From the Editor

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