December 2005
Issue 24, Number 11 PP 565 001/00190 ISSN 0726-2612
Some great tastes for Christmas DRIED APRICOTS and apricots covered with chocolate were on sale during the SA Presbytery and Synod meeting last month. The meeting was at the Royal Adelaide Showground. Dried and chocolate covered fruit – and fresh oranges – are now available through several Uniting Churches in Adelaide. Some fruit growers have been dumping some of their produce. The project also raises money for International Mission medical projects on Numfor Island, Papua, Indonesia. Several churches in different parts of Adelaide have agreed to act as depots. Other local congregations can pick up produce from them. Fresh fruit and vegetables should be available soon. An order form is on the Synod website. There are also more details about what produce is available – and about the International Mission projects being helped. More information is available from Graeme Cavanagh, of Waikerie Uniting Church, email almostorganic@hotkey. net.au” or Lyn Leane of the Synod office, email lyn@sa.uca.org.au
Lyn Leane and Graeme Cavanagh with some of the dried fruit and chocolate covered apricots.
inside… A plea for clemency
2
It’s all about mission
3
Concern over IR laws
3
Meetings at glance
4
A slimmer church
6
The new networks
7
Zimbabwe: churches help
10
Aerosol art
13
…and a great message, too
ABOVE LEFT: This is the card being used in the Uniting Church SA’s 2005 Christmas campaign. More than 150,000 of the cards will be distributed across the state this month. There’s a story on page 2. ABOVE RIGHT: This Christmas card, “New Life,” is taken from the newly completed mural at the Port Adelaide Uniting Church. Other panels from the mural are being used on greeting cards. There’s a story on page 11.
Please hand out at your church door
2
NEWS
SA church made a plea for clemency UNITING CHURCH SA wrote to the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, and the Singaporean High Commission in Canberra seeking clemency for Nguyen Tuong Van on compassionate grounds. Nguyen, 25, was caught at Changi airport in Singapore in 2002 with 396 grams of heroin strapped to his body and in his hand luggage. At the time we went to the printers it was expected that he would be executed on December 2. The church’s letter followed the meeting of the Presbytery and Synod of SA. It was signed by retiring general secretary, Rev Stuart Cameron. “At our recent annual meeting, attended by over 450 members from across the state, considerable discussion occurred regarding the planned execution of the Australian prisoner Nguyen Tuong Van,” the letter said. “The meeting unanimously agreed to write to you to appeal for clemency for this man on compassionate grounds. This appeal is heartfelt. “We are aware that the Singaporean authorities, including your government, have followed all the established processes in this case. However, we believe there is still time and good reason for you to exercise compassion and commute Nguyen Tuong Van’s sentence. Such an action will engender heartfelt gratitude across both our church and nation, not to mention Mr Nguyen’s family. “Please be assured of the prayers of our church for you and your government at this time.”
New Times
We’d love to see you at Christmas THERE WILL be advertisements in the Advertiser and Sunday Mail on December 17, 18 and 23 inviting people to worship with us this Christmas. The advertisements will feature the same design as the Christmas postcards being distributed across the State. Congregations have ordered over 105,000 postcards. The cards have the message “There’s more than one man behind Christmas” on the cover. The reverse of the card continues “… and more than one reason to celebrate. Come celebrate with us, we’d love to see you.” The postcards highlight local worship events and times. The advertisements and cards will include a website address where people can go to find out more. Congregations can also put their Christmas worship details online. The Uniting Church’s website, – www. sa.unitingchurch.org.au/christmas – will feature: • Worship services and activities across the Uniting Church. • How to get practical help from UnitingCare at Christmas. • Basic introduction to the Christian meaning behind Christmas and the Uniting Church. “The site has an interactive map which allows people to click on the region that they live in and get a list of local worship services and activities,” website designer, Steve Davis, said. “Last year the site received around 220 unique
visitors every day and 6,700 during December – more than double the number the entire Synod site was getting at that time. “Over 100 churches took advantage of the free listing on our website, with the details of over 250 worship services available online.” Congregations can submit their details by sending an email to jo@sa.uca.org.au. If your church has ordered postcards, your worship details will automatically be displayed. Your email should contain the following information: • The suburb your church is in. • Your church’s name and address. • The date, time and details of each event. • A contact number for more information. The deadline for submissions is December 12. For more information, contact: Jo Watts on 8236 4260 or jo@sa.uca.org.au.
Many will miss out THOUSANDS of South Australians, including teenagers and children, are facing a bleak Christmas without gifts this year. Deacon, Rev Michaela Tiller, general manager of UnitingCare South Australia, said that UnitingCare will struggle to meet the increase in requests for assistance this year without extra community support. “Last year over 10,000 gifts were collected, in South Australia, as part of the Share Christmas Gift Appeal,” Michaela said.
A one-hour TV special THE Christian Television Association of SA has been a major force in the production of a one-hour special for Christmas Day, “Celebrate Christmas”. The TV special features a Christmas party, and special guests include sociologist Hugh Mackay. The program will be on Ten! CTA SA is an ecumenical body, supported by the Catholic, Anglican, Uniting, Lutheran, Salvation Army, Baptist, and Churches of Christ churches in our state. DECEMBER 2005
“But it just wasn’t enough to meet the need. Even more gifts are needed this Christmas. “We want to make sure that no one misses out on a gift, particularly children and teenagers, but also older people who are homeless or on their own.” People can help by donating a gift beneath UnitingCare’s Christmas tree at the front of any Target store. Last year, UnitingCare distributed more than 108,000 gifts nationally.
NEWS
New Times
3
An army of leaders
Rev Graham Vawser, left, is pictured with his parents, Rev Bob and Marj Vawser, in the grounds of St Andrew’s Hospital. Rev Bob Vawser, a lymphoma patient, is a former Home Mission Officer with the Methodist Conference and former Synod Mission Officer. He was able to attend Graham’s installation as Moderator.
‘It’s all about mission’ A GOOD DEAL of time at the recent meeting of the Presbytery and Synod of SA was spent on structural changes. “But,” said Moderator, Rev Graham Vawser,” it was all about mission.” During the meeting the former seven presbyteries were dissolved and the new presbytery of SA – and the new Presbytery Synod Mission Networks – were inaugurated. “In a sense, it all comes back to our theme, ‘Be my witnesses’,” Graham said. “One aspect of the church’s mission is the development of a personal relationship with Christ. “The other aspect is the sharing of that relationship, within the life of the congregation, and, through the life of the congregation, with the community. “We’re witnesses because, personally, we’ve seen Christ and known his presence. He’s a real part of our lives. “We’re witnesses because we encourage one another to discern that same presence.
We’re involved in great things GRAHAM VAWSER said the ex-Moderator’s and retiring General Secretary’s reports showed that the church is involved in great things. “They also highlighted some of the difficulties that we face,” he said. “Their reports were received with standing ovations. “I made the point that, if we’re going to stand up and affirm these people, we have to listen to what they say. “We must affirm the great things the church is doing. And we must also acknowledge that there are things we have yet to learn to make the church effective in the best possible way. And we must commit ourselves to finding the best way forward.” Graham said the time spent at the meeting on structural matters was important. “The structural matters all relate to the mission of the church and to the call that Christ places upon us to be his witnesses.”
THE DISSOLVING if the seven former presbyteries and the inauguration of the presbytery of SA was a moving moment. The church recognised the work of the army of people who have served the former presbyteries over the last 28 years. The former presbytery chairpersons placed Presbytery Bibles, Crosses and stoles on the communion table. Secretaries furled the Presbytery banners. They will be kept by the Synod. Then these people were asked to stand: • Current and former Presbytery officers. • Current and former Presbytery staff. • Current and former PRC (Pastoral Relations Committees) members. • Current and former Standing Committee members. • Current and former members of other Committees. Their work was acknowledged with applause. Gradually more and more people stood, representing the hundreds of people who had been part of the life of the presbyteries and provided leadership in the church over 28 years. The new Presbytery of SA was inaugurated with prayer. Part of it was: “Bless, Lord, the Presbytery of South Australia, that it may be the agent of your mission; may your strength empower it, your wisdom direct it, your Word correct it, and your Spirit enliven it to do your will.”
“And we’re witnesses as we share that presence with people who haven’t yet heard, seen, known who Christ is.” Graham said the new structures allow and encourage flexibility in mission. “The Mission Networks are the servants of the congregations. They resource the congregations’ activities. “The Presbytery provides pastoral oversight of the congregations and their leadership, both ordained and lay. “In the new structures, bodies like the MRN (Mission Resourcing Network) and UnitingCare Commission continue to carry out their function. But now there’s this new component in the process. “The UnitingCare Commission encourages and develops the mission of the church through agencies and chaplaincies. “The MRN develops and encourages mission through the provision of resources – like major resourcing events, consultations and so on. “In a similar way, the Mission Networks will resource the congregations, focussing particularly on the activities of congregations within each network, according to the style of each network. “And the Presbytery is the council that oversees the whole thing, giving pastoral oversight. “All the changes have been so we can be more involved in the mission of the church.”
Concern over IR laws THE UNITING CHURCH’S national President, Rev Dr Dean Drayton, told the Senate inquiry into the new industrial relations laws he has serious concerns with the legislation. Dean said the Uniting Church believes the new minimum conditions are inadequate. Nor will they maintain the standard of living for Australia’s low-paid workers. He described some of the measures in the bill as “outrageous”. The bill is “not fair for vulnerable workers,” Dean said on ABC Radio.
• There is a fuller story on the synod website. DECEMBER 2005
4
DECEMBER 2005
New Times
PRESBYTERY AND SYNOD
5
DECEMBER 2005
6
MAGAZINE
New Times
Slimmer church on a regional diet This is an edited version of an article by Bruce Best, editor of the VictorianTasmanian Synod monthly publication, Crosslight. THE UNITING CHURCH is changing its shape. In fact, it’s achieving the dream of many weight watchers: it’s trimming its midriff. That part of its body is made up of the presbyteries, the regional councils that support and oversee congregations and ministers. They’re the middle ground between local congregations and the church’s state and national councils. But the Uniting Church, born in 1977 with 54 presbyteries, is now on a “diet” that will leave it with just 40 of them. The Northern synod led the way (four presbyteries became two) and Tasmania followed (three into one). Western Australia has just turned its five presbyteries into one, and South Australia has now merged seven into one. Queensland has trimmed its bottom and expanded its top, so to speak. It merged two presbyteries into one in its south-eastern corner, but added one in the north – Calvary, the presbytery of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, based in Townsville. Two states are still holding the line – Victoria, with the 13 presbyteries it had in 1977, and NSW, still with 14 – but the diet regime isn’t over for the Uniting Church in Australia The Victoria-Tasmania synod meeting in late September decided to take yet another look at its regional councils. It set up a working group to “consider the roles and expectations of presbyteries”, to work out what sort and how many of them are needed for their “oversight role” and to consider the approaches other synods have taken. “There are some signs of déjà vu [already seen] about this,” admitted the Rev Allan Thompson, interim general secretary of the Victoria-Tasmania synod. “However, this issue is not going to go away. What are we doing about presbyteries which are currently operating under considerable stress? A lot of work was done by previous task groups on this, but the church shirked the decision. ” In the 1960s, Mr Thompson said, the Uniting Church had been designed with a series of interrelated councils, from local to national level. But, 40 years later, was maintaining all these sustainable or appropriate? Presbyteries were having an increasing struggle to
IVAN BUTLER
DECEMBER 2005
fulfil all the requirements laid on them, he said. “For example, several presbyteries have said they can’t cope with consultations with congregations on life and witness, and several are finding it very hard to fill office bearer positions that are vacant, especially secretaries and treasurers.” That doesn’t mean scrapping them. “As far as I’m concerned, amalgamation of presbyteries is not on the agenda,” said Mr Thompson. “But what’s their job, and how is that best exercised?” The Western Australian synod also did that sort of questioning about its five presbyteries. But the crunch came when one of them (Peel, stretching south from metropolitan Perth) decided to stop operating from the end of 2005. “We had to accommodate reality,” said Rev Dr John Evans, WA synod general secretary. And so began a year of consultation and decision, which included a “summit of presbyteries”. Two key issues emerged: • Regional groupings were needed, because they gave people opportunities for fellowship and worship together. • People wanted a “one-stop shop” for all the issues that went beyond the local congregation. They opted for a merger into one presbytery to serve about 6,000 Uniting Church people in the synod’s 150 congregations. Regional groupings will preserve the worship and fellowship beyond the local congregations. “I think we’ll end up with eight ‘chapters’ of the presbytery,” said Dr Evans. The new system begins next February, with a
presbytery and a “separate” synod that will have the same boundaries and same office. South Australia has a similar story. Its 3-7 November synod meeting in Adelaide implementedw what it decided last year: that the church’s 350 congregations and 25,000 members will all be part of one presbytery, the same size as the SA synod. This presbytery will have sub-sections, but they’ll be ‘networks’ based on common concerns or special interests rather than on geography. That approach was rejected in the West. “People [in WA] didn’t want to go down the network path,” said Dr Evans, in Perth. “They appreciated being exposed to the diversity of the church in regional gatherings. ” The presbytery story in NSW and Queensland is different. “I certainly don’t see us ever going to one [presbytery],” said NSW synod general secretary, Rev Paul Swadling, although he acknowledged that it was likely there would be fewer at some stage. In fact, the NSW synod now has a working group on how many presbyteries it should have and how they should be resourced. One of the proposals referred to it from a consultation earlier this year between synod and the Reforming Alliance, was that synod should examine the idea of setting up “non-geographic” presbyteries with common mission goals – like the SA networks. In Queensland, the feedback from presbyteries is that there is very little energy for structural change, according to synod general secretary, Rev Jenny Tymms. “Queensland is so big, and most people in presbyteries believe there needs to be some regional structure [for church gatherings]. “There’s also a greater willingness to work creatively without having to worry too much about where the presbytery boundaries are.” “They’ve been fairly creative in how to do presbytery matters, and have quite a degree of flexibility,” she said. For example, one presbytery has two live-in meetings each year and smaller local gatherings at other times. Creativity doesn’t solve all the problems: “There’s a bit of stress and strain about the load particular people have to bear,” said Ms Tymms. But there’s virtually no prospect of merging them all into one presbytery, and the reason for that is cultural rather than ecclesiastical. The Uniting Church changing shape? Make that shapes.
PSMN FEATURE
New Times
7
The new Presbytery Synod Mission Networks The new Presbytery of SA was inaugurated last month - and final details of the new Presbytery Synod Mission Networks were announced. Here is the list of the new networks and the congregations that belong to them.
Central East Mission Network Angaston Barmera Berri Cambrai Eden Valley/South Rhine Eudunda Greenock Kapunda Mannum Midlands Mount Pleasant Nuriootpa Renmark Robertstown Tanunda Tarlee Truro
Community Outreach Mission Network Ascot Community Church Broadview Campbelltown Colonel Light Gardens Croydon Park Delamere Dernancourt Grange Greenacres Hackham West Henley-Fulham Hillier Rd Marion Maughan Church Northfield Oaklands and Wesley Warradale Old Noarlunga Port Adelaide Seacliff Seaton Semaphore St Lukes AAW St Lukes Peterhead Taperoo Trinity Alberton Trinity Christies Beach Warradale West Lakes United Western Link Willunga Woodville Gardens Yankalilla
Grace Connections Mission Network Adelaide West Brighton Fullarton – Julia Farr Gawler Malvern
Rosefield Spicer Unley Walkerville Woodville
Hope Mission Network Ardrossan Booleroo Centre Booleroo Whim Brentwood Brinkworth Bute Cadell Clare Clarendon Clinton Centre Corny Point Coromandel Valley Cross Roads Crystal Brook Cunliffe Dowlingville Driver River Dudley Gladstone Glenunga Golden Grove Hallett Cove Hawthorn Iron Bank Faith Community Iron Knob Keith Kingscote Koolywurtie Lameroo Lobethal Lochiel Macclesfield Melrose Minlaton Moonta Moonta Mines Morgan Murraytown Parilla Parndana Peterborough Pinnaroo Port Broughton Port Neill Port Pirie Port Vincent Prospect Hill Range Road Sandilands Stansbury Stokes Bay Sunnyvale Sunset Rock
The Branches Tusmore Memorial Waikerie Wandearah Warooka Whyalla Windsor Gardens Wirrabarra Yorketown
Northern Rural Mission Network Andamooka Appila Booborowie Burra Clements Gap Hallett Hawker Jamestown Koolunga Leigh Creek Mundoora Orroroo Port Germain Quorn Roxby Downs Snowtown Spalding Watervale Whyte Yarcowie Wilmington Yacka/Gulnare
Rural/Urban Transitioning Communities Mission Network Aldinga Cudlee Creek Gumeracha Houghton Kersbrook McLaren Vale Mount Torrens Paracombe Sandy Creek Strathalbyn & Districts Two Wells Williamstown
Small Strong Mission Network Argent Belair Bridgewater Clearview Dulwich/Rose Park United Eden Hills Elizabeth Grove Gateway Glengowrie Greenwith Hare St Kensington Gardens Mitcham Mylor Para Hills Para Vista Payneham Rd Plympton (All Saints)
Port Elliott Seacombe Seaford St Stephens Elizabeth North United Church Royal Park Upper Sturt Vermont Yilki
Small Strong Rural Mission Network Cleve Cowell Cummins Glencoe Karoonda Kimba Kingston Lock Loxton Meningie Minnipa Padthaway Poochera Streaky Bay Tumby Bay Wirrulla Wudinna Yeelanna
South East Mission Network Apsley Bordertown Buckingham Coomandook Coonalpyn Gambier East Geranium Kalangadoo/Nangwarry Kongorong Lucindale Millicent Mundulla Murray Bridge Murrayville/Cowangie Mypolonga Penola Port MacDonnell/Allendale Rockleigh Tailem Bend Tantanoola Wolseley
3Dnet Mission Network Aberfoyle Park Adare Balaklava Balhannah Beaumont Charleston Cherry Gardens Cornerstone Echunga Flaxley Freedom Worship and Community Centre Goolwa Hope Valley Kensington Park Klemzig Kulpara Lenswood
Littlehampton Meadows Mount Barker Mount Gambier Murdoch Hill Nairne Naracoorte One Tree Hill Parafield Gardens Pedare Port Augusta Port Wakefield Salisbury Summertown Tea Tree Gully The Vines Tintinara Tusmore Park Unity Hill Christian Ministry Centre West Croydon Westbourne Park Woodside
Gulf Mission Network Arthurton Curramulka Edithburgh Freeling Hamley Bridge Jerusalem Kadina Wesley Maitland Mallala Nantawarra Owen Community Church Price Tiparra West Urania Wallaroo Weetulta Windsor
Urban Mission Network Adelaide Korean Congregation Blackwood Brougham Place Christ Church Wayville Church of the Trinity Clayton-Wesley Enfield Kent Town (Wesley) Modbury Morialta Newland Pilgrim Prospect Road Scots St Andrews by the Sea Verdun
Western Mission Network Arno Bay Ceduna Coffin Bay Coolanie Elliston Koinonia Faith Community Lipson Penong Poonindie Smokey Bay Uworra
Visit our website: www.sa.unitingchurch.org.au/psmn This page is sponsored by the PSMN Taskgroup. DECEMBER 2005
8
MAGAZINE
New Times
Looking back… NEW TIMES won an award this year at the Australasian Religious Press Association for our cover of the SA visit of World Council of Churches general secretary, Rev Dr Sam Kobia in our August 2004 issue. We were also short listed for our use of the main pictures on the covers of our September 2004 and December 2004 issues. The September cover’s picture of was of young Sudanese refugees who had just crossed the border in Kenya. The December picture was of Aboriginal children at Port Augusta.
And here are some pictures looking back on some of the events of 2005. The pictures are by editor, Nicholas Kerr.
Katrina Tjitayi, of Ernabella, who arranged the pre-NCYC visit by delegates to the Ernabella Aboriginal community.
National Christian Youth Convention delegates lighting candles for victims in the NCYC tsunami prayer room.
Rachel Marchison, of Wanilla, after the Eyre Peninsula fires.
Hendrico of Hallett Cove, one of the 2,000 who took part in the kids’ camp out, KCO ’05.
DECEMBER 2005
New Times
MAGAZINE
9
Retiring ministers honoured
Retiring ministers and their spouses were recognised during the meeting of the Presbytery and Synod of SA. Pictured are, from left, Jennie Hosking, Rev Doug Hosking, Rev Vikki Waller, Rev Lloyd Kerley, Gwenda Kerley, Rev Brian Polkinghorne, Jill Polkinghorne, Rev Allen Cameron, Jillian Cameron, Rev John Richardson, Chris Richardson and Moderator, Rev Graham Vawser.
An army of leaders The army of leaders who have worked in SA’s seven former presbyteries was recognised during the SA Presbytery and Synod meeting last month. Among them were these chairs of former presbyteries, Rev Neville Stewart, Rev Ted White, Rev Sybil Peacock, Peter Lawrie and Rev Lloyd Kerley.
DECEMBER 2005
10
MAGAZINE
New Times
Two church leaders visited Australia to publicise this year’s Christmas Bowl appeal. They were Aisake Casimira, from Fiji, left, and Gabriel Manyangadze, of Zimbabwe, right. They are pictured in Sydney with Alistair Gee, director of Christian World Service.
Zimbabwe... What will happen to the homeless? Nicholas Kerr
Mental Health Chaplaincy You are invited to become part of a dynamic new ministry concept covering chaplaincy, the mission of the local church, and a Mental Health Mission Resource Network Centre. Expressions of Interest are sought from Congregations in the northern and western suburbs of Adelaide who have a keen sense of mission to their local community, the desire to become a mental health friendly congregation from which mental health chaplaincy is offered and the financial capacity to support a half-time ministry. Expressions of Interest are sought from Ministers of the Word and Deacons who have a pastoral vision for people with mental health issues, high level pastoral skills, preferably supported by appropriate professional qualifications and experience, and a capacity to be part of a multi-disciplinary mental health team. The proposed placement will be half-time mental health chaplain in the western suburbs of Adelaide, based at Q.E.H., and half time minister of a mental health friendly congregation. The chaplaincy will be an integral part of a Mission Resource Network Centre which will resource local churches in their work with people with mental health issues. For further information contact UnitingCare Ph (08) 8236 4255. Expressions of Interest to:
DECEMBER 2005
Rev. John Watt UnitingCare Commission G.P.O. Box 2145 Adelaide SA 5001
The rainy season is coming in Zimbabwe – and 90 per cent of the people made homeless in Operation Restore Order are still sleeping out in the open. “What will happen to them?” asks Gabriel Manyangadze, director of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches’ Church in Society department. Gabriel has been in Australia promoting this year’s Christmas Bowl appeal. The aftermath of Operation Restore Order is just one of the human tragedies the churches in Zimbabwe are dealing with. Land reform was bungled. The local people do not have the money or the equipment to restore prosperity to the farms. There is almost no fuel, and tractors and other agricultural machinery are useless. And there is drought. “Zimbabwe used to be known as the bread basket of Africa,” Gabriel said. “Now it is the begging basket. “The economy of Zimbabwe, which is agrobased, took a big knock. “Even if there’s a normal rainy season, food shortages in Zimbabwe won’t disappear. “Inflation’s proving very difficult to deal with. The economy is hardly producing enough from exports to sustain the needs of the nation.” Gabriel said that Operation Restore Order caused unbearable suffering to Zimbabwe’s people. The operation was carried out from mid May till the end of July this year. Many of the dwellings that were destroyed were illegal. The areas were congested, unhealthy and harboured criminals. But these houses were better than the filthy conditions people are living in, now that their homes have gone. “Many of the buildings had been there for 30 or 40 years,” Gabriel said. “Most of them represented a lifetime of saving. People lost everything. “Some of the homes were backyard shacks and cottages. They were against the city bylaws but the authorities had done nothing about them. “The bylaws also say, quite specifically, that people must be given a period of notice if they’re to be moved on. This has to be in writing. “It didn’t happen. Things didn’t happen according to the law.”
How churches are helping The Zimbabwe Council of Churches has set up direct consultations with the authorities. “We’re creating church forums where communities have an opportunity to speak directly with political and civic leaders on issues that affect them,” Gabriel Manyangadze said. “We’re providing psycho-social support for the victims of Operation Restore Order. People have lost everything. They’ve been severely traumatised. “With the help of our ecumenical partners, like Christian World Service, we have been able to ameliorate the living conditions of a lot of people. “There is hope that things will change for the better in Zimbabwe. We believe that one day things will be right.” Other houses that were destroyed did fulfil all the legal requirements. “Many of them had certificates of approval given by the Ministry of Local Government and National Housing. “There were also a lot of housing cooperatives, especially around the capital, Harare. I myself was a member of one of these cooperatives. “One of the cooperatives invited the Minister to perform the official opening. “He was widely quoted in the media. He said the cooperatives were doing a wonderful job and urged them to built houses faster. “About four months down the track his Ministry led the way in the demolishing of houses, claiming that proper procedures hadn’t been followed. “No wonder people are asking questions.” Now the Government has promised to build houses for those without homes. “But the same processes are being followed again – the very processes that caused the old houses to be condemned. “In some areas, the road network isn’t complete. Areas aren’t connected with water. They aren’t connected with any sewerage system. “People are asking, Why are they putting up these houses that are similar to the ones they destroyed?”
PEOPLE AND PLACES
New Times
11
Athelstone’s 150 years
Coordinator, Val Bennett, right, with Amanda Ruler in front of the mural.
ON SUNDAY, October 23, Athelstone Uniting Church celebrated 150 years of the church in Athelstone. Over 200 people attended an inspiring morning service. The then Moderator, Rev Dr Graham Humphris, preached with the theme “The best we can be”. The many dedicated people who have worked to establish and maintain the life of the Athelstone Church since 1855 were honoured. The present generation were encouraged to use God’s gifts to them to God’s glory to further develop and nurture the Church at Athelstone. Rev Roger Brook preached at an evening service on the theme, “Realising your dreams”. He challenged the congregation to begin dreaming God’s dream that is in each one of them, enabling them to follow God’s plan for their own development and also for the church. The Uniting Church at Athelstone has a strong historical background. It began in 1854 when plans were made to build a gothic style Methodist Chapel on Gorge Road. As Rev Dean Brook, interim minister at Athelstone, wrote in the weekly newsletter, “The future begins today with us. Let us continue with prayer, praise and preaching. “May we grow in wonder, worship, wisdom and witness, knowing that we do not do this in our own strength but with the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Joy Machin • There is a fuller story on the synod website.
Coordinator, Val Bennett, right, with Amanda Ruler in front of the mural.
A mural with meaning LAST YEAR the Port Adelaide Uniting Church commissioned artist Helen Stacey to start a community art project One Community-Many Cultures. The diverse backgrounds of the congregation and community involved were represented in the artwork that resulted. Each participant expressed their personal cultural and spiritual beliefs and the significance of the Church in Port Adelaide through images, signs and words. The church is using one of the panels, “New Life,” on its Christmas cards (see page 1). Port Adelaide Uniting Church honours the Indigenous people and their land on which it stands. Lewis O’Brien (Kaurna elder) and Karno Walker (Ramindjeri consultant) were consulted and provided valuable insights and information. The main panel includes the shadow side of the moon (kakirra/markeri) that represents life as a balance of light and darkness. Star-like patterns of wodliparri/karuturi kur
(hut river) indicate that the land around the Port River was occupied before the arrival of European settlers. The dolphin (yambo/yauoangg), swan (kudlyo/ kungari), pelican (yeltu/nori) and black snake (ilya/ kungguria) are totems for many Indigenous people. The design of the main panel also includes significant buildings along the wharves, such as the Customs House, and local flora and fauna. The first church in the colony was built of wattle and daub. This is signified by the words, “Jesus is the Rock,” overlapped by wattle saplings. Before the final mural was created, a photograph of each of the 55 colorful panels was taken and used to make Christmas and greeting cards. They are available at $2 each or three for $5. The Port Adelaide Uniting Church is on Commercial Road, Port Adelaide, email pauc@ chariot.net.au or phone 8240 0200. – Amanda Ruler
Work party goes to Port Lincoln A GROUP of 17 people from the Adare Uniting Church – and one from Echunga – travelled to the Port Lincoln district recently to help with restoration work. This followed the bushfires that caused much damage earlier this year. The group was able to share in the Sunday morning Communion Service with the Unity Hill Congregation, and the barbeque lunch which followed. The Recovery Centre suggested contacts for areas of need so that we were able to offer our assistance to some of them. The men in the group were involved in both construction, and deconstruction of fences. One farmer needed a boundary fence completed, so that he could graze the area after reaping. One group finished three kilometres of fencing. Another group insisted that it had the more difficult task of deconstructing two kilometres of burnt fence in rough terrain. The other major project was helping a young
couple get their five acre property back to a safe and pleasant garden area for them and their young children. There is still a great amount of work to be done. Many kilometres of internal fencing has not yet been started.
Christmas lights WESTMINSTER SCHOOL will host its inaugural Westminster Christmas lights display, every evening the week before Christmas (Friday December 16 to Friday December 23) at Alison Ave, Marion. The display will have a five-kilometre trail of fairy lights through the school grounds, lit with 35,500 individual fairy lamps. Visitors also have the opportunity to help South Australians in need by bringing an unwrapped gift suitable for a young child or teenager to place under a Christmas Giving tree. These will be distributed by UnitingCare Wesley. • There are fuller stories on the synod website. DECEMBER 2005
12
MAGAZINE
EARTHQUAKE The Church of North India, Diocese of Amrtitsar, reports that virtually all buildings in the earthquake affected region of Kashmir have been destroyed. This leaves the majority Muslim population extremely vulnerable to the winter season. It’s possible the number of people who will die from exposure will exceed the numbers killed on the morning of the earthquake last October. Uniting Church Overseas Aid sent an initial $A5,000 to the CNI for emergency relief.
DECEMBER 2005
New Times We are receiving donations to support the ongoing work of the CNI relief effort in Kashmir. Donations can be sent to Uniting Church Overseas Aid, PO Box A2266, Sydney South 1235, freecall 1800 000331. John Barr Uniting International Mission Sydney NEW LIFE We, the former Maylands Methodist/Uniting Church congregation, were invited back to our “old” church on Saturday, November 5, for the dedication service of the New Life Christian Community Church after they had restored the buildings. They have done what we were unable to do, and we are so thankful to God for leading
them to Maylands. What could have been a block of flats by now is still a place of worship for these wonderful Chinese Christians. They have put a new roof on all the buildings, painted and repaired the rooms so well that it was like going into our church as it was 50 years ago. The charismatic singing and the hospitality shown to us made our hearts glad – and the afternoon tea was really something! Who said God doesn’t answer prayers? Maureen Parker Payneham NEW PROJECT Murray Bridge Uniting Church is embarking on a new project as we seek to maximise our resources, respond creatively to the needs in our community, minimise the time spent in meetings, and fulfil our administrative responsibilities. The Church Council is reviewing our CC and congregational procedures, including how we make decisions, discern the guidance of the Spirit, create community, communicate in meetings, and orientate new CC members. We have some ministry teams established, and others planned.
About your letters
Please keep your letters short — about 150 words is ideal. Longer letters will be cut or rejected. You’re welcome to email letters to newtimes@sa.uca.org.au or they can be posted to us at GPO Box 2145, Adelaide 5001 We are working with the Mission Resourcing Network to have training in the Constitution, bylaws and meeting procedures. We are developing a manual which will include policy and procedural guidelines for our local church community. If anyone has any material to help us in our task, we would love to hear from you – phone or fax, 8569 7392, email ucmb@lm.net.au Lyn Gross Caloote ‘A MOVEMENT’ I have just read Stu Cameron’s final report as General Secretary of the SA UCA Synod. I am both ashamed and gobsmacked: • Gob-smacked that an 8 year-old could see so clearly what so many adults refused to acknowledge – how, even before the 2003 Assembly, we in the SA UCA had pushed the selfdestruct button.
• Ashamed of what Stuart referred to as “the farce that seemed at many times to be the so-called ‘unity of the church’…” and the “un-Christ like behaviour” of many caught up in reacting to the church’s attempts to reflect Christ to those on the edge. What filled me with hope, however, was Stuart’s vision of “a church that [has] rediscovered what it mean[s] to be a movement rather than an institution”. When we see the church as an institution, no matter how fondly we regard it (or maybe because of the way we cling to it), we inevitably get turned into a bureaucracy. When we see ourselves as part of a movement, however, we can catch the vision, follow the dream, and move ever forward, each contributing what we uniquely have to offer, drawing others in as we work to make the dream a reality. Marnie Agnew Coromandel Valley
PEOPLE AND PLACES
New Times
13
Aerosol art for aged care home RESIDENTS from Resthaven Craigmore’s Secure Dementia Unit will soon be communing with many aspects of nature. The walls of the unit’s courtyard garden are being transformed into a 48 metre long Aerosol Art Mural by students from Craigmore High School. The project is being facilitated by Paul Alexander, one of Australia’s leading aerosol artists. Paul and the Year 9 and 10 art students have collaborated with residents and staff on the design of the mural, which will include both realistic and fantasy elements from nature. “Students have participated in the overall design and will also be responsible for painting their own individual elements such as a flying pig, frogs, lizards, snakes, flamingoes, flowers and bugs,” Paul said. Resthaven Craigmore manager, Heather Kerby-Eaton, is impressed with the students’ enthusiasm for the project and the way they have engaged with residents. “Few of the students have encountered people with dementia and they have all been briefed on their responsibilities towards residents,” Heather said. “While neighbouring primary school students frequently visit Resthaven Craigmore to perform for residents and help them with internet skills, this is the first time we have collaborated with high school students. “This is a wonderful opportunity to create closer links between our elderly residents and teenage students and also a chance to create higher levels of respect and understanding on both sides.” The mural is being partially funded by money raised from UnitingCare’s Pancake Day in South Australia.
Aerosol artist Paul Alexander with some of the designs drawn by Craigmore High School students which will adorn a garden mural at Resthaven Craigmore’s Secure Dementia Unit.
Tom Bandy will be back US church consultant, Tom Bandy will visit Adelaide again in March next year. Tom Bandy is an internationally recognised church consultant, leadership coach, and trainer for Christian mission. “By inviting Tom Bandy back in 2006, we aren’t expecting him to repeat the excellent work on mission in today’s context that he did on his previous visit,” the MRN’s (Mission Resourcing Network) Rev Rob Stoner said. “He’ll give some constructive and practical insights into the type of evangelism, worship, leadership and new communities of faith that serve that mission context.” The other resourcing meetings being planned for 2006 are: • June 17: An urban-focussed resourcing workshop on evangelism in the urban context. It will be organised by Parkin-Wesley College. • August 3 and 4: A rural-focussed resourcing
Presbytery, Synod dates Here are the proposed dates for meetings of the Presbytery and Synod of South Australia in 2006: March 1 to 3: Tom Bandy and business meeting. June 17. August 3 to 5. November 2 to 6. workshop on community development featuring community developer Jim Cavaye. It will be organised by MRN. • November 2 to 6: The main business meeting of the Presbytery and Synod of SA. There will be a Mission Expo of some kind. Full details of Tom Bandy’s visit are on the MRN website. Enquiries to Heather Bald, email heather@sa.uca.org.au, phone 8236 4243.
New Times deadlines, 2006 Issue
Closing date for contributions
Distributed
January/February
Tuesday, January 10
Sunday, February 5
March
Wednesday, February 8
Sunday. March 5
April
Wednesday, March 8
Sunday, April 2
May
Wednesday, April 5
Sunday, May 7
June
Tuesday, May 9
Sunday, June 4
July
Tuesday, June 6
Sunday, July 2
August
Wednesday, July 12
Sunday, August 6
September
Wednesday, August 9
Sunday, September 3
October
Wednesday, September 6
Sunday, October 1
November
Wednesday, October 11
Sunday, November 5
December
Wednesday, November 8
Sunday, December 3 DECEMBER 2005
14
PEOPLE AND PLACES
New Times
About this column: Notices for this column should be brief. To submit your Uniting Church event and to view the synod online calendar, visit www.sa.uca.org.au/pages/events/calendar/.
Multicultural Festival 2005: Multicultural food, crafts, musical performances, community information expo, student’s artwork display, amusements, free show bags, and free face painting for children - a day for everyone! Sunday December 4, 10am – 6pm at Elder Park. Free Entry. Further information please contact Giang on 8245 7135. Maughan Church: Sunday December 11 will be the 40th anniversary of the rebuilt Maughan Church. The Moderator Rev Graham Vawser will be the preacher at the service at 10.30am and there will be participation by others who were involved in the 1965 service. Former ministers have been invited to join us for this special celebration. We would welcome any who had an association with Maughan Church and the Central Methodist Mission at that time as well as any other interested people. Carols by the Lake: Sunday December 11, at the Neighbourhood Reserve,
Bartley Terrace, West Lakes Shore (opposite Bartley Terrace Shopping Centre). 6pm barbecue tea, 7pm visit from Father Christmas and 8pm is the carols program. Compared by Kari Seeley from Life FM. Featuring: Henley & Grange Concert Band, Woodville Concert Choir, West Lakes Shore Junior School Choir and Special Guest artists. Annual Mission Picnic: The National and World Mission Committee invite people interested in the Mission and Outreach of the Church, and those who have served in National or World Mission, to the Annual Mission Picnic. This picnic will be held at Brougham Place Gardens opposite Brougham Place Uniting Church at 12 noon on Tuesday January 10, 2006. Please bring a place of food to share, and join in a good time of fellowship. New Life in Christ: The 49th Australian Christian Endeavour Convention, celebrating 125 years of Christian Endeavour, “For Christ and the Church,” will
Level 2, 212 Pirie Street, Adelaide. GPO Box 2145 Adelaide SA 5001 Phone (08) 8236 4260 Fax (08) 8236 4295 Email: newtimes@sa.uca.org.au www.sa.uca.org.au
Telling stories about an innovative, growing church which is proclaiming Jesus Christ and is empowered by the Spirit to transform God’s world. Who we are: New Times is a monthly tabloid news magazine serving the Uniting Church SA. It is published 11 times a year with a combined January-February issue. New Times is a member of the Australasian Religious Press Association. It has won the Gutenberg award for excellence in religious publication. Its editor has won the same award for excellence in religious communications. Advertising: To advertise contact Russell Baker, phone 8361 6822, fax 8361 6865, email ribad@bigpond.com Deadlines and distribution dates: See seperate list on page 13. Subscriptions: New Times is distributed free to Uniting Churches in SA. You can also subscribe and have New Times posted to you. Subscriptions cost $30 if you are within SA, $35 if you are interstate, $40 if you are overseas. Submitted material: New Times does not take responsibility for returning submitted photographs or other material. Our partners: Many of our readers support New Times by making a gift to help us keep up with our costs. Gifts can be sent to us at GPO Box 2145, Adelaide, 5001. Distribution: We are distributed on the first Sunday of each month. Opinions: Opinions expressed in New Times do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the policies of the Uniting Church. Editor: Nicholas Kerr. Assistant: Jo Watts. New Times is designed by Edi Leane and Les Colston of Joie Creative, PO Box 29, Kent Town, SA 5071 and printed by Cadilac, 64 Kinkaid Avenue, North Plymton, SA 5037
Deadline DECEMBER 2005
JANUARY 2006 issue: Deadline for contributions, Tuesday, January 10. The issue will be distributed on Sunday, February 5.
be held at Wesley Mission Conference Centre, Pitt St. Sydney, from January 25-29, 2006. The theme is ‘New Life in Christ’. Further information contact Mrs Margaret Dolan, National CE Secretary, on (08) 8252 1923. Sojourners interns: It only takes a year to change your life forever. Every September, a new group of women and men come to the Sojourners intern house in Washington, DC. For a year they work together, live together, and grow together. And their lives are changed. If you’re 21+ then this could be for you. Deadline for applications for the 2006-2007 intern year is March 1, 2006, http://www.sojo.net/index. cfm?action=get_connected. internships Tom Bandy returns: Public Seminar – March 1 2006. Afternoon and Evening, at Maughan Church. Hosted by the MRN. Further information and brochures: heather@ sa.uca.org.au, or ph: 8236 4243. Centenary Celebration: The Glencoe Uniting Church will be 100 years old in 2006. To commemorate this occasion we will hold a Service of Celebration on Sunday May 28, 2006 at 10am. Enquiries: Lorriane Frost on 8739 3311 or Wendy Agnew on 8739 4287. Lay Ministry Courses in 2006: Encourage your congregation to learn and grow. Parkin-Wesley College has released a new brochure outlining topics for 2006, including “Jesus Goes to the Movies”, “Intro to Major World Religions”, “The Thriving Church” - also youth and children’s ministry, biblical studies, leadership, worship, pastoral care, eco-theology and much more. Call Rosalie on 8416 8427 or email p-wcollege@flinders.edu.au for a brochure. Waikerie Fruit: Order forms are now downloadable from the Synod website at http:// www.sa.uca.org.au/pages/ resources/fruit/ for bulk orders of fresh fruit and vegetables, dried and gourmet fruits, for
December 05 and January 06. This project helps both Riverland growers and also assists medical projects in Numfor, West Papua. Young Ambassadors for Peace: UIM now has available a Young Ambassadors for Peace (YAP) CD Sized colour desk calendar for you to purchase. At $12 (including postage and handling) this is a great way to support the peace building that YAP is involved in through the Asia Pacific region. An advertisement, as well as the order form is also available on our website at http://uim.uca.org.au/ihr/yap/ order_the_yap_calendar. Full details on the synod online calendar http://www. sa.uca.org.au/pages/events/ calendar/
Myponga backs the bush Monday, October 3, was one of the busiest days of the year for Myponga. Every Labour Day holiday the Uniting Church congregation at Myponga holds a garage sale to raise funds for deserving causes. This year proceeds went to Frontier Services. Early in the morning, the entire congregation, plus three or four fellowship members – a grand total of 18 people with an average age of 60+ – opened the doors and started to sell. For nearly six hours they sold cake and produce, plants, furniture and “high quality merchandise,” served morning and afternoon teas and had a sausage sizzle. The net result? Lots of fun and $1,240 for Frontier Services. – Ian Richter.
15
New Times
Classifieds WORK WANTED CARPETS LAID, Expert repairs 0417 872 105 or 8344 4725. EXPERIENCED HANDYMAN, Cleaner, gardener. $15 per hour. Caring, friendly, versatile service. “Your spare pair of hands.” References. Phone 8346 0933. FARM ASSISTANT/WORKMATE Position available on a mid-north farm. Intensive farming operation with modern farming equipment and some sheep. Prefer experienced operator - must be an enthusiastic, reliable and trustworthy team member. Responsible position with appropriate remuneration. Enquiries to Graham and Lois Mitchell, Mintaro. Phone 8843 9009; mobile 0429 439 009.
ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION TERTIARY STUDENTS, Vacancy Immediately - Morialta Uniting Church Student Houses - undergraduate university/TAFE students. Furnished single bedrooms, shared bathrooms, living areas. Proximity Uni-SA, Magill. Easy travel city and northern campuses. Mary Thornley (8332 2041) Church Office (8331 9344). Rent $265 monthly. HOLIDAY UNITS ON THE SOUTH COAST, Devon (Pt Elliot) 3 Star and Peter Wood Lodge (Victor Harbor) 3.5 Star 2 and 3 bedroom accommodation close to the beach. Reasonable rates. A UCA site. Bookings phone 8552 1657. ADARE CARAVAN PARK, Wattle Drive Victor Harbor. 3 star rated. Clean, quiet and shady, close to the beach. Cabins available. Bookings phone 8552 1657. BELAIR, overlooking the Adelaide lights. Nunyara Holiday Units, 3 star rated family accommodation. Sleep 4-6, reasonable rates. A UCA site. Bookings phone 8278 1673. MARION BAY HOLIDAY HOUSE, Sea views Large Deck Sleeps 5/6 New home Off Peak and Pensioner rates. Phone 040 2088 279.
SIX MONTH’S RENT-FREE ACCOMMODATION FOR FEMALE. Large house near Hallet Cove railway station (30 minutes to city). Own room and bathroom. Contribution to power in return for some light housekeeping duties. Suit older person. Share with one tertiary student (daughter); one international student. Owner working overseas. Phone 8381 5444.
FOR SALE TECHNICS ELECTRONIC ORGAN model SX-EX 35. Top of the range. Many features: “Digital Sound”, Melodies, Accomp. & Rhythms, and computerised features. Price: $1,200 o.n.o. Phone 8337 5685
PIANO – “SYMPHONY” $750. Good instrument for learner/family Pew - $300. 5’. Kauri. Restored good finish. Hall or dining area piece. Others available on order Two Timber Desks – With draws. $100 each. Restored. Approximately 4’6 x 2’6. All available from Morialta Uniting Church 8331 9344. Office 9.00am – 1.00pm
Religious liberty still flouted THE 2005 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom was published in Washington last month. It was prepared by the Office of International Religious Freedom of the US State Department. It covers the 12-month period ending June 30 and examines 197 countries and territories. The report’s introduction said there have been “significant advances” in respect for religious freedom in some areas. For example, legal barriers to the free practice of religious faith have been removed in many countries. Some countries – like Russia, France and India – have intervened to counter discrimination against minority religious groups. But US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, said at a press conference that far too many governments still fail to safeguard religious freedom. “Across the globe, people are still persecuted or killed for practicing their religion or even for just being believers,” she said. The report re-designated eight “Countries of Particular Concern” – Burma, China, North Korea, Eritrea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Vietnam. These countries’ governments have engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom over the past year. John Hanford III, ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom in the State Department, commented on some of the countries of particular concern. They “have not been willing to engage in any meaningful way on religious matters,” he said. In September the US approved sanctions against Eritrea because of its refusal to reverse its abuses of religious freedom. According to the report, some of the worst countries are: Burma: The government continues “to engage in particularly severe violations of religious freedom”. This includes infiltrating or monitoring the meetings and activities of religious organisations, and restricting freedom of expression and association. China: The government’s respect for freedom of religion and freedom of conscience is “poor”. There are also tight controls on religious practice in Tibet. Access to most of the region by international observers is denied. Cuba: Authorities attempt to control religious activities by means of surveillance, infiltration and harassment against religious groups, clergy, and lay people. The government rarely issues construction permits for new churches.
Chaplains have a good ear for a story AGED CARE chaplains and pastoral care workers have a special ear for spiritual concerns and life reflections according to Associate Professor Elizabeth MacKinlay. And these become more vivid as people get closer to the end of life. Professor MacKinlay addressed the recent National Ecumenical Aged Care Chaplains Conference in Sydney. She spoke about the power and purpose of spiritual reminiscing in aged care. Her presentation, The Ageing Person and their Stories: A Rich Tapestry of Life, argued that story telling is a critical part of identity. She said insightful listening from chaplains and pastoral care workers is a vital part of holistic spiritual care. During her work and research, dementia patients frequently respond to her request for reminiscences by saying that their lives have not been interesting. She disagreed. She said stories are some of the greatest gifts that we have to share.
DECEMBER 2005
16
MAGAZINE
New Times
Water – and new hope LIFE’S TOUGH for women in Zimbabwe. They work in the fields, they collect firewood and they often have to walk miles each day for water for their families. Australian Christians are making life easier – and healthier – for many of them. For nearly 10 years now Australians have been making it possible for the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) to build large cement water tanks in the driest parts of the country. “We’re one of the driest parts of Africa, especially in the south,” says Gabriel Manyangadze, director of the ZCC’s Church in Society department. “Many of the rivers flow only during the rainy season. “People have to share the water resources with animals. So the water becomes very muddy and dirty. The animals walk right into it. “We’ve been able to build 500 cement water tanks a year with help from Australia. “The family tanks hold 60,000 litres. People are able to harvest enough water to last
Gabriel Manyangadze, right, with Rev Vikki Waller, who is about to retire as executive officer of the SA Council of Churches. right through the dry season. “The tanks we’re building for schools and hospitals are a lot bigger. “People now have clean drinking water all year round. “People are much healthier – especially the women and children, who are the ones who are most at home. “Safe water’s especially important for the hospitals. People were coming to hospital
for treatment. They were given pills to take – and they often had to take the pills with infected water.” Gabriel was in Adelaide last month as the guest of the SA Council of Churches to promote the annual Christmas Bowl appeal. There is more about Gabriel and the Christmas Bowl on page 10.
The most important part of CHRISTmas is the first six letters. Artwork ©Copyright Edi Leane
To advertise in New Times: Contact Russell Baker phone 8361 6822, fax 8361 6833, email ribad@bigpond.com
DECEMBER 2005
www.sa.unitingchurch.org.au