Issue 28, No 6 July 2009 www.sa.uca.org.au/newtimes
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PP 565 001/00190 ISSN 0726-2612
Plain and boring has never looked so good!
inside…
Greetings Mr President 3 • Health and Wellbeing 4-9 • Health and wellbeing in the majority world 8 Indigenous leaders call for consultation 10 • Called to the country 12 • One church, five chairs 16
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News
New Times
From the Editor I didn’t really grow up with a strong concern for health and wellbeing. I’m pretty sure, actually, that my childhood love affair for anything baked in pastry, fried or dipped in sugar (preferably all three) created a considerable difficulty in setting up any sort of athletic routine. And, well, this suited me just fine bar the donning of a leotard for an hour’s worth of vocal criticism from my calisthenics instructor each week. It doesn’t take long though, for girls especially, to become aware that health and wellbeing is apparently essential to finding any sense of success in life and especially in love. But what does health and wellbeing mean on this kind of scale? The limitations and manipulations that we put onto it greatly concern me. I have found consistently that the idea of health and wellbeing
is primarily, if not secondarily (and often thirdly) all about appearance. That is, if you look good, you must be healthy. Terrifying isn’t it? It’s like looking at a piece of frozen chicken that you’ve left to thaw on the bench for the better part of a hot day and because it hasn’t grown a mutation, changed colour or begun to host odourously noticeable bacteria, it ‘s still considered to be edible. Quick health lesson. This piece of chicken – edible yes, but potentially toxic – is not good, not healthy and not likely to contribute to a sense of wellbeing. Like it, many people who look good on the outside are full of a dangerous cocktail of bacteria bubbling beneath the surface, both physical and emotional. You can’t judge a book by its cover, a piece of raw chicken by its flesh tone or a person by their appearance. continued on page 4
ISSN 0726-2612 Editor: Caryn Rogers p. 8236 4230 e. crogers@sa.uca.org.au Advertising: Russell Baker p. 8361 6822 e. ribad@bigpond.com Circulation: Alex McGrath p. 8236 4242 e. amcgrath@sa.uca.org.au Production: Joie Creative Printer: Cadillac Printing Circulation: 11,500 Distribution: On the first Sunday of the month Editorial deadline for August: Tuesday 7 July Advertising deadline for August:Thursday 9 July New Times is published 11 times a year by the Uniting Church SA Communications Unit. Articles and advertising content do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or of the Uniting Church. New Times articles and policies are published on the Uniting Church SA website www.sa.uca.org.au. Uniting Church SA, Level 2, 212 Pirie Street, Adelaide. GPO Box 2145 Adelaide SA 5001 Phone: 8227 0822 Country callers: 1300 766 956 Cover pic courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/fotogaby
Rev Rod Dyson believes that fasting is an important part of spiritual health and wellbeing.
Rod’s Rundown
Isaiah 58 is one of the readings suggested for Ash Wednesday. This seems very appropriate to me because it mentions fasting - we sometimes do more of that in Lent than at other times. And, Ash Wednesday is about sorting things out. Isaiah 58 reminds us that repentance and fasting aren’t a show or a facade we put on in some circles - while acting horribly when most people aren’t watching. It reminds us that true fasting is about how we live in each part of our lives. It is about setting people free, lifting heavy burdens that weigh people down, it is about sharing food with the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked and sorting out relationships within our own families. Fasting is about giving up self-focus and seeing the wider vision of God. That can seem like a lot of ‘giving up’ but then I get to verses 8 and 9. They say that when we fast like that, “then your light will blaze out like the dawn and your wound be quickly healed over. Saving justice will go ahead and God’s glory come behind you.” (NJV) When we fast like that God will guide us, God will satisfy the needs of our scorched land and we will be like a flowing spring whose waters will never run dry. Healing and wholeness come when relationships are sorted out. It seems that in God’s economy, the spiritual can never be separated from any other dimension. It all fits together. In this sense, our healing and wholeness is never separated from anyone else’s. Jesus summarised it all another way, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.” Luke 10.27-28. Rod will be attending the Uniting Church’s National Assembly from 15-21 July in Sydney.
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NEWS
New Times
3
Greetings Mr President Behind the scenes ‘Mainstream Uniting Church Basis of Union’ man, former bartender, almost-Taizé monk, broken down footballer and Franklin River protester - meet Rev Alistair Macrae, the next President of the Uniting Church in Australia. “Our position in society has radically changed,” says Alistair. “Most of us see the threat in that but we need, as a church, to see the opportunities. I want to say ‘park the fear and trust God.’ It’s about what mindset we bring.” Alistair is fully aware that he is assuming the Presidency at a time when the church is being tested but his diverse background will bring a wealth of experience to the role. “Mainstream churches in Australia and elsewhere are in a crisis situation. Do we go into shutdown and fear mode, or consider that maybe God wants us to do and be something different?” After being inspired by a story in The Age, Alistair chose the 12th Assembly’s theme, Living Water Thirsty Land. Two young people had been found dead under their ute in outback Australia having run out of petrol and, in time, water. Local indigenous people said if the travellers had known where to look they would have found life-giving water within 200 metres of where they were stranded and survived. For Alistair, this story spoke to the nature and mission of the church.
Alistair grew up in rural Victoria before his family, with their minister father, moved to Melbourne when he was 10. Alistair was called into ministry after completing an arts degree and took postgraduate studies in Dublin. Following this, he served in three congregational placements in Victoria and chaired the Assembly Sexuality Task group, 1992-1997. Moderator of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania and young adult discipleship educator, he went on to become the Executive Director for the Centre for Theology and Ministry, where he has spent the past five years.
Andrew Dutney nominated for President-elect Andrew Dutney is one of four nominees for the role of President of the Assembly from 2012. This snapshot of Andrew’s life and experience demonstrates his aptitude for the task. Passions: Sharing the vision of the Basis of Union in a way that people can identify with, contributing an explicitly Christian point of view to public discussion and supporting members of the church as they discern God’s call to ministry.
“The church as witness to living water is a very energising image to me,” he says. “I still believe Christians are called into community - that’s pretty fundamental. The frequency and form is up for grabs at the moment but we are called to meet together - to pray, worship, encourage one another and figure out together what it means to follow the way of Jesus in a very complex world,” he says. “I don’t think that’s negotiable.”
Resume
In his personal religious life Alistair says he’s been particularly nourished by the radical discipleship movement and continues to attend his local church in Brunswick. He does concede though that the traditional style of worship, “isn’t suitable for everybody.” For Alistair, the Living Water Thirsty Land metaphor is not about making a declaration of influence but rather that it’s about identifying new ways in which we might contribute to ensure that Australian Christians “reclaim a voice and a life-giving presence in the public sphere.” “We have to get rid of the triumphalistic notion that the church has the living water,” he says. “But we can claim that we’ve got a few clues.”
Seasons Workshop
Is Christian Education still in Season? Growing Faith using Seasons of the Spirit
Sunday, 23 August, 2009 from 1.30pm to 5pm. At Rosefield Uniting Church, 2 Carlton Street, Highgate. Conducted by Susan Burt – Co-Ordinating Editor, Seasons of the Spirit Deidre Palmer – Lecturer in Christian Education, Uniting College $10.00 per person or $5.00 per person for two or more people attending from the same Church/Parish.
Register by phoning Debbie Brown at MediaCom Education on 1800 811 311
Alistair Macrae assumes the Presidency of the Uniting Church in Australia during Assembly this July.
South Australian Synod’s own Andrew Dutney has been nominated for the role of President of the Assembly at the end of Alistair’s term in 2012.
• Principal of the Uniting College for Theology and Leadership • Lecturer in Systematic Theology, former Parkin-Wesley College • Minister, Wesley College Chapel Parish • Chaplain, Wesley College and the University of Sydney • Assistant Minister, St Andrews Parish Church, Leven, Scotland • Chairperson of the South Australian Council on Reproductive Technology • Foundation Director of the Centre for Theology, Science and Culture • Author of titles including Manifesto for Renewal and God was in Christ There are three other candidates who also offer a broad range of skills, experience and passions. You can view the full profiles of Andrew and fellow-nominees Rosemary Hudson Miller (WA), Robert Bos (Qld) and Jason Isileli Kioa (MCRC - National Assembly) online at www.sa.uca.org.au/newtimes.
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4
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Finding health that’s more than skin-deep continued from page two The Biggest Loser, Ten Years Younger in Ten Days and Extreme Makeover – all highrating shows emphasising that how you look is the ultimate test of who you are. While these shows often support a person’s change of mindset and lifestyle, with Biggest Loser offering some recognition of the harmful effects of overeating, they often smack of our unhealthy cultural obsession with beauty and youth – above other marks of character. Health and wellbeing, as far as I’m concerned, encapsulates the whole person - physical, emotional and spiritual. It’s time to look a little deeper and attempt to rediscover a holistic sense of health and wellbeing –
for our sake, and for the world at large. According to The Butterfly Foundation, after obesity and asthma, anorexia is the most common disease in females aged 15-24. The mortality rate of those with eating disorders, some as young as eight, is between 10-20%, with many dying from suicide. The flipside to this is that skinny people die every minute of every hour of every day and are forgotten because they live in the majority world, not the west. In fact, World Vision estimates that in 2009, the global food crisis is likely to add another 100 million people to the list of those already living in extreme poverty. People are dying from
eating too much, others are dying from starving themselves to death for the sake of ‘beauty’, while a great deal more are starving to death because there’s not enough food to go around. There are significant difficulties with assessing health and wellbeing solely on the benchmarks of appearance. It says nothing for mental, relational, spiritual or actual physical health and adds fuel to the flaming fire of anorexia, obesity and other dangerously ‘normal’ afflictions – including a highly narcissistic mindset. Make a habit daily: to eat, to exercise, to laugh, to love. Our wealth as a western culture is not to be forgotten but instead is a call to global support because of it.
Breakfast Club for a new generation of students Shane Mills Peterborough High School introduced the Breakfast Club program with a promising start on the first day of term two, earlier this year. “For one reason or another, a number of students have been starting their school day without breakfast – considered by many nutritionists to be the main meal of the day,� commented the school’s Christian Pastoral Support Worker, Kaylene Walker. Ms Walker, in conjunction with UnitingCare Wesley Port Pirie’s Local Answers Parenting Program, with support from a number of volunteers, have revisited a similar program which operated on the school premises a number of years ago. Food supplies for the program came from Foodbank South Australia, the major source of food for the State’s SACRED AUSTRALIA POST-SECULAR CONSIDERATIONS Edited by MAKARAND PARANJAPE $39.95 PB
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welfare agencies. Ms Walker praised Peterborough Salvation Army for purchasing the first order from Foodbank for the breakfast program.
JULY 2009
With many modern workplaces parking their workers in front of a computer all day, issues with back pain and physical discomfort are causing significant problems from the stagnant posture. Julia Lacey, author of Surviving your Computer Work Station, notes that, “problems causing pain and discomfort decrease accuracy, productivity and morale...you must break regularly and do appropriate stretching at your desk.� She goes on to suggest taking a brisk 10 minute walk on your lunchbreak and a vigorous 20 to 30 minute walk after you get home.
Happy birthday, men Studies show that men don’t like taking visits to the doctors for a variety of reasons – fear of hospitals, embarrassment of discussing health concerns or can’t be bothered. But with more than five men dying prematurely each hour from potentially preventable illnesses – heart disease, stroke, bowel cancer and suicide to name a few in the top ten - it’s a good idea to ‘manup’ and head off to the doctor. Experts have suggested that, “men should book a doctor’s appointment to coincide with their birthday as an annual reminder.�
and processing of information in the classroom, but also can be a major factor in obesity in later life.
The breakfast club will help participants to learn about and prepare healthy, nutritious breakfasts from ingredients such as canned fruit, muesli, oats, crumpets, muffins, juice, along with multi-grain breads topped with spreads.
Despite rainy weather on the launch of the Breakfast Club, preventing the opening barbecue, 12 to 15 students attended which was very promising, and encouraged high school staff, breakfast club volunteers Vicki Hampton, Gerald and Heather Hanley and UnitingCare’s Jenny Perrott.
Research shows that skipping breakfast on a regular basis can not only hamper the absorption
The breakfast club operates every Monday morning from 8.15 to 8.45am.
Cup of tea with milk, sugar and heart Lara Hamlyn, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea Project Officer Over 25 Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea events were hosted by Uniting Church groups throughout South Australia. These widely varied groups included playgroups, craft groups, fellowship groups, walking groups and more. Thank you for your support and donations – every cent makes a difference as we continue to fight the battle against cancer.
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HEALTH AND WELLBEING
New Times
5
Footy, a girl and a call for life For most of us, the words discipline and balance seem unappealing. Not so for Rev Dr Dean Brookes, who has made a lifetime vocation out of ministry, fully aware that as a leader he has a responsibility to model health and wellbeing, comparing the life of a minister to a ‘24/7 fishbowl’. “As a leader, you’re modelling something,” Dean comments. “If you’re healthy as a leader, you can lead a healthy organism.” The easygoing minister has made a habit of looking after his health and wellbeing – on all levels. “Exercise is very important,” Dean recommends. “I always liked athletics and sport. I played footy on Saturdays until it became too difficult to
preach on Sundays after taking knocks on the footy field the day before. I played basketball into my 40s, and continued to run after that. When running wasn’t working anymore I took to walking.” Walking has been a habit that both Dean and his wife, Virginia, have made for physical wellbeing as well as catch-up time. Even after a hard day, they have found this practice to be helpful, and formed a discipline of walking together about four days a week. With a culture that so readily values busyness and often praises the most stressed people as the most successful, Dean offers a very alternative lifestyle – a calm, balanced effort to achieve a holistically healthy life.
Health and wellbeing is obviously not just a physical matter though. Dean affirms that his longevity in ministry is supported and spurred on by fully believing in and embracing the spiritual disciplines. “It’s taking on offensive Bible reading, prayer and fasting – not just breaking from food, but also from work, telephone or TV.
“It’s important to take a day off, get physical exercise, read the Bible as food and not just as a tool of the trade. This is what has helped me to stay in ministry for the long haul. You need to work out ways of keeping resilient.” “I love fishing, love holidays, I’ve always taken my leave entitlement; I just say yes to the
full four weeks every year and get away with my family.” Dean smiles fondly at the photos of him and his family, remembering that his significant Christian growth began when his older brother invited him to church as a teenager. After having seen his brother’s change in attitude and behaviour since attending Enfield Methodist and discovering the church had a football team and girls, Dean decided he might give it a go. He had grown up in a religious setting but it was at Enfield Methodist, in his mid to late teens, that Dean heard the gospel in a way that made sense to him - he got caught up in it. In his late teens Dean heard the call to ministry and gained the then prerequisite accreditation as a lay preacher while he worked as a cartographer in the Department of Mines. This process was what he calls his ‘conversion’ - neither instant nor dramatic – and was couched within the context of his very active lifestyle; playing
Left: Dean values family time immensely and enjoys spending time with his sons, pictured from L-R: Nathan, Justin, Damien, Dean and Kynan. Below left: Time spent with his wife, Virginia, and family has always been of great importance to Dean, pictured here in the early days. Below: Dean was a naturally athletic young man, and enjoyed sports for many successful years. Below right: Rest and relaxation is important to Dean, with fishing being a favourite holiday pastime.
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football, basketball and guitar in a dance band while courting his future wife, Virginia, whom he’d met at Enfield Methodist. It seemed that Dean’s brother had informed him correctly – he had been able to play footy and find a girl at the church! Dean reflects on how affecting one part of a person’s life, affects other parts– it’s all inter-related. This is one of the reasons Dean has prized a routine of discipline and balance - regular exercise, balanced diet and established spiritual habits– even though he has been blessed with a fast metabolism, good health and love for learning. “I hold to the verse that says you love God with your whole heart, soul and mind – it’s a spirit of self-control. You can control your mind and your attitude. You can control the food you consume and what exercise you do. It’s a choice. “I get tired and frustrated at times, but that doesn’t mean you let it get to you. “I would like to see the health and wellbeing of the church improve in every way – to be a healthier Body of Christ - with ministers who are joyful in their call and vocation. God created us as the Body. When the Body functions well, it is working as it’s designed to.” Dean was born in Adelaide, is married to Virginia and has four married sons and ten grandchildren. He is currently working 0.5 with the 3Dnet Mission Network and 0.2 as the Executive Chairperson of the Uniting Church SA Leadership Development Council.
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6
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Country health a concern for all Sarah Urmston Rural resilience – it’s a phrase given to describe the tough, strong nature of those living far from the everyday luxuries of city life. It helps people to cope with the seasonal lifestyle, where the weather plays a large part in dictating success or failure. When it comes to rural health and wellbeing, particularly that of rural men, could it be that the ingrained attitude of resilience and independence is actually not so helpful? To say that the drought has taken its toll on the health and wellbeing of our farmers and those in country towns is a massive understatement. The intense severity of the drought has amplified an ongoing problem: the decrease in health facilities and services in remote Some Goolwa ‘dancers’ in action. Dancing is a great way to draw people together and create a fun and rural areas. sense of community which, in times of hardship, can offer a great feeling of relief and build hope. “People suffer from a lack of information and don’t always know who they can talk to. They also find it hard to open up to local people because they As travellers opt for close-to-home getaways, amidst groups of locals in many various exotic don’t want their news spreading Goolwa’s township is booming in the recession, locations. While he may not be much of a dancer, around the town,” said Margaret entertaining tourists with its charming restaurants this one-move wonder inspired more than just Brown, AM, a member of and eclectic shopping strip. But its boat clubs and credit card customers. Geranium Uniting Church and a well-known voice of the rural farmers aren’t faring so well with the double-hit “The footage of Matt Harding is an inspiring community. of drought and the global financial crisis. video - ultimately there’s a sense of unity and Margaret is a consumer That’s why the town would even consider common ground. Dancing breaks down barriers, representative for groups such such a contentious issue as opening the barrage defies boundaries and negates differences,” says as Murray Mallee Women’s between the sea and river. Adam. Health, the Flinders University “The condition of the Murray is a community So Goolwa is making its own dancing video to Rural and Remote Clinical impacting problem with lots of community draw the community together, to laugh and to find School Community Board, the opinion about what should be done. It impacts hope with each other. Medicare Australia Consumer everyone,” says Adam Low, the new Family Life “The River Dance campaign is about us seeing Communication Group, Health Pastor at Goolwa Uniting Church. Consumers of Rural and God at work and not getting in the way of The question is obvious – how can there be a Remote Australia and more – that,” says Adam. “It’s not one event; this is an sense of wellbeing as a river-town when there’s offering a voice of concern for opportunity to connect with the community and no river? communities as a whole. to make connections that will boost community “At the end of the day, the action that needed Rural resilience brings about wellbeing.” to be taken should have been taken 20 years an interesting paradox. Country River Dance started with a free community ago. Behind all the angst there’s a feeling of people, more than most, event on Sunday 26 April. Over 400 people came helplessness.” understand the importance through and people signed up to be ‘dancers’ as So the river-town of Goolwa got dancing with of a strong community and well as getting information on support available a campaign aptly named ‘River Dance’, a dream yet, when it comes to sharing to them. of former Family Life Pastor, Deb Sorenson, now problems or concerns, it’s often picked up by Adam Low. Through River Dance, Goolwa Uniting has been the hardest thing to do. So the But how could dancing possibly help? able to connect with Global Practice Network Aussie battler battles on in a very private world of suffering, Think about ‘Dancing’ Matt Harding, originally South (a group of GPs), Beyond Blue, Country often to their own detriment. of Youtube fame. This American man now Health SA as well as Centrelink’s social workers Rural mission planner, Eric features on the VISA advertisement dancing and support for regional people. Kirkham sees firsthand the challenge faced by communities The website www.goolwauniting.com/riverdance is still under construction, with the video to be in looking after their health and finished over the next couple of months. There will be footage from the launch day and links to wellbeing. organisations that can help. There’ll also be an opportunity for people to blog, including those from “Clinical medical care is other river-ports that are feeling the pinch. important but it’s only one
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factor of community health,” explained Eric. “If there’s one concern raised most frequently, it’s that people no longer have a confidante they can talk to. Many of the typical ‘care’ services or their practitioners – ministers, school principals, health carers - no longer exist in remote areas.” Help is at hand though, from suburban and city churches willing to shoulder the burden of their country brothers and sisters. There are many ways to participate in supporting these communities. Eric suggests partnering with a rural congregation, visiting and giving support to the leadership team. Offers of accommodation are also helpful for those travelling to the city, who need to stay a night or two. This act of hospitality can alleviate a lot of worry, especially when the visit is for medical reasons. In the same way, offering respite for country carers would also be welcome. Another lingering gap is long term accommodation for tertiary students from the country. Eric said that the experience of coming to the city to study can be daunting for students and concerning for parents, as it means leaving behind a community and network of care. “All these things are acts of care. They are subtle messages that help people know they are not alone and that they are cared for,” said Eric. Congregations who wish to link to a country or city congregation should call (08) 8236 8244.
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HEALTH AND WELLBEING
New Times
7
Too young for dementia?
A new ‘net’ for modern fishers
David Anderson
At a recent gathering of the Urban Mission Network we spent time exploring how we, as congregations and other units in the Uniting Church, might use the inter-‘net’ as a missional tool – and herald in a new way to be ‘fishers of men’. It is true that some congregations have an excellent web presence, but, there are many that don’t and they are missing out on a chance to be at mission. But where or how does a congregation start looking? There are some excellent resources available through the Synod website which the Urban Mission Network chose to highlight at its gathering. Sarah Urmston, Communications Project Officer of Uniting Church SA, spoke with knowledge and enthusiasm about the information presented to seekers and members alike on the site and Andrew Prior, the Web Minister at Scots Church, took us through some of the ideas that congregations are developing for their websites. If you don’t do anything else with this ‘net’ you should at least look up the entry for your congregation on ‘Find a Church’ on the Uniting Church SA website and make sure it is correct and up to date. There is no doubt that people are looking. How will your congregation help those who Google for an answer to important questions?
“It seems that when you have cancer you are a brave battler, but when you have dementia you are an old ‘fart’.” Terry Pratchet, Author – diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 60
In my former life, I was a Business Manager and Accountant in the State Public Service - employed for 36 years. I barely remember the context of the words when attending my first medical consultation which had been arranged by my employer to address work performance issues. I breathed a sigh of relief at hearing the primary qualified opinion: I was extremely depressed. I dutifully consumed antidepressant medication in ever increasing dosages for the next 14 months, living in hope that I would be able to return to work. Over this period the improvement in the symptoms, difficulties and ability to cope was exactly zero. After further assessments and opinions I was diagnosed with early onset dementia which would be progressively assessed as time passed. When my employer was
informed of my real diagnosis it was inferred that I should resign so my position could be filled. Communication and support for me had diminished over my period of absence; with this diagnosis any empathy was gone. Invitations for my wife and I to social events with work colleagues and friends for my wife and I reduced to virtually nil as most people preferred not to handle the prospects of dealing with whatever social interaction with us would now bring. The lack of information and awareness in the broader community generates the ill informed opinion that a person living with dementia has a greatly reduced ability to contribute to society. The person is excluded from social activities, especially as the disease progresses. It is accepted that the person living with dementia may not be able to function in the role that they once played however, with education and support, it is evident that new roles will develop. Any Australian Government social inclusion policy and initiative must include younger people living with dementia. With the early onset of dementia, access to support mechanisms is imperative due to the impact on people who
Bruce Ind
David Anderson and wife Sue have struggled to deal with the stigma attached to early on-set dementia, a disease which affects David. are at a stage of their lives where they would normally be working, supporting a family, paying a mortgage, contributing to the gross national product of Australia and paying income tax. Excluding them will continue to increase the burden on medical and social security services. A person living with dementia needs to be regarded as a socially acceptable, useful and valued person in society. With this in place they can regain a footing with life and contribute to many aspects of the community.
David spoke at a summit held in Canberra, hosted by Alzheimer’s Australia and the Parliamentary Friends of Dementia in February this year. The Summit worked on six Action Points and formulated recommendations to the Government for each one of them - this talk was directed at the first point which addressed ‘Awareness and Stigma’. The objective was to promote awareness of the 10,000 Australians with younger onset dementia (some as young as 35 years) and the issues they face. David and his wife, Sue, attend Kersbrook Uniting Church.
At a glance The onset of dementia can cause feelings of lack of self worth, lack of confidence, reduction of ability to cope with daily issues, feelings of uselessness and being a burden on the family, confusion and disorientation in a common environment. Add to that the stigma of dementia – and this illness becomes a crushing blow to deal with.
Off the couch and down to the bay If you’ve ever thought that you’d do the City to Bay fun run next year, guess what that year has come. Now is the time to get up from that chair and out into the fresh air. With a renewed focus on health and wellbeing in the workplace, the Uniting Church SA Synod office is putting a team to the test at the event on Sunday 20 September. And they’re calling congregations to get into the swing of things as well. Three new music CD’s now available online!
Tom Ferguson Lives in South Australia and writes music about faith and life Join him on a journey of discovery and reflection
www.tomferguson.net
“We’re wanting to invest in people’s sense of health and wellbeing,” comments Karen Granger, Uniting Church SA’s Human Resource Management Advisor. “My role is to focus on the personnel team here but we see this as a great opportunity to bring the whole community together.” The City to Bay creates an opportunity for workplaces to work towards a goal together, with many exercising together regularly prior to the event
for fitness. The benefit to this is obvious – it inadvertently creates a culture where teams socialise together in the context of promoting better health and wellbeing – without making people feel uncomfortable about their level of fitness. With walking and running options over three, six and 12 kilometres, teams can set their own pace, depending on how competitive they want to be.
Aura - Internationally Renowned Swiss String Quartet
Fees start from $14 for a child and $24 for an adult; participants are welcomed to make this a fundraising opportunity for a charity such as UnitingCare. Keep your eye on the Sunday Mail and The Advertiser for tips on boosting your individual fitness to help make it a fun run for you. www.city-bay.org.au
Website training The Uniting Church SA offers a free website and training to congregations. New webmasters/refresher course Friday, August 14 10.00am – 1.00pm or 2.00pm – 5.00pm Advanced training for confident webmasters Friday, August 28 1.00pm – 4.00pm For bookings, contact Steve Davis: sdavis@sa.uca.org.au
The Order of St Luke The Physician ONE DAY CONFERENCE - Saturday 1st August Christ Church (Hall) Jeffcott Street, North Adelaide, 9.30am – 4.00pm.
Will play music by Elgar and Escher Saturday 18th July at 8pm Brougham Place Uniting Church, 193 Brougham Place, North Adelaide Contact 8267 2657 email office@bpuc.org for details and tickets – which we anticipate will sell quickly!
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Peter Wellock – National Chaplain of the Order and author of several books on the Healing Ministry
Tickets $30 Adult $25 student/ concession Proceeds to KADI (for rebuilding a village in Southern Sudan after the civil war) and Brougham Place Outreach Fund
For further information contact Pastor Reg Casling on 8271 4028 or dicas59@optusnet.com.au
Morning and afternoons teas and lunch provided Registration cost $40 (concessions $30)
JULY 2009
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
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New Times
Health and wellbeing in the majority world
Malony has a population of 28, 000 in its township and 250, 000 in its wider parameters. The community struggles to meet the practical needs of its people. Kingdom Assignment Sudan is aiming to make a change, with the support of the Southern Sudanese government.
For around the price of a suburban three-bedroom house here in Adelaide, Kingdom Assignment Sudan (KAS) is building a school, medical clinic and a church in Malony, Southern Sudan. Roger Brook first dreamt of KAS when he was the minister at The Journey (Pedare) Uniting and the church was supporting a Sudanese refugee family. Seeing their struggle to fit into Australian culture and strong desire to return to their own country, Roger started toying with the idea of how to make a difference for this family, and other Sudanese refugees returning to their impoverished communities. “I have a saying: if you see something that’s not right and you have the ability to make it right, you have the responsibility to make it right,” says Roger, chairperson of KAS. KAS began with research by Malok Akot, a Sudanese migrant from the churchsupported family. He headed back to the remote region of Malony to discover what the greatest needs were - he found many. At the end of the civil war, refugees were heading home to absolutely nothing. It’s important that we understand the difference between having nothing here in Adelaide, and having nothing in Southern Sudan.
It’s not just that they don’t have easy access or money to afford supplies - medical, school and other basics. There are NO supplies or facilities for supplies at all. Southern Sudan is considered by the American government to be the most impoverished country in the world with 90% of the population earning less than one dollar a day. The population is also the youngest in the world; 21% of the population are under five years of age - a direct result of civil war and famine. KAS cannot do everything, but it was born out of a strong desire from a group of people that knew they could, and must, do something. The idea was to raise funds over three to five years to meet the greatest needs of the community, as the community saw them. Their initial need was education as they had noted that, “Without education our children have no future.” Health was next on the agenda with a pressing need for a medical centre, and finally, a church. The three-building project has been estimated to cost $500,000. “The Sudanese government is also getting involved. But they won’t begin their work until a facility is finished, and they won‘t build a facility themselves. We want these
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here are some big boots that need filling in Australia’s Outback – boots that will take you to amazing places as you embark on a ministry that is as diverse as the vast and varied landscape in which you’ll serve.
To find out more about Patrol Ministry, contact the Rev David Thiem on (02) 8270 1322, david.t@frontierservices.org, or Jenna Cohn on (02) 8270 1321, jenna.c@frontierservices.org.
JULY 2009
“No matter how long it takes we’ll do it, we’ll change the lives of these people through this project. If it takes ten years, then it’ll take ten years - these people still won’t have anything. That’s how great the need and grim the prospect is.” For Roger, heading up KAS has been a constant process of personal conviction as he thinks through the Christian life and how it relates to health and wellbeing on a global scale. “More and more I see how I’m living and sometimes I might think I’m struggling – but I have no worries compared to the rest of the world. It’s an imbalance of life; there needs to be a correction to our western lifestyle. We have a huge responsibility. It goes against God’s provision and calling on us not to be more involved.” For further information on KAS or to see how you can be involved, visit www. kingdomassignmentsudan.org. au. Roger is now the Associate Pastor at Hope Valley Uniting Church.
Kingdom Assignment Sudan at a glance
T
Frontier Services would like to hear from Ministers and Deacons who might be interested in serving as a Patrol Minister. This is a role in which you’ll travel thousands of kilometres providing friendship, comfort and spiritual guidance and, sometimes, ‘hands-on’ assistance to people on remote properties, mine sites and Aboriginal communities. We currently have 23 Patrol Ministries with vacancies in WA’s West Kimberley Ministry (Derby), a joint placement with Congress, and the Gascoyne Patrol (Exmouth). We have a new placement for the Croajingalong Ministry (Mallacoota, VIC), a joint Uniting/Anglican placement.
projects to be self-sustainable and are thrilled at the government’s enthusiasm for the initiative; this will mean it is a project that the country’s leadership will have ongoing ownership of.”
Your donations to UnitingCare Wesley will make a positive and practical impact in the lives of people who need assistance to overcome poverty, unemployment, homelessness, social isolation and disadvantage. Please phone 8202 5112 or mail to UCW “Winter Appeal”, GPO Box 2534, Adelaide SA 5001.
Kingdom Assignment Sudan (KAS) exists to respond compassionately to the devastation Southern Sudan is caught up in. We are a group of people committed to give time, money and resources to make a difference, inspired by personal stories from Sudanese Australians struggling to settle in a new country. With an ambitious plan to build a school, medical clinic and church in Malony, Southern Sudan, our plan is to help rebuild the communities Sudanese Australians left in the hope they could return to a brighter future. KAS has already sent birthing kits over to help reduce the statistic of the one in nine women dying in childbirth because of lack of hygiene. We are also looking into the supply of mosquito nets to help combat malaria.
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HEALTH AND WELLBEING
New Times
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Helping people heal
Above: Dr Jeremy Smith, a leading Ophthalmologist and Uniting Church elder, operating on Ramakesh’s left eye. Above right: The moment of truth. Ramakesh arrived back at the clinic and the patch was removed by Orthoptist, Maria. Right: Ramakesh happy at play. Because of the operation, Ramakesh played, read and laughed in a way he had not done for a long time.
Restoring sight, changing futures Rob Lutton, Community Relationship Manager for UnitingWorld A few months ago I began to read and reflect on a book called Ruthless Trust: The Ragamuffin’s Path to God by Brennan Manning. The book argues that the key to wellbeing and the walk of discipleship is a ‘second conversion’ of trust and gratefulness. His thesis is that followers of Jesus who have not learnt the art of trusting God regardless of circumstances live in a perennial state of spiritual ill-health. With Manning’s book in my backpack and its thoughts filling my mind, I joined five Nurses, four Doctors, one Orthoptist and a medical student who would be performing life-changing eye surgeries on local Fijians. The team, a joint partnership between St Clair Uniting Church, Westmead, Nepean and Lautoka hospitals, the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma and the Relief and Development Unit of UnitingWorld, has visited Fiji for the last four years to provide much needed surgery. In May 2009, they successfully conducted 94 cataract operations.
When I saw six year old Ramakesh* (name changed for security purposes) arrive in the Lautoka hospital waiting room, I saw a future in the balance. Ramakesh and his family come from a simple farming community in the hills outside Tavua, east of Nadi. Last year he began to fall behind in his reading at school, and became so frustrated that he ceased attending school altogether. After an examination by Dr Jeremy Smith, Ramakesh was diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes and scheduled for surgery. I was there to shoot a short video on how the team expresses Christ’s compassion among those who cannot see but it was the trust exhibited by the young Indian Fijian boy that spoke most to me.
He trusted the medical team, the guidance and love of his family and, in a sense, he trusted the goodwill of the Uniting Church in Australia whose generous donors make this team possible. The day after the surgery, I went to the family at home and arrived to a hero’s welcome. This was in effect gratefulness to the UnitingWorld eye care team and the Uniting Church in Australia. I walked away reflecting on how I express gratefulness to those who have contributed to my life but even more on the rich trust of Ramakesh and family in the visiting UnitingWorld team - this was a real glimpse into the kind of trust the love of God in Christ calls me to.
Getting involved Donate money - UnitingWorld covers costs of the trip and supports the team donating their time and skills Donate equipment - Eye care equipment or suppliers are always needed Partner - This kind of engagement is the result of a congregation taking the Acts1.8 ‘ends of the earth’ call seriously and entering into an intentional partnership with UnitingWorld Serve - This team is formed by the lead Doctors from their own hospital staff. However, UnitingWorld has many opportunities for professionals to use their medical, IT or educational skills to build the capacity of our partner churches Go to www.unitingworld.org.au to see how you can get involved.
Health, education and life skills are on the agenda for the newly opened HEALS (Health, Education and Life Skills) Centre – which easily explains how it got its name. The HEALS Centre is a new way of ‘being church’ by looking to meet the needs of the local community by utilising an older church as an allied health care centre. This centre is the realisation of a dream first articulated by Dr Elaine Rogers and Margaret White, a former church member now deceased. “Living in the Port Adelaide and Enfield area, you can’t help but notice the need,” comments Cate Baker, Deacon at HEALS. “People here are used to the low socioeconomic area – that’s why the church has run an op-shop here for years.” “We meet many through that avenue and many churchgoers work in the Enfield community food centre, which provides food at low cost to families.” With her background as a registered nurse and previous involvement in running a household supporting newly arrived refugees, Cate brings both a strong skill base and a keen interest in the health issues that appear on HEALS doorstep. What is evident is that there is a broad range of needs to be addressed within the local area. There are senior-specific needs, mental health, chronic illness and management as well as the considerable issues that come about from drug and alcohol abuse. Though still in the early stages, the HEALS centre is set up to provide for the needs of the whole person; physical needs through podiatry and physiotherapy, emotional needs through professional
counselling, relational needs through the shared community garden and practical work needs through the teaching of computer skills and facilities. After the opening in June, there was an influx of interest in the initiative, both from those wanting to get involved and from those needing the services on offer. The centre is starting to liaise with other agencies including groups like UnitingCare Wesley, health clubs, Enfield Mental Health and Enfield Community Health. “This centre is to help people heal,” Cate affirms.
“It’s taken six years to get off the ground - the congregation here at Prospect Road Uniting Church has held faithfully to the vision,” notes Cate. “It is possible to start up new initiatives, if the church is willing to risk new ways of being a church. “Most of the congregation here is over 80, with young families appearing as more move into the area. We’re connecting with those around us by meeting their needs. It’s the practical element of faith in action. “Everyone in the world is broken. HEALS is a church of broken people moving towards healing and wholeness. We are seeing people’s lives being transformed and lives given hope like they never have been before. “Our motto is that it’s not how to cure, it’s how to live.” As programs begin they will be advertised in local businesses, through agencies, Messenger press and the op-shop.
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JULY 2009
10
NEWS
New Times
Indigenous church leaders call for negotiation, not consultation National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission Indigenous church leaders from across Australia have met in Sydney to develop a unified platform for action on the many adverse issues affecting Aboriginal people in the wake of the Northern Territory Intervention. The forum was hosted by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC) with its members attending in solidarity with those of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Christian Alliance (NATSICA). Executive Secretary of NATSIEC, Mr Graeme Mundine, said there was a clear message from the forum that, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christians, we are united against the Northern Territory Intervention in its current form. “We stand in solidarity with our Northern Territory brothers and sisters and we want to send messages of hope to them,” said Mr Mundine. Rev Shane Blackman, CEO of NATSICA, said the Intervention
has not, and will not, work for Aboriginal Peoples unless negotiation was front and centre. “The greatest failing has been the lack of negotiation with Aboriginal Peoples prior to the development and implementation of the Intervention and until such negotiations take place the policy will continue to fail Aboriginal Peoples,” said Rev Blackman. Forum participants asserted the right of Aboriginal Peoples to ‘negotiate agreements as equal partners who have
the right to make their own decisions’. They stressed the difference between negotiation at all phases of policy development as distinct from consulting about policies and programs that have already been developed. Forum participants also commented on the discriminatory nature of the Intervention and called on the Government to immediately reinstate all the suspended provisions of the Racial
Discrimination Act (1975) and to also ensure that the principles of the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples are enshrined in Australian Law. A key outcome of the forum was a forum statement available at www.ncca.org. au/natsiec which calls on Governments and churches to undertake several actions to improve the situation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
New ‘Mother Hubbard’ to fill UnitingCare’s cupboard Module 2 - Mental Health
Gloria Battistella As 2008 drew to a close, Philippa (Pip) Pattison took an opportunity to travel and reflect on her future direction. Having always intended to work in the community services sector, Pip will now be taking up a role with UnitingCare Wesley Bowden (UCW Bowden) as their new General Manager of Programs. Having never felt completely comfortable in the private sector, she is excited to lend her business acumen and strategic vision to the future growth and success of this organisation. A motivated self starter with a passion for excellence and a sound business mind, Pip also possesses a well developed social conscience. Completing an Arts degree (Politics major) in the late 1980s she was temporarily lured away from her quest to save the world by the promise of rapid career advancement in a graduate role with National Mutual. Less than two years later she turned her back on the private sector and spent a year completing her honours degree with a thesis entitled The Politics of Poverty in Australia. Graduating into a recession Pip spent the next eighteen months travelling and working in the UK and Europe, eventually returning to Adelaide.
A course for ministers, pastoral carers, community members, chaplains – everyone who wants to understand and engage with the issues of mental health in our church and community. Topics include: • What is schizophrenia? • What is bi-polar? • What is anxiety? • Grieving and mental illness
• • • •
Communication Dealing with difficult people Managing boundaries Managing change
When? 7 Thursday nights from Thursday 30th July from 7 pm – 9.30 pm (final session 10th September 09) Where? Christ Church / Effective Living Centre, King William Road, Wayville Cost? $50 for the whole course The course will be led by Rev Mark Boyce, Mental Health chaplain.
UnitingCare Wesley Bowden’s Chief Executive, Julian Sawicki, with new General Manager of Programs, Pip Pattison survey the empty Emergency Assistance shelves. Pip has extensive work experience in health, employment and accountancy fields, with roles ranging from project officer through to executive officer. In 2007, Pip successfully graduated from a company director’s program managed by the Australian Institute of Company Directors and last year was a participant in the inaugural ‘High Impact Leadership Program for Women’ developed by Locher Human Resources and the Leadership Institute of SA in conjunction with the State Government. Having driven change and the stepwise growth of
two organisations in the last five years she looks forward to a long and bright future achieving outcomes for the many clients of UCW Bowden. Pip joins UCW Bowden when community demand for various support services like Emergency Assistance are rising. UCW Bowden Chief Executive, Julian Sawicki commented that, “Pip will be busy, particularly with donations of food, clothing and blankets from the general public being down compared to previous years” UCW Bowden will benefit significantly from Pip’s experience and energy.
Module one courses Pastoral Care Skills for Everyone 7 sessions that cover the basics of good pastoral care • Towards a theology of pastoral care • Loss and Grief • Spirituality in the context of our times • Difficult emotions • The power of presence • Ethics for the pastoral carer • Listening and responding • Taking care of yourself too Two courses are available soon: West Lakes Church Bartley Terrace, West Lakes Shore 7 Monday nights from July 20th 7 pm – 9.30 pm Catholic Education Office 116 George Street, Thebarton 7 Thursday afternoons from August 6th 4pm – 6.30 pm Come and discover the joys of sharing life’s journey with others. Develop and deepen your current pastoral care skills and understanding. Find pathways into working alongside others as part of a pastoral team in an agency or congregation Cost: $50 for the course
Module 2 - Hospital Care 4 sessions for people who • provide pastoral care in our hospitals • visit people who are patients and would like to understand more, or • people who are interested in becoming involved Topics covered include: • The hospital environment • The body and soul • The psycho-social-spiritual dynamics of being hospitalised. • The place of the sacraments and prayer in the hospital setting. • Infection and cross-infection in the acute setting • Coping with bad news • Talking about dying • The ministry of presence • End-of life decision making • The four strategies for helping people in distress Where? The Boardroom, St Andrews Hospital, South Terrace. Adelaide When? 4 Friday mornings from 4th September, 9.30am – 12 noon Cost? $50 for the course
To register, or for more information contact: Pastoral Pathways, Uniting College on 08 8416 8420 or email: info@unitingcollege.org.au JULY 2009
NEWS
New Times
11
Arson effort ‘ironic’ on day of Pentecost services to acknowledge God’s spirit coming to start the church. “We still held the service in the way we had hoped - it lifted the spirits of everyone and put things into perspective,” commented Tony. About 200 people from various groups, including dancing, singing and calisthenics associations, along with churchgoers, used the hall each week according to Tony.
Para Vista churchgoers were devastated to be greeted by the sight of a fire truck before their church service on Sunday 31 May.
Dennis Wright Congregation members at Para Vista Uniting arrived at church to a devastating surprise on Sunday 31 May. At approximately 5am, a fire was allegedly lit in the church hall, gutting the recently
renovated facility. The extreme vandalism caused shock and distress to the arriving parishioners for the Pentecost service which, as Rev Tony Goodluck put it, ironically recognises flames of fire as a symbol of the Pentecost,
Synod Property Services partners with congregations to make property an effective tool in mission and ministry and so it was heartbreaking to witness this senseless loss of property as fire crews completed their task.
Synod Insurance Services has been able to help Para Vista Uniting Church maintain a semblance of normality. It is amazing how many people have a role to play following an incident like this and it’s been heart-warming to see members of the congregation jump into action even in their disappointment. A helpful electrician was quickly on the scene to isolate the hall and allow Sunday morning worship to proceed. Synod’s insurance broker quickly engaged a loss adjuster who in turn arranged for a builder to board up windows and doors. All of this was achieved before the congregation had even dispersed after worship.
The following day, the loss adjuster returned to the scene. All previously held fears about the extent of the damage were confirmed. An engineering consultancy firm has now been engaged to prepare a detailed report and specification of works. The investigatory and rebuilding process could take some time and forbearance will be required. It is clear however, that there was nothing that the Para Vista Uniting Church Council could have done to prevent the break-in and resultant fire. The life and witness of the brave folk at Para Vista will continue, in spite of this setback.
A man of God, a man of compassion Neil Andrew Over 700 people attended a service at Pedare College Chapel on Saturday May 30 to thank the Lord for the life and witness of Robert Iles, servant of God and much loved pastor of congregations at Waikerie, Tusmore Memorial, Golden Grove and, most recently, Walkerville. Wherever Robert and Janis were called to serve, they quickly endeared themselves to their parishioners. This was true also of their student days in the USA and of an exchange ministry in the UK. Theirs was a ministry marked by congregational growth. As a parish minister Robert was a gifted teacher and an extraordinary communicator. He loved to preach and to lead his people in worship. His selfeffacing humour and quick wit added a wonderfully human dimension to his powerful proclamation of the Word of
God. He is most fondly remembered for his role as Pastor of his congregations. He cared for God’s people and they responded warmly to him because he lived what he believed. Robert came to Parkin-Wesley College in 1971, leaving behind in Western Australia a promising career in Real Estate as well as the opportunity to be engaged as a drummer in a professional band. While at college, he met and married Janis, and was subsequently ordained in 1979. Following the tragic death of their three year old daughter, Susannah, in 1981, Rob wrote articles on grief and counselling. These articles along with the sermons he preached, the prayers he offered and the emails he wrote during his time of failing health, all attest to his positive approach to life, his constant concern for others and his abiding faith and hope in the Lord.
Robert was a man of great compassion. Some people knew him as George, most knew him as Robert, but Robert was never confused about who he was. He was Janis’ husband and God’s man. He was unapologetically evangelical. The Uniting Church owes him a debt of gratitude because of his insistence that reform must come from within the Church. He strove to have the EMU movement, which he helped initiate, working as ‘leaven in the bread’. Through his constancy, his honesty, his courage and his integrity, this man of God is affectionately remembered by all of his congregations, and many throughout the Uniting Church. He will be sadly missed. He is survived by his much loved and loving wife of 33 years, Janis, and their children, Julia and Callum. Our sympathy is extended to them and to Robert’s mother, Pattie and his sister, Erica.
Rev Dr George Robert Iles 15/1/49 – 21/5/09
Royal Adelaide Show competition winners In the May 2009 edition of New Times a competition was held to give away four passes to the 2009 Royal Adelaide Show. Congratulations to Simon Wood, Joan Hazeldine, G Dawe, RJ and JC Nicholson. Thank you to those who sent in their entries.
Forsyth Foundation Grants South Australian community based organisations are invited to apply for grants that address social isolation and poverty which respond to community need. Applications from Aboriginal and culturally diverse communities are particularly encouraged. Application forms are available on our website. www.ucwesleyadelaide.org.au
UnitingCare Wesley: Together We Can Make a Difference to Your Community JULY 2009
COMMUNITY NEWS
12
New Times
Heading out for some fresh Eyre Matthew Carratt, the youth pastor at Westbourne Park for the past three years, is packing his bags to become the new Reverend of the Western Eyre Congregations (Cummins, Cornerstone, Lock and Yeelanna). On Sunday 26 July, Matt will be recognised by his congregation for the first time as an intern, or almostReverend. It’s been a big year for Matt with a move to the country, his first sole ministry placement and the birth of his first son, Jacob. Don’t let the 26 year old’s youthfulness cause you to underestimate his readiness for the task though – he’s felt the call to ministry since his early teens. “I grew up in the Uniting Church,” Matt recalls. “We moved around a lot as a family, so I saw different expressions of church – country, city and everything in between.” The prompting for ministry was mostly an experiential sense of seeing the need, more than it was a definitive voice or vision. It began at a year nine camp Matt attended where this challenge was made: don’t just be a submarine Christian, emerging only on Sundays; be a Christian everyday. Discontented with the way he saw churches attempting to connect faith and life, Matt wanted to make a difference through participation in it, rather than simply making a cynical critique from the outside. He began to serve in youth groups, Christian radio stations – wherever he was offered a ministry outlet that appealed to him in his giftings. “I didn’t know what to do after high school so I volunteered around the place
for two or so years. I could only ever see myself in ministry, but l wasn’t sure what it would look like.” Matt met his now wife Rebecca, when the Adelaide pair both happened to be living in Darwin. As Matt was weighing up his options for ministry Rebecca’s parents, Marty and Naomi, were also seeking to discern a similar vocation change for themselves. For Matt, it meant returning to Adelaide to take up study at a Bible college, and having a heart for the Uniting Church, opted for Parkin-Wesley College. “At one stage the whole family was studying together, Mardy, Naomi, Rebecca and I. It was a real family occasion! “I started by taking part in a period of discernment and wondering where I’d head to, whether it would be into radio, youth or children’s ministry – I was keeping my options pretty open. It seemed the best option was to serve as a minister.” When asked if he’s looking forward to donning ecclesiastical robes for the first time, the young minister is careful not to land himself in hot water too early. “I’m not at all looking forward to the robes - things like that, for me, exclude some people from the church and I’m happy to let go of them for that reason. But I’m someone who is happy to help people worship God in the way that best helps them, so I’m happy to wear them if that helps. “I am looking forward though to everything I’ve heard about the Western Eyre congregations. There’s a kids club of 70 or so and a very capable lay ministry who I’m looking forward to
encouraging and equipping in their work. I’m keen to support what’s already working well. “I think they’re looking forward to me too - they haven’t had a minister since December. It’s going to be good to be part of their community. Everyone I know has been affirming of the culture out there – they’re genuinely good people.” Bec is also looking forward
to the community life, setting up the manse as the Carratt’s new home and taking on her role as a minister’s wife. As a mother, and teacher by trade, the friendly 25 year old should have no trouble making friends on the Eyre. But are there any concerns about the move? “There is always the sense of ‘how will I go in this role.’ I’ll be the new minister, not one of
a team of ministers. It is a step out in faith. “But I’ve been given a lot of opportunities since high school and God’s proven faithful in those times – I’m trusting that will continue to be the case.” We wish Matt well as he takes up his position on the Eyre and a safe move for the family.
Matthew, Rebecca and baby Jacob Carratt will be taking up residence in Cummins in mid-July as Matt begins his first placement with the Western Eyre congregations.
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JULY 2009
POSTGRADUATE INTENSIVE SEMINAR 24-28 August Theology in the public arena
Dr Brian Edgar is an affiliate professor Asbury
with Brian Edgar
Uniting Church minister, and a former Director of
The gospel as ‘public truth’ – the corporate responsibility of the church today.
Theological Seminary in Kentucky (USA), an ordained Public Theology for the Australian Evangelical Alliance and Academic Dean at the Bible College of Victoria. He is the author of The Message of the Trinity and has research interests in the science-theology interface and public policy. Pastors and other church workers are welcome to take the seminar at audit level or for credit.
For further information about postgraduate intensives or to make a booking please contact: Rev Dr Graham Buxton - Director of Postgraduate Development. T 08 8373 8720 Gbuxton@adelaide.tabor.edu.au Chris Powell - email: cpowell@adelaide.tabor.edu.au
COMMUNITY NEWS
New Times
13
Partners in life and ministry
Rev Marty and Pastor Naomi Rosenberg share a rich and vibrant ministry on Yorke Peninsula.
Shannon Short Rev Marty and Pastor Naomi Rosenberg’s lives have been a rich tapestry of experiences – from social work to policing, nursing to owning a backpacker’s hostel. It is this diversity of life that has equipped them for their latest challenge. Together they are ministers of the Southern Yorke Peninsula Uniting Churches. Based in Yorketown, they share the ministry and pastoral oversight of ten congregations. It was during a three-year stint as the owners of a backpacker’s hostel in Darwin that they both felt called to ministry. “I went on an Emmaus Walk,” explains Marty, “and it was during that retreat that God issued his call and led us to study at the Adelaide College of Divinity.” Naomi initially began studies with Marty to help her to be a ‘good pastor’s wife’ but after a personal retreat also felt called - to be a lay pastor. After a year and half as a lay pastor, Naomi is now transitioning through a year of formation in preparation to be ordained as a Deacon in 2010. The pair believes their career histories have helped to equip them for ministry; Naomi as a registered nurse and Marty as a policeman. And the challenges of working so closely together? “Well, we spent three years running a business together prior to ministry and learned a whole lot through that!” says Marty with a laugh. He doesn’t give much away – but you get the feeling that the role presented some interesting challenges, which have ultimately brought about a great sense of camaraderie in their working partnership and the ability to achieve excellent results.
When asked what the most rewarding part of their ministry is they both agree - serving God together. Since they began their first placement 18 months ago, the pair has brought fresh ideas and initiatives to the region. As resource ministers, their focus is on equipping over a dozen lay preachers and others in leadership positions for their roles. They have organised regular teaching, leadership and community development (TLC) gatherings that focus on the subjects the name suggests. While their roles overlap, Naomi has a heart for pastoral care and community outreach, whereas Marty’s strength lies in developing new initiatives and moving beyond maintenance. In just 18 months, he’s helped establish a combined churches youth group and a café church. The aim of the café church, that meets in Yorketown once a month, was to reconnect with a large number of parishioner’s children who were no longer attending the church. “We’re invited into such significant parts of people’s lives – baptisms, funerals, weddings and journeying with people through the conversion process,” says Marty. Ministry can also be demanding though, with the couple recently conducting seven funerals between them, in just nine weeks. The couple schedule regular meetings to stay on the same page ministry-wise. “It sounds funny but we do need to schedule those!” says Marty. Talking with Marty and Naomi you get the feeling that their unique partnership is a blessing both to each other and to their community.
New Things Are Happening At Adare in Victor Harbor! Adare is under new management.
That’s not all…Winter Weddings
The new manager Hilary James has a wonderful team of staff members ready to offer you and the wider community a variety of choices, not only in accommodation, and Caravan Park stays, but now Adare is able to provide an updated Conference Facility with all of the most modern sound equipment available, a soft carpeted room, and comfortable new chairs. Why not book a Day Conference, and come and experience the quiet surrounds of Adare. We offer you with our delicious morning and afternoon teas, and lunches, beautiful surroundings, and cheerful service.
We are also ready to promote ‘Winter Weddings @ Adare’. We have this magnificent heritage building, and are wanting to let you know that we are offering beautiful weddings at competitive and affordable prices. Warm wood fires, old style ballroom, beautiful surroundings...gorgeous photographic settings etc. For further information on Weddings and Conferences, please phone Hilary or Amy on 08 8552 1657.
Also..Winter Specials Its Whale Season at Victor Harbor, why not take advantage of our Winter Specials and come down and see these magnificent creatures, and have a holiday as well.. Our Specials are as follows: Book your holiday at Adare Caravan Park and Cabins to stay between July 1st and September 31st 2009 and take advantage of our special off peak rates available to all UCA members. (Prices are for up to 2
people plus $7 per night for each extra person, with linen included for the main bedroom). Peter Wood Lodge (spacious 2 or 3 bedroom Units) just $95 per night. Cabins (2 bedrooms) just $80 per night. Book a 3 night weekend (arrive Friday depart Monday) only pay for 2 nights, OR
Book 4 week nights (arrive Monday depart Friday) only pay for 2 nights. OR Stay for a week in your own caravan, only pay for 5 nights at $20 per night. Just tell us when booking if you are a UCA Minister or member and saw this article in the Times to qualify for this offer. (Ministers are eligible for even greater discounts).
ADARE CENTRE at VICTOR HARBOR - PHONE 08 8552 1657 JULY 2009
14
REVIEWS
Because you’re worth it!!! Title: Love Your Life –Living Happy, Healthy and Whole Author: Victoria Osteen Recommended for: women looking to enhance their lives – but some great advice for men too. In short: Very personalised book containing many of the author’s experiences and encounters as she seeks to encourage and support those wanting a more rewarding and fulfilling life.
Prepare yourself Australian readers – you may have to ‘push through’ the sense of hype that is part and parcel of Victoria Osteen’s writing style – but it’s worth it. Author and co-pastor with husband Joel of American mega-church Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, Victoria is part of a ministry that some readers may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable with. Those who have some difficulty embracing the ‘stars’ of the American TV Evangelist phenomena may find it a challenge initially to come to terms with the world in which Victoria lives. The book is primarily written for women, but there’s plenty of excellent advice and help for men as well in her easy to read book. Particularly in the second half of the book, Victoria gives many pages of excellent advice on how to live our lives in, and for, God’s love. Her very practical chapters on relationships and making good choices in our response to others are well worth reading. She focuses heavily on the fact that we all have choices to make in the way we respond to others and their actions; it is in the responses that we choose, that our lives can be either enhanced or made miserable. Her use of Biblical characters as examples is really helpful and her style of writing is easy to read, even when busy lives make it difficult to read a book all at once. - Lyn Beaumont
New Times
If I were Jane... ‘Pocket’-full of Book: A Walk with Jane Pro Austen Author: Lori Smith Recommended for: Reflection and comparative consideration between societies In short: Contemporary meets Jane Austen.
American Lori Smith embarked on a journey to the UK, visiting places significant to the life and novels of Jane Austen. As she travels she writes what is described as a memoir and travelogue. The narrative is enriched through insights into her journey and the hardships that accompany her. Reading the opening chapters, I found it particularly difficult not to recoil from the overwhelming Americanstyle, ego-driven narrative that encompassed the book. However, possessing a fondness for Jane Austen, I persevered and upon the introduction of a contemporary Mr Darcy, my opinion quickly changed. Instantaneously I became intrigued, unable to resign without a satisfying answer to the lingering question of whether she was to achieve her own happy ending. As the reader, we are constantly kept wondering, with intriguing biographical details of Jane Austen’s life evoking a self analysis of the author’s own life. While many others have concerned themselves with further developing the stories and characters created by Jane Austen, Smith chooses to focus her intent on showing the relevance of Jane Austen and her work in contemporary society, drawing comparisons between her own life and that of Jane’s. Despite the obvious and significant differences in culture and society, through sharing her experiences with the reader, it becomes increasingly evident there is an element of Jane Austen in us all. - Jenny Brisbane
Title: Pro Hart: The Pro Hart Pocket Companion
Book: Of Love and Privilege
Introduction by: Raylee Hart
Recommended for: Cultural insight and reflection of work
Recommended for: People who like to reflect spiritually through visual mediums In short: A book of fascinating paintings and Biblical inspiration.
“The Lord will show me,” Pro Hart answered, when asked how he decided what to paint. This book immediately took my fancy, intriguing me because of his interesting work. His comment that he worked using the Word of God as his daily inspiration interested me even further. This book is intended to be inspirational, “inspirational quotes and daily guidance alongside the artwork of Pro Hart,” and well, both components are there. On the left hand side is a Bible quote and, on the facing page, one of Pro Hart’s paintings Perhaps I am too much of a literalist in that I thought the painting might have some clear link with the scripture quote. Sometimes this worked but not often. I was also somewhat disappointed that the King James Version was used. When I first came across Pro Hart paintings in the High School Art Exhibition in Gladstone I was immediately intrigued by his style – large flamboyant canvases with strange, almost-cartoon type characters used often for social comment. Pro Hart’s paintings are still fascinating, even in the reduced size of the 15cm2 ‘pocket’ book, and are most certainly worth contemplating – even without trying to figure out connections to the quotes. I appreciated the autobiographical details and introduction written by Pro’s wife, Raylee but I would have liked to see this book as a larger coffee table book rather than an inspirational one. It’s really too small for the coffee table but way too big for my pocket! - Glenys Badger
JULY 2009
To service, with Once upon a love time Author: Doris Telfer
In short: Autobiographical narrative detailing the life and work of a South Australian minister and his family.
Spanning many decades, Of Love and Privilege provides a fascinating insight into the life, work and experiences of South Australian minister Rev Doug Telfer and his family. Written by Doug’s wife Doris, the narrative begins in 1945 when, as newlyweds, they leave South Australia to embark on a five year working term in a Fijian community. Through Doris’ words, readers journey with her as she faces the hardships of forging a life for her and her family in a community very different to what they were familiar with. The word privilege, as included in the title is significant to the central theme of this book. With an obvious love of people in all places and settings, Doris reflects often on the difficult circumstances and situations of her neighbours and friends. Doug and Doris endeavoured to help others, using the privileges they had to bring happiness to those around them. Of Love and Privilege follows Doug and Doris until the very end. Upon returning home to Australia after three five-year terms in Fiji, they continued their work with Doug resuming ministry roles and encountering the challenges of the 1960s and 70s. Concluding her autobiography, Doris adopts a comparative tone in her writing, continually highlighting the difference between her time in Fiji and her return to Australia. As a reader this evokes a feeling of thankfulness, allowing us to see the elements of our own life that we often take for granted. - Andrew Clarke
Book: Theology for Pilgrims: Selected Documents of the Uniting Church in Australia Edited by: Rob Bos and Geoff Thompson Recommended for: Unique insights for reflection In short: A journey from the Uniting Church beginning.
To fully comprehend any historical event, it is important to start at the very beginning Theology for Pilgrims does just that. It’s the middle of the 20th century and 21 Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian theologians are entrusted with the responsibility of drafting a basis on which to unite. With a myriad of obvious issues pertaining to a simple amalgamation of the denominations, they choose to draw inspiration from their mutual faith in Jesus Christ. Theology for Pilgrims provides us with a unique insight into the impending unification, inviting us to revisit the sources of our faith whilst informing our understanding of who we are as the pilgrim people of God. Lending poignancy to the overall reading experience, Theology for Pilgrims provides us with the background to their journey and ours through detailing texts extracted from their two publications: ‘The Faith of the Church’ [1959] and ‘The Church: its Nature, Function and Ordering and Proposed Basis of Union’ [1963]. Continually facing complex and, at times, sensitive issues, Theology for Pilgrims consists of a myriad of other significant theological works, designed to assist us in discussing, understanding and responding to such issues. With helpful introductions detailing the contexts of works and the issues they are applicable to, Theology for Pilgrims stands as an invaluable resource for the Uniting Church. - Rev Don Whebell
15 MAGAZINE
New Times
Much loved friend
Robert ‘Bob’ Brace 1921-2009
It is with great sadness we acknowledge the recent passing of Robert ‘Bob’ Brace on Tuesday 5 May, 2009. With his wife Merle ever by his side, sickness overcame Bob, ending a long battle with illness and a three year stay at the Streaky Bay Hospital, aged 88. Possessing a deep Christian faith, Bob was a much loved friend and inspiration to the Uniting Church and will be remembered for his extensive contributions to many facets of the Church community. Notably, he and Merle were attendees at the inauguration ceremony of the Uniting Church in Adelaide. His service to both the church at Streaky Bay and his home of Poochera was overwhelming. As an elder in the Streaky Bay Parish, Bob spent a great deal of time visiting and conversing with parishioners and was often the instigator of lay preaching. Until his health deteriorated, Bob was a member and loyal meeting attendee of the Presbytery, and attended fortnightly Uniting Church services held in the Poochera Hall. Our deepest condolences are extended to Merle and all of Bob’s family and friends. Bob’s presence and contribution to the Uniting Church will remain significant and be sorely missed.
Work Wanted CARPETS LAID. Expert repairs. 0417 872 105 or 8344 4725. EXPERIENCED HANDYMAN Odd jobs and gardening. “Your spare pair of hands” Phone 8346 0933 CABINETMAKER/CARPENTER Kitchens, bedrooms, laundries, bathrooms, etc. Hang doors, fix flyscreens and more. Call Damian 8395 4932 or 0409 697 848
FAILURE TO LAUNCH Regarding the article ‘Failure to Launch’ (June Issue of New Times) about our Government’s inadequate response to what I think is the majority wish for stronger action to counter climate change I do believe that instead of putting the well being of our country and its citizens first they have allowed big business to dictate actions which will be harmful for all of us in the long term, in return for short term gain for a few. But it is not just the ridiculous carbon trading scheme which needs to be addressed. Look at the way they continue to support the people who have caused this mess. A step in the right direction would be return of the Commonwealth Bank to public ownership. I recommend your readers Google ‘The Story of the Commonwealth Bank.’ To those who say the church should keep out of politics, I can only ask, why? WR Mildren Elizabeth Downs
CHANGING VIEWS As a longstanding member of the Methodist and now Uniting Church I was appalled to read in The Advertiser (June 15 2009) of a Minister of the UCA wholeheartedly supporting active homosexual relationships. Of course we must expect that there will be folk in our communities with desires for this type of life style and, as Jesus showed us, as Christians we should welcome and have a loving concern for anyone who chooses such a life style. I have been told that the church should always be reforming. My understanding of “The Reformation” was turning folk back to the Gospel not trying to recreate the Gospel to suit the current whims of the world around us. If because active homosexuality relationships seem to be accepted by our society and so leaders in the UCA feel they should accept it, are we going to see those same leaders endorsing adultery in the UCA just because it is rampant in our society? KR Moore Coromandel Valley
LIFESTYLE ACCEPTANCE? What a shock it was to see an openly lesbian Uniting Church Minister gracing the pages of our local paper. An even greater shock was to see a homosexual service being run by her congregation in the coming weeks. I am saddened that the focus of some churches is on the justification of personal lifestyles rather than on preaching the gospel and leading people into the holy, Biblical lives our Lord desires us to live. This speaks to the longstanding debate concerning the future of the Uniting Church and the future of God’s blessing on this denomination. I strongly advise that whomever it was who gave approval for this article to run to have a serious think about what reflects the heart of God and his people. On the positive however, it may wake up ‘fence-sitters’ who think that issues of homosexuals in leadership within the Uniting Church are over. C Iles Golden Grove
ENCOURAGING GIFTS What a joy to open up The Advertiser (June 15 2009) and see the announcement of a thanksgiving service for the new laws granting some equality to same sex relationships. And one connected with the Uniting Church at that! We dare to hope that this service and the new laws it celebrates will be yet one more reminder to us all that we are called to notice, include and encourage all of the God given gifts and abilities we find in one another, rather than simply focusing on the gift of sexuality. Our leadership and congregations will be stronger for it. And perhaps the Uniting Church might even hear the call and find the courage to take a lead in campaigning for complete equality for same sex relationships, rather than allowing our legislators to eventually do it for us. That truly would be a cause for celebration and thanksgiving! B & L Lang Salisbury Heights
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To have your upcoming event or message published in the Notebook section of ‘New Times’, email notebook@sa.uca.org.au, with the word ‘Notebook’ in the subject line.
The Order of St Luke the Physician in South Australia is holding a one day conference on Healing Ministry. Saturday, August 1 from 9.30am – 4.00pm at Christ Church; Jeffcott St, North Adelaide. Cost: $40/$30, includes lunch and refreshments. Rev Dr Peter Wellcok will be the main speaker. For more details contact state secretary, Pastor Reg Casling, (08) 8271 4028 or dicas59@optusnet.com.au.
Hare Street Uniting Church (Kurralta Park) are celebrating their 54th anniversary. A week of celebrations will begin on Wednesday 11 November and a special service will be held on Sunday 15 November with lunch and a concert to follow. Past members or other interested persons are encouraged to contact the church on 8351 2202 to receive itinerary details and invitations.
The Corner Uniting Church will hold “The Season of Creation” art exhibition for the month of September. Subjects are: earth, humanity, sky and mountain. If you wish to participate in this exhibition please phone reception on 8350 5400 for an entry form.
Craft volunteers wanted at the Memorial Hospital. Experience needed in art and craft, crochet, floristry and sewing. Wednesdays from 8.00am – 1.00pm. Enquiries to Marilyn Gerlach on 8366 3816.
Rosefield Uniting Church (formerly Methodist) will celebrate its centenary in 2011. A history is being written and we are seeking contributions, photographs and memorabilia. Contact: Rosefield Uniting Church, 2 Carlton Street, Highgate, 5063; 8271 9528; centenary@ rosefield.org.au.
Rev Dr Max Champion, national leader of the Assembly of Confessing Congregations (ACC) will speak on ‘Issues from the 12th Uniting Church Assembly’, followed by a Q&A session with a panel. Friday 14 August from 7.30pm at Tusmore Memorial Uniting Church; 384 Portrush Road. Enquiries: Rev Dr Phil Marshall 8396 3252.
The Twin Towns Uniting Church at Coolangatta on the Queensland Gold Coast is Seeking expressions of interest from Ministers of the Word (and Pastors close to completing
. (50%) minister. studies for MOW) for the position of part-time The Congregation comprises people of mature years with an appreciation of traditional liturgical worship. It operates a Christian Bookshop and conducts regular Community outreach programmes. It also provides a ministry to national and international visitors. If you have been thinking of a move to a warmer winter climate please forward your profile or applications to: Secretary, Placements Committee, UCA Qld. Synod, GPO Box 674, Brisbane 4001. & Copy to PO Box 1009, Coolangatta Q 4225 or email: hka60220@hotkey.net.au JULY 2009
16
M agazin e
New Times
One church, five chairs
Growing disciples, not just church members Staying friends from boys to chairmen, former Dernancourt Uniting Church youth group members pictured L-R: David Diprose (Tea Tree Gully Uniting), Gary Coventry (Williamstown), Alan Short (Bridgewater), Ian Haywood (The Journey), and Geoff Lewis (Dernancourt). The five chairmen met in May to share ideas and reminisce about their days at Dernancourt. Shannon Short They were five blokes at the local pub. They could have been colleagues sharing a drink after work or members from the local footy team (well … maybe not the latter) but they were, in fact, gathered for a Uniting Church chairman’s dinner. The informal gathering came about when one of the five discovered how many of his mates were chairs of elders or church councils in Uniting Church congregations. The five grew up together at Dernancourt Uniting Church. They are now chairs at The Journey, Tea Tree Gully, Williamstown, Bridgewater and Dernancourt. Just what was it about their formative years in the late 80s and early 90s at Dernancourt that has led so many into leadership positions in the Uniting Church? Was it divine inspiration? The leadership of Rev Trevor O’Brien? The weekly Bible study led by Rev Rob Davis? Or the 70-80 strong youth group? Probably a combination of them all. One of the strengths of the youth group was that it was led by the teenagers. They determined the structure, the program – even when the Minister was invited to give input. The model meant that young people were given the opportunity to develop skills in leadership. They were mentored by others only
slightly older than themselves. They led worship not only for the youth service but were given the opportunity to lead the regular service as well. In hindsight, we probably did some really inappropriate things (yes, I grew up in this church too). However, we were given the freedom to explore and live out our faith for ourselves. We were encouraged to ask questions and to wrestle with difficult topics. We were given many opportunities to articulate our faith and in doing so discovered a faith that would travel with us for the rest of our lives. As a church with an ageing profile, this model provides a valuable insight into how we equip our young people for a lifelong faith journey.
Dernancourt Uniting Church will celebrate its 40th anniversary on August 1 and 2. Past members are invited to a dinner on Saturday night (RSVP required by July 17). On Sunday there’s 10 am worship led by Rev Trevor O’Brien, basket lunch, afternoon of reminiscing, and a jazz and pizza hour at 4.30 pm. For more information contact Milton Lewis milton.lewis@bigpond.com or phone 8396 5057.
Sarah Urmston Discipleship, according to Craig Mitchell, is more than just providing pastoral care and good worship. “Discipleship is about learning to follow Jesus among a community of disciples. You can’t simply tell people how to be disciples. They must learn by living. That involves everyday conversations, living examples, as well as teaching and service,” says Craig, who convenes the Growing Disciples team - the third key direction of the Uniting Church SA strategic plan. “We need to keep asking the question: ‘how do people grow in their faith journey?’” “Do people who like to read have books they can borrow? Do people who like to sit and chat over coffee have places and relationships that they can do that with? These are the kinds of things the discipleship team will be exploring.” The discipleship team are working to facilitate these conversations by developing the discipleship website – www. growing-disciples.org – and creating print resources for congregations to use. The website and resources will explore various practices of faith such as generosity, hospitality, forgiveness and healing, allowing congregations to choose for themselves which practices they would like to explore further. “We are working from the assumption that there are lots of people in churches that already do discipling well or are excited about it. We want to tap into and encourage people’s enthusiasm and energy,” said Craig. The Growing Disciples team recently hosted the first Pathways training session with field staff from the Mission Resourcing Network (MRN). Pathways is an assessment tool, ideally used at a congregational level, to help church leaders identify the strengths and gaps in their processes for growing adult disciples. Further training will be available later in the year.
Education with Uniting Church Schools
89 Greenhill Road Wayville South Australia 5034 P: 8422 2288 F: 8272 0142 www.annesley.sa.edu.au
Campus Drive, Aberfoyle Park South Australia 5159 P: 8270 3033 F: 8370 7734 www.pilgrim.sa.edu.au
PO Box 571 Kent Town South Australia P: 83341200 F: 83630702 www.pac.edu.au
Carruth Road Torrens Park South Australia 5062 P: 8274 4333 F: 8274 4247 www.scotch.sa.edu.au
546 Portrush Road Glen Osmond 5064 Telephone: 8303 9000 Facsimile: 8303 9010 www.seymour.sa.edu.au
Alison Ave, Marion South Australia 5043 P: 8 8276 0276 F: 8 8276 0277 www.westminster.sa.edu.au
Our independent schools provide education for around 6,000 students in South Australia from Early Learning to Year 12. They offer a variety of learning environments, and a world-class standard of excellence in facilities and academic standards. While these schools respect the faith diversity of all students, the story, values and practices of the Christian faith are expressed with integrity in order to nurture young lives for sound learning, faith, compassion and responsible service.
JULY 2009