November 2010
Issue 29, No 10 November 2010
Present past, focused future pp.9-20
Remembrance and remission Blackwood Uniting remembers victims of breast cancer, p. 12
Hope for the Riverland Celebrating a broken drought, p.28
Next issue:
‘Tis the Season iStock ref: RichVintage; p. 5 poco_bw
‘ Hearing God s call? Uniting College offers programs and courses for Christian leadership, ministry and mission service. v Period of Discernment v Chaplaincy v Lay Preachers
v Youth & Childrens ministry
v Worship Leaders
v Ordained ministry
v Pastors
v Mission workers
Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs are accredited through the Adelaide College of Divinity and Flinders University. Distance learning is available with print, online and multimedia learning resources.
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. Editor Caryn Rogers p. 8236 4230 e. crogers@sa.uca.org.au Advertising Loan Leane p. 8285 2768 m. 0404 089 762 e. advertising.newtimes@sa.uca.org.au
Production Joie Creative Printing Graphic Print Group Circulation 11 500 Deadline for December Nov 10
Enquiries and Book Reviews Alex McGrath p. 8236 4242 e. amcgrath@sa.uca.org.au
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
sa.uca.org.au/new-times-home
My, how things change I love Kitchener buns. But I pretty much lost my sweet tooth altogether between the time of being a quite rotund, very greedy sweets-loving 4’11” tweenager, and 5’10” fun-run enthusiast. It’s not that I didn’t love Kitchener buns anymore. No siree. My life had just begun to take on different joys in their stead. I grew to enjoy a balanced diet. I took up jogging to counter-balance the amount of sitting I’d imposed on my body through an administrative job and heavy study load.
About half an hour later, I was sleeping off the sugarinduced semi-coma. Ah Kitchener bun. My childhood joy; my adult stumbling block. It was clear that my productivity, fitness and general wellbeing would all suffer under the sugary weight of Kitchener buns and their similarly sweet associates. In typical perfectionist style, I endeavoured towards everything health and fitness 03 and shunned everything which I associated with my former couch-potato-self.
It’s far harder to be a realist, to have one’s own feelings of what equates to right and wrong existing amongst a multiplicity of perspectives. The realist sees the black and white - and the many greys in between. I think I’m an extremist by nature, but a realist by learning. I bounce to the extreme; passionate, forwardlooking and sure, so sure. But, after years of learning to love people as they are – including myself – I began to translate my polar extremes into greys for the sake of seeing others wonderfully, just as they are. I still love God as much as I did when I first came to know him. But it’s no longer a love evidenced in jumping enthusiastically in church services with both hands firmly high-fiving God.
The love that I have is just as rich but, like my older-self, far less exhibitional. It’s deep, sincere and considered. Rather than assuming that all my teenage zeal was frivolous and false, I’ve recognised it for what it is: a valuable part of my personal Christian heritage, which I might break into every now and then. I’m not bouncy, or thoughtful. I’m both. I love God as I think & smile & read & sing & share & listen & live. Just like I now run & be productive & study & enjoy healthy food & eat (the occasional) Kitchener bun. More spice than sugar please,
ed
After a few years of abstaining from my beloved Kitchener buns, I thought I’d reward myself. As I felt the gloriously familiar flavours roll over my tongue I thought, “I’m the luckiest person in the world.”
It’s relatively simple to be an extremist. There’s black and there’s white. We live by, and die for, our values and opinions, often without an open ear to other views. There’s no middle ground – anything in the moderate middle is compromise.
Caryn Rogers The Ed.
The daily journey Rev Rob Williams
mod
Sunrise along the Coorong can be absolutely awesome. I saw many as a child, journeying from the south east of our state with my parents to visit ailing city relatives over weekends. My mother used to pack the back seat with everything but the kitchen sink ‘in case something happens’. It never did. It just made my journey uncomfortable. We all make journeys. Our daily life is often described as a ‘journey’. Some cope with it better than others. For some, the past was great, the present is too complicated and the future is too scary. It challenges me when I discern such attitudes within our church about the present and the future. I’m thrilled after spending some time recently among 200 young people and 100 leaders meeting at Mt Barker for the recent SAYCO. As vital young people in our church today, I anticipate, with hope, how they as leaders, will shape our church in the future. I also see God at work calling many people to areas of ministry which weren’t on anyone’s radar 20 or 30 years ago. The Basis of Union paragraph 18 reminds us that we are on a journey as a church: “The Uniting Church affirms that it belongs to the
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people of God on the way to the promised end.” And paragraph three affirms that “On the way Christ feeds the Church with Word and Sacraments, and it has the gift of the Spirit in order that it may not lose the way.” With all this going for us, shouldn’t the future look good? At this year’s Global Leadership Summit, Bill Hybels reminded us that it wasn’t the beginning or the end of the Israelites’ journey into the Promised Land that was the most problematic. It was the time in the middle, the wilderness wanderings, when the people took their eyes off God. Remember, God never left them throughout that time. If you’re uncomfortable in the present and the future is too scary, be encouraged as you read Hebrews 13: 5ff. We have the promise of Someone to share our journey – past, present and future. Newly installed Moderator, Rev Rob Williams, takes his first strides as ‘Mod’ columnist for New Times.
Slip ‘n’ slide, spaghetti and SAYCO 423. That’s how many attended SAYCO this year. Of that number, 233 were aged between 12 and 15 years old. So, first of all, congratulations to the 199 leaders (Team SAYCO and church leaders) who helped to make the annual South Australia Youth Camp Out (SAYCO) such a huge success. There was fun. There was frivolity. There was faith finding. The carnival included information booths which helped attendees explore ideas and faith in a manner that was interesting, ageappropriate and challenging. Tribal Games were a highlight again this year as the four tribes – Boom, Flash,
Rock and Thunda – competed for points and SAYCO-glory in events like storm the flag, tug of war in jelly, spaghetti fights and an obstacle course to be completed while wearing a sumo suit! The organisation and smooth running of the camp program was a huge highlight, especially given some issues which arose with keynote speaker Amy Stephens’ teaching. The SAYCO team wishes to express their disappointment with the speaker and despite numerous attempts to give feedback, in the end found it necessary to edit her content and then remove her from the last session altogether. None the less, she was well received overall.
The many elements of SAYCO meshed together to support young people as they engaged with their own journey of faith discovery. Worship band ‘Westborn’, biblical drama, communion en masse, Amy Stephens’ Nite Life singing and sharing time and Justin, the Coordinator of Christian Surfers SA, surfing
down the slip ‘n’ slide were particular highlights for the hundreds of youth as they came to understand their own faith more, with some giving their lives to Christ for the first time. Plans for SAYCO 2011 are afoot, with the theme ‘make a difference’ already starting to be explored...
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Funding reunions Andrew Clarke Family reunions at Adelaide Airport are joyous affairs, particularly those of refugee families who have often spent years apart. Having participated in this with two families, I think it’s as close to the experience of Lazarus emerging from the grave as I’ll ever be. The Refugee Support Fund (RSF) was established by the Synod of South Australia in 2006 to help more families experience these joyous reunions. Those struggling to afford airfares for family members to come to Australia were readily aware of the strict time limit on their already obtained visas. Failure to travel within that timeframe would lead to the visa’s lapsing. A lapsed visa would mean further cost, further difficulty and further time before family members could be reunited.
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The RSF was established to provide 40% of the airfare as estimated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). IOM sometimes require a repayable loan from the families for the remaining 60%, but by using this agency, an airfare only needs to be paid once, even if the flight is cancelled. Cancellations are a common problem with cheaper tickets and for those who can only afford ‘cheap’ tickets in the first place, attempting to raise the funds for a second airfare can be a nearly impossible struggle.
Donations to the Refugee Support Fund are tax-deductible and can be made to Uniting Church SA, attention: Refugee Support Fund. Applications to access the funds can only be made by a Uniting Church SA congregation, on behalf of a Refugee family.
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The costs that families face in this process are daunting: • On average, airfares cost between AU$1300 and $2200 depending on where the family is coming from. • Some refugee applications, for example spousal reunion, carry a fee of $1735. • If genetic testing is required to provide proof of parenthood of children left behind, the cost approaches $2000 per individual child. • The provision of a guarantee that Centrelink support will not be required for two years may also require a bond of $3500. The RSF has made a significant contribution to the refugee community of South Australia. They know that without the help of Uniting Church SA, they would have experienced further debt and worry before a family reunion could occur. For the families who have been assisted through the RSF, the generous kindness is appreciated greatly - and will never be forgotten. Our assistance has often made family reunions possible – where they wouldn’t have been. More people seek similar assistance, which can only be given as funds are available.
Uniting People
brought to you by the letter... & Yes, we know & isn’t a letter. But it’s become a regular part of our alphabet and vocabulary use at Uniting Church SA.
out to those wanting to get a handle on the Uniting Church SA ethos – without reading through the Basis of Union.
There’s a simple reason for that: this one little squiggly mark can bring us all together. The punctuation symbol explains how we believe community is made – through connecting and uniting people.
The Uniting Church SA 2011 Calendar further complements the new brochure.
And Uniting Church SA is passionate about uniting people. This simple ‘&’ formula - community = you & me & us & everyone else has undergirded the Uniting People campaign, because it undergirds the nature of who we are as a church. That’s why the Uniting Church SA Communications Unit has produced a new brochure for congregations based on this & formula. It’s designed specifically for congregations and agencies to give
“The calendars are a gift to church members,” explains Shannon Short. “They’re a small way of saying ‘thank you’ to every church member for the part that we all play in being Uniting People. “Each week, through our actions, we are part of a rich tapestry of outreach in South Australia and beyond.” The photos and stories featured in the calendar are uplifting examples of the church in action. The calendar also provides practical information including South Australian public holidays, key Uniting Church dates and lectionary readings.
The calendars were distributed at the Synod meeting in late October. Uniting Church SA families will receive a copy of the Church’s 2011 Calendar through their congregations in the weeks ahead. Copies are available from the Uniting Church SA Communications Unit.
News on Annesley College
At the time of going to print, news was breaking regarding the situation with Annesley College and their future plans. For up-todate information, please head online to: sa.uca.org.au/annesley
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Graham Rowland, Laurie Kitto and Joe Veri are the faces of ‘June’ in the Uniting Church SA Calendar 2011. These gents are part of Men at Play, a woodworking group that meets at Prospect Uniting Church’s community centre to create toys for local kindergartens, bird houses and hutches for pet shops amongst other projects. More recently, they crafted wooden ampersands for the Uniting People campaign. Photo: Sarah Urmston.
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National Ministers’ Conferences What do an Adelaide Monastery, a Uniting Church College in Alice Springs and a beachside Presbyterian Church in Vanuatu have in common? Each will provide the context for the second round of National Ministers’ Conferences, hosted by the Assembly President, Rev Alistair Macrae, in 2011. These gatherings will build on the very successful national conferences in 2008 initiated by Rev Gregor Henderson when he was President. The common theme across all Conferences will be ‘Ministry in a Time of Transition’ with reflections led by Rev Jenny Tymms. Each Conference will focus on a particular subtheme. In Vanuatu the focus will be on mission with a global perspective. Alice Springs will focus on indigenous spirituality and theology. And in Adelaide the spotlight will be on ‘fresh expressions’ of church. The Vanuatu and Alice Springs Conferences will also offer optional ‘immersion’ trips following the main conference in which delegates can extend their trip for four days and live in Indigenous communities and Vanuatu villages respectively. “We anticipate a high level of interest amongst Ministers wondering about how best to engage in continuing education for ministry next year – but who are looking for stimulation, encouragement and fellowship from colleagues from across the country,” said Alistair. “The feedback from last time indicated that it was the opportunity to meet with Ministers from other parts of the country that really added to the learning.” The program in each venue will include worship and bible study, reflection on the themes, opportunities for sharing experience and wisdom amongst delegates as well as some time off for relaxation. Registrations will open early in November. For more details go online to: w. assembly.uca.org.au
100 ways winner Congratulations to Rosemary Clarkson, of St Agnes, whose entry into the ‘100 ways to celebrate Christmas’ competition was drawn on Wednesday, 20 October. Rosemary will receive her choice of book from the Spirituality of... series, valued at up to $50, courtesy of Mediacom Education. Your ideas still needed Missed out on the draw? We’d still love to hear your thoughts on ways to celebrate Christmas. Send your idea to Sarah Urmston: e. surmston@sa.uca.org.au f. (08) 8236 4265
past, present, future We learn from the past. We set off from its firm foundations. We chart through whatever current tumults attend us. And we always push on, hoping that each day we’ll be the best of our former and present selves – and strive, perhaps, to be even better.
Relevance key for future ministry Shannon Short
In a recent survey of 400 South Australians, we asked the question: if you were to go to a Uniting Church – what would you be looking for? The top five responses were: 1. A sense of community / community involvement and support (20%) 2. Companionship / friendship / meet new friends (20%) 3. Warm / friendly / welcoming atmosphere (13%) 4. Spiritual guidance and support (9%) 5. A religious church / preach the Gospel (9%) The message of Jesus is potent. But sometimes the way we live and re-tell it has lost its punch. Like it or not people are attracted to packaging. They buy things they think will offer them a solution to life’s problems – more time, increased energy, better looks, greater power, less fat… For example, soap is soap is soap. But there’s beauty soap for those of us who want to look youthful. Heavy duty soap for the extra dirty. Medicated soap for the ultra-sensitive. There’s even no-touch soap pumps for the ultra germ-phobic. We buy the one that fits our needs. Church is no different. Some are looking for something that uplifts. Others want something quiet and reflective. Some want a powerful message. Others want community and company. We need to ask ourselves, are we relevant? Our churches don’t have to be all things to all people – in fact when we try to be, rather than attracting more people, we’re likely to have the opposite effect. The key is to be true to who we are
as a people of God and to be relevant to the people we serve. This week I’ve visited four different churches – each one offering a uniquely relevant encounter with God. The Journey at Elizabeth Downs takes the church to the people. It regularly holds a free barbeque in a local park as a way of connecting with others. A team of volunteers collect and give away clothes. This church feels down to earth and practical. Modbury Uniting Church offers a candlelight reflection. I’m warned that it isn’t a service. And it’s not – not a song to be sung or a prayer shared – but a spiritual encounter none the less. The emphasis is on reflecting in the quiet; finding space amidst the flicker of candles to contemplate matters of the soul.
At Salisbury, the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress is overwhelmingly welcoming. I arrive just in time for lunch and there are offers of food from over half a dozen people. The philosophy seems to be ‘come, sit, talk, listen’ and it feels good. At Westlakes United Church it’s a gathering for fellowship. Bright Hour includes a spiritual message, singalong, shared BYO lunch and entertainment. The sheer numbers of older folk attending mean that they’ve had to designate ‘walker
parking areas’ for the three aged care facilities that send participants along. Each church is unique. Each church is relevant - in their own way. Relevance isn’t a one size fits all formula (church = music + sermon + prayer). It’s a movement. It’s a fresh expression. It’s something that’s shaped by those who aren’t connected as much as by those who already belong. Jim and Ann Albury are the co-ordinators of Bright Hour, a very well-attended gathering for fellowship in West Lakes. Photo: Shannon Short.
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Based in Union
past, present, future
Julia Pitman While former Methodist churches comprise over 80% of the Uniting Church in South Australia, we should continue to try to blend the best of our Catholic, Reformed and Evangelical heritage as we ‘go forward together in sole loyalty to Christ the living Head of the Church’ (Basis of Union, paragraph 1). The Basis of Union Conference held in Melbourne earlier this year highlighted the need for study of the Uniting Church and its three former denominations, Congregationalism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, in the light of Christ’s prayer for unity (John 17:20-21). The Basis of Union is still relevant to the life of the church today. Ordinands are required to be guided by it. People are switching to the Uniting Church
from other denominations or none partly because of it. Internationally, union churches have incorporated ‘Uniting’ into their name. Familiarity with the Basis of Union may help you to assist others in joining the Uniting Church. Does your church have copies of the Basis of Union available for people to read? Study guides include: Andrew Dutney, Introducing the Uniting Church in Australia (2008); Davis McCaughey, Commentary on the Basis of Union (1980) and, for serious students, Robert Bos and Geoff Thompson, Theology for Pilgrims (2008). The Basis of Union is the theological basis for the Uniting Church and the agenda for future unions. Informed by the theology of Karl Barth, the finest theologian of the twentieth century, paragraphs three and four recognise Christ, the Word of God, as the
One who calls the church into being. This basis of union in Christ alone differs from that of other Protestant denominations and associations which can tend towards bibliolatry. Bibliolatry is the worship of the text of the Bible or witness to God rather than the worship of God. The ‘Statement of Faith’ of the Willow Creek Association, for example, regards the Bible as the ‘inspired and infallible’ Word of God. By contrast, the Uniting Church sees Christ alone as the Word of God and recognises the ‘Old and New Testaments as unique prophetic and apostolic testimony’ (paragraph 5). In South Australia, the Uniting Church brought together most congregations of the three uniting churches where Methodism was overwhelmingly the largest denomination. Presbyterian and Independent or
Congregational churches emerged in Britain in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. They were indebted to the Reformed (as opposed to the Lutheran or Radical) Reformation led by John Calvin in Geneva with his focus on the sovereignty of God. The Reformed churches brought to the union an emphasis on theology, Presbyterian and Independent polity and world mission. Methodism emerged in eighteenth century England with the preaching of John Wesley, which focused on Christian perfection. The Methodist past is reflected in our love of worship and singing, emphasis on conversion, desire for central authority and rapid expansion in local and international mission. However as we seek further unity, former Methodist emphases should not be allowed to dominate at the expense of Reformed principles.
Becoming part of the Uniting Church Rev Allan Shephard
Rev Bob Macintosh
Upbringing: Methodist
Upbringing: Scottish Presbyterian
Ordained in: Congregational
Ordained in: Uniting Church in Australia
Why did you think it was important to become part of the Uniting Church?
Why did you think it was important to become part of the Uniting Church?
The historical issues which had produced the three denominations in the UK several centuries ago were no longer relevant in Australia in the 20th Century. Several unions in places like Canada and South India had been accomplished successfully.
Greater strength of numbers and the financial resources to do more were very important. I also liked the Basis of Union very much.
Becoming part of the Uniting Church in Australia was an act of unity (contrasted with words of unity) in the midst of a fractured Christendom.
I was a Presbyterian Elder during the years immediately before Church Union. I was a passionate advocate of union but many church members were apathetic and some were outright against it. To me and to many people in the pews, the main issues were not so much theological as the chance to become stronger versus fear of the unknown.
How did you feel about becoming part of the Uniting Church? Having served for 7 years in the 1960’s with the United Church in North Australia, I was positive about the approaching Church Union in 1977.
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How did you feel about becoming part of the Uniting Church?
I have never regretted becoming a Uniting Church member and am glad that I played a small part in bringing the majority of Presbyterians into union.
Designed to develop ministry Dr Liz Boase, Uniting College for Leadership & Theology young and old, lay and those working towards ordination, able to meet the needs of a changing world. People who do the BMin will be able to focus their learning in ways that suit their gifts and passions. There are six possible majors: biblical studies, innovation, Christian education and discipleship, pastoral care, mission, and leadership, with over sixty proposed topics, so students can tailor their degree for their own particular situation. The heart of the BMin lies in its focus on practice-based learning. Students will reflect on their current work or ministry experience and integrate this with their theology. Topics which integrate practice are placed alongside different areas of theological study (biblical studies, Christian education and discipleship, leadership and missiology) are core to the degree.
The BMin is designed to suit the needs of anyone who is interested in mission and ministry. Lay leaders in church and non-church roles will be challenged to think theologically about their work. Students, including those preparing for specified ministries (Minister of the Word, Deacon, Pastor) are able to study in either the BMin or Bachelor of Theology (BTh) programs. The BTh continues to be available through Flinders University with Uniting College teaching within that program. For further information: Contact. Uniting College p. 8416 8420 e. info@unitingcollege.org.au *All degree information subject to subject to government reaccreditation.
Mastering Missional Leadership: A new training initiative Rev Dr Steve Taylor, Uniting College for Leadership & Theology Tim Costello, World Vision Australia CEO, noted recently: “Our leadership issues are not to do with our denominational structures. They are more to do with both our spiritual and our emotional intelligence.” Uniting College has a mandate from the Uniting Church in Australia, Presbytery and Synod of South Australia, to develop effective leaders for a healthy, missional church. For those beginning their formal training a new BMin has been devised that will focus on missional leadership. But what about church leaders who have already concluded their training? This question explains the launch, by Uniting College, of a Missional Leadership cohort within the Master of Ministry course. Participants can take all the components of the existing Adelaide College of Divinity Master of Ministry
degree - coursework, guided reading, program seminars and a ministry practice project - and approach them from a missional leadership focus. Joining this stream is an invitation to work on missional change within one’s own ministry context. Growth as a missional leader is then fostered by a combination of coaching, guided reading and peer cohort support. In 2010, the College offered a shortcourse on Missional Church Leadership. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. “The Missional Leadership Course offers great participatory learning and course content that encourages thinking outside the square,” noted one participant. As the course ended, a realisation was shared that the missional leadership learning journey had only just begun. Leadership development requires both intentionality and companions in a
shared pilgrimage. From this awareness arose the idea of forming a Missional Leadership cohort within the Master of Ministry programme. If you are a person whose initial training did not include a focus on mission and leadership, if you want to enhance your missional leadership skills, and if you understand the value of collegial support in cultivating change in your ministry context, this Missional Leadership stream is for you. The plan is to pilot this course in 2011. Prompt expressions of interest are required for this to happen. Contact. Steve Taylor, Director of Missiology p. 8416 8421.
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past, present, future
What might an 18 year old school leaver, a 30 year old youth worker, a chaplain in a hospital, a farmer, and a 50 year old with a dream of forming a fresh expression of mission have in common? All could be found in a Bachelor of Ministry classroom. They would be gathering as people who are interested in exploring what it means to be a missional leader in their local community, who want to strengthen their passion for God, and want to develop their skills and deepen their knowledge. In 2011 Uniting College for Leadership & Theology will be teaching a new Bachelor of Ministry (BMin) degree* within the Adelaide College of Divinity. The proposed BMin is designed to develop deeply reflective and effective missional practioners across a range of ministry and leadership roles. Our aim is to develop a new generation of leaders,
Remembrance and remission It’s the tough times that often draw communities together, but in a culture that’s just not very good at communal mourning, grief often gets swept under the rug – only to trip us up when we least expect it. Rather than sweeping their grief under the rug, Blackwood Uniting planted it on their front lawn - in the shape of 100 Pink Lady silhouettes. A member of their local community had approached the church with the hope of running a ‘Mini Field of Women’ event with them. Having personally been affected by the deep sadness of breast cancer, Blackwood Uniting responded readily to the request. On Saturday 9 October, the community at large gathered to remember, to mourn, to celebrate survivors and to hope for a cure. After a short ceremony, guests wrote names of their lost loved ones, messages of wellwishes, and declarations of solidarity onto the striking, pink memorials. The haunting image bared the Church’s grieving heart, while opening their arms of comfort to the community.
past, present, future
Mini-Field of Women events are a creative initiative of Breast Cancer Network Australia, designed to help people communally grieve this common, devastating illness. This event was run in conjunction with Curves. On Saturday 9 October, many whose lives had been touched by Breast Cancer gathered at Blackwood Uniting Church to remember their loved ones. Photo: Caryn Rogers.
Uniting the past, present and future… Jan Angelo In the past 20 years, Morialta Uniting Church has extended its hand in the community by seeking to meet the needs of people who are lonely and isolated. They started a low cost Wednesday lunch and friendship club with card games, sewing classes, board games and other activities. Over the years, a woodwork shed, playgroup and community library have been established. Wanting to build upon this success and further serve their local community, the people of Morialta Uniting Church decided that the natural progression would be to create a Community Centre and employ a Centre Coordinator. While building on existing programs, the Centre has introduced new, more diverse opportunities including the new ‘Broadband for Seniors’ kiosk, work for Jobseekers and accepting university and TAFE student placements. The Community Centre is also working on a community garden project. As part of our extended services, we facilitate a Uniting Care Wesley community group, known as ‘United Friends’. The group is based around a life skills session for people with intellectual disabilities, which is run by Ian and Rosalie from Uniting Care Wesley. In the future, we are looking to build further connections and partnerships within our community and services. Jan Angelo who is a TAFE student, currently on Field Placement at the Community Centre.
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Casting a vision for mission and ministry 2007-2012
Edition 10: November 2010
Keeping Uniting Church SA “moving forward” Sarah Urmston Communications Project Officer “Together, let’s move Australia forward,” declared Julia Gillard. Sorry to put you through that again. But I’d like to point out that, despite its over-use, the phrase “moving forward” is actually quite appropriate for describing our Strategic Plan. Not only is it our vision for mission and ministry for 2007 - 2012, the Strategic Plan seeks to help us, as a Church, move forward together. Importantly, we’re not just moving forward in any old direction for the
sake of movement or being seen to do something. The Plan helpfully defines what direction our Church moves in, through our six key directions and their objectives. Ultimately, the Plan enables us to move closer to our vision statement. If the Uniting Church SA truly seeks to be “an innovative, growing church, proclaiming Jesus Christ, empowered by the Spirit to transform God’s world”, then we need to know how we’re going to get there. And we get there by focussing on
fostering conversion growth, raising leaders, growing disciples, developing fresh expressions, raising our profile and championing justice. Since the Plan was launched, the progress in these areas has been exciting to watch. The following pages describe how this is happening, while (we hope) inspiring you to join in as we continue moving forward with deliberate steps towards realising our vision statement.
Goodbye and Goodknight church. When the church put the six Key Directions in place, they really discerned where the church needs to go. What has been the highlight? For me, the Uniting Church Uniting People campaign has been a fabulous part of the Key Directions in relation to profile-raising. Fresh expressions and the work Rob Stoner and Ian Price have done also comes to mind. It was going on – but they’ve brought it into focus, in the Synod and across the broader church.
Rev Russell Knight joined the Uniting Church SA two years ago, taking up the role of Associate General Secretary and Strategic Plan Project Manager with enthusiasm. Sadly (for us), Russell is in the midst of packing his bags and kayaks to head up a congregation in Mudgeeraba, Queensland. Can you describe what it’s been like to be part of the Strategic Plan for the last couple of years? It has been really wonderful because it’s a very proactive look at the future of the
Finally, the information going out by way of newsletters and at the Synod meetings has been great as it means the Plan is not something held inside 212 Pirie St, but is out in the wider church. What do you hope to see the Strategic Plan achieve by the end of its life (end of 2012)? What can be done is an ownership of what’s been achieved, and an honesty about what’s not been achieved. Once that happens, we can then move onto things that have not yet been achieved. The highest desire of the Synod in 2008, was to see a focus on conversion growth and discipleship. Those areas need
Strategic Plan Newsletter
some real focus on how they might be emphasised. What might you take to other congregations in the future? It’s not just a single identity thing – it has to be a whole church approach. I love Uniting Church Uniting People, because it’s about all of us getting together to do it, in spite of, sometimes very obvious differences and others not so obvious! What will you miss most about Adelaide? I’ll miss working in an office which believes in the church, the wider church and is not removed from that. I will miss my home state. But life is a journey and an adventure – so who knows what’s around the corner!
Converting our thinking Caryn Rogers Have you ever stopped to consider how frightening the concept ‘washed by blood’ can be? I was brought up knowing that Christ’s blood, ‘poured out for you and for many’ was a wonderful, life-giving gift. Despite growing up in a Christian home, there were other words that I struggled to grasp. Holy, hallelujah, hosanna. After a stint at Bible College, I began to understand and love these terms, but I’d wasted a lot of years pretending I knew what they meant because everyone else seemed to. The language we use to discuss our faith, think about God and share our faith, is becoming a sizeable stumbling block for
others - and also for ourselves. Conversion growth. It starts with converting our own thinking, and our way of talking. Key Direction 1 Conversion Growth has taken on a new team and a new direction this year. The team includes Rev Roger Brook (convenor), Cullen Bailey, Rev Ruthmary Bond, Rev Brant Jones and myself. As a team, we’ve been asking ourselves, why do we want people to come to be friends with Jesus? It starts with the Great Commission in Matthew 28, but goes beyond, “I want you to be Jesus’ disciple because the Bible told me I should want that...”
For us, being friends with Jesus has formed our purpose, our love, our relationships – He changed our lives. And we want others to know transformation for themselves. “People aren’t simply going to church somewhere else, or participating in their faith privately,” comments Roger. “There are people, our own neighbours, who genuinely don’t know Jesus, have never heard about him and would have no reason to step into our churches. “We need to start with converting our own thinking around faith sharing, and then begin talking in a language our neighbours can understand.”
Key Direction 1: Fostering conversion growth Team convenor Rev Roger Brook is working with Caryn Rogers, Rev Brant Jones, Cullen Bailey and Rev Ruthmary Bond to: • Foster an environment where introducing people to Jesus is key • Encourage very UC Congregation / Faith Community in SA to actively engage with Matt 28: 19–20 • Improve stewardship of God’s gifts • Help every congregation or faith community see people grow into faith within their communities Caryn Rogers and Roger Brook, two members of the Conversion Growth team, discuss the new direction of the team and its exciting future ahead.
Leading the way in SA The Uniting Church SA has always been blessed with diligent, faithful leaders who steered the Church into where we stand today. All leaders start somewhere. For most, the journey began when someone saw their potential and helped to make sure it was realised. The importance of strong leadership is recognised in the Strategic Plan through the second key direction: Raising Leaders. The Raising Leaders team, having achieved their objectives early in the life
of the Plan, have put into place a blueprint for identifying and growing the future leaders of the Uniting Church SA. Parkin-Wesley College became Uniting College for Leadership & Theology in March 2009 and the structure of the formation of ministers and deacons was transformed into a future-minded model, with an emphasis on lifelong learning and development. The College, together with the Uniting Church SA and the Raising Leaders team can take pride in the 15 people who were
ordained this year, as well as up to six more to come. The Leadership Development Council (LDC) reported to the Presbytery and Synod in October; “The LDC congratulates and celebrates with these people. We also join with the Presbytery in rejoicing that, through calling and raising up these people for leadership of this kind, God indicates an intention to use us in a fresh way in mission in South Australia and beyond.”
Key Direction 2: Raising Leaders Team convenor Rev Dr Ian Price is working with Rev Dr Andrew Dutney and Rev Dr Graham Humphris to: • Establish a develop a centre for leadership • Establish a Leadership Development Council • Appoint faculty for centre for leadership • Launch Australian Leadership magazine Moderator Rev Rob Williams, General Secretary Rev Dr Graham Humphris and past Moderator/future MRN Executive Officer Rev Rod Dyson are three of many Uniting Church SA leaders whose experience and wisdom contributes much to the life of the Church. Photo: Caryn Rogers
Key Direction 3: Growing Disciples Team convenor Craig Mitchell is working with Rev Sandy Boyce and Rev Simon Dent to: • Assist congregations to focus on discipleship • Help congregations to create and resource discipleship pathways • Recommend discipleship resources, programs and strategies Dr Vicky Balabanski, Lecturer in New Testament at Uniting College for Leadership & Theology, features on the discipleship DVD which is a free resource for all congregations. Further copies are available from the College (08) 8416 8420.
Resourcing discipleship growth Have you ever felt stuck in a rut with your faith? Or maybe you’re a new Christian and need some help to figure out what’s next. The team working on the third key direction Growing Disciples can help as they encourage and resource churches to nurture Christians in their walk with God. Team convenor Craig Mitchell says, “Growth in discipleship is at the heart of the Christian faith and so at the heart of the life of the church. We want to help churches take people on a journey from little or no faith to a mature faith and to leadership in ministry.
The team have already been busy helping the Uniting Church SA focus on Growing Disciples, having run Pathways workshops to help equip church leaders, hosted Dave Andrews at the February Presbytery & Synod meeting, sponsored a ‘Making Disciples’ event, and sharing updates via their website: growing-disciples.org. But the work is not over yet, as the team prepares to distribute more resources. At the October Presbytery & Synod meeting, each congregation received a copy of Becoming Disciples, a DVD containing a series of four studies on discipleship and the Gospel of Mark.
If it is books you’re after, Uniting College’s book club collection has just been expanded to include titles focusing on discipleship and leadership. The books (8 – 10) per set are available to churches to use, at a small cost per person. The catalogue can be downloaded from the College website; unitingcollege.org.au. In December, congregations should look out for the first of a series of leaflets about ‘Practices of Christian Discipleship’. A new leaflet will be sent to congregations every two months and be available to download.
Keeping church fresh Key Direction 4: Developing new models Team convenor is currently Alan Dutton, working with Rev Ruthmary Bond, Rev Steve Taylor, Di Price and Sarah Agnew to: • Engage in conversations about ‘fresh expressions of church’ • Encourage congregations to engage with people outside the church • Encourage and resource three new and different ‘fresh expressions’ • Encourage and resource three church plants and strategies
A scene from Candlelight Reflections, a fresh expression of church in Modbury, which offers a quiet space for reflection and contemplation. Photo: Shannon Short
Our community is made up of individuals who express themselves differently, dress differently, have different tastes in music and food and enjoy different styles of church. Or do they? A lot of the time one church doesn’t look much different to the next – which means we’re missing people in our community who would never set foot inside a church the way it happens today. Fresh Expressions of church is focused on creating churches that may look completely different to how we do church now, in order to reach people
who are not yet members of any church – and possibly never would be. They’re already here, as New Times explored in its August edition. Churches featured included the Esther Project, Candlelight Reflections at Modbury, Connections Cafe at Greenock and The Haven at Peterborough Uniting Church. Current convenor Alan Dutton is excited about the potential for new fresh expressions of church to continue developing in the Uniting Church SA. “We’re at a crucial point in time to build on the impetus that has come out of Rob Stoner and Ian Price’s findings from their
Strategic Plan Newsletter
UK trip, Dave Male’s resourcing sessions at the June Presbytery & Synod and Ruthmary Bond’s appointment to the new role of Fresh Expressions and Evangelism person in the MRN,” he comments. The Fresh Expressions team would like to see more fresh expressions of church being established. Some funds are now available from the team to assist in the commencement and development of a new fresh expression. Applications are available from Alan Dutton adutton@sa.uca.org.au.
Uniting me & you & everyone else If you’ve heard the phrase ‘Uniting Church. Uniting People’, you’ve heard the key message of the Uniting Church SA’s profile raising campaign. “There are so many ways the Uniting Church connects with the community around it, whether it be through our congregations, our schools, our agencies or camps and conference centres, even activities like the Red Dove Cafe,” explains Shannon Short, Expanding our Profile team convenor. “Our aim is not just to make more people aware that the Uniting Church SA exists, but to also cost effectively position the Uniting Church as a relevant, dynamic,
contemporary organisation making a significant and positive contribution to the South Australian community.” The Uniting People campaign focuses on themes, such as loneliness and parenting, offering practical help and support through the website – unitingpeople.org.au. In May this year, a Uniting Church SA TV advertisement was created and aired on the Channel Ten network, as well as WIN and Southern Cross. “The ads will be on air again in November to coincide with the next phase of the campaign,” says Shannon. Churches, schools and agencies will again display the Uniting People
banners on their buildings. Christmas is another key profile-raising time with a new booklet called 100 ways to celebrate Christmas and postcard distributions, which promote the booklet and the Uniting People website. “There’s so much offered to people at Christmas time. This booklet will help remind people that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect. We’re aiming to provide stress-free ways to enjoy the Christmas season – not just endure it,” comments Shannon. More information about the Uniting People campaign is available on the website: unitingpeople.org.au.
Key Direction 5: Expanding our profile Team convenor Shannon Short is working with Julie Johinke, Mark Henley and Sarah Urmston to: • Develop and launch a Uniting Church SA branding campaign • Develop a communications plan for the Uniting Church SA • Develop a coordinated media strategy • Investigate new ways of promoting church ministries • Increase the interactivity of the Uniting Church SA website Port Elliot Uniting Church is one of 60 churches, schools and agencies which helped spread the message of ‘Uniting Church Uniting People’ by displaying a banner on their building during campaign dates.
Justice starts with the community How well do you know your neighbours? The people living in your street? In your block? In your suburb? “Engaging with your local community is a great starting point to find justice issues because you find out who they are and what’s important to them,” explains Rev Peter McDonald, Championing Justice team convenor. “There is an imperative to find out who is not doing so well in your local community and find out why. That’s when justice can begin.” “Early on, we decided that, instead of the core team finding new justice issues to fund, we would aim to encourage church
members to connect to their local community and in doing so, identify justice issues.” Examples of justice projects by congregations are presented on the Strategic Plan website, for congregations to learn from and adapt the ideas to their own circumstances. Peter believes that, in seeking justice for the disadvantaged or marginalised, the bigger picture is important. “Handouts by themselves trap people in poverty – we need to search for wider issues and help out in that way,” comments Peter. “If someone is hungry, instead of just
Key Direction 6: Championing Justice Team convenor Rev Peter McDonald is working with Rev Ian Hunter and Peter Russell to: • Develop and resource new social justice communities • Resource ministries with marginalised groups • Increase the church’s capacity to engage and respond to justice issues The J Project, a group by and for university students and young adults, is one group which has received funding from the sixth direction of the Strategic Plan and is supported by Pilgrim Uniting Church. Core team members include Keegan Brice, Melissa Brown, Rev Sandy Boyce and Cindy Chow. Photo: Jade Kearns
giving them bread, I want to ask, ‘what else can I do to help them move out of that space?’ It might mean helping them learn to budget, or showing how to cook simple meals.” In 2011, the Justice team will have $500 scholarships available for people interested in taking up justice training or experience. The team are open to ideas. Contact Peter McDonald peter. mcdonald@ucwesleyadelaide.org.au or Ian Hunter ian.anna.hunter@gmail.com for further information.
Julie Johinke
“It is easy to forget that in the early years of South Australia’s settlement, there was no government welfare
From an initial three residents, it’s amazing to see what Resthaven has grown into over the past 75 years.
“We recognise and embrace the rich diversity of the Australian community, value inclusion, unity and tolerance and respect the dignity of each individual, paying due regard to their country of birth, language, culture and beliefs.” “We are committed to working and developing services in a culturally appropriate and respectful manner.” With demand for aged care support stronger than ever, the political landscape and regulation often means it’s difficult to meet the needs.
support. Services for the elderly were very limited. Many relied on Christian charity to survive. That is why it is remarkable that during the Great Depression, the Methodist Church embarked on a new Home Mission, and called it ‘Resthaven’. The name was chosen as it evoked feelings of ‘safety, serenity and rest in life’s eventide’.” RICHARD HEARN, RESTHAVEN CEO
An increasing focus on support services to assist people to remain living in their own homes for as long as possible has resulted in a plethora of in-home care and support services for older people and their carers in addition to residential aged care and accommodation. Those entering aged care facilities are increasingly frail and many have multiple chronic conditions. The future holds opportunity and challenge as our population ages and the
workforce reduces. Predicted increases in the number of people with dementia will impact significantly on support services. Resthaven will continue to give frail older people the care and support they need for the optimal quality of life achievable while continuing to advocate on behalf of older people for choice, access and sustainability and to ensure that aged care has a voice. Congratulations on 75 years of faithful service Resthaven.
Past, present and future – after 75 years, Resthaven continues to offer outstanding care and support within the aged care sector.
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past, present, future
Resthaven now offers residential care to 1,000 older people in nine locations around South Australia and, through our community services, cares for approximately 7,000 people living at home. These community services have recently expanded to the Riverland and Strathalbyn, complementing the existing metropolitan, Murraylands, Adelaide Hills and Limestone Coast services. Despite immense changes and developments throughout Resthaven’s 75 year history, their original mission, to provide outstanding care and support, continues to shape their future.
“The ABS census statistics in 2006 indicated that one in six people over the age of 65 do not speak English as their main language at home,” comments Richard Hearn, Resthaven CEO.
“We want the fullest spiritual fellowship...” Lyn Leane, UnitingWorld SA Officer
“The hour has come for passing from paternalism to partnership. It is something more than even cooperation; it is partnership that is required. We want the fullest spiritual fellowship with what we call the younger churches…. We must go on in a fellowship in which there is
past, present, future
confidence.” Lothar Bauerochse
by Rev David Kowalick
Too many clothes? Clothes you haven’t worn in years? Clothes you’ve out grown?
It’s likely that this statement, emerging from one of the great ecumenical mission councils of the 20th century, was one of the first times ‘partnership’ was used in the context of cross-cultural mission. Stated in Jerusalem, 1928, this comment represented the desire of Northern churches, from which much of the modern missionary movement had sprung, to relinquish the colonial and missional control they had exercised for many decades over the newly emerging churches in the South. The call for a ‘passing from paternalism to partnership’ occurred in the general context of decolonisation - a major feature of global politics in the twentieth century. It reflected something of the often turbulent and messy transitions from thinking mission was an act to or for another people group, to mission being a way of life with another people group.
Take your clean, pre-loved clothing to a GOODWILL Store* GOODWILL Collection Bin or Telephone 8202 5070 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm *see page 233 of the Adelaide White Pages for store locations
GOODWILL Fashion with soul
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Theologically, missiologists like David Bosch refreshed the church’s memory about the Missio Dei, that is ‘The Mission of God’. It’s a reminder that mission is God’s not ours, and flows from the very nature of the God whose love seeks and searches all. In other words, we are participants in God’s reconciling mission in the world God created - it’s certainly not the preserve of any one group or church. It’s this ethos that is written into our founding document, the Basis of Union, which states that, “[The Uniting Church] believes that Christians in Australia are called to bear witness to a unity of faith and life in Christ which transcends cultural and economic, national and racial boundaries, and to this end she commits herself to seek special relationships with Churches in Asia and the Pacific.”
Living on Eyre Caryn Rogers sense of calling and Rebecca’s resilient When livelihoods depend on both good faith, the Carratt family are thriving in the seeding and good harvesting weathers, Western Eyre as they engage with their complaints about the weather are far communities’ stories and continue to more than just an inconvenience, they’re often a genuine lament. grow in faith and life together. The sun is shining on a beautiful season here in Cummins though, for land and church alike. There’s the kids’ club at Cummins, attracting around 70 children each event. There’s the faithfulness of the Lock congregation. There’s Yeelanna teeming with new families and young children after asking serious questions about their future a decade ago. And then there are the farmers spanning the districts, who find a very spiritual connection to the land as they toil and make a living from it. It’s a big ask for a young Minister to pack up their life and family to balance the needs of differing congregations and Rebecca, Jacob and Rev Matthew Carratt. communities. But with Matt’s strong Photo: Caryn Rogers.
Friendship, faith, food & fun Caryn Rogers After spending two minutes talking to Barb and Dean Richardson, you know where their big hearts are – XRoad. It all started with running the Lower Eyre Peninsula Kids Camp Out (LEPKCO) with their daughter Mardi and a dedicated team, after former director, Rev Ian Dow, left the Eyre Peninsula to take up a new ministry placement at Naracoorte Uniting in 2008. “We took 39 kids from Cummins, and the children came back buzzing from that, still singing the songs,” Barb remembers warmly. “After five weeks, we held a reunion in Cummins for those kids, and 37 turned up! From this, we saw a great need. That was the door into this kids’ club ministry for us.” The ministry started as a gathering of the kids who’d gone to LEP-KCO. The Richardsons and team hoped for 30 children; 35 turned up. An ongoing club soon took shape and became known as XRoad. XRoad quickly became a highly successful and popular
group for children from preschool to Year 7. The organising team, spearheaded by the Richardsons, now expect 60-70 children for the XRoad events four times a term, with 107 children ‘on the books’. The program is simple enough, engage children in play, feed them, create a caring atmosphere where they know they belong and let them explore creativity - while sharing the gospel, openly and deliberately. Whatever the theme at each event, the theory stays the same – at every avenue, offer children the opportunity to know they matter to God. XRoad is an extraordinary program, made more so by the lives and love of those who run it. For Barb and Dean they’re just listening to God, ‘actually missioning’, getting rewardingly exhausted and celebrating the precious lives of the children the club is having a huge impact on. And with new children turning up at nearly every XRoad, that impact keeps expanding.
And they’re off and racing... Sydney from Cummins enjoys taking part in XRoad’s formula one car race. The thriving kids club brings together craft, food, faith and fun as children come into contact with hearing the gospel in word and deed – many for the first time.
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past, future doingpresent, life together
The only time you’ll find Rev Matthew Carratt in robes is if you knock on his door too early in the morning. It might be early for him, but not so early for the communities in which he and wife, Rebecca, live with their 19 month old son, Jacob. Given the territory that Matt’s ministry covers on the Eyre Peninsula, Cummins, Yeelanna and Lock, he has had the occasional early morning visit. Primarily agricultural in its vocation, the township of Cummins is surrounded by beautiful countryside which this year is, thankfully, bursting with life. During my September visit, the golden canola flowers are blooming, indicative of both the health of the land and the buoyancy of the area’s spirit after a very successful year of rain. For those of us who live in the city, it’s hard to imagine living your life based so wholly on the seasons. For us, we complain about the rain, and, come summertime, the sun’s ‘too hot’.
The future of faith...
past, present, future
Carly Osborn
I was once a passionate Pentecostal teenager. Then I got disillusioned and ‘dropped out’ of church. Recently I decided to be part of the solution instead of complaining, so I rejoined the Christian community, at CitySoul. So I’ve thought about what church is, and might be in the future. But this article isn’t about the future of the church. It’s about the future of faith: and faith is not an institution. Our word ‘faith’ comes from the Old French feid, in turn from Latin fides, which means ‘trust’. We get our word ‘fidelity’ from the same root. These are words about relationships; the loyalty and
trust between people. Actually, the word ‘relationship’ isn’t my favourite for talking about human bonds. We use it to describe any vague connection, the ‘relationship’ between food additives and attention disorders or whatever. I prefer the word ‘friendship’. Friendship is intimacy between persons, made of loyalty, truth, trust... in other words, faith. So I’m going to define religious faith this way: friendship with God. So. The future of friendship with God. One of the major revelations of my spiritual life has been the realisation that God really is everywhere.
Christmas e-card
Competition
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Draw or write “what would be your ideal Christmas Day” Winning entries will be used in our Christmas Appeal campaign and our UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide Christmas e-card Every entry will receive a prize Winning entries will receive a book voucher and the grand prize winner will have their entry mounted on canvas. For competition entry forms Call 1800 247 365 or log on to www.ucwesleyadelaide.org.au
I used to think omnipresence meant ‘silent and invisible but nevertheless, philosophically speaking, there’. Now I think if something is undetectable, its presence is at best irrelevant and, at worst, imaginary—and I don’t think God’s omnipresence is like this. I get annoyed when Christians talk about ‘taking God to’ the red light district/ jungle/wherever, as if He lives in white middleclass churches and they’re taking Him on a sort of day trip. He’s already there, perceptibly. We just have to notice that. I think Western Christianity is getting better at this. Gradually, we’ll start talking and acting like it’s true. We won’t separate our ‘spiritual lives’ from everything else we do with our bodies and minds. Eating an apple becomes time with God. But more importantly, I hope we’ll stop thinking of God as one of the cool kids
at school, who wouldn’t be friends with you unless you had the right sneakers. Years ago I heard a woman speak about a friend in her church who was a prostitute—though this wasn’t immediately apparent. She spoke of her friend as an equal, a fellow-traveller in friendship with God. Quite frankly, this blew my tiny mind. I thought friendship with God was what happened after prostitutes repented and became soccer mums with impressive testimonies. So, the future of friendship with God? I know what I’m hoping for. People identifying themselves as friends with God outside of church culture. Or—if it’s not asking too much—our expressions of church stretching to include all those people who don’t fit our present idea of what a Christian is. And if our definitions don’t stretch, I hope people realise what narrow-minded prats we are, and get on with their friendships with God anyway.
Celebrating fruitfulness
Congratulations on 150 years
Waikerie Uniting Church has been blessed to receive donations from Uniting Churches in the metropolitan area to assist people of the Riverland who have been experiencing hard times as a result of the ongoing drought. We are extremely grateful to these caring congregations. Part of the ministry of Jesus is to share with others in need. The generosity of others has enabled us to provide money, vouchers, food and hampers direct to local people in real financial difficulty. We give thanks to God for the recent drought breaking rains throughout South Australia and the River Murray catchment areas and we are glad that there is now hope for a more regular supply of water to the Riverland. We realise that there will be an ongoing battle to fight because of the current state of the water plan as recently released, but in light of the changed situation we think it is appropriate for donations which are coming our way to be directed to others with more urgent needs. We are very thankful for the opportunity we have had to build relationships with city congregations, and we look forward to continuing fellowship. D Schiller, Waikerie
Williamstown Uniting Church is to be congratulated on an excellent weekend (25-26 September 2010), when they celebrated 150 years of faithful worship and service. The whole event was organised in-house. Saturday evening we were treated to a substantial ‘light meal’ and an old-style concert. On Sunday morning we enjoyed a celebratory church service. Friendly hospitality, a love of the history and tradition of Williamstown, and good country cooking all came to the fore. We were interested to see in the historical display the neat copperplate handwriting of Gordon’s grandfather, John Stuart Hammat, in the church minutes, as well as that of his great-grandfather in the same book. Several of the people in the congregation remembered Gordon’s late mother as their Sunday School teacher, and her name is also mentioned in the history. We send our personal thanks to all those who contributed to the success of this very special event … as we salute all those unsung heroes who have, over the years, worked quietly and tirelessly as members of their Christian communities. The event was a worthy commemoration of the church family, as well, in a smaller way, of our own family. Well done!
Save us
G & P Oates, Parafield Gardens
T Goodluck, Modbury
Turning away Jesus did not say, “I would really rather that you didn’t keep sinning, but oh well I forgive you anyway”! He did say, “Go and sin no more.” All people are sinners, and Jesus did die for all of us. However those who actually believe in Him, are the ones who will ultimately be saved. They show they believe and trust Him by turning away from sin. In the case of the Uniting Network, these people do not believe in Christ, because they do not believe what He said, nor as shown by their conduct, do they care. They must agree with God that homosexuality IS sin and is an abomination to Him and instead turn to Him for forgiveness. Then they will know what it means to talk about the love of Christ. The National Assembly must take note of these points and get rid of this network, which is a disgrace to God in Christ, and the Church. T Carter, Bordertown
Thanks SAYCO I would like to thank the SAYCO organising team for an excellent weekend in which my children participated. The South Australian Youth Camp Out (SAYCO) which is the big version of KCO was a fun filled weekend which has inspired my children to take church seriously and where they discovered that there are plenty of other kids their age here in South Australia that love Jesus. What a fantastic future for the Uniting Church when you think that all these young people love God and want to do His Work. Having it explained to them in simple but complete terms and allowing time for reflection in small groups and having a heap of fun, my children can’t wait until next year. Well done. T Perkins, Cumberland Park
Responding to relationships I would like to respond to the letter by L. Jenski of Blackwood in the October edition of New Times regarding the recent gathering of Gay, Lesbian, friends and families in Melbourne. Firstly, these relationships are unnatural and unbiblical and should not be encouraged. I would like to encourage any from this group who have been deceived into thinking that these lifestyles are acceptable to God to read 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Romans 2:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 19-20. D Knowling, Loxton
Send your letters to: newtimes@sa.uca.org.au or PO Box 2145, Adelaide 5001.
Be topical, be brief, be timely. Letters over 150 words will be edited; responses to previous letters /articles will be considered within two months of the original item’s publication only. All letters are published at the editorial team’s discretion.
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letters to ed
We’ve had a wonderful SAYCO weekend at Mt Barker. Our kids had a great time, except for some disturbing things that the Guest Speaker said. Amy Stephens, compassionate, enthusiastic and engaging, told the kids how much God loved them... and in the next breath that God had condemned them to Hell. She repeated this message several times. It was inappropriate and misguided. Fortunately our kids know they can come and talk to their leaders. We had a great deal of important listening and debriefing to do. Consequently our youth have affirmed that God loves them and all people; that they each have a right to choose and express their own opinions; that different people understand and explain things in different ways; and that in Jesus we see that all the barriers between us and God have been removed. Thankyou to the SAYCO Leadership for handling a difficult situation with integrity and respect for all parties.
Sandy Creek Bush Chapel dedicated Sandy Creek Bush Chapel was opened and dedicated by Rev Nellie van Dyk on Sunday 10 October. The service, attended by over 125 people, had an Australian theme with Ralph Hatcher singing the Song of Australia. Emerald Carle, the youngest member of the congregation, cut the ribbon, Rev Nellie van Dyk and Leslee Carle planted a grevillea to mark the occasion, and a plaque was unveiled by Brenton Cornish and Terry Owers from MMM(Mobile Mission Maintenance) Australia, the organisation that had assisted with the feature wall’s construction.
diary notes
After the dedication ceremony, a baptism was celebrated - a fitting start for the new chapel.
The ecumenical program for the formation of spiritual directors will soon invite applications for its 2011 intake. This is a three year (four x three days p.a.) program plus reading and written work. A brochure with details of the program, the application process, and an Information Evening on 22 November is available from Ann Siddall or Gary Stuckey at the Stillpoint Spirituality Centre, 8178 0048 or stillpoint@ internode.on.net . Craft Display Day with stalls, morning tea, lunch and trading table. Thursday 4 November, 9.30am - 2pm, gold coin entry. Westbourne Park Uniting Church cnr Sussex Tce & Monmouth Rd Hawthorn. Enquiries: Val 8296 7481. Ye Olde Village Shoppe & Meeting Place is a new venture by the Mitcham Village Uniting Church as a fundraiser for missions. It will be open to the public each Saturday from 6 November at 103a Princes Road, Mitcham. Contact: Lynette Pickering 8278 8259 or 0409 005 829.
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Kersbrook Uniting Church 160th Anniversary Service. 7 November at 10.00am with guest speaker Mrs Pat Richards. Morning tea follows worship. Please bring a plate to share. More info: Secretary Robin Bodycomb 8389 3276. Wellspring Retreat - Ancient Prayers & Contemporary Spirituality - 20 November from 10am - 3.30pm at the Chapel and Gardens of Disability SA (103 Fisher Street, Fullarton). All welcome. A day of reflection and prayer as we consider the ways in which both the ancient and the contemporary mesh into the fabric of our daily lives. Facilitator: Di Shearer. Please bring lunch to share. Please register by Nov 10. Contact Di: dishearer@adam.com.au (08) 8536 3937. MORCHARD UNITING CHURCH closing service will be held at the church on 21 November at 11am. Lunch to follow at a small cost. Everyone welcome. To assist with catering, please contact: Joan 8658 1083 or Marion 8658 1252.
a music student or a church The Vines Uniting community that may have Church (cnr Reynell use of it. The organ works Road and Rolton Avenue, but needs speakers to be Woodcroft) will be holding installed; is approximately its annual Strawberry Fair 1.2m wide. Organ is on Friday 26 November available for collection between 5.30pm and dark. from Belair. Contact Julie This popular event has been a local tradition for well over Haddrick 8278 1367 or Peter Smith 0411 127 478. 100 years and provides fun, good food and entertainment for all the family. Father Christmas will also be in To have your attendance. Enquiries: 8322 upcoming event or messa ge 8661. Please note that all published her e, email stalls have been allocated. Create-about is the annual event of the Blackwood Uniting Church’s Community Program, where participants display their skills and talents. Held at Blackwood Uniting Church, there will be market stalls and great plants for sale, refreshments and light meals available. Join us on Friday 26 November from 10am - 5pm and Saturday 27 November from 10am 2pm. For further information contact the office on 8278 7699. BURGE CHORISTER 261 (Wm Sanders Adelaide) electric pipe organ to give away. The owners would like to donate it to someone like
diary@sa.uca.
org.au with ‘Diary’ in the subject line.
Planting a future Julie Samuels
Port Adelaide Uniting Church was one of over 7000 groups around the world that took part in this year’s Global Work Party organised by 350.org. All but two of the world’s nations had registered work groups.
Photo: Sue Nirta
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350.org is a non-partisan worldwide network in which ordinary groups of people are getting to work on solutions to climate change. The message to the world’s leaders is that we want them to get to work on solutions to climate change too. On Sunday 10 October members of Port Adelaide Uniting Church took part in this year’s Global Work Party by planting indigenous shrubs in the church garden.
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positionsvacant.sa.uca.org.au 23
Pride in support
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Dr Elaine Rodgers has always been the pride of husband Rev Alex Rodgers, but recently she was awarded The Advertiser’s ‘Pride of Australia’ medal for her exceptional care as a GP. Elaine has made a considerable contribution to her community, helping people deal with mental issues, live with chronic disease and, as a methadone provider, helped people cope with drug addiction. Providing methadone to addicted heroin users was a scary thought to Elaine at first. “You don’t like that sort of people hanging around your practice,” commented Elaine honestly. “Addicted people tell stories and threaten – anything to try and get drugs. “But there was a need. So I did it. “Once users know you’re around to do the program, they’re less likely to tell ‘stories’. “They’re people; most have had horrible lives - domestic violence, childhood abuse, and the like. They found heroin and it numbed things out for a while.” Through the program though, Elaine has seen that, “you really do change lives.” Elaine, a remarkably compassionate and committed doctor, universally respected and loved by her patients and colleagues, Dr Elaine Rodgers, a member of Prospect Road Uniting, was recently was also instrumental in setting up the HEALS Centre (July awarded the Pride of Australia Medal. New Times 2009).
We need to talk
Photo: Caryn Rogers
On Wednesday 13 October, the Rev Lindsay Faulkner took the opportunity to converse with former Prime Minister, the Honourable Bob Hawke AC, at the reception to welcome Dr Salman Sayyid as the Director of the International Centre for Muslim and Non Muslim Understanding at UniSA. The event, hosted by the Honourable Grace Portolesi MP, was attended by leaders of the South Australian religious community, including Geoff Boyce and Rev Faulkner as representatives of Uniting Church SA. Geoff was invited as a representative of Interfaith dialogue, and for his work with Flinders University; Lindsay, as Chair, officially represented the SA Heads of Churches. Speeches were given by Ms Portolesi, Mr Hawke and Dr Sayyid that articulated the hopes of Multicultural SA: that greater understanding, would be found through greater dialogue. In a room filled with almost every religious robe imaginable, there was much animated conversation.
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French Pear and Nutella pancakes makes 12 –18 Crêpes Ingredients 2 cups plain flour, sifted a pinch of salt 2 eggs about 2 cups milk 1 tsp cooking oil 1 tbsp butter approx 120g Nutella approx 6 just ripe pears
Method
Tips for a top pancake Gabriel Gaté • When making French crêpes, sift your plain flour; for pancakes, use fresh self-raising flour to ensure that the raising agent is effective • Mix your crêpe or pancake mixture only 10-20 minutes before cooking the pancakes • Use a non-stick frypan – it’s easier • What’s your flavour? Try adding vanilla essence or grated citrus zest to your pancake batter • Get your children involved
Cook Heat oil and butter in a crêpe pan until it turns a light golden colour, then whisk this melted butter into the crêpe batter. Return the pan to high heat and when the pan is hot, pour in enough mixture to cover the bottom of the pan. Twirl the pan in a smooth motion to form a thin even crêpe. When the upper half of the crêpe starts to become dry and the lower half is golden brown, pick the crêpe up with a spatula and turn it quickly onto the other side. After browning the second side, remove the crêpe and place it on a plate. Without adding any more butter or oil to the pan, make the rest of the crêpes in the same way. If a crêpe begins to stick, wipe the pan with absorbent paper, melt a little butter in the pan and make the next crêpe. Plate-up Peel, quarter and core the pears, then cut each quarter into 3 wedges. Spread the centre of each crêpe with a little Nutella and top with a few pear wedges. Fold the crêpe and serve.
• If you’re cooking for those with dairy allergies, try soy milk instead of cow’s milk in the mix and cook your pancakes in an oiled (instead of buttered) non-stick pan
Bon appétit!
• The most popular toppings include lemon, honey, maple syrup and strawberries
Chef’s note: Pear and Nutella are great together. When pears aren’t in season, use pears canned in light syrup. These French pancakes are very thin and popular.
Already heating up the frypan in anticipation for Pancake Day 2011? So are we! Join us in Rundle Mall on Tuesday 16 November, between 12-1.30pm, to enjoy a pancake - and sign up your Pancake Day 2011event. Bring your friends, family, workmates, neighbours, interested bystanders... anyone and everyone is welcome! Learn from the Crepe-Master, Gabriel Gaté, as he reveals all the secrets to cooking the perfect pancake, from choosing the right ingredients, right through to that final flip. You might even get to showcase your pancaking talents! UnitingCare’s, Penny Pancake will be there of course, as well as light entertainment. Can’t make it to the launch? You can sign up today at w. sa.pancakeday.com.au p. 1800 060 543 (free call)
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magazine
Gabriel Gaté is an internationally-renowned chef, author, television presenter and cookery teacher. He has also been a friend of Uniting Care’s Pancake Day for many years. Here he shares his top tips for pancake making, and a delicious new recipe to try on Pancake Day (if you can wait that long!).
Mix Place the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Make a hollow in the centre and pour the eggs and half of the milk into the hollow. Using a whisk, first mix the eggs and milk together, then gradually incorporate the flour, slowly adding the rest of the milk to form a smooth, thin mixture. Strain the preparation through a fine strainer and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or until required. If you are in a great rush, you can use it immediately but the crêpes will not be as smooth.
Challenging the Frontier On Friday 8 October over 60 paired teams raced across the city of Adelaide to raise money for Frontier Services. Having worked with the Uniting Church for over 20 years, Hodgkison Architects was well aware of Frontier Services and their community service to Outback Australia. In a localised take on the TV phenomenon The Amazing Race, Hodgkison created ‘Challenge the Frontier’ to raise funds for the hardworking charity. Teams completed ten challenges spanning Adelaide CBD, with prizes awarded to the three fastest teams as well as best costume. The event was a great success, raising over $25,000 for the charity. Frontier Services is the major provider of aged care, health and community services, and pastoral support to people in Outback Australia, and is proudly part of the Uniting Church. Rosemary Young AM, National Director for Frontier Services, shares the joy of a huge fundraising win with Challenge the Frontier participants, Caryn Rogers and Sarah Urmston from Uniting Church SA.
magazine
Par for the cause On Friday 8 October, 96 golfing enthusiasts took to Blackwood Golf Course for more than just a round of golf. This year, the UC Invest Charity Golf Day raised $13,000 for two UnitingCare Wesley Bowden programs: • a sport skills clinic for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Asperger’s Syndrome • a pilot program providing a break for young carers. • The annual event showcased UC Invest’s usual ‘win-win’ modus operandi; a win for the investor, and a win for the Church. Next year, all profits from the Golf Day will go towards a project of UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide. Special thanks to corporate partners and Golf Day’s two major sponsors, FIIG Securities and ANZ Bank, who helped make this year’s day such a success. UC Invest staff, Andrew Fechner and Nici Ezis, look on as Trainee Pro Golfer, Chris Duke, teed off on behalf of UnitingCare Wesley Bowden.
Step, smile, speak, listen No, it’s not the chicken dance. It’s Maughan Uniting’s English Language Class where the activity for the week is Zumba – the dance-exercise craze sweeping the fitness globe. Yes, Maughan likes to teach English language a little differently. Yeong Hee, from Korea and Rachel, from Sudan (pictured) are two of the students who regularly enjoy the English class’ distinct emphasis on conversation and sharing. Today, Zumba’s part of the program. Previously it’s been the World Cup, the elections, colloquial language, cooking food together and sharing experiences on arriving and settling into life in Australia. It’s a rewarding ministry for both Maughan and those who participate. While I can’t say my dancing improved, it was a joy to be part of a conversation which goes well beyond, ‘Hello. My name is...’ Yeong Hee, Rachel and Sarah stepped out Zumba-style, at a Maughan English Language Class.
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Coffee and culture shock How Coffee Saved My Life
How Coffee Saved My Life is theology graduate Ellie Roscher’s memoir of her year as a volunteer mission worker in Uruguay. Ellie, a self-described ‘rich, North American overachiever’, honestly shares the challenges she faced as she attempted to connect with a poor, rural community. Ellie struggles with constipation, language, culture and her own expectations.
Author: Ellie Roscher Available from: Rainbow Book Agencies Recommended for: anyone interested in mission work, poverty and life in developing countries In short: From a life of privilege to a life helping others, this is the story of one girl’s experience as a volunteer mission worker.
She gamely tries to assimilate by eating cow’s tongue and drinking a bitter tasting tea called ‘mate’. She is surprised to find that gymnastics proves to be a much more effective means of connecting with the local people than her theology degree. Finally, Ellie shares her joy as she eventually becomes part of her new community after so many challenges along the way. The book is a little disjointed at times - it isn’t always chronological, but the depth and honesty of the writing compensates for the occasional moments of confusion. Ellie discusses, at length, how western ways of living impact directly and negatively on the poor and imagines how we might all work together, “so that God’s community comes to here and now.” This book has a broad selection of thoughtful quotes and anecdotes that will particularly be enjoyed by readers who have travelled to, and worked in, developing countries. How Coffee Saved My Life is a rich, rewarding resource that challenges us to think about how we might live in a way that helps bring justice to all.
- Michelle Coram
RRP: $29.95
What do you think Mary?
Book: Simpler Living, Compassionate Life: A Christian Perspective Author: Michael Schut Available from: Rainbow Book Agencies Recommended for: those who see that voluntary simplicity is an important component of the abundant life In short: How to live simply, without focusing solely on simple means in money, lifestyle and food. RRP: $34.95
Book: Mary’s Hours: Daily Prayers with the Mother of God Author: Penelope Duckworth Available from: Rainbow Book Agencies Recommended for: daily reflection and thoughtful meditation In short: An aid to daily devotional prayer through the words of Mary, mother of Jesus.
This book about living simply is a compilation of writings and excerpts from many writers including Henri Nouwen and Richard Foster. It is divided into sections which tackle the issue from different viewpoints.
introduction to the theme. Also, in the overview at the beginning of the book each section is summarised and commented on. There is an epilogue at the end and a very comprehensive study guide for use of the book in groups.
As a young adult in the seventies, I read Grass Roots Magazine and explored issues of community and self-sufficiency. I dipped into Simpler Living, Compassionate Life expecting to enjoy the sections on money, lifestyle and food but was surprised to find myself valuing the more philosophical and theological underpinnings.
This book will probably give better service as a resource to be dipped into according to need and area of interest. Only the very serious will commit to the 12 group sessions outlined.
The book is well set out; the clear sections each have their own
- Glenys Badger
RRP: $36. 95
Prayer is an essential part of our life of faith. It is perhaps best thought of as a conversation with God or other faithful people. Only some of those faithful are contemporary. Many have made the journey from years well and truly passed, still leaving us with their thoughts and examples of a life lived by faith. This book is well suited for those who like to make formal daily appointments for conversation, readings and meditations. It is well set out for morning, noon, evening and night.
devotional aide can expand our prayer life and enrich our Christian life. Penelope Duckworth is a Christian of the ‘High Anglo Catholic’ tradition and speaks to us from her own personal experiences of the faith journey. Future readers of this book should be aware that it is not intended to be read once or in one sitting. As with any prayer, this is a book to be used over a lifetime. - Lindsay Faulkner
This kind of conversation and prayer is a challenge to our Protestant culture but this little
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reviews
Time to take stock
magazine
Signs of hope for Riverland Recent drought breaking rains have brought fresh hope to the Riverland. As water returns to the River Murray catchment area, local growers and residents are optimistic. So much so, that the Waikerie congregation has penned a letter (see Letters to the Editor, p.21) to thank the wider church community for their support and inviting them to consider supporting other more needy communities in the future. While the water situation seems to be improving, the issue of ensuring a fair price for produce remains. The Waikerie Fruit Project will continue to offer church members the opportunity to buy direct from around 30 local growers. The project started in 2006, long before the term ‘fair-trade’ was popular. Riverland grower, Graeme Cavanagh, and Lyn Leane, Uniting Church SA UnitingWorld Officer, dreamt up the project that would enable growers to receive a fair price for dried apricots and provide financial support to Uniting Church mission projects. Today the project distributes a wide range of produce including oranges, pistachios, honey and free range eggs. Twice a month, Graeme drives to Adelaide to deliver the goods which are distributed via around 40 congregations. The direct sales mean that the growers get a better price. “In Europe people talk about foodmiles as a way of measuring the distance food travels from farm to consumer and reducing our environmental impact. Our project is a practical way that people can buy locally and know their goods haven’t been imported from overseas,” explains Graham. Part proceeds from the fruit sales also support the Uniting Church’s commitment to funding much needed medical projects on Numfor Island, Papua, Indonesia. To find out more about the Waikerie Fruit Project go to mrn.sa.uca.org.au (and look at the International Mission section).
Graeme, Mariana, and Barry Cavanagh with Jessie the dog. The Cavanaghs are just one of many local families to benefit from the Waikerie Fruit Project. Photo: Shannon Short.