Insights - September 2014

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UnitingforGood A sustainable future is in your hands

Leaving a bequest Bequest_Ad.indd 1

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

that the mission of the Church is sustained.

Find out how your bequest will allow God’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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Farewell from the Moderator Who are we to become?

I

had intended to fill my last Insights column as Moderator with accounts of good and uplifting experiences from the past three years. I do indeed come to this time with a strong sense of gratitude for God’s calling, and the Church’s support. I am encouraged and inspired by much of what I have seen and heard around the Synod.

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.

Yet I cannot ignore the current relentless news that threatens to engulf our hope in a wave of human suffering; in particular, the huge death and injury toll of innocents in Gaza and Syria, and acute persecution of Christians in Iraq. The seemingly endless cycles of violence and revenge, fuelled by profiteering militaryindustrial corporations, occasionally bring the pain right home to us, as is the case with the destruction of MH17.

This all coincides, ironically, with the commemoration of the centenary of the start of World War 1: “The war to end all wars”. Such sacrifice! What have we learned?

At home we are divided about what is fair in a Federal Budget, the treatment of asylum seekers, and the appropriate use of natural resources. Tensions over competing personal, corporate and public interests have fuelled much confrontation, given tragic expression in the shooting death of a State environment compliance officer.

A predicted early start to the bushfire ‘season’ coincides with irrefutable evidence that humanity is complicit in dangerous climate change. Yet we still argue about how serious we need to get in our practical response.

Where does the Church stand in all of this? Jesus respected the Law that proclaimed “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” (not to fuel vengeance but to truncate it). But he took it to a higher level: “Turn the other cheek” and “Go the second mile”

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(Matthew 5:38-42) He also advanced the agenda of the Prophets, who cried out for justice and proclaimed good news to the poor.

The Uniting Church, with Jesus as our focus, stands in this tradition and is called to walk in this Way. The challenge, in the face of suffering and struggle, is to decide whether we are going to be part of the problem or part of the solution. Are we going to give strength and hope to the communities we serve or simply mirror their dysfunction?

The Synod will meet for four days in at the end of September. This presents a significant opportunity to make important decisions in the light of particular challenges we face. Will we meet in the spirit of ‘Uniting for the Common Good’ or will we seek to advance personal agendas and inflame old enmities?

I call on everyone to pray for the Synod meeting in the coming weeks. Specific prayer points can be found elsewhere in Insights. The Synod prayer gathering (at 9.30am on 27 September) is also excellent preparation for the meeting. I commend, for our inspiration, the story of the victory Gideon’s army in Judges, chapters 6 and 7. Their faith, courage and creativity remind us to not be obsessed with numbers.

Likewise, in Jesus’ hands, five loaves and two fishes are more than enough to feed the 5,000, lest we quail at our lack of resources.

Finally, thank you all for the amazing privilege and blessing of serving you in this time and place.

May the blessings of Christ continue to enlighten your lives.

You can follow the Rev. Dr Brian Brown on Twitter @BrianBrownUCA Insights September 2014 3

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Contents 18

19 12 Cover story At the Synod meeting on 26 September, the Rev. Myung Hwa Park will be installed as the Moderator, serving the Church until April 2017. Insights sat down with Rev. Park and asked her about her vision for the Uniting Church, her thoughts on women in leadership, and what she’s excited about.

20

Regulars 3 from the Moderator 5 letters 6 news

24 fellowship news 26 updates from the General Secretary

Editor Adrian Drayton SUB-EDITING/PRoduction/ DESIGN Belle&Co Editorial/advertising/ DISTRIBUTION inquiries Phone 02 8267 4304 Fax 02 9264 4487 ADDRESS Insights, PO Box A2178, Sydney South, NSW, 1235 email insights@nsw.uca.org.au web www.insights.uca.org.au

Insights is published by the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of New South Wales and the ACT. Articles and advertising content do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor or of the Uniting Church.

Subscriptions: Australia $38.50 (incl. GST); overseas $50. © 2014. Contents copyright. No material from this publication

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27 belief matters 29 culture watch 30 entertain me

may be copied, photocopied or transmitted by any means without the permission of the Editor.

Circulation: 18,000.

ISSN: 1036-7322 Commonwealth of Australia 2014

22 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 and their families, as a natural part of their ordinary Christian living.

Operational UCA ADF chaplains need care also and are available to assist any Church on the ‘how to engage the defence worldview’ if required.

NSW are now enjoying listening to MemoryLink, re-living the hymns, choruses and Bible passages learnt in their childhood.

With the Gallipoli centenary next year (25 April 2015), all Uniting Churches are reminded to consider remembering this in their 2015 planning.

He said: “It was a wonderful, happy occasion. When we played Blessed Assurance her eyes lit up, her finger and hand started tapping on her knee and she started to sing along.

Afterwards she told us she used to sing it in Church” about 90 years ago. Another MemoryLink has been given for a 107th birthday! Age is no barrier!!

Worship resources will be available in the New Year from Uniting Church ADF Chaplains.

Rev. Dr Murray D. Earl, Uniting Church in Australia, Religious Advisory Committee to the ADF

I am proud I would like to say how proud I am of our Moderator, Rev. Dr Brian Brown, who has been willing to go into unfamiliar and confronting territory to support asylum seekers.

I also commend all others who supported Rev. Dr Brian Brown in the prayer vigil. Like our Moderator, I wonder why 60% of Australians agree with the Government’s policy on asylum seekers.

I wish all Christians would express their objections and unite in their commitment to being witnesses to the inclusive love of Jesus Christ.

Isobel Wykes, Yass

An extra effort to engage The exit of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) from recent overseas operations offers the local church an opportunity to care for ADF personnel and their families.

As Uniting Church chaplains have served with such military personnel in the field, so the ministry of the whole Church is now sought in engaging with defence people in the local community.

My plea is that Uniting Church members will make an extra effort to engage, former ADF members especially, current serving members insights.uca.org.au

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Important role that Church can play in the community I live in the Canberra region. At a recent medical education session there was discussion about getting older people involved in activities in the community. One person suggested sending them to Church, which evoked pessimism in another person.

The first person continued to explain how she had seen many people go to the Uniting Church in Queanbeyan and how they immediately connected with that community. This has can have huge impacts on the health and wellbeing of older people.

I am sure that Queanbeyan Uniting Church is not the only Congregation about which such things could be said, but I daresay that such feedback is not often given. I think it is important to understand this role that the Church can play in the community.

Congratulations Queabeyan Uniting Church, and to all others making a contribution in whatever way you can!

Melanie Loy, Canberra Region Presbytery

Thank you Thank you for your story about MemoryLink (August Insights).

One reader gave it as a gift to his mother on her 100th birthday.

Another wrote: “Best of all is the huge appreciation and enjoyment of MemoryLink from the friend with a disability I gave it to. She has used it for herself, or asked visitors to put it on, and she says she has loved it all. So thanks for such a brilliant way for handicapped and older people to reach out to God.” For information on MemoryLink contact Fenton Sharpe at fsharpe@ bigpond.net.au or (02) 94846197, or get an order form at www. pennanthillsuniting.org.au.

Fenton Sharpe, Pennant Hills

Be rewarded for having Your Say This month every contributor receives Heaven is for Real on DVD courtesy of Sony Home Entertainment.

Your Say letters should be sent to insights@nsw.uca.org.au or posted to Insights, PO Box A2178 Sydney South NSW 1235.

Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

As a result many elderly people from cities and small towns all over Insights September 2014 5

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News And it came to pass After years of dreaming and praying, months of planning and arranging, and weeks of rehearsing, the Jazz Gospel service finally came to life recently at Batemans Bay Uniting Church. It was almost like the Birth of the Blues! And nearly as good.

They had the ideas, and the contacts, but no-one to arrange the music. So when Peter Poole, an accomplished musician, joined the Church, it was the answer to prayers.

He organised a gospel choir, gathered up his musical mates and offered tuition to anyone else who wanted to participate, and started rehearsals.

The Moderator releases a statement to the media about the repeal of Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act.

No place for bigotry in modern Australia Sydney Alliance and its community leaders recently gathered to commend the Federal Government’s decision not to proceed with the repeal of Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act (RDA).

“Sydney Alliance applauds the strong leadership of Tony Abbott and his decision to back down on changing Section 18C and his decision to embrace the fact that racial vilification has no place in a modern Australia,” said Alliance Coalition Director Dr Amanda Tattersall to the gathered media.

The CEO of Arab Council Australia and founding Chair of Sydney Alliance, Ms Randa Kattan said the proposed changes to the RDA would have validated and encouraged offensive and racist behaviour. “We believe that the Prime Minister has made the right call. Racism is absolutely intolerable,” said Ms Kattan.

Asha Ramzan, Executive Officer of the Inner South-West Community Development Organisation echoed Ms Kattan’s sentiments. “The reason that this matters to me is that I am a migrant and a woman of colour,” Ms Ramzan explained.

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“I live this. It’s important for us to understand that this is an ongoing issue about what is right and just and fair.”

As Mark Lennon, Secretary of Unions NSW reiterated, “Every working person across NSW and the country should be protected from racial vilification whether at work or just going about their daily lives.”

The Uniting Church in Australia is a proud member of Sydney Alliance and their efforts to advance the common good and achieve a fair, just and sustainable society. Moderator of the Synod of NSW and the ACT, Rev. Dr Brian Brown thanked both the Sydney Alliance and the Prime Minister on their leadership on this important issue.

On Sunday afternoon the crowd gathered. Not all were regular Church attendees, but many were jazz fans.

Others were looking for a lively way to spend a wintery Sunday. How wonderful that they found it in Church!

The energy was electric.

A dramatised passage from the Gospel of Luke accompanied the sermon with members of the Congregation dressed in Middle Eastern garb and an 81-year-old Scot playing the role of Jesus!

A retiring offering raised $577 to donate to Frontier Services Drought Appeal. Flushed with success, Batemans Bay are looking forward to our next Jazz Gospel Service early next year.

“We are with the Sydney Alliance in focussing on the common good.

The issue of racial harmony in this country is very much a common good issue. I would like to thank the Sydney Alliance for the energy that they have put into this campaign. I’d like to thank the Prime Minister for listening to the voice of the people,” said Rev. Dr Brian Brown.

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Raising awareness of dementia in September This month is Dementia Awareness Month. Several organisations, including UnitingCare Ageing, will be organising activities and initiatives to improve inclusiveness for people living with dementia, their carers, family and friends.

According to Alzheimer’s Australia, dementia is not one specific disease, but a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain.

Dementia is the greatest cause of disability and one of the leading causes of disability burden for Australians aged 65 and over. The impact of dementia is extensive – over 1.2 million Australians help care for someone with dementia and over 300,000 Australians, most of whom are over 65, are currently living with dementia.

Many UnitingCare services have organised activities and events to help raise awareness of dementia.

• The Marion (Leichhardt) will hold a dementia awareness high tea on 23 September.

• Brenda Eggleton, Aged and Disability Development Officer at Hurstville is planning an art session with clients (including UnitingCare clients) who have dementia.

To find out more about dementia, any of this month’s activities, or how

to support a dementia sufferer in your community, visit www.fightdementia. org.au or phone the national dementia helpline 1800 100 500.

UnitingCare Unifam supports stronger relationships UnitingCare Unifam Counselling and Mediation is supporting happy, healthy and strong relationships through the Australian Government’s Stronger Relationships Trial.

The one-year trial is open to all couples in a committed relationship over the age of 18 years, providing a $200 subsidy towards relationship education and/or counselling with approved providers, such as UnitingCare Unifam.

“Our seminars and counselling sessions are specifically designed to lay the foundation for a stronger emotional bond for couples,” explains Megan Solomon, Manager Clinical Programs at Unifam.

To learn more please visit www. unifamcounselling.org.au.

Couples can register online for their $200 voucher at www.dss.gov.au/ strongerrelationships. Each registered couple will receive a unique reference number to supply to an approved provider, such as UnitingCare Unifam, when booking their first relationship education seminar or counselling session.

Awards of excellence goes to Uniting Venues Representing more than 230 venues in the most beautiful places in Australia and with more than 23,000 beds, Christian Venues Australia (CVA) serves over 1,500,000 guests annually!

The Association exists to promote the Christian Gospel to everyone through the Ministry of Christian camping and conferencing.

Recently, the national Connect14 conference was held to award excellence with the “Spirit of Sharing Awards”.

Members (and those associated with Christian Venues Association) are encouraged to nominate a person from within the membership, their employees and volunteers, who has provided unrecognised excellence in their field of ministry.

Congratulations go to Mark Lee (General Manager, Uniting Venues, South Australia) and Doug Shoemark (General Manager, Uniting Venues NSW) who were awarded winner and runner up respectively in the Open Section for their outstanding contribution to the Christian camping ministry at the Connect14 conference dinner held in July.

UnitingCare services have organised activities and events to help raise awareness of dementia.

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News Waste Not Want Not goes from strength to strength Nearly 150 tonnes of food has been delivered in three years. This is the startling figure from the Waste Not Want Not (WNWN) project in the Carrathool Shire.

The WNWN project is a joint collaboration between the Uniting Church, the Carrathool Shire and Foodbank. It receives the fruit and vegetables that do not meet the very strict specifications of large supermarket chains.

When the project started in 2010, it was envisaged that less than a tonne of food a year could be delivered. Not only has the project vastly exceeded this but there are now projects in Leeton and Griffith.

At the recent AGM and dinner, 32 locals from the Hillston community gathered to celebrate the achievements of WNWN. Foodbank CEO, Gerry Andersen, and his wife Pat were in attendance, along with many local producers who have contributed so much.

WHWN is an excellent example of God’s call to us in Matthew 25:35, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat”.

Shirley Lomas presents the Rev. Dr Brian Brown with an Aboriginal painting, with Rev. Bill Crews (centre).

Over 100 years of Service: Ashfield Women’s Fellowship On Sunday 10 August, the Women’s Fellowship of Ashfield Uniting Church came together to celebrate and acknowledge the past members of the Fellowship.

In 1884 the women of the Church brought together their talents and showed their love and devotion to the Lord.

The gathering was a celebration of past and present accomplishments with stories to tell.

Just as they had done in the past, they filled stalls with cakes, jams, pickles and handicrafts, bric and brac, clothing, and whatever else that could be sold.

Rural Chaplain Julie Greig recieves an award from Foodbank CEO, Gerry Andersen.

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The tireless efforts of these women raised a considerable amount of money.

More recently one of the members, Miss Irma Martin, gave a very generous donation to the Fellowship.

When the Church needed a new chalice, a gold one was purchased with the money with the inscription: ‘In loving memory of Irma Martin’.

Present for the occasion was the Rev. Dr. Brian Brown, Moderator of the Synod of NSW and the ACT, the Mayor of Ashfield, Lucille McKenna, OAM, and many relatives of past members.

The gold chalice was beautifully blessed by the Moderator during the special service conducted by the Rev. Bill Crews.

More than 80 people attended the service and were then invited to share lunch, where the Mayor spoke and the past ladies of the Fellowship were acknowledged.

The celebrations ended with the cutting of a cake by the Past President Mrs. Cheryl Collins and current President Mrs. Pam Harris. Many photos were taken of this memorable occasion in the life of the Church.

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Help us keep the doors open for disadvantaged youth In early 2014, Uniting Church Congregations in Wellington and Dubbo partnered with UnitingCare NSW.ACT to help local disadvantaged youths and local community members who were experiencing difficulty completing the mandatory requirements for a provisional driver licence. And so the ‘120 Countdown’ program was born.

The main aim of the Program is to help participants get their drivers licence, which in turn helps them become more independent, obtain employment and, most importantly, have a future.

Whilst this Program is a positive initiative in reducing the road toll in NSW, isn’t cheap to run. The operators need to raise $10,000 or the program may be faced with shutting its doors.

That’s where you come in.

“We have a number of volunteers who are committed to supporting eligible UnitingCare clients for the duration of the learner driver mandatory hours. The mentoring project has begun with one of our mentees, who is a young mum, beginning her learner driver relationship with one of our Dubbo volunteers. We also have another learner driver who will be sitting for her driver licence in the next few weeks”, says David Ryan, Manager, UnitingCare Burnside, Orana Far West.

Please help us reach our $10,000 target and empower a young person today so that they can have a future.

Your special gift will help the Program recruit and train more volunteers, maintain the car and continue running the program in the future.

Support the 120 Countdown by donating on line at www. unitingcarenswact.org.au or contact the fundraising team on 1800 660 866, or fundraising@ unitingcarenswact.org.au If you would like further information on 120 Countdown please contact David Ryan at UnitingCare Burnside, mobile 0478 814 862.

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“I look forward to working closely with the Congregations “ - Rachel Watson

Re-introducing Rachel If the name Rachel Watson rings a bell for you, you’re not alone. Rachel recently returned to the Uniting Church as the new Work Health and Safety Manager after spending three and a half years away from the organisation.

Rachel is a qualified Occupational Therapist who has worked the WHS and Workers Compensation arena for over 13 years. She has worked in a range of businesses providing support services as well as training, ergonomic assessments, development of WHS Systems and auditing.

Rachel is passionate about helping people and has been able to do that by working with businesses to reduce the number of injuries in workplaces, as well as helping people recover after injuring themselves at work.

WHS is something that a lot of people find daunting and overwhelming, but I hope to work closely with Congregations to make change.

“I think if you give people the right tools they will be able to make small changes to improve their management of WHS, rather than being so overwhelmed by the requirements that they don’t do anything.

“In my previous role with the Church, I had a focus on the Workers Compensation. I am looking forward to being able to focus on the preventative aspects and make sure that we are doing everything we can to ensure that people are not injured,” said Rachel.

If you would like to contact Rachel about matters regarding Work Health and Safety simply call 02 8267 4242 or email rachelw@ nswact.uca.org.au.

“I look forward to working closely with the Congregations to help them with Work Health and Safety (WHS).

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From the General Secretary’s desk Get ready for action. Synod is coming

“I

t is easy to sit up and take notice, what is difficult is getting up and taking action.”

- Honore de Balzac And so we arrive at Synod again!

The agenda has taken shape, the registrations start coming in, and all things are being prepared.

Synod attempts to be a time of both decision-making and celebration for the Church. Celebration, because we gather as a large community of the wider Church; and as a council to hear God speaking to us. Decision-making because there are crucial and vital issues facing the Church.

Rev. Dr Andrew Williams General Secretary The General Secretary is appointed by the Synod to provide leadership to the Church by actively engaging in strategic thinking about the life, direction, vision and mission of the Church.

The Synod Standing Committee has been working hard on a strategy document and this will be presented to the full Synod meeting. The Synod budget needs to be confirmed, but it requires us to make some hard choices and decisions.

As a Church we have been reflecting under the Rev. Niall Reid’s leadership on the issue of property and its place within the Church. This will be just one of the issues we must wrestle with as we meet together in Council.

Bible studies will be led by Rev. Dr Jione Havea. We will elect a new Standing Committee as well as electing our members to the Assembly in 2015, to be held in Perth. We will also hear good news stories and we will be challenged by other people’s stories of hope and struggle.

We look forward this year to a presentation from the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress as well as a major presentation from Arda Agahazarian, a Palestinian Armenian woman who will tell of the current struggle of life for Christians in the land of IsraelPalestine. You can read more about Arda on our website as you begin to prepare for the coming Synod.

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This year we hope to have a paperless Synod. We’ve developed an app in readiness, which will give people the ability to receive papers electronically. I encourage you to get online and discover how to start using this app in preparation for the Synod.

If you are not attending the Synod please pray for us! I anticipate this will be a Synod of difficult decisions.

We bring what we have, we do what we can The recent lectionary reading was on the feeding of the 5,000. I love that story. Its appearance in all four gospels is an indication of its importance in the life of the early Church.

The lesson I always take away from that story is that the disciples feel that their resources are hopelessly inadequate. When viewed logically, they are right! A few loaves and fish to feed a crowd of 5,000 (only men being counted) or perhaps 10,000 or more would not only have seemed daunting, but ludicrous.

But the point of our faith is that we bring what we have, we do what we can, we offer it to Jesus, who blesses it, gives thanks, then gives the resources back to us that we might get on with the task of serving a needy world.

Whenever we feel we are struggling with inadequate resources; that our numbers are small; that our frailty is showing, it is here that we are required to bring what we have; to do what we can, and to trust Jesus for the rest.

This should be the mood with which we approach our Synod meeting and our life in the Church at this time. Let us not be distracted by trivial things or “fiddle while Rome burns”. This surely is a time for action.

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JOIN US AT SYNOD THIS YEAR TO CELEBRATE THE INSTALLATION OF THE MODERATOR, REV. MYUNG HWA PARK AT 7PM AT TURRAMURRA UNITING CHURCH, AND THEN FOR FOUR DAYS AS WE DISCUSS THE STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS AND FUTURE OF THE SYNOD Bible Studies

Associated Events

Getting social

Bible studies will be led by Jione Havea with Henry Onzem, Mariana Waqa, Leitū Letitia Havea, Tau'alofa Anga'aelangi and Hee Won Chang, who will be discussing the following topics: • Saturday 27 September: Uncommon voices: 1 Kings 19:9-18 • Sunday 28 September: Uncommon boundaries Numbers 20:14-21 • Monday 29 September: Uncommon locations Psalm 137 • Tuesday 30 September: Uncommon responsibilities: Gen 2:4a-15

• Telling Our Story – Get information about the future of communication across the Synod. Talk to team members about utilising the communication toolkits including getting your own customised Synod logo.

• Market Day Monday – Lunchtime on Monday will be the time to connect with everyone! Book a table and display your wares!

• Uniting Earth Ministry – What does it mean to live a faithful life in the present context of our changing awareness of the place of human beings within the whole creation?

• Rural Ministry Unit -The Rural Ministry Unit (RMU) has existed within the Synod of NSW and the ACT for the last 25 years. It has been a place of support for those in rural ministry – lay and ordained.

It has undertaken advocacy to the church and government on behalf of both rural congregations and communities.

During the event, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/ ucelebrate, or use the Twitter hashtag, #synodmeeting2014 to look at and share photos, read news as it happens and start an online conversation as we join together as a community.

Arda Aghazarian Speaking for a Peaceful Future Monday 29 September at 1:30pm The people in Occupied Palestine experience widespread poverty and discrimination as a consequence of the military occupation and ongoing conflict.

Arda Aghazarian grew up amongst the violence of military occupation in Palestine. She will help us to understand daily life, and the very real issues of living in Occupied Palestine, and how we can contribute to a hopeful future. insights.uca.org.au SEPT_synod_ad.indd 11

START YOUR DAY WITH A FAIR TRADE COFFEE!

Mobile and ready to go The Synod Meeting 2014 app can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store or Google Play.

Step 1. Search iTunes and Google Play with the phrase “Synod Meeting 2014” and download the Synod Meeting App. Step 2. Access the app and download working papers on your laptop. Log onto https:// event.crowdcompass.com/ synodmeeting2014/ Step 3. Use the “Search” function in the App to locate information such as Cafes, session or presentation details and much more.

For more information go to www.bit.ly/SynodMeeting2014

This year UnitingCare NSW.ACT are sponsoring a Fair Trade Coffee Cart. Every morning of the Synod Meeting you can check in to the Coffee Cart for your morning coffee fix.

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Welcoming Rev. Myung Hwa Park

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he Rev. Myung Hwa Park is the ?? person to be elected Moderator of the Synod. At the upcoming Synod meeting in September 2014, Rev. Park will be installed as the Moderator, serving the Church until April 2017.

Born in Busan in South Korea, Rev. Park was raised in a Buddhist family. She studied at the Ewha Women’s university in Seoul before taking on a role to teach hearing impaired children for two years. In 1984 she travelled to Pakistan as a Methodist missionary, where she ran a centre for handicapped children.

Rev. Park came to Australia to reflect on mission at Pacific Mission Institute before commencing her theological training at United Theological College in 1988. In December 1990 she was ordained as a Uniting Church minister.

Over the years, her global travels exposed her to many cultures. She’s worked among Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and Hindus, and is fluent in English, Korean, Tongan and Urdu.

Since November 2008. Rev. Park has been minister at St. Columba’s Uniting Church and Canberra City Uniting church. She also works as a chaplain at Australian National University (ANU) and University of Canberra (UC), and is a committed member of ‘Safe Shelter’ for Homeless men.

We sat down with Rev. Park and asked her about her vision for the Uniting Church, her thoughts on women in leadership, and what she’s excited about.

Q: What is your vision of the future of the Uniting Church?

Our Church’s DNA enables us to be open and faithful in ecumenical cooperation for the benefit of the future Church.

My vision for the Uniting Church is that we will facilitate and play a major role in shifting the concept of Christian witness in the 21st century across the denominations, not only within our own Church.

In order to shift the concept of Christian witness for the 21st century, we need to be prepared to let go of our old ways and habits and, embrace the changes that are taking place. If we consider our society and our world, this is not a new thing peculiar to our generation.

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declared Christianity as the religion of the state; since Martin Luther emphasised the importance of God’s grace; since new Christian churches blossomed in the Far East; since women’s rights were honoured and the voice of the poor was heard.

We have come a long way to become a more equal, just and informed human race in the 21st century. However, traditional concepts of cultural, and racial superiority can still be barriers to achieving our vision.

Our Church’s DNA enables us to be open and faithful in ecumenical cooperation for the benefit of the future Church I think the relevant issue for being a church in the 21st Century is social justice. It’s not just quoting the Gospel.

The Gospel is about the voice of justice and also delivering the measure of peace, which is not in absence of the war or anything, but the peace of God. I think the experiences and learning different ways of expressing our faith and deepening our faith is very important and we have to be a bit more inclusive and a bit more open.

It will be a great challenge to not only behold the vision of God, but to impart our vision to others if we are not of one mind, trusting, respecting and cherishing each other.

Q: What are you excited about?

Whenever I talk about Uniting Church I get so excited I am excited about the possibility of change. Change involves moving and I am a person with a gypsy spirit!

I am excited to confront another set of challenges, to learn another language as I take on the role of being a voice of the Church.

I am excited about three of my older sisters coming from Korea to see me, their little sister. That I am loved, respected and in good form in my relationships with my Australian

brothers and sisters in my new country.

I am excited about the privilege of taking on the role of Moderator, with the prospect of meeting people in different communities, right across the Synod.

I see my role as Moderator as a gobetween. An ambassador to people and Churches to witness the good stories, to celebrate the goodness of God in people and to challenge society with the conscious voice of Christ’s Church. I would like to engage as many people as possible in conversation about Christian witness and the celebration of God’s creation.

Q: Is there a reading in the bible that inspires you when it comes to being a good leader?

I believe a good leader is someone who has a sense of compassion and a passion for people. One who has a strong conviction that God loves the world and wants to reconcile with the whole creation.

He rescues the poor who call to him, and those who are needy and neglected. He has pity on the weak and poor; He saves the lives of those in need. He rescues them from oppression and violence; their lives are precious to Him. Psalm 72: 12-14

Q: What social justice and environmental issues in Australia do you feel strongly about?

Justice for Australia’s first people, issues on refugee and asylum seekers, climate change, and many others!

We have many good people who have already spoken on these issues. I will be behind them and also in front of them to work on those issues. None of these social justice issues can be separated from our own wellbeing and our faith.

I will try to make clear this connection which enables us to link our faith with appropriate actions and responses to these issues.

I think it’s very important for us to see Christian presence that’s relevant to society reflected in our Church.

That includes our response to the First Peoples; to the discrimination that society still experiences; and gender discriminations. And I think importantly for Australia, dealing with insights.uca.org.au

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the new people, including refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, within a multicultural dimension.

This will not always be easy, but not impossible. After all, we know that we are all connected with each other. Six points of connection, right?

Q: How do you see resources such as property being best utilised or more generally any commonly shared resources?

Church property has been always well used for its members and for a wide community. We are not short of ideas on ways of utilising our properties. We should focus on the Church, the people of God and how we worship, and how we serve the community as a way of witnessing to the mission of God. Then we can explore constructive and positive responses for our Church property.

Q: The theme of Synod is “Sustainability is in your hands.” What are your thoughts about this?

Sustainability is not about slogan, but a way of living. We are on-board together on this precious planet called Earth.

What I do, what you do affects me and you, and most importantly my children and your children and our future.

Q: How do you see the future role of youth in the Uniting Church?

Spirituality is not a piece of information or creed that we take for our faith statement. It is how we relate to our own spirit and the spirit of God. For the past six years, I have worked with the young adults at City@Night in Canberra. I realised how different their life situations are to mine.

I envy young adults for their access to information, technologies, and approach to the world.

I also admire their claims for individuality, authenticity, freedom and enjoyment. All these are vital elements for their spirituality.

What we need to do for the youth in the Uniting Church is to pray for them and support them so that they can explore their faith, deepen their relationship with God and with people, and become spiritual leaders.

Jesus said, "You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.” I am confident that there will be always people whom God will choose to bear fruit. insights.uca.org.au

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Q: What does the Uniting Church do well?

One of the good things about the Uniting Church is how well we share our leadership between lay and ordained.

This is a strength of a non-hierarchical Church and because we do it well, it reinforces our decision to be nonhierarchical. Because everybody has a responsibility, we can all share the gifts and talents that we are given to work for the bigger and wider Churches.

I think also we have a very good ethos.

We came together with differences and aspirations to enhance the gospel in this land. We’re not parochial; we have broad concerns. But we still have a way to go. We haven’t really learnt how to bring our concerns beyond our own boundaries.

Spirituality is not a piece of information or creed that we take for our faith statement. It is how we relate to our own spirit and the spirit of God. We are also very strong on social justice. We make excellent policy statements. We actually participate in the issues, like rallies and protests for refugees and asylum seekers. This is very much a strength of the Uniting Church. We have a strong mind on social justice and we’re a peace maker.

Q: What are your thoughts on women in leadership?

There needs to be a balance or even numbers of women in leadership roles and in decision-making bodies across the Synod.

Even after 24 years as a minister I still feel that when I go to Synod or the Presbytery or Congregation meetings, we operate in very set ways.

Everybody has one way of thinking and we don’t give heed that there is a man’s way of thinking or woman’s way of thinking.

Often people say I’m quiet but I know that God has been very strong in bringing everybody to share God’s giftedness.

Q: Imagine you were at the end of your term as Moderator. What would you like to have achieved or changed?

I just hope that after three, short years, lots of people can see how marvellous it is that God is present among us and to see God’s mighty work. Whether that is something new, I really want to see that people can see it is okay; that we can do this now.

I would like to think that people say, “You have given us a huge confidence to tackle our challenges. We came along and we have actually moved, changed and are seeing something different”. I hope that God is always using us that way. We never know whether we can, but God allows us to do it.

I just want the Church to wake up to God’s mission; to be a bit more responsive to what’s happening around us and heeding the call to God’s mission.

As a 21-year-old receiving the call to leave my country for foreign mission, I went to Pakistan and I kept moving from place to place. But my main focus was always fixed — it is where God is calling.

I wish our Church would be really, really strong about that. We know that’s who we are. We are the pilgrim people journeying toward the Promised Land.

But how we actually live that I think is the main focus of my ministry.

We need to ensure women are represented. Still, there are lots of areas where the gender balance is not very strong.

For me, the women’s issue is more for God’s kingdom. When God made men and women in the image and the likeness of God, together we are not able to see the fullness of God’s creation and the wonderful gifts that both can offer. How we can actually help each other embrace differences?

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Soapbox For me to follow Jesus

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hen I was first persuaded of the merits of this Jesus character it was by a committed group who belonged in the Evangelical camp. The story they told me was that I needed to accept the ‘gift’ of Christ in order to not end up in the fires of hell. I figured that was something I would be wise to do.

Faith for those unwilling to ever face death

Rev. Dave Gore Each month Insights seeks writers to sound-off on something they are passionate about. The soapbox is conventionally attributed to street preaching on a given subject, to engage those who would stop and listen in passionate discourse. Hyde Park, London is known for its Sunday soapbox orators, who have assembled at Speakers' Corner since 1872 to discuss religion, politics and other topics.

In the intervening years I have maintained my interest in and commitment to Jesus.

However, my appreciation of what Jesus offers and what it means for me to respond has changed significantly. I am no longer convinced it is necessary to scare the hell out of a person for them to see merit in following Jesus.

I have come to see that looking to Jesus simply as the one who saves me from eternal torment is essentially all about me. This approach to Jesus functions as a protection of my present sense of life/ self. This as an approach to faith for those unwilling to ever face death.

Faith for those willing to go through death Contrast this with Jesus who continually taught things like, ‘For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.’ (Mk 8:35).

It is clear that Jesus was aware that the decisions he made and the ways he behaved made him increasingly vulnerable. If there were an alternative approach, surely Jesus would have opted for it. A life of increasing vulnerability (non-violence) is the life of the Kingdom of God. Loosing life is the way to saving it, and vice-versa.

(eternal life) is experienced when we step beyond our assumptions and self-serving ways.

Church for those unwilling to ever face death The ‘faith dynamic’ of unwillingness to face death has had a devastating impact on our expressions of Church. Even as we celebrate the story of Jesus and proclaim his teachings we function as a community that is reluctant to face reality.

We create liturgies, preach sermons, run programs and conduct worship gatherings in the hope that others might join us.

When these activities are conducted in the hope that we might ‘stay alive’ (our Church might continue to exist), a subtle shift has taken place. This is no longer primarily about following Jesus.

We frame the argument in terms of wanting to keep the gospel witness alive. But the gospel has been lost in the attempt to save it (ringing any bells?).

Are we really surprised that there is so little testimony to the lived reality of the kingdom of God? Where is the compelling reason to commit to our institution?

Evidence suggests few see one.

Church for those willing to go through death I am not interested in a Church that survives. I am now convinced that life and death go together and the opposite is the half-life of survival!

I want to follow Jesus… to embody his values, purposes and desires, which resulted in his death at the hands of worldly and religious authorities alike. It is a path of ever increasing vulnerability in a violent world. It is either insane… or the way of a life so rich that Jesus referred to it as eternal.

When we are unwilling to forgo our preIt is time to be willing to lose our life in established understanding of our self, following Jesus. Simply seeking to slow another and/or the circumstances in our demise has been fatal. It is not about view, we are unable to understand and surviving. It is about dying and living. enter more fully into the relationship.

Unless we let go of (allow to die) that which we have assumed, the relationship will die.

Want to continue this conversation Identifying and letting go of our online? Tweet or Facebook using assumptions is difficult because those #ucasoapbox and let’s get a assumptions offer us something we are conversation going. unwilling to give up. Yet fullness of life

What are you passionate about?

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Best in show: Ravenswood artists showcased

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he meeting rooms at the Synod offices in Pitt Street are playing host to imaginative and creative artworks. The visual art students’ from Ravenswood School for Girls will be showcasing their HSC major works in an exhibition that will inspire.

“Ravenswood has a proud tradition of excellence in visual arts, which is reflected in the consistently outstanding results for the Higher School Certificate Visual Arts students and for the International Baccalaureate,” said Visual Arts Coordinator Edwina Palmer of the Visual Arts Programme at Ravenswood.

Ravenswood girls are encouraged from a young age to engage in creative problem solving, conceptual thinking and self-expression. They are supported by a curriculum that focuses on strong technical skill development and critical investigation. Students are extended on an individual basis and also have the option of after school specialist classes or working in the studios with their teachers. insights.uca.org.au

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“The girls are taught by outstanding visual arts teachers who have deep understanding of traditional and contemporary practice,” says Ms Palmer. “Many of the works on display at the Synod Offices were nominated for ARTEXPRESS and reflect the diverse studio practices offered.”

A fantastic opportunity for the girls An outstanding selection of HSC major works from 2010 to 2013 have livened up the walls in the main seating area of reception and meeting rooms three, four and six on level two in the Synod Offices. Artworks were hung last month with the help of staff, John Oldmeadow, Director of School’s Ministry from Uniting Mission and Education (who coordinated with the school to facilitate the project) and Ms Sussie Heymans, Visual Art Assistant from Ravenswood.

In 2011 there were 16 nominations from a cohort of 37 visual arts students, 17 nominations in 2010 from a cohort of 34 visual arts students, 13 nominations in 2009 from a cohort of 31 visual arts students, and in 2008 Ravenswood topped the state in visual arts and also had 23 nominations from a cohort of 30 visual arts students.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the girls to have their artwork seen and enjoyed in a different, more corporate context,” said Ms Heymans (pictured) of the project.

The students who have work currently on display are Marietta Abignano, Lucy Williams, Rebekah McKenzie, Isobel Lawrence, Nina Harriot, Kaitlin Polkinghorne and Vicki Ng. The vibrant artworks are in a variety of mixed media and will be showcased in the meeting rooms and rotated so that other students have the opportunity to have their work hung and appreciated in a different context.

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Campbelltown UnitingCare

Cottage Family Care Centre

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he Cottage Family Care Centre has been providing services to families since 1981. Over the years we have evolved and changed many times, especially as knowledge of brain development in young children has increased.

Where it all began In 1981 (just four years after Union) the new Campbelltown Uniting Church investigated how it could best serve the local community. Recognising the high levels of need and disadvantage in the Campbelltown community, we identified two areas to focus on: child protection and homeless youth.

At the time, Campbelltown had the dubious title of having the highest incidences of child abuse in NSW. After much planning, and with the help of many volunteers, we began the Cottage Family Care Centre. We lobbied the government hard and eventually received a small grant to fund a co-ordinator for 12 hours each week.

Women from the Church collected children from their homes and transported them to the old Manse.

The service we provided was based on the Kempe Foundation model, which treats abused children, trains professionals and conducts research to ensure a healthy and hopeful future for those innocent victims of abuse.

From strength to strength From small beginnings the program grew to 24 staff including pre-school teachers, physiotherapists and speech pathologists. We were now caring for 72 children affected by abuse or neglect ranging in age from six months to six years.

As the Cottage continued to grow the need for larger premises became apparent. Burnside provided a purpose-built pre-school at a cost of $400,000 and West Epping Uniting Church gave us our first bus to transport the children to the Cottage.

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Our goal was to keep families together and to get children who were at risk ready for school in an environment which fostered care and compassion.

In 1999 we received the National Child Abuse Prevention Award and in 2003 we received the Premier of NSW Community Service Award.

A question of funding The Cottage was unique. There was no other service provider like us in the State. This meant we didn’t fit under any Government funding models. We had to fight continually for ongoing funds to keep the doors open so we could care for the children. This was both demoralising and disheartening as the Cottage was a leader in its field.

Ensuring children are safe, attending childhood services and meeting developmental milestones After 29 years in operation, the Government changed the funding model and we became an Intensive Family Support Service. Through this model our staff currently support 16 families with children aged up to 15 years who have been identified at risk of significant harm. These families generally are under our care for a period of 12 months. We only receive referrals from Family and Community Services for families where children are at risk of significant harm.

The overall goal of the Intensive model is to work collaboratively with families to support them in becoming strong and resilient families with confident parenting skills and a connection to their community. It focuses on ensuring children are safe, are attending childhood services, and are meeting their developmental milestones.

For parents the focus is on improving parenting skills and family relationships, developing appropriate

support networks, and increasing their knowledge of community services available.

The Intensive model enables us to work closely with families in their home. The Cottage also hosts a number of local play groups such as the Arabic, Indian and Flourish. Other initiatives such as the Community Kitchen and Community Garden have been established to provide interest and activity in the centre.

In our work, we recognise the importance of the individual, the family and the community. We acknowledge the aspirations, hopes and dreams of each person as well as the importance of the family as a place of nurturing relationships and care for children.

What does the future look like?

In 1981 it was all about us meeting local needs and seeking funding to do that. Today, the government, with all its regulations and demands, tells us what those needs are. Under the new model we lost our special pre-school for children at risk, which was a huge emotional blow for the centre. Staff were made redundant and we had great difficulty reshaping our service to fit the new model.

Due to these pressures and changes, coupled with the ageing of the Boards and Management Committees, in 2015 Campbelltown UnitingCare will hand over most of its services to UnitingCare Children Young People and Families and UnitingCare Disability.

The Cottage Family Care Centre is located on the corner of Moore Oxley Bypass and Allman Streets, Cambelltown. If you would like more information about what we do you can email us: thecottage@people.net.au or call (02) 4628 1855 insights.uca.org.au

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Dollars and sense UFS and the Property Trust Loan

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or more than 80 years, Uniting Financial Services (UFS) has consistently provided sizeable distributions to Synod mission activities.

We’ve distributed more than $170m to our Congregations and Presbyteries to cover necessary Synod mission and administration costs.

We have weathered many storms throughout our history. The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) saw profitability hit by declining share market returns.

At the same time, property assets and the commercial lending portfolio were devalued. The experience during this time was in stark contrast to the preceding years where we had built up our capital to a high of near $135m.

Neil King Executive Director Uniting Financial Services

Despite the challenges of the GFC, we continued our distributions to the Synod ensuring essential activities could be sustained. By June 2013, the lingering financial impacts of the devalued property and loan portfolios, coupled with the continued distributions, saw capital reduced to a level that the Board regarded as unacceptable.

The UFS Board and management believe it is prudent to shadow the same Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) requirements applied to banks and credit unions. We now exceed these benchmarks in terms of capital and liquidity.

While we are a Religious Charitable Development Fund (RCDF), currently exempt from APRA regulations, this exemption is being reviewed with discussion papers suggesting that the exemption may be removed or modified.

For this reason, UFS had temporarily suspended distributions and concluded that a capital injection of $100m (or 10% of Balance Sheet size) was prudent.

The Synod of NSW and the ACT is asset rich (balance sheet insurance value approximating $5bn) but cash (liquidity) ‘poor’. Given these immediate cash constraints, the Property Trust (on behalf of the Synod) was permissioned by Synod Standing Committee to borrow $100m to use toward a $100m capital contribution into UFS. It was envisaged that this new

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borrowing would be repaid by surplus funds of the Synod as and when they became available. This $100m capital injection is an investment (or endowment) into UFS and is not ‘lost’ to the Church.

Back in black Our returns have stabilised at levels similar to comparable commercial operations and are projected to produce significant distributions to Congregations, Presbyteries and Synod for their ongoing work. We were pleased to recommence distributions in July 2013, which totalled $9m for the 2013/14 financial year. After the Property Trust paid the interest on the $100m Loan, the Church had $4.8m remaining for distribution through the Synod. Importantly these distributions were paid from profit rather than reducing capital.

Going beyond the balance sheet In addition to making significant distributions, we are tasked with providing Treasury and Investment advice along with appropriate loans and investment vehicles to the range of Church entities.

We are pleased to report that: • we offer a standard of ethical investing, which has served as a benchmark to many • we have experienced no school debt management issues that have confronted many other Synods or Diocese, and minimal bad Church loans • no Church organisations have invested in unwise investments, and we have offered assistance to specific Uniting Church organisations, in difficult financial straits, to recover viability.

Looking to the future We will always have challenges to deal with. While we have significantly derisked over the last three years, we are exposed to competition in the banking environment. We will endeavour to continue to generate sufficient return on our capital, but not expose our self — or the Synod — to unacceptable levels of risk.

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Lectionary Reflections What would it have been like to have been there?

September 7 Matthew 18:15-20 If someone in the Church sins against you, speak to them and share your concern. If you are not reconciled take a couple of people to help mediate.

If that doesn’t work, share it in the community of faith. If that doesn’t work…well? Jesus, says treat them as a Gentile or tax collector. Remember, we all fall short and sin. We must be prepared to seek righteousness not self-righteousness and Matt 5: 23-24 calls us to be reconciled.

Who has sinned against you? Whom have you sinned against? Have you actually dealt with it? Who do you need to be reconciled with?

May God grant us the strength and courage, grace and wisdom to forgive as we have been forgiven.

September 14 Matthew 18:21-35 Imagine asking Jesus how much we have to forgive others! On one hand you would think the disciples would have known the sort of answer that they would get. On the other, isn’t it a question that many of us want to ask hoping that the answer might have changed? Do not judge. Love your enemies. Forgive as you have been forgiven.

What has God and others had to forgive you for, time and time again? How might we, as the Church, live as a more honest and forgiving community where we learn from our falling short and encourage each other to grow not only in grace but also in maturity and discipleship?

September 21 Matthew 20:1-16 The Kingdom of God teaches us that God is not always fair, but God is always just. We need to remember that the workers in the parable of the insights.uca.org.au

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landowner all need to feed their family and they all need a day’s wage in order to do this. Jesus was about justice and seeks to subvert our self-focused selfishness. However, Jesus also said that this kingdom was inside us.

Blessed are those for whom life is not fair, but they will see justice.

What other stories in the gospels can you think of that deal with a similar theme to this one? How do you go about ensuring that we strive to have God’s kingdom within us, not just the values and attitudes of a selfish, materialistic world? How do we gracefully share justice with others when it means that we may not be treated in the way that we feel entitled to be treated?

September 28 Matthew 21:33-46 Jesus is someone to whom we ascribe authority. He is the Lord, so we often look down on the priests and the elders and the Pharisees in such stories who question his authority. However, the question that they ask is an important one and they most likely had the best

intentions. What authority has Jesus got?

This has two levels of answer. He has the authority to do things because he is God incarnate and is in sync with God’s will. The other level has applications for us. What authority does Jesus have over us? True most of us would affirm Church doctrine and say he has every authority as messiah and Lord.

Yet there is the reality, in that he only has as much authority as we allow him when it comes to changing our behaviour. In love he chooses not to compel us and gives us free will, so we have the choice to accept him as Lord in our lives.

What authority does have over us? Who gives him that authority?

What authority will we give him in our lives? Having given him that authority will we say “yes” to what he asks and not do it, or will we struggle with his commands but submit to his will?

This month the Lectionary Reflection was prepared by the Rev. Jon Humphries, Chaplain at Ravenswood School for Girls.

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Save the date United Theological College Closing Service for 2014 Friday 17th October, 7.30pm in the Chapel, 16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta

Do You Care For People?

Become part of a team bringing a ministry of care to people in a hurting world Apply for the Pastoral Counselling Skills Course

Let the Experts Come to You!

Delivered on the CHC41112 Certificate IV in Pastoral Care

If you’re located in a rural area and are looking for training in pastoral care, stay where you are. The Pastoral Counselling Institute will bring their team of training experts to you.

The Institute offers training in a number of areas for Churches and ministry teams. These include programs on: • Learning How I Listen • I’m Going Visiting • Qualities of Leadership Each of these programs is designed to encourage members of your Congregation to increase their skills in pastoral care. And to ensure you’re getting the most from your training, each course can be be tailored to suit the needs of your Congregation.

2015 in SYDNEY AND GLEN INNES - NSW • T urn your compassion into competent practice •N ationally accredited part-time full year course by weekend intensives •B asic counselling skills related to spirituality, bible and theology • L earn the biblical ‘Story Whispering’ © model of providing care • L earn skills to provide a caring link between church and community • Find wisdom within the stories you encounter • T opics include counselling, communication skills, grief and loss •D esigned to meet continuing education requirements •C ompile a referral kit and develop liturgies for specific pastoral situations • L earn to provide practical visitation in both parish and community settings The course is offered by distance learning and intensives so, if you have 10 or more people committed to studying the course, we will come to you - call us to discuss possibilities.

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If you would like more information on any of the Pastoral Counselling Institute activities, please call on 9683 3664 or email to pciuca@ihug.com.au

Do you need counselling which incorporates a faith dimension?

Our Christian Psychologists have training in both theology and psychology and are dedicated to a holistic, sensitive approach to personal, marriage and family issues.

Our specialist psychologist offers individual and group sessions specifically for victims and perpetrators of sexual assault and their families.

People with a referral from their GP on a Mental Health Care Plan may be able to claim Medicare benefits* (* see Medicare schedule for claimable items – available on request or on the Medicare website)

Visit our website: www.pastoralcounselling.org

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5/09/2014 1:19:59 PM

Updates from the General Secretary Information for individuals and Congregations

Welcoming new placements •R ev. Shin Goo Lee: 10 June 2014, Korean Presbytery Secretary (40%) •R ev. Karen Paull: 8 July 2014, Lane Cove Community Chaplain •R ev. Peter Overton: 1 June 2014, Resource Minister Kyogle/Casino Area, Far North Coast Presbytery •R ev. Graham Watkins: 1 September 2014, Lakemba (start date is pending approval of early conclusion otherwise 1 October 2014) •R ev. Graham Lawrence: 1 November 2014, Menai-Illawong (60%) In loving memory •M rs Margaret Laura Dominish wife of Rev. Dr Clyde Dominish passed away on 2 July 2014 •M rs Edith Wellington mother of Lay Pastor Geoff Wellington passed away on 13 July 2014 •M r Jack O’Brien son of Jon and Meryn O’Brien tragically lost 18 July 2014 on flight MH17

A prayer for good health •M r Norm Hawkes •M rs Narelle Hawkes •R ev. Mark Watt •R ev. Dr Ann Wansbrough Induction/Commissioning •R ev. Seung Jae Yeon: Sydney North, Gladeville Boronia Park — 10 August 2014 Retiring gracefully •R ev. Bo Young Chun, effective 28 February 2014 Queens Birthday Day 2014 Honour List •M edal of the Order of Australia (OAM) Mrs Marion Pamela Bee for service to education.

•M rs Gweneth Ruth Berman for service to the community as a piano teacher, performer and accompanist Pianist/ organist.

•M r Malcolm John Hewitt, for service to music education, and to the community.

• Mr Edward Mowbray for service to the communities of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest.

• Mr Eric Reginald Taylor, for service to the community of Woodenbong.

• Mrs Shirley Elva Templeton for service to women, and to the community of the Gosford region.

• Ms Virginia Clare Walker for service to the community through human rights organisations.

New study guides available Elizabeth Raine and John Squires have recently added three new books to their popular series of study books on biblical texts, now totalling seven. Each book is designed for use in bible study groups.

Books are $5 each, plus $5 p/h (up to four books) or $10 p/h for more than four books. All seven books are $30 plus $10 p/h. To order, email John Squires johntsquires@bigpond.com, write to PO Box 631 WAUCHOPE NSW 2446 or call 0408 024 642 or 02 6586 4632.

Ministry Matters P lacement Vacancies as at 1 September 2014.

The following placements have profiles submitted to the Placements Committee and are either in, or soon to be in, the process of seeking to fill a ministry vacancy. Placements are available to specified ministers of the UCA. These placements are listed as being suitable for a Pastor under Regulation 2.3.3(a)(ii). A non-ordained minister may offer to serve in an approved placement through a written application to the Synod. Expressions of interest may be made in writing to the Associate Secretary, Jane Fry janef@nsw.uca.org.au or to the Presbytery’s Placement Committee representative.

CANBERRA REGION St Margaret’s Hacket & St James Curtin 50/50 Eurobodalla 70% Yarralumla Bega Tathra St Columba’s, Braddon and Canberra City – Toe Talatalanoa Ministry Team (2 positions) Yass, Rye Park and Marrumbateman FAR NORTH COAST PRESBYTERY Maclean 70% (ADVERTISED) 26 Insights September 2014

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GEORGES RIVER PRESBYTERY Campsie-Earlwood-Clemton Park Oatley

PARRAMATTA-NEPEAN Quakers Hill

ILLAWARRA PRESBYTERY Dapto

SYDNEY NORTH PRESBYTERY Carlingford Marsden Road 50% (ADVERTISED) Neutral Bay 80% Pittwater

KOREAN Sydney Cheil English Ministry 75% (ADVERTISED) MACQUARIE DARLING PRESBYTERY Broken Hill 50%

SYDNEY PRESBYTERY Wesley Chinese (ADVERTISED)

THE HUNTER PRESBYTERY United Theological College Lectureship in Practical Theology Lectureship in Biblical Studies: Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

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5/09/2014 4:02:05 PM

Belief matters

“On the third day he rose again from the dead”

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ere it is. The turning point of the ages. The mystery of mysteries.

The truth of truths. Dorothy Sayers called it “the only thing that has ever really happened.”

If anyone has come at the third hour, let them feast with thanksgiving. If anyone has arrived at the sixth hour, let them have no misgivings; for they will miss out on nothing.

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead: everything else in the creed radiates from this centre. The church lives from this source. The church pledges itself to this confession. If this isn’t true, then nothing is true. If this didn’t really happen, then the whole of history is one big non-event.

“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Cor 15:17). Without the resurrection there would be no church, no faith, no life, no hope, and no future.

If anyone has delayed until the ninth hour, let them draw near without hesitation. If anyone has arrived even at the eleventh hour, let them not worry because of their lateness. For the Master is gracious and receives the last the same as the first. He gives rest to those who come at the eleventh hour and to those who have laboured from the first hour. He has mercy on the last and cares for the first. To the one he gives, and to the other he is gracious. He accepts the deed and commends the intention.

One Easter Sunday around the end of the fourth century, the Syrian pastor John Chrysostom preached a very short sermon on the resurrection. The preacher begins by inviting the congregation to turn from the sombre fast of Lent to the joyous feast of Easter: If anyone is a devoted lover of God, let them enjoy this beautiful and radiant festival. If anyone is a grateful servant, let them enter rejoicing into the joy of their Lord. If anyone has wearied themselves in fasting, let them now receive recompense.

If anyone has laboured from the first hour, let them today receive the just reward.

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Enter all of you, therefore, into the joy of our Lord! And, whether first or last, receive your reward!

O rich and poor, dance together for joy! O you who are spiritual and you who are lazy, celebrate the day! You who have fasted and you who have ignored the fast, rejoice today! The table is richly laden: feast royally, all of you! The calf is fatted: let no one go away hungry! Let everyone partake of the feast of faith! Let everyone receive the riches of goodness!

Let no one lament their poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed.

Let no one grieve over their sins, for

forgiveness has dawned from the grave.

Let no one fear death, for the Saviour’s death has set us free.

He who was taken by death has annihilated it. He descended into hell and took hell captive. Hell was embittered when it tasted his flesh. Isaiah anticipated this and exclaimed: “Hell was embittered when it encountered You in the lower regions.”

It was embittered, for it was abolished!

It was embittered, for it was mocked! It was embittered, for it was purged! It was embittered, for it was plundered! It was embittered, for it was bound in chains! It took a body and discovered God! It took earth and encountered heaven! It took what it saw, but crumbled before what was unseen!

O death, where is your sting? O hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen, and you are overthrown! Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen! Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice! Christ is risen, and life reigns! Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave!

For Christ, being raised from the dead, has become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To him be glory and might unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Ben Myers is Lecturer in Systematic Theology at United Theological College

Insights September 2014 27

5/09/2014 1:20:29 PM

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28 Insights September 2014

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insights.uca.org.au

5/09/2014 1:20:40 PM

Culture watch What’s behind this film’s mask?

Q

attaching an evocative soundtrack,” he says. According to Adrian if we don’t consider what a film is asking us to feel strongly about, and whether we agree There’s an entire learning style as Christians, we’re more likely to just based on questions called the Socratic passively consume culture rather than Method. The Greek philosopher Socrates maintained that, “Life without examination question it. is not worth living,” and habitually used Does it express or advance questions as a means of testing the my holiness? validity of his friends’ and opponents’ beliefs. The right question often revealed Recently American pastor John Piper the inconsistencies in their philosophies. expressed his thoughts on Christians The same can be said for the worldviews watching the MA15+ HBO series Game proposed by film and television Of Thrones. “In the Bible, from beginning productions. to end, there is a radical call for holiness One of the intrinsic problems is that big – holiness of mind and heart and life.

‘As he who called you is holy, you also be and small screen stories tend to naturally holy in all your conduct.’” There’s more at evade our questions. They are designed, at least on one level, to put your conscious stake than just understanding how much a production agrees with or contradicts thought processes to sleep. the Bible. Has the production helped or So how do we stay aware enough harmed you spiritually? It can only do one to decide whether what we’re hearing or the other. is worth valuing? Be prepared to ask uestions. We learn to ask them almost as soon as we can speak.

Questions are how we learn.

yourself some questions after you’ve finished watching a film or television program. Here are a few helpful ones I’ve collected over the years.

What does this production tell me about God – humanity – right and wrong?

Long before Greg Clarke became the

What about this film moves me? CEO of Bible Society Australia he was a Adrian Drayton is a Christian film critic who is a master at considering the real effects fiction can have. Adrian calls it ‘the phenomenological response’ – the laughter, the tears, the goose bumps.

“Filmmaking technique can manipulate a message through intercutting, editing, insights.uca.org.au

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valued colleague for picking apart popular culture, thanks to questions like: What picture of the world is the production offering? One with God or without – and how is He presented? Is there anything in the film that needs correcting, or defending?

Is this a good film?

Ben McEachen is the former Editor of movie mainstay Empire Magazine and one of the most published film reviewers in Australia. Among other things he wants to encourage Christian readers to remember the medium they’re watching. “Films should be assessed on their merits, as a film endeavour,” he says, noting there’s no point condemning a production because it doesn’t provide the detail a book like the Bible might. “Then, as a Christian, consider your reaction to the film’s subject matter, tone and implications in the light of your belief system.”

Are there bits of broken treasure?

Our Christian culture is often at odds with this world. But I need to remind myself that, as James 1:17, NIV puts it, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…” Healthy father-son relationships? A strong desire for justice?

The Devil didn’t create any of these; everything worth celebrating is from God’s hand. Sin might obscure His masterpiece but I do my readers a favour by pointing out where the Creator’s handiwork shines through. By doing so I can slip under the guard of His creatures, who were designed to agree. And by pointing out where it comes from, I can challenge their worldview as well as prepare my Christian friends to tell the next generation about Jesus.

Mark Hadley Insights September 2014 29

5/09/2014 1:20:58 PM

Entertain me read this BIG SCREEN

press play

The Giver (M) The Giver gives us something different from the current crop of dystopian young adult dramas.

The film begins with a monochrome palette as the setting of this utopian community. The society has eliminated war, pain and suffering, but there is something missing in this seemingly perfect society.

The central character, Jonas (Brenton Thwaites), is given the unique role of ‘Receiver of Memories’. He enters training with a mysterious elder called The Giver (Jeff Bridges). The development of their relationship is the basis for the slow incorporation of colour into the film’s palette that mirrors Jonas’ journey to uncover the truth.

Things are not as they seem within this utopian community, and Jonas begins to understand the realities of the ‘real’ world. The richness that real life brings forth reveals the technicolour that has been missing from society and his life.

Unlike other dystopian sci-fi, the story is more philosophical and provokes the bigger questions of life.

The film has little action and will inevitably suffer from comparison to many of the dystopian films like The Hunger Games. Yet, its thought provoking message makes this film worthwhile for adults and teens.

Russell Matthews 30 Insights September 2014

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The Cuckoo, Gary Crew, (illustrated

by Naomi Turvey) The Cuckoo is a rather odd book; it’s a picture book but the language is not chosen for pre-school children.

In some ways it is a like a spiritual/ fairy story/tale of sacrifice for adults.

Gary Crew’s words are beautiful: ‘Martin’s father was a huge man and his brothers tall as forest gums; their faces handsome as granite sculptures, their muscled limbs a wonder to behold.’ and ‘Because he was so frail of limb, Martin felt closest to the smaller animals: the timid field mice, the garnet-eyed lizards, the cinnamon breasted finches, but most of all he loved the cuckoo that sat alone, day by day, piping its mournful song.’

I liked Naomi Turvey’s use of colour – grey, white, black with touches of light blue which add to the sombreness of the scenes. The pictures are interesting although eerie; some of the images are cruel.

The Cuckoo is definitely not a book for small children.

Katy Gerner

Sunshine on Leith (PG) The film uses the music of the bespectacled Reid brothers (The Proclaimers) to tell the story of two best friends, Davy and Ally, who return home to Edinburgh after a tour of duty in Afghanistan keen to get on with their lives. Ally rekindles a romance, Davy finds a new one, and Davy’s parents, Rab and Jean, prepare to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. But this trio of relationships all hit rocks on the night of Rab and Jean’s big party.

A lot of work has to go into making pre-existing songs fit together in a logical way to tell a story – and this film is no exception. Early on you can sense there is a lot of setup being done, entire subplots are introduced in order for single lines in a song to make sense, and there are moments when things turn quite quickly. But unlike other films which have chosen to make fun of the contrived nature of their narratives by going over the top, Sunshine on Leith retains a downto-earth honesty. These are still real characters telling a largely relatable story.

Keep your eyes peeled early in the film for a quick cameo from Charlie and Craig Reid walking out of a pub during ‘I’m on My Way.’ Sunshine on Leith is an unpretentious and exuberant film, a joyful smile of a movie.

Duncan McLean insights.uca.org.au

5/09/2014 1:21:11 PM

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