Issue 36, No 3, 2017
The voice of Uniting Church SA
June / July 2017
Contents FEATURES What was the point of church union?
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Faith and the big 4-0
10-11
A movement for the fearless
12-13
Colours of creation
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REGULAR PAGES CEO/General Secretary ’ s comment
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Moderator ’ s comment
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Getting to know…
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Diary 20-21 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.
Print circulation: 9,000 Uniting Church SA Level 2, 212 Pirie St, Adelaide p. (08) 8236 4200 f. 8236 4201 country callers. 1300 766 956
One Tree Hill Uniting Church
Celebration Concert: 2.30pm at One Tree Hill Institute (also on Blacktop Road)
Placements News Placements finalised as of 8 May 2017: Rev Do Young Kim to Payneham Road (0.5) from 1 June 2017. Vacant placements as of 8 May 2017 The following is the current list of vacant (or soon to be vacant) approved placements: Profiles available – Athelstone; Christ Church (0.7); County Jervois (Arno, Cleve, Coolanie, Cowell, Driver River); Gawler Parish; Goyder Ministry Area (0.8) (Clements Gap, Hallett, Jamestown, Orroroo, Whyte Yarcowie); Kangaroo Island Linked Congregations (0.7) (Dudley, Parndana, Kingscote, Stokes Bay); Moonta & Districts (Cross Roads, Cunliffe, Moonta, Moonta Mines); Morialta; Payneham Road (0.5); Port Augusta & Quorn; Strathalbyn & Districts (0.6) (Ashbourne, Finniss, Milang, Strathalbyn/St Andrew ’ s); Western Eyre (Cummins New Beginnings, Lock, Yeelanna). Profiles not yet available – Balhannah (from 1 September 2017); Barossa Congregations; Broadview; Mannum (0.3); Tatiara (Bordertown, Mundulla, Buckingham from 1 August 2017); The Grove (0.3) (from 1 June 2017); Waikerie. Induction Services Rev Rebecca Purling at Campbelltown Uniting Church on Friday 16 June at 7.30pm. Rev Dean Brine at Kimba Uniting Church on Sunday 9 July at 2pm (tbc).
DEADLINE FOR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 EDITION:
Friday 21 July Cover details: On Thursday 22 June, 2017, the Uniting Church in Australia will celebrate its 40th anniversary. This month ’ s cover is a scan of the Thursday 7 July, 1977, edition of The Central Times, the Uniting Church SA magazine that later became New Times. The photo was taken the inauguration service of the Uniting Church, which took place at Sydney Town Hall.
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Blacktop Road, One Tree Hill Sunday 13 August Meet and Greet: 9.15am Celebration Service: 10am, followed by a light lunch
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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
editorial
Turning 40 I turned 40, 19 months ago. The lead up to the big 4-0 was a tough one. I made myself go through a long, drawn out countdown over many months – which actually equated to years – frequently reminding myself, “ you ’ ll be 40 soon. ” Shortly before my 40th, I stopped playing sport as a result of a small ankle injury. Past injuries would usually take only a day or two to heal, but this time it was over a week before I could walk properly again. “ That ’ s it, ” I said to myself. “ I am too old for this now. ” I had convinced myself I was getting on and would soon be “ over the hill ” . My early sporting retirement was just another reason I was fearful about turning 40. It left me thinking, “ what else will happen? ” As the months whizzed by and I crept closer and closer to my birthday, I busied myself by organising a big party. I invited lots of guests – probably too many. As a result, I really didn ’ t have time to chat properly with my guests and enjoy myself on the night. There were people coming and going fairly constantly throughout the evening, and the party ended up being a bit of a blur for me. At the end of the night, I wearily slumped into bed. When I woke up the next morning, nothing was different and nothing had changed, apart from a huge sense of relief that I was finally 40. After all the build up, all the expectations of change and growing old, it had finally happened – and I was left to wonder, “ what happens now? ” The Bible uses the number 40 to evoke a period of testing, trial and deep learning – a journey toward a new place or state of being that could also bring milk and honey, substance and sweets.
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This rang true to me in the months following my 40th birthday. I came to realise I had travelled enough of life to recognise what my life is. It was time to take those experiences and start again, so to speak. Life after 40 has been good to me. It is still a journey, don ’ t get me wrong, but it has delivered so many surprising new joys. There ’ s a lot to be excited about. The Uniting Church now finds itself in a similar situation. The Church has journeyed for 40 years – we ’ ve made some mistakes, we ’ ve learnt valuable lessons, and we ’ ve certainly been tested. What is life on the other side of 40 going to looks for us? Now is our chance to seize the opportunities that turning 40 provides. It ’ s our time, as a Church, to reflect on our past experiences and venture towards that new place, the fertile land, the place that bears new fruit. Let us not be fearful about the lead up to this birthday, but wait in enthusiastic anticipation of what life might present us, once we have celebrated this significant milestone.
Bindy Taylor
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c e o / g e n e ra l s e c re t a r y
Armed with prayer “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you, ” Saint Augustine famously advised. Often, the drift in the Christian life can be to pray less and work more, particularly when we feel that the future of the church depends on us. The Uniting Church is currently in a season of prayer as we spend 40 days praying in the lead up to our 40th birthday. The number 40 is significant in scripture and often points to a new era being ushered in (read more about this on pages 10-11). As I pray for the Uniting Church, I have a keen sense in my spirit that God is graciously drawing us into a new era – one in which we are refreshed, encouraged and strengthened through our renewed dependence on God to grow his Church. I wholeheartedly believe the words of Jesus when he said to Peter: “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it ” (Matthew 16:18). This text points to the unstoppable power of Christ and fills the church with hope. It also clearly articulates that the church will constantly face opposition and be under threat. Let us make no mistake about the reality that the church has always been in a battle. Paul clearly outlined this to the Ephesians: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms ” (Ephesians 6:12). Battles and struggles usually have an end game. In its broadest terms, the battle against the church is fought with the purpose of permanently drawing God ’ s people away from God ’ s life. The classic manoeuvre in this struggle is to discredit God so that the church loses confidence, trust and hope in Christ, and leads many to question the reality of God. The enemy of the church seeks to draw people into this place so as to disempower the church, confuse its purpose, and create deep questions about who we are and what we believe. This can easily lead to a situation where we have no dependence on Christ, instead relying completely on our own capacity and self. Every time my prayer life starts to drop off, I am reminded that it is deep, authentic, honest prayer that protects me from drifting apart from God. I ’ m sure this is true for all followers of Christ. Prayer affords us a beautiful space in which to humbly position ourselves before God, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:5-15. When we see prayer as authentic conversation with God, we are able to see God and ourselves as we truly are. Prayer draws us into the position of constantly confessing that God is God, our Father in Heaven. This confession and clarity helps to safeguard us from the doubting, questioning and rejection that the church ’ s enemy tries to lead us to.
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Flowing from this prayerfully generated position we can then approach God with confidence concerning his purposes, promises and plans for us as the church. During these 40 days of prayer we can do exactly that. My steadfast prayer is that we continuously grow in our strength, standing in the fullness of who we are as the church, as God unfolds new plans of how our loving words and deeds can authentically point others to God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Rev Nigel Rogers
m o d e rat o r
As the tide turns
The following story, often called “ The Starfish Story ” , has been shared many times in slightly different ways. Although these are variations in each re-telling, the story ’ s message is clear and is one that I would very much like to share with Uniting Church SA members: An old man had a habit of taking early morning walks on the beach. One day, after a storm, he saw a human figure in the distance moving like a dancer. As he came closer he saw that it was a young woman and she was not dancing but was reaching down to the sand, picking up one starfish at a time before gently throwing them into the ocean. “ Young lady, ” he asked. “ Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean? ” “ The sun is up, and the tide is going out, and if I do not throw them in they will die. ” “ But young lady, do you not realise that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it? You cannot possibly make a difference. ” The young woman listened politely, paused and then bent down to pick up another starfish before throwing it into the sea, past the breaking waves. As she did so, she said, “ It made a difference for that one. ” Tidal activity is a powerful energy force. During the summer months at Ardrossan, we would often walk along the beach and see the great force of tidal waves on the red cliffs. We had to be careful to watch for the tide turning, in case we were cut off. Activity on the beach is determined by the tides. When the tide is in, that ’ s the time to weigh anchor and head out to sea. When the tide is out, that ’ s the time to explore what is uncovered on the beach – to go cockling or crabbing, finding shells and rescuing stranded starfish. Recently, I participated in 40 hours of prayer with other leaders of the national Uniting Church. It was a time of listening for God, as we prepare to celebrate 40 years of the Uniting Church. I became mindful of how the tides of church life and activity change over time.
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Tides receding remind me of those aspects of our church life that we have let go – those things that were relevant for their time, but are different to what is needed in the current context. The empty beach invites exploration and contemplation of God ’ s work. A beach with the tide out can sometimes look depleted. But then the tide turns and a new wave of life rushes into shore, baptising the empty beach with new waters. Spending time on the beach, I would long for the tide to come in so I could go swimming, or practice snorkelling or surfing. The rising tide is a time for activity with the water – a time of doing, working and harvesting. This reminds me of the rise of fresh expressions of church, church plants, innovative projects, and new ministries that engage with new people. During the 40 hours of prayer, I began thinking about what was receding in the life of the Uniting Church, and what was rising with the new tide. On the rise, I see young adults worshipping joyfully, preaching about meaningful lives centred on Jesus. I see hearts for prayer and service to those with less. On the rise, I see relational groups, sharing life together and caring for one another. On the rise, I see short projects of mission, and mentoring of disciples and emerging leaders. I wonder what tide is on the rise, even rushing in, with your congregation…
Rev Sue Ellis
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n ew s
Celebrating at the June Presbytery & Synod meeting The June meeting of the Presbytery & Synod will be held on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 June, and will provide space to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia. The usual Presbytery and Synod business will be broken up by short times of celebration. Those who attend will also be invited to engage in a long lunch on the Saturday, which will include time to investigate displays and participate in discussion spaces. For more information about the June Presbytery and Synod meeting, please visit sa.uca.org.au/pres-synod-meetings or contact Malcolm Wilson on 8236 4206. Email updates will be sent to UC e-News subscribers at the end of each day of the Presbytery and Synod meeting. To subscribe to UC e-News, please visit sa.uca.org.au/uc-e-news/subscribe-to-uc-e-news
Further information will also be provided in the August/September edition of New Times.
Foundation calls for grants Every day, Uniting Church congregations, faith communities and associated organisations provide programs and services that bring hope and joy to South Australians. Uniting Foundation offers support for communities who are establishing or continuing projects that will help to build vibrant churches and communities into the future. From the many applications received annually by the Uniting Foundation Committee, a number of ‘cutting edge ’ projects are chosen to receive significant grants.
Applications are being invited for Uniting Foundation ’ s 2017 grants round. Congregations, faith communities, ministry centres and individuals within the Uniting Church SA are invited to apply by Monday 31 July. For more information about Uniting Foundation, the application process and criteria, and any associated forms, please visit sa.uca.org.au/ uniting-foundation
Celebrating lay ministry The first Sunday in August is a time to celebrate the huge contributions lay people make to Uniting Church SA congregations and faith communities every year. Marked as Lay Preachers ’ Sunday, this is a day when church communities are called to remember with gratitude the large number of lay people who lead worship, preach the Gospel, and assist in other significant roles on a regular basis. Some of those who contribute in this way are Accredited Lay Preachers, while others are un-accredited lay leaders – but all make valuable contributions to the life of the Uniting Church. This year, Lay Preachers ’ Sunday will be held on Sunday 6 August. Congregations and faith communities are encouraged to express their gratitude in their worship services on or close to this date. A number of reflections for worship have been prepared by the Lay Preachers ’
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Committee, including hymn suggestions, themes for prayers, ideas for sermons or messages, and commentary on the lectionary texts for the day. Prior to Lay Preachers ’ Sunday, the Uniting Church National Conference of Lay Preachers will be held from Friday 7 to Monday 10 July in Melbourne this year. The conference is open to all lay people involved in preaching or leading worship. For more information about Lay Preachers ’ Sunday or to download resources, please visit sa.uca.org.au/lay-preachers or contact Max Howland on 0414 910 419. For more information on the National Conference of Lay Preachers, please contact Maureen Postma on 0403 841 200 or email maureenkpostma@gmail.com
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Who, what, where: Adelaide conferences There are a number of national Uniting Church conferences being held in Adelaide over the coming months. To help readers of New Times to decide which conferences might suit their interests and expertise, the editorial team has come up with a handy guide outlining what the different conferences are focussing on, who they are for, and other useful bits of information.
July
august
thu - fri
tue - thu
27-30 Transforming Worship Where? Burnside City Uniting Church, Burnside. What? This national worship conference is themed on making lifelong disciples across generations, church worshipping communities and contextualisation, and ways of crafting and leading worship. Who? Transforming Worship is for anyone interested in exploring the formative and transformative nature of Christian worship. This includes ministers, lay preachers, worship leaders, worship team members, musicians, artists, poets and many others. Keynote speakers? Ruth Duck and Stephen Burns. For more information on additional speakers, the conference program, registration and costs, please visit transformingworship.com.au or contact Neryl McCallum on 0409 096 809. A group discount is available until Friday 30 June.
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Uniting Leaders 2017 (UL17) Where? Hope Valley Uniting Church, Hope Valley. What? The second of the President’s National Ministers ’ Conference for 2017, UL17 will focus on ways to develop healthy leaders for growing churches. Who? UL17 is for any lay or ordained leader in the Uniting Church who is passionate about evangelism, mission and healthy church growth. Keynote speakers? Nancy Beach and Mark Conner. For more information about the conference program, registration and costs, please visit unitingleaders.com.au or contact Bindy Taylor on 8236 4249.
august
august
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sun - tue
25-27
One-Two: What's Next? Where? Experience Café, CitySoul, Adelaide. What? A CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) and Second Gen (second generation) conference that will include keynote speeches, small groups, feasting, ethnic and multiethnic worship, and electives on topics such as social gospel, challenging identity, and covenanting with First Peoples. Who? This conference is for CALD and Second Gen youth and young people from Uniting Church communities across Australia. Keynote speakers? To be confirmed. For more information about the conference program, registration and costs, please visit sa.uca.org.au/cald/cald-events or contact Bev Freeman on 8236 4243.
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Evangelism: The Hope We Have Where? Uniting College for Leadership & Theology, Brooklyn Park. What? The Hope We Have is focussed on exploring the theology and practice of evangelism within the secular community. Who? The conference is for anyone interested in further exploring evangelism. It can also be taken as an intensive course or as part of a unit that may be taken for credit through Uniting College. Keynote speakers? Mike Frost and Karina Kreminski. For more information about the conference program, how to take the course for credit, registration and costs, please contact Christy Capper on 8416 8440 or email info@unitingcollege.org.au
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n ew s
What was the point of church union? Rev Prof Andrew Dutney
The point of church union was renewal; renewal in faith and mission. Explaining the newly published Basis of Union in 1971, Davis McCaughey said that “ unity is only of significance if it is an aspect of the renewal of the life of the Church. ” Making the point more fully, he went on to say: “ The only union which is worth having is a union of those who acknowledge God ’ s grace and who as penitent sinners go forward together on the way of renewal… If we depart from this, it is open to question whether we ought to have union at all. Would we not be better to wait until the Spirit of God quickens in us a spirit of penitence and a determination to go forward together in the way of renewal? ” He could hardly have been more emphatic. The Basis of Union was designed specifically as a resource through which the Holy Spirit could renew the church in faith and mission in an ongoing way, generation by generation. This call to renewal wasn ’ t just needed at the time of union, but again and again as the Uniting Church continued its pilgrimage with the whole people of God. And it ’ s still needed today, 40 years after the inauguration of the Uniting Church. The Basis of Union calls us to an ongoing renewal in faith. It does this by offering a clear vision of God ’ s mission: “ God in Christ has given to all people in the Church the Holy Spirit as a pledge and foretaste of that coming reconciliation and renewal which is the end in view for the whole creation ” (paragraph 3). It reminds us that “ the Church is able to live and endure through the changes of history only because its Lord comes, addresses, and deals with people in and through the news of his completed work ” (paragraph 4). Then, rather than define exactly what the faith of the church is, the Basis of Union points us towards the practices and places where faith can be found – and renewed. That ’ s where the church anticipates Return to Contents
being encountered by Christ in judgement, grace and commissioning: the Scriptures preached and read (paragraph 5), the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord ’ s Supper (paragraph 6-8), and the fellowship in which Christian people take counsel together and wait upon God ’ s Word (paragraph 2 and 15). It not only calls us to know and use the confessions of faith that we have inherited (paragraph 9-10) but also to be “ ready when occasion demands to confess the Lord in fresh words and deeds ” (paragraph 11). The Basis of Union calls us to an ongoing renewal in mission – God ’ s mission of “ reconciliation and renewal…for the whole creation ” . In fact, the church only exists “ to serve that end ” (paragraph 3). For the sake of that mission the Holy Spirit “ has endowed the members of Christ ’ s Church with a diversity of gifts ” and “ there is no gift without its corresponding service ” (paragraph 13). To equip, empower and lead this every-member participation in God ’ s mission in the world, God always calls some members to particular roles within the church (paragraph 14). And for the sake of the health and coherence of this nation-wide missional people, the Uniting Church organises its life in a “ series of inter-related councils ” , each of which must “ wait upon God ’ s Word, and obey God ’ s will in the matters allocated to its oversight ” (paragraph 15). The point of church union wasn ’ t to form a new denomination – anything but. It was to get past denominationalism and be renewed as one company within “ the people of God on the way to the promised end ” (paragraph 18). The point of church union was renewal; renewal in faith and mission. Only Christ himself renews the church (paragraph 4). But we can make ourselves open to that renewal. The Basis of Union calls us to do just that – and shows us how.
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Faith and the big 4-0 Read through the Bible and the number 40 crops up regularly – from Genesis ’ great flood to Elijah ’ s fasting in 1 Kings through to Jesus’ wanderings in the wilderness. As the Uniting Church celebrates its own 40th, Rev Dr Peter Hobson suggests the milestone is something more than just the culmination of years.
The number 40 is mentioned in Holy Scripture over 100 times and its use seems to have less to do with an actual number and more to do with signalling a time of completion and fulfilment, or trial and testing. In our contemporary culture, when someone reaches the age of 40 it can signal some sort of existential reckoning or mid-life crisis. Sometimes people conduct self-audits on their personal and/or professional lives and are found wanting. They ask questions about what they have done, what they are yet to achieve, and what their legacy should be. Is this the sort of questioning the church should be facing? Should the church be called to account, to take stock of its achievements and failures? Let ’ s be honest. When someone reaches the age of 40 for the most part they are not all that different to when they were 39, but the age of 40 has taken on a special meaning in our culture. It holds more significance for what the age represents, rather than the culmination of years measured. The Greek language of the New Testament gives special attention to this alternative meaning for a particular age because it actually has two different terms for the word that we call “ time ” . The Greek word chronos (the word we get “ chronology ” from) is quantifiable time, the time measured by a clock or a calendar. The Greek word kairos refers to qualitative time; time measured by meaning. Now that the Uniting Church in Australia has turned 40, it is worth considering this milestone in terms of kairos time—a time of fulfilment and meaning. What would it look like for the church to come of age
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and to once more engage in conversations about ethics and justice, community and connection, spirituality and transcendence? Not as arrogant gate-keepers needing to justify their self-proclaimed authority – but as purposeful story-tellers, confident of the timeless story of God ’ s grace that continues to shape and challenge, comfort and offend, heal and re-create the world. It ’ s also worth noting the church has learned much from our ongoing covenant with the First Peoples of this land, custodians who have looked after this place for more than 40,000 years. Our coming of age looks pretty insignificant in comparison. And so, with a mixture of humility and hope, we celebrate the journey we have shared together, even as we stumble forward, seeking to find God ’ s way for us into the future.
40 days and 40 nights
Rev Dr Peter Hobson explored seven different stories from across the Old and New Testaments where the number 40 is prominent, including this story about Elijah from 1 Kings 19. The other six stories will be included in the expanded online version of this article available at sa.uca.org.au/new-times In 1 Kings 19, we read the story of the prophet Elijah who flees to Mount Horeb as the evil queen Jezebel plots against him. Elijah fasts for 40 days and 40 nights as his journey brings him to a cave in the side of the mountain. The Word of the Lord comes to Elijah, and he is told to stand on the mountain as the presence of God passes by.
Trust Dignity Choice Quality Aged Care Services Your Life • Your Lifestyle • Your Choice Home care and support 1300 13 66 33 Left: Young people from the newly formed Uniting Church at the 1977 Youth Congress. Above: Members of the Kingscote congregation put up their new Uniting Church sign on 26 June 1977.
And there came a great and powerful wind, a wind so strong that it felt like the mountain itself was being torn apart, but the voice of God was not heard in the wind. And the wind was followed by a mighty earthquake, and it felt like the whole world was shaking, but the voice of God was not heard in the earthquake. And the earthquake was followed by a terrible fire, and it felt like everything was being consumed, but God ’ s voice was not heard in the fire. And the rush of fire was followed by the sound of nothing, the sound of silence. And yet it was here that God ’ s voice was heard, that still, small voice, that whisper of nothingness, in the sound of sheer silence. It ’ s pretty hard to hear silence now-a-days. With the pervasive presence of social media all around us, it is near impossible to drown out the many voices vying for our attention. But if we could find a place of solitude and silence and sit alone, the voice of God would speak with the same consistency it always has. Surely the power of this story is not simply about the nature of God ’ s still, small-voice – surely the power of this story is also found in what God is saying, “ What are you doing here, Elijah? ” Are we as a church hiding in a cave waiting for a still, small voice? Have we lost our courage, or have we lost the privilege of being heard?
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fa i t h
A movement for the fearless A desire to raise up future generations of Christian leaders has propelled Andy and Lochie Hogarth to think outside the box. Based at Journey Uniting Church, the father and son duo are turning their shared vision into a reality through the new Fearless Youth and Fearless Leaders initiative. “ In our church we are seeing more and more people come to Christ who are the first Christians in their family, ” says Andy, the senior minister at Journey. “ Outside of a healthy church committed to investing in teaching and discipleship of these people, we know they will flounder. We want to give this new generation of believers an unshakeable framework of faith that will inspire leadership and action in bringing the gospel. ” This is what Andy hopes Fearless Youth will provide to young people from Journey – and beyond. Launching on Wednesday 19 July at the Golden Grove Recreation Centre, Fearless Youth is a two-day conference designed to disciple and equip young people with biblical teaching and practical discipleship skills they can take into their contexts with confidence in order to share the gospel. “ We had been hearing that our young people wanted to share the message of Jesus with their friends but were unsure how best to approach this. We want to ensure that young people like this know how to answer the tough questions of faith and have a framework for evangelism that is sustainable and culturally relevant, ” Andy continues. “ Essentially, this is about building young people into leaders who can set culture rather than bow to it. This is what Fearless Youth is about. ” Immediately following Fearless Youth, another one-day conference will be held on Saturday 22 July. The Fearless Leaders conference will be tailored to leaders of all generations who want to effectively reach and disciple younger generations – particularly those who are working with limited resources or who don ’ t yet have a youth ministry. Both of the Fearless conferences can trace their roots to a series of
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ecumenical worship nights at Journey Youth. After a year of prayer from senior leadership at Journey, these Fearless Nights morphed into something far greater. “ We had such a great response to Fearless Nights and the kids were really leaning in and wanting more, so when Dad started talking about a conference to help raise up young leaders and the traction that conversation was getting with pastors across the country, it felt like a really natural fit, ” says Lochie, the Creative Coordinator at Journey. “ What I love about Fearless is that it caters for young people, who are the future of the church, but also reaches church leaders who might not know where to start in raising young leaders, or building a youth ministry, or engaging with today ’ s culture. ” Journey ’ s own Pastor Katie Iles will join Pastor Mike Hands of Queensland ’ s NewLife Uniting Church in presenting at both conferences. “ Mike leads the largest youth and young adult ministry in the Uniting Church and is a fantastic leader. Katie is the worship pastor at Journey and is an exceptional communicator and teacher. Her leadership has taken Journey ’ s worship into a whole new sphere of culture and expression, ” Andy explains. “ Their combined experience in communicating with young people, understanding the building blocks of healthy church and effectively leading multi-generational teams makes them a great fit for Fearless. ” Andy and Lochie are clear that Fearless isn ’ t about replacing great Christian camps and events that are already happening, but rather they want Fearless to become a springboard for great local church ministries that are truly effective in evangelism and discipleship. “ One of the things our team always says about Fearless is that hosting a great conference isn ’ t enough. We want to raise up thousands of young interns who want to learn and grow as leaders; we want to raise up hundreds of church pastors, ministers and church planters. Fearless is about building the leaders the church needs to thrive into the
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future, ” says Lochie. The Fearless vision is to see 5,000 young people growing in faith through internship programs. “ Out of these internships, we want to see 500 people become pastors and ministers to lead, plant and renew churches into 2030 and beyond, ” Andy explains. “ We believe God is raising up a generation of young leaders to be fearless in the pursuit of a real relationship with Jesus and to fearlessly follow his call for their lives. ”
The sound of Fearless Lochie Hogarth has been involved in the Fearless initiative since its inception. As a musician and the Creative Coordinator at Journey Uniting Church, he helped to lead Fearless Nights, and it was at one of these worship events that he first felt a personal call. “ Earlier this year, we had a visiting pastor at one of our Fearless Worship Nights. She was halfway through her sermon when she stopped suddenly and shared a prophetic word for me, ” Lochie recalls. “ She told me that God had put songs on my heart that people needed to hear, and that they would come out of a Fearless movement. ” A week later, Lochie was contacted out of the blue by a music producer looking to collaborate on some worship music. “ It all started to fall into place, but there was a lot of work to do – and quickly. We wanted to get some music together ready for our Fearless Youth conference. Turning all the half-finished tunes in my head and on my phone into actual songs has been a pretty crazy process. ”
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Afternoon breakout sessions at Fearless Leaders will include teaching and Q&A on calling, spiritual gifting, apologetics, mental health, team building and relating to the community as well as a lunch for those interested in Fearless pathways for internships. “ Rev Prof Andrew Dutney ’ s recent paper on raising up young ministers, the Uniting Church SA vision for church planting, and the upcoming Uniting Leaders conference are all setting the stage for an exciting future, ” says Andy. “ Fearless internships are the fruit of the input from pastors and ministers across a range of congregations in the Uniting Church. Our moderator ’ s vision of a great tree with many branches for the kingdom, shared last November, is a pretty accurate word from the Lord for our time. “ In Psalm 46 it says ‘we stand fearless ’ , and that ’ s the sort of church we want to be a part of. ” Fearless Youth will be held at Golden Grove Recreation and Arts Centre from Wednesday 19 to Friday 21 July, 2017. Fearless Leaders will be held at the same location on Saturday 22 July. Registration is $55 per person for Fearless Youth and $30 for Fearless Leaders. Youth conference delegates receive complimentary registration to Fearless Leaders. For more information about the Fearless conferences, please visit journeyuniting.church/fearless-conference or call 8251 7149.
Drawing on resources from Fearless and Journey Youth, as well as gathering ideas from friends, Lochie began working on the first single, “ Home ” in collaboration with the music producer and his brother, Billy Hogarth. “ I was sitting in Church one Sunday watching a friend who was going through a particularly difficult time. He was worshipping like there was no sickness, no pain, no trial. And God gave me the final verse of ‘Home ’ around the theme of being a ‘good and faithful servant ’ , ” says Lochie. “ The team loved the concept so we began work on it. ” The song was released on iTunes, Google Play and Spotify on Monday 3 April under the name Fearless Worship, and quickly climbed to a number one position in iTunes ’ Inspirational Chart. “ We have been overwhelmed by the response and we will be launching a six-song EP on the Thursday night of Fearless Youth, which will be open to the public. ” Fearless Worship will release a six-song EP at the Fearless Youth conference on Thursday 20 July at 7.30pm.
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leadership
A renewed focus on wellbeing Being Principal of Annesley Junior School provides a daily opportunity to positively speak into the lives of young people. This has been the most rewarding part of Luke Ritchie’s work since he assumed the role of Principal at the beginning of 2017. In this article, Luke shares personal stories, reflections, and his hopes for the future of Annesley.
What ’ s your background? I am a man of faith, blessed to grow up in a Christian family, and I have many strong personal connections with the Uniting Church. McLaren Vale Uniting Church was my spiritual community growing up. My grandparents, Rev John (Jack) and Peg Goodluck, dedicated their lives to serving others in partnership with the Uniting Church and my uncle, Rev Tony Goodluck, serves the Nungalinya College community in Darwin as the Dean of Uniting Church students. My wife ’ s grandparents, Lyndon and Elizabeth Beare, have been active members of Westbourne Park Uniting Church for many years, and this was the church my wife, Naomi, and I got married in. We have two daughters and a son, and are now involved with the Hills Baptist Church in Littlehampton. I am a passionate life-long learner, completing my Bachelor of Education at Tabor College in Adelaide and my Masters of Leadership through Deakin University in Melbourne. I ’ ve devoted my professional life to serving in Christian schools including Prince Alfred College, the Hills Christian Community School, and Canberra Girls Grammar School. Why were you drawn to the role at Annesley? It was an honour and privilege to be appointed Principal at Annesley and join a team who have a strong reputation as hard-working professionals who genuinely care for the wellbeing of children. Annesley is a school that is held in high esteem for its focus on ensuring every student is given the support and encouragement they need to learn and be the best that they can be. I also have a personal connection to Annesley – my grandmother-inlaw, Elizabeth Beare, attended the school in the secondary years of her education. My eldest daughter has also commenced as a student at the school, making my personal connection even deeper. Return to Contents
Why do you think the school ’ s connection with the Uniting Church is important? We are proud that Annesley is a school with a rich Christian heritage, and that the Moderator of the Uniting Church SA, Rev Sue Ellis, is a member of our school council. Christianity is alive and well at Annesley, and we value our partnership with our chaplain, Pete Morton, who also serves on the ministry team at Seeds Uniting Church. During Term 3, we are becoming more intentional with our follow up to chapel services with time for discussions and personal reflections. What are your hopes for the future of the school? Annesley is a school with a rich history and an innovative future, and we have a clear focus on ensuring it is recognised as a "flagship" primary school. We are about to reach the major milestone of 200 students enrolled at the school, and we are focussed on providing a quality program of inquiry and personalised learning for each of these wonderful young people. Innovation in education and the wellbeing of our community members are two key strategic drivers for Annesley. We are blessed to have a dedicated and talented staff team, focused on implementing our vision to nurture the curious young learner into a self-assured, resilient and empathetic child ready for life beyond the primary years. For news, updates and photos about life at Annesley, please follow Luke Ritchie (@_LukeRitchie) on Twitter. A longer online version of this article will be published at sa.uca.org.au/new-times
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Ama proudly shows off a thriving crop in a remote mountainous area of West Timor. Her community gardening group is supported by UnitingWorld ’ s church partner in Kupang and has been funded to access a rare water supply in this area, as well as being provided with seeds, tools and business training.
Updating our perspective on poverty Earlier this year, Cath Taylor visited West Timor with a group of people from UnitingWorld. They spent time learning more about the work of UnitingWorld’s partners in the area and hearing the stories of the communities, families and individuals being supported by these partners. In this article, Cath shares her personal reflections on the trip and offers insights about how we view poverty.
The moment I spot the mobile phone, I flash an eyebrow at our photographer, hoping to communicate that we need to try and get it out of the shot. I ’ m quickly distracted by other matters and completely forget about the mobile. When I check the photos later, it becomes clear that Alex didn ’ t get the eyebrow communication – there ’ s the mobile phone, in most of the shots. Unfortunately, this is a problem. We had come to West Timor to shoot footage and film to encourage people to get behind projects that support people living in poverty. But when we think of these "poor people" we don ’ t think of them having mobile phones. When we think of poor people they usually fulfil a range of criteria – brown-skinned, humble, and without “ nice things ” like technology. But this is not always the case. While most people in West Timor are in significant poverty and live on less than $2 a day, many of them also have mobiles. This is true of people in most developing (and developed) countries. Over half of India ’ s sprawling population own phones – more, in fact, than own toilets. In the United States, growing poverty is a massive problem, but people will often go without food before they give up their phones. Yet when we see someone with a mobile phone we often feel like
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they can ’ t really be in that dire need of our help. This is where our understanding of poverty shows up in all its frailty. It takes relatively little to own and maintain a resource like a mobile phone – you outlay the cost, pay a bill – but the impact is immediate and ongoing. Phones help people to maintain life-giving relationships, stay safe, access vital information, and assist with banking and trade. On the other hand, changing major structures like access to electricity, education and employment takes time and major investment. In West Timor, I watched a man with virtually no sight, who works as a masseur, use his mobile to line up clients in Kupang. The mobile was voice-activated – he couldn ’ t even see the screen. Thanks to a low interest loan that helped build up his business, he earns around $5 a day, which has totally changed his life. But he still draws his water from a well next to the house, and it ’ s often pretty dirty. There ’ s no doubt that the poorer, more desperate we think people are, the better we feel about giving to them. But does this make sense? It ’ s a source of pain to me that many of us only give when confronted by pictures of Africa ’ s starving children or when the Pacific ’ s floating bodies are all over our television screens. It ’ s as though people are
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Elias is a member of a gardening group in a remote mountainous area of West Timor. Supported by UnitingWorld ’ s church partner in Kupang, the community plans to harvest, sell and use the profits for essential roof repairs, medical supplies and children ’ s education.
not really "poor" or "desperate" enough in this world to warrant our attention or generosity until they ’ re actually dead or are at death ’ s door. But there ’ s a lot to be said for investing our resources before people get to this stage – to invest in those who may have mobile phones, but who are facing increasing challenges related to poverty. By giving to people who are starting or trying to make their way in the world, we can save many more lives, as well as millions of dollars. One dollar invested before disaster can save 15 after tragedy strikes. It ’ s far cheaper to help protect people from the crushing poverty that makes them vulnerable to disaster, war and disease than it is to help them recover afterwards. Proper investment in the lives of people in South Sudan, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and throughout the Horn of Africa three years ago could have prevented what ’ s now being described as the greatest food threat since 1945. Through a partnership with UnitingWorld and the local church in West Timor, 135,000 families have already been assisted using small loans to build lives for themselves that are meaningful and dignified. These people are still poor, but they are slowly moving forwards. Investing in these communities is about looking to the future and
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Seven-year-old Sienna celebrates a new home after her mum, Betcy, used a low interest loan from UnitingWorld ’ s local church partner to build a small business.
creating a whole society of people more likely to resist disease, conflict, radicalisation and the impact of changing climate. UnitingWorld is currently eligible for special funding that recognises their development expertise and the generosity of their donors. For every $5 UnitingWorld can access, they must raise at least $1 in supporter donations. In effect, this means gifts from Uniting Church people are six times more useful to UnitingWorld in the field, combined with Australian Aid funding. Please consider supporting the strong, capable and creative people who can use these donations right now, combined with Australian Aid Funding, to create six times the impact beating poverty in West Timor, Bali and Zimbabwe. To donate please call 1800 998 122 or visit unitingworld.org.au/freedom A longer version of this article, including a reflection on UnitingWorld ’ s history, will be published at sa.uca.org.au/new-times
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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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g e t t i n g t o k n ow
Sandy Creek Uniting Church Located in Cockatoo Valley near Gawler, Sandy Creek Uniting Church has served the local community for the past 112 years, commencing its life as a Congregational Church. They continue to have a strong commitment to ministry, discipleship and service today. While they are currently in the process of calling a new minister, they are looking eagerly to their future. The welcoming congregation holds weekly worship services each Sunday at 9.30am with an average attendance of 20-23. The members of Sandy Creek are a very friendly group who work together, mourn and rejoice like one family. In addition to their church building, the Sandy Creek congregation has an outdoor “ bush chapel ” . This space was converted in 2010 from old tennis courts adjacent to the church. This space is available for private contemplation or can be booked for weddings, baptisms, funerals or other gatherings. The congregation holds a number of special services and car boot sales in the bush chapel every year. The Easter dawn service is a moving time of reflection as members continue to the Easter journey, watching the sun rise and spread through the surrounding pine trees and reminding them of God ’ s love for all creation. This service is followed by breakfast and fellowship in the church hall, which has been newly renovated to ensure the congregation ’ s social gatherings can take place in air-conditioned or fire-warmed comfort. The Blessing of the Animals service is held in the outdoor chapel annually in October. Members of the community and the local Scout group bring their pets to this service, which caters to a wide variety of animals – from dogs and cats, to the occasional lamb or goat. The pet dogs are served a special sausage lunch while their owners also enjoy a meal together.
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The other regular service held in the bush chapel is the outdoor Christmas carol service in December. This event attracts over 100 people from the local community. Adults and children are provided costumes to use for an un-rehearsed nativity re-enactment, with a donkey and several sheep enhancing the telling of the Christmas story. This is followed by carol-singing and friendly chatter over a sumptuous supper. Another regular event enjoyed by members of the congregation and the wider community is the annual wildflower walk, which is held annually on the fourth Thursday in September. This event was started 40 years ago by Doll Hissey. She used to take neighbours on a tour of her scrub block in Cockatoo Valley, showing them the native flowers and particularly emphasising the native orchids. This event grew and has now become the main fundraising activity for Sandy Creek Uniting Church. It is often attended by large groups of other people who arrive by bus to experience the knowledge of locals about the flora in the area. The group now conducts the walk in part of the Para Wirra Conservation Park where many native plants and orchids still thrive. As the park is only a short walk from the church, the group joins together for refreshments after the event. This year, the wildflower walk will take place on Thursday 28 September from 1pm. Attendees will be guided through an easy walking area before being invited to join in a time of fellowship over afternoon tea. The event costs $12, with funds going towards supporting the caring community at Sandy Creek Uniting Church. For more information about Sandy Creek Uniting Church or to book a place for this year ’ s wildflower walk, please contact Leslee Carle on 8524 4086 or email leslyncarle@chariot.net.au
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diary INDUCTION SERVICE. Friday 16 June, 7.30pm. Campbelltown Uniting Church. All are welcome to attend Rev Rebecca Purling ’ s induction service at Campbelltown. MOVIE FUNDRAISER. Saturday 17 June, 1-4pm. Capri Cinema, Goodwood. Pilgrim Uniting Church will host a screening of Despicable Me 3 to raise funds for the Pilgrim choir tour of the United Kingdom taking place in 2017-2018. The funds will help to subsidise costs so that all choir members can join the tour. For more information, please email music@pilgrim.org.au PILGRIM HISTORY SERVICE. Sunday 18 June, 8am, 9.30am and 11am. Pilgrim Uniting Church. The Pilgrim congregation is celebrating a number of milestones during June. Each of the usual services on Sunday 18 June will feature guest preacher Dr Deidre Palmer. This will be a day to celebrate the gifts and graces of those who contribute to the common good, inspired by past members over 180 years. For more information, please email events@pilgrim.org.au A MUSICAL AFTERNOON. Sunday 18 June, 2-4pm. The Corner Uniting Church. A Musical Afternoon will be presented by The Barton Singers with special guest artists. Tickets are $12, and kids under 15 are free. Afternoon tea is included. All funds raised will go towards ministry and mission at The Corner. For more information, please call 8350 5400 or email administration@thecorner.org.au ILLUMINA VOICES CONCERT. Sunday 18 June, 2.30-4pm. Church of the Trinity. The Illumina Voices choir will share songs themed “ Of Light & Lullabies ” at this June event. Illumina Voices are a not-forprofit organisation supporting community health projects associated with women, children and families. Tickets are $20 (adult) or $15 (concession). For more information, please contact Lyn on 0418 856 287 or email friendsofillumina@gmail.com MENTAL HEALTH SEMINARS. Monday 19 June and Monday 24 July, 7.30pm at Spicer Uniting Church. Wednesday 21 June and Wednesday 19 July, 7-9pm at The Corner Uniting Church. Both Spicer and The Corner have been holding a series of monthly mental health seminars this year. The seminars are presented by Rev Mark Boyce, who has extensive experience in mental health chaplaincy. The upcoming sessions at Spicer will focus on psychosis (June) and bipolar disorder (July). The sessions at The Corner will focus on depression and suicide (June) and anxiety (July). For more information on the Spicer sessions, please email office@spicer. org.au or call 8362 3771. For more information about the sessions at The Corner, please email administration@thecorner.org.au or call 8350 5400. A CONFERENCE FOR PASTORAL CARE WORKERS. Monday 19 to Tuesday 20 June. Nunyara Conference Centre. This conference will focus on the sensitive topic of 'Dying Well', helping pastoral care workers to more easily and effectively engage with people at a time when they are open to discussing deeper spiritual issues. For more information, please contact Antonia on 0409 921 337 or email avanloon@baptistcaresa.org.au EDUCATION SESSION FOR OLDER PEOPLE. Thursday 22 June, 2-3.30pm. G-TRAC Centre, Resthaven, Paradise campus. This education session will focus on nutrition and will be led by Professor Renuka Visvanathan. To qualify for this service, you must be 65 years of age or more, reside in the eastern metropolitan Adelaide area and have My Aged Care approval for Social Support and/or Allied Health CHSP services. Places are limited. To find out more or book a place, please contact Grant on 8337 4371 or email gwhite@resthaven.asn.au 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA. Thursday 22 June. Uniting Church congregations and faith communities across South Australia will celebrate the 22 June 1977 inauguration of the Uniting Church in Australia on this date. PRESBYTERY & SYNOD MEETING. Friday 23 to Saturday 24 June. Adelaide West Uniting Church. For more information about the June Presbytery and Synod meeting please see page 6 of this edition.
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PILGRIM ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. Sunday 25 June, 8am, 9.30am and 11am. Pilgrim Uniting Church. Each of Pilgrim ’ s usual services on Sunday 25 June will provide space to celebrate Pilgrim ’ s long history. The Pilgrim Anniversary Sunday Civic Service will be held at 11am with invited dignitaries, including guest preacher Rev Dr Vicky Balabanski. The 8am and 9.30am services will welcome guest preacher Rev Dr Brian Phillips, a former minister of the Pirie Street Methodist Church. For more information, please email events@pilgrim.org.au ADELAIDE HILLS UCA ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. Sunday 25 June, 9.30am. Sunset Rock Uniting Church. A combined service will be hosted by Sunset Rock to celebration the Uniting Church in Australia ’ s 40th anniversary. Attendees are encouraged to bring memorabilia to display. Morning tea will follow the service. For more information, please contact Christa on 0400 830 483 or email christamegaw@gmail.com OLD TIME SONGS OF FAITH. Sunday 25 June, 2pm. Kapunda Uniting Church. This musical event will feature Kadence, the Kapunda and Districts adult choir, and organist Steve Kaesler. Afternoon tea will be served after the program. A gold coin donation is requested with proceeds going towards UnitingCare. For more information, please contact Allan on 0426 682 379. MISSION SUPPORT GATHERING. Sunday 25 June, 2pm. Broadview Uniting Church. Mission Support Group will welcome Beverley Tredrea to their mid-year gathering. All are welcome to come and hear her speak about her recent trip to South Korea. The event will be followed by afternoon tea. For more information, please contact Nita on 8431 0145 or email nitawest@gmail.com STATE MISSION FELLOWSHIP. Tuesday 27 June, 10.30am. Scots Church Adelaide. At the June meeting of the State Mission Fellowship, Alexandra Bingham will speak about her experiences working with UnitingWorld overseas and in Adelaide. Attendees are invited to arrive early for morning tea and stay for lunch for $5. All are welcome to attend. EPHESIANS WORKSHOPS. Thursdays weekly from 29 June, 7.309.30pm. Seeds Uniting Church. Seeds School of Discipleship will present teaching about Ephesians during this series held over four Thursdays – 29 June, 6 July, 13 July and 20 July. Mark Elford will lead attendees through an exploration of Ephesians and ideas about spiritual identity. For more information, please contact Marianne on 0413 595 877 or email marianne.topham@seedschurch.org MARION CONCERT. Sunday 2 July, 2-3.30pm. Marion Uniting Church. This concert will feature performances by the Jazz Bandits, and will be followed by afternoon tea. Tickets cost $12. For more information or to book, please contact Heather on 8357 5650 or email vjkhowe@gmail.com INTENTIONAL INTERIM MINISTRY COURSE. Monday 3 to Friday 7 July, 9am-5pm. Lincoln College. This course is for people in ministry who wish to go beyond what they learnt in the Fundamentals of Transitional Ministry course. This new course will build on the knowledge gained in the earlier course and further explore how to lead congregations and agencies in times of transition. Applications need to be completed for consideration in this course and are available at sa.uca.org.au/pastoral-relations/training-events NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF LAY PREACHERS. Friday 7 to Monday 10 July. Centre for Theology and Ministry, Victoria. This conference is for lay preachers from across the Uniting Church in Australia. It will include panel discussions, presentations and workshops on a wide variety of topics. For more information, please contact Maureen on 0403 841 200 or email maureenkpostma@gmail.com RECEPTIVE ECUMENISM EVENT. Saturday 8 July, 9.30am – 12noon. St John the Baptist Parish Centre, Plympton. Titled “Exchange of Gifts: Re-imagining our unity in Christ through
diary receptive ecumenism ” , this interactive event explores what churches can learn from one another about welcoming newcomers, nurturing hospitality and nourishing active congregations. For more information, please visit the SA Council of Churches website at sacc.asn.au or contact Geraldine on 8215 0300 BLANK CANVAS. Saturday 8 July, 7-9.30pm. The Corner Uniting Church. Blank Canvas is a youth and young adults ’ visual arts cafe run once a month at The Corner Uniting Church. It ’ s a place to chat, create, play music, eat and drink while exploring faith and life. For more information, please contact Nina on 0423 233 647 or email nina.luscombe@thecorner.org.au INDUCTION SERVICE. Sunday 9 July, 2pm (time to be confirmed). Kimba Uniting Church. All are welcome to attend Rev Dean Brine ’ s induction service at Kimba. STILLPOINT RESIDENTIAL RETREAT. Friday 21 to Sunday 23 July. Nunyara Conference Centre. Rev Gary Stuckey will lead a retreat on “The Return of the Prodigal Son: reflections on homecoming based on the writings of Henri Nouwen ” . Accommodation is provided at Nunyara and the retreat is fully catered. There is an opportunity to participate without staying at Nunyara. For more information, including costs, please contact Stillpoint on 8217 0329 or email stillpoint@internode.on.net GARAGE SALE. Saturday 22 July, 9am-1pm. The Corner Uniting Church. This garage sale will include a wide variety of stalls – cakes, plants, clothes, books, toys and more – in addition to sausages, scones and beverages. For more information, please call 8350 5400 or email administration@thecorner.org.au ORGAN RECITAL. Sunday 23 July, 2.30-4pm. Pilgrim Uniting Church. Highly acclaimed UK organist Ben Sheen will perform works by Bach, Mozart, Vierne, Schumann and more at this recital. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased online at trybooking.com/QGON TRANSFORMING WORSHIP CONFERENCE. Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 July. Burnside City Uniting Church. More information on page 7. ONE TREE HILL 150TH ANNIVERSARY. Sunday 13 August. One Tree Hill Uniting Church and One Tree Hill Institute. One Tree Hill Uniting Church will celebrate their 150 year anniversary in a celebration on Sunday 13 August. The anniversary marks 150 years since the opening of the Methodist Church in One Tree Hill. The celebration will include a “meet and greet” from 9.15am at One Tree Hill Uniting Church, a celebration service at 10am, followed by a light lunch, and finally, a concert at the One Tree Hill Institute at 2.30pm. All are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Maureen on 0408 819 112. GRANGE 110TH ANNIVERSARY. Sunday 13 August, 10am. Grange Uniting Church. Grange Uniting Church is celebrating the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the Methodist outreach in the District of Grange at a special service of worship. Following the service, a 'bring-and-share' luncheon will be held. All are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Jillian on 0411 050 989 or email norman171@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
Send your letters to: newtimes@sa.uca.org.au or PO Box 2145, Adelaide 5001.
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Mornington Island Uniting Church POSITION VACANT Calvary Presbytery and the Mornington Island Uniting Church congregation are seeking expressions of interest for a suitably qualified person to fill the ministerial placement of the Mornington Island Uniting Church congregation. Both lay and ordained applicants will be considered. Mornington Island is a Queensland indigenous community in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Originally a Presbyterian Mission established in 1914, the community has been under local government administration since 1978. The Uniting Church is the main church for the community. We are looking for someone who can minister to the whole community, has good inter-cultural communication skills, is willing to be engaged around community issues and who can actively support youth and children’s ministry. Further information may be obtained from: Rev Dennis Corowa, Chairperson Calvary Presbytery dennis@calvarypresbytery.com.au, 0408 871 354 Rev John Adams, Presbytery Minister, Calvary Presbytery john@calvarypresbytery.com.au, 0457 707 103 Applicants are to address their applications to: Mornington Island Uniting Church JNC C/- Secretary of Synod Placements Committee Uniting Church in Australia (Qld Synod) GPO Box 674 BRISBANE QLD 4001 email: placements@ucaqld.com.au
positionsvacant.sa.uca.org.au
classifieds MORIALTA CHARITABLE TRUST FUND Morialta Charitable Trust Fund has been supporting disadvantaged Children, Young People and their families in South Australia through its annual program of Distributions for 40 years. To enable the Fund to continue this support through Community Organisations in South Australia Morialta Charitable Trust Fund seeks donations from the public. Donations of $2- and above are Tax Deductible and can be forwarded to the Morialta Charitable Trust Fund at 38 Donegal Street, Norwood SA 5067. 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
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reviews
Colours of creation Title: Our Mob God ’ s Story Editor: Louise Sherman and Christobel Mattingley Art selectors: Max Conlon, Gail Naden, and Inawantji Scales RRP: $49.95 Available: The Bible Society (bibleshop.org.au) Our time is short. People will come after us, and they will tell the stories we have told again. In Aboriginal society that is how we survive – telling the stories, sharing the knowledge, showing the places to gather food and water, passing on the ceremonies, ” writes Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann in her foreword to Our Mob, God ’ s Story. From cover to cover, this book appeals to the eye and to the inner person. The diverse artistic styles that gloss each page show the many ways that differing Aboriginal peoples share their stories and engage with their faith. The artworks themselves are exquisite, ranging from the expressive colours of Katrina Tjitayi ’ s “Burning Bush ” , which sprang out of translating Psalm 61 in Pitjanjatjara, to Daphne Davis ’ Pro Hart-esque “Mary and Elizabeth ” drawing from the Ngoongar Gospel of Luke 1:39-41, to Franklin Jacob Mye ’ s stark black and white “Coming of the Light ” (pictured). There is beautiful variety to the works, which include dot paintings and abstracts, ochres and brights, and much in between. Some hold to familiar structures and follow immediately evident storylines; others immerse you slowly in their themes – if you give them the time to do so. The latter are the images that particularly made me pause and reflect. One of these was Tiwi artist Marjorie Liddy ’ s simple painting, “The Day the Holy Spirit Visited Marjorie and her People. ” The expressiveness she has achieved with the use of only three colours – blue, white and yellow – is at once rich, peaceful and inspiring. It is reminiscent of nights of reflection under a dark sky, intermingled with feelings of warmth and hopefulness. Her accompanying story adds to the loveliness of the work, along with her comment that, “ When I found out that it had become a holy image, I cried. ” Hearing about where the artists came from, reading the Bible in their languages (where available) and seeing some of their photographs was a welcome addition to the pages. It gave a sense of wholeness and an understanding of the many lands, hands and voices that had created these artworks. However, as much as I enjoyed the breadth and number of pieces, as well as the high quality of printing and publication, I had some disappointments with the structuring of the book. For a book about telling stories through art, there were a lot of words. The space around the artwork and, at times, the size of the artwork was uncomfortably impinged upon by words. Sometimes these words added to the piece immensely; sometimes they didn ’ t. Sometimes the accompanying Bible verses read cohesively, but at times they seemed incongruous. Perhaps
this discontinuity may have been caused where verses were selected on behalf of the artist, rather than by the artist themselves. Further, I felt there were too many introductory pages – a letter from the Governor of New South Wales, quotes from high-profile people, a foreword, a preface and an introduction weighed down 20 or so pages before getting into the corpus proper. The foreword, written by the artist mentioned in the first paragraph, would have been a sufficient introduction. It seemed as though some involved with the project thought everything needed to be explained – rather than simply inviting people to hear from the artists. There was also some sloppy editing, with some details older or incorrect, and some information not included that would have been helpful – like an Aboriginal map to help readers engage with a sense of the country from which the artists ’ came. All in all, this book is a wonderful resource that celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, spirituality and stories. This book is ideal for meditation. Caryn Rogers
Rev Amel Manyon, the minister at the Northern Suburbs Dinka-Speaking Faith Community, recently visited her mother in a refugee camp in Uganda where she has been living for four years. Amel was overwhelmed by the scarcity of food in the camp – no new supplies arrived during the five weeks she spent with her mother. The conditions in refugee camps like the one in Uganda are very poor, but they pale in comparison to those faced in most South Sudanese communities. In February 2017, a state of famine was declared in South Sudan. The United Nations has announced that approximately 100,000 people are facing starvation and one in three children are acutely malnourished. Four million people are facing alarming levels of food insecurity and are at increasing risk of starvation. This has been a cause of great distress for our sisters and brothers who worship as part of the Uniting Church SA’s Northern Suburbs DinkaSpeaking Faith Community. Each day they receive news from family and friends about conflict, death, illness and starvation. Many members of the Uniting Church SA’s Northern Suburbs Dinka-Speaking Faith Community have family and friends who are living with conflict, trauma and abysmal conditions in South Sudan and refugee camps.
The wider Uniting Church SA has an opportunity to support our sisters and brothers in Christ in the Northern Suburbs Dinka-Speaking Faith Community and beyond.
There are a number of ways you can partner with the Northern
and contribute to the work of the NSDSFC. Uniting Church SA
Suburbs Dinka-Speaking Faith Community (NSDSFC) as they seek
communities are invited to hold a fundraising event or to make a
to support South Sudanese families and communities.
donation to the fundraising account:
Prayer
Account name: South Sudan Refugee Account
The NSDSFC are asking for prayer for an end to drought;
BSB: 704-095
protection and nourishment of those in South Sudan and refugee
Account number: 239209
camps; the delivery of emergency aid; an end to war and conflict;
Please note: donations to this fundraising account can only be
comfort and relief for refugees and displaced people, and strength
made online and are not tax deductible. Funds are distributed at
and sustenance for aid workers.
the discretion of the NSDSFC.
Donations
UnitingWorld
In partnership with Creators of Peace (SA), the members of
UnitingWorld have set up an Africa Famine Appeal to support
NSDSFC are sending a shipping container of items to support
South Sudanese communities. Donations to the Africa Famine
Sudanese communities. To find out more about what items
Appeal are tax deductable. To find out more or donate, please
are needed or to enquire about donating an item, please email
visit unitingworld.org.au/Africa-emergency-appeal
communications@sa.uca.org.au The NSDSFC have also set up an online fundraising account to help meet the immediate needs of South Sudanese communities
Return to Contents
Shaping the future of ministry & mission in SA The idea that we are ‘stronger together’ underlies all of the activities of the Uniting Church in Australia – it was one of the main reasons that the Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches in Australia united in June 1977. Now, 40 years later, this same idea is behind the mission and ministry hub planned for Brooklyn Park. Dreaming for the project started in 2016, and through prayer and careful consideration, it is now truly beginning to take shape. The plan for the Brooklyn Park site is to establish an integrated ‘campus style’ hub to nurture and encourage greater connections for practical and missional ministry in the western suburbs of Adelaide. The development will join together the Adelaide College
of Divinity, the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, Training Aboriginal Christian Leaders (TACL), Adelaide West Uniting Church, and the Uniting Church SA’s Mission & Leadership Development ministry centre, which includes Uniting College for Leadership & Theology and the Mission Resourcing team. This will be a significant opportunity for these faith communities and organisations to work together to reach the wider community through education, outreach, events and much more. The Brooklyn Park Refurbishment Project represents an exciting new chapter in the life of Christian mission, discipleship and leadership for the Uniting Church in South Australia.
“ We see a vibrant, open place of welcome grounded in God ’ s love; a living space with multiple hubs and green places where, any day of the week and evening, people can offer or find a listening ear, friendship, solace and prayer, wholeness and well-being, where people learn and grow and there are pathways to discipleship. ” – Vision Statement, Brooklyn Park Refurbishment Project
If you have a passion for this new ministry or feel God is leading you to support this important development in the life of the Uniting Church, please consider ways you might engage with the Brooklyn Park Refurbishment Project (2016-2018). You can support the Brooklyn Park Refurbishment Project through different kinds of partnerships. Simply select the areas you are interested in, fill in your contact details and mail this page to Communications, Uniting Church SA, GPO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001, or scan and send via email to communications@sa.uca.org.au
I ’M keen to partner:
financial support: Credit or debit card - online: Visit sa.uca.org.au/donate and find the “Brooklyn Park Refurbishment Project” section. Donations to this project are tax deductible. Cheque: Please forward payment to: Brooklyn Park Refurbishment Project, c/o Financial Services Team Presbytery and Synod of South Australia GPO Box 2145 Adelaide SA 5001 For alternative payment arrangements, please call the Uniting Church SA Financial Services Team on 8236 4211.
Through receiving regular email updates. Email address: Through prayer Through giving financially (see right)
Donations will be used to fund the refurbishment, which will help to support the future learning, discipleship and outreach undertaken through the Brooklyn Park site and beyond. Return to Contents