopeful and they both immediately wanted to know how they could help.
As a church we need one strong voice to speak up for the asylum seekers and refugees. “I am just so lucky to have been blessed with my voice and I’m glad that through that I can help the Give Hope project make a change”, said Charissa. You can watch the campaign video and learn more about the campaign now on: www.givehope.org.au
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From the General Secretary’s desk Gone fishin’
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t must have been just after dawn on the shores of the Sea of Galilee that Jesus began to teach the crowds that had assembled. The people must have been searching for something that was missing in their lives and found it in Jesus’ words. People are very much the same today. All week we are fed a steady diet of political rhetoric, grim war news and financial scandal. Surely there must be a place where we can go to have our spirits fed and our hopes renewed with Jesus’ words. This is one reason why people come to church.
Rev. Dr Andrew Williams General Secretary The General Secretary is appointed by the Synod to provide leadership to the Church, actively engaging in strategy for the life, direction, vision and mission of the Church.
So Jesus was there on the shore, speaking to hurting folks just like us. And because the crowd was so large, he jumped into Peter’s boat. When the sermon ended and the crowd began to dissipate, Jesus said to Peter “Push out into deeper water and let’s fish!” Have you ever been called into deeper water? In this life, every time we make a change, take a step, move in a new direction, that’s deeper water. It’s always risky. It’s never a sure thing. And this is when the excuses begin to fly. But deep water is where the fish are! When Jesus suggested deeper water, Peter’s mind was full of excuses as to why he could not or should not go. But Jesus is a persuasive friend, is he not? He led Peter to the place where the fish were plentiful, and there, in the deep water, they caught a boat load. Have you ever wondered how people find their way to church? Have you ever wondered how people first come? I have been aware for some time of a study to answer that question. The results surprised me. 2% of people come to church for the first time because they have a specific need. Someone has died, or they have plans to get married, or perhaps they are interested in having their children baptised. Maybe that’s how you found
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your way to your church, and you liked it there so you stayed. 3% come to a church because they just walked in. Maybe the building was inviting, or the sign was funny, or they got lost and needed directions. Only a small fraction, just 6% come and stay because of the sermon. 5% come because of Sunday School. 1% come because of door-to-door evangelism. One half of one per cent is the result of crusade evangelism. But overwhelmingly, the most common reason for people coming to church is because someone invited them. 79% begin attending a local congregation because someone whom they know and trust has said “Why don’t you come to church with me this Sunday? I go to this church and I know you’re going to love it.” And they come. Let me ask, why did you first come? Who invited you? Who was the first one to mention to you that there is a God who loves you very much? Your answer will likely affirm that you were invited or you were dragged to church by someone who loves you very much. Now here is an observation that I have made — I have observed that the more active we become in our churches, and the more serious we become in our faith, the fewer unchurched friends we have. We sing in the choir, we fellowship in a small group, we serve on the Property Committee, and pretty soon, all of our friends are church friends. It’s comfortable in the shallow water. It’s predictable there. But that’s not where the fish are! Move out into the deeper water!
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esearch today indicates fathers have an increased involvement in their children’s lives. This involvement is not just important for the child’s development but it also makes the fathers happier and healthier, according to consultant trainer and program developer in group work and writer, Andrew King who spoke to members attending a recent discussion group at Homebush Uniting Church. “When a father is very involved in the care of his baby, it increases the level of oxytocin in his blood, the love/ trust hormone, by 30%. This makes him happier and more focused. Men need someone to protect, support and provide for their world to make sense. They live longer if their relationships are good”, he said. Andrew said oxytocin was triggered differently in mothers and fathers. “Levels of oxytocin in fathers increase when they play physically with their baby, such as when they play peek-a-boo. The levels in mothers increase when they hug, caress and talk to the baby.”
When a father is very involved in the care of his baby, it increases the love/ trust hormone. Physical play with older children, such as chasing, tickling and pretend wrestling is also very important, he said. “Because rough and tumble play involves dominance swapping when different people take turns in winning it helps children learn about the skill of winning/losing with effort. This helps develop emotional self regulation in children. They know how to pick themselves up when life doesn’t go their way.” Andrew said that research shows fathers’ roles include helping children learn to enter into a larger social world and transitioning into the outside world. “One man told me that when his son told him, ‘he didn’t feel five’, he took him up on the roof so the boy could see all around him. His wife came outside and was horrified by the danger and he had to bring his son down. However, his son later told him that he ‘felt five 14 Insights October 2013
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now.’ There are two types of attachment experiences which are important for a child’s development and they are security and safety, and risk and exploration.’ Children require opportunities to grow and learn through risk and exploration to fully realise their development and selfconfidence. Andrew also said that “fathering is a relational role that men play in children’s lives by being the biological father, step-father, grandfather, uncle or significant role model. It is best described by the notion of Father-work, which can be described as having four key characteristics.” “These are: development work, which is responding to the developmental needs that children have as they grow throughout childhood; relational work, which is responding to the relational needs children have for companionship, relationship and connection; ethical work, which is responding to the ethical guidance children need to develop their other ethical compass in life, and spiritual work, which is responding to a child’s, and broader community’s, need for a ‘big picture’ view of life’s experiences and the inter-connection of stewardship and the role of faith and care for the earth.” Andrew said that there has been a quiet revolution and men are now doing quite different things to their grandfathers. “They are no longer powerless observers; they have a shared role. When a marriage breaks up, children still have contact with their fathers and around 93% - 97% of men attend their children’s births. Husbands are useful at births and their presence can reduce pain levels and reduce the need for medication. Their role will continue to change too; in the future, there will be an equal number of men and women acting as carers for their parents.” Andrew said that men still needed to talk more about their unspoken fears about parenting and must make time to discuss these with their partners. “It’s equally important for both men and women, but women have always been better at vocalising their concerns.” He said men should also use their systematic and practical skills to “renovate their relationships”.
Steve Biddulph’s* fatherhood tips *Australian Steve Biddulph is a highly sought after speaker and author. His books include Raising Boys, The New Manhood, Love Laughterand Parenting and Stories of Manhood. • E-mail the kids – especially if you are away. • Make use of the time before school – do the school run. Travelling in the car is a good opportunity to talk. • Prioritise your leave – take all of your allocated vacation time. • Leave notes for your children. • Keep your promises. • Kiss your wife in front of your kids. They may think it’s gross now, but it will show them what it means to be in love. • Your children are watching and learning from what you do. You are the model for the husband they will be, or look for, someday. • Showing your child affection builds their confidence in your relationship and teaches them how to be loving toward others. • Take time to connect with your children. Stop what you are doing, look them in the eye, and actively listen to them. • Reflect on the parenting style of your mother and father. Incorporate the good qualities from either into your own parenting. • Watch your wife as she parents. Always acknowledge what she does and find ways to incorporate those techniques with your own. The Fathering Project is a University of Western Australia-based nonprofit team of professionals whose aim is to help fathers realise how important they are in a child’s life and to give them advice on how to encourage their children. For more fathering tips go to thefatheringproject.org
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“If they see their relationship in terms of a building site, they feel they can tackle problems methodically.” Andrew said one of the theorists he found particularly helpful when he was doing his research was Erik Erikson, who believes there are eight stages through which a healthly developing person passes through. However it was the seventh stage that Andrew found most interesting: Generativity vs. Stagnation (middle adulthood, 25-64 or 40-64 years). “Generativity is about investing time and energy into something or someone who is going to out live you. Examples of generativity in society today include the Men’s Shed Movement and cleaning up in a disaster zone, such as the Queensland floods; as well as becoming involved in the lives of your children and grandchildren. Grandfathers who feel they weren’t as involved in their own children’s lives as they would have liked to now have a new opportunity to experience generatively,” he said. “Actually caring for someone or something that won’t out live you can help. Some young men who were truanting were given a cattle dog puppy each to care for – their new responsibilities settled their behaviour and they returned to school. Another study showed that within a group of young people with drug and alcohol problems, the ones that got better were the ones who helped someone, such as a sibling. It is helping others that we improve our wellbeing and learn healthy life skills.” Andrew also emphasised the portrayal of the role of parents in the Bible. “The comparison of God to being like a mother or father has always been a common imagery used in the Bible. Both in biblical times and today, we make many similar assumptions about the sacrifice that men and women willingly make for the wellbeing of their children.” Katy Gerner Andrew King spoke at Sunday at 7pm, held on the 4th Sunday of each month at Homebush Uniting Church. The Rev. Bill Crews will be speaking on homelessness on Sunday at 7pm on November 24. insights.uca.org.au
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Famous fathers in the Bible who set worthy examples Adam - The First Man
As the first man and first human father, Adam had no example to follow except God. He faltered on that, plunging the world into sin. He also had to deal with the tragedy of his son Cain murdering his other son, Abel. Adam has much to teach today's fathers about the consequences of our actions and the absolute necessity of obeying God.
Noah – A Righteous Man
Noah stands out among fathers in the Bible as a man who clung to God in spite of the wickedness all around him. What could be more relevant today? Noah was far from perfect, but he was humble and protective of his family. He bravely carried out the task God assigned to him. Modern fathers may often feel they are in a thankless role, but God is always pleased by their devotion.
Abraham – Father of the Jewish Nation
What could be more frightening than being the father of an entire nation? That was the mission God gave Abraham. He was a leader with tremendous faith, passing one of the most difficult tests God ever gave a man. Abraham made mistakes when he relied on himself instead of God. Still, he embodied qualities that any father would be wise to develop.
Isaac – Son of Abraham
Many fathers feel intimidated trying to follow in the footsteps of their own father. Isaac must have felt that way. His father Abraham was such an outstanding leader that Isaac could have gone wrong. He could have resented his father for offering him as a sacrifice, yet Isaac was an obedient son. From Abraham he learned the invaluable lesson of trusting God. That made Isaac one of the most favoured fathers in the Bible.
Moses – Giver of the Law
Moses was the father of two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, yet he also served as a father figure to the entire Hebrew people as they escaped from slavery in Egypt. He loved them and helped discipline and provide for them on their 40-year journey to the Promised Land. At times Moses seemed to be a largerthan-life character, but he was only a man. He shows today's fathers that overwhelming tasks can be achieved when we stay close to God.
King David – A Man after God’s own heart
One of the great strugglers in the Bible, David was also a special favourite of God. He trusted God to help him defeat the giant Goliath and put his faith in God as he was on the run from King Saul. David sinned greatly, but he repented and found forgiveness. His son Solomon went on to become one of Israel's greatest kings.
Joseph – Earthly father of Jesus
Surely one of the most underrated fathers in the Bible was Joseph, the foster father of Jesus Christ. He went to great pains to protect his wife, Mary, and their baby, then saw to Jesus' education and needs as he grew up. Joseph taught Jesus the carpentry trade. The Bible calls Joseph a righteous man, and Jesus must have loved his guardian for his quiet strength, honesty, and kindness.
God the Father
God the Father, the first Person of the Trinity, is the father and creator of all. Jesus, his only Son, showed us a new, intimate way of relating to him. When we see God as our heavenly Father, provider and protector, it puts our life in a whole new perspective. Every human father is also a son of this Most High God, the constant source of strength, wisdom, and hope.
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From private sector to Executive Director
Meet Peter Worland B
eing called to the role of Executive Director UnitingCare NSW.ACT in the second half of 2013 seemed like a logical destination for Peter Worland given his career journey and his passion for lay preaching in the Uniting Church. As a secondary school teacher in the late 1970s, Peter understood the life-changing power of education for all. Personally it has continued to be a high priority, at regular intervals completing international post graduate studies and in some cases retraining. Continual professional learning has prepared Peter to contribute with insight and passion to the rich, well rounded working roles he has sought. As Director of Care Services at Wesley Mission Melbourne, Peter pioneered Wolf Wolfensberger’s staff training and evaluation tool, which transformed programs for vulnerable people, and introduced it across all the Mission’s children, aged and disability services. As the Mission’s representative on the Victorian and Australian Councils of Social Service he chaired the original “social wage” project, the precursor to the “The Accord”, which became the backbone of the harmonious work place relations policy of the first Hawke Government. Peter’s social policy skills were seriously put to the test when he left the ‘Not-for-Profit Sector’ to become advisor to the Victorian Minister for Health and later the Victorian Premier. He is credited by the Cancer Council with creating the world’s first health promotion foundation (Vic Health) funded from tobacco taxes. But it was in separating Intellectual Disability from Psychiatric Services, closing old institutions such as Willsmere and opening the first Community Residential Units that Peter Worland is best known for in the health sector.
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A shift to Sydney and the private sector in the early 1990s saw Peter become General Manager, Marketing and External Relations at NRMA.Internal promotions and intensive business training led to “change agent” opportunities including leading projects such as the ‘Strategic Use of IT’ and NRMA’s desire to list itself on the Australian Stock Exchange. After almost a decade in corporate life Peter established his own consulting business and he has provided strategic marketing advice to corporations such as Transurban Limited, The Australian Stock Exchange and Westpac. Most recently Peter worked with Melbourne University on a series of projects including assisting former Australian of the Year, Professor Pat McGorry plan a new National Centre for Youth Mental Health.
“Being appointed as Executive Director by the Synod Standing Committee was humbling. There are many challenges in front of us but the road ahead is exciting and I’ve never felt more passionate about undertaking a journey.” On a recent trip to Berlin, Peter was reminded again of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s notion that in the face of those who are disadvantaged and marginalised, we see the face of Christ. He and his wife Robyn have worked as volunteers supporting local schools in Mandalay, Myanmar over the past few years. Working alongside these very poor people Peter has
been reconverted to Christianity’s defining principle – the imperative and rewards of personal service to others. Peter believes these experiences have had a profound effect on him. “Volunteering changes lives. Not just the lives of the recipient of the help but also the volunteer. I have seen people living in incredibly harsh conditions all over the world – from the Kimberley in Australia, to Soweto in South Africa and Myanmar in Burma– and have always been inspired by the optimism, strength and resilience in the face of adversity. I believe a key challenge we face now is to find new and interesting ways to engage more people in volunteering.” Peter has already applied this hands-on approach to his new role, getting on the road and visiting UnitingCare services as well as Uniting Churches and Presbyteries across the Synod. He explains: “I enjoy talking to people and will continue visiting as many of our services and congregations across NSW and the ACT as I can. I want to hear from people first hand, soak up their vision and enthusiasm and drive that passion into our organisation’s actions.” It is no small task. Overseeing $630 million a year in turnover and more than 7,000 staff is a significant job, which carries a sizeable responsibility. “I take the duty of that incredibly seriously, and it has to drive every decision”, says Peter.“Being appointed as Executive Director by the Synod Standing Committee was humbling. There are many challenges in front of us but the road ahead is exciting and I’ve never felt more passionate about undertaking a journey.” Regarding the clarity of vision on that forward path, Peter is quick to point out that, as UnitingCare’s new leader, he is standing on the shoulders of giants. insights.uca.org.au
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Peter Worland
Executive Director UnitingCare NSW.ACT
Rev. Bradon French New Generation Consultant
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“The formidable leadership of Harry Herbert, Libby Davies and the board has created a vibrant, sustainable and courageous organisation. Their gift to us is a wonderfully strong foundation and we owe it to their legacy to continue building on it. I feel very fortunate to be able to undertake that challenge alongside such a skilled team with a strong track record.”
The early years Peter Worland grew up in Warrnambool as one of four children. His family was heavily involved in the Congregational Church and from a young age, Peter loved the community spirit. When Peter was aged just 26, both his parents died within a few weeks of one another. It was a deeply traumatic time in Peter’s life and yet in many ways it has been the driving factor behind him launching successful careers in four different sectors of the economy. “My parents were strong, committed and engaged Christian people who were heavily involved in making the community a better place. Their selflessness and dedication to their family was such that they underwent massive personal sacrifice to provide me with an education – forfeiting holidays and opportunities of their own. When they died I made myself a personal promise that I’d work tirelessly to deliver on that sacrifice. To be the best I could be, in their memory, and to maximise the career potential that they saw in me and sacrificed for themselves. “I also made a commitment to serving the Church and my community and to seek to change the world in some way. I know it would have been their hope for me.”
Uniting with the Church… “Between the Uniting Church and UnitingCare we have a significant foot print across NSW and the ACT. UnitingCare is at the very heart of the Uniting Church and its values must continue to be the basis for every decision we make. With increased collaboration and the sharing of resources, the Uniting Church and UnitingCare can be greater than the sum of its parts.” insights.uca.org.au
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Peter on our voice… “In a country where many of our Indigenous people and refugees – the first and last to arrive on our shores are not permitted the dignity of work, where increasing numbers of our citizens are homeless or under housing stress, and where voters are asking governments for more services but want to pay less tax, our voice has never been as vital to support those who are disadvantaged.”
…our travel… Peter’s most treasured travel memory is a trip with his three adult children to South Africa. “Robyn and I were visiting South Africa for three weeks. We wanted the kids to come with us but they were all in their twenties and we didn’t think they would go for it, but they surprised us. It was an amazing adventure experiencing all the wonders of South Africa together as a family. “It was inspiring because we lived in home stays and met local people. There is famine, disease, tragedy and suffering and yet there is an optimism which is just so infectious.” Another fabulous holiday was a trip to New York, which combined two of Peter’s great passions: travel and classical music. “We would go out to the theatre every night and listen to some of the best orchestras in the world. We saw the Berlin and Vienna Philhamonic Orchestras in one week. The Big Apple is the only place in the world where such things are possible.”
…his priorities… 1. U nitingCare and the Uniting
Church will work together and share resources.
2. O ur voice will be strong and credible.
One minute with Peter Favourite film? Apocalypse Now
If you could only listen to one piece of music again? Chopin’s Ballade #3 Favourite book? Cloud Street by Tim Winton Favourite sport? Tennis. My wife and I often go down to Melbourne for the Australian Open. Favourite player? Anyone who doesn’t squawk when they hit the ball. So I’m not a Serena Williams fan! Perfect Sunday? A service at Riverside Church in New York, which I believe has the best preaching in the world. Followed by coffee near Columbia University and an afternoon matinee. Hero growing up? The world is short of heroes. But Martin Luther King would definitely be one of them. If a genie gave you a wish…? I would give every Indigenous person in Australia a meaningful job. Your idea of fun? Camping for a week on Whitehaven beach. We went as a family and it was wonderful. Death row meal? Tripe in garlic and red wine. You cook it for 12 hours. Simply fabulous. Most memorable concert? The most fantastic musical event I’ve been to was Rod Stewart at Wembley in London. He kicked a large number of soccer balls into the crowd. We were right at the front and nearly got crushed by the thousands of revellers behind us!
3. We will find new and different ways to engage volunteers.
Photography by Siobhan Marren.
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An update from UME
Building community through hospitality and nurturing faith practices
T
he world is changing and the experience of childhood, youth and family life is also changing. Things are changing for everyone and every church, though not at the same rate for everyone. How can we respond to these changes? As the Children and Families Consultant with Uniting Mission and Education, I have been undertaking a project to evaluate old and new ideas, with a focus on three specific ministry areas: Messy Church, Godly Play and playgroups. These three project areas may appear diverse, but each one is essentially about building community.
Playgroup Playgroups represent grass-roots community development. As churches hosting playgroups we demonstrate that we care and that families are welcome. This contributes to the long term wellbeing of families and the whole community and is a blessing to the many families who come and share their lives. But there are many churches failing to connect with playgroups, or to recognise the ministry opportunities they offer. Playgroups are an opportunity for churches to demonstrate generous hospitality to strangers. Through the service we offer to others God’s spirit can be seen and felt. This is more powerful than our words. Providing a safe, welcoming community space to families with young children is what playgroup is, and food is central. Adults share morning tea and the children share a snack. Birthdays and other special occasions are celebrated and before long strangers become friends and the whole community is enriched. A well run playgroup*, in which the church is invested through prayer, volunteers and leadership, is one way of building a bridge into the community. A playgroup that attracts 22 Insights October 2013
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and nurtures diverse families and provides community networking and support across cultural groups and age groups will get your church talked about. If a team of trained volunteers take an interest in the families then conversations about God and everything else will arise naturally and there will be many opportunities to deepen relationships and invite people to baptisms, Easter, Christmas and other worship services and church events.
Playgroups are an opportunity for churches to demonstrate generous hospitality to strangers. Messy Church Messy Church is an exciting and growing missional movement energising churches around the world. It draws people of all ages together to creatively explore their faith, share a Christ-centred time of worship and then enjoy a meal. It builds community through hospitality, generosity and friendship. Messy Church can be a way to make church accessible, a way of giving people who have been to your church for a fete or a playgroup a reason to keep coming back to church as a family. It can also be a way for a church to listen to God’s call to reach out to children, to refocus on people at the ‘messy edges’ of church and to find new energy in creative worship, craft and hospitality. Teams are often formed that include people not always included – people who may have a skill or interest to offer. When Messy Church is held monthly,
it can provide an ongoing missional focus without exhausting the core team of volunteers. Usually children and families don’t ‘do’ church these days. And if they come to church, they don’t do it together. But Messy Church is all about children and their families and the whole community doing and being church together.
Godly Play Godly Play is a way of telling stories using simple materials, time to wonder and a response time. The heart of Godly Play lies in creating a sacred space, creating a respectful community and using religious ritual and language to make meaning. It takes seriously the search for meaning of people of all age groups, and enables the development of sustaining faith practices. All three project areas focus on building community through hospitality, nurturing faith practices and being a blessing to those who participate. By becoming a valued part of the web of life in our community, churches become relevant, valued and able to respond to change. Judyth Roberts is a Resource Team member for Uniting Mission and Education (UME)
*For information on well-run playgroups, see What is a quality playgroup* by visiting www.childrensministry.org.au For more information on Godly Play, see www.godlyplay.org.au Judyth Roberts’ report will be available online in December. To read your copy, visit www. childrensministry.org.au
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Judyth Roberts
Godly Play, Messy Church and Playgroups Project Consultant
Rev. Bradon French New Generation Consultant
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How much change could you get from $20? The challenge:
Members of Pittwater Uniting Church were given an envelope containing $20 cash. They each had to use the money to demonstrate God’s love in any way they liked. It was not to be an evangelical exercise. There were no rules, just be creative. The aim was to ‘invest’ the $20 - not just give it to a good cause or throw it all on Black Caviar to win.
The results:
Great stories quickly started emerging. Lucinda was reading Matthew 25 and realised she could help ‘feed the hungry’ by making sandwiches for the homeless. She prayed that God might expand this idea. She went to the local cafe to buy some lunch bags, got talking to them, and they ended up donating the bags plus 200 bottles of soft drink. Hearing Lucinda’s idea, a girl from church donated 10 loaves of bread and soon after 15 people had volunteered to make the lunch packs. This simple idea resulted in 105 lunch packs being delivered to Meals Plus (a Parramatta Mission). It was such a success, that they did it again. This time there were 30 helpers who made 190 lunch packs plus two extra boxes of sandwiches.Total outlay by Lucinda: her initial $20. Twelve-year-old Zoe was keen to help refugees with her $20. She and her mum contacted the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre at Newtown and ended up baking muffins, brownies and biscuits for the refugees to enjoy after their lunch. They personally delivered the baked-treats, helped prepare and shared lunch with the refugees and enjoyed ‘great food and conversation’. “It was a really humbling and special experience!” agree Zoe and her mum. A number of people used their $20 as a gesture of love to people with a particular need. These included a single mum dealing with a son with depression 24 Insights October 2013
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and a related court case. The $20 was given for her to buy a rare coffee and lunch at a cafe to help pass a long court
Most Christians accept that for example, feeding the hungry, providing clothes and showing hospitality are part
day. The mum was so grateful ‘She cried and gave me a hug’.
of building God’s kingdom. At Pittwater UC, individuals tackled this issue in different ways. Some ensured there was a specific ‘God tag’ somewhere in their gift, e.g. home baked biscuits with a “God Loves You’ sticker; or perhaps a specific mention of God/church when the gift was given. Perhaps these ‘God mentions’ touched people’s hearts.
One couple gave their combined $40 to a young single woman neighbour who had been robbed and had no money to pay the rent. These stories and more began to pour into the Church and everyone was keen to share and hear the results. Needless to say, the ‘$20 Challenge’ was a great success. Everyone enjoyed thinking through possible ideas about how to use the money – and all agreed it was great having the kids and teenagers involved too. Many found it inspiring to hear Pittwater UC members sharing their $20 stories in later services and to feel that God was helping them put the money in just the right place.
“It was a really humbling and special experience” Perhaps one of Pittwater UC’s ministers, Nigel Rogers summed up one of the major benefits when he said “The $20 Challenge was a great way of breaking that inertia that we sometimes feel when it comes to getting out there and showing God’s love. It was a reminder that small amounts of money and effort can sometimes yield large results such as ongoing relationships and a new inspiration about what living the ‘abundant life’ is all about.”
Ref lections:
The $20 Challenge exercise highlights some interesting challenges, opportunities and theological questions. The challenge was about demonstrating the love of God rather than evangelism. This raises theological concerns for some Christians: how is the $20 Challenge any different from the good works of, say, a Lions or Rotary Club?
Others felt that in their situation, a ‘God tag’ may have detracted from their gift of grace and love, i.e. recipient’s might have felt there was a subtle message about ‘joining the church’ or ‘being a witness object rather than a gift of love’. There are opportunities to run similar projects in a variety of ways. Instead of $20 per individual, it could be (say) $1,000 for a particular group if they can come up with an idea that demonstrates the love of a God in a way that invests some of their time as well. That group might be from within the church, but the church might also facilitate a group that draws from those in the community. Funding is not as big a problem as it might first seem. Congregations and Australians generally are pretty good at finding money for someone they know with a particular need like money for overseas surgery or perhaps a national tragedy like bushfires in Victoria. What is needed is the inspiring idea! The experience at Pittwater Uniting seems to suggest that there is no shortage of good ideas. What are missing are the triggers to get people thinking creatively. There are no rights or wrongs about these different approaches. Let God lead and let’s not pressure ourselves to feel that we must always ‘witness with words’! The funding for the $20 Challenge at Pittwater Uniting came from 3 people associated with the church but not regular attendees.
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Pittwater Uniting Church members preparing the lunch bags for the homeless as part of the $20 Challenge
Rev. Bradon French New Generation Consultant
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Telling our story
From the inside out E
ach Sunday, across the length and breadth of congregational life, most, if not all churches produce a newsletter in some form. In more recent years technology and printing methods have made the job much easier. Yet, the quality and impact of these newsletters is met with both quiet acceptance and tentative reluctance to criticise for fear that you might finish up with a job! In the Wesley Castle Hill congregation, in Sydney’s Hills district, Newscope has been faithfully produced each week, displaying the same masthead on its front cover more than two decades. It wasn’t until recently that Allan Gibson saw an opportunity to refresh the look and feel of the newsletter and for the congregation to identify itself more closely with the local community, particularly through the media. With a little gentle encouragement, Allan took it upon himself to step forward and make a move. “I decided I wasn’t going to tamper with the newsletter. Instead, I had a conversation with Rev. Dr Rhonda White ahead of the induction of a second ministry agent”, Allan says. (Rev. Karen Mitchell-Lambert had been appointed as a part-time placement in the ministry of Deacon in the second half of 2012.) This brief encounter was all it took for Allan to dust off his skills honed in a parish in the late 70s and early 80s when he was the congregation’s publicity officer. The result was a front page story in The Hills Shire Times with a photo of Karen & Rhonda and the heading “Yes ministers”! While work was being done within the Synod on branding for the Synod, plans were afoot to appoint Allan as the Communications Co-ordinator.
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A small team called the Communications Working Group was formed to assist Church Council in the vital area of communications. Castle Hill was fortunate with three other people having both the skills and the passion to bring about change. Nicole van der Stel, currently Chair of the Church Council, was able to bring the skills of marketing and communications to the Group through her role at the Hills Shire Council. Having a journalist in the congregation was a real asset, although as a member of the working group, Bev Jordan is quick to recognise that her role at the local newspaper is no guarantee that something will be published.
As the journey continues the Church Council is kept informed
the team at Wesley Castle Hill were quick to connect with the Internal Communications Manager, Adrian Drayton. “We have been working with the Castle Hill team over recent months” Adrian says. He added that the willingness of the team to embrace the new style logo and adopt many of the components of the branding had been valuable in helping to refine some aspects. Just as the title of the working group suggests, communication is vital. As the journey continues the Church Council is kept informed. Through its support the Church Council is further empowering the working group ensuring Wesley’s story is being told from the inside out!
“Allan makes sure that events at Wesley are well publicised by providing a good photo and accurate information via email. Newspaper offices are very busy these days and resources stretched so a steady supply of good community news is always welcomed. Not everything can go in but a lot does. Recently we have run stories on a program to help the elderly with balance, a pink ribbon high tea, visitors from Vanuatu and a working with children program”, Bev adds. Peter Smith had been Wesley webmaster for a number of years and this commitment to such a vital communication channel ensures that timely posting of news and events can be achieved.
Wesley Castle Hill congregation are working with Synod Communicatons and Marketing to utilise the Telling Our Story guidelines as part of their new communications strategy.
When the new Synod Communications and Branding strategy was released earlier this year,
For more information go to nsw. uca.org.au or call 02 8267 4304.
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The Communications team at Wesley Castle Hill: Peter Smith, Bev Jordan, Nicole van der Stel and Allan Gibson
Position Vacant Family & Children’s Minitry Worker Roseville Uniting Church part-time position (25 hours per week) Ministry among families and children plays a dynamic part in our congregation’s strategy for mission in the community. An opportunity exists to lead our family and children’s programs as part of a broader ministry team. This part-time position (25 hours per week) requires an energetic person with the passion and skills to work in the core activities of: • leading and teaching Kids Church • teaching Scripture in local primary schools • co-ordinating our very popular Kids Playtime program and other outreach events for families and children
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If you are interested in this position, to request an information pack please contact: Rev. Laurel Barr on 02 9413 1320 or 0439 826 742 or email laurel.barr2@bigpond.com. www.roseville.unitingchurch.org.au Applications close 30 November 2013.
Announcing:
The Importance of Being Human with apologies to Oscar Wilde A new book by Bill Adams This small book explores the wonder of personhood, the importance of relationships, the search for identity, the person’s true worth and how to be authentically human. It looks to the Christ event as God’s intervention in the human story and to God’s special interest in humanity as part of the sensitive fabric of creation. There are 84 pages, 12 chapters, each withquestions to make you think. It is designed for individual reading but suitable for use in discussion groups. It is not a Bible Study book in the strict sense but it is informed by biblical themes, referring us to the scriptures again and again.
Under the Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998 it is illegal for prohibited persons to apply and a Working with Children Check will be required.
The cost is $5 per copy (postage $1.40) and is available directly from the author, email bpadams@optusnet.com.au or ph 07 3715 7735
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Freeing the slaves; sharing good news I
f you’re looking for an example of how to engage your whole community in a project that brings life, energy and purpose across generations and even continents, you just might have found it in Turramurra Uniting. Through UnitingWorld’s Australian Church Partner Program, Turramurra has engaged the church in North India with their congregation and both their local high schools. “We became interested in human trafficking about two years ago”, says the Rev. Greg McConnell. “We were exploring issues of social justice and while browsing the UnitingWorld website, saw the human trafficking project in North India. We became a partner in the project and from there began providing ongoing financial support.” Learning about the issue of human trafficking has become more than just an exercise in “head knowledge”. Upon discovering that children were often abducted by human traffickers while walking long distances to school, the community decided to raise awareness about the issue by organising a walk from their church through the bush to Lane Cove National Park. About 140
people of all ages wearing bright orange t-shirts joined in. “The Chaplain at Ravenswood Girls School got the school community on board as well”, Greg says. “Ravenswood have since decided to help support the Linbong community, which is building a school so children can learn locally instead of having to travel the long distance to Kalimpong.” Greg says he’s seen the Turramurra congregation grow in their understanding of the issue of poverty and justice over the past two years. Children and young people have engaged together in cultural nights, learning about the problems that flow from entrenched poverty and reflecting on privilege and responsibility. Two of the youth leaders will have the opportunity to travel to India next year, deepening in faith and understanding as they take part in the cross cultural experience. “It’s a pretty good example of the seed of an idea taking root in a local community, growing to stretch its branches out from one side of the globe to another. It’s helped us to understand what being part of the body of Christ is really all about.
“The Uniting Church in Australia has a long-standing partnership with the Church in North India, but through UnitingWorld we’ve been able to develop a more intimate partnership with a specific congregation in Kalimpong. “The strength of that relationship will grow as we’re able to go over to meet with them, but it’s helped us to understand what being part of the body of Christ is really all about. It’s helped people think through what mission involves in holistic terms. Mission requires justice as well as evangelism. The two go together”, said Greg.
To find out how your church can partner with a community through the UnitingWorld Australian Church Partnership program visit www.unitingworld.org.au If you would like to be part of helping to connect communities for life, you can organise an Everything in Common stall this Christmas to give gifts that feed the hungry, give sight to the blind and free the captives? Contact us on 02 8267 4232 for more information.
Telling Our Story We invite feedback on Insights stories and content from you, our readers. We’d like to hear from you about the stories of faith and mission you would like us to tell, what you think of the new-look magazine and its articles and content. Have “Your Say” by sending letters to us, send us your updates on centenaries or tell us about a local community outreach you are doing.
Just email insights@nsw.uca.org.au to tell us your story. insights.uca.org.au
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Updates from the General Secretary Information of interest to individuals and congregations
Retirement
•R ev. Owen Butt from the Georges River Presbytery retired on 9 September 2013 •R ev. Seok Ho Kim from the Korean Presbytery will be retiring on 31 December 2013
Welcoming new placements
The following placements/positions have been confirmed: • T he Synod Standing Commmitte have recommended Rev. Tony Blake be received as a minister of the Uniting Church in Australia
In loving memory
•M rs Soon Bok Yoon, mother of Rev. Hyo Jin Choi, passed away on 1 August 2013 •M rs Edith Mary Galt, mother of Rev. Alan Galt, passed away on 20 August 2013 • Mr Neal Gates, husband of Rhoda Gates, passed away on 21 August 2013
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Sloane from Corowa in NSW. A handy resource for worship leaders looking for a story to share with children, it contains more than 50 short stories with a message in each story. Beautifully illustrated by Kelly Abbott, a portion of the sales will be donated to Frontier Services. The cost is $20 plus postage and handling. To order the book email David Sloane at Welcoming new placements •R ev. Alan White, St Ninians, Lyneham 1 dvsloane@bigpond.com. April 2014 Celebrating •R ev. Graeme Gardiner 1 January 2013 On 24 November at the 9:30am service, Macquarie Darling Presbytery Eastwood Uniting church will celebrate Minister 20% Heritage Sunday at Lakeside Road. This •R ev. Dr Stephen Robinson 1 August year they commemorate the contribu2013, National Disaster Recovery tions and faithfulness of members of the Officer National Assembly early Methodist Churches in Eastwood •R ev. Christine Bayliss-Kelly 1 August to the present Eastwood Uniting Church 2013, Presbytery Resource Officer – 100 years since the first Methodist Church Service and 60 years since the Delightful fables How the Goanna Lost His Tail and Other Denistone East Church was opened. All are welcome. For information contact Fables is a delightful collection of children’s bushland fables by the Rev. David 9858 5732 or secretary@euc.org.au.
A prayer for good health
Ms Freda Whitlam Rev. Dr Robert McFarlane Rev. Glenn Farquhar-Nicol Rev. Leslie Pearson Rev. Mark Watt Rev. Dr John Hirt Rev. Dr Ann Wansbrough
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Lectionary Reflection November Nov 3 - Luke 19:1-10
Nov 10 - Luke 20:27-38
There is playfulness in this story the spectacle of a grown man, supposedly dignified, up a tree. The incongruity of this picture passes without comment because the focus is on getting to see Jesus. The scant detail of the events is just sufficient to awaken us to Zaccheus' passion to get close. • To what extent do matters of social convention or concern about what others might think impact your willingness to do whatever it takes to get close to Jesus? In contrast to today's Christian mythology, the giveaway sign of Zaccheus' salvation is not his welcoming in of Jesus, but the very tangible decision to change the way he does life in response to Jesus. To Jesus, this is the telltale that Zaccheus has not simply welcomed the proximity of a celebrity preacher, but has shifted his trust to the Jesus way of doing life. • What do you look for in yourself and others as the telltale that a person is on board with the Jesus way of doing life? Jesus' declaration that Zaccheus is indeed a Son of Abraham is intended to convey at least two themes. 1. Zaccheus is a genuine member of the family of Israel. 2. Jesus wanted to highlight Zaccheus’ faith. In this, Jesus offers a deliberate contrast to those who rested in their ‘blood connection’ with their ancestor Abraham but knew little of the patriarch’s faith. • To what extent would you understand your Christianity as a living faith? • Does your sense of Christian identity come primarily from the way you engage with people or from the fact that you belong to a church?
You've got to admire the Sadducees capacity for complex creative thought. They clearly had too much time on their hands a common burden of the wealthy. There is arrogance intrinsic to the assumption that we could have the details of God and God's kingdom so clearly sorted in our own minds. As Paul discovered in a very poignant manner...now we (only) know in part. Theological conundrums tend to build assumption upon assumption. Mostly, the more we know of God the less certain we are (and feel the need to be) about most of our theological positions. • Where do your theological certainties come from? If your answer is scripture, who do you trust to show you how to understand scripture? • Has the way you understand/ encounter/know God become static or is it continually developing? Some theological debate effectively operates more to distract than to facilitate encounter with God. Resurrection is an emerging from the death of meaningless, disengaged life and, once experienced, you don't go back. God is always about life. • What are the aspects of your faith, which help you to be in touch with and accept who you truly are, your passions, fears, hopes and even your confusion and doubt?
Nov 17 - Luke 21:5-19
experience that meaning drifts from ‘content’ to the ‘structure’ we have placed around it. • How is your notion of God affected when life is not turning out as you had anticipated? Being aware of the upheaval that is par for this course of life helps us know that God has not forgotten us when life is challenging. All the events listed in verses 10-19 have been happening since the day Jesus spoke about them. • What would be some examples of where you have lost sight of the original meaning of your religious activity and transferred the meaning into the activity itself?
Nov 24 - Luke 23:33-43 Jesus was never in need of ‘saving’ himself. He continued to participate in fullness of life even in his death. Those who jeered him were expressing their preference for a status quo existence over fullness of life (perhaps because the path to that life was through the uncertainty of death). The decision for the elongation of meaningless, detatched existence could be described as a kind of hell. • How do you experience death and resurrection in your day-to-day life? This month's Lectionary Reflection was prepared by he Rev. David Gore, Sydney North Presbytery Chairperson and minister at Manly Village Church
The temple must have been a very impressive sight in its day. It certainly seemed to inspire a sense of awe in the disciples who were talking with Jesus. It seems to be a default in our human
Position Vacant Youth and Families Worker • Part Time: 25 hours per week Port Macquarie Uniting Church has an exciting opportunity for an energetic and innovative youth worker to join our ministry team. Over the past 4 years we have renewed our focus on ministry and mission with children and families and now wish to extend this to children, youth and families. The Youth and Families’ Worker will assist us in pioneering the next stage of this ministry. You will have: •a commitment to the Christian faith and
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the role of the church in the community xperience in working with youth in the •e church and/or community • r elevant qualifications or a willingness to undertake study/training •a n ability to develop contextual ministries that recognise existing strengths & needs • s kills in leading and working with teams of people of various ages •a n ability to provide pastoral care and to lead creative worship To have a chat about the position, request a position
description or make an application, please phone: Rev. Malcolm Hausler on 02 6581 2414 or email office@port macquarie.unitingchurch.org.au Applications close on Friday 8 November, 2013
Under the Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998 it is illegal for prohibited persons to apply and a Working with Children Check will be required.
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WHEN? Thursday 24th October 2013 10am-1pm WHERE? Wahroonga Park, next to Wahroonga Station on Coonanbarra Road
WHAT? Baby animal nursery Puppets Knox Grammar School Bands Face-painting Tooth Fairy Sticky box
WHY? Celebrate Children’s Week 2013
Lots of play experiences, including a Story Tent, bubbles, playdough and painting
WHO? Babies, young children, their parents and carers
Bring a picnic or enjoy refreshments including: Sausage sizzle Fruit
COST? Everything free!
Lots of give-aways!
dayinthepark.org.au
To find out more call 0409 154 625
A joint initiative of UME and Sydney North and Kuring-Gai Presbyteries
Or email judythr@nsw.uca.org.au Synod of NSW and the ACT
EXPLORE LIFE AND HOPE IN THE LIGHT OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST United Theological College (UTC) is part of the Charles Sturt University School of Theology. UTC seeks to provide theological education and ministerial formation for: • those preparing for specified ministries in the Uniting Church • anyone seeking an intelligent and deepening understanding of the Christian faith
• undergraduate university students studying theology as part of their degree in some other subject • postgraduate and research students in theology and ministry studies.
UTC is located in North Parramatta and is an inclusive community of women and men from a vibrant diversity of cultural backgrounds who are committed to theological enquiry and the practice of the Christian faith.
Now is the time to consider exploring the Christian faith in a culturally diverse community... faith seeking understanding.
ENROL NOW FOR SESSION 1, 2014
Apply now for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including: • Bachelor of Theology
(including an 8 subject Diploma and 16 subject Associate Degree)
• Graduate Diploma in Theology
• Master of Theology • Master and Doctor of Ministry • Doctor of Philosophy
Options for study include part-time, full-time, on campus or by distance education, in many cases. Single Subject Study options are also available.
For more information: Charles Sturt University 1800 334 733 www.csu.edu.au/contacts/enquiry UTC, Renee Kelly 02 8838 8914 reneek@nsw.uca.org.au www.utc.edu.au/courses/theology
UTC is constituted within the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of NSW & the ACT, and Charles Sturt University’s School of Theology. AD53
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Belief matters “Maker of heaven and earth...”
T
he early church had to define its beliefs and commitments against the hugely popular cultural phenomenon known as gnosticism. Gnosticism was part of a wider cultural mood of pessimism and despair. It viewed the physical world as inherently evil, and it viewed salvation as a spiritual escape from the world of the flesh. Marcion, one of the most successful gnostic teachers, said the material universe had been created by a god who was both wicked and incompetent. Marcion was especially disgusted by the human body, “flesh stuffed with dung” as he called it. Like most gnostics he was horrified by sex, and he viewed sexual procreation as monstrously wicked. Marcion’s followers had to base their lives on an austere renunciation of sex, marriage, family, and childrearing. Natural bonds were dissolved; only spiritual bonds were of any value. The baptismal confession of the Apostles’ Creed was a response to such world-denying doctrines. Right from the start, Christians expressed a profound commitment to creation. The Gospel of John begins by retelling Israel’s creation story: “In the beginning…” (Genesis 1; John 1). Christians believed that in Christ they had encountered the beginning – the very source and energy of creation. They had come to know the one through whom “all things were
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made”. Looking into the face of Christ, they had seen the blueprint of reality, an outline of God’s good plan for the whole creation. To be baptised into this worldaffirming faith was a countercultural thing. In confessing the Apostles’ Creed, Christians refused to see anything in the world as inherently evil. Rather, they claimed that everything in this world has been made by the good and wise God whom they had come to know in Jesus Christ. To say the three great “I believes” of the creed is to confess our personal allegiance to the God revealed in Christ. But in confessing the creed we also enter into solidarity with the created world. Each of the three parts of the creed makes a particular claim about creation. In the first part, we confess that everything in this world is the handiwork of a good God. In the second part, we confess that this good God has entered into the very stuff of creation in the person of Jesus. And in the third part of the creed, we confess that this created world is being renewed by the Holy Spirit, and will one day be transfigured in the “resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.” For Christians, salvation is the glorification of physical reality, not an escape from it.
Christian creed that took a stand on behalf of creation. It was the creed that said “no!” to any doctrine that condemns creation as evil, or that disparages the human body as evil, or that elevates the divine nature as somehow too pure to make contact with our ordinary flesh-and-blood world. Right from the start, the Christian creed was intolerant of intolerance. In saying “no” to gnosticism, the church said a resounding “yes” to the whole material universe. Dr Ben Myers is Lecturer in Systematic Theology at United Theological College
Today it’s often said that creeds are narrow and intolerant. But historically it was exactly the opposite. It was the
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ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSAY OF HIS DEATH -
CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF THE FAMOUS CHRISTIAN WRITER CS LEWIS. Beginning as a nonbeliever, C S Lewis was one who not only chose to join the Christians, but to begin broadcasting and writing persuasive Christian thinking as well. On the 50th anniversary of his death in 1963, bring your favourite piece of his writing or share your favorite experience of Lewis, with others at a celebratory function with refreshments, in the vestibule of
St Stephen’s Uniting Church 197 Macquarie Street, Sydney 5.30pm to 6.30pm or so, on Friday 22nd November 2013 FREE ADMISSION BUT DONATIONS APPRECIATED To help with catering, please signal your interest by phoning 02 9221 1688. WOW! - C S Lewis’s “Mere Christianity”, went to 12 impressions in thirteen years!
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Culture watch
Dangerous ideas Q: Will the defining catastrophe of the next decade be natural or man-made? People often talk about the coming catastrophe, but to be honest I don’t think it’s coming, I think it is already here. Our system functions precisely in its ability to manage, compartmentalise, shift, and hide catastrophes. Whole species are being wiped out, countries are poverty stricken, unemployment is rife, prejudice is enshrined in laws and starvation is a reality for millions. Maybe something worse is coming over the horizon, but I think in many ways we need to open our eyes and see that we are living in a type of apocalyptic end times.
P
eter Rollins is a leading figure of the radical Christianity movement and author of books such as How (Not) to Speak of God, Insurrection and The Idolatry of God. A philosopher, theologian, believer, and doubter, he has developed a number of contemplative practices to help Christians accept doubt and complexity, such as ‘Atheism for Lent.’ What makes an idea “dangerous”? I guess you could describe a dangerous idea as one that has the power to really change things. When people hear the term “dangerous idea” they no doubt think of Fascism or National Socialism or other ideas that do violence against others. They are like a man who beats his partner. The outburst of the man is a sign of weakness that he is unable to make real change in his life and so blames another; acting out against them. Many ideologies function in this way –attempting to ensure nothing changes. The most disgusting ideologies are means of absolving responsibility and maintaining the status quo at all costs. The real examples of people with dangerous ideas are the ones like Martin Luther King Jr, Mother Teresa, or Mahatma Gandhi. For these people had ideas that fundamentally changed the power structures of their day. insights.uca.org.au
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Q: Which social or political movement scares you most? It is easy to point toward the growth of various fundamentalisms as scary, but liberalism itself might be even more frightening. By this I mean we are perhaps part of a system in which we hide our violence far away, preferring not to see the results of our lifestyle on others. It might be liberalism itself that actually generates the very conditions within which fundamentalism grows by contributing to the suffering of people in various parts of the world. The scary thing for people like me is to try and face up to my own involvement in violence and attempt to effectuate change where I am. Q: Which technological or scientific advancement excites you most? Where I see some exciting developments here are in the area of renewable energy, electric transport and mobile health units that can test your blood, urine and saliva through a device you plug into your smart phone. Q: What’s the one thing you wish society better understood? Ourselves. I know that can sound somewhat trite, but I think that so much of the violence we see in the world comes from our inability to look at and deal with the anxieties, fears and traumas within. Instead we project out to others, seeing them as the problem.
Q: What’s your favorite book and why? I guess my favorite book is always the one I am on the threshold of reading, the one that holds out the promise that it will give me insights, explain the universe, and help me understand my anxiety. I think that is what inspires me to keep reading, looking for that impossible book that will give the answers. Sadly no books can do that, except my own of course! Peter Rollins is visiting Australia as part of the Festival of Dangerous Ideas at the Sydney Opera House, 2 – 4 Nov. He will take part in two talks, his own – To Believe is Human; To Doubt, Divine and in a panel with Lawrence Krauss: New Religion vs New Atheism. For tickets and for more information visit sydneyoperahouse.com/fodi Peter will also be participating in some ministry training events for Sydney North Presbytery, UME and UnitingCare. • T uesday 29 October @ North Ryde Community UCA (Ministry Training Day) • T uesday evening 29 October @ Crows Nest UCA (Good News in a pluralist environment) •F riday evening 1 November @ Centre for Ministry in conversation with Ben Myers Further info from David Gore davidgore@me.com Insights October 2013 37
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Entertain me press play LISTEN up
BIG SCREEN
About Time (M) What if you could go back in time to relive a moment in order to get it right? For 21-year-old Tim Lake, played by Harry Potter’s Domhnall Gleeson, this is his new reality. After being told he can time travel by his father (charismatically portrayed by Bill Nighy) lawyer Tim embarks on his biggest venture yet: to make the world a better place by getting a girlfriend. Director Richard Curtis, of Notting Hill and Love Actually fame, has created a laugh-outloud and charming story in About Time. Gleeson shines in his role as Tim, while Mary, played by Rachel McAdams, lights up the screen as the kind and perfect match for him. Friendships and family relationships hold strong precedent in the movie. Tim’s selflessness is never overdone, even if that means sacrificing his own happiness. The comedic and romantic levels of the film swallow any essence of science fiction, and time travel is deemed as a probable, not quite unrealistic, reality. About Time is a highly entertaining and charming film. Time travelling scenes of Tim as a boy, are what makes this film a touching and pleasant watch. When all is said and done, the film delivers one uncomplicated message: be content with the simple and finer things in life. Shanyn Brennan 38 Insights October 2013
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How Mercy Looks From Here (Amy Grant)
The Bible (M)
Grant may not mention God in every song here on her latest album “How Mercy Looks From Here,” but every song exudes wisdom of a lifetime shared by a deeply Godly woman. This album is thoroughly contemplative, earthy, spiritual and personal.
This ten-part series made by Mark Burnett (Survivor, The Voice) is nothing if not epic in scale, even if it is a cliff-notes version of the book. The series aims to demonstrate “the epic love story of God for humanity”, says Burnett. So the series is less about slavishly telling the stories and more about the broad-strokes overview.
Dealing with hefty issues such as aging, death, tragic life detours, fruitlessness, eternal life and life’s meaning, multi-Grammy winning Grant doesn’t come across with fire and brimstone. Rather, in her warm neverhurried seasoned alto she gently nudges and shrugs urging us to the things that truly matter.
read this
School Chaplaincy: An Introduction
By episode six the series starts on the New Testament and focuses on Jesus and His ministry. Though some could have issues about interpretation, its 100 million viewers worldwide would suggest The Bible is something people wanted to see on their TV screens. With a special effects budget akin to most feature films, The Bible has excellent performances, including Roma Downey (Touched By An Angel), Burnett’s wife starring as Mary. A follow-up is planned on the history of Christianity for next year.
School Chaplaincy is a complex and varied form of ministry because it has a different shape in almost every school. There are few, if any, courses or books that teach you how to do it. Until now. School Chaplaincy: An Introduction is an immensely comprehensive and valuable resource. In fewer than eighty pages, David Pohlmann presents a great resource for what school chaplaincy is and can be, outlining the various models of chaplaincy, practical strategies for carrying out the role and even background into the context in which school chaplaincy occurs. Each chapter has thought provoking discussion questions and there are case studies with accompanying questions to help people reflect on the issues as they relate to school chaplaincy. Jon Humphries
SURF THIS
www.t heworkofthepeople.c om The Work of the People is an independent ecumenical platform that produces and publishes multimedia to stir imagination, spark discussion and move people toward discovery and transformation. By creating the only Visual Liturgy library on the planet, The Work Of The People have become trusted creators of content that doesn’t decorate, but declares. insights.uca.org.au
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It’s all about you and the future.
When you invest with Uniting Financial Services you’re enriching the future for you, your church and your world. How? We believe in effective financial management that benefits both the individual and the broader community in which you live, work and worship. We offer richer rewards not just higher returns. Invest now to build a bright future!
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