New Times - June July 2016

Issue 35, No 3, 2016

The voice of Uniting Church SA

June / July 2016

This time, this place ACTIVE RESPONSES

SPIRITUALITY PILGRIMAGE

Uniting churches speak

A place to humble yourself

on asylum seekers

pp. 16-17

pp. 10-11

Contents FEATURES Do Christianity and politics mix?

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Active responses to asylum seekers

10-11

A place to humble yourself

16-17

“It ’ s a mouthful. But it works”

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REGULAR PAGES Moderator ’ s comment

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Diary 20-21 Letters 23

Editor: Catherine Hoffman Editor-in-Chief: Bindy Taylor Advertising: Communications Design: Winaya Kamaputri Print: Graphic Print Group

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w: newtimes.sa.uca.org.au facebook.com/NewTimesUCA ISSN 0726-2612 New Times is the voice of Uniting Church SA. Published monthly, February through December, New Times represents the breadth, diversity and vision of Uniting Church members in SA. News policies, guides and deadlines appear online at newtimes.sa.uca.org.au. Articles and advertising do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor.

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Next edition: August/September New Times is now bi-monthly and no longer follows themes.

In between the print editions, news and articles are shared through UC e-News (sa.uca.org.au/uc-e-news) and New Times online (sa.uca.org.au/new-times).

For more information, please contact New Times Editor Catherine Hoffman on 8236 4230 or via email at newtimes@sa.uca.org.au DEADLINE FOR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016: Friday 22 July

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editorial

Breaking boundaries, sharing faith I preached for the first time ever last month. What an experience! I can see why ministers are so passionate about sharing the Gospel. My inaugural sermon was made even more delightful by the welcoming Eden Hills congregation (pictured), and the coaching I received from the Moderator-Elect, Sue Ellis, who I was visiting when I received the call to preach.

After my discussion with Sue, I decided to speak on Mark 7:24-30, which shares the story of Jesus honouring a Syrophoneician women ’ s faith by healing her daughter.

This passage describes a radical Jesus and outlines some radical acts for his time and the culture. These actions include Jesus entering the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon – Gentile territory where Jews did not travel. The first person Jesus meets and has conversation with in this region is someone who is not only a Gentile, but a woman – and one with a demon-possessed daughter. It seems Jesus can ’ t break many more boundaries than those outlined in this passage.

This story encourages me to think about the boundaries I would be prepared to break in order to make the Gospel known.

A study undertaken in the UK and shared by Dr Jeremy McQuoid from Deeside Christian Fellowship found that Christians who most frequently witness to others are those who start sharing their faith within the first five years of their Christian commitment.

The study also identified that Christians in the 18-30 age bracket are less likely to read the Bible every day, but are far more likely to share their faith with others. Middle-aged and older generations are more likely to read the Bible daily, but are less likely to talk about Jesus publically.

Cover details

The June/July edition cover features Rev Denise Champion, Aunty Pauline McKenzie and Candace Champion in Adnyamathanha country (Flinders Ranges) for a Spirituality Pilgrimage in mid-May 2016. Read more about the pilgrimage on pages 16-17 of this edition.

Photo courtesy of Caryn Rogers.

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I wonder why this might be…

Why are we less likely to share our faith as our knowledge of the Bible grows? Why does our desire to evangelise wane the deeper we grow in Biblical knowledge and faith? Shouldn ’ t it be the other way around?

In Mark 7:24-30, Jesus was challenging the religious and cultural norms of his time to spread the Gospel and bring healing to new territories. How often do we have the opportunity to do the same in our daily lives?

As you think over these reflections, I encourage you to be open to ways God might be calling you to make the Gospel known and break boundaries in your own life.

Bindy Taylor

Presbytery & Synod meeting The Uniting Church in Australia, Presbytery and Synod of South Australia will meet on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 June.

An induction and commissioning service will be held on the Friday evening for Rev Beth Seaman (Chaplaincy Manager), Rev Christy Capper (Director of Missiology), Rev Philip Gardner (Executive Officer, Pastoral Relations and Mission Planning), Mike Wardrop (Intergenerational Discipleship Developer), Judyth Roberts (Leadership Developer) and Rev Prof Andrew Dutney (Principal, Uniting College of Leadership & Theology).

Summaries will be provided in the August/September edition of New Times and through UC e-News “ e-updates ” . To subscribe to UC e-News please visit sa.uca.org.au/uc-e-news

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moderator

After the gathering: highlights from UnitingWomen 2016 On Thursday 28 April, the voices of over 400 women joined together in song, sharing words of hope and promise through the singing of “ Come one, come all ” and “ Where the Spirit is, there is freedom ” .

Women from every state and territory in Australia were in attendance, in addition to several international guests – all joining together for UnitingWomen 2016 at Wesley Kent Town Uniting Church and Prince Alfred College in Adelaide.

Over the next four days, we shared our stories of hope and faith, and encouraged one another in our Christian journey. Many women creatively and movingly shared their gifts and insights on the conference theme, “ Sharing stories of hope ” .

On the opening night, the gathering joined in worship and explored Biblical stories with Dr Liz Boase and Rev Dr Vicky Balabanski.

Already there was a sense of expectation – that God was moving among us as we trusted one another with our stories.

The evening sessions continued to be highlights over the course of UnitingWomen 2016.

On Friday night there was dancing in the aisles, as the choir led the gathering in songs from ABBA and Sister Act! The night also featured dance, film, dramatic reading and visual art centred on the conference theme.

On Saturday night, conference participants were joined by the wider community for a panel session focussed on hope in the public space.

We heard from five women who are leading to significantly shape our nation in transformative and hopeful ways. It was moving to hear these leaders reflect on their personal faith journeys.

Throughout the conference we heard stories of God ’ s transforming power and love in women ’ s lives.

Rev Maleta Rumaroti shared stories of the issues facing women in the Pacific. We also heard about “ Lead with me ” , a partnership program UnitingWorld runs with churches in the region. The program supports women and girls in developing their gifts and strengthening them through education. Participants at UnitingWomen, were encouraged to be in solidarity with our sisters in partner churches in the Pacific.

Creativity was an important feature of UnitingWomen. In addition to the creativity shared during the Friday night session, some women shared their creative skills through workshops on poetry, art and song.

A number of people also wrote songs around the conference theme.

Words from a song, written by Neryl McCallum and shared in our worship, capture some of what took place at and through UnitingWomen 2016: “ We will sing hope into darkness, we will walk the path of peace. We will speak hope into suff’ring, for God ’ s goodness does not cease. ” New stories of hope were created at UnitingWomen 2016 as we

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Top: Dr Deidre Palmer (second from left) with speakers at the UnitingWomen panel session. Bottom: Rev Dr Amelia Koh-Butler (left) and singers during the Friday musical session.

listened to one another, deepened relationships, and encouraged one another in our participation in God ’ s mission in the world.

UnitingWomen 2016 was a wonderful opportunity for women to join together in Christian community, celebrating their stories of hope.

What we experienced at the conference will continue, as participants embody the compassion and love of Christ in our daily work, relationships and life in wider Australian society.

Thank you to the organising team and volunteers for your passionate commitment to bringing this event to life. And thank you to the 22 workshop leaders and the 29 speakers who offered stories of hope that inspired, challenged and moved us.

Dr Deidre Palmer

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Uniting leaders at national conference “ Growing leaders to grow the church ” . That ’ s the tagline of Uniting Leaders 2016 (UL16), the new leadership conference being organised by the South Australian and Queensland Synods of the Uniting Church, in conjunction with Newlife Uniting Church. And it ’ s one that Rev Nigel Rogers, the Uniting Church SA CEO/General Secretary and a Queensland expat, is quick to draw attention to. “ This is for all leaders in the life of the Uniting Church, ” Nigel emphasises. “ The conference will gather leaders from across the country for a time to be resourced, equipped and grown. ” The inaugural Uniting Leaders conference will be held at Newlife Uniting Church on the Gold Coast from Tuesday 30 August to Thursday 1 September. The conference will include sessions led by Mark and Karen Wilson. Mark will speak from his experience as Director of Ministries for the Baptist Union of Western Australia, while Karen will draw on her work as Executive Minister of Riverview Church, the largest church in Perth. “ We wanted to include speakers from outside our context so that they could speak into the life of the Uniting Church, ” explains Nigel. “ They ’ re both amazing leaders in growing churches. I believe they ’ ll be able to share invaluable skills that our leaders can apply to their own contexts. ” The conference organisers are expecting – and encouraging – leaders from across the whole Uniting Church to come along to UL16. “ We want to see a diversity of leadership represented, ” Nigel says. “ We ’ re hoping for leaders from across a variety of cultural contexts and ages. We ’ d like to see young leaders being able to network with more experienced leaders – something we see as providing learning opportunities for all involved. ” The conference will have a strong focus on networking and forging connections. Leaders attending will be encouraged to take the initiative in making connections over meal times and continuing these relationships after the conclusion of the conference.

An Intensive for Senior Leaders will be held after the main sessions of UL16. While this is a part of the conference, the intensive is particularly for senior leaders. “ The organising team for the conference considers senior leaders to be lay and ordained leaders working in full time ministry and leading a team of staff or volunteers in a local congregation. Typically, they ’ ll be leaders in church communities with a weekly attendance of more than 150 people, ” Nigel clarifies. “ The term also includes presbytery and synod leaders. ” The Intensive for Senior Leaders will start at 6pm on Thursday 1 September and conclude at 4.30pm on Friday 2 September. “ This is the beginning of something – the generation of a new collaborative initiative in leadership, ” Nigel concludes.

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Travel subsidies of up to $300 for UL16 and the Intensive for Senior Leaders are available for leaders meeting certain criteria.

To find out more about the event, costs and travel subsidies please visit unitingleaders.com.au

Placements News Placements finalised since the April / May edition of New Times: Rev Carol Chamber to South West Fleurieu Linked Congregations (0.7) from a date to be advised Will Hall (Candidate for MOW) to ConneXions from 1 August 2016 Rev David Hoffman to Westbourne Park from 1 September 2016 Mark Kickett (MOP) to Kalparrin & Murraylands Faith Community (0.5) from 1 May 2015 Rev Barry Littleford to Parafield Gardens from 1 January 2017 Judyth Roberts (MOP) to Intergenerational Team – Leadership Developer (POD/MOP) from 1 June 2016 Rev Beth Seaman to Chaplaincy Manager (0.5) from 1 May 2016 Peter Sorensen (MOP) to Flinders Parish (0.6) 12 months ’ Supply from 1 July 2016 Rev Cheryl Wilson to Ascot Community Church (0.8) from 1 July 2016 Vacant placements: The following is the current list of vacant (or soon to be vacant) approved placements: Profiles available – Burra (0.7); County Jervois (Arno, Cleve, Coolanie, Cowell, Driver River); Keith “ One Church ” (Uniting Church and Church of Christ); Tumby Bay & Districts (0.5); Westbourne Park (0.5 from 1 July 2016); Western Eyre (Cornerstone [Cummins], Cummins, Lock, Yeelanna – from 20 October 2016); Whyalla.

Profiles not yet available – Covenanting Officer (Presbytery & Synod); Gawler Parish (from 1 January 2017); Golden Grove (from 1 September 2016); Kangaroo Island Linked Congregations (from 1 January 2017); Mannum (0.3).

Upcoming services Induction services: 5 June – Rev Darren Lovell at Lower Murray Linked Congregations at 10am 5 June – Roger Brook at Malvern/Unley at 10.30am 8 June – Rev Angie Griffin at Lefevre at 7pm 19 June – Rev David Buxton (0.8 IIM) at Marion/Warradale at 2pm Commissioning service: 10 June – Peter Sorensen (MOP) at Flinders Parish at 2pm (TBC) An induction and commissioning service will be held on Thursday 14 July at 2pm for Liz Dyson (MOP, Coordination Chaplain ACHA) and Rev Robyn Caldicott (Chaplain, Flinders Private Hospital) at Ashford Warehouse.

A service including the induction, commissioning and acknowledgement of many Uniting Church SA leaders will be held at the June meeting of the Presbytery and Synod. More information on page 3.

For more information on any of these placements, or to view national placements, please visit sa.uca.org.au/pastoral-relations/placements-vacant

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Do Christianity and politics mix?

With the July 2016 Federal Election approaching, Transforming Justice Coordinator Adrian Nippress shares his thoughts on why and how Christians are called to engage with justice issues and politics.

There is a strongly held view that religion and politics do not mix. This view has been proffered to me on occasion during my time as Transforming Justice Coordinator for the Uniting Church SA, as I seek to progress different social justice issues.

With this in mind, speaking out about justice issues through a religious lens in the period leading up to the Federal Election on Saturday 2 July may well be a high risk strategy – for myself and for you, as Uniting Church members. We are bound to have people telling us that the political sphere is no place to bring up our Christian values. If our discussions are not based in theological principles, we may also find other church members and Christians accusing us of supporting one political party over another.

In Australia and overseas, Christian groups are often active in speaking out about political issues – some create lobby groups (which are often highly partisan) while others even form

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their own political parties (Rev Fred Nile in the Upper House of NSW and Family First are two Australian examples of this). While this may be one way for some Christian voices to be heard in the political environment, I would suggest there are other ways forward that engage the community beyond party political conversations.

When you view the policies of each party in the lead up to the Federal Election, I encourage you to ask questions about what the Bible says that relates to the issue in question, or what Jesus might have to say about it. By viewing policy issues through this Christian lens, our discussions and decisions may better align with what we believe God ’ s vision is for our country.

I believe this advice is particularly applicable to areas of social justice. In the Bible, there are over 300 instances where we are called to speak selflessly about justice and human rights issues. We are also called to hold

governments (and in this case, candidates) to account when they fail to protect the vulnerable or act contrary to the teachings of Christ.

But what justice issues are we being called upon to prioritise during this election period?

Prioritising justice issues can be difficult – it ’ s a challenge I regularly face in my role as Transforming Justice Coordinator. But as you think on this over the election period, I advise you to look at issues through the lens of the two commandments particularly emphasised

by Jesus – to “ love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength ” and to “ love your neighbour as yourself ” .

It is with this in mind that I raise the following justice issues for your consideration as you consider policies, candidates and budget proposals in the lead up to the July election.

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Refugees and asylum seekeers Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? – Isaiah 58:7 This passage reminds us that we are called to love and care for our neighbours, and is one oft-quoted in reference to acceptance of asylum seekers and refugees.

As outlined in past New Times articles, the Uniting Church in Australia has been vocal in standing against the offshore detention of children seeking refuge and asylum. The church ’ s responsibility to

asylum seekers and refugees was particularly affirmed in “ Shelter from the storm ” , a policy adopted by the Uniting Church Assembly in 2015.

When thinking about the issues facing refugees and asylum seekers attempting to come to Australia, it can be easy to view the situation in relation to numbers – the cost of detention or resettling, the number of people we take, the huge volume of people displaced around the world. But it is important to see the human stories behind the numbers, and there are many church congregations who have welcomed asylum seekers and refugees

to their communities (see pages 10-11 for three examples).

In the lead up to the election, take some time to consider these human stories, the different party policies, and the Uniting Church ’ s position. You can read more on this issue in UnitingJustice ’ s election resource, “ A Flourishing Society ” or contact Adrian Nippress (see details on page 8).

Poverty in regional communities Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don ’ t have enough to eat. What good is there in your saying to them, “ God bless you! Keep warm and eat well! ” – if you don ’ t give them the necessities of life?

– James 2:15-16 The Uniting Church SA includes many rural and regional communities.

Over the past 20 years, drastic changes

have made life in these communities more difficult – cuts to support services and lack of employment opportunities have hit these communities particularly hard. Most recently we ’ ve witnessed the effects of the closure of the Leigh Creek mine, the Port Augusta power plant, and the uncertainty about the continuation of the steel industry in Whyalla.

In the lead up to the July election,

please consider the impact of party policies on education, health care, employment and other services within our regional communities.

Environmental issues The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. – Genesis 2:15 As Christians, we are called to care for God ’ s creation. In 2014, the Uniting Church SA Presbytery and Synod formed the Environmental Action Group (EAG) as an active expression of this responsibility.

Over the past two years, the EAG has worked with the Transforming Justice Coordinator and congregations to ask environmental questions, invite

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theological reflection, and assist in making value judgements grounded on sound environmental principles. The EAG seeks to engage the church community with the environmental challenges confronting the world today, particularly in the areas of renewable energy and climate change.

As you consider party policies and budget issues over the election period, please also consider their impact on the environment and whether this aligns with your own calling to care for creation. You may want

to revisit articles published by the EAG in New Times in 2015 and the points made by UnitingJustice in their election resource, “ A Flourishing Society ” .

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Australian Aid If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

– 1 John 3:17 We are called as Christians to act compassionately and lovingly towards others – both those within our immediate surrounds and those far outside them.

Australian aid is one of the ways our nation helps to support vulnerable communities internationally.

Over the past 20 years, Australian aid has helped provide access to safe water and sanitation, education and vaccination for children, life-saving assistance to many vulnerable individuals, and much more. It has built the capacity of millions of people.

Drastic cuts have been made to Australia ’ s aid budget in recent years, affecting the number of people and type of help provided to those living in poverty.

Australia ’ s major political parties all have different plans for the aid budget if they are elected. This is something to research,

think about, and discuss with others as the election approaches.

Providing support to communities who are struggling in impoverished areas is one of the ways we are able to embody God ’ s love in the world. The Uniting Church SA has expressed the value they place on aid through active participation in the Campaign for Australian Aid. For more information, please visit the campaign website at australianaid.org

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

– Galatians 3:28 The relationship between the Uniting Church and Australia ’ s First Peoples is a very important one, and since its establishment in 1985, the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) has been a significant presence in the life of the Uniting Church.

A Covenant was made between the UAICC and the Uniting Church in 1994, emphasising the Church ’ s commitment to act in solidarity with the UAICC and Indigenous peoples. The Covenanting process is about being disciples and understanding that First Peoples can teach the Church about being faithful Christians

in Australia.

But our recent history in this wealthy country has not reflected a respectful relationship, and despite some extraordinary efforts by those in mission, as a Church we have often failed our Indigenous brothers and sisters in Christ.

Remote and urban Indigenous communities in Australia continue to experience heightened levels of disadvantage across a range of socioeconomic indicators.

Higher levels of incarceration, illness and unemployment all have huge impacts on the lives of many Aboriginal people. Reduced access to adequate education and basic services also disadvantage these communities.

Issues of intergenerational poverty, racism and earlier ages of death continue to impact people ’ s daily lives. The 2014 Federal Budget

saw a cut of $500 million of expenditure to Indigenous programs aimed at closing the gap between Australia ’ s First and Second Peoples.

Despite the prevalence of these issues and the impact of this budget cut, this has not yet been a focus for the Federal Government or major political parties in the lead up to the July election.

As members of the Uniting Church, we need to promote a positive conversation in the wider community about the challenges facing our First Peoples. We must also reinforce the importance of including Aboriginal Elders in any discussion affecting the environment and land use in Australia.

Looking for more?

There are several ways you can gain further insight on justice issues in the lead up to the July election.

1. Contact Adrian Nippress via email at justice@sa.uca.org.au 2. Read the UnitingJustice resource “ A Flourishing Society ” available online at unitingjustice.org.au/election2016 or contact UnitingJustice on (02) 8267 4238.

3. Keep an eye on UC e-News (sa.uca.org.au/uc-e-news) and New Times online (sa.uca.org.au/new-times).

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lem fa a di e lyr s h i p

In the know with KCO Postcards and posters and planning, oh my!

KCO 2016 is shaping up to be a very exciting event – and the new promotional materials will help to share the excitement.

Postcards and posters are now available for churches to order and share with the community.

This year ’ s KCO (Kids of the Uniting Church in Australia Camp Out) will be held at Adare Camp and Caravan Park in Victor Harbor from 10-11 September. The camp will focus on the theme “ Burst – Life with Jesus. ” Registrations will open in June and there are plenty of ways for church communities to get involved! People can participate in this transformative event as campers, small group leaders, Group Coordinators or event team

volunteers. There are also opportunities for churches to “ sponsor ” a child to attend KCO. A KCO community dress rehearsal will be held on Saturday 30 July at Adare Camp and Caravan Park (20 Wattle Drive, McCracken).

This gathering will provide opportunities for Group Coordinators and small group leaders to explore the site, engage with program

planning, receive training for small groups and ask questions.

To order promotional materials, find out more or to volunteer for KCO 2016, please visit sa.uca.org.au/kco or contact Melissa Neumann on 8236 4246 or email kco@sa.uca.org.au

members who have had life-changing or exciting church camp experiences. These stories will be shared with the wider Uniting Church SA community.

If you would like to share your church camp experiences please contact New Times on 8236 4230 or email newtimes@sa.uca.org.au

Intergen News replaces the Intergen Team ’ s previous newsletters, “ What ’ s UP for Children & Family Ministry ” and “ Youth & Young Adults E-News ” (both sent under the Uniting Young People name). It will be sent

out via email at the start of each school term.

If you would like to subscribe to Intergen News, please email intergen@sa.uca.org.au

Seeking stories Church camps are important in helping young people to learn and grow in faith.

Over the coming months, New Times will be collecting stories from Uniting Church

Intergen News In May, the Intergenerational Team distributed their first “ Intergen News ” containing information about the team ’ s key directions, upcoming events, resources, and much more!

Uniting Foundation grant applications Uniting Foundation is seeking applications from congregations, faith communities, ministry centres and individuals for assistance with funding eligible projects. Due to the modest amount of funds available for distribution this year, prayerful discernment and discretion is required before applying. The closing date for applications is

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31 July 2016.

For further information, application forms and eligibility criteria, please contact Uniting Foundation Manager Malcolm Wilson by email mwilson@sa.uca.org.au or call 8236 4206 or 0414 520 140.

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Active responses to asylum seekers The Uniting Church in Australia has welcomed and advocated for refugees and asylum seekers in a variety of ways. In South Australia, many congregations have taken part in community action or are involved in specific asylum seeker and refugee projects. New Times asked three local congregations to reflect on how they have actively engaged with asylum seekers in their communities.

Lived justice Brougham Place Uniting Church

Justice for all! It sounds a bit like a superhero catchcry, but in reality this has always been part of the fabric of the Christian faith.

Born of our mandate to welcome the stranger and love our neighbour, Brougham Place Uniting Church has been on a journey with refugees and asylum seekers for decades now.

Like many congregations, it began with open hearts and arms as we embraced the peoples coming to Australia from South Sudan. We built community together – a Circle of Friends. The richness of shared life and worship was only the first step. Sukulu na Bari, a Bari language and culture school took form. Over 50 children still gather along with teachers and helpers on alternate Saturdays to

learn. It is an important part of understanding not only culture, but also identity.

In recent years our hearts have opened even further. As individuals, and as a community, we have heard the cries of the asylum seekers, and cannot help but remember cries once heard from out of Egypt.

Our sisters and brothers are imprisoned and dying – Christ calls us to work for their freedom.

Some of our members have participated in Love Makes a Way; others have worked with Welcome to Australia and the Welcome Centre. We have held prayer vigils and forums, gathered resources for people in detention, written to politicians, signed

campaigns, and welcomed people who are finally released.

This work for justice is not always easy.

Sometimes the answers are difficult to find.

The compassionate Christ, who welcomed friend and stranger, outcast and insider alike, longs for all to be seated at the table – we long for that too.

We don ’ t need to be superheros, just disciples of the One who will show us the way.

Photos: Uniting Church members from congregations across South Australia have taken part in community events to show support for refugees and asylum seekers.

Life lessons and living examples Unley Uniting Church

Fifteen years ago some members of the Unley Uniting Church community became concerned about Australia ’ s treatment of asylum seekers and the welfare of refugees in our midst.

Our interest was initially inspired by a chance encounter with Amir, an Iraqi professor. Amir fled Saddam Hussein ’ s regime under pressure to produce outcomes in his field of expertise that were incompatible with his Christian faith, and eventually reached Christmas Island by boat. After a period of incarceration at Woomera Detention Centre, he was released into the community.

When our church community first encountered him, six months after his release

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from Woomera, Amir was already working tirelessly as an advocate for compassionate government responses to asylum seekers and refugees. We offered Amir financial and emotional support, eventually helping him to bring his wife and two children to Adelaide – his children are now adults who have obtained degrees and achieved success in their respective professions.

Amir ’ s story was a highly motivating factor in our church ’ s involvement. His example of hope in the face of many obstacles made it impossible for Unley Uniting not to be involved at a deeper, long-term level.

The Refugee Support Fund was established in August 2001, with both congregations in the Unley/Malvern Uniting Parish

contributing to the fund through monthly retiring offerings. This regular income, along with personal and group donations over the next five years, amounted to almost $40,000.

The Refugee Support Fund has enabled the church to provide much needed help to several families and individuals in need.

The refugee families we have had contact with over the years have given us much more than we have given them. They have taught the members of our community about living with humility, gratitude and compassion.

Please note: The Uniting Church SA ’ s Refugee Support Fund is no longer in operation. To find out more about how you can support refugees and asylum seekers please email justice@sa.uca.org.au

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This church, this season, this issue Coromandel Valley Uniting Church

For the last four years Coromandel Valley Uniting Church (known as “ Coro Uniting ” ) has had the privilege of participating with many Iranian asylum seekers who have also been Jesus seekers. These years have seen frequent baptisms, Farsi Bible teaching and small groups, spontaneous Farsi prayer in worship, language classes, refugee advocacy, mentoring, walking together, and meals, meals, meals.

With time, many of these people have moved on to other places – but some have made Coro Uniting their permanent church from which they reach out to others as far away as Iran itself.

Coro Uniting has a strong history of work in cross-cultural life and ministry – over the past 30 years, 100 of the church members have had significant involvement in this area. In the current congregation, 93 members are or have been involved in cross-cultural spaces, here and overseas.

The presence of so many who have worked in cross-cultural areas cannot be coincidence – God has prepared this church for this season.

But the present ministry with Iranian asylum seekers all came about through God ’ s call to one person – Lesley Inauen.

For years, Lesley prepared for cross-cultural mission with her husband, Urs, thinking they would be working in Africa. But when the opportunity to work in Africa finally came their family situation

rendered them unavailable.

It was Lesley who first met with local Iranian asylum seekers.

Coro Uniting ’ s cross-cultural ministry with them grew from that initial meeting.

Prayer and letters of intercession Since engaging in this ministry, members of Coro Uniting have twice sought to write to Australian political leaders on behalf of asylum seekers. They have interceded with God in prayer, then with political leaders in letters.

The first letter campaign sought to influence all political parties to adopt a more humane approach when addressing those appealing for asylum. The letters also sought recognition of asylum seekers ’ human dignity.

The most recent letters appealed to the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection on behalf of a family attending Coro Uniting.

This family rejected Islam and have been baptised into Christ. They have been ordered to return to Iran, where they would be in danger of persecution.

In total, 108 people wrote separate letters on behalf of this family; one letter was signed by 50 people. These letters were also added to the case prepared by the family ’ s lawyer. Sadly, their claim remains rejected.

It ’ s time for your voice to be heard!

Mission Resourcing and the Moderator are encouraging all congregations and individuals to share their thoughts on the treatment of asylum seekers and refugees by writing letters to political leaders on Sunday 19 June.

Need some help on figuring out how to do this? We ’ ve created a step-by-step guide!

1. Decide who you ’ re sending your letter to. We suggest addressing the letters to the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection (the Hon. Peter Dutton MP) and the Shadow Minister for Immigration and Border Protection (the Hon. Richard Marles MP).

2. Write your letter. Speak from the heart and personalise your letter with reflections on your own experiences. If you want further information, please read “ Shelter from the Storm ” (available at unitingjustice.org.au), the Uniting Church in Australia ’ s official statement on refugee and asylum seeker policy.

3. Give your letter to your Presbytery & Synod representative. Letters will be gathered at the next Presbytery & Synod meeting (24-25 June) and sent to the offices of the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection and the Shadow Minister for Immigration and Border Protection.

If these dates don ’ t work for you or your congregation, you can still be involved! To find out more, please contact Transforming Justice Coordinator Adrian Nippress on (08) 8236 4203 or email justice@sa.uca.org.au Return to Contents

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“Thanks to your investment the Wattle Centre is a quiet and comfortable place where students can focus on their studies.

The new space provides a real sense of community and an opportunity to develop relationships with others.”

Renae and Joshua, Students, Pedare Christian College

Invest with someone who invests in your community.

Visit us at ucinvest.com.au or call us on 1300 274 151.

UC Invest 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. 4 of 2014 (“The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (S.A.)”). Neither UC Invest nor the Uniting Church SA are prudentially supervised by APRA. Investments and contributions lodged with UC Invest will not benefit from the depositor protection provisions of the Banking Act (1959). All products offered by UC Invest are designed for investors who wish to promote the charitable purposes of the Uniting Church SA.

ing Ministry z a m A , in la p a Future Ch /chaplains w.airforce.gov.au

web: ww DPS:MAR043-16

ov.au

lains@defence.g

email: raaf.chap

leadership

The opening service for New Beginnings combined singing, children dancing, contemporary worship and a Pentecost reading.

Vibrant ministry in our most rural communities Bindy Taylor

The township of Cummins, situated on the Lower Eyre Peninsula of South Australia, is a vibrant and picturesque farming community. A place where you can leave your car unlocked or step outside the house and run into a familiar face.

For remote rural locations such as Cummins, the Church plays an important role in nurturing and gathering community together, particularly in farm settings where isolation is inescapable.

The Uniting Church SA Moderator-Elect, Rev Sue Ellis has worked in ministry in the Western Eyre Parish for the past two years. In this role, she has supported local farm families and church communities located in Cummins, Yeelanna, and Lock. After bushfires devastated the region in 2005, a new worshipping community, “ Cornerstone ” , was birthed at Cummins in 2008. After a couple of years of operation, the worshipping community dissolved and the regular Cummins Uniting Church congregation began to reduce in size. But the elders of the church felt God was assuring them they would grow again.

Over the past six months, Sue, Ann Challinger (a church elder), and Scott and Mary-Anne Mickan (leaders from Yeelanna Uniting Church who felt called to help the ageing Cummins congregation) formed a leadership team to explore what a new worshipping community in Cummins might look like. “ As we explored scriptures together we saw that God was going to bring back people who had gone from this church for one reason or another. Together with God we planned to offer a more relaxed space for people to explore what faith means to them, ” says Sue. “ We decided to keep the Cummins Uniting Church name but theme it ‘New Beginnings ’ . The theme of a charred stump shooting forth new leaves was chosen as a symbol of what the community was doing. ” The first service for New Beginnings took place on Sunday 15 May. The leadership group had been planning the day for many months, and launched the service with a dramatic performance that captured the way God has been working to build a new church through the Holy Spirit. The drama re-enacted parts of the church ’ s history, including Return to Contents

the laying of the first stone on 8 May 1912 and the work of the former Cornerstone church plant.

Sue preached from Ephesians for the inaugural service, choosing to focus on life in Christ – a topic strongly tied to the hopes of the leadership group at New Beginnings. “ We hope those who attended the opening service will share their experiences and people will return or come along to this new church, ” says Sue. With Sue ’ s placement at Western Eyre coming to an end, she reflects on both the work she has helped to achieve and the work which still needs to be undertaken in the region. “ I have seen God ’ s hand in the development of these local ministries. The congregations that I have been serving are great examples of resilience in rural communities, particularly rural communities of faith, ” says Sue. “ The Yeelanna congregation is a large vibrant congregation, and from there nurturing people like Scott and Mary-Anne are able to come out and begin new things in ministry like New Beginnings in Cummins. “ Yeelanna is currently exploring ways of being supportive of one another in family groups. An exciting project which the congregation ’ s elders are leading. “ Meanwhile in Lock, the congregation continues to care for themselves in a fresh ecumenical relationship with the Lutheran Church and are continuing to offer care to their community. ” The emphasis each of these congregations has on “ every member ministry ” will help them to grow and thrive, even once Sue completes her work with them. “ God does not need me to continue God ’ s work in these three rural churches, ” Sue states. “ God has excellent people equipped for ministry.

Just as I have been called to a new role, God is also in the process of calling someone else into this vibrant community, which loves to serve Jesus and wants to progress the life of the Kingdom he brought.”

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leadership

The re-emergence of Mission Resourcing Written by Mission Resourcing

After a long and sometimes painful period of formation and change, the Mission Resourcing ministry centre is coming together as a valuable resource for the Uniting Church SA. The Executive Officer of Mission Resourcing, Rev Dr Amelia KohButler, has announced that Mission Resourcing is now in a position to offer congregations broader, strategic assistance and resources as they serve the people of God within their communities. “ In Mission Resourcing, we have walked away from the ‘silo-ing ’ of different ministry areas. We have been ‘cross-training at the foot of the cross ’ – prayerfully learning from and strengthening each other as a team, ” says Amelia.

Mission Resourcing is following two distinctive streams, resourcing the church for mission and discipleship.

The Transforming Justice team has a focus on the justice that Jesus stands for. It seeks to respond to the following question: “ where does our followership of Jesus Christ require us to get involved in challenging the world with a prophetic voice?”

The Transforming Justice team includes: Adrian Nippress in the roles of Transforming Justice Coordinator and International Mission Officer, where his passion for people and a just society are highly valued. Through these roles, Adrian has already led a review of all of the Uniting Church SA ’ s international relations and partnerships and canvassed the wider Church to be clear about where Uniting Church members feel called by God to act. Adrian has been instrumental in helping several congregations and interest groups in getting set-up to ensure hands-on projects are supported in South Australia and overseas. He also acts as the principal liaison with UnitingJustice and UnitingWorld.

Kemeri Lievano is multi-lingual and has a passion for cultural diversity. Her role offers leadership to Culturally and Linguistically Diverse mission and ministry. Kem is connecting strategically with a range of CALD congregations and leaders of different language communities. She is also oversighting several projects related to Second Generation Discipleship Development and Resource Development. In addition to these tasks, Kem is Mission Resourcing ’ s principal liaison

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with National Multi- and Crosscultural Ministry and the Uniting Church ’ s 14 language-specific National Conferences.

Working alongside Kemeri in short term project roles are Rev Do Young Kim, whose focus is on discipleship in Children and Family Ministry within the Korean Community, and Sam Chan. Sam is working with Kemeri to convene workshops on “ Building Bridges of Understanding and Living Together as God ’ s People ” as the Synod works to become more inclusive in discipling all of God ’ s people.

While the Covenanting Officer role currently remains vacant, other members of Mission Resourcing have picked up elements of this work. Adrian offers leadership in supporting Sorry Day activities and the push for Reconciliation action, while Kemeri has picked up Covenanting support and liaising. Amelia is consulting with congregations about the Covenant between the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) and the Uniting Church, and overseeing involvement in the Recognise campaign.

This represents a more holistic approach to Covenanting, where every member of the Mission Resourcing team is actively involved in the commitment to the Covenant with First Peoples, particularly through relationship with the UAICC. Many members across the wider Church support international and local mission through the World Mission Support Group, Uniting Church Adult Fellowships (UCAF) and Frontier Services Support.

Australian Church Women and other education, fellowship and fundraising groups sit alongside or under the UCAF umbrella. These are ably supported by the administrative work of Janet Woodward, who also has a passion and energy for the people she regards as some of the saints of the Uniting Church. Further support for this important work is given by a huge number of dedicated volunteers, including the amazing Stamp Committee. Without the faith and commitment of these volunteers the Uniting Church SA would be a much poorer place spiritually.

As shared in the April/May edition of New Times, the Uniting Young People team is now the Intergenerational Team – a move to ensure the team ’ s name more accurately describes their work and focus. This team aims to “ consider how the whole people of God might relate to,

leadership

Opposite page (left to right): Intergenerational ministry at KCO; International Mission Officer Adrian Nippress in Zimbabwe.

This page (left to right): Young people learning at SAYCO; Mike Wardrop and Melissa Neumann from the Intergenerational Team.

learn from and disciple each other in and out of church context. ” The Intergenerational Team consists of: Melissa Neumann, whose discipleship focus is Children and Family Ministry.

Mike Wardrop, who has a discipleship focus on Youth and Young Adults.

Pastor Judyth Roberts, who will be joining the team in June to focus on those who feel called to ministry through a Period of Discernment, and those undertaking Ministry of Pastor studies.

In July, Rev Christy Capper joins the Mission Resourcing team as Director of Missiology. In that capacity, Christy will direct the Mission Stream of Uniting College for Leadership & Theology. She will also be working with the Synod and congregations in practical applications of mission in local settings. This will involve being a key educator, mentor and liaison in new and Fresh Expressions of Church. “ Mission is what God calls us to do and be – reflecting God ’ s own missional nature. We are called to discipleship (involving learning and teaching), evangelism (involving proclamation of good news and sharing our experiences of faith), compassion (loving the world for whom Christ died), justice (working to actively bring about God ’ s

realm) and care of Creation (responding to God ’ s instruction to steward the resources placed in our care to God ’ s glory), ” Amelia states.

In 2017, Christy and Amelia will be particularly involved in assisting congregations and regions to make the most of National Church Life Survey results.

Amelia is thrilled to have assembled a team of active field workers who will be available to engage with congregations, and with faculty and students at Uniting College. “ A team is more than the sum of its parts. We are a community of leaders, passionate about the calling of Jesus Christ to serve the world. We see it as our work to support and resource congregations – sometimes to do more, and sometimes to know it is okay to do less. We want to companion congregations and ensure people have access to the best resources we can find, ” says Amelia. “ We share a vision – that together, as a whole people of God, we can serve God ’ s missional purposes. And God will transform the little things each of us does into something sacred and beautiful. ” For more information about Mission Resourcing, please contact Bev Freeman on 8236 4243 or email bfreeman@sa.uca.org.au

Gillian Triggs named as orator for annual event

NCLS 2016 – order surveys now!

The Effective Living Centre has announced Emeritus Professor

Church Life Survey 2016.

Gillian Triggs as speaker for the 2016 Wilks Oration. Gillian will

Orders are now being taken for survey forms for the National The Standing Committee has directed all Uniting Church SA

be speaking on “ Revitalising a commitment to human rights ” at

congregations to participate in the survey, which will take place

the event, which will be held at Christ Church Wayville (26 King

in November 2016.

William Road, Wayville) on Friday 29 July at 7pm.

Gillian is the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission.

The Effective Living Centre is a mission centre of Mission Resourcing. For more information about this event, please contact the Effective Living Centre on 8271 0329 or email office@effectiveliving.org Return to Contents

It is requested that all congregations order the required number of survey forms by 30 June, 2016. No money is required when orders are placed. Invoices will be distributed at a later date.

The Uniting Church SA Synod will pay the $250 registration fee, leaving congregations to pay $1.50 per survey form ordered.

For more information or to order survey forms, please contact Bev Freeman on 8236 4243 or email bfreeman@sa.uca.org.au

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c u l t u re

Moments from the May Spirituality Pilgrimage in Adnyamathanha (Flinders Ranges) country, including a visit to the proposed SA nuclear waste dump site (this page, top right).

A place to humble yourself Caryn Rogers

It was dark when we arose on Friday morning, gathering ahead of our procession to our sunrise location. The air was cool, and the sky was beginning to yawn to life with golden hues.

As we met on the hill that morning, on the edges of Ikara (Wilpena Pound), Rev Denise Champion encouraged us to open our ears to hear the ancient voice of God speaking to us.

Huddled under layers of coats and scarves, we began to sense this presence – through our eyes as the sun bathed the immense rock-faced mountains, through our nostrils as the dewy earth ground beneath our tread, through our beings as the growing sun warmed us.

Aunty Denise told old stories and drew our voices out to join in. Voices rang out in song, croaking softly at first, then confidently calling out across the hilltops.

As we wandered and reflected, I felt an anticipation for the day ahead – what we would hear, how we would feel and what sights would impress themselves on our hearts.

We had begun to gather on Thursday 19 May, in Quorn, South Australia to begin an Adnyamathanha Spirituality Pilgrimage, as a mixed group of people with different backgrounds, different hopes and different lives.

The two days that followed brought forth the voice in the wilderness, and the voice of the wilderness.

Joining with Aunty Denise was her daughter Candace, Aunty Pauline McKenzie and Uncle Mick McKenzie. They brought Adnyamathanha stories to life, full of aldanara (barking lizards), adnu (bearded dragon), wakala (crow), urrakuli (magpie), wadna (boomerangs) and all sorts of other elements to help us consider light, darkness, learning and spirit. We were asked to consider these stories within the framework of what they taught us about ourselves, our relationships and our spirits.

The relationship between the Adnyamathanha people, their land and their language is evidenced in the importance of geography and sense of place in their stories.

This mixed with the need to frame the story

l eual tduere c rship

All photos taken by Caryn Rogers, except the water image above, which was captured by Julianne Rogers.

in the context of how it changes our way of being, demonstrates a natural and intimate interplay between all of these elements.

Denise spoke of these stories and the threads that drew them into her faith and into her hopes for the future.

For Candace, this future has many pressures. That of being a young person who needs to earn a living, wants to start a family and think sensibly about housing, but also the pressure of what it means to be Adnyamathanha and to have a place to go home to country.

A proposed nuclear waste site situated on a fault line, near a natural spring, is threatening the latter. As we stood there hearing Pauline, Denise and Candace share their pain about this land being even considered for such an abhorrent use, the disrespect of this proposal became abrasively clear.

Looking out over the natural spring, feeling the magnitude of Ikara behind me, Candace ’ s words from the night before sprang to mind – “ Coming back to country means having a place to put your feet on the ground and to humble yourself… ”

Return to Contents

And humbled we were; by the past, by hopes for the future, and by the privilege to share a campfire with some of the matriarchs of the oldest continuing culture in the world.

The Uniting Church SA is standing with the Adnyamathanha people to protest the use of this site and welcomes all to raise their voice and join them at yourSAy.sa.go.au The Adnyamathanha Spirituality Pilgrimage was an event run by the Centre for Music, Liturgy and Arts. This event also included input from Prof Michael Hawn.

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fa i t h

Stories from a school chaplain Cathy Moore, Schools Ministry Group

“ I am the advocate for the person who doesn ’ t have a voice. I am a peacekeeper and interpreter to the two sides of the story. I am that calming influence when emotions get in the way of seeing clearly. ” These are the words of Kerry Crowden, a school chaplain with Schools Ministry Group who works at three schools – Macclesfield Primary, Meadows Primary and Eastern Fleurieu, Ashbourne Campus. Kerry is also an active member of the Meadows Uniting Church congregation. “ I became a school chaplain five years ago because I have a caring heart, and I felt called to pastorally care for others in my community, ” says Kerry.

A school chaplain ’ s role is to provide ongoing pastoral and practical support to students, staff and the whole school community. This involves different types of support ranging from social, emotional, friendship, grief, loss, anxiety, family breakdown, and the many other life situations that children, staff and families experience.

Kerry has had plenty of opportunities to help young people and school communities discover purpose, value and hope. “ There was one child who had severe separation anxiety each day when his mum dropped him off at school, ” Kerry shares.

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She thought sharing in an activity together might help the student adjust and talk about how he was feeling. “ For four weeks, we built some tall ships together while he shared his feelings and fears.

When I felt that we had established some trust, I shared with him about how ships weren ’ t built to be tied up at the end of the dock where they were safe. They had things to do and went out in the rough seas and sailed long distances to deliver their cargo before they returned to port safely and docked again. “ This was just like each morning when he would let go of his mum ’ s hand. Like the ship, he would sail through the day without her and she would be waiting for him to dock again at home time. ” The valuable time spent with Kerry enabled the child to settle in to school and helped him overcome his anxiety.

Kerry also works with school staff, leadership and other agencies to provide the best support she can to members of the whole school community.

Church communities have been active in partnering with Kerry in her work as school chaplain. She is thankful for the way the local churches have helped her to support and care for the school communities in Macclesfield, Meadows and Ashbourne.

“ During a difficult time last year Kerry was an amazing support to our whole family, ” one parent recently commented. “ It is wonderful to know that she is there for our children if they need someone to talk to. ” For more information about the chaplaincy services provided by Kerry and over 330 school chaplains across South Australia, please visit the Schools Ministry Group website at smg.asn.au

25

25 Years of

SERVICE

1991 - 2016

Schools Ministry Group invites current or previous

STATE SCHOOL CHAPLAINS, SEMINAR PRESENTERS, SCHOOLS MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS, CHAPLAINCY SUPPORT GROUP MEMBERS, AND SCHOOLS MINISTRY GROUP STAFF to the 25 year

REUNION MONDAY JULY 25 2016 7pm - 9.30pm @ UNLEY HIGH SCHOOL KITCHENER STREET, NETHERBY

RSVP JULY 18 2016 www.smg.asn.au/reunion-2016

g e t t i n g t o k n o w. . .

Naracoorte Uniting Church Naracoorte Uniting Church seeks to “ see lives transformed to the way of Christ ” and the congregation lives this out in the wider community in a wide variety of ways: Transforming Lives Through Literacy is a program aimed at assisting children to read. In this program, local school chaplains identify students who are struggling with literacy.

The church offers these students scholarships to undertake intensive “ Cellfield ” training through the local Kip McGrath Centre, which aims to help primary and secondary school children to improve or extend their learning.

Congregation members assist with homework throughout the Cellfield process, which typically sees children advance several years in their “ reading age ” .

All that the church requires of the child and their family is that they commit to complete the course, visit with the congregation at the end of their program, and that they let members of the church pray for them.

At the conclusion of their participation in the program, children receive a Bible and the congregation receives a copy of their Cellfield results.

This program has seen transformation not only in academic fields, but in faith – several of the participating families have continued to journey in Christian faith with the Naracoorte congregation.

Return to Contents

Friendly Thursdays is a group for mildly disabled people who are socially isolated.

At Friendly Thursdays, people gather for exercise, games and friendship. This group fills a need for those who often fall through cracks in the community network of support.

Friendly Thursdays is transforming the social atmosphere for these members of the Naracoorte community.

Kiribati Connection is a partnership between Naracoorte and the Kiribati Uniting Church, especially the church on the island of Arorae. The congregation has hosted pastors from Kiribati, and sent members to visit with the community. The most recent was a cultural exchange experience for school leavers. Naracoorte is working towards providing rain water collection tanks for Arorae, which will help it to remain inhabitable despite climate change. In return, the Naracoorte community is being transformed by a deepening knowledge of the One who is God of all the earth.

Amazing Saturday, held in March, is a day of great fun for the children of the Naracoorte community, offering activities like canoeing, ice block tobogganing, craft, face painting, and singing. These activities are followed by an evening concert, which includes a performance with a Gospel message. Each year nearly 300 children connect with

Amazing Saturday, and are encouraged to connect with other church programs, such as Kids Alive and Youth Group.

A Narcotics Anonymous group is led by one of Naracoorte ’ s members and is seeing transformation in the lives of many.

LIFE groups enable church members and their friends to experience personal transformation. LIFE stands for Love (for one another and everyone else), Involvement (in mission and/or ministry action), Faithfulness (in knowing and doing God ’ s word) and Expectancy (in prayer). Through LIFE groups, people are growing closer to God and each other.

In addition to these activities, Naracoorte Uniting Church holds a weekly Sunday service at 9.30am. The service features a blend of traditional and contemporary prayers, songs and communication methods to facilitate inclusive, “ family friendly ” worship.

Photos (left to right): Naracoorte members taking part in Amazing Saturday; Members of Naracoorte visiting Kiribati.

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diary ENVIRONMENT FORUMS will be held on Sunday 12 and Sunday 19 June, starting at 11am at Morialta Uniting Church. The Sunday 12 June event will look at “ Renewable Energy – fact or fiction? ” with Rev Brian Phillips; the Sunday 19 June event is “ Hydrocarbons – their place in the current and projected energy-supply mix ” with Prof Steve Begg. For more information, please call 8331 9344 or email snout-n-about@bigpond.com HYMNSING. “ Songs of land, creation & faith ” with Michael Hawn on Sunday 12 June, 2-4pm at Clayton Wesley Uniting Church. For more information, please contact the Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts (CMLA) on 8267 2657 or email admin@cmla.org.au SONGWRITE SA. A song-writing event at Burnside City Uniting Church from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 June. The event will provide an opportunity to develop, write, score and record original music while experiencing creative community. Michael Hawn will share input on the shape and form of song as well as how song shapes our faith. For more information or to book, please contact CMLA on 8267 2657 or email admin@cmla.org.au LIVE LIFE LOUD – NIGHT #2. Live Life Loud is a high energy youth event held at venues across South Australia. Live Life Loud events will be held at three locations (in the Adelaide Hills, West and MidNorth regions) on Friday 17 June. Futher information is available at sa.uca.org.au/youth/events/live-life-loud OLD TIME SONGS OF FAITH at Kapunda Uniting Church on Sunday 19 June, 2-3.30pm. An afternoon of singing the old time hymns of faith with special guest soloist Jasmine Piro, followed by afternoon tea. Gold coin donation. Proceeds go to local school chaplains. For more information, please contact Allan Fahlbusch on 0426 682 379 or email allanfah@gmail.com A LAZY AFTERNOON OF SONG. The Barton Singers will be performing at Westbourne Park Uniting Church on Sunday 19 June from 2pm. This concert will raise funds for the East Timor Mission Project. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 concession and children free. A Devonshire Tea will be provided after the concert. For catering purposes, please call 8271 7066 to book your seat.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. The Uniting Church SA Historical Society will meet at Church of the Trinity on Sunday 19 June, 2.30-4pm. Rev Prof Andrew Dutney will speak about his recent research for the revision of his book “ Manifesto for Renewal ” . The meeting will also include election of officers of the society. Reports will include plans for a national conference to be held in Adelaide in 2017 to celebrate the Uniting Church in Australia ’ s 40th anniversary. For more information, please contact Dean Eland on 0419 112 603 or email djeland@bigpond.com FUNDRAISING MOVIE NIGHT. Westbourne Park Uniting Church will hold a screening of “ Finding Dory ” at the Capri Theatre in Goodwood on Friday 24 June to raise funds for the East Timor Mission Project (ETMP).

Doors open at 5.30pm and the movie will commence at 6.30pm. Tickets can be purchased prior to the event or on the night. For more information about the event and the ETMP, please visit wpuc.org.au/mission or contact the Church Office on 8271 7066.

A NIGHT OF HOPE at Coro Uniting on Saturday 25 June, 7pm, will provide a rare opportunity to hear the story of Grace Arach, a former Ugandan child soldier. It will also include a performance by singer/ songwriter Levi McGrath. This is a free event presented by World Vision. For more information, please contact Sue on 8270 1800 or email office@corouniting.org GLENGOWRIE CHOIR 60 YEAR SERVICE. The choir at Glengowrie Uniting Church will celebrate 60 years of service on Sunday 26 June, 10am-12.30pm. Celebrate with the church and choir at a 10am service, and gather afterwards for a light lunch with musical items by the choir. For more information, please contact Anne on 8294 6089.

ILLUMINA VOICES presents “ Can you hear me? Songs about connection

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and caring ” at Scots Church Adelaide on Sunday 26 June, 2.30-4pm, and at Newland Memorial Church in Victor Harbor on Sunday 3 July, 2.30-4pm.

The events will feature the Illumina Voices women ’ s choir, the Adelaide High School Choir and Chinese flute player Liu Si Ying. For more information, please contact Jackie on 0414 253 014 or visit illumina.org.au STATE MISSION FELLOWSHIP. State Mission Fellowship will meet at Scots Church Adelaide on Tuesday 28 June, 10.30am, to hear from Rev Matthew Bond about mission through drama in local schools. Come early for morning tea and stay for lunch for $5. All are welcome to be part of this vital fellowship and hearing mission stories. For more information, please contact Lesley Williams on 8261 3843.

KEENAGERS 10 YEAR CELEBRATIONS. “ Keenagers ” at Seeds Uniting Church is a “ movement ” amongst local seniors that has hosted more than 200 activities and events over the past 10 years. Special events are being held in July to mark this anniversary. Events on Thursday 7 and Thursday 21 July at 2pm will feature times of fun and friendship. Two morning services on Sunday 17 July (at 9am and 10.45am) are being planned and presented by various members of Keenagers. Everyone is welcome to attend these exciting events! For more information, please contact Trevor and Margaret Bartlett on 0433 962 250 or email tbarty@lifestylesa.net.au PROF AMY-JILL LEVINE SESSION: “ Power, sex and abuse: Biblical and pastoral perspectives ” on Friday 8 July. Prof Amy-Jill Levine, an acclaimed author and New Testament scholar, will address a range of topics, including the Bible and adultery, and the Bible and rape. For more information, please contact the Adelaide College of Divinity on 8416 8400 or email college.divinity@flinders.edu.au NATIONAL YOUNG ADULTS LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE at CYC Burleigh in Burleigh Heads, Queensland, from Friday 8 to Wednesday 13 July. NYALC aims to encourage, bless, grow and empower young adult leaders in the Uniting Church. For more information, please visit nyalc.org.au SNGING A GLOBAL ALLELUIA. Come and sing music from around the world and learn about faith expressed in different cultures. Saturday 9 July at 2pm at The Corner Uniting Church. The Corner Café will be selling coffee and cake for afternoon tea. For more information, please visit cmla.org.au or contact CMLA on 8267 2657.

MUSIC & WORSHIP: THOUGHT-FILLED PRACTICE. This four-day intensive with Michael Hawn at Burnside City Uniting Church runs from Monday 18 to Thursday 21 July. It will offer an opportunity for participants to explore the theology of music and worship, and is available for credit through Uniting College. For more information, please visit cmla.org.au or contact CMLA on 8267 2657.

WINTERBOURNE 2016. Winterbourne is held annually by Westbourne Park Uniting Church for high school-aged young people (years 8-12).

The event seeks to be an opportunity for youth to grow in their faith and participate in electives, worship, small groups and service. This year ’ s event will take place from Tuesday 19 to Friday 22 July. It will focus on the theme “ Following Jesus ” and feature speakers Mike Wardrop, Deidre Palmer, Shane Rayner, Danica Patselis and Nick Patselis. The event is open to young people and leaders from churches across the state.

For more information, please contact Floss Davis on 0433 399 254 or email fedavis95@hotmail.com STILLPOINT RETREAT. Titled “ The Life of the Beloved ” and based on the writings of Henri Nouwen, this retreat will be led by Rev Gary Stuckey at Nunyara Conference Centre and Stillpoint House in Belair from Friday 22 to Monday 25 July. For more information, please contact Stillpoint on 8178 0048 or email stillpoint@internode.on.net IMPACT: an intensive in congregational worship. This event will be held at Burnside City Uniting Church from Sunday 24 to Wednesday 27 July. It will provide an opportunity for congregations to learn about considering and shaping worship from Michael Hawn. For more information, please visit cmla.org.au or contact CMLA on 8267 2657.

diary STATE MISSION FELLOWSHIP. State Mission Fellowship will meet at Scots Church Adelaide on Tuesday 26 July, 10.30am, to hear from Caryn Rogers, former New Times Editor and Joan Stott bursary recipient. Come early for morning tea and stay for lunch for $5. All are welcome to be part of this vital fellowship and hearing mission stories. For more information, please contact Lesley Williams on 8261 3843.

KCO COMMUNITY DRESS REHEARSAL. This day will particularly be aimed at Group Coordinators and small group leaders with information and training to assist with preparation for these roles. It will also be an opportunity to explore the Adare Camp and Caravan Park and to engage with KCO 2016 program planning. The rehearsal will be held at Adare Camp and Caravan Park on Saturday 30 July. For more information, please contact Melissa via email at kco@sa.uca.org.au WINTER FAIR. A Winter Fair will be held at Dernancourt Uniting Church on Saturday 30 July, 9.30am-3pm. Browse and shop vintage clothing, vintage linen and china, and hand-crafted items. Snack on scones, tea and/or coffee at morning tea time, or warm yourself up with soup and crusty bread for lunch. All welcome.

BLACKWOOD COMMUNITY PROGRAM. Blackwood Uniting Church will host workshops on mosaics with Sue Langhans on Saturday 6, 13 and 20 August, 1-3.30pm. Afternoon tea provided. Cost: $15, or $12 (concession).

For more information or to book, please contact Jacki on 8278 7699.

To have your upcoming event or message published here, email diary@sa.uca.org.au with ‘Diary ’ in the subject line.

p o s i t i o n s va c a n t . s a . u c a . o r g . a u

classifieds RESTORE your phonographic records or tapes 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 MiniDV video tape & 8mm film to DVD conversion, SA MEDIAWORKS, Kent Town SA Ph: 8362 2251 samediaworks@soundtrack.net.au JOIN REV DR DEAN AND VIRGINIA BROOKES ON A BIBLICAL JOURNEY Following the Apostle Paul to Greece, Malta, Sicily and Rome. 28 April to 19/25 May 2017. Optional six days in Northern Italy. Contact Virginia or Dean at 8395 2441, 0427 244 146 or ginny.brookes@bigpond.com MORIALTA UNITING CHURCH STUDENT HOUSES VACANCIES Undergraduate university/TAFE students from rural/ regional areas. Furnished single bedrooms, shared bathrooms, living areas. Close to UniSA, Magill. Easy travel to city for Adelaide Uni and UniSA, and to Mawson Lakes campus. Rent $350 monthly. Anne Ind 8336 6836 Church Office 8331 9344.

Board Members (x2) UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide

Our Vision: A compassionate, respectful and just community in which all people participate and flourish.

UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide Inc. is a large community service agency of the Uniting Church in South Australia. We are a dynamic and innovative organisation, working across a wide range of locations and areas of service delivery including aged care, community services, housing, community development and advocacy.

8261 8211 All hours

www.ivanbutlerfunerals.com.au enquiries@ivanbutlerfunerals.com.au 26 OG Road Klemzig SA 5087

About the role: The Board is seeking new members who have experience in governance and who will add to the Boards skill profile specifically in the areas of aged care, property development, law or finance.

Skills and Experience: Candidates will have: • A commitment to social justice and a strong desire to strengthen local communities; • An understanding of/ interest in the not-for-profit sector; • Previous board, committee, governance or senior management experience; Please contact Karen Bryant on 8440 2209 for an information pack.

Further enquiries may be directed to Gael Fraser, Chair of the Board on 0400 627 702.

AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

Geoff Lewis General Manager

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To apply please provide a CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience to: Libby Craft, Chief Executive Officer, UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide, 70 Dale Street, Port Adelaide 5015, by COB 29th July 2016.

Please visit: www.ucwpa.org.au

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reviews

An exciting introduction Book: All about glory Author: David Kowalick Available from: Godwit Media or David Kowalick (davencath1@bigpond.com) “ Glory!” I ’ ve seen it on the back page of the Advertiser when the Adelaide Crows won the flag. Apart from that it seems to be a word more strongly featured in the Bible than in daily life. David Kowalick ’ s book changes that. It ’ s full of life; simple enough to be profound.

You may have felt that the Trinity is something you should dutifully believe because you are a Christian. So you ’ ve worked at believing it, but you have not quite got excited. Maybe the teaching you ’ ve

Healing ministry event Uniting Church minister Rev Prof Dean Drayton has seen the impact of healing ministry in action. “ Our neighbor was in crisis. Diagnosed with leukemia in 2010 and given five years to live, he was in his sixth year and requiring two transfusions a week, ” he shares. “ I gave him a copy of a book on healing, The Blind Healer by Mike Endicott. He read it and asked for prayer, ” says Dean. “ Within a month the transfusions were not needed and within six months blood levels were back to normal. ”

The healing order of

JACOB’S WELL (Aust) presents

17 - 19 JUNE 2016

St. Peter’s Cathedral King William Road North Adelaide

FRIDAY 7pm-9.30pm Christ the Healer in the Cross & The Kingdom SATURDAY 9am-5pm Teaching the Cross & Kingdom Walking Pt.1&2 SUNDAY 6pm Free: Christ the Healer service of worship

‘Christ the Healer’ A DIFFERENT WAY TO PRAY! Contact email: general@au-jacobswell.org REGISTER via the “EVENTS” page at www.au-jacobswell.org Return to Contents

experienced on the Trinity hasn ’ t honestly enriched your life.

This book is steeped in the great theological thinkers of the church, mighty people of the Spirit from the ancient Eastern Church especially, but as you read it you wouldn ’ t know that. You are more likely to be saying: “ This is the life I want, deep down, to participate in. ” All about glory is a great introduction to our Trinitarian faith; to reading the Bible whole from the perspective of who God is; and to claiming your life and your relationships (marriage and parenthood especially) as so, so precious to God that nothing really remains ordinary at all.

Rev David Kowalick is the minister at Walkerville Uniting Church and has taught extensively in India.

Greg Pearce

Mike Endicott ’ s healing ministry, the Order of Jacob ’ s Well, began in Wales and has spread to a number of other countries – including Australia. Dean is now the Prior of the Order of Jacob ’ s Well in Australia.

Three representatives from the United Kingdom ’ s branch of this ministry will be visiting Adelaide in June, and people from across denominations are encouraged to attend. A weekend of teaching and learning will be held at St Peter ’ s Cathedral (27 King William Road, North Adelaide) from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 June.

For more information, please see the advertisement on this page.

letters to the editor

A confronting topic

I know I want to respond to your editorial - it ’ s such a confronting topic. “ Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable ” is so often top of mind. We tend to avoid anything that makes us uncomfortable.

Many of us, particularly in churches, feel that we should be NICE. It seems that we are so afraid of the image we may project that we become a touch insipid. We are inclined to lose sight of our journey ’ s goal – to pursue the mission we have been called to by God. Many of us haven ’ t grasped the art of respectful discussion without resorting to confrontation and conflict. So many social justice issues seem to polarise the most well-intentioned folk. We also need to find a way of moving on and not holding destructive grudges if there is disagreement. Perhaps all this is why in the “ olden days ” , we were told by parents not to discuss religion, politics or money. It was safer that way – but do we want safe?

D. White, Yilki Send your letters to: newtimes@sa.uca.org.au or PO Box 2145, Adelaide 5001.

Be topical, be brief, be timely.

Letters over 150 words will be edited; responses to previous letters /articles will be considered within two months of the original item ’s publication only.

All letters are published at the editorial team ’s discretion.

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c u l t u re

Photos taken during Cath Taylor ’ s UnitingWorld trip to West Bengal, India.

“ It ’ s a mouthful. But it works. ” Cath Taylor, UnitingWorld

Some days my letterbox is full of hungry children, people dying of thirst, girls left out of school, and communities denied a political voice. And as I sit down to read about who needs what, I ask myself: how on earth do I choose where to make my donation? Food?

Shelter? Education for women and girls?

Recently I met people who gave me the answer: Community Development Projects.

Bear with me. It ’ s a mouthful, but it works.

And one of the nice realities? Community Development Projects do it all, because it ’ s impossible to decide which is best.

We were visiting a community about six hours north west of Kolkata, West Bengal – a place so isolated a woman gripped my hand and told me via translator we were the first foreigners she ’ d ever seen “ in real life ” .

Here, showered by marigold petals, our ears full of the sound of welcome drums, children are bubbling and saris sing with colour. Boys slick their hair flat for our arrival and proudly offer up their baby sisters for photos. The heat, heat, heat…

Ever present, poverty is a complex web.

Unpicking it is the vision of the Church of North India. “ We don ’ t choose one issue. We ask the people in the communities what they need and then train Community Organisers to help them meet their challenges, ” explains

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Nita Pyne, who oversees the Community Development Project of the Diocese of Durgapur. “ You can only beat poverty by addressing many different issues – women ’ s rights, support for school, health, farming techniques, water supply. We want to create whole, healthy communities. That ’ s what Community Development projects do. Poverty is very complex and the way we tackle it must be sophisticated too. ” On a mat woven from leaves gathered from the forest – handmade products like these are the community ’ s only source of income – a group of women tell us about the progress they ’ re making. Yes, they ’ re occasionally beset by elephants in search of food who emerge from the forest and knock down their homes.

But no, they have not lost heart.

Once they relied on rainfall alone to grow their food. When it ran out, they moved on in search of another place to live. Now, they ’ ve lobbied government for a water pump, begun to irrigate crops, use drought resistant seed and grow better food. Their children attend school more regularly and they have a local tutoring centre to support their education, health and nutrition. The women have formed a self-help group to learn about available pensions and manage saving schemes and loans. A local Community Organiser goes door to door

speaking to people about gender equality and the rights of women and girls. “ I think my daughter will be the first person in our family ever to have a really good life, ” one woman tells us. “ She is vaccinated.

She goes to school, eats well. I am saving for our future, for a cow through the Women ’ s Group. Before, none of this would have been possible, not for any of us. ” Community Development Projects like this one are smart, sustainable ways to overcome poverty in the long term. They genuinely put power in the hands of people to take charge of their own lives. These projects take time and energy, but in the hands of committed, capable people like our UnitingWorld partners, they really work.

This year, UnitingWorld is building the capacity of the Church of North India to train more Community Organisers throughout remote West Bengal. In recognition of UnitingWorld ’ s effective work in the sector, the Australian Government makes available an annual grant to support their projects.

For every $5 of Government funding, they must provide $1 in supporter donations.

This gives your donation up to six times more impact for Uniting Church work in the field. Please donate before 30 June at unitingworld.org.au/endpoverty

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