Insights Winter 2022 by Insights Magazine

WINT ER 2022

Chaplains

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Discerning the Call

Walking Together Action P lan

THE SYNOD'S COMMITMENT TO WALKING ALONGSIDE FIRST PEOPLES

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Wesley Mission is a part of the Uniting Church in Australia.

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Together let ’s bring hope and renewal to life I

t might be premature to suggest that there seems to be a new spirit abroad since the recent election result. At the very least, however, the new Prime Minister’s acknowledgement of First People and explicit commitment to the Uluru Statement in his acceptance speech on 21 May was as heartening and hopeful as it was surprising.

REV. JANE FRY 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 Uluru Statement is a generous and compassionate invitation for First and Second People to work together for change. In addition, the NSW government has recently announced a commitment to remediate and repair Goat Island in Sydney Harbour prior to returning it to traditional owners in 2026. Finally, the unveiling of bara at Bennelong Point, the fish hook sculpture created by Judy Watson, the fourth project in Sydney’s ‘Eora Journey’.

from their families in 1997. Today, Indigenous children are still over-represented in outof-home care. These circumstances alone make the generosity and compassion of the Uluru Statement all the more remarkable. I’m struck by the courage and conviction (in the sustaining power of culture, community and story) that it must take to sustain hope through ongoing trauma and tragedy.

THESE ARE ALL VERY SMALL GESTURES BUT SO WELCOME AS SYMBOLS OF HOPE AND RENEWAL

This was described by Clover Moore as a reflection of the commitment to ‘rebalancing’ the work of previous Australian governments by ‘developing ways to make the world’s oldest living culture a visible and tangible presence’ in the city. In the overall scheme of things, these are all very small gestures but so welcome as symbols of hope and renewal. Hope is a very fragile thing but especially so for traumatised people and it doesn’t take a great deal of research to uncover similar hopeful commitments that have not actually lived up to or into their original promise. The 1989 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody made 339 recommendations to address the issues that it identified and yet, thirty odd years later, Aboriginal people are still over-represented in the prison population and at least 474 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have died in custody since that Royal Commission. Some of those stories have made headlines. There is also the Bringing Them Home report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

The Uniting Church has made several commitments and statements since it first entered into Covenant with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. In particular, the Preamble to the UCA Constitution and the acknowledgement of Aboriginal sovereignty in the lands we now call home.

These large statements are important milestones in the relationship between the Uniting Church and First People (always noting that the church was often an agent of policies that damaged Aboriginal families and communities). The challenge for every Council (Congregation, Presbytery, Synod) and institution in the Church is to add their own purposeful action to bring the Church’s large commitments to life. Without these small actions, the words are just words. Synod 2021 adopted a Walking Together Action Plan as a resource to enable our actions to fit our words. It is really heartening to see the ways that congregations have used this tool to inform their lives and to respond to the invitation offered to us in the Uluru Statement. Could we match the courage and conviction of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sisters and brothers to make a real difference and bring hope and renewal to life?

FIRST PEOPLES RESOURCES • Walking Together Action Plan tinyurl.com/UCAWTAP • First Nations Resources nswact.uca.org.au/first-nations-resources • Uluru Statement from the Heart ulurustatement.org/the-statement

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From the covenant with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress to the preamble to our constitution, the Uniting Church has long committed itself to walking alongside First Peoples.

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The Uniting Church in Australia is one of the country’s largest denominations. Our vision is that it will be a fellowship of reconciliation, living God’s love, following Jesus Christ and acting for the common good to build a just and compassionate community of faith.

MANAGING EDITOR Adrian Drayton EDITOR Jonathan Foye PRODUCTION/DESIGN Rana Moawad 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. Contents copyright. No material from this publication may be copied, photocopied or transmitted by any means without the permission of the Managing Editor. CIRCULATION: 12,000. ISSN: 1036-7322 Commonwealth of Australia 2020.

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Knowing my place M O D E R ATO R ’S R E F L E C T I O N

" I was born and lived the first stanza of my life on Guringai country; I moved to Dharawal country, as a Youth Worker, while studying as a candidate on Burramattagal country; my first placement was on Wiradjuri country in the west; I then moved to Ngunnawal country in the south; I have lived for the last sixteen years on Gamilaraay country in the north-west, and the Synod Office where I base my work, stands on Gadigal country, part of the Eora nation. "

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

t the 2019 Synod in Session, I learned a formal way of introducing myself and acknowledging country, which is to step out each of the chapters of where I have lived. It helps all those to whom I am paying respect to know my history, and all those by whom I am welcomed to see where my feet have walked. It places me in context; not just my name, but my pilgrimage. It has been an invaluable lesson; about country, about respect. I am learning more about myself.

We need to remember the origin of our hope, and call each other to remember.

The Uniting Church acknowledges that the Church is able to live and endure through the changes of history only because its Lord comes, addresses, and deals with people in and through the news WE NEED of his completed work. [Basis of Union, Para. 4] TO REMEMBER

THE ORIGIN OF OUR HOPE

These weeks are full of acknowledgement and celebration and, might remain only that, if we fail to recall how we arrived where we are. Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week call our attention to our First Nations community and the fraught, costly path we have walked and continue to walk. As we went to print we have marked Reconciliation Week, in worship and school and our community, and we risk only looking at this week, this moment. Neglecting the past is a grave mistake. The wounds people bear cannot be discounted, nor the way we have begun to listen to the stories. Once we have learnt to pay attention, we move to reconcile with each other – seeking forgiveness, which is one of the first signs of justice, hallmarked by hope. Reconciliation Week always dovetails into Pentecost, followed by our Uniting Church anniversary on 22 June. We live in some tensioned space, our Church. The worry of where we are and the fear of where we might be headed; the challenge of the Church’s place in our world, and our role within it. Keep up with the Moderator by following these hashtags on Facebook and Instagram. #moderatorinsession #AllOfThisIsUs

the steps which have brought us here; it is an illusion.

There is a strong inclination to manage our way through this. We are tempted by business models and the language of leadership and review which is caught up in profit and success. We reframe the story which shapes us to suit these fraught times and neglect

I was asked, recently, if I am optimistic; I said no. I told the consultant that I am a person of hope, found solely in Christ. I have no time to waste on optimism.

I do not believe we can manage our way out of the mess in which we find ourselves, whether it is the political playground brawl being decided as I write, or the plethora of other challenges before us – as large as history, and as personal as people’s battles with mental illness, domestic abuse, or addiction. At the recent Assembly, I spoke from the floor for the first time. Part of what I said was, “In this Easter season, the risen, crucified Jesus charges the disciples – no ifs, buts, or maybes – to make disciples. The power of proclamation, the integrity of witness, the wonder of forgiveness are deliberately and directly commanded in the Gospel resurrection stories. How able are we to disciple people? Where is the call to articulate the gospel in such a way, that people are invited in hospitality, into community, into faith, into discipleship – in Jesus Christ?” We must remember who we are, and in whom we belong. We are not called to save the church, the world, or anyone; we are called to bear witness to the One who has saved history and creation, and to invite people to follow, with us, in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. May the Spirit at Pentecost, and every day, breathe new life into you, and your community of faith.

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PALM SUNDAY RALLY FOR REFUGEES, GAREMA PLACE, CANBERRA The Palm Sunday Rally in Canberra was a gathering of many different groups including many local churches wanting to show their concern for Australia’s treatment of refugees over the last 20 years, especially those in off shore and on shore detention. The treatment of so many legitimate asylum seekers, fleeing for their lives, only to find extensive imprisonment and bureaucratic and political intransigence, has been a stain on our country. Many churches led the rally, including the Kippax, North Belconnen, Tuggeranong, Woden, and City Uniting Churches.

Multiple cries of shame, shame reverberated through the large gathering as the speakers identified the travesties of our federal policies and our contravention of United Nations conventions. Our faith and the workings of the Spirit – within and beyond our churches, compelled us to take this journey, as Jesus did, to challenge injustice. The speakers included those who had suffered from our policies, as well as known, brave advocates for asylum seekers. • Shabnam Safa: Chair National Refugee-led Advisory and Advocacy Group (NRAAG) • Asher Hirsch: Refugee Council of Australia • Dr Claire Loughnan: University of Melbourne • Abbas Nazari: Author of After the Tampa (Tampa refugee 2001 and Fulbright Scholar) MARY WOODHOUSE NORTH BELCONNEN UNITING CHURCH

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IN RESPONSE TO PEOPLE ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM AND THE CHURCH It’s great to see an article on better inclusion of autistic people in the church (or anywhere for that matter). It’s great practice that you have engaged with autistic people in writing the article, as much written on autistic people from a neurotypical perspective falls short. I’m loving seeing people connecting in the comments! It can be really helpful to frame the conversation about inclusion around the broader category of neurodivergence – which includes autism, but also a range of other different brain types such as ADHD, PDA, dyslexia, personality disorders, PTSD and CPTSD.

it’s important when referring to Hans Asperger to mention that he was a Nazi collaborator and sent people with disability to be euthanised. It’s very important to consider the sources of information about autism as many are controversial to autistic people.

IT CAN BE REALLY HELPFUL TO FRAME THE CONVERSATION ABOUT INCLUSION AROUND THE BROADER CATEGORY OF NEURODIVERGENCE

Encouraging everyone to have a better understanding of how the nervous system functions, tuning into the connection between sensory experience and preferred religious style and practice, and communication differences/disability (an AAC confident church would be amazing!), can be life changing and really shift one’s perspective on how to make safe, inclusive spaces.

The widely promoted Autism Speaks organisation, who have a ‘light it up in blue’ campaign, are considered by many autistics to promote hate speech against autistic people. Look for authorship that is ‘actually autistic’ as much as possible, and research that is conducted with the full involvement and oversight of autistic people. RE NE E MCLEAN

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Climate forum hears Pacifika voices On Wednesday, 27 April, members of the Uniting Church gathered to call on political leaders to act on climate change, sharing their stories of how Pacifika people were affected by climate disasters. Rev. Alimoni Taumoepeau was one of the event’s organisers. He said that some political leaders had already given commitments to continue to meet on the issue. Representatives of local congregations were in attendance as well as Samoan, Tongan, Tuvaluan, and Fijian representatives. Chris Bowen, shadow minister for climate change and Energy was the guest.

Mr Bowen committed to report annually to parliament on climate change policy, as well as to meet once a year with representatives from the Uniting Church’s Pacifika community. Mr Bowen noted that it was his twelfth speech that day.

The audience heard stories from Pacifika people who had personal experiences of climate change. Rev. James Bhagwan is the General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches. Rev. Bhagwan sent a video message on behalf of the conference.

HOW WILL YOU CONSIDER YOUR ROLE AS A MEMBER OF THE PACIFIC FA M I LY ?

Other party representatives were invited, Rev. Taumoepeau noted. Some empty chairs on the stage showed, “the other parties that weren’t here…but we want to open their chairs.” The Ron Mulock room, capacity 350, was full. The event also streamed online. Less than a month to go before the election, the forum took place WE ARE THE BODY during a busy time in the life of the campaign, making it more difficult to Moderator elect Mata Havea Hiliau obtain guests. welcomed attendees to the forum and provided the theological input for the ALBANESE OUTLINES evening. OPPOSITION CLIMATE

POLICIES

“Your presence tonight speaks volumes While Rev. Taumoepeau mentioned about our need to be here tonight.” the need to gain bipartisan support, Rev. Havea Hilau noted that she was Mr Bowen gave the night its most a Pacifika woman by birth who had partisan contribution. experience of living in a place affected Mr Bowen also answered questions by climate disasters, as well as of extreme heat and drought. from the audience. On climate change mitigation through “Climate justice is important,” she said. Australia’s foreign policy, he “I want us to spare a thought for those noted that Australia had already committed to a climate change relief who could not afford a fan, let alone air conditioning.” fund.

He said that the conversation regarding climate change had shifted in the pacific. “The reality is, we consider a lack of political will from our largest neighbour…Australia,” he said. “So the question is, how will you consider your role as a member of the Pacific family?” Dr Michelle Lee Locke from Western Sydney University conducted the welcome to country. The event was a joint effort between the NSW and ACT Synod, Uniting, and the Sydney Alliance. JONATHAN FOYE

He noted an earlier pledge that an Albanese Labor government would increase aid to the pacific by $500 million.

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Manas Ghosh Named community fellow by Western Sydney University

At a Graduation ceremony on 16 December 2021, Rev. Dr Manas Ghosh was conferred the title of Community Fellow, in ‘Recognition of his contribution to Social Justice, Peace, and Harmony in Western Sydney’. He was also asked to present the Occasional Address at the Graduation Ceremony. “It was unexpected and I was totally surprised,” Rev. Dr Ghosh said. “I felt both honoured and humbled and I thank God for it and dedicate this honour to him and share the honour with my colleagues and fellow pilgrims for their love, prayers, help, support and encouragement.”

entering into discussions and sharing meals with them; involving different faith communities to Parramatta Mission’s charitable works.” “All these initiatives brought the community together and helped forge friendly relationships.”

“I also worked with migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, visiting them at “When I found that I have also been Villawood Detention Centre and helping asked to give the Occasional Address them settle in this new country once at the Graduation Ceremony and was they were released to live in community. informed that the previous speakers Worked with groups in Western Sydney included the Governors and Premiers against domestic violence.” of NSW, and famous sports I FELT BOTH In 2015 when Australia witnessed personality like the first terrorist act in Parramatta, HONOURED Ian Thorpe, I Leigh Memorial Uniting Church was nervous. AND HUMBLED worked to build closer ties with Anyway, it AND I THANK the Parramatta Mosque to diffuse was a great GOD FOR IT tension and build up harmony. privilege and Dr Ghosh said he had many pleasure, and AND DEDICATE Rev. meetings with then-President again I felt THIS HONOUR of the Mosque, the late Neil El honoured and TO HIM Kadomi, and had coffee with humbled to be him outside coffee shops so the asked to give the address.” community could see that they were friends. The award was given in, “Recognition of my contribution to Social Justice, Peace According to Rev. Dr Ghosh, faith and Harmony in Western Sydney,” he organisations including Hindu, Sai said. Group, Islamic Schools, and an Islamic Charity Organisation have visited Leigh “During my ministry at Leigh Memorial Memorial and worked with the church’ Church in Parramatta, which is a program, offering practical help to help vibrant multicultural and multireligious the homeless and the poor. city, I exploited every opportunity to build relationship with people from all When Western Sydney University cultures, all faiths and no faith through opened its Parramatta City Campus, many initiatives like the International Leigh Memorial Uniting Church was the Day of Peace Services, Community closest church, building the relationship Peace Dinners celebrating Christmas, with the university. Remembrance Services whenever there was a tragedy of mass killing by “Besides chaplaincy work by Rev. Dr terrorists and natural disaster (Terrorist Amelia Koh Butler, as the Minister of attacks in Paris, Christchurch, Colombo; Leigh Memorial we offered spiritual/ Bushfire in NSW etc.), visitation of pastoral care and practical help to places of worship of other faiths and many students especially migrant and other Christian denominations and overseas students,” Rev. Dr Ghosh said.

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“We had the great joy of having the Chancellor of the university as the keynote speaker at one of our International Day of Peace services. Students and academics form the university have also participated in Peace Services.” “We also organised Iftar Dinner and the Abraham Conference in the university’s auditorium. This relationship helped the Parramatta Mission in receiving a carload of Christmas gifts from the university one year for needy families and children.” “It has been a great pleasure to serve as the minister of Leigh Memorial Church and thus being able to serve the wonderful community of western Sydney for God’s glory. Working with people from other faiths have given me great opportunities to share the good news of Jesus’ love, hope, inclusion and acceptance on several occasions to different faith groups.” “My joy knew no bounds when I was asked to give a Christian message of love to about five thousand Sikh people in Pyrmont Park, Sydney at the celebration of the 500th Anniversary of Guru Nanak, the Founder of Sikh religion; and in 2020 during COVID I was asked to give an Easter message on “Hope” by Sai group, which was aired in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.” JONATHAN FOYE

Keynote Speakers

John Brogden AM

In-Person and Online Tickets now available

Dr Deidre Palmer

31 August - 2 September 2022 | Wesley Conference Centre, Sydney Uniting and the Synod of NSW & ACT bring you the first annual Soul Care conference. Join us for 3 days focusing on pastoral care and leading-edge thinking exploring areas such as chaplaincy, supervision, community outreach, disaster recovery, grief, trauma and mental health. WORKSHOPS | PANELS | SPEAKERS | CHAPLAINCY | MEDITATION & MORE Scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/soulcare2022 for more information.

Multi-Faith Centre dedicated at CSU Port Macquarie ON WEDNESDAY 16 MARCH, CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY HELD A DEDICATION FOR THE PORT MACQUARIE CAMPUS’ NEW MUTLI FAITH ROOM.

“That’s been really a significant part of my he room is available to all students and staff on the campus for worship, ministry is the continuous relationship with them.” prayer, meditation, and reflection.

The use of the room is overseen by university chaplains. Uniting Church Chaplain Rev. Tau’alofa Anga’aelangi has been involved in ministry at the campus for the past two years. Rev Anga’aelangi arranged the dedication service as well as the preparation of the protocols for use of the room.

“It was a beautiful day,” Rev. Anga’aelangi said. “The most exciting thing I’ve done in my role.”

Emeritus Professor Ross Chambers gave the dedication address. Professor Chambers was formerly the Deputy ViceChancellor (Academic) at CSU and is the current chair of the Port Macquarie Uniting Church Council. Professor Chambers stressed how important and valuable it was for people to feel safe to bring their beliefs and values into the shared space of a university campus.

Rev. Anga’aelangi told Insights that the space had proven to be an important one in the life of the campus.

REV. TAU’ALOFA ANGA’AELANGI, DR ROSS CHAMBERS, JESSI MERVYN-JONES, TONY WOOD, REV. CHERIE STRUDWICK , REV. STEVE LARKINS, AND REV. JANET DAWSON.

“Respectful listening and dialogue would lead not only to a greater understanding of each other but also to a greater “That’s part of my role, to create that understanding of our shared humanity space ensuring that it is safe for those students and making sure that they know and a shared commitment to the common good,” he said. that that’s there.”

“We [were joined] by a group of students from the indigenous centre and also the coordinator,” Rev. Anga’aelangi said.

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“The ready acceptance by CSU of the proposal for a prayer room reflects the long-standing commitment of the University to dialogue and inclusiveness and to an ethos where expressions of faith and deeply held beliefs are welcome. Respectful encounters and exploring how to live in a diverse society are regarded as important elements in the university experience.”

Professor Peter Walker, the Principal of UTC, and Dr Mahsheed Ansari, from the School of Islamic Studies, jointly teach a subject in dialogue which is available in UTC’s programs as well as in the Islamic programs.

“What we mean by exploring is to touch upon “The indigenous Wiradjuri phrase which is highly valued at CSU “Yindyamarra winhanganha meaning the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in.””

The dedication featured prayers and readings from Christian and Muslim communities and the lighting of a “multifaith candle”.

“The prayer room reflects a strong practice of inter-faith dialogue and cooperation in the Port community,” Professor Chambers said.

CSU is home to a School of Theology (of which UTC is a member) and a School of Islamic Studies. It also has a research centre committed to Christian-Muslim dialogue.

“The new CSU multifaith space, is committed to welcoming different faith communities to gather and explore their commonalities and differences,” she said.

“My hope for the Multifaith space is for communities to recognise diversity in thinking and belief is a gift, which brings a richness to the way we live and nurtures all of us to be in dialogue with each other.”

the wider community, including other churches and the local Anglican and Catholic schools.

The dedicated multi fiath room on campus came about after the Muslim community in Port Macquarie and Port Macquarie Uniting Church approached the university. The Muslim community and Port Macquarie Uniting Church have hosted dialogue events and community Iftar dinners, which have been supported by

Rev. Anga’aelangi said that the CSU chaplaincy team would appreciate ongoing prayer. “We have a lot of international students who struggle, and have been struggling with COVID,” she said. “There is an ongoing struggle to find accommodation. I think some are still couch surfing.” “It’s great to see the church investing in tertiary ministry.” JONATHAN FOYE

Charles Sturt University Port Macquarie’s multifaith prayer room is located in Building 802.

THE 16TH ASSEMBLY MEETING WRAPPED UP ON THE SUNSHINE COAST ON MONDAY AFTERNOON AFTER FOUR DAYS OF JOYFUL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY, WORSHIP, PRAYER AND DISCERNING THE WILL OF GOD. Over four days from 6-9 May, 200 members from around the country came together on the lands of the Gubbi Gubbi people to continue the business of the triennial meeting which first met online in July last year.

ne of the most significant moments of the meeting was a historic renewal of the Covenant between the Uniting Church in Australia and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. Members were led each day in worship by Assembly Worship Coordinator Megan Laurie-Thomson. Dominic Chan, Steve Drinkall, Michael Mann, and Rev. Radhika Sukumar-White formed the Assembly band. Across the meeting the many diverse languages of God’s people were heard. At the beginning of each day members acknowledged the lands they were on in the language of the Gubbi Gubbi people. The Northern Synod led singing in Kriol and Yolŋu Matha. As part of the Bible Studies led by students at Nungalinya College, the Bible was read in 11 First Nations languages. Prayers were offered at other times in Fijian, Dinka, Korean, and Tongan. Several important decisions arose from the careful

The Assembly Standing Committee was tasked in another resolution with The Assembly acknowledged preparing resources to support all that had been done for and educate the Church in the Act2 Project, affirmed preventing harm from Sexual its importance and urgency Orientation and Gender Identity and resolved to continue this Change Efforts (often referred work. It was resolved that the to as ‘conversion therapy’). Assembly invite the whole Church including the Synods In its final business session, the Assembly agreed to a and UAICC to work together proposal seeking to deepen the in progressing. Further work on Act2 will return to the 17th Uniting Church’s commitment Assembly. listening and discernment of the meeting.

The Assembly adopted a proposal to “listen anew for words of continuing witnesses from recent and contemporary contexts” through engagement with three documents from other churches.

to living faith and life interculturally in a range of ways including a new annual Sunday of celebration, ‘Intercultural Neighbouring Sunday’. The 17th Assembly will take place in 2024 and will be hosted by the Synod of NSW and ACT

ACROSS THE MEETING THE MANY DIVERSE LANGUAGES OF GOD’S PEOPLE WERE HEARD

A resolution on climate justice commits the Church to take seriously the voices and wisdom of First Peoples on climate change and care of creation and calls on the Councils and agencies of the Church to join with the Assembly in committing to net zero emissions by 2040. Another prioritises ageing and aged care advocacy to ensure the dignity and care of older Australians. Assembly members acknowledged with joy and expressed deep gratitude for the ministry of the diaconate within the Uniting Church in Australia, noting the 30th anniversary of the renewal of this ministry.

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NEWS FROM UNITING CHURCH A D U LT F E L L O W S H I P ( U C A F )

Finally, after a long break Rallies and Gatherings are being held. Macquarie Darling Presbytery held a special Zoom Rally at Broken Hill and featured a special visit to School of the Air. At the end of May, Illawarra Presbytery gathered at Kiama Uniting Church for their Fellowship Day. The Special Speaker was Mark Matthews from the local ABC Radio Station and the Synod team showed a Power Point with information on the Committee and what they do. Hunter Presbytery will hold its Rally on Tuesday 6 September at Hamilton Uniting Church. Jon Owen, Pastor and CEO of the Wayside Chapel Kings Cross is the special guest. Interesting information has come to light after Illawarra Presbytery asked for details about a piece of Tapa cloth. A 50 section Tapa cloth was a gift to the women of the Uniting Church in Australia from Queen

Fellowship News

Halaevalu Mata’ako in Tonga in Melbourne in 1984 at a Pacific Area Seminar. The metre cloth was divided and a piece presented to each Synod Adult Fellowship Committee by the National Adult Fellowship Committee. In 1992, the NSW Synod Committee divided their piece, and each Presbytery Adult Fellowship Committee was given a piece.

STAMP COMMITTEE

The Stamp Committee continues to accept stamps so please continue to save. Grants will be available for Churches and their activities later in 2022.

APPRECIATION CERTIFICATES

Appreciation Certificates are still being sent out to Congregations by Secretary Laraine Jones. If you have 80,90- or 100-year old's who have been active in your Fellowships and church communities, please let Laraine know and certificates can be arranged. They have made a significant impact on so many and over 600 have gone to recipients.

The close of the NSW State Unit of Australian Church Women was held on 16 May at St Stephens Uniting Church Macquarie Street, the church where the group held their first service in 1938. Special speaker was Commissioner Jan Condon of the Salvation Army, and many churches The UCAF Synod Committee were represented. Guests enjoyed a light lunch following continue to meet by Zoom with plans to hold a third prepared by the St Stephens “Think Tank” in October a twocatering team. This team day event where innovative serves breakfast Monday to ideas and plans are Friday to homeless in the city deliberated. Zoom meetings and had fed over 100 that have allowed some of our morning. Presbytery contacts to far from Sydney to join in.

Orange Uniting Church recently celebrated the opening of their renovated interior and restoration of the Church spire part of Heritage Conservation Works. Cowra Uniting Church combined with Berowra Uniting Church to hold a very successful Lego Exhibition. Proceeds went to the Flying Padre of Broken Hill appeal.

RALLIES AND GATHERINGS:

Hunter Presbytery Tuesday 6 September at Hamilton Uniting Church Paramatta Nepean Presbytery Saturday 22 October at Grantham Heights Macquarie Darling Presbytery 29 to 30 October

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

SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP

1-3 JULY 2022

PROTEST/RESISTANCE & RADICAL DISCIPLESHIP Keynote speakers: . Dr Pattel-Gray is an Australia First Nations theologian, leader, author, activist, and Head of Australia First Nations Program at World Vision Australia. . Dr McRandal is a theologian, and the Director of The Cooperative, a centre for public theology in Brisbane. The conference is a multiple-day theological ‘school’. The annual conference returns as an in-person event after being disrupted by COVID-19.

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Venue:

Centre for Ministry

16 Masons Dr |North Parramatta Due to the Centre’s limited accommodation, attendees will have the option of staying in a nearby hotel or making their own bookings.

For more information and to register visit the official Facebook page:

tinyurl.com/sodjuly22

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“Since we listed with Vennu, it has raised awareness of our properties with a wider demographic and range of activities. We have five community spaces that are very well used and Vennu has helped with the advertising, booking, insurance and organisation of these spaces.”

Janet Brentnall - Berry Uniting Church

Walking Together From the covenant with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress to the preamble to our constitution, the Uniting Church has long committed itself to walking alongside First Peoples. Recent Synod meetings reaffirmed this commitment. This issue, we hear from Nathan Tyson about the initiatives that the Church is committed to for the current, three-year period. We also hear about what the broader Uniting Church is doing to live out our commitments and from Uniting Church schools and their many First People’s initiatives.

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N AT H A N T YS O N

ACTION PLAN 2021-2023

The Walking Together In August 2021 the Synod of NSW and the ACT approved the inaugural Walking Together Action Plan 2021-2023 (“The WTAP”). The purpose of the WTAP is to provide a range of practical actions that can be taken across the Synod to support and continue to build relationships with Australia’s First Peoples. Of course, all plans are only as good as the actions they inspire… so see below some of the things we have been doing to bring to life our commitments in the WTA. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out you can view a copy of the WTAP here:

tinyurl.com/ wtap2021-2023

ACTION PL AN 2021-2023

FIRST NATIONS RESOURCES

The Synod has developed a First Nations Resources (FNR) page on the Synod website, that can be accessed via: nswact.uca.org.au/first-nationsresources The FNR page contains links to a range of resources, including the WTAP, the Covenant Statement, other Assembly and Synod resources relating to First Peoples, a link to Supply Nation (to find Aboriginal businesses for procurement purposes), and information about how to obtain a UAICC Covenant Banner for your Church or workplace. The resources available on the FNR page are updated regularly. If you find any electronic resources that would be useful to include on the FNR page please email the relevant link to: NathanT@nswact.uca.org.au

PROMOTING WALKING TOGETHER, THE 1994 COVENANT STATEMENT, AND RELATED RESOURCES

Over the last 18 months Nathan Tyson, the Synod’s Manager, First Peoples Strategy and Engagement (FPS&E), has met with many Congregations, Presbyteries and groups across our Synod, and has spoken at a number of forums such as the Healthy Church Expo, the Voice, Treaty, Truth forum hosted by Social Justice Committee of The Hunter Presbytery of the Uniting Church, and The Grail Australia women’s network. A number of these presentations are available to view online. Nathan has preached at several Sunday services, including at St Stephen’s, Pitt St, Bowral, Berry/Kiama, Willoughby, and Eastwood, encouraging congregations to reflect on the Good Samaritan story and what it means to “love your neighbour” in the Australian context of the colonisation of First Peoples and the colonial legacies that continue to impact First Peoples today.

Nathan spoke at the Faith and Politics forum hosted by UME and the Uniting Earth Climate Action Network, and has given presentations to various groups including our Uniting Venues staff, and the Board and staff of Uniting Financial Services. Nathan has also run an education session for Phase 2 Ministry Candidates at Uniting Theological College, and will be running two more sessions with these candidates on topics such as Covenanting and First Peoples’ history and perspectives. Similar sessions with Phase 3 Ministry Candidates are planned to commence in the near future. If you would like to organise for the Synod’s Manager, First Peoples Strategy and Engagement to speak with your congregation or group contact Nathan on 0474 908 460, or via email: NathanT@nswact.uca.org.au

STRENGTHENING SUPPORT FOR UAICC MINISTRY CENTRES

Through a collaborative process, the Synod has developed an MOU between the Synod, the Macquarie Darling Presbytery, the NSW UAICC Task Group and the UAICC Ministry Centres in Wellington, Condobolin, and Broken Hill.

The MOU clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the parties, with the aim of ensuring the UAICC Ministry Centres receive appropriate ongoing support from the Synod, the Presbytery and the NSW UAICC Task Group (currently operating in lieu of the NSW/ACT UAICC Regional Committee).

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Walking Together

THE SALTBUSH STORY

ACTION PLAN 2021-2023

A GUIDE TO ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPING TRUST RELATIONSHIPS

A Guide to Aboriginal Community Engagement and Developing Trust Relationships has been produced and is available via the First Nations Resources website, or this link: tinyurl.com/UCAGuideAboriginalEngagement

FIRST PEOPLES THEOLOGICAL STUDY SCHOLARSHIP

The Synod has developed and launched the First Peoples Theological Study Scholarship. The Manager, FPS&E has also been appointed to Uniting Mission and Education’s Scholarships Committee. Details about the Scholarship can be found here: tinyurl.com/FPTheologicalScholarship The First Peoples Theological Study Scholarship was advertised in the Koori Mail (both hard copy and on-line versions) in early 2022, and via other relevant networks, for applications to study in 2022. As yet the Scholarships Committee has not received any applications for the Scholarship, so please promote the Scholarship through your networks.

THE SYNOD ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THERE ARE VARYING VIEWS ACROSS FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES, AND THAT ULTIMATELY FIRST NATIONS PEOPLES HAVE THE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINE THEIR OWN FUTURES

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THE STATEMENT FROM THE HEART (VOICE, TREATY, TRUTH)

The Synod continues to promote the aspirations of the Statement from the Heart – namely a Constitutionally enshrined and effective First Peoples’ Voice to Parliament, the development of a Treaty (and/or Treaties) between the Australian Government and First Nations, and the establishment of a Makarrata (or “Truth Telling”) Commission. The Synod acknowledges that there are varying views on these aspirations across First Nations communities, and that ultimately First Nations peoples have the right to selfdetermine their own futures.

The Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania has developed a Study Guide on the Statement from the Heart, which is available here: justact.org.au/first-people/actions The Anglican Board of Mission has also produced a Statement from the Heart study resource, available here: tinyurl.com/abmissionstudyresource

ABORIGINAL CULTURAL COMPETENCY TRAINING MODULES FOR ALL SYNOD EMPLOYEES

The Synod provides three Aboriginal Cultural Competency online modules via the Learning Management System (LMS). The modules, produced by Aboriginal owned company Corporate Culcha, are an engaging mix of animation, historic footage and graphics. All Synod employees are required to complete these modules to ensure they have a foundational understanding of Aboriginal histories, issues, and perspectives. Synod employees can access the modules here: tinyurl.com/unitinglearning

2022 SURVIVAL DAY MARCH IN SYDNEY

As part of our advocacy for justice for First Peoples, about 30 people from Uniting Church congregations and Uniting showed our solidarity with First Peoples through attending the Survival Day rally and march from Town Hall to Victoria Park (Broadway) in Sydney on 26 January 2022. This was a great turn out given Covid understandably kept many from being able to attend. Hopefully this participation will be an annual event and we will see greater numbers in attendance in 2023.

FIRST PEOPLES NETWORK (UNITINGCARE AUSTRALIA)

UnitingCare Australia is providing Secretariate support for the First Peoples Network, including First Peoples representatives from the UAICC, Uniting Church Synods, and Uniting Agencies across Australia. The First Peoples Network will be a source of advice for Uniting Care Australia (and potentially other Church agencies) in relation to First Peoples’ activities and initiatives, for example national advocacy priorities. The Synod’s Manager (FPS&E) is a member of the Working Group of the First Peoples Network. NATHAN T YSON

MANAGER - FIRST PEOPLES STR ATEGY AND ENGAGEMENT FOR THE SYNOD OF NSW AND ACT

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Schools actively engaging with

First Peoples WE ARE PROUD OF THE WAY UNITING CHURCH SCHOOLS HAVE EMBRACED FIRST NATIONS STUDENTS AND THE WORK THEY ARE DOING. TWO EXAMPLES ARE KINROSS-WOLOROI SCHOOL AT ORANGE AND PYMBLE LADIES COLLEGE KINROSS-WOLAROI SCHOOL in Orange, in keeping with its Uniting Church ethos, has a long-standing history of welcoming First Nations students and are committed to closing the gap in educational outcomes, opportunities, and enhancing the experience and knowledge of the whole school community.

academic goals. This is a combination of one-to-one support and online specialist tutoring. The First Nations support worker and Head of First Nations program provides support, feedback, and assistance as required. The implementation of the Wiradjuri Language and Culture program has been a huge success and is well supported and encouraged in the Junior School. The program is a mix of language, art, dance and history and is embedded in the Junior School curriculum.

An Acknowledgement of Country or a Welcome to Country is standard practice, usually done by a student Prefect or a senior member of staff. Wiradjuri language is used where The Head of First Nations and a support worker provide possible, and a number of students are comfortable to assistance and staff professional learning conduct an acknowledgement class teachers. Some outcomes include in traditional language. NAIDOC THE AIM IS TO to presentations and discussions around week, Reconciliation week, ANZAC PROMOTE ACCEPTANCE, how First Nations culture is included in Day and other significant dates UNDERSTANDING AND the teaching and learning curriculum. A in the calendar are celebrated Action Plan (RAP) is being and acknowledged and included THE VALUE OF DIVERSITY Reconciliation formulated throughout the School that will in the teaching and learning. The closely link to the ‘Walking Together Action School has a major role to play in Plan’ passed by Synod in 2021. This involves the teaching the NAIDOC week celebrations that take place in Orange. staff, community and students and will demonstrate the Reconciliation Week is a focus of learning programs, and the School’s commitment to Reconciliation. school embraces the annual Indigenous Round on the Rugby calendar. These significant dates are celebrated through sport, The School offers bursaries and scholarships to Indigenous dance, art and culture. students, It has a close working relationship with the notThe aim is to engage as much as possible with the Wiradjuri locals within Orange and through immersion, teach culture and promote acceptance, understanding and the value of diversity. Wiradjuri knowledge and understanding is promoted and celebrated through art workshops with First Nations people, cultural walks and learning on Country, tours and exploring of traditional sites including men’s and women’s spots. Invited First Nations people also to talk and present in a range of learning areas. In an innovative program the School has introduced Wiradjuri Language and Culture Classes, headed by an experienced Wiradjuri staff member and member of the Orange NAIDOC committee. We understand that Kinross-Wolaroi is amongst only a handful of schools that offer such classes. The school promotes employment opportunities and a number of staff members identify as indigenous. The School has priority areas relating to First Nations Education, providing excellent educational outcomes in promoting culture, understanding and community involvement. These are a major focus for our First Nations students and are key priority areas as a School. We have qualified Academic Tutors who assist students reach their

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for-profit organisation, Yalari who also offer bursaries and scholarships to applicants sourced through their network. There are 21 students who benefit from either school or Yalari fee reductions: 10 Yalari Scholarships and 11 School Bursaries.

As can be seen in the photographs, on graduation at the end of Year 12, First Nations students receive a skin. On one half of the underside is an indigenous drawing depicting their life journey to that point. Half is left blank for them to complete as they move into their future. First Nations students are supported by the Head of First Nations, The First Nations support worker and a Yalari support worker. These staff provide academic, social and emotional support for all students who identify as Indigenous. Uniforms, stationery and textbooks are supplied to all First Nations students and every effort is made to assist and provide the tools and opportunities for these students to flourish within at Kinross Wolaroi School, and ultimately the wider community. STUART BOLLOM

DIRECTOR OF MISSION (SCHOOLS) SYNOD OF NSW AND THE ACT Information for this story was provided by KWS Mission and Ministry Report 2022

Pymble has ensured our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) In 2021, PYMBLE LADIES COLLEGE marked the committee includes representatives across all areas of the fourteenth year of our First Nations Program, eleven of which College (including ministry) and continues to build cultural have been in partnership with the Australian Indigenous awareness, understanding, and change. Education Foundation (AIEF). The program continues to thrive and is well supported by the Pymble community. The program A highlight on the College’s events calendar for our wider reflects the Uniting Church commitment to engagement with community is Pymble’s annual Indigenous Round of Sport, First Nations Peoples and recognises the inestimable value of with First Nations speakers and students expressing First Nations and non-First Nations girls sharing an educational culture through stories, ceremonies, and dance. The school opportunity to leave the College as also participated in the Indigenous Education influential and compassionate young THE SOCIAL Forum, a collaboration between UTS women who contribute meaningfully INTELLIGENCE Jumbunna and eight independent schools to their local and global communities. In 2021, there were 21 First Nations PILLAR SPEAKS focused on contributing to systemic changes. a Uniting Church College, we acknowledge students on AIEF Scholarships at Pymble. TO OUR As Invasion Day, Sorry Day, Reconciliation Pymble’s Strategic Direction for 2021ONGOING Week, and NAIDOC Week. Liturgies in 2030, Watch Us Change the World, COMMITMENT Chapel services are woven around the focuses on building our students’ story of colonialism and the stolen TO EMBRACING Australian Academic, Emotional, Social and Digital sovereignty of First Nations people. UCA Intelligences. The Social Intelligence DIVERSITY AS Assembly and Common Grace resources are pillar speaks to our ongoing commitment THE PATH TO used for Chapel, with First Nations students to embracing ‘Diversity as the path to UNITY leading these services. unity’ by learning from people of all Our Chaplains, Rev. Lorenzo Rodríguez backgrounds, including our First Nations Torres and Rev Punam Bent, work with staff in building Australians. Strategic intents stemming from this pillar include relationships with our First Nations students on a pastoral sharing stories of culture and diversity and embedding First level, holding conversations about home and culture and Nations perspectives into the curriculum and classroom encouraging them to acknowledge Country and share their practices. background of Country. This work is an ongoing relationship The extended lockdown at the start of the pandemic was through which we learn and grow with each other. challenging, especially for First Nations students. To support KE LLY MANCEY them, the College provided dongles to assist with poor internet DIRECTOR COMMUNIT Y ENGAGEMENT AND ADVANCEMENT speeds and sent wellbeing packages to students. Most PYMBLE L ADIES COLLEGE importantly, Pymble also facilitated regular check-ins, via staff, teachers, and mentors. The College has made significant advancements towards growing our Social Intelligence and cultural fluency in relation to First Nations People, perspective and history. As a priority, we appointed a First Nations person as Indigenous Student Co-ordinator and an AIEF Pymble graduate to assist in the Boarding Houses. The College has also incorporated an Acknowledgement of Country into all Chapel services, events and activities, and on each page of the College website. The increase of cultural symbols around campus includes a future mural at our new café, proposed sandstone carving at gate, First Nations Garden/Yarning Circle, an inclusive Chapel altar and additions to the College email banner. From a learning point of view, the school has introduced Aboriginal Studies to the curriculum in Stage 5 (2021) and Stage 6 in 2022 and Professional Learning (PL) in Cultural Understanding in 2022 has been provided for staff. The College encourages the use of ‘First Nations’ over ‘Indigenous’, which was highlighted in a name change from ISP to First Nations Scholarship Program in 2021.

KINROSS-WOLAROI WIRADJURI LESSON

KINROSS-WOLAROI YEAR 12 GRADUATION

LAURA COLE PHOTOGRAPHY

21 FIRST NATIONS STUDENTS ON AIEF SCHOLARSHIPS AT PLC

KINROSS-WOLAROI DANCE GROUP

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AN EXTRAORDINARY LEVEL OF LOSS AND HARDSHIP

THE FLOOD EVENTS OF FEBRUARY AND MARCH THIS YEAR HAVE CAUSED AN EXTRAORDINARY LEVEL OF LOSS AND HARDSHIP FOR RESIDENTS OF NORTHERN NSW AND THE HAWKESBURY.

ismore’s record flood level of 14.37 metres saw four deaths and thousands of people made homeless overnight. The recovery was complicated by a second flood event which brought a fresh level of trauma to the residents of the area. Many small communities beyond Lismore were also heavily affected by the breadth of this disaster.

From the first, the Uniting Church has been both affected and engaged in this event. The Lismore Uniting Church (with the Lismore Regional Mission) had metres of water run through the property. Coraki Uniting Church, with the community cut off by floodwater, became the evacuation centre for the community, surrounded by tents as people sought to shelter from the rising water.

REV. STEPHEN ROBINSON SURVEYING THE DAMAGE IN LISMORE, NSW

(VCC-Emergencies Ministries) were deployed to join our teams, working beside our DRCN chaplains. This was vital, given the high level of need”. Some chaplains returned for a second or third deployment of a week during this time. All this as unpaid volunteers.

The NSW Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network (DRCN) is an ecumenical and multifaith ministry of the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and ACT which was The chaplaincy deployments were created in 2008 to work within the NSW well supported by volunteers arrangements for disaster welfare. The and staff of the DRCN and the network now incorporates 360 chaplains secretariat and finance staff of the from 16 different denominations and Synod which spent hours facilitating faith groups. Over the flood emergency deployments and reimbursements 71 chaplains were deployed into for the chaplains in the field. evacuation centres and recovery centres in flood affected areas, most of these in “Chaplains provide a sense of calm and comfort in the midst the northern rivers area. Local chaplains of the chaos, working beside were heavily engaged and nearly other community partners, Red exhausted, caring for people having Cross, The Salvation Army and endured such a high level of trauma. Anglicare (each with their own roles) Many people were arriving at evacuation under the oversight of Resilience centres quite traumatised having been NSW. Chaplains also support the picked up from the rooves of their volunteers and agency workers, as houses. “Out of area teams were brought many of them are also personally in from Sydney, Newcastle, South and emotionally affected by the and Mid North Coast and Canberra, flooding.” and – in an interstate first – four deployments of chaplains from Victoria

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recognising that chaplains have the The role of chaplaincy is ability to calm people and listen to them challenging, but changes with empathy, in a context of shortages lives. “One chaplain told me of other services.” of meeting a woman in the recovery centre carpark. She “Eight weeks after the floods, the last had come there four times deployment of chaplains from beyond but not been able to the area returned home and we bring herself to are now transitioning to the enter the centre. difficult but necessary step She never CHAPLAINS of local churches taking the thought she PROVIDE A full weight of pastoral care.” would need SENSE OF CALM help like this. Stephen Robinson has AND COMFORT The chaplain connected with the Lismore IN THE MIDST was able to Ministers’ Fellowship and OF THE CHAOS listen to her will be running a disaster story and walk recovery chaplaincy training with her into the course in the city on May 24 and centre to get the help 25. Stephen has also worked with the she needed.” Presbytery with a view to their facilitating specific ongoing disaster recovery “Many people were struggling ministry supported by the Moderator’s before the flooding with Fund. issues related to mental health, addiction, relational These communities will take years to stress and unemployment. recover. It’s so important that the church The flood has massively stands with these people as they find added to this and stretched their way to health. the support services to the REV. DR STE PHE N ROB INSON point where they can’t cope.” NSW COORDINATOR OF THE DISASTER “Throughout this time, centre RESPONSE CHAPL AINS NE T WORK managers have been asking All photos by Marcus Walters in Lismore for us to send chaplains,

HOW YOU CAN HELP WITH ONGOING RECOVERY WORK

SECURELY ONLINE:

To give to the Moderator’s Flood Appeal by credit card go to : appeals.nswact.uca.org.au

CHEQUE:

To give by cheque simply mark your envelope Moderator’s Appeal, PO Box A2178, Sydney South NSW 1235. Please make the cheque out to “The Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of NSW and the ACT”.

DIRECT BANK TRANSFER:

To give by Direct Bank Transfer you will need the following details Account Name: Moderators Appeal, BSB: 634-634, Account Number: 100044774

REV. JENNIFER GAINER AND REV. STEPHEN ROBINSON

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Bringing Hope And Humanity

Amid Flood Devastation

CHAPLAIN LAURIS HARPER REFLECTS ON HER SECOND DEPLOYMENT TO THE FLOOD-SOAKED AND DEVASTATED NORTHERN RIVERS AREA OF NSW IN MARCH THIS YEAR.

t was a community that was reeling with a second significant flood event in almost as many weeks. The flood waters broke Lismore’s levy and evacuation orders were again in place. Mrs Harper, a fully qualified chaplain, was directly impacted with rising waters which meant that she had to evacuate her own hotel accommodation. She also had to abandon her car as it wouldn’t have made it through the floodwaters, highlighting the logistical challenges of responding to this flood crisis.

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She is one of the 71 chaplains that were deployed to flooded communities from late February, 59 from NSW’s Disaster Recovery Chaplain Network (DRCN), 11 from the Victorian Council of Churches Emergencies Ministry and one from the ACT. “It is impossible to comprehend what these people have suffered, they experienced record flooding in 2017 and told it would never be as bad again, then a worse flood event happened earlier this month and now three weeks later

they have been inundated again,” Mrs Harper said. “Its hard to understand the strain, the immensity of what people feel, the mental health issues it creations – its hard to understand unless you have been through it.” Mrs Harper said not only is there no easy or quick solutions but often accessing the help that is available is difficult, bureaucratic and dehumanising.

“One woman I spoke to who had lost everything in the Lismore floods just told me her story. And after I listened to her she said it was the first time she had felt human, that she had felt valued and treasured since the disaster struck,” she said.

only field four chaplains across three evacuation centres, though there are ten evacuation centres currently open. Every other agency is having the same problem with access,” Rev. Robinson said on Wednesday.

“Some of the DRCN chaplains have done multiple deployments out of area (from Sydney or Newcastle) up to two weeks total, some local chaplains continue to go on shift in centres and support people in their own, and nearby, communities despite living in the situation.” THIS IS A The Moderator’s Flood RESILIENT Appeal, since the beginning COMMUNITY of March, has received AND THERE ARE $77,838.04 in donations. To STORIES OF date a total of $115, 150 has HOPE been released for recovery efforts, using some reserves that were in the fund.

Mrs Harper, who is a member of St Stephen’s Uniting Church in Sydney, has deployed as a chaplain to several disasters. Earlier in March she deployed to Lismore for five days where she worked in the evacuation centre set up in the Southern Cross University campus and which housed up to 150 people.

“There was an equal spread of men and women in the centre, many had little to start with but they had lost everything. Some were shattered, others showed significant resilience. Some were angry and frustrated and felt let down by the system. But they were happy to have a chat and over that time I was able to develop some strong connection,” She said.

“But to be back in this area again and to see the town under water again is heart breaking. This is a resilient community and there are stories of hope but the road to recovery is long and for many they cannot fathom what they will do next.” The Coordinator of the Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network, Rev. Dr. Stephen Robinson, said the situation in the Northern Rivers was very changeable with 300mm of rain dumped across the region hampering recovery efforts.

A WOMAN SITS OUTSIDE HER BUSINESS IN LISMORE, NSW

“Today, due to the extreme weather situation and lack of access we could

“Next week I will be travelling up to the Northern Rivers and meeting with the Uniting Church ministry agents and the churches of the area. I will also be meeting with the other churches of the area seeking to support them, listen to what needs are present and work with them on recovery strategies and projects to support their work,” Rev Robinson said. “The local ministers have done it very tough but have continued to serve their communities despite illness (some have contracted COVID along with all this) and the impact of this weather. “The small DRCN team has been working very long and hard, and I am very grateful for the extraordinary work of David Riethmuller (Operations and Connections Manager) and Susan Phalen (Training and Support) as well as others who have been carrying the Duty Phone and shared the burden of decision making night and day since this has begun. “I would add that this flood crisis is now in its 37th day and, with the current new inundation, has started the clock towards recovery all over again. Locals, and those assisting, are exhausted, their resources depleted and it’s particularly difficult when they can’t even see a glimpse of blue sky or an end to this overwhelming rain.” MARTIN THOMAS

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The

New Class BECOMING A MINISTER IN THE UNITING CHURCH IS A REWARDING PROCESS THAT INCLUDES PRAYERFUL DISCERNMENT TO THE CALL OF MINISTRY, THEOLOGICAL STUDY AND FORMATION FOLLOWED BY PLACEMENT IN A CONGREGATION.

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Insights spoke to a number of recent graduates from United Theological College. This cohort included newly ordained ministry agents and people waiting for a placement. They spoke of their hopes, frustrations, and what they have learnt so far. GAIL HINTON AT CARLINGFORD UNITING CHURCH TRUST THE PROCESS

Gail Hinton is currently in supply at Carlingford Uniting Church. On 1 August, she begins as Minister of the Word at Greystanes Uniting Church. “I began my time [in Carlingford] as an Advanced Candidate in a Student Practicum,” she said.

“This supply arrangement has been extended as I wait for a call to a permanent placement. I have learnt so much during my time at Carlingford and have enjoyed the role immensely. It is a relief to finish formation and then go out and do what we have been trained to do and discover that yes, I actually love this vocation and yes, I am pretty good at it too, I say in all humility.”

“When my colleagues and I began our formation journey we heard time and time again the saying “Trust the process”. The first year was overwhelming and the second year strange due to COVID lockdowns. By the third year I think we all began to feel like ministers; the process was working, and we could see this in each other and most importantly in ourselves. The other saying that was tossed around during Formation was that the process is “not about you, but is all about you.”” “Formation is said to break you down and then hopefully put you back together again. I think we continue to break down and continue to grow indefinitely as we strip away our egos and our insecurities.”

“In the end we hopefully become the calm presence, the one who can sit in silence, “I began my student practicum the one who is not afraid to at the same time as finishing be vulnerable, the one who the last subject for my can listen without judgement Bachelor of Theology Degree, and without trying to fix every which was an Independent person or problem. We learn Research Subject. For to sit with complexity, grief that subject I researched and joy grounded in the current thinking regarding God we get to know more the changing nature of intimately during the three many mainline churches years of Formation. The including our own. My paper process allows us to address was entitled Words of Hope our own baggage so that we for Aging and Declining can put it down for the sake Congregations. of others.”

TAE LEE, REV, ALLISON FORREST, AND REV. HEEWON CHANG

Although I am still learning “I am very grateful to the about the issues facing the church for taking me on as church today, I am keen to a candidate. I really wasn’t assist the church in seeing sure I was cut out for it, some new possibilities, in taking of my mentors and teachers risks, in being braver and may have wondered about bolder and in understanding that too but discernment is change as a necessary part a mysterious thing, a Godly, of the journey.” spiritual thing.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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KUNGTAE LEE COMING OUT OF THE CAVE

Kungtae Lee (or ‘Tae’ as he is known) is currently waiting on a placement.

GAIL HINTON AND REV. TRISH ROONEY

I AM CALLED TO TAKE THE CHURCH INTO THE WORLD, TO BE A SHEPHERD TO THE PEOPLE AND PROCLAIM TO GOSPEL IN WORD AND DEED AND EQUIP OTHERS IN MINISTRY

He has lived in Australia since 2005. Having finished formation in 2021, he is currently in what he described as “a transition time waiting for a placement.” Mr Lee told Insights that he expects to be in placement soon and is, in the meantime, working for Sydney Presbytery as a Korean Congregation and Leader Integration Assistant. “When I commenced my study and training, I thought it was so difficult. I felt like I was in a dark cave,” Mr Lee said. “I seriously thought to withdraw from the formation. However, graciously, God helped me to reflect on my situation. As I went deep inside the cave, I realised that it could not be a one end dark cave. It looked and felt like a cave, but it was a tunnel. There was an open end to walk out. So, I could grab hope to keep going.”

ministry of pastor as a “What I can say is that as my chaplain with Uniting. She formation journey progressed continued to work fulltime I needed to transitioned from in the role and said she how I saw myself as a lay was, “incredibly blessed leader to how I would see with the support of the Rev. Trish Rooney was myself as an ordained leader. Head of Chaplaincy and had previously a Chaplain for The transition has been more the flexibility in my role to Uniting. However, her new role of an internal process than attend the weekly formation is the one for which she was physical.” programme.” ordained. “Now, I just came out of the “It is hard to put into words “My various roles within cave,” he said. Rev. Rooney recently what ordination means to Uniting served as my field discerned a call away from me. Ordination for me is more “As you know, when we turn placement requirements for chaplaincy, and accepted a than ‘who am I’; it includes on a light in a dark room, formation,” Rev. Rooney said. call to Paddington Uniting how I exercise ‘who I am’. As we need time for our eyes Church as their Community “I was also given the an ordained deacon I am to adjust. The eyes are Minister, a role she will opportunity to work in the called to take the church into a bit blurry, but soon the officially start in June. Church Engagement Team in the world, to be a shepherd sight becomes clear. It is a Uniting and this came from a to the people, proclaim to bit similar to mine. In this “My situation is slightly recommendation from college transition, I'm blinking and Gospel in word and deed and different to other candidates for me to gain some different equip others in ministry.” adjusting the light. I'm still as I am already working in experience.” feeling the darkness as well ministry it is hard to comment When Rev. Rooney as the light.” on what the transition has commenced formation, she been like,” Rev. Rooney said. was already in the specified

REV. TRISH ROONEY AT PADDINGTON UNITING CHURCH TAKING THE CHURCH INTO THE WORLD

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process, and they are trying their best in God. I ask you to remember them and pray, encourage and support them.”

she believes that it is a process “Preparing for and leading that is still continuing and that worship is also a major focus at this time. The congregation will continue until retirement. already has a thoughtful “Being in the formation process and well-rounded mission HEEWON CHANG AT makes you realise that... plan, engaged and active HOPE UNITING CHURCH you are never 100 percent leaders and well-established THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF “As I just came out, I am very ready...but it allows you to fully community connections. CHAOS excited to get into a new understand who you are, what My role is really focused on Heewon Chang is one of the placement. Also, I am very your gifts are so that you can growing the congregation's ministers at Hope Uniting nervous and scared as I am be in ministry as you,” Rev. theological and biblical Church in going in, so I cover my eyes Chang said. understanding, and equipping Maroubra. with my hand a bit. However, them for ministry and “Formation TO BE between these two feelings, I “The church is mission.” does not teach have hope which is the same ORDAINED you about located at the “I’ve been through a lot of that I experienced before. corner of Anzac MEANS building a changes in my life and this is So, I know what I need to do. Parade where community HOW I CAN one of the easier transitions That is to keep going as I was all the shops but it invites that I have experienced. The called.” RESPOND TO you begin so I was into the formation program prepared blown away by GOD’S LOVE community life me “Interestingly, I have well for the move to full its location,” Rev. experienced the same things AND HOW and live in it so time ministry. I am really Chang said. three times in my life. Three that when you blessed to be in a placement TO SHOW are different people told me that “[It is] such a in ministry that is such a good match THE LOVE TO they wanted to attend the you can be in great blessing for my gifts and capacities. church I will be ministering in the community. OTHERS to be placed at Having said that, I am working the future.” It does not a point where all really hard, so it’s tiring. But I teach you to be feel alive.” the locals come “These all happened even a sophisticated minister who out for their shopping and before my formation. For me, has everything under control, “A few months down the track, daily things.” it was like what Jesus asked it enables you to deeply listen I would also say that being Peter after his resurrection. “I am still getting to know the ordained means being able to yourself and others so that Jesus appeared to Peter and people and the surroundings to serve God’s church, and you can offer leadership in told him, “Do you love me?” but Hope congregation is a the world that God loves, with that space and to know your and “feed my sheep” three mixture of different people a new level of freedom and limitations so you can ask for times. My calling for the at different stages of life who integration.” help when needed.” ordained ministry started hold each other honestly and JONATHAN FOYE from those happenings and “Candidate life is pretty busy gracefully.” this scene in John 21. So, to and stressful but because Rev. Chang said that she be ordained means for me of that, it allows you to learn appreciated that Maroubra how I can respond to God’s the importance of boundary, love and how to show the love had both the young and the rest, and to develop your own old seeking faith and figuring to others.” rhythm of work.” out what it means to be a “A way of my expression to At the time that Insights spoke disciple. Hope Uniting Church God is to live as an ordained to Rev. Chang, she had only runs a monthly barbecue person who keeps saying “I recently been ordained. on the first week of Sunday, love you, Lord” and feeding which stopped due to COVID. “I am deeply humbled that God’s people. Also, my Since then, the church more God through the church has ordained life is to stay with recently brought it back as affirmed me to be set apart in those who God wants to be gatherings resumed. the Ministry of the Word,” Rev. with. To be sure, it is very Chang said. “Because (the barbecue) meaningful to be ordained. happens on Communion Although my life hasn’t begun REV. ALLISON FORREST Sunday there is this natural as an ordained person, I AT TORONTO UNITING flow from the Lord’s Table to will definitely end up as an CHURCH the table of gathering,” Rev. ordained minister.” TIRING, BUT ALIVE Chang said. Rev. Allison Forrest is a Mr Lee said called on Minister at Toronto Uniting “It is beautiful and wonderful Insights readers to pray for Church. and we are talking about how candidates. we build on this tradition of On 1 February 2022, she “This time, I want to ask Hope which can be extended began a full time placement. Insights’ readers to think of into the community. Hope the candidates in formation. “In these super-early days, I’m Uniting Church has the right They are not doing it to get amount of chaos and genuine spending a lot of time visiting another qualification or and getting to know the people caring for each other.” degree. They are struggling congregation and community,” Rev. Chang said that and thriving to keep their Rev. Forrest said. formation is not something divine calls. That’s why that ever finishes. Instead, they came into this difficult “Although the formation provides plenty of real training opportunities, it will be an actual real ministry for me to encounter the real wild world,” Mr Lee said.

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Creative REV. DR ROD PATTENDEN’S

Original Ministry

On 13 February 2022, Rev. Dr Rod Pattenden’s ministry at Adamstown Uniting Church came to a close.

any gathered in person and online to participate in Rod’s final service and wish him well in his retirement. Members and leaders of the Adamstown congregation as well as visiting friends and fellow artists came together to celebrate his creative ministry that has spanned three placements and nearly four decades.

An artist and art historian as well as a Minister of the Word, Rod’s ministry has been infused with creativity. From co-founding Interplay in Australia, to making church spaces available to art installations, and painting Adamstown’s front steps rainbow as a visible symbol of welcome, Rod has had a rich and varied career in the church. Those present heard from some of the many people who have been touched by Rod’s work. Joy Bowles, who worshipped at Paddington Uniting Church while Rod was in placement there, described how welcome she felt when she was unsure if she wanted to be part of a church community again. Joy remembered part of Rod’s sermon during her first service at Paddington: “Church is like a laboratory; we go and experiment in our lives and then we come back and discuss it with one another and figure out… the way to go forwards from there.”

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Stephanie Gesling was mission worker at Macquarie University when Rod was the chaplain there. She told those gathered via video message, “Rod has an exceptional ability to create contextual community art.” She recounted a work of communal art that Rod initiated in the university gallery that enabled students to grapple with grief in the aftermath of the Bali bombings. Penny Dunstan, an artist who has exhibited at Adamstown Uniting Church three times, described how important Rod’s mentorship has been to her artmaking. Because of Rod’s guidance, she said, she has learned how to write confidently about her art and to consider it a spiritual practice. Music was led by resident songwriter Heather Price. The congregation then heard selections from Galatians 5 and 6, before Rev. Greer Hudson stood to preach – but not without first donning brightly-coloured socks. “Art has the capacity to reach within us,” Greer told those gathered, “to go to the depths of being, into a place that we don’t often give space for in our ordinary lives… [There is] something within art that speaks to something within us… Deep cries out to deep.” Wearing a rainbow-coloured stole that depicts the sun rising, Greer recounted Rod’s passion for creativity and that it is

not just for so-called creative people, because “each of us is made in the image of the creator of all life.” Greer related how at funerals she often advises grieving families to draw their inspiration from their lost loved one’s life as they learn to move forward. While this service was not Rod’s funeral, she encouraged those present to do the same as his ministry comes to a close.

ART HAS THE CAPACITY TO REACH WITHIN US. TO GO TO THE DEPTHS OF BEING INTO A PLACE THAT WE DON’T OFTEN GIVE SPACE FOR IN OUR ORDINARY LIVES

ALL PHOTOS BY JOHN CLIFF

“Rod is an original,” Greer said. “And he inspires us to be originals too.” During the offering, those gathered watched a video compilation of key moments from Rod’s ministry at Adamstown put together by Rod Barnes, chair of Adamstown Arts – complete with Hallelujah chorus soundtrack. Former chair of Hunter Presbytery Rev. Stephen de Plater then came forward for the formal laying down of duties. Members of the congregation brought different symbols of ministry and handed them to Rev. Dr Rod Pattenden before he set them on the altar, while shedding a tear or two. Rod was also presented with a Wishing Well fund for his upcoming art exhibition and a joy box for him and partner Euan on behalf of the congregation. Stephen invited Rod to say a few words in his own defence and the departing minister described his time at Adamstown Uniting Church as “the happiest ten years of my life.” He recognised Euan’s constant support during this time and expressed how important it was that they were able to be visible and loved by the congregation in their relationship.

Rod reflected that the children of the Adamstown congregation are who he will miss the most and that it has been such a joy to be part of their lives. After the concluding song, May our lives and prayers be one by Paddington Uniting Church’s Paul Somerville, Rod invited the kids to come forward to help him with the blessing. In signature Rod fashion, this involved improvised arm movements that illustrated spreading the blessing to everyone gathered and brought smiles to many faces. Rod told Insights, "I am somewhat overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of a community that I greatly love. I will take this gratefulness as food for the next stage of my life’s journey!" GABRIE LLE CADE NHEAD

MISSION WORKER FOR CHRISTIAN STUDENTS UNITING AT THE UNIVERSIT Y OF SYDNE Y

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Professional Supervision PROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION IS “THE RELATIONSHIP MINISTERS HAVE WITH ANOTHER PROFESSIONAL WHEREBY THE MINISTER IS ASSISTED TO MAINTAIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE PASTORAL RELATIONSHIP AND THE QUALITY OF MINISTRY, INCLUDING COMPETENCIES, TIME MANAGEMENT, PRIORITIES, AND ANY DIFFICULTIES ARISING IN MINISTRY.” 30

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Supervision is a contracted relationship between a Minister and a professional who is trained, to assist them in reflecting on their ministry, to enable the minister to build and maintain healthy pastoral relationships with church members and others, where boundaries are respected and spiritual care, faith development and healthy community life can thrive. Here are some other voices that expand on what Professional supervision is and can be.

upervision interrupts practice. It wakes us up to what we are doing. When we are alive to what we are doing, we wake up to what is, instead of falling asleep in the comfort stories or our clinical routines and daily practice. The supervisory voice acts as an irritator, interrupting repetitive stories (comfort stories), and facilitating the creation of new stories.

the quality of their ministry including their competencies, time management, priorities and difficulties which arise in ministry. In any work with people where there is need and vulnerability, people need to be clear about their role and their capacity to fulfil that role, with clear respectful boundaries. This means that we must know our role, and that we seek to fulfil it with the best of intentions as well as the best actions. We know that there is inherent positional power and authority in the ministry role, due to the church’s affirmation of the call to serve the people of a placement or agency. We also know that we should seek the good of others and prevent and IT IS minimise harm.

Peter Hawkins and Robin Shohet define supervision as, “Supervision is a joint endeavour in which a practitioner with the help of a supervisor, attends to their clients, themselves as part of their client practitioner relationships and the wider systemic context, and by so doing improves the quality of the CHARACTERISED work, transforms their BY TRUST, client relationships, continuously develops CONFIDENTIALITY, themselves, their SUPPORT AND practice, and the wider OPENNESS profession.” In the context of Pastoral ministry, Rev Jane Leach and Rev Dr Michael Paterson from the Association of Pastoral supervisors and educators (APSE-UK) offer their definition, “supervision is a regular, planned, intentional and boundaried space in which a practitioner skilled in supervision, meets with one or more other practitioners to look together at the supervisees practice. It is characterised by trust, confidentiality, support and openness that gives the supervisee freedom, and safety to explore the issues arising in their work.” Professional supervision is not therapy, counselling, mentoring, or spiritual direction. It sometimes works alongside these other disciplines and is unique in its focus on the work and the impact of the work on others and self.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION?

The Code of ethics names Supervision as being useful to assist in maintaining the boundaries of the pastoral relationship Ministers have with their congregants and people that they serve. It is also important to maintain

In the church community as in any other community of people, people do not always behave perfectly or ideally, therefore there is always room for things to go wrong or off course. When poor choices are made, unhelpful behaviour creates conflict or move the ministry into challenging places, much wisdom is needed to balance competing demands and step back.

Supervision provides that space for stopping, stepping back and reflecting on what is going on and how it is affecting you. Is my relationship with that church leader healthy when we have disagreed? Did I neglect to prioritize that phone call to a sick member instead of reading my favourite commentary, as I prepared for worship? I do not have time to take a day off because the Parish needs me. How am I going to keep working with my colleagues when they are so opinionated and uninterested in what I am doing? These are the kinds of things that need thought, conversation to unpack and become the nuts and bolts of what you might talk about with your supervisor.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

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THIS IS THE PURPOSE OF SUPERVISION, TO PROVIDE A SAFE SPACE TO REFLECT ON YOUR MINISTRY, TO SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING AND IMPROVE YOUR SELF-AWARENESS, IMPROVE YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF CIRCUMSTANCES AND EXPLORE DIFFERENT VIEWPOINTS At this Covid time, Ministers are learning how to record worship services, live stream worship, meet via online and may feel distant from their people. This can raise questions of identity, who am I now as Minister? How do I continue to pastorally care for them if I can’t visit? I didn’t get trained at theological college to do this. How can the church expect me to be a theologian, creative liturgist, administrator, pastoral carer and lead the church in its mission, when I am so depressed or anxious? This is the purpose of supervision, to provide a safe space to reflect on your ministry, to see what is happening and improve your selfawareness, improve your understanding of circumstances and explore different viewpoints. What could be changed in my behaviour? Which direction could I take that might bring hope or relieve stress? It may also enable you to find some resources that allow new steps to be taken, other ideas to be explored and ongoing support for your ministry journey. Supervision may provide some direction about the continuing education courses or activities that you need in order to improve your skills, grow in new knowledge and refresh your spiritual life.

WHY IS ENGAGING IN PROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION IMPORTANT?

Christian Ministry is demanding work and continues to become more complex and challenging than the earlier role of Minister as predominantly pastor or preacher in the past. Ministers must be highly skilled and trained, formed spiritually, theologically, psychologically, emotionally, academically, and practically for this work. The whole church needs to be, and the Uniting Church has been ahead of the wave, in terms of setting

clearer expectations, requiring exacting standards of personal and professional conduct in ministry. The UCA blazed the trail in relation to having a Code of ethics and Ministry Practice, requiring Professional supervision since 1997. We have a clear framework for discipline and misconduct related breaches when they arise than most other denominations, expressed in each Synod with various committees. In addition to that, the Ethical Ministry Code of Ethics Training programme and half day freshers each year, continue to provide safe spaces for reflection on ministry practice and collegial support and awareness of the demands of ministry in these post-modern times. With the growing demand of the Professionalization of Christian ministry further ethical, personal and professional demands are required from Ministers. Therefore, the importance of regular participation in professional supervision by all Ministers/ Pastors is not only a requirement (8 hours pa) but enables a space to be enriched to develop healthy, self-aware, and spiritually mature practitioners for the upholding of the integrity of the Uniting Church. I remember working with some exiting candidates in their formation programme some years ago. In discussing the Code of ethics and working with some in supervision during their final year of formation, they saw supervision as a no brainer. “Why would you not want to have supervision? What a terrific opportunity to engage and have the benefit of having a professional supervisor to walk alongside you in your ministry journey! It is a gift, not a burden.”

BUILDING RESILIENCE AND PROTECTION IN VULNERABILITY

It is exactly because the ministry has changed, the world has changed and the church has changed, that Ministers need Professional supervision. Supervision is meant to assist Ministers to do their work well, and to keep them doing their work well. It is there as a place of debrief, of learning, of reflection, of decision making, of challenge, as a mirror or a quiet pool to be refreshed by. It is a place to unpack situations of conflict when they arise. To be able to talk things through, to look at themselves, to seek wisdom and insight into themselves and other people with whom they work. It helps them to identify their strengths and weaknesses, their biases and word views. It allows theological reflection on how they can serve Christ, resolve conflict, and build peace and unity.

PROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION ENABLES THE REVEALING OF BLIND SPOTS IN OUR OWN SELF-AWARENESS OF ETHICAL AND PROFESSIONAL ISSUES 32

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It enables the revealing of blind spots in our own self-awareness of ethical and professional issues. It can enable a place to measure the impact of their work on their personal lives and identify personal reactions and needs within the health and safety system. Professional supervision whilst being a private and confidential space, provides a place of accountability for the work that you provide. It allows understanding of the systems at play, the big picture and the various competing interests and responsibilities that have to be weighed up. It can be a place of learning that can transform our practice. “Learning in supervision is ultimately transformative and not just transmissive: that is, it results in a change of mind-set or behaviour rather than simply being the transfer of ideas or knowledge.” REV. JAN RE EVE

SUPERVISION DE VELOPMENT OFFICER | VITAL LE ADERSHIP UNITING MISSION AND EDUCATION

Find out more about Professional Supervision in the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and the ACT : ume.nswact.uca.org.au/resources/ professional-supervision/

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P U LS E

Get to know Aboriginal people and learn about their culture There are so many opportunities now to learn more about Aboriginal culture and the many nations that were present across this land. Workshops, cultural centres, tours (including in the Botanical gardens in Sydney ) and NAIDOC celebrations. Watch movies, listen to music, study art and read books written by Aboriginal people. Listening to the voice of Aboriginal people is key.

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When Jesus calls us to go and make disciples of all nations, he wasn’t talking about only people like us, or to make people into people like us. It was a call to love, to see every human as one of our brothers or sisters in Christ and to love everyone as God does. Loving, is not just about the good, fun and nice parts but also weeping through the difficult things as well.

As parents and grandparents how do we model this to our kids in how we talk about and engage with Aboriginal people? Is their story our story, even when it does not shine a pleasant light on our past or even in our present?

Thinking through Aboriginal issues as a family Before I start this conversation I want to say upfront, I am in no way an expert on Aboriginal issues or how we think about them as families. but this is important work and this is what I have learnt so far in my baby steps of a journey. WHO AM I?

I am a white woman, whose family has lived in Australia for generations. This is our home and the only land we have ever belonged to. My family never spoke about Aboriginal people, it was years later I discovered that a girl I went to school with was Aboriginal, and much later again the I discovered one of my closest and longest friends was also Aboriginal. We didn’t learn Aboriginal history in school but white history, with Aboriginal people in the background or useful trackers. The earliest memory I have is going to see the film Manganinnie and being devastated by what had happened. I grew up in a fairly working class family and I was the first person in my family to have attended University. We didn’t think we had a lot growing up, so for a long time I didn’t understand what white privilege was. In recent years my circle of close friends has grown, particularly including people of colour and more specifically Aboriginal people. I am hearing stories of their lives, the overt racism and assumptions that are made of them and even hardest to come to terms with is when I make those assumptions as well. I have grown to realise how privileged I am. To be born where I was, to the family I have, growing up in the community I did and to have the coloured skin I do, made differences I will never fully understand. This might sound like a strange way to start this conversation about talking with your family about Aboriginal issues but I have learnt that it is critical in entering into these conversations to start by realising who you are and where you come from. Being part of the

K A R E N M I T C H E L L- L A M B E R T

P U LS E

dominant culture I often feel like I don’t have a culture, or that there is such variety in white Australian culture, that you can’t generalise. But culture is the beliefs and practices of a community and everyone has at least some.

TIME FOR THE TRUTH

The next stage has been about learning the truth. What is a more wholistic history of Australia, not just what I was taught at school. If you don’t know where to start Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe, is a helpful resource. There is a full adult version and a kids version (Young Dark Emu) for older primary school children. Talk to your kids or grandkids about what they have learnt in school. There is so much more Aboriginal history and culture taught in schools today. Another idea is to research the community on whose land you live, what is their history? Is there an Aboriginal land council? What information does the local library and council have? I have also researched the community on whose land I was born and where I work as well. It has helped me to connect even deeper into who I am as an Australian. It would be great to do it with your kids as they explore who they are. As you explore these stories you will soon discover some terrible parts of our history, some things happening out of blind naïve attempts to help, some were cruel people driven by power, greed and the need to control. You will learn of massacres, genocide, stolen and denied identities, abuse and torture. Of Aboriginal people being herded together in missions, stolen from their families and controlled by police with curfews and violence. Disappointingly some of the stories are not even that old. Generational trauma is a real thing. All of this history plays a significant role in where we are now and without understanding this we will not be able to move forward as a nation.

AN IMPORTANT PART THAT HAS BEGUN THE JOURNEY TOWARDS HEALING HAS BEEN THE NATIONAL APOLOGY TO INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN AUSTRALIA, MADE BY KEVIN RUDD IN 2008. SORRY SORRY IS A BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN’S BOOK HELPING CHILDREN TO UNDERSTAND WHY SORRY DAY IS IMPORTANT. IT IS A GREAT START TO THE CONVERSATION. Interestingly the more you explore you will also learn amazing stories of resilience, faithfulness, hope, courage, and generous spirits. I still marvel at the amount of Aboriginal people who went to war for the country that didn’t even recognise them as people at the time.

NOT JUST ABORIGINAL HISTORY BUT AUSTRALIAN HISTORY

These stories are not just Aboriginal history but Australian history and as Christians we need to acknowledge our part. The Uniting Church revisited the Preamble to our Constitution in 2009 which recognises the place of Aboriginal people in Australia and the part the church has played in the colonisation of Aboriginal people. This resource would be a great place to talk through with children in Church or at home about the Church’s relationship with our First People. KAREN MITCHELL-LAMBERT

TEAM LEADER OF PULSE

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s d Ki P U LS E

15 0 PE OP LE FR OM TW ELVE KI DS CA MP OU T (KC O) SAW UN ITI ES CO ME TO GE TH ER FO R CO NG RE GATIO NS AN D CO MMAY IN G AN D CO NN EC TIN G. IT D A W EE KE ND OF LE AR NI NG, PL SO MA NY YO UN G PE OP LE ANER WAS W ON DE RF UL TO HAVE OV HAVE CO ME FR OM AL L TH EIR LE AD ER S/ SU PP OR TE RS AS T, TH E RI VE RI NA , TO OU R TH E SY NO D! FR OM UP TH E CO RA RE GI ON PR ES BY TE RY ER NB CA OM FR DS IEN FR D BL ES SE SY DN EY. AN D CO MM UN ITI ES AL L OV ER

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KCO is an annual camp for students in years 3-6. The camp gives opportunities for young leaders and families to participate in a truly inter-generational community. Not only for Primary School students but also a time for families and junior high schoolers to gain leadership training and be helpers. The weekend is peppered with games, worship celebrations and opportunities for church groups to develop friendships and discipleship. For 2022, we took time to learn more about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. We invited children to explore who Jesus is! We unpacked a little of his story, beginning with the traditional Christmas narrative, moving on to explore some of Jesus’ teachings, stories he shared and miracles leading up to and concluding with the Easter story. The overall aim over the course of the KCO22, the children can answer Jesus’ question, ‘Who do you say I am?’ (Luke 9:20) for themselves.

leaders! Awesome to witness Jesus’ love and hope was very much celebrated this weekend. Noting that ministry with young people is a priority for our Church and doesn’t end only at church but becomes part of the wider church story.

A highlight of Kids Camp Out 2022 was the intergenerational community that was built. The temporary community formed at KCO is shaped by all ages contributing to the fun! Congregations making JESUS’ LOVE For several years, Congregations that gather at intentional relationships to their young have used the junior Leadership program as AND HOPE WAS KCO people and vice versa. a strategic opportunity for their young leaders to VERY MUCH prepare, engage and reflect as a team. With young One of the key goals of KCO is allowing CELEBRATED leaders participating in the Saturday night leadership all ages space to join whether in worship, stream, it has become a key elements of the weekend building tents, small group discussions program. With the concept of leading our campers and even being together roasting marsh on Sunday morning plus taking the tools and learnings back to mellows by the bon fire. There were opportunities; to meeting their home congregations. new people, share meals with each other and other campers, and storytelling from leaders and children.

Knowing while the groups travelled to KCO, congregations back home were praying for the young hearts and many church folk wanting to be part of the KCO story. Offering to cook breakfast, bring homemade goods made with love from older church members, as well as a few volunteered joined us as group

We've had such a great time at Kids Camp Out 2022, all coming together in person at Wedderburn Christian Campsite. We hope you can join us next year at KCO 2023. #KCO22 #DiaryOfADisciple JOYCE TANGI

PULSE FIELD OFFICER

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Barbara’s new beginnings

From loss to love

BARBARA LOST THE LOVE OF HER LIFE, BUT FOUND COMFORT AND FRIENDSHIP IN HER NEW VILLAGE COMMUNITY.

rank Vickery Village will always hold a special place in Barbara’s heart. It’s where she spent the last few days with her late husband, Rod. And, with his memory still strong in her heart, it’s where she’s embracing her new life as part of a supportive community.

MAKING A CHANGE

A NEW BEGINNING

Despite Rod’s passing, Barbara has welcomed her new way of life at Frank Vickery Village.

“We were very fortunate that we got into over our eighties together,” she says. “I really feel blessed in that way. So, I’m just embracing my new way of life now and trying to be as happy as I can be.”

When Rod was diagnosed with terminal cancer, Barbara says they decided to sell Barbara says she knew she didn’t want their house and downsize. Then, when to live in a high-rise building. So, as soon Rod was referred to Wesley Mission’s aged care home in Sylvania, Barbara and as she visited Frank Vickery Village, she felt it was where she belonged. her family saw an opportunity to make life easier. Barbara moved into Wesley “I chose here because it has that whole Mission’s retirement living village next cottage atmosphere. There hasn’t been door, to remain close to Rod. one thing that hasn’t been better than I

I LEAN ON GOD AND HE'S SHOWN HIMSELF IN MY LIFE IN SO MANY WAYS. I COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT GOD BESIDE ME “I know the biggest thing for me [in deciding on Frank Vickery Village] was that they’d send my husband to the nursing home here,” she says. “It was wonderful because I was only five minutes away from him. I'd just get up in the morning, get dressed, have breakfast and spend the whole day with him. “And the staff were amazing. They gave him dignity and they let me be part of the journey every inch of the way. I was so grateful because I was so close to Rod and they treated me like I lived there. They didn’t shut me out and that was wonderful.”

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expected,” she says. “I like the attitude here. I’m very happy and I [plan] to live here for the rest of my life.” Barbara says she enjoys an active lifestyle and appreciate the many ways she can engage with her new community, whether it be at the village hairdresser, volunteering at the local shop to help her neighbours or nurturing her faith at bible study group. “I lean on God and he's shown himself in my life in so many ways,” she says. “I couldn't have done it without God beside me. Sometimes I have to find courage to just walk out the door, but he gives me the courage.”

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Barbara treasures the life she had shared with Rod, but she’s now excited to move forward and embrace new beginnings at Frank Vickery Village. And with so much change in her life in such a short time, she appreciates the incredible support she’s received from her new community. “Everyone here is so kind and caring. If I’m feeling down, I just open the door and go outside into the village and there’s always somebody to talk to,” she says. “If I’m worried about anything, I’ve only got to press a button. If there’s anything you need, you only have to ask.” Barbara says Rod was his happiest when he was with his family and she’s grateful that she is in a supportive community yet still so close to her children and grandchildren.

Visit:

“My family come to visit me here; one of my sons and his three children are here all the time,” she says. By trusting in God, Barbara says she’s learning to cope with loss with courage and grace. “I always like to be thankful about things – what I’ve got – and not dwell on things. I haven’t got Rod anymore, but I’ve got him in my heart,” she says. “[Rod and I] were together for 63 years and I’ve been finding it hard to live my life as a single person. But coming here has helped me tremendously. I’m finally starting to feel I’m really at home.”

wesleymission.org.au/ seniors to discover the many ways Wesley Mission can help you live the life you want and get the care you need. They have co-located retirement villages and aged-care homes in Sylvania, Carlingford and Narrabeen.

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L E CT I O N A RY R E F L E CT I O N S

June

God's Spirit poured on God's People

SUNDAY 5 JUNE DAY OF PENTECOST

John 14: 8-17 (25-27); Acts 2: 1-21

How many times have you heard the story of Pentecost? Often titled as the “birthday” of the church, the disciples are waiting eagerly, but still nervously, for what comes next. This is about more than hearing different languages.

Galatians 3: 23-29; Luke 8: 26-39

SUNDAY 12 JUNE TRINITY SUNDAY

unity, and mission to which God has called us in Christ.

Are there people you sometimes wish you didn’t have to deal with? Jesus’ first foray into Gentile country introduces It is amongst this experience that the us to a man marked as displaced and disciples are caught up and break out alienated from his home and his city. of their fearful shells. The death and Through his interaction with Jesus, he resurrection of Jesus dawned a new is returned to his home and given an age of outpoured spirit where a new assignment within his City. This man’s spiritual reality is declared. Grasped by healing is not only physical and mental, this vision, the first disciples but religious and vocational. He is take Jesus’ ministry to restored to his community and the next level. given a commission to tell others. This gospel encounter On this day of W H AT I S N EED ED sets the perfect backdrop Pentecost – what TO BREAK YOUR to our Galatians reading are the voices you FAITH COMMUNIT Y – which features in verse need to listen to? O U T O F I T S ‘ S H E L L’ 28 words that may be very What is needed AND EMBRACE familiar to you. to break your faith THE SPIRIT ? community out of its Paul's message to the ‘shell’ and embrace Galatians cautions us today the spirit to do amazing about allowing “the law” to annul and prophetic things? the promise and destroy the freedom,

Trinity Sunday is the only day in the church calendar specifically set aside for a doctrine of the church. It makes sense then when some congregations ‘skip’ it all together or take advantage of the challenge and invite a guest preacher into the pulpit. It is no secret that the bible does not – in specific terms – refer to the doctrine of the Trinity. There are, however, plenty of references to the three persons of the trinity and our New Testament readings for today are examples of when all three of these persons are referenced together. So what do we make of this day and these readings? First and foremost, our Romans reading speaks of the unconditional love and grace we have “access to” through Jesus Christ. Some may use these passages to proclaim God in trinity and guide those listening into the season of Ordinary Time, speaking of God repeatedly saving and re-creating through the Spirit. Then there is our passage from Proverbs where Lady Wisdom features prominently. I’ve always loved the

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SUNDAY 19 JUNE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

This is a day where God’s spirit is poured out on God’s people. As the prophet Joel declared (as quoted by Peter) – the spirit is poured out upon people of all sorts.

Proverbs 8: 1-4, 22-31; Romans 5: 1-5; John 16: 12-15

strong and explicit imagery the writer uses to give us the image of this ‘person’ through whom, the creator has fashioned everything, especially humanity. The Celtic saints had a way invoking God in Three not to try and solve centuries old questions of “how” but to enter into God’s mystery.

SUNDAY 26 JUNE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Luke 9: 51-62

In a Gospel reading that could comfortably sit within Lent, we have some difficult words of Jesus as he determined to head towards Jerusalem. Along the way, there are some very interesting – and surprising – encounters. Upon heading to Samaria, no one wanted to receive Jesus as he was so determined to head to Jerusalem. James and John – often times reckless disciples that they were – offer to “call fire down from heaven” to consume them for refusing their Master. Jesus uses this opportunity to speak “sternly” to them and move on to another village. Throughout this journey, we are presented with encounters that direct us to the true cost of discipleship. Jesus doesn’t exclude anyone, but he does ask serious questions of those who want to follow him. Jesus asks for commitment – real commitment – in his radical way of love.

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Events & Courses MISSION PLANNING TOOL

UNITED THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

JUNE 15

JUNE 27

Train the Trainer Workshop Facilitated by the Mission Enablement Team, this workshop is intended for leaders in the NSW and ACT Synod that wish to develop a mission plan for their congregation. It guides a congregation to consider the strengths, passions and calling of the church.

(OVER 5 DAYS)

Responding to the Climate Emergency Intensive Course JULY 21

JULY 24-27

Women in Ministry Retreat Give yourself time for Rest, Nurture, Spirituality and Community. For Ministers, Deacons Pastors and those in other specified ministry roles in the NSW/ACT Synod.

MACLEOD LECTURE 2022

Location: St Joseph’s (Kincumber South)

PULSE YOUTH CAMPS

LIVING OUR VALUES COURSE

LIVING OUR FAITH COURSE

JULY 30-31

Learn about the history, polity and ethos of the Uniting Church. How the Uniting Church came to be, its journey so far and how we understand and nurture leadership as ‘Pilgrim People on the Way’.

YouLEAD Camp Location: Vision Valley

SEPTEMBER 27-30

Uniting Youth Camp Location: Vision Valley

OCTOBER 4-7

HSC Study Camp Location: Collaroy Centre

Discerning Different Voices within Scripture

JUNE 16–17

Living Our Values Centre for Ministry and Online

SEPTEMBER 10 & 17

Leading Worship in the UCA Online via Zoom This workshop creatively unpacks the Uniting Church in Australia’s orders of service and how they apply to worship preparation.

STARTING AUGUST 30

Living Our Values Online via Zoom

AUGUST 6 & 13

(OVER 8 WEEKS)

Proclaiming Jesus Christ This course looks at the history, theology and practice of the church’s understanding of Jesus Christ and how that impacts on contemporary discipleship.

For more information go to:

utc.edu.au

ume.nswact.uca.org.au

L E CT I O N A RY R E F L E CT I O N S

July

Jesus’ invitation to mission

SUNDAY 3 JULY FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Luke 10: 1-11, 16-20

Luke 10: 38-42

In chapter 9, Jesus had sent the Twelve to heal and proclaim the kingdom. Now, we have the Seventy (or Seventy Two) sent in pairs. The mission is a great success. The Seventy return rejoicing, announcing their victory over demonic powers.

In this encounter, we have a challenging of priorities. As with the previous week’s reading, we have the habit of thinking we’re the ‘good guy’, or in this case – Mary. Sitting at the feet of the Lord, listening intently. In many cases however, we’re Martha – with competing demands and priorities drawing our attention away from that which should be the object of our attention.

In our Gospel reading for this Sunday, Jesus invites his disciples into his mission as he sends a wave of them to go ahead of him, announcing the reign of God. Luke firmly portrays following Jesus as a journey where you learn as you go, and it seems that being a disciple – right from the start – means participating in Jesus’ kingdom mission.

Jesus acknowledges their success, however is quick to bring them back down to earth by telling them not to rejoice in their powers over the demons, but rather that their names are written in heaven (v. 20). Perhaps, then, Christian joy is not ultimately about achievement but rests upon a deep sense of relationship – with God and with each other – and knowledge of where that relationship ultimately leads.

SUNDAY 10 JULY FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Luke 10: 25-37

Most people, whether churched as children or not, will likely have some recollection of the parable of the ‘Good Samaritan’. Parables are not, however, children’s stories or banal statements of the obvious. The audience Jesus was talking to were familiar with the parable structure he was telling .

A man, travelling down from Jerusalem to Jericho is robbed by bandits and beaten to within an inch of his life. A priest comes by, sees the beaten man, and walks on by. A Levite does the same. The parabolic structure Jesus uses here was the common “rule of three”– when two things are listed, the third is the real point of the story. The priest comes, the Levite comes, and then the Samaritan. Oh. Hang on – a Samaritan? This is where the story shocks his listeners.

CHRISTIAN JOY IS NOT ABOUT ACHIEVEMENT BUT A DEEP SENSE OF REL AT I O N S H I P WITH GOD AND EACH OTHER

Sometimes, when we hear this parable, we can’t help but expect to see ourselves as the Samaritan. Instead, Levine encourages us to see that “We are the one in the ditch”. Sometimes we may think, when we see the Samaritan coming, that “I’d rather die than acknowledge that one of ‘that group’ helped me”.

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SUNDAY 17 JULY SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

How exciting it must have been for Martha and her sister Mary to have Jesus come and visit their house. This Teacher and miracle worker they had heard so much about, sitting around their table!

SUNDAY 24 JULY SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Luke 11: 1-13

It is within a story about how to pray that we encounter a parable on hospitality and a lesson on persistence. The parable of the midnight visitor would have rung true to the ears of Jesus Palestinian listeners.

In Luke’s gospel we have a more concise version of the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ than we find in Matthew, but with the same basic content. By addressing God as ‘Father’ in this prayer, the disciples and community of faith places itself within the family of God they have been introduced to by Jesus.

SUNDAY 31 JULY EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Luke 12: 13-21

The parable we’re presented with comes from in the midst of a longer teaching from Jesus where someone in the crowd listening decides to try and get some free legal advice! This is part of a wider section of teaching that has generally been referred to as some of Jesus’ most difficult teaching in the Gospel of Luke. This is a difficult parable that challenges our cultural understandings on greed and wealth. The man in the parable was mostly concerned with himself and setting himself up for his later life. God, in the parable, calls him a fool as he never knows when his life would be demanded from him. Perhaps there is some reflection here on a focus on “future proofing” and planning for things to come, without giving any attention to the ‘now’?

L E CT I O N A RY R E F L E CT I O N S

August

The Kingdom is coming

Isaiah 1: 1, 10-20 & Luke 12: 32-40

which thankfully have been resolved with surgery. During that time however, the pain I felt was as much from ‘holding in’ and just coping to try and get through the tasks of the day.

In Isaiah, we have God who has “had enough” of the offerings, of the incense, and quite frankly – of Israel! Why? Instead of focussing on their new moons and new festivities, God wants them to get back to the law: “cease to do evil, learn to do good, seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow”.

Something placed this woman in the Synagogue on the sabbath – and Jesus heals her without hesitation. Her immediate reaction? To praise God for her healing – to praise God on the sabbath. This celebration of praise is interrupted by the Synagogue leader who states that healing on the sabbath is work and work is an offence on the sabbath. Jesus does not hesitate to call out his hypocrisy and to direct their attention to how necessary this woman’s healing was.

SUNDAY 9 AUGUST NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The pairing of the Isaiah reading with the Gospel this week provides a good background of the audience Jesus was talking to on his journey to Jerusalem.

Another prophet, Ezekiel, describes graphically of God “going away” during the exile. It is with this context then, that those listening to Jesus would have heard the story of the “Master” who had gone away. Stories of the “master going away and returning” were often reflections about Israel and God. The kingdom is coming when God will return and put all things right. Except as with most of Jesus’ storytelling – there is more. Be watchful as the thief (Jesus) could come at any time.

SUNDAY 14 AUGUST TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Luke 12: 49-56 & Hebrews 11: 29 - 12: 2

In a world where there is just so much division, how do we approach such a difficult teaching from Jesus that we find in today’s gospel? Jesus’ relationship with his Father is what ultimately determines his identity and being. He freely chose that relationship above all others. This does not mean he rejects all others – far from it! Rather, all other relationships are framed through this relationship with the Father. Perhaps Jesus is setting a choice to his listeners in this reading? Who or what is the determining relationship that gives you your identity and being? What relationship shapes you and your identity? Your partner, your parents, your children? Your work or even your country? These are the things Jesus is challenging. We are reminded in the Hebrews reading of the great story of faith and “cloud of witnesses” that has come before us. What is your story? Reflect on this and the things that are important to you.

SUNDAY 21 AUGUST ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

SUNDAY 28 AUGUST TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Luke 14: 1, 7 – 14

Following the lesson on healing on the Sabbath last Sunday, Jesus (in the section omitted from the lectionary) has another occasion where he schools the Pharisees and leaders present when a man with dropsy presents for healing at a banquet. Jesus then proceeds to humble them further with radical hospitality.

This may at first sight appear as some useful practical advice – choose the lowest place because if there is a rearrangement of seating it is much better to be moved up the table than down. But this is a parable, so this signals there is more than advice on offer here. Brendan Byrne supposes that the ‘horror’ involved in the parable of being made to move to a lower place at such a public banquet refers to the ‘great reversal’ that is to come and has been echoed throughout Luke’s gospel. Starting with the Magnificat in chapter 1, to the Beatitudes and Woes in chapter 6, there is a great over-turning to come. Jesus follows this parable up with a direct challenge to the host of the banquet – when issuing invitations forget your relatives and your friends, for you expect an invite in return. Invite instead those who have nothing to offer back. Well, nothing except their company. These lectionary reflections were prepared by James Ellis. They have been edited for length. The unabridged versions are available on the Insights website.

Luke 13: 10-17

Can you possibly imagine being bent over and unable to stand up straight for 18 years? While nothing in comparison, in recent years I had some back problems

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CU LT U R E WATCH

? a i g l a t os N Why are we so obsessed with

The good old days… “When I was a kid”… For everyone who waxes lyrical about their childhood and what they did and didn’t have, there’s someone who doesn’t know what a Walkman is. Seriously? And cassette tapes. What? And even nostalgia itself is subjective, for everyone who fondly remembers the K-Tel Record Selector, there is someone else who had a Cabbage Patch Kid or Teddy Ruxpin. But it seems that nostalgia is becoming more and more prevalent in culture. The further away we get from the 80’s the more things from the 80’s are cool or are being rebooted, rehashed or just plain repurposed. Just thinking about how many TV shows that have been rebooted like MacGyver, Dynasty and Fantasy Island, boggles the mind. With yet another installment of the Jurassic franchise and the Top Gun sequel in cinemas, nostalgia buffs are spoilt for choice. And the less said about the multitude of Star Wars TV shows coming out the better. Even music is experiencing a bit of a time warp. One of the most popular artists — who recently won three Grammys — has built her entire brand on the nostalgia.

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Olivia Rodrigo (who currently has her own documentary on streaming service Disney +) is bringing the Y2K lifestyle back in a big way. An impressive feat for someone who was born in 2003.

But it does seem like the old adage “there are no new ideas, only recycled ones” is true when it comes to prepackaged pop culture artifacts.

IS THERE A DEEPER MEANING? We could be cynical and look at the surface of pop culture and see some creative bankruptcy in the decisions made, particularly across the entertainment landscape. After all there is so much content avaialble to consume across mutliple streaming services, there is a constant need to appeal to a broad demographic. There is nostalgia for the cash grab and then there are the more nuanced throwbacks which frame storytelling. Stranger Things is an excellent example of this (its fourth season now on Netflix). Who doesn’t remember their bowl cut and playing D&D with mates, while riding around the neighbourhood on our Dragsters? Stranger Things creators the Duffer Brothers designed these elements as ornaments more than scaffolding for their creepy story about the Upside Down. They connected us to our collective childhoods, all

the while telling a deeply nuanced story about a family with connections in both the real and supernatural worlds.

But digging deeper what does this influx of redos and retreads and reruns say about us? Why do we love the experience of re-experience? What is it about our past that we find so appealing?

Nostalgia’s a funny thing precisely because it’s entirely subjective. Every persons’ experience — like our taste in music, movies and television – is different and unique. Sometimes a piece of music or a smell can transport you back to your childhood. But one persons’ joy can be anothers’ pain, loss, fear or even trauma or depression. Even now, it’s likely your mind just traveled back to some of those places—happy or sad, depending on where you were in the paragraph. When all is stripped away – artifice and entertainment — this is the human experience, moved by the power of suggestion.

WHY LOOK BACK? The song by Natasha Bedingfield – Unwritten -- has the lyrics, “Live your life with arms wide open. Today is where your book begins. The rest is still unwritten.” This song explains that looking ahead is uncertain, but we need to embrace it, after all this is where the book begins, and what lies before us is comforting as we chart our journey through life. Perhaps we return to certain stories from our past—the reboots, redos and needless resurrections—because we desire a return to certain selves—rebooted, redone and happily resurrected because the future is still unwritten.

We might be prone to misuse nostalgia as a vehicle for escapism rather than a means of remembering God’s generous dealing with us and our pasts. Or perhaps we find ourselves remembering a prior season of life too much or too happily. Moving on can be difficult if the present is challenging. Going back to the idea that nostalgia is part of the human condition we also recognise that being trapped in the past can have other implications, after all as Bedingfield says the future is unwritten. We have comfort that what lies ahead are experiences that won’t hold us in the past. ADRIAN DR AY TON

There is a Biblical precedent for the re-boot. Take The Passover for instance. It’s a kind of divinely ritualised reboot in which God calls his people to remember his salvation (Exodus 2:24). What’s more, Paul says in an extended plea to the Corinthian church, that they would flee from former sins that had previously ruled over them. A few chapters later, in 1 Corinthians 10, he employs a similar tactic, exhorting these Christians to remember the rebellion of Israel and thus avoid their eventual judgment.

WHY DO WE LOVE THE EXPERIENCE OF RE-EXPERIENCE? WHAT IS IT ABOUT OUR PAST THAT WE FIND SO APPEALING?

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E N T E RTA I N M E

Thoughts that feel so big WRITTEN BY MICHELLE ABEL / ILLUSTRATED BY NICK MATTISKE

ANYONE WHO HAS (OR WORKS WITH) CHILDREN OLD ENOUGH TO ASK BIG QUESTIONS KNOWS THE STRUGGLE (AND OCCASIONAL PANIC) THAT CAN COME WITH ADDRESSING THESE.

s adults, we so often want to rush to respond to their young, probing inquiries, often to simply assuage their worries. And yet, it is too easy to be dismissive or too quick to respond to children’s questions, or to come up with answers that will not always fit. For Christians, this can all too often involve imparting an overly simplistic theology that young people will reject or question as they grow older. In an attempt to wrestle with some of the big questions that her niece, Isabella, has asked her, writer Michelle Abel wrote a book that explores some of life’s bigger questions. The book addresses where we can see God in a variety of settings, ranging from nature

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to the city in which we live to even losing a loved one.

answer as to why suffering happens.

Charmingly illustrated by artist (and regular Insights reviewer) Nick Mattiske, Thoughts that feel so big’s visuals help its young audience put a frame of reference to the deeper questions that it provokes.

The book is aimed at a “Birth to 12 year old” audience, but its themes are definitely suited towards people of all ages. It should be noted that some of Thoughts that feel so big themes, such as saying goodbye to a loved one, can be heavy for children. As such, it is recommended with the advice that adults prepare to discuss these themes with younger readers once it is complete.

Perhaps the book’s biggest strength lies in how it does not over-simplify. As Ms Abel writes, “It’s ok to ask why. Some answers are late, some answers never arrive.” While Christians so often aim to answer so many questions about the faith we have, it is worth noting that the absence of answers is itself a biblical theme, addressed so often by the Psalmist and in the Book of Job, where God does not

JONATHAN FOYE

Thoughts that feel so big is available now on Amazon.

SPEAK OUT WEBSITE

speakout.uca.org.au

Speak Out is an initiative of the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and the ACT

A GIFT THAT WILL CARRY THE STORY T

he Uniting Church tells a unique story of inclusiveness, where everyone has a place and everyone is equal. It’s a story of caring for people and fighting for justice. It’s a story of stewardship of God’s creation and embracing multiculturalism through welcoming people from a variety of cultural backgrounds. It’s a story we want to continue for generations to come.

Leaving a bequest or gift in will to the Uniting Church Future Directions is another way to continue that story. Your legacy gift will help provide discipleship and support, building up strong individuals and leaders who will share the life-changing message of Jesus in the world. Your legacy gift will live on and multiply as the Uniting Church story writes new chapters in the lives that are changed.

For more information please email: bequests@nswact.uca.org.au

Insights Winter 2022

Articles inside

PULSE

YOUR SAY ONLINE

ENTERTAIN ME

CULTURE WATCH