Crosslight November 2016

Crosslight No. 271 November 2016

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11-13

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Mental Health Week ministry in Hampton Park, Hobart and Heidelberg Heights

We ask – why don’t young people go to church?

Meet the Anti-Poverty Award winner who is fashioning a way out of disadvantage

State of the Union , a synod survey snapshot of the UCA in changing times

Uniting Journeys recently returned from a cycling tour through Vietnam and Cambodia.

Organised by Disability Sport & Recreation (DSR), the 13-day tour included nine riders with a range of disabilities who used specially modified bikes to complete the more-than 500 kilometre trip. Uniting Journeys’ goal is for travellers to have a positive impact in the communities they visit. Turn to page 7 to read about their latest trip.

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Beyond the beaches and bars – doing God’s work in the backblocks of Bali

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Picture courtesy of Paddy Macrae

Frugal with everything but hope – on being middle-aged and unemployed

Regulars Letters - 17

Reviews - 18 to 19 Notices - 20 to 21 People - 22 Moderator’s column - 23

Editorial Conversation or conflict?

PENNY MULVEY CROSSLIGHT published a letter from Rev David Brown with the heading ‘Learning from Islam’ in our October edition. In his letter, Mr Brown asserts that Islam “has much to teach a declining and decaying Christianity which (to me) is losing its way”. This is a familiar concern within

Communications & Media Services

UCA Synod Office, 130 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Phone: (03) 9251 5200 Email: crosslight@victas.uca.org.au ISSN 1037 826X

many Christian churches. In this issue, our feature discusses the increasing number of young Uniting Church members departing the church. We also report on the Online Survey, which gives an account of how congregations are changing to meet the needs of their communities.

In the past month we have received three letters strongly rejecting Mr Brown’s contention, based on the letter writers’ knowledge and understanding of the teachings of the Quran, the Hadith and the Sira.

After much deliberation, we have decided not to publish these letters as they are highly critical of another faith. In acknowledgement of the Uniting Church’s commitment to ecumenism and multi-faith dialogue, Crosslight seeks not to denigrate other denominations or faiths. When we publish letters critical of our own church, we are contributing to the process of Crosslight is a monthly newspaper produced by the Communications and Media Services unit of The Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.

It is published 11 times a year.

Opinions expressed in Crosslight do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the policies of The Uniting Church.

Advertising: Crosslight accepts advertising in good faith.

Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement.

Advertising material is at the discretion of the publisher.

Distribution: Crosslight is usually distributed the first Sunday of the month.

‘uniting’. Our relationship with other faiths is based on learning and sharing, not the intimate knowledge of a member speaking about their own church.

We were also cognisant of the moderator’s pastoral statement released on 29 September, encouraging the Church to draw closer to our Muslim neighbours: “The Uniting Church has a strong commitment to an interfaith community and I would urge all members to make connections with Muslim neighbours and colleagues, and to seek out multi-faith groups so together we can break down this growing fear of ‘the other’…

“As Christians we are called to stand with all who experience discrimination and exclusion. We are also called to address this fear and ignorance with knowledge and respect.”

As a journalist, this is a difficult place to inhabit. Is Crosslight shutting down Church

members’ general concern about the impact of the teachings of another faith?

Or is this an opportunity to invite a more respectful dialogue between faiths?

Knowing that a single letter writer often represents the views of others, it would suggest that a number of Uniting Church members feel concerned about the teachings of Islam. Our society is changing rapidly. We are well and truly a multifaith country. We have our own faith and understanding of God. How then do we grapple with the big issues that other belief systems throw up? We learn from history and flip the script from conflict between religions to open dialogue.

Crosslight will examine these questions next year. In the meantime, thank you to the letter writers for shining the spotlight on a significant topic for our nation and our church. What does it mean to be a multi-faith society?

Circulation: 21,000 (publisher’s figure).

Staff:

Deadlines: Advertising and editorial.

Executive Editor - Penny Mulvey Managing Editor - Deb Bennett Design, Digital Illustration and Print Services - Garth Jones Graphic Artist - Mirna Leonita Communications Manager - Nigel Tapp Online Content Coordinator - Emmet O’Cuana Communications Officer - Tim Lam Advertising Co-ordinator - Lynda Nel Senior Media Officer - Ros Marsden Media Communications Officer - David Southwell

Please check exact dates on our website <crosslight.org.au>.

Closing date for December – Friday 18 November 2016.

Printing: Rural Press, Ballarat Visit Crosslight online: crosslight.org.au

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News Energy audits make cents NIGEL TAPP IT may seem too easy, but a church can reduce its power bills by up to $40 a week simply by contacting their current provider and ensuring they are receiving the best possible tariff price.

And that is without taking any proactive steps to reduce consumption.

This was one of the lessons learnt in the Port Phillip Presbytery recently when seven congregations completed a fourweek energy efficiency workshop with the Uniting to GREEN program.

The program is a key component of the Synod’s commitment to reduce energy use at church sites by 20 per cent by 2020.

Program volunteer Bill Paul led the teams through the training program before letting them loose in their own churches to

Child safety belongs to us all LAST month, Numurkah Uniting Church became the first rural church in Victoria to receive its formal Safe Church Recognition Certificate, which included adoption of the Keeping Children Safe Policy. It’s a church with no children attending regularly, so why did they think implementing a policy focusing on the safety of children was important to embed in their culture?

Sandra Beer, secretary of the Numurkah UC council is adamant. “As church people we need to be aware of each other, be open and welcoming and never in any way hurt others.

That’s what this is about. We may not have children attending but we see child safety as an all-of-church responsibility.”

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse commenced three years ago to uncover how systems failed to protect children. In that time the Commission has received over 7000 allegations relating to faith based institutions and more than 5000 people have shared their stories in the private hearings. The stories, including those involving church abuse, shocked many. One of the key roles of the Commission is to make recommendations on how to improve laws, policies and practices so children never again feel unsafe.

investigate ways of reducing consumption as well as lowering their electricity and gas bill cost.

At a report-back gathering in September, the group found that simply ensuring congregations were getting the best possible deal on their power tariffs could lessen power bills. There were also significant savings in upgrading to more energy-efficient products. That included LED technology lighting, using heat pumps for hot water, installing split systems to

Adrian Pyle recently commenced as chair of the Victorian and Tasmanian Synod’s Royal Commission Task Group. Mr Pyle believes that, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the policies, the church has the opportunity to reflect the culture and values that stem from gospel traditions and to provide strong community leadership.

“It is right that we have been jolted out of our normal processes as congregations. The safety of children is not an optional extra for us,” he said. “It goes to the heart of who we are supposed to be; it’s about inclusion, a sense of safety and that a child’s voice is welcomed and listened to. Even when you say a church may never see a child, as a congregation in a community we should be demonstrating leadership that keeps children free from sexual abuse.”

When Sandra Beer read the information required to formalise Numurkah’s safe church recognition she admits she felt that it looked complicated. “‘Good grief ’ I thought when I first looked at it! But really it isn’t that hard to do,” Mrs Beer said.

“OK, you have to think it through but then I went through it step by step and presented it to church council step-by-step and we accomplished it.

“We talked to the congregation and we included information in our newsletters.

We intend for it to become part of our culture now.”

Over the coming months congregations will receive increased support with the

L to R Dorothy Head, Chair Numurkah Church Council; Sandra Beer, Secretary; Rev Sharon Hollis, Moderator

OCTOBER 16 - CROSSLIGHT

provide space heating and using timers.

Mr Paul said the increasing competition in the Victorian electricity and gas markets meant unit prices were coming down. The savings are only possible if congregations actively seek out the best deal, which means contacting the current provider, particularly if they had not checked the available rates over the last few years.

“From these audits we saw savings of between $50 and $2000 a year could be achieved. The lower figures were caused by congregations already having ensured they were getting a good deal,” he said.

The situation is different in Tasmania where there is only one electricity retailer, but Mr Paul said undertaking an audit could uncover potential areas where savings are available.

Mr Paul hopes the success of the Port Phillip exercise will encourage other presbyteries to undertake the training so congregations can audit churches locally to ensure as many as possible are energy efficient.

The synod recently became a founding

partner of the Victorian Government’s Take 2 program, which aims to encourage organisations and businesses to do their bit to keep global warming below two degrees.

The program, designed and delivered

by Sustainability Victoria, will assist businesses, local government, communities, schools and individuals across the state to get involved and be part of Victoria’s pathway to net zero emissions by 2050.

Synod general secretary, Rev Dr Mark Lawrence said being a founding partner of the program fitted with the Synod’s 2011 pledge to reduce its energy usage by at least 20 per cent by 2020 as part of a commitment to respond to climate change and ensure energy justice globally.

“The synod’s participation in this initiative is an opportunity for us to work together to reduce our energy consumption and care for God’s creation which is what ultimately gives life to us all,” he said.

Any presbytery interested in undertaking training can contact Mr Paul at: bill.paul@victas.uca.org.au

“The societal norm that ‘children should be seen but not heard’ which prevailed for unknown decades, provided the opportunity for some adults to abuse the power which their relationship with the child gave them. When the silence required of the child was accompanied by an unquestioning belief by adults in the integrity of the carer for the child – whether they were a youth worker, teacher, residential supervisor or cleric – the power imbalance was entrenched to the inevitable detriment of many children. When, amongst adults given the power, there are people with an impaired psycho sexual development, a volatile mix is created.”

– Justice Peter McLellan, Chair of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse speaking at the 2015 National Council of Churches in Australia Conference

appointment of a Safe Child Project Officer for each presbytery. Their roles will be to resource and support the presbyteries to implement the Keeping Children Safe Policy and assist congregations to recruit a Safe Church Contact person.

Josh Woollett, the synod’s safe church educator, sees the new roles as vital support, particularly as all Victorian religious bodies need to have met new child safe standards by January 2017.

“The laws across the states vary but our belief is that as moral and ethical people of the church, we have a responsibility to demonstrate best practice,” Mr Woollett said.

“We have standardised our policies throughout the synod to comply with regulations across Victoria, Tasmania and NSW. At the end of the day, whether you’re in a metropolitan or rural congregation, in whatever state, we want to create a safe and welcoming space for children.

“And of course, these standards are required across every organisational section of the church – camps, schools, agencies, synod, and so on.”

The new child safe standards comprise seven obligations covering effective leadership, implementation of a child safe policy, a code of conduct, screening and training of staff and volunteers, processes to report abuse, strategies to identify risks of abuse and strategies to empower the voice of children.

“If you need help with resources to meet these standards please get in touch,” Mr Woollett said. “For example, if you’re not sure how to record your Working with Children

checks or implement a policy, we can provide training or resources. We are happy to train mid-week, evenings or weekends because this is so important. We tailor a time to suit each congregation’s requirements.”

The new standards place focus on the needs of Aboriginal children, children from culturally diverse backgrounds and children with a disability. It is an emphasis that the new chair Mr Pyle applauds.

“The Uniting Church prides itself on its diversity and its understanding. This is more than ticking the boxes,” Mr Pyle said.

“Different cultures have different ways of speaking about matters of abuse and it’s important we sit and talk together. We want to be mindful of the way we achieve these standards based on cultural diversity and children who have special needs. It is not a one-size-fits-all but, of course, keeping all children safe is the one goal we all embrace.”

With its policies now in place, Numurkah Uniting Church is in the best position possible if children do visit.

“We are serious about this becoming part of our culture,” Mrs Beer said. “For example, we are running a workshop soon around the care of people with dementia, but we are going to incorporate a reminder about the Keeping Children Safe Policy. My advice to any church is just to get on and do it. We are all in this together.”

For information about training, policies and the January 2017 Victorian Government deadline please contact Josh Woollett: josh.woollett@victas.uca.org.au www.victas.uca.org.au/keepingchildrensafe 3

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News Christmas appeal celebrates 25 years of giving

UNITINGCARE and Target are calling on shoppers to give generously to support families in need this Christmas.

This year marks 25 years since the UnitingCare and Target Christmas Appeal began. Organisers hope to raise more than $1.5 million to support UnitingCare community service programs.

Supporters are invited to drop an unwrapped gift under the Christmas tree at the front of any Target store. They can also purchase gift tags for $1 at the checkout.

The donations will provide food, gifts and accommodation to thousands of families struggling this Christmas. This includes women and children fleeing domestic violence, people seeking emergency relief and children in foster care.

Amy, a family services worker at Connections UnitingCare, spoke about

OCTOBER 16 - CROSSLIGHT

the joy the Christmas Appeal brought to one client, a single mother of two daughters.

“My client was considered unfit for work due to severe anxiety and depression, as well as other medical conditions which left her isolated,” Amy said.

“She told me that putting the smile on her daughter’s face at Christmas time was one of the best gifts and a highlight of her year.”

According to a new report released by the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) in October, almost 3 million Australians live below the poverty line.

This includes more than 731,300 children, a 2 per cent rise from a decade ago.

UnitingCare Australia acting national director Martin J Cowling said 2016 has been a tough year for families facing increasing living costs.

“Fortunately we have so many generous people in our community and we’re relying on them to dig deep, show compassion and support our appeal this Christmas,” he said.

Target managing director Guy Rosso said it is an important time of the year to give back to communities in Australia.

“We are so pleased to be partnering again with UnitingCare’s 25th Christmas appeal.

Our stores love being part of this program as it touches so many disadvantaged families across Australia,” he said.

The appeal launches in all Target stores throughout Australia on 3 November and will run until 24 December. All proceeds will be donated to the UnitingCare Christmas Appeal.

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News Putting Christmas on the table DAVID SOUTHWELL

CHRISTMAS hasn’t always been that festive for Jill*.

“I actually spent one Christmas eating twominute noodles,” she said.

With the help of Wesley Mission Victoria’s annual Food for Families appeal, which marks its 25th anniversary this year, Jill now has a Christmas to look forward to.

“Without them I wouldn’t be having one,” she said.

“I love Christmas here. It actually made my Christmas. I came in and got a nice big fresh ham, it was wonderful.”

Jill is 57 and living on a disability pension while receiving treatment for breast cancer.

After rent, car and phone costs are deducted she is left with about $150 for groceries and any other expenses for the week.

While sometimes this is enough, Wesley comes to her aid when it isn’t.

“Every now and again when all the bills come in, like this fortnight I’ve got car registration, they help me out with a food parcel which is really wonderful,” Jill said.

“Especially the cleaning products really add up to big bills. Those shopping days are nightmares.”

Jill has two adult children and has been

Wesley Mission volunteers packing hampers for Christmas

single since she fled a violent marriage in the 1980s. She still lives in fear of her former partner.

“I’d rather him not know where I am,” she said.

After leaving the marriage Jill found that she couldn’t afford to live by herself in Melbourne as many landlords and agents are unwilling to rent to pensioners, so she

moved to the country.

Over the past five years Jill’s need for cancer treatment, as well as her mother’s deteriorating health, have meant regular trips to the city.

Paying for petrol to drive to Melbourne and lodging left Jill without enough money for food, so at those times Wesley’s food parcels were a “godsend”.

“They don’t judge you. Whereas everyday people judge big time,” Jill said.

Jill’s older sister Jenny, 65, also is looking forward to a Christmas dinner with the help of Wesley’s food parcels.

Like Jill, Jenny also has two children and left a violent partner many years ago.

Jenny has also struggled over the years to find affordable accommodation.

At one stage she lived in a car for two weeks, until her adult daughter found out and invited her to live with her.

“I didn’t want to tell anyone. I was too embarrassed,” she said.

Jenny turned to Wesley for help.

“They picked me up and I’m back living.

I’ve got a little house and everything,” she said.

Jenny said she will pop into Wesley’s food centre on occasion to see what is on the shelves but “only when I really need it”.

“There’s a lot of people worse off than me,’ she said.

However, she will again make use of the Christmas food parcels, which have previously helped her stage a family dinner with her children and grandkids.

Wesley is again appealing for individuals, families or groups to help those in need by filling a collection bag or box with donations of non-perishable food and toiletries in the lead up to Christmas.

To find out how to donate food, register your church for a food collection box or to volunteer visit wesley.org.au. *Both Jill and Jenny’s real names have been withheld at their request.

“W hoever welcomes one such child in my name, welcomes me” The Keeping Children Safe Policy is about our children, our grandchildren, our extended family, our friends' families. It’s about all children. It is our opportunity as a church to make a difference. We cannot be complacent. We must comply. The only way to keep children safe in our churches is to continue the conversation.

Is the Keeping Children Safe Policy readily available at your church?

Do your church policies comply with the Victorian and Tasmanian legislation?

Do you know the seven child safe standards required in Victoria by 1 January, 2017?

If you’re unsure or would like advice on the resources available to help keep children safe, contact the Synod Executive Officer Child Safe Standards, E: andrea.o'byrne2@victas.uca.org.au or P: (03) 9251 5270

www.victas.uca.org.au/keepingchildrensafe 6

CROSSLIGHT - OCTOBER 16

News Talking mental health with the moderator DAVID SOUTHWELL

Sharon Hollis lights a candle closing Mental Health Week

“WE need to keep talking about these issues, we need to keep caring for each other. It’s an issue that’s very close to my heart and an issue I am passionate about.”

Moderator Rev Sharon Hollis backed up those words delivered to a carers’ lunch in Tasmania by attending three Mental Health Week-themed events in three days across two states last month.

At the first two events, held at Hampton Park Uniting Church in Melbourne’s southeast and at Clarence Uniting Church in Hobart, Ms Hollis shared from her family’s experiences of mental health struggles.

Ms Hollis was a carer to her husband Michael, who suffered chronic clinical depression and took his life in 2013.

At Hampton Park, Ms Hollis was guest of honour at the regular Carer Hub lunch that UnitingCare’s Life Assist has run for three years.

Linda, one of the regular attendees, said that if she didn’t have this lunch where other carers and volunteers offer friendship and support, she didn’t know what she would do.

“It’s the highlight of my week. I know that what I say stays here and you know it is safe. There is no judgment,” she said.

Overcoming the stigma that surrounds mental illness was a major theme of the week’s events.

“Mental health is one of the most stigmatised illnesses in our community,” Ms Hollis told the lunch at Clarence

Uniting Church, which was organised by the Connections, Craft and Conversation group.

“I think hosting a day like this is great because it helps break down the stigma.

It begins to say that, actually, this is a community where we can talk about this.”

Fran, whose adult son lives with schizophrenia, came to the Clarence Uniting Church lunch after reading about the event in The Mercury newspaper that morning.

She said it was important as a carer “to know you’re not alone”.

“The people have been lovely here, really nice,” Fran said.

Ms Hollis told the Clarence event that it was important for churches to create spaces for carers to talk openly and sometimes even to ‘dump on’ others when they were finding it all a bit much.

“It’s such a hard job, this caring role.

I think when we speak about it and acknowledge it we actually stand in solidarity with each other,” Ms Hollis said.

On Thursday Ms Hollis took part in a special service at Cross Generation Uniting Church in Heidelberg Heights.

The service included participants from the hope springs community mental health support group run by the Banyule Network of churches in Melbourne’s northeast.

In her message, Rev Sandy Brodine said that hope springs was “a place where we are welcomed, where love and compassion

is offered to us all no matter who we are or what we do or what we believe”.

“I just want to say I admire the work that you do and I admire the work of the congregation to make this possible. And I admire all of you for showing up,” Ms Hollis told the gathering.

“We underestimate how much courage it takes to show up and it’s a great gift to show up and be present for each other. “ Retired Uniting Church minister Peter Sanders, who began hope springs in 1997, said the program has about 100 participants on any given week, including the volunteer helpers.

He gave this advice to congregations striving to be a friendly and supportive place for those with mental health issues.

“Just welcome them as anybody else with a struggle,” Mr Sanders said.

“Listen, pay attention, just be relaxed.

What people are looking for basically is friendship, people who will understand them. I think church people are well placed to do that.

“And include people as much as you can in the normal church activities.”

If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

ELF AND SAFETY AT CHRISTMAS! Are you prepared to celebrate in safety?

Candles Take care with open flames and hot wax.

Keep a fire extinguisher on standby.

Safe Parking Organise a parking plan and arrange for parking valets wearing hi-vis vests and torches.

Christmas Lights Tag and test lights, provide safety switches and don’t overburden power boards.

Stewards Have a designated First Aid Steward, First Response Team, and carry out a Safety Equipment and Procedures check.

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SAFETY FIRST

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Insurances and Permits Check requirements for additional permits or insurance for Christmas events.

Exits Ensure exits are sign–posted and clear of clutter.

Evacuation Plans Plan for organised and calm movement of individuals during peak periods.

Have an Evacuation Procedure in place.

T HE C H

U

Working at Heights Be mindful of safe climbing habits and never work at height alone.

For help or more information contact Mark Porter, Synod Safety Officer on P:03 9251 5430 l M: 0408 870 472 l E: Mark.Porter@victas.uca.org.au or see the OH&S Resources at www.victas.uca.org.au NOVEMBER 16 - CROSSLIGHT

7

Profile Pedalling a message of inclusion DEB BENNETT

IF the thought of cycling more than 500 kilometres sends a lazy shudder up your spine, spare a thought for a group of 18 Australians who recently pedalled their way across Cambodia and Vietnam.

Organised by Disability Sport & Recreation (DSR) and supported by the Uniting Journeys program, the 13-day tour included nine riders with a range of disabilities. Eight used specially designed hand-cycles (trikes) while one rider rode a specially designed upright bicycle. The other nine members of the group rode locally hired mountain bikes for the tour.

Hank Van Apeldoorn, a responsible travel support worker with Uniting Journeys, said the trip highlighted that people with a disability are often excluded and limited by the barriers society puts in their way.

“In general most people with disabilities in South East-Asia are treated as secondclass citizens with little or no incentives to integrate with regular society,” Mr Van Apeldoorn said.

“Many anecdotal stories suggest that the disabled children in families are left at

home and discouraged from venturing out as there are very few support structures for families.

“In the case of Cambodia and Vietnam there are also relatively large numbers of individuals who have suffered war injuries or land-mine injuries.”

A study by the International Labor Organisation estimates that 15.3 per cent of Vietnam’s population (approximately 13 million people) has one or more disabilities. While figures in Cambodia are more difficult to determine, a 2012 UNICEF report estimated that more than 2 million people (15 per cent of the population) live with at least one disability.

Land mines laid during the conflict with the Khmer Rouge have caused over 25,000 amputees - the highest per capita ratio in the world.

As the group cycled their way across the two countries, they were a living example of what can be achieved with the right support and planning. Accompanied by local guides, support vans and mobile toilets, the cycling tour made its way from Siem Reap in Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in Vietnam.

Mr Van Apeldoorn admits that even the able-bodied riders found the conditions challenging at times.

“No training in Melbourne’s winter months prepared us for the South East Asian heat, as we rode on some days when the temperature was around 40C,” he said.

“But we fortunately also rode through the occasional shower when the temperature suddenly dropped 10 to 15C.

Cycling tour member Ray Losionek

“One of the aims of the tour was to show individuals and local communities in destination areas that people with disabilities can have increased mobility and cycle with appropriate hand-cycles.

“However, much accommodation and other tourist support services still have many disability access limitations.”

These issues were evident at many of the popular tourist attractions the group stopped at.

In what Mr Van Apeldoorn described as one of the most poignant experiences of the trip, one of the more determined tour participants climbed stone steps so she could explore the Bayon Temple in Angkor in her wheelchair.

In Cambodia the group also met with the

women who make up the Battambang Wheelchair Basketball team, which was set up by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Cycling tour ‘captain’ Gary Connor from DSR is a paraplegic and basketball coach who ran training sessions with the women three years ago. DSR provided the team with wheelchairs and supported a coaching program. While the cycling group were there they took time out for a friendly game of wheelchair basketball.

Mr Van Apeldoorn said the cycling trip was inspirational on many levels. Not only did it open his eyes up to the issues faced by people living with a disability, he hopes it has highlighted to others just what can be achieved with the right support.

Merry Christmas

HOW YOU CAN HELP...

1. Purchase a gift tag or donate a gift in any Target store.

Host a gift collection at your church, school or

2. community group.

3. Donate online.

Visit unitingcarechristmasappeal.com.au or call 1800 060 543 8

CROSSLIGHT - NOVEMBER 16

Profile Bali beyond the beaches and bars DAVID SOUTHWELL

IRENE Deborah was completely unprepared for what happened when the Jeep window was wound down in Sepang village, northern Bali a few months ago.

“The smell was so bad,” Ms Deborah said.

Ms Deborah, program director for the Maha Bhoga Marga (MBM) Foundation, had pulled up in front of the village’s main meeting space with UnitingWorld’s Debora Murthy.

Dr Murthy explained the stench came from the open area the villagers used as a toilet.

A 2014 report found that 19 per cent of those living in Sepang, meaning well over 700 people, had no private toilets.

Toilets were considered less of a priority in some of the poorer households than pigpens.

MBM, which is an aid and education outreach of the Protestant Christian Church in Bali and a partner of the Uniting Church’s UnitingWorld agency, has been teaching villagers in Sepang about the importance of sanitation. It has also provided building materials, which has resulted in 50 toilets being installed.

Rev Ketut Sudiana is the director of MBM and well understands the plight of those living in disadvantage. Mr Sudiana entered a Balinese Christian orphanage at the age of six. The second oldest of five brothers, his family could not afford to raise him.

“My family is poor, very poor. My father and my mother have nothing,” he said.

He took on the job of MBM director two months ago, which he does while still running congregational services at two

Rev Ketut Sudiana, Irene Deborah and Made Effrayim Arifin, Secretary of the Maha Bhoga Marga Foundation

churches.

“Our program is not about the religion; we do it for all the people in Bali,” Mr Sudiana said.

“If the Australian people come to Bali and then holiday in Kuta they will find many things that are good, but if they go to the villages they will see a very different situation.”

The MBM centre, which also hosts UnitingWorld’s South East Asia Regional Office headed by Dr Murthy, is located in the Badung region of Denpasar. From there it sends out teams to remote and rural areas.

MBM’s work falls broadly under two divisions – Economic Empowerment and Environmental Preservation as well as Health, Advocacy and Education.

Ms Deborah said MBM provides small loans to help villagers improve their economic circumstances.

“The poor people cannot get starting capital from a bank so we provide the micro-credit so they can make their own food stall or home industry,” Ms Deborah said.

MBM also runs seminars on improving agriculture and organises self-help groups, including ones that promote female economic empowerment.

Ms Deborah said MBM has economically assisted 783 families, helping 304 escape from poverty.

For the environmental preservation part of its mission MBM has partnered with the Indonesian government to establish the ‘Clean and Green’ program.

MBM sends out clean-up teams that collect rubbish and also pays villagers a small amount to do the same.

“Before we collect rubbish from the villages we give education about the environment,” Ms Deborah said.

The organic waste is turned into compost, while what can be recycled from the inorganic matter is sold to third parties.

Under its mandate to improve health services MBM runs clinics, both permanent and mobile, that provide free medical check-ups and tests in remote and rural areas.

As well as general examination, the clinics focus on reproductive health, pap smears and HIV tests.

Rising rates of HIV infection are a hidden problem in Bali and MBM offers counselling to those who fear taking tests because of the stigma attached to the condition.

MBM also works with pregnant women

who have HIV by helping provide medicines and other advice to prevent the spread of the disease to their babies.

The foundation provides the only shelter in Bali for women and children who are escaping domestic violence or circumstances even more horrifying.

“Sex slavery is a great problem in Indonesia,” Ms Deborah said.

“We previously had two children survivors from Lombok, they were sisters and both underage. One was nine years old, the other one was 15 years old.

“The younger sister was brought here by her father when she was seven years old and she got raped by him, her own father.

“One year later, her older sister was brought here and got raped by the father as well. The older sister was also sold to other men and she got pregnant.

“We did not know who the father is, whether it was the girl’s own father or the other men.”

The sisters stayed at the shelter for six months before the younger girl went back to her mother’s house in Lombok, while the older one stayed in Bali with a friend. Both girls are now in school.

The plight of the girls was another example of MBM taking up issues that are often taboo in Indonesia.

“Society is usually scared to share those sort of stories,” Ms Deborah said.

“We have to speak for them. Those children don’t have a space to stay to feel safe. We have to be their voice.”

MBM’s future depends on a submission currently being prepared by Rev Sudiana and his team to the organisation’s main financial backers, a German church organisation.

The proposal is aimed at guaranteeing another four years’ worth of funding.

MBM encourages people who would like to volunteer to help in their work to contact them or UnitingWorld. Those with medical training or other applicable expertise are welcome but there are also spots for those who just might like to help teach English or even pick up rubbish.

The MBM centre offers accommodation with breakfast included, as well as meeting facilities at its centre for those visiting Bali who want to learn about the island beyond the tourist hotspots.

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NOVEMBER 16 - CROSSLIGHT

9

News Back to first principles

Rev David Pargeter

AFTER 17 years working for synod, the last 10 as executive director of the Commission for Mission, Rev David Pargeter is, in some ways, starting again.

“I’m going back to what called me into ministry, on the ground and with the poor and the left behind,” Mr Pargeter said.

“I know that’s a cliché but that’s the truth. If the church isn’t working in that space then we don’t have the right to be operating.”

Mr Pargeter, who spent his first six years at synod as director of the Justice and International Mission unit said he was most proud of the interfaith, intercultural and responsible travel work he had done.

He stressed the importance of the church being outward focussed and “not preoccupied with itself ”, which was something we could learn from the ministry of Jesus.

“It seemed to me the right time to move,” Mr Pargeter said.

“It’s been a good ministry. I’ve tried to function with integrity. I’ve tried to stay true to the gospel that has a bias towards the left behind and the ignored, that’s always been a key theme.”

Mr Pargeter’s new ministry is with St Kilda Parish Mission.

Mr Pargeter was farewelled from his synod work with a well-attended service of release at 130 Lt Collins St. Speakers at the service included Commission for Mission chair Rev Greg Crowe, Sri Lanka Invites fellowship minister Rev Dr Rajitha Perera Commission, CTM executive director Rev

Dr Jenny Byrnes, director of the Justice & International Mission unit Dr Mark Zirnsak and Commission for Mission deputy chair Rev John Rickard.

Dr Perera spoke of how Mr Pargeter had instigated Harmony Day, a unique example where people deriving from all of Sri Lanka’s recently warring communities join together in choir singing and other celebrations.

Mr Rickard said that he came as a mate who has known Mr Pargeter for 20 years and had preceded him as executive director of Commission for Mission.

“David Pargeter has always, and I mean always, been a man of great vision,” he said.

Mr Rickard talked about the concept of self-emptying love as epitomised by Jesus as a model for the church.

“David, it is my view that you have received a lion’s dose of this self-emptying love. You have offered yourself in a selfless way,” he said.

Mr Pargeter, began ministry with the Baptist church after migrating from Britain to Australia at the age of 19. However, he said “on one cold wet morning in the Latrobe Valley” he read the Uniting Church’s Inaugural Assembly’s Statement to the Nation in 1977.

It was “love at first sight”.

“I remember putting that paper down and saying to myself ‘That’s the church I want to be part of ’,” he said.

“All I can say is that I have tried, as best I can, to embody those aspirations of the Uniting Church when it was inaugurated.”

Christmas isn’t far away!

Service of Thanksgiving

Crosslight would love our readers to share images of how your church community comes together at Christmas.

Join us in worship as we celebrate 123 years of Wesley Mission Victoria, and look to the future as a founding agency of Uniting.

Send pictures you’d like to share to crosslight@victas.uca.org.au

BRUNSWICK UNITING CHURCH STUDENT HOUSE

Sunday 13 November at 2pm Wesley Church 148 Lonsdale Street Melbourne

Moving to Melbourne for tertiary study next year?

We are a student Christian community living in Brunswick.

We provide affordable housing close to university and public transport in Melbourne's inner-north.

Church service will be followed by afternoon tea.

Enquiries: T 03 9662 2355 E reception@wesley.org.au

Jim Weatherill Photography

All welcome.

Students explore their faith with fellow young Christians & actively participate in the life of Brunswick Uniting Church.

If you'd be interested in joining our vibrant community, get in touch!

Email: anikajensen1@gmail.com

*Depending on the needs of the group

10

CROSSLIGHT - NOVEMBER 16

Feature

DEB BENNETT, DAVID SOUTHWELL, NIGEL TAPP

NOVEMBER 2016 - CROSSLIGHT

11

Feature SANDY and Robyn are two women who grew up in the Uniting Church.

Both agree their church backgrounds and the friends they made are still very important to them. But, now in their 40s, they don’t think church is relevant to their current lives.

“There are two reasons I don’t go to church anymore,” Sandy said.

“I grew up in a very small local church.

It was the church the family went to every Sunday morning. My mum used to say to us ‘you live in my house you go to church’. You didn’t challenge it until you got a bit older.

“I used to do all the stuff. I did NCYC as a kid and I loved it. It was great coming from a small community and realising there’s a whole bunch of other kids who do the same thing.

“I grew up with some of the people I met there and we’re still really good friends. Not many of us are still in the church but it was a good thing growing up – the community and meeting people.

“When I moved and went to a different church, it was a small congregation and so you had to actually do something and be involved with the running of the church. I just wanted to go and be in church, but because I had a specific role I was obliged to go every Sunday morning and I didn’t want that commitment.”

Sandy found that the regular Sunday morning service she had grown up with no longer fitted her lifestyle as she grew older.

“Let’s face it, when you have a really good social life and are out on a Saturday night, church on a Sunday morning sometimes doesn’t fit with that,” Sandy said. “Growing up in a small town the church was a place to socialise, it was a community for a lot of people. When I moved to Melbourne I realised I could have those things without going to church.”

On a deeper level, Sandy said she began to question the messages she was hearing in church. While she is still very proud of the social justice ethos of the Uniting Church, she began to notice contradictions in what the church said and what the church did.

“I have thought about it for years.

Places I would go to would have good lay leaders in the church. The whole philosophy of having a minister who is seen by many in the church as the font of all wisdom needs to be challenged.

“Ministers are interpreting things week after week; some people in the church look at them as a person in between God and the congregation.

“You obviously have to have someone who is in a leadership capacity but it doesn’t mean that person has all the

answers.

“We talk about worship, witness and service. I think the church spends a lot of time focussed on Sunday morning worship, so everything becomes about how the church sustains itself, how it keeps its minister.

“Your stuff in the community and things you are known for are just as important whereas in some congregations it’s around the other way. It’s more focussed on the internal church stuff without integrating into the local community.

“Some of the stuff they were saying did not resonate with me. ” Like Sandy, Robyn grew up in the Uniting Church and many of her family and friends are still members. She was attending church up until about six years ago, when a church amalgamation made her reassess her commitment.

“Three local churches joined together and the minister of my church, who I really liked, left,” Robyn said.

“I didn’t find the service relevant or enjoyable anymore. I think I’ve been a bit slack about finding another church because that feels really big to have to do that.”

Hugh Mackay (pictured) is the author of Beyond Belief, his 17th book. In it, the renowned social researcher and commentator explores the nature of Australian spirituality in the context of declining Christian influence.

Mr Mackay has warned that the established churches are in danger of slipping off the radar for a generation of younger people who are still earnestly seeking spiritual guidance and nourishment.

When asked whether young people were increasingly turning away from church, Mr Mackay said it was a “mixed picture”, noting that Pentecostal churches were still attracting young people.

“But in general the answer is yes,” he said.

“From the church’s point of view it is a major concern that there is a generation of people not going to church.

“If they are interested in existential questions they do not think of the church as their first port of call.”

Mr Mackay said that although many Australians still have a connection to traditional Christianity, often through religious schooling, waning attendance at services and a general distrust of institutions is diminishing the church’s

cultural clout.

“We are into a second or third generation of people who are not in the church-going habit and the idea of the church as a highly desirable presence in the community is at risk of waning,” Mr Mackay said.

“Church will not be the subject of hostility by young people, just of being ignored.

The church will seem to be an increasing irrelevance.”

Mr Mackay’s findings reflect a concern for many religious organisations throughout Australia; the challenge is not only to attract young people to church, but to keep the young members they have.

Beyond Belief includes a series of interviews with people who for various reasons have walked away or lessened their involvement with churches across the different denominations.

Mr Mackay said that although many might believe Australians are reticent, or even largely disinterested, in spiritual matters, that was not what he discovered in conducting the interviews and in promoting the book since.

“People told me when I started this that I wouldn’t be able to get people to talk about religion,” Mackay said.

“But I found the opposite, that I couldn’t get people to stop talking about it.”

Mackay said Australians are deeply interested in the fundamental issues that religion addresses.

“Though there is a decline in religious observance there is not a loss of interest in these questions,” Mackay said.

“In all of us is an inherent yearning to answer the metaphysical questions. You can’t get all the answers from science or reason in matters of faith.”

Launceston trio David Thomson (16), Candi Greenway (17) and 18-year-old Jamie Dean are typical of this group.

None has had an upbringing in a church, although David attends Uniting Church

school Scotch Oakburn College and Candi used to regularly attend church with her grandmother when she lived in Queensland.

Through friends they have all gravitated to the Launceston North Uniting Church, which has an active group of young people numbering 15 in total from across the Launceston area.

“It started at a birthday party and a group of us continued to get together,” Jamie said.

They all agreed that there was time set aside at youth group for discussions around faith. Something they were more than happy to share in.

“I am OK with that,” Jamie said.

David said he was comfortable with such discussions given they also formed part of his school life.

Youth group leader James Hughes said while the group may not regard their discussions as being overly spiritual, he had a different view.

“I have been overwhelmingly impressed by the depth of these guys’ answers and questions,” he said.

“They have great reflections about spirituality and ethics…and what they think is right or wrong.

“Obviously I am interested in discipleship and I certainly see that in them.”

Many of this cohort actively engage with sections of church life including youth group activities, assisting with church market events and supporting young primary school children by attending church camps as peer leaders.

Ask them about what stops them from attending Sunday morning worship and it is certainly not the thought of God-talk but more an apprehension that they would not fit in or the service would not be designed in a way which sought, or encouraged, their engagement.

Candi said she would be more likely to go if there were some friends alongside her so she did not feel out of her depth. She

“Let’s face it, when you have a really good social life and are out on a Saturday night, church on a Sunday morning sometimes doesn’t fit with that.”

12

CROSSLIGHT - NOVEMBER 2016

Feature also would rather attend a service which allowed for a free flow of discussion rather than one person talking and everyone else listening.

Jamie said he had been previously with friends and “I didn’t mind it” but felt the structure of services could be a bit overwhelming for people unfamiliar with it.

David said that from his brief experience services could be a bit confusing for the uninitiated. While some were done well, the style was generally too repetitive to encourage him to attend regularly.

Hugh Mackay said Australians are deeply interested in the fundamental issues that religion addresses but are suspicious of creeds.

“People admire faith provided they don’t have to sign up to all the dogma,” Mr Mackay said.

This unwillingness to embrace the traditional tenets of Christian faith has led to what Mr Mackay sees as the growing trend in Australia and other Western nations, of people who describe themselves as spiritual but not religious.

Both Sandy and Robyn reflect this tendency.

They are grateful to have grown up in the Uniting Church, and say the values they live by are still relevant to their lives today. But neither feel the need to attend church to nurture their ‘spiritual’ life.

Since leaving the church, Robyn and Sandy have given a lot of thought as to why the Uniting Church no longer appeals to young people. Both have attended services with friends at a variety of churches, some traditional and some of the more charismatic churches.

“The Uniting Church is very progressive and you would think it would appeal to younger people, but then the Hillsongs and places like that are really going off,” Robyn said.

“I wonder if the way our society is now whether people actually want to be told how to live religiously. Even though we scream out not to have so many rules and restrictions and people don’t want to be judged, I wonder whether people want more set guidelines.

“Maybe younger people are looking for rules – they might not get them at school or at home. So maybe that part of it appeals.”

Sandy said she knows of a few people who grew up in the Uniting Church – a few whose parents are ministers – who now attend an evangelical church.

“I asked them why and they described it as going to a concert – a concert for Jesus,” Sandy said.

“I went with them one day and there were 700 people, at least 60 per cent of them were under 25. It’s amazing to have

are entitled to always be happy and this is antithetical to religion.”

Young people are often accused of ‘self-obsession, but Mr Mackay believes there are “early signs of we are moving beyond that to become a more spiritual community-minded way of living”.

Mr Mackay, who describes himself as a Christian agnostic and occasionally attends a liberal Anglican service, does have some advice for the wider church in this milieu of diminished belief but still palpable spiritual hunger.

“The big message is to listen, but not as an institution. See yourself inspired by the people around you,” Mackay said.

“Find out who is in trouble, how you might do things to promote the spirit of community without expecting people will necessarily become regular worshippers.

“Understand that there are many ways into a faith community.”

Mr Mackay personally finds great inspiration in the teachings of Jesus that he said tells us “how we should live and redefine everyone as our neighbour”.

“I wonder if the way our society is now whether people actually want to be told how to live religiously.”

700 people together praying, it’s very charismatic and almost hypnotic.

“They already have so many things happening in their life, they just want to go along for an hour and a half, be entertained, pray and sing and that’s it for the week.”

Hugh Mackay agrees that while some young people reject the dogma of religion, in an uncertain and often anxious world there are still some who want the sense of certainty charismatic churches offer.

“Pentecostal churches are doing well where there is the promise of an experiential type of worship with vibrant music and a younger community,” Mr Mackay said.

Mr Mackay characterised the Uniting Church as one of the least dogmatic of the major denominations and noted that it was also the most rapidly shrinking.

The countervailing trend to an interest in spiritual matters is what Mr Mackay identifies as a pushing of the centrality of economics and materialism by politicians, marketers and what he calls the “happiness industry”.

“It’s a me-culture period that Western societies are going through,” Mr Mackay said.

“There has been 30 years of propaganda that we are entitled to be rich, that we

CROSSLIGHT - NOVEMBER 2016

13

Letters Flying the flag THE August issue of Crosslight has a dramatic cover of the cross, the main symbol of the Christian religion, being manoeuvred into position at Long Tan, and its articles on military chaplaincy expresses many views, pro, con and neither one way nor the other.

To me, the most relevant quote in the issue of military chaplaincy is that of Professor Tim McCormack: “In the midst of terrible circumstances there were people who were there explicitly as representatives of the faith.

They were sharing compassion, love and understanding to people who had all sorts of trauma to deal with. How can we as a Christian church turn our backs on that?”

The issue also contains two advertisements calling for chaplains; one from the Uniting Church (which is proud to be an inclusive employer) for a prison chaplain, the other from the Defence Force Recruiting for services chaplains. I would hope our inclusive church will give full support to both such chaplaincies.

The issue refers to the matter of the Australian national flag being draped on a coffin at a church funeral. Many churches have our flag on display, inside or out. The cross, the main symbol of the Christian religion, appears on our flag not once, but four times: the cross of St George, the cross of St Andrew, the cross of St Patrick, and also the Southern Cross. Protocols for use of our flag include: the Australian national flag may be used to cover the coffin of any deceased Australian citizen at their funeral.

Having served our country as a national serviceman and in the CMF, albeit before the Vietnam War, I would be disappointed if, at my funeral – hopefully in the far distant future! – our flag was not draped on my coffin in the church.

Onward Christian soldiers…

Bill Freeman, Buckrabanyule, VIC

Not suitable for children I WAS amazed, but not surprised, to see this article in the October Crosslight (Unexpected Rainbow in Outback Australia), two full pages for Mr Jones to air his same sex agenda. I doubt there is any other church monthly or religious newspaper in the world that would give the same sex lobby such a ‘free kick’ to push their agenda.

This article belongs more to a same sex lobby publication. If this article represents the thinking of UCA, then the UCA has no future.

The article conflates ‘Romantic/erotic love/infatuation/attraction’ – a transient state – with marriage, a life-time legal and personal commitment to a chosen partner.

I find it extraordinary that so many same sex advocates have no idea about the true definition of marriage, which is a legal binding document between a man and woman for the mutual benefit of the couple, and for the protection of the offspring of the union, should that happen.

There is no mention of sex or love with which the same sex lobby is so infatuated.

I remind readers that arranged marriages are still the norm in many parts of the world.

14

I cannot comprehend what the Priscilla movie has to do with the marriage debate, or the plebiscite, and the Priscilla weekend in Broken Hill is no more than a sideshow.

Images of homosexual bar scenes have nothing to do with the eternal issue of the rights of a child to have a biological father and mother.

Jones asserts that communities have outpaced our political representatives with respect to same sex marriage. Where is the evidence?

Jones introduces the asylum seeker issue in his article, is this relevant to the marriage debate?

Jones trots out the same sex rhetoric of “bigotry, versus progressive tolerant beliefs” and so on, when all the evidence points to an irrational intolerance on the part of the same sex lobby (no more than 2 to 3 per cent of the population) to see any other viewpoint.

The current debate about same sex marriage ignores the main issue which is a push by the lesbian community to legitimise parenting of children without the need for or the presence of a male ie a biological father as complementary to the mother. How self-centred, misandric and anti-Christian is that? Should a tiny (0.5 per cent) element of the population (ie lesbian) and a similar if not smaller number of homosexual men be allowed to change the accepted status and longstanding definition of marriage?

There have been numerous studies over time showing that a stable heterosexual family unit gives the children of that union the best platform for their future. Is there any evidence to the contrary that this should change?

Dr John Bishop Via email

Civil discussion IT was both delightful and refreshing to read Garth Jones’ story (Oct) of returning to Broken Hill and remembering Priscilla. I appreciated the link to the Uniting Church’s strong support for LGBTIQ inclusion and equality as stated by our national president.

As a member of the Assembly Sexuality Task Group in the 1990s, we supported equality in the Church but didn’t address the issue of marriage directly.

That is now happening.

With the marriage plebiscite not proceeding, there is a renewed opportunity for people of faith to affirm their public support for marriage equality.

In mid-November, the Uniting Network is launching a campaign named Uniting for Civil Marriage Equality. While our church carefully considers the doctrine of marriage, we can support civil marriage as basic human right. Check out the details at unitingnetworkaustralia.org.au In addition to marriage equality we still have a long way to go to understand and respond to people who are transgender, gender diverse or intersex.

Warren Talbot National Secretary Uniting Church LGBTIQ Network Australia ---------------------------------------------------

IT is a great relief that the plebiscite is unlikely to go forward. The recent SBS documentary Deep Water, reminds us of a not too far distant time, when members of the LGBTIQ community were considered less than human. It is reminders like this excellent documentary that remind us of the danger of hate speech and behaviour.

Ian Turnnidge Phillip Island

God got in first A WOMAN I don’t know, and probably never will, read the article ‘From Mooroolbark to Kampala’ in the June issue of Crosslight about Mooroolbark UC’s support of the Rubaga Youth Development Association (RYDA). She gave it to her daughter: “I think you might be interested in this.”

Her daughter, Marg Docking, read it and wrote an email to both Geoffrey in Kampala and myself in Mooroolbark.

She congratulated RYDA on its work in Uganda, told us of her experience in remote Australia and Uganda as a midwife, introduced us to her work with an organisation titled Wise Choices For Life and invited us to look at their website.

We were encouraged to consider sending staff members to a November training course in reproductive health; a train the trainers course aiming to build the capacity of Ugandans to reach the vulnerable, especially youth, with knowledge and skills in this area.

It felt like this could fit very well with RYDA’s life skills curriculum. The video was impressive. I discovered that when Marg Docking was not in Uganda she lived in East Ringwood. We met for coffee and Marg’s experience, passion, process and purpose blew away all doubt.

Geoffrey and I were convinced that this course would increase RYDA’s capacity to deliver a relevant, medically correct, Christian-based, life-changing sexual health and reproduction component for boys and girls within the RYDA life skills curriculum. The problem was to find the $700 required to send two staff to the week-long live-in course.

This project was introduced to St Margaret’s congregation on 31 July. That day $70 started the ball rolling, but something unexpected happened too. Karen and Stephen White bounced up after church to say: “We had a small windfall yesterday and we would like to give it to RYDA.” “Wow, thanks for your generosity. Can I ask how much?”

I could barely believe the answer.

Marg had brought a set of teaching aids to our meeting but they were an additional significant cost. So I had made the decision not to mention the importance of this kit until after we were certain of sending staff to the course.

The White’s intended gift was exactly the same as the cost of the aids. God got in first.

The next Sunday a further $180 was given at St Margaret’s. The Sunday after the people of St John’s, Cowes, saw the video and following the service person after person slipped up beside me and pressed a note into my hand: “Don’t want to interrupt your conversation. Just pop that in your pocket for RYDA.” I counted my pocket money when I got home. $500.

Two weeks, three Sundays, and project complete ... and more.

I guess God got in second, third and fourth as well.

Douglas Williams Mooroolbark, VIC

Class system IT should shock every one of us that Australia has been cited as having the most inequitable education system in the developed world (The Age 05/10).

As an ex-teacher I am constantly dismayed at the connection of the church with some of the most wealthy and exclusive private schools in the country.

When is the church going to confront the conflict it faces trying to follow both commercial and Christian principles?

After years of dedicated, bipartisan work by the Gonski committee, the long-held hopes of parents, teachers and students for at last some degree of fairness were crushed by a government that seeks to maintain the status quo of a two-tiered structure.

I note that the church was absolutely silent – unable to speak out on Gonski because it is itself part of the problem. How can the church say anything when some of our richest schools are recipients of such disproportionate government largesse, mostly with no strings attached?

There are plenty of private schools (including UC schools) who operate effectively on budgets which are a fraction of the wealthy schools, but by our inaction we seem to believe that we can entrench privilege without also exacerbating disadvantage? How is it that we support schools who contribute to permanently maintaining government lobbyists in Canberra to agitate for an even greater share of the pie? Perhaps we need to read more carefully the story of Lazarus at the gate of the rich man.

I have taught happily in both government and private schools and it is undeniable that church schools make outstanding contributions to our education system. But some church schools use their government funding to extend their boat sheds or renew their aquatic centres, while some government schools use their funding to provide breakfast for those who otherwise don’t get any. Sadly it is no longer the church that is providing breakfast.

Bryan Long, Balwyn, VIC

Keeping children safe I WRITE in response to the moderator’s column in the September edition of Crosslight in which Sharon Hollis acknowledged that the Church in the past has failed to protect children from sexual abuse and that congregations need to work towards creating a safe environment for vulnerable children in the future.

I applaud the moderator for her comments but felt sad and disappointed that such an important article was relegated to almost the back page of Crosslight! (page 23). Surely if we are ever to inform congregations in the hope of bringing about change then ‘Keeping Children Safe’ CROSSLIGHT - NOVEMBER 16

Letters should be front page material.

Many people may not realise the extent of sexual abuse that has occurred over many decades across all churches – the large and the small – in cities and in country towns.

Now is the time to not only acknowledge the mistakes of the past but also to learn the hard lessons from survivors of abuse and make positive changes to protect our precious children in the future.

Name withheld

The Season of Creation ONCE again I give thanks for the Season of Creation. It enables us in worship to focus on the mutual interdependence that we and all life on Earth has on the wellbeing of Planet Earth.

We are challenged to replace the domination approach to our Earth’s resources (Genesis 1) with, not just the stewardship view (Genesis 2), but with a sense of the mutual interdependence in Nature that is at present so threatened by our profligate way of life.

I wonder if it is now time to replace ‘Creation’ with ‘Earth’ or ‘Nature’? Too easily we seem to mix up our Earth for which we have much responsibility, with the wondrous Cosmos for which we have no responsibility. It is as if we are still hankering for a God as the creator of the whole universe, when it should be what it means to show God’s love here and now for our precious Earth or Nature.

Cosmic images of God and Christ are ‘intelligent design’ notions and detract from the urgency of our environmental issues.

Peter J Fensham, Kew, VIC

Restive West Papua – the church’s response IN August I travelled with my husband to West Papua, also known as ‘Indonesia’s troubled Papua province’, as guests of a group of Papuan women (Solidaritas Melanesia Perempuan Papua Barat).

Marginalisation, discrimination and violence committed by Indonesian security forces are common grievances.

The destruction of forests and pollution of water sources that accompany mining, logging and clearing is another blow to Papuan heritage and way of life as Papuans are pushed off their lands and deprived of traditional food sources. Everyone we spoke to was frightened of Indonesian military and police, and resented the presence of enormous numbers of Indonesian soldiers on their land.

The takeover of West Papua by Indonesia in the 1960s involved both violence and a sham referendum where only 1025 Papuans, selected by the Indonesian military, were allowed to vote (by a show of hands) surrounded by soldiers who threatened their families if they voted against integration into Indonesia. Not surprisingly this injustice caused and continues to cause considerable resentment and feelings of betrayal.

Successive Indonesian governments have made advocating for ‘separatism’ a crime, calling it treason. People are, for example, arrested for possessing or raising the West Papua flag, or calling for a fair referendum on self-determination.

Most West Papuans are Christians, and many want West Papua to become independent from Indonesia. A number of Papuan church leaders are advocates for a

fair referendum for self-determination for West Papua, for example the Rev Edison Waromi, a Pentecostal pastor imprisoned for several years for his role in a peaceful demonstration. We met Rev Waromi in Jayapura, and he is a gentle, conscientious person committed to trying to improve life for Papuans.

Because of the criminalisation of separatist ideas by the Indonesian government, support by churches of the right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly (as stated in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights) of Papuans expressing the wish for independence can lead to vicious crackdowns by the Indonesian security forces.

What can Australian churches do? Because the Australian government is involved in training and funding Indonesian security forces, churches in Australia can request our government to call for prosecution of Indonesian military and police involved in human rights abuses.

As a member of the United Nations, the Australian government should be called on to join with Pacific Island nations to urge the UN to place West Papua on the decolonisation list, and lobby for conducting the fair, democratic UN-monitored referendum on selfdetermination that West Papua has been denied for so long.

Dr Esther Anderson Surrey Hills, VIC

Power of prayer OUR small group study of Ephesians has been so exciting we want to share it.

Paul reminded his readers that Christ is All in ALL – a 24/7 transforming reality. (A former alcoholic in the group agreed). The Church of God has the job

of witnessing to the unity which is rooted in the ‘manifold wisdom of God’ not only on Earth but to the powers and authorities (good and bad) in the spiritual realm.

What an assignment!

Submerged in Christ’s incredible love, Christians are to live to His glory in every detail of everyday life and in all their relationships. This is made possible because it is all grounded in truth, righteousness and a passion to share this good news. Our thinking is guarded by salvation; we are protected by the shield of faith and carry the Spirit’s sword (God’s word).

Just thinking about this provokes prayer: prayers of incredulity and gratitude; of confession (because it doesn’t sound like us); prayers for eyes to see God’s way; prayers to be open to His love so we can live “for the praise of His glory”; prayers about wearing the shoes of others. Paul had a passion to tell about Jesus but he knew to depend on prayer.

It all hit home when I saw this week the photo of an Asian church leader.

While praising God for the wisdom and encouragement he found in the Bible, he was interceding for his people: “overwhelmed by darkness, devoid of hope, filled with fear”. He spoke of fellow students needing courage to stand firmly on God’s love and faithfulness so as to have the strength to persevere in the face of the hardship and dangers they faced.

“Thank you, Father, that we can stand with brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for the Church’s message of a Risen Saviour, of vision, advance, victory, and the “sure hope” that “the Earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Glory of God as the waters cover the sea”.

(Hab.14:2; Is.11:9) Margaret Turnbull, Altona Meadows, VIC.

Giving is living Reconciliation in post-war Sri Lanka TIM LAM

SRI Lanka is slowly emerging from the shadows of a decades-long civil war.

The lighted oil lamps and candles in the accompanying image symbolise hope as the next generation seeks to learn from the past and write a new story together.

In 1983, tensions between the Sinhalese and Tamils escalated into a full-scale conflict. The Tamil Tigers fought an insurgency campaign against the Sri Lankan government as they sought to create an independent state.

This continued until 2009 when the Sri Lankan government defeated the Tamil Tigers. The final stages of the war were accompanied by widespread allegations of human rights violations committed by both sides.

The conflict devastated the country and NOVEMBER 16 - CROSSLIGHT

left tens of thousands of civilian casualties.

Many migrated to countries such as Australia, which has a large Sri Lanka diaspora of more than 100,000 migrants.

Nearly half of them live in Melbourne.

In July, a group of travellers embarked on an interfaith reconciliation pilgrimage to Sri Lanka organised by Uniting Journeys.

It was led by Larry Marshall from the synod’s Uniting through Faiths unit and Dr Cynthia Mackenzie.

Eight people from Australia’s Sri Lankan diaspora were in the group. Two people were chosen from each of Sri Lanka’s four major faiths: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.

The Sinhalese, who make up approximately 70 per cent of the Sri Lankan population, are predominately Buddhist and the majority of Tamils, who make up 13 per cent, practice Hinduism. Islam is mostly a religion of the Moor and Malay ethnic communities while the remaining 7 per cent of the population are Christians.

In a spirit of unity, Tamils and Sinhalese travelled closely together for 16 days across Sri Lanka. It was an emotional experience for many of the participants as they journeyed back to their homeland. They re-visited places with significant personal

is

GIVING

LIVING

connections, such as schools they attended, worship sites, family homes and areas impacted by war. Some of the participants reunited with family members they had not seen in years.

The group met with the Indigenous people of Sri Lanka, the Veddas, who spoke about peace and respecting the land they live on.

They also met war widows and witnessed their determination to create a brighter future for their children.

As Sri Lanka continues on the path towards reconciliation, interfaith and inter-ethnic activities will play a vital role in healing the wounds of the past and laying the foundation for a more harmonious future.

15

Pilgrim Reflection Context and Contingency IS there any theology that does not have a context? Is there any theology which can avoid a hermeneutic of suspicion? Clearly, the answer to both these questions is ‘no’.

Are we obliged to do our theology in context? Absolutely ‘yes’. But, do we need ‘contextual theology’ to do theology in context? In my view, ‘no’. It is important to realise the significant differences between these questions and why they invite such different answers.

Let me explain, albeit with some broad brush claims.

The appeal to context in theological discourse emerged during the second half of the 20th century as a corrective, and therefore with a strong polemical edge.

First, it corrected the lack of historical consciousness which, it was said, characterised Christian theology prior to modernity. In executing this correction, ‘contextual theology’ has drawn attention to the socially- and culturally-conditioned presuppositions and axioms with which the theologian or theological community works.

Its second corrective was to challenge the close alliance between theology and the academy characteristic of Western theology from the medieval period onwards. In executing this correction, ‘contextual theology’ fostered more populist and

transformationist explorations of theology in relation to race, nation, class and gender.

Thirdly, it drew attention to the power relations which have shaped so-called classical theological discourse. In executing this correction ‘contextual theology’ has applied various ideological critiques to received theological discourse, especially the dominant theological discourses of Western Christendom as they moved to non-Western communities. Theology has been chastened by these corrections and is unequivocally richer for them.

But something of that powerful corrective of ‘contextual theology’ has been lost.

It has become a particular academic discipline and, as with all such disciplines, it has become subject to the influence of institutional agendas, publishing house preferences, and the ideological commitments and aspirations of its proponents. Indeed, one of the ironies of ‘contextual theology’ is that as a discipline it is not in fact bound to any context: it has become a general discourse at home in many different contexts. ‘Contextual theology’ now has its own metanarrative about theology.

In his book Grassroots Asian Theology, Singaporean theologian, Simon Chan, has recently argued that much ‘contextual theology’ in Asia is actually driven by the transfer to Asia of the dominant ideologies and methods of the Western academy.

Chan’s argument is prone to overstatement, but he has pointed to an issue, not so much about Asian theology, but about just how local and contextual any self-designated

‘contextual theology’ actually is. There is a sense in which ‘contextual theology’ has settled down and taken its place in the world of professional theology. Therefore, it seems to me, we are invited to expand our reflection on what it means to do theology in context.

I propose that we learn to speak, instead, of ‘contingent theology’. I choose this term because it relates directly to the freedom of God and because it suggests a mandate for theology to concern itself with the living God and the history of God’s diverse and lively engagement with the world.

This shifts the focus away from the diversity of theologians and their various perspectives on texts and communities and towards the dynamism of God’s diverse ways in the world.

In a recent book proposing theological attentiveness to the living God revealed in Jesus Christ, American theologian Christine Helmer has argued that theology, so understood, means “disagreement and explication, competing perspectives and various proposals – all are part of its formulation”.

In other words, doing theology contingently is not just a matter of following a method. It is about engaging with others, being corrected by them, identifying biases and prejudices, keeping each other away from parochialism, nudging each other towards the articulation of a common faith, and holding each other to account in the name of the gospel.

As such, theology is as much a spiritual

discipline as it is the implementation of a method. Yes, it requires the self-awareness and discipline of method. It also requires the theologian – be she or he an academic teacher of theology or a congregational minister preaching sermons – to cultivate those contingent practices by which we live the Christian life: repentance, thanksgiving, praise, proclamation, speaking prophetically, love and mercy.

Such practices and dispositions can’t be put on hold as we do the technical theological work of reading, interpreting, writing and speaking. They have the potential to render our theological work attentive, humble and constantly open to correction but also gently confident and passionately committed to God’s living witness mediated through Scripture.

Theology can only do its work in particular contexts. That is the abiding insight of ‘contextual theology’. But it can never settle down in a given context. It must always respond to the living God who meets us in the contingency of life’s realities.

Geoff Thompson Pilgrim Theological College Geoff explores the themes of this article in greater detail in his book, Disturbing Much, Disturbing Many: Theology Provoked by the Basis of Union (UAP, 2016) which is available through CTM Resourcing: www.ctmresourcing.org.au/

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CROSSLIGHT - NOVEMBER 16

People College trail a blooming success CORNISH College’s Indigenous Plant Trail has been recognised in the 2016 Victoria Schools Garden Awards.

It is in the running for a state award in the Most Engaging Student Garden for Teaching category. The winners will be announced at the end of the month.

The trail was created two years ago as part of the school’s Make a Difference Week, to educate students and others about indigenous people and their culture.

It consists of 16 plants and weaves around the school’s 25ha property at Bangholme, about 30km south-east of Melbourne.

With an emphasis on sustainability, the trail uses existing plants rather than new ones and no pathways were built to create it.

Early Learning Centre, prep and year one students have regular programs which

explore and investigate the environment such as Dhumba-dha biik, a weekly year one program where students form strong connections to their land.

A variety of other educational opportunities have also been found for the trail across the grades.

Year 6 students have used it to create original pieces of poetry while year 7 students undertook an aboriginal plant hunt activity, where they were given a plant’s specific indigenous use and the students had to locate and identify the correct plant.

Year 11 biology students used the plant trail as an immersion point for a major assessment task based around the types of plants which could be useful if humans needed to colonise a new planet.

Beauty therapy at Phillip Island CELTIC theologian John O’Donohue once said a world without beauty would be unbearable.

“Beauty is so quietly woven through our ordinary days that we hardly notice it.

Everywhere there is tenderness, care and kindness, there is beauty,” Mr O’Donohue wrote in his 2003 book Divine Beauty: The Invisible Embrace.

The UCAF (Uniting Church Adult Fellowship) at St John’s Uniting Church in Phillip Island pondered on the words of John O’Donohue as they reflected on beauty as an expression of God’s presence.

In October, the Phillip Island UCAF gathered to learn skincare and make-up techniques from their new minister, Rev Ian Turnnidge.

Mr Turnnidge is a trained beauty therapist.

Prior to his ordination in June 2016, he

Cornish College’s students

Fashion parade at Ocean Grove THE Ocean Grove Uniting Church congregation recently hosted a Spring Fashion Parade to raise funds for local and overseas communities.

The church op-shop, called ‘The Dove’, has been operating in the coastal town for the past five years. During that time, it has donated more than $335,000 to schools, agencies, non-profit organisations and international development groups.

In September, the congregation organised a community fashion parade where they sold garments, shoes, jewellery and other preowned items in need of a new home. More than $1321 was raised from the event.

“It was most rewarding, with proceeds going to the church and The Dove and lots of fun with afternoon tea,” Lois Matheson, Ocean Grove UC secretary, said.

“To meet new folks with positive feedback makes it all worthwhile. We are so grateful for the generous donations and public support.”

The main beneficiaries from the sales are UnitingCare Geelong and its education assistance program. Four local government schools also regularly receive funding from The Dove, along with approximately 20 other recipients.

Like most op-shops, The Dove relies on the hard work of numerous volunteers to sort garments, arrange displays and size NOVEMBER 16 - CROSSLIGHT

Back row:Bet Francis and Pat Davy. Front row: Dawn Hails and Joy Williams

Rev runs for refugees

pre-owned clothing. It currently has 70 volunteers who assist from Monday to Saturday.

“It is a great effort, with many volunteers from the wider community,” Ms Matheson said.

The Dove is located at 107-109 The Parade in Ocean Grove. It is open on Monday to Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday 10am-1pm.

Lois Matheson on the catwalk

worked with cosmetics company Estee Lauder and taught beauty therapy at TAFE. He shared skincare tips with congregation members and demonstrated make-up techniques for easier daily routines.

“Being mindful of our daily grooming can not only make us look and feel better, but also ensure we are caring for ourselves properly,” Mr Turnnidge said.

“One member commented how the discipline of taking care of yourself, especially when you are widowed or live alone, is an important part of remaining positive.

“Another member remarked how in taking care of your skin, even with the most simple and inexpensive of moisturisers for face and body, you can protect yourself from minor skin irritations. And with summer on our doorstep, it is a timely reminder for sun protection.”

Mr Turnnidge will also share his skills as part of the Look Good, Feel Better campaign, which helps women adjust to the effects of cancer treatments.

The fellowship continued over afternoon tea as members shared stories of the hard labour of hand washing before the invention of the electronic washing machine. The congregation remarked that beauty can also be captured in the gift of technology like the washing machine.

Nigel Hanscamp passes a Melbourne landmark

WHILE most Uniting Church ministers spend their Sunday mornings preparing to lead a worship service, on Sunday 16 October Rev Nigel Hanscamp lined up with more than 30,000 runners to complete the Melbourne Marathon.

For three hours and 47 minutes, Nigel battled fatigue, flies and hot windy conditions to cross the finish line at the MCG. He was part of a team of runners from Lentara UnitingCare’s ‘Run as One’ team, raising funds to help asylum seekers.

Long-distance running is a relatively new past time for the Heathmont Uniting Church minister. Five years ago, while living in New Zealand, Nigel experienced a ‘wake-up call’ when his father suffered a heart attack.

This was followed closely by the death of one of his closest friends.

“I would have been 45 at the time and decided I didn’t want to be in that position if I could help it so I started running,” Nigel said.

“I weighed about 95 kilos and my first run was 400 metres; that was as far as I could manage. I just kept going out and kept running and six months later I managed my way through my first half marathon (21 kilometres). And I have just progressed from there.”

Fundraising has become part of Nigel’s many running events. The plight of refugees and asylum seekers is close to the heart of Nigel’s congregation, who have generously supported his efforts.

17

Review Nell, Let There Be Robe, 2012 (Installation)

Highway to Nell REVIEW BY GARTH JONES EXHIBITION | NEϟLL | SHEPPARTON ART MUSEUM THE Maitland raised, Sydney-based Nell opened her eponymous show at

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) last month.

Situated about two hours north-east of Melbourne, Shepparton is another regional town, like Maitland, best known for industry. Shepparton, however, has the distinction of hosting an early tour by the Australian rock band ACϟDC in 1976.

On the 40th anniversary of that gig, Nell’s debut survey show (an exposition on a specific theme) draws heavily upon the

Australian stories

Yarrie Bangura, Rosemary Kariuki, Yordy Haile-Michael, Aminata Conteh-Biger

REVIEW BY DEB BENNETT DOCUMENTARY | THE BAULKHAM HILLS AFRICAN LADIES TROUPE

THE Baulkham Hills African Ladies Troupe documents writer Ros Horin’s involvement with a group of women from the migrant community of Baulkham Hills, in Sydney’s west. The film is a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the journey of four women as their incredible stories of survival are turned into an internationally acclaimed play.

Filmed over a five-year period, the audience first meet the four women 18

as they prepare to attend a storytelling workshop run by Horin.

High school student Yarrie Bangura remembers a happy childhood in Sierra Leone, until members of the Revolutionary United Front invaded her school and rounded up children to join the rebel army. Aged six at the time, Yarrie escaped.

Hiding in the bushes, she watched the rebels use machetes to hack off the hands and arms of villagers.

Also from Sierra Leone, Aminata ContehBiger lived the life of a ‘princess’ in a big yellow house on top of a hill in Freetown.

Her sheltered life ended when rebels invaded her family’s compound and abducted Aminata. She was 17 years old.

Rosemary Kariuki-Fyfe grew up in Kenya, a

artist’s teenage worship of the iconic band.

Investigating the symbolism of spirituality, sexuality and rock-and-roll, NEϟLL – the show – is a startling, visceral journey utilising media including video, installation, painting and ceramics.

Nell explores universal themes and rituals familiar to the human experience – life, faith, grief, creation – through primitive, egg-like forms, ominous cenotaphs (inscribed with Biblical verse and song titles) and the tools of music making (drum sticks, guitar picks).

This powerful iconography evokes the cycle of life with a playful melancholy.

Indeed, the gallery space encourages reverent contemplation, its starkly lit, interconnecting rooms suggestive of spaces for worship.

Nell’s installation The Wake, in particular, is a moving meditation on death and creation, utilising a collection of unique, egg shaped ceramic vessels known as Haniwa, or Japanese funerary objects.

These memento mori – reminders of death – unsettle the viewer and encourage quiet reflection.

Elsewhere, Nell’s video work is more exuberant. In one piece, Fly as high as me, the artist assaults a giant fly with a cricket bat to the point of exhaustion. In another, Quiet/ Loud, she meditates on an amplifier while a female guitarist shreds noisily. In perhaps the most ambitious, Nell recreates and gender flips ACϟDC’s historic 1975 film clip It’s a Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock And Roll).

Further exploring life’s binaries, installations of The Beatles’ White Album and ACϟDC’s Black Album are juxtaposed

on opposing walls. Even the artist’s blackletter logo itself, split in two by a divine lightning bolt, suggests the duality of the human condition.

A neon-lit terrarium, Nell’s ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’– or Wunderkammer – entitled Some of the Things I Like, features works from SAM’s varied collection curated by the artist, including Canberra artist Heather B. Swann and emerging rock star sculptor Ramesh Nithiyendran.

Curated by SAM’s Rebecca Coates and Anna Briers, NEϟLL is laid out cyclically, transporting the viewer from space-tospace, each investigating an aspect of the artist’s eclectic practice.

The gallery’s high-ceilings evince sacred places. The work Let There Be Robe (pictured) features a pile of plectrums/ communion wafers at its base and stands, arms outstretched, in a room decorated with crucifixes fashioned from drum sticks and paint brushes.

Exploring various forms of worship, belief and shared human experiences through an exciting range of media, NEϟLL is a powerful experience, at once raw, cathartic, warm and playful.

The exhibition itself and the museum’s diverse collection in general should be sufficient motivation for the art lover to make the sojourn north.

Highly recommended.

child of a large polygamous family. She talks of the sexual abuse she endured at the hands of older relatives from the age of 11. Rejected by her family when she became pregnant, Rosemary had never told her story to anyone.

Her two grown-up sons have no idea they had a half-brother who died in infancy.

Mother-of-four Yordanos ‘Yordy’ HaileMichael was abandoned by her father after he murdered her mother. Yordy has no idea of her real age, but guesses she was about three years old when her father left her to live alone on the streets of Asmara, Eritrea.

A few years later, soldiers came to the town and put her on a truck. For the next 10 years she was held captive by the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front. When she escaped, Yordy walked for six weeks through the desert to reach a refugee camp, leaving behind her baby daughter. She feels she has spent her whole life running.

Throughout the course of the workshops, the women build trust with one another and with Horin. Emotional walls built up over years begin to crumble as they speak of the horrors they have endured.

At times it is a difficult journey and some reviewers have expressed concern that Horin is, perhaps inadvertently, using the women’s pain to her own advantage. Horin herself acknowledges this dilemma. As a writer, she is aware of the incredible power of the women’s stories and her natural instinct is to have their stories heard. As Horin begins to develop a script for a play and brings in professional actors to work with the women, she carefully watches the emotional impact on the women.

Counsellors who specialise in trauma and torture support them through the arduous and emotionally fraught rehearsal period.

Yordy in particular struggles with the constant re-telling of the most painful parts of her life.

In 2013, the women perform to a standing ovation at the Riverside Theatre. Among the audience are their families, many of whom are hearing the stories for the first time.

As accolades for the play increase and the women receive an invitation to perform at the WOW (Women of the World) festival in London, Yordy decides she cannot be part of it anymore.

In what is undoubtedly an emotionally confronting documentary, perhaps the most poignant scene comes not from the women, but from Yordy’s 14-year-old son. Sitting at her kitchen table, Yordy explains why she can’t continue – she is not an actor reading words; she is a woman talking about her own life.

Her son then turns to the camera. He speaks with pride of the mother he now knows, and how he wants others to share that strength and inspiration. We watch as Yordy stares at her son in silence. When he finishes speaking she gets up from her chair, hugs him and asks “How can I not go?” Yordy re-joins the troupe and performs with the women in London.

This documentary is a reminder that, as many lament the lack of ‘Australian’ stories represented in the arts, perhaps we are not listening enough to those around us. The Baulkham Hills African Ladies Troupe serves as a celebration of our diverse culture, and highlights how lucky we are to have such women in our community.

NEϟLL is showing until 27 November.

NEϟLL Shepparton Art Museum 70 Welsford St Shepparton 3630 www.sheppartonartmuseum.com.au

For information about screening times go to: www.africanladiestroupe.com/

CROSSLIGHT - NOVEMBER 16

Review

All creatures

Unpolished silver

Universal truth?

Judging Jonah

REVIEW BY REV IAN SMITH

REVIEW BY EMMET O’CUANA

REVIEW BY NICK MATTISKE

REVIEW BY BOB FASER

BOOK | ANIMALS IN RELIGION | REV BARBARA ALLEN

BOOK | THE SILVER BARON’S WIFE | DONNA BAIER STEIN

BOOK | INVENTING THE UNIVERSE: WHY WE CAN’T STOP TALKING ABOUT SCIENCE, FAITH AND GOD | ALISTER MCGRATH

BOOK | SYMPATHY FOR JONAH: REFLECTIONS ON HUMILIATION, TERROR, AND THE POLITICS OF ENEMY-LOVE | DAVID BENJAMIN BLOWER

THIS book is timely; in the midst of the growing global concern around climate change and the future of our world as we know and understand it, Barbara has brought a gift, an invitation to add a fresh layer to our discussions. The particular focus of the book is the religious dimensions the nonhuman-created world brings to the understanding and life of humans.

Systematically, and with scholastic rigor, Barbara delves into the main faith traditions to remind and educate on the many roles that nonhuman participants have played and continue to play within life, societal formation and values.

From the opening introduction that reminds us, “How we understand God in relation to animals will influence how we treat them” (Jay McDonald), through each chapter; Barbara examines the interplay between human and nonhuman.

The reader discovers many similarities in the way the various faiths explore or articulate their engagement. This includes use of nonhumans as symbol, sign, teacher, companion or as aid, beast-of-burden or that which is exploitable or expendable for human needs.

Barbara has also highlighted the points of tension within faith traditions through juxtaposing the opposites that so often arise – ‘holding that all is created and all seen as good’ – yet creating scales of values that allows humans to be at the top and other created beings to be scored or valued according to their usefulness to humans.

In the examination of texts and traditions, the author invites the reader to reflect both on personal attitudes and corporate faith traditions. The conclusions arrived at in the book draw out the way nonhumans are inexorably interwoven and essential for human life and wellbeing. The last quote in the book ‘the whole earth is a living icon of the face of God’ (John of Damascus) says it all.

People from all faith traditions and none, will find this work extremely helpful.

Publisher: Reakton Books London, 2016 RRP: $99.99

DONNA Baier Stein’s fictionalised account of Elizabeth ‘Baby Doe’ McCourt Tabor promises much. Here was a woman who lived an incredible life in the latter-half of the 19th century. McCourt was born to Irish immigrant parents in Wisconsin.

She escaped an ordinary working life by marrying the wealthy Protestant son of a mining magnate. It is at this point that the legend of ‘Baby Doe’ first takes shape, a tale that has inspired Hollywood and even an opera by Douglas Moore first performed in 1956.

When her husband Henry was injured, Elizabeth took his place overseeing the mine bequeathed by his father Harvey Snr. She would later divorce Henry after he was caught with prostitutes and begin an affair with the married millionaire Horace Tabor.

She joined Horace for his brief career in the US Senate before the loss of his fortune drove the family into poverty. In the bitter winter of 1935 Elizabeth was found frozen to death in a bare cabin.

The rags-to-riches-and-back-to-rags again tale of ‘Baby Doe’ has obvious appeal.

Stein’s approach is to leverage her first person narration with a dream journal written by McCourt Tabor.

Strangely, despite the potential of such a treatment, The Silver Baron’s Wife feels like a summary of actual events. From all accounts Elizabeth was a vivacious and determined young person. Her marriage to Henry Doe was not simply ended by her husband’s philandering. He was outmatched by this passionate woman, but Donna Baier Stein presents her subject as an innocent victim.

The purplish prose of the affair with Horace Tabor reduces the actions of 26year old woman to that of a naive teen. It is in the latter half of the novel, with the fall of the McCourt Tabor family, that Stein’s plot simply dissipates. The religious mania that Elizabeth descended into is sketched by vague stream-of-consciousness passages, stumbling to a close.

The Catholic faith of the McCourts was a strong factor in Elizabeth’s childhood and some accounts have suggested her late life transformation was an attempt at penance for the extravagance of her life in Washington.

It is a shame that any sense of a person who had experienced great material comfort turning to spiritual contemplation is not properly captured here.

Publisher: Serving House Books.

RRP $14.95

CONFRONTING the New Atheists is a bit like tidying up after toddlers. It’s continuous, there is an amount of tantrum throwing and, ironically in the New Atheists’ case, you can’t reason with them.

It may at times seem pointless, but it is important to persist so that others don’t follow their lead.

Alister McGrath, a former atheist and physicist, and now C S Lewis-like apologist for Christianity’s reasonableness, has been battling the New Atheists for years. In particular Richard Dawkins, the Donald Trump of atheism, who attacks madeup enemies with half-truths, and has a minority fervent band of equally irrational followers.

We have heard much about the supposed clash of religion and science, but in his latest report from the frontline, McGrath is keen to point out that it is more of a clash between religion and a particular ideology – the reductionism from populists such as Dawkins.

At the core of this battle, and this book, is a clash over meaning. We all subscribe to grand narratives that give our lives meaning and a select few believe that science can explain everything. McGrath points out how this view is not the default position of science, but an ideology that ignores the fact that we negotiate our world using various mental maps.

Most interestingly, he reports on the recent findings of neuroscientists and anthropologists that religion is seemingly hard-wired into our brains. While some see this is as a necessary delusion engineered by evolution, McGrath, somewhat lightheartedly, says that religion’s ubiquity in human societies suggests that a rejection of religion is a cognitive deficiency.

The suggestion that the New Atheists are slightly crazy may align with the suspicions of some of us, and if they bothered to take note of McGrath’s provocative comment, it may induce more tantrum-throwing.

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd RRP: $12.25

DAVID Blower’s brief (60 pages) study of the Book of Jonah challenges the main foundation of most popular interpretations of this book, i.e., Jonah was a bigot whose exaggerated hatred for the people of Nineveh led him to ‘run away’ from God’s call to preach to them.

Not only did Jonah seek to evade God’s call, he did so via the ridiculous action of getting on a ship going as far away in the opposite direction from Nineveh as possible.

Speaking personally, I have promoted this popular interpretation of Jonah over the years in preaching sermons, leading Bible studies, and conducting retreats.

However, Blower sees a serious flaw in this interpretation. He feels it can lead (particularly in the hands of an interpreter who is hostile to Jews and Judaism) to the false notion that Jonah’s bigotry is somehow characteristically Jewish. This can then lead to an artificial (and frequently antisemitic) contrast between Jewish exclusivism and Christian universalism.

Blower works from a radically different starting-point to the popular view of ‘Jonah-as-Bigot’.

His starting point is that Jonah’s loathing for Nineveh was well-grounded in reality.

The Assyrian Empire, of which Nineveh was the capital, was a particularly cruel empire in terms of its treatment of its enemies and its conquered peoples.

Blower compared Jonah’s eventual preaching in Nineveh to that of a person standing up in the midst of an ISIS stronghold or a Nazi rally to proclaim an alternate viewpoint to that of the prevailing ideology.

Jonah’s initial wish to avoid going to Nineveh need not have been a sign of bigotry. It was merely a sign of an intelligent desire for self-preservation.

Jonah’s eventual decision to proclaim God’s message in Nineveh, leading to the surprising repentance of the Ninevites, stands at the heart of the Book of Jonah.

God is able to radically transform even the most destructive realities found in our world. This, according to Blower, is the subversive message of the Book of Jonah.

Morning Star Publications, RRP: $12.95

NOVEMBER 16 - CROSSLIGHT

19

Placements CURRENT AND PENDING PLACEMENT VACANCIES AS AT 24 OCTOBER 2016 PRESBYTERY OF GIPPSLAND Nil PRESBYTERY OF LODDON MALLEE Dunolly (0.5) Sunraysia (UCOS) (0.5) Tyrrell Parish PRESBYTERY OF NORTH EAST VICTORIA Mansfield (0.3) Numurkah – Nathalia Linked (0.8) Rutherglen (Rutherglen/Chiltern-CorowaHowlong) (0.5) Upper Murray (Corryong, Walwa) (0.5) PRESBYTERY OF PORT PHILLIP EAST Oakleigh (St David’s), Balkara Parish (0.5) Beaumaris (0.6) Bentleigh Brighton (Trinity) Frankston (High St) (0.5) – Monash University Peninsula Campus Chaplain (0.5) Korean Church of Melbourne – English Christian Fellowship PRESBYTERY OF PORT PHILLIP WEST Altona Meadows – Laverton (0.4) and Lara (0.5) Sunbury

PRESBYTERY OF TASMANIA Ulverstone – Sprent (3 year term) South Esk** PRESBYTERY OF WESTERN VIC Nil PRESBYTERY OF YARRA YARRA Ashburton** Church of All Nations** Croydon North – Gifford Village (0.5) Kew East Melbourne (St Michaels) SYNOD Nil ** These placements have not yet lodged a profile with the Placements Committee, therefore they are not yet in conversation with any minister. There is no guarantee that the placement will be listed within the next month.

Further information on these vacancies may be obtained from the Secretary of the Placements Committee: Ms Isabel Thomas Dobson.

Email: placements.secretary@victas.uca.org.au Formal expressions of interest should be put in writing to Isabel.

MINISTRY MOVES CALLS AND APPOINTMENTS FINALISED

INTER SYNOD TRANSFERS

David Withers, Strategic Review Implementation – Strategic Framework Officer to commence 7 November 2016

Charles Vesely, to transfer to the Synod of Queensland from 1 January 2017

Ikani Vaitohi, Belmont to commence 1 February 2017 CONCLUSION OF PLACEMENT Paul Goh to conclude at Korean Church of Melbourne on 30 November 2016 Charles Vesely to conclude at Bandiana Army Chaplaincy in December 2016

RETIREMENTS Ian Hickingbotham, Ringwood North, to retire on 31 October 2016 Greg Beck, Kingswood College, to retire on 31 December 2016 Howard Wallace, Mulgrave, to retire on 31 March 2017

COMING EVENTS INTERNAL WORLDS EXHIBITION BY CLAIR BREMNER 9AM – 5PM, MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 16 OCT – 20 NOVEMBER St Michael’s on Collins Uniting Church, 120 Collins St, Melbourne.

Free entry to this beautiful exhibition in the St Michael’s Gallery (behind the church). stmichaels.org.au/internal-worlds-clairbremner/ LAUNCH OF SPINIFEX BLESSING – A Collection of Stories Julie Perrin’s forthcoming collection of stories Spinifex Blessing is being launched at several UC locations in November and December.

The three small volumes contain 24 of Perrin’s stories, previously published in the Sunday Age faith column. Spinifex Blessing can be purchased at E:spinifex@tellingwords.com.au and including your postal address. The three booklets are sold as a set for $20 plus postage.

CONTEMPLATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY NETWORK 2PM – 4PM, 1st Saturday of the month Centre of Theology and Ministry, 29 College Cres, Parkville.

Are you interested in photography/videography as a spiritual practice? The network gatherings will offer a time of reflection, a place to enhance technical skills (whether newly acquired or well-seasoned), and a forum for discussion, support and encouragement.

RSVP essential at E:peter@chalice.org.au or call Rev Deacon Peter Batten on M: 0419 255 585.

ART OF STORY Starts 2 NOVEMBER Centre for Theology and Ministry, 29 College Crescent, Parkville.

Find your voice in this practical course. Discover the craft of storytelling, techniques to aid recall, and performance skills to create a listening space.

Art of Story’s repertoire includes biblical stories, wisdom tales, folk tales and poetry. The course, led by Julie Perrin and Christina Rowntree, will be held over three full Wednesdays in November.

Register or find out more by contacting Christina on P: 03 9340 8813 or E: chris.rowntree@ctm.uca.edu.au

DANCE CLASSES FOR MATURE WOMEN 1PM – 2PM, THURSDAYS Habitat Canterbury, cnr Mont Albert Rd & Burke Rd, Canterbury.

Join this gentle, joyful space for movement and self-expression. For more information contact Susan on M: 0433 259 135.

COMBINED CHARITIES CHRISTMAS CARD SHOP Various dates from THURSDAY, 3 NOVEMBER to SATURDAY, 17 NOVEMBER North Essendon Uniting Church, 132 Keilor Road, North Essendon.

The Lentara Uniting Care Christmas Card Shop will open at the North Essendon Uniting Church on Thursday, 3 November, with the final day for sales being Saturday, 17 December until 12.30PM. Opening times: Thursdays and Fridays, 9.30am – 4pm and Saturdays, 9.30am - 12.30pm (but closed on Saturday, 5 November).

BI-ANNUAL OPEN GARDENS HOSTED BY ST ANDREWS UC, ORBOST. OPENING TIMES: 10AM - 5PM, SATURDAY 5 NOVEMBER and SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER This year St Andrews UC will host five open country gardens at a cost of $5 per person per garden. The unique gardens include the Snowy River Community Garden, the small garden of Julie & Malcolm Mundy, ‘Tom’s Garden’, the newer garden of Lorraine and Peter Van den Oever, the garden with many rooms of Stan and Judy Weatherall. All maps and information available at the Orbost Visitors Information Centre in Nicholson Street, Orbost. For further information please contact Judy Weatherall on M: 0407 586 328 or P: 03 5154 1360 or E: judy.occ@bigpond.com CHALICE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2PM – 4PM, SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER Chalice Community of Faith, Northcote Uniting Church, 251 High Street, Northcote.

With guest speaker at 3pm, Dr Mark Zirnsak, Director of Justice and International Mission, Synod of Victas UCA. Bring afternoon tea to share if you are able. Contact the office for an Annual Report on P: 03 9482 2884.

RSVP is essential at www.eventbrite.com/e/ chalice-agm-and-community-gatheringtickets-26674868249

MIND BODY SPIRIT Service

North Balwyn UCA, Duggan St. North Balwyn (Mel. 46 F3) SUNDAY 27 NOVEMBER 5.30 - 7.30pm Assoc Prof Bruce Steele AM FAHA,

Organist and Music Director, North Balwyn Uniting Church

Topic - “Shakespeare in 2016”

William Shakespeare died 400 years ago this year yet his work is still as alive as ever. Bruce Steele looks at some aspects of his work which explains why this is so.

Talks are followed by soup & Reflective Worship

Further details: 9857 8412, mail@nbuc.org.au or www.nbuc.org.au Crosslight Ad Nov 2016 Bursaries OUTLINES.indd 1

25/10/2016 3:30:02 PM

JOIN THE MODERATOR’S WARRAGUL LUNCH Position vacant Part-time minister Toorak Uniting Church Toorak Uniting Church is seeking a Uniting Church minister for a casual 0.2 position to assist the Minister in Placement. While payment will be based on UCA stipend and allowances this is a contract position. The person needs skills in pastoral care, outreach, worship leadership and be registered to perform marriages in Victoria.

Applications will be confidential.

Contact: Rev Dr Christopher Page for more information: cpage@netspace.net.au 20

“Courage Doesn’t Have To Roar” An inspirational lunch to talk about resilience and courage in the face of adversity.

Featuring: • Sharon Hollis, Synod of VicTas UCA Moderator • Carolyn Turner, Editor Warragul & Drouin Gazette • Tracey Gibson, CEO UnitingCare Gippsland • Arfa Sarfaraz Khan, United Sisters of the LaTrobe Valley Thursday 10 November 12.30 pm Warragul UC, 210 Sutton Street, Warragul Cost: By donation RSVP Essential: 03 5623 6625 or lynda.nel@victas.uca.org.au CROSSLIGHT - NOVEMBER 16

Notices AWESOME FOURSOME ART EXHIBITION RICHMOND UC OPENING DAY SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER, continuing to WEDNESDAY 26 NOVEMBER Gallery 314, Richmond Uniting Church, 314 Church Street, Richmond.

Art exhibition of works by the ‘Awesome Foursome’. For more information P: 03 9427 1282.

SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING – WESLEY MISSION VICTORIA 2PM, SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER Wesley Church Melbourne, 148 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.

You are invited to join clients, residents, supporters, employees and volunteers of Wesley Mission Victoria and their families, and members of the Wesley Church Melbourne congregation to celebrate 123 years of Wesley, and look to Wesley’s future as a founding agency of Uniting Victoria/Tasmania. Church service will be followed by afternoon tea. All welcome.

Enquiries to E: reception@wesley.org.au or P: 03 9662 2355.

A PLEASANT SUNDAY AFTERNOON with SING AUSTRALIA RINGWOOD & BORONIA ROAD UC 2PM, SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER Boronia Road Uniting Church, cnr Boronia Road and Zeising Court, Boronia.

Come along and enjoy beautiful music and a scrumptious afternoon tea at intermission. Cost is $14 person, with proceeds going to BRUC Maintenance Fund.

VICTORIAN INTERFAITH NETWORKS CONFERENCE 2016 12PM – 4.30PM, SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER At Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre, cnr Bell Street & St Georges Road, Preston.

This annual conference aims to help build the capacity and sustainability of existing multifaith/interfaith networks, bring people up-todate with current multi-faith/interfaith matters, provide networking opportunities, and assist the hosting interfaith network and council to promote its work to the local community. This year’s keynote speech will be on ‘Faith and Social Inclusion’. Please note there are limited places, so enrol early to ensure your attendance.

To register go to: vinc.eventbrite.com.au.

HILL TOP MARKET HIGH STREET ROAD UC 9AM – 2PM, SATURDAY, 14 NOVEMBER 482 High Street Road, Mount Waverley.

High Street Road Uniting Church, Mount Waverley, will once again hold their popular Hilltop Market from 9am to 2pm on Saturday, 12 November. The market features a large array of stalls, hot and cold food, a number of competitions and a special Kidzone.

GOD’S PUBLIC PEOPLE IN SECULAR, PLURALIST AUSTRALIA: ZADOK 40th ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE 2PM, FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER to 5PM, SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER St. Mark’s Anglican Church, cnr Melbourne and Hudsons Rds, Spotswood.

Friday: Academic papers followed by dinner with address by Pastor Ray Minniecon and reply

by John Harris.

Saturday: ZED talks and workshops.

For conference information and enquiries, please contact Rachael Lopez at: E: events@ethos.org.au or on M: 0401 853 255, or register now at zadok40.eventbrite.com.au/.

TRIVIALICIOUS! 6.30PM, SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER Chalice Community of Faith, Northcote Uniting Church, 251 High Street, Northcote.

A fundraiser for our hall floor which has done so much hard work it needs to be replaced!

Featuring comedian Justine Sless, live music and entertainment. Fabulous prizes!

Tickets $20 or $160 for a table of ten.

Bookings: www.eventbrite.com/e/trivialicioustickets-28242076812

NOVEMBER 16 - CROSSLIGHT

TIME FOR REMEMBERING – ROAD TRAUMA SUPPORT SERVICES VICTORIA 11:45AM FOR A 12 NOON START, SUNDAY, 20 NOVEMBER (Please allow sufficient time to pass through a security checkpoint before entering the building). Queens Hall, Parliament House, Melbourne. Road Trauma Support Services Victoria warmly invites you to the 16th annual ‘Time for Remembering’ to remember those who have died, acknowledge those who have been injured and recognise the impact of road trauma on our community. You are invited to bring a small framed photo of your loved one or other symbol of remembrance.

Refreshments will follow the ceremony. RSVP

by Friday 18 November to P: 1300 367 797 or E: office.manager@rtssv.org.au. Please advise us if you have any mobility or dietary requirements.

INDUCTION SERVICE FOR REV DAVID PARGETER, ST KILDA PARISH MISSION UC 2.30PM, SUNDAY 20 NOVEMBER St Kilda Uniting Church, 163 Chapel Street, St Kilda.

The induction of Rev David Pargeter will be held at the St Kilda Parish Mission Uniting Church on Sunday, 20 November 2:30pm. All are most welcome to join us. RSVP to Simon Clarke E: bbs5895@bigpond.net.au FINAL SERVICE IN THE UNITING CHURCH BUILDING OF THE MEENIYAN UC 2PM, SUNDAY 20 NOVEMBER, followed by afternoon tea Meeniyan Uniting Church, Geale Street, Meeniyan.

The congregation of the Meeniyan Uniting Church invites all members of the Meeniyan community and wider church communities to join with us to celebrate the worship, joy and comfort our building has brought us over its 34 years.

THE RICHARD MCKINNEY MEMORIAL ECUMENICAL ADVENT LECTURES FOR 2016 Speaker: Fr Denis Stanley, Episcopal Vicar for Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations on the topic ‘Bridges not walls - building Christian unity’.

Lecture 1 on TUESDAY, 22 NOVEMBER, ‘Breaking down walls - why our history is important’ at Heidelberg-East Ivanhoe Uniting Church, cnr. Maltravers & Lawry. Heidelberg Rds, Ivanhoe East Lecture 2 on TUESDAY, 29 NOVEMBER, ‘Building bridges - the joy and risk of encounter’ at St. George’s Anglican Church, 46 Warncliffe Rd, East Ivanhoe.

Lecture 3 on TUESDAY, 6 DECEMBER, ‘The temptation to build new walls - commitment to dialogue’ at Mother of God Catholic Church, 63 Wilfred St, Ivanhoe East.

All lectures begin at 8PM. Admission by gold coin. Fellowship and supper at 9.15PM. Enquiries to Ann on P: 03 9459 1898.

HEALTHY AGEING SEMINAR 11AM, FRIDAY 25 NOVEMBER St Michael’s on Collins Uniting Church 120 Collins St, Melbourne.

Vitality, Vivacity, Vigour, Vim! Focus on your four Vs. With celebrated psychotherapist Dr Francis Macnab. Tickets at $20 includes a light lunch. See www.stmichaels.org.au.

THE ART OF DEATH AND DYING 7.30 PM, THURSDAY 24 NOVEMBER Chalice Community of Faith, Northcote Uniting Church, 251 High Street, Northcote.

While 90 per cent of Australians agree we need to talk more about end-of-life, too few of us actually do. Come and ask the questions you have always wanted to. Tickets $15/$5. Supper provided.

Bookings a must at www.eventbrite.com/e/theart-of-death-and-dying-tickets-28211619714

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL – EXHIBITION, ST MICHAEL’S on COLLINS UC OPENING CELEBRATION 11AM – 1PM, SUNDAY 27 NOVEMBER St Michael’s on Collins Uniting Church, 120 Collins St, Melbourne.

Featuring works of art depicting animals created by local Melbourne artists. Beautiful paintings and prints by Nadine Dudek, Clare Dunstan, Sarah Hardy & Claire Turner. Gallery hours 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. stmichaels.org.au/gallery CHILDREN’S NATIVITY DRESS-UP PHOTOS at THE HUB 10 AM – 12 NOON, MONDAY 28, TUESDAY 29 AND WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER The Hub, Glen Waverley Uniting Church, corner Bogong Avenue and Kingsway.

Bring your children or grandchildren to dress up in nativity costumes, be a part of the Christmas story, and have their photos taken for free. Dress ups will be available to use. Photos ready for collection on Thursday, 8 December between 10AM and 12NOON. For information and bookings please phone P: 03 9560 3580.

BURWOOD UC ‘FOLLOW THE STAR’ - A SIMPLE JOURNEY through the CHRISTMAS STORY THURSDAY, 1 DECEMBER TO SATURDAY, 23 DECEMBER (excepting Sundays) Burwood Uniting Church, cnr Warrigal Road and Hyslop Street, Glen Iris.

The annual ‘Follow the Star’ at Burwood Uniting Church will be open daily to the public from 1 December (except Sundays) until Saturday, 23 December. The displays present the story of the first Christmas and are accompanied by a Christmas Tree Forest with trees decorated by local schools and organisations. There is opportunity to donate to the Gift Tree, nonperishable foods in support of Camcare and Hotham Mission food hamper programmes.

Opening times are Mondays 10am to 3pm, Tuesdays 12.30pm to 3pm, Wednesdays 10am to 3pm, Thursdays 12.30pm to 3pm, Fridays 12.30pm to 3pm and Saturdays 10am to 12.30pm. Other times may be available by appointment especially to groups (children or adults).

Please contact: Felicity Fallon on M: 0449 751 402 or Anne Campbell on M: 0487 750 442.

Further information can be found at www.burwood.unitingchurch.org.au.

CLOSURE OF TOOLAMBA UNITING CHURCH, PARISH OF WARANGA 2PM, SUNDAY 4 DECEMBER 575 Toolamba-Rushworth Road, Toolamba West. The Final Service, a Service of Closure will be conducted by Rev Brian Spencer with afternoon tea provided after the service. All past members & clergy are warmly invited to attend.

Enquiries & RSVP to Secretary B. Cross on P: 03 5826 6353 or Email: williamsbnb@bigpond.com.

ADVENT RETREAT 10AM – 3PM, TUESDAY 6 DECEMBER Habitat Hawthorn, 2 Minona Street, Hawthorn.

We all seem to be waiting for something. All sorts of things present themselves as worthy of our attention. What are you really waiting for, what is your deepest longing? Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation. We ready ourselves for the birth of hope, peace, joy and love.

For more information, visit the Habitat website www.habitatforspirituality.org.au.

THE LABORASTORY 7PM, WEDNESDAY 7 DECEMBER St Michael’s on Collins Uniting Church, 120 Collins St, Melbourne.

An evening dedicated to the stories of science; the heroes, the egos, the breakthroughs and the mistakes. From forgotten history and lonely laboratories, science and scientists quite literally take centre stage.

For bookings see: www.thelaborastory.com.

CHRISTMAS MORNING TEA at THE HUB 10AM – 12NOON, THURSDAY, 8 DECEMBER Glen Waverley Uniting Church, corner Bogong Avenue and Kingsway.

Bring your family and friends. All ages welcome. All donations to help local families in need. For information and group bookings phone P: 03 9560 3580.

CLASSIFIEDS CALOUNDRA, Sunshine Coast, Queensland: Beachside units, from $400/wk. For details contact Ray P: 0427 990 161 E: rayandjean@hotmail.com.

CAPE WOOLAMAI, Summerhays Cottage.

Sleeps 3. Tranquil garden. Stroll to beach.

Discount for UCA members. www.summerhayscottage.com.au.

Ring Doug or Ina P: 0403 133 710.

GRAMPIANS WORSHIP, When visiting The Grampians, join the Pomonal Community Uniting Church congregation for worship each Sunday at 10am.

KALGOORLIE-BOULDER UNITING CHURCH, WA is without settlement. The manse has been transformed into motel style, fully equipped three bedroom accommodation, available free of charge to ministers (retired or current), and lay preachers, in return for them taking Sunday worship whilst staying.

Enquiries to Dora Rogers at P: 08 9021 2360 or E: dordor.rogers@gmail.com.

LORNE, Spacious apartment, breathtaking ocean view, open fire, peaceful, secluded, affordable. P: 03 5289 2698.

PSYCHOLOGIST, Sue Tansey, BA (Hons), MPsych (Counselling) MAPS. Individual and relationship counselling. Bulk billing for clients who have a referral from their GP and have a low income. St Kilda. P: 0418 537 342 or E: suetansey@yahoo.com.

QUALIFIED CHRISTIAN PAINTER, handyman, interior/exterior work, available outer eastern suburbs. P: 03 9725 6417.

SENIORS’ SPECIAL: Enjoy a break in luxury surroundings. Three days and three nights, dinner, bed and breakfast for $450 per couple (including GST). Jindivick Gardens.

P: 03 5628 5319.

SHARE ACCOMMODATION: In a three bedroom house in Heidelberg Heights. $150.00 per week + bills. Contact Bob on M: 0406 314 373.

TWO BEDROOM INDEPENDENT LIVING UNITS (OVER 55’S), St. Andrew’s Close, Stratford. www.ucgipps.org.au. P: 03 5144 7777.

WANTED TO BUY: Antiques, secondhand/ retro furniture, bric a brac and collectables.

Single items or whole house lots. Genuine buyer. Contact Kevin P: 0408 969 920.

WRIGHT MEDIATION: Qualified Family Dispute Resolution Services for couples who have separated, or where separation is likely, are offered at 12 Chesterville Rd., Cheltenham. Visit www.fdrr.ag.gov.au.

Other dispute resolution related services are offered off site by arrangement, including Church-based facilitation and mediation and clinical supervision. Visit www.vadr.asn.au/ vadr-members.html Contact Max Wright, MAASW Accred., Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Accredited Mediator on E: wright80@tpg.com.au or M: 0429 168 812 (office hours).

YAMAHA E3 ORGAN – FREE, two full keyboards & 25 note pedal board. Contact David Collett P: 03 9723 0427.

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Opinion The work of keeping hope alive I STARTED at my first job fresh out of secretarial college when I was 16. I was a junior secretary in a suburban law firm and I loved it. My typewriter was electric, I answered calls on a PABX switchboard and my shorthand was lightning fast. I left that job, aged 21, for the glamour of working in the city. Silly me.

Now I’m 48, and I’ve been struggling to find ongoing employment for several years. The intervening decades were pretty good to me, the usual ups and downs, but these last few years, they’ve definitely been tougher. I find myself where nobody wants to be – relying on government benefits.

On a daily basis, I have to work at stretching my benefit to cover the most important of my expenses. As a single adult receiving Newstart, I live on $688.90 per fortnight.

That puts me well below the poverty line.

Not nudging it, well below it.

The first amount I set aside every fortnight is $433.50; that’s half my monthly rent.

This leaves me $255.40 to cover groceries, utilities, petrol, phone, credit card, insurances, internet and every other fixed and incidental expense I incur. There is no wriggle room.

I’ve let my contents insurance slide and was only able to renew my car insurance because I have a generous mother. If my car breaks down it’s not getting fixed. I often have to choose between paying the gas bill or the phone bill. I’ve had to let go my practice of paying my rent early. Next month I’ll be transferring funds the day the rent’s due. That makes me twitchy, but it’s the only way I can manage things. Two text messages from the utility company is my limit, so tonight I paid the balance of my overdue gas bill, which took $200 of my $255.40. It’s the second day of the fortnight and that leaves me $55 and change.

Newstart is simply not enough to survive

22

A recent study by ACOSS (Australian Council of Social Service) found that more than 3 million Australians live below the poverty line. Throughout anti-poverty week, much discussion has focussed on young school-leavers, generational welfare dependence, lone-parent families and older people living on the pension. A group which is largely overlooked in these discussions are those referred to as ‘mature age’ job seekers. Approximately 22 per cent of Newstart recipients are aged between 40 and 49. ANNETTE HILL shared with Crosslight the reality of trying to make a ‘new start’ while living below the poverty line.

on but, strangely, the consistency of its insufficiency takes some of the sting away.

I can’t afford all the basics, so I juggle.

I move the pieces around on the board, study junk mail for bargains, forage in the deep recesses of my pantry and do whatever I can to stretch every cent as far as it will go.

In the colder months, I set myself a goal not to put the heater on until 11am or, if I can stand it, 1pm or 2pm. My father’s mantra, ‘put another jumper on’, rings in my ears and I layer up or make another warming cup of tea. Some days I make it through the day without heating the house, other days it’s just too cold and on the heater goes.

Hour-by-hour, I’m saving money. Frugality has become second nature.

Hand-in-hand with frugality is the work of keeping hope alive.

Hope is a funny thing. It can feel elusive,

but if you work at it I think you can keep it within reach. It can’t depend on externals, or I’d be dashed on the rocks every time I send a job application out and hear nothing but crickets. The crickets have been deafening this year; I’ve only had two or three positive responses since February.

The one thing I have in abundance is time, so I spend it on applying for jobs and maintaining my emotional wellbeing. The latter is taken care of when I spend time at my art desk, visit the library, sit in the park on a sunny day or make a batch of pikelets.

Hope isn’t expensive, but it does take work.

I also have to be diligent about maintaining my mental health. I recently found myself sobbing at a routine job services provider appointment. I was so demoralised by the futility of the ‘Work for the Dole’ program I’d been placed in and felt unsupported and trapped.

Although I was sobbing in front of a

stranger in an office full of people, I had enough in the tank to insist that my consultant find me another option. If I hadn’t been working on keeping myself hopeful and happy, things could have really gone off the rails. It was a scary experience that reminded me how fragile my current position is.

That stumble reminded me of the importance of community. Being out of work can be isolating, as most of the time I’m home alone while everyone else is busy with their working lives.

I need to connect with people.

I am a blogger and a budding artist, so I spend a lot of time online reading blogs, chatting with friends near and far, writing, creating, sharing my art and finding inspiration. My online community has been so significant in keeping my spirits up. I find it hard to articulate the positive impact they have on me.

I’m also volunteering at an op-shop, which gives me the opportunity to connect with new people as well as learn new things and be useful.

The power of generosity has had a major impact on my wellbeing. I have received such kindness from people, it floors me.

Right now I have three gift cards on my fridge, so the next time I need petrol or to top up on groceries, I’m covered – phew!

I have enough eggs and lemons to start a quiche and lemonade empire, and I just received a wonderful care package from a bloggy pal in Queensland.

I am able to face the harsh realities of unemployment without going to pieces because I take care of myself. I’m blessed to have generous friends and family around me and, even when it feels like it will never end, I know that this too shall pass. It’s just taking longer than I’d like to get my new start.

CROSSLIGHT - NOVEMBER 16

Moderator’s column Forgotten meaning of Halloween

WITH Halloween goodies and Christmas delights jostling for space on the shelves of our supermarket, it can be hard to remember that the season of trick-ortreating has its foundation in the Christian celebration of All Saints and All Souls.

Traditionally Halloween is the vigil day before All Saints day. All Saints day is the day to remember that all Christians, from all times and places, are saints and to rejoice in this truth. All Souls day is a day to remember the dead, particularly those we each know and love who have died.

After the reformation, All Souls Day fell out of favour in many Protestant traditions.

In recent years All Saints and All Souls days tend to be merged into one day of celebration and commemoration.

Remembering all the saints helps us call to mind the goodness and mercy of God. We are all made saints, not because of our own goodness but because God is good.

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we are brought home to God and made holy. The act of being made a saint is an act of grace in which God says to us “I love you utterly, I make you whole, I make you holy, I make you righteous”.

All this because God loves us. All Saints

All Souls’Day, Painting by Jakub Schikaneder, 1888

day is a celebration of God’s gracious choosing of us. It is a celebration of a love that welcomes us to the table not because we are worthy but because of what God has done in Jesus Christ. It is a celebration of the wide embrace of God that draws all people into love, from all times and places.

Somewhere, I can no longer remember where, I came across this quote: “Saints aren’t perfect. Rather they are people who are so in love with God their heart is set on fire by that love.” Remembering all the saints reminds us that the Christian faith is an embodied faith. Faith is lived, practiced and enacted in the day-to-day situations we find ourselves in. Faith is expressed with our bodies so that our body bears witness in the way we live to what we believe. When we remember the saints we remember the life of those who show us

how to live as faithful people in the world.

Marking All Saints provides us a day to remember people whose lives are set on fire

by God’s love and who display that love of God in their daily lives. In recalling these people we are encouraged to seek God’s love and open ourselves to living a life shaped by God’s love.

Remembering all the saints connects us to the church across time and space and place. It reminds us of the global reach of the gospel. The gospel is for all people in every culture. In reminding ourselves of all saints we remember the diverse cultural and historic expressions of faith we witness across the sweep of history. This reminds us to value the diversity of the saints in our midst in our own time and to have hope that God will continue to makes saints in our time and place.

The celebration of All Souls days has a different focus and feel and can, I believe, have a deep pastoral intent. It is a day where the focus shifts from a sense of all the saints in the enormity of that recollecting to remembering saints we have known personally who have died.

One of the things that gives me great comfort in grief is that year-by-year the Anglican congregation where my partner was a member remember him by name on both All Souls day and the anniversary of his death. This remembering comforts me. It reminds me of God’s great love and reassures me my partner is, and will be, remembered by name by a community that loved him and nourished his faith.

All Souls day provides space for mourning and comfort, for remembering and giving thanks, held in God’s promise that God’s love holds both the dead and the living.

Through that love both the dead and the living find new life in participation in the life of God. I wonder if in the Uniting Church we have lost something powerfully pastoral by not marking All Souls Day or by mixing it up with All Saints Day.

Sharon Hollis Moderator

News Community Life Survey EMMET O’CUANA

FOR the fifth year running, synod operations has canvassed congregations in Victoria and Tasmania inviting submissions for two online surveys. The 2015 Financial Return and the Community Life surveys were designed to give insight on the life of the synod from a grassroots perspective. The online survey committee includes representatives from Presbytery Ministry Administration (PMA) as well as synod operations staff from IT, Accounts and Communications.

Director of Communications and Media Services Penny Mulvey said the committee drafted new questions to capture the experience of Uniting Church members.

“The synod has been through a turbulent few years, with reviews of processes and consolidation of assets and services,” Ms Mulvey said.

“This is why it is important to stress participation in the online survey for church representatives – it gives us insight into the breadth of mission and ministry across the congregational life of the synod.”

One of the pressing concerns for most traditional major religions is declining numbers of attendees. In part this is due to the break-up of established communities, NOVEMBER 16 - CROSSLIGHT

with families and young people travelling for work, be it interstate or even abroad.

The knock-on effects have been rapid and a source of some distress for church members responsible for the maintaining of expensive properties. How can churches today become the centre of community life, when the nature of community is shifting?

The survey asked respondents to list the age brackets of congregation members.

Unsurprisingly, 82 per cent of reported regular church attendees were aged over 50. In sharp contrast to the ageing church population, 43 per cent of congregations participating in the life of their churches had members aged under five years. This could have an impact on congregations looking to run community holiday programs or after school events for families with young children, as well as the celebration of sacraments like baptism.

One of the main strategies of not-forprofits and religious groups in the 21st century has been the adoption of online tools, such as websites and social media, to engage with audiences. The synod employs Facebook and Twitter in particular to draw attention to causes and actions that coincide with the principles of the Uniting Church.

As part of the survey, respondents were asked to indicate if they used social media. A total of 79 per cent said they did not. Interestingly, the same number reported they produce regular newsletters.

It would seem the traditional means of communication are still the first employed by congregations.

Another aspect of tradition versus change is the idea of ‘new expressions of church’.

Only 20 per cent of those surveyed stated they were participating in new ways of ‘doing’ church, listing activities such as ‘Monday Crafternoon’, worshipping outside, mid-week worship for those unable to attend Sunday morning and Messy Church.

New ways of doing church can also be a pragmatic response to changing circumstances as highlighted by one respondent’s comment: “During the past 12 months we have had an extended period without a minister,

during which we have drawn heavily on congregation members to play an active role in leading worship”.

The Community Life survey was also used by some to provide feedback on synod operations and the wider church itself.

Not everyone was happy, and one person commented: “To submit this form I have to tick something – none of these are relevant.”

If you have any questions about the survey, or further feedback in advance of the 2016 review, please email: emmet.ocuana@victas.uca.org.au

AGE DEMOGRAPHICS

2%

2%

4% 12%

80%

This chart represents the ages of attending church members across Victoria and Tasmania

23

Synod Snaps

“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.”

- Dorothea Lange

Share organised a high tea at the Melbourne Town Hall to thank their generous donors.

The Chelsea Parish created yarn art installations at their three churches as part of the Longbeach Storybook Yarn Art Trail. This particular installation was seen at Edithvale Uniting Church.

Yarn art installation outside Carrum Uniting Church.

A group from the Living Faith Church Greensborough (a church in cooperation between the Uniting Church and the Churches of Christ) signed a petition to AGL, calling on the company to commit to a rapid transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

Uniting Church ministers enjoyed an evening of comedy about religion as they attended a Pirate Church show at Glen Iris Road Uniting Church.

Moderator Rev Sharon Hollis visited the congregation at Swan Hill Uniting Church.

She is pictured here with the church council members.

Hamilton KUCA (Kids of the Uniting Church in Australia) recreated the story of Joseph. The children joined strips of colourful cloth together, made a ‘Joseph’ scarecrow and took Joseph in his beautiful coat to the vegetable garden at Hamilton’s Institute of Rural Learning.

Pilgrim Uniting Church in Yarraville is located in Western Bulldogs’ heartland. After the Bulldogs won the Grand Final, the congregation discovered that someone had added a prayer of gratitude to their display