NewTimes - July 2011 by Synod of SA

July 2011

Health Issue 30, No 6 July 2011

and the whole person

Biblical anatomy The body and the bible pp. 10-11

Starting new conversations Conversion Growth team launches resource p. 26

This September, clean the grill and find that Aussie spirit of lending a helping hand by participating in Frontier Services’ inaugural Great Outback BBQ. Gather friends, family or workmates in the backyard, paddock or courtyard to enjoy each other’s company around the BBQ. Find your passion for the Outback while you raise funds to assist those of us who need a hand in remote Australia. It’s your event, so put the billy on and gather your mates to start planning. We have prepared a Great Outback BBQ Host Pack to help you, including posters, invitations, recipes, fundraising ideas and much more. Call 1300 787 247 and ask for Jacqueline to register your event or go to our website, www.frontierservices.org and look for the Great Outback BBQ logo to download your registration form.

Bring the outback to your BBQ Frontier Services ABN 77 231 384 646 Level 5 / 379 Kent Street Sydney 2000 GPO Box 2527 Sydney NSW 2001 T 1300 787 247 F 02 8270 1313 E bbq@frontierservices.org W www.frontierservices.org iStock ref: : p. 4: YanLev; p.9 Georgijevic; p. 10-11 Dorling_Kindersley; p.17 TommL

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ISSN 0726-2612 New Times is the voice of Uniting Church SA. Published monthly, February through December, New Times represents the breadth, diversity and vision of Uniting Church members in SA. News policies, guides and deadlines appear online at sa.uca.org.au/new-times-home. Articles and advertising do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor. Phone: (08) 8236 4200 1300 766 956 (toll free from regional areas) Fax: (08) 8236 4201 Email: presbyterysynod@sa.uca.org.au Street address: Level 2, 212 Pirie St, Adelaide Postal address: GPO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001

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Largely, we don’t. We often just play the same attempts at balance that others do. The physical and mental well-being of a person has largely been forgotten, to look instead at the ‘spiritual’ as a disembodied entity. I firmly believe that our bodily selves are very much a part of our spiritual lives. But where do we go theologically beyond, ‘don’t do drugs’ and ‘don’t get drunk’? In Matthew 23:26, Jesus says, “First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.” Few would drink from a dirty cup, and would never just clean the outside and call it ‘clean’. Yet, what we put into our body, how we push our body – it defines the outside and totality of it. If we are willing to clean the inside of the cup, spiritually, what about the spirituality of cleaning up our inner health, both physically and mentally? This isn’t a theological

urging to be better looking; this is a theological theory on what it means to honour the Creator of our bodies, and the intricately created wonders that they are. It means feeling the fullness of our lungs, remembering the excellence of our own legs, the brilliance of hands, fingers, toes and teeth. It means running in prayer, cycling in confession, dreaming in our mind’s eye and resting in totality.

We’re not a brain, a body and spirit all bouncing around separately; how we balance the sum of our parts, is a matter of discipline – and spirituality.

Balance is a magnificent thing which few of us truly master. Try standing on one leg for a whole minute without holding onto something. If you can last the minute without faulting congratulations. You should try ballet. If you had more than your fair share of wobbles and waving arms – welcome to the club (it’s very accepting). But, if we can’t manage adjusting our physical weight and holding ourselves up, is it any wonder that we struggle to do the same when dealing with the body and life in its totality? It’s all well and good to say ‘moderation is the key’ – but what does that really mean? In a world where beauty is cast in such limited ways, food is seen as a vehicle to perfection (or a ‘naughty’ escape from it), and fitness is for sculpting, weight loss and winning, how do we view our bodies from a Christian perspective?

Healthy bodies, healthy minds?

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Rev Rob Williams

Every morning on my way to work, I see them. And sometimes at night as I’m reading quietly in bed, I hear them. ‘They’ are the joggers, pounding the pavement to keep fit. And on my way home from work and evening meetings, the gyms, ablaze with light, reveal the fitness faithful striving for their goal. And why not? Many years ago a friend received a very terse letter from the Chair of her School Council when she dared to express concern at the junk food readily available from

the school canteen. Today there are numerous programs in schools seeking to promote ‘healthy bodies, healthy minds’ with suggestions for nutritious alternatives to junk food as well as accompanying outlines for exercise programs. This is happening against a background of frequent reports in the media concerning increased obesity on the one hand and images of ‘beautiful people’ on the other. We see reality programs on TV about weight loss and makeovers as many struggle to conform to a changing image of what our bodies should be like. When it comes to healthy minds some would take the view that it’s too late to win that battle. The internet is flooded with pornography sites which threaten relationships as well as the minds and subsequent behaviours of individuals accessing them. Some advertising images and fashions leave little or nothing

to the imagination. So if I’m beginning to sound like a wowser, I don’t apologise - just think about the children’s beauty pageants, the botox, the elective surgery, the breaking of relationships because the ‘perfect’ is now ‘flawed’ and the small self-image of those who don’t ‘measure up’. Many factors can be involved in having a healthy mind in a healthy body – such things as stretching exercises, building suppleness, joining a gym and enlisting the help of a personal trainer. In his first letter to the Corinthian church (6:19), St. Paul introduces the notion of their bodies as ‘temples of the Holy Spirit’. This is against a background of sexual immorality in Corinth. Paul picks up the ‘body’ theme in the same letter (12:12) when he uses the term to describe the church. Maybe if our bodies are to be the ‘temples of the Holy Spirit’, maybe if we are to understand our congregation

as a ‘body’, healthy and available for God’s purposes, we need stretching in our understanding of who we are as children of God, suppleness to listen to and learn from each other’s Christian experiences, so we might discover the joy and fulfilment of life together as the Holy Spirit trains us in the purposes of God. Healthy bodies, healthy minds? I believe that’s possible.

Refugee protection needs ignored in rush to ‘stop the boats’ The inconvenient truth for Australia’s political leaders is that the majority of asylum seekers who have entered Australia by boat have been found to need protection from persecution. Today, in Australian immigration detention facilities, there are asylum seekers who bear the physical scars of torture, children and adults who have witnessed family members being killed and many people who have had direct threats against their lives. The vulnerability of many asylum seekers must be a primary consideration in any government response to people movement.

The question Australian and international policy makers should focus on is not how to stop the boats but how refugees in the Asia-Pacific can receive effective protection. With concerted regional and international effort, much can be done – and much needs to be done – to support countries in SouthEast Asia and South Asia to offer more effective protection to asylum seekers and refugees. In the Asia-Pacific region, the lives of refugees will change for the better only when governments work together on policies aimed at improving protection standards. We call on the Australian Government and Opposition to abandon policies aimed at punishing groups of asylum seekers as an example to others and to work cooperatively on the challenging task of developing a regional framework to protect people fleeing persecution.

This statement has been endorsed by: Refugee Council of Australia Act for Peace – National Council of Churches in Australia Amnesty International Australia Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Asylum Seekers Centre of NSW Australian Council for International Development Brotherhood of St Laurence Caritas Australia Coalition for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees Edmund Rice Centre Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia

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Between 2001 and 2007, we saw that sending people to indefinite detention on Nauru or Manus Island, under conditions which violated well-recognised principles of international protection, resulted in a high incidence of acute psychological harm and trauma. Asylum applicants were effectively denied access to legal assistance. Many people were pressured to return home without an independent and thorough review of their protection needs, some of them tragically being killed upon return. Few governments were prepared to assist Australia to find resettlement options for those granted refugee status, as those subject to the Pacific Solution were rightly seen internationally as Australia’s responsibility.

about conditions for asylum seekers in Malaysia has shone much-needed attention on the factors which result in asylum seekers choosing to move on to Australia and elsewhere.

Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project International Detention Coalition Oxfam Australia Refugee and Immigration Legal Service Settlement Council of Australia Uniting Church in Australia

While the issue of asylum policy is complex, sending people to camps like this one in Malaysia, is not an appropriate solution. Photo: Amnesty International

While Australian political leaders continue to ask, “How do we stop the boats?”, the solutions put forward will almost inevitably result in highly vulnerable people being punished as an example to others. While it is clear that travel by boat to Australia is endangering lives and resulting in the serious exploitation of asylum seekers by people smugglers, policy makers must focus on why people take these risks and subject themselves to such exploitation. The causes lie not only in persecution in countries of origin but also in the lack of effective protection in countries of first asylum. The current debate in Australia

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Taking leadership seriously, and globally Healthy leadership is a key ingredient for healthy congregations, which is why the Uniting Church SA’s Strategic Plan identifies Raising Leaders as one of its six key directions. Leadership training comes in many forms, including a formal education through Uniting College for Leadership & Theology, Grow & Go weekends and other opportunities throughout the year, as well as ongoing opportunities within congregations. The annual Global Leadership Summit is one of these opportunities – on a grand scale. This event, taking place this year on 14-15 October, equips and inspires leaders around the globe, ordained or lay, from a big,

small or in-between-church. Rev Dr Graham Humphris, CEO/General Secretary of the Uniting Church SA, sees the benefits in groups from local Uniting Church congregations making time to attend the Global Leadership Summit. “There is strong evidence that the Global Leadership Summit has contributed significantly to the life of the Uniting Church in South Australia and has directly influenced many of our leaders and congregations,” he comments. In 2010, over 250 Uniting Church members attended the Summit. “For me, attending the annual Global Leadership Summit has become a crucial part of ‘refilling my tank’. Listening and reflecting on

the teaching from world class church and business leaders, sharing in the worship and creative arts program, networking with other leaders – these all mean that I always come away inspired, to continue to dream new dreams, with sharper skills. “The Summit shapes me to become a more effective leader,” says Graham. The 2011 Summit features a wide array of leaders including Bill Hybels, Willow Creek Community Church, Mama Maggie Cobran, Stephen’s Children Ministries, Howard Shultz, Starbucks, Seth Godin, author and marketing blogger and more. All Uniting Church members are encouraged to attend the Summit with the support of a $50 subsidy

from Uniting Foundation, available until 20 July. Full details, including registration prices, are available from: willowcreek.org.au/events/ globalleadershipsummit. To apply for the $50 subsidy, simply register by 20 July through the Uniting Church SA office. Forms are available from: Carol Sullivan p. 8236 4279 e. csullivan@sa.uca.org.au Registrations after 20 July will not be eligible for discount and should be completed via the Willow Creek website.

Placements news: Steph Tai, Ministry of Pastor to Freedom, (0.3) from 1 July 2011 Coralie Evans, Phase 3 Candidate for MOW to Grange and Westminster Village (0.7) from 15 July 2011

8261 8211 All hours

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

AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

Geoff Lewis General Manager

Rev Beth Seaman to Mission Resource Person (Urban) from 1 August 2011 Paul Turley, Phase 3 Candidate for Minister of the Word to Clayton Wesley from 1 August 2011 Rev Jana Norman to Pilgrim from 1 August 2011 Rev Mark Hewitt to Crossways from 1 September 2011 Placements required • Adelaide West • Burra (0.5) • Loxton (0.6) and Renmark (0.4) • South West Fleurieu (Delamere, Inman Valley, Myponga, Range Road, Yankalilla)

• • • •

Barossa Kent Town (0.7) Spicer from 1.09.11 Mt Barker from 1.05.11

For further information on these placements, please contact: Rev Philip Gardner e.pgardner@sa.uca.org.au, INDUCTIONS Rev Tony Eldridge Westbourne Park 14 June 2011 7.30 pm Rev Jane McDonald Kimba 7 July 2011 7.30 pm Rev Wes Howland West Lakes United 12 July 2011 7.00 pm COMMISSIONING Pastor Brian Scott County Jervois 10 July 2011 2.00pm at Cleve

Launch of lay ministry resource Dr Marelle Harisun On Thursday 19 May, Lay Ministry in the Roman Catholic and Uniting Churches was launched in the chapel at Adelaide College of Divinity by the Moderator, Rev Rob Williams, and Rev Greg O’Kelly, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Port Pirie. Both speakers expressed their appreciation of the work completed over the past three years by the Dialogue of the Roman Catholic and Uniting Churches in South Australia, a state-wide ecumenical group which is the only one between the two denominations in any state in Australia.

The resource has been produced and made available to all congregations of both denominations, for joint discussion of cooperation

in lay ministry in the local context. Such groups would be appropriate in Lent, Pentecost, Advent or at any other time in the Christian Year. Discussion questions are included after each section of the booklet.

The Dialogue group believes that this resource can make a contribution to putting into practice the covenant made between our two denominations as part of the National Council of Churches in Australia Covenanting Together in Adelaide 2004. It especially assists in exploring, “with one another issues and strategies of common mission between the appropriate governing bodies of our churches …” as we seek, “to develop clear and sensitive guidelines dealing with how

our churches together can best meet the needs of people in local (especially rural) situations.” Copies of the booklet can be downloaded from: adialoguercuc.org

Rev Rob Williams and Rev Greg O’ Kelly launched a new Lay Ministry resource in May.

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Rob Williams affirmed its emphasis on practical examples of joint lay ministry, having experienced similar

cooperation in his many rural placements. He also stressed the importance of the theological bases set out in the document, especially the acknowledgement that both denominations understand our baptism as the commencement of our engagement in ministry, not just the responsibility of those who are ordained. Both speakers, and Rev Michael Trainor, co-chairperson, appreciated the foundation of lay ministry also being located in belief in the Trinitarian God we worship.

Uniting College stands firm

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Rev Dr Andrew Dutney It was with deep disappointment that I was advised in early June of the pending closure of the Catholic Theological College. Theological education in South Australia has involved partnership with the Catholic Church (and others) for over 30 years. In that time, close relationships across denominational divisions have been formed by both teachers and students. I am truly sad to hear that our community of teaching and learning is coming to an end. At the same time, I am profoundly grateful to the Holy Spirit who has led the Uniting Church Synod of South Australia to undertake a series of significant and difficult reforms in theological education over the last three years. These changes mean that Uniting College for Leadership

& Theology will continue to function and flourish without the support of our Catholic partners. In this context, I am very thankful for the vitality and growth of Uniting College this year, as our new programs are being rolled out. Enrolments are strong and the feedback from students is enthusiastic. The number of ministers participating in our continuing education programs has trebled. Over 40 people are involved in the Period of Discernment, working with mentors to discern what God is calling them to do next as disciples of Jesus. Applications for the ministries of the Word and Deacon continue to be received in the high numbers of recent years. This is a difficult time for our Catholic friends. I appreciate the care that the Catholic Church has taken to advise

us early of their situation and of their commitment to sustain their involvement in the Flinders University department of theology over a transition period of two to four years. This will ensure that the needs of current Flinders students will be catered for. Together with the Leadership Development Council and the Uniting College team of teachers and support staff, I am committed to continuing to seek the Spirit’s guidance as we discern the next steps that need to be taken in our relationship with the Catholic Church and Flinders University.

The Uniting College website, unitingcollege.org.au, will be regularly updated as plans for the future take shape.

Don’t demonise Indonesia John Barr, UnitingWorld “A Bloody Business” is a rather emotive title for a television report – and such a title is guaranteed to create a lot of interest. On Monday 6 June 2011, ABC TV program, Four Corners, documented horrific scenes from a number of Indonesian abattoirs. Cattle from Australia were brutally treated in the slaughtering process. Viewers were understandably horrified and it provoked strong reactions across the country concerning the humane treatment of livestock. The Australian Government responded quickly to these outcries, suspending the export of all live cattle to our near neighbour. Sadly, Indonesia is being identified as a nation that does not adhere to our fundamental values also terms including ‘barbaric’ and ‘sadistic’ have been employed. Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country and Islamic practices require animals to be slaughtered according to the principle of ‘Halal’.

Indonesia’s Muslim leaders state that the scenario presented in the recent Four Corners program does not adhere to Muslim practices concerning the slaughter of animals. Indeed, it is wrong to suggest Indonesia is a barbaric, uncivilised place where Islamic law promotes cruelty and the abuse of animals. The horrific methods documented by Four Corners identify activities which do not meet Indonesian Government regulations or conform to Islamic law. “Indonesians themselves are appalled at these findings, especially considering that the widely accepted convention in preparing Halal food stipulates the humane killing of livestock with proper Islamic prayers beforehand and applying one stroke in the jugular area to guarantee the least amount of pain to the animal,” commented the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra in a recent press release. “This principle underlies the expectations of the general public in Indonesia, almost 90% of which are

Muslims who expect nothing less than a strict adherence to the Halal stipulative.” This press release concluded with an offer to receive support from the Australian Government on the provision of animal welfare in Indonesia. The Indonesian Embassy press release stands in contrast to some of the accusations being made here in Australia about Indonesia. Our future with Indonesia can be best established by careful listening and learning. Our relationship with our Asian neighbor has to be grounded on constructive collaboration and effective cooperation.

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds The old adage ‘healthy bodies, healthy minds’ is proving problematic as our culture continues to impress the importance of stylised perfection on us – one must be sound of mind, and flawless in physique. But with trying to understand whether a healthy mind informs a healthy body or vice versa, where does a theology of the body fit into it all?

Body theology Lyndal Irons After completing a PhD in sports science, Jonathan Freeston, wants Christians to consider health — their own and that of others — as a responsibility and a ministry. Jonathan was on track to become a professional baseball player when an increasing interest in theology caused him to have doubts about that path. “I started to think I wanted to do more with my life than just being good at sport,” he said. “It’s a noble quest for

many but I was starting to question the person I was becoming. “It can foster an insular, self-concerned outlook on the world.” He turned, instead, to coaching elite athletes and studying exercise science. Bible studies at Sydney University caused him to think deeply about how he could use his skills to help the disadvantaged. In the sports world, that meant assisting female competitors who did not attract the same levels of funding as their male equivalents. Recently it has led him to work with the visually impaired. Discussion of theology of the body has long been dominated by debates concerning sexual morality,

but Jonathan does not just consider sport and health to be a valid social justice issue — he believes it is one that is critically overlooked by Christians. As the son of a minister, Jonathan said that though he had been around churches a long time but could count the number of sermons he has heard on the body on one hand. “It just seems to be something we don’t talk about but it’s obviously relevant to life as a Christian. “Modernity and the computer revolution mean that we’re not as active — we spend a lot of time behind desks. We are basically in an obesity epidemic which is related to all these issues.” Commonwealth Government statistics put obesity as the cause of almost one-quarter of Type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis, and around one-fifth of cardiovascular disease, and colorectal, breast, uterine and kidney cancer. Helping prevent ‘lifestyle diseases’ — those which are preventable or greatly diminished by changes to exercise and habits — is an important way Christians can help their community. “It’s also a matter of financial inequality,” said Jonathan, noting that people in lower socio-economic groups have less access to exercise and encouragement as well – one of his motivations in setting up Fit Church as a ministry of

Leichhardt Uniting in New South Wales. Fit Church opens its doors weekly to the congregation, community and the students who live in housing next door. There, Jonathan provides easy-to-learn, accessible and cheap exercise for those who may struggle to fork out $20 per week at the gym. Jonathan would also like to see the church put pressure on governments to scrutinise systemic reasons for the high level of lifestyle-related health conditions prominent in Australia. Currently, there is little research available to suggest that Christians and church workers are comparatively less fit and healthy than the rest of Australian society. Yet the stresses placed on ministry agents can lead to health neglect, Jonathan notes. “I’ve grown up witnessing the ministerial lifestyle and it is very ‘other-focused’. You spend a lot of time looking after other people and don’t always take the time to adequately look after yourself. “That has implications for a lot of health parameters, but it can manifest in your physical body. “I would be advocating that maybe things like diet and exercise should be treated as spiritual disciplines.” Lyndal Irons is a journalist for Insights, the Uniting Church magazine for the NSW/ACT Synod.

Look on me and answer, LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. PSALM 13:2-4 For as churning cream produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife. PROVERBS 30:33

Caryn Rogers The body is a wonderful piece of craftsmanship. The aspiration of the lungs, the pumping of the heart, the discrete excreting of the kidneys – our bodies are nothing short of amazing machines, clothed in flesh and directed by our brains.

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

The physical body is frequently described in the bible, showcasing the good, the bad and the ugly side of being a human. The frailties and inadequacies; the beauties and delights. These verses advise on worship, caution on self-control and sympathise with suffering. The bible is filled with postures, gestures and movements of the body, but more often than not, we cling to the idea of the body being only sinful, as per the flesh, and the spirit being that which is truly alive. But what would it mean for us to take the mind/ body/spirit connection seriously, or at least, not view them as separate, incommunicative parts? When one part of the body is lacking, other parts make up for it. How this might be reflected in the metaphorical body also – and what we can do to shape that body – is something worth considering through engaging in the biblical anatomy. The human body, for all its flaws and foibles, is the metaphor for the church, a body steered and inspired by its Head, Christ; an interrelated, intricately woven mechanism which relies on its parts for functionality and form, and is designed to listen to, and obey, the ultimate human, and the ultimate source of wellness. Without connection to the head, the body is useless – without each other, it’s seriously impaired. They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. Colossians 2:19

Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. JAMES 3:10 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. DEUTERONOMY 10:16 Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the LORD. DEUTERONOMY 23:23 But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ LUKE 18:13 Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. GENESIS 2:7 Strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. HEBREWS 12:12

He has made me his target; his archers surround me. Without pity, he pierces my kidneys and spills my gall on the ground. JOB 16:12b-13

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. PSALM 134:2 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. PSALM 22:14 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. ROMANS 8.3-4 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. PSALM 119:105

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. DEUTERONOMY 11:18

But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! MATTHEW 6:23

They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed. AMOS 2:7

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. JAMES 1:26

I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. PSALM 69:3

So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. MATTHEW 23:3-4 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? MARK 8:36-37

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. JEREMIAH 31:33

I trained them and strengthened their arms, but they plot evil against me. HOSEA 7:15 Mine eyes do fail with tears, my bowels are troubled, my liver is poured upon the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of my people; because the children and the sucklings swoon in the streets of the city. LAMENTATIONS 2:11 We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment. 1 CORINTHIANS 4:11-13 He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign LORD, you alone know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. EZEKIEL 37:3-5 “I gave you empty stomachs in every city and lack of bread in every town, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the LORD. AMOS 4:6 He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones. LAMENTATIONS 3:4

If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. MATTHEW 10:14

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Affecting a journey Safe from stigma Rev Sarah Williamson

Mark Boyce

About six to eight years ago, I was feeling pretty low. I was married, recently ordained and in a place that by all accounts, should have been a high energy, high excitement period in my life. To a large degree, it was. But there was an obvious piece missing for me. A slight apathy that grew into a slight withdrawing. This withdrawal grew into feeling slightly sad and a little bit empty – and, in the end, a powerful sense of worthlessness. I began struggling to function. Tears would come for no apparent reason. I couldn’t bring myself to answer the phone without knowing who was on the other end – for fear that it might not be a ‘happy’ phone call. I couldn’t bring myself to open the mail for the same reason. I remember saying to loved ones at the time, “I just feel like I am taking up space here. I feel so worthless.” My story of depression is only a tiny speck on the mental health radar of what others live through. If it weren’t for the persistence, loyalty and love of those around me, I don’t know that I would be where I am today. One in five people will experience mental ill-health at some point in their lives. This means that each of us knows somebody who has or is experiencing mental ill-health. It is an arena that demands our attention. It affects our interactions, our relationships, our functioning – not just for the mentally ill but in fact, for all of us. And the term “mental illness” covers a range as broad as the people who find themselves affected by it. Recently I read a reflection by Andrew Collis on Matt 24:36-44 - his words reminded me so much of my own journey. There are two people: one will be taken and one will be left, says the scripture passage. This is not all about, “Behave or I’ll leave you behind”, like you hear a frustrated parent shouting at a child in a supermarket (though the parent is unlikely to mean it). God is not a threatening God, so when we speak of one being taken and one being left behind... I can’t help thinking, as Andrew Collis did, of how that might just speak to my own self – and in fact, all of us. Two figures: one, so fortunate to have had a community of people and a family who cared with such loyalty that they held me until I could stand by myself again. And one figure who might well have been left behind, having withdrawn and in some sense, chased away those relationships of love and acceptance. I tell this story, knowing that I am now working on a major mental health campaign and knowing how easily I could have been the person so isolated and unwell and a recipient of such a campaign. I tell this story, knowing that I have, at one point in time, told my story publicly, only to be warned that I need to be careful in doing so, lest I render myself unemployable with my honesty. I tell this story, knowing that in fact, going through my own dark night of the soul has grown me an empathy and deep compassion for those on their own isolated journeys.

Having worked in the area of mental health for a number of years, I have become aware of the need to create safe spaces for people who experience mental health problems. Creating such places is really important; it creates space where people realise they are valued, they belong and they are accepted. Acceptance speaks volumes to a person. Acceptance allows people to acknowledge that there are some issues that cause concern and to also recognise and name the intrinsic value of the person for who they are. Many people experience stigma and shame due to mental health issues. Many are frightened or afraid to come to church in case they are rejected or won’t ‘make the grade’ in God’s eyes. How we respond, the language we use, the theology we promote is critical in this endeavour. Elaine had suffered with bi-polar disorder for a number of years. She was admitted to hospital with an acute episode and it took some time before she started to feel well again. She wanted to return to church and the Chaplain of the unit arranged to pick her up and take her to a church she was interested in. As the Chaplain and Elaine entered the church, they were greeted by the greeters. By the time she gets to a pew, she is greeted by over six people. She feels exposed and vulnerable before the service has started. Elaine had just wanted to sneak in and find a place to sit. The greeters hadn’t noticed her anxious state and their attention had made her anxiety somewhat high. Elaine stays for the service and decides to come back on a regular basis. She gets to know some of the people at church, but struggles. She confides to the Chaplain that she struggles because she doesn’t feel like they believe her, and this heightens her shame and that she is not good enough. She explains that when people ask her how she is that, she responds with, “I am fine,” but people keep asking, “but how are you really?” Elaine had been doing well and was enjoying being at church apart from the above. People can become worried about the person who has experienced mental health issues and whether they are relapsing. Relapsing is not fun or nice for the person. But trying to play detective may not be the answer. It is far better to talk with the person and try to understand what their signs and symptoms of relapse are and get permission to speak with the person if any of these are noticed and work on a plan. As a church we need to continue to think and reflect on how we do our church services. We may have become comfortable with them over the years and assume that they will allow people to come face to face with Christ. The reality is, there are people who will be affected by our services and may indeed feel rejected by Christ, and not welcomed – even though we feel comfortable.

These articles have been shortened for publication. For further discussion of mental health issues and constructing church services differently, you can read the full articles online at newtimes.sa.uca.org.au

INVESTOR RETURNS

WHAT’S INSIDE... Welcome to our new Australians

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A message from Paul Barnett

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The Refugee Support Fund Punching above its weight in Adelaide p 14 10 minutes with Bruce, one of our valued UC Invest Customers

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Thank you (survey results)

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Welcome to our new Australians Proudly supported by UC Invest, the Welcome to Australia campaign celebrates new arrivals, asylum seekers and refugees who have called Australia home for days or decades. You can help welcome people new to Australia by holding a “Welcome Party”. Anyone can join in – you could have a lunch at work, barbeque at your local sporting club, a street party or even a dinner party in your own home. All you need to do is register your party at welcometoaustralia.org.au where you can also download invitations, information sheets and the Welcome Movie to show at your event. Najeeba Wazefadost arrived in Australia from Afghanistan in September 2000 by boat and knows exactly how it feels to be calling a new country home.

Escaping a childhood of persecution and death, Najeeba and her family came to Australia to find a home where they would be safe. Leaving a country shattered after decades of war with little signs of justice, humanity and freedom, Najeeba now lives in a country where she has been given a peaceful life with security, liberty and freedom as a woman. Najeeba has completed her Med Science degree and hopes to be a doctor one day. “I will always thank Australia for giving me the opportunity to be educated, safe and secure and I want to contribute to Australia and make it proud of me.” Why not welcome our new neighbours, like Najeeba, by holding your very own Welcome Party and celebrate the differences that make our country vibrant and unique. To find out more information visit www.welcometoaustralia.org.au

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UC Invest

ucinvest.com.au Uniting Church SA ABN 25 068 897 781 Level 2, 212 Pirie Street Adelaide, SA 5000 GPO Box 2145 Adelaide, SA 5001 Call: 1300 274 151 Fax (08) 8236 4250 Email: info@ucinvest.com.au

A message from Paul Barnett The cooler days and nights are upon us, but the different shades of Autumn are certainly providing a kaleidoscope of colours. While the leaves turn different shades of red and yellow, we are turning many corners ourselves with our UC Invest online internet banking platform not far away from being up and running. We have packed this issue of Investor Returns with stories that I’m sure you will find interesting and entertaining. Firstly, on behalf of the UC Invest team thank you to each of our clients who took part in the client survey – your time and assistance is greatly appreciated. On page 3 you’ll get to know one of our many valued customers, Bruce. As you will see below, The Refugee Support Fund is continuing to make a difference to people who want to arrive in Australia, like Bakarr, and need help to start up a new life in a new country.

It really is heartwarming to see how programs like The Refugee Support Fund have had such a long-term impact on everyone involved. As an investor in UC Invest I hope the story brings you a sense of pride as it does me. We are also proud sponsors of “Welcome to Australia” and encourage all of our readers to get involved and support this very worthy cause – I know I will be. Our mission is to generate great returns for our investors and our Church by providing high quality financial services and that is why we continue to offer an interest rate of 6.35% pa for 12 month fixed term investments. We are here to provide our clients with outstanding service and products, so if there is something we could do better we would love to know about it. May I suggest a warm cup of Milo and a few quiet moments to enjoy reading our latest edition. Paul Barnett – Manager UC Invest

The Refugee Support Fund – Punching above its weight in Adelaide Imagine escaping the terror and torture of your own country after having lived a lifetime of fear and worry to arrive in a country where you don’t speak the language and everything is unfamiliar and new. This is the experience for many refugees such as Bakarr, who escaped the horror of a refugee camp in Ghana. It is thanks to the Uniting Church SA’s The Refugee Support Fund, that many people have found a safe home. While at a refugee camp, located in the middle of a forest on the borders of Ghana and the Ivory Coast, Bakarr was separated from his family. He lost contact with them for seven years and witnessed the murder of his father and older brother. Through The Refugee Support Fund, Bakarr has helped to bring 19 members of his family to Australia, enabling them all to 14

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escape a life of fear and torture at the refugee camp. Bakarr is currently trying to help his late brother’s wife and children come to Australia to enjoy a life of freedom and opportunity. With the desire to give something back to the community, Bakarr wanted to get involved in a profession that helped the community. Bakarr is currently completing his final year of his Bachelor in Nursing and is working as a nurse at the Repatriation General Hospital in Adelaide.

Enjoying time with her cousins in Australia the community. All members of my family work with many working two or three jobs to support themselves.”

UC Invest has helped many refugees, like Bakarr relocate to South Australia

UC Invest has helped many refugees, like Bakarr relocate to South Australia by donating $50,000 to The Refugee Support Fund in 2007. The fund began in 2006 and aimed to help people who have been granted refugee status and entry permits for Australia, but have no financial means of getting to Australia.

Bakarr encourages people to support refugees who come to Australia. “Refugees have a lot to contribute to

To date, The Refugee Support Fund has raised more than $180,000 for airfares to help African refugees come to Australia.

10 minutes with Bruce, one of our valued UC Invest Customers If you think you have seen Bruce and his guide dog Keely before – you’re not mistaken. They have both recently been on Channel 9 News and the Adelaide Football Club website as Keely is the first four legged season ticketholder at the Adelaide Crows and the first dog allowed to watch AFL matches at AAMI Stadium. Bruce is also one of our very loyal customers and we thought we’d have a chat to him about life, investments and his four-legged friend. Tell us a bit about yourself…. My wife Ann and I share our house with my guide dog Keely. I have macular degeneration and have been legally blind for 17 years so Keely really is like another set of eyes for me. We also have two sons who are both married. While there are no grandchildren on the way just yet, they do share our love of animals as they each have cats and dogs. How long have you been a customer with UC Invest? My wife and I have been customers of UC Invest for just over 12 months.

What do you like about being part of UC Invest? Ann and I are actively involved in our local Uniting Church and really value the fact that UC Invest is a very ethical organisation. We like knowing that by investing with UC Invest we are also helping the Uniting Church as the money goes back into the Uniting Church community. The staff at UC Invest are always lovely to deal with and are very helpful. My wife and I always know that help is just a phone call away. UC Invest also have very competitive rates of return, which is another great benefit of being a UC Invest customer – it’s a win-win for everyone. Do you have any feedback for UC Invest to improve their service? We suggest that UC Invest just keep doing what they’re doing because it works. While we don’t need to contact UC Invest everyday, we like knowing that whenever we have questions, they are always there to help.

Bruce and Ann Ind at their son’s wedding with Keely

It is often the case that an entire family can’t come to Australia. Refugees who arrive in Australia want to rescue their loved ones who are in refugee camps experiencing appalling conditions. Congregations can apply to The Refugee Support Fund for financial assistance to bring refugees to Australia. On average it costs about $2,000 to bring an adult refugee to Australia and approximately $1,500 for every child. The Fund is in desperate need of more money. If you would like to help more people, like Bakarr, experience a life free from horror and torture, call The Refugee Support Fund on 8236 4285 or you can send a cheque or money order to: The Refugee Support Fund Uniting Church SA GPO Box 2145 Adelaide, SA, 5001 Donations over $2 are tax deductible

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Thank you Thank you to all of our customers who took part in our UC Invest client survey. In late 2010, UC Invest engaged Pitstop Marketing to survey a sample of our clients, to help us gain a clearer picture of our investors, and their financial needs. A random selection of 500 investors were sent a comprehensive survey and we really appreciate the high response rate. The results have been very useful in helping us to identify ways we can improve our products and services to make sure your experience with UC Invest is a memorable one while also helping us with our planning for ongoing growth.

We look forward to continuing our journey with you so that we can keep providing great benefits to our investors while also helping the Uniting Church community. The success of UC Invest over the past decade has been driven by the generous support of personal investors who have $47 million currently invested with us. We thought you might be interested in some of the findings from the survey and wanted to share some of the interesting results with you: • Overwhelmingly, investors become aware of us through New Times

We are banking online We strive to ensure that your experience with UC Invest is rewarding and enjoyable while also accessing exceptional products and service. We are excited to announce that the new UC Invest online – an internet banking platform is on its way to you soon. With features including BPAY, scheduled transfers, EFT and account creation, you will soon be able to do so much more at the click of a button with your UC Invest account.

• The two main reasons customers invest with UC Invest is due to competitive interest rates and to support the Church • 30% of investors are based regionally or interstate – we hope our new online banking platform will assist you particularly We would like to take this opportunity to note that our clients do not need to be members, so if you have any friends or relatives looking for a competitive interest rate, tell them to give us a call or have a look at our website www.ucinvest.com.au We found the results helpful and they have enabled us to find ways of improving how UC Invest operates – thank you for taking the time to help us.

Meet Kathy. She has good news for you!

Watch this space to find out when UC Invest online enters the world of online banking. *Some conditions apply to the 6.35%pa Fixed Term Investment special offer. UC Invest is an activity of The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (S.A.). The legal entity of the Uniting Church SA. Neither UC Invest or the Uniting Church SA are supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulations Authority (APRA). Investments lodged with UC Invest are not protected by the provisions of the Banking Act (1959). UC Invest is designed for those investors who wish to promote the charitable purposes of the Uniting Church SA.

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Using health and fitness for a greater good Rob Lutton, UnitingWorld I have a friend who sees Facebook as inherently unhealthy and one of the most concerning developments within modern society. She cites articles on the growth of narcissism, stalking, online bullying and body image. And she has a real point. As a father of an 18 year old daughter with over 1000 online friends I do confess to having moments of concern!

It seems to me the same applies to the use of our bodies. So many of us enjoy good health and have benefitted from high levels of fitness and access to many services and opportunities. Putting aside the obvious wellbeing benefits of being healthy, it needs to be said that even this is something that we could, as Kingdom people, seek to use for a broader good.

And this is coming to Australia with nearly all major running events being fundraising opportunities. Being a Sydney resident I have recently signed up to participate in this year’s City to Surf (14km run) and the Sydney Running Festival (21km run) and established fundraising pages that these events now facilitate. I have called upon others to join me in running and raising funds for the Peacemaking and Development work of UnitingWorld. On Sunday 18 September in Adelaide, at the same time as I hit the road in Sydney, South Australians have their own City to Bay run/walk event (3/6/12km). Through their website you can register to run or walk and set up a Team UnitingWorld page to invite others to support your efforts.

Will we ‘do Church’ on Sunday 18 September on the road amidst and among the community? Will Kingdom people be using their gift of health and ability to run for good? Will we also dare to embrace the world of social media, including Facebook and all the connectedness it offers, in order to raise funds for Kingdom causes? Will you use your healthy body for good this running season?

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

But I have this almost painful autoresponse that our task as Kingdom people, as People of the Way with a concern for Shalom and peace in the here and now and not just the hereafter, is to reclaim culture, transform culture – including that of technology – such that it works for good.

past five years, peer to peer fundraising revenue has more than doubled online – reaching close to the billion-dollar mark.

To signup as a team or individual for the City to Bay, head online to: city-bay.org.au To support Rob as he runs: fundraise.city2surf.com.au/ unitingworld OR gofundraise.com.au/page/ TeamUnitingWorld

Many of us run or walk as part of our fitness regime. Ever since I can remember, running has been a vital part of my lifestyle. I feel so in the moment when I run. I forget the stresses I so often feel; the monkey mind goes to rest as I feel my rising heartbeat, all manner of sensations through my body and a simple appreciation for the sea, the wind and my surrounds. I want to use Facebook and various social technologies for good; like it, I want to use my love of running for good. Over recent years one of the major trends of various charities in Europe, America and now Australia is social fundraising or peer to peer fundraising. In essence this involves an individual or a team of individuals, running or walking or hiking for a cause and then enlisting their friends to support them in this. Over the

Rob Lutton gets into the swing of Indian dancing on location for a Uniting World video shoot.

Gay Buxton

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

I praise and thank you Heavenly Father for the love and favour you have shown me. I can confidently say with the psalmist in Psalm 18, “He reached down from on high and took hold of me, He drew me out of deep waters, He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes who were too strong for me (they were not too strong for God). They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support, He brought me out into a spacious place, He rescued me because He delighted in me.” I was repeatedly and regularly sexually abused by my earthly father, from a few months of age until I was eight years old, when my father died. I repressed all memory of my childhood abuse until after the birth of my second daughter. I began to suffer severe bouts of anxiety and depression, and was hospitalised several times before my memories began to re-surface. I believed in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour, attended church regularly, yet I experienced nothing of the abundant life and joy that was often preached from the pulpit.

My healing journey has led me to medical doctors and psychiatrists. They prescribed anti-depressants, which gave me the strength I needed to pursue further healing. I am so thankful that I live in a time when such medical help is available. For many years my faith and my healing were separate. In my mind I would get better when the doctors managed to get my medication correct and when I had talked about all the repressed memories. I can remember getting to absolute frustration point though and crying out to God, “This is not working! There has got to be a better way!” I knew that the next stage of my journey needed to be of a deeply spiritual nature. Through a variety of circumstances, God led me to a Christian counsellor, who was experienced in prayer ministry. This was when I first started to grasp the significance of the Cross and forgiveness through Jesus’ shed blood. As memories surfaced during these prayer sessions and as feelings were exposed, I could finally hear the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit of Jesus within me

encouraging me, “I love you, you don’t need to carry this any more, lay it at the foot of the Cross.” Through these prayer sessions, the Holy Spirit of God gently restored me as I was able to face so many uncomfortable feelings in a loving and supportive environment. There are many people in our churches today who are hurting desperately (victims of abuse, traumatic life events, family breakdown, involvement in witchcraft and the occult etc.), and they have never had the opportunity to express their feelings or make sense of what happened to them in light of the Heavenly Father’s love for them. They need help to receive the love of the Father in their lives. I believe prayer ministry and extended periods of worship-based prayer need to be embraced by the church of today if Christians are going to serve out of an abundance and overflow of the Spirit’s power in their life. Some churches are embracing this challenge, and I want to applaud them and encourage others to do the same.

Visual Presentation Systems Public Address Church - School - Board Room - Retail Display - Hospitality Data Projection - Plasma - LCD - Projection Screens - Accessories Sale - Installation - Service “TEC - Everything Electronic installed with Excellence” Greg Hallam 0411 550417 - Keith Ellison 0411 556075 Campbelltown: 8365 0377 - Fax: 8365 0677 Web: www.tecsa.com.au

A number of years ago, a group of passionate Christians met on a six-weekly-basis to pray for people with disabilities, particularly for the difficulties and isolation they face. Those who gathered to pray had worked in this sector, and knew of the difficult situations these people and their families were facing on a daily basis. We felt a pressing need to minister to them. A social support group for people with disabilities and their families, carers and friends was formed under the name ‘Friends for Life’. On the first Saturday of every month, we share a simple meal and enjoy music from our band or a DJ. On a couple of occasions we have had games nights and recently we had a bus trip to the Hahndorf Farm Barn. It’s so much more

than a program though. Our Friends for Life group shows acceptance, endurance, persistence, joy and love to all. This life experience cannot be taught from a pulpit - it needs to be lived out in practical ways. For me, this is truly the church in action, perhaps not in the conventional way, but, it’s something the wider community can witness, question and embrace. Our prayers and networking with various people in the disability area has been blessed by God, leading the way to help people get involved in caring for others; many of us have witnessed how God has slowly worked in many ‘rollercoaster’ situations.

voluntary organisations with people with disabilities – exciting developments in an area that has largely been ignored in the past. Friends for Life was a risky journey that Henley Fulham Uniting Church began 18 months ago. Our average attendance is about 70 people and new faces are appearing in our group every month. Momentum is growing, community response has been exciting and congregational response has been positive. We are learning and evolving every month. Last month, we celebrated our first birthday. We look forward to many more.

We have also seen commencement of Carers Week and the increased involvement of schools, youth groups and

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Eleanor Parkes

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Anne White Over 1.4 billion people worldwide live in extreme poverty, not knowing where their next meal is coming from - let alone whether it will be healthy and free from disease.

“We just managed to live on $2 a day for food and drink but ultimately, [for so many people] that $2 a day is for shelter and medication and all necessities so this challenge was just a glimpse.”

To gain insight into this distressing statistic, and raise funds for overseas aid projects, 34 Adelaideans from a group called ‘Generate’ took part in the Oaktree Foundation’s ‘Live below the Line’ challenge during May this year, and for five days lived on $2 a day, for all food and drinks.

It’s a reality that we comparatively-rich Westerners find hard to comprehend because, despite rising costs of living, extreme poverty in Australia is rare and, thanks to our Government and non-Government welfare programs, assistance is accessible for most of those in need.

Generate is a program run by the Oaktree Foundation, which equips and trains people under 27 years of age to take part in and lead campaigns to end global poverty.

“The best part of Live Below the Line was the chance to talk to my sponsors about the Millennium Development Goals and letting them know that there are measures in place for eradicating extreme poverty within our generation,” reflects Sam.

According to Sam Odgers, a CitySoul and Generate member, the $2-a-day budget, “is the equivalent of the extreme poverty line around the world.

“Social justice and standing up for the poor is so important. Having discussions with people about that was really good.” During the challenge, the Generate team met and shared a meal of pumpkin soup and flatbread at CitySoul church,

inspired each other with stories of support and used Skype to chat with other challenge participants. Reflecting on his participation in the challenge, Sam calls it a, “great experience, because it rang true for me, in regard to standing in solidarity with the poor. “A lot of it was very introspective. You could just have a snack without anyone knowing, but thinking about the people that live in those conditions makes you keep going. “Always having them at the forefront of your mind is something that really connects with my faith. Being one with them is really important, and quite spiritual.” This year is the second year Live Below the Line has been held. Nationally, the 2011 Live Below the Line campaign raised $1.3 million for aid projects in Papua New Guinea, Cambodia and East Timor. In Adelaide, members of Generate raised $20,000. These funds will go to Yangis, Papua New Guinea, to train people from the local community as teachers, so they can open their school and educate others within their community. Taking the challenge to live below the extreme poverty line saw Sam Odgers making creative use of vegetables – and eating a lot of rice.

Setting wheels in motion Caryn Rogers

Rev Ian Hunter was placed at Semaphore Uniting Church around 10 months ago, a placement which is seeing a definite change within the church and the broader community. It wasn’t long before he saw a need: six Supportive Residential Facilities (SRFs) within close proximity.

“We came up with the idea of having bike riding circuits between SRFs. It’s not really practical for them to have their own bikes though because they’d get stolen.” They decided to source 25 bikes to be keep at Semaphore Uniting, for use and return, and instigate riding groups to help people get involved. “Because we’re trying to turn it into a community group, it’s not the Semaphore Uniting Church group; it’s

‘Wheels in Motion’. Our emphasis is on how we bring this idea to the community, and how we bring wholistic life to the community, with our faith in the centre of that. “It’s certainly a growing experience for me, working with people who have different abilities being in community together. “Out of the group involved, five of us will be undertaking a WEA course on bike maintenance; those five will then be responsible for teaching others how to maintain the bikes, if they want to be involved in that way.” Wheels in Motion isn’t just for those from the SRFs. The initiative is designed to build

normal interactions between community members, church people and SRFs. “We’ve tried to give a lot of ownership, that the participants and the community and our church are part of this. We’ve been working with The Port Adelaide Enfield council extensively; Angie has been so supportive in making this move forward. “We’re working as widely as we can with community. Eventually, we want this to be a genuine mish mash of different people from the community – really, anyone who wants to do some cycling.”

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

The privately run homes accommodate up to 25 people each, serve meals and provide general use facilities. Most people living in the facilities have mental health issues of some sort, and finding themselves with nothing to do, are often bored, sitting and smoking. For many, they’re also getting bigger.

“Angie Ciccarella, from the local Council, and I were talking and came up with the same conclusion: there’s got to be something we can do,” said Ian.

Rev Ian Hunter at work maintaining a bike with a participant from the ‘Wheels in Motion’ group taking over the back shed at Semaphore Uniting Church – and the local community.

Mission Resourcing SA

More than skin deep

Getting to know...

We’re all aware that the pictures of people we see in magazines may have been touched up a bit to make them look more perfect. But the phrase ‘healthy bodies, healthy minds’ is talking about something that is much more than skin deep. When Samuel was choosing a replacement for Saul, God says of Jesse’s son Eliab, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things human beings look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16.7).” Appearance is never enough. What is more important is a heart that is open to God. God is concerned with all that we are and the end that God has in mind is that we might be like Christ. This is the lifelong work of the Holy Spirit in us and, in the end, produces a very missional outcome. “The claim that God’s presence is with us is not ours to make. It is for our neighbours to recognise.” Stanley J Samartha. When present, greed, resentment, injustice or jealousy are obvious in our appearance and our actions. They look quite different to love, grace, peace, hope, generosity and justice. These things are seen not only in our physical appearance but at the depth of our being in who we are and how we live.

For Australia, 1956 was an exciting year. We hosted the Olympics, TV went live, and Beverly Brenda Freeman was born. An active member of Gawler Uniting Church, Bev started her career with the Synod of South Australia a number of years ago as a financial clerk, moved to Property Services and is now enjoying the challenge of being the Personal Assistant to Rod Dyson. Self-aware, considerate and helpful, Bev places herself on the ‘boring’ side of the spectrum – though no one else agrees!

REV ROD DYSON Executive Officer, Mission Resourcing SA

Family: I’m married to Roger and we have two sons: Wade living in Perth with his wife Bec and their children, Liam and Kayleigh; and Ryan, based in Cardiff, Wales when he’s not travelling the world with work. Background: An only child, I grew up and was schooled in Mount Barker. I worked there as a finance clerk until I married and moved to Roger’s family farm at Pt Neill, Eyre Peninsula. We left the farm in 1987, when the rural recession first took its toll on farmer’s livelihoods, and resettled in Gawler. We have been there ever since.

I have always been aware of God but he became more personal to me during my time in Pt Neill; I know for certain that it is his strength and direction that has charted the course of my adult life, though, at this stage, none of my family have a personal relationship with God.

Hopes for the role: I want to be able to effectively and efficiently facilitate people to lead the mission of the church. Person you most admire: People who are able to be totally true to themselves and their faith.

A beautiful mess Jo Lohmeyer “God’s the wave under the surfboard and most of the time we’re just hanging on for dear life wondering where he’s going to hurl us next!” comments Lucy Moore about the UK-founded, Messy Church phenomenon she leads. Lucy began exploring the idea of making a deliberate mess of church in 2004. The ‘mess’ was an attempt to engage children and their families, together, in church services. “When we started Messy Church, it was obvious that not only was this going to be messy with glue and paint – it was reaching the messy edges of our community and to people whose lives are in a mess,” Lucy reflects. A Messy Church session usually involves a brief greeting which introduces the day’s theme, a time of creating – crafts, art, science – which families do together. This time is not for children. It’s not for parents. It’s for families – together. Families explore the theme through activities and talking, using guided questions from activity leaders. Next, the whole group gather to sing songs with accessible lyrics and themes before a story is creatively presented – as is prayer. The families are then invited to eat together to finish the time. From those experimental, early days, Messy Church has grown into an inspiring, yet practical, theory. It’s about making church a time for families and faith. Together. Lucy is bringing her wisdom to Adelaide as part of the ‘Church &...’ Conference, held on August 4-6 at Uniting College. This conference is ideal for family ministry workers and leaders, but ministers, pastors, worship leaders, school chaplains and workers will also benefit greatly from the teaching. For more information and registrations visit our website: mrn.sa.uca.org.au/happenings/church-a.html.

Scots Church Adelaide will be celebrating the 160th anniversary of the first service held in this church in 1851. Come and help us celebrate on Sunday 10 July 2011 at the Worship Service to be held at 10.30am. The preacher will be Rev Dr Allen Edwards, a former minister at Scots. The service will be followed by a lunch in the hall and in the afternoon there will be a recital of all-baroque music with works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Philipp Telemann, and Dietrich Buxtehude. The music will be played by Ms Anna Webb, viola, Mr Alexandr Tsiboulski, classical guitar and Mr Dirk Zadra on the organ. For further details and to RSVP for the luncheon please phone: (08) 8223 1505. Kensington Gardens Uniting Church invites friends to its anniversary celebration at 29 Brigalow Ave on 24 July. Rev Don Catford preaching. Shared lunch at noon. The returned missionaries get together for 2011 will be held at Broadview Uniting Church (cnr Collingrove and Galway Ave, Broadview) on Sunday 24 July at 1.30pm. Enquiries: Rosemary Nicholls 8295 1480.

Dernancourt Friendship & Craft invite you to our Winter Craft Fair on Saturday 30 July, 9.30am - 3.00pm, in the Dernancourt Uniting Church Hall (cnr Balmoral Road & Vingara Drive, Dernancourt). A wide variety of crafts, novelty items, cakes & jams will be for sale. Free admission. Contact: Marilyn Pederick 8261 8630. Rosefield Uniting Church are holding a Family Concert on Saturday 30 July at 7.30pm in the church. Cost: $10 (primary aged children free). Proceeds to support Kalparrin Community. Phone 8271 9528 for more details. The Adelaide West Men’s Choir will present a concert at Malvern Uniting Church (44 Marlborough Street, Malvern) on Sunday 31 July at 2.00pm. The concert will raise funds for activities of the Friends of Refugees Group, located at Adelaide West Uniting Church. You are warmly invited to attend and support this ongoing work of assisting recent arrivals to settle into our community. Tickets (available at the door) $12; concession $10; children (under 12) free.

This year, the Corny Point Mission Church building turns 100 with celebrations planned for 6-7 August. This church is shared by Uniting Church & Anglican as this is the only church building in the town of Corny Point. We would like to make contact with students, interested community or family members & church participants interested in attending the reunion. Contact Julie Mason (08) 8855 3219 for an information pack, including a program. RSVPs will support catering. Streaky Bay is celebrating 100 years of worship on September 11, with a special service at 10am featuring guest speaker Julia Pitman. A long luncheon and reunion to follow. Contact Rev Sue Ellis 8625 3505 for further details and help with accommodation. Penong Uniting Church is celebrating 100 years on 6 November with a special Centenary Service. Put the date in your diary now. More details: Rev Sue Ellis 8625 3505, rev. sellis@gmail.com. Are you 17 years old and would like to be a part of Team SAYCO on the October long weekend? Here’s your chance to shine as a Junior Volunteer. Help an Adult Volunteer (Team SAYCO member), build your leadership skills, immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere, form friendships and have heaps of fun. Register your interest now at sayco@sa.uca. org.au. Stillpoint Spirituality Centre now has an expanded Friends’ Scheme with a range of packages available suitable for individuals and groups. This is an excellent way to take advantage of the resources and space on offer, with significant savings. More details: visit the MRN website or email stillpoint@internode.on.net. To have your upcoming event or message published here, email diary@sa.uca.org.au with ‘Diary’ in the subject line.

diary notes

State Mission Fellowship meets on Tuesday 26 July at Scots Church. 10am morning tea; light lunch at 12pm. Speakers: Scott and Rachel Litchfield on their work with InterServe in Cambodia.

A new conference called ‘Church &’ is about developing ways for people of all ages, stages and backgrounds to be church together, incorporating Messy Church and All Age Worship. ‘Church &’ will be held at Uniting College on 4 - 6 August. More info & registration: mrn.sa.uca.org.au/churcha. html.

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Holiday Rental 3br ground floor apartment on the Esplanade at Encounter Bay; Victor Harbor - Relax in cosy a/ cond comfort away from the crowds and watch the waves roll in - special winter rate of $483 pw (only $69 pn) -min 4 nights - higher rates apply for shoulder season and school holidays. -Contact Dodd and Page P/L (Deb) ph 8554 2029 and ask for “By The Sea” for on line details and photos.

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Enjoying a messy church

All called to justice

I was amused to read of Messy Church (NT May 2011).

In reference to J Iles’s letter suggesting the church put energy into “less popularist” issues than Aboriginal and Refugee affairs,

Our congregation at Aldgate in the 1970s and 80s did much the same thing, with all-age services, no Sunday-School and many varied and interesting topics for worship. We had a very tolerant minister, who, although trying to manage eight congregations, most of which were small and traditional, encouraged us all the way, and took part enthusiastically. Unfortunately when a new large church was built, we lost our contemporary worship, and never regained that enjoyment again. Many of us sought new pastures.

The Church must state its case for standing alongside those who are marginalised. This is highlighted when they are made objects of fear by the wider society. We have seen this in both refugee and indigenous issues. The New Testament gives us many instances of the demands of God’s justice, in Matthew 25, and many other parables. The parable of the Good Samaritan is primarily that of help being given by someone from an unacceptable group.

R Drabsch, Aldgate

We need to remember that many refugees and Aboriginal people are themselves members of the Uniting Church, and the unfairness that they experience in everyday life in Australia needs to be addressed before it will be dealt with.

Thanks for June edition

The letter mentioned two other worthy causes. Indeed, we are all called to consider situations of injustice, even if we are able only to work in some of them.

The new “New Times” format is a great improvement, so congratulations, Caryn.

I minister within First Third in the WA Synod.

If there are any left over could we have as many as you have spare. I would love to put it in the hands of many of our young people as we engage further with what the future looks like. Thanks heaps for a brilliant offering to the church in this special edition of New Times. J Savage, WA

Attacking alcoholism The Australian Government is considering a nationwide “floor price” for alcohol -- making it illegal to sell alcohol below a certain price per standard drink. More interesting, perhaps, was the comment by John Boffa, of the Central Australian Aboriginal Health Congress. He welcomes the move, wanting to see it operate in the Northern Territory without waiting for Canberra: “We can cut self-harm, cut suicides and cut homicides by doing it now”.

A Clarke, Vale Park

Church in decline The Moderator (June “New Times”) seems perplexed as to why church membership is declining. He only needs to look at the “Advertiser” to find his answers. This week we were told that Uniting Church members back a carbon tax; in past weeks we have been told that we support same-sex marriage, illegal immigration, and so on. We make a great fuss about waving red and blue cards over relatively minor administrative matters yet on major issues such as these press releases, church congregations have no say. People who feel affronted by these blanket statements from senior members of the church have only one way to vote – with their feet. It’s about time Synod stopped regarding congregations merely as sources of money that cost too much to maintain. It would be refreshing for congregations to see that Synod is taking notice of ordinary church members, rather than pandering to what many regard as fashionable barrow-pushers. G Oates Parafield Gardens

People saying that the alcohol itself is not the problem, as much as the unwillingness of people to take responsibility for their actions, have got a point. But why not do both at once? A Jago, Mildura

Send your letters to: newtimes@sa.uca.org.au or PO Box 2145, Adelaide 5001.

Be topical, be brief, be timely. Letters over 150 words will be edited; responses to previous letters /articles will be considered within two months of the original item’s publication only. All letters are published at the editorial team’s discretion.

letters to ed

Having just read through (hop skipped and jumped through actually) the June edition of New Times, I want to commend you and your team for the most brilliant edition of any of the Synod’s Newspapers I have ever seen. Being an advocate for those in the First Third of Life this issue is compelling and thought provoking and also giving of new life. Thank you so much for focussing on the issues you have in this issue.

A key to conversation

reviews

Scenes from Key, a DVD Resource Pack designed to help Uniting Churches in South Australia discover their faith sharing voice. Key, a DVD and Resource Pack, was launched at the June Presbytery Synod meeting to help Uniting Churches think through what it means to have a faith, and have our own words to share it. “If we were to collate stories from each of us of the ways that God has grabbed our attention and spoken to us, we would likely find a wonderfully rich and varied list,” commented Trevor Wright, director, producer and creative architect of the Key DVD. “The list might include: revelation through scripture, reading a biography, journalling, hearing a sermon, the words of a friend, a beautiful sunset or a thought that spontaneously popped into your head one day, or maybe through a personal tragedy or seeing a disaster on the TV, or through a line spoken in a great novel or film.” The initial DVD project was sponsored by the Uniting Foundation with the hope of encouraging each Uniting Church in South Australia to look seriously at the way they were sharing their faith – or prompt them to think through this mandate if it had slipped onto the backburner. With his origins in clown and mask theatre, Trevor takes his skills in a different direction with Key, stepping from the much loved Rivet and Tuft

‘Cultured Clowns’ to hauntingly emotive marionettes, in an aesthetically moving and mature production. Trevor partnered with the Conversion Growth team, a group established under Key Direction One (KD1) from the Uniting Church SA Strategic Plan 20072012, to create a final package that presents a fresh and current approach of serving the church. KD1, committed to fostering an environment where ‘introducing people to Jesus is key’, realised that largely we, as a church, needed to start over with our faith-sharing, finding our own voice for sharing our story, and in many cases – remembering what that story was. The plan was to create an easy to use and dynamic resource for churches of all backgrounds, visions, shapes and sizes. Key the DVD, soon became Key the Church Resource, leveraging the DVD as a conversation starter, followed with thought-provoking sermons, service ideas and dialogue driven studies. Designed for use in congregations and faith communities over the course of a month, the Key series explores a journey of faith through suffering and lament, considering and conversation, recognising the light and opening the door to faith. Featuring input from Dr Liz Boase, Rev Dr Andrew Dutney, Ms Carly

Osborn, Rev Dr Dean Brookes and Rev Matthew Stuart, the sermons, liturgy, song suggestions and bible studies create a foundation for thinking through the faith story while engaging personal style, creativity, and most importantly, personal faith stories. “It is designed to be a time for every Uniting Church within this state to look afresh at the why, the where, the when, the what and the how of discipleship, outreach and evangelism,” Trevor concludes. Key helps individuals and groups talk about their faith, think through their stories and tell them beyond their comfort zones. Key resource packs have been given to each Uniting Church SA congregation and faith community for use. If you have missed out, please contact Rev Ruthmary Bond: p. (08) 8236 4244 e. rbond@sa.uca.org.au There are also further elements available for download from keyresource.org.au including: Powerpoint backgrounds, further liturgies, individual chapters from the resource booklet as well as large print versions of the materials.

Revolution of Self The Vertical Self

Author: Mark Sayers Available from: amazon.com Recommended for: Those willing to challenge cultureinduced thought patterns, and seek Jesus. In short: Our God-given identity has been hijacked by an image-obsessed culture; Sayers calls us to return to a radical holiness RRP: $19.99

While humanity may believe itself evolved beyond the spiritual, Tacey would argue that we simply deny our true identity and personhood. Tacey has been heavily influenced by the works of Carl Jung and uses them in a modern Australian context. He also draws insight from

- Louise Heinrich

Wellness and God

Bring Me a Casserole

Book: Gods and Diseases Author: David Tacey Available from: MediaCom medicacom.org.au; 1800 811 311 Recommended for: Ministers and leaders concerned with issues of health, wholeness and spirituality. In short: An intriguing read that really pushes the theological buttons RRP: $35.00

Book: Now That You’re Back: A Journey Through Depression

indigenous Australian culture and religious thought. This book offers a distinctly spiritual way of approaching mental health problems, while not being prescriptive or narrow. He genuinely believes that in many cases we need to get in touch with our deepest yearnings for God and the power of transcendence that we might seek real transformation. This is a must read for ministers and psychologists alike. - Rev John Hughes

Author: Richard Beeston Available from: Koorong Recommended for: Friends, family and colleagues of people with depression In short: A husband’s journey through his wife’s depression RRP: $12.95

Richard Beeston’s wife, Alison, went through periods of anxiety overload and hypersensitivity in her early life. She was then laid low with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following a horrifying experience at work. This book is a short account of Richard’s research into panic attacks and PTSD, and his reflections as a husband and a Christian on what he saw his wife experiencing. He argues that depression is a consequence of living in a fallen world, and is not something to be ashamed of.

with me, both in terms of the different reactions of friends and family, especially from the Beestons’ church groups, and the response of Richard to these relationships. My copy of the book contained a bonus mini-album (13 minutes duration) from Richard’s solo and band album containing four songs about his journey. His lyric “I am open, I am broken, set me right” says it all really. - Damien Tann

As one of the one in five Australians who is working through a depressive disorder I found a lot that resonated

reviews

David Tacey’s book, Gods and Diseases, explores the relationship between disease (mental health in particular, but not exclusively) and our modern disassociation with religion. Tacey would argue that in our vain attempt to create a ‘secular’ world, devoid of the gods, we have ultimately created our own worst enemy.

From aspiring to an image of God, to cultivating a public image. We have reached an age where the instant gratification of consumerism has eclipsed the delayed spiritual ecstasy of following Jesus. Mark Sayers believes that churches and the people within them are facing an identity crisis. We have unwittingly been shaped by the marketing, branding, and celebrity worship of our culture, and seek meaning by creating and performing identities (such as cool or sexy) that will be esteemed by our peers. The crux of this book is humanity’s struggle between ‘the Horizontal Self’, where we look sideways to peers to define ourselves and find fulfilment; and ‘The Vertical Self’, in which we look up to God for our identities, understanding that we are part of a greater order. Sayers claims that we can reclaim our God-given identities, by understanding the messages our culture sends us, and through biblical redemption of our desires. Humble prayer and earnest selfreflection will result in transformation of our inner selves (the part that nobody sees!) The language used in this book is simple whilst still articulate, which enables Sayers to introduce sociology and semantics, as well as theology, pop culture and Jewish wisdom, so that all readers can access semi-complex ideas. By exploring the empty impetus of Western culture, and then guiding readers towards pursuing the character of Jesus, Sayers presents disciples with an almighty challenge: How do YOU create and act out your identity? And will you seek the Vertical Self?

Fitness and fundraising; walking for a cause People all over Adelaide are ‘stepping up’ to support disadvantaged people through UnitingCare Wesley Bowden’s new fundraising initiative ‘Winter Warmup Walk’. Participants are sponsored by family and friends and challenged to walk 10,000 steps every day for a week. The money raised goes towards UnitingCare Wesley Bowden’s Emergency Assistance program, which requires $100,000 of donated funds every year to keep supporting families in need. “This is the first time we’ve held this fundraiser, and we’re encouraged that nearly 500 people have committed to participating,” says event coordinator, Natalie Schwarz.

magazine

“While our Christmas appeal is well known and supported, we are always in desperate need of funding to purchase blankets, warm clothing and other basic essentials for people in need over the cold winter, which is where the Winter Warmup Walk comes in. “The idea of walking 10,000 steps a day has many advantages; it will keep our participants warm, fit and healthy, while raising funds for people in need and awareness about the Emergency Assistance program.

Preparing to put their best foot forward for the 2011 Winter Warmup Walk are UnitingCare Wesley Bowden staff members (L-R): Lana Tucker, Natalie Schwarz, Rewadee Piemyoosuk, Bianca Kreft and Anthony Leong.

Emergency Assistance looks after up to 30-40 families/individuals per day; 7,500 per year from the western and north eastern suburbs of Adelaide, providing basic daily living essentials to families and individuals who have very little, and who struggle to adequately feed and clothe themselves and their families. To donate to the appeal, visit ucwb.org.au/winterwarmupwalk

Fun, friends and Frontier Services

Laurence and Denise Joyce from Wandearah Uniting Church are planning their Great Outback BBQ to raise much-needed funds for Frontier Services.

Two things that typify Australians are: getting together around the BBQ and lending a hand. Frontier Services is asking people to do both this September for its first Great Outback BBQ. The charity and national agency of the Uniting Church is calling on congregations, friends and families across Australia to host their own Great Outback BBQ event and raise money to support the provision of critical services to rural and remote areas. Hosts can choose when, where and how they put their event together. The idea is simply to bring the Outback to your BBQ, and lend a financial hand to those living in remote Australia. Colin Gepp, from Adare Uniting Church in Victor Harbor, was one of the first South Australians to register. Colin and other

members of the congregation have been volunteers with the Frontier Services program Outback Links, providing hands-on assistance on a property in north SA. He plans to hold a Great Outback BBQ in mid-October, gathering as many as possible from the 300-member congregation to attend after Sunday worship. “We’ve had links to Frontier Services for a while and we know the impact of its work in the Outback and remote areas,” Colin said. “We thought we could pull together a few people for something like this.” Laurence and Denise Joyce from Wandearah Uniting Church, have also signed up to host a Great Outback BBQ event. It will be held in September at the start of spring, when Wandearah is at its best. “We will hold it at the Wandearah Institute, maybe with a heritage theme, and everyone will be invited to come along and enjoy,” said Denise. Laurence and Denise have supported Frontier Services for close to 30 years. “Our main concern is for people to know about Frontier Services and its ministry in the Outback of Australia,” said Laurence. Anyone who signs up to the Great Outback BBQ will be sent a BBQ Host Pack including posters, invitations, recipes, fundraising ideas and more. All the money raised from the Great Outback BBQ will go towards the work of Frontier Services. If you would like to register for the Great Outback BBQ contact Jacqueline: p. 1300 787 247 w. frontierservices.org (look for the Great Outback BBQ logo)