Issue 28, No 8 September 2009 www.sa.uca.org.au/newtimes
Gambling with Holy Days
Still finding faith in stillness
Have your say p. 3
Spiritual disciplines & practice p. 5-10
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Embracing Jesus Practicing modern spirituality
NEWS
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New Times
Journalling the journey
Baking a faith Caryn Rogers FLOUR, SUGAR, butter, eggs and milk. Voila. Cake. Well almost. It’s a list of ingredients – what happens next is up to you. Depending on how you mix it and how you change it will affect the end result. Want to make it chocolate? Go for it. Iced with a smiley face? Totally up to you. When you bake a cake, you’re prepared to put in any multiplicity of ingredients to bring about the final, delicious result. When I first became a Christian, my recipe for spiritual success was to jump around singing in church, pray as often as opportunity afforded and spend a lot of time with Christians. The recipe was a little incomplete but extremely morish.
Now, with over a decade of personal faith and a theology degree under my belt, I think back (oh so wisely) to when I feel like I started to explore my faith in a ‘whole recipe’ kind of way, thanks to Richard Foster’s book Celebration of Discipline. On receiving an enthusiastic referral to this book I tried not to get hung up on the glaring oxymoron of the title. As a teenager I understood discipline to have its place, but I knew that it wasn’t a celebration I was accustomed to. What I was afforded by Celebration was a chance to encounter God in unfamiliar ways. I was invited to participate in meditation, solitude and simplicity as well as those disciplines I was more familiar with - study, prayer and celebration. It helped me to find a dynamic, a resilience, a greater capacity to see the light and shade of situations.
Spiritual disciplines taught me how to grow, enabling me to experience God through profound traditions. In this issue we explore faith through spiritual discipline and practice for the sake of exploring it; its depth and breadth, its stillness and voice. For me, spiritual discipline and practice is a journey to wholism, offering me the opportunity to experience God in my entire life and in the world around me; a new lens to see how he acts and responds towards all of Creation. As such, it is only fitting that I should finish with a prayer from a favourite ‘theologian’ of mine – cartoonist Michael Leunig – whose etchings have the courage to make pertinent comment about ourselves, our relationships and our world.
“God let us be serious. Face to face. Heart to heart. Let us be fully present. Strongly present.
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 newtimes.uca.org.au. Articles and advertising do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor.
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Deeply serious. The closest we may come to innocence.
Caryn Rogers 8236 4230 crogers@sa.uca.org.au
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Rod Dyson ALMOST 35 years ago a sense of dissatisfaction began a process of significant change in my life. My life’s achievements seemed strangely empty and this lead me on a path to a relationship with Jesus Christ; only a few years later I sensed a call to ordained ministry. It came as a bit of a shock because I always thought that I would be an agricultural scientist.
that writing down what I am thinking is a great help to me including key points from what I read in the Bible or other books, and how I think the Holy Spirit is leading me. I find that God’s leading becomes much clearer. I find that issues that concern me become much lighter. I find that I can clarify what I am feeling about events in my life. Often the journal will feed my preaching.
I had so much to process and each morning I delighted in spending long periods of time pouring over the scriptures and praying. Despite growing up in the church everything seemed fresh and new. I began to journal about what was going on in my life.
Occasionally I look back over my journals. They remind me of how difficult life is sometimes but they are also a reminder of the rich tapestry of knowing the living God.
I don’t remember how I started, but journaling is still an important part of my life. There is now a pile of journals in my cupboard. I don’t journal every day but I do journal frequently. I find
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Rod is preaching at Brighton Uniting on 6 September and at his home church, Westbourne Park, on 13 September.
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NEWS
New Times
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Elderly unable to access aged care Shannon Short IS ACCESS to aged care a right or a privilege? Unless you’ve recently had the experience of trying to get a loved one into aged care, you may be unaware of the increasing pressure on our aged care system. Ageing population statistics and independent reports all point to a looming crisis, but little action seems to be being taken. The 2006 Census showed South Australia had the greatest proportion of people aged over 65 years in the country. They made up 15.1 per cent of the state’s total population. Between 1997 and 2007, the number of South Australians aged 65 or over increased by over 31,000 people, from 209,491 to 240,722. That number continues to grow. UnitingCare SA is concerned about the major threat to the viability of aged care sector because of the inadequacy of the government’s funding model for residential care. “I’m primarily concerned that people on low incomes and in the country are having increasing difficulty accessing aged care when and where they need it,” says Rev Michaela Tiller, Executive Officer, UnitingCare SA. “This is the direct result of a lack of viability in the aged care sector. Aged care organisations are needing to charge larger accommodation bonds in low care, and are looking for savings wherever they can find them, including
considering closing smaller facilities and those in the country.” “The situation is complex but critical. The Uniting Church’s aged care providers understand that caring for the most vulnerable members of the community is part of their mission but this is becoming increasingly difficult because the cost of providing appropriate care significantly exceeds the funding provided by the Federal Government for each resident. “They simply cannot afford to cover the increasing gap between the government’s subsidies and what it costs to provide a bed, care and support to a resident.” Lack of funding also means that aged care providers are unable to invest in future facilities despite the obvious need. Uniting Church SA Moderator, Rev Rod Dyson, is so concerned about the situation that he is working with a team to prepare some resources that will help educate Uniting Church people about the growing pressure on the aged care sector. “The Uniting Church has always been concerned about the needs of the most vulnerable in our community,” says Rod. “When even one person who desperately needs care is unable to access it – that is a crisis for that person – and we should all care. “We will be calling on Uniting Church people to write to their local politicians and
support us in lobbying the government to value elderly people by providing adequate places and care for those who need it most.”
Got a story to tell?
If you (or someone in your family) has personally experienced difficulty in accessing aged care we would like to know your story. Please contact Amelia Brown on 8227 0822.
Want to get involved?
In the next few months the Uniting Church is seeking to grow support for a campaign to raise awareness about the pressure on our aged care system. If you would like to be kept informed please send an email to unitingcaresa@sa.uca. org.au.
The Uniting Church is one of the largest and longest serving providers of aged care in the State. We provide residential aged care accommodation to over 3,000 older South Australians through a range of agencies including: • Clayton Church homes • Eldercare • Helping Hand • Resthaven • UnitingCare Wesley
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Is there still a place for holy days in contemporary society? Mark Henley, Manager Advocacy and Communications, UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide SOME HOTELS in South Australia are seeking to extend their trading hours into the early mornings of Good Friday and Christmas Day. In general, the current applications are seeking to extend hotel trading, specifically for bars, from midnight on Maundy Thursday and Christmas Eve until 2am on Good Friday and Christmas Day respectively. Historically, hotels have been unable to open their bars and gaming rooms on the holy days of Good Friday and Christmas Day with some exceptions. Hotels are allowed to sell liquor for two hours before lunch on Christmas Day and there are also exemptions for dining rooms. However, some states, like Tasmania, currently permit hotels to trade every day of the year, with no exceptions. The Churches Gambling Taskforce (GTF) is responding to some hotel applications. The GTF is appointed by the heads of Christian churches with all denominations able to make nominations; Rev Graham Pitman and myself are the current Uniting Church nominees. The GTF can get ready assurances from hoteliers that gambling will not be offered at any time on either of the holy days in question, but the pressure to shop, drink and gamble on holy days in a generally secular society poses deep dilemmas for churches. Retailers, sporting codes and wagering companies are also putting increased pressure on governments to allow Good Friday trading. The National Rugby League already schedules matches for Good Friday. This year, for the first time, TAB outlets were open on Good Friday in both New South Wales and Victoria to allow for betting on the two Rugby league games that were played. Tabcorp is now encouraging racing clubs to hold race meetings on Good Fridays, having beamed two international race meetings into their agencies this year. UnitingCare Wesley has been publically clear about their thoughts on Good Friday gambling, noting in media comment earlier this year that, “sacredness is about respect for other people and recognition of sacrifice for the common good of our communities. “As well as Christmas Day which is our main family celebration, keeping two days separate from the normality of work, commerce and sport continues to have value for our community.”
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Should the Church, its agencies and the GTF lobby to keep Good Friday and Christmas day free of sport, retail, gambling and public drinking, or has the meaning of these days changed? Head to the online poll at newtimes.sa.uca.org.au to have your say, or write to the editor, GPO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001. Some comments will be published in the next edition of New Times. SEPTEMBER 2009
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NEWS
Vandalists can’t dampen church spirit Caryn Rogers PARA VISTA Uniting Church has been struck again by vandals, further to the attack published in July’s edition of New Times. Preceded by two minor break-ins, the most significant attack has been the deliberately lit fire on Pentecost morning, with about six to seven incidents following within a matter of months. “We’ve got a big vacant property out the back which makes us a target,” comments Rev Tony Goodluck, the Minister at Para Vista Uniting Church. “My guess is that someone has a gripe against authority organisations and have put us, as a church, into that category. I don’t think it’s a specific attack against us.” The congregation has been shocked by the activity but the vandalism has not dampened the small congregation’s spirit. Their concern for the community around them continues, attested to by their resilient focus on the $3 million housing project to be built in their rear allotment - the result of many years of the church’s thinking and planning. Approximately 26 years ago, the minister of Para Vista
Uniting Church, Rev David Purling, began to develop a passion to do something for this community. His successor, Rev John Watt, took that passion and formed the blueprint of an idea to utilise the surplus land behind the church. Within 12 months ten units will be built and made available for rent, specifically for people in a low-income bracket. The project will be built and managed by Portway Housing with UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide ensuring that adequate support services are made available to those who need them - if someone has a particular need, disability or requires home care, these things will be accounted for. Though losing a large portion of land, Para Vista Uniting Church has much to gain from this project, according to Tony. “We’ll get a new sealed carpark and with the new houses behind us it will lift the whole feel of the area. “We get to see the land used how we want it to be used and we’re leaving behind a longterm financial surety for future generations of Para Vista Uniting Church members.”
Para Vista Uniting Church continues to support the low-income housing project in their rear allotment, despite recent vandalism attacks. Pictured (L-R) at the ‘turning of the sod’ ceremony: Rev Tony Goodluck – Minister of Para Vista Uniting Church, Meri Warneke – Chair of Para Vista Uniting Church Council, Rev Michaela Tiller – Executive Officer UnitingCare, Jennifer Rankine – Minister for Housing et al, Peter Bicknell – Chairperson UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide “We would also expect vandalism to reduce when this project is finished. I wonder if it will be someone just like those who torched the hall and kicked doors in who could take advantage of the new housing. This is what
the housing is about, what the church is about. We want to make a positive difference and get to know the people in our community. “Chances are that our vandals have a difficult living situation. The world’s a hard
place and these people need our support and a fresh opportunity.” The project has been made possible through significant contributions by the government, Portway Housing and Wyatt Trust.
Reflections on the 12th Assembly Rev Jenny Swanbury
Alan Dutton
Sarah Agnew
INSPIRED AND challenged are my responses to my first Assembly. Firstly, the moving Opening Service and Installation of the President Rev Alistair Macrae set the Assembly with the now familiar theme ‘Living water, thirsty land’, then through the week to see the people and the work of the wider Uniting Church. I particularly appreciated conversations in between the Assembly business, meeting again with old friends and making new connections with people from throughout our vast land and overseas. It was excellent to be there to see Rev Dr Andrew Dutney become President-Elect by majority first vote. Most exciting and challenging at this 12th Assembly is the proposal for a new Preamble for our Constitution and alterations to the Constitution, both to include the reality and history of our church’s relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples. I believe this acceptance, after much debate and anguish, is a great milestone for the Church and hopefully for the nation. I had felt that I would never live to see this day. Much more can be said of my first Assembly experience but I want to share the closing words of the new Chair of Congress Rev Ken Sumner, “I believe this is a wonderful, wonderful church,” along with those of the new President of the Assembly Rev Alistair Macrae, “Let go of anxiety and fear – and splash around in living water.”
IT WAS A privilege to be a member of the 12th Assembly. I found myself on a steep learning curve as I sought to be abreast of the various issues and for the first time found myself thinking nationally, rather than from a Presbytery or Synod perspective. I was impressed by the leadership of Assembly, especially that given by the new President, Alistair Macrae. Alistair led us with poise, authority, humility and a good dose of humour. We were all enriched by the gift of prayer that he exercised on many occasions. Likewise I was impressed by the quality of our debate and discussion, and by the respectful way we listened to each other. The Assembly agreed on five Assembly key directions for this coming triennium. One of these, in consultation with other Councils of the Church, is to support and nurture a passion for evangelism, discipleship formation and leadership development with an emphasis on spiritual development and faith sharing. Here is a direction that energises me, providing some focus for my ministry and it’s focus. I returned from Assembly tired but renewed, daunted by what lies ahead but freshly energised by the Spirit. And proud that I belong to the UCA.
ON THE FIRST night, we said thank you to the outgoing President, Gregor Henderson, and installed Alastair Macrae as our new President (who joked he felt like a light bulb). The service seamlessly incorporated people from some of the main cultural groups represented in the UCA: Congress, Korean, Fijian, Indonesian, Chinese and other cultural backgrounds. Wednesday evening we heard the report of the UAICC, and I was struck again by the growing, not diminishing, divide between Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians in health, employment, housing, education. Sunday afternoon was a difficult session as we considered a proposal to amend the Preamble of our Constitution. By the end of the session, I was in tears, and my heart was heavy. We passed the proposal on Monday, and later received a blessing from Congress, which gave us an opportunity to express our joy, celebrating this step towards healing. Another sign of hope was three proposals to offer words of encouragement and solidarity to our friends in troubled lands. Our prayers were sincere, our desire to follow with actions of solidarity were a heartwarming sign of hope that we do live out our relationship with Jesus Christ.
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SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES & PRACTICE
New Times
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Resuscitating traditional disciplines Rev Tim Hein, CitySoul BACK WHEN we first planted CitySoul, our core team had some good conversations about wanting to take genuine spiritual formation seriously. Everyone was determined to create structure and processes which took us beyond the default passive ‘watch and listen’ methods. We wanted our discipleship ‘methods’ small groups, baptism classes, teaching, mentoring structure and general community connection - to be somehow better linked to each individual’s whole life, and to keep it perpetual. Our core team’s instinct dissuaded us from establishing simply what we had seen before with small groups, and led us to run what we call CPR Confession, Prayer and Reading the Bible. It doesn’t involve
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mouth to mouth resuscitation but it does breathe oxygen into our lives! Conventional small groups generally consist of around 12 people gathering to be led through a study and discussion, essentially to encourage fellowship and increase knowledge. Alternatively, CPR Groups are as small as two people and as large as five; three is ideal. They can meet anywhere. They require no preparation by a leader, or purchase of external teaching material. They can be done around a meal, over a coffee, in a lunch break – wherever, whenever. Essentially the gathering is a shared conversation, which involves confession, prayer and discussion about what each person has meaningfully read from the Bible that week.
Why start with confession? It bypasses the temptation to simply and politely say everything’s fine and ok. It’s fascinating to see how much confession is encouraged in the New Testament. Even the power of using this word makes the group more authentic, and as weeks go by people find themselves wanting more and more to confess their sin and failings, building a great deal of trust. It’s the resurrection of a wonderful, traditional discipline. Central to CPR’s success has been the increased reading of the Gospels. Occasionally a group will read other books together, but never in the place of some kind of sharing on how the Gospels have informed us that week. Quite simply, we go around the group and everyone mentions something they have read that week which stood out or spoke to them. It assumes
that reading the Bible is an organic aspect of life. Prayer is a key aspect and very natural, considering the confession. Praying beyond the group is also important, affirming that evangelism should be a natural part of life too. Each CPR group has a mission project they are working on together, and often CPR occurs either directly before or after the group has served together missionally. This ties together mission and discipleship, ensuring CPR is formation that happens ‘along the way’. CPR has become our mentoring and new Christian method. All those mentoring younger leaders begin each one on one meeting doing CPR together. Often the mentor will suggest which portion of Scripture should be read
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before next time. We train for baptism and ongoing new Christian discipleship through CPR groups also. Our experience has been that authentic conversation on what Jesus teaches, combined with genuine confession around the hard and real matters of life, actually models interdependence in discipleship, not passive learning. This model works for people at every level of maturity. In a normal small group everyone has to generally be at the same knowledge level to get something out of what is discussed, and the pressure is on for the leader to pitch the study to the right level. In CPR, both mature and new Christians, biblically literate alongside new believers, can engage with each other as sojourners following Jesus.
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SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES & PRACTICE
Pray, pray and pray again Lynne Aird, Deputy Property Manager Uniting Church SA
Lynne Aird is keenly involved in prayer groups.
SOMEHOW OR another I’ve always been involved in prayer meetings or prayer groups in a variety of places, with a variety of people, praying in a variety of ways! Loud or still, long or short, many people or few, in my local church, at high school and university as a student, at events (like KCO, Presbytery and Synod meetings, Assembly) and also in the work place– all have enriched my Christian journey.
My family often jokes that the first thing I’ll do when I move to a nursing home is to set up a prayer group (what an excellent idea!). Every Friday morning a number of us gather to pray at the Uniting Church SA office. Open to all staff and volunteers, we pray for issues, committees and meetings in the life of our church as well as people we know, fellow staff, events, partner churches overseas and personal issues. It is an open time of prayer with no obligation to pray
aloud. People are welcome to come and go as they need. General prayer points are also on the office intranet so we can all participate in prayer together in some way. But why do we pray together? For so many reasons - we pray to give thanks to God and to care for each other through prayer. Jesus modelled prayer, the Bible encourages us to pray and, importantly, because God hears and answers prayer – in private and in communal settings. It also helps us to connect
our work life here to God’s greater purpose, to remember that our work is not about our agenda but about God’s agenda. What a privilege it is to connect to an amazing God! The Friday morning prayer group meets from 8.55-9.15am every Friday. Lynne and her husband, Craig, attend Aberfoyle Uniting Church.
Knowledge and knowing Ray Creevy THE PAYNEHAM Road Uniting Church Reading Group was established about three years ago by members of our congregation who wanted to come to terms with contemporary theology.
Ray Creevy enjoys a good theological discussion.
While members of the group don’t always see eye to eye over every issue raised it is interesting to note that there
is a level of humour during discussions. To date, no one has been outcast as a heretic or dragged off to be burned at the stake. Because of the serious nature of the works we study, and the openness of our discussions, we have come to know each other in greater depths than most church groups allow for.
We’ve also gained a better understanding of sermons underpinned by contemporary theology. Our group meets twice a month and since we began meeting we have studied and discussed a wide range of theology, including such works as: Playing God by Andrew Dutney; The Trivialization of
God by Donald McCullough; Like Catching Water in a Net by Val Webb; The Reason for God by Timothy Keller; and currently, Hope, Challenging the Culture of Despair, a symposium edited by Christiaan Mostert. The group has helped us to realise that we have some very able and dynamic theologians in Australia.
Pilgrimage to celebrate history MORE THAN 50 people gathered at Port Neill Uniting Church for a short service on Sunday 26 July 2009. While not unusual for churches to meet together and celebrate their faith on a Sunday, on this day the congregation gathering was far broader than the usual Port Neill crowd. This group of 50 people were gathered to undertake a pilgrimage celebrating 100 years of Christian community in Dixson and Butler, before setting out to visit other sites of historical note, including Methodist, Churches of Christ, Anglican and Lutheran churches.
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A number of these churches had opened in the early 1900s; many linked to these communities were keen to gather and celebrate a centenary of Christian worship in the area. “As we gathered information and read recorded history it became apparent that there has always been a spirit of cooperation between the various denominations in sharing worship centres,” noted Geoff Prime, whose grandfather, Mr WJM Cowley, gave the land for the Dixson Church, opened on 25 July 1909 ‘in vast mallee scrub’. “The church buildings also became schools and community
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meeting places for social functions in the early years of settlement.” Joining together for this occasion, the group gave thanks for the foundations of faith woven into the fabric of their society as they shared site histories, Bible readings, prayer and hymn-singing. While enjoying the history of the occasion, the event was undergirded by a desire to preserve and prosper the Christian heritage of the region’s church planters, ministers and families.
Former students of Dixson School, pictured L-R: Geoff Prime, Lester Pastor Graham Ingram of Port Prime, Reg Charlton, Jim Cox, Vera Fauser and Merv Tilly.
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SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES & PRACTICE
New Times
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Making a point of stillness STILLPOINT IS a house of prayer, a resourcing unit and Faith Community. Helping people tune out of their busyness and into a greater receptiveness of God through prayer and quietness, it’s a place where people have permission to slow down. “I think it’s clear that Jesus had a rhythm of prayer and action, and helped others to do the same,” says Ann Siddall, Director of Stillpoint Centre. “This happens when we’re open to Christ in our being, not just in our doing. “When we’re busy we try to run our own church and we tune out of the awareness that it’s Christ’s church.” “Very quickly when people arrive they enter into the whole environment here,” notes Gary Stuckey, Minister of Stillpoint’s Faith Community. “They’re helped through meditation and spiritual practices but the environment itself is very beneficial here.” The Stillpoint Centre is set in the picturesque Nunyara Conference Centre in Belair. It has a spectacular view of the city on a clear day and, particularly when hushed by fog, lends a wonderful sense of quietness and distance from distractions.
Stillpoint isn’t just for people involved in a church – it’s for everyone, and is being accessed by people right across the board who are looking for an opportunity to take a few deep breaths and put their life into a calm order. “Sometimes we (Stillpoint) get stuck in a box, where people just see us as for ‘contemplatives’ – but we cater for people right across the board. We’re here for whoever wants to take time out, pray and deepen their spiritual journey.” There are generally three types of people involved in the Faith Community. There are people that make this their primary community, those that come when they feel the need and others that are strongly attached to Stillpoint while remaining involved in their congregations. “Most people find if they take time out to reflect on life and listen to God, they find wisdom and a sense of renewal, when they risk not doing something and not being busy. Many leaders across all denominations are giving themselves space to think and process here.” Stillpoint is a voice warning of over-valuing fast-paced schedules, playing a somewhat prophetic role in a church culture and wider society that is over-busy and so over being busy. They are setup to deliberately facilitate the process of slowing down, repositioning priorities and reordering schedules. Gary and Ann, of course, struggle with busyness themselves. They too are trying to balance their schedule to do all that such a job requires of them, constantly reminded that there is an authenticity in this struggle for balance – they understand what it’s like to be weighed for time and have to choose between competing ‘important’ priorities. In this struggle they find a constant call to try and live with a deeper awareness of God, taking deliberate time out to relax and meditate. “Once people tell their story, they realise that they are experiencing God in their everyday life,” says Ann. “Meditation is not just for mystics, it helps us to see God more clearly in our daily lives through making space to do so.”
Time to retreat? Stillpoint is a place set aside for groups and individuals to take retreat days or quiet space as well as a community of faith. The staff also run retreats off-site and resource churches to run their own. To find out more information contact Stillpoint on 8718 0048 or stillpoint@internode.on.net or visit Stillpoint on the MRN site http://mrn.sa.uca.org.au/
A woman from the Smoky Bay retreat reflects as she walks the labyrinth. The retreat gathered women from churches hundreds of kilometres apart.
Stillpoint in action Rev Sybil Peacock, Ceduna Districts Congregation WHEN RETREAT leader, Lynona Hawkins from Stillpoint, said she wanted to draw a labyrinth on the sand and could I find out about tide times, I knew our annual women’s retreat at Smoky Bay was going to be different. Those attending the retreat in May were women from various churches in and around Ceduna, some even coming from Streaky Bay for the event. The theme was ‘Stepping Stones’ and we were given activities throughout the weekend on the theme. As we gathered together on Friday night, Lynona asked each of us to find a stone that spoke to us, “to be our friend for the weekend.” I chose a very solid stone because it reminded me that Jesus is the Rock. Our final worship time began with an opportunity to share something special from the weekend. For a couple of the women, there had been life-changing moments. We shared communion together which is always an experience to remember, but especially so with women gathering from churches
Meditation Some commonly used forms: Contemplation: coming to an inner stillness not dependent on words and images; perhaps sitting with God in deep stillness, resting in God’s unconditional love. Repeated prayers: the breath prayer, the Jesus prayer, Lectio Divina - ‘bathing’ in a scripture passage. Scripture visualisation: for example, as Jesus calms the external storm in Luke 8.2225, one may visualise how he calms our internal anxieties. Visualisation is particularly helpful for those keen to use their senses and imaginations to experience God’s presence.
hundreds of miles apart. Finally, we walked to the beach to throw into the ocean another stone to remind us of something we wanted to leave behind. And the labyrinth on the sand? The tides had been really low all weekend until our final beach gathering. As we threw away the stone identifying the ‘rubbish’ in our lives, we all watched our labyrinth wash away as the tide grew higher and higher. I would encourage you to experience a retreat if you have not done so before. Taking some time out to listen to the Holy Spirit, be with friends, and have a retreat leader to provide space and opportunity for listening creates a very special time. We already have our next retreat planned, a whole day women’s retreat at the nearby Denial Bay Lutheran Church on Saturday 20 February next year. Want to come? You will love it! We’d love to have you join us; please contact me for further details, Sybil Peacock (08) 8625 3505.
Relax & Rejuvenate at Adare When did you last enjoy a relaxed, uninterrupted time, reading your bible, praying and meditating? Jesus took time out when He withdrew into the wilderness. If Jesus needed time alone with His father, how much more do we need to? Adare is perfect for repose. We offer private cabins, the Peter Wood Lodges (self contained units), powered sites for tents or caravans, single rooms, Hindmarsh Cottage, or group accommodation in Adare House. All are situated in idyllic surroundings. The gardens are peaceful, filled with nature and bird life; the beach is 500 metres away; the town is a 1.2kms stroll; the Hindmarsh River walkways are adjacent. Ideal! Make your booking with Hilary or Thelma on 8551 1657
www.adarecentre.com.au
SEPTEMBER 2009
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SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES & PRACTICE
New Times
Natural bush landscapes are amongst Rev Dr Robin Pryor’s favourite places to lead retreats and pilgrimages. Robin is pictured here in the McDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs. Robin and his wife Bronwyn are co-leaders of Dadirri, a ministry of prayer, wilderness retreats and labyrinth meditation. “Retreats and pilgrimages offer people the opportunity to ‘get off the treadmill’, to attend in peace and quiet. It’s the time where the still small voice gets a hearing. “Through these times of refreshment we are better able to focus on what is hope-giving and life-affirming – a direct contrast to the soul-destroying busyness that we often let dictate our spiritual expression.
Retreating to advance WHEN BUSYNESS is a staple of our cultural diet it can become increasingly difficult to find clarity in our own faith. Rev Dr Robin Pryor is well aware of the need to ‘let the dust settle’ in our lives, having studied the need for ‘retreat’ in great detail. It all started for the Melbourne-based Minister in the mid to late eighties when the Victorian/ Tasmanian Synod asked him to conduct research about stress in ministry. The study included focus groups and a questionnaire to 350 Uniting Church Ministers. “I had a lot of colleagues working in very stressful places; through the research and writing process I began to recognise the signs of vulnerability and stress in myself, even workaholism,” reflects Robin.
“There was an easy pattern to recognise from the results of the survey - the Ministers’ going well were those who attended to matters of lifebalance, support mechanisms in their ministry, and their own spiritual development (including prayer and retreats) and these practices helped them function effectively.” Prior to Robin’s study there had been nothing written in or for the Australian context and as Australian church culture continued to diversify from its predominantly British and American roots, the new research was most certainly needed. After the study was finished, Robin began to run retreats, pilgrimages and workshops. “It wasn’t out of desperation for myself nor out of a sense of tradition. I saw the richness of these practices and learned the
value of periodically stepping back from the day to day busyness, to better attend to God.” Ironically, notes Robin, the aim of a retreat is not to retreat. “It should be called an advance, not a retreat. A retreat is not about avoiding or running away – it’s about attending more deeply and listening with the ear of the heart.” Robin is firm on the need for a balance in our frenetic lives with time for reflection; balancing our doing with being, our activism with stillness, our talking with deep listening.
“Jesus modelled it, going aside by himself and asking his disciples to do so (Mark 6.30). It is keenly demonstrated in the personhood of Jesus that we are more than the sum total of
Are you interested in serving as a Board member? Volunteer your time, support your local Uniting Church agency or school and enrich your life through serving as a Board member. To register, visit http://unitingdirector.sa.uca.org.au Uniting Director links people wishing to serve as a Board member with Uniting Church agencies and schools seeking to fill Board vacancies. Register yourself: tell your colleagues, friends and social networks and help spread the word.
SEPTEMBER 2009
what we do. We need prayer and meditation as part of a balance; we need both activism and being.” While some may be concerned that ‘being’ or meditation stems more from a mystical background than a Christian tradition Robin notes that the Christian tradition, though Eastern in origin, differs significantly from other Eastern traditions of meditation. “In other Eastern traditions the focus is on emptying oneself, in Christianity it’s about centring and prayer attending to and focussing on the presence of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.” Meditation has a both a solid foundation and a long history –back to the third and fourth centuries with the early Desert Fathers and Mothers and, even further, to the Psalmist imploring people to
‘be still and know’. “The importance is clearly laid out in Scripture; the need to serve and listen to God, the need for community and solitude. Just start by taking time out. Get your mind’s busyness out of the way, and be.”
Retreat Just start by taking some time out in a particular place and be still. It can be 20 minutes in a quiet room or garden space, or five days in the desert. Plan time out and rid yourself of distraction.
Pilgrimage Pilgrimage is people sharing a journey. It has a destination but the journey is just as important. The external journey enriches the metaphor of the (spiritual) journey within. Many set off towards places of great Christian historical significance, but the places, people and the beauty of God’s creation are very much part of the experience.
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES & PRACTICE
New Times
9
Learning Australianisms
One of Payneham Road Uniting Church’s families: Dad (Roger), Son (Ker) and Mum (Glynda); born (respectively) London, Alwiel in Sudan and South Australia of Welsh parents.
Rev Jill Lienert, Payneham Road Uniting Church THREE YEARS AGO, ‘twas two weeks before Christmas and four brave Chinese men arrived at Payneham Road Uniting Church declaring that they were there because ‘they had heard that Christmas had something to do with church’. The response of the congregation was their response to all people; one of welcome and inclusion. Members of the congregation shared the meaning of Christmas and what it means for their family; the men were also invited to a family Christmas lunch. Over the next few months two of the men became ‘regulars’ at church and a family each from Sudan and South Korea had joined in also. Members of the congregation asked: ‘How can we help you?’ The response? ‘We need to know Australian’.
Our congregation continues to reach out to international students and their families, helping them settle into Adelaide and understand local systems, processes and Australianisms – hence why we started our program: Aussie English.
Over Sunday lunch, Aussie English addresses all sorts of topics and questions: Where does the free bus stop? What does it mean when people say ‘don’t throw the baby out with the bath water’? I have a problem with my landlord, can I get help from somewhere? If a
Top: Thursday morning Group; Vincent (South Korean), Ian (Korean), Lois (Australian) and Yoon (South Korean). Above: Green Tea anyone? Rakchha and Arjun (both from Nepal) share in morning tea. Arjun was recently baptised and confirmed.
‘BYO plate’ means bring some food, what does it mean when someone says ‘you have enough on your plate’? I went to a restaurant and didn’t know what cutlery to use. Why do we have bread and wine in church? Is custard anything like custody? On Thursdays a smaller group, not studying at TAFE or University, get together with a few friends from church and practice their reading and English skills, sometimes playing scrabble or other word games. Church families have also opened
their homes and hearts to our international friends making cherished memories, larger families and extra special events. One person has said of the program, “I miss my family (in China) very much, but not so much because I have a family here.” The program is not at all one sided – the mutual learning about one another’s countries and cultures is phenomenal. The congregation have learned about life in other countries as well as other religions as some of our regular attendees are Buddhist and Hindu. The congregation does not view the international students as ‘mobile’ or ‘other’ but very much a part of the family of Christ in this place; students feel comfortable to ask questions about the church and about faith, encouraging and challenging us to do the same.
Education with Uniting Church Schools
89 Greenhill Road Wayville South Australia 5034 P: 8422 2288 F: 8272 0142 www.annesley.sa.edu.au
Campus Drive, Aberfoyle Park South Australia 5159 P: 8270 3033 F: 8370 7734 www.pilgrim.sa.edu.au
PO Box 571 Kent Town South Australia P: 83341200 F: 83630702 www.pac.edu.au
Carruth Road Torrens Park South Australia 5062 P: 8274 4333 F: 8274 4247 www.scotch.sa.edu.au
546 Portrush Road Glen Osmond 5064 Telephone: 8303 9000 Facsimile: 8303 9010 www.seymour.sa.edu.au
Alison Ave, Marion South Australia 5043 P: 8 8276 0276 F: 8 8276 0277 www.westminster.sa.edu.au
Our independent schools provide education for around 6,000 students in South Australia from Early Learning to Year 12. They offer a variety of learning environments, and a world-class standard of excellence in facilities and academic standards. While these schools respect the faith diversity of all students, the story, values and practices of the Christian faith are expressed with integrity in order to nurture young lives for sound learning, faith, compassion and responsible service.
SEPTEMBER 2009
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SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES & PRACTICE
New Times
Walking with God Caryn Rogers
“For me, faith is not just believing about something; it’s walking with God and God walking with you,” reflects Rev Matthew Curnow, Rural Mission Planner for Uniting Church SA. It’s not just studying the Bible to see how we should be living, but listening to hear what God is saying through those stories.” “Over the years that I’ve been in ministry I’ve sensed that we’ve lost a lot of the discipline of walking with God. We serve and reach out in compassionate ways but have lost the idea of the presence of God and him walking with us in Scripture.” Matt started his ministry at 18 year of age. As a lay preacher he spent his formative years in Streaky Bay, followed by Wudinna, before going onto college at the Bible Institute at Victor Harbor and three years at Parkin Wesley College. After stints as a parish minister in Lameroo and Kangaroo Island respectively, Matt went on to serve as an army chaplain for 20 years. “The years of chaplaincy played a considerable role in making me think more thoroughly about spiritual direction. We were often working in isolated areas with a lot of people to try to support. Instead of being part of a warm supportive community you’re left to rely on your own resources, to discover your own survival techniques that are there while helping others to focus on their techniques.” One spiritual discipline the army chaplains followed was to take a week’s retreat altogether - Anglican, Protestant, Uniting and Catholic chaplains. It gave
an opportunity to explore avenues of spirituality through understanding different traditions, as well as drawing from one other’s backgrounds and stories. A decade out from his planned retirement at 65, the spiritual director in-training has deliberately transitioned from a lifestyle of constant busyness with perfunctory Bible study and prayer to a stage where he follows a new program of ‘three-step’ reflection.
Setting aside half an hour each day to reflect and listen to God, Matt takes a further two to three hours out each month and then every three to four months sets aside the best part of a day and heads to Stillpoint Spirituality Centre. “It’s an opportunity to go and reflect with someone about your spiritual life as well as take time out. I think of a spiritual director to be like standing before a mirror - they reflect back to you something of yourself that you might not be aware. They hear and see God in their own ways, often different to you. “Engaging in that sort of activity means you get a bit of a challenge at times; it also often means a new perspective, a new line of pursuing.” “Faith requires discipline. Only as you invest in it will you get results out of it. We don’t just get a dose of Sunday school that can sustain us for life.”
Companions in Christ Caryn Rogers
are formed day by day as we journey into deeper relationship IT’S NOT often that a with God and each other.” congregation gets so excited Companions in Christ is about a resource that they stick a small group resource for with it for almost five years spiritual formation which - that is how long Brighton invites participants into an Uniting Church has been ever deepening relationship committed to, and benefitting with God through the ancient from, Companions in Christ. And spiritual practices of prayer, they have no intention of letting journalling, scripture, ministry, up. worship, study and Christian “The decision to introduce conversion. the Companions material was “The material introduces foundational to the growth of spiritual disciplines that many the Brighton congregation,” have never been exposed to notes Rev Beth Seaman, Pastoral before. My group is currently Care Officer for Uniting Church working through the teaching SA and Brighton’s former on discernment. It’s been a minister. “The members of each very growing time, personally group grew personally in their and as a community, grappling relationship with God; they together with what discernment also grew in their relationships means and how we do it.” with others which were formed Since the church began as intentional Christian working through Companions relationships. mentoring has increased, people “Spiritually we’re formed have come to faith or returned in community. The Christian to church, baptised their journey is not an individualistic children, started theological one.” study and begun to identify and Margaret Cross has been exercise their spiritual gifts. leading her Companions group “It’s allowed people to release every Monday night for over their ‘traditional’ roles in the three years. Both her and her church, some who’d been in group seem a little surprised them for decades,” Margaret at how long they’ve been continues. together, given that none of them have been this committed to any program in the church previously. “It’s not a program that you just do for six weeks, it’s not, ‘now I’m spiritually formed, let’s do something else’,” says Margaret. “It’s a real understanding that you
Geoff Bullock
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Schoolies Week
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For information and/or bookings Phone 8552 1657
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SEPTEMBER 2009
“All of a sudden some took up different, ‘edgy’ leadership. There is a palpable sense of energy as people rise up and move into new roles.” “As a minister it’s exciting to have people embrace their personal spirituality; it is really wonderful to see a congregation being released for ministry,” says Beth. “Companions develops deep people, who look for the activity of God in their own lives and seek to share more compassionately with the world around them. It enabled Brighton to move from a maintenance ministry to a conversion one.” The intentional groups have helped members engage with the teaching and hearing of the Holy Spirit. Drawing from ancient traditions, Companions has helped members at Brighton Uniting Church to engage their faith within the context of a changing and postmodern world in an authentic and Biblical way. To discover more about the Companions in Christ resource, contact Beth Seaman on (08) 8236 4284.
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NEWS FROM THE 12TH ASSEMBLY
New Times
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The 12th Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia, held in Sydney in July, was filled with tears; tears of sorrow, joy, regret, appreciation, grief, and sometimes frustration. Despite all the emotions flowing through the Assembly meeting much was accomplished by the triennial peak decisionmaking meeting, including several far-reaching reforms. New relationships were forged and old relationships strengthened across the divides of gender, race, geography and belief.
Profound spirit of reconciliation
Coming and going
A ROUSING CHORUS sang as Rev Alistair Macrae knelt with closed eyes while retiring President Rev Gregor Henderson prayed for him. In an emotional moment Gregor passed his stole and cross, along with the pride and honour of beginning the role, to the new Assembly President. In his sermon on the Assembly theme Living Water Thirsty Land Mr Macrae called the church to leave behind the ‘demonic preoccupation with survival’ and risk everything to share the sacred water of Jesus. Tears of appreciation were shed during the farewell to the outgoing President. Gregor shared his pride at having led the church through a period of renewal and growth. “Wherever I travelled, there have been church members with hospitality and receptivity to what I have to share, with shared faith and love,” he said. He honoured those with whom he had served over the past three years and choked back tears as he thanked those who had supported him through the illness of his wife Alison, who died in 2007. Principal of the Uniting College for Leadership & Theology in Adelaide Rev Dr Andrew Dutney was chosen as President-elect. Rev Terence Corkin was reappointed as General Secretary. The Assembly noted with sadness the recent closing of Coolamon College, the national training body for lay education in Adelaide and recorded appreciation for Dr Lee Levett-Olson and Dr Marelle Harisun for their service through the College.
The Church in the world Church life UNITING CHURCH members, councils and agencies will be asked to commit themselves to living at peace with each other and the planet, following the Assembly’s adoption of a visionary statement. The document, An Economy of Life: Re-Imagining Human Progress for a Flourishing World, was prepared by UnitingJustice to addresses the current crises. It imagines a different story for God’s creation, an “economy of life”, marked by regard for the common good, where all people have access to what is necessary for their flourishing and where people contribute to the continued flourishing of the planet. Professor John Langmore, from the UnitingJustice reference committee, said the paper was about paradigms, not action. It was not prescriptive about tactics, he said, but it spelled out important church responsibilities. The Intervention, announced by the Howard Government in the lead-up to the 2007 election, has entailed significant loss of Indigenous human rights. Congress administrator Rev Shayne Blackman called on the churches to be a platform for engagement between Indigenous people and governments. The Assembly overwhelmingly supported the proposal. UnitingWorld’s paper Trade Justice – A Uniting Church View was adopted. It provides a theological basis for the Church’s education, representation, advocacy and action - challenging free trade, neo-liberalism and market fundamentalism. The paper said the benefits and burdens of increased economic interdependence have not been equally shared. “Globalisation has had uneven effects: while some have enjoyed increased prosperity, the poorest are often left behind.”
Congress matters Participation with
Holy ground
Starting afresh
MANY ITEMS of Assembly business related to the relationships between Congress and other branches of the church. First business day began celebrating the Covenant established at the 1994 Assembly between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Uniting Church members. The most dramatic moments at Assembly were experienced in deciding the new preamble to the Church’s Constitution, discussed in New Times - August.
THE ASSEMBLY has created a new class of church property called ‘available for alternative missional use’. This follows calls from several synods and presbyteries wanting disused or underutilised buildings to be available for other than traditional congregational purposes including: new congregations, faith communities or worship gatherings, growing or migrant congregations with inadequate property resources and approved strategic mission initiatives.
AT THE END of Monday Aboriginal Elder, Bapa Ken, presented the President and General Secretary with branches of gum leaves. Congress Chair, Ken Sumner, asked everyone to kneel in prayer. “We get on our knees, we put our faith and trust in our Lord, because this is a new journey for us,” he said. “We don’t know what is before us, but it’s wonderful to start afresh.”
partners
“WE ARE deeply connected with many churches,” Alistair said, welcoming the 45 guests from Uniting Church overseas partner churches. “It’s part of our DNA.” Assembly resolved to urge the Australian Government to continue encouraging the Indonesian Government to more thoroughly and respectfully implement the Special Autonomy status of West Papua and uphold the human rights of West Papua citizens.
MANY CHANGES were approved to the church’s internal structures and operations. The Assembly unanimously agreed to continue its effective working relationship with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. It also unanimously affirmed continuing to engage in Jesus’ ministry of peacemaking within the church and the world by developing resources to strengthen skills and strategies for living together, promoting human rights and fostering respect for God’s creation. Decisions in the three other areas proposed - evangelism, Christian education within the church and loosening restrictions on local councils and congregations - were deferred pending further discussion to clarify the wording of the proposals. The number of Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress representatives at future Assembly meetings will increase from six to 16. As the Uniting Church’s current Constitution and Regulations reflect the Australian context of the 1970s the Assembly agreed to spend the next three years in conversation about what kind of church we need to be in the post-modern Australian context. The Assembly also passed a proposal to allow the Assembly Standing Committee to review the regulations to simplify the language and remove parts that are overly prescriptive. SEPTEMBER 2009
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MAGAZINE
New Times
Choose future over politics Penny Monger THE UNITING CHURCH in Australia has expressed its bitter disappointment over Parliament’s failure to pass legislation supporting the prompt introduction of a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. The National Director of UnitingJustice Australia, Rev Elenie Poulos, questioned the commitment of the Opposition to seriously reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.
“The Opposition appears determined not to listen to the will of the Australian electorate no matter how many concessions it wins,” said Elenie. “The Federal Government has failed to deliver on the promises it made when elected in 2007. “It bowed to the pressure of an industry lobby hell-bent on maintaining its polluting ways, yet it still failed to gain the support of the Opposition: an Opposition which itself seems unable to come to terms with
what is happening with the planet. “It is time for the Government to listen to the people and deliver a scheme that will dramatically reduce our emissions and set us on a course to be a world leader in the lowcarbon economy. “It is time for the Opposition to leave the sceptics behind and come on board. “And it is time for both sides of politics to put political pointscoring aside in the interests of the future of our planet.
Covered in love
Helen Baker, Greenacres Uniting Church
The annual Leadership for Life retreat for young adults from the Uniting Church continues to be a time of reflection, worship and encouragement for action.
Leading new living Caryn Rogers REV SIMON MOYLE (Urban Seed, Melbourne) challenged and encouraged young adults with what it means to really follow Jesus at the Leadership for Life weekend, mid-August this year. The Gospel was brought to life with Simon highlighting its implications for the attendees both personally, and as a whole society - particularly in the areas of social hierarchy, economics, and militarism. Young adults came from over 14 Uniting Churches across the state. The 40 attendees connected throughout the weekend in teaching sessions, small group time, worship, and sharing over meals. A particular highlight was Saturday night’s ‘Mission Immersions’ with participants focussing on various needs across the city of Adelaide. These included serving food, understanding problem gambling, ecological awareness and peaceful protesting against weapon design and production. Leadership for Life is an initiative of Earth, the young adult mission resourcing network of Uniting Church SA. Head online to rosefield.org.au/earth to discover more of what Earth is about as well as upcoming events.
WHEN WE began to use our new Together in Song hymnbooks, we were concerned about preserving the covers. We sought plastic see-through covers, but they proved unavailable. The sewing group, who meet at the church, were invited to consider making covers in cotton fabric - the group agreed.
Imagine our delight when the covers arrived and we unpacked them. Not plain blue, or grey, or navy. No! There were daisies, roses, teddy bears and other small patterns in a kaleidoscope of colours. The books look alive and happy on the shelves, inviting an instant smile and ‘feel-good’ feeling; a good preparation for worship.
We are so grateful to the sewing group who graciously accepted our challenge and gave such an imaginative response. Thank you, one and all. There is a happy post-script too. The lady who hands out the books tries to match the covers to the clothes of the recipient. What began with a laugh, continues with love.
Authenticated faith in action Jo Watts, KCO and SAYCO Event Officer IN 2007 SAYCO attendees decided where their offering should go – with one portion going towards sponsoring a rickshaw (human-powered two wheeled cart) in India. Through ‘Rickshaws for India’ a rickshaw has been purchased and given to a family. As you can see in the photo, the rickshaw has written on it ‘With blessings from SAYCO, Adelaide, Australia’.
Each year since, the allocation of the offering is decided upon by youth attending SAYCO. So far we have sponsored a child through Compassion, made a donation to Samaritan’s Purse, supported the Ngarrindjeri children of the Kalparrin UAICC community and made a donation to UnitingCare Wesley Bowden’s Christmas Appeal. This year we look forward to the things we can support as we make our response to God for His love
and generosity to, and with, all of us. SAYCO’s theme this year is ‘Chosen Generation’ and will be held on the October long weekend at Cornerstone College, Mt Barker. There are still spots available, so if you’re interested in coming, log on to www.sa.uca.org.au/goto/sayco and complete the registration form. For more information email sayco@sa.uca.org.au, phone 8236 4246 or find us on Facebook.
Where’s Nick? ARCHBISHOP PHILIP WILSON will ordain former New Times editor, Nicholas Kerr, a permanent deacon in the Roman Catholic Church this month. Nick and another candidate, Pat Edwards of Glenelg Catholic parish, will be ordained at a public Mass in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral at 11am on Saturday, September 12. Nick was Uniting Church communications officer and editor of New Times for 17 years. He resigned to prepare for the diaconate two years ago. Since then he has been executive officer of the Catholic Diocesan Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission and pastoral coordinator assisting the African Catholic Community which is based in the Adelaide Cathedral parish. Nick and Pat have been part of the Catholic Church’s ministry formation program, based at the Catholic Theological College at the Adelaide College of Divinity campus, for four years. SEPTEMBER 2009
SAYCO attendees in 2007 supported a family in India to help them buy a rickshaw. Just recently we were sent photos and an authentication certificate of the purchase – it’s a fabulous way to see our faith in action!
MAGAZINE
New Times
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Celebrating the past – and future
Change of venue: This year’s Presbytery and Synod meeting will be held at Adelaide West Uniting Church. In previous years, the October meeting has been held in Ridley Hall, Wayville Showgrounds. “We are pleased that Adelaide West has allowed us the use of the venue for the meeting and are confident that it provides for our needs,” said Rev Russell Knight Associate General Secretary, pictured here with minister of Adelaide West, Rev Ashley Davis. “The change of venue results in significantly reduced costs and reflects a value for money approach that is required in these difficult financial times.” Keep up to date online at www.presbyterysynod.sa.uca.org.au.
Sarah Urmston
Adelaide West Uniting
THE 2009 Presbytery Synod meeting in October will have a strong focus on Uniting Church SA’s Strategic Plan, which reaches its halfway mark this year. Strategic plan project manager, Rev Russell Knight, says it will be a time to reflect and celebrate the goals and achievements already reached. “We want to look back and acknowledge how far we’ve come with this plan,” says Russell. “Not only that, we want people to know how this vision affects them and to get excited about how, with their involvement, we can continue to help move the church forward in its ministry.”
Church from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 October, will showcase the plan’s six key directions of conversion growth, raising leaders, growing disciples, developing new models, expanding our profile and championing
The main display at the Presbytery Synod meeting, held at
justice. Each key direction will also have its own booth where people can find out more information about where teams are up to, how people can become a part of it as well as future plans. Members of the core teams will be on hand to share information and ideas
throughout the meeting. On Saturday afternoon each team will present a 45 minute session on their key direction. Presbytery Synod members will have the opportunity to hear sessions on the two key directions of their choice. “My hope is that people take this opportunity to connect with the strategic plan. They may already be doing something that links in with it and if that’s the case – we want to hear from them,” says Russell. “It also gives congregation members and ministers the opportunity to consider how the strategic plan can assist their church to set its own ministry goals.” You can find out more about the progress of the strategic plan in next month’s edition of New Times as we look at ‘how far have we really come?’
Be a part of it!
You don’t have to wait until the Presbytery Synod meeting next month to speak to someone about being a part of the strategic plan – you can get involved now. After all, this is the plan for Uniting Church SA – and that includes YOU. Perhaps you have a story to tell about discipleship growth, or are able to host an event for the profileraising campaign. Perhaps you know a thing or two about conversion growth or are interested in starting, supporting or being part of a fresh expression of church. If this is you – don’t hesitate – contact Russell Knight on (08) 8236 4206 to express your interest. For more information about each key direction head to the website – www.strategicplan.sa.uca.org.au.
Red Dove Cafe
THE RED DOVE Cafe is celebrating its 58th year at the Royal Adelaide Show this year. When it opened in 1951, it was known as the Home Mission Cafe and existed to provide food for those who lived on site for the duration of the show. Back in the early days, there wasn’t a lot of food options around and many of those who showed livestock or provided services to run the Show lived at the grounds for that week. The cafe offered a necessary facility, but it was also an excellent fundraising opportunity. Today, the Red Dove Cafe is still a popular venue for showgoers and amusement workers. With a volunteer staff, donated foodstuffs and money from Adult Fellowships and individuals, the cafe is a highly successful fundraising and outreach venture. Last year over $90,000 was raised to donate to various charities – a figure which translated to an enormous $44,000 after expenses were accounted for. So if you have a few hours to spare from 4-12 September, come join the Red Dove Cafe team! Afternoon shifts in particular need to be filled - contact Mrs Lesley Williams during show week on 8231 9237 or 0402 006 629. The Order of St Luke the Physician Memorial Lecture – Thursday evening 22 October, 7.30pm. Uniting Theological and Leadership College Lipsett Street, Brooklyn Park
SPEAKER: Rev Dr Gillies Ambler Minister of the Campbelltown Uniting Church He will speak from his own experiences of grief and of the spiritual journey that accompanied that time. He will reflect on the help his experience can be to others Admission is free, but there will be a love offering.
For further information contact Pastor Reg Casling on 8271 4028 or dicas59@optusnet.com.au
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REVIEWS
A world apart Book: A Year in China Author: Vincent Sacks and Jon Perrywell Recommended for: thoughtful reflection of the relevance and application of the Gospel in foreign surroundings In short: An insight into education and a foreign culture, much unlike our own. RRP: $24.95 An inspirational story of hope, A Year in China is an unpretentious and uplifting narrative comprised of factual emails from Jon Perrywell and stories by Vincent Sack detailing the life experiences of Chinese students at Shencheng Agricultural University. For one year, Perrywell, a volunteer teacher for OMF International, lived amongst and taught English to students with an overwhelming willingness to learn. Through detailing the rigid regiment of student life, Perrywell evokes strong feelings of remorse and pity as readers struggle to relate to the students experiences. Providing further complexities for consideration, Sacks and Perrywell explain of many students’ choice to attend Christian services of worship. This takes readers on an insightful journey as students strive to balance their allegiance with the Communist Party and their growing knowledge of the Christian faith and message. Perrywell should be commended for his ability to appropriate the level of seriousness accompanying these stories with the light hearted recollections he details, via email, to his friends and family at home in Britain. An inspirational tale of determined individuals striving to overcome severe cultural constraints and forge a successful life. - Linda Sutton
New Times
Theology for the uninitiated
Does God really Til death do us know us all? part
Growth or obedience?
Book: A Brief History of Theology Author: Derek Johnston Recommended for: insight into and consideration of theological perspectives In short: An academic analysis of famous religious theologians and their work. RRP: $24.95
Book: Escaping The Devil’s Bedroom Author: Dawn Herzog Jewell Recommended for: thoughtful consideration of our God and how his messages adapt to reflect all facets of contemporary society In short: An empathetic analysis of one of the darkest corners of society, the sex industry and the many people embroiled within it. RRP: $17.95
Book: The Divine Commodity: discovering a faith beyond consumer Christianity Author: Skye Jethani Recommended for: consideration of what we as individuals want and need from God In short: An insight into how the Church operates in contemporary and highly-consumer driven societies. RRP: $19.95
In A Brief History of Theology, Derek Johnston, former VicePrincipal of Midleton College in Ireland analyses the work of famous theologians including Paul, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, Karl Barth, and contemporary feminine theologian Rosemary Ruether. Johnston concedes to excluding many notable theologians and reiterates his inclusions were deemed to represent the significant climaxes in religious history. Offering a challenge to the reader, Johnston unexpectedly includes Don Cupitt amongst the theologians. Since most theologians and informed Christians view Cupitt as an atheist, Johnston justifies this inclusion through outlining how consideration of Cupitt’s work allows us to encounter challenges beyond other more orthodox theologians. Where as many theological works concern themselves with highly saturated esoteric language, Johnston’s English is articulate. He is careful to give clear definitions of the technical theological and ecclesiastical terms that he uses and avoids over glorification of his subjects, choosing rather to present both their weaknesses and strengths. Lending realism to this book, Johnston presents each of the theologians in the historical context of their time. This serves as a reminder that however eternal the Word, it must always be interpreted for the situation in which the theology is written. - Ray Creevy
Feeling a call to write ‘Escaping the Devil’s Bedroom’, Dawn Jewell offers a comprehensive insight into the world of sex trafficking and prostitution as well as how God and his teachings are relevant within this industry. It is impossible to hear of people being held in sexual slavery without pangs of anger rising to the surface. However, it is often difficult to comprehend what to do with this dissatisfaction once it is derived. Adding controversial opinions for consideration and likely arguments, Jewell suggests that the increasing sexualisation of society is making prostitution more socially acceptable. Thus, by increasing demand, Jewell believes the opportunity has been created for more women to revert to this as a means or, in other cases, being held against their will with others profiting from their enslavement. Lending significant realism to this book, Jewell is quite insightful as she jumps from eye witness accounts, to testimonies to personal thoughts. As a reader, the realisation that sex trafficking in Australia is still prominent is difficult to fathom. Whilst this book remains confusing at times, with topics flitting from one organisation to the next, the appeal of the book is in that it is confronting, well researched, informative and increases awareness on a distressing issue that society should not be tolerating. - Callum Iles
Book: Fireproof Author: Novelisation by Eric Wilson of the screenplay by Alex and Stephen Kendrick Recommended for: thoughtful reflection of unconditional love and its practices In short: A dramatic story of a broken marriage and the implementation of a 40 day ‘love dare’ as a path towards repairing a relationship. RRP: $17.95 Released as both a book and DVD movie with many associated study guides and workbooks, Fireproof has attained a wide following, winning acclaim as a best-seller on the New York Times novel list. Incorporating an obvious Christian perspective, Fireproof delves into the themes of marriage and relationships, following the hardships faced by fire-fighter Caleb Holt and his wife Catherine as they struggle to face the realisation that they have become married singles. Symbolic to the central themes of the novel, Wilson creatively uses the concept of fire as a metaphor for many different situations. Readers are rewarded for their perseverance with this, at times, complex novel, drawing inspiration from the level of integrity displayed by Caleb as he accepts the problems associated with his marriage and finds the courage to seek help from support services and those around him. In detailing his journey of self discovery, Wilson highlights the importance of marriage and how sheer determination and a willingness to change can repair a relationship which once seemed impossible. A perfect balance of action, humour and romance, Fireproof is sure to keep readers engaged until the very end. - Rodger Bassham Fireproof kindly supplied by Koorong.
Intrigued by contemporary practices which suggest many of us view God as a controllable and divine commodity, Jethani wrote The Divine Commodity as a means of self pondering the way the church operates in today’s consumer society. Jethani takes readers on a journey of enlightenment, through detailing his own personal experiences. In doing so, he introduces the notion that many churches, including his own in America, are corporations driven by marketing and worship as entertainment. Thus he attempts to convince readers to respond to the overwhelming influence of consumerism by sowing seeds of silence, prayer, love, friendship, fasting and hospitality. There is no doubt that this book is intended as a challenge. However, Jethani contributes creativity and less complex elements by incorporating art from Van Gogh to illustrate points. Despite often adopting a strongly opinionated tone, Jethani is not judgemental. Readers are encouraged to form their own opinions about what they see as challenges of the church through discussion questions at the end of each chapter. A complex yet rewarding read in which readers are challenged to imagine how having turned God into a consumable product we can now live differently, released from consumerism and captivated by Christ. - Glenys Badger
SEPTEMBER 2009
New Times
Letters to
the Editor
Jesus commanded his disciples to “preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick.” (Luke 9:2). Despite all the wonderful advances of psychiatry and the medical sciences, we still need to face the underlying spiritual issues that may cause sickness. Surely this ‘mandate’ from the Master should still challenge us to engage in this ministry? Rev A. George Hope Valley M. Burgess Clare WORKING TOWARDS A PEACEFUL FIJI MINISTRIES OF DIVINE While not contesting M. HEALING Bennett’s historical experiences, In my general experience (New Times August), the many congregations throughout the Uniting Church in Australia approach of UnitingWorld is to support the moderate approach are still engaged in a ministry similar to that outlined in James taken by the Methodist Church in Fiji. 5:13ff. In partnership we seek to Geoff Graetz brings a positive avoid criticising past mistakes word about Healing Prayer and allow for individuals in August 2009’s New Times. and churches to experience Because such a ministry is usually directed to individuals, it repentance, change and renewal. The current leadership of may not have a very high profile the Methodist Church in Fiji is in many churches. Most of our striving to find new ways of Pastors would be sensitive to living the Gospel in their culture such needs, and have members and working towards a peaceful who are able to minister in this and pluralistic Fiji. way. The record of the I am part of the Hope Valley Bainimarama Government with Healing Team (10 people) who regard to human rights, press for the past 10 years have freedom and independence of provided a monthly midthe judiciary is atrocious. week Healing Service with There is no excuse for the communion. Also we offer a arbitrary detention of Methodist prayer counselling service for Church leaders and refusing those who face deeper needs. them the right to conduct their We affirm all that is being normal church activities and done by medical science, and preach. regularly pray for all these The Methodist Church is professionals. seeking a peaceful negotiated settlement with a military government thus avoiding possible violence in the streets. They deserve our humble and prayerful support. Send your letters to: B. Mullan newtimes@sa.uca. Associate Director (Pacific) org.au or PO Box UnitingWorld STANDING FIRM I refer to the letter, ‘STAND FIRM’ by KR Moore, August 2009. Thank you Kevin for your encouragement and your courage to say what needs to be said. With men of integrity such as KR Moore, there is still real hope!
2145, Adelaide 5001. Please keep your letters short – 150 words is ideal. Longer letters may be cut or rejected. Letters are published at the discretion of the editorial team.
Children and Families worker 0.4FTE Westbourne Park Uniting Church * to give oversight and leadership * to grow children in their faith in Jesus Christ * to help families find their place in the church community * To network in the wider community Contact Rev Judi Hartwig on 8271 7066 Applications close 22/9/09
notebook THE CORNER UNITING CHURCH presents “The Season of Creation” art exhibition from 5 – 28 Sept. Official opening Friday 4 Sept at 7.30pm. Open thereafter Saturday - Sundays 1 pm 3pm, Tuesdays - Fridays 10am - 3pm. NORTHERN FLEURIEU REGIONAL CELEBRATION. Wed 16 Sept at Marion Uniting Church. 9.30am start. Speakers: Jan and Jeff Hudson about HIV/AIDS ministry in Chaing Mai. Theme: Care that really counts. Enquiries: Eileen Tonkin, 8381 3161. STILLPOINT QUIZ NIGHT. Sat 19 Sept, 7.30pm, Adelaide West Uniting Church. Join us for a great night raising funds to support Stillpoint. Tickets $10/head, tables of 8. BYO nibbles & drinks; tea & coffee provided. Bookings and enquiries: Meredith Spangler 8178 0048, stillpoint@ internode.on.net. ‘A CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM’ with Rev Phil Hoffmann at Brougham Place Uniting Church, on Sun 20 Sept, 10am. Anyone baptised at BPUC over the years is invited. Refreshments served after service. Enquiries: Tina Bussenschutt 8267 2657, office@bpuc.org. LOCK UNITING CHURCH (formerly Methodist) celebrates 75 years of its worship centre, Sun 27 Sept. Worship service at 10 am followed by lunch and a reminiscing afternoon. Any photos for display would be appreciated. Enquiries: Malcolm or Joy Hancock, 0429 891 108, joy@eyreonline.com. UNITINGWORLD VOLUNTEERS Christine and David Schreiber speak at Scots Uniting Church on Tues 29 Sept at 10.30am, after recently
PART-TIME ASSISTANT WANTED EXPERIENCED HANDYMAN Odd jobs and gardening. “Your spare pair of hands” Phone 8346 0933 ACCOMMODATION TERTIARY STUDENTS VACANCY IMMEDIATELY AND FOR 2010 Morialta Uniting Church Student Houses – undergraduate university/TAFE students. Furnished single bedrooms, shared bathrooms, living areas. Proximity Uni-SA, Magill. Easy travel to northern campus and city for Adelaide University and Uni-SA. Mary Thornley (8332 2041. Church Office (8331 9344). Rent $290 monthly
Maughan Uniting Church “The Centre of Welcome” “The Centre of Welcome” at Maughan Uniting Church, is currently looking for a energetic and whole-hearted person to assist in our cross-cultural outreach programme which involves the welcoming and supporting of new arrivals to Adelaide. We are looking to fill a paid part time position (negotiable to .1 / .2 or .3) depending on the applicant’s availability. Current activities include a playgroup and English Conversation Class, as well as support with regards housing , and houseseeking and equipping people for work. Please contact Liellie McLaughlin (0437 704 410) or the Rev. Elizabeth Vreugdenhill at 8202 5832
returning from East Timor, UCAF’s major project for two years. Cost: $3 for lunch. Enquiries: Lesley Williams 8261 3843. THIS YEAR GATEWAY UNITING’S Adult Fellowship, (previously Women’s Fellowship), celebrates its 50th anniversary. Past members welcome on Wed 14 Oct at 2pm at Gateway. Bring memorabilia with you. To attend, contact Olga Mildren on (08) 8252 0904.
15 MAGAZINE BROUGHAM PLACE UNITING CHURCH is holding a dinner as part of our 150th celebrations on Sat 17 Oct from 6.30pm at Glenelg Function Centre. All welcome. Tickets: $40 (includes three course meal). Bookings required by 3 Oct. Enquiries: Tina Bussenschutt, p. 8267 2657, e. office@bpuc.org WANTED: working overhead projector for Hamley Bridge Uniting Church. If anyone has a projector we could buy contact Ps Grant on 8528 6036. WANTED: music copies of the cantata ‘Carol of Christmas’ by John W. Peterson. If anyone has copies to lend to Mallala Uniting Church contact Rosemary Jenkin, 8527 2424, rosejenkin@ gmail.com.
To have your upcoming event or message published here, email notebook@sa.uca.org.au with ‘Notebook’ in the subject line.
Uniting Church SA - Webmaster Position The Uniting Church SA seeks a webmaster to join its Communications and Public Relations team. The Webmaster is responsible for: • Management of the Uniting Church SA website • Providing web training and on-going technical support for Uniting Church SA staff and volunteers • Providing training and support to congregational webmasters • Supporting the broader work of the Communications Unit The successful applicant will have relevant tertiary qualifications, experience in web design, and a working knowledge of Joomla and WordPress. Graphic design skills will also be highly regarded. Sensitivity and commitment to the needs of the church and its mission will be an advantage. This is a permanent position for a minimum of three days per week. Further information and a job description are available from Shannon Short: sshort@sa.uca.org.au, 8236 4249. Applications close Monday September 21 2009.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER PASTORAL RELATIONS Uniting Church in Australia Presbytery and Synod of South Australia
EXECUTIVE OFFICER PASTORAL RELATIONS Applications are invited from enthusiastic, exceptionally gifted and highly motivated members of the Uniting Church, either ordained or laypersons, to this senior leadership position within the church. The task embraces the functions of: leading and managing all matters relating to placements, pastoral relations and complaints within the Presbytery and Synod high level leadership of PRC/Placements Team The successful applicant will have: exceptional leadership, pastoral and administrative skills that concentrate on delivering quality service provision that will energise a complex organisation the capacity to think strategically and manage multiple complex issues at the same time a passion to see the Uniting Church thrive disciplined thinking and a capacity to manage change the ability to implement policy decisions, coupled with compassion This is a challenging role for a church embracing challenging times. A full information pack and Position Description is available from Tracey Bost, Executive Assistant to the CEO/General Secretary, 8236 4232 or tbost@sa.uca.org.au. Applications close 4pm Wednesday 23 September. Please forward applications to: Rev Dr Graham Humphris, CEO/General Secretary, GPO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001 or ghumphris@sa.uca.org.au
SEPTEMBER 2009
16
WORLD
New Times
More tears for partner church in Fiji Rob Lutton, Community Relationship Manager for UnitingWorld
Rev Dr Jovilla Meo gave an emotional testimony at the 12th Assembly, speaking of the trouble in his homeland, Fiji, and the determination of the church to proceed with their normal business peacefully. Photo courtesy of Kim Cain
Ordinary Western girl in North Korea BEFORE LEAVING Australia for North Korea, Amy Goodhew, UnitingWorld’s Communications Coordinator, absorbed the distressing headlines about her destination as they were globally announced. Two American journalists sentenced to 12 years ‘hard labour’, a nuclear weapon test, short range missile test and an abandoned Armistice. Here is a little of her story. “I found myself feeling pleased and lucky to be experiencing the generosity and kindness of the North Korean people. I had worried about the food shortages in the country and had packed approximately 3000 muesli bars to sustain me - I have never been so well fed in my life. I had worried about a hostile reception after everything the people had suffered in the Korean War at the hands of Westerners but instead I found lavish praise for my skills with chopsticks, useless attempts at speaking the language and general awkwardness...” Read the rest of Amy’s story at thetransitlounge. com.au SEPTEMBER 2009
The situation in Fiji continues to be a difficult one which changes on a daily basis. Keep checking into the UnitingWorld website, unitingworld. org.au, to stay informed of these changes as they come to light and, please, continue to uphold this country and its people in your prayers.
TEARS WERE shed in Fiji and Australia after Commodore Frank Bainimarama revoked the promised permit for the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma to hold its annual choir competition to be held at a district level. The permit was the Military Government’s part of a compromise agreement where the Methodist leadership agreed to cancel their annual conference and national choir competition if the government would allow the choirs to gather on a regional basis. Shaken by this latest sudden change Methodist Deputy General Secretary Rev Tevita Banivanua was mystified by the announcement which has still not been formally conveyed to the church but was announced by Bainimarama on a radio broadcast. In Australia, members of Uniting Church Fijian congregations had committed to raise over $100,000 to take to Fiji with their choirs - many of them were already there, others had booked to travel when the announcement was made. Around 100 choir members from Australia were committed to go. The new restrictions even prevented the Methodist Church from welcoming their overseas visitors. UnitingWorld National Director Rev Dr Kerry Enright said the latest action was a deeply troubling interference in the life of the Church. “The Military Government seems determined to cripple the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma which has followed a consistent approach of seeking negotiation and conversation with the government,” Dr Enright said. “The Methodist Church has bent over backwards to meet the Government’s requirements imposed under the Public Emergency Regulations to live within what I think are unfair and unreasonable bail conditions placed on them by the courts.”
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The ex-President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev Gregor Henderson, was already in Fiji as part of a World Council of Churches delegation and was to preach at the service to install Rev Ame Tugaue as President and Rev Tuikilakila Waqairatu as General Secretary for another year. The Military Government said this also could not go ahead because of a pending court case. In a press conference at the Pacific Leaders Forum in Cairns, the Australian Prime Minister had already condemned the military treatment of Fijian Methodists. “The fact that a leader of the Methodist church can have their door banged on in the middle of the night and be taken off by the authorities, whacked into jail, then charged with some trumped up offence under the emergency regulations put out by the military Government of Fiji is profoundly disturbing,” Mr Rudd said. Dr Enright said, “We believe it is also a breach of human rights of freedom of religion and belief.” Associate Director (Pacific) Mr Bruce Mullan said that under the Special Procedures of the UN Commission on Human Rights UnitingWorld will be preparing an urgent submission from the Uniting Church in Australia to ask them to investigate what has been happening. Mr Mullan said the cancellation of the choir competition is not only a breach of human rights; it could be financially catastrophic for the Methodist Church. It is even alleged that the Commodore has asked on the radio for people not to give money to the Methodist Church. Mr Mullan said the Methodist Church has done everything in its power to avoid any possibility of public unrest in the streets. “The Fiji government needs to be much more thoughtful about the consequences of its actions and how they can provoke deep feelings of anger, powerlessness and betrayal.”