The Uniting Church in Australia Synod of South Australia
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At university in my Honours year I studied poetry which reignited my love of language and words originally sparked in high school.
In Year 12 we studied the works of Robert Frost, the American poet and his poetry has always remained with me throughout my life. There is a poem in particular that resonates with the theme of this issue of New Times: The Road Not Taken.
The Road Not Taken leaves us to contemplate and reflect on our life’s choices and the paths we have chosen, and by our very choices there is a path left not taken, as we transition to something else:
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.
This is somewhat appropriate when you read the articles in this issue, which are all about transitions.
It is also aptly described in the poem Trasna The Crossing Place, which Moderator Elect Rev Peter Morel has chosen to accompany his article as he transitions from chaplaincy into the role of Moderator of the Uniting Church in South Australia in June of this year. Similarly, Bronte Wilson speaks to his time as Moderator and the fact that we are always in transition ‘as we journey along the path God has for us. Sometimes it will be obvious, such as when there is a change of leadership, or a mission opportunity comes or goes. With changes there is always an element of risk and uncertainty.’
As you read on you will come to see the many transitions experienced by people from across the church, whether they are in leadership, congregation, answering the call, or transitioning into retirement. The ‘Trasna’ poem speaks to us of moving ahead not knowing the path, as the path will be lit for us as we embark on the journey.
Bridget Ransome Executive Officer Engagement
Transition: changing from one state, style or place to another. Life has many transitions, as has our church over the years. As paragraph three of the Basis of Union says ‘The Church is a pilgrim people, always on the way towards a promised goal: here the Church does not have a continuing city but seeks one to come.’ But we are not left there, the next sentence tells us, ‘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.’
In my own journey I have come to the realisation that God reveals, God calls, God equips and God sends. In some ways these might be called stages of transition, but it is not as distinct as that for me. I now see that as I was being sent onto one part of my journey, I was being equipped for another. Some of our transitions are abrupt, while others are prepared for over longer periods of time. Some are faced with assuredness, while others with uncertainty. Sometimes it is only after the event that we understand how God has been in the change.
By the time you read this there will be around a fortnight left in my term as Moderator and then I will become the ex-Moderator, with different responsibilities. I have been asked what it will be like moving out of the role of Moderator. Through talking with other past Moderators and learning of their experiences, I quickly understood that it is different for everyone. Circumstances are different, relationships are different, on-going roles, inside and outside the church are different.
I am extremely thankful for those who have been on this journey with me: my family, my chaplains, my support group, the General Secretaries, my personal assistant, my supervisor, health professionals, past Moderators and the many individuals who have offered wisdom, comfort, friendship, care and support as I have travelled the journey of Moderator.
We each need people around us to help us keep perspective, offer guidance, and who are gracious when we don't accept it, and to rejoice with us and cry with us. We each experience times
when we feel alone, or bear the responsibility of a particular role, and it is always good to know there are people around us, praying for us, sharing with us and blessing us, sometimes in more ways than we can imagine. I know my support people will continue to be there as I transition into the next thing God has in store for me.
As congregations, and as a church, we are always in transition as we journey along the path God has for us. Sometimes it will be obvious, such as when there is a change of leadership, or a mission opportunity comes or goes. With change there is always an element of risk and uncertainty: Are we journeying along the right road? Do we have the resources to do this new thing? Will what we are doing be appreciated? Does it honour our heritage and our vision? Or would we be better off staying as we are? Our faith and our calling keeps us going. We must be mindful of the risks and also open to opportunities to fulfil God’s mission in new ways, journeying towards the promised goal.
At the upcoming Synod meeting our church will transition into the leadership of a new Moderator, Rev Peter Morel. I pray that as we all look to exploring what it means to be seriously joyful and joyfully serious as we live in Christ, we remember the intricate connections that join us together in God and that we continue to focus on the things that bring us together, as the body of Christ.
Blessings,
Bronte Wilson Moderator
‘See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.’ (Isaiah 43:19)
It should come as no surprise that I am going through a significant transition in my life. As I do so, I am mindful of the many transitions we navigate from birth to our final breath.
I grew up in Western Australia, being born in Kalgoorlie. My primary school years were mostly in Wagin, and then high school in Albany.
One of the greatest changes/transitions in my early life was enlisting in the Australian Army as an Apprentice Musician at the age of sixteen. I was quickly informed that I was no longer a boy, but a man and that real men don’t cry! During my twelve years of army life, I was posted to Melbourne, Townsville, Perth and Canberra. During these years, I married Gill and we welcomed our first child. So many changes, so many challenges.
My decision to candidate for ordained ministry saw us move to Adelaide for six years of study. As we made this transition, Gill was seven months pregnant, and our son was just two years old. We arrived in Adelaide, with our extended families back in Western Australia, and no immediate friendships or even a place to live. Student life and the world of theological study was indeed a challenge to the certainty I had had in my ‘regimented’ army life.
I was ordained in December of 1995 and my first parish included Tumby Bay, Lipson and Port Neil. This was followed by almost nine years at Balhannah, and I have just farewelled the St Andrew’s Hospital community after fourteen and a half years as their Coordinating Chaplain.
Throughout my life, I recognise the changes/ transitions in which there have been costs and challenges, as well as joy and hope. As Rev Dr Peter Ryan would often say, ‘Every transition costs … even the good ones.’
In each transition, there is a ‘threshold moment’ where we cross over into things we may never have anticipated. Yet these moments are imbued with hope and possibility. Irish poet, philosopher, author, and priest, John O’Donoghue challenges us to ask:
At which threshold am I now standing? At this time in my life, what am I leaving? Where am I about to enter? What is preventing me from crossing my next threshold? What gift would enable me to do it? … At this threshold a great complexity of emotions comes alive: confusion, fear, excitement, sadness, hope. This is one of the reasons such vital crossings were always clothed in ritual.
I have had the ritual of ‘Cutting of Pastoral ties’ at St Andrew’s Hospital, and the next ritual will be the Installation Service on 21st June 2023 as Moderator. With these rituals, there is a ‘letting go and leaving behind’ as well as a movement into a ‘new territory.’
As I move into this new phase of ministry there are many hopes and possibilities. I am aware that our Uniting Church continues to face challenges and indeed ‘threshold moments’ where we need to make decisions about our future. In doing so, I want us to, first and foremost, embrace our challenges from the perspective of ‘living in Christ.’ From this relationship we can live out the promise of Jesus’ joy being within us (John 15:11).
As Moderator, I will challenge myself and the Church to be ‘Joyfully serious and seriously Joyful,’ as we live in Christ. May this be the joy that resists despair, and enables us to live with compassion, justice, and creativity.
Reference: John O’Donoghue, https://www.johnodonohue.com/
The Pilgrims paused on the ancient stones in the mountain gap.
Behind them stretched the roadway they had travelled, Already a far journey-was it a lifetime?
Ahead, mist hid the track.
Unspoken, the question hovered: Why go on? Is life not short enough?
Why seek to pierce its mystery?
Why venture further on strange paths, risking all? Surely that is a gamble for fools-or lovers. Why be a pilgrim still?
A voice they knew called to them, saying: Choose!
Go back if you must, you will find your way easily by yesterday’s roads, you can pitch your tents by yesterday’s fires, there may be life in the embers yet.
If that is not your deep desire, Stand still.
Lay down your load, Take your life firmly in your two hands-gently ... you are trusted with something preciousWhile you search your hearts yearnings: What am I seeking? What is my quest?
When your star rises deep within, Trust yourself to its leading. You will have light for your first steps. This is Trasna, the crossing place ... Choose!
Raphael Consendine PVBMRev Gary Stuckey is almost ready to retire – almost!
After being ordained as a Baptist Minister in 1982, and serving the Uniting Church since 1988, and as Minister of Seacliff Uniting Church since last year, Gary is finally preparing for retirement.
‘The start of the journey came at a point in my life where I was a young Christian … I was feeling a bit lost, so I decided to go to theological college to learn more about the Christian faith,’ said Gary.
‘It was actually while I was in college that there may be something more to this, this self-awareness that the gifts that I had … that maybe this was a place I was being drawn to. I was drawn to ministry in a gradual way.’
What really piqued his interest after becoming a minister was contemplative and monastic spirituality practices, which he discovered after leaving the Baptist Church during a period of growth and change for him.
This passion was particularly fostered through his service ministering at Stillpoint Faith Community from 2008 to 2016.
‘It all really started when I read a book of Richard Foster’s called Celebration of Discipline. He talks about some of the ancient spiritual practices – [it] opened up a dimension of spirituality that I wasn’t really aware existed in the Christian tradition,’ said Gary.
‘Even when I was in parish ministry or congregation ministry, this was sort of the add-on extra that I was able to offer to the local church and to the wider church.’
Some of the great memories of his time as a Minister come from his very first placement Lefevre Peninsula Parish Church (now known as Lefevre Uniting Church) and the connections with the congregation he served there.
But there were other moments too, where his own congregation really amazed him.
‘[Lefevre] was an environment that was very open, and comfortable and welcoming, and it helped me to transition from being in a Baptist Church to a Uniting Church. When I was at Colonel Light Gardens, being involved with the resettlement of a refugee family and seeing how the church responded to that … it was just brilliant.’
Gary will turn seventy, three days after he officially retires next year, and he hopes to spend his retirement further engaging with his interest in contemplative spirituality. But he does have some advice for those considering a future in ministry.
‘Being a Minister has actually provided me with some really incredible life opportunities … people can have a bit of a stereotype of a Minister, but the Uniting Church gives you a breadth to express yourself,’ he said.
‘Really get to know yourself, because it’s you that God is calling.’
Foster, Richard (1980), ‘Celebration of Discipline,’ Hodder & Stoughton Ltd, UK.Really get to know yourself, because it’s you that God is calling.
Max Kowalick wasn’t planning on becoming a Christian – let alone a Minister like his father, but after a long period of study and thought, it just clicked.
‘I was the son of a Minister, but God was never central in my adolescence. I went to the Philippines with a friend on a whim, and there was a little Catholic church in the mountains full of happy people … and when I asked why they were happy they said King Jesus,’ said Max.
‘I had never heard that expression before, so when I came back I read the Bible as if it were a worldview, like all the worldviews I had studied before, and found Christianity the most true and appealing one.’ Reflecting back on his own experiences of growing up in a religious family but not being religious himself, he has had a unique experience which makes it easier for him to connect with secular young people.
‘God was like a neighbour in the backyard who every now and then you felt the presence of but didn’t want to engage with,’ said Max.
‘We like to put a clear definition on things, but it was a slow process of reading and that slowly trickling from my head to my heart.’
Max became a Christian in 2020, and was baptised a year later at Malvern Uniting Church. He started a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology at Uniting College for Leadership and Theology; completed his Period of Discernment; and is now applying for candidacy within the Church.
That’s not to say it’s been a smooth journey however, as he struggled with secular study and isn’t naturally comfortable with spirituality. But the challenges haven’t swayed him in his pursuit of ordination within the Uniting Church.
‘I don’t have a doubt about ministry … the only thing I have doubts about is the longevity of this, and indeed many current Church institutions, and the material aspect of things and the generational shift,’ said Max.
‘The process that Uniting has for the Period of Discernment, candidacy, ordination and further study is a very good process. I want to see the Uniting Church flourish in this time and actually reach out to people who are considering it and let them know how open ordination is.’
The Murray River mouth is one of the more dramatic places in South Australia to consider transitions. Upstream floods create new channels, while drought increases pressure on fish and migratory wading birds flying in from Alaska. Those living near the river mouth and close to the Coorong know things constantly change.
Aware of constant change, the Mission and Leadership Development Board has commissioned a Missional Review of Needs and Opportunities. The review seeks to clarify missional priorities, develop creative options and to identify threats, and is being undertaken by AngelWings Ltd, a New Zealand organisation. The three researchers – Steve Taylor, Lynne Taylor and Kayli Taylor - bring different professional skills to the mix.
They also share experience having lived in Adelaide and been among the Uniting Church in South Australia between 2010 and 2015. One special family memory was watching Narrandjerri elder Uncle Tom Trevorrow dig into the sand at the Murray Mouth. The water Uncle Tom offered was fresh, not salted. It was a powerful experience of how water exists in surprising places.
Those serving in Christian ministry today face shifting pressures and new opportunities in offering Christ’s Living Waters (John 4). The global pandemic has opened new channels for connection yet generated increased pressures on local communities seeking to nurture faith and express God’s love.
By AngelWings LtdOver thirteen weeks between May and July, the review will seek to understand these needs and opportunities. There will be many different ways to engage:
Lunchtime conversations during the Synod meeting, 22nd-24th June
Listening through focus groups with Presbyteries and Synod
1:1 conversations with existing Mission Resourcing staff
Investigating new approaches to mission resourcing beyond South Australia
A Synod-wide online survey of missional needs
An online survey of how Ministers stay up-to-date in mission thinking
A snapshot of resourcing being currently promoted in local congregations.
To receive weekly updates, please connect to the online website located at: https://tinyurl.com/RM2023Updates
The researchers are thankful to those who have offered feedback and welcome further engagement.
Mark Waters, the new Director of UnitingCare, has always had a passion for social work. Growing up, his mum would take him along on her trips to the mental health service facility, aged care facility, and the alcohol drying-up centre to provide support and a listening ear for patients. It was this type of exposure, plus the influence of his Minister father, that shaped his desire to help others.
‘I was weighing up whether I go into health or go into social work,’ said Mark.
‘I think there was that sense of profound understanding of need, while also recognising the humanity of people who are disadvantaged or in trouble … and so I set my course on social work.
Mark has had a long career serving others through his work at the Hindley Street Youth Project, and later on in his life at Reconciliation SA and Palliative Care South Australia. In April, Mark was inducted as the Director of UnitingCare South Australia, and as a pastor.
UnitingCare oversees organisations with the Uniting Church brand such as Uniting Communities and Uniting SA, to ensure they are maintaining the polity and ethos of the Uniting Church.
The transition in the role has been mostly a smooth one for Mark, but what has been most striking to him is the work that is already happening between churches and UnitingCare.
‘Some parts are a natural fit – I bring connections and contacts into this role and there’s still lots of learning to do. I’ve been surprised by the level of commitment and faithful delivery from little congregations who are providing emergency relief services. The amount of food and support, linking with homeless services, the contribution is significant.’
Becoming a pastor is also an important transition for Mark, and something which has had a profound impact on him.
‘It’s quite special for me, it’s a rounding out of a number of aspects in my life. As a preacher’s kid I grew up with a sense of what the family and dad was involved in, and through his journey you get to see the backrooms of that,’ said Mark.
‘As a pastor a whole lot of my life experiences and work have been brought together into one. I made a commitment to Christianity at age fourteen, and I haven’t ever relinquished that.’
The Synod Seniors Ministry group, Uniting Church Fellowship and Mission Support (UCFAMS) is hosting the inaugural Polkinghorne Oration, in partnership with the Uniting Church Environmental Action Group and Churches Together SA.
Concordia College, Highgate will be the venue for the Oration which will take place on Thursday, 5th October 2023 at 7.00 pm. We are excited to be able to bring to Adelaide International spokesperson on Climate Change and the Pacific, Rev James Bhagwan.
Rev Bhagwan is an ordained Methodist Minister in Fiji and was appointed as General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches in 2018, whose membership includes the Uniting Church in Australia. James has spoken widely on the impact of Climate Change on the Pacific Island communities, having addressed Past-President, Dr Deidre Palmer’s Assembly President’s Conference ‘For the Whole of Creation’ in 2019 and in 2021 he addressed the United Nations Climate Change Conference on human security and Climate change. His podcasts
on this issue can be heard on ‘The Last Wave’ on the United Nations Development Program website or on Spotify.
The Polkinghorne Oration is entitled ‘Oceans of Justice and Rivers of Fairness – A Pacific Voice in the Wilderness’ and is based on Amos 5:4 in The Message Bible – ‘Do you know what I want? I want justice - oceans of it. I want fairness - rivers of it. That’s what I want. That’s all I want.’
This scripture forms the theme for the 2023 Season of Creation, which commences on 1st September 2023 and calls for churches to emphasise climate and ecological justice together, by speaking out with and for those communities most impacted by climate injustice and the loss of biodiversity.
The Uniting Church Synod of South Australia has emphasised the necessity to address climate change in many of its decisions over recent years, and our membership of the Pacific Conferences directs us to consider the impact of our living upon our brothers and sisters in the Asia-Pacific region, for whom we have a special relationship described in Paragraph 2 of the Basis of Union
James will be exploring what the Seasons of Creation theme means for the ‘Blue Pacific Continent’ as the peoples there
move towards further self-determination and face the global challenges before them, including climate change, which is drowning parts of Fiji, Tuvalu, Kiribati and the Marshall and Solomon Islands. This oration will bring a unique insight into how our churches can care for our Pacific Island brothers and sisters. South Australia hosts many people as seasonal workers from the Pacific regions and welcomed a number of migrants, whose church life is linked to the Synod of South Australia.
The Polkinghorne Oration is named for two South Australian missionaries who have used their education and ministry gifts to assist others in coping with the impact of climate on food production and the environment. Brian and Jill Polkinghorne served as Congregational church missionaries from 1970, working with the World Council of Churches in Tanzania at the YMCA Farm School, teaching basic agricultural and horticultural methodologies and then working with the Catholic Church to develop the Kilacha Agricultural Production and Training Centre.
In 1989 they returned to Tanzania, with Jill teaching and working with a street children’s centre and Brian working on an Australian government partnership project called the ‘Kwimba Reforestation Project’ that eventually planted 6.7 million trees, with a 70% establishment rate.
Brian also established a chicken farm at Kilacha, that was highly successful. The Polkinghornes have been strong advocates for the environment and were responsible for the UCFAMS ‘Lessons from COVID-19 for the Climate Emergency’ video series, which can be found at this link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=JHWqV1Pzc00)
As members of the Uniting Church Environmental Action Group, and past leaders of UCFAMS, Jill and Brian have been tireless in challenging our response to the climate emergency as members of the Uniting Church. It is most fitting that this oration be titled ‘The Polkinghorne Oration.’
Save the Date: mark your Calendars for this important event. Registration information will be available from August 2023 onwards.
References
The Last Wave, United Nations Development Program, https:// www.undp.org/pacific/catching-last-wave-rev-james-bhagwan
Living in our fast-paced world, many distractions and demands are made upon us and our attention and this can be exhausting. Many of us need space to pause and find the blessing of a quieted soul in connection with God. This is a desire that is often difficult to achieve practically. One practical aid available to us is walking a labyrinth.
At a recent Uniting College for Leadership and Theology Chapel service, a reflective Labyrinth service was held. Using a floor mat with a labyrinth design painted on it, participants practiced slowing down their minds and bodies, taking a step outside of the busy culture we live in to experience a quiet space of listening, waiting and seeking God’s wisdom.
The service was led by Rev Malcolm Rawlings, a board member of Stillpoint Spirituality Centre, (a Uniting Church group resourcing people in the Contemplative Christian Tradition as a path for deepening their union with and openness to God).
At its essence, a labyrinth is a spiral walking path. When you walk into a labyrinth, a single, clear path guides you to its centre. Unlike a maze which has numerous paths and is designed to confuse, a labyrinth helps you centre yourself and find clarity and peace.
Labyrinths have been used by many cultures and religions throughout history to bring more spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical well-being into their lives. The labyrinth is often seen as a metaphor for a spiritual life journey; many twists and turns that always lead to the centre and back out again
If you would like to book the Labyrinth ($25.00 per hire) or you would like further information about Stillpoint services and resources please visit: https://stillpointsa.org.au/
Mwandi Orphans and Vulnerable Projects Support Team are blessed to receive very generous donations towards the running of projects to improve children’s lives in Mwandi Village, Zambia.
The original vehicle in Mwandi had gone past its use-by date, and it became obvious that the existing 4WD needed to be replaced at the OVC project, as it was felt money was being wasted on continuous repairs. After much negotiation and endless prayers a new Toyota 4WD was purchased.
The vehicle was donated by the Mwandi OVC Project Support Team, Australia. So far just over $7,000 has also been raised to recover the $50,000 cost of the new vehicle.
Mwandi OVC Project has once again been the recipient of $9,235, being $2,235 for education sponsorship; $2,000 for urgent medical assistance, to be accompanied by a nurse or carer to Beit Cure Hospital for free surgery; costing for accommodation; $3,000 towards nutrition, also the vegetable garden, nursery and staff supplying fresh vegetables to the feeding project; and $2,000 to supply warm blankets for the most vulnerable.
Unity Hill, Port Lincoln Unity Op Shop has again generously donated funds to local charities and provided funds for the building of two houses in Cambodia through two local congregations who have worked in Cambodia.
The on-going success of the Unity Op Shop, staffed by a group of enthusiastic volunteers has allowed the committee to very generously donate large amounts of money to various worthy groups.
Can you help?
If so, please contact:
Mwandi OVC Project Support Team Inc.
Cheques should be made payable to:
Mwandi OVC Project Support Team Inc.
BSB: 035-067 / Account No. 21 6770
Swift Code: WPACAU25 Bank Westpac (Port Lincoln Branch).
The Ascot Community Uniting Church was formed in 1997 by the coming together of four Uniting Church congregations: Clovelly Park, Ascot Park, Plympton Park and St Stephens Edwardstown.
Many of the members of those original congregations chose to join the newly formed Ascot Community UC in Fifth Avenue, Ascot Park, however some went elsewhere, including the nearby Vermont Uniting Church on Cross Road, Plympton.
Both of these congregations have been strong but small churches over the years, each with an emphasis on community building and local outreach, especially with people from a variety of cultures. Ascot Community has hosted other congregations of various backgrounds, English speaking groups, and provided hospitality and support to new migrants and international students. Vermont has had close connections to a large Fijian congregation for many years.
During 2021, with an ageing congregation, Vermont UC decided that they could not continue in their current form. With the help of the Presbytery of Southern SA and the Uniting Church Synod of South
Australia, they incorporated the Fijian group into their existing congregation, working with them to take over responsibility for worship and spiritual oversight, Church Council, and the Vermont Church property. A ‘Transitional Service’ was held in November 2022 and the congregation became the Vermont Uniting Church Fijian Congregation. This was a time of great celebration of the work of God over many years, and the on-going hope for the continuation of God’s mission in that place.
As this transition has occurred, many of the members of the Vermont UC have chosen to move to the nearby Ascot Community UC. Here they have found
welcome and hospitality, and they have been warmly embraced into the life of their new community. On Sunday, 23rd April, 2023, twenty new members from the previous Vermont congregation were welcomed into the Ascot Community congregation.
This is a time of transition for the Ascot congregation too, as we celebrate the work of God’s Spirit in our midst and the contribution that new people bring. In the last year, our congregation has also grown through newcomers to our local area and people reconnecting with the church. We are now seeking ways to be the body of Christ in a new context, realising that this might mean letting go of old traditions and embracing new ones. We are grateful for the involvement of each of these people, and the gifts and skills they bring to enable us to consider what new opportunities God might have for us. We are excited to see where God will lead us next!
We are now seeking ways to be the body of Christ in a new context, realising that this might mean letting go of old traditions and embracing new ones.
Rev Dona Spencer recently arrived in Roma in regional Queensland to start her new chaplaincy. Frontier Services caught up with her before she left to talk about the journey ahead and asked ‘what made you decide to become a Bush Chaplain?’
‘It wasn’t one single moment. It was a series of events that led me to strongly feel that I am meant to be out there,’ said Rev Spencer.
‘I had been thinking about it, but I already had a position as Minister, and my daughter and granddaughter were also nearby. There was no reason to go. But I went out for a drive to see Roma and meet the people.
The landscape was amazing. They had arranged for us to meet a few locals, and twenty people turned up at the local pub. My husband Les and I felt so comfortable with them.
As we got in the car and we drove off, we just knew that we were meant to be there. I was just called there. I just felt it was a call. And then everything fell into place to allow us to sell up and move.’
Prior to taking on the position of Bush Chaplain, Rev Spencer was a Minister in Kenmore just outside Brisbane for four years and prior to that a Minister at Southport Uniting Church on the Gold Coast for seven years. She was also an art teacher for thirty years in high schools and community centres.
When asked what inspired her to go from art teaching to Ministry, Rev Spencer had an interesting response.
‘This might sound strange, but it was like a word from above to study theology that came out of nowhere. And then from there, I decided this was going somewhere and I threw my hat in the ring to become a Minister. So it was very much God speaking to me.’
In taking on the role as Bush Chaplain based in Roma, Rev Spencer will cover an area of about 250 kilometres in every direction. It is a new position, and so will be shaped as she gets to know the community. Rev Spencer has indicated that she will start by working out the needs of the area, and then talking with the Frontier Services team about how to help the region.
‘I am most looking forward to meeting and getting to know the people and making connections with the people of the bush. It’s also getting to know a different form of ministry, and seeing where God will take us into this place and how He is going to use us.’
... it was like a word from above to study theology that came out of nowhere. And then from there, I decided this was going somewhere and I threw my hat in the ring to become a Minister.
By Moderator Bronte Wilson
Most of us are very rarely on centre stage. We are observers, witnesses to the significant things that happen around us; many of which impact our lives in some way.
This book is Valerie Volk’s imagining of the thoughts and actions of some of the closest witnesses to significant biblical events and personalities. The telling of a selection of well known stories from the old and new testaments from the point of view of those on the sidelines gave me a different understanding of what it meant to be in the situations recounted, and in some ways, brought them more to life. The portrayals expressed gave greater insight into daily life in those times, and also spoke to me about relationships, responsibilities and societal expectations which also speak into our current situations.
An added feature of this book are the discussion points that relate to each chapter which prompt our thinking about how God was at work in the situations described and how it is relevant to today’s church and world.
The book is easy to read and gives many things to ponder as I looked at the well known stories from a different angle. Further information is available at: www.valerievolk.com.au
The telling of a selection of well known stories from the old and new testaments from the point of view of those on the sidelines gave me a different understanding of what it meant to be in the situations recounted, and in some ways, brought them more to life.
Frontier Services National Director Rob Floyd recently spoke to a group of Bush Chaplains, and they all told him stories that had one thing in common: farmers and families feel abandoned. They feel their country has forgotten them.
All across our country, Australians are stumbling under the on-going weight of floods, severe storms, the bushfires, and the drought which went on for years. In between, they faced mice plagues and a global pandemic.
In the meantime, they are also dealing with all the ups and downs and hardships of life: the death of loved ones, personal tragedies, mental health issues, family violence.
Disaster Recovery Bush Chaplain in Western Australia, Rev David Jackson, shared the story of a war veteran who was impacted by Cyclone Seroja in 2021. David said:
His property was right in the epicentre; the winds literally blew his roof off.
It’s been two years, yet he’s still living under tarpaulins. Every time it rains, he has to run around with buckets to catch the water.
He is strong, but he’s wearing out after two years of this. His mental health must be under immense pressure.
Our war vet needs a new roof, certainly, but he also desperately needs to know that he is not alone in this.
Many people in the bush are reluctant to ask for help themselves. They are proud and resilient and don’t like to ‘cause a fuss ’
Often, Frontier Services Bush Chaplains are the first to see their distress and say, It’s okay, we’ve got you. You deserve a helping hand, and we’re here for you.
Another Disaster Recovery Bush Chaplain in WA, Rev Erica Payne, shared:
As a Chaplain, I respond to needs, and the need is simplepeople need others to stand with them as they move to recovery.
My ministry is as a listener, someone who cares and takes the time to be with another in their pain, trauma, suffering, or in their joy and celebration.
I can help them manage whatever they are confronting or refer them to professional services. I meet folk as I attend community groups, events, and social functions where possible, and enjoy many cuppas with these incredibly beautiful people.
People in rural and remote Australia are facing terrible hardship. Don't let them feel abandoned. Please show them they are not alone.
Please donate by 30th June to help fund Frontier Services Bush Chaplains who provide support, comfort, and hope to people living on the land.
The 2023 Synod meeting commences on the 21st June with the Installation Service of Moderator Elect Peter Morel. The Synod meeting will then be conducted from the 22nd June – 24th June.
Reports and related information for this year’s meeting have now been uploaded onto the Synod website. The website will be continually updated with further reports and meeting information and can be accessed at this link:
sa.uca.org.au/about-us/synod-meetings/
Presbytery elected members that have not yet registered for the Synod meeting can do so by emailing synod2023@sa.uca.org.au and they will be sent the registration link.
Placements finalised as at 16th May 2023
Sonia Armani (MOP) to Grange UC (0.5) from 1th May 2023
Rev Liellie McLaughlin to Prospect Road UC as Community Connections and Development Coordinator (0.2) from 1th May 2023.
Rev Oliver Ponsonby to Clayton Wesley UC from 1th May 2023.
Rev Leanne Jenski to Chaplain, St Andrews Hospital from 1th July 2023
Rev Sarah Agnew to Christ Church, Wayville UC (0.7) from 1th August 2023
Rev Linda Driver to Brougham Place UC from 1th August 2023
Dr Toar Hutagalung to UCLT as Director of Theology & Church History from 1th July 2023
Vacant placements
The following is the list of vacant (or soon to be vacant) approved placements:
PROFILES AVAILABLE
Generate Presbytery
Ceduna UC (0.6)
Clare UC
Naracoorte UC
Presbytery of Southern SA
Glengowrie UC (0.5)
The Corner UC
Wimala Presbytery
Lefevre UC (0.4)
Kimba UC (0.5)
PROFILES NOT YET AVAILABLE
Generate Presbytery
Port Augusta UC (0.5)
Presbytery of Southern SA
Church of the Trinity UC
St Andrew's by the Sea UC (Glenelg)
Vermont UC Fijian Congregation
Wimala Presbytery
Athelstone UC (0.8)
Berri UC / Barmera UC
West Lakes United
For more information about placements, please visit sa.uca.org.au
Morialta Charitable Trust Fund has been supporting disadvantaged children, young people and their families in South Australia through its annual program of distributions for 40 years. To enable the Fund to continue this support through community organisations in South Australia, Morialta Charitable Trust Fund seeks donations from the public. Donations of $2 and above are tax deductible and can be forwarded to the Morialta Charitable Trust Fund at PO Box 92, Crafers SA 5152
Deadline for the August/September 2023 edition: Friday, 14th July 2023
ISSN 0726-2612
New Times is the voice of Uniting Church in SA. Published bi-monthly, February through November, New Times represents the breadth, diversity and vision of Uniting Church members in South Australia. Articles and advertising do not necessarily reflect the views of the New Times Editorial team.
The independent schools associated with the Uniting Church Synod of SA provide education for around 6,000 students from Early Learning to Year 12. They offer a variety of learning environments, world-class facilities and high academic standards.
Students are valued and cared for, and faith diversity is respected. The story, values and practices of the Christian faith are expressed with integrity to nurture young lives for sound learning, faith, compassion and service.
The Uniting Church in Australia
Synod of South Australia
