insights winter 2019
mentoring matters
where can we find God?
a vision for 2040
Rookwood General Cemetery, located within Australia’s most iconic cemetery,
now provides cremation services At Rookwood General Cemetery, we have been caring for the communities of Sydney for over 150 years. We do this by providing unique grounds, gardens and niche walls; and we have now launched a cost-effective cremation service.
To complement this service, the All Souls ceremonial venue has been renovated. With modern facilities and heritage charm, this beautiful venue can be used by all cultures for burial and cremation services. Cremation prices are $950 for weekday services and $1330 for weekend services, including the use of the All Souls.
For more information on cremation and memorialisation options, contact our office on 02 8575 8100 or info@rookwoodcemetery.com.au
W E L C O M E F R O M T H E G E N E R A L S E C R E TA R Y
Bold, Courageous,
CONNECTED AND COLLABORATIVE
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.
Theologian and author Lesslie Newbiggin said somewhere that “in the end, the witness of the church, in respect of public issues will depend more upon the day to day behaviour of its members than on its official words and actions”. In recent times, the public witness of the church has been completely compromised by the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse. The Royal Commission was an investigation that exposed the appalling behaviour of members of the church towards the most vulnerable. It will take not only time, but deliberate intent and commitment to change the perceptions of the church that were created by the experience and findings of the Royal Commission.
So it’s not at all surprising that feedback from the Pathways process indicates that, across the Synod, the church is pretty clear about and committed to, worship. The Church is equally clear about AS PEOPLE and committed to OF FAITH service. But there’s WE HAVE NO a great deal of REASON TO BE nervousness and TIMID IN OUR uncertainty when WITNESS TO it comes to witness, THE WORLD and what it might demand of disciples and communities of disciples (aka church) in a post-Royal Commission world. The Royal Commission, despite its sweeping powers, does not have the power to change the gospel. It remains the case, forever and for always, that God has acted decisively in Christ to bring life out of death, and it’s worth quoting the Basis of Union: "In raising him to live and reign,
God confirmed and completed the witness which Jesus bore to God on earth, reasserted claim over the whole of creation, pardoned sinners, and made in Jesus a representative beginning of a new order of righteousness and love". I’ve quoted it in full because it’s well worth memorizing.
which each council is expected to recognise the limits of its own authority and to give heed to other councils. Externally, we have committed ourselves to the ongoing work of ‘uniting’ – seeking union with other Churches.
Connected is a deceptively simple word but tending I wondered about the qualities to relationships across or characteristics that disciples the church. Relationships might deliberately cultivate as between and among disciples, the church seeks to renew and relationships between revitalize its witness. councils, relationships with other denominations and with Albert Olley (UR) is inclined to other faiths – is anything but think on long bike rides and he came up with BCCC – bold, simple. In addition, disciples and churches need to be courageous, connected and collaborative. I quite like these connected to the community within which they worship, words. witness and serve and There’s a verse in Joshua they need to be actively (1:9) "Be bold, be resolute, do engaged with the issues that not be fearful or dismayed for face those communities. the Lord your God is with you Newbiggin makes the wherever you go". This verse further point that the church frequently comes to mind when is inevitably and properly I find myself in challenging involved in public issues circumstances. because its members are citizens "members of society As people of faith we have no whose words and actions are reason to be timid or halfconstantly shaping society in hearted in our witness to the one way or another". world. Aside from the witness of Christ himself, there’s Finally, collaborative "for no shortage of examples of we are all God’s servants, bold witness throughout the working together" (1 Cor.3:9). scriptures. As I write this, we’re Working together in worship, in the Easter season hearing witness and service as the the bold witness of the very people of God for this place first disciples (check it out). and this time on the way Courageous is sometimes towards God’s promised end. offered as a synonym for bold This is the pre-Synod issue and I want to hold on to it of Insights. If you’re a Synod because its etymology links it with the word for ‘heart’. A bold member, here’s a question to ponder: What should the UCA witness needs to be heartfelt. be bold about? If you’re not a Connected – disciples are Synod member, find one and bound together in Christ. Within ask them. the church we talk about being ‘inter-conciliar’ (a word that I suspect no one outside the church understands). It describes a structure within
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Mentoring and discipleship
What if the people of God started to approach mentoring as intentional discipleship? What if we made a commitment to mentor because it is necessary for advancing God’s mission in the world?
REGULARS 3 WELCOME 6
YOUR SAY ONLINE
8 NEWS 34 MAKING MONEY MATTER 36
DIGITAL MINISTRY
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40 LECTIONARY REFLECTIONS 44
CULTURE WATCH
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: 15,000. ISSN: 1036-7322 Commonwealth of Australia 2019.
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M O D E R AT O R ’ S R E F L E C T I O N
How did you get here? T
here’s an old Irish story, about a tourist in Kilkenny asking directions from a local about how to get to Tralee, and the sage replies, “Well, I wouldn’t be starting from here.”
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.
READER COMMENT It takes a strong man to publically relate the difficult, disappointing and destructive points in his life. A courageous presentation lifted with the breath of hope and joy. Barry Lloyd
Keep up with the Moderator by following these hashtags on Facebook and Instagram. #moderatorinsession #AllOfThisIsUs
One of the most common questions asked of me since I first heard a call to ordained ministry is “How did you get here?” Each time I am asked I have moved further from where I began, with a journey resembling a dance – steps forward and back, to each side, often partnered – far more than anything else. It’s far too simplistic to draw a straight line from a faithful family of origin, Sunday School (to which I remember having a distinct aversion), and later youth group and thence into ministry. It both misunderstands and misrepresents how God’s presence has been active throughout, and the particular roles of certain people and communities during that time. There were saints for a season, and those who have remained with me for longer; there were episodes of considerable significance, like College, and each of my five placements; there were the events - some glorious, some mundane and some destructive. In many of those moments, there have been people who have taught and challenged and rebuked and nurtured me. At every step, in every story, God’s Spirit was breathing life and hope. For the last several months, a team I have been leading has been looking at how we shape people for ministry, both lay and ordained. It is clear that a (quite appropriate) emphasis is placed upon the education process, usually through our United Theological College. But
what about the shaping of the person, becoming ready for the wonders and challenges and risks of ministry? For far too long, much of the Church has expected those years of formal education to be the time when someone becomes “ready for ministry.”
expand this wonderful culture across our Synod. Education is vital for ministry, but just as vital are the communities which shape us for our task, and the individuals who invite us to step up and then guide us as we grow.
What on earth does that say about the role of the One of the most vital mentors congregation and the minister? I have is a lady in her eighties, What does it say about the role who has covenanted to pray of those who lead for me every day; she bible studies reminds me when and worship she sees me, to A T E V E R Y teams, or hold herself S T E P, I N E V E R Y school accountable S T O R Y, G O D ’ S chaplains, and to hold SPIRIT WAS or ISCF me equally so. leaders, or B R E AT H I N G L I F E When someone colleagues AND HOPE approaches you at work, or about their sense of uni? call, don’t let cynicism When I completed speak; encourage, bless, my first placement, one of and support that one and see the older members of the where God takes both of you. congregation, a retired railway When you are asked to be worker with faith in the marrow a mentor for a person seeking of his bones, commented at confirmation, don’t just the farewell dinner, “He wasn’t support them for the weeks too flash when he came here, of preparation, offer time but he isn’t too bad now.” This afterwards, for prayer and was an honest reflection of a coffee. congregation which knew that its role was to work alongside Expect the Holy Spirit to move me, to shape me, and to send in your congregation; hope for me on. people to find new gifts and to exercise them; believe that you What are we hoping for in our will be surprised about how congregations? What are we Jesus might use (even you!) in expecting? Do we look to call the service of God’s reign in people in our congregation the world. to lead in worship, witness and service, or do we wait for How did I get here? God moved someone else to come and in many ways, so people asked look after us? and encouraged me, people challenged me, people taught There are communities of faith me, people disciplined me, in our Synod which are shaping people rebuked me, people people for all kinds of ministry: prayed for me and loved me – within their gathered life, in the and people still do. wider community and in the wider church. There are people Shall we get started from who are looking to encourage here? people into ministry, lay and ordained, and we need to
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COMMENTS
your say ONLINE
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on an article or have a viewpoint to share - just go online to www.insights.uca.org.au and leave your comments.
ONLINE STORY Q&A WITH DR ANTHONY REES
ONLINE STORY THE MEANING OF MIRACLES This article seems to play down the status of miracles in Christianity. Are we to regard the Resurrection of Christ as a metaphor, and the Incarnation of God in our world as a metaphor, events to be understood as a “narrative” only? The Bible uses the words “signs and wonders” in many places. The Oxford says the word “miracle” derives from “Wonder”. It seems to me that “sign” points to a sense of meaning. Hence the meaning of a wonderful event needs to be reflected upon. The article rightly mentions this aspect. Note that the “laws of physics” do not control or even explain events and behaviours in our world. They have been developed only to describe behaviours. The consistency behind those laws is God-given as part of Creation, and is an object of wonder in itself, yet humans take it all for granted and on faith as the very foundation of Science. In thinking about the possibility of miracles I think “our modern sensibilities” may need a reality check to get onto good philosophical ground. Read CS Lewis’s book on Miracles to elaborate on this. So I do not think the reality of signs and wonders generally in the Scriptures need to be played down by Christians by assuming or accepting in general that they are metaphor and did not occur in fact. Each case needs consideration on its own merits. Many wonders whether in Scripture or our own world seem to be extraordinary coincidences of timing, without any violation of the laws of physics, but they can still be called miracles. Bob Hinchcliffe `` tinyurl.com/miraclesmeaning
Are we to regard the Resurrection of Christ as a metaphor to be understood as a narrative only? 6
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I value the brief article Q&A with Dr Anthony Rees. It is wonderful to see the concepts “peacebuilding” and “justpeace” presented.
ONLINE STORY WHAT IS THE RESURRECTION? I must admit that after over 50 years of ministry trying to humanly figure out the mystery of the Jesus story holds no interest. Living out the story however demands a disciplined commitment. When I have fully understood my inability to love fully the other and emerge myself in the lone Jesus teaches me I will have time to apply myself to the theological arguments. I doubt that will happen so I will keep on following the way of Jesus without compromise. Peter Powell `` tinyurl.com/ whatisresurrection
A third seminal text from Hebrew Scriptures for me is the reconciliation psalm, Psalm 85, in which mercy and truth embrace whilst justice and peace kiss. As peacebuilder, John-Paul Lederach, writes, “What is this place called where mercy, truth, justice and peace come together?” ‘Tis the place of reconciliation. Ian Stehbens `` tinyurl.com/ anthonyrees
SOCIAL DOES THE LORD’S PRAYER BELONG IN PARLIAMENT? Having it doesn’t seem to result in a noticeably ethical standard of behaviour amongst those saying it. What if a five minute period is given for those who wish to, to say a personal prayer quietly to themselves?
They remain there because there is not sufficient organised active public pressure on the two major parties
`` tinyurl.com/ dorisgolder
Stephen Langford OT (Order of Timor) Jason Koh Warren Talbot Phillip James EDITORIAL RESPONSE
`` Recognising the Other on Palm Sunday:
ONLINE STORY ARTIST DORIS GOLDER RECOGNISED IN QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS
Gary Mexted
We meet at 5:30pm every Friday at the Queen Victoria Statue in front of the QVB in Sydney. We want to stop being the thief. We want to be the Good Samaritan. Please join us in our demonstration.
We encourage readers to view our website for Insights’ ongoing coverage of asylum seeker issues, including Manus and Nauru. Among other articles, these include:
`` tinyurl.com/ prayerinparliment
Now Doris is in the seniors home and again loved by not only other adults but the kids as well. She is very dear to my heart.
We are disappointed that Insights does not mention the political hostages on Manus and Nauru. They remain there because there is not sufficient organised active public pressure on the two major parties, especially the government, to bring the here to rebuild their lives.
Thank you for your ongoing efforts to highlight the plight of asylum seekers currently on Manus and Nauru.
Judith Helen Snelson
Doris and her late husband George were community icons. They were loved by me and the whole community. When I was working in their area they would accommodate me and my offsider and fuss over us. They did that for everyone.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR DON’T FORGET MANUS AND NAURU
tinyurl.com/otherpalmsunday
`` Uniting Church to join ‘Palm Sunday Rallies for Refugees’:
tinyurl.com/refugeespalmsunday
ONLINE STORY VALE JOHN SMITH I stood in awe of JS as a communicator and a completely “Jesus” man…as CEO of the Anglican Radio Unit it was our privilege to produce the John Smith Radio spots which were distributed throughout Australia. RIP “Mighty Man” – Peter Stanton Managing Director 105.1 Life FM Bendigo
`` Asylum seeker children to leave Nauru:
tinyurl.com/leavenauru
`` Medical panels to decide if asylum seekers come to Australia:
https://tinyurl.com/medicaldecision
`` Kids off Nauru Petition Presented to Parliament:
tinyurl.com/naurupetition
Many of us elsewhere in the world, have cause to be thankful to a man with an ordinary name who proved that Christianity is anything but ordinary…anything but ‘safe’. Here in Chester, in the UK, as it rains I think back to the encounters I had with the man who truly personified Jesus. John Cheek `` tinyurl.com/ valejohnsmith
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news COUNTDOWN HEADS TO NAMBUCCA: TOM AND ULYSSES Last month, Uniting 120 Countdown Nambucca Valley celebrated its beginning with Tom and Ulysses’ very first driving lesson. The 120 Countdown program started in Dubbo and has now reached Nambucca Valley. Tom is a semi-retired baker who, up until recently, was a volunteer driver for residents at Uniting Pacifica Nambucca Heads. Tom found out about the 120 Countdown Program while it was still in its start-up phase. Since then, he’s been an enthusiastic volunteer throughout the onboarding process and has been looking forward to helping young drivers achieve their goals. Ulysses is a local Year 12 high school student who loves footy and is often out and about with his friends. He’s almost at the point where he is eligible to take his Provisional P1 licence test and is well on his way to getting his hours up with the 120 Countdown program. Tom uses the support materials provided by Harlan Cooper, his 120 Coordinator, very proactively. He also goes above and beyond by providing Ulysses links and resources before his driving lessons, so he feels as prepared as possible before getting behind the wheel.
HALF A MILLION STEPS
Following the launch of the Fair Treatment campaign on 12 October 2019, Uniting and the Uniting Church commenced the journey from Dubbo to Sydney to highlight the need for more drug and alcohol treatment facilities in regional NSW. Leading the first leg of the “The Long Walk to Treatment” was a Dubbo local, Shantell, who faces a journey of 400 kilometres to find specialist drug rehabilitation treatment in Sydney.
WALKER SHANTELL IRWIN AND DUBBO MAYOR BEN SHIELDS CUT THE RIBBON TO START THE LONG WALK
The long walk was documented for a film called Half a Million Steps, which will premiere at the Synod meeting on 5 July.
DRIVING BETTER AND SAFER
Half a Million Steps follows a baton carried by 100 walkers from Dubbo to Sydney in October 2018.
Tom says he loves volunteering because it allows him to use his life experience to give something back to the community. He loves giving Ulysses a range of tips that are invaluable to driving better and safer.
Inside the baton was a heartfelt open message to the Premier from Uniting Church Moderator Rev. Simon Hansford – calling on the NSW government to make effective treatment accessible.
Ulysses and Tom have been driving together for almost 10 hours and comment that they have developed a relaxed and comfortable friendship based on mutual trust and respect.
ABOUT 120 COUNTDOWN
Many people face everyday challenges that prevent them from easily obtaining their licence. Uniting’s 120 Countdown program matches learner drivers with trained volunteer mentors who provide free weekly driving lessons in a fully maintained Uniting vehicle. Volunteer mentors continue to support learners to complete their 120 practice hours and then sit their provisional driving test. 120 Countdown services currently operate in Dubbo, Nambucca Valley, Penrith and Wyong. If you’re interested in volunteering or finding out more visit the website / uniting.org/who-we-help/for-adults/120-countdown, or contact Harlan Cooper on hacooper@uniting.org , 120 Coordinator or Gail Yap on gyap@uniting.org, Volunteer Lead.
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In addition to screening at the 2019 Synod meeting, Half A Million Steps will be premiering in Sydney and Dubbo on the following dates: Palace Cinema in Paddington Sydney on 13 June 2019 Dubbo RSL on 14 June 2019 To register to host or attend a screening, go to fairtreatment.org/walk
INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKERS AT SYNOD 2019
BIBLE STUDIES United Theological College Principal Rev. Peter Walker will run the daily Bible studies during the Synod meeting. Rev. Walker said he would “take the Synod theme of Living Church and, in truth, subvert it by speaking to the fact that the only thing that makes for a living church is the presence of the living Lord.”
Three guest speakers will address the Synod meeting, with TedX style talks that reflect the theme of each day. Jon Owen will address the Synod on Day one. Mr Owen took over as Pastor and CEO of The Wayside Chapel in Sydney in 2018. Mr Owen told Insights that his talk would focus on, “rediscovering our missional voice.” “I will be addressing ways we can take social
inequality head on,” he said. “The question then becomes not ‘How can He cited his own ministry’s we make ourselves example of how this a living church?’ principle could be put HOW SHALL but, rather, ‘How into place. W E W I T N E S S shall we witness TO THE PRESENCE “Wayside has around to the presence O F T H E L I V I N G 12% of staff who at of the living LORD AMONG some stage in their lives Lord among U S ? were sleeping rough or us?’ A focus on were very close to it.” ‘Living Church’ risks the church’s worst The first day will also see the habit – putting the needs, premier of a documentary called anxieties, and collective ego Half a Million Steps. of the institution above the Joshua Gilbert will be the second day purpose, focus, and identity speaker. Mr Gilbert is a Worimi man who of the church – Jesus Christ. The three studies will be titled: 1. The purpose of the living church 2. The focus of the living church 3. The identity of the living church As well as drawing on scripture, the studies will, “without doubt, be drawing on the Basis of Union.”
uses Indigenous wisdom and values alongside agricultural values. He manages PWC’s Indigenous Consulting and is an author and sought after speaker.
“My talk will focus on my experience as a young Aboriginal man, with a particular interest in agriculture and the environment,” he said. “I want to distil my thoughts on a changing society, how this has impacted our thoughts, beliefs and faith.” “I am currently investigating Indigenous values in agriculture, particularly livestock.
Our mob have a long and close history with livestock in Australia, with various experiences that I would like to unearth, share and investigate.” Karina Kreminski is a Lecturer in Missional Studies at Morling College and a minister. Her book Urban Spirituality was released in 2018. The speaker for the final day, she will speak on the subject of God’s Mission in the Neighbourhood. “What does the world need? More of the church not less,” Dr Kreminski said. “However, the way that we have lived out the life of the church has been more of an expression of our institutionalism rather than the values of beauty, justice, mercy and humility before God. Instead of asking “God what are you up to in the church?” we want to shift to ask, “God what are you doing in my neighbourhood?”” “Once we discern what God is doing locally and we connect with his Spirit there, we will be able to embody Christ's love to our neighbours. In an increasingly polarised world we can begin healing though our daily interactions with the people who we live with and bring change into that space so that we see the reign of God manifest before our eyes. When we embody the gospel locally, only then will people begin to see the church as a place of refuge, transformation, peace and beauty in our world.” The 2019 Synod meeting takes place at Knox Grammar’s Great Hall from 5-7 July. Jonathan Foye
Jonathan Foye
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5-7 July 2019
The Great Hall, Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga
10am Start
(Prayer Gathering commences at 8:30am)
SYNOD 2019
In July we gather as a community, to renew our commitment to being a living church, a church that focuses its energy on the common good through growing healthy churches, developing vital ministry and transformative community engagement.
SYNOD BIBLE STUDIES Bringing Jesus’ This year the Bible Studies will be led by Rev. Peter vision for the world Walker, the newly appointed Principal of United Theological College. to life – making The three studies will be titled: a difference, yy ‘The Purpose of the Living Church’, living church – yy ‘The Focus of the Living Church’, and yy ‘The Identity of the Living Church’. is the work of communities of SYNOD WORKSHOPS disciples all over This year on day 3 of Synod members have a choice of seven workshops designed to equip and engage. the world.
What to expect Hear from empowering speakers
Jon Owen, Joshua Gilbert and Karina Kreminski.
Be renewed
by Bible studies led by Rev. Peter Walker and workshops to equip and enagage.
Hear the ways
inspiring, guiding and shaping decisions.
Praise and worship God together.
SPEAKERS
1. Living Church is Growing Integrating newcomers into the fullness of church life – beyond welcoming. 2. Enabling Mission in Your Context Tools for understanding and engaging your community. 3. Living Church, Growing Young Strategies for starting, developing & sustaining children, youth and young adult ministries. 4. Community organising as mission rediscovered Explore how work for the common good energises faith, connects us with community and sharpens our advocacy. Examine lessons and useful resources taken from Uniting Church involvement with Sydney Alliance. 5. Cultivating Leadership for Mission, Ministry and Discipleship To be a Living Church, what capacities do we need to develop in our lay and ordained leaders? 6. What to Communicate and How - a Synod and Presbytery Perspective Growing capacity for effective communications in presbytery contexts. 7. The Domestic Violence Resource Handbook A handbook created and adapted from various sources, to help our ministry agents and pastoral carers become better equipped to assist victims of domestic violence for this Synod.
Follow Synod on Social
Keep up to date with all the information on Synod on the event Facebook page: bit.ly/LivingChurchSynod2019
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For all the up to date information on the meeting go to the website: insights nswact.uca.org.au/about-us/living-church-synod-2019
Josh Gilbert
Karina Kreminski
Jon Owen
Rev. Peter Walker
E ENTS
DON’T MISS THESE THREE EXCITING PUBLIC EVENTS AT SYNOD 2019!
To register your attendance: 1
Go to the Synod Events page:
https://tinyurl.com/synod19eventrego
OR
2
Scan the QR Code to go to the Synod Events page
In 2016 Synod membership endorsed a plan to look at Australia's growing drug problem. In October 2018, the Uniting Church and Uniting sought a new path for drug reform with the launch of the Fair Treatment Campaign. The campaign gained national recognition with Sir Richard Branson in attendance. Following the launch, the Long Walk to Treatment again raised awareness of the lack of services in regional NSW. It takes half a million steps to walk from Dubbo to Sydney – the distance a person in regional New South Wales may have to travel just to reach the drug treatment they need. A long and lonely road to recovery. Step by step, participants walked from Dubbo to Sydney to deliver a letter signed by people across NSW to bring care closer to home. Along the way, stories and signatures were gathered to support our cause with one purpose: making sure that all Australians can access the care they need. These stories and the walk have been collected in a powerful documentary called ‘Half a Million Steps’. Join with members of the Church for the premiere of this documentary at Synod, followed by a panel to discuss the issue.
Friday 5 July
HALF A MILLION STEPS DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE AND PANEL
For more information go to the Fair Treatment Campaign website: fairtreatment.org
7.30pm at The Junior Academy and Performing Arts Centre at Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga
Join in this contemporary worship event built by the team from the Many Cultures, One In Christ from Uniting Churches across Sydney. Led by second generation Tongan, Korean, Indonesian, Cook Islander, Chinese young people (and more!), this will be a high energy, contemporary, participatory event not to be missed.
Saturday 6 July
REVIVIFY
MANY CULTURES
ONE IN CHRIST
Sunday Afternoon 7 July
LIVING CHURCH CLOSING CELEBRATION
4pm at The Junior Academy and Performing Arts Centre, Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga
7.30pm at The Junior Academy and Performing Arts Centre, Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga
Join with the whole Church to celebrate in the closing celebration of Synod 2019 to send delegates back to their communities with enthusiasm for bringing the message of the Living Church back to their congregations.
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God has given us all THE SAME RIGHTS
L-R REV. DR JOHN JEGASOTHY AND CO-CHAIR REFUGEES GLOBAL YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, ARASH BORDBAR AT THE PREMIER’S HARMONY DINNER. © SALTY DINGO
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niting Church minister and human rights advocate, Rev. Dr John Jegasothy, received the Highly Commended Premier’s NSW Human Rights Certificate at the Premiers Harmony dinner on 28 February. Rev. Dr Jegasothy has spent decades not only serving the community through his ministry but also advocating for the fair treatment of people seeking asylum and internally displaced people around the world. “You don’t expect an award for Human Rights or for advocacy, you do it because Jesus loves those people and God is for justice, God is for the downtrodden the poor, the captives, the prisoners and Jesus himself was a refugee. “When I get this (award) it is to highlight the need for human rights in Australia and in the world. God has given us all the same rights, black or white, indigenous, migrants— whoever,” Rev. Dr Jegasothy said, one day before the ceremony. Born in Sri Lanka as a Tamil (a minority ethnic group in Sri Lanka), Rev. Dr Jegasothy and his family has first-hand experience of traumatic and life-threatening violence and discrimination as a targeted minority. In 1977, violence against the Tamils in Colombo escalated with 300 Tamils killed in the riots. In the last six years that the family lived in Sri Lanka, Rev. Dr Jegasothy was a Methodist Church minister in Trincomalee and then in Chenkalady, also chairing the region’s Human Rights group. Rev. Dr Jegasothy became a spokesperson for Tamils at community forums often attended by officials and armed forces. This made him a target, where at one point he was forced to live away from
his family due to the threats at his minister’s residence. When his youngest son was almost killed in a cross-fire, for his safety and that of his wife and two young sons, the family fled Sri Lanka and came to Australia in 1986.
“They taught me survive through all these things,” said Rev. Dr Jegasothy, who also attributed the support he received from friendships and further educations courses to helping through his PTSD.
Rev. Dr Jegasothy maintains that the church must always be socially conscious, as “the voice of the church is a prophetic voice.”
“Just sitting in the church singing and praying—praying Today, Rev. Dr Jegasothy is wonderful you know the ministers the Rose-Bay least they can do is to pray He later joined the Uniting Vaucluse Uniting Church for these people and pray for Church and became an and the Tamil Congregation those who are working for ordained minister. in Dulwich Hill, which he peace and justice in Australia established. Rev. Dr Jegasothy and in the world. But also put “The Uniting Church received has also been involved their hands on the plough in us and showed us charity,” in numerous committees some way.” said Rev. Dr Jegasothy, of including an ambassador role the welcoming community Rev. Dr Jegasothy looks to the for the Refugee Council of and congregations including people who are outside the Australia and a steering group Parkes Uniting Church where margins, neglected detained he was the Minister five years. member of the Australian or mistreated, dehumanising Churches Refugee Taskforce. “I ALMOST HAD A experience that he says no BREAKDOWN” Through the Sydney Alliance one deserves. Throughout this time, Rev. program, ‘Changing the “My heart goes out to these Dr Jegasothy’s human rights Conversation about Asylum people and I represent advocacy continued. While Seekers’, Rev. Dr Jegasothy those people when I go out highlighting the also helps run and and I also represent all the persecution facilitate table others who are working for of Tamils talks with human rights.” through congregations GOD HAS GIVEN forums and community “For me, human rights is US ALL THE and media, groups something that everyone SAME RIGHTS, he also exploring deserves… basic needs to BLACK OR WHITE, began questions and be respected, to be treated INDIGENOUS, visiting stories around as humans.” MIGRANTS— Villawood asylums seeker Receiving this latest award, WHOEVER Detention policy. Rev. Dr Jegasothy seems Centre. He When asked almost uncomfortable with helped case what Uniting Church the recognition. He explains manage refugees congregations can be doing that this discomfort comes as they settled into the now for refugees and asylum from knowing so many people community. seekers, Rev. Dr Jegasothy who have an overwhelming He also became involved said there is already great passion for justice and with Friends of the NSW engagement, with many who work tirelessly with Service for the Treatment and Uniting Church congregations admirable compassion that Rehabilitation of Torture and participating in march’s, also deserve recognition. Trauma Survivors (STARTTS). charity and table talks. “So I am humbled by this and Rev. Dr Jegasothy said he “We are already in the thick of I will receive (this award) on suffered post-traumatic it,” Rev. Dr Jegasothy said. behalf of everyone,” Rev. Dr stress disorder (PTSD) from Jegasothy said. “Everyone on the pew should being internally displaced Melissa Stewart be conscious of what is and his family’s lives being happening in Australia, to threatened to then continuing these people, to asylum to help others who have lived seekers, refugees, policies, similar experiences. to the indigenous situation “I almost had a breakdown,” happening in AustraliaLearn more about the Uniting Rev. Dr Jegasothy said. bridging the gap is not really Church’s Give Hope campaign happening.” Luckily he called STARTTS tinyurl.com/ and spoke to one of the justice4asylumseekers counsellors.
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Mentoring and Discipleship Matters
Matthew 28:19-20 reads: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you (NIV).”
What if the people of God started to approach mentoring as intentional discipleship? Mentoring does not happen haphazardly. It requires intentionality, preparation, patience, prayer, and yes, mentoring can be a lot of work. But, what if we made a commitment to mentor because it is necessary for advancing God’s mission in the world? It is easy to sit back and accept the world’s narrative for the decline of western religion with older congregation members and generations missing from the life of the Church. Most young people today hunger for mentoring and discipleship. On the flip side of this, older church members don’t believe they have anything to offer. So we have younger people who demand mentoring and discipleship and congregation members who have a wealth of experience and wisdom to offer…So why do we struggle with it and what could we be doing better? Insights spoke to leadership across the Church about the need to strengthen our capacity for discipleship and mentoring that will encourage and enable Church growth.
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M E N T O R I N G A N D D I S C I P L E S H I P M AT T E R S
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esearch tells us that western church attendance is shrinking and congregations are aging, but on the flip side of this research, we discover that while young people tend to be under-represented in the pews, it’s not because they don’t want to be there, it’s often because they don’t feel valued or heard, or they are pigeon-holed into doing worship or youth leadership.
As Karen Mitchell-Lambert, Pulse Leader for Uniting Mission and Education is travelling around the Synod she is discovering that young people “just want to be seen, listened to, and recognised by our congregations and appreciated for what we are trying to do here and supported in some ways.” “I’m surprised at how many young leaders are actually feeling like they are invisible to the church. “The other thing that is coming through in these conversations is the amount of young leaders that are burning out because they have these massive expectations on them with nobody to walk alongside them, to listen to them and to care about them.” Perhaps this is the crux of the matter for the Uniting Church. Simply passing on knowledge belies one of the many flaws in the stereotypical apprentice/teacher model – it seems to excuse the teacher once the apprentice has learned what they need. But it also doesn’t adequately look at how the teacher can then stand aside, pass the torch on to the apprentice and offer guidance and discipleship from the sidelines, in the process building capacity along the way.
Jesus instructed the disciples, travelled with them, even lived with them for periods to transfer his knowledge of His relationship with God. This is our primary model of mentoring and discipleship.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
As Rev. Ben Gilmour, Head of Vital Ministry for Uniting Mission and Education explains, mentoring and discipleship takes a community of people. “Discipleship at its core is following in the way of Christ, following Jesus’ way of life. “I think one of the challenges of discipleship when it hits particularly our western individualists’ kind of framing, is that we think discipleship is just about me and myself…and Jesus. “I think that’s good and there is a place for that but the church’s practice through millennia is that our discipleship is practiced in the community. So it’s being practiced with one another.
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Rev. Mitchell-Lambert agrees that it’s our individuality that binds us together as the people of God. “We have the church because we are called to be together as the whole people of God and we’re not all supposed to be the same,” says Rev. Mitchell-Lambert. “We’re diverse and we’re annoying sometimes because we are so diverse and we don’t fully understand each other and we have to wrestle with that difference. But that is also the gifts that we bring. “And that’s why everyone needs to be engage in mentoring young people because not all young people are the same.”
IDENTIFYING GIFTS AND SKILLS
As the Moderator Rev. Simon Hansford and others explained, the classic model for mentoring and discipleship in the church is having recognised musical gifts and being tapped on the shoulder to be in the church band. This is a very popular metaphor for mentoring and discipleship in the church.
Jesus instructed the disciples, travelled with them, even lived with them for periods to transfer his knowledge of His relationship with God
We see Jesus using the apprentice model in the Bible—an experienced teacher gathering inexperienced learners, who soak up knowledge and skills. It involves long periods of time together, watching the teacher in different situations and reacting to different stimuli, and then having the opportunity to make decisions in those same situations.
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“Our discipleship of following Jesus is individual but it is also us as the community of Christ.”
“Not to be too nostalgic, but the classic example [of mentoring and discipleship] is with the band at church,” offers Rev. Hansford. “People were invited into the band, they learned how to play, they might not have been very good, but they became more confident and they became better in the process.” “And while this is a simplistic way of viewing things it’s a really good model of discipleship, in that in this space it’s safe to make mistakes, it’s a place to grow and try new things and then as they became more confident, they grew in their gifts. And what’s more—and this is really important —they became responsible for discipling others which I think is key.” On the flip side of this, often people are placed in positions where they struggle to find their place, because it isn’t in their gifts or skills set. Actively listening and hearing this and working with the community to discern is key to effective discipleship.
“A couple of years ago I was a Youth Worker at a Church and I had these young people in my congregation and one of them said to me, ‘I’m not a youth leader, I don’t want to be in the youth group,’” said Rev. Mitchell-Lambert. “But to help find his place I really did need to have that conversation with the whole Church, to get to know this person, love them and find a place where he could belong and where he could use his gifts and skills. He was passionate and wanted to use those gifts and skills, but because of my limited knowledge I needed the whole community to step up and explore a place for him.” “Mentoring is about genuinely loving young people for who they are and where they are at. And even if you don’t understand that it is important to be consistent in that love and ‘I love you because Christ first loved me and this love that I have from God is so life transforming and powerful that this is what I want to share with you.’”
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MENTORING YOUNGER GENERATIONS
The goal of mentoring young people is to expand their values and worldview, strengthen their character and enlarge their personal and professional capacity. Younger people often desire opportunities for personal growth through a friendly and supportive partnership. Mentors and leaders have an opportunity to help shape younger generations. The challenge mentors often face is around how to turn general conversations into character and skill development.
Church leadership has an opportunity to mentor these younger generations through formal and informal conversations, active listening and relationships. Gen Y and Gen Z are keen to be mentored and that means they want to be listened to, not lectured at. They also value authenticity. As author and speaker Carey Nieuwhof, who writes extensively about millennials, Gen Y and Z and the Church: “If you’re having trouble attracting the next generation, it’s likely because they don’t see value in what you’re offering. Rather than blaming people for not embracing what you’re offering, offer something worth embracing.”
CHANGING THE MODEL
We have the perfect example of community and exercising gifts in Acts, but as Rev. Gilmour explains there is often discomfort in mentoring and discipleship in that “it challenges
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“The other reason why I think we’ve lost the art of it is that we believe that we need to do this for ourselves.
Mentoring is about genuinely loving young people for who they are and where they are at
We all want to see younger people reach their potential, the problem is that the pathway to productivity and living a life of high capacity and growth is not just a straight line to Gen Y and Gen Z. In an era of increasing change, younger generations need mentors to grow them, guide them and give them the feedback they need to develop and mature.
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us and we need to develop that kind of culture with each other, the church and in community, in small groups and in one on one relationships.”
“Art of self-actualisation has become the predominant Western framework of what it means to be human. I think the Christian faith and discipleship actually says something different, it says actually all of us are a bit fallible none of us have it all together we all need each other to encourage the gift of God in each other.” “I think most people including myself, would say that it is through that encouragement to explore together, is where faith gets legs.”
“Discipleship is also about relationship and love and grace and hope.”
SUCCESSION PLANNING
Perhaps one the most important areas of the Church that needs to acknowledge the importance of mentoring and discipleship is in the area of succession planning. As Rev. Hansford explains “succession planning is not in our DNA” but needs to be. “We don’t want mentoring to be, ‘well back in my day we did it this way’. That’s not discipleship that’s not mentoring, that is something else. It’s about active listening and stepping aside. When I look back upon my faith journey, there are people who have deliberately set themselves aside to help me along that path.” As Uniting Mission and Education Executive Director Glen Powell explains, “we often confuse control with leadership.” “A leader should hardly ever say no to someone who has an idea or wants to do something,” Dr Powell explains. “They might interrogate it a little by asking the how and the why but they should rarely say no. Someone who controls says no and that person is discouraged.”
Mentoring and Succession Planning 1. Mentoring fosters leadership Up-and-coming talent can learn the leadership ropes under the watchful gaze of successful leaders. Your strongest leaders can impart their wisdom, their personal successes and failures, and their insights regarding the corporate culture—important things for future company leaders to learn. And if one (or more) leaders ends up leaving your company (for whatever reason), you’ll always have a fresh crop of new leaders to assume the role. 2. Mentoring can provide peace of mind for other people within the organization Change is never easy, especially if a key member of the organisation is leaving. But if employees know that the person who is leaving is also grooming his or her replacement, it can help ease people’s minds about the upcoming changes. 3. Mentoring provides the perfect bridge between retiring employees (or those on extended leaves) and those employees who’ll be stepping up and filling a new role The retiring employee can mentor the “rising” employee in critical areas related to the rising employee’s new roles and responsibilities. Consider it the passing of the torch. 4. Mentoring can be a great way for outgoing employees to wrap up their careers If Marty plans to retire at the end of 2016 and he starts mentoring his protégé now, it can be a wonderful, positive way for Marty to end his tenure with the organisation. 5. Mentoring continues to work long after the succession planning process is over Let’s say Monica assumes a new leadership position after Judy retires. Monica is fully prepared for her new role, thanks to the succession planning process with its heavy emphasis on mentoring. In fact, Monica is so appreciative of what mentoring did for her career, she’s eager to pay it forward by becoming a mentor herself.
“As a church we need to be better at capacity building. Jesus is interested in our gifts and talents, but wants us to grow, so the church should be looking at how growing capacity is about offering more training and mentoring and discipleship. “There is also the question of agency. So you’re a disciple, and you are being taught how to become the best person you can be. When you are a follower of Jesus, He is interested in your gifts and talents being used for what they are intended. “A community of disciples should be about helping people find their vocation. A bit more training and a bit more discernment needs to happen. Then it’s not just about the individual it’s about the collective community.” Succession planning helps prepare people to step into new roles when their colleagues leave, retire, or move on to other areas of the organisation. This makes for a smoother transition for everyone. Mentoring fosters leadership. Up-and-coming talent can learn the leadership ropes under the watchful gaze of successful leaders serving as mentors.
THE NEED FOR MENTORING IN THE CHURCH
We are all called to be disciples of Christ. When you mentor you receive a great blessing – mentoring is a rewarding experience for both people. How can a person discover the living presence of God and how can we grow in a deepening relationship with God? Mentors need their own mentors as well. Discipleship and guidance are important parts of Christian life. Who have been the key individuals that helped guide you? There is no one, right way to be a spiritual mentor. There is a variety of ways because of a variety of experiences. “I think you can’t hear and see the gifts and charisms of the other unless you are listening unless you have an interest the other,” says Rev. Gilmour. “Not just the ‘you have to follow me, because I have worked it out’ but rather there is something unique and beautiful about God in you that I want to hear, that I want to encourage.” Adrian Drayton
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Young Adult Discipleship SYDNEY PRESBYTERY
In Sydney Presbytery, we work in the area of young adult discipleship formation in three distinct, but increasingly connected areas of ministry. Our Tertiary Ministry programs on university campuses, the CHOICE Discipleship course which targets Pacific Islander young adults, and the Many Cultures One In Christ worship events are the three primary ways we engage with young adults. School of Discipleship, although being positioned for a multigenerational church audience, also acts as the theological gathering place for many of our emerging leaders. These ministries have much in common: a focus on relevant and meaningful theological learning and dialogue, supported by a growing community of young leaders and ample opportunity for participation and service in the church and community. These ministries share a common purpose: Christcentred discipleship formation.
TERTIARY MINISTRY
The model of Tertiary Ministry in Sydney Presbytery has three active and inter-linked expressions: on campus engagement, congregational orientation towards young adult discipleship, and intentional Christian community through affordable housing. Originated through the work of Rev. Dr. John Hirt at the University of Sydney, Tertiary Ministry has been an area of vital ministry for over 20 years – faithfully holding itself to the three-fold mission of Keeping Faith, Doing Justice, Building Community. On campus engagement takes place under the banner of Christian Students Uniting, with student groups at the University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, University of Technology,
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and most recently the Conservatorium of Music. Nico Tjoelker is a student at the Conservatorium of Music and has been part of Christian Students Uniting (CSU) for 4 years - currently serving as the student president for CSU at University of Sydney and the Conservatorium of Music. For Nico, Tertiary Ministry has been an important part of his ongoing faith formation: "Church, Sunday school, and Bible studies have always been an important part of my Christian upbringing. When I came to university, I sought out CSU so that I could continue to develop my faith in a university setting and meet a community of likeminded Christian scholars.” A core component of CSU’s on-campus engagement activities are regular Bible studies; providing a space for students
to explore their faith more deeply (“Keeping Faith”). A long-standing “rule” of CSU Bible studies is “there are no stupid questions”. Bible study times should be safe places where students can wrestle with the Bible, its context and what it all means for them as disciples today. The importance of such spaces should not be underestimated. Tertiary education is a formative experience, particularly for young adults, who are often stepping out from their families and/or church’s faith systems for the first time. It is an opportunity for young adults to discover and own their faith and theology. However, with the many competing ideas and worldviews that young adults are bombarded with at university, without a supportive and safe space for them to explore their faith, many will walk away from the church all together. We see that when young adults like Nico are given the opportunity to explore and grow their faith alongside their academic studies, they often flourish: “Christian Students Uniting has had a great impact on my discipleship journey. CSU connected me with fellow Christian students and enabled me to understand my faith from a more mature, universitylevel perspective” said Nico. The notion that faith is not just a personal experience, but a public one – that faith should impact the whole-of-life, including what we do – is a fundamental to the formational work of Tertiary Ministry (“Doing Justice). This is lived out through opportunities to engage in protests and marches, and work with organisations like Sydney Alliance. Through participation in advocacy activities, students grow and develop in their capacity to lead, as well as standing up for the rights of the least. In 2018, CSU participated in the “Books not Bombs” rally at Sydney Uni, protesting against the Australian Government’s cuts to education funding whilst increasing its funding of arms manufacturing. Nico bravely and brilliantly represented CSU by speaking at that rally.
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All the work of CSU is held together in the context of community (“Building Community”). We build community because this journey of discipleship, faith and justice is meant to be shared. We also understand that meaningful connections to Uniting Church congregations and affordable student housing opportunities are absolutely essential elements to the success of our work in this space. An integral part of the Tertiary Ministry community is our ‘Uni Churches’; congregations intentionally orientated towards young adult discipleship. These include Burwood, Hope, Mustard Seed, St Stephens and Leichhardt. Nico is a member at Leichhardt UC and lives at Epworth House, as well as being the organ scholar at St Stephens. On this experience, Nico said, “Another great thing about CSU is that it is a portal into many other communities within the Uniting Church. Many members of CSU live in Epworth House – a residence for students based on Christian values of community which is run by Leichhardt Uniting Church.”
CHOICE
For most young people in or out of the church, hearing the Easter or Christmas story of Jesus every year, in the same fashion, is like hearing a familiar and yet broken record. The problem with hearing these stories repeatedly and in the same ways, however foundational they are to the Christian faith, is that these truths become engaged with less and less, and not absorbed any deeper than surface level understanding. Initially funded out of the former Marrickville Uniting Church’s seed fund six years ago, the CHOICE Discipleship Course was established out of the need for building youth leadership and deepening formational capacity. The purpose of CHOICE is to be a steppingstone for young adult leaders to discern their gifts and reflect on how they are called to actualise the Gospel (vocation) through their church leadership roles and even day-to-day lives. CHOICE runs for a duration of 10 weeks a term, for 2 and half hours every Tuesday evening. Each week unpacks different topics including: What is the Bible? Hermeneutics; Storytelling; Discipleship; Vocation; Leadership in the Secular space; The Importance of Prayer, Doing Ministry, The Heart of Worship. To help unpack these themes, each workshop is facilitated by a number of Sydney Presbytery staff members, ministers and lay leaders.
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This Synod has a strong history and a bright future of young adult discipleship and formation A typical evening at CHOICE would see participants being welcomed with supper and friendly faces followed by rich fellowship and formational workshops. By the end of the workshop, participants leave having a deepened relationship with God, a growing confidence to serve God’s Kingdom and a network of mentors and friends to encourage and keep accountable. When asked what drew 22-year-old Funaki (Naki) Taumoepeau to participate in the CHOICE course in 2019, she passionately stated: “I was drawn to CHOICE because of the impact this ministry had on my friends [former graduates]. I was excited to see what the CHOICE ministry does for young people and our discipleship!” Now as a graduate herself, she was pleased to share in her closing reflections how much “CHOICE has helped [her] talk passionately about Jesus on a daily basis and [has encouraged her] to engage more young people about Jesus.”
As a key young adult leader in her home church, Kelesi (Grace) Congregation, which is part of the Tonga Parish, and on the Tongan National Conference Second Gen Discipleship team, Naki’s formation journey reached new depths through her CHOICE experience, particularly in week five’s Vocation workshop facilitated by Rev. Kent Crawford.
“A [formational moment for me] was when we read and reflected through the dialogue between Jesus and Peter in John 21:15-19, and learnt the 4 different Greek words for love. I identified with Peter a whole lot and what Jesus said to him regardless of how limited or large his love was for Jesus was, Jesus’ response to Peter was the same. “Feed my sheep”. I’ve learnt that no matter where we are in life or whether we feel unequipped or that others are better suited for service, we are called to serve.” Upon her parting reflections, Naki recommends that more young adults, no matter their cultural or church backgrounds, should consider taking part in the CHOICE program. As Naki put it, it provides “space that builds dialogue and relationships between - not just young adult leaders - but different (CALD) communities [with] deep engagement in the bible and worship…One of the things I’ve learnt is that God has blessed us
The vibe was electric. Rev. Ace Kim and the band from OneHeart at West Ryde invited the audience into worship and song. One could not help but be caught up in the energy of the moment. Pastor Andy Chin from Wesley International congregation and Rev. Viniana Ravetali also led parts of the evening. With grape juice and cob loaves, with coconut water and Lebanese bread; people took communion. This reiterated the message that Christ is a spring from which we are all invited to drink -no matter what we look like, no matter what we eat, where we come from or what language we speak. We are one in Christ.
all differently BUT it’s that diversity that makes our service richer.”
MANY CULTURES, ONE IN CHRIST
‘Many Cultures, One in Christ’ is a new worship event held regularly throughout the year in Sydney – built by and for young people of the Uniting Church. When Sydney Presbytery and Wesley Mission sat down to design ‘Many Cultures’, it was originally intended to be a one-off and intimate gathering set on a long weekend in June 2018. With over 300 people in attendance, it became clear that there was indeed an appetite for more and everyone left excited about the possibilities that 2019 could bring. Speaking about the first ‘Many Cultures’ event, Makarite Erasito said: “It was such a significant moment. To be amongst people from different cultures, sharing the love and good news of Jesus Christ.”
Angela, one of the young adult leaders, took to the stage to walk the crowd of over 250 people through story of Jesus and the woman at the well. Another leader, Tupou, shared her story, bravely speaking about her path of rebuilding her faith after a year of pain and struggle. ‘Many Cultures, One in Christ’ is working to meet our young and diverse members where they are and find ways to listen and learn from their experience and their perspective. The next ‘Many Cultures’ event is set to be held at July’s Synod gathering.
LEADERS OF THE CHURCH TODAY
As this article highlights, there are three key areas of young adult ministry being pursued in Sydney Presbytery. However, taking a look at the wider NSW/ACT Synod, there are yet more programs and projects that are striving to build up new, young, and diverse leaders.
Through Pulse, our high school chaplaincy programs such as at MLC and Ravenswood and Christian Student Uniting groups at Australian National University, Macquarie University and University of Newcastle – we are seeing more and more young and diverse leaders grow in their faith and be formed as disciples. Alongside of these projects, there are growing Uniting Church chaplaincy programs at Western Sydney University, University of Wollongong, University of New England, Latrobe and Charles Sturt University. This Synod has a strong history and a bright future of young adult discipleship and formation. The new and emerging areas of this type of ministry are building upon these foundations and traditions. In Sydney Presbytery, we are moving to bring our work of young adult formation and discipleship closer together, while maintaining the uniqueness of each ministry. What this looks like is still being written. What we need from the wider church is participation, support and prayer. What we are learning is that where we thought we were working to build up and equip future leaders of the church and community – in actual fact, we are working with leaders of the church today. Jonathan Hirt, Communications Manager at Sydney Presbytery Liuanga Palu, Pacific Community Organiser, CHOICE Program Trainer Rev. Adrian Sukumar-White, Minister at Leichhardt Uniting Church & Uniting Church Chaplain at University of Sydney
‘Many Cultures’ is different to a traditional church event – in more ways than one. The event series is designed to equip and build new leaders within the church by giving those that step up the opportunity to plan and lead every aspect of the evening. The events are dynamic, contemporary and participatory – but they are also opportunities for growth, fellowship and formation. For those shaping ‘Many Cultures’, it is a chance to repackage the traditional faith bestowed by generations past for a younger and more culturally diverse set of future (and present) leaders. The first ‘Many Cultures’ event for 2019 took place at Petersham Town Hall on March 2nd. 250 community elders, young people and families filled the room for a vibrant, poignant and celebratory evening.
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HYBRID SOCIAL ENTERPRISE:
Wayside Chapel
Wayside Chapel is ensuring a sustainable mission to break the cycle of youth unemployment through a hybrid social enterprise.
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n February 2019, Wayside Chapel produced a Managing Hybrid Enterprises guidebook in collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
experience and community and development experience for these young people.” The program assists participants to move into mainstream employment with the Wingspan Project offering a further 12 months of employment support.
This practical guidebook showcases how Wayside is developing a Mr Cooper said hybrid social it was a enterprise conscious T H E P R O G R A M through decision to GIVES their youth produce the PARTICIPANTS employment Managing ACCESS TO readiness Hybrid ONE-ON-ONE program The Enterprises SUPPORT AND Wingspan Guidebook and MENTORSHIP Project and their begin research Heart Café that alongside the opened in Bondi in opening of the café and November 2018. the Wingspan Project. The Wingspan Project assists “We wanted to understand the at-risk youth (17-25 years old) type of impact we could expect in finding and developing their to have and make a long that careers. way,” explained Mr Cooper. Part of this program SCALING IMPACT includes participants being The research behind the employed at the Heart Café guidebook was led by UTS over a 12-month period. At researchers Drs Melissa completion, they will receive Edwards, Danielle Logue and Certificate II in Hospitality. The Gillian McAllister. The research program is holistic, wrapping a project was sponsored by supportive community around ThirdLink. disadvantaged young people. NSW and ACT Synod, Chief The Heart Café essentially Operating Officer, Albert delivers and enables the Olley, was at the launch of Wayside Chapel’s mission of the research guidebook and creating a community of “no heard first-hand of the impact us and them.” Surplus funds a hybrid social enterprise can from the Heart Café goes back make. into the program to support young people. “The element that I found most impressive about the research Wayside’s Head of Innovation and the collaboration was the Strategy and Social Impact, willingness of the University Lee Cooper, said the program and Philanthropic sector to gives participants access engage with the Wayside and to one-on-one support and consider different models,” Mr mentorship. Olley said. “We provide 10 to 12 weeks Mr Cooper said that the of attentive support, work guidebook explores a holistic
view of what a hybrid social enterprise entails in terms of both internal and external success. “To look at not just the impact of the project and the enterprise on individuals which is our main purpose of doing it but also what is the impact on incorporating a hybrid enterprise within in an existing organisation.”
BREAKING THE CYCLE OF UNEMPLOYMENT
all people can thrive,” said Mr Cooper. Mr Olley said that the success of Wayside’s initiative is a valuable case study.
WAYS TO HELP
There are a number of ways that your congregation can help the Wayside’s Wingspan Project and mission. First. you can support the Heart Café by dining there or donating directly to Wayside Chapel.
“With enough funds we can help more people but we There are currently six will also need more work participants who are working places to support Wingspan in the Heart Café through the participants. Uniting operate Wingspan Project. other services for the “These young people will be community including child care, provided with up to nine retirement homes, and social months of paid employment,” services,” said Mr Cooper. said Mr Cooper. Melissa Stewart “The purpose of this is that many young people are not given a chance to show what they can do, they don’t have the experience and then they can’t get the work which would give them experience. “We are breaking this cycle with significant paid experience.” When asked how the current participants are going, Mr Cooper said the response has been positive. “They are showing us that in the right environments
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T H E T WO O F U S
Myra Cowell and Wendy Frazier share some of their personal story of moving from death to life, a journey which is intimately connected to the story of Finley Uniting Church.
Sharing God’s wisdom and insight MYRA
In January four years ago I was feeling exhausted as I finished the 9.00am service at Tocumwal and I still had the 11.00am service in front of me. We didn’t have many lay preachers at the time and the couple we did have were away for the holidays. Summer is a difficult season for me. I find my energy levels are very limited and I had three weeks with two services each Sunday. Another hot day was on its way. As I walked from the church at Tocumwal I said a prayer: “God I can’t keep going like this - I need help!”
At Finley, on that same morning, a new person arrived at the service, introduced herself and said “I am Wendy an accredited Uniting Church Lay Preacher.” I said, “Thank you God!” Since then we have all been truly blessed by Wendy’s ministry. She has sustained me in my low times with her wisdom and insight and she has celebrated with me in times of joy. I am still saying: “Thank you God!”
WENDY
My husband Lew and I moved from being in 7 days a week business in Cootamundra to buy a house in Finley. I felt God was telling me to go back to the UCA and for a while I did not agree, but on the morning that Myra spoke of I listened. I had been accredited as a Lay Preacher in 1992. The Bible the congregation gave me at the time has the inscription Matthew 5:15 and 16: “No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
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Who am I to argue with that? Since coming back to the UCA I have redone the Lay preacher training with Myra as my mentor. Her wisdom and the support of Finley worship Centre is humbling. Last year Lew and I built a playroom at our home and called it The House of Doors, because it was built out of old doors! We have a piano, artist’s supplies, coffee, tea and a water cooler. It is a good place to sit and chat or pray and it is a good place for all sorts of people to gather. Myra has been a great encouragement to me and we have travelled together, practically and spiritually over the past few years. We have been through a lot together. In have been stretched and Myra’s friendship has been valuable to me and her trust in me has been humbling.
MYRA AND WENDY
Although small, Finley Congregation is always open to the movement of God’s Holy Spirit and its mission has always been through hospitality. For more than 20 years people from the community have gathered for Bee Hive (BYO craft) and weekly Bible study. Then there is crazy whist, a friendship morning and hymn singing where people from other denominations and people from the wider community can share what is happening in their lives. Each group has its own following and friendships grow. Supporting the community has always been important to our congregation and since 2018, with $5000 from the Moderator’s Drought Fund and a $2000 donation from Mansfield Uniting Church we have purchased $200 Murray Goulburn vouchers and given them to farmers in the area. We have received many thank you notes saying things like, “this is the real Jesus living among
THE HOUSE OF DOORS ACTS AS A GATHERING PLACE FOR THE COMMUNITY
us.” The drought continues and with zero water allocation for irrigation we have just applied for, and received a further $5000 to distribute to farmers. Some people might think our congregation is in decline, but that’s not how we see it. It is not about numbers it is about people. Some of our members have died or moved into care but someone new is always arriving and the House of Doors is beginning to play a part, acting as a gathering place for some very interesting and gifted people. Twice a month we take Communion to Finley Regional Care and then share morning tea with the residents. Not so long ago we presided at the funeral of one of our Regional Care members and afterwards Wendy reached out to her daughter. After enjoying the hospitality of the House of Doors, she is now part of Finley Worship Centre and has started Lay Preacher training. God’s double blessing to Myra’s original prayer for help. Adapted from Ruminations Magazine. Ruminations is the publication of Saltbush. For more information go to: facebook.com/Saltbushcommunity
A Courageous Vision AND MISSION FOR ORANGE
Orange Uniting Church have amalgamated four congregations into one and is now in the process of divesting themselves of the financial responsibility of two of their three properties. They have elected a new Church Council and are beginning to implement an ambitious Mission Plan. These moves were the result of a long process, brought on by difficult circumstances. With the help of Uniting’s Church Engagement Officer Corinna Alchin the congregations established a common Vision and Mission to which the combined congregations could aspire.
Everything was on the table. The entire church community played a role and had a say in the process. Along the way, they engaged the wider community and the broader Uniting Church, fostering relationships along the way. Insights asked Orange Uniting Church minister Rev. Andrew Cunningham and Mike Logan to share their thoughts on this remarkable transformation period. As they point out, this was not an easy process, but was a necessary one. Their reflections have led to much wisdom for the wider Uniting Church to consider.
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KEEP
S
listening KEEP challenging
ometimes it is obvious that that change is needed.
And when we acknowledge it, we have a choice. We can keep our eyes closed, let the change happen and live with the consequences, or we can face it head on, be involved in the change, and know that we have not just let this ‘happen’ to us. We have walked with God, and each other, seeking a better way, and seeking resurrection in the things that seems dead.
mind about what might be and to explore as much as possible. There are times that a plan seems to be coalescing, but keep testing, keep investigating and keep engaging with as wide a circle as necessary to have as much information as possible. In relation to bringing the people on the journey, don’t be afraid to go slowly when necessary, and to keep going over things to help them stay on board. Keep listening. Keep challenging.
issues involving property and the merging of congregations require the mind to play a lead role. We do this while treating the heart with respect and acknowledging the pain that comes with these sensible decisions. It will be a strain on those who lead the change process. The dreams of so many different people – members of the congregation, the wider Uniting Church and the God of the church, may seem to rest on your shoulders.
It was important not to shy away but to be honest about the reality of our health
From my first months in Orange it was clear that we could not go on as we were currently operating. I raised this issue with the leaders and encouraged people to talk about the elephant in the room.
It was so important not to shy away, but to be honest about the reality of our health, and to encourage people to think, talk and read about what could be. It soon became clear that people knew. They just needed to know that the pain of the change will be worth the end result. There was no guarantee that it would be worth the pain, but it is abundantly clear that staying put will only have one sad outcome. The leader’s role is to guide the people to consider together some alternative visions of the future, and consider how the church can be released, revitalised and resourced to serve and worship in today’s world. As leaders, it is important to join with the people on this journey, and to have an open
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You may feel sick when the hard decisions are to be made. You may bear the criticism of the those who don’t understand. You may lie awake at night wondering. At the end of the day, to achieve the required change, the motivator must be the God of mission in who’s church we work and serve. So, pray and act and let the change begin! Rev Andrew Cunningham, Minister of the Word, Orange Uniting Church
Be willing to change your mind, and to change it again. But a time will come when you have done enough gathering, thinking, listening, talking, meeting and praying. A time will come when decisions have to be made, and when you know what is right and you have the ability and momentum to make the decision, you need to do it. Not heartlessly, but with compassion and determination. In much of life there is an easy relationship in decision making between heart and mind. Things are balanced well. Sometimes the heart is called upon more, and we go with what our heart desires. Sometimes the mind needs to be the driver, and we must do what we know is right, even though it weighs heavily on our heart. These
REV. ANDREW CUNNINGHAM AND THE MODERATOR REV. SIMON HANSFORD AT THE CELEBRATION SERVICE TO LAUNCH THE NEW CONGREGATION.
‘OUR CHALLENGE IS NOT TO CONVINCE PEOPLE THERE IS A PROBLEM. OUR CHALLENGE IS PROVIDING PLAUSIBLE PATHWAYS TO ACTION WHERE PEOPLE FEEL THEY HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY.’ (K MCCALLUM, CHANGING THE STORY: THE POWER OF WORDS)
Thoughts on the Journey AT ORANGE UNITING CHURCH The first step in a journey of culture change is acknowledging that where you are is not positioning you for a sustainable future. This acceptance is a liberating starting point for the enquiry and decision making that is essential to moving from that spot and forsaking the comfort, familiarity, and safety that has anchored you there for perhaps decades and perhaps more tellingly, for generations of family and friends.
Once that acceptance has begun to cause ripples on the surface of familiar territory and habits, it is always more likely that people will move forward in the company of known travelling companions. It is important early to establish common ground which is an acceptable, safe starting point for the majority to begin what is essentially a journey of discovery. At Orange Uniting Church we achieved this with the help of Corinna Alchin, Community and Church Engagement Officer with Uniting. Corinna ran a series of workshops to help us establish a common Vision and Mission to which the combined congregations could aspire. Everything was on the table, nothing was taken for granted and every effort was made to ensure
anything threatening was eliminated.
From these workshops came Vision and Mission Statements, but more importantly came three very clear areas of focus on which to build the Mission Plan for the new congregation and its cooperative endeavours. At this very early stage of the process we had the areas of Worship, Pastoral Care and Community Connection as jointly identified areas of aspiration and mission for us all to work towards. As an early combined achievement, this was to prove a stabilising and pivotal achievement for both short and longer term developments. I believe it provided a clearly defined point of reference once we began to address more potentially divisive issues such as property rationalisation. An agreed, fundamental strategy among the leadership group was an approach that embraced absolute transparency, no surprises and continual communication and collaboration. Everything was out in the open and the congregations were encouraged to ask, challenge and make suggestions at every opportunity.
Newsletters were published following every Council Meeting. From the very beginning everything was planned within a stated timeframe and we worked as closely to that timeframe as possible. We are now at an important transition point following establishment of one united congregation (from four previously) and we embark on the process of divesting ourselves of the financial responsibility of two of our three Orange City properties, we now reflect on the process. We are now beginning to implement the Mission Plan and a new Church Council has been elected.
While at the beginning we sometimes felt we were paddling hard against the tidal flow, there came a time when we began to surf the wave that was slowly but surely building beneath us. Most importantly, we became aware of the huge benefit of engaging with the wider community. Locally and within the Uniting Church, there were wonderful resources
We became aware of the huge benefit of engaging with the wider community
I believe it’s fair to say that the process has been successful, and there is a groundswell of committed support for the vision. The process has required careful planning, an enormous capacity for listening, tenacity mixed with compassion and understanding, empathy and lots of energy. There has been an opportunity to foster enthusiasm and energy that is so critical to maintaining the momentum as it begins to manifest and drive the process forward.
and talented people willing to assist us in our efforts. Fortunately, we made the effort to have face-to-face meetings with many of these people and we got to know them well. They have provided invaluable support in so many ways. A prayerful approach has been integral to managing and tempering throughout the journey. We are not finished yet, but we will get it done! Mike Logan
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SOLIDARITY IN A
Changing IT IS FARMERS LIKE JULIANA WHO ARE THE MOST VULNERABLE TO THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE, AND THE DEVASTATING DROUGHTS AND CYCLONES THAT ARE ONLY GETTING WORSE. IT JUST FEELS SO UNJUST. CREDIT: JOEL PRATLEY/ACT FOR PEACE
I
’ll never forget her final words before we drove away. “I appeal to you, you have been sent by God. May you help me that my grandchildren may get food, clothes and school fees.”
It’s been two months since I spent time with Juliana in her small home on her farm in Zimbabwe. At the end of a long, dusty road, her home is two simple structures – a small hut where she cooks, and a second building with just one room where she lives with her daughter and her two young granddaughters. Like so many others in the region, Juliana is a farmer. She started farming 19 years ago when her husband died, and has done her best to provide for her family by growing maize. It is backbreaking work. And climate chaos is pushing Juliana, and other farmers like her, to the brink. Most recently, farmers in Zimbabwe have been dealing with a crippling drought – many farmers, including Juliana, have not yielded a harvest at all.
After years of drought, the flooding rains that followed seem all the more tragic. On my last day in Zimbabwe, the rains from Cyclone Idai, the deadly storm that tore across south-eastern Africa in March, had just started to fall. There was a sense of relief that it was raining, and no one could have imagined the destruction this would bring. When I got back to Australia I started to receive messages from colleagues, people whom I’d just said goodbye to, and I was heartbroken by what they were telling me. Across the region entire villages were submerged, buildings flattened and medical centres severely damaged. Hundreds of people were killed, and thousands lost homes, livelihoods, everything.
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STUDENTS IN THE DROUGHT-STRICKEN REGION OF MASVINGO RAISING THEIR VOICE ON CLIMATE INACTION. THE IMPORTANCE OF THEIR PROTEST WAS BROUGHT INTO SHARP FOCUS WHEN DAYS LATER, DEADLY CYCLONE IDAI SWEPT ACROSS THE REGION. CREDIT: JOEL PRATLEY/ACT FOR PEACE
Climate
I couldn’t help but think of Juliana. She had yet to yield a single harvest this year and therefore is unlikely to have any food in storage. Her home was not built to withstand that kind of extreme weather. I honestly don’t know how she will even begin to rebuild after the storm.
THE ENTIRE VILLAGE WAS SUBMERGED AND SEVERAL PEOPLE WERE KILLED BY THE CYCLONE HERE AT THE RURAL SERVICE CENTRE IN CHIMANIMANI VALLEY. CREDIT: ZIMBABWE COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
Two months on, the ferociousness of this storm is something we cannot, and we must not, ignore. Climate experts warn that as the world continues to warm up, storms like Idai will become more frequent and more deadly. Here in Australia, we know all too well the destruction that extreme weather conditions can cause. In NSW, our farmers have been crippled by drought and in Queensland more than half a million cattle have been lost to floods. Just days after the storm torn through Zimbabwe, the Northern Territory was battered by Cyclone Trevor. Cyclones, bushfires, floods - every day we are seeing the devastation it can cause. We are also seeing the ways in which it’s bringing people together.
JULIANA HOLDS HER GRANDDAUGHTER IN HER SMALL ROUND HUT. SHE TOLD ME HOW DEVASTATING IT WAS TO BE UNABLE TO PROVIDE FOR HER FAMILY BECAUSE OF THE ONGOING DROUGHT. CREDIT: JOEL PRATLEY/ACT FOR PEACE
what kind of community do we want to be? What kind of neighbour?
Inspired by the young climate activist Greta Thunberg, in March, one million students from around the world left their classroom to demand global leaders take urgent action on climate change. In the days and weeks following Cyclone Idai, Uniting Church members across Australia gave generous gifts to get food and blankets to survivors. Their support saved people’s lives. These are just two examples of unity that can give us hope.
Climate Change is one of the biggest issues of our time, and we are at a defining moment. Families here in Australia, those I met in Zimbabwe, and millions more people around the world, are already suffering from its impacts. As we continue to weather these storms together, literally and figuratively, it is an opportunity to ask, what kind of community do we want to be? What kind of neighbour? Climate change poses a serious threat to us and the planet. Equally, it calls us to consider the values and the principles we need to live in more equitable, peaceful and sustainable ways. There has never been a more important issue on which to stand united and act together. In the face of a changing climate, our future rests in solidarity.
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SYNOD 2019 BIBLE STUDIES
WHY DO WE HOPE TO SEE THE CHURCH GROWING? Synod Bible Studies will be offered this year by UTC Principal, Peter Walker, based on the Moderator’s selected theme, Living Church. The three studies are titled ‘The Purpose of the Living Church’, ‘The Focus of the Living Church’, and ‘The Identity of the Living Church’. In a brief taste of study one, Peter reflects on why we hope to see the church growing.
W
e hope, pray, and plan for church growth. We dream and strategize in ministry teams, church councils, and presbytery workshops. How can we grow this group? This congregation? This program? This Uniting Church in Australia? It’s profoundly important work. Yet our hoping, praying, and planning is not a response to concerns about our future. It is a response to the call of Jesus Christ upon his church. The purpose which constitutes the church is the sharing of a message. The church’s mission is to understand that message, to live by that message, and to equip ourselves to share that message - with words and with love. That message is to inform all that we are, and all that we do. It is the reason we hope and plan for church growth. We call that message the Gospel.
Others came to believe through this re-telling of the message. They, too, felt themselves called to share it. Two thousand years later, the disciple communities of the Uniting Church in Australia WHENEVER THE are among those who have heard the message CHURCH’S FOCUS of the Gospel, found our lives renewed and BECOMES SELFreconciled because of that message, and are CONCERN WE RISK now joined to a vast chain of witnesses who ST R AY I N G F R O M went before us. THE MISSION OF GOD
Around the year 30, a group of women and men who had followed their rabbi to a Roman cross encountered him, somehow, alive among them after his execution. And the manner in which they encountered their rabbi, undoubtedly actually him and yet indescribably transformed, led them to believe he was no longer subject to death and would never leave them again. Given Israel’s grasp of life and death, and of the One in whose hands they believed these two realities to be held, this experience led those first followers of Jesus of Nazareth to believe they were not only in the presence of their resurrected rabbi - they were also in the presence of the Lord of Heaven and Earth. These events were so precious to those who first experienced them that they travelled their world telling others that God had
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begun a new thing, miraculously, among them. God had started renewing and reconciling the whole creation to God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Basis of Union paragraph 3). This cost many of those early witnesses a great deal, and cost some of them their lives. Yet they seem to have embraced this suffering as though they were, in fact, gaining their life.
To ensure the chain of witnesses that goes before each generation is joined to a chain of witnesses that will follow after each generation, God calls into being the church. People like us. As flawed as we are, we hope that the lives of people around us and ahead of us will nevertheless be touched and transformed by that message, which began with those first astonished and courageous witnesses, and which we too are now called to share with words and loving service. And so we prayerfully and strategically plan for church growth, yes. But we never do that for the church’s sake. Whenever the church’s focus becomes self-concern, we risk straying from the mission of God, and not even the best laid plans for growth will help us. Rather, we hope to see the church growing so that, by the grace of God, we may continue to be a faithful and fruitful witness, in fresh words and deeds, to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Common Dreams Conference 11-14 July 2019
Sacred Earth: Original Blessing, Common Home
Be inspired, be sustained
A conference for advocates of spirituality and social change. Inspiration for progressive seekers. Sustenance for practical dreamers. Hear Rev Dr Matthew Fox, exponent of Creation Spirituality, speak on prophetic witness for social, environmental and gender justice. Joel McKerrow on the poetics of the sacred imagination. Dr Anne Pattel-Gray on justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their land. Rev Rod Bower on our common home and a just society. Dr Elaine Wainwright, Catholic New Testament scholar on reading our sacred story from within our common home.
Music and art by Rachel Collis, Heather Price, Kavisha Mazella, Rev Doug Purnell. Join electives ranging from Jesus and friendship to ferocious hope for sacred creation; from post colonialism to Aboriginal reconciliation. Participate in workshops connecting spirituality, activism, and the arts. All events, apart from Friday evening at Pitt Street Uniting Church, will be held at Newington College, Stanmore, Sydney. Register for the full program, short program or evening highlights: http://tiny.cc/CommonDreams Visit the conference website: 2019.commondreams.org.au
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M A K I N G M O N E Y M AT T E R
PAY DAY LENDING...
don’t get cleaned out
Ethical investing is the priority of Uniting Financial Services, but how do we help people who have been caught in the trap of opportunistic lenders?
I
started doing a clean-up of some cupboards in my office at UFS recently. Mostly there were old documents that could be simply tossed, but among them I found some that need to be kept for their historical significance. One of these documents is 10 pages that are going brown from age, but which read as freshly as if they’d been typed yesterday.
the poor. Our ethical investment principles capture that concern in a requirement that we don’t encourage or profit from activities which “entice the poor into financial over-commitment”. I think that this is a good, modern way of talking about the Old Testament prohibition on the charging of ‘usury’.
In brief, in the book of Exodus, among This particular document is a report a raft of laws about property and social from the Victorian Synod in 1980, which responsibility, is this: references a resolution from the first “If you lend money to one of my people Synod meeting in 1977, on the among you who is needy, do not subject of ethical principles for treat it like a business deal; the Church’s “commercial charge no interest.” (Ex investments”. That 22:25 NIV) resolution had called for guidelines to be drawn This wasn’t a ban on TO PROFIT FROM up that would “ensure ever charging interest SOMEONE IN SUCH that the investment on a loan - business A S I T UAT I O N WA S policy of the church is an transactions were WRONG, AND IT expression of the gospel”. done with foreigners STILL IS Thus began a wonderful (Deuteronomy 23:20) journey of showing our faith – but a recognition that by our works – in this case usually a fellow Israelite the works of investment decisionwould only need to borrow making. money because their crop had failed and they needed to feed their families. To This was a profound decision. Many fund profit from someone in such a situation managers around the world are only now was wrong, and it still is. starting to discover the importance of making investment decisions that are The main way that we implement this aware of the environmental and social principle is that put onto the excluded impact of the activities they’re funding. investment list – that is, we won’t However, the Uniting Church can proudly own shares in them - companies that say that this has been “in our DNA” for colloquially we call ‘payday lenders’. over 4 decades already! We were a world Payday loans are high cost, short-term leader, and I’m very pleased to be the loans that people typically take out to current baton carrier in our Synod for cover a cash short-fall when they need these principles. to pay a bill. You’ve all seen their ads on television, with colourful characters The guidelines that the 1980 report jumping into the living room with a wallet proposed have been tweaked a bit over full of money to rescue you. The reality is the years, but they are essentially the that it all too often becomes a trap. same today as they were then. And it’s a trap that Australians are Including one that’s been on my mind a bit increasingly falling into. Often the dollar recently. Throughout history, the people amounts don’t sound too large – someone of God have had a particular concern for
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needs $200 to make a payment urgently – but a payday loan can within a couple of weeks turn into an obligation to repay $350 or more, requiring another loan and the beginning of a devastating cycle. Or someone needs to replace an important item, such as a fridge, so they buy one on finance that looks cheap, but is punitive when all the fees are taken into account and the penalties for late payment are added on. It’s really profitable for the lender, but makes the borrowers’ situation worse. However, it’s one thing for us to refuse to profit from this activity, but quite another to be able to help those who might be caught in the trap. What can we do that’s positive to help deal with the problem? Recently we at UFS have been working with other arms of the Church – Uniting, some parish Missions, Wayside Chapel and UME – to identify and co-ordinate the services that are already available to help people in straitened financial circumstances. In turn, we hope to identify more that can be done as a service to the community. Our first cut of a list of services is {See table on the right}, including the Government’s Money Smart service and the non-denominational Christians Against Poverty. If you or someone you know is in a position that might lead you to a payday lender, please don’t go there; please advise your friend not to go there. You don’t have to walk into the trap. There are better ways and if you contact one of the groups on the list you can get help. Or if you or someone you know is in the trap, reach out urgently. Some of the services listed can help you to rearrange your finances and get your lives back in order. The purpose of the Old Testament law I quoted earlier was to enable the needy
person to live in the community with purpose and dignity. That’s our goal as well. The following table lists some of the services we’ve been able to identify within the Uniting Church that are designed to help people in financial straits who might otherwise be lured into the downward spiral of payday loans. We don’t pretend this is comprehensive, but hopefully it will help you to support those you know require such assistance. We’d love to hear from you if you know of others. In addition, Christians Against Poverty is an international organisation which operates in Australia. It provides debt restructuring assistance and advocacy, counselling and courses in budgeting and financial management. The service is free and open to all – you don’t have to be Christian. Warren Bird Executive Director Uniting Financial Services
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has an informative website that discusses payday lending and how to avoid the trap. tinyurl.com/bemoneysmart
Name of Service
Contact details
Nature of service
Financial Counselling Helpline NSW
1800 007 007
Provided by Uniting, this is a new service designed to provide support and practical options for callers to manage their financial issue. Available to anyone experiencing financial hardship.
Emergency and Financial Management Assistance (EFMA)
Alan Liah, EFMA Coordinator alan@kippax.org.au
Provided by Uniting Care, Kippax, ACT.Appointments are made and financial counselling is provided as a mandatory requirement to access supports – then appropriate assistance provided.
Financial Counselling Services Shoalhaven
Clare Leslie, 4421 5365 or 0417 279964
Provided by Lifeline South Coast on behalf of the Illawarra Presbytery, the service provides free financial counselling to the South Coast community, advocacy and support dealing with creditors, assistance with utility bills, etc
Annemarie Sharkey, 4421 5365
Bateman’s Bay UCA Glenn Farquor-Nicol or David Woodward Pivotpoint2536@gmail.com
Assistance provided during open hours to support those needing food or financial assistance
Wayside Chapel
Graham Anson
At Kings Cross and Bondi Beach, Wayside provides a wide range of services to anybody who has need of practical assistance, from showers, haircuts, low-cost meals, to assistance with day to day living skills and more.
Manning Uniting Church Emergency Relief Program
John Dun 0416 036660
To provide emergency relief for those suffering desperate financial stress, including emergency food, referrals to other agencies based on needs, fulfilment of prescriptions, etc
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D I G I TA L M I N I ST RY
VIRTUAL REALITY PROJECT
Brings the Bible’s World to Life
T
he Immersive Bible Experience recently made its Kickstarter funding goal of $10, 511, a number it has since exceeded.
It promises backers the ability to “Walk where Jesus walked, pick up and interact with artifacts, climb virtual ladders, experience biblical events as a participant as they unfold around you.” Immersive History are developing the VR app. The team are currently focused on bringing to life the Temple mount and ancient Jerusalem.
The experience uses Mobile 3D, Augmented Reality, and Mobile VR to bring the world of the Bible to life. In a video on the Kickstarter page, one of the team members Charyn outlines how his faith led him to want to pursue the project. “I fell in love with the Bible as a teenager. God has always been a big part of my life.”
Jerrom Sidwell is a founding member of Immersive, who has previously worked in visual effects in a number of Hollywood blockbusters, including Avatar and The Avengers. “One day I was sitting in a lecture from a Biblical scholar,” Mr Sidwell said.
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“I was riveted, but when I looked around the room, many people were zoning out. “I thought, ‘How can I help more people be engaged in Bible education?’ At Immersive, we can recreate the biblical world and digitally immerse people, making the Bible stories and teachings come to life around you like never before.”
what I really wanted to do was to tell stories that help fuel God’s love for people
“I knew that deep down, what I really wanted to do was to tell stories that help fuel God’s love for people. So when I learnt about Immersive mission to bring the Bible to life through the latest technology, I knew I had to become a part of it.”
A new virtual reality experience will allow people to experience the world of the Bible for themselves.
The Immersive team has worked with archaeologists, biblical scholars, and faith leaders for the project. As with all Kickstarter campaigns, backers are offered various rewards at different tiers depending on how much money they pledge towards its production. Nine dollars provides the backer with the 3D mobile app that allows people to explore the Bible’s world on iOS and Android devices. On the other side of the scale is the $10,000 tier, which funds a VR conference experience catered to congregations or families. At the time of writing, the project has raised $15, 324.
According to the project’s Kickstarter page, the production team aim to deliver the finished product to backers in October 2019. To take full advantage of the app, the team recommends a mid-range laptop and an Oculus Rift headset. While virtual reality technology is relatively new, Christians have used the platform for a variety of ways, including online church services and virtual faith communities. Uniting have also used the technology in aged care homes to help residents experience items on their ‘bucket lists’.
Jonathan Foye To find out more about the Immersive Bible Experience go to tinyurl.com/vrbible
THE
inspirational LEGACY OF
Rachel Held Evans
O
n Saturday, 4 May, widely respected Christian author Rachel Held Evans passed away at the young age of 37. This marked the end of a life and ministry dedicated to bringing marginalised people into the fold.
Held Evans was placed in a medicallyinduced coma after an allergic reaction to medication. In a context where many communities, including churches, remain diametrically opposed, Evans’ was a voice of inclusivity, calling for an intersectional approach to Christianity. She was the author of four bestselling books and many controversial columns.
While researching A Year of Biblical Womanhood, she spent much of 2011 enacting Biblical verses word for word as a critique of rigid literalism. In a 2015 piece written for the Washington Post, Held Evans suggested that churches seeking to gain younger members need to stop “trying to make church cool.” This, she said, was because churches all too often focused on stylistic factors which were not themselves, “the key to drawing
wrote confidently that her mind was made to know God,” wrote Beaty.
“Rachel labored (sic) to untangle Christianity from cultural norms that told women to be quiet and let men do the theological heavy lifting.” “Rachel’s writing not only inspired other women across the theological spectrum to blog, teach, and write books; it inspired women to attend seminary and pursue preaching and lead churches.”
Held Evans attributed her inclusive approach to Jesus’ own ministry, which was inclusive of tax collectors, lepers, prostitutes and people marginalised as ‘sinners’. Raised in a conservative evangelical household, much of her IN A CONTEXT subsequent WHERE MANY work was C OMMUNITIES intent on REMAIN challenging D I A M E T R I C A L LY people O P P O S ED, EVANS’ from her W A S A VOICE OF background I N C L U SIVITY to be more inclusive of LGBTI people and women millennials back to God in a lasting in their churches. In a and meaningful way.” context where many women “Young people don’t simply want a better are still discouraged from preaching show,” she wrote. and leading churches because of their gender, Held Evans sought to encourage Tributes poured in for Held Evans from them to find their voices. a wide variety of sources. One writer was Katelyn Beaty, who helped form “[M]y liberation did not come from a women’s blog at Christianity Today Simone de Beauvoir or Betty Friedan, in 2009. but from Mary and Martha, Junia and Priscilla, Phoebe and Tabitha,” she wrote “When the Christian blogosphere in 2012. “It came from the marvelous was mostly pastors’ musings on and radical recognition that if the gospel one hand and women’s devotional is good news for them, then maybe it is ‘encouragement’ on the other, Rachel good news for me too … and that maybe that boy in my youth group was wrong.”
Held Evans’ death was marked by a hashtag on Twitter acknowledging how her legacy had enabled others to return to church, or find their gifts. Nadia Boltz-Weber was among the close friends and family who were with Held Evans when she passed away. BoltzWeber, herself an established Christian writer, has contributed to a similar cultural critique of American Chrisianity. Rachel Held Evans is survived by her husband Dan Evans and their two children. Jonathan Foye
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B E L I E F M AT T E R S
Where can we
find God?
I understand that it is hard to find God. Some wish they could believe but can’t. I here offer a reframe. In my experience and many others’, we can find God.
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n any theory of God, we are talking about a spirit, not an object. Therefore, we cannot take to the task of finding God with a telescope or a microscope or a screwdriver. Our eyes are the wrong sort of instrument. Fortunately, humans have other senses that can connect with God and interact. Have you been seeking a meaning or purpose for your life or feeling a lack of freedom to seek them? We know that life is meant for more than mere survival. So convinced are we of this that people will risk nearly everything to find this freedom. We were made with a driving sense of purpose. If an ideology has reduced your sense of purpose to the survival of your genes you have been tied into a narrow jacket. Reading sacred texts and worship services can be surprisingly and enormously uplifting. People flock to cathedrals because we have a sense for the sacred around us. They are expressed in poetry and art, a tacit knowledge that speaks deeply. By all means, read them critically. But being stuck in your own cultural mindset is narrow. Ordinary people can be inspiring. At a funeral or wedding, or another moment of pause, we ‘see’ inside a person’s life to glimpse a creature of the highest significance. We are made with a sense of ordinary and extraordinary significance. You lose so much of your own significance if you witness ‘just another person’. Have you felt wonder or awe, or ever been brought to silence by a moment in nature? Both the scientist and the theologian admit to sharing this sense. A place, a sight or sound can make our spirits soar beyond their empirical status as just one of billions. We don’t need to possess the moment but just notice it and feel a kind of call into the depths of our unknowing.
As I write, it happens to be the time of year when many honour their war dead. Apart from the excesses that some go to, almost all of us will honour the sacrifice. In civilian life, too, we feel we owe a debt of honour to those who sacrifice for us, even when it is not to the death. Honour of this kind ‘adds up’ as a great gift within the wider frame of life as a gift. We sense that gift, a feeling that Christians call ‘Grace’. When it is forced upon us, it trivialises that greater sense of the gift. We usually talk of the empirical senses – sight, smell, touch, hearing, taste. Already, you will have noticed in ten kinds of experience that we have more, just as real senses. God can be detected when you use any or all of these senses of connection, of purpose, of sacredness, of significance of life, of wonder, of morality, or order and of gift. When these senses are engaged, we experience unlimited richness in life. God enters into our consciousness, into communion and even into communication. On the other hand, we can make commitments that I believe blunt this potential. When we reduce our senses to empirical rationalism in demand of artificial certainties, practice cynicism, accumulate things in the rush of materialism, deny our conscience, continue to be careless about structural injustice, interpret all human hope with suspicion, or commit to not-knowing. Does this description ring bells about late-modern society?
H AV E YO U F E LT WONDER OR AWE, OR EVER BEEN BROUGHT TO SILENCE BY A MOMENT IN N AT U RE ?
Have you ever sensed what the right thing to do is? It is known as morality, conscience or ethics, but a sense of justice is another calling to which we humans are highly attached. Before we have the evidence for it, we just ‘know’ that we have a reliable enough sense of right and wrong upon which we base major decisions of life and politics. Morality takes particular forms. Most would agree that the basic sense is innate. Have you ever met a person who is a Rare Bird? It may not have been a Mandela or Teresa, Obama or Arden, someone whose character and wisdom inspired you and others to aspire to a potential that you had not previously seen. In their presence, we all feel that there can be so much more in our life-span. We have a sense of the presence of greatness. If we are cynical, we blunt this sense. The basic question of science asks ‘how did this come about?’ It is not only a scientific question. We all look for causes. Not surprising then that we have asked – how did all this come to be? How did all this evolve so quickly to be so hospitable? There must be a first cause. To say ‘it just is’ would be to undermine science. The ancient belief in a God-ordered universe has encouraged science to look for reliable explanations. It is not, this time, the origin of things but the order of things that surprises. Mathematicians speak of the remarkable capacity for explanation in the universe. It is not all random chaos. Patterns emerge, in that we find that explanations can work well. We sense an order.
If the list above describes a lot of your current commitments, you cannot find the God who made you. You are holding out for an objective experience and God does not comply. Even if you were given a miracle, it would not change you.
By growing the habit of worship of the God who made us in such a way that we may sense his spirit connecting us with all others, we grow these senses. The limited constructs of buildings and organisations are there to form in us those senses through which we find the presence of God. This contemplation necessarily includes an exercise of Love. Everyone knows a bit about love. Jesus demonstrated ultimate love. Christians take that as our definition of love. To follow him means we are involved in forming our self in a love with God, love with neighbour, love with enemies, love with those in your particular faith-family, and love with the planet. These are activities not just emotions. You can experience this love by taking the initiative to give away money to those who need a hand, meet with people to understand each other across cultural barriers, bring support to a struggling kid or parent or senior or not-for-profit organisation, find the truth and share it, give your time and attention to others or stand up for the poor or for the planet. In doing so, you will also meet parts of yourself that you will experience as unhelpful. Do not be put off – it is just another reason to connect with others to live the Love. Again, those tacit senses are an ocean current that is carrying you towards healing and humility, if you are willing to go. In active and contemplative ways, we can explore God and self among the highs and hurts and histories we inherit. Do this and you will live. Ian Robinson lectures at United Theological College.
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L E C T I O NA RY R E F L E C T I O N S
JUNE
Being one with other followers of Jesus Is it not natural to want a place to call our home?
The Spirit of Truth continues to make more truth apparent... about us and our universe. Our capacity to do greater things increases as we welcome and engage more truth. Where/when/how are you confronted by truth you would rather not be aware of? What have you done in response to your new awareness?
16 JUNE
Trinity
JOHN 16:12-15
2 JUNE JOHN 17:20-26
Being ‘one’ is oft praised and frequently misunderstood. It gets confused with unanimity or conformity.
Jesus prays that those who believe might be one. He references the one-ness he shares with his Father. This is a oneness of purpose and desire that never impugns the identity or integrity of either the Father or the Son. Both persons are free to do as they desire because their oneness is at the depth of desire. The Son desires to bring glory to the Father. The Father desires to glorify the Son. We need to be dislodged from the centre of our own universe to be in a position to appreciate this level of oneness. It is the result of a thorough going desire for that which is eternally good for all - not simply immediately beneficial for a select few. People generally default to self-interest. Community too easily devolves into sectarian divisions. There is an ongoing need of a model for how to
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live into eternal life. This is what following Jesus is all about! What is important to hold to, and what is important to let go of, in order to be one with other followers of Jesus?
The Trinity is complex and has no adequate analogue in creation. We catch hints/ glimpses of the dynamic within The Trinity when we experience healthy, close relationships. But the depth of the shared sense of purpose and direction enjoyed by the three persons of The Trinity is nowhere fully replicated.
The Spirit of Truth has no independent agenda. The Spirit continues the work begun at creation and in the 9 JUNE calling of Abraham. It is the JOHN 14:8-17 same Spirit that spoke as the Truth is tricky. Most claim voice of the Father through interest in truth... within reason. the prophets. The same Spirit We welcome truth when it guided the Son in his life and serves our purpose. We easily ministry. ‘reframe the data’ when truth Today the same Spirit of threatens to expose us. Truth continues to further Living and speaking the truth explicate the meaning and (in love) paradoxically ended significance of Jesus’ death with Jesus being rejected by and resurrection. The Spirit everyone and expelled by his progressively discloses all community. Truth is a two that the Christ means to edged sword. us - things hidden from the foundations of the world Willingness to do as Jesus - ‘hidden’ not because they directs (and modelled for us) enables us to be open to truth. were unseeable, but because we have refused to see them! The world cannot receive or
Pentecost
see this truth because it is simply too confronting. Our survival instinct reframes the meaning of the things we find overwhelming or unacceptable about ourselves and our world. We avoid unpalatable truth and even hide truth from ourselves!
In what ways and by what means can we enhance our capacity to bear the things the Spirit of Truth wants to say to us?
23 JUNE UCA Anniversary
JOHN 15:1-8
It is good to be reminded the branch is not responsible for generating the fruit. The branch functions as a conduit for the goodness that issues in fruit. If, for whatever reason, the goodness stops flowing (evinced by the lack of resultant fruit), the vinedresser unsentimentally removes that branch so that it not waste resources. We have much to learn from this!
The fruitful branches receive less severe and more precise pruning - getting rid of the unfruitful bits on each branch! This is not agrarian capitalism. This is about being focused on divine purpose. This vine exists to bear fruit. Anything other is missing the point (one of the root ideas of the notion of sin). In kingdom terms, what do you regard to be the more fruitful and less fruitful aspects of your life?
30 JUNE LUKE 9:51-62
Discipleship is demanding. Both in the doing and in the working out what to do. We want to follow Jesus. Yet, we cling to familiarity and react reflexively. Is it not natural to want a place to call our home? Are we not right to attend respectfully to our parents? What is the problem with enjoying a good send off? Jesus’ responses indicate no interest in retribution. Neither is he about making circumstances comfortable for himself. Jesus sees through noble excuses. He is interested in what we genuinely desire. What do your reactions and excuses in response to the call of Christ reveal about your true desires? How do your desires shift?
L E C T I O NA RY R E F L E C T I O N S
JULY
Witnessing transformation
What kinds of transformations have you observed in others? 7 JULY
LUKE 10:1-20
Lambs in the midst of wolves sounds like an unsafe mission environment. We are wise to acknowledge the gospel enterprise is far from safe! Jesus does not send his disciples out in this way without purpose. The kingdom comes with power. But it is not the power we are accustomed to in this world. It is not the intimidating form of coercive power over others. Rather, it is the gentle, vulnerable, attracting power that invites a willing response of engagement and relationship. Any who respond to the vulnerable emissaries will be blessed with a profound experience of God’s kingdom even in the act of opening their homes and lives to these disciples. Any who reject the sent ones will be equally respected. Yet, in what could be construed as a deliberately provocative act, the disciples were to highlight this rejection - rather than down play it. What is your experience of kingdom power? How has it transformed your own life and what kinds of transformations have you observed in others?
14 JULY
LUKE 10:25-37
Each of the characters in Jesus’ Good Samaritan story behave in stereotypical fashion. That is to say, there is nothing surprising in their responses to the man on the side of the road. Most of us could easily relate to the desire to overlook this victim and simply avoid getting involved. It is the Samaritan who behaves outside of expectations. This story is beyond believable. No one in Jesus’ audience saw it coming. None of them would have considered it a credible narrative. Jesus is deliberately messing with the normal standards of social interaction. His point is precisely that God’s kingdom is NOT normal! It is full of inconvenient opportunities and non-obligatory demands. Everywhere you look you can find ways to enter more fully into kingdom life... if you want to. The deep mystery is that the kingdom reward is experienced in the act of kingdom love. When have you acted outside of the parameters of expected social norms and found yourself ministering in God’s kingdom? What was that like for you?
21 JULY LUKE 10:38-42
Hospitality is a truly beautiful thing. Making space in your home for another, and attending to them, is a generous act of love. This generosity goes a level deeper when the space we make is not simply in our home, but within ourselves. In this way, we make space for the other person in our in our sense of things. We do not demand that the other fit in with us. We take the time to meet, listen and understand as much as we can, so as to accommodate the other person. This enables us to not simply serve refreshments, but to enjoy the refreshment that comes from being deeply and respectfully engaged with one another. Showing hospitality to The Christ becomes more than a social event. It is a life altering engagement. We do not ask Jesus to fit in with our established ways of doing things. We change the way we do things as a result of our time with Christ. How have your established ways of doing things been altered as a result of time spent with Christ?
28 JULY LUKE 11:1-13
The Lord’s prayer, as recorded in Luke’s gospel, is brief. It does not contain the manifold concerns of the 21st century person. Perhaps that is part of the point. This simple prayer focuses on God, the kingdom, our most essential requirements and the way we relate to others. It also acknowledges our frailty in the area of losing our way as disciples. It points us to the most important aspects of life. As Jesus said to Martha in the previous text, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed…” When we are liberated to focus on that which is important, persistence is more straightforward. When what we desire coincides with that which is most worthwhile, conviction and perseverance come more naturally to us. We can seek with confidence and hope. Our good Father will certainly respond favourably to our requests for that which is worthwhile. What do you find yourself praying about? In what ways have your prayers become more focused over the course of your praying life?
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L E C T I O NA RY R E F L E C T I O N S
AUGUST
Encountering a wor ld -changing Jesus 4 AUGUST LUKE 12:13-21
Of all the texts in all of scripture, this is perhaps the most challenging to our current culture. Society (in the western world) is built around accumulation. Current Australian superannuation laws actually make it illegal for us to not do it! A key question with accumulating is, ‘How much is enough?’ How can we know? What might tomorrow bring and how many more tomorrows might we get (or not get)?
The outrageous injunction to sell our possessions and give to the poor offers no nuanced appreciation of our circumstances. Surely, by comparison to some, we are the poor!? This way of thinking completely misses the point. To use what we have on ourselves has an immediate (relatively short-lived) personal enjoyment associated with it. In contrast, using what we
18 AUGUST LUKE 12:49-56
For any who hold to the ‘gentle Jesus, meek and mild’ view, these sayings in Luke 12 must be perplexing. Apparently, the Prince of Peace does not bring peace! It is not that the Christ is a champion of strife or war. It is simply that Jesus’ life, death and resurrection expose the systems of power and social cohesion in this world.
With Jesus, it is never about how much you have. It is always about what you do with what ever you might have. The richest aspects of life are found in those places of shared trust. Moments that are fostered not by our individual power, but by our partnership with others. Underneath the obsession with accumulation is the fear that one day I may need something and there might be no one to offer it to me (so I best save it up now). This fear engenders a poverty so profound no amount of money can alleviate it! How do you discern between a wise saving plan and fear regarding your future?
11 AUGUST LUKE 12:32-40
Jesus links the ideas of not obsessing about future security, and being vigilant for the return of the master. This intriguing conjoining of ideas is designed to help us focus on what is the most important thing to give our attention to with regard to the unknown future.
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Jesus did not mind courting controversy when he had a purpose have to bring life to others is a different kind of enjoyment. It is not only our own personal enjoyment. It is shared. It is not short-lived. It has the potential to change the world. It knows that the well-being of the whole is shaped by the well-being of every one. A focus on the return of the Master enables us to hold to the most liberating perspective regarding the use of our resources. We remember they are not ours after all. We shall be accountable for how we have used everything. If/when you think about the return of the Master, what are you anticipating?
Those who believe in and follow Jesus have their eyes opened. They can no longer neatly fit in. Reading the signs of the times is something Jesus urged his followers to do. He did not want his disciples to be taken by surprise by the violence of the opposition they would face. Neither did he want them to reciprocate that violence. In what ways do you encounter the tensions caused by Jesus’ uncovering of the world’s approach to power and social cohesion?
25 AUGUST LUKE 13:10-17
Jesus did not mind courting controversy when he had a purpose. It would not have been a significant burden for him to arrange to meet the bent-over woman the next day (or behind the barn) if avoiding the ire of the religious authorities was important to him. Indeed, Jesus was deliberate (and according to this account) very effective at upsetting what had become the religious norms of the day. Yet, Jesus by no means strayed beyond the intent of his religious tradition. This is plain in that the people were happy to release their animals on the sabbath in order to look after them. How could it then be inappropriate to release this woman in order to care for her?! It is easy for us to create absolute rules around our particular interests. In so doing, we generally contravene the broader intent of the tradition we claim to be upholding. It is in our nature to complicate and obfuscate as a means of holding power. The heart intent of our tradition is fairly straightforward and generally much clearer than we would like it to be. When have you become aware that your interpretation of scripture on a particular issue has contravened the clear intent and purpose of scripture as a whole? These reflections have been prepared by Rev. David Gore is Minister at MustardSeed Uniting Ultimo, Chaplain at UTS and Chaplain at Wesley College USyd
N E W S F RO M U N I T I N G C H U R C H A D U LT F E L LOW S H I P ( U CA F )
LAUNCHING ‘BRING A PLATE’
It was with great excitement that we announced the launch of the beautiful cookbook “Bring a Plate” at the Macquarie-Darling Presbytery Rally at Parkes. It has been well received and will make a beautiful gift. At $10 each it is very affordable and contains recipes, stories and devotions. Sales proceeds will assist the work and ministry of UCAF Synod Committee in NSW/ACT. Contacting Janice Willis for copies or see them at Rallies and Gatherings. ENCOURAGEMENT VISIT
The Parkes Rally featured a change and was held over a weekend as a mini Encouragement visit. Saturday started with Communion led by Rev Peter Harvey. Julie Layton, Chaplain at Parkes High School shared stories of her ministry. Bill Shallvey talked about his work in East Timor bringing containers of aid for schools, hospitals, and the locals. UCAF Synod Committee activities were shared
Fellowship news by Laraine Jones. Rev. Alistair Christie launched the Cookbook. Certificates were presented to the over 80- and 90year olds in attendance who had been active in Fellowship. The Sunday service was conducted by the Synod team led by Rev. Noreen Towers with address by Rev Alistair Christie. MODERATOR’S MINISTRY LUNCH
The UCAF Synod Committee catered for the Moderator’s Retired Ministry Persons lunch at Turramurra Uniting Church. Milestones in ministry were celebrated. MINISTRY MILESTONE
We celebrate the 50th Year milestone in Ministry of Rev. Alistair Christie, a member of the NSW/ACT Synod Committee, and thank him for his ministry and service with us. THINK TANK
The Synod Committee will again have a two day “Think Tank” in October at East Maitland. Others interested are
encouraged to join us, looking at the future of UCAF and its work. WOMEN IN MINISTRY IN THE PACIFIC
We thank groups and individuals who have been donating to the UCAF Synod Project of “Women in Ministry in the Pacific” supported by Uniting World. Donations can be forwarded to Treasurer Geoff Hicks. Many centres have difficulties and Rallies are few. RALLIES AND GATHERINGS
Paramatta-Nepean 27 July: St Marys Hunter Presbytery 21 August: East Maitland Sydney Central Coast 28 August: Gosford Mid North Coast South 11 September: Laurieton Macquarie -Darling 21 September: Orange
If you would like to share your fellowship news or have any questions, please contact: Judy Hicks on judyh_rnh@hotmail.com
thrive Conference 2019
Christian Positive Psychology in Practice
THRIVE CONFERENCE 2019 FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2019 KNOX GRAMMAR SCHOOL, SYDNEY
Christian faith and Positive Psychology share many foundations such as hope, mindfulness, compassion and gratitude. So how can we use Positive Psychology to enhance and inform our faith-based teachings in schools, churches and community groups? This one-day conference for teachers, school leaders, chaplains, psychologists and wellbeing leaders will explore:
thrive Conference 2019
Christian Positive Psychology in Practice
•
How concepts from Positive Psychology can be applied in faithbased teachings to promote wellbeing and improve mental fitness
•
Practical examples of how teachers are using Positive Psychology in religious and faith-based education
Confirmed speakers include: Michael Crossland (hope, resilience and perseverance), Katherine Thompson (author, ‘Christ Centred Mindfulness) and Leisa Aitken (hope and Positive Psychology).
Early bird rego closes 30 June: www.knox.nsw.edu.au/thrive
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C U LT U R E WAT C H Do you feel that every time you open social media there is an anxiety-inducing story about climate change that feels overwhelming and insurmountable? Well, this isn’t the story Aussie filmmaker Damon Gameau (That Sugar Film) wants to tell you about the climate issue facing us. In his new film, simply called 2040 Gameau takes us on an “exercise in fact-based dreaming” that is an optimistic view of a future for the planet using technology and solutions we have now that can make a real difference to the environment. The film is a love letter to his daughter. A promise if you like, that as she grows older, she can rest easy about the stewardship of the planet. This isn’t an alarming dystopian nightmare. It’s a film with positive solutions. Solutions that exist now that can map a brighter future. Insights spoke with Damon about the film, and we encourage you to see it too and discover what’s your 2040...
FACT-BASED DREAMING REVEALS
a future that’s already here
Y
ou spent three years travelling the world to find solutions to the climate issue that exist now. Were you aware of how many solutions exist now to tackle the climate problem?
I had no idea, I was quite naïve to this topic and wanted to connect with it. I found I struggled to connect because of the constant dystopian stories around it and so I just sort of forced myself to know more because I’ve got a daughter and it’s her future. So it really compelled me to do a deeper dive into the psychology and why I wasn’t connecting with it. And it was important to start switching my focus to see if there were things we could do. I was pretty staggered doing the research to find how many people were doing the right things and how little attention we were giving them. It’s the most important issue of our time and
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no-one is covering it. No one is covering the urgency.
It’s so important for storytellers, filmmakers, poets, songwriters – everyone -- needs to start finding their voice on this and joining in. That’s really what I hope the film does, that it encourages people to focus on these wonderful things that are going on, with the hope that we can create a better world for all living things if we get this right.
the UN saying this is the most important issue of our time and three months later George Bush Sr. says the same thing and it had complete bipartisan support.
Then the whole narrative got hijacked by the fossil fuel industry and some in particular really doubled down on the fear campaign of denial and used all the tactics they could. They have told a compelling story since then and swayed opinion and delayed action.
People who are worried about the stewardship of the planet are often characterised as the ‘loony left’ but at some point we need to say this is about everybody – humans, animals, the whole ecosystem – right?
It’s infuriating because even Exxon was heavily investing in solar in the 80s because they new it was the future and that global warming was happening. But they have decided to tell a different story to protect their assets and we are still suffering from the consequences of that.
Absolutely, and the deeper issue is that the topic has become politicised which is such a tragedy. If you go back to the late 80s and early 90s, we had Margaret Thatcher who was a bastion of conservative politics standing up at
We know the ties the big corporations have in our media. So they are reluctant to tell this story. They are beholden to their investors and advertisers to our detriment and that’s why it’s important for films or other voice to cut through
that and convince people that there is a different story.
this precipice when the UN says we have 60 years’ worth of top soil left.
We actually need to take control and empower ourselves again otherwise we are going to lose this. And it’s not a battle we can afford to lose.
People need to understand how urgent this issue is, and we have this solution that if it were widely implemented would not only pull the carbon out of the atmosphere, but we get all these cascading benefits from better health through to better water retention. We chose these solutions because they weren’t skirting around the issues, but at the same time they aren’t silver bullets, but they would have a profound impact if they were all upscaled rapidly.
Part way through the film you acknowledge that environmental issues can be personally overwhelming, but the film outlays digestable chunks: educating women and girls, ecomonics, sea and land regeneration, electricity and transport. How did you arrive at the roadmap the film puts forward? The pillars are all profound and if we implement all of them, they have a revolutionary approach. The electricity solution lowers emissions and keeps the money within the community. It suddenly breaks up the hierarchical structure that we have had for so long and literally decentralises the power.
So many people hear the words carbon emissions and climate change and they glaze over, I found the metaphor of running a household in WE NEED TO the film helped me to TA KE C O N T RO L personally understand AND EMPOWER some of the science. O U R S ELV E S This was obviously OTHERWISE WE intentional? ARE GOING TO LOSE THIS
And with transport, we actually get to reinvent our cities for humans instead of cars. Yes, there may be jobs lost, but we just can’t have a billion more cars on our roads by 2040. Then there is the regenerative agriculture and seaweed farming techniques. I love the line in the film when [Dr Brian von Herzen from the Climate Foundation] says that these are the foundations of our civilisation. Previous civilisations that didn’t look after the sea and soil didn’t survive. And here we are standing on
Science has done a terrific job of analysing and dissecting this problem but they’ve also been left to do the communicating and this is not their forte. It’s hard to connect with words like negative emissions or anthropogenic (side note: it means pollution originating from human activity). People just switch off, so again the metaphors are so important and I thought long and hard about how best to show what’s going on with the planet in a way that people can connect to, and the analogy of our home is it. It’s going to be hard to take the story back, but I do laugh every time see the
commenting online about this sort of thing. It’s easy to always be the problem, the courage is in the solution. If we are honest big tech (who don’t let their children use the devices they create) and your example of Exxon buying up solar technology is an example of big companies realising the trajectory we are on, but pushing anyway. What’s your take on where this is going? That’s the deeper issue. It’s this addiction element that will be tougher to unravel really because of this need for constant growth. What’s the gap that we’re missing? Is it a spiritual void? What’s that hole in us that gets us to keep accumulating and proving we need more and we’re bigger and wealth is better and more goods are better? That’s a much deeper discussion that we need to address if we are going to turn this around because that’s the sort of conversation no one is having. No government wants no growth, they’d get kicked out. So it’s a mentality thing, we need to slow down. Climate action starts with grassroots, what do you think people should be doing? It’s a combination I think. The 2040 website (www.whatsyour2040.com) encourages action but isn’t prescriptive. It’s not necessarily about eating less meat and driving a Tesla because some people can’t connect with that. They need to actually do something and connect with like-minded people and the film (and website) helps people connect with an issue. CONTINUED ON PAGE46
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If you are interested in more information about educating girls, here are some things you can do. If you are interested in the ocean regeneration, here are some tips and groups to connect with. Just trying to personalise peoples plans is what we tried to do but and we’ve seen people come to this closed Facebook groups to share ideas openly with hints and tips and free webinars to teach people how to approach the council. How to get together with a group of 30 people and take a proposal to the council and asking people to say. We need people to stand up and find where they get ‘lit up’ and really make a change in your workplace, school, church or community. Because we need leadership and we are not getting this from people who are leading us.
I had a little boy come up to me after a screening the other day with a two dollar coin saying ‘can you put this toward the seaweed?’ It just broke my heart – people want the opportunity to help out.
So I’m just curious, when are you going to go for Prime Minister?
It is reframing an ecological crisis in a lot of ways and reframing it as an opportunity and a gift to fundamentally change the way we interact with each other and the planet and all living things and it is a gift if we see it that way and it’s a chance to change. If we keep doing as we’re doing its not going to work out well for anyone.
(Laughs) I’ve actually been asked that a couple of times by some kids. They say ‘why don’t you run for Prime Minister?’ and I have to try and explain to them the nature of our current political system and how quickly I would get spat out of the other end. I note that Intrepid are actually committing to the seaweed regeneration program as a result of the work done on the film. What positive outcomes are you seeing being taken by organisations as a result of the film? That’s what’s happening behind the scenes. Excitingly there is a group of large impact investors that are getting on board. Dr Brian von Herzen came out for one of our recent panels. And we have had a number of large groups talk to us about upscaling the seaweed regeneration program quite massively. Talking to lots of banks and different organisations about the carbon program we’ve got to help farmers to pay them to put the carbon back in the soil. And Intrepid have agreed with the University of Tasmania and Climate Foundation to launch the first seaweed platform off Bruny Island in Tasmania. We’ve just set up a crowd funding platform and Intrepid will match every dollar we’ve raised and in two weeks we were up to $30,000 which means that’s $60,000 already. If you give people an opportunity and offer a legitimate solution, here’s how you can help you can make a difference.
46
insights
It seems obvious, but what final thoughts would you have for people about taking climate action now?
So it feels like there’s no alternative here. We are being forced to actually come together, have some serious conversations, get over ourselves and start thinking more collectively and have a moment to actually change the course of history. Not many generations get that gift to actually say I lived through this moment of time where we fundamentally shifted the course that our planet and community was going on. So that’s why I made the film to at least to start throwing up a vision of a better world because we can’t see that better world if we can’t see it first. I encourage everyone to go and see the film. Tell everyone you know, then we have a new set of tools to talk about, a new language to this problem instead of what we’re stuck in right now and I do feel we are stuck in an old paradigm and a narrative that’s not connecting. I just really want people to know there is something we can do we just need to tap into that beautiful creativity we do have as humans and start solving this problem. Adrian Drayton
Whats next:
WHAT’S YOUR 2040? www.
Visit the 2040 website: whatsyour2040.com to connect with like-minded people and select the issues that interest you
To find out how you can help the Intrepid/2040 Seaweed Regeneration project donate at theintrepidfoundation.org/ seaweed-regeneration
Like and join the Facebook group 2040 facebook.com/2040Film for regular updates
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