March 2007
Issue 26, Number 2
PP 565 001/00190 ISSN 0726-2612
Young interested in ministry YOUNG adults may be more interested in ministry than we think, but the church doesn’t always identify or nurture that call. This is the finding from two studies of people’s call to ministry: • The presbytery’s Year of Call Task Group commissioned an Internet survey of UCA young adults. • The other was by Parkin-Wesley College principal, Rev Dr Andrew Dutney. The Internet survey dealt with their views about vocation, ministry and learning. Thirty of the 92 respondents said that they could imagine themselves serving God as a minister in a church. “While this wasn’t a random sample, the response is remarkable,” said Craig Mitchell. Craig is a member of the task group. He is lecturer in lay ministry studies at Parkin-Wesley College and commissioned the survey from the Christian Research Association. “There was even greater interest in serving God through overseas aid, youth and children’s work, community development, and Christian welfare work,” Craig said. Continued on page 2.
inside… Church people honoured
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$40,000 drought relief Big Week Out
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A real adventure
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Understanding NCLS
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God ‘nudged’ family
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‘You have to respond’
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Human cost of detention
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CELEBRATING RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY: Representatives from several different religious communities celebrated Australia Day during a Multi-Faith Service at Maughan Uniting Church. The service was organised by the Order of Australia Day Association and Maughan Uniting Church. Pictured are, from left, Dr Carl Vadivella Belle, Hindu; Mrs Sherifa Khan, Muslim; Rev Dr Elizabeth Vreugdenhil, Minister at Maughan Uniting Church; Mr Vahid Chittleborough, Baha’i; and Mrs Sylvia Barnes, Jewish. – Picture by Amy Brookman
‘We’re not good at mentoring’ THE CHURCH is not good at mentoring people discerning a call to ministry, according to a survey. Last year , Parkin-Wesley College principal, Rev Dr Andrew Dutney surveyed the 49 men and women who were accepted as ordination candidates by the SA Synod between 1995 and 2005. The full study is not yet available, but some early results are already clear. “Almost all of the candidates surveyed identified a mentor or mentors as important in their discernment of a call to ministry,” Andrew said. “Interestingly, almost all of the mentors identified were ordained ministers, usually the minister of the person’s own congregation. “But it was normally the person who had to approach the minister to raise the possibility that they might be called to ministry. “The ‘tap on the shoulder’ that earlier generations of ministers talk about is almost unheard of today. That’s worrying.”
Andrew found that a great majority of the candidates identified a particular personal experience that helped them discern a call to ministry. For some it was a private matter, often within the life of their local congregation. A large number responded to a retreat, youth convention or rally that offered opportunity to respond to God’s call. More than two thirds of the group spoke of an experience of the supernatural, a personal intervention by God into their daily lives. Andrew said that, for many, the process of discerning a call to ministry was an unsettling, isolating or even frightening time. “The church has a duty of care towards its members that should include ways to support, encourage and guide people who are discerning God’s call in their lives,” he said. “At the very least we can become much better at mentoring, and ordained ministers can certainly take a lead here.”
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Young interested Church people honoured in ministry From page 1. “These are all valid areas of ministry in themselves. “Perhaps they may also be pathways into ordained ministry. “What if we were to more directly invite young adults into these kinds of service, and then be open to where God might lead them from there? “Or perhaps these areas of service are themselves part of God’s call to reshape the church.” The survey respondents, mainly aged 18 to 28, were an almost even mix of males and females. Craig said some interesting gender differences emerged. Young women expressed stronger interest than men in aspects of ministry such as working with a community and responding to people’s needs. Young men rated the opportunity to study the Bible, reflect on life and faith, and the variety of work and geography more highly than did the women. “It isn’t clear whether these differences are due more to personal preferences or to perceived expectations,” Craig said. The majority of those surveyed were positive about the flexible hours of ministry and the opportunity to be a role model for others. “These young adults were ambivalent regarding the moderate pay levels of clergy, the lifestyle of a minister, and being accountable to the church,” he said. “However, they saw the need to be ‘on call’ 24/7 and working weekends as a negative, along with the cost of training. “There’s no question that ministry is a call to serve. “We might have assumed that young people had a rosy view of ministry and thought that it was beyond them. “This suggests instead that their view of ministry may be all too clear, and that they see the cost of service as too high. “This raises some good questions about what we expect of ministers.” Craig said the survey findings will be followed up with a series of focus group discussions with young adults across Adelaide.
MARCH 2007
TWO LOCAL Uniting Church Ministers and a lay preacher have been awarded medals of the Order of Australia (OAMs) in the recent Australia Day Honours List. • Rev Dr Phil Carr has been recognised for service to the community through the UCA and providing counselling and support to people with advanced illnesses. • Rev Malcolm Thomas has been recognised for his service to the UCA, particularly through ministry and chaplaincy in outback areas and as a supporter of welfare and service groups. • Lay preacher Colin Brideson has been recognised for service to the community through a range of service, church and educational organisations.
“HELPING people take another step closer to heaven” is what life is all about for Rev Dr Phil Carr OAM. Phil has helped significant numbers of people through his counselling work at the Malvern Centre for Counselling. He said he was not excited about receiving an OAM and even refused to have the award mentioned in his Malvern and Unley congregations on the Australia Day weekend. “Publicity is a fleeting thing … what counts is when someone says ‘if it wasn’t for God speaking to me through your counselling, I wouldn’t be here today’.” A significant part of Phil’s work involves counselling cancer sufferers and their families.
Rev Dr Phil Carr and Rev Malcolm Thomas who were awarded OAMs in the Australia Day Honours List. He also helps ministers showing signs of stress and burnout and people suffering personal crises. On top of this Phil lectures at Flinders University School of Medicine, (helping doctors develop palliative care skills) and teaches ethical issues within UniSA’s School of Psychology. REV MALCOLM Thomas OAM, who officially retired in 2002, is as busy as ever and jokes that instead of retiring he has merely been “retreaded”. “I’ve been preaching nearly every week of late, mainly in the Wesley Warradale, Oaklands and Walkerville congregations,” he said. Malcolm and his wife Mavis also support Vietnam veterans. Malcolm serves as chaplain to about 400 vets at their Warradale clubrooms. “These are very special people, Malcolm said. “Many are totally and permanently incapacitated; some are dying of cancer because of exposure to Agent Orange and some have had several failed marriages. “I’m always available to the vets – I just like to be there for them and listen while they download.” Malcolm served with the Methodist Church in Arnhem Land and with the UCA in Hawker, in Burra, on the Sturt Patrol, and in Brighton and the Flinders region.
“One of the things I particularly liked about being a patrol padre was the freedom that came with the job. “If something happened I was able to just drop everything and rush to wherever I was needed. “It was rewarding to show the church’s presence and to carry the simple message – that the church cares and God loves them.” COLIN Brideson OAM has been a lay preacher in the Uniting (and before that the Methodist Church) for 52 years – in Berri, Gawler, Millicent, Jamestown, Port Lincoln and Adelaide. Colin is presently a member at Seacombe Uniting Church, where he and his wife have been attending for the past 29 years. He trained as a teacher, eventually serving as principal at the Jamestown, Port Lincoln and Adelaide High Schools. Colin has served on church committees at all levels, his educational background making him a valuable contributor to a committee which reviewed training at Parkin-Wesley College. He has also been involved for many years with Rotary and the Freemasons and is delighted his community service has been acknowledged. “You don’t do these things for awards,” he said. “Just the same it is nice to be recognised.”
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$40,000 for drought relief Jill Freer
UNITING Church people and congregations have responded generously to the Uniting Church SA Drought Assistance Appeal with more than $40,000 received so far. The appeal was launched at the November Presbytery and Synod meeting to support rural congregations which are struggling due to extended drought conditions. Affected congregations are invited to apply for funding, particularly if they are having difficulties supporting a stipended minister. Appeal funds will help the church ensure that there is no loss of ministry resources in communities impacted by drought. Applications for assistance should be sent to the Uniting Church SA’s Financial Services Manager Joan Blanchard. Requests will be considered on a case by case basis and recommendations made to the Synod Grants Committee. Recommendations will address mission, pastoral and ministry requirements, as well as financial needs. Uniting Church SA General Manager, Resources, Barry Atwell said the church wants to ensure that congregations will not be disadvantaged or closed because they cannot meet their stipend or Mission and Service Fund contributions due to a downturn in congregational income which is directly linked to the drought.. Barry said the church has not yet received any applications from congregations for support from the Drought Assistance Fund, but he believes the financial impact of the drought is “yet to hit.” “What we are doing is listening to people in rural communities to hear how they are being affected,” Barry said. “The Church, through UC Invest, has sponsored ‘listening days’ in Spalding and Keith which gave families time out and provided information on drought assistance resources. “We are watching the situation carefully and are mindful that support is being offered by government and other agencies. “We want to offer practical help that is not being provided by other organisations.” The church is also planning two regional seminars for ministers and lay leaders featuring author John Ashfield, whose book “Taking Care of Yourself” will be given to those attending. Several retired ministers are also available to provide pastoral care and worship back-up to rural ministers and leaders who are busy attending to drought related community needs. Congregations wanting support in responding to the drought – other than financial assistance – should speak to one of the MRN’s (Mission Resourcing Network) Rural Mission Team. All donations should be posted to the SA Drought Assistance Appeal, Uniting Church SA, GPO Box 2145, Adelaide, SA 5001.
How to give to the appeal
Congregations should make their donations payable to the “Uniting Church SA Drought Assistance Fund”. Individuals who wish to make a tax deductible donation should make donations payable to the “Assembly National Disaster Fund”, and indicate that their contribution is
Service starts Parliamentary year The state’s religious and political leaders joined in prayer last month for the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship Ecumenical Service. The service at Scots Uniting Church on North Terrace was planned by the SA Heads of Christian Churches to mark the beginning of the parliamentary year. From left to right are the Auxiliary Catholic Bishop of Adelaide, Bishop Gregory O’Kelly, Family First MLC, Dennis Hood, SA Council of Churches interim manager, Geraldine Hawkes; Liberal MLC Caroline Schaefer; Scots Church minister, Rev Judith Gilliland; ALP member for Newland, Tom Kenyon; and Uniting Church SA Moderator, Rev Graham Vawser.
‘The impact is yet to hit’
Grant supports fruit project A UNITING Foundation grant of $10,000 will help support the continued expansion of the Waikerie Fruit project. The grant will be used to buy a refrigerated utility vehicle to deliver Riverland fruit to city churches for distribution. The fruit project was launched just over a year ago by Waikerie Uniting Church member and fruit grower Graeme Cavanagh, who was seeking a way to provide Riverland growers with a fairer return on their produce. A range of fruit – including apricots, pears, peaches and oranges – can be ordered and the produce is then distributed through church networks. Graeme said the project has expanded so rapidly during the past 12 months that a refrigerated vehicle has become essential to ensure quality produce is delivered fresh and in top condition. Morialta Uniting Church member Jennie Hosking has volunteered at least four hours a week for the past year, coordinating monthly orders from congregations and organising deliveries.
for the “SA Drought Assistance Appeal”. Tax deductible donations from individuals will be forwarded to Assembly. Assembly will issue a receipt. All donations should be posted to the SA Drought Assistance Appeal, Uniting Church SA, GPO Box 2145, Adelaide, SA 5001.
Members of Broadview Uniting Church have also supported project growers by volunteering to pick apricots during the past couple of months. So far sales have generated more than $2,000 for medical projects in West Papua, Indonesia. Orders can be placed through Graeme at almostorganic@hotkey.net.au, through Jennie at jennieh@sa.uca.org.au, or posted to the Waikerie Fruit Project, C/- the Uniting Church SA office.
Fruit for fundraising BARMERA Uniting Church members and fruit growers Tony and Sandy Loffler are offering their fruit to local churches to sell as a fund raiser. Sultanas and currants are available as well as dried apricots and peaches. For further information contact the Lofflers on phone/fax 8584 9083 or email stlofler@ riverland.net.au”
NURSES TTranslate your faith into action serving the people of the Top End Frontier Services is the major provider of aged and community care across Australia’s remote Top End. For more than 90 years we have been serving the people of the Outback with a growing range of residential and in-home care in regional centres and beyond. We need Registered and Enrolled Nurses who can combine professional skills with the flexibility, commitment, cross-cultural understanding and humour that working in the Outback demands. Various full-time and relief positions are available in the Kimberley region of WA and the Northern Territory. In return, Frontier Services – which has a reputation as an employer of choice – can offer a working environment that is supportive, professional and fun, with flexible conditions and salary arrangements. There are also the many intangible rewards of working in this unique part of Australia and bringing much-needed services to remote communities. To find out more about this special opportunity, call Greta Howard on (02) 8270 1344.
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Mentors sought for women’s transition program SCOTS Church is looking for women who are willing to train as mentors to support women on their release from prison. The mentors will be part of the Women in Transition program, a joint initiative developed with Scots and OARS SA. (Offenders Aid and Rehabilitation Services of South Australia). Dyane Matthews, who will coordinate the outreach ministry from Scots Church, said it is the first program of its kind in the state and the first to be funded by a church. Dyane has spent the past year researching and developing the program. She hopes it will empower female offenders and enable them to
build successful lives in the community. “Scots members are very excited about the program because this is what the gospel is all about – the practical presence of the divine in the world,” she said. Scots Church has provided initial funding for the program and OARS is committed to sharing the costs once their grant funding is approved. “We’re looking for strong women with life and work skills who are prepared to mentor women upon their release – with a commitment for at least a year,” Dyane said. “All mentors will complete a training program and will have the opportunity to establish a relationship with their mentoree at Adelaide Women’s Prison
Visitors from Iona TWO LEADERS from Scotland’s Iona Community will visit Adelaide this year to take part in forums on worship and music, justice and ecology, and healing and reconciliation. Rev Kathy Galloway, leader of the Iona Community since 2002, will be in Adelaide at the end of this month and Rev John Bell will visit Adelaide in June. Kathy Galloway is a practical theologian, campaigner and writer, with a strong focus on social justice, poverty and women’s issues. She will be involved in several sessions, including one on the Iona Community’s worship and music, at the Nunyara Conference Centre Chapel on Friday, March 23, and Saturday, March 24. John Bell will be in Adelaide three months later, taking part in a public lecture and sessions on church music and worship at Parkin-Wesley College, from Friday, June 22, till, Sunday, June 24. John has produced collections of original hymns and songs and also convened the committee which revised the Church of Scotland’s Church Hymnary. He lectures in theological colleges in Britain and the United States and is interested in the renewal of congregational worship. Further information on both SA visits is available from Heather Bald in the Mission Resourcing Network on 8236 4243.
MARCH 2007
Cecile Dutreix from OARS S.A. (Offenders Aid & Rehabilitation Services of SA, left, and Dyane Matthews from Scots Church who are launching a mentoring program for women being released from prison.
before they are released. “Mentors will provide practical assistance and emotional encouragement to help their mentoree make a successful transition into society. “This may involve taking them out for coffee, helping them with shopping, or encouraging them to seek training that will prepare them for work.” Information sessions about the Women in Transition program will be held at Scots Uniting Church, 237 North Terrace on Wednesday March 14 at 7 pm and Thursday March 15 at 10 am. Enquiries to Dyane Matthews on 8227 1695 or email dyane@ scotschurch.org.au.
400 at Big Week Out
NEARLY 400 young people gave up a week of their school holidays at the end of last month to serve their local communities as part of the BWO (Big Week Out). BWO started at Rosefield Uniting and Unley Park Baptist churches in 2000. Now young people from more than 50 different churches and schools are involved in the ecumenical event. BWO coordinator Matt Boundy, who is also the youth worker at Mitcham Uniting Church, said that throughout the week the kids enjoy meeting new people as well as taking part in worship and a variety of community service projects. A typical day begins with worship and devotion in small groups to prepare for an afternoon serving in the community. After lunch young people visit the elderly, carry out “backyard blitzes”, visit skate parks to give away food and drink, provide free car washes and undertake various projects at schools, childcare centres and at Christian and
Left to right: Lisa from Tabor Christian College and Matilda from Rosefield Uniting Church give a free pancake to 12-year-old Connor at the city Skate Park, while taking part in the BWO (Big Week Out). community service agencies. “The kids just love it and we find BWO often serves as a catalyst to open up new mission activities for churches,” Matt said. “We’re sure the event will continue to grow in future and spread into regional areas.”
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It really was an adventure Amy Wilson
THE FLYER advertising Mission Ignition 2006 (MI 06) promised an “adventure of a lifetime”. The promise was delivered. At the end of last year I was one of six Uniting Church people who went on the mission exposure trip to Thailand. The trip included more than two weeks in Chiang Mai and a week in Bangkok, and was led by Westbourne Park youth pastor Matthew Carratt. In Chiang Mai we were based at the First Church and enjoyed a local perspective of the city – being shown the best places to shop, eat and explore by some young Thai Christians. Our program organisers, Chiang Mai International School director, Acharn Supaporn, and Thai prison missionary, Kathryn McDaniel, were also generous with their time and knowledge of Thai culture. One of the trip highlights was visiting the Thailand Karen Baptist Convention’s Health Project for Tribal People. We went to their childcare centre for children who live in the city’s slums. Most of these children had moved with their families from mountain villages and as their parents are not recognised as Thai citizens, they have difficulty finding work and accommodation. Despite obvious poverty, the children were playful and happy and enjoying spending time at the centre. Staying in a Karen tribal village was another highlight. We taught English to some of the 750 students at the R-12 school, shared their assemblies and devotions, and sang Australian contemporary worship songs. Our music was quite different from anything they had experienced before.
We stayed at the ThaiKorean Education Centre which supported ministry students and ran a vibrant youth ministry and outreach to surrounding tribal villages. We visited Chiang Mai residents with HIV/AIDS with people from the Church of Christ in Thailand AIDS Ministry Centre. We also visited foreigners in Chiang Mai prison. MI 06 made a lasting impression on me because of the changes God made in my head, heart and plans for the future. Sometimes we get too comfortable in the things we build up around us – our culture, ambitions and distractions – which we didn’t have in Thailand. We were able instead to focus on the one thing we shared with our Thai hosts and friends - a love for God. The Thai Christians we met bubbled over with an enthusiasm for God and His word, and love for His world. The trip was a reminder from God not to underestimate His plan for me. It was a taste of the amazing places God can lead us, if we are ready to go. We look forward to hosting a group of five young people from Chiang Mai who will arrive in Adelaide at the end of March. For more information about Mission Ignition and other International Mission opportunities contact John Minchin or Lyn Leane in the Uniting Church SA Office on 8236 4203. * Amy Wilson is a cadet reporter with the Mid North Broadcaster. She attends Burra Uniting Church.
KYLE HONOURED: Rev Kyle Waters visited the Uniting Church SA office recently to view a new boardroom that has been named in his honour. Kyle was the first general secretary of the SA Synod from 1977 to 1987. A second boardroom has been named after Ian Tanner, the SA Synod’s first moderator. – Picture by Amy Brookman
Understanding NCLS data LOCAL Uniting Church congregations will soon get a helping hand to understand their NCLS (National Church Life Survey) results. In November all Uniting Church SA congregations were invited to take part in the fourth national NCLS survey – and at no cost, thanks to a $37,500 grant from the Uniting Foundation. Nearly 90 per cent of local UCA congregations took part. Each will receive a Church Life Pack report outlining their strongest core qualities and attendance trends in mid-March. Church members wanting to gain the
maximum benefit from their survey data are invited to attend a post NCLS survey workshop at Adelaide West Uniting Church on Friday, April 20, (evening) and Saturday April 21 (morning). MRN Executive Officer Ian Price said the workshop will help congregations “engage their results in a way that will help with planning, mission and evangelism”. “The NCLS data will also be used for strategic planning for the next five years, particularly in relation to placements and the allocation of grants and resources,” he said. Contact Heather Bald on 8236 4243 for further information.
Property volunteers needed THE Uniting Church SA is looking for volunteers to monitor church properties throughout SA. This work was previously carried out by presbytery property convenors. Those positions came to an end when the seven presbyteries were disbanded and the new Presbytery Synod Mission Network was formed. Uniting Church SA property and insurance manager Dennis Wright is looking for people who feel called to support the church and who have a background or experience in property issues. “We need people who will be responsible for monitoring churches and manses in 11 property
care zones,” he said. “We have identified five rural zones and six metropolitan zones. Rural zones will have about 50 church properties and city areas about 25 on average. “These regional property advisory consultants will be required to visit properties in their zone at least once every three years to consider legislation compliance, maintenance requirements and to identify essential upgrading work. “We will provide appropriate training and also reimburse their costs.” Dennis can be contacted at the Uniting Church SA office on 8236 4209 or email dennis@sa.uca.org.au.
Amy Wilson MARCH 2007
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Family was ‘nudged by God’
Bruce Best
ADELAIDE nurse Christine Schreiber and her family have been “nudged by God” about East Timor for the last five years. Now it has become a mission. In May she will take up the position of nurse trainer for the Protestant Church of East Timor (IPTL). “It’s God’s work, not mine,” she said. “I’m just his tool of trade.” It began in 2002 when her husband, David, and five others from Journey Uniting Church went to the newly independent nation to do some building work. He gained “a sense that God was calling our family to go to East Timor”, Christine said. Two years later, she went there on a two-week visit “to get a feel of what God was calling us to. I felt straight away that I could live there.” Other things began to happen. Early in 2005 Christine did a course for medical professionals on caring for people in third world countries. It was led by a medical professor from Flinders University. Later, she took part in the practicum for the course. It involved a week in East Timor
and two weeks in Indonesia doing clinical work and public health assessment. That added a new dimension to the training she had done at St Andrew’s Hospital and her work over the last 20 years in paediatrics, medical and surgical wards, and residential aged care. Then the East Timor position became available. She heard about it because she and her husband already had contact with Uniting International Mission. They’d done pre-service training and were associates in mission. “It sounded like it was gift-wrapped from God,” she says. “We fitted it to a T, and all things have fallen into place. This has to have been orchestrated by God.” The job is based in Los Palos (about 200kms east of Dili), where IPTL has a medical clinic with up to 200 patients a day. But it also involves training nurses for the church’s three clinics – the other two are in and near the capital. “We’re committed to an initial three years,” Christine said. “My goal will be to become obsolete (by training local people to do the nursing
The Schreibers – they’ll soon be moving to East Timor – from left: Hayley, David, Caitlyn, Christine and Nathan. Rhyanna (not pictured) will stay in Adelaide. work), but it’s hard to gauge how long that will take – definitely a few years.” Rev John Barr, who has been acting director of Uniting International Mission, sees the appointment as “a strategic one. Indeed, my hope is that Christine will facilitate further opportunities for Australians to serve short term in the region,” he said. The Schreibers plan to go as a family, except for daughter Rhyanna (almost 18), who will
continue her work and studies in Adelaide. The other three children (Nathan, aged 14, Hailey, 12 and Caitlyn, 10) will probably enrol in the distance education programs of South Australia’s Open Access College. Their schooling will be at home in Los Palos, mainly under their father’s supervision. He’s not a teacher – he specialises in operating plant and equipment for
construction of roads, subdivisions and sports grounds – but he has a lot of experience in leading Bible studies with teenagers. David Schreiber also has his vision for the time in East Timor. It’s “to share in the work of spreading the gospel by building relationships and living the gospel in a manner evident to those with whom I come in contact,” he says.
© Copyright 2007 Edi Leane. Artwork not to be reproduced in any way without the written permission by Edi Leane of Joie Creative. All Rights Reserved.
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MARCH 2007
YEAR OF CALL
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‘You just have to respond’ HOPE Valley Uniting Church executive pastor Dean Brookes (pictured) recommends ministry as a vocation – “if you are called, you have to respond, otherwise you will never be happy”. Dean describes his call to ministry as a slow dawning, rather than a flashing light experience. It was a call he willingly accepted. Dean initially left school and worked as a junior cartographer in the Department of Mines, (as it was then called). However at the same time he was also becoming more and more involved in the Enfield Methodist Church which he had been attending since his mid-teens. “I was doing a bit of preaching and Sunday school teaching and was involved in church camps,” Dean said. “I started questioning where my life was going. I
was about 19 when I realised God was placing his hand upon me and calling me into ministry. “I candidated at 19 and started at Wesley College at 20.” Dean completed an arts degree in psychology and history at the same time as his theological studies. In his early 20s and recently wed, he headed off to his first placement in Quorn where the first of his four sons was born. That placement lasted only a year before the family was called to Broome, where Dean spent four years in patrol and small town ministry in the West Kimberleys. “It was a Chinese dinner,” said Dean. “Both sweet and sour – parts of it were brilliant and other parts were very hard. “There was lots of travel with the patrol ministry. I was away about a third of the time ministering to isolated communities – that was pretty tough. “It was also a very enriching time. I was trusted and involved with the Aboriginal people around Broome.” After Broome, Dean served for six years in Nuriootpa in the Barossa Valley. During this period he became more
JONATHAN Davies (pictured) strongly resisted his call to ministry, initially feeling that working in ordained ministry was akin to being a street sweeper. Growing up in Tasmania as the son of a Baptist minister and missionary, Jonathan Davies was sure about one thing in life – he did not want to be a minister. “My dad and mum worked for a mission agency called WEC International – so I had seen Christian work and ministry at close hand and was pretty convinced that wasn’t the life for me,” Jonathan said. “I was a practical sort of guy. I left school at 15 and went into a trade, becoming a carpenter-joiner. “By the time I was 22 I was running my own business.” However, God works in interesting ways. Jonathan started attending
a local Uniting Church congregation – “because of a very attractive blond-haired girl” (later to become his wife). He started running the church youth group and Bible study groups. Before long he had a visit from the minister who urged him to candidate for ministry – a suggestion he ignored. Soon after Jonathan and his wife toured Europe. His parents had moved to England and provided the couple with a home base. During that holiday Jonathan again heard the Lord calling him. “My dad said to me, if you are going to do something for the Lord, now is the time to do it. Those were prophetic words which resonated with me.” While still not wanting a ministry career, Jonathan decided to study at Bible College SA to learn more about faith.
JILL FREEAR concludes her series of interview with five ministers on their call to ordained ministry. Here she speaks to Rev Dr Dean Brookes and Rev Jonathan Davies.
involved in the wider church. “I realised I was a strategic thinker and had something to contribute,” he said. He was soon tapped on the shoulder and asked to become an evangelism consultant for the SA Synod for eight years. It was then back to congregational ministry at Beaumont Uniting Church, along with a two year stint as SA Moderator. “That was the period when the question of homosexual ministry really came to the surface. It was pretty tough – I had to go into churches to calm the situation. “However there were also wonderful joys – I appreciated being on the SA Heads of Christian Churches. “I worked with the Catholic and Anglican leaders on policy statements to government – we all ended up in the Governor’s office over poker machines.” Dean is now executive pastor at Hope Valley Uniting, where he has seen the congregation grow from 200 to around 600 during the past 10 years. He is also devoting about two days a week to the recently established 3Dnet (Mission Network), indulging
his passion for leadership development. Dean said the ministry lifestyle can be stressful and tiring and it has been important for him to focus on
energising tasks. “Seeing people grow in Christ … raising up leaders – that really switches me on. I am a leader of leaders; God has given me that gift.”
‘It was too strong to resist’
Jonathan said the most difficult aspect of congregational ministry is the call on family time. However he admits he is fortunate to work from a church office rather than a manse and is able to share the workload with the congregation’s other minister, Rev Dr Phil Carr. Jonathan said that, while congregational ministry can be hard, grinding work, it is also hugely rewarding “seeing people come alive when they catch a glimpse of their involvement in the Kingdom”. Shortly after arriving in Adelaide, he discovered Malvern Uniting Church. “I walked away from my first Sunday service at Malvern with a very strong sense of call to that church,” he said. One thing led to another. Jonathan gained a Bachelor of Ministry and then a Bachelor
of Theology from Parkin Wesley College. He accepted a placement at Malvern and Unley linked congregations in January 2003. He is now happily and heavily involved in the congregation’s growing family ministry program. At the same time he is raising four children of his own with wife Suzanne.
He believes people are not attracted to ministry because some of the attributes required – such as compassion and gentleness – are not valued in our society. “We have also lost sight of the enormity of God and the great privilege it is to serve in his name.” MARCH 2007
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COMMENT
New Times
The human cost of immigration detention REV ADAM Tretheway is the Uniting Church’s chaplain to refugees and asylum seekers in South Australia. During the past two years Adam has regularly visited Baxter Detention Centre to provide religious services, pastoral and spiritual care and advocacy. He also visits people living in community detention or released visas. Last December Adam supported the seven detainees who attempted suicide at Baxter. Adam reports on the high cost of immigration detention. TOWARDS the end of last year, the intensity of the misery, depression, helplessness and hopelessness at Baxter erupted and seven people attempted suicide. This left detainees, their friends and supporters bewildered and wondering why there isn’t any alternative form of detention. In the midst of all this pain and suffering, I have always found detainees to be gentle, caring and compassionate people. During one worship service at Baxter, detainees pushed their own needs aside and prayed instead for families suffering from the Eyre Peninsula bushfires. Refugees and asylum seekers struggle daily with the injustice of a system
MARCH 2007
which may see people detained for up to seven years. To add insult to injury, upon their release, many face large bills for the cost of that detention. Many detainees have already experienced significant pain and suffering while escaping difficult and oppressive conditions in their own countries. Detention frequently compounds their psychological trauma. Those who become mentally ill are sometimes sent to Glenside Hospital. In the past, sadly, some returned to Baxter against their doctors’ and psychologists’ wishes. The way visas are issued perplexes and bewilders those detained at Baxter. They liken it to a game of “Lotto”. Fridays are known as “heaven or hell day”, as this is the day decisions are often communicated. Those who hear nothing may have to wait several months for news on their applications. Detainees often struggle to work out why somebody is granted a TPV (Temporary Protection Visa) or permanent visa, when other similar cases are declined. This is part of the heartbreak of those whose lives hang in the balance – a cloud of uncertainty constantly surrounds them. Many have commented that detention is cruel, but
leaving people hanging from a thread of uncertainty is just as inhumane. On their release, detainees receive little follow up and support. Without the Circle of Friends and other supporters many would not survive. Their problems place a huge burden on their supporters. Many have suffered burnout. Some ex-detainees manage to adjust to life outside relatively well. But others find it extremely difficult. One friend remarked that in detention he had only one problem, but once liberated he discovered he had more than 1,000. Another man struggled so much upon release that he returned to Baxter and asked to be taken back in. Once out in the community, many detainees find it difficult to hold down a job and become self-sufficient – something which they long for. Some suffer from muscle weakness and other physical problems because they were too depressed to exercise while confined. Those who went on hunger strikes often experience chronic health problems with their stomachs, livers and kidneys. Others, who have spent the majority of their days curled up in bed, develop neck, back and shoulder problems.
The physical, psychological and emotional cost of detention is farreaching. Many former detainees need to see doctors, psychologists and other medical specialists weekly upon their release. Many former detainees find it hard to trust anyone in the outside world and frequently feel they are being “watched”. Many become jittery at the sight of security cameras, dark places, light or mention of jail. Others are suspicious, have developed deep-seated anger over their treatment and suffer from poor concentration. Some detainees develop significant sleeping disorders that last for years. Unpacking the trauma associated with detention is likely to be a lifelong event
• Donations, expressions of support and care for Adam’s continuing ministry with refugees and asylum seekers may be sent to the Uniting Church SA Office, GPO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001. Donations are tax deductible and cheques should be made payable to the “Baxter Appeal”.
COMMENT
New Times
About your letters
Please keep your letters short — about 150 words is ideal. Longer letters will be cut or rejected. You’re welcome to email letters to newtimes@sa.uca.org.au or they can be posted to us at GPO Box 2145, Adelaide 5001
Connections IN THE December New Times, Rev Gregor Henderson spoke about “connecting with the community”. This has been very prominent at the Langhorne Creek Uniting Church Complex where the whole community has been involved in interest, support and fund raising for the purpose of building a unisex, disabled toilet at our complex which supports the congregation, Sunday school, young mum’s prayer group, crèche play centre and parents. The elation and sense of achievement on completion of the building is awesome. Mollie Jenkins Langhorne Creek Red Dove Café THE members of the National and World Mission Support committee wish to thank everyone who supported The Red Dove Café at last year’s Royal Adelaide Show. We are pleased to announce that $41,000 profit has been allotted to many areas of the
Uniting Church’s outreach in South Australia. This money will touch the lives of many people. The distribution of funds is as follows: $8,000, Uniting Care Commission, Mental Health Chaplain. $8,000, Drought Relief – Moderator’s Appeal. $5,000, Noah Centre, Prisoner Rehabilitation. $3,000, Schools Ministry Group. $2,000, UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide. $2,000, UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide East. $2,000, UnitingCare Wesley Bowden. $2,000, UnitingCare Wesley Port Pirie. $2,000, Eleanor Centre, The Ranch, Homeless Support. $2,000, Refugee Loan Support. $2,000, Children and Youth Ministries (SAYCO and KCO). $2,000, Prison Chaplaincy. $1,000, Kairos Prison Ministry.
The Red Dove Café could not achieve all it does, not only by raising funds but most of all being a Christian witness to Show “goers” and “workers”, without the dedicated service of our always smiling cafe convener, Rae Cranwell.Thank you Rae and husband, Peter. A big thank you, too, to Pauline Giles, our roster convener and Ken Robinson our treasurer – a mighty task! The Show Society wanted to know how we made so much profit! It is because of the wonderful support of the café helpers, donations prior to the Show and the support of the customers. This year’s Show starts on Friday September, 7. See you there! Joy Dunning Secretary UC National and World Mission Support, SA Synod ‘Heartache’ I READ with interest the thoughtful and articulate views on the past decisions made by the Uniting Church. You
can see in these letters the pain, heartache, and spiritual despair that is eating away at individuals and groups within the church. I believe that most growing Christians acknowledge that scripture is the divine word of God. It is greater than denominational “hang ups”. Paul taught the Elders the whole purpose of God Acts 20: 27 and he didn’t shrink from this task. Today we have our Western culture and this society which has influenced the approach to bringing the lost to Christ. Jesus Christ is our living example as well as our Saviour and he calls on the leadership of all churches to preach the completeness of God’s plan. The key requirement to the future of the Uniting Church is obedience to God and for all growing Christians to personally acknowledge this. We must die to our carnal natures and live in the Spirit. Chris Johnson Heathfield Animal farming TODAY’S intensive animal farming is a multi-million dollar factory business, with animals fast tracked towards their end in large, crowded, dark, polluting sheds, away from the public’s view. Animals
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are confined at an early age in artificial conditions that do not allow any natural behaviours or quality of life. Piglets, sensitive and intelligent animals, undergo painful de-teething, castration and de-tailing without pain relief. Sows are pinned into metal crates for weeks on end, used for breeding production. Young birds are de-beaked and housed in tiny cages, denying anything except egg laying. This far from organic or free range production! An attitude of out of sight, out of mind hides the horrors of modern day animal cruelty in production. The sentience and intrinsic value of these creatures is ignored. Christians, who claim to know the living God, should be aware of the trend and the unethical nature of these practices. We should be a role model for society, and live holistic lives consistent with compassion, kindness and frugality in using natural resources. Our Creator sets the example with Jesus our Shepherd protecting His sheep, His creatures without voices of their own. Vivienne Ortega Heidelberg Heights Victoria
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MAGAZINE
STILLPOINT Contemplative Worship services continue on Sundays, March 18, April 8 (Easter Day), May 13 and June 17, at 6.30pm in the Chapel at Nunyara. Enquiries on service, community, to Gary Stuckey, 8370 7923. BE STILL and Know, reflection and meditation group, March 13, April 10 and May 15, 1pm to 2.45pm in the chapel, Adelaide West UC, 312 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Brooklyn Park. Enquiries, Ann Siddall, Adelaide West, 8234 1199, annsiddall@bigpond.com. ROBIN Mann and friends will launch latest songbook and CD “All Together For Good”, Sunday, March 18, 7pm, Concordia College Chapel, Cheltenham Street, Highgate. Eighty songs inspired by the creative God who makes volcanoes and veins, dimples and deltas. Contact Robin Mann, robindormann@ozemail. com.au” robindormann@ozemail.com.au, 8396-5019, www.robinmann.com. PARKIN-WESLEY College has 20 scholarships for free enrolment in the Youth Ministry Foundations topic. Course runs March 24-25 and June 2-3 with Craig Mitchell, Peter Riggs, Deidre Palmer, Kynan Brookes, Ernest Sorenson, Ian and Sharonne Price and others. Full fee for credit is $195. Attendance only is $80. To enrol or enquire contact Matt Carratt 8416 8432 or matthewcarratt@yahoo. com.au. MARCH State Mission Fellowship will be held on Tuesday, March 27, 10.30am, Scots Church, North Terrace. Judy Steel
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New Times
For more Uniting Church events, visit Uniting Church online www.sa.uca.org.au and click on “What’s On”. There is also an online form which you can fill out to contribute notices to Notebook. AM will show PowerPoint presentation, “In Uganda with Judy Steel”. Meryl Gemo will speak about the multi cultural ministry of the Ascot Community UC. Lunch available, 12noon. Contact Joy Dunning, 8295 7745. SAINT Matthew’s Church, Beachport, will hold its 40th anniversary celebration on June 24 at 11am, followed by light luncheon, which will be supplied. The congregation would like to hear from anyone with past connections to the Beachport church and from anyone able to attend this celebration. Phone Hazel Watson, 8735 8093, the church office, 8733 2640 or email muchurch@seol.net. au. ABOUT FACE for young adults aged 18-30, provides an experience of life and faith from a different cultural perspective, in Australia, or overseas, building friendships and mutual understanding. About FACE 8 will run from July 1-21. Applications to About FACE Coordinator, sandy@sa.uca.org.au, 8236 4240. DR. CHERYL Magrini from Chicago, will run workshops on exploring meals of the Bible to learn more about Jesus’ teachings. Substantial funding has been provided by the Uniting Foundation to
help SA people travel to Melbourne for the conference on July 21, 2007. Contact heidi@sa.uca.org.au or visit www.sa.uca. org.au/goto/children_youth. ARE YOU willing to be a part of the ministry of KCO by supporting KCO in prayer? If you are, please email Lynne Aird, (KCO prayer coordinator) at lynne@ sa.uca.org.au with “KCO prayer” in the subject line. A KCO prayer calendar will be available around mid March. A great opportunity to be a part of an event that serves children from all over SA – whether you are attending KCO and/or partnering in prayer.
simple Lenten resource for families. “Children’s Ministry Book” reviews are a collection of inspirational Children’s Ministry books that have been reviewed in https://www.sa.uca.org.au/site/page. cfm?u=559” Children’s Ministry Book Reviews. See www.sa.uca.org.au/goto/ children_youth. THE UC Events Office needs people with basic skills in office administration It is in urgent need of help in the lead up to KCO, and then again as we get closer to other major events. The Uniting Church is registered with Centrelink for volunteer placements and is based in the city, close to public transport. Contact Linda or Alice, 8227 0822.
Level 2, 212 Pirie Street, Adelaide, THE Assembly of Confessing Congregations within the UCA has released a new bible study for Lent 2007, “Galatians: the Freedom Walk,” written by Rev Dr Phil Marshall from Tea Tree Gully UC. This six week Galatians bible study is available in hardcopy ($6.90 each) from the ACC office (02) 9550 5358 or 0423 637 576. Also available as a free download from the website www. confessingcongregations.asn.au. “LOVE Lives!” is a collection of special intergenerational elements that you can incorporate into your Easter celebration. “Living in God’s Fatherly Love” is a
GPO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001, phone 8236 4260, fax 8236 4265, email newtimes@sa.uca.org.au. New Times is designed by Joie Creative, PO Box 29, Kent Town, SA 5071 and printed by Cadillac, 64 Kinkaid Avenue, North Plympton, SA 5073.
April issue:
Deadline for contributions. Tuesday, March 13, distributed Sunday, April 8.
M A G A Z I N E
New Times
Wudinna Covenant endorsed WUDINNA, like many other rural communities is suffering a marked population decline, so much so that the churches are struggling financially to maintain their properties and support individual ministers or pastors. This sparked dialogue between the Wudinna and Minnipa Uniting Church congregations and the Wudinna Lutheran congregation with the view towards working together and sharing a pastor. A Provisional Covenant was drawn up and signed at the end of June last year. Services alternate between the two churches, the Sunday schools work together, and it’s all working very well.Previously each church had a small congregation – down to a handful some mornings. Now there is rarely a morning when the seating capacity for the particular church is not three quarters full or more. Wednesday November 8th saw the scheduled review of the Provisional Covenant, with a good representation from both congregations attending, together with Rev Deanne Meatheringham, Pastor Dennis Obst and Wudinna’s Lutheran Pastor, Stephen Schumacher. During discussion it became evident that there were no major areas of concern – the members present being excited with the way it is all working. A unanimous decision was made to continue working and worshiping together within the Covenant. This to be reviewed annually each July. – Judy Barns, Wudinna Uniting Church.
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FOR SHORT TERM LEASE Mannum Baptist Church Manse, William Street, Mannum. Excellent for Church/leadership/personal retreats, Missionaries on furlough, a Christian family’s fun times on the river. Details: three or four bedrooms sleeping seven with possibilities for more; large lounge and kitchen; recently updated furnishings. Wonderful view over the Murray River. Cost --$60.00 per night; special rates for missionaries, Contact – Helen Maxwell. Property Officer. Telephone – 8569 2886
BOOK LAUNCH
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MAGAZINE
New Times
Never too old and never really gone Keren DeBoo “WE NEVER actually broke up, we were ‘on hold’ while Matt was teaching in England,” says Pete Riggs, front man of children’s rock band, Innhaus Fish. Innhaus Fish are playing at this year’s KCO after a five (or so) year break from performing. A little bit of the Wiggles, a little bit of rock, and a lot of God stuff, Innhaus Fish haven’t always played music for children. “Coming to play kids’ [music] was a journey,” Peter said. “Before this, we’d played in prisons, in a bowling alley, roadhouses, in and out of the church, and now it seems God’s called us to kids’ music.” The band first formed as “four guys from church” in 1988. “We first did kids’ stuff at KCO,” Pete said.” The best bit is seeing the leaders getting involved with the lives of the kids and being an example. “We think that kids’ ministry is important firstly, to give an experience of the joy of knowing Jesus. We hope that something of a continual reminder of that comes out in our songs. “We’re serious about kids making a decision to follow Jesus, and if they can identify with us, that’s great, so that this might be a journey that they can set out or embark on for themselves. “We try to write music which takes kids seriously, not making them older or younger than they are.”
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‘It’s about the hope of a life with Jesus’ The theme for KCO this year is “Climb Aboard!” Pete describes this as “a good image because it suggests that there’s someone responding to the call that God makes [for us to come] to Jesus. “It’s not a passenger trip, not a sightseeing life, but actually a call for us to be involved with God in changing the world. “It says we’re heading somewhere. It’s about the hope of a life with Jesus which is renewed everyday.” After the successful release of two previous albums, “Feelin’ Kinda Kooky” (1999) and “Never Too Old” (2001), Innhaus Fish are rumoured to be making another release in the not too distant future. , But Peter said that these are “only rumors”. Innhaus Fish consists of Peter Riggs as front-man and vocalist; Matthew Eldridge on bass and vocals; Andrew Eldridge on guitar and vocals; and Tim Irrgang on drums. They will appear on Saturday night, April 28, at KCO. KCO will be held at Adelaide Shores Caravan Park on April 28 and 29. .
A nautical theme THIS year’s annual KCO (KUCA Camp Out) has a nautical theme – kids from 7 to 12 are being invited to “Climb Aboard” God’s amazing boat for stacks of excitement and adventure. Once again the “voyage” will depart from Adelaide Shores Caravan Resort at West Beach – but there are a few changes to this year’s program. Traditionally KCO has been held in March, but this year the event will be a month later during the last weekend of the school holidays on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 April. Uniting Church SA events manager Linda Driver said the later date should make it easier for country groups to attend. “We’re also aware that many rural families may be struggling financially because of the drought, and may not have sufficient funds for ‘extras’ like camping,” said Linda. “But we are hoping to receive some financial support to help country kids attend KCO. “Other new additions include a treasure hunt and a beach fun session on Sunday morning. “On the Saturday night we’ll have music from local Christian rock band ‘Innhaus Fish’ and there will also be a production performed by ‘Dramatic Inspirations’. “We’re also working on a couple of other surprises which we hope to announce soon.” Linda said any unregistered groups wishing to attend KCO should contact the Uniting Church Events Office urgently on 8236 4246.