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Issue 34, No 1, 2015
The voice of Uniting Church SA
February 2015
Renewal
THE LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY
A SAFE SPACE
Supporting bushfire
A new and unique Uniting
affected communities
Church SA community
pp. 8-9
pg. 11
Contents
Easter postcards
The long road to recovery
Finding new purpose
Pancakes connecting community
7
Pe
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FEATURES
e, M
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8-9
12-13
24
REGULAR PAGES
Moderator’s comment
4
CEO/General Secretary’s comment
5
Getting to know...
19
Letters21
Diary22
Editor: Catherine Hoffman
Editor-in-Chief: Bindy Taylor
Advertising: Communications
Design: David Lombardi
Print: Graphic Print Group
For editorial inquiries:
p. (08) 8236 4249
[email protected]
m. The Editor,
New Times GPO Box 2145
Adelaide SA 5001
For advertising bookings:
p. (08) 8236 4260
[email protected]
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.
Print circulation: 9,750
Uniting Church SA
Level 2, 212 Pirie St, Adelaide
p. (08) 8236 4200 f. 8236 4201
country callers. 1300 766 956
Next edition: Together
The Uniting Church in Australia frequently demonstrates its
strong commitment of working together to enter more deeply
into faith and mission. This is reflected in the Basis of Union and
the activities of our congregations across the country, in addition
to our ecumenical and international relationships. In the March
edition of New Times, we will explore the many ways Uniting
Church SA communities and individuals work to seek togetherness
through mission and ministry.
DEADLINE FOR MARCH 2015
Wednesday 4 February
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Cover details
Rev Mark Boyce leans on the jetty located at Grange, the beachside
suburb of his new part-time (0.5 full-time equivalent) placement as
a Uniting Church minister. Read about Mark’s role in the creation of
the Uniting Church SA’s newest faith community on page 11.
Date correction
On page 16 of the December 2014 edition of New Times, an article
stated that KCO (KUCA [Kids of the Uniting Church in Australia]
Camp Out) would be held "over the March long weekend, Saturday
21 to Sunday 22 March." The dates (21-22 March) are correct,
but the camp does not fall on the March long weekend this year.
We apologise for any inconvenience.
For further information about KCO, please visit sa.uca.org.au/kco
or call the KCO Events Office on 8236 4246.
editorial
People do change
In previous editorials, I’ve mentioned my lengthy hiatus from faith
after my initial introduction to church, which came to a close when I
finished up at Nantawarra Uniting Church Sunday School. Forward
the clock a few years, and I am now firmly entrenched within the
Uniting Church community, regularly worshipping at my local church,
and enjoying a deep faith and relationship with God.
What often surprises me is God’s grace and amazing ability to
love and forgive. Whatever mistakes or sins we have made in the past
are forgiven when we confess, love and follow Christ. Choosing the
path back to faith can be life-changing for many people, including
myself. God rolls out a plan for our life designed to help us be exactly
the person we were created to be. When we grow closer to Christ
we find ourselves becoming more Christ-like in our behaviour. New
ways of thinking renew our mind ever so gradually, transforming our
perspectives and attitudes.
For me, returning to faith has brought about a renewal that has been
made evident through my actions. Slowly but surely, I have seen myself
grow and develop to become the true person that I was born to be. A
passage in Titus 5:6 reminds me of my good fortune and to be thankful
for Christ’s blessings: “He saved us, not because of righteous things we
had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing
of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
What faith can accomplish in us is a complete change from our
former way of seeing, thinking and experiencing. An example given by
Bill Hybels at the 2013 Global Leadership Summit is one which stands
out in my mind when I contemplate a person’s ability to transform. Bill
was 22 years old when he decided to start a church. When his lawyer
asked why he was undertaking this venture, Bill replied, “To change
people’s lives.” The lawyer was quick to reply “People don’t change.”
“I’m betting my whole life you’re wrong,” Bill responded.
How often do you hear those words, “people don’t change”?
Bill is now one of the world’s most successful leaders, and he risked
everything at the tender age of 22 because he firmly believed people
could change through faith.
As Christians, we can help others discover their calling just as
Bill has in his position of influence. This can result in ever-lasting
consequences. Romans 12:2 provides encouragement for us to
persistently engage in renewal: “Do not conform to the pattern of this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you
will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good,
pleasing and perfect will.”
Placements News
Placements finalised since the December edition of New Times:
Andrew Everson (Candidate for MOW) to Waikerie Uniting Church from
7 February
Rev Chris Harkness to Seaton Uniting Church (0.3) from 1 January
Rev Esteban Lievano to Hallett Cove Uniting Church from 1 January
Rev Sarah Williamson to Belair Uniting Church from 1 March
Upcoming inductions:
Rev Do Young Kim (Exit), Adelaide Korean Uniting Church on Sunday 1
February at 4pm
Andrew Everson (Candidate for MOW), Waikerie Uniting Church on
Wednesday 18 February at 7.30pm
Rev Trevor Faggotter, Clare Uniting Church on Friday 20 February at
7.30pm
Vacant placements:
The following is the current list of vacant (or soon to be vacant) approved
placements:
Profiles available – Clearview (0.5); County Jervois (Arno, Cleve, Coolanie,
Cowell, Driver River); Goolwa; Kadina Wallaroo; Keith “One Church”
(Uniting Church and Church of Christ together); Whyalla.
Profiles not yet available – Berri Barmera (from 1 February 2016); Klemzig
(0.5); Malvern and Unley (from March 2016); South West Fleurieu Linked
Congregations (0.6); Tumby Bay & Districts (0.5); Willunga (0.7) (from
March 2015); Windsor Gardens (0.5); Solidarity and Justice Officer, Mission
Resourcing (0.5) (from 1 March 2015, soon to be advertised).
For more information on any of these placements, or to view national
placements, please visit sa.uca.org.au/pastoral-relations/placements-vacant
Bindy Taylor
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3
moderator
Renewing and refreshing
What is it that refreshes you, and renews
your hope and faith in God and life?
Over the past year, I have participated
in events and had conversations that have
brought renewal and refreshment to my
life. They have been the conversations, the
worship, the mission that have arisen from,
and drawn me into, the heart of God – a God
of infinite love, who calls us to love others and
the world God has created, and to live justly
and compassionately.
Ultimately, renewal is beyond us and
beyond our control. Renewal is the work of
Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our responsibility, as we participate in the
mission of God, is to immerse ourselves in the
life of the Spirit – to dive into the deep waters
of renewal and refreshment.
We acknowledge the gift and work of
the Spirit every time we celebrate Holy
Communion together and each time we
reaffirm our baptism.
In Holy Communion we pray: “God of
love, send your Holy Spirit upon us and what
we do here; that we and these signs, touched
by your Spirit, may be signs of life and love to
each other and to all the world. Come, Holy
Spirit” (Uniting in Worship).
And we pray for God’s refreshment each
time we reaffirm our baptism: “Come Lord
Jesus, refresh the lives of all your faithful
people” (Uniting in Worship II).
In December, I participated as an older
adult mentor in the National Young Adult
Leaders’ Conference (NYALC) sponsored by
the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly.
There were 60 of us gathered at Naamaroo
Centre in Sydney for six days of community,
worship, prayer, encouragement and
challenge.
Participants, both young adults and older
adult mentors, came from every state and
territory in Australia. We gathered to grow
in faith and discipleship, to explore and affirm
the gifts of these leaders. We were refreshed
and renewed by being together as this
community of Christ.
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Uniting Church SA Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer (second from right) with attendees
of the National Young Adult Leaders’ Conference (NYALC) in December 2014.
As one of our final acts together, we created
a prayer braid. We sat with another person
and braided a prayer bracelet as we shared
our concerns and prayers for the world, the
church and our own lives. We wore the braid
as a reminder of the other person and our
shared prayers.
In January, we were reminded of the ripple
effect of our prayers for the transformation
and renewal of the earth when one of the
young adults who had attended NYALC
posted this note on Facebook:
“Today I placed it (the prayer braid) on
a post surrounding one of the mass graves
at the killing fields in Cambodia. I think to
myself, ‘how could they let this happen?’
Then I think, ‘how can we let this happen?’
regarding all the terrible injustices occurring
today. Praying for those who suffered such
brutal inhumane acts under the Khmer
Rouge, and those treated unjustly today.”
I experience God’s refreshment when I
experience the love, compassion and hope
that I saw in those young people at the
National Young Adult Leaders Conference.
I am also renewed when, in the shadow of
all that we have seen across our world in the
past couple of months, we see people giving
voice to the way of being and living to which
God calls us. Two million people marching
in France declaring that violence and hatred
will not have the last word! Thousands of
people pouring out their love and comfort to
people affected by the Martin Place siege in
Sydney. CFS volunteers and other community
members working to save lives and properties
in our recent bushfires.
I hope we are renewed as we regularly
gather together for worship in our local
congregations and faith communities, and as
we are immersed in the love and refreshment
that God offers to us – personally,
communally and as a global community.
May God’s Spirit bring renewal to us as the
Uniting Church in Australia, as we faithfully
serve Christ in God’s world.
Dr Deidre Palmer
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ce o / ge n e ral se cre ta r y
Made anew
Renewal is the activity of making new again.
It is a common part of life. We hear people
speak of it. On the latest U2 album, Bono
sings the words, “Everything I ever lost now
has been returned.” We see it in God’s creation
– I always marvel at how a decent rain can
make grass green again. And we long for it.
In the face of tragedy or hardship there is a
desperate yearning for some sort of action
that will put things right. Renewal brings life
out of danger, destruction and desolation.
God’s activity is that of renewal.
As Christians our lives testify to the renewing
work that God does within us. We cry out for
renewal. This is echoed in God’s word as we
read: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and
renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm
51:10). This is the stark admission that we
yearn for more in life than the temporary
satisfactions of a heart that is set on doing as
we please. A heart that is set after God’s heart
will know all too well the pull of self-interest.
It is the self-interested nature that God seeks
to renew in humanity. This is why we read the
words: “Do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your
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mind so that you may prove what the will
of God is, that which is good and acceptable
and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
Renewal born from self-interest will
always ensnare us in the trap that we are
never good enough. To never measure up,
to always be lacking, to constantly need to be
more in order to be approved and accepted
is a mindset that pervades our world. With
God as the reference point for our lives this
mindset is challenged and renewed, both
personally and collectively as the Church.
Too often as God’s people, we can languish
in the trap of thinking we are irrelevant, that
we are fading into obscurity, and that there is
no future for us. Today, throughout this year
and beyond, God is renewing this mindset
across the Church. For the Uniting Church,
we are in the most exciting time of renewal.
However, it is a time that challenges our
self-interest. How we want Church to be and
what we think God’s people should do is not
the reference point for renewal. What does
God want for the Church in 2015? Who are
we to be and what are we to do as far as God
is concerned? What would we be prepared to
give up in order to let the answers to
these questions emerge?
A beautiful dimension to being God’s
people is that we are not renewed for our own
ends. God does not renew the church so that
we can revel in our own magnificence. We are
renewed so that we can point others toward
a life where there is more. A life where that
which was lost can be returned. A life lived
not with the pressure to be more than we are
but to make the most of what God has given
us today. Ultimately, we hold the hope that in
Christ we are renewed today, but that one day
we will all see the fulfillment of the incredible
promise: "Behold, I make all things new"
(Revelations 21:5).
May 2015 be a tremendous year of God’s
renewal in your life, in the life of the Uniting
Church in this Synod, and in those that we
share life with.
Rev Nigel Rogers
5
news
Joining in global prayer
On the first Friday of March each year people from various
denominations and countries join together for the World Day of
Prayer. A worldwide movement organised by Christian women of all
traditions, the World Day of Prayer dates back to the 19th Century.
Although it began as a small movement, it has grown to include more
than three million people in over 170 countries. These people join
together for a common service prepared by the World Day of Prayer
Committee, an ecumenical group made up of people from Anglican,
Catholic, Churches of Christ, Baptist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Salvation
Army, Uniting, and Australian Church Women traditions. The service
focusses on a different country each year, celebrating unity in Christ
and diversity of culture.
In 2015, the World Day of Prayer will be held on Friday 6 March.
Participants will share in a service that has been prepared by women in
the Bahamas on the theme “Do you know what I have done to you?”
The service will be centred on the story of Jesus washing the feet of the
disciples before the Passover Festival.
The South Australian World Day of Prayer Committee has been
involved in holding services across the state for many years. This year’s
South Australian service will be held at St Stephen’s Lutheran Church
The South Australian Executive Committee for the World Day
of Prayer (left to right): President Patricia Bonsack, Secretary
Judy Burge, Treasurer Rev Sue Langhans, President-Elect Denise
Robinson (OAM), Assistant Secretary Pam Broadbridge and Past
President Rev Nita West.
on Wakefield Street in Adelaide at 1pm on Friday 6 March.
For more information about the Adelaide World Day of Prayer event,
please contact Judy Burge on [email protected] or 8271 5795.
Event engages young people
Following the success of the two Around the Table events held in 2014,
Uniting Church SA Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer has scheduled a third
event for Wednesday 11 February, 7pm to 9.30pm. On this occasion,
the event will be held at Hope Valley Uniting Church (1263-1265
Grand Junction Road, Hope Valley).
Around the Table offers an opportunity for young people from the
Uniting Church to engage in open and enriching conversation with the
Moderator. Attendees are given the opportunity to share their passions,
joys, hopes and concerns for the church and the wider community.
To find out more about this event or to RSVP, please contact Tim
Molineux on [email protected] or 8236 4221.
Fun at the fringe
Uniting Church buildings and congregations will again host a number
of events during the Adelaide Fringe Festival this year.
Women’s choir Illumina Voices will present “Around the World in 80
Minutes” at both Newland Memorial Uniting Church (corner of Wheel
and Victoria Streets, Victor Harbor) and Scots Church Adelaide (North
Terrace, Adelaide). The event will feature beautifully sung versions of
folk and popular songs from around the world. Newland will host the
event at 2pm on Sunday 15 February; Scots will host at 5.30pm on
Thursday 19 February and at 3.30pm on Sunday 22 February.
Pilgrim Uniting Church (Flinders Street, Adelaide) will be the
site of two different Fringe events – “dancemusic” and “The Sacrifice
of Stravinsky.” Utilising recorded and improvised music, as well as
dance, “dancemusic” will feature performances from Glen Murray and
Andrea Breen. They will perform at the church on three occasions over
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two days – Friday 27 February at 5.30pm and 8pm, and Saturday 28
February at 8pm. “The Sacrifice of Stravinsky” features the music of
Stravinsky’s ballets performed on dual pianos by Duo Contraste over
two acts. The event will be held on Saturday 21 February at 7.30pm.
CitySoul will present “Inconceivable,” a must-see theatre event for
any lover of the film The Princess Bride, at CitySoul Experience Café
(Hutt Street, Adelaide) on six separate occasions during the Fringe.
Audience participation, particularly quoting lines from the film,
will be heartily encouraged at this event. “Inconceivable” will be held
at 7pm on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 February, and Friday 6 and
Saturday 7 March, in addition to 2pm performances on Sunday 1
and Sunday 8 March.
For more information or to book tickets, please visit adelaidefringe.
com.au or contact the Adelaide Fringe Festival Office on 8100 2000.
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t hew
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Connecting with community over Easter
For Christians across the world, Easter is a time of both mourning
and joy. We grieve as we remember how Jesus died upon the cross,
and rejoice over his resurrection – the act that has brought us from
death to life. As we engage in Christian community over Easter,
we are reminded of the strength we can find through God and
each other in tough and joyful times.
This year’s Easter postcard draws on these ideas while providing
Uniting Church members with an opportunity to invite those outside
the church community to come and hear the Easter message.
Each postcard provides space for a custom message, and the dates
and times of your Easter services.
For further information, please visit sa.uca.org.au/postcards
or contact the Communications team on 8236 4230 or
[email protected]
Postcard details
Back cover verse:
“Just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too may live a new life.”
(Romans 6:4(b) NIV)
Postcard cost: $75 per 1,000 (minimum of 1,000)
Poster cost: $10 for 10 A3 posters (minimum of 10)
Orders close: Wednesday 25 February
The postcards and posters will be available for pick-up from the
Uniting Church SA Synod Office (Level 2, 212 Pirie Street, Adelaide)
from Thursday 5 March. Registered post can also be invoiced if you
would like the items to be sent once they have been printed.
Easter
TogeTher in
mourning & joy
An opportunity for young people
Big Year Out is a programme run by the Uniting College of Leadership
& Theology, for young adults who wish to gain “hands-on” mission
experience and be equipped to discern God’s call on their lives.
Participants spend one day a week during university term times
deepening their understanding of mission and ministry, and engaging
in spiritual growth and discernment. Students will become part of
a supportive, connected community and participate in two retreat
weekends and a mission exposure trip in Melbourne.
Big Year Out offers two study options through a Certificate IV
or Diploma in Christian Life and Ministry. The programme works
well alongside other tertiary studies or work, and is for young adults
from all denominations.
Two information nights will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 18
and Thursday 19 February; one session will be held north of Adelaide
and the other will be south. Locations to be advised. Any interested
applicants, parents or ministry leaders are invited to attend. RSVPs
are required for catering purposes.
For further information about Big Year Out or the information nights,
please contact Big Year Out Coordinator Danica Patselis on 0421 824
814 or through facebook.com/BigYearOut Applications for Big Year Out are currently being accepted
through [email protected]
Women to share stories of hope
After the first UnitingWomen conference was
held in Sydney last year, Uniting Church SA
Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer felt inspired to
hold the next UnitingWomen conference in
Adelaide. The conference will be held from
Thursday 28 April to Sunday 1 May in 2016 at
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Kent Town (Wesley) Uniting Church.
The theme of the conference will be
“Sharing Stories of Hope.”
For further information about the event,
or to contribute to discussions, please visit
“The Idea of Uniting Women” Facebook page
at facebook.com/groups/idea.unitingwomen
Information will be made available in New
Times as conference details progress. Those
wishing to contribute to event discussions are
also invited to send a Letter to the Editor
(see page 21).
7
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The long road to recovery
The aftermath of the Adelaide Hills bushfires in January 2015 (above and right). Photos courtesy of Rev Sandy Webb.
Catherine Hoffman
The recent bushfires in the Adelaide Hills
will take a long time to fade from the
consciousness of those living in South
Australia. The intensity and widespread
nature of the fires meant that even those far
from the affected zones were assaulted by the
sight and smell of smoke – a reminder that,
although they were not directly impacted
this time, fire could easily invade their lives
in the future.
Congregations and members of the
Uniting Church in South Australia were
among the many whose homes and
properties were affected by the Sampson
Flat fire that raged across 12,500 hectares in
the Adelaide Hills from Friday 2 January.
Many from the Uniting Church have
also been involved in offering relief and
support through the event as volunteers and
firefighters, and will continue to do so as
8
people begin the recovery process.
“The January fires have had a devastating
impact on families, properties and the
environment in the Adelaide Hills,” says
Wendy Perkins, the Disaster and Recovery
Ministries Coordinator at the Uniting Church
in South Australia.
“As God’s church, we believe it is vital that
we respond with God’s compassion and love
by caring for others in trauma,” says Wendy.
“In Matthew [25:31-46], Jesus reminded us
that when we meet the needs of others,
we are doing it for him – we are motivated
by our faith to serve however and wherever
we are needed.”
Disaster and Recovery Ministries, an
ecumenical group coordinated by the Uniting
Church SA, provided pastoral support
to relief centres that were set up for those
who evacuated their homes during the fire.
Highly-trained chaplains from a variety of
denominations and backgrounds were sent
to these centres to ensure that people received
pastoral and spiritual support, and were
given the opportunity to talk with someone
if needed. Disaster and Recovery Ministries
also liaised with Housing SA and community
groups to help meet local needs.
As people begin to recover from this event,
both Disaster and Recovery Ministries and
the Uniting Church SA will continue to
support the affected communities.
“We have met with ministers, pastors
and leaders whose congregations have been
affected by the fires. This does not just include
those in the areas immediately surrounding
the fire – churches as far away as Brougham
Place Church in North Adelaide have
members who have been impacted,”
Wendy explains.
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“Together, we are considering how we can
best support and resource local congregations
in assisting their communities in the recovery
phase,” she continues. “We are encouraging
congregations to partner with other
denominations in their area and cooperate
with local community groups to ensure there
is no overlap in services offered.”
Communities and individuals across
Australia have been generous in their support
for those affected by the fires. Donations of
clothes and goods have poured in from
across the country. People have also offered
to give their time, working with organisations
like Blaze Aid to rebuild fences and meet
other needs.
One of the most influential ways people
can assist is to donate to one of the various
bushfire funds. Donating money helps to put
funds back into local communities and does
not require the high level of coordination
that donations of goods demand.
The Uniting Church SA has established
a Bushfire Relief Fund, which will be used
by local congregations in fire-affected areas
as they discern how best to serve their
communities – whether that is through
providing chaplaincy and pastoral care,
holding special events or providing practical
assistance. The Uniting Church in Australia
Assembly has also invited donations to their
National Disaster Relief Fund.
Donations of goods, funds and time
will all serve to help communities begin
the recovery process.
“The recovery is just starting for people
who lost their homes in the bushfires, there’s
still a long way to go,” says Rev Dr Stephen
Robinson, the National Disaster Recovery
Officer of the Uniting Church in Australia.
“Recovery is a long-term process,” Wendy
agrees. “It happens in different ways and
timeframes for different people.
“We’ve also seen this in the Port Lincoln
community – it’s been 10 years since
the Wangary bushfire and many in the
community have never fully recovered.”
The Wangary bushfire broke containment
lines on Tuesday 11 January 2005. It went
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on to burn almost 78,000 hectares, causing
immense damage to property, destroying 93
homes and resulting in the loss of nine lives.
The Port Lincoln community recently
commemorated the anniversary of this
devastating event with a service at the Marble
Range Community and Sport Centre in
Wangary on Sunday 11 January. The service
was organised by the ecumenical Port Lincoln
Ministers Association, the Lower Eyre
Peninsula District Council and the Country
Fire Service. The still-healing community
appreciated the opportunity to collectively
remember and reflect on the events of 10
years ago.
“Bushfires can have devastating effects
on communities,” says Wendy. “We hope that
we can offer assistance and support to those
affected by recent and past events, helping
them on the road to recovery and renewal.”
To donate to the Uniting Church SA
Bushfire Relief Fund, please visit sa.uca.org.
au/pastoral-relations/uniting-church-sa-
relief-fund or send a cheque to UCSA Relief
Fund – Bushfire Relief 2015, GPO Box 2145,
Adelaide, SA, 5001.
To donate to the Uniting Church in Australia
Assembly National Disaster Relief Fund, please
visit assembly.uca.org.au/national-disasterrelief-fund
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
For more information on Uniting Church
SA Disaster and Recovery Ministries, please
contact Wendy Perkins on 8236 4284 or
[email protected]
There are several upcoming training
opportunities for people wishing to be involved
in Disaster and Recovery Ministries. Further
information about these opportunities will be
made available through future editions of
New Times and on the Uniting Church
website at sa.uca.org.au
9
theme
cAlL fOR eXpResSiOns oF iNtEreST
UnitingWorld National Committees
8261 8211
All hours
www.ivanbutlerfunerals.com.au
[email protected]
26 OG Road Klemzig SA 5087
AUSTRALIAN
FUNERAL
DIRECTORS
ASSOCIATION
Geoff Lewis
General Manager
10
Are you passionate about Christians standing in
solidarity and growing in active partnership internationally?
Why not consider volunteering as a member of one of the
National Committees of UnitingWorld?
UnitingWorld is the overseas partnerships agency of the Uniting
Church in Australia, connecting people and church communities in
Australia, the Pacific, Asia and Africa. We help Australians see the
world through our partners’ eyes, and support partner Churches in
their life and witness.
UnitingWorld includes a Church Connections Unit and a Relief and
Development Unit, both supported by separate National Committees.
The National Committees draw on expertise in a range of areas.
We are currently interested in expressions of interest from people
with strengths in the following areas:
• missiology, foreign affairs, advocacy, law, fundraising and public
relations (for Church Connections National Committee).
• finance, corporate governance, strategy, organisational
development and risk management (for Relief and
Development National Committee).
The Committees meet quarterly with a mixture of face-to-face
meetings in Sydney and teleconferences. A significant fraction
of the work of the Committees is carried out via electronic
communications between meetings.
To express interest please email your CV and letter of intention
to the National Director, Rob Floyd [email protected]
or phone 02 8267 4267 by Friday February 13th, 2015.
www.unitingworld.org.au
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A safe space
The Uniting Church SA’s newest church community is one of our most unique. The Club Church Faith Community
worships at the Lyell McEwin Health Service, and became an official part of the Uniting Church SA on Sunday 30
November in 2014. Having heard about the unique and inspirational community from Pastoral Relations Executive
Officer Sharonne Price, Bindy Taylor spoke to Rev Mark Boyce, the facilitator of Club Church.
I was running 20 minutes late for an interview
with Rev Mark Boyce to learn more about
the Uniting Church’s newest community. As I
approached Grange Uniting Church, I pulled
my car up to an abrupt halt, literally falling
out of the driver’s seat, my bag and camera
precariously perched on my shoulder. I was
sweaty and disheveled, apologising profusely.
Mark’s demeanour was very different to
my own. He’d been sitting comfortably on
a bench outside the Grange building, the
serene location of his new placement. As he
walked over, Mark’s peaceful and calming
presence made me feel immediately at ease
– something that must serve him well in his
chosen vocations of chaplain, deacon and
former nurse.
Employed as a chaplain to the Northern
Adelaide Mental Health Service, Mark has
been involved in mental health services in
the northern area of Adelaide for over 17
years. This included leading and facilitating
“Club 84,” a government-funded initiative
which provides a range of essential support
services for people who have experienced
mental health problems. Club 84 offers a
“drop-in” venue and provides education about
independent living, mental health, well-being
and the importance of good physical health.
When members of Club 84 decided
to attend a holiday camp in Macclesfield,
Mark was asked to join them and to lead
a church service. This invitation provided
an opportunity for Mark to ask the Club
members about what church looked like
for them. In response, some mentioned
participating in communion, whilst others
spoke of a desire for a space where they could
ask questions about God and faith. When
they returned from the camp, a number of
group members were keen to continue with
church, and it was agreed that the Club 84
drop-in location would act as a suitable venue
for church services.
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Members of the Club Church Faith Community officially join the Uniting Church SA.
Under the name of “Club Church,” the
group initially gathered monthly, moving
to the Lyell McEwin Hospital Chapel after
renovations were scheduled for the Club 84
site. The gathering built momentum, moving
to meet twice monthly, then fortnightly.
A home Bible study was also started to
meet the needs and interests of the group.
The community is very supportive of each
member, and they provide care for each other.
This has left Mark in awe, with the majority
of group members reporting significant
improvements to their mental health. This
has resulted in some no longer checking in
and out of hospital. Their care of one another
means Mark is often the last person to find
out if a member is having some difficulty
or is hospitalised.
The style of church the community
practices is far from typical. Each service
provides a “safe space” where people are
able to talk openly about their faith and the
presence of God is in their recovery. YouTube
is often accessed to generate music, and stones
and candles are used as a way of connecting
each individual’s faith to everyday life.
The group tackles many topics around faith,
and Mark often asks the group to honestly
address any significant issues that they feel
need to be discussed. These include issues
around forgiveness, shame and its effects,
dealing with stress, and where God can be
found when, as they put it, “shit happens.”
At Club Church, Mark frequently speaks
about God wanting to use people for His
Kingdom, and the continual transformation
and renewal that God provides. This has
played a large part in the community’s desire
to be recognised as a faith community within
the Uniting Church SA. It has been important
for members to be valued, and they feel
strongly about contributing to something
bigger through the life of the church.
Rev Mark Boyce has recently been called to
a part-time (0.5) position as minister at Grange
Uniting Church, and will continue to work
part-time (0.5) as Chaplain in Mental Health
at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Rev Andrew Prior
recently took on the supporting role at the Club
Church Faith Community.
Mark offers a seven-week training package
(two-three hours per week) on mental health.
For more information, please contact Mark on
[email protected] or 0402 906
780.
11
re n ewa l
Finding new purpose
Catherine Hoffman
The declining population of Uniting Church
congregations across South Australia has been
reflected in the results of surveys recently
undertaken by both the Uniting Church
in Australia Assembly and the National
Church Life Survey. However, many church
communities are using this as an opportunity
to explore new ways of “being church,”
injecting new life into their ministry
and mission.
For a number of years, the congregation
at Seacombe Uniting Church was aware that
its numbers were not growing. They needed
to make a decision about their future: they
could keep maintaining the congregation
as it dwindled or reinvest the congregation’s
energy elsewhere.
The Corner Uniting Church faced a
different situation. The church had a more
newly established, comparatively large
congregation – approximately three times
the size of that at Seacombe. However, their
rate of growth was insufficient for building a
thriving church
Both congregations needed to change
if they hoped to continue in their ministry
and mission.
Conversations between the ministers of
the congregations and the Uniting Church
SA Urban Mission team began early in 2013.
On Sunday 5 May 2013, Seacombe and The
Corner decided to join together – not by
merging the congregations, but by forming
a new church.
“What we’ve done here is really radical,”
says Rev Mark Hewitt, the minister at The
(new) Corner Uniting Church. “We didn’t
want an ‘us and them’ situation so we decided
to stop all of our existing programmes and
church positions in order to start afresh as
one congregation.”
12
Although they kept the name ‘The Corner,’
the congregations were committed to making
their decisions together and forming a new
identity.
“Before meeting with each other, both
churches realised that their then vision and
mission statements could not be lived out,”
Mark recalls.
“We knew that a new and different
outcome would require a new and different
approach, and that we needed to take action
quickly in order to avoid a crisis. Our concern
was not around whether we were viable or
not, but about being effective in the ministry
of spreading the gospel and in the mission of
serving others.”
During discussions about the new church,
a vision and mission statement (see “A new
focus” in the breakout box) were decided on
by consensus. These formed the backbone of
the community.
“While both churches had their own past
vision and mission statements, these were not
often in the forefront of people’s minds when
making decisions and engaging in church
life,” says Mark. “We wanted our new vision
and mission to be kept before people regularly
and in a variety of ways. It has shaped the
programmes we offer and the culture we seek
to create as a gathered body of Christ.”
The Corner Uniting Church has now
been meeting together for over a year after
first gathering at the beginning of Advent on
Sunday 1 December 2013. Since this time,
The Corner has consistently been guided
by their vision and mission statement. In
2015, they will continue to build upon this,
focussing on being an intergenerational
community with a strong arts culture and
local presence.
“Faith and ministry is not determined by
age. In order to foster an intergenerational
community, we aim to have at least three
generations actively involved in all of our
ministries and activities,” Mark says. “This
does not mean that age specific activities do
not occur, but that they only take place when
it is best for that particular group.”
This strong focus on vision and mission
has caused a small number of people to leave
the congregation, despite originally agreeing
to the idea. While this has been challenging,
the changes that have occurred have largely
been positive.
“Being intentional about what programmes
we offer and bringing everything back to our
mission statement has given the congregation
a strong sense of purpose,” reflects Mark.
“At times it has been a challenge to harness
all the enthusiasm of the congregation, but it
has been great that there is such a noticeably
high energy level and to see people’s
willingness to be involved.”
As more churches begin to contemplate
their future, Mark encourages people to
consider the opportunities and rewards that
can occur when congregations are willing to
make big changes.
“Lots of churches consider merging,
but this often takes a long time to work or
doesn’t work at all. For us, scrapping both
churches, their structures and leadership,
was an incredibly beneficial move,” he says.
“My advice is to start again with a new
mission and vision, being intentional in using
these to form the new church. Take risks and
be bold.”
For more information about The Corner
Uniting Church, please visit thecorner.
unitingchurchsa.org.au or call 8350 5400.
For more information about Mission
Planning (Urban or Rural and Regional),
please contact Mission Resourcing on mr@
sa.uca.org.au or 8236 4243.
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the
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e l
A new focus
The vision of The Corner Uniting
Church is “Faith Intersecting Life.”
The Corner is located at the intersection
of Oaklands and Diagonal Roads in
Warradale, and has a vision of bring
faith into people’s lives.
The mission of the church is:
To foster an intergenerational community
Offering spiritual depth and growth
Through relationship with Jesus
Inspired by his mission.
The last part of the mission statement
is inspired by Luke 4:18-19:
To bring good news to the poor (to bring
love of Jesus into all our relationships),
To proclaim release to the captives
(to create spaces for becoming),
And recovery of sight to the blind
(to develop opportunities for a deep daily
relationship with Jesus),
To let the oppressed go free (to offer
compassionate care),
To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour
(to provide worship as an encounter
with God).
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The new congregation at The Corner
Uniting Church is engaged in a wide variety
of intergenerational activities throughout
the year.
13
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the
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ewa
e l
Connecting with newcomers
How do you and your congregation welcome first time attendees
so effectively that they want to stay and be part of your fellowship?
Do you have a way of helping new people to be built up in their faith
in an ongoing way and become leaders in your fellowship?
For over a year the Henley-Fulham Adult Christian Education
Committee has been wrestling with these critical questions. During this
time, the committee has met with members of the Dernancourt and
Athelstone Uniting Church congregations on four separate occasions
to hear, think about, and seek God’s direction. Speakers from other
Uniting Church congregations were invited to share stories about how
their communities and members welcome, witness and minister to
newcomers. Each of these speakers outlined different approaches,
ideas and methods of tackling this topic.
The Henley-Fulham Adult Christian Education Committee will
continue to meet in 2015. The next meeting will be the first held
outside of the Uniting Church, and will take place at Seaton Christian
Family Centre, providing attendees with an opportunity to hear
how other communities approach the issue of effectively welcoming
newcomers.
The next meeting to discuss connecting with newcomers will take place
at Seaton Christian Family Centre on Tuesday 10 February at 7.30pm.
Anyone who is interested in discussing or learning more about this topic
is encouraged to attend. To find out more about the event or the HenleyFulham Adult Christian Education Committee, please contact Rev Bill
Service on [email protected] or 8353 5061.
BUILDING
LASTING
FAITH
In Children
& Teenagers
Refreshing faith for young people
Catherine Hoffman
Young people are leaving churches – and they’re not returning.
This has long been an issue that church communities have faced,
but it has often been difficult to grasp exactly why young people
leave and what congregations can do about this.
“Haemorrhaging Faith,” a recent Canadian study into the church
attendance of young people, provided valuable insight into the reasons
why young people leave the church and, perhaps more importantly,
the reasons they stay.
As part of their study, the Haemorrhaging Faith researchers asked
young Canadians who were or had been part of church communities
a series of questions about why they left or stayed. Although the
people they surveyed came from a wide variety of backgrounds
and denominations, the researchers were able to spot four common
barriers and drivers. The young people’s experiences with their parents/
guardians, God, church teaching and community proved to be key
determining factors in whether a young person decided to stay in
church or not.
Researchers also discovered four common “spiritual types”
amongst the young people they surveyed, and found a number
of common key points that deterred or encouraged these types
in their church attendance.
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In response to the results of the Haemorrhaging Faith study,
Canadian pastor Dr Dave Overholt came up with a series of practical
suggestions on how to stop young people from leaving church
communities.
On Saturday 7 March, Dave will visit South Australia to share
insights provided by Haemorrhaging Faith at a session titled “Building
Lasting Faith.” At this event, he will explore why young people leave
church and offer practical suggestions for parents, pastors, leaders and
church communities wishing to support young people in growing their
faith. Karra Overholt, Dave’s daughter, will also share insights gathered
through her work as a Youth Director.
Building Lasting Faith will be held at Clovercrest Baptist Church (2
Famechon Crescent, Modbury North) on Saturday 7 March. Registrations
open at 9.30am for a 10am start, and the session will conclude at 3.30pm.
The event costs $40, and includes morning tea and lunch. Registration for
the event closes on Tuesday 3 March.
For more information or to register, please visit sabaptist.asn.au/
blf2015 or contact the Uniting Young People team on 8236 4239 or
[email protected]
15
magazine
Spread a little happiness
Kay Rooke
Many older people living at home or in aged care facilities rely on the
visits of family and friends for company. But this is not possible for
everyone. Family members sometimes do not live close by or simply
get caught up in the rush of modern life. Older friends who used to visit
may face similar challenges to mobility and transportation, and may
even have moved into residential facilities themselves.
People can easily become socially isolated. Many of us take for
granted the regular contact we have with other people – going to
work, attending sport or simply just running down to the local shops.
People who find themselves isolated from others can become reclusive,
and their health, wellbeing and confidence can decline with lack of
stimulation. Most have a significant life story to tell, but have no-one
to talk to now as their circumstances have changed.
UnitingCare Wesley Bowden (UCWB) has a new Community
Visitors Scheme, which aims to link people living in their own home or
in an aged care facility with a volunteer visitor. Volunteers visit a person
weekly or fortnightly, and together they can enjoy a range of activities
of their choice and share special mutual interests. For example,
a volunteer who enjoys chess or euchre may find it hard to find
someone to play with in their own social circle – to match them with
someone who enjoys a game is rewarding for both. Even watching a
sports game together can be an enjoyable way to share time.
Older people can offer a different perspective drawn from life
experiences; in exchange, volunteers can help people feel more
connected to the world outside. It makes for some interesting
discussions, a few laughs and most importantly, the sense of
belonging we all need to feel.
UCWB is seeking volunteers to share some time either to visit
with a small group of residents with another volunteer in a residential
facility in the Northern region, or visit a person living at home in the
The UnitingCare Wesley Bowden Community Visitors Scheme allows
older people to connect with others from the wider community.
North, West or South Adelaide metro region. These volunteers will
look to spread happiness and share in the life of an older person as a
companion – not as a service provider. Listening and talking is all that
is required. Training, matching and orientation to this special role,
with ongoing support, is provided by UCWB. People over 18 of any
cultural background are welcome to call UCWB to find out more.
If you have a couple of hours a week or a fortnight and would like to
become a Community Visitor, please call UCWB Volunteer Coordinator
Kay on 8245 7193.
The Community Visitor Scheme is funded by the Federal Government,
commenced in 1992 and was expanded in 2013/14 to provide more
support to residents who experience social or cultural isolation, and whose
quality of life would be improved by friendship and companionship.
Recognition service at Naracoorte
During their worship service on Sunday 21 December, Naracoorte
Uniting Church recognised the service of two valued congregation
members.
Alan Davies was appointed as Parish Assistant in 1997, a role that
formally recognised the work he was doing in the Parish congregations
in Frances, Wrattonbully, Lochaber, Lucindale and Naracoorte. Alan
has also volunteered his time assisting with hospital visits, marriage
counselling, suicide prevention, emergency care, financial services and
office administration. Alan recently retired from his Parish Assistant
role to spend more time with his wife, Joy.
16
Lyn Stecker was recognised for her musical contributions to the life
of the Naracoorte congregation. Her piano and keyboard skills were
also readily offered to support community groups, and instrumental
and vocal performances. Due to health reasons, Lyn has recently retired
from this role.
Naracoorte Uniting Church thanks Alan and Lyn for their long
service to the congregation.
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magazine
The “R and R” of ecotheology
Rev Brian Polkinghorne shares his farming and environmental experience with a farmer and his family in Tanzania.
Rev Brian Polkinghorne
My thinking about ecotheology has brought
me to a deep sense of “R and R” – not rest and
recreation, but reverence and respect. It wasn’t
always that way for me. I was brought up on a
farm where I adopted a crude philosophy –
“If it moves, shoot it; if it grows, chop it down.”
That philosophy was underpinned by my
juvenile understanding of theology.
During my childhood, many preachers
expounded on Genesis 1:28 (the King James
Version, which was the only one available to
me at the time):
“And God blessed them and God
said unto them... have dominion over
all the fish of the sea, and over the fowl
of the air and over every living thing
that moveth upon the earth.”
In addition to this, the most commonly
used responsive reading during worship
was from Psalm 8:
“For thou hast made him a little
lower than the angels and crowned him
with glory and honour. Thou madest
him to have dominion over the works
of thy hands; thou hast put all things
under his feet.”
So, when I applied the first tank load of
DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) to
totally destroy an outbreak of red-legged earth
Return to Contents
mites on our clover, I said to myself that
I was doing God’s work by demonstrating
my dominion. How ashamed I am of that
attitude now.
I was raised on a totally anthropocentric
theology, believing that human beings are
the centre of the universe. I now consider this
a distortion of the Good News.
The scales started to drop from my
eyes when I meditated on the meaning
and application of Psalm 24:1: “The earth
is the Lord’s.” Of course it must be so, I
mused, because God made it. Meaning that
everything I touch, eat, breathe and drink has
a sacredness to it – the hand of God is in it
and on it. These claims of God’s ownership
resonate throughout the whole Bible, with
particularly strong points made in Leviticus
25:23 and Psalm 50.
For me, the natural conclusion of this
thinking is the need to respect and revere the
whole of creation because it belongs to God.
Late Uniting Church minister Rev Dr Geoff
Scott aptly encompassed this attitude in the
following quote: “Our dominion of the world
is to be as God’s dominion over us – loving,
cherishing and nurturing.” This idea is a key
component of ecotheology, a constructive
theology that focuses on the interrelationships
of religion and nature. This consideration and
application of theology was very different to
the way I was brought up.
The true challenge to my anthropocentric
thinking came when I began to consider
the way I had compartmentalised certain
plants, animals and insects into “good” and
“bad” categories. I slowly grew to understand
that God’s saving love for creation was not
exclusive to humans, but was inclusive of the
whole created realm. This was clearly outlined
in the story of the first Covenant: “And God
said, ‘I am giving you a sign of my covenant
with you and with all living creatures, for all
generations to come’” (Genesis 9:12). This
phrase was then repeated four times, seeming
to emphasise the inclusivity of God’s salvation
for all living creatures. I later found this idea of
inclusivity repeated throughout the Bible.
With this new perspective, I have begun to
identify many other passages in the Bible that
speak of the role of God and Jesus in creating
all life. As a Christian, we are called to revere
and respect God, and I believe that revering
and respecting his creation is a key element
to this calling.
For more information about ecotheology,
please visit unitingearthweb.org.au
17
ministry centres
Mission Resourcing – Justice
Past editions of New Times have focussed on different areas of the Mission Resourcing ministry centre.
This article explores the work of those teams that fall into the category of justice – Covenanting, International Mission,
Multicultural and Cross-Cultural Ministry, and Solidarity and Justice.
Covenanting
The word “Covenanting” refers to the Uniting Church’s process
of reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,
acknowledging the Covenant that the Uniting Church has with the
Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC).
The Covenanting team explores ways for people across the Uniting
Church in South Australia to learn from the faith of first Australians.
They also seek to offer support for UAICC communities across the
state, assisting with events and the development of faith communities.
Each year, the Covenanting team holds “The Pilgrimage of Healing”
during Reconciliation Week, providing Uniting Church members with
an opportunity to support UAICC communities in practical ways.
For more information and resources on Covenanting, please visit
sa.uca.org.au/covenanting
International Mission
The Uniting Church in South Australia has a number of partnerships
with Christian churches in Asia and Melanesia. The International
Mission team works to build relationships with these churches,
expressing support and solidarity while seeking to be part of God’s
mission together. The team also works with UnitingWorld, the
international development agency of the Uniting Church in
Australia Assembly.
International Mission supports congregations here and overseas
in developing relationships, encouraging and empowering them to
become involved in activities where they can learn from one another.
For more information on the work of International Mission and how
to support it, please visit sa.uca.org.au/international-mission
Multicultural and Cross-Cultural Ministry
The Multicultural and Cross-Cultural Ministry (MCM) team seeks
to celebrate the diverse contributions offered by Uniting Church SA
communities, acknowledging and embracing the multicultural nature
of the church.
MCM offers support to marginalised communities, and assists in
developing partnerships and covenants. The team is working especially
closely with the Northern Suburbs Dinka-Speaking Faith Community
as they seek to create a home for their growing community.
For more information about Multicultural and Cross-Cultural
Ministry, please visit sa.uca.org.au/mcm
18
Uniting Church SA members recently participated in White Ribbon
events speaking out against domestic violence.
Solidarity and Justice
The area of Solidarity and Justice is particularly diverse, focussing on
social justice issues that currently affect Australians and the Uniting
Church SA community.
The Solidarity and Justice team focusses on mental health issues
through campaigns such as “Suicide: it’s no secret,” which aims to
provide people with a space to talk about suicide and mental health
issues.
The treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, particularly the
detainment of children in detention centres, is another focus of this
team. Several vigils have been held around this issue, and have also
been addressed in the “Jesus was a Refugee” campaign.
Most recently, the Solidarity and Justice team has been working with
the Uniting Church SA Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer on the issue of
domestic and family violence. As part of the “Beyond Violence” and
“White Ribbon” campaigns, the team has encouraged congregation
leaders and members to talk about and engage with this issue.
Solidarity and Justice addresses issues such as human rights, slavery
and human trafficking, Fair Trade and ethical use of resources, health
equity, global poverty, prison systems, and environmental issues.
The team also supports the church to work towards the United
Nations Millennium Development Goals.
For more information about Solidarity and Justice, please visit sa.uca.
org.au/solidarity-and-justice
For more information about the Millennium Development Goals,
please visit un.org/millenniumgoals
Many of these Mission Resourcing teams are currently undergoing
changes. For further information about any of these teams, please contact
Mission Resourcing on [email protected] or 8236 4243.
Return to Contents
g e t t i n g t o k n o w. . .
Walkerville Uniting Church
Few congregations in South Australia can
boast a worshipping history as long and
continuous as Walkerville Uniting Church’s
174 years. While the congregation is proud
of its heritage, the members recognise the
need to live and worship in a 21st century
context. As such, the congregation’s approach
to worship is one of praise and thankfulness,
blending familiar traditions with a
contemporary approach.
The worshipping community at
Walkerville is made up of three congregations,
meeting at 9.30am on Sundays for worship,
a monthly family service, and a twicemonthly worship time at the Walkerville
Residential Care Centre.
On Sunday mornings, the welcoming
Walkerville congregation mostly includes
members over the age of 50. This service
continues to attract new members in this age
bracket, particularly those who have recently
moved to the area. The congregation’s thriving
monthly Messy Church service, which
goes by the name of “The msg@5,” has an
attendance of over 50 parents and children,
and is particularly focussed on catering to
families. This demographic is also catered to
through a large and enthusiastic playgroup
held at the church each week.
Walkerville supplements their church
services with other activities that provide
spiritual and pastoral nourishment whilst
offering social activities for members of the
church congregation and wider community.
The church’s executive council focusses
on three particular aspects of ministry –
missional, relational and incarnational.
The missional focus permeates many
activities, including the congregation’s support
for the work of Uniting Communities in the
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Eastern region. In addition to this, a number
of “guest services” are organised each year
with guest preachers invited to talk about
their particular area of ministry, while friends
and neighbours are invited to join as guests.
A large part of Walkerville’s relational
activities focus on the pastoral needs of
members and the spiritual wellbeing of
the congregation, which includes a daytime
Bible study and an evening study group.
The incarnational activities have
encompassed 13 years of monthly
community “Eat’n’Greet” luncheons and in
recent years, annual public seminars on topics
ranging from aged care to mental health.
The congregation also enjoys a large
number of social activities. These include
women’s and men’s groups, a senior ladies
“Chat’n’Do” group, a weekly “Gravity
Fighters” exercise group, and luncheon
celebrations for important birthdays and
anniversaries.
Over the years, Walkerville has been
blessed with strong lay leadership, including
an executive council made up of seven
members which acts as the one link in the
church’s chain of leaders and volunteers.
For many years, Walkerville relied on
part-time ministry, but more recently they
took a step of faith and called a full-time
minister. In 2007, the late Rev Dr Robert Iles
commenced his ministry in the congregation.
Sadly, Robert’s time with Walkerville was
cut short – his untimely death came less
than 18 months into his appointment. After
this period, the Walkerville community
was warmly supported by interim ministers
and leaders before Rev Geoff Ellery was
appointed as the new minister. A parttime office administrator is employed by
Walkerville Uniting Church, and there is
currently a vacancy for a family ministries
worker to further develop the family
ministry and support the playgroup and
msg@5 programmes (please refer to the
advertisement on page 20).
The members of Walkerville Uniting
Church have come to realise that churches
cannot be all things to all people; however,
the community seeks to continually proclaim
the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to show
Christian love to those with whom they
come in contact.
19
positions vacant
UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA
MORETON RIVERS PRESBYTERY
PRESBYTERY MINISTER
Moreton Rivers Presbytery is seeking a
person with vision, energy and a strong team
commitment who will provide strategic
leadership, pastoral oversight, missional direction
and support across the Presbytery. The position
is open to ordained Ministers.
A position description is available by emailing
Rev Bruce Johnson ([email protected]),
Presbytery Chairperson.
Applications should be sent to:
Moreton Rivers Presbytery Minister JNC,
C/o Secretary of Synod Placements Committee,
Uniting Church in Australia, (Qld Synod),
GPO Box 674, Brisbane Q 4001
Applications close by 5 pm, 27 February 2015.
South Woden Uniting Church
Minister of the Word or Deacon
Administrator (Pastoral Relations)
The Presbytery/Synod is seeking to appoint an Administrator to
oversee administration related to the pastoral care and oversight
of ministers and congregations in the Presbytery and Synod of SA.
The position offers advice and support to the Presbytery/Synod
about administrative matters pertaining to stipends, placements,
ministry agreements, employment contracts and memoranda of
understanding. Part of this role involves committee membership.
The Pastoral Relations Administrator, reporting to the Executive
Officer Pastoral Relations, is an integral member of the Pastoral
Relations Team, working closely with the Secretariat of the
Presbytery/Synod, Human Resources and Payroll.
The position is particularly responsible for all ministers’ records
including stipends, long service leave, sick leave, and removals,
and includes the specific details of employment conditions for
those in the ministry of pastor and chaplains.
Further details are outlined in the Position Description & Person
Specification which is available on http://sa.uca.org.au/uc-positionsvacant/current-positions/. Enquiries can be made to Executive
Officer, Pastoral Relations (Ms Sharonne Price) on 08 823642462
or 0417 811 517
Please forward applications addressing the selection
criteria of the Position Description & Person
Specification to [email protected]
by no later than 5pm, 16 February 2015.
Family Ministries Worker
Part-time 15 hours per week – initial 12 month contract
Walkerville Uniting Church
50 – 75% ongoing placement
This Congregation of about 70 active and enthusiastic
members has the following characteristics:
•
We are an inclusive worshipping community and
together we seek to serve God and our community.
•
We are faithful, generous, caring and supportive
with a wide range of gifts and skills.
•
We choose to worship in a community
hall as we have done for 40 years.
The Minister works with the Council and Congregation
in a collaborative and inclusive way to lead participative
and meaningful worship, encourage the inclusion
and nurture of children, provide practical pastoral
care and support our social justice activities.
If you would like to find out more about our engaged
and interesting congregation or obtain a copy of our
profile please contact David Cran, Chairperson of the
Church Council on 0437 869 621 or by email
at [email protected]
The person we are seeking will assist us to extend our existing
family ministry through our playgroup and ‘messy’ church
program and explore new initiatives for outreach.
A full position description and person specification
is available at www.walkerville.unitingchurch.org.au
Contact Sue Farrant on 0478 611 871 for further details.
Please forward applications addressing the selection
criteria to [email protected]
Project Officer - Pilgrim Uniting Church
Classification: Non-Award – Part Time 6 month position.
Description: Pilgrim Uniting Church is seeking to appoint a Project
Officer to provide coordination for the improvement of the church’s
administrative systems and practices. The successful applicant will need
to be able to demonstrate their experience in project management,
communication and business administration in a multi-disciplinary
environment. Position Description is available from the
Church Office, ph: 8212 3295 or pilgrim.org.au Please
forward applications addressing the Person Specifications
and providing names of three referees to the Chairperson,
Pilgrim Uniting Church Council, GPO Box 116, Adelaide,
SA 5001. Applications close 27th February, 2015.
positionsvacant.sa.uca.org .au
20
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letters to the editor
Continuing conversation
Volunteering – is it I, Lord?
G. Thomas suggests (New Times, December 2014) that views on
protests and refugees are polarised. Not quite, it seems. We can
apparently agree that there should be an increase in Australia’s refugee
intake. The federal government’s recent promise to do so, whilst still
in total below that proposed by the Opposition and the Greens, is
nevertheless welcome. Where we might disagree is that this should
have been a bargaining chip in releasing some of the children in
detention.
We would also agree that Australia’s international aid budget should
be increased “to make countries less fortunate than ourselves more
self-sufficient”. Given that the aid budget has again been plundered
for other purposes, and that more is spent on deterring and detaining
refugees than assisting them, one is justified in protesting Australia’s
priorities.
Finally, I suggest, one should be wary of judging refugees as
“genuine” or not based on their apparent wealth, or their education,
race, religion, or anything other than their justified risk of persecution
or torture. That alone qualifies them for our protection.
The Uniting Church, like most of other churches, relies heavily on the
collective voluntary efforts of its members. Each day, thousands of
people give of their time and talents to enable both the worship and
service of the church to be made known. Whether it is helping out at a
garage sale, fete, working bees, committees or formal, unpaid volunteer
roles, it is all part of the fellowship that is central to our gospel calling.
Many Uniting Church members also contribute to the wider social
fabric of the nation through participation in community organisations
unrelated to the church.
However, in a country impacted by the forces of nature through
drought and flooding rains and the ravages of fire, there are other
ways of community volunteer service. As I write, the danger with the
Adelaide Hills fire disaster has still not passed. Throughout this event,
the Uniting Church has been visibly present through the provision of
pastoral counsellors – and, amongst the army of volunteer firefighters
from SA’s Country Fire Service, Victoria’s Country Fire Authority and
the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, there are no doubt Uniting
Church members.
Not every Australian is able, nor perhaps willing, yet millions
volunteer. Volunteering can be a rewarding experience, not simply to
seek recognition, rather as a response to the summons “Whom shall I
send?” Perhaps the answer is another question, “Is it I, Lord?”
BP Ward,
Marden
Joy across generations
I note the last edition of New Times was titled “Joy.” As a senior member
of the Uniting Church, I would like to share the joy of the 2014 Advent
Season as I listened, reflected, and discovered at a deeper level yet
again the mystery of the Saviour Jesus’ birth with my granddaughter,
Jessie. Jess created and developed the nativity scene on the wall of the
Burnside City Uniting Church as Christmas celebrations grew closer.
What a joy to share God’s love with our children and our children’s
children.
A Gibson,
Cherrybrook, NSW
Send your letters to:
[email protected]
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.
R Bond,
Port Macquarie
Welcoming Work, Health and Safety
In late 2014, the Uniting Church SA Resources department welcomed
Wayne Booth as the new Work, Health and Safety (WHS) Coordinator.
Having arrived from the United Kingdom only 18 months ago,
Wayne has readily settled into his role and life in Australia.
A passion for youth work led Wayne to pursue a career in safety,
which has included a 12-year stint as a WHS manager in the UK nonprofit training and education sector. In this role, Wayne experienced
safety management in a wide range of industries and environments,
including churches.
Wayne is enthusiastic about his new role in the Uniting Church SA,
and encourages people to contact him for any WHS information
or advice. Wayne can be contacted at the Synod office from Tuesday
to Thursday on [email protected] or 8236 4214.
Return to Contents
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
[email protected]
P.F.A. 1946-1955. Adelaide and Pt. Pirie. Is
there anyone still alive? Contact Walter Stratford
[email protected] or Phone 0419 974 326
ACCOMMODATION WANTED
Anglican minister, pt-ret. Single. Own furniture.
Cat. E.suburbs. Part house/g.flat/etc. Can you help?
8333 2495.
21
magazine
diary
TAIZE CELEBRATION. In 2015, the Taizé Community will celebrate the
centenary of the birth of its founder, Brother Roger, and the 75 years of its
foundation. Brother Alois, prior of the Taizé Community, will make the
final stage of a pilgrimage to every continent by travelling to Australia and
New Zealand in February 2015, accompanied by other members of the
community. On Friday 13 February an event for senior school students will
be held at St Columba College, Andrews Farm. An evening prayer event will
be held on the same day at Brougham Place Uniting Church, beginning at
7.30pm and open to all. For further details, please contact Brother Matthew
on [email protected] or, after Wednesday 4 February, on 0475 089 719.
110 years at Sandy Creek
On Sunday 23 November, Sandy Creek Uniting Church celebrated
exactly 110 years since the church’s first service, which was held on
Wednesday 23 November in 1904.
Past members and friends gathered on the church grounds for a
special service and luncheon. Many drove long distances to celebrate
this landmark anniversary – people travelled from the South East and
Mid North regions, the Fleurieu and Yorke Peninsulas, and beyond.
In order to accommodate the large number of people, two marquees
were erected outside the church with screens and sound set up so all
attendees could participate.
Amongst those attending the event were descendants of Maria
Annie Moore. Maria’s home was the location of services held prior to
the church being built in 1904. Also present were descendants of the
Sim family who built the nearby Balmoral Homestead and donated the
land on which the church was built. The service was led by Rev Richard
Carter and the address was given by Rev Rob Brown, Chief Executive
Officer of UnitingCare SA.
After the service, attendees gathered over luncheon to renew
friendships, reminisce about the past and share stories. Sandy
Creek’s original Bible and “Minute Books” were on display, as were
many photos of past gatherings and happenings of the Sandy Creek
community. The anniversary cakes, beautifully decorated by Muriel
Barrington, were a highlight for many. The cakes were cut by 97 yearold Max Springbett, the oldest member of the congregation present at
the event, who first attended the Sunday School at Sandy Creek at the
age of five.
Approximately 140 people came together to celebrate with the Sandy
Creek Uniting Church congregation, recognising the long mission of
the church and its impact in the local community.
Sandy Creek Uniting Church holds weekly worship services on Sundays
at 9.30am, although the time is often changed for services held on special
occasions such as Easter and Christmas. The “bush chapel” next to the
church is available for functions. For more information on bookings,
please contact Leslee on 8524 4086.
22
ANNIVERSARY SERVICE. The Vines Uniting Church will celebrate its
20th anniversary at 152 Reynell Rd, Woodcroft on Sunday 15 February. A
church service will be held at 9.30 am, followed by lunch. Please RSVP by
Saturday 7 February – phone Jenny on 8387 5701 or Judy on 8322 0892.
BIG GUM TREE MARKET, 560 Goodwood Rd, Daw Park, is holding
another indoor/outdoor market on Saturday 21 February, 9am-1pm.
Come and enjoy a wide range of stalls including bric-a-brac, books, toys,
plants and much more. Come for a bacon and egg breakfast, enjoy a
delicious Devonshire morning tea, and stay for a sausage sizzle lunch. Fun
for all the family including children’s activities. Stalls are available for $20.
Contact Denise on [email protected] or 0435 991 145.
COMMUNITY DAY. On Saturday 21 February the Australian
Christian Meditation Community SA will be holding a Community
Day at St Francis Xavier Cathedral Hall (Wakefield St, Adelaide)
from 11am-3pm. The guest speaker will be Fr Paul Mullins SJ and
he will be speaking on “Finding God Within.” Please bring lunch for
sharing. Suggested donation $15. Contact Bev on 0407 392 809.
DISCERNMENT RETREAT. Uniting College of Leadership & Theology
will hold their February Discernment Retreat from Friday 27 to Saturday 28
February at Nunyara, Belair. The retreat will be led by Revs Jenny Ducker
and Michael Duke, and will offer time, space and spiritual resources for
attendees to explore what God may be discerning for their future. The
retreat is open to all who are seeking an intentional time of reflection and
listening to what God may want to say to them. For further information,
please contact Uniting College on 8416 8420 or [email protected]
CLEARANCE SALE at Seacombe Uniting Church (corner of Greenfield
Rd and Fowler St, Seaview Downs) on Saturday 28 February, 9am-12noon.
Items include: communion table, lectern, baptismal font, communion rail,
cross, flower pedestals, overhead projector, chairs (single and groups of
four), bookcases, pin boards, notice boards, ladder, kindergarten chairs,
piano, screens, assorted toys, mobile walker, cupboards, photocopier, lounge
chairs, computer desk, mobile air conditioner, filing cabinets, office chair
and many other items. For further information, please contact The Corner
Uniting Church (Tuesday-Friday, 9am-3pm) on 8350 5400 or 0418 844 185.
CLOSING SERVICE. Booborowie Uniting Church will hold its closing
service on Sunday 8 March at 11am. All past ministers, families and friends
are welcome. A plate of food to share would be appreciated. For further
information or to RSVP, please contact Janet Price on 8893 2296. RSVPs
needed by Friday 27 February.
HYMN FEST. Come and enjoy traditional hymn singing at Croydon Park
Uniting Church (310 Torrens Rd, Croydon Park) on Sunday 22 March at
2pm. Singing led by choir. Donation $5, includes afternoon tea. For further
information, please call 8346 3778.
To have your upcoming event or message published here,
email [email protected] with ‘Diary’ in the subject line.
Return to Contents
magazine
Haileigh faces a different future
Nigel Tapp
Brisbane university student Haileigh Childs admits that she had
very little understanding of Aboriginal culture prior to immersing
herself in the About FACE programme at the beginning of this year.
“My relationship and understanding was virtually non-existent
before,” she reflects. “I was not actively seeking to be involved but
now I will be seeking to learn more about the Aboriginal people in
my own area.”
Haileigh, who worships at Bulimba Uniting Church, was one of 17
participants in About FACE 2015, which was organised by the Synod
Victoria and Tasmania’s Commission for Mission and ran for 16 days
in January. She was one of 14 under the age of 30 with the other three
participants over the age of 50.
About FACE stands for Faith And Cultural Exchange, and has been
an activity of the Uniting Church in Australia since 1984 with the aim
of building meaningful relationships with Uniting Aboriginal and
Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) communities.
It celebrates the Covenant relationship between the Uniting Church
in Australia and the UAICC, and encourages participants and those
supporting them to be actively involved in Covenanting, working
together for reconciliation in the Church and in the wider community.
About FACE has a strong focus on working collaboratively with
all partners to ensure that the programme is beneficial for everyone
involved, from participants to the communities who host them. Host
communities are identified by the UAICC to strengthen and build
upon the already existing relationships with the Uniting Church.
This year the ten female and seven male participants – from
Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland – were split
between the outback town of Port Augusta in South Australia, Alice
Springs and Ernabella in the Northern Territory, Lismore in northern
New South Wales, and Grovedale in Victoria.
Following a week in their chosen community, participants spent
a further week engaging with more than 150 UAICC representatives
at the UAICC National Conference in the Northern Tasmanian village
of Poatina as well as participating in briefing and debriefing sessions.
Haileigh says she, like so many other non-indigenous Australians,
had little opportunity in the past to sit at the feet of Aboriginal people
and learn more about their way of life. But interacting via visits to such
places as Wilpena Pound near Port Augusta – in the heart of country
central to the Adnyamathanha people – and taking on many aspects
of the cultural differences has opened Haileigh’s eyes.
“I had done some prac[tical work] in my studies but I had never
experienced the [real] culture,” she says.
“I have heard Aboriginal people talking about their land, but now
I have heard their stories and seen their [deep] connection to that land.
“It has given me a broader understanding.”
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Haileigh Childs (left), a member of the Uniting Church in Queensland,
and Denise Champion attend the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander
Christian Congress National Conference as part of About FACE 2015.
Adnyamathanha Elder Denise Champion, the South Australian
Covenanting Coordinator, believes About FACE is an important
beginning point for people seeking to develop a relationship with First
Peoples.
“They [participants] are adopted into our families and we welcome
them to come back [whenever they choose],” she says.
“It [the in-community experience] is just the tip of the iceberg
but it makes it a lived experience which is life-changing for many.”
For more information about About FACE, please visit
aboutface.org.au
Conference comments
The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress
(UAICC) National Conference, “Holy Mountains, Healing People,”
was held at Poatina in Tasmania between Monday 12 and Sunday
18 January 2015.
An article about the conference will appear in the March edition
of New Times.
23
magazine
Pancakes connecting community
Julianne Rogers
UnitingCare Pancake Day is a big, fun event
run every year in locations across South
Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. But behind
all the syrupy hundreds and thousands there
are real people living out the mission of the
church every day.
For over fifty years, St Andrew’s by the
Sea Uniting Church has been living out
its mission in the local community, partly
through work with UnitingCare Glenelg.
In recent years, Pancake Day has also
partnered with UnitingCare Glenelg through
various programmes, events and grants.
“Our congregation’s dream is to empower
and transform lives through hospitality,
compassion and care,” says Rev Adam
Tretheway, Deacon at St Andrew’s by the Sea.
“These Pancake Day grants have helped our
dream to become a reality.”
In the past, the grants supplied to
UnitingCare Glenelg have enabled them to
employ the services of a financial counsellor.
This has helped the organisation to support
people coming to Community Aid seeking
assistance in addressing immediate
financial crises. Other Pancake Day grants
have enabled them to purchase cutlery,
crockery and aprons to be used in outreach
programmes, which provide hospitality at
Friendship Café, Mary’s Soup Kitchen, the
church and in the wider community.
Many people have been blessed by the
programmes offered by UnitingCare Glenelg
and St Andrew’s By the Sea.
“At our Pancake Day event last year, we
were touched when a young man gave a very
generous donation because of the numerous
ways in which the church community had
helped him out in the past,” Adam recalls.
“He wanted to help others in the same way
he had been helped.”
With a similar wish to support others,
Sarah* and Joe* (names changed) have
recently begun volunteering with UnitingCare
24
Funds raised by Pancake Day events, including the one held at Pilgrim Uniting Church
in 2014, go to support UnitingCare organisations across South Australia. Photo courtesy
of Peter Russell.
Glenelg – an experience they have found very
enriching. Both Sarah and Joe are Christian
refugees from Iran who, after settling in to
the Glenelg area, wanted to form stronger
community connections.
Since their first visit, Sarah and Joe have
become valued members of the UnitingCare
Glenelg community. They collect goods
each Tuesday from Coles stores through the
Second Bite program. They also help to staff
the International Mission Op Shop and plan
to branch out into other programmes in
the coming year. Having the opportunity to
volunteer has meant that, though they can’t
yet work in Australia, they can contribute to
the community using their gifts and skills.
Sarah and Joe have been able to offer
their time and talents, giving back to the
community. In return, they have been able
to discover a new sense of purpose, identity
and belonging in a foreign land. This is what
UnitingCare is about.
UnitingCare Glenelg has seen numerous
instances of lives being touched through
Pancake Day and the programmes it supports
– from single mothers gaining financial
independence to recently retrenched middleaged men who are getting out of debt through
the support of UnitingCare Glenelg’s financial
counselling service.
“Our soup kitchen’s Christmas party
in 2014 saw over 149 people fed – many
of whom were either estranged from their
family, or had no family whatsoever,” Adam
recalls. “It reminded me of the feeding of the
five thousand.
“We often see glimpses of the kingdom of
God through our community programmes.”
Many congregations and individuals from
the Uniting Church in SA provide vital support
for the work of UnitingCare organisations every
year through volunteering and involvement
with Pancake Day. For more information about
how to hold a Pancake Day event in 2015,
please visit sa.pancakeday.com.au or call
1800 060 543 (toll free).
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