New Times - August 2014

Issue 33, No 7, 2014

The voice of Uniting Church SA

August 2014

Make known

FEARLESS PATIENCE

FINDING A GOD OF GRACE

Imprisoned for speaking

Making God known through

out - Pastor Berlin shares Kairos prison ministry his story pp. 7-8

pg. 10-11

New Times advertising just got cheaper!

Contents FEATURES Sharing solace and seeds of hope

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Fearless patience

7

Finding a God of grace

10-11

Proclaiming Jesus

12-13

Lessons in English and in hope

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New Times has introduced a new rate for Uniting Church congregations and small groups who wish to place a full colour advertisement. To find out more, please visit sa.uca.org.au/new-times/ advertising/advertising-rates or contact Loan Leane on (08) 7007 9020 or advertising.newtimes@sa.uca.org.au

REGULAR PAGES Moderator’s Comment Getting to know...

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Diary 20 Review 21 Editor: Catherine Hoffman Editor-in-Chief: Bindy Taylor Advertising: Loan Leane Design: David Lombardi & Bindy Taylor Print: Graphic Print Group For editorial inquiries: p. (08) 8236 4230 e. newtimes@sa.uca.org.au m. The Editor,

New Times GPO Box 2145

Adelaide SA 5001 For advertising bookings: p. (08) 7007 9020 e. advertising.newtimes@sa.uca.org.au

w: newtimes.sa.uca.org.au facebook.com/NewTimesUCA ISSN 0726-2612 New Times is the voice of Uniting Church SA. Published monthly, February through December, New Times represents the breadth, diversity and vision of Uniting Church members in SA. News policies, guides and deadlines appear online at newtimes.sa.uca.org.au. Articles and advertising do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor.

Print circulation: 9,750 Uniting Church SA Level 2, 212 Pirie St, Adelaide p. (08) 8236 4200 f. 8236 4201 country callers. 1300 766 956

Next issue: Next generation Who is the next generation of the Uniting Church? Who was the previous generation? Over the past twenty years, ageing congregations and declining numbers have been at the centre of discourse regarding the Church’s future. The September edition of New Times will explore the knowledge, wisdom and faith in God that people can share across generations.

DEADLINE FOR SEPTEMBER 2014

Wednesday 13 August

Cover details

This month’s cover depicts Pastor Berlin Guererro experiencing the gastronomic wonders of the Adelaide Central Market, prior to attending “Enterprise and Struggle,” a photographic exhibition launched on Friday 4 July at Pilgrim Uniting Church. Berlin was the key speaker at the event and shared his story, his hopes and dreams of peace and happiness for the Filipino people.

Read more about Berlin’s fascinating and inspiring journey on pages seven and eight of this edition.

Placements News No placements have been finalised since the July edition of New Times.

Upcoming induction and commissioning services: Rev Rob Britton, Bordertown, Buckingham & Mundulla (0.8) on Sunday 10 August Rev Coralie Evans, Aldinga-McLaren Vale Linked Congregations on Sunday 14 September Rev Christa Megaw, Bridgewater (0.5) on Sunday 28 September Vacant placements: Profiles available – Clare; County Jervois (Arno, Cleve, Coolanie, Cowell & Driver River); Flinders Congregations (Booleroo Centre, Booleroo Whim, Melrose, Murray Town, Wilmington & Wirrabarra); Grange; Lighthouse Port Pirie; Mallala & Two Wells (0.6); Newland (0.5 - 0.7); Port Augusta Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress; Waikerie; Whyalla; Yilki (0.3).

Profiles not yet available – Clearview; Hallett Cove (from 1 January 2015); Tumby Bay & districts (from 1 October 2014); Windsor Gardens (0.5); International Mission Officer (0.5).

For more information on any of these placements, or to view national placements, please visit sa.uca.org.au/pastoral-relations/placements-vacant

editorial

To truly listen Have you ever been in a conversation where it feels like someone is just waiting for you to stop speaking so that they can have their turn?

Have you ever known someone who deliberately asks a question just so that they can answer it themselves with a well-rehearsed, thoroughly considered anecdote?

This is something I’ve frequently seen people do when engaged in conversation. It is also, I have to admit, something I have caught myself doing more than once. In conversations like this, it almost doesn’t matter who the other person is or what they’re saying – I’m too focussed on getting my own message across or telling my own story.

As I considered this edition’s theme of “Make known,” I thought about the times I’ve shared my faith, and seen others share theirs..

As a teenager who regularly attended a Uniting Church, I used to invite my non-church-going friends to church events – youth group outings, evening services and special events. On one of these occasions, I witnessed a very eager young person telling my friend about her faith journey. Unfortunately, she was falling into the trap of talking at my friend, rather than with her, and this friend later expressed her irritation at not having invited the conversation or felt able to interject with her own comments.

When we get excited about sharing our faith and knowledge of God, it can be hard to hold ourselves back from sharing this with others. I think we need to be careful about how we go about this. In her moditorial, Deidre briefly touches on the need to be careful about the words we use in sharing our faith. This is incredibly important, but I think we also need to focus on the person we are sharing with – who they are, how they are feeling – and to really listen to them.

By engaging with a person as an individual, rather than as someone who needs ‘saving,’ can we properly communicate with them.

In reading and preparing the articles for this edition, I noticed that many of the stories relied on listening and communication, even if this was not the focus of the piece.

In the articles about Pastor Berlin Guerrero and large-scale mining in the Philippines (pages 7-9), importance is placed on listening to the community and sharing their stories.

In his recitation of sharing faith at an unexpected moment, Aidan Mitchell listened to another man’s story and waited to be asked before sharing his own (pages 12-13).

Talking about Kairos Prison Ministry Australia (pages 1011), Mal Young clearly emphasises the importance of listening: “Listen. Pray. Listen some more. When the time is right, speak of God’s prodigal grace... Always remember that the conversation is about the other person, not about you.”

This emphasis on the other person is something I try to keep in mind when engaging in conversation. Listening – truly listening, in love and compassion – is of vital importance in forming real connections with others.

Eugene H. Peterson, a well-known author and pastor, summarises this well in his book, The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction: “Speaking to people does not have the same personal intensity as listening to them. The question I put to myself is not ‘How many people have you spoken to about Christ this week?’ but ‘How many people have you listened to in Christ this week?’”

So, how many people have you listened to in Christ this week?

Catherine Hoffman

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moderator

On Saturday 12 July, approximately 200 people gathered at Rymill Park in Adelaide to remember the children currently being held in Australian immigration detention. While the Uniting Church hosted this event, it was attended by people from various community groups with a range of religious and non-religious worldviews. Through this symbolic action, we shared our knowledge of a God who has a heart of compassion, love and justice.

Make known Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. – Psalm 105:1 In July, I visited the all-age congregation at Lighthouse Uniting Church in Port Pire.

During worship, children were involved in making paper friendship bracelets, with each loop representing one of their friends – most of them had a link for Jesus.

How did those children come to know Jesus as their friend?

It comes from their parents, who nurtured their children in faith and reminded them of the friendship and love offered to them through Jesus.

It comes through the leaders of the children’s ministry program and through being part of a Christian community, embodying Christ’s love.

It comes from the Spirit of God active in the lives of those children.

The concept of knowing God as a friend has been present at a number of events I have been part of over the past month.

Nelson Varcoe, along with a group of musicians involved in the Training Aboriginal Christian Leaders organisation, recently

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released an album of songs. I was fortunate enough to attend the launch of the album, “The Road Up Ahead,” which features a song about being able to count on God in every circumstance of our lives.

At the funeral of Rev Kevin Secomb, those gathered affirmed “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” He passed away at the age of 84, after a life of faithful and dedicated service to Christ through a caring and compassionate ministry as a Minster of the Word, counselor and social worker.

The experience of God as one who is “friend and guide, deep presence, always bigger than my circumstances, incredibly good, gracious, powerful, yet gentle, challenging (in a good way), the Source of Life” is something I’ve seen echoed in recent gatherings of young people from the Uniting Church – both at the Around the Table forum in South Australia and at the Uniting Church School of Discipleship in New South Wales.

At the latter gathering, Ben Myers spoke to those assembled about being created in God’s image. He spoke of God as “philanthropic,” loving humanity. We also spoke of sin and salvation. This God who loves us deeply,

through Christ, “beckons us back into relationship,” to live in the light of God, who is the source of all life.

On a panel at the School of Discipleship, a woman shared how her experience of God was not of the philanthropic presence that Ben had described – she was “raised in a Gospel of fear.” The way God had been made known to her was through threat, and because of this she had encountered God as “human hating,” rather than the one whose love draws us close and breathes life into us.

How do we make God known in our society? What words and actions bear witness to the God we encounter as loving friend, gracious presence, creative Giver of Life?

In Uniting Church and other Christian communities around South Australia, I am inspired by the many ways followers of Jesus are making God known. God is made known through our words, our worship, our presence and our actions.

Dr Deidre Palmer

news

Sharing solace and seeds of hope Over 200 people gathered on the man-made island in the centre of Rymill Park on Saturday 12 July for Mourning in the Evening. The event, hosted by Uniting Church SA, provided an opportunity for locals to express sorrow over the 983 children currently being held in detention.

Mourning in the Evening drew plenty of attention from onlookers as the gathered community united in song and silence, before solemnly dispersing to light the 983 small candles that surrounded the outskirts of the large lake. This action also provided attendees an opportunity for a quiet time of contemplation and reflection as they were invited to walk around the lake.

The light thrown by the candles was magnified by the mirrored surface of the lake at night, operating as both a solemn reminder of how many children are in detention and a symbol of hope.

As the group gathered once more on the island, a reading of the poem “Orange and Green” filled the silence. Written by Sean McLaughlin weeks before he lost his life in the 1998 Omagh bombing, this piece of verse seemed especially poignant to those assembled: It doesn’t matter United now Don’t shatter our dream Scatter the seeds of peace over our land So we can travel hand in hand Across a bridge of hope.

The event organiser and Uniting Church SA Solidarity and Justice Officer, Sarah Williamson, closed the event with the parting words, “Where there is love, there is hope. It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”

In 2011, the Australian Council of Churches created Refugee and Migrant Sunday to celebrate the contribution that refugees and migrants have made to life in Australia. This year, the occasion falls on Sunday 31 August. Resources for congregations wanting to hold a special service or event can be found at sacc.asn.au Refugee and Migrant Sunday falls on 31 August this year. The Australian Council of Churches created this occasion to celebrate the contribution that refugees and migrants have made to life in Australia.

Helping people who are homeless Every night, approximately 5,000 people sleep homeless across South Australia, including roughly 900 children. Nearly half of the 100,000 people who are currently homeless in Australia are under the age of 25. The majority of these people are struggling through personal difficulties, frequently experience discrimination, and do not have access to food, shelter or clothing. This winter, Hang it up for Poverty is helping these people.

Launched in 2013, Hang it up for Poverty is a UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide campaign that aims to raise awareness about important social issues like homelessness. From June to August this year, the campaign is focussed on making a positive change for people who are homeless – and they want your help.

There are a number of simple ways that individuals and congregations within the Uniting Church SA can support this campaign – by raising money through the Hang it up for Poverty website, making a donation of clothing or funds, or hosting a collection of clothing, food or blankets at your workplace, church or school.

The campaign has already received strong support, collecting more

The Hang it up for Poverty wardrobe popped up all over Adelaide and, in just two weeks, collected over 1,500 items of clothes for people in need.

than 2,500 items of clothing. However, further monetary and clothing donations are needed in order to provide food, warmth and shelter for people who are homeless in communities throughout SA. To find out more about how you can get involved with Hang it up for Poverty, please visit hangitupforpoverty.org.au or call 8440 2144.

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news

Roundtable discussion on youth mental health Timothy Molineux

On Thursday 3 July, Australian Greens Senator Penny Wright invited professionals from the youth mental health industry to participate in a personalised roundtable focussing on issues facing youth affected by mental health challenges. The meeting enabled Senator Wright to gather facts from prominent mental health professionals and industry executives to present to parliament.

The Uniting Church was invited to be part of the conversation, and to offer unique insight and experience into the ongoing communication of issues surrounding mental health. Moderator Dr. Deidre Palmer, Communications Manager Belinda Taylor and New Times Intern Timothy Molineux were present to represent the Church.

In February 2014, Senator Wright established the Parliamentary Friends of Youth Mental Health with the purpose of promoting issues relating to youth mental health, and providing opportunities for conversation between parliamentarians and people engaged in the challenging field of youth mental health. Senator Wright indicated she would share the issues raised during this roundtable event with the Parliamentary Friends of Youth Mental Health to be discussed further.

The roundtable discussion began with several attendees expressing alarm over the government’s recently announced plan to spend $245 million to increase services delivered by the National School Chaplaincy Program. Debate centred on three main issues: the inability of schools to employ secular youth workers under the program, the potential for religious affiliation to make some students feel alienated, and the (potentially lacking) qualifications of new chaplains in schools.

Rural health quickly became the next focal point and remained a predominant theme throughout the afternoon. Practical considerations relating to logistics, and access

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Prominent youth mental health professionals gathered for a roundtable discussion.

to resources and services were fervently debated.

The need to address discrepancies in the level of health services available between metropolitan and rural regions was identified as one of the most important issues in addressing the mental health needs of young people across Australia. As this issue was explored by the roundtable attendees, a suggestion of focussing on prevention rather than treatment was viewed as a proactive way to relieve the increased demand on services. Hypothetically, this could be achieved through building up the capacity of community centres, which would then serve as service and resource hubs aimed at increasing personal resilience and improving mental health.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Intersex (LGBTQI) services were next to come into the topical foray.

Within the mainstream health sector, services can be seen as hetero-normative by members of the LGBTQI community. That is to say, someone who is seeking assistance, and who identifies at LGBTQI, may forgo looking for help for fear of being ostracised due to their sexuality. It was suggested that services to the LGBTQI community could be improved if

an active attitude was adopted to ensure the sector is openly inclusive.

Many of the topics discussed during the event were tied to the issue of suicide, underlining its prevalence in youth mental health work. It was a subject every professional at the table was familiar with.

The Uniting Church was able to talk about the Suicide: it’s no secret campaign and its first youth event for World Suicide Awareness Day in 2013. Unfortunately, with the roundtable coming to an end, little time was spent solely on this issue.

By bringing a room full of like-minded people together to discuss the important issues within their sector, Senator Wright forged a network of passionate and extraordinary people who have committed their lives to improving youth mental health.

For its part, the Uniting Church also has a role to play in addressing mental health across Australia and contributing to other such networks. While the ultimate goal of the roundtable was to allow health care professionals to lobby politicians, a strong sense of fellowship amongst colleagues was also achieved.

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Fearless patience Bindy Taylor

As Christians, we are called upon to proclaim Jesus’ name and tell others of what God has done. This edition of New Times focuses on stories of the Holy Spirit moving in the lives of congregations, faith communities and individuals in South Australia and beyond as they make God known.

Berlin Guerrero knows a lot about making things known. On 27 May, 2007 the Naval Intelligence Security Forces (NISF) abducted Berlin from his home in the Philippines. He was handcuffed and blindfolded in front of his wife and two children. That night he was tortured.

The NISF alleged that he was a leader of a local armed communist movement, and had been training revolutionary guerrillas in the seminary where he was studying theology. All were baseless claims.

When the NISF were unable to extract a false testimony from Berlin, he was imprisoned on a fabricated murder charge. There he remained for one year, three months and 15 days.

During his time behind bars, Berlin started a ministry supported by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP). No time was wasted by Berlin – he quickly began running services, offering pastoral care to inmates and producing recycled newspaper items such as a cup, nicknamed the ‘Berlin Cup’ (pictured on page 8), which was purchased by churches across the world, including the Uniting Church.

Berlin credits the international outcry and support he received whilst he was in prison, particularly the support of churches, as one of the major factors of his sentence being dismissed. The Philippine Government doesn’t like to draw global attention to innocent

individuals suffering and, as a result, the Philippine Court of Appeals declared the case filed against Berlin was not prosecution, but persecution.

In July this year, International Mission Officer Rev Christa Megaw invited Berlin to launch “Enterprise and Struggle,” a Philippines photo exhibition. Shortly before the event, I was fortunate enough to spend some time with Berlin. I felt a strong sense of respect for the softly spoken, heroic man who seemed so content and at peace after living many years as a victim of government corruption.

Berlin must have a lot of patience; he is someone who has spent a lot of time waiting, trusting and making space for God to cultivate peace in his life. Now he waits again. He waits for a time when he and his family can live together. As an approved ordinand to the Minister of the Word, Berlin also waits for a ministry placement in his new home, Melbourne.

During our time together, Berlin provided me with details about his life, his work as a social justice officer in the Vic/Tas Synod, and his current, difficult situation. Berlin can’t live in his home right now.

He’s a target for assassination in the Philippines.

“If you are an activist and hunted for elimination, you may need

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Clockwise from top left: Pastor Berlin Guerrero at the launch of "Enterprise and Struggle" photographic exhibition in Adelaide.

The 'Berlin Cup' produced by Pastor Berlin's prison ministry. The Philippine village of Bagtangan in North Luzon.

to seek refugee in another country or go to the hills to join the revolutionary army,” he says. “If you are an activist in the Philippines and do survive in the hands of the military, you are lucky.”

Under the four year reign of the current President of the Philippines, Benigno Simeon Aquino III, 192 activists and human rights advocates have been shot dead, 170 have been injured and the same number have disappeared. There have been alarming cases of torture in the country and a continuing culture of impunity under Aquino’s watch.

Recently, reports have surfaced that President Aquino has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his leadership in pursuing and finalising a peace agreement with Muslim separatist rebels. The agreement is commonly referred to as, “anything but peaceful.” President Aquino continues to foster instability and tension with his support for the United States military pivot and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement that allows the return of US bases and weapons of mass destruction in the country, and through his unqualified support for the rise of Japanese militarism and revision of Japan’s Peace Constitution.

“Standing up in solidarity and wanting better working conditions – a better future and a better government system, human rights respected, the rights of Indigenous people respected so they can practise their culture – will classify you as an activist,” Berlin comments. “Those who are active in the transformation of communities in the Philippines are

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treated as an enemy of the state according to government counterinsurgency policy.

“Filipinos have to fight for the control of resources of their own country.”

Berlin possesses an unusual bravado, comfortable to speak about his experiences with no hint of fear. He speaks openly about the Philippine Government and outing protests against Australian mining companies who abuse human rights.

“Two Australian Mining companies, OceanaGold and SMI-Xtrata, are advocating for oppression and human rights violation by paying military as security over mining resources,” he continues. “Indigenous people are dying at the hands of mining companies. Anyone who tries to help the situation is subject to harassment, intimidation, even death.”

Berlin states that his chosen vocation as a pastor means a life dedicated to the service of others especially those who are the oppressed and exploited. Although he cannot return to his country of birth at present, he smiles at the idea of eventually returning: “I would love to go back to the Philippines one day.”

Berlin’s passion for the Philippines and Filipino people was evident in his words at the launch of the Adelaide photographic exhibition.

“The photos show smiles, determination and hope. All the people of the Philippines want is genuine freedom, just and lasting peace, and sustainable and abundant life.”

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Stewardship, community and sharing stories Catherine Hoffman

As Christians, we often struggle to come to terms with what it means to be stewards of the land. The Philippines, which has had a long struggle with Spanish, American and now industrial colonisation, is no exception. But, in the north of the country, the indigenous Kankanaey are still living in extremely remote villages on their ancestral land.

Through a deep understanding of their interwoven indigenous and Christian faith, these vegetable farmers and small-scale miners have rallied together to protect their land. They demonstrated that being good stewards in the 21st century requires not only a deep connection to the land, but also resilience, organisation and a sophisticated understanding of both indigenous culture and Christian faith.

In January 2014, Michael Arman and Rowan Steele, two young men from Pilgrim Uniting Church in Adelaide, travelled to North Luzon in the Philippines to find out more about the views of the Kankanaey people, and how local communities are resisting large-scale, corporate mining. There they connected with people from the North Luzon Jurisdiction of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), an international partner of the Uniting Church, who has shown strong support for the rights of indigenous communities in the region.

The Philippines is believed to contain some of the largest undeveloped mineral sources in the world. The land is attractive to mining companies not only for its mineral riches, but for the generous allowances of the Philippine government. In 1995, the Philippines Mining Act was passed, liberalising the legal framework for mining to allow greater foreign ownership, full repatriation of profits, tax breaks and other benefits. The move was made to encourage foreign investment, but has resulted in minimal increases to the gross domestic product of the country. While government processes are in place to ensure communities are aware of the impact large-scale mining will have on the local environment, these are not always followed.

Along with their partners and other churches, the UCCP has actively campaigned against mining projects that do not have the support of local communities, and which are expected to have destructive environmental and social consequences. The National Council of Churches in the Philippines has called for a total ban on mining in ancestral domains of indigenous communities.

Upon arriving in North Luzon, Michael and Rowan met with UCCP leaders, Bishop Elorde Sambat and Pastor Vergel, the Indigenous Programs Coordinator. Pastor Vergel provided a detailed summary of mining operation across the North Luzon area. The following day, they got to see the impact of large-scale mining firsthand as they travelled to the remote villages of Sinipsip and Bagtangan (pictured on page 8) in Gambang Barangay in the municipality of Bakun, North Luzon.

In these villages, local pastors explained their work in the community – detailing community life in the region, the work of the UCCP’s Indigenous Persons programme, and local resistance to the

exploration of Royalco Resources Ltd, an Australian mining company.

Community resistance to the Royalco project in Gambang has been particularly strong. Much of this can be attributed to past mining practices in other areas of the Philippines – poor practice has previously displaced indigenous people, irreversibly contaminated land and waterways, destroyed livelihoods, caused land‐sinkage and worsened landslide risks.

In addition to this, community leaders speaking about the Royalco project advised Michael and Rowan that Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes in this case did not reflect the view of local Kankanaey Elders. In this context, FPIC requires that adequate, accessible information be provided to indigenous communities, and that consensus is reached in accordance with the community’s customary laws and practices, free from any external coercion.

The community resistance to Royalco’s mining exploration drew together different sectors of the Gambang community, who decided to organise a picket line in protest against the project. For two years, locals were present at a critical point along the road 24 hours a day in order to prevent the entry of mining vehicles. This protest was conducted not by an active minority, but by a wide group of people concerned about the long term impacts of mining on the life and environs of their community.

During this time the government incorrectly labelled many of the peaceful protesters as the New Peoples Army, a group of communist rebels that exist elsewhere in the Philippines. This allowed the government to send military troops and police officers to intimidate the protesters. This is not an uncommon practice – nor is it rare for protesters to go missing or be found dead. But despite the militarisation of their picket line, the Gambang resistance has largely been successful.

The community picket line caused Royalco to suspend its exploration in the area and, after significant community lobbying, the Philippines House of Representatives undertook a review and found major irregularities in the FPIC process for the Royalco project.

The United Church of Christ in the Philippines, North Luzon Jurisdiction, has provided valuable support to the local community and indigenous groups – joining their voices to those in the community and demonstrating God’s love. It is hoped that the Uniting Church, as one of their partners, will show an interest in this project – sharing the issues relating to large-scale mining and the inspirational story of the Gambang resistance, engaging in stewardship, and considering ways of supporting our brothers and sisters in the Philippines.

This article is based partially on “Mining in the UCCP North Luzon Jurisdiction,” a report written by Michael Arman and Rowan Steele for the Ethical Investment and International Mission teams of the Uniting Church in South Australia.

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Kairos Prison Ministry was established in the United States of America in 1976, and was based on the Cursillo Movement model. What started as a three-day course in Christianity, turned into a wider movement, and today Kairos programs operate in nine different countries, including Australia, where programs have operated since 1995. Kairos is a community-based Christian ministry serving both those in prison and families and friends of people in prison.

South Australian Uniting Church congregations have a strong history of supporting Kairos ministry, particularly Kairos Inside at Mobilong and Port Augusta prisons. Catherine Hoffman asked Rosefield Uniting Church members Rob Rodenburg and Mal Young a few questions about their involvement at Mobilong and sharing faith in a prison environment.

How did you get involved in Kairos?

Mal Young: I was invited to the Closing Ceremony of a Kairos course at Mobilong Prison. I saw how the guests who had attended the program had been powerfully impacted by the gospel, but I had no intention of becoming involved. I am an introvert who has trouble making conversation with people I don’t know well, and thought that as a recently retired high school principal, the guests would not be comfortable with me.

Shortly after that I attended a “Walk to Emmaus” spiritual retreat. There I had a deep encounter with God. His question to me was, “Do you think I cannot equip you for the ministry to which I call you?” Since there is only one answer to that question, I made myself available to Kairos and was invited to join a team.

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Rob Rodenburg: Back in 2000, Chris Walters heard about the Kairos program running in a NSW prison. He went as an observer to one of the courses and was so impressed that he introduced Kairos to South Australia. Chris invited me to join the team preparing to run the first course at Mobilong and I accepted.

Fourteen years later, I am still involved, encouraged by the way I’ve seen God working in the lives of prisoners.

How do you share your faith and relationship with God through Kairos programs?

Mal: The Kairos motto is “Listen, listen, love, love.” As team members, we wait to be asked, or for the right opportunity, to share our faith.

I have found that I am often asked about my experience of Jesus, or the opportunity comes on the third or fourth day of the course.

The course program includes ten talks given by different team members. Every speaker is asked to present the key points of his allocated talk through his own life story.

He is challenged to be totally vulnerable, and to choose those parts of his life that best illustrate the points to be made. Our guests respond deeply to what we share, and often reveal very deep parts of their own lives in response.

Rob: This is an easy one to answer. The only reason that Kairos is allowed into Mobilong is because God allows us to be there. That can mean only one thing – that God has a heart for the men in Mobilong. They are of value to him. This is my message to them; this is what softens their hearts.

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What are some of the challenges you face in making God known?

Rob: Getting prisoners to understand that God never turns his back on any of his children, that what God has created is good; getting prisoners to recognise their goodness.

Mal: Some guests have had very bad experiences of the church in the past. I find it essential to be very sensitive to this, and to wait for the right time to speak. Other than that, I find that the guests who attend Kairos courses are very open to hearing about God – much more so than most people I meet outside prison!

How do these experiences differ from the way you share your faith in everyday life?

Mal: Kairos has taught me to be a better listener. I believe that when we truly listen to people, we have the opportunity to share our faith in an appropriate and meaningful way.

Rob: The difficulty of sharing my faith in everyday life is that most people are comfortable with their lot and don’t see any need to change their understanding of God. Being in prison is a wake-up call to many prisoners, especially those with family. Many of them feel their situation is hopeless, so when they experience God’s grace through attending Kairos, they become seekers and are hungry to know more about God. Can you share a story or experience of seeing an individual or group come to know God? Rob: There are so many stories I could share, but it is my experience that unless people see these stories unfold in person, they are too easily dismissed. Every Kairos course concludes with a closing ceremony to which people are invited by team members. Those

people who really want to see God at work should accept an invitation to a closing ceremony when it is offered.

Mal: The following are just two of the examples I have seen: An Anglo-Australian, son of a Muslim father and Christian mother, raised as a Muslim. He attended the Kairos course during Ramadan, and we saved his evening meal until after sunset so that he could eat it. On the third day of the course he asked to speak privately with one of the clergy. “Can I please have lunch today with my family?” At the closing ceremony he said, “I came here knowing a God of law and I found a God of grace.” He became one of the leaders of the church established by prisoners to conduct Sunday services in Mobilong, where worship had not previously been available.

A man in his thirties who was a member of my “family” on a course. He hardly participated in our discussions following each of the talks, and what he said was mostly negative. On the third day, each guest receives a bag of letters written by team members. The letters are first vetted by the prison. When the time came for distribution of the letters, this man’s bag was missing – it had been misplaced during the vetting process.

The course leader called the minister from our family aside: “Take him into the prayer chapel, explain his letters are missing and offer to pray with him.” When they got to the prayer chapel and the minister told him that his letters were missing, the guest burst into tears. The minister tried to console him and assure him that they would be found.

“I don’t care about the letters,” he said. “I’ve known for two days that I needed to ask for spiritual counselling, but I haven’t had the

guts to ask. Now that we are here, that’s what I want.” When we returned to the family table, he was a changed man, smiling and eager to participate.

What are some tips or skills you think people should know or have when sharing faith with others?

Rob: There needs to be a desire in others to want to know more about God. I have been spectacularly unsuccessful in sharing my faith. As soon as I mention the word God, I see the shutters come down. That’s why my involvement in Kairos has meant so much to me – I feel that I’m of use to God. Mal: Listen. Pray. Listen some more. When the time is right, speak of God’s prodigal grace. Avoid judgement – God has not appointed us to be judges on his behalf, but to be his disciples. Again, when the time is right, share what God’s grace has meant in your life. Always remember that the conversation is about the other person, not about you. Be honest. Be vulnerable.

If you are interested in getting involved with Kairos Prison Ministry, or having someone speak to your congregation or faith community about this, please contact Rob Rodenburg (0419 999 163 or kimobilong@kairos.org.au) about Kairos at Mobilong, or Peter Dick (8633 3212 or dicks01@adam.com.au) regarding Kairos at Port Augusta.

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m a ke k n ow n

Proclaiming Jesus Aidan Mitchell

“And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’”- Luke 15:6 In October last year, I was given the opportunity to fly to Tweed Heads on Australia’s East Coast for the National Youth Ministry Convention (NYMC), a biennial event for Christians working with young people. Pastors, youth workers, counsellors, social workers, teachers, ministers and interested others came from across Australia to learn and share experiences. Youth ministry leaders were inspired to speak at the event with the clear intention of bringing people closer to God and equipping them to do the work of Jesus. I was eager to listen to what the dynamic presenters had to share.

With a pre-existing interest in evangelism, I was excited to see what new things I could learn in a session focussed on this topic. The session was led by Canadian speaker Phil Cann, who mostly spoke on the stories Jesus told regarding the lost sheep, the lost coin and the prodigal son. The major point of Phil’s discussion was identifying that there are a lot of people who are lost and are yet to know Jesus. Some know that they’re lost (sheep); some don’t know that they’re lost (coin), and some know that they’re lost and know how to get back but for some reason choose not to (son). As I kept listening intently, there was a point during the session when it just clicked.

“And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbours together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’” - Luke 15:9 This whole thing – this Christianity – this is bigger than me. Much bigger.

God has a heart for those who don’t yet know him. Whether people are aware that they need a saviour or not, whether they know what to do about it or not, I have an obligation – we have an obligation – to at least

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point them in the right direction. This means that in every encounter I have with someone, I have the opportunity to express the love of Jesus. I don’t suggest that every encounter demands a conversion, but that every encounter has the capacity for that individual to take a step closer.

Later that night, as I was walking back to the motel I was staying at, I passed two older men sitting on the ground outside a closed shop, blankets draped over their legs and shopping bags by their feet, huddled in closely, getting what little shelter they could. I didn’t stop and stare, but I got the impression they were homeless.

I kept walking the short distance back to my room, but an overwhelming sense of compassion filled my heart. I dreaded the thought of it, but I knew I had to go back and talk to them.

After running quickly to my room to grab some fruit and a couple of muesli bars, I returned to the storefront where I’d seen the two men. They were still there, and hadn’t moved at all from what I could tell. I cautiously crouched down in front of them, fumbling for words as I tried to offer them the food I’d brought. One of them quickly explained that they weren’t in any sort of trouble and were simply waiting for a bus.

I felt silly for offering. But when the other man, who had been lying down before my approach, quickly sat up and snatched the fruit, I felt better. At that moment, it seemed as though my reason for coming had gone, but I felt compelled to stay.

Over the next half an hour, we talked. I learned their names, they told me what work they did, they made it very clear what football team they supported. And when I was asked, I told them why I was in town. The man who had been lying down earlier then shared his own beliefs and his experiences with the church. He also told me about how his arm

had been injured when he was a boy, leaving the limb weak and preventing him from lifting it above his shoulder.

Quickly, I realised I’d found an opportunity – the path was paved and the way was lit. I told him that I believed that Jesus could heal his arm, asking if he’d mind if I prayed for him. He accepted. As I lay my hand on him and started praying, he bowed his head and closed his eyes. It was a simple prayer, nothing poetic, but when I finished he looked at me with the smallest tear in his eye and said, “Thank you.” I asked him to stand and lift up his arm. He lifted it high above his shoulder. I picked up some of his shopping bags and gave them to him. He knew what to do; with the added weight, he lifted his arm right above his shoulder again. Jesus healed that man that night.

This experience taught me that information without application is useless.

Faith without works is dead. The Lord Jesus loves the lost so much that he would sacrifice his own life for them. I should know – I was one of them.

“It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.” - Luke 15:32

m a ke k n ow n

National Young Adult Leaders’ Conference In December this year, the Uniting Church in Australia will host the National Young Adult Leaders’ Conference in New South Wales. This conference aims to encourage and empower young adult leaders in the Uniting Church, connecting them with one another and equipping them with new skills.

The 2014 event will be hosted by Uniting Church President Rev Andrew Dutney and Rev Rronang Garrawurra, the Chair of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. Tom Kerr, the National Faith Development Consultant for Youth and Young Adults, will coordinate the conference along with a strong team of Uniting Church leaders and mentors.

The National Young Adult Leaders’ Conference will gather 50 to 75 young people between the ages of 18-30, and invite them to grow together in faith, discipleship and leadership, learning and connecting with peers and leaders from the Uniting Church in Australia.

The conference is open to young adults between 18-30 years of age who are committed Christians, actively involved in the Uniting Church and engaged with church leadership or service.

The National Young Adult Leaders’ Conference will be held from Sunday 7 to Friday 12 December, 2014, at Naamaroo Conference Centre in Chatswood, New South Wales. A registration and application process applies to all those interested in attending. To find out more about the event and selection criteria, please contact Tom Kerr on 0407 698 835 (Thursdays and Fridays only) or tomk@nat. uca.org.au or visit assembly.uca.org.au

These photos depict scenes from the National Youth Ministry Convention and the surrounding Tweed Heads area. Aidan Mitchell (pictured on page 12) took the photos.

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ministry centres

Mission centres As part of its work developing a culture of mission in Uniting Church congregations and faith communities across South Australia, Mission Resourcing supports the work of Stillpoint Spirituality Centre, the Effective Living Centre and the Centre for Music Liturgy and the Arts. These mission centres undertake key tasks such as offering training, providing support and supplying resources.

Effective Living Centre

Stillpoint Spirituality Centre

The Effective Living Centre (ELC) is a community engagement and development project which provides facilities and programs for people who want to share, broaden, and develop their own vision and passion for life. It is an integral part of Christ Church Wayville.

Programs offered by the centre include events focussed on: social issues concerning equity and justice, courses on positive parenting, programs exploring ways to connect the sacred with creativity, Progressive Christianity Network SA events, and courses on mindfulness. Articles on the Wilks Oration and mindfulness have appeared in recent editions of New Times (May and July, 2014). The constantly evolving programmes are open to everyone, regardless of their social, political or religious stance.

This month, Vina Hotich, a counsellor with over 20 years of experience in working with young people, will present two positive parenting seminars. “Help Teens Navigate Sex & Drugs & Alcohol” will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13 August and “Blended Families – Survive & Succeed” at 7.30pm on Wednesday 27 August.

As well as attending events, there are many ways to participate at ELC, with opportunities to become a ‘Friend’ or a volunteer.

Some volunteers are members of task groups, some host seminars, others like to contribute half a day in the office. There are also opportunities to offer ideas for seminar topics.

For more information about any of the courses and events being run by the Effective Living Centre, please visit effectiveliving.org or call 8271 0329 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am to 3pm).

Positioned in the grounds of the Nunyara Conference Centre in the tranquil Adelaide Hills, Stillpoint Spirituality Centre is a house of prayer that provides a safe place for reflection. The centre encourages groups and individuals, from the Uniting Church in South Australia and beyond, to take ‘time out’ to pray, refresh, seek renewal and explore faith.

All who visit are encouraged to take time to reflect on and learn from their experiences, to exercise discernment, and to listen deeply for the invitations of the Spirit. The staff at Stillpoint believe that taking time to deeply ground ourselves in God prepares people to engage in mission. Stillpoint offers a house of prayer, a venue for day retreats, an annual program of events and opportunities, spiritual direction, as well as leadership, resources and prayer support for congregations.

Recently, Stillpoint has introduced a series of online articles focussing on spiritual practice. Spiritual practices are activities that assist people in nurturing their relationships with God, helping them to become awake to the reality of God in their lives and to live out that awareness. At present, three articles in the series are available – “What are Spiritual Practices,” “Sacred Reading (Lectio Divina),” and “Journaling as Spiritual Discipline.”

To find out more about Stillpoint Spirituality Centre or to access the articles on spiritual practice, please visit stillpointsa.org.au or call 8178 0048 (Monday-Thursday, 9.30am-2.30pm).

Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts Seeking to engage in a journey of discovery through creativity, the Centre of Music, Liturgy and the Arts (CMLA) was established in 2010 as a mission centre of Mission Resourcing, based at Brougham Place Uniting Church. The centre is founded on the belief that the arts provide a unique way of encountering the sacred in daily life. To this end, they explore and develop choral music, songs for worship, sacred word, and the arts as expressions of faith.

Since the induction of Dr Deidre Palmer as Moderator, CMLA has coordinated the worship team for Presbytery and Synod meetings, and will continue to do so for the remainder of her term.

The creative resources used in worship at the meetings are available for download on the CMLA website (see below).

CMLA hosts events and provides resources for congregations

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and faith communities to inspire their own creative and meaningful worship. Annually, the centre holds showcases to share new and locally-created worship material for the seasons of Lent/Easter and Advent/Christmas.

At present, CMLA is busy preparing for a pilgrimage to the Iona Community in Scotland in June-July, 2015. Iona is a dispersed ecumenical community of Christians from diverse cultural and faith backgrounds. The community has a strong commitment to peace and social justice issues, and is known for its meditations on discipleship and experimental worship. The pilgrimage is open to any who are interested.

For more information about the Centre for Music Liturgy and the Arts, the resources it offers, or the Iona Pilgrimage, please visit cmla. org.au or call 8267 2657.

magazine

Ongoing discussions This year, a number of articles in New Times have focussed on discussion about the changing nature of the Uniting Church in South Australia. Prior to the opening session of the June Presbytery and Synod meeting, two forums were held by the Changing Landscapes Working Group.

“The ties that bind” was a forum focussed on the ways congregations and faith communities connect with one another to carry out God’s mission. Discussion centred on how the world has changed and continues to change, connecting with one another to ‘be church,’ and connections that every church needs.

The focus of “Grand designs” was on the place of buildings in the life of the Uniting Church – the role of buildings in ‘being church,’ and the viability and sustainability of church buildings. Videos were shown of several Uniting Church SA congregations who have undergone times of huge change in recent years, including Greenock Uniting Church, whose story was detailed in the July 2014 edition of New Times.

All in the Uniting Church were invited to attend and hear from various speakers before engaging in times of small group discussion.

“We were encouraged to see more than 100 people willing to engage with these issues at both forums,” says Rev Paul Turley, a member of the Changing Landscapes Working Group. “It was clear that everyone recognises the complexity of these issues.”

Those participating in table discussions attempted to delve deeper into questions that have occupied the aging Uniting Church as it has declined in numbers in recent years – how do we grow and move forward as a church? Amongst the groups, there was a sense of encouragement that so many people were willing to join together to try and find new ways forward. However, there was also disappointment

over the idea that past discussions and efforts around this issue have not done much to change it.

“There was a feeling that, while we’re very good at gaining insight into our issues, we find it hard to discover solutions,” Paul states.

A user named ‘stai’ built on this idea when commenting on the Changing Landscapes online forum.

“I am happy that we are not hiding our head in the sand but are aware and wanting to address the problems we see. I found myself wondering though – have we actually asked why we have these problems? We are good at what the general problems… But I wonder about why?” the user says.

“If we keep just asking ‘how do we fix the problems?’ without asking why we have them, we will continue to put a band aid over a wound.

We need to look at the attitudes, theologies and structures that have got us to this point.”

Discussions on the issues addressed in the two forum sessions, the Changing Landscapes Discussion Papers, and the Charter for a Pilgrim People will continue to take place in the coming months. To join the discussion, please visit the Changing Landscapes forum at changing. sa.uca.org.au Alternatively, send a letter to New Times or contact Rev Paul Turley on 0488 537 781 or paul6756@gmail.com

Healing community leader visits SA At the invitation of Hope Valley Uniting Church, Rev Mike Endicott, an Anglican minister from Cwmbran, South Wales, will visit South Australia from Monday 27 October to Sunday 16 November.

Mike was ordained by the Anglican Church after being called into healing ministry – despite the challenge presented by his own 20/80 vision. Since that time, Mike has helped to establish a group of Christian communities known as The Order of Jacob’s Well, and Simply Healing, a website devoted to healing ministry.

With an approach that encourages people to return to the basics of healing ministry, as lived by Jesus, Mike has a passion to see this ministry find a place in the normal activities of congregations and faith communities. He is particularly concerned about the hesitancy of many churches to pray for physical healing.

Mike will spend his time in South Australia teaching, leading and exercising healing ministry in refreshing and challenging ways.

Rev Mike Endicott will be with Hope Valley Uniting Church from Wednesday 29 October to Sunday 2 November, holding events on Friday 31 October at 7pm and Saturday 1 November, 9am-4.30pm. Cost is $25 per person, which includes morning and afternoon refreshments, and lunch. To register your interest or find out more, please visit hopevalleyuc.org.au or call 8396 0788.

Mike will also be spending time with Healinglife Ministries (Tuesday 4 to Sunday 9 November) and Crystal Brook Uniting Church (Tuesday 11 to Sunday 16 November). To find out more about events being held at these locations, please contact Healinglife on 8325 3895 or Crystal Brook on 8636 2045.

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g e t t i n g t o k n o w. . .

Rosefield Uniting Church Just 15 minutes from the city centre, Rosefield Uniting Church is a vibrant community with a diverse range of ministries connecting with the wider community. It acquired its name from its connection to the original suburb of Rosefield which is now called Highgate. The strength of Rosefield’s membership lies in the diversity of backgrounds, occupations, outlooks and personalities of its attendees.

The congregation is comprised of highly dedicated and competent members led by a strong and dynamic lay leadership team. Last year saw a further 14 members complete Disciple, a 34-week intensive Bible study program which covers the entire Biblical story, from Genesis to Revelation.

Sunday worship is conducted at 8.30 and 10.00 in the morning. The early service is mainly comprised of seniors, which is reflected in the style of service offered. The 10am service is more relaxed with a clear family orientation. Both services see an average attendance of 50-60 people per week.

‘Alive @ 5’ is held on the first Sunday of each month. By adopting a Messy Church format, it advocates for an interactive way of making the Christian message alive and fun in a hands-on environment. It was created to engage primary school-aged children accompanied by their parents and grandparents.

Delivering services, both in and beyond the church walls, is a hallmark of Rosefield’s life. Rosefield people contribute to a wide range of organisations including Meals on Wheels. It has been, and continues to be, actively involved in providing key leadership for Karios Prison Ministry.

Small groups have been a source of strength for Rosefield for many years, which has been vital in forming relationships both within the church community and beyond.

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Pastoral care is an important part of congregational life. After adopting Sharonne Price’s Pastoral Partner program, each member of the community is cared for by a Pastoral Partner. Regular ongoing support and training has enabled this program to maintain its vitality for over 20 years.

Rosefield has a long history of involvement and support at Highgate Park (Julia Farr) with help leading worship and providing “wheelies” to take residents to the chapel on the first and third Sunday of each month. A cycle group rides regularly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The congregation also contributes to a number of projects associated with Uniting World, and provides active support for Mary Magdalene, a drop-in centre for men. The church recently established a Men’s Shed at Highgate Park with the men from Rosefield offering support to residents and members of the wider community. Men’s and women’s breakfast gatherings also form part of this church, as does teaching English as a second language to international students living in the area.

Internationally, members of the community have, in recent years, donated $100,000 in support of Opportunity International, which transforms lives through micro-finance loans to underprivileged individuals in India and the Philippines. It’s not about money – it’s about offering a helping hand, transforming lives and giving hope.

Rosefield Uniting Church commemorated its centenary in 2011 with celebrations to mark its conscientious witness to the glory of God, and care for both its members and the surrounding community.

g e t t i n g t o k n o w. . .

Renmark Avenue Uniting Church and Renmark West Union Church Renmark is a stunning rural town situated on the Murray River in South Australia, near the Victorian and New South Wales borders.

The township has a beautiful riverfront with a wharf once used to load paddle steamers, but now serves as a berth for houseboats. Renmark’s main industry is horticulture, mostly growing citrus, grapes and almonds. Tourism is another important industry to the town.

The Renmark Uniting Parish consists of two congregations – Renmark Avenue Uniting Church and Renmark West Union Church.

In the early 20th century, some worshippers in the Renmark area found it difficult to travel to town in order to attend church, particularly before the bridge across Bookmark Creek was built. To attend to the needs of these people, Renmark West Union Church was established in 1918. This unique church unified the Presbyterian, Congregational and Methodist churches from the surrounding area, well before the 1977 unification that resulted in the Uniting Church in Australia.

Renmark Avenue Uniting Church was also formed before the Uniting Church unification with the local Congregational and Methodist churches deciding to amalgamate in 1971. Although they kept both buildings at first, the congregation later settled into the Methodist building and sold the Congregational building. However, the beautiful stained glass windows of the Congregational church were retained and incorporated into the Wilkinson Memorial Porch at the front of the original Methodist building, which is now the home of the Renmark Avenue Uniting Church congregation. These windows are a stunning feature of the church and routinely attract tourists to the property.

Both churches continue to host weekly worship services today.

Renmark West attracts 12 to 15 people to their 8.30am services each week. This congregation may be small in number, but their worship is vibrant and lively. Between 30 and 35 people meet at Renmark Avenue at 10am to serve their community in the name of Christ. A weekly ecumenical youth service is also held at 7pm, attracting approximately 20 people. This service operates as a joint venture with the local Lutheran Church.

The mission of the Renmark Uniting Parish is to proclaim the love of Christ in word and deed. Over the last few years, the congregation has identified that their gifts are best delivered by offering hospitality to the wider community. A fellowship lunch is held after each Holy Communion service and locals are invited to come along. A community barbecue lunch is held each Wednesday, offering a place where people from all walks of life can find fellowship. The Helping Hands Craft Group has been a ministry of the parish for many years, offering fellowship and making a variety of goods for the local community and beyond. The Renmark West Guild, an adult fellowship group within Renmark West Union Church, and the Renmark Avenue congregation both engage with overseas mission by sponsoring the education of children.

The Renmark Parish has been encouraged by growth in the number of young people within the church. In conjunction with the weekly youth service, an ecumenical youth group was recently established.

Already this group has grown to encompass 40 to 50 participants, with only a handful coming from church backgrounds. The Renmark Uniting Church community is seeing young lives transform as they experience the love and grace of God. Through hope and prayer, this ministry will continue to bear fruit in Renmark in coming generations.

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positions vacant diary ART EXHIBITION. The next exhibition at The Corner Uniting Church is one by our art students and is titled “Retrospective.” The exhibition runs from Wednesday 23 July to Thursday 28 August. A lovely, varied selection of works. Open Tuesday to Fridays, 10am to 3pm at The Corner. For more information, please contact reception on 8350 5400.

A CELEBRATION OF SONG. The Wellspring Community invites you to join them on Saturday 16 August at Christ Church, 26 King William Rd, Wayville, 10.30am-3pm to celebrate the power of song in worship, building community and changing hearts. For more info, or to RSVP, please contact Lynona Hawkins on 8278 3870 or HYPERLINK "mailto:lynona@bigpond.com" lynona@bigpond.com MESSY CORNER. Please join us for Messy Corner, an informal service for families and anyone who would like to experience worship and community in a more hands-on way, exploring faith through craft, song, story, activity and a meal together. Sunday 17 August, 3.30-5.30pm at the Corner Uniting Church (corner of Oaklands and Diagonal Roads, Warradale). All welcome!

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS. Grange Uniting Church will celebrate 100 years on Tuesday 19 August at 1.30pm. All past members are invited.

If you would like to attend, please contact Evelyn on 8356 2960.

GARAGE SALE. The Corner Uniting Church (corner of Oaklands and Diagonal Roads, Warradale) will hold an end-of-winter garage sale on Saturday 30 August, 9am-1pm. Lots of great bargains, including homemade cakes, plants, clothing, books and small furniture items. Free kids’ activities.

Sausage sizzle. Cafe open for scones and drinks. Bring your friends!

ANNIVERSARY SERVICE. At 11am on Sunday 14 September, Port Germein Community Church (Uniting Church) will hold a service to celebrate its 133rd anniversary. The service will be led by Rev Lindsay Faulkner and will be followed by a pooled lunch in the church hall. All welcome.

CENTENARY EVENT. Burra Uniting Church will hold an event celebrating 100 years since the establishment of their church building. The event will be held at Burra Uniting Church on Sunday 21 September at 11am. A special service will be conducted, followed by a provided luncheon. The event is open to all in the Burra community and the Uniting Church in Australia. If intending to attend, please contact John Arthur by Sunday 7 September on jande.arthur@bigpond.com For further information, please contact Don Lloyd on 8892 2325 or Brian Thamm on 8892 2294.

RED DOVE CAFÉ. Seeking helpers, 5-14 September, to assist at the Royal Adelaide Show in our busy cafeteria. Cooking and serving home-style food and raising funds for mission in SA. Morning, afternoon or evening ‘clean-up’ shifts available. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Lesley Williams via email ljwilliams36@gmail.com or phone 8261 3843 or 0402 006 629.

THE WALDORF SCHOOL SPRING ART EXHIBITION will be hosted by Willunga Uniting Church (corner of St Andrews Tce and St Jude St, Willunga) during the month of September, with a launch date of Friday 5 September.

AN ANNUAL SPRING FAIR will take place at Willunga Uniting Church on Saturday 6 September in Bethany Hall and the adjacent Bell Paddock (corner of St Andrews Tce and St Jude St, Willunga). There will be a variety of food and craft stalls, live plant sales, performances of music composed by the Waldorf students, children’s games and activities, and much more.

CLOSING SERVICE. St Stephens Uniting Church in Elizabeth North will be closing on Sunday 28 September. The lay ministry team invites all those who have assisted over the years to come and worship at the closing service, which will commence at 11am.

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SMALL GRANT OPPORTUNITIES. Jubilee 150 Trust, Australian Church Women SA Inc., offers small grants for women seeking training or to purchase equipment for training (not necessary to be a church attendee). Christian church bodies and leaders may apply by Tuesday 30 September. Cheques will be presented in November. All enquiries and brochure requests can be directed to the Jubilee 150 Trust Convener Coralie Wright on 8258 3580 or wrightcoralie795@gmail.com SOUTH AUSTRALIAN YOUTH CAMP OUT (SAYCO). Are you aged between 12-17 years? – then this camp is for you! Your group provides the tents, cooks and leaders, while SAYCO provides: an awesome program that helps you think through decision making, workshops to help you grow in your leadership skills, and worship, community and small groups so you can explore your faith. SAYCO is a camp that will help you learn ways of living out your faith in a world that is always searching. The event will be held over the October long weekend (4-6 October) at Woodcroft College. For more information, call 8236 4246, visit sa.uca.org.au/sayco or email sayco@sa.uca.org.au To have your upcoming event or message published here, email diary@sa.uca.org.au with ‘Diary’ in the subject line.

Mission Officer, International Mission, Mission Resourcing Uniting Church in Australia, Presbytery and Synod of South Australia Applications are invited for gifted and highly motivated ordained or laypersons to this strategic position within the Church.

This is a 0.5FTE position.

The task embraces the functions of: • providing strategic missional leadership and support to the Uniting Church SA in the expression and development of International Mission.

• resource the Uniting Church SA by developing relationships and raising awareness of International Mission, and the provision of resources for congregations and agencies.

The successful applicant will have: • a passionate commitment to the gospel and the mission of God • the capacity to think strategically and the ability to continue to increase the level of missional momentum A full information pack and Position Description is available from Bev Freeman, Personal Assistant to the Executive Officer, 8236 4243 or bfreeman@sa.uca.org.au Please forward applications to: Rev Beth Seaman, Executive Officer (Interim) Mission Resourcing.

GPO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001 or bseaman@sa.uca.org.au Applications close 5pm Wednesday 20 August, 2014.

positionsvacant.sa.uca.org .au

reviews

Exploring the work of Christian women writers Book: Christian women writers through the ages Author: Sandra Percy Recommended for: Anyone interested in the insights provided by Christian women writers throughout history In short: This book sets out the place of women writers in their historical and theological context, demonstrating the influences of society on their ability to write and their desire to do so.

This book explores the history of women writers from the time of classical Greece up to the twenty first century. The author sets the writings in their historical and cultural settings rather than simply providing a survey and précis of their work. This process helps readers understand why there were (and are) so few women writers and what they had to contend with in order to get recognition for their work. As part of the context, the author gives very helpful and neat summaries of the theological issues of the times, adding an extra dimension to the book.

The Christian Church with its emphasis on the role of women as wives and mothers played a large part in preventing the acceptance of women writers.

The book tracks the influence of early Christian women in leadership and support positions; women such as Hilda, Paula, Marcella of Rome, Christine de Pisan, Marguerite of Navarre, Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe. The author explores how these women set the scene for future female writers, encouraging women to pursue education and to believe they were created equal to men (as outlined in Genesis 1:27).

The Reformation and Enlightenment movements are dwelt on in the pages of this book but, while the number of Christian women writers during these periods does fluctuate, their role is very much limited by the science and ideals of the time.

The prevalence of female writers did not increase until the late 20th to early 21st centuries. During this time, Christian women had a much larger input into discussions about theology and faith, particularly in the United States of America.

Through their courage and contributions, Christian women writers have offered valuable insights, but these have rarely been accessible to the general public. The length of this book’s bibliography shows the dearth of female Christian writers through the centuries.

Amelia Koh-Butler

classifieds GRANGE UNITING CHURCH CELEBRATING 100 YEARS AUGUST 19TH AT 1.30PM INVITING ALL PAST MEMBERS IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN PLEASE CONTACT EVELYN 8356 2960 Worship group moving to Adelaide - seeks new members The Worship Working Group is seeking “expressions of interest” from people who have a passion for worship. This national working group will meet in Adelaide following the 2015 Assembly and is responsible for fostering the Uniting Church’s worship life. For further information contact Rev Dr Chris Walker: chrisw@nat.uca.org.au RESTORE your phonographic records or tapes to near original quality & preserve them on CD Restore your faded 35mm slides to bright colour and preserve them on DVD. Ask us about VHS or MiniDV video tape & 8mm film to DVD conversion, SA MEDIAWORKS, Kent Town SA Ph: 8362 2251 samediaworks@soundtrack.net.au HOLIDAY APARTMENT RENTAL-Victor Harbor Stay 3 nights and pay for 2 nights –(excl school holidays and long weekends) –offer expires 1/12/2014 “By The Sea” self-catered furnished 3 br ground floor apartment on the Esplanade at Encounter Bay. A/C and nicely appointed. Relax with views to Granite and Wright Islands and watch the waves roll in. $175pn (min 2 nights) or $504 pw low season- shoulder season $602 pw - term holidays $651 pw (Excl peak season)—see Dodd and Page website for photos and more details Ph Kerry @ Dodd and Page 8554 2029 or email kerry@doddand page.com.au RARE BOOK SALE OPPORTUNITY Barths Dogmatics (14 Vols) Journal of John Wesley (8 Vols) P.T. Foryth – vast collection Reinhold Niebuhr – vast collection All Offers Considered Contact: Ian Giles Phone: 8825 2026 Email: iegiles @chariot.net.au MORIALTA CHARITABLE TRUST FUND Morialta Charitable Trust Fund has been supporting disadvantaged Children, Young People and their families in South Australia through its annual program of Distributions for 30 years.

To enable the Fund to continue this support through Community Organisations in South Australia Morialta Charitable Trust Fund seeks donations from the public.

Donations of $2 and above are Tax Deductible and can be forwarded to the Morialta Charitable Trust Fund at Unit 3, 51 Stephen Terrace, St Peters SA 5069.

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magazine The Burra Uniting Church building was established almost 100 years ago on 12 December, 1914.

Over 100 years of service The story of the community now known as Burra Uniting Church began in the late 1840s. The discovery of copper in the area in 1846 saw the establishment of the Kooringa, Redruth, Aberdeen, Hampton and Copperhouse townships, which formed around copper mines in the area. Those who established the bulk of these towns were active in their faith and were members of the Methodist, Primitive Methodist, Wesleyan and Bible Christian denominations.

The first church service in the area was held in early 1846 at the home of John Chapman, a local preacher. At a later date, permission was granted for the construction of a chapel in Kooringa. The foundation stone for the original building was laid down in August 1847. To mark the occasion, Rev Daniel Draper preached at both the morning and evening services on the day. An afternoon service was led by Rev John Harcourt, who was appointed to the ‘North Mine Circuit,’ which included Burra, earlier in 1847.

The building was enlarged in 1849 in order to accommodate an influx of Wesleyan families, but after a number of years passed the decision was made to replace the old building with a new one; just 67 years after the establishment of the first church building in the area, the new church was officially opened on 12 December, 1914.

Approximately 400 people filled the building for the opening service that

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afternoon, including a number of prominent locals. Rev John Henry Nield conducted the service and Rev G. Hall presented a sermon on John 7:46.

A public tea was held after the service, and was followed by a public meeting that evening. Sir Samuel Way addressed the gathering and spoke on the topic “The contribution of Burra to the economic and religious development of the state.” His talk focussed on the contribution of the copper mine and its workers to the financial state of South Australia, and thanked a number of notable people from the area.

Later that night, Rev Samuel Knight led an evening service, and Rev Henry Howard conducted another on the Monday night.

In 2014, Burra Uniting Church will celebrate 100 years since the establishment of the 1914 church building. Through the intervening years, the congregation has maintained a strong presence in the local community, working through name and leadership changes.

Approximately 30 people join for traditional worship services every Sunday at 11am. Congregation members live out their mission through the Burra Adult Fellowship, Faith Group, Life Connections, Catering Committee and local op shop.

Burra Uniting Church has a strong, ecumenical Messy Church ministry, which started in 2013. Offering an alternative way

of worshipping, Messy Church presents the good news of Jesus Christ in a format which engages people who do not connect with more traditional services. Burra Messy Church is run by a team consisting of members of the local Uniting, Lutheran and Anglican Churches. With approximately 80 people attending each ‘service,’ it is hoped that Burra Messy Church will become its own congregation, coordinated by the ecumenical team and under the authority of the Burra Interchurch Council.

“Loving Jesus, Caring for Burra” is the mission statement of the Burra Uniting Church congregation, and it is one the members of the church continue to live out in the local community.

The Burra Uniting Church Centenary Celebration will be held at 11am on Sunday 21 September. A service will be conducted to mark the anniversary of the current church building, and will be followed by a provided luncheon.

The event is open to the Burra community and the wider Uniting Church in Australia, especially anyone with involvement in the life of Burra Uniting Church. Those interested in attending should contact John Arthur on jande.arthur@bigpond.com before Sunday 7 September. For further information, please contact Don Lloyd on 8892 2325 or Brian Thamm on 8892 2249

magazine

Celebrating Spring Jenny Esots

Thinking about the season of Spring and the renewal of life that comes with it is an excellent way to get through long winter nights. Willunga Waldorf School students are currently channeling their anticipation for Spring into creative art, which will celebrate themes of environment, community, interconnectedness and new life. Willunga Uniting Church is joining the students in this community project, seeking ways to dialogue common values through creative expression.

Every September, Willunga Uniting Church makes its gallery space available to local schools interested in displaying student art. This year, an exhibition of artwork by students from Willunga Waldorf School will be displayed in Bethany Hall and throughout the church building from Friday 5 September. The exhibition will be titled “Gifts of the Seasons.”

Waldorf students of all ages will be involved in this exhibition, with some older, high school-aged students focusing particularly on creating work relating to the Psalms. Through this focus, students have engaged in conversations about environmental stewardship, social responsibility, environmental and social sustainability, and questions around how to make the world a more compassionate place.

“Our curriculum strives to awaken social responsibility and service to the community, and much of what we do as a matter of course seems to comfortably align with the messages within Psalms 104 and 138,” says Rebecca Hicks, an art teacher at Willunga Waldorf School. “[E]xtending the arts into the wider community through this exhibition at Willunga Uniting Church is a wonderful opportunity and privilege to make and strengthen connections with each other,” she continues.

The exhibition will not be the only community event happening at Willunga Uniting Church in September. On Saturday 6 September, the day following the launch of the art exhibition, the Willunga congregation will hold their Annual Spring Fair. A variety of food and craft stalls, plant sales, games, activities and much more will form part of the event. Willunga Waldorf School students will also participate in this event, performing their own music compositions on the day.

The weekend will be a celebration of the spirit of creativity, community and the created order, perhaps best expressed through the eyes of the young.

The Willunga Waldorf School art exhibition will be launched at 6pm on Friday 5 September in Bethany Hall, adjacent to the Willunga Uniting Church building. The exhibition will be open to the public each Saturday in September from 10am to 3pm.

“Ghost Gum” is a pastel drawing by Archie Sharp, a Year 7 student at Willunga Waldorf School. This image has been used with permission.

The Willunga Uniting Church Annual Spring Fair will be held on Saturday 6 September from 10am to 3pm in Bell Paddock (corner of St Andrews Terrace and St Judes Street), adjacent to Willunga Uniting Church.

For general enquiries, please contact Margaret on 8323 7509.

Stall spaces for the Annual Spring Fair are still available. Preference will be given to local vendors offering food, environmental or childrenfriendly themes. Interested stallholders should call 0400 740 562 or email bethanyhallbookings@outlook.com

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magazine

Running English classes each Friday, Hope’s Cafe has become a valuable learning hub for refugees on bridging visas.

Photo courtesy of Ian Routledge.

Lessons in English and in hope For many of us, learning another language can be an exotic pursuit for fun or a precursor for a much anticipated travel adventure, but for many new arrivals, learning English is necessary for survival. Shirley Wheeler is a volunteer teacher in Hope’s Café and helps run English classes for refugees. She writes about the language difficulties those on refugee bridging visas face when they enter our community.

Long-term residents of Australia tend to take their English language skills for granted. After all, they think in English and all their language interactions are in the same language. If they speak other languages, this is usually viewed as an enriching advantage. But what of those who need to learn English for their very survival?

Recognising this essential language need for residents of Australia, the Australian Government usually provides 510 hours of professional English Language tuition to those newcomers who do not have basic survival English skills. Together with English language teaching, some basic instruction in Australian culture, history and services is also provided by experts. Australia has long had an enviable reputation in absorbing, welcoming and integrating productive citizens from many different cultures. But what happens when the Government services are denied to newcomers who do not speak survival English nor know the ways of the Australian culture?

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This has been the plight of bridging refugees who are living within the Australian community, having been assessed by Australian officials as not presenting as security risks. In this category are recent newcomers from Iran and the Zahari people, who have been severely persecuted by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Most have had their English language services funding cut off by the Australian Government and are not provided with health care cards, public transport concessions, legal assistance with visa applications, or access to education.

They are given meagre monetary assistance – far less than NEWSTART allowance, for example – and are not allowed to undertake any paid work in Australia until they have their permanent residency visas. Obtaining an Australian residency visa is a process that can take years. One may wonder how Joseph, Mary and their precious baby Jesus would have fared in Egypt if they had been subjected to such a punishing welcome in their country of refuge, as they fled from deadly persecution in their country of birth.

In Australia, the support for these refugee residents has largely fallen to charities, such as Uniting Communities. At Clayton Wesley Uniting Church, Hope’s Café (located next to a Uniting Communities office) began to provide a nourishing lunch on Fridays for any member of the community, asking only for a donation from those who could afford it in order to cover the cost of ingredients. As more and more refugees began to access Uniting

Communities services and take advantage of this Friday lunch service, the need for English language classes became very clear.

Someone must have been praying, because volunteer teachers were quickly found and very informal language conversation classes soon became more formalised. The atmosphere is friendly and caring – more akin to a café than a classroom – but many complex needs are being met.

Volunteers have already assisted some young teenage refugees in accessing secondary school education by locating schools that could waive fees and collecting donations to enable basic school uniforms to be purchased, as well as seeking out other sources of funding and support.

Without everyday English language skills, newcomers are not empowered to manage their lives and to take advantage of opportunities to participate in Australian life. The need is great – there will soon be 100 people availing themselves of lunch at Hope’s Café, according to present trends, with refugee attendance at over 30 per week.

Thankfully, there are people who are assisting our newfound friends in their language and cultural learning.

Hope’s Café (formerly Café Spire) is open for lunch on Fridays (excluding public holidays) and all donations for food and teaching supplies are gratefully received. For more information, please contact the Clayton Wesley Uniting Church office on 8331 9589 or email thespirecommunity@gmail.com