Issue 36, No 4, 2017
The voice of Uniting Church SA
August / September 2017
We are all called COVENANTING AND TREATY
THE HOPE WE HAVE
A shared destiny p. 5
Pre-evangelism in a secular age pp. 10-11
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Contents FEATURES June Presbytery & Synod meeting summary
6-7
Seeking ways forward on treaty
9
Pre-evangelism in a secular age
10-11
The PoD process explained
14-15
REGULAR PAGES CEO/General Secretary ’ s comment
4
Moderator ’ s comment
5
Getting to know…
18
Diary 20 Editor: Catherine Hoffman Editor-in-Chief: Bindy Taylor Advertising: Communications Design: Winaya Kamaputri Print: Graphic Print Group For editorial inquiries: p. (08) 8236 4249 e. newtimes@sa.uca.org.au m. The Editor, New Times GPO Box 2145 Adelaide SA 5001 For advertising bookings: p. (08) 8236 4260 e. newtimesad@sa.uca.org.au
w: newtimes.sa.uca.org.au facebook.com/UnitingChurch.UnitingPeople ISSN 0726-2612 New Times is the voice of Uniting Church SA. Published bi-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.sa.uca.org.au. Articles and advertising do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor.
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Friday 15 September Cover details: Members of the Uniting Church attending the first 2017 National President ’ s Ministers Conference in Darwin, which was held from Thursday 29 June to Sunday 2 July. This photo was taken by Jemma Whittaker. Read more about the Darwin conference in the Moderator ’ s comment (page 5) and an article about treaty (page 9).
Retirement Residences
editorial
Do we have a nostalgia problem? Recently, my sister pulled up a list of upcoming movies that are sequels to, or remakes of, films or TV shows of the past. It was a huge list. While many were of no interest to either of us, several made us smile and recall fond memories. Our expectations for the new offerings are not high. How could they possibly live up to the originals? Especially those we had not re-watched as adults – the ones we remembered only the best bits of or which we associated with particular childhood memories. Still, it seems likely that many people – myself included – will be drawn by such fond memories to re-visit the characters and plots we had once loved. Movie studios and producers are undoubtedly aware of this. Critics will, I ’ m sure, use the release of these movies to once again reflect on the old Hollywood system – where sequels and remakes were rare, and new ideas and films were much more common. They ’ ll lament the number of comic book films, sequels and remakes, and criticise the lack of space given to original material. Nostalgia is something that both Hollywood and its critics are actively engaging with in their work. According to the dictionary, nostalgia is “ a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one ’ s life, to one ’ s home or homeland, or to one ’ s family and friends; a sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time. ” As churches, it ’ s easy to get caught up in nostalgia. We remember a past when our voices were heard more strongly and respected more broadly in the public sphere. Times when most families and individuals attended churches. Times when the church was a major figure in creating social change, influencing politics, and informing the daily lives of many. More than that, a time when Christian values and the Christian message were more broadly known and accepted. This kind of thinking has been tempting when reflecting on the 2016 Australian Census results, which were released on Tuesday 27 June. Particularly as they relate to religious affiliation. For the first time, the proportion of Australians who marked “ no religion ” (29.6%) was higher than that of any single religious denomination. The proportion of the Australian population who selfidentify as Christian fell from 88.2% in 1966 to 52.1% in 2016. When looking at these figures, it's easy to begin thinking about what the Church used to look like – particularly for those who can
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remember days when the Church ’ s role in families, communities and the nation was so much larger. Such reflections on the past, and its differences from the present, can be useful. We can learn more about our strengths and weaknesses, make sure the same mistakes aren ’ t repeated, and identify areas of value that may have been neglected or areas in which we have grown. This can help us to think about how we want to move forward. But nostalgia is something different. When we grow nostalgic or yearn for the past, we are thinking of the good and lovely parts, and glossing over the bits that were problematic or that ruin the idealistic picture. There is a sense of loss that often accompanies this kind of reflection. The present, with its unavoidable problems and differences, cannot live up to such an idealistic image. Does the Uniting Church have a nostalgia problem? I ’ m not sure I ’ d go quite that far. But I do think we often get too caught up in discussions of the “ way it used to be ” rather than the way it could be. So I ’ m definitely not saying you shouldn ’ t watch that old movie or that new TV show with the 1980s vibes. I ’ m not even saying you shouldn ’ t fondly think about the church ’ s past or lament what has been lost. What I am trying to say is that we can ’ t let this get in the way of thinking about the present, the future and what we have to gain.
Catherine Hoffman
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c e o / g e n e ra l s e c re t a r y
Defining leadership Leadership is essential to our life as a Church and how we move as God ’ s people. But there are all sorts of understandings, definitions and assumptions of what leadership is, especially in the Church. For some time now, I have seen the importance of developing a clear and concise consideration of leadership across the Presbytery and Synod. Developing clarity on our leadership is primarily concerned with creating a unifying point from which diverse expressions can emerge. To this end, Craig Bailey, Director of the Leadership Stream at Uniting College for Leadership & Theology, was tasked with crafting an understanding of leadership within the Presbytery and Synod. The following definition emerged from these discussions: Christian leadership is leadership that is embedded in genuine community, expressed in Christ-like humility, and which participates in God ’ s mission in the world. The focus on Christian leadership in this definition is essential for the Church. It is obvious that good leadership is simply good leadership, and many qualities of good leadership are evident across all cultures, belief systems and enterprises. However, various groups view leadership through their own unique perspectives – and Christian groups are no exception. Christian leadership provides distinctive reference points that allow leadership to be expressed in ways that are aligned with the purposes of the Church. Consequently, it might be said that there are three primary things that make Christian leadership distinctive: 1. Christian leadership is relationally embedded From a Christian perspective, leadership only finds its true meaning in processes of calling and discernment, and in participation in community life, where each person is unique, all persons matter equally, and the well-being of the whole person is valued. 2. Christian leadership is humility exercised Christian leadership is exercised in Christ-like behaviour marked by a humility that takes power and authority seriously, yet seeks to distribute it equally through the empowerment of all. As such, and in its most general sense, Christian leadership emerges from Christian discipleship. 3. Christian leadership is missionally focussed Christian leadership has mission as its primary task, and Christian leaders seek to align their activity in the world with the activity of the Spirit in the world. Christian leadership recognises that the movement of God ’ s Spirit is towards a promised end when all things will be reconciled in Christ. The vision, strategy and activity of Christian leadership are expressions of the activity of the Spirit, and these aspects of leadership only have value in their capacity to serve these purposes.
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This definition of Christian leadership, along with the above three points, have been endorsed by the Mission and Leadership Development Board (Mission Resourcing and Uniting College). They form an important part of Uniting Church SA events, such as the upcoming Uniting Leaders conference (22-24 August), and of the teaching in Uniting College and Uniting Church SA courses, such as Uniting Leaders Plus. Furthermore, they provide the enduring vision as to the type of leaders that are needed within the Uniting Church – both now and into the future.
Rev Nigel Rogers
Placements News Placements finalised as of 21 July 2017: Rev Linda Driver to Athelstone (0.8) from 1 September 2017. Rev Dr Greg Elsdon (CoC) to Pilgrim from 1 October 2018. Rev Andrew Robertson to Franklin Street Uniting Communities/ Presbytery of SA from 2018. Rev David Williamson (0.5) and Rev Sarah Williamson (0.2) to Christ Church from 1 August 2017. Upcoming induction services Rev Josh Scherer in the Gawler Parish (at Gawler Uniting Church) on Tuesday 15 August at 7pm. Rev Linda Driver at Athelstone (0.8) on Wednesday 30 August 2017 at 7.30pm. Vacant placements as of 7 July 2017 The following is the current list of vacant (or soon to be vacant) approved placements: Profiles available – Balhannah (from 1 September 2017); Broadview; County Jervois (Arno, Cleve, Coolanie, Cowell, Driver River); Goyder Ministry Area (0.8) (Clements Gap, Hallett, Jamestown, Orroroo, Whyte Yarcowie); Modbury and Para Vista (0.8); Moonta & Districts (0.8) (Cross Roads, Cunliffe, Moonta, Moonta Mines); Port Augusta & Quorn; Strathalbyn & Districts (0.6) (Ashbourne, Finniss, Milang, Strathalbyn [St Andrew ’ s]); Waikerie; Western Eyre (Cummins New Beginnings, Lock, Yeelanna). Profiles not yet available - Barossa Congregations; Burnside City (second placement) (from 1 September 2017); Mannum (0.3); Tatiara (Bordertown, Mundulla, Buckingham) (from 1 August 2017); The Grove (0.3) (from 1 June 2017). For more information about any of these placements, to view national placements or to find out more about upcoming services, please visit sa.uca.org.au/pastoral-relations/placements-vacant-and-finalised
m o d e rat o r
A shared destiny
Rev Sue Ellis (right) with Uniting Church SA leaders (left to right) Rev Dr Amelia Koh-Butler, Rev Denise Champion, Nelson Varcoe and Rev Amel Manyon in Darwin for the recent National President's Ministers Conference.
Have you ever heard a group of children tell their version of an incident in the playground, or at home, when a parent or carer is trying to get to the truth? It is amazing how the same event can be told with so many different emphases! We often tell stories in ways that protect our own interests because our stories are emotional, as well as factual, and they reflect what we think is moral and what is not. “ What are the stories we tell about ourselves? ” This was one of the challenging questions from the President ’ s National Ministers ’ Conference in Darwin at the beginning of July: “ Honouring First Peoples as Sovereign ” . It was a question posed by Rev Dr Chris Budden, the interim national coordinator of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (Congress) as he presented on “ The Challenge of Sovereignty ” . Chris ’ address explored the history behind the European colonists ’ views of how new lands discovered by explorers could be claimed for a European kingdom and how the taking of unworked land (by European standards) was justified. These understandings resulted in the First Peoples of Australia being dispossessed of their land, lore and language. The inaugural First Nations National Constitutional Convention was held at Uluru in May 2017. This gathering resulted in the “ Statement from the Heart ” – a call by Aboriginal people of Australia for the recognition of their sovereignty in this land and for a treaty. The Uniting Church conference in Darwin explored the implications of the Uluru statement with input from members of Congress. The pain of the intervention in the Northern Territory
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is affecting people who still have strong links to cultural ways in Arnhem Land. Congress members from Arnhem Land believe the Uniting Church has broken the covenant, which has existed between the Church and Congress since 1994, because the Church is not in solidarity with Aboriginal people and is not willing to sacrifice itself for their sake. I have been proud to be a Uniting Church participant in the covenant relationship with Congress. I have tried to uphold that covenant in the way I engage with Aboriginal people, by participating in reconciliation events, and listening to painful stories and saying “ sorry”. The Preamble to the Constitution of the Uniting Church, which recognises the presence and sovereignty of the First Peoples, has always been displayed in my office, and I have encouraged many congregations to connect with Congress and explore what covenanting might mean for their context. Aboriginal theology has informed my formation as a Christian. So I was somewhat disheartened by this story of broken covenant. A broken covenant is not the story I want for Congress in South Australia. The Church is the body of the new creation from God; a body committed to the message of reconciliation and called to be Christ ’ s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Both Congress and every congregation share this destiny together. We are committed to the covenant and pray that congregations in South Australia will be part of our story with us.
Rev Sue Ellis
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Proposals, presentations and prayer The June meeting of the Uniting Church SA Presbytery and Synod was held at Adelaide West Uniting Church from Friday 23 to Saturday 24 June. Key topics of discussion have been summarised for New Times. Full reports and proposals are available at sa.uca.org.au/pres-synod-meetings
Farewell and thanks to Amelia Koh-Butler A celebration of thanks was held for Rev Dr Amelia Koh-Butler during the Friday session of the meeting. As many members of the Church are aware, Rev Dr Amelia KohButler ’ s husband, Terry, has been living with Stage 4 brain cancer since mid-2015. After much prayer, and conscious of the loving support received from members of the Uniting Church in South Australia, Amelia will conclude in the role of Executive Director, Mission Resourcing. Terry and Amelia will return to the east coast before the end of the year to be closer to family support. At the end of June, Amelia switched from full-time to part-time with the Presbytery and Synod, continuing to work on projects in a consultancy capacity until her placement concludes. She will provide
support to Rev Prof Andrew Dutney, the Executive Officer of the Mission and Leadership Development Ministry Centre (encompassing Uniting College and Mission Resourcing). We are grateful for the enormous contribution Amelia has made to ministry throughout the Presbytery and Synod in South Australia.
Mission & Leadership Development Rev Prof Andrew Dutney (Principal, Uniting College for Leadership & Theology and Executive Officer, Mission & Leadership Development) presented the Mission & Leadership Development (MLD) Report. He particularly spoke about the Aboriginal sovereignty and treaty discussion guide prepared by Rev Dr Chris Budden and edited for congregational use by Rev Dr Amelia Koh-Butler (read more about treaty discussions on page 9).
The MLD Board has developed subcommittees to oversee some of the work that the ministry centre undertakes – “ Formation Education & Discipleship ” , “ Public Theology and Mission ” , and “ MLD Operations ” . The MLD Board is seeking expressions of interest from church members who would like to be part of one of these committees. For further information about the subcommittees, or to submit an expression of interest, please email Rev Prof Andrew Dutney at andrew.dutney@flinders.edu.au
Safe Church and Royal Commission update Chris Headland (Executive Support Officer, UnitingCare) updated those gathered on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The Royal Commission commenced in January 2013, and will conclude with a final report given to the Federal Government on 15 December 2017. Chris reported that the Royal Commission has had 57 public hearings, 6,700 private hearings, 2,025 matters referred to authorities, and 44 published research reports. Rev Philip Gardner (Executive Officer, Pastoral Relations & Mission Planning) reminded the gathering of the Uniting Church ’ s commitment to the care, protection and safety of all people with whom it comes in contact.
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For more information about the Uniting Church SA and the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, please visit sa.uca.org.au/safe-church/royal-commissionredress or contact the Safe Church Committee on 8236 4268 or email safechurch@sa.uca.org.au People who have experienced abuse within the Uniting Church or one of its predecessor churches – in a congregation or within an institution or service – are encouraged to contact the Royal Commission on 1800 099 340 or email contact@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au For information about Child Safe Environments training, Called to Care orientation sessions and Code of Ethics training, please visit sa.uca. org.au/called-to-care/training-courses, contact Pastoral Relations & Mission Planning on 8236 4204, or email calledtocare@sa.uca.org.au
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National Church Life Survey
Celebrations for the Uniting Church in Australia ’ s 40th anniversary also formed part of the June Presbytery and Synod meeting.
Rev Dr Amelia Koh-Butler and Judyth Roberts provided a PowerPoint summary of the 2016 NCLS results for the Uniting Church SA. The results were based on 5,766 adult attenders (aged 15 years and over) in 142 churches, and 182 children aged 8 to 14 years (the child survey was optional, so not all participating churches with children may have ordered/returned forms). Congregations who participated in the NCLS should now have been provided with an NCLS pack, which includes a workbook, summary profile and guide tailored to their individual results. The workbook will assist with implementing actions as a response to the results of the 2016 NCLS survey. More information about the 2016 NCLS results will continue to be shared in the coming months.
Changes to UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide An extensive discussion of a proposal related to UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide (UCWPA) took place in different sessions over both days of the meeting. The Friday discussion began with a presentation from Libby Craft (CEO, UCWPA), who outlined proposed changes to the legal structure of UCWPA from an incorporated association to a company limited by guarantee. Other speakers on this topic included Rev Rob Brown (Associate General Secretary, Uniting Church SA & Executive Officer, UnitingCare SA), Rev Dr Les Underwood (in placement at UCWPA), and Karen Hunt (UCWPA Board Member). On behalf of the Standing Committee, Rev Nigel Rogers presented a recommendation and proposal in a report on the proposed changes.
UnitingCare Report Rev Rob Brown presented the UnitingCare Report and a proposal requesting that the Presbytery and Synod “ grant authority to the Standing Committee to determine the outcome of any request from organisations associated with the Uniting Church SA (including schools) should they request changes to their constitutions that remove
Ordination proposals The members of the Presbytery and Synod resolved to ordain Josh Scherer and Katalina Tahaafe-Williams as Ministers of the Word in the Uniting Church in Australia. Return to Contents
The speakers emphasised the continuing importance of the relationship between the Uniting Church SA and UCWPA, and stressed that the change is to help UCWPA access additional funds to support activities, such as housing for the homeless. They also explained the organisational challenges that brought the UCWPA to this point, and reaffirmed UCWPA ’ s commitment to the ethos of the Uniting Church, as shown in a Memorandum of Understanding between the Synod and UCWPA. Many of the proposal ’ s points were debated vigorously and amendments were made to certain parts. Some points were passed by consensus, while others were agreed by formal majority. For more information about the proposal and amendments, please see the papers and minutes at sa.uca.org.au/pres-synod-meetings
from the Synod both the responsibility of appointing Board/Council Members and approving changes to the constitutions. ” The gathered members did not pass this proposal, expressing a desire to have more input in forming a proposal related to current and future relationships between the Uniting Church SA and affiliated organisations.
Josh will be ordained at Journey Uniting Church on Sunday 13 August at 2pm. His induction service will be held at Gawler Uniting Church on Tuesday 15 August at 7pm. All are welcome to attend these services. Information about Katalina ’ s ordination will be provided through New Times and/or UC e-News as it becomes available.
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SUPPORTING HAPPY AND HEALTHY FUTURES. “We are thankful for UC Invest for their generous donation towards Hang it up for Poverty.” - Clarisse Semler-Hanlon, UCWPA
Invest with someone who invests in your community. Visit us at ucinvest.com.au or call us on 1300 274 151. UC Invest (“the Fund”) is an activity of The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (S.A.) ABN 25 068 897 781, the legal entity of the Uniting Church SA. Investment services are provided on behalf of the Uniting Church SA pursuant to ASIC Policy Statement 87 exemptions and APRA Banking Exemption No.1 of 2016 (“The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (S.A.)”). The Fund is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, therefore an investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or the depositor protection provisions in the Banking Act 1959. All products and investments offered by the Fund are designed for investors who wish to support the charitable purposes of the Uniting Church SA.
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Seeking ways forward on treaty The first National President ’ s Minister Conference for 2017 was held in Darwin from Thursday 29 June to Sunday 2 July. The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (Congress) had a strong presence at the event, tackling complex issues related to treaty, sovereignty, reconciliation, climate, environment and the theology of land. These are increasingly prevalent topics of discussion both within the Uniting Church and in the wider community. But more engagement with these ideas is still needed. At the 14th Triennial Assembly meeting of the Uniting Church in Australia, which took place in 2015, members agreed to support constitutional recognition of First Peoples as “ a step towards and not a blockage to the larger issues of sovereignty and treaty. ” It was also determined that “ a significant priority for its life during the next triennium is to explore with Congress what it would mean for the practices of the Church to recognise and affirm that First Peoples are sovereign Peoples. ” The Assembly committed to work with Congress to educate members of the Church about the need for a treaty and to highlight issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Over the past two years, Uniting Church President Stuart McMillan has often emphasised the importance of a national conversation on treaty and sovereignty. The Darwin conference provided an opportunity for this education and conversation to take place. “ It was a really important time, ” says Rev Denise Champion, reflecting on the conference during a drive to Port Augusta. “ I think it would have been even better if we could have gotten all ministers involved so we weren ’ t only ‘preaching to the converted ’ . ” Treaty is also something that has received increased attention from South Australian politicians. In July 2017, Opposition Leader Steven Marshall brought up the topic of treaty, telling the Sunday Mail that treaties “ are a cruel hoax because they promise hope but don ’ t deliver. ” “ The [State] Government has neglected (health, education, jobs and safety) over the past 15 years while they have focussed on gestures that are not practical for Aboriginal people across South Australia, ” he continued. It ’ s true that treaty has been a focus for the current State Government in SA. Last year, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher announced that the State Government would begin treaty discussions with Aboriginal communities and leaders as a step towards reconciliation.
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Rev Denise Champion addresses attendees at the National President's Ministers Conference in Darwin.
In February 2017, the State Government appointed senior Aboriginal community leader Dr Roger Thomas to the role of independent treaty commissioner. A proud Kokatha and Mirning man, Roger had extensive prior experience in conducting public consultations with Aboriginal communities. In his new role, he visited sites in the state ’ s far north, far west coast, mid-north and south-east to lead a consultation on treaty with Aboriginal stakeholder groups. The treaty commissioner ’ s consultation meetings have now concluded. Roger is drafting a proposed framework for treaty, and is expected to hand this to the Government in mid-2017. It is difficult to know what framework the treaty commissioner will suggest to the State Government, what will be done with his suggestions, and how this will influence the national conversation on treaty and sovereignty. But the Uniting Church in Australia has a responsibility to continue the conversation – on a national level, a state level, and within individual congregations. “ I really hope that the Uniting Church might be able to put pressure on the Government to make some decisions on treaty, ” Denise says. “ It ’ s been 50 years since the referendum [to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Australian census]. We don ’ t want to have to wait another 50 years. ” At the time of writing, the treaty commissioner is continuing to accept submissions and feedback. For more information, please visit statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/about-us/our-partners/ treaty-commissioner Rev Dr Chris Budden has prepared a brief discussion guide on sovereignty and treaty for Uniting Church members, congregations and faith communities. It is available online at sa.uca.org.au/covenanting/c-resources
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Pre-evangelism in a secular age From 27-29 August, Adelaide West Uniting Church will host The Hope We Have, a conference on evangelism, conversion and the mission of God coordinated by Uniting College for Leadership & Theology. Rev Dr Karina Kreminski, lecturer in Missional Studies at Morling College in Sydney, will be one of the key speakers at the conference, sharing her experiences of evangelism and church planting. In this article, Karina explores the idea of pre-evangelism and its importance in modern Christian life.
Recently, I ’ ve been having regular meetings with a group of people who are not Christian to talk about spiritual things. In our meetings the point is not to talk about Christianity – though people can if they want to – but rather to explore a more generic expression of spiritual matters. Any opinion is valid and accepted as long as it is not hurtful or disrespectful. It ’ s been beautiful. I ’ ve thoroughly enjoyed our conversations and have learnt a lot from and with the group so far. I feel completely inadequate to answer some of their questions and longings so most of the time I just listen. These gatherings have also made me think about that term that Christians use – “ pre-evangelism ” . Priority of evangelism over pre-evangelism It seems to me that many Christians prioritise evangelism – that is, the straightforward proclamation of the gospel – over pre-evangelism. Whenever I describe this group that I ’ m meeting with, the first question many people ask is “ Do you tell them about Jesus? ” Well, no, I don ’ t. As soon as I say that, I get what I think is a look of disapproval or perhaps dismissal. We have this view that if we are not proclaiming the gospel, then what is the point? Why do we waste time on matters that we see as secondary if what counts is telling people about Jesus? We believe that what matters is “ getting people across the line ” , whatever that means. We have had an explosion of courses like Alpha, Christianity Explained, Exploring God and others like them over the years, and I think this shows how we prioritise evangelism over pre-evangelism.
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I don ’ t see a lot of theological reflection around pre-evangelism to give it the legitimacy that it deserves. The urgent need for a prioritisation of pre-evangelism In his book A Secular Age, Charles Taylor writes about the “ buffered self” of modern times in comparison to the “ porous self” of medieval times. Medieval times are sometimes considered “ enchanted ” – people were more open to the spiritual world, and there was easy movement between the earthly and spiritual. People allowed themselves to be impacted by spiritual things. In modern “ disenchanted ” times, this movement and impact is more difficult as people do not live with a worldview that belief in God or spiritual things is the norm, or indeed even desirable. This has broader impact because not only are people buffered against spiritual belief, but to some extent are also buffered against each other. There is a resistance and a hesitancy to connect with the Other and also with others. We have built up an armour around ourselves so that true connection is less likely, making it harder to connect meaningfully with the people around us. This is the world that we live in now and it is the atmosphere that we breathe. No matter how hard we try to proclaim the gospel, people are buffered in a way that makes it difficult to hear and absorb the message. However, what I have observed, as have many others, is that this armour and buffering dissolves to some extent in community and relationship. As people enter into a safe space where authenticity is valued they become more “ porous ” in the way they relate to each other and also to spiritual matters. This is usually a very slow process.
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This is where pre-evangelism activities can contribute by creating safe spaces for people to build trusting relationships with one another, to relate spiritually to each other, and possibly even the Other. Having said this, the main agenda in these kinds of activities needs to be clearly about building genuine friendships. Connecting with people ’ s spiritual longings Even though people in the secularised West are today resistant to a worldview that includes God, my experience has been that people still have spiritual longings that are often reawakened in contexts where they can talk freely about them. Those desires need to be identified and carefully allowed to come to the light in order to explore whether they are worth embodying. To me this is actually the process of discipleship, and I wonder if perhaps a better expression for us than “ pre-evangelism ” would be the notion of “ discipling secular people ” .
This accurately encompasses what it feels like to me as I sit with this wonderful group of people who are not Christian, yet are clearly spiritual people. I am helping them identify their longings, then letting them decide for themselves what they will do with this revelation. This is essentially a non-judgmental process. Often Christians are not very good at being non-judgmental. Recently, when I asked a group of Christians to engage in some cultural exegesis, they immediately started judging the culture. I had to remind them to instead simply observe, listen and notice the culture. Instead of moving to judgment, we should ask what we can affirm about people ’ s longings. Often there will be room for critique, but where is it in our culture that we can find value? Perhaps pre-evangelism looks like a capitulation to the culture. When we connect more and more with secular people, we might give the impression that we approve of everything they do. This is not the case, of course. We are, however, listening, learning, loving and friending those whom God loves. What is next? What we then need to think about is what happens after people ’ s spiritual longings begin to surface – and they do begin to surface. I ’ m not sure about this next step yet, but so far my experience has been one of trusting the Spirit ’ s guidance. No doubt this will be the same in the next stage of the journey. What do you think about Karina ’ s reflections on pre-evangelism? What does pre-evangelism and evangelism look like in your own life or the life of your church community? There will be an opportunity to explore these questions at The Hope We Have (see the box below for details). If you would like to reflect further on these ideas, please consider sending a letter or other response to newtimes@sa.uca.org.au or New Times, GPO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001. Rev Dr Karina Kreminski will present two sessions at The Hope We Have conference. She regularly blogs at karinakreminski.com.au
The Hope We Have The Hope We Have will be held from Sunday 27 to Tuesday 29
or for individual sessions. The conference forms part of a unit
August at Adelaide West Uniting Church. The conference will
(MINS2320) offered through Uniting College and the Adelaide
explore the theology and practice of evangelism in a secular world
College of Divinity, which may be taken for credit.
through keynote sessions led by Karina Kreminski and Mike Frost,
Registration costs $120 (adult) or $100 (concession) per person for
in addition to workshops and worship. Topics addressed in these
the whole conference. Students enrolled in MINS2320 pay only $40
sessions will include CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse)
per person. Group bookings for five people or more cost $100 per
ministry, understanding context, relational evangelism, preaching
person. A daily rate of $70 per person is also available.
in evangelism, encouraging the church in outward focus, and much more. The Hope We Have is open to anyone with an interest in
To find out more about the conference program, the MINS2320 unit and registration, please visit thehopewehave.com or contact Uniting College on 8416 8420 or email info@unitingcollege.org.au
evangelism, and people are invited to attend for the whole conference
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Don’t conform – transform Don ’ t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. - Romans 12:2 (The Message) Each year, SAYCO (South Australian Youth Camp Out) provides young people from the Uniting Church in South Australia – and beyond – with an opportunity to grow in faith and discipleship. In 2017, the camp will once again draw high school-aged young people (years 8-12) from across the state for a weekend of high energy worship, transformational faith experiences and Christian community. “ This year ’ s SAYCO, which will be held at Woodcroft College over the October long weekend [30 September – 2 October], is based on Romans 12:2 and centred on the theme of ‘Rebels ’ , ” explains Mike Wardrop, Uniting Church SA Intergenerational Discipleship Developer. Luke Rasmussen, the Youth and Young Adult Pastor at Hope Church in Adelaide, will speak into this theme over the course of the camp. “ To me, a rebel is someone who is countercultural. Jesus was the greatest rebel of his time – he challenged the leaders of the day and showed true, sacrificial love, ” says Luke. “ Truth is being questioned all over the world right now. I think this is one of the greatest challenges facing teens today. Young people are finding it difficult to find something to stand on and to build their lives on. ” Mike adds: “ The gospel of Jesus Christ offers truth and good news that shines as a light of hope to the world. SAYCO endeavours to grow a radical generation of lifelong Christians, fired up to join God ’ s work in the world. ” Both Luke and Mike hope that SAYCO 2017 will help campers to feel they can stand firm in God, hear Christ ’ s call to love and help others, and to live a life of purpose. “ SAYCO provides an opportunity for young people to create a community seeking to live out the Great Commission and support one another, ” says Luke. “ I hope that over the course of the camp young people will be given confidence in the truth of the Gospel. We want to help create young people willing to rebel – to make a stand, live with sacrificial love, and see change in their own lives. ” For more information about SAYCO 2017, please visit sa.uca. org.au/sayco or contact the SAYCO Office on 8236 4270 or sayco@sa.uca.org.au
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SAYCO 2017 – Rebels What?
(Morgans A.B.N. 49 010 669 726 A.F.S.L.235410) Participant of ASX Group, A Professional Partner of the Financial Planning Association of Australia.
An annual camp for young people in high school (years 8-12), providing a safe, fun, thought-provoking environment for youth to explore faith. When? 30 September – 2 October. Where? Woodcroft College (Bains Road, Morphett Vale). How? Young people attend SAYCO as part of church groups. Each church group is responsible for their own meals, travel and accommodation requirements. Young people wishing to attend SAYCO, or parents of young people who wish to attend, are encouraged to speak to leaders within their church about plans for sending a group to the camp. Those who are not able to join a group from their own church are
8261 8211 All hours
encouraged to contact the SAYCO Office to be connected with another church ’ s group. A Group Coordinator is approved by the Church Council of each attending group to coordinate the camp requirements, ensure
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a safe camping environment for everyone involved, and oversee the registration of campers and leaders. For more information about this role, please visit sa.uca.org.au/sayco/group-coordinators Further information w. sa.uca.org.au/sayco p. 8236 4270 e. sayco@sa.uca.org.au
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AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
Geoff Lewis General Manager
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leadership
The PoD process explained As the Intergenerational Leadership Developer (MoP/ PoD), Judyth Roberts is often questioned about what the terms MoP (Ministry of Pastor) and PoD (Period of Discernment) mean – both practically and in theory. In this article, Judyth draws on the Uniting Church in Australia’s PoD Regulations and her own experiences to explore some of the common questions and assumptions about the PoD process.
What is the Period of Discernment (PoD)?
The PoD is part of the spiritual practice of discerning, and is both an individual and community process. The PoD is underpinned by the understanding that all people who have been baptised are called into the ministry of Jesus Christ. The PoD is a gift to the Uniting Church, and helps individuals to discern where their ministry might lie. It is a common misconception that people undertaking a PoD are primarily seeking a path within the Uniting Church ’ s specified ministries – as a Deacon, Minister of the Word, Lay Preacher or Lay Pastor. But the PoD is broader than that. Many people who undertake the PoD find their call to ministry lies in a particular area within their local congregation, faith community or other organisation – whether that ’ s as a youth leader, a member of the Church Council, a pastoral carer, worship leader or in another lay role. Others will find that they are called to ministry within their normal place of work or study, or within the wider community. The PoD participant is guided by a mentor from outside of their congregation or faith community. This mentor accompanies them through the PoD process as they fulfil a learning and serving agreement.
Who is the PoD for?
The PoD is open to people of all ages and backgrounds who are seeking to discern God ’ s direction and purpose in their lives. Any member, member in association or adherent in good standing in a Uniting Church congregation or faith community may participate in the PoD process. It is also open to people from other Christian denominations.
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What are the goals of the PoD?
The Period of Discernment isn ’ t about checking boxes. It ’ s openended and the outcome is determined by the individual person, in consultation with their mentor. However, there are broad goals discussed within the PoD guidelines, which state that the process aims to: • develop the participant ’ s relationship with God and understanding of themselves as a disciple; • give the participant opportunity to understand God ’ s ministry and mission in the church and the world, the variety of ministries within that ministry, and the nature, function and responsibilities of these ministries; • recognise, affirm and build upon the skills, knowledge and experience that the participant brings to the PoD and ministry within the church; • enable both the church and the participant to discern confidently the person ’ s gifts and graces for ministry, and the type of ministry in which these may be expressed in the life of the church and the wider community. Within the PoD process, participants will be encouraged to step outside their comfort zone – moving beyond their usual church setting to visit and engage with rural and regional, CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse), and Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress churches and faith communities.
leadership
Deacons empowering the whole people of God
What role do congregations and faith communities play in the PoD process?
The PoD is a shared community process between individuals, mentors, congregations, and the Presbytery and Synod. All Uniting Church members are encouraged to have conversations about discernment and ministry within their congregations and faith communities. This can be as simple as tapping someone on the shoulder and asking if they ’ ve considered their gifting for ministry or have thought about doing a PoD – either to grow in their discernment as a Christian or to consider where God might be leading them within the Church. The commitment of congregations and faith communities does not stop after someone decides to undertake a PoD. The church ’ s minister or the chairperson of the Church Council must sign a form during the individual ’ s registration process. This helps the congregation to become aware of the process the individual is going through, and to offer support accordingly.
Through access to RH White Scholarships, most PoD participants engaging through Uniting College will only need to pay a $50 registration fee to participate in the PoD process. For more information about the PoD, please contact Judyth Roberts on 8416 8446 or email jroberts@sa.uca.org.au
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At the recent DIAKONIA World Federation Assembly in Chicago, three South Australia Uniting Church ministers were elected to positions. Rev Sandy Boyce was re-elected for a second term as President, Rev Christa Megaw was elected as co-Vice-President of DIAKONIA Asia Pacific (DAP) region and will serve on the World Executive, and Rev Judy Knowling was elected to the DAP Executive. The DIAKONIA World Federation seeks to connect diaconal associations and diaconal workers in Protestant churches around the world. It is a lively network of ecumenical relationships. Deacons in the Uniting Church in Australia are one of 15 associations in the Asia-Pacific region, and one of 67 around the world. “ During my term as President of DIAKONIA World Federation, I have learned just how diverse are the expressions of diaconal ministry around the world and the ecclesiology in which diaconal ministry is couched, ” says Sandy (pictured above, bottom right, with the 2013-2017 World Executive). “ Diaconal ministry in some countries happens in very difficult social and political situations, including in Egypt where the Coptic Christians live with ongoing persecution and violence, and in places like India and Africa where there is great economic disadvantage, especially in rural areas. ” Sandy ’ s role as President involves connecting, encouraging, supporting and empowering groups engaged in diaconal ministry, and being faithful in prayer for and with each other. “ I believe that the great work of the DIAKONIA World Federation is that we can all learn from the experience of the other, to affirm as well as to be a catalyst for change when needed, ” Sandy continues. “ It is necessary, from time to time, to step back from the immediacy of ‘doing ’ ministry, to evaluate what are the pressing challenges for our time, and how may we together as the church respond – by equipping the whole people of God to exercise ministry and mission within the Church and in the community. ” A longer version of this article, with further reflections on DIAKONIA and the role of Deacons, has been published online at sa.uca.org.au/new-times
c u l t u re
Are you willing to be sent where few can see you? Rev Dr Mike Frost
She was elderly and wore a lavender cardigan. She gripped my arm more firmly than I thought she could. She said she had something she wanted to tell me. I had just preached a Pentecost Sunday sermon about how the Holy Spirit commissions us all as missionaries, or sent ones, to alert others to the universal reign of God wherever we might find ourselves. I had preached that all vocations offer us the opportunity to mirror the work of God in the world, whether it ’ s to bring healing or justice, reconciliation or wholeness, whether to design and build, or to serve and love. And I threw in references to a few random vocations like stayat-home parents and lawyers and nurses and union officials and artists and builders and teachers. I had quoted Jesus ’ words to his followers, “ As the Father has sent me, so I send you, ” (John 20:21) and I asked the congregation, “ So, to whom have you been sent? ” As I was leaving the church that morning the woman in the lavender cardigan took my arm and said with great determination, “ I know who I ’ m sent to. ” We were in the church, behind the last pew, still in the whisper zone before the hubbub of the mingling space beyond the glass doors. She told me quietly that her husband has advanced Alzheimer ’ s and lies in a nursing home bed, his face and hands twisted and contorted, a mere shell of the man she had married and loved for most of her life. She sits with him dutifully, but he doesn ’ t recognise her. He ’ s no longer there. She told me she was angry with God for the longest time, wondering why he allowed her husband to linger so long. “ I used to yell at God, ‘Why don ’ t you just take him? ’ , ” she said softly.
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“ But then it dawned on me one day. This is my calling. To be by his side until the end. And when I realised that, things changed. I started to see that the facility was full of women in the same situation as me, waiting, grieving. And I started praying for them. “ They began to reach out to me and now I ’ m like a pastor to these women. I love them and pray for them. I share Jesus with them. These are the people to whom I ’ m sent. Them, and my poor, dear husband. ” Wow, I thought. She hasn ’ t been sent to Africa or South America. Not to church planting or leading a strategic missional organisation. She ’ s been sent to sit beside her unresponsive husband, and to minister to the wives of other equally unresponsive husbands throughout the nursing home. I thought of William Wordsworth ’ s assessment of a good person ’ s life from Tintern Abbey: “ …that best portion of a good man ’ s life, His little, nameless, unremembered, acts Of kindness and of love. ” And I thought this was true of the woman in the lavender cardigan. That her little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love in that unremarkable nursing home were the best portion of her life. Her calling. Her vocation. Her mission. And it made me wonder how many people would be satisfied with that. And how many preachers would be satisfied with that. It made me wonder whether I ’ d be satisfied with that. I want to think I would be – that I ’ d believe it was as high a calling as any of the teaching or preaching or writing I do. But would I really feel that way? When we call people to see themselves as sent ones and inspire them to give their all to alert people to the reign of God, do we picture
c u l t u re
Navigating cultures across generations Sam Chan
a dignified elderly woman in a lavender cardigan sitting by a metal hospital bed or praying with another grieving soon-to-be widow in the waiting room down the hallway? Or do we think that the real missional types among us are those being über strategic, multiplying their ministries, replicating themselves in emerging leaders, developing new initiatives, and writing books with “ missional ” in the title? For thousands of years now missionaries have been willing to undertake thankless tasks in overlooked corners of the planet, serving unknown people for no material reward, often with little discernible effect. Are you willing to be numbered among them? Am I? Because our dear mother-sister in the lavender cardigan is doing it right now. And humanity is built on such as these. Rev Dr Mike Frost will speak at a free event at Uniting College for Leadership & Theology on Sunday 27 August at 5pm. This event is also the opening session of The Hope We Have, the Uniting Church SA and Uniting College evangelism conference being held from 27-29 August (more information on pages 10-11). To find out more about this free event or the conference, please contact Uniting College on 8416 8420 or email info@unitingcollege.org.au Mike is an internationally recognised Australian missiologist, lecturer and author, and regularly blogs at mikefrost.net
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Growing up between two different worlds can be tricky – yet this is a position many people living in Australia today find themselves in. Those who have moved to Australia as adults (first generation), or are people born in Australia to immigrant parents (second generation or “ Next Gen ” ), often find themselves straddling the divide between Australian culture and the culture of their own or their parents ’ birthplace. According to the 2016 National Church Life Survey, 18% of people attending Uniting Churches in South Australia were born overseas; 7% speak a language other than English at home. Second generation members also represent a fast-growing part of the Uniting Church community. The ways in which migrant churches practise their faith is very diverse and relevant to the first generation cultural heritage. Next Gen are growing up in these migrant churches. But while the migrant churches are often exciting, growing communities, they do not always meet the unique needs, challenges and strengths of second generation Australians. Next Gen culture is different from first generation cultural heritage. From Friday 25 to Sunday 27 August, the Uniting Church will hold a conference to explore the unique make-up of Next Gen members and the challenges they face. One-Two: What ’ s Next? will be held at Experience Café, CitySoul, on Hutt Street in Adelaide. The conference will provide CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) and Next Gen members of the Uniting Church with an opportunity to consider their faith formation, what their faith looks like within different cultural contexts, and how to engage with one another. Much of the material discussed will be raised by the conference delegates, guided by their own experiences and stories of growing up in migrant churches. All are welcome to attend One-Two: What ’ s Next? and join this important, ongoing discussion. For more information about the conference, please visit sa.uca.org.au/cald/cald-events or contact Sam Chan via email at schan@sa.uca.org.au
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g e t t i n g t o k n ow
Red Dove Café Many Uniting Church members will be aware of the long legacy of Red Dove Café, which runs annually at the Royal Adelaide Show – and has done since 1951. Established as the “ Methodist Café ” , the initiative started as a small fundraising outreach operated by the Home Mission Department of the Methodist Church in South Australia. The café was later expanded – offering more food options and opening for longer hours. The café building was rebuilt in 1965, allowing further opportunities for the café to connect with community members attending the Show. In recent years, the café has operated from within the carnival area of the showgrounds, providing an easily accessible place for carnival workers to grab a quick bite to eat. The café ’ s long opening hours – from 7.30am to 8pm – allowed them to capture the business of many people each day during the Royal Adelaide Show. The café ’ s change of name was the result of many people commenting on the red dove in the Uniting Church symbol. The expanded opening hours and convenient location have seen the café gather takings of approximately $85,000 throughout show week. After deducting expenses, the Red Dove Cafe have been able to donate approximately $45,000 to support Uniting Church welfare, mission and community activities across South Australia each year. As the café has undergone many changes, so too have the Wayville Showgrounds where the Royal Adelaide Show is held; the Show Society has been progressively redeveloping the entire grounds. Several years ago, the Show Society advised Red Dove Café that it was likely that there would eventually have to be changes to the area surrounding the café. While the team behind Red Dove hoped that these changes would mean simple redevelopment of the existing
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building, it became clear that the Society wished to clear the entire area and redevelop it in a different way. In early 2016, it was confirmed that the 2016 Show would be the last for Red Dove Café ’ s existing building. A farewell and celebration for the old building was held after the 2016 Show. Many people who had volunteered in the café came along to relive memories, and to say goodbye to the building before it was demolished. In consultation with the Show Society, the organisers of Red Dove Café decided to continue operating in a different location within the showgrounds. A new building, funded by the Show Society, is currently under construction adjacent to the main arena in the south eastern corner of the grounds. This new location will mean a separation from regular carnival worker customers, but will be convenient for many of the agricultural exhibitors in the surrounding area. To cater to the needs of these workers, the new Red Dove Café will open at 5.45am each day during the 2017 Show (1-10 September), and will also operate on the two days prior to the official opening day (30-31 August). In 2017, located in their new building, Red Dove Café will continue to offer home-style meals and quality customer service courtesy of the many volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to this important initiative. Uniting Church SA members are encouraged to visit Red Dove Café during the Royal Adelaide Show (1-10 September 2017) or to contribute their time as volunteers (30 August – 10 September 2017). For more information about the café and volunteering opportunities, please contact Lesley Williams on 0402 006 629 or email ljwilliams36@gmail.com
letters to the editor
What disappointments?
I am glad the book review of Our Mob, God ’ s Story (New Times, June/ July) concluded: “ This book is a wonderful resource that celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. ” I agree. However, I was surprised that there were “ some disappointments with the structure of the book ” , and that “ it seemed as though some involved with the project thought everything needed to be explained. ” I am not qualified to write book reviews, and I know little about art, but because the review was otherwise such a glowing account of “ from cover to cover appeal ” , I decided to re-read the many words that “ weighed down 20 or 30 pages. ” This confirmed my view that because it was decided that everything needed to be explained, we can now fully appreciate how, over a period of 200 years – and especially in the past five years of production – an incredible amount of human effort, and a wonderful miracle of God ’ s grace, have culminated in the production of a profound statement of Indigenous devotion and faith. P. Fopp, West Beach
Do you have photos of your congregation or faith community in action? The Uniting Church SA Communications team wants photos of your church’s activities, events and people for the 2018 Uniting Church SA Calendar! Photos must be high resolution and/or size, must have been taken within the last 12 months, and must have approval from any persons pictured. For more information or to submit a photo, please contact the Communications team on 8236 4230 or email communications@sa.uca.org.au
Sharing prayers and contemplation online
“ Prayers that Unite ” is a Facebook group setup early in 2016 as a forum for individuals to share prayers they have written for others to use, particularly in public worship. The initiative arose out of recognition of members in the Uniting Church writing wonderful prayers. Those prayers have emerged and are shared at moments when we yearn to articulate common feelings and experiences in response to significant events in the world. Examples are times of major bushfires, the Lindt Café siege, and the Grenfell Tower fire. “ Prayers that Unite ” creates a repository for prayers to be rapidly disseminated across the Church. I am writing this letter to invite people who use Facebook to avail themselves of that resource, or to make their own contribution. More recently, another Facebook group was created. It is called “ Uniting in Contemplation ” . This group is for people who have discovered the wonderful dimension of contemplative Christian disciplines. More and more people are discovering spiritual disciplines, and this Facebook group is purposed to support people in these practices and to provide an opportunity for people to share their experiences. I am hoping there will be a follow-on from this group where people in congregations might start “ Uniting in Contemplation ” gatherings. This is a letter of invitation to join the Facebook groups, or start up a gathering generating mutual support in contemplative practices. You can also contact me at tom@thestuarts.id.au or on 0427 625 502. T. Stuart, Charleston NSW
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classifieds RESTORE your phonographic records or tape to near original quality & preserve them on CD Restore your faded 35mm slides to bright colour and preserve them on DVD. Ask us about VHS or MiniDVD video tape & 8mm film to DVD conversion, SA MEDIAWORKS, Kent Town SA Ph: 8362 2251 samediworks@soundtrack.net.au
Send your letters to: newtimes@sa.uca.org.au or PO Box 2145, Adelaide 5001.
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diary ORDINATION SERVICE. Sunday 13 August, 2pm. Journey Uniting Church. All are welcome to attend Josh Scherer ’ s ordination service and celebratory afternoon tea. ORDINATION INFORMATION EVENT. Monday 14 August, 7.30pm. Uniting College for Leadership & Theology. Led by Rev Prof Andrew Dutney, “ Everything you ever wanted to know about ordination ” will help address questions about ordination and call to ministry. For more information, please email info@unitingcollege.org.au or call Eloise on 8416 8420. INDUCTION SERVICE. Tuesday 15 August, 7pm. Gawler Uniting Church. All are welcome to attend Josh Scherer ’ s induction service, which will be followed by a light supper with tea and coffee. For more information, please email office@gawleruniting.org.au MENTAL HEALTH SEMINARS. Wednesday 16 August and Wednesday 18 October, 7pm at The Corner Uniting Church. Monday 28 August, 7.30pm at Spicer Uniting Church. This year, both The Corner and Spicer have been holding a series of monthly mental health seminars presented by Rev Mark Boyce. The upcoming sessions at The Corner will focus on psychosis (August) and bipolar (September). The August seminar is Spicer ’ s final session, and will focus on grieving and mental health. For more information on sessions at The Corner, please email administration@thecorner.org. au or call 8350 5400. For more information about the session at Spicer, please email office@spicer.org.au or call 8362 3771. WILKS ORATION. Friday 18 August, 7.30pm. Effective Living Centre. The 2017 Wilks Oration will be given by Julian Cribb on the topic “ Surviving the 21st Century ” . Julian is an Australian science journalist and writer. For further information about the annual Wilks Oration, this year ’ s speaker and events costs, please contact the Effective Living Centre on 8271 0329 or email office@effectiveliving.org UNITING LEADERS 2017. Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 August. Hope Valley Uniting Church. Uniting Leaders 2017 is a three-day conference featuring worship, guest speakers, and opportunities for peer learning, networking and connecting with others in leadership. This is one of the President ’ s National Ministers Conference for 2017, and will include input from keynote speakers Nancy Beach and Mark Conner. For more information about the program, registration and costs, please visit unitingleaders.com.au or call 8236 4249. URBAN MISSION NETWORK GATHERING. Friday 25 August, 6pm. Modbury Uniting Church. The August gathering of the Urban Mission Network will provide an opportunity to introduce the network ’ s latest initiative – “ The Creative Ageing and Spirituality Centre ” . Ken Burt and Rev Dr Elizabeth Vreugdenhil will each present on this topic. To find out more or to RSVP, please email Susan Burt at susan@urbannetwork.org.au A CUPPA FOR A CURE. Saturday 26 August, 2.30pm. Salisbury Uniting Church. This event will feature a presentation by guest speaker Pam Lake from the Melbourne office of The Leprosy Mission. Entry costs $5 and there will be an opportunity to purchase items from a trading table supporting The Leprosy Mission, Timor Leste. For more information, please contact Joan on 8332 2905 or Jenny on 8388 8790. THE HOPE WE HAVE. Sunday 27 to Tuesday 29 August. Uniting College for Leadership & Theology. For more information about this conference, please see pages 10-11. For information about the program, registration and costs, please visit thehopewehave.com or email info@unitingcollege.org.au RED DOVE CAFÉ. Friday 1 to Sunday 10 September. Royal Adelaide Show, Wayville Showgrounds. The Red Dove Cafe has operated annually at the Royal Adelaide Show since 1951, raising funds for mission in SA. The café is staffed entirely by volunteers from across the Uniting Church community. This year, Red Dove Café will be in a new space at the south east corner of the Main Arena (near the horses). For more information, please contact Amelia Brown on 0409 215 915 or email ameliaiveybrown@gmail.com
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SACRED & CREATIVE ART EVENT. Friday 1 to Saturday 2 September. Art Gallery of South Australia and Effective Living Centre. The Effective Living Centre ’ s series of Sacred and Creative Art events provide an opportunity for attendees to explore religion in art at the Art Gallery of SA on a Friday evening before sharing in hands-on expression at the Effective Living Centre on Saturday afternoon. For more information about the September event and other upcoming sessions, please contact the Effective Living Centre on 8271 0329 or email office@effectiveliving.org A THIN PLACE RETREAT. Saturday 9 September, 10am-4pm. The Corner Uniting Church. The theme of this retreat is "Standing at the Crossroads", looking inward and moving forward. It includes morning tea, a prayer session, lunch, Holy Communion, quiet activity and prayer stations. Registrations must be made by Sunday 3 September. For more information or to register, please visit thecorner.org.au or call 8350 5400. ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM. Monday 18 September, 7.30pm. Pilgrim Uniting Church. A collaboration between Pilgrim Uniting Church and the Research Unit for the Study of Society, Law and Religion of the University of Adelaide, this year ’ s symposium will address the topic “ Is ‘No Religion ’ the New Religion? ” The oration will be given by Prof Linda Woodhead, and panel members will include Rev Christy Capper and Rev Dr Greg Elsdon. For more information, please visit pilgrim.org.au or contact the church office on 8212 3295 or info@pilgrim.org.au COMMUNITY HYMN FESTIVAL. Sunday 24 September, 2.30pm. The Vines Uniting Church. An afternoon of traditional hymns with afternoon tea served during intermission. For more information, please contact Christine on 0414 543 134 or email christinedecaux@aussiebb.com.au ANNUAL WILDFLOWER WALK. Thursday 28 September, 1pm. Sandy Creek Uniting Church. This annual guided walk takes places through an easy walking area in local bush where wildflowers are abundant. Walkers meet at the church at 1pm and are served afternoon tea at the conclusion of the walk. Numbers are limited so pre-booking is encouraged. For more information or to book, please contact Leslee on 8524 4086 or email leslyncarle@chariot.net.au BASKETBALLERS’ BREAKFAST. Saturday 7 October, 8am. Playford Uniting Church. At this special event, guest speaker Pius Ogbu Sunday will share his experiences as a former professional basketballer, the current coordinator of the Fellowship of Christian Basketballers International Nigeria and Operations Manager of The Leprosy Mission in Nigeria. The event will raise funds for The Leprosy Mission. For more information, please contact Joan on 8332 2905 or email srmoulton@internode.on.net UNITY HILL 150TH ANNIVERSARY. Port Lincoln ’ s Unity Hill Uniting Church will celebrate its 150th anniversary on Sunday 12 November with worship and the opening of an historic display of memorabilia. They will also celebrate with a Saturday afternoon concert and formal dinner on Saturday 18 November, and with worship, luncheon and a party on Sunday 19 November. While these dates are not for awhile, the Unity Hill congregation hopes advance notice will help attendees to clear their calendars! Those interested in attending or contributing memorabilia are invited to contact Lindley Webb on 8682 3303 or email lindley.w@bigpond.com Diary events are submitted online and featured on the Uniting Church SA website (sa.uca.org.au), in UC e-News and in New Times (deadline permitting). To submit your event please visit sa.uca.org.au/events/submit-an-event
positionsvacant.sa.uca.org.au
Vacancy Superintendent Minister Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ) is seeking expressions of interest (EOIs) for the placement of Superintendent Minister (SM) of WMQ. WMQ is an integral part of the Uniting Church and our Purpose is to participate in the mission of God towards reconciliation, transformation, justice and hope for all people. As a Parish Mission under the Regulations WMQ is committed to worship, witness and service through the Albert Street Uniting Church and throughout the diverse range of aged care and community services that support 100,000 people in need in Queensland each year. WMQ employs 2,500 people and 1,500 volunteers. It operates from 60 plus locations mainly in South East Qld and has an annual operating budget of over $170M. As the director of ministry and mission and ‘spiritual leader’ (under the WMQ Constitution) the SM oversees the missional integrity of WMQ’s aged care & community services in accordance with the ethos of the Uniting Church in Australia and the Wesley Charter. The SM also offers leadership and influence across the whole of WMQ and is actively engaged in: • the governance of the organisation (as a member of the WMQ Council and WMQ Board) and also as a member of the Executive Leadership Team. • leading the Pastoral and Spiritual Care Team which provides chaplaincy services to WMQ. • leadership and development of the ministry, pastoral care, worship and the life and witness of Albert Street Church. • leading and supporting other members of the ministry team and also supporting members of the Albert Street Church to grow in their journey of discipleship. We are seeking a creative and innovative Minister of the Word with gifts and experience in: • sharing the Gospel, particularly through preaching and worship. • leading, inspiring and empowering people and teams. • engaging with a wide range of people in multiple roles and responsibilities offering encouragement, support and a theological context. • leadership in a governance role in a complex social services operating environment. For information about WMQ visit – www.wmq.org.au. For a copy of the PD and further information contact: Danielle Sullivan 07 3621 4550, d.sullivan@wmq.org.au EOIs are to be submitted to placements@ucaqld.com.au by 25 September, 2017. We seek to welcome our new SM sometime before the end of 2018.
fixed term, part time (0.4 FTE) • Journalism internship • Three month contract (0.4 FTE) • Unique opportunity to progress your career Are you interested in a future in journalism? If you are a tertiary student or recent graduate of Journalism, Communications or a related field, New Times is offering an internship that will bolster your knowledge with hands-on experience. This position is based in the Uniting Church SA Presbytery and Synod office and reports to the Communications Manager and Editor-in-Chief. Applications must include a resume (inc at least three referees) and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria outlined in the position description, which is available at sa.uca.org.au/uc-positions-vacant. The role is a three month fixed term, part-time (0.4 FTE) internship. Applications close Friday 25 August at 5pm. For more information, please contact Human Resources via email humanresources@sa.uca.org.au or phone 8236 4234.
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EVANGELISM CONFERENCE
Visual Presentation Systems Public Address Church - School - Board Room - Retail Display - Hospitality Data Projection - Plasma - LCD - Projection Screens - Accessories Sale - Installation - Service “TEC - Everything Electronic installed with Excellence” Greg Hallam 0411 550417 - Keith Ellison 0411 556075 Campbelltown: 8365 0377 - Fax: 8365 0677 Web: www.tecsa.com.au
Join our speakers Mike Frost and Karina Kreminski as we explore the theology and practice of evangelism in our secular world.
27-29 a u g u s t
sun - tue
ADELAIDE WEST UNITING CHURCH 312 SIR DONALD BRADMAN DR, BROOKLYN PARK
THEHOPEWEHAVE.COM
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Spiritual inspiration Book: Walking on bones: poems in the nick of time Authors: John Cranmer and Denham Grierson Recommended for: people trying to make sense of our challenging world, its social complexity and bewildering powerlessness, to feed their spirit In short: These poems, written by two ordained people, use images and metaphors to discern the Spirit within our world and our individual life experiences.
These poems spoke to my life experiences; my search for God ’ s Spirit at work in our world. The authors have the ability to discern deep meanings and spirituality, and God ’ s presence in the joys and traumas of life. They share their adventures in places familiar to us in South Australia – the Flinders Ranges, inland spaces, mountains, rivers. They identify deeply with our earth and its beauty. Both have responded to events in family lives as parents, partners, and lives they touch in ministry with the ability to empathise deeply, discerning signs of hope and courage. The publishers have mixed the poems, grouping them according to themes – spirit shapes, trajectories, and epiphany. The titles draw you in with curiosity about what metaphors will be opened to the Spirit. They challenge us to think about the state of the church today and what might enable us to see our creator in its traumas. This is “ Kairos time ” for church and humanity.
Walking on bones contains poems on discerning the Spirit in ordinary acts and places. Some of the poems are about birth, death, human suffering, illness, childhood experiences and life with children. We imagine ourselves through the seasons of the liturgical year – Christmas, Easter, Good Friday, Resurrection – and through listening to the winds of change, silence and celebration. One of my favourite poems is “ Leaning into the Wind ” : leaning into the wind is best wrestling with the Spirit which strikes a match igniting our intentionality. If the reader is searching for the work of the Spirit in our world, the inner spirit will respond to this poetry and its metaphors, offering possibilities for discerning new ways of expressing faith in a seemingly faithless world. Marelle Harisun
Surviving the 21st century What are the biggest challenges facing humanity today? What aspects of our lives pose risks to the long term future of our civilisation? Can humanity survive the 21st century? These are the kinds of questions explored by respected science journalist and writer Julian Cribb in his 2016 book Surviving the 21st century . This text was the backdrop of study undertaken by groups at Morialta Uniting Church and Christ Church Wayville earlier this year, and will also form the basis of the 2017 Wilks Oration. The Wilks Oration is an annual event held by the Effective Living Centre (ELC) and named after Graham Wilks, the founding secretary of the ELC. Each year, a prominent guest speaker is invited to talk about current social, political or religious concerns.
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Julian will present the 2017 Wilks Oration, exploring many of the intersecting threats and crises currently confronting the world – mass extinction, resource depletion, climate change, urban expansion and overpopulation, climate change, and more. The 2017 Wilks Oration, “ Surviving the 21st century ” , will be held at the Effective Living Centre on Friday 18 August at 7pm. Cost: $25 (adult), $20 (concession) or $15 (Friends of the ELC). For more information or to book, please visit trybooking.com/289910 or call the ELC on 8271 0329.
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Eldercare’s gift of giving Jack and Hazel Blumberg share the dancefloor again.
Dementia Excellence Program facilitator Tanya Liddell rehearses dancing with Jack Blumberg ahead of a Give Back Program event for residents.
An internal volunteering program recently introduced at not-for-profit aged care provider Eldercare has given residents like Jack and Hazel Blumberg the opportunity to resume their shared passion for dancing.
Dancing has played a huge part in Jack and Hazel Blumberg ’ s love story. “ Hazel and I used to go dancing a lot before we were married and then, when our two boys grew up, we used to go out to dances with friends, ” says Jack. The couple, who have been together for 66 years, recently returned to the dance floor at Eldercare Cottage Grove in Woodcroft to participate in specially-themed dance events which have been run with the help of the organisation ’ s successful ‘Give Back Program ’ volunteering initiative. Events held for Eldercare residents as part of the Give Back Program have included special Royal Show-themed days, along with masquerade balls, world culture celebrations and Christmas concerts. Leisure and Wellbeing Program Manager Kay Goodman-Dodd says “ bigger events have been made possible again ” at Eldercare ’ s residential aged care facilities thanks to the Give Back Program, which involves head office employees donating their time to assist site-based staff run events for residents. Kay, who led a 12-month trial of the Give Back Program in 2016 and this year ’ s subsequent organisation-wide rollout, states that one of the driving forces behind the initiative was for staff to work together across the organisation. “ Connections based on mutual respect have developed between head office volunteers and site-based staff at these events and we ’ re also seeing some head office staff build stronger relationships with one another, ” says Kay.
“ Head office staff are also now more connected to residents because the training they undertake, as part of the program, allows them to actively assist a resident rather than referring back to a site-based staff member. ” Chief Executive Jane Pickering says the program has been a fun way to remind staff, who aren ’ t in direct contact with residents, why Eldercare exists. “ One of our organisational values is ‘connection ’ and this is the perfect program for building connections between residents, their families and all of our staff, ” Jane explains. “ When the volunteers from head office spend one-on-one time with our residents, they can see Eldercare ’ s purpose of delivering peace of mind with our care in action. ” Jack and Hazel Blumberg can see how the Give Back Program is making a difference to residents ’ quality of life at Eldercare. “ We go to these dances and people seem to enjoy our dancing – I think it is good entertainment and it ’ s something to look forward to for people, ” says Jack. “ A lot of the people are in wheelchairs so sometimes one of the staff will hold the handles of someone ’ s wheelchair and move around as if they are dancing together. “ All of these events depend on the staff getting into the spirit of things and helping out –without them; it just wouldn ’ t happen. ” Eldercare is one of South Australia ’ s largest and most experienced aged care providers with services located across the Greater Adelaide and Yorke Peninsula regions. For more information visit eldercare.net.au
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