December 2010
‘Tis a special season Issue 29, No 11 December 2010
to remember the light
Get ready to flip Pancake Day 2011, p. 24
100 Ways to Celebrate Take a deep breath this festive season, pp. 14-15
Learning to Lead?
2011 Tabor postgraduate intensives …………………………………………………………………..
17-21 January 2011
Uniting College will teach two BMin intensives from February 7th to 18th, 2011.
Intensive 1:
Christian Mission in an Age of Imagination
v Introduction to Leadership
Dr Colin Greene
v Heritage, Theology and Polity of the UCA These accredited units will suit pastors, ministers, period of discernment participants, chaplains, lay preachers and other leaders seeking to develop their understanding and skills in leadership and ministry. The BMin is an accredited course of the Adelaide College of Divinity. Enrol through the ACD by Feb 2nd. Ph: 8416 8400.
This intensive will explore theological proposals and resources for engaging biblically and creatively with our complex global and digital environments. Dr Colin Greene is the Director of Metavista, Director of Research at the Centre for Theology and Cultural Engagement, and visiting Fellow of Bible, Theology and Culture St John’s College, Durham. See www.durham.ac.uk/codec For further information about the 2011 postgraduate intensives or to make a booking please contact: Rev Dr Graham Buxton – Dean of Postgraduate Studies at postgraduate@adelaide.tabor.edu.au or visit our website
…………………………………………………………………..
www.unitingcollege.org.au Developing effective leaders for a healthy missional church
181 Goodwood Rd Millswood SA 5034 tel. 08 8373 8777 fax. 8373 1766
www.taboradelaide.edu.au
CRICOS PROVIDER 00946E
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Called to Care iStock ref: cover antb; p. 14-15 asiseeit, DNY59, THEPALMER, 3dGuy
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 sa.uca.org.au/ new-times-home. Articles and advertising do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor. Phone: (08) 8236 4200 1300 766 956 (toll free from regional areas) Fax: (08) 8236 4201 Email: presbyterysynod@sa.uca.org.au Street address: Level 2, 212 Pirie St, Adelaide Postal address: GPO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001
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Ships ahoy I do love the nautical. Being a keen beachgoer, lover of wide open spaces and a little-bit-too-excited by red-and-white-striped clothing, anchors and bell bottom pants, my love of everything nautical has only been buoyed by fashion’s return to all things sailor-riffic this year. The irony of my nautical obsession is - I’m not much of a sailor. As much as I’d love to set sail for the High Seas, I’ve always been a sea-sicky type. But there’s another thing that makes me seasick – how we treat ‘boat people’.
The Uniting Church is lobbying all sides of politics nationally to close detention centres and assess asylum seeker claims within the community.
When it was time for her to go home, she slipped her arm around my waist and said, “Oh my little one, I remember when I held you on my knee.”
In our land of sweeping plains, in the season that we are hurtling towards, perhaps it’s time to consider giving a different kind of gift this year – Asylum– to those who need it.
As I looked down at my dear 92 year old grandmother, I realised that her frail frame was still carrying me as her little one, even though I was almost a whole foot taller.
I might not be a fan of Christmas festivities but I’m a big fan of the One whom Christmas celebrates. And I’m a huge fan of how much he cared for the outsider, the downtrodden – the refugee.
There are times when we are strong enough for others to lean on. There are other times when we need reciprocation.
While I’ll never forget my Great Aunty (an outstanding cook) lighting up the brandy pudding with the tablecloth, my fondest Christmas memories are all based around times when I felt I belonged. My best Christmas memory was when I was 24.
In an article published in Adelaide Hills paper, The Courier, last month, Uniting Church Multicultural Project Officer Andrew Clarke commented that, “In the past 15 years about 90% of processed boat people have been assessed as genuine refugees,” and that, “the long term consequences of detention would ‘haunt’ Australia for years to come, exacerbating the country’s racist image overseas.” Andrew Clarke was speaking at Bridgewater Uniting the weekend after Inverbrackie’s detention centre was announced. As evidenced by his photo, he clearly took advantage of the coincidence. Photo: The Courier, Mount Barker
As I napped in the lounge chair that Christmas afternoon, Grandma sat with me and told story after story of the olden days. Many cycled around my siblings and me as little children. Her voice bounced and smiled over her recollections as I dozed. We stayed that way for some time.
Caryn Rogers The Ed.
ed
At the time I was an employee of my church we’d just spent hours setting up two completely different stages for the Christmas Eve and following day service. I’d also participated in all three services. On top of the general fatigue, I’d had a little bit of a heart shattering in the weeks prior. I was exhausted.
I know if I was a ‘boat person’, I’d want someone to be strong for me in my weakness.
New beginnings Rev Rob Williams
The countdown to Christmas is well and truly on. For some, however, it began almost a year ago. Remember the frenetic sales that flooded our retail empires immediately after last Christmas? No matter how wellintentioned, you can’t please everyone with the gifts you give and with the polite but restrained ‘thank you’ of the recent Christmas past still fresh in their minds, some go straight into the retail madness of post-Christmas sales in the hope of finding beaming giftapproval next Christmas.
mod
One aspect of the preChristmas ‘crazies’ that grates on me is the ceaseless piped ‘carols’ in the stores.
These mood ‘uppers’ often turn my shopping experiences into ‘downers’. I know some are able to shut them out, grit their teeth, do what they have to do and flee. But, having an ear for music, the tunes tend to recycle, around and around, in my head. ‘Deck the Halls’ is one of these, especially the ‘fa, la, la, la, la’ lines.
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A friend of mine has an extreme dislike of this song. His life circumstances are far from ‘jolly’ and he’s not alone. Many will experience Christmas not as a day of great celebration but as one of loneliness, depression, grief or hopelessness. ‘Blue Christmas’ will have certainly arrived for them. However, there’s another ‘song’ that doesn’t get as much prominence as those piped through our stores. It’s from Mary, the mother-to-be of Jesus. Luke’s gospel tells us that the angel Gabriel surprised her with the news that she would conceive and give birth to a son, Jesus – the Son of the Most High. Mary
hurried off to visit her relative Elizabeth with this news. She glorified God, affirming God as One who cares for everyone, who is merciful and blesses those in need. How will you celebrate this Christmas? Will it be joyful? Will you join with others in worship and thanksgiving for the gift of Jesus? Will it be too hard to do so for many deep, personal reasons? No matter what you have or have not planned for this Christmas, I invite you to explore a new resource – 100 Ways to Celebrate Christmas.
This can be found on the Uniting People website – unitingpeople.org.au. You will find helpful possibilities to enrich your Christmas. Maybe your Christmas will take on a deeper sense of awe, wonder and thanksgiving as you read Mary’s experience in Luke chapter 1, verses 26 to 55. ‘Tis the season .... for God’s new beginnings. Maybe in you.
Christian homes not immune to domestic violence While we may not like to think it, there will be - in our church community - both those who experience domestic abuse and those who perpetrate it. In November, the Christian Heads of Churches of South Australia launched a Domestic Violence Handbook for clergy and pastoral workers. One woman was brave enough to share the story, of her experience of domestic abuse – and how her minister took her husband’s side. This is her story: I kept making excuses for my husband’s behaviour and his abuse. He had me convinced it was my fault. It was mainly psychological and sexual abuse, but, on occasion, he was physically abusive to me. He kept saying he would change. I believed him.
Things got worse that night. He stole my car and threatened to kill himself. He came home when I told him I was calling the police. Things simmered all night. After trying to sleep on the couch, I got up and took the kids to the domestic violence service where a social worker helped me. She told me to open a new account for family payments. I discovered he had drained all the accounts. I decided to leave.
I called my minister to let him know how the children and I were and that my husband wasn’t what he appeared to be. The minister said I had a home and asked why I was moving around so much. My husband was ‘very upset’ and seemed perfectly normal. My minister wanted to talk with my social worker. That’s when I realised. The minister wanted my worker to verify my story. I could not believe the betrayal I felt. I found out that my husband had been attending church in my absence and telling people that I had left him and he didn’t know why. He lied to all my friends, telling them I was mentally ill and that the children were at risk of harm from me.
the perpetrator of the violence. Women who tell their story may be ready to leave. They need love and support but, most of all, they need to be believed. The global extent of the domestic abuse issue and its serious, long-term effects on individual and family lives must not be dismissed – nor excused. Domestic violence and abuse must be addressed within Christian communities. The Domestic Violence Handbook is a valuable introduction to increase the understanding of clergy and pastoral workers and to support them in responding to individuals and families who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse. The handbook has been published by UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide and is available from Uniting Church SA through Beth Seaman.
I could never go back to my church. My husband had made sure of this. We are all safe and doing well now. I have excellent support through the domestic violence service and every day grow stronger. Women who finally get the courage to tell their story need to be heard. There are too many of us who have been told to go home and go through counselling with
The issue of domestic violence and abuse might be closer than you think – even as close as sharing a pew.
I moved from one girlfriends’ place to another girlfriends’ back shed. From there we went to emergency
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I had confronted him in the evening and told him that he would lose his family if he didn’t get help. He laughed at me and told me I was the abusive one and needed to get help. I left the room and tried to put our daughter to sleep. He kept harassing me.
accommodation in a motel, to a women’s shelter, to another women’s shelter.
An empowering community centred in Jesus At the meeting of the Presbytery and Synod of South Australia, many exciting decisions were made, lives celebrated and futures inspired. Incoming Moderator, Rev Rob Williams, introduced his theme for the next three years: an empowering community centred in Jesus. Here are a few snapshots of the meeting, held in late October at Adelaide West Uniting Church:
Korean partnership continues
synod wrap up
Our strong relationship with the People’s Republic of Korea-Iksan and Gunsan Presbyteries was celebrated on Thursday night with the signing a new agreement committing our partnership to be developed for a further six years.
Celebration of Ministry Synod featured a Celebration of Ministry Service on Friday night. A number of ministers were recognised. Rev Ted White - Rev Esmond Dowdy - Rev Rod James - Rev Deane Meatheringham - Rev John Minchin - Rev David Smith - Rev Jim Winn Period of Discernment graduates were also recognised: Karen Paull - Peter Harbison - Ian Mundy - Linda Driver - Mandy Harvey - Abi Thonemann Alan Dutton - Albert Patrizi - Aileen May - Liz Dyson - Lee O’Connell Benji Callen and Naomi Duke were recognised as Candidates in their final process of ordination. Denise Champion was recognised as an Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress Candidate.
Thank you Lay Preachers Max Howland acknowledged all those who serve as lay preachers. The Moderator presented certificates to those who have reached milestones of service. 60 years - Shirley Heaysman, Harry Webb 50 years - Don Bubner, Heather Maynard, Don Richardson, Dr David Taplin 40 years - Neil McIntosh 30 years - Ian Croft, Nola Pearce
Changing of the guard Rev Rob Williams was installed as Moderator of the Uniting Church SA. Rob passionately explored his theme for his three year term, ‘An Empowering Community Centred on Jesus’.
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Hearing from the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) The story of Congress is a story of an empowering community centred in Jesus. Rev Denise Champion affirmed their statement of faith, a strong belief in the One God together as a Uniting Church that has a covenant embedded deep within its heart. Rev Hohaia Matthews celebrated the ministry wins of Port Augusta’s Congress, and discussed some of the ongoing difficulties. He queried the place of the Congress within the life of the Uniting Church SA as it continues to take shape under the Strategic Plan. Rev Wally Fejo shared a dance.
No to Mandatory Detention
Lyn Leane thanked the Uniting Church SA for their 34 years of congregational support for Lenten Appeal, and she and Ian Price proposed that the Presbytery and Synod of SA be part of the National Uniting Church’s Lent Event next year. The proposal was approved. For more information on the change of name, and process, contact Lyn Leane on 8236 4239 or lleane@sa.uca.org.au.
The Key Direction 1 (Conversion Growth) team, convened by Rev Roger Brook shared their three goals: • To foster an environment where introducing people to Jesus is key
synod wrap up
Lent Event SA
The Moderator will write on our behalf to Ministers of Parliament affirming their positive actions towards refugees but also call for end to Mandatory Detention. The floor overwhelmingly endorsed the proposal that was brought before the Synod by Andrew Clarke and Rev Adam Tretheway.
Conversion Growth
• Every Uniting Church congregation and faith community in South Australia actively engages Matt 28: 19-20 within their communities • Every congregation or faith community will see people grow into faith within their communities
Farewell Ann Siddall, Russell Knight and Ian Price The Synod farewelled three dedicated and hard working staff. Ann, Russell and Ian have served the church faithfully over many years and the Synod expressed their appreciation.
Raising our Profile The Key Direction 5 (Raising Our Profile) team shared the background behind the Uniting People campaign and the vision that will see that campaign go forward. To help you share the Uniting People message, Uniting People resources are available including a two-minute visual presentation and brochures. Find out more from Sarah Urmston on 8236 4260.
For podcasts, reports and papers from the Presbytery and Synod Meeting, October 2010, go online to presbyterysynod.sa.uca.org.au and follow the links to the 2010 Meetings.
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Resthaven wins ‘Every Generation’ award Julie Johinke Resthaven Marion, in conjunction with Westminster School, has taken out the Council on the Ageing SA ‘Every Generation: For Young and Old’ award for 2010, at the Every Generation Positive Ageing Awards Dinner. The coveted prize is awarded to programs which encourage interactive, intergenerational activities that aim to challenge negative stereotypes about ageing. Resthaven Marion and Westminster School have undertaken a series of programs between residents and students that aim to encourage positive interaction and mutual learning between residents and students.
Further to this, Resthaven Marion resident, Brian Bowley, is currently helping to design a garden area at the school for students and staff to enjoy, and Resthaven Executive Manager, Residential Services, Wendy Morey, was invited to speak about aged care at a parents’ forum at Westminster School in March 2010. Resthaven regularly evaluates current activities for the benefits of both generations in a deliberate attempt to challenge negative stereotypes of ageing.
Right: Resthaven Marion and Westminster School are challenging stereotypes.
news
Campaign wins State and National awards The Uniting Church SA’s Go For Justice campaign has won two public relations industry awards. The aged care campaign ran in late 2009 and highlighted the need for access to appropriate aged care – regardless of location or financial circumstance. There were over 200 entrants in the national PRIA awards. PRIA - the Public Relations Institute of Australia - is the
peak professional body for over 3000 public relations and communication professionals in Australia. The Go For Justice campaign won the Community Relations category of the State PRIA Awards. “The campaign was a great team effort with the Uniting Church, UnitingCare, and our aged care agencies working together,” says Shannon Short who submitted the winning entry.
“Our entry was one of only five South Australian entries to make it through to the national finals where the campaign received a commendation. “In a strange twist, the national winner of the community relations category was Sydney’s Jesus All about Life campaign. I’m quite happy to be runner up behind Jesus!” says Shannon.
There’s life in the Valley becoming standing room only, due to a baby boom in the church and wider community, strong friendships bridged through the playgroup and, in turn, growing numbers of families attending the church. Capacity had once again been reached, and breached. After years of planning, meetings and prayer, Hope Valley began an ambitious building project in 2009, with significant financial support from the church family, the Uniting Foundation and the Federal Government. “The church is in good heart,” smiles Rev Kynan Brookes, Lead Pastor at Hope Valley Uniting Church. “We’re experiencing a fruitful season right now across the life of the church particularly with young families. Our children’s ministry is bringing great life and hope with a vibrancy
that is very encouraging! “I think for me it is motivating to see that we are trusting more of God’s will for us as a church. This has been so evident with the faith filled risks we have taken over recent times.” The building officially opened on Friday 5 November 2010 with 550 people attending a celebration service in the new worship space. Celebrations ran from 29 Oct– 12 Nov, including an open day for the community, a family concert and a return to the regular worshipping life of the community - three services on a Sunday, youth on Friday nights, playgroups and seniors groups meeting throughout the week. Hope Valley’s story is more than the story of a building project – it’s the story of faithful witness, being a light of Christ’s hope in their Valley, since 1867.
Rev Kynan Brookes is thrilled to have opened the doors to the new and improved Hope Valley Uniting Church building.
news
Hope Valley Uniting Church has a long and rich heritage. The congregation first opened its doors in 1867, a small Methodist church nestled in the North Eastern foothills. Even in those early days the congregation grew. So much so that, after leading the congregation in worship, the choir would sit in the back room, craning to hear the sermon. The consistent crowding forced the congregation to move to another property in 1973. The land was bought for $20,000 and a purposeful facility built by the labours of congregation members. And the congregation grew. Significantly. Outgrowing their building has been a delightful matter of history repeating itself for the Hope Valley congregation. In recent years, the 10.30am services were
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Annesley – from heartbreak to hope For many, the pain has been unspeakable; the frustration, intolerable. For most, the journey has just been plain hard.
• Annesley students who have paid enrolment fees to another school will be reimbursed if they stay at Annesley in 2011.
Without a blow by blow account of the past few weeks, this article highlights the way forward as Annesley College remains open in 2011 as a Uniting Church school.
• Scholarship entitlements will be retained.
Through an agency agreement finalised last month, Scotch College will provide managerial assistance to the school community as it rebuilds.
news
The arrangement with Scotch College means: • Annesley will honour its commitment to meet the educational needs of its students, including boarders. • There will be no change to the Annesley name, uniform or fee structure. Restore your phonographic records or tapes to near original quality & preserve them on CD. Restore faded 35mm slides to original bright colour & preserve them on DVD. Ask us about VHS & 8mm film to DVD conversion.
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• The College will retain as many of Annesley’s teaching and support staff as possible. The commitment comes following a month of significant uncertainty as the school explored a merger with Pulteney Grammar School, an interim Principal withdrew, and the College Council resigned. Bruce Spangler is the new Chair of an experienced, new Annesley College Council. Bruce is a chartered accountant, past Chair of Prince Alfred College and former Deputy Chair of Seymour College. “Clearly parents need confidence in the School. They need to know that we have a strong leadership
team in place and that we are taking decisive action,” says Bruce. Scotch College Principal Tim Oughton highlighted the importance of the two schools and the Uniting Church working together. “Like Annesley, Scotch has a long, trusted heritage in the education of young people. Our combined efforts will enable Annesley to remain open in 2011 and facilitate the development of a plan to meet the educational and boarding needs of its students and their families,” he said. One of the stumbling blocks for the school community has been the perceived lack of long term commitment to the school. “We are here for the long haul,” confirmed Moderator Rev Rob Williams. “It is a strength of the Uniting Church community that a school like Scotch College has offered to help us. We
wouldn’t be offering such substantial financial and leadership support if we weren’t committed to keeping Annesley open.” There was overwhelming support from the floor of the October Presbytery and Synod meeting where members showed their appreciation for the efforts of the Uniting Church’s task group in working to keep the college open. Rob is confident that it is now time to leave the turbulence behind. “There is no doubt that this has been an extremely difficult time for students, families, staff, and old scholars,” says Rob. In the weeks ahead, considerable work will need to be done to confirm enrolments, curriculum and classes sizes for 2011. While it is clear that Annesley will be a smaller school than it was in 2010, learning outcomes must not be compromised. “My hope and prayer would be that we can now move forward, drawing on the strength of the wonderful women who went before at MLC and Annesley and hopeful of the future that lies ahead,” says Rob.
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‘Tis the season ‘Tis the season to be jolly, to celebrate, to be silly... to be stressed. ‘Tis the season to see the birth of Christ in its context and allow ourselves, as we breathe in the glossy manic behaviours of Christmas shopping and party hopping, to breathe out the true meaning – the love of God, given to us to bring peace on earth. May peace be with you this season.
Giving and receiving Tahnee March and Sheila Sinclair A group of five people from Malvern and Unley Uniting Churches volunteered at an orphanage in the north of India, for two weeks in July this year. The Good Shepherd Agricultural Mission is located on the border of Nepal, 350km east of Delhi. There are approximately 100 destitute or orphaned children ranging from six months old right through to young adults. Together with staff and families, there are about 220 people living on the 60 acre, partially self-sustaining farm. We went to get to know the children and staff at the orphanage better so we could support them more effectively after seeing and hearing, first-hand, their most dire needs. We were able to take lots of donated toys, clothes and tools thanks to Qantas’ donation of an extra 50kg luggage
allowance. We also took donated money to help fund and build a new jungle gym. The men from our team worked with staff to construct the jungle gym while the women cooked, taught in the school and entertained the children through puppets, stories and games. On Sundays, we gave the message in the church service and taught the nursery kids and small girls Sunday School. Our first-hand experience of extreme poverty in the areas around the mission made us realise how fortunate the children were to be part of the orphanage, and a worthwhile project for our churches to continue to support and encourage in the future.
clearly stemmed from their faith in and love for God. We were encouraged and strengthened in our faith and appreciation of the lives we have in Australia, and learnt how to be grateful for what we have, treasure our faith and the opportunity we have to freely live that out in western society. One member of the team is, Tahnee March, fundraising to be able to return in February 2011 as a volunteer at the orphanage. To support Tahnee, please contact Malvern Uniting Church on 8271 6817.
The thing that amazed us most was their joy and gratefulness, their positive attitudes, desire for learning and helpfulness towards each other which so
If you are interested in donating money to the orphanage for their Christmas celebrations, please see www.indianorphanage.com for direct debiting details.
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SPREAD THE J Y.
Donate a gift or gift card at Target and help someone in need. Be a part of Operation Santa at Target and Target Country stores this Christmas. Your support will help UnitingCare spread the joy to people in need within your local community. Please donate a gift at Target stores today.
www.target.com.au
Christmas Bowl Delivers Aid as Crises Loom
Ed Shiell, Act for Peace
Burma’s military dictatorship has just announced victory in Burma’s first elections in 20 years. Based on reports on the ground, the process was dominated, restricted and manipulated by the military junta. The elections have left the country more volatile than ever, with eruptions of violence causing citizens to seek refuge. This Christmas, churchgoers will be able to share the gifts of food, shelter, medicine and education with refugees who have sought security from violence and persecution in the sprawling camps that line the Thailand-Burma border.
“The fighting has now ceased and people are returning to Burma, but this underscores the continued building of tension in Burma.
“We are encouraging churches and people of faith around Australia to give generously to the Christmas Bowl to support the people of Burma during this pivotal time and to support civilians caught in other crises unravelling around the world,” said Alistair. With the help of Australian churches, Act for Peace hopes to raise over $2.7 million for the Christmas Bowl program this year. Reaching this target is vital to effectively assist the the people of Burma and Sudan, particularly as the Sudan 2011 Referendum approaches on 7 January, where the North and South will vote for cessation.
Alistair said, “We are already seeing population movements in Sudan as southerners residing in the North ask our partners to organise safe passage back to their villages in southern Sudan. Threats and intimidation are already taking place and there is a climate of fear. We must be prepared logistically and financially to deal with the humanitarian consequences of large scale migration and violence.” A gift to the Christmas Bowl can help support people who are caught amidst these crises. $30 can provide life-saving medicine for two children in Gaza $150 can train a community leader in conflict resolution in Sudan $500 can provide a family of Burmese refugees with nutritious food for six months To make a tax deductible gift or to order the Christmas Bowl resources, please free call 1800 025 101 or visit: www.actforpeace.org.au.
The Christmas Bowl is a program of Act for Peace, the international aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia. We empower war-torn communities to reduce poverty, protect refugees, and prevent further conflict. Our project partners are currently assisting more than one million people in the world’s worst conflict areas, including Sudan, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, the Middle East, Burma and Sri Lanka.
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‘tis the season
Alistair Gee, Executive Director of Act for Peace (the international aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia) said, “The situation in Burma is extremely unpredictable. In the past days we have seen around 20,000 people flee violence between ethnic rebels and Burmese government forces.
“The Christmas Bowl has played an important role in establishing security for Burmese refugees living on the ThaiBurma border for the past 25 years. It is vital that these camps continue to be a safe-haven for people who have lost everything due to ongoing violence. The camps already house 140,000 people; we are monitoring the post-election situation in Burma and preparing for the possibility of an influx of refugees.”
Does this image look familiar? Over 80,000 South Australian homes will receive our postcards inviting them to Uniting Church Christmas services and celebrations. Go online to christmas.unitingpeople.org.au for a full listing of Christmas services and 100 ways to celebrate Christmas.
‘tis the season
Sarah Urmston Christmas is a special time of year, bringing with it an undercurrent of goodwill and joy. The sun shines well into the evening. Familiar carols get played once again. Bare shops come alive with green boughs and coloured baubles. Houses sparkle with Christmas lights. There’s also the usual hustle and bustle of trying to find the perfect present, the perfect turkey, the perfect outfit, to make the perfect day. Of course, Christmas Day will never be as perfect as what magazines and cheesy movies promise. But it’s a day – nay, a whole season – that builds memories. No matter the kind of Christmas you’re looking for, you will find ways to celebrate - with as much exuberance or quietness as you please – in our new booklet 100 ways to celebrate Christmas. It’s not designed to help you have the perfect Christmas – but it will help make your Christmas one to remember.
Put a gift under someone else’s tree Buy a gift for someone you don’t even know by placing a gift under the Christmas tree at your nearest Target store, to support UnitingCare’s Operation Santa. Or purchase a gift from UnitingWorld’s Everything in Common catalogue, such as clean sheets for a North Korean hospital or a water tank for a village in Papua New Guinea. www.everythingincommon.com.au.
Wear a tea towel There’s one occasion a year when the humble tea towel takes centre stage and that’s the Nativity reenactment. There are plenty to choose from including Aberfoyle Uniting’s ‘Road to Christmas’ from 17-19 Dec at Aberfoyle Uniting Church. arns Photo: Jade Ke
Good deed a day Teach your kids an alternative to the chocolate advent calendar. Get them to make their own calendar that includes a little good deed for the day. Get them to brain storm the ideas – for example - Give a hug. Tidy my room. Make my bed. Ring my Nan. Each day they can unwrap a deed (and a chocolate if you like).
Don’t be caught by the dazzle of Christmas. There’s nothing festive about Christmas debt. Set yourself a realistic budget and stick to it – that way you can celebrate Christmas without the stress of worrying about the credit card bills to come.
Take a deep breath. Repeat. Christmas is only a rush if you make it so. Make sure you take time every day to relax. Take a deep breath and reminisce on the real reason for this season and you might find that “issues” – like the supermarket running out of turkeys – are not the crisis they first appear to be.
‘tis the season
Be a Scrooge
Hurry = Love= Sarah Urmston “Not now, I don’t have time.” “Hurry up! We’re going to be late!” “Time waits for no man!” “Sorry I can’t visit you this week, Mum, I’m just so busy” Do any of these sound familiar? I know I’m guilty of it – while my husband stoops to tie his shoelaces five minutes after we’re due to arrive somewhere, my signature move is to hover at the doorway, sighing gently (kind of) whilst stealing not-so-subtle glances at my watch.
‘tis the season
All this hurrying about – it leaves us tired and empty, longing for time to stop so we can catch our breath. But, worst of all, it leaves us unloved – and stops us from loving others. “Hurry is the enemy of love.” This was the message parenting author Steve Biddulph brought to over 600 parents early in November when he spoke at three Adelaide Uniting Churches.
Hurry causes us to be impatient. Hurry causes us to resent others for wasting our time. Hurry causes us to scuttle past the beautiful things in life, too busy to appreciate them. Hurrying is about a ‘me-first’ attitude, rather than a servant attitude, where others come first. We can’t love others when we are always hurrying. We can’t live our lives in a hurry – it’s just not sustainable. It’s a lot like living on a diet of fast food. It’s cheap, it only satisfies us in the short term, it takes little effort and often has so little nutritional value that in the long-term, it does more harm than good (SuperSize Me, anyone?), leaving us wondering why we didn’t take time to stop to make our own meal in the first place.
In a season where love is the key theme and hurry is the primary action, it’s a timely message.
This Christmas, as we spend time with loved ones - don’t hurry. Relish the moment. Perhaps you might need to exercise some patience– even beyond your normal capacity. But the joy of loving others by taking time with them – and not hurrying – will be a treasured moment that will last you a lifetime.
Hurrying is often far more detrimental to our relationships than we think.
And I’m sure my husband would appreciate tying his shoelaces in peace.
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Consistent with the Basis
Karl Barth the finest theologian?
Julia Pitman, NT Nov, hits-the-mark by contrasting 2 distinct streams within the UCA:
The assertion that Karl Barth was the twentieth century’s finest theologian may well be up for debate, however Julia Pitman’s timely reminder about the defining role of the Basis of Union (New Times, November 2010) in our present and future denominational life, should never be.
a) those who quote the BIBLE, the WRITTEN word, as their primary source of ‘authority/inspiration’ (Bibliomotivated). b) those whose primary ‘authority/inspiration’ is JESUS, the LIVING word, cf John Ch 1. (Christomotivated) As an example, D.Knowling’s Nov letter quotes written, non-Jesus, Bible texts (Biblio) & probably means Romans 1 not 2! T.Carter’s letter seems to have a similar perspective. On the other hand, the majority of people in the UCA are more likely to draw primarily on the life, teachings, death & resurrection of Jesus (Christo) in the Gospels when making decisions about contentious or societal issues. i.e. consistent with the Basis of Union. There are, of course, other less-prominent ‘streams’. Simple but profound. Draw your own conclusions.
Differing opinion In response to the letter titled ‘Save Us’ by T Goodluck from Modbury (New Times, November), they took the SAYCO speaker’s words way out of context. Yes, she did say that we were condemned to Hell, but then she said that Jesus was sent as a sacrifice to save us from that condemnation, because he loves us. I am not trying to have a go at the writer. I am sorry if they feel like I am having a go at them. I do see that people are entitled to their opinion and that the speaker could have worded it a bit better for the age group she was speaking to. But she did explain that God was sad that we were so cut off from him, and so He sent Jesus to bridge the gap and bring us back to Him.
The ready assumption that what we require at present (for growth) is more a matter of imported pragmatics than it is of respectful dialogue with our own traditions / ethos does need to be continually questioned. Thanks to Julia for drawing this back to our attention. S Gilbert, Wayville
The life values that you hold dear can live on in your name, beyond your years, through a Bequest to UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide Inc. Your generosity will help to rekindle hope and make a lifetime of difference for those in our care. If you would like to discuss making a Bequest, please contact our Fundraising Department on free call 1800 247 365 or log on to our website www.ucwesleyadelaide.org.au
K Haggett, Dernancourt
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.
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letters to ed
N Bennett, Port Adelaide
I remember holding up the Basis to a class I was leading at Luther Seminary a number of years ago, then turning it side on. The mirth was considerable, given only a few moments before I was proudly shown Luther’s Catechism; a massive volume of theology and right practice. Undaunted, I commented on the summary nature of the Basis; the concise wording, designed to inspire the intellect and fire the imagination. In that respect it is a fine work of literary art, reliant upon an open and searching engagement, not to mention imaginative applications.
Yeelanna Uniting Church will be celebrating a centenary of worship on Sunday 20 March 2011. All interested are invited to attend. Any photos from past years would be appreciated. More details - David Pearson 8676 8071. Once again this year there will be a Christmas Carol service for the gay/lesbian community at Semaphore and their families and friends. Monday 13 December at 7.30pm at Semaphore Uniting Church. Supper after the carols. All welcome! Enquiries: Rev Ian Hunter 0419 434 156.
diary notes
Susan Kellett, a doctoral student of The University of Queensland, is studying the commemoration and memorialisation of nurses in stained glass windows of public buildings such as churches, hospitals, halls, schools, etc. If any readers are aware of any windows that either (a) show nurses – such as Florence Nightingale, WWI nurse-martyr Edith Cavell, service nurses from the wars, or nurses within the community, or (b) memorialise a specific nurse, she would appreciate hearing from you. Please contact her with the name and location of the building in which the window is located by email: susan.kellett@uqconnect.edu.au, phone: (07) 3346 5269 or post: Susan Kellett, The University of Queensland, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cavell Building, Herston Campus, Herston, Queensland, 4029. Sincerest thanks for your help. To have your upcoming event or message published here, email diary@sa.uca.org.au with ‘Diary’ in the subject line.
Help us spread the
Magic of Christmas
Gumeracha Uniting celebrates 150 years Anne Cooper Gumeracha Uniting Church celebrated 150 years of worship on Sunday 10 October 2010. The pews were full and the church echoed with the sounds of singing when its usually small congregation celebrated with friends and past members. The church elder, Mrs Valda Hanna spoke on behalf of all when she said it was, “a very inspiring service.” All of the elements tied in together. Valda, with fellow-elder, Lisa Tilley, and chairman and organist, Dr Geoff Symons, chose most appropriate hymns. The children’s talk by lay reader, Raelene Watts, was fascinating, and former minister, Rev Bill Dow’s message on 1 Kings 19: 1-12 asked “Why are you in this place?” It was all about moving forward together. Valda reflected, “we can always look back to the past and do not forget where we have come from, but we do need to look to move forward.” The 150th anniversary service was attended by many past ministers, lay preachers and church members. A light luncheon followed the service - the church hall was filled to overflowing. Valda Hanna lit the candles and cut the 150th birthday cake, followed by a short speech by Geoff Symons. It was a very uplifting and encouraging day.
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St. Stephen’s Uniting Church Macquarie Street Sydney
MINISTER OF THE WORD
positions vacant
Lecturer in New Testament Studies
United Theological College Sydney is seeking to appoint a lecturer responsible for the teaching and oversight of New Testament Studies. The appointee would also be responsible for supervision of post graduate students in the field and be expected to engage actively in research. The appointee would be involved in the formation of candidates for specified ministries and would be nominated as an academic associate of the School of Theology, Charles Sturt University. United Theological College is the constituted college for the Uniting Church in the Synod of NSW/ACT. It is also a partner in the School of Theology, Charles Sturt University. The position is available from July 1, 2011. Full details of the position may be obtained from The Principal, the Rev. Dr Clive Pearson, United Theological College, 16 Masons Dr, North Parramatta NSW 2151 Australia. Phone +61 2 8838 8926 or email utc@nsw.uca.org.au. Applications for this position close on February 21, 2011.
in partnership
St Stephen’s Uniting Church Wodonga
EXPERIENCED HANDYMAN Home Maintenance and small jobs only $20 per hour.“Your spare pair of hands” To my customers, compliments of the season. Phone: 8248 1106 ACCOMMODATION TERTIARY STUDENTS VACANCY IMMEDIATELY AND FOR 2011 Morialta Uniting Church Student Houses - undergraduate university/TAFE students from rural/regional areas. Furnished single bedrooms, shared bathrooms, living areas. Close proximity to Uni-SA, Magill. Easy travel to northern campus and city for Adelaide University and Uni-SA. Rent $300 monthly. Mary Thornley 8332 2041 Church Office 8331 9344 CHRISTIAN PARENTING Sometimes we need practical help to enable it to happen.TWENTY SEVEN WAYS TO BUILD A FEEL GOOD FAMILY gives a range of bible inspired skills that are very usable. $25 plus $3.00 P&P. Keith Fechner Phone: 7220 2944 kjp50@adam.com.au
positionsvacant.sa.uca.org.au 19
Young passionate about change
magazine
Matt Eldridge What are the issues that children are concerned about in the world? Students at Pilgrim School answered this question at their recent Year 7 Exhibition night recently. Global Warming, Conflict, Animal Cruelty, Poverty, Deforestation and the Global Food Crisis were high on the list of things that students felt needed to change in the world. In groups, students used these headings as the basis for a seven week inquiry into why these issues exist but, more importantly, how we might be able to find solutions to these problems. Students were given the responsibility of carrying in depth research and then presenting a strong message of change to members of the school community. During this inquiry, the students needed no motivation to produce exhibits of an exceptionally high standard animations, videos, interactive games, role-plays, petitions, brochures, posters, art, food tastings and even an original song. Students were aware that the first steps in creating global change would be to create local change. They wanted those attending the exhibition to take action, making a change in their lives to help make a better, more peaceful world. “If we really want the world to be a peaceful place then we must work together to make it happen,” commented Chelsea, pictured.
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With all curriculum areas being incorporated into the exhibition, the learning was rich and rewarding for the students because they were motivated by a passion for taking care of the world that God created.
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Pioneer ‘retires’ Rev Gary Stuckey but from within the Adelaide West Congregation. That was until three and a half years ago, when a long held vision of Ann’s and many others became a reality with the establishment of the Stillpoint Spirituality Centre at Nunyara. In many respects I think Ann has been a pioneer. When she began her vocation in the area of Christian Spirituality, it was something quite new, at least within Protestant Churches. As Ann reflects on her journey there have been many highlights that will linger as fond memories. There is the privilege of being able to be engaged in this kind of ministry, one so close to her heart, her gratitude to the Church for the opportunity to develop this area of its life, the many people who have shared in this ministry over the years, the opportunity to work with about 95 congregations and
experience the Church in all its richness and diversity, to be able to offer that which is closest to her heart, Spiritual Direction, and the privilege of travelling with people as they integrate prayer and daily life and, her final joy, the establishment of the Stillpoint Spiritualty Centre. Ann will, after a wellearned break, continue to be involved in ministry in ways that express her heart’s
deepest desires: Spiritual Direction, teaching in the Spiritual Directors Formation Program and involvement with Stillpoint Community. She will also be getting back to something that has been a bit too long on the back burner but is a deep passion - writing. Ann’s role will finish at the end of December, but her ministry will continue, for which we are grateful.
magazine
In 1970, Ann Siddall arrived in Australia as part of her world travels, intending to be here for a couple of years. Forty one years later we are acknowledging Ann in this transition phase of her life as she enters retirement. Ann has engaged in a ministry that has touched innumerable people, principally in the area of Christian Spirituality. Ann commenced work in the Methodist Church in 1976 as a part time journalist for the Central Times. Within a short time, Ann’s passion for prayer and the inner life, saw her invited to convene meetings of the newly established ‘Spiritual Development Task Group’. This ministry grew and when the Commission for Mission was established in the early 1990s, Ann was appointed as Consultant in Christian Spirituality. With the inauguration of the Mission Resourcing Network her role continued,
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A Tribute to the Reverend Brian Nicholls OAM Ion Gaskill and Keith Stephens
magazine
The Reverend Brian Nicholls OAM died in Broken Hill, 1 October 2010. Brian was born in Ceduna on 26 May 1932, the eldest in a family
of five. The family moved to Port Lincoln where Brian was involved in all the usual Methodist Church activities. He began studies as a local preacher, was accepted as a candidate into the ministry and began theological training at Wesley College at Adelaide in 1956. Later he married Jennifer Richardson. Brian’s first ministerial appointment was to Streaky Bay, then to Meningie and finally to Broken Hill for the next 44 years. In 1964, a Lifeline Service was set up at ‘The Hill’ with Brian serving on the telephone as well as attending to his ministerial duties.
Brian was appointed as the Director of Lifeline in 1975. Later his experience was recognised by his appointment to the National Lifeline Board. He was a delegate to two international conventions in the USA and Canada. Brian’s leadership was a valued feature of the Lifeline movement. Brian’s acceptance of people in need and his care and compassion endeared him to everyone. No one was a stranger to him. His community service was recognised by the award of OAM. Earlier on, his mother was awarded an OAM – a first for a mother and son. His wife, Jenny, was awarded a Citizenship Award for community service. Three years ago, Brian wrote a poem which summed up his life. The second stanza reads:
“I’ve had my chance to make a contribution to history, to humanity. and now I go with hope that at best I aided not hindered; added, not robbed, and made life a little richer for some, I hope that those blighted in anyway will forgive and forget, laugh at my idiocy and foolishness and be better people than me.” A celebration of Brian’s life was held at Wesley Uniting Church, Broken Hill on 8 October 2010, led by Rev Ion Gaskill, with family and friends taking part. Brian will be remembered by his loving wife, Jenny, as beloved father and father-inlaw of Josie, Mark and Belle and Phil; best ever Grandpa of Josh, Bianca and Ruby.
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If only adults would act their age
Good Influence: Teaching the Wisdom of Adulthood I have been involved in the church my entire life. From a young age, one thing that became abundantly clear was that there were two types of adults; those who acted their age, and those who tried to act my age. I always respected those who acted their age more than the others. This is pretty much the premise of this book. Daniel R. Heischman, Executive Director of the National Association of Episcopal Schools, explores the concept that if we truly care for the children we are teaching, working with or bringing up, we need to embrace adulthood, and in some cases relearn it. Author: Daniel R. Heischman Available from: Rainbow Book Agencies Recommended for: youth workers, parents and people who want to impact the next generation In short: A call to adults everywhere to become the role models for children and young people they were destined to be. RRP: $27.95
For too long, adults have tried to be liked by the younger generation instead of being their role models. What this has led to, and we can see this today, is a generation of people devoid of character and problem solving abilities, with an inability to rest. Through parents solving every one of their children’s problems, a co-dependent relationship has formed resulting in them never really growing up. Written eloquently from his wealth of experience as a pastor, teacher and overseer, Heischman sensitively guides the reader back to the characteristics that nurture the development of a child into fully-functioning adult. I found this book both engaging and infinitely challenging. It will help me step much more confidently into fatherhood one day..... But not too soon of course.
- Callum Iles
Thinking about retiring? Book: Shaping a Life of Significance for retirement Author: R Jack Hansen & Jerry P Haas Available from: MediaCom (www.mediacom.org.au) Recommended for: a guide to retiring In short: It’s not all about holidays, relaxing and doing the gardening. How and why to plan for retirement.
Book: Stepping Out With the Sacred Author: Val Webb Available from: local bookstores or online at www.mosaicresources. com.au Recommended for: seekers, doubters, interfaith explorers In short: A comprehensive summary of the modes of experiencing the sacred and the varied responses to the experience. RRP: $34.95
Val Webb’s latest title is a comprehensive work covering extensive terrain. Despite insisting that the examples are limited, it is nevertheless an encyclopaedic work which draws on a vast range of written and lived sources. Webb, “treks across many landscapes and cultures seeking to understand their sacred experiences.” Her work succeeds in expanding the vistas, setting Christianity in the context of the universal human search for something more and acknowledging the truth of the insights of other traditions. Although warning that, “describing religious experience is more
slippery than capturing a speck of eggshell in raw egg white,” she broaches the subject very powerfully in a chapter entitled: “What is your experience?” Here, the author describes a range of understandings, including her own – a faith refined by doubt and questioning and tested against her life experience. Webb’s robust theology invites us to step out into the messiness of the world as co-workers with the Sacred for transformation. It is always a journey, never a destination. - Margaret Ray
RRP: $24.00
One of the sights on our roads these days is that of a vehicle towing a caravan. When thinking of retirement, often the first idea that comes into our head is a life of leisure. The pursuit of ease and sightseeing, reading the books we have longed to read or indulging in experiences we never thought possible. That is great for the short term, but what then? Here is a book, albeit just over 100 pages, to help in the forward planning, before taking off in the four-wheel-drive and caravan outfit. Divided into chapters, this book deals with areas such as relationships, volunteering, spiritual growth and how to use the
later years to benefit family, friends and self. At the end of each chapter there are questions for self reflection and wider discussion. One reviewer made the comment, “If this had only been available before I retired!” With him I recommend this book to all including those like me who have retired, those about to retire, and those for whom retirement seems a long way off but are unaware of how quickly it will creep up on them. - Lindsay Faulkner
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reviews
Co-creating with the sacred
Register now for your free Pancake Day event kit! If you think you have a finesse for flipping, join with thousands of other pancake flippers on Tuesday 8 March 2011 and cook for a cause at UnitingCare’s ninth annual Pancake Day.
magazine
You can host your event anytime during February or March. Every registered group will receive a free event kit which includes celebrity recipes, competition opportunities, an event planning guide and promotional materials - balloons, posters, stickers and postcards. Your pancake participation helps UnitingCare support more people in need - those without a home, those with disabilities or mental illness, abused and vulnerable children and adults, older people and families in crisis. Every pancake counts. Register online today w. sa.pancakeday.com.au p. 1800 060 543 (free call)
UnitingCare Mascot, Penny Pancake, competed in a world record breaking mascot race this year. Penny will be brightening the streets of Adelaide throughout the Christmas season. To make sure you don’t miss her next adventure – join her on Facebook and Twitter.
Would you like Penny at your Pancake Day? Make sure you register your Pancake Day event soon to go into the draw for a chance to have Penny Pancake turn up at your event! Penny will be hosting the state Pancake event at Pilgrim Uniting Church on Tuesday 8 March, but if you host your event on another date – she’d love to have you win a day with her!
Poached Peaches Ingredients • • • •
6 yellow peaches, not peeled 500mls verjuice (or white wine) 500mls water 700gms caster sugar
Method 1. Make the sugar syrup by combining verjuice, water and caster sugar in a non-reactive saucepan and boil for 20 minutes. This recipe makes 3½ cups. 2. Put 3 peaches cut in half, cut side down into a small saucepan or fry pan. 3. Pour 3½ cups sugar syrup over peaches and poach over medium heat for 20 minutes. 4. Allow to cool enough to slip the skins off and reduce the portion of the wonderfully rosy syrup you’re left with. Chef’s note: The balance of syrup can be refrigerated and simply added to for further poaching. Each time you poach you’ll increase the rosy hue!
Much-loved cook Maggie Beer, named as Senior Australian of the Year 2010, shares her recipe for Poached Peaches – great to serve with Oat Buttermilk Pancakes. Photo: Tony Lewis
Did you get Gabriel Gate’s recipe in the November edition of New Times? Make sure you collect your celebrity chef recipes in the lead up to Pancake Day!
Share your pancake tips and event ideas on our new blog site which is accessible from the Pancake Day website, sa.pancakeday.com.au.