New Times - February 2015 by Synod of SA

Issue 34, No 1, 2015

The voice of Uniting Church SA

February 2015

Renewal

THE LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY

A SAFE SPACE

Supporting bushfire

A new and unique Uniting

affected communities

Church SA community

pp. 8-9

pg. 11

Contents Easter postcards The long road to recovery Finding new purpose Pancakes connecting community

Pe nn y

FEATURES

e, M ak nc a P

t asco

8-9 12-13 24

REGULAR PAGES Moderator’s comment

CEO/General Secretary’s comment

Getting to know...

Letters 21 Diary 22 Editor: Catherine Hoffman Editor-in-Chief: Bindy Taylor Advertising: Communications Design: David Lombardi Print: Graphic Print Group For editorial inquiries: p. (08) 8236 4249 e. newtimes@sa.uca.org.au m. The Editor, New Times GPO Box 2145 Adelaide SA 5001 For advertising bookings: p. (08) 8236 4260 e. newtimesad@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 edition: Together The Uniting Church in Australia frequently demonstrates its strong commitment of working together to enter more deeply into faith and mission. This is reflected in the Basis of Union and the activities of our congregations across the country, in addition to our ecumenical and international relationships. In the March edition of New Times, we will explore the many ways Uniting Church SA communities and individuals work to seek togetherness through mission and ministry. DEADLINE FOR MARCH 2015

Wednesday 4 February

y a D e 2015 k e s u a a c good c n a r o a f n P ing fu Flipp

SA! n i e r ingCa t i n U t Suppor

Cover details Rev Mark Boyce leans on the jetty located at Grange, the beachside suburb of his new part-time (0.5 full-time equivalent) placement as a Uniting Church minister. Read about Mark’s role in the creation of the Uniting Church SA’s newest faith community on page 11.

Date correction On page 16 of the December 2014 edition of New Times, an article stated that KCO (KUCA [Kids of the Uniting Church in Australia] Camp Out) would be held "over the March long weekend, Saturday 21 to Sunday 22 March." The dates (21-22 March) are correct, but the camp does not fall on the March long weekend this year. We apologise for any inconvenience. For further information about KCO, please visit sa.uca.org.au/kco or call the KCO Events Office on 8236 4246.

editorial

People do change In previous editorials, I’ve mentioned my lengthy hiatus from faith after my initial introduction to church, which came to a close when I finished up at Nantawarra Uniting Church Sunday School. Forward the clock a few years, and I am now firmly entrenched within the Uniting Church community, regularly worshipping at my local church, and enjoying a deep faith and relationship with God. What often surprises me is God’s grace and amazing ability to love and forgive. Whatever mistakes or sins we have made in the past are forgiven when we confess, love and follow Christ. Choosing the path back to faith can be life-changing for many people, including myself. God rolls out a plan for our life designed to help us be exactly the person we were created to be. When we grow closer to Christ we find ourselves becoming more Christ-like in our behaviour. New ways of thinking renew our mind ever so gradually, transforming our perspectives and attitudes. For me, returning to faith has brought about a renewal that has been made evident through my actions. Slowly but surely, I have seen myself grow and develop to become the true person that I was born to be. A passage in Titus 5:6 reminds me of my good fortune and to be thankful for Christ’s blessings: “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” What faith can accomplish in us is a complete change from our former way of seeing, thinking and experiencing. An example given by Bill Hybels at the 2013 Global Leadership Summit is one which stands out in my mind when I contemplate a person’s ability to transform. Bill was 22 years old when he decided to start a church. When his lawyer asked why he was undertaking this venture, Bill replied, “To change people’s lives.” The lawyer was quick to reply “People don’t change.” “I’m betting my whole life you’re wrong,” Bill responded. How often do you hear those words, “people don’t change”? Bill is now one of the world’s most successful leaders, and he risked everything at the tender age of 22 because he firmly believed people could change through faith. As Christians, we can help others discover their calling just as Bill has in his position of influence. This can result in ever-lasting consequences. Romans 12:2 provides encouragement for us to persistently engage in renewal: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Placements News Placements finalised since the December edition of New Times: Andrew Everson (Candidate for MOW) to Waikerie Uniting Church from 7 February Rev Chris Harkness to Seaton Uniting Church (0.3) from 1 January Rev Esteban Lievano to Hallett Cove Uniting Church from 1 January Rev Sarah Williamson to Belair Uniting Church from 1 March Upcoming inductions: Rev Do Young Kim (Exit), Adelaide Korean Uniting Church on Sunday 1 February at 4pm Andrew Everson (Candidate for MOW), Waikerie Uniting Church on Wednesday 18 February at 7.30pm Rev Trevor Faggotter, Clare Uniting Church on Friday 20 February at 7.30pm Vacant placements: The following is the current list of vacant (or soon to be vacant) approved placements: Profiles available – Clearview (0.5); County Jervois (Arno, Cleve, Coolanie, Cowell, Driver River); Goolwa; Kadina Wallaroo; Keith “One Church” (Uniting Church and Church of Christ together); Whyalla. Profiles not yet available – Berri Barmera (from 1 February 2016); Klemzig (0.5); Malvern and Unley (from March 2016); South West Fleurieu Linked Congregations (0.6); Tumby Bay & Districts (0.5); Willunga (0.7) (from March 2015); Windsor Gardens (0.5); Solidarity and Justice Officer, Mission Resourcing (0.5) (from 1 March 2015, soon to be advertised). For more information on any of these placements, or to view national placements, please visit sa.uca.org.au/pastoral-relations/placements-vacant

Bindy Taylor

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moderator

Renewing and refreshing What is it that refreshes you, and renews your hope and faith in God and life? Over the past year, I have participated in events and had conversations that have brought renewal and refreshment to my life. They have been the conversations, the worship, the mission that have arisen from, and drawn me into, the heart of God – a God of infinite love, who calls us to love others and the world God has created, and to live justly and compassionately. Ultimately, renewal is beyond us and beyond our control. Renewal is the work of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Our responsibility, as we participate in the mission of God, is to immerse ourselves in the life of the Spirit – to dive into the deep waters of renewal and refreshment. We acknowledge the gift and work of the Spirit every time we celebrate Holy Communion together and each time we reaffirm our baptism. In Holy Communion we pray: “God of love, send your Holy Spirit upon us and what we do here; that we and these signs, touched by your Spirit, may be signs of life and love to each other and to all the world. Come, Holy Spirit” (Uniting in Worship). And we pray for God’s refreshment each time we reaffirm our baptism: “Come Lord Jesus, refresh the lives of all your faithful people” (Uniting in Worship II). In December, I participated as an older adult mentor in the National Young Adult Leaders’ Conference (NYALC) sponsored by the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly. There were 60 of us gathered at Naamaroo Centre in Sydney for six days of community, worship, prayer, encouragement and challenge. Participants, both young adults and older adult mentors, came from every state and territory in Australia. We gathered to grow in faith and discipleship, to explore and affirm the gifts of these leaders. We were refreshed and renewed by being together as this community of Christ.

Uniting Church SA Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer (second from right) with attendees of the National Young Adult Leaders’ Conference (NYALC) in December 2014.

As one of our final acts together, we created a prayer braid. We sat with another person and braided a prayer bracelet as we shared our concerns and prayers for the world, the church and our own lives. We wore the braid as a reminder of the other person and our shared prayers. In January, we were reminded of the ripple effect of our prayers for the transformation and renewal of the earth when one of the young adults who had attended NYALC posted this note on Facebook: “Today I placed it (the prayer braid) on a post surrounding one of the mass graves at the killing fields in Cambodia. I think to myself, ‘how could they let this happen?’ Then I think, ‘how can we let this happen?’ regarding all the terrible injustices occurring today. Praying for those who suffered such brutal inhumane acts under the Khmer Rouge, and those treated unjustly today.” I experience God’s refreshment when I experience the love, compassion and hope that I saw in those young people at the National Young Adult Leaders Conference. I am also renewed when, in the shadow of all that we have seen across our world in the

past couple of months, we see people giving voice to the way of being and living to which God calls us. Two million people marching in France declaring that violence and hatred will not have the last word! Thousands of people pouring out their love and comfort to people affected by the Martin Place siege in Sydney. CFS volunteers and other community members working to save lives and properties in our recent bushfires. I hope we are renewed as we regularly gather together for worship in our local congregations and faith communities, and as we are immersed in the love and refreshment that God offers to us – personally, communally and as a global community. May God’s Spirit bring renewal to us as the Uniting Church in Australia, as we faithfully serve Christ in God’s world.

Dr Deidre Palmer

ce o / ge n e ral se cre ta r y

Made anew

Renewal is the activity of making new again. It is a common part of life. We hear people speak of it. On the latest U2 album, Bono sings the words, “Everything I ever lost now has been returned.” We see it in God’s creation – I always marvel at how a decent rain can make grass green again. And we long for it. In the face of tragedy or hardship there is a desperate yearning for some sort of action that will put things right. Renewal brings life out of danger, destruction and desolation. God’s activity is that of renewal. As Christians our lives testify to the renewing work that God does within us. We cry out for renewal. This is echoed in God’s word as we read: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). This is the stark admission that we yearn for more in life than the temporary satisfactions of a heart that is set on doing as we please. A heart that is set after God’s heart will know all too well the pull of self-interest. It is the self-interested nature that God seeks to renew in humanity. This is why we read the words: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your

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mind so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). Renewal born from self-interest will always ensnare us in the trap that we are never good enough. To never measure up, to always be lacking, to constantly need to be more in order to be approved and accepted is a mindset that pervades our world. With God as the reference point for our lives this mindset is challenged and renewed, both personally and collectively as the Church. Too often as God’s people, we can languish in the trap of thinking we are irrelevant, that we are fading into obscurity, and that there is no future for us. Today, throughout this year and beyond, God is renewing this mindset across the Church. For the Uniting Church, we are in the most exciting time of renewal. However, it is a time that challenges our self-interest. How we want Church to be and what we think God’s people should do is not the reference point for renewal. What does God want for the Church in 2015? Who are we to be and what are we to do as far as God is concerned? What would we be prepared to

give up in order to let the answers to these questions emerge? A beautiful dimension to being God’s people is that we are not renewed for our own ends. God does not renew the church so that we can revel in our own magnificence. We are renewed so that we can point others toward a life where there is more. A life where that which was lost can be returned. A life lived not with the pressure to be more than we are but to make the most of what God has given us today. Ultimately, we hold the hope that in Christ we are renewed today, but that one day we will all see the fulfillment of the incredible promise: "Behold, I make all things new" (Revelations 21:5). May 2015 be a tremendous year of God’s renewal in your life, in the life of the Uniting Church in this Synod, and in those that we share life with.

Rev Nigel Rogers

news

Joining in global prayer On the first Friday of March each year people from various denominations and countries join together for the World Day of Prayer. A worldwide movement organised by Christian women of all traditions, the World Day of Prayer dates back to the 19th Century. Although it began as a small movement, it has grown to include more than three million people in over 170 countries. These people join together for a common service prepared by the World Day of Prayer Committee, an ecumenical group made up of people from Anglican, Catholic, Churches of Christ, Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Salvation Army, Uniting, and Australian Church Women traditions. The service focusses on a different country each year, celebrating unity in Christ and diversity of culture. In 2015, the World Day of Prayer will be held on Friday 6 March. Participants will share in a service that has been prepared by women in the Bahamas on the theme “Do you know what I have done to you?” The service will be centred on the story of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples before the Passover Festival. The South Australian World Day of Prayer Committee has been involved in holding services across the state for many years. This year’s South Australian service will be held at St Stephen’s Lutheran Church

The South Australian Executive Committee for the World Day of Prayer (left to right): President Patricia Bonsack, Secretary Judy Burge, Treasurer Rev Sue Langhans, President-Elect Denise Robinson (OAM), Assistant Secretary Pam Broadbridge and Past President Rev Nita West.

on Wakefield Street in Adelaide at 1pm on Friday 6 March. For more information about the Adelaide World Day of Prayer event, please contact Judy Burge on judyburge@adam.com.au or 8271 5795.

Event engages young people Following the success of the two Around the Table events held in 2014, Uniting Church SA Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer has scheduled a third event for Wednesday 11 February, 7pm to 9.30pm. On this occasion, the event will be held at Hope Valley Uniting Church (1263-1265 Grand Junction Road, Hope Valley).

Around the Table offers an opportunity for young people from the Uniting Church to engage in open and enriching conversation with the Moderator. Attendees are given the opportunity to share their passions, joys, hopes and concerns for the church and the wider community. To find out more about this event or to RSVP, please contact Tim Molineux on tmolineux@sa.uca.org.au or 8236 4221.

Fun at the fringe Uniting Church buildings and congregations will again host a number of events during the Adelaide Fringe Festival this year. Women’s choir Illumina Voices will present “Around the World in 80 Minutes” at both Newland Memorial Uniting Church (corner of Wheel and Victoria Streets, Victor Harbor) and Scots Church Adelaide (North Terrace, Adelaide). The event will feature beautifully sung versions of folk and popular songs from around the world. Newland will host the event at 2pm on Sunday 15 February; Scots will host at 5.30pm on Thursday 19 February and at 3.30pm on Sunday 22 February. Pilgrim Uniting Church (Flinders Street, Adelaide) will be the site of two different Fringe events – “dancemusic” and “The Sacrifice of Stravinsky.” Utilising recorded and improvised music, as well as dance, “dancemusic” will feature performances from Glen Murray and Andrea Breen. They will perform at the church on three occasions over

two days – Friday 27 February at 5.30pm and 8pm, and Saturday 28 February at 8pm. “The Sacrifice of Stravinsky” features the music of Stravinsky’s ballets performed on dual pianos by Duo Contraste over two acts. The event will be held on Saturday 21 February at 7.30pm. CitySoul will present “Inconceivable,” a must-see theatre event for any lover of the film The Princess Bride, at CitySoul Experience Café (Hutt Street, Adelaide) on six separate occasions during the Fringe. Audience participation, particularly quoting lines from the film, will be heartily encouraged at this event. “Inconceivable” will be held at 7pm on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 February, and Friday 6 and Saturday 7 March, in addition to 2pm performances on Sunday 1 and Sunday 8 March. For more information or to book tickets, please visit adelaidefringe. com.au or contact the Adelaide Fringe Festival Office on 8100 2000.

t hew n em se

Connecting with community over Easter For Christians across the world, Easter is a time of both mourning and joy. We grieve as we remember how Jesus died upon the cross, and rejoice over his resurrection – the act that has brought us from death to life. As we engage in Christian community over Easter, we are reminded of the strength we can find through God and each other in tough and joyful times. This year’s Easter postcard draws on these ideas while providing Uniting Church members with an opportunity to invite those outside the church community to come and hear the Easter message. Each postcard provides space for a custom message, and the dates and times of your Easter services. For further information, please visit sa.uca.org.au/postcards or contact the Communications team on 8236 4230 or communications@sa.uca.org.au Postcard details Back cover verse: “Just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4(b) NIV) Postcard cost: $75 per 1,000 (minimum of 1,000) Poster cost: $10 for 10 A3 posters (minimum of 10) Orders close: Wednesday 25 February The postcards and posters will be available for pick-up from the Uniting Church SA Synod Office (Level 2, 212 Pirie Street, Adelaide) from Thursday 5 March. Registered post can also be invoiced if you would like the items to be sent once they have been printed.

Easter TogeTher in mourning & joy

An opportunity for young people Big Year Out is a programme run by the Uniting College of Leadership & Theology, for young adults who wish to gain “hands-on” mission experience and be equipped to discern God’s call on their lives. Participants spend one day a week during university term times deepening their understanding of mission and ministry, and engaging in spiritual growth and discernment. Students will become part of a supportive, connected community and participate in two retreat weekends and a mission exposure trip in Melbourne. Big Year Out offers two study options through a Certificate IV or Diploma in Christian Life and Ministry. The programme works well alongside other tertiary studies or work, and is for young adults

from all denominations. Two information nights will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 February; one session will be held north of Adelaide and the other will be south. Locations to be advised. Any interested applicants, parents or ministry leaders are invited to attend. RSVPs are required for catering purposes. For further information about Big Year Out or the information nights, please contact Big Year Out Coordinator Danica Patselis on 0421 824 814 or through facebook.com/BigYearOut Applications for Big Year Out are currently being accepted through info@unitingcollege.org.au

Women to share stories of hope After the first UnitingWomen conference was held in Sydney last year, Uniting Church SA Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer felt inspired to hold the next UnitingWomen conference in Adelaide. The conference will be held from Thursday 28 April to Sunday 1 May in 2016 at Return to Contents

Kent Town (Wesley) Uniting Church. The theme of the conference will be “Sharing Stories of Hope.” For further information about the event, or to contribute to discussions, please visit “The Idea of Uniting Women” Facebook page

at facebook.com/groups/idea.unitingwomen Information will be made available in New Times as conference details progress. Those wishing to contribute to event discussions are also invited to send a Letter to the Editor (see page 21).

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The long road to recovery The aftermath of the Adelaide Hills bushfires in January 2015 (above and right). Photos courtesy of Rev Sandy Webb. Catherine Hoffman

The recent bushfires in the Adelaide Hills will take a long time to fade from the consciousness of those living in South Australia. The intensity and widespread nature of the fires meant that even those far from the affected zones were assaulted by the sight and smell of smoke – a reminder that, although they were not directly impacted this time, fire could easily invade their lives in the future. Congregations and members of the Uniting Church in South Australia were among the many whose homes and properties were affected by the Sampson Flat fire that raged across 12,500 hectares in the Adelaide Hills from Friday 2 January. Many from the Uniting Church have also been involved in offering relief and support through the event as volunteers and firefighters, and will continue to do so as

people begin the recovery process. “The January fires have had a devastating impact on families, properties and the environment in the Adelaide Hills,” says Wendy Perkins, the Disaster and Recovery Ministries Coordinator at the Uniting Church in South Australia. “As God’s church, we believe it is vital that we respond with God’s compassion and love by caring for others in trauma,” says Wendy. “In Matthew [25:31-46], Jesus reminded us that when we meet the needs of others, we are doing it for him – we are motivated by our faith to serve however and wherever we are needed.” Disaster and Recovery Ministries, an ecumenical group coordinated by the Uniting Church SA, provided pastoral support to relief centres that were set up for those who evacuated their homes during the fire.

Highly-trained chaplains from a variety of denominations and backgrounds were sent to these centres to ensure that people received pastoral and spiritual support, and were given the opportunity to talk with someone if needed. Disaster and Recovery Ministries also liaised with Housing SA and community groups to help meet local needs. As people begin to recover from this event, both Disaster and Recovery Ministries and the Uniting Church SA will continue to support the affected communities. “We have met with ministers, pastors and leaders whose congregations have been affected by the fires. This does not just include those in the areas immediately surrounding the fire – churches as far away as Brougham Place Church in North Adelaide have members who have been impacted,” Wendy explains.

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“Together, we are considering how we can best support and resource local congregations in assisting their communities in the recovery phase,” she continues. “We are encouraging congregations to partner with other denominations in their area and cooperate with local community groups to ensure there is no overlap in services offered.” Communities and individuals across Australia have been generous in their support for those affected by the fires. Donations of clothes and goods have poured in from across the country. People have also offered to give their time, working with organisations like Blaze Aid to rebuild fences and meet other needs. One of the most influential ways people can assist is to donate to one of the various bushfire funds. Donating money helps to put funds back into local communities and does not require the high level of coordination that donations of goods demand. The Uniting Church SA has established a Bushfire Relief Fund, which will be used by local congregations in fire-affected areas as they discern how best to serve their communities – whether that is through providing chaplaincy and pastoral care, holding special events or providing practical assistance. The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly has also invited donations to their National Disaster Relief Fund. Donations of goods, funds and time will all serve to help communities begin the recovery process. “The recovery is just starting for people who lost their homes in the bushfires, there’s still a long way to go,” says Rev Dr Stephen Robinson, the National Disaster Recovery Officer of the Uniting Church in Australia. “Recovery is a long-term process,” Wendy agrees. “It happens in different ways and timeframes for different people. “We’ve also seen this in the Port Lincoln community – it’s been 10 years since the Wangary bushfire and many in the community have never fully recovered.” The Wangary bushfire broke containment lines on Tuesday 11 January 2005. It went

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on to burn almost 78,000 hectares, causing immense damage to property, destroying 93 homes and resulting in the loss of nine lives. The Port Lincoln community recently commemorated the anniversary of this devastating event with a service at the Marble Range Community and Sport Centre in Wangary on Sunday 11 January. The service was organised by the ecumenical Port Lincoln Ministers Association, the Lower Eyre Peninsula District Council and the Country Fire Service. The still-healing community appreciated the opportunity to collectively remember and reflect on the events of 10 years ago. “Bushfires can have devastating effects on communities,” says Wendy. “We hope that we can offer assistance and support to those affected by recent and past events, helping them on the road to recovery and renewal.” To donate to the Uniting Church SA Bushfire Relief Fund, please visit sa.uca.org. au/pastoral-relations/uniting-church-sa-

relief-fund or send a cheque to UCSA Relief Fund – Bushfire Relief 2015, GPO Box 2145, Adelaide, SA, 5001. To donate to the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly National Disaster Relief Fund, please visit assembly.uca.org.au/national-disasterrelief-fund All donations over $2 are tax deductible. For more information on Uniting Church SA Disaster and Recovery Ministries, please contact Wendy Perkins on 8236 4284 or wperkins@sa.uca.org.au There are several upcoming training opportunities for people wishing to be involved in Disaster and Recovery Ministries. Further information about these opportunities will be made available through future editions of New Times and on the Uniting Church website at sa.uca.org.au

theme

cAlL fOR eXpResSiOns oF iNtEreST

UnitingWorld National Committees

8261 8211 All hours

www.ivanbutlerfunerals.com.au enquiries@ivanbutlerfunerals.com.au 26 OG Road Klemzig SA 5087

AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

Geoff Lewis General Manager

Are you passionate about Christians standing in solidarity and growing in active partnership internationally? Why not consider volunteering as a member of one of the National Committees of UnitingWorld? UnitingWorld is the overseas partnerships agency of the Uniting Church in Australia, connecting people and church communities in Australia, the Pacific, Asia and Africa. We help Australians see the world through our partners’ eyes, and support partner Churches in their life and witness. UnitingWorld includes a Church Connections Unit and a Relief and Development Unit, both supported by separate National Committees. The National Committees draw on expertise in a range of areas. We are currently interested in expressions of interest from people with strengths in the following areas: • missiology, foreign affairs, advocacy, law, fundraising and public relations (for Church Connections National Committee). • finance, corporate governance, strategy, organisational development and risk management (for Relief and Development National Committee). The Committees meet quarterly with a mixture of face-to-face meetings in Sydney and teleconferences. A significant fraction of the work of the Committees is carried out via electronic communications between meetings. To express interest please email your CV and letter of intention to the National Director, Rob Floyd robf@unitingworld.org.au or phone 02 8267 4267 by Friday February 13th, 2015. www.unitingworld.org.au

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A safe space The Uniting Church SA’s newest church community is one of our most unique. The Club Church Faith Community worships at the Lyell McEwin Health Service, and became an official part of the Uniting Church SA on Sunday 30 November in 2014. Having heard about the unique and inspirational community from Pastoral Relations Executive Officer Sharonne Price, Bindy Taylor spoke to Rev Mark Boyce, the facilitator of Club Church.

I was running 20 minutes late for an interview with Rev Mark Boyce to learn more about the Uniting Church’s newest community. As I approached Grange Uniting Church, I pulled my car up to an abrupt halt, literally falling out of the driver’s seat, my bag and camera precariously perched on my shoulder. I was sweaty and disheveled, apologising profusely. Mark’s demeanour was very different to my own. He’d been sitting comfortably on a bench outside the Grange building, the serene location of his new placement. As he walked over, Mark’s peaceful and calming presence made me feel immediately at ease – something that must serve him well in his chosen vocations of chaplain, deacon and former nurse. Employed as a chaplain to the Northern Adelaide Mental Health Service, Mark has been involved in mental health services in the northern area of Adelaide for over 17 years. This included leading and facilitating “Club 84,” a government-funded initiative which provides a range of essential support services for people who have experienced mental health problems. Club 84 offers a “drop-in” venue and provides education about independent living, mental health, well-being and the importance of good physical health. When members of Club 84 decided to attend a holiday camp in Macclesfield, Mark was asked to join them and to lead a church service. This invitation provided an opportunity for Mark to ask the Club members about what church looked like for them. In response, some mentioned participating in communion, whilst others spoke of a desire for a space where they could ask questions about God and faith. When they returned from the camp, a number of group members were keen to continue with church, and it was agreed that the Club 84 drop-in location would act as a suitable venue for church services.

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Members of the Club Church Faith Community officially join the Uniting Church SA.

Under the name of “Club Church,” the group initially gathered monthly, moving to the Lyell McEwin Hospital Chapel after renovations were scheduled for the Club 84 site. The gathering built momentum, moving to meet twice monthly, then fortnightly. A home Bible study was also started to meet the needs and interests of the group. The community is very supportive of each member, and they provide care for each other. This has left Mark in awe, with the majority of group members reporting significant improvements to their mental health. This has resulted in some no longer checking in and out of hospital. Their care of one another means Mark is often the last person to find out if a member is having some difficulty or is hospitalised. The style of church the community practices is far from typical. Each service provides a “safe space” where people are able to talk openly about their faith and the presence of God is in their recovery. YouTube is often accessed to generate music, and stones and candles are used as a way of connecting each individual’s faith to everyday life. The group tackles many topics around faith, and Mark often asks the group to honestly

address any significant issues that they feel need to be discussed. These include issues around forgiveness, shame and its effects, dealing with stress, and where God can be found when, as they put it, “shit happens.” At Club Church, Mark frequently speaks about God wanting to use people for His Kingdom, and the continual transformation and renewal that God provides. This has played a large part in the community’s desire to be recognised as a faith community within the Uniting Church SA. It has been important for members to be valued, and they feel strongly about contributing to something bigger through the life of the church. Rev Mark Boyce has recently been called to a part-time (0.5) position as minister at Grange Uniting Church, and will continue to work part-time (0.5) as Chaplain in Mental Health at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Rev Andrew Prior recently took on the supporting role at the Club Church Faith Community. Mark offers a seven-week training package (two-three hours per week) on mental health. For more information, please contact Mark on markboyce@optusnet.com.au or 0402 906 780.

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Finding new purpose Catherine Hoffman

The declining population of Uniting Church congregations across South Australia has been reflected in the results of surveys recently undertaken by both the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly and the National Church Life Survey. However, many church communities are using this as an opportunity to explore new ways of “being church,” injecting new life into their ministry and mission. For a number of years, the congregation at Seacombe Uniting Church was aware that its numbers were not growing. They needed to make a decision about their future: they could keep maintaining the congregation as it dwindled or reinvest the congregation’s energy elsewhere. The Corner Uniting Church faced a different situation. The church had a more newly established, comparatively large congregation – approximately three times the size of that at Seacombe. However, their rate of growth was insufficient for building a thriving church Both congregations needed to change if they hoped to continue in their ministry and mission. Conversations between the ministers of the congregations and the Uniting Church SA Urban Mission team began early in 2013. On Sunday 5 May 2013, Seacombe and The Corner decided to join together – not by merging the congregations, but by forming a new church. “What we’ve done here is really radical,” says Rev Mark Hewitt, the minister at The (new) Corner Uniting Church. “We didn’t want an ‘us and them’ situation so we decided to stop all of our existing programmes and church positions in order to start afresh as one congregation.”

Although they kept the name ‘The Corner,’ the congregations were committed to making their decisions together and forming a new identity. “Before meeting with each other, both churches realised that their then vision and mission statements could not be lived out,” Mark recalls. “We knew that a new and different outcome would require a new and different approach, and that we needed to take action quickly in order to avoid a crisis. Our concern was not around whether we were viable or not, but about being effective in the ministry of spreading the gospel and in the mission of serving others.” During discussions about the new church, a vision and mission statement (see “A new focus” in the breakout box) were decided on by consensus. These formed the backbone of the community. “While both churches had their own past vision and mission statements, these were not often in the forefront of people’s minds when making decisions and engaging in church life,” says Mark. “We wanted our new vision and mission to be kept before people regularly and in a variety of ways. It has shaped the programmes we offer and the culture we seek to create as a gathered body of Christ.” The Corner Uniting Church has now been meeting together for over a year after first gathering at the beginning of Advent on Sunday 1 December 2013. Since this time, The Corner has consistently been guided by their vision and mission statement. In 2015, they will continue to build upon this, focussing on being an intergenerational community with a strong arts culture and local presence. “Faith and ministry is not determined by age. In order to foster an intergenerational

community, we aim to have at least three generations actively involved in all of our ministries and activities,” Mark says. “This does not mean that age specific activities do not occur, but that they only take place when it is best for that particular group.” This strong focus on vision and mission has caused a small number of people to leave the congregation, despite originally agreeing to the idea. While this has been challenging, the changes that have occurred have largely been positive. “Being intentional about what programmes we offer and bringing everything back to our mission statement has given the congregation a strong sense of purpose,” reflects Mark. “At times it has been a challenge to harness all the enthusiasm of the congregation, but it has been great that there is such a noticeably high energy level and to see people’s willingness to be involved.” As more churches begin to contemplate their future, Mark encourages people to consider the opportunities and rewards that can occur when congregations are willing to make big changes. “Lots of churches consider merging, but this often takes a long time to work or doesn’t work at all. For us, scrapping both churches, their structures and leadership, was an incredibly beneficial move,” he says. “My advice is to start again with a new mission and vision, being intentional in using these to form the new church. Take risks and be bold.” For more information about The Corner Uniting Church, please visit thecorner. unitingchurchsa.org.au or call 8350 5400. For more information about Mission Planning (Urban or Rural and Regional), please contact Mission Resourcing on mr@ sa.uca.org.au or 8236 4243.

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A new focus

The vision of The Corner Uniting Church is “Faith Intersecting Life.” The Corner is located at the intersection of Oaklands and Diagonal Roads in Warradale, and has a vision of bring faith into people’s lives. The mission of the church is: To foster an intergenerational community Offering spiritual depth and growth Through relationship with Jesus Inspired by his mission. The last part of the mission statement is inspired by Luke 4:18-19: To bring good news to the poor (to bring love of Jesus into all our relationships), To proclaim release to the captives (to create spaces for becoming), And recovery of sight to the blind (to develop opportunities for a deep daily relationship with Jesus), To let the oppressed go free (to offer compassionate care), To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour (to provide worship as an encounter with God).

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The new congregation at The Corner Uniting Church is engaged in a wide variety of intergenerational activities throughout the year.

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Connecting with newcomers How do you and your congregation welcome first time attendees so effectively that they want to stay and be part of your fellowship? Do you have a way of helping new people to be built up in their faith in an ongoing way and become leaders in your fellowship? For over a year the Henley-Fulham Adult Christian Education Committee has been wrestling with these critical questions. During this time, the committee has met with members of the Dernancourt and Athelstone Uniting Church congregations on four separate occasions to hear, think about, and seek God’s direction. Speakers from other Uniting Church congregations were invited to share stories about how their communities and members welcome, witness and minister to newcomers. Each of these speakers outlined different approaches, ideas and methods of tackling this topic.

The Henley-Fulham Adult Christian Education Committee will continue to meet in 2015. The next meeting will be the first held outside of the Uniting Church, and will take place at Seaton Christian Family Centre, providing attendees with an opportunity to hear how other communities approach the issue of effectively welcoming newcomers. The next meeting to discuss connecting with newcomers will take place at Seaton Christian Family Centre on Tuesday 10 February at 7.30pm. Anyone who is interested in discussing or learning more about this topic is encouraged to attend. To find out more about the event or the HenleyFulham Adult Christian Education Committee, please contact Rev Bill Service on bill.service@ace.net.au or 8353 5061.

BUILDING LASTING FAITH In Children & Teenagers

Refreshing faith for young people Catherine Hoffman

Young people are leaving churches – and they’re not returning. This has long been an issue that church communities have faced, but it has often been difficult to grasp exactly why young people leave and what congregations can do about this. “Haemorrhaging Faith,” a recent Canadian study into the church attendance of young people, provided valuable insight into the reasons why young people leave the church and, perhaps more importantly, the reasons they stay. As part of their study, the Haemorrhaging Faith researchers asked young Canadians who were or had been part of church communities a series of questions about why they left or stayed. Although the people they surveyed came from a wide variety of backgrounds and denominations, the researchers were able to spot four common barriers and drivers. The young people’s experiences with their parents/ guardians, God, church teaching and community proved to be key determining factors in whether a young person decided to stay in church or not. Researchers also discovered four common “spiritual types” amongst the young people they surveyed, and found a number of common key points that deterred or encouraged these types in their church attendance.

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In response to the results of the Haemorrhaging Faith study, Canadian pastor Dr Dave Overholt came up with a series of practical suggestions on how to stop young people from leaving church communities. On Saturday 7 March, Dave will visit South Australia to share insights provided by Haemorrhaging Faith at a session titled “Building Lasting Faith.” At this event, he will explore why young people leave church and offer practical suggestions for parents, pastors, leaders and church communities wishing to support young people in growing their faith. Karra Overholt, Dave’s daughter, will also share insights gathered through her work as a Youth Director. Building Lasting Faith will be held at Clovercrest Baptist Church (2 Famechon Crescent, Modbury North) on Saturday 7 March. Registrations open at 9.30am for a 10am start, and the session will conclude at 3.30pm. The event costs $40, and includes morning tea and lunch. Registration for the event closes on Tuesday 3 March. For more information or to register, please visit sabaptist.asn.au/ blf2015 or contact the Uniting Young People team on 8236 4239 or uyp@sa.uca.org.au

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Spread a little happiness Kay Rooke

Many older people living at home or in aged care facilities rely on the visits of family and friends for company. But this is not possible for everyone. Family members sometimes do not live close by or simply get caught up in the rush of modern life. Older friends who used to visit may face similar challenges to mobility and transportation, and may even have moved into residential facilities themselves. People can easily become socially isolated. Many of us take for granted the regular contact we have with other people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; going to work, attending sport or simply just running down to the local shops. People who find themselves isolated from others can become reclusive, and their health, wellbeing and confidence can decline with lack of stimulation. Most have a significant life story to tell, but have no-one to talk to now as their circumstances have changed. UnitingCare Wesley Bowden (UCWB) has a new Community Visitors Scheme, which aims to link people living in their own home or in an aged care facility with a volunteer visitor. Volunteers visit a person weekly or fortnightly, and together they can enjoy a range of activities of their choice and share special mutual interests. For example, a volunteer who enjoys chess or euchre may find it hard to find someone to play with in their own social circle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to match them with someone who enjoys a game is rewarding for both. Even watching a sports game together can be an enjoyable way to share time. Older people can offer a different perspective drawn from life experiences; in exchange, volunteers can help people feel more connected to the world outside. It makes for some interesting discussions, a few laughs and most importantly, the sense of belonging we all need to feel. UCWB is seeking volunteers to share some time either to visit with a small group of residents with another volunteer in a residential facility in the Northern region, or visit a person living at home in the

The UnitingCare Wesley Bowden Community Visitors Scheme allows older people to connect with others from the wider community.

North, West or South Adelaide metro region. These volunteers will look to spread happiness and share in the life of an older person as a companion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not as a service provider. Listening and talking is all that is required. Training, matching and orientation to this special role, with ongoing support, is provided by UCWB. People over 18 of any cultural background are welcome to call UCWB to find out more. If you have a couple of hours a week or a fortnight and would like to become a Community Visitor, please call UCWB Volunteer Coordinator Kay on 8245 7193. The Community Visitor Scheme is funded by the Federal Government, commenced in 1992 and was expanded in 2013/14 to provide more support to residents who experience social or cultural isolation, and whose quality of life would be improved by friendship and companionship.

Recognition service at Naracoorte During their worship service on Sunday 21 December, Naracoorte Uniting Church recognised the service of two valued congregation members. Alan Davies was appointed as Parish Assistant in 1997, a role that formally recognised the work he was doing in the Parish congregations in Frances, Wrattonbully, Lochaber, Lucindale and Naracoorte. Alan has also volunteered his time assisting with hospital visits, marriage counselling, suicide prevention, emergency care, financial services and office administration. Alan recently retired from his Parish Assistant role to spend more time with his wife, Joy.

Lyn Stecker was recognised for her musical contributions to the life of the Naracoorte congregation. Her piano and keyboard skills were also readily offered to support community groups, and instrumental and vocal performances. Due to health reasons, Lyn has recently retired from this role. Naracoorte Uniting Church thanks Alan and Lyn for their long service to the congregation.

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The “R and R” of ecotheology Rev Brian Polkinghorne shares his farming and environmental experience with a farmer and his family in Tanzania. Rev Brian Polkinghorne

My thinking about ecotheology has brought me to a deep sense of “R and R” – not rest and recreation, but reverence and respect. It wasn’t always that way for me. I was brought up on a farm where I adopted a crude philosophy – “If it moves, shoot it; if it grows, chop it down.” That philosophy was underpinned by my juvenile understanding of theology. During my childhood, many preachers expounded on Genesis 1:28 (the King James Version, which was the only one available to me at the time): “And God blessed them and God said unto them... have dominion over all the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” In addition to this, the most commonly used responsive reading during worship was from Psalm 8: “For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels and crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet.” So, when I applied the first tank load of DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) to totally destroy an outbreak of red-legged earth

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mites on our clover, I said to myself that I was doing God’s work by demonstrating my dominion. How ashamed I am of that attitude now. I was raised on a totally anthropocentric theology, believing that human beings are the centre of the universe. I now consider this a distortion of the Good News. The scales started to drop from my eyes when I meditated on the meaning and application of Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the Lord’s.” Of course it must be so, I mused, because God made it. Meaning that everything I touch, eat, breathe and drink has a sacredness to it – the hand of God is in it and on it. These claims of God’s ownership resonate throughout the whole Bible, with particularly strong points made in Leviticus 25:23 and Psalm 50. For me, the natural conclusion of this thinking is the need to respect and revere the whole of creation because it belongs to God. Late Uniting Church minister Rev Dr Geoff Scott aptly encompassed this attitude in the following quote: “Our dominion of the world is to be as God’s dominion over us – loving, cherishing and nurturing.” This idea is a key component of ecotheology, a constructive theology that focuses on the interrelationships

of religion and nature. This consideration and application of theology was very different to the way I was brought up. The true challenge to my anthropocentric thinking came when I began to consider the way I had compartmentalised certain plants, animals and insects into “good” and “bad” categories. I slowly grew to understand that God’s saving love for creation was not exclusive to humans, but was inclusive of the whole created realm. This was clearly outlined in the story of the first Covenant: “And God said, ‘I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come’” (Genesis 9:12). This phrase was then repeated four times, seeming to emphasise the inclusivity of God’s salvation for all living creatures. I later found this idea of inclusivity repeated throughout the Bible. With this new perspective, I have begun to identify many other passages in the Bible that speak of the role of God and Jesus in creating all life. As a Christian, we are called to revere and respect God, and I believe that revering and respecting his creation is a key element to this calling. For more information about ecotheology, please visit unitingearthweb.org.au

ministry centres

Mission Resourcing – Justice Past editions of New Times have focussed on different areas of the Mission Resourcing ministry centre. This article explores the work of those teams that fall into the category of justice – Covenanting, International Mission, Multicultural and Cross-Cultural Ministry, and Solidarity and Justice.

Covenanting The word “Covenanting” refers to the Uniting Church’s process of reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, acknowledging the Covenant that the Uniting Church has with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC). The Covenanting team explores ways for people across the Uniting Church in South Australia to learn from the faith of first Australians. They also seek to offer support for UAICC communities across the state, assisting with events and the development of faith communities. Each year, the Covenanting team holds “The Pilgrimage of Healing” during Reconciliation Week, providing Uniting Church members with an opportunity to support UAICC communities in practical ways. For more information and resources on Covenanting, please visit sa.uca.org.au/covenanting International Mission The Uniting Church in South Australia has a number of partnerships with Christian churches in Asia and Melanesia. The International Mission team works to build relationships with these churches, expressing support and solidarity while seeking to be part of God’s mission together. The team also works with UnitingWorld, the international development agency of the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly. International Mission supports congregations here and overseas in developing relationships, encouraging and empowering them to become involved in activities where they can learn from one another. For more information on the work of International Mission and how to support it, please visit sa.uca.org.au/international-mission Multicultural and Cross-Cultural Ministry The Multicultural and Cross-Cultural Ministry (MCM) team seeks to celebrate the diverse contributions offered by Uniting Church SA communities, acknowledging and embracing the multicultural nature of the church. MCM offers support to marginalised communities, and assists in developing partnerships and covenants. The team is working especially closely with the Northern Suburbs Dinka-Speaking Faith Community as they seek to create a home for their growing community. For more information about Multicultural and Cross-Cultural Ministry, please visit sa.uca.org.au/mcm

Uniting Church SA members recently participated in White Ribbon events speaking out against domestic violence.

Solidarity and Justice The area of Solidarity and Justice is particularly diverse, focussing on social justice issues that currently affect Australians and the Uniting Church SA community. The Solidarity and Justice team focusses on mental health issues through campaigns such as “Suicide: it’s no secret,” which aims to provide people with a space to talk about suicide and mental health issues. The treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, particularly the detainment of children in detention centres, is another focus of this team. Several vigils have been held around this issue, and have also been addressed in the “Jesus was a Refugee” campaign. Most recently, the Solidarity and Justice team has been working with the Uniting Church SA Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer on the issue of domestic and family violence. As part of the “Beyond Violence” and “White Ribbon” campaigns, the team has encouraged congregation leaders and members to talk about and engage with this issue. Solidarity and Justice addresses issues such as human rights, slavery and human trafficking, Fair Trade and ethical use of resources, health equity, global poverty, prison systems, and environmental issues. The team also supports the church to work towards the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. For more information about Solidarity and Justice, please visit sa.uca. org.au/solidarity-and-justice For more information about the Millennium Development Goals, please visit un.org/millenniumgoals Many of these Mission Resourcing teams are currently undergoing changes. For further information about any of these teams, please contact Mission Resourcing on mr@sa.uca.org.au or 8236 4243.

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

Walkerville Uniting Church

Few congregations in South Australia can boast a worshipping history as long and continuous as Walkerville Uniting Church’s 174 years. While the congregation is proud of its heritage, the members recognise the need to live and worship in a 21st century context. As such, the congregation’s approach to worship is one of praise and thankfulness, blending familiar traditions with a contemporary approach. The worshipping community at Walkerville is made up of three congregations, meeting at 9.30am on Sundays for worship, a monthly family service, and a twicemonthly worship time at the Walkerville Residential Care Centre. On Sunday mornings, the welcoming Walkerville congregation mostly includes members over the age of 50. This service continues to attract new members in this age bracket, particularly those who have recently moved to the area. The congregation’s thriving monthly Messy Church service, which goes by the name of “The msg@5,” has an attendance of over 50 parents and children, and is particularly focussed on catering to families. This demographic is also catered to through a large and enthusiastic playgroup held at the church each week. Walkerville supplements their church services with other activities that provide spiritual and pastoral nourishment whilst offering social activities for members of the church congregation and wider community. The church’s executive council focusses on three particular aspects of ministry – missional, relational and incarnational. The missional focus permeates many activities, including the congregation’s support for the work of Uniting Communities in the

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Eastern region. In addition to this, a number of “guest services” are organised each year with guest preachers invited to talk about their particular area of ministry, while friends and neighbours are invited to join as guests. A large part of Walkerville’s relational activities focus on the pastoral needs of members and the spiritual wellbeing of the congregation, which includes a daytime Bible study and an evening study group. The incarnational activities have encompassed 13 years of monthly community “Eat’n’Greet” luncheons and in recent years, annual public seminars on topics ranging from aged care to mental health. The congregation also enjoys a large number of social activities. These include women’s and men’s groups, a senior ladies “Chat’n’Do” group, a weekly “Gravity Fighters” exercise group, and luncheon celebrations for important birthdays and anniversaries. Over the years, Walkerville has been blessed with strong lay leadership, including an executive council made up of seven members which acts as the one link in the church’s chain of leaders and volunteers.

For many years, Walkerville relied on part-time ministry, but more recently they took a step of faith and called a full-time minister. In 2007, the late Rev Dr Robert Iles commenced his ministry in the congregation. Sadly, Robert’s time with Walkerville was cut short – his untimely death came less than 18 months into his appointment. After this period, the Walkerville community was warmly supported by interim ministers and leaders before Rev Geoff Ellery was appointed as the new minister. A parttime office administrator is employed by Walkerville Uniting Church, and there is currently a vacancy for a family ministries worker to further develop the family ministry and support the playgroup and msg@5 programmes (please refer to the advertisement on page 20). The members of Walkerville Uniting Church have come to realise that churches cannot be all things to all people; however, the community seeks to continually proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to show Christian love to those with whom they come in contact.

positions vacant

UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA MORETON RIVERS PRESBYTERY

PRESBYTERY MINISTER Moreton Rivers Presbytery is seeking a person with vision, energy and a strong team commitment who will provide strategic leadership, pastoral oversight, missional direction and support across the Presbytery. The position is open to ordained Ministers. A position description is available by emailing Rev Bruce Johnson (b_hjohnson@me.com), Presbytery Chairperson. Applications should be sent to: Moreton Rivers Presbytery Minister JNC, C/o Secretary of Synod Placements Committee, Uniting Church in Australia, (Qld Synod), GPO Box 674, Brisbane Q 4001 Applications close by 5 pm, 27 February 2015.

South Woden Uniting Church Minister of the Word or Deacon

Administrator (Pastoral Relations) The Presbytery/Synod is seeking to appoint an Administrator to oversee administration related to the pastoral care and oversight of ministers and congregations in the Presbytery and Synod of SA. The position offers advice and support to the Presbytery/Synod about administrative matters pertaining to stipends, placements, ministry agreements, employment contracts and memoranda of understanding. Part of this role involves committee membership. The Pastoral Relations Administrator, reporting to the Executive Officer Pastoral Relations, is an integral member of the Pastoral Relations Team, working closely with the Secretariat of the Presbytery/Synod, Human Resources and Payroll. The position is particularly responsible for all ministers’ records including stipends, long service leave, sick leave, and removals, and includes the specific details of employment conditions for those in the ministry of pastor and chaplains. Further details are outlined in the Position Description & Person Specification which is available on http://sa.uca.org.au/uc-positionsvacant/current-positions/. Enquiries can be made to Executive Officer, Pastoral Relations (Ms Sharonne Price) on 08 823642462 or 0417 811 517 Please forward applications addressing the selection criteria of the Position Description & Person Specification to humanresources@sa.uca.org.au by no later than 5pm, 16 February 2015.

Family Ministries Worker

Part-time 15 hours per week – initial 12 month contract

Walkerville Uniting Church 50 – 75% ongoing placement This Congregation of about 70 active and enthusiastic members has the following characteristics: •

We are an inclusive worshipping community and together we seek to serve God and our community.

•

We are faithful, generous, caring and supportive with a wide range of gifts and skills.

•

We choose to worship in a community hall as we have done for 40 years.

The Minister works with the Council and Congregation in a collaborative and inclusive way to lead participative and meaningful worship, encourage the inclusion and nurture of children, provide practical pastoral care and support our social justice activities. If you would like to find out more about our engaged and interesting congregation or obtain a copy of our profile please contact David Cran, Chairperson of the Church Council on 0437 869 621 or by email at david.cran1950@gmail.com

The person we are seeking will assist us to extend our existing family ministry through our playgroup and ‘messy’ church program and explore new initiatives for outreach. A full position description and person specification is available at www.walkerville.unitingchurch.org.au Contact Sue Farrant on 0478 611 871 for further details. Please forward applications addressing the selection criteria to walkeruc@chariot.net.au

Project Officer - Pilgrim Uniting Church Classification: Non-Award – Part Time 6 month position. Description: Pilgrim Uniting Church is seeking to appoint a Project Officer to provide coordination for the improvement of the church’s administrative systems and practices. The successful applicant will need to be able to demonstrate their experience in project management, communication and business administration in a multi-disciplinary environment. Position Description is available from the Church Office, ph: 8212 3295 or pilgrim.org.au Please forward applications addressing the Person Specifications and providing names of three referees to the Chairperson, Pilgrim Uniting Church Council, GPO Box 116, Adelaide, SA 5001. Applications close 27th February, 2015.

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letters to the editor

Continuing conversation

Volunteering – is it I, Lord?

G. Thomas suggests (New Times, December 2014) that views on protests and refugees are polarised. Not quite, it seems. We can apparently agree that there should be an increase in Australia’s refugee intake. The federal government’s recent promise to do so, whilst still in total below that proposed by the Opposition and the Greens, is nevertheless welcome. Where we might disagree is that this should have been a bargaining chip in releasing some of the children in detention. We would also agree that Australia’s international aid budget should be increased “to make countries less fortunate than ourselves more self-sufficient”. Given that the aid budget has again been plundered for other purposes, and that more is spent on deterring and detaining refugees than assisting them, one is justified in protesting Australia’s priorities.    Finally, I suggest, one should be wary of judging refugees as “genuine” or not based on their apparent wealth, or their education, race, religion, or anything other than their justified risk of persecution or torture. That alone qualifies them for our protection.

The Uniting Church, like most of other churches, relies heavily on the collective voluntary efforts of its members. Each day, thousands of people give of their time and talents to enable both the worship and service of the church to be made known. Whether it is helping out at a garage sale, fete, working bees, committees or formal, unpaid volunteer roles, it is all part of the fellowship that is central to our gospel calling. Many Uniting Church members also contribute to the wider social fabric of the nation through participation in community organisations unrelated to the church. However, in a country impacted by the forces of nature through drought and flooding rains and the ravages of fire, there are other ways of community volunteer service. As I write, the danger with the Adelaide Hills fire disaster has still not passed. Throughout this event, the Uniting Church has been visibly present through the provision of pastoral counsellors – and, amongst the army of volunteer firefighters from SA’s Country Fire Service, Victoria’s Country Fire Authority and the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, there are no doubt Uniting Church members. Not every Australian is able, nor perhaps willing, yet millions volunteer. Volunteering can be a rewarding experience, not simply to seek recognition, rather as a response to the summons “Whom shall I send?” Perhaps the answer is another question, “Is it I, Lord?”

BP Ward, Marden

Joy across generations I note the last edition of New Times was titled “Joy.” As a senior member of the Uniting Church, I would like to share the joy of the 2014 Advent Season as I listened, reflected, and discovered at a deeper level yet again the mystery of the Saviour Jesus’ birth with my granddaughter, Jessie. Jess created and developed the nativity scene on the wall of the Burnside City Uniting Church as Christmas celebrations grew closer. What a joy to share God’s love with our children and our children’s children.

A Gibson, Cherrybrook, NSW Send your letters to: newtimes@sa.uca.org.au or PO Box 2145, Adelaide 5001. Be topical, be brief, be timely. Letters over 150 words will be edited; responses to previous letters /articles will be considered within two months of the original item’s publication only. All letters are published at the editorial team’s discretion.

R Bond, Port Macquarie

Welcoming Work, Health and Safety In late 2014, the Uniting Church SA Resources department welcomed Wayne Booth as the new Work, Health and Safety (WHS) Coordinator. Having arrived from the United Kingdom only 18 months ago, Wayne has readily settled into his role and life in Australia. A passion for youth work led Wayne to pursue a career in safety, which has included a 12-year stint as a WHS manager in the UK nonprofit training and education sector. In this role, Wayne experienced safety management in a wide range of industries and environments, including churches. Wayne is enthusiastic about his new role in the Uniting Church SA, and encourages people to contact him for any WHS information or advice. Wayne can be contacted at the Synod office from Tuesday to Thursday on wbooth@sa.uca.org.au or 8236 4214.

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diary TAIZE CELEBRATION. In 2015, the Taizé Community will celebrate the centenary of the birth of its founder, Brother Roger, and the 75 years of its foundation. Brother Alois, prior of the Taizé Community, will make the final stage of a pilgrimage to every continent by travelling to Australia and New Zealand in February 2015, accompanied by other members of the community. On Friday 13 February an event for senior school students will be held at St Columba College, Andrews Farm. An evening prayer event will be held on the same day at Brougham Place Uniting Church, beginning at 7.30pm and open to all. For further details, please contact Brother Matthew on matthew@taize.fr or, after Wednesday 4 February, on 0475 089 719.

110 years at Sandy Creek On Sunday 23 November, Sandy Creek Uniting Church celebrated exactly 110 years since the church’s first service, which was held on Wednesday 23 November in 1904. Past members and friends gathered on the church grounds for a special service and luncheon. Many drove long distances to celebrate this landmark anniversary – people travelled from the South East and Mid North regions, the Fleurieu and Yorke Peninsulas, and beyond. In order to accommodate the large number of people, two marquees were erected outside the church with screens and sound set up so all attendees could participate. Amongst those attending the event were descendants of Maria Annie Moore. Maria’s home was the location of services held prior to the church being built in 1904. Also present were descendants of the Sim family who built the nearby Balmoral Homestead and donated the land on which the church was built. The service was led by Rev Richard Carter and the address was given by Rev Rob Brown, Chief Executive Officer of UnitingCare SA. After the service, attendees gathered over luncheon to renew friendships, reminisce about the past and share stories. Sandy Creek’s original Bible and “Minute Books” were on display, as were many photos of past gatherings and happenings of the Sandy Creek community. The anniversary cakes, beautifully decorated by Muriel Barrington, were a highlight for many. The cakes were cut by 97 yearold Max Springbett, the oldest member of the congregation present at the event, who first attended the Sunday School at Sandy Creek at the age of five. Approximately 140 people came together to celebrate with the Sandy Creek Uniting Church congregation, recognising the long mission of the church and its impact in the local community. Sandy Creek Uniting Church holds weekly worship services on Sundays at 9.30am, although the time is often changed for services held on special occasions such as Easter and Christmas. The “bush chapel” next to the church is available for functions. For more information on bookings, please contact Leslee on 8524 4086.

ANNIVERSARY SERVICE. The Vines Uniting Church will celebrate its 20th anniversary at 152 Reynell Rd, Woodcroft on Sunday 15 February. A church service will be held at 9.30 am, followed by lunch. Please RSVP by Saturday 7 February – phone Jenny on 8387 5701 or Judy on 8322 0892. BIG GUM TREE MARKET, 560 Goodwood Rd, Daw Park, is holding another indoor/outdoor market on Saturday 21 February, 9am-1pm. Come and enjoy a wide range of stalls including bric-a-brac, books, toys, plants and much more. Come for a bacon and egg breakfast, enjoy a delicious Devonshire morning tea, and stay for a sausage sizzle lunch. Fun for all the family including children’s activities. Stalls are available for $20. Contact Denise on thebiggumtreemarket@gmail.com or 0435 991 145. COMMUNITY DAY. On Saturday 21 February the Australian Christian Meditation Community SA will be holding a Community Day at St Francis Xavier Cathedral Hall (Wakefield St, Adelaide) from 11am-3pm. The guest speaker will be Fr Paul Mullins SJ and he will be speaking on “Finding God Within.” Please bring lunch for sharing. Suggested donation $15. Contact Bev on 0407 392 809. DISCERNMENT RETREAT. Uniting College of Leadership & Theology will hold their February Discernment Retreat from Friday 27 to Saturday 28 February at Nunyara, Belair. The retreat will be led by Revs Jenny Ducker and Michael Duke, and will offer time, space and spiritual resources for attendees to explore what God may be discerning for their future. The retreat is open to all who are seeking an intentional time of reflection and listening to what God may want to say to them. For further information, please contact Uniting College on 8416 8420 or info@unitingcollege.org.au CLEARANCE SALE at Seacombe Uniting Church (corner of Greenfield Rd and Fowler St, Seaview Downs) on Saturday 28 February, 9am-12noon. Items include: communion table, lectern, baptismal font, communion rail, cross, flower pedestals, overhead projector, chairs (single and groups of four), bookcases, pin boards, notice boards, ladder, kindergarten chairs, piano, screens, assorted toys, mobile walker, cupboards, photocopier, lounge chairs, computer desk, mobile air conditioner, filing cabinets, office chair and many other items. For further information, please contact The Corner Uniting Church (Tuesday-Friday, 9am-3pm) on 8350 5400 or 0418 844 185. CLOSING SERVICE. Booborowie Uniting Church will hold its closing service on Sunday 8 March at 11am. All past ministers, families and friends are welcome. A plate of food to share would be appreciated. For further information or to RSVP, please contact Janet Price on 8893 2296. RSVPs needed by Friday 27 February. HYMN FEST. Come and enjoy traditional hymn singing at Croydon Park Uniting Church (310 Torrens Rd, Croydon Park) on Sunday 22 March at 2pm. Singing led by choir. Donation $5, includes afternoon tea. For further information, please call 8346 3778. To have your upcoming event or message published here, email diary@sa.uca.org.au with ‘Diary’ in the subject line.

magazine

Haileigh faces a different future Nigel Tapp

Brisbane university student Haileigh Childs admits that she had very little understanding of Aboriginal culture prior to immersing herself in the About FACE programme at the beginning of this year. “My relationship and understanding was virtually non-existent before,” she reflects. “I was not actively seeking to be involved but now I will be seeking to learn more about the Aboriginal people in my own area.” Haileigh, who worships at Bulimba Uniting Church, was one of 17 participants in About FACE 2015, which was organised by the Synod Victoria and Tasmania’s Commission for Mission and ran for 16 days in January. She was one of 14 under the age of 30 with the other three participants over the age of 50. About FACE stands for Faith And Cultural Exchange, and has been an activity of the Uniting Church in Australia since 1984 with the aim of building meaningful relationships with Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) communities. It celebrates the Covenant relationship between the Uniting Church in Australia and the UAICC, and encourages participants and those supporting them to be actively involved in Covenanting, working together for reconciliation in the Church and in the wider community. About FACE has a strong focus on working collaboratively with all partners to ensure that the programme is beneficial for everyone involved, from participants to the communities who host them. Host communities are identified by the UAICC to strengthen and build upon the already existing relationships with the Uniting Church. This year the ten female and seven male participants – from Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland – were split between the outback town of Port Augusta in South Australia, Alice Springs and Ernabella in the Northern Territory, Lismore in northern New South Wales, and Grovedale in Victoria. Following a week in their chosen community, participants spent a further week engaging with more than 150 UAICC representatives at the UAICC National Conference in the Northern Tasmanian village of Poatina as well as participating in briefing and debriefing sessions. Haileigh says she, like so many other non-indigenous Australians, had little opportunity in the past to sit at the feet of Aboriginal people and learn more about their way of life. But interacting via visits to such places as Wilpena Pound near Port Augusta – in the heart of country central to the Adnyamathanha people – and taking on many aspects of the cultural differences has opened Haileigh’s eyes. “I had done some prac[tical work] in my studies but I had never experienced the [real] culture,” she says. “I have heard Aboriginal people talking about their land, but now I have heard their stories and seen their [deep] connection to that land. “It has given me a broader understanding.”

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Haileigh Childs (left), a member of the Uniting Church in Queensland, and Denise Champion attend the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress National Conference as part of About FACE 2015.

Adnyamathanha Elder Denise Champion, the South Australian Covenanting Coordinator, believes About FACE is an important beginning point for people seeking to develop a relationship with First Peoples. “They [participants] are adopted into our families and we welcome them to come back [whenever they choose],” she says. “It [the in-community experience] is just the tip of the iceberg but it makes it a lived experience which is life-changing for many.” For more information about About FACE, please visit aboutface.org.au

Conference comments

The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) National Conference, “Holy Mountains, Healing People,” was held at Poatina in Tasmania between Monday 12 and Sunday 18 January 2015. An article about the conference will appear in the March edition of New Times.

magazine

Pancakes connecting community Julianne Rogers

UnitingCare Pancake Day is a big, fun event run every year in locations across South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. But behind all the syrupy hundreds and thousands there are real people living out the mission of the church every day. For over fifty years, St Andrew’s by the Sea Uniting Church has been living out its mission in the local community, partly through work with UnitingCare Glenelg. In recent years, Pancake Day has also partnered with UnitingCare Glenelg through various programmes, events and grants. “Our congregation’s dream is to empower and transform lives through hospitality, compassion and care,” says Rev Adam Tretheway, Deacon at St Andrew’s by the Sea. “These Pancake Day grants have helped our dream to become a reality.” In the past, the grants supplied to UnitingCare Glenelg have enabled them to employ the services of a financial counsellor. This has helped the organisation to support people coming to Community Aid seeking assistance in addressing immediate financial crises. Other Pancake Day grants have enabled them to purchase cutlery, crockery and aprons to be used in outreach programmes, which provide hospitality at Friendship Café, Mary’s Soup Kitchen, the church and in the wider community. Many people have been blessed by the programmes offered by UnitingCare Glenelg and St Andrew’s By the Sea. “At our Pancake Day event last year, we were touched when a young man gave a very generous donation because of the numerous ways in which the church community had helped him out in the past,” Adam recalls. “He wanted to help others in the same way he had been helped.” With a similar wish to support others, Sarah* and Joe* (names changed) have recently begun volunteering with UnitingCare

Funds raised by Pancake Day events, including the one held at Pilgrim Uniting Church in 2014, go to support UnitingCare organisations across South Australia. Photo courtesy of Peter Russell.

Glenelg – an experience they have found very enriching. Both Sarah and Joe are Christian refugees from Iran who, after settling in to the Glenelg area, wanted to form stronger community connections. Since their first visit, Sarah and Joe have become valued members of the UnitingCare Glenelg community. They collect goods each Tuesday from Coles stores through the Second Bite program. They also help to staff the International Mission Op Shop and plan to branch out into other programmes in the coming year. Having the opportunity to volunteer has meant that, though they can’t yet work in Australia, they can contribute to the community using their gifts and skills. Sarah and Joe have been able to offer their time and talents, giving back to the community. In return, they have been able to discover a new sense of purpose, identity and belonging in a foreign land. This is what UnitingCare is about. UnitingCare Glenelg has seen numerous

instances of lives being touched through Pancake Day and the programmes it supports – from single mothers gaining financial independence to recently retrenched middleaged men who are getting out of debt through the support of UnitingCare Glenelg’s financial counselling service. “Our soup kitchen’s Christmas party in 2014 saw over 149 people fed – many of whom were either estranged from their family, or had no family whatsoever,” Adam recalls. “It reminded me of the feeding of the five thousand. “We often see glimpses of the kingdom of God through our community programmes.” Many congregations and individuals from the Uniting Church in SA provide vital support for the work of UnitingCare organisations every year through volunteering and involvement with Pancake Day. For more information about how to hold a Pancake Day event in 2015, please visit sa.pancakeday.com.au or call 1800 060 543 (toll free).

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