Insights - February 2014

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Welcome from the Moderator Living our values and ethos in schools

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s the late afternoon sun lit up the magnificent western stained glass window of the Pymble Ladies College Chapel, it occurred to me how fortunate we are to have nine Uniting Church schools in the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT, where the Christian message continues to be rehearsed, taught and lived.

Rev. Dr Brian Brown Moderator

The Moderator is elected to give general and pastoral leadership to the Synod, assisting and encouraging expression and fulfilment of faith, and the witness of the church.

My observation and experience as Moderator is that our schools are committed and proactive in imbibing and promoting Uniting Church ethos in the lives of their students and staff. The statement of the ‘Principal object’ of the MLC School is typical: “The object of the school is to provide a high standard of education for girls (regardless of their race, religion or creed) grounded in the ethos and values of the church.”

Ravenswood’s motto: “Always towards better things”, inspires an attitude of never settling for disadvantage or ‘business as usual’. A Mission Australia study recently found that for Australian young women, “Equity and discrimination” is the issue in Australian society about which they are most concerned. We educate young women to know their worth and seek the welfare of others.

The state-of-the-art ‘Positive Education Program’ at Knox Grammar School for boys is testimony to the commitment of the school’s leadership to providing excellent holistic education for its students.

Kinross Wolaroi co-educational school affirms the school’s spiritual character as “uniting, inclusive and all-embracing…striving to foster relationships with God in ways of wisdom, life and faith”. This school caters for regional and rural students at Orange in the Central West of NSW. The Newington College motto is instructive: “To faith add knowledge”.

Given the decline of Christianity in

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the community as a whole, what our schools are actually doing for many young people is adding faith to knowledge; or at least, integrating the two in a healthy way.

All of these schools, by and large, cater for the wealthier part of our community, and some people question how this fits in with the Uniting Church ethos of the Common Good. The biblical principle applies that more will be expected of those who are in a position of strength. Mindful of their advantageous situation, these schools strive to ‘give back’ to the community through their many and varied ‘service learning’ projects and experiences.

For example, Ravenswood’s meals program to needy people in the community, and the ongoing relationship between PLC and Knox students with the largely Aboriginal student body at the Enngonia Public School. This engagement is facilitated by the Pymble Uniting Church and Rural Chaplain, Pastor Julie Greig.

The two schools I have not yet mentioned are the exceptions to the rule of size and privilege: the Exodus School and Tutorial Centre (part of the Ashfield Mission) and the Margaret Jurd College in Newcastle. Both are comparatively small, and cater for students who otherwise may be missing out on a decent education.

The Margaret Jurd College defines social justice as, “Never settling for disadvantage”, and sets a high standard for what is required of us in a society that does not always look after those at the margins. In these schools, Uniting Church values and ethos are lived out at the sharp end of social challenge.

Jesus mixed and taught across the spectrum of his society. No one was excluded, no child ignored. We can do no better than follow his example.

You can follow the Moderator on Twitter @BrianBrownUCA Insights February 2014 3

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Contents

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22 12 Cover story There was a time when the only people studying theology were those who were studying for the ministry of a particular church. But that was then and times have changed. These days, the majority of theology students aren’t planning on become ministers. So, what is drawing people from all walks of life to study theology?

Regulars 3 from the Moderator 5 news 6 letters

32 updates from the General Secretary 33 fellowship news

Editor Adrian Drayton Production/Distribution/ Advertising Adrian Drayton Design Brooke Lyons Editorial & advertising inquiries: Insights, PO Box A2178, Sydney South, NSW, 1235 Phone 02 8267 4304 Fax 02 9261 4359 email insights@nsw.uca.org.au web www.insights.uca.org.au

Insights is published by the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of New South Wales and the ACT. Articles and advertising content do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor or of the Uniting Church.

Subscriptions: Australia $38.50 (incl. GST); overseas $50. © 2014. Contents copyright. No material from this publication

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35 belief matters 37 culture watch 38 entertain me

may be copied, photocopied or transmitted by any means without the permission of the Editor.

Circulation: 18,000.

ISSN: 1036-7322 © Commonwealth of Australia 2014

The Uniting Church in Australia is one of this country’s largest denominations. Our vision is that it will be a fellowship of reconciliation, living God's love, following Jesus Christ and acting for the common good to build a just and compassionate community of faith.

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News

Congratulations to the Class of 2013 Congratulations are in order for: (Ph D) Helen Jamieson, Xavier Lakshmanan, Anthony Rees, Aukilani Tuiai, Seoeli Vaipulu (D. Min.) Peter Hall, Krikor Youmshajekian (Master of Arts) Clara Khayat-Nordblom, Tioti Timon (Master of Theology) Nicole Fleming, Young Book Chang, Ki Oh Jung, Haloti Kailahi, Rebecca Lindsay, Esther Palau, Veitinia Waqabaca (Grad Dip Theology) Eguavon Eguaibor (B.Th. Honours) Ryang Joon Kim, Teresa Parish, Marin Schulzer (B.Th) Suzanne Stanton, Robert Anderson, Grant Atkins, Broderick Collins, Helen Paine, Amanda Thomson (Dip Theology) Simon Bohr.

Although all graduates are not pictured (above) we wish them all the best in future endeavours. insights.uca.org.au

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Have “Your say” We would love to hear what you think of Insights.

Have “Your Say” by sending letters to us, send us your updates on centenaries or tell us about a local community outreach you are doing.

Just email insights@nsw.uca.org.au

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News St Lukes Community Centre

Dr David Tacey, main speaker at Dancing in the Gap Chaplains Conference in October

Everybody dance now!

In October last year I attended the Dancing in the Gap conference. I danced. A lot. And I wasn’t the only one.

Chaplains and pastoral carers from UnitingCare NSW.ACT and Wesley Mission danced with me and our indigenous brothers and sisters in a ‘Welcome to Country’ around a fire.

We danced with our keynote speaker, Dr David Tacey, as we explored “Doing religion in a non-religious world”.

We danced with our Moderator, Rev. Dr Brian Brown, in a service of Holy Communion.

We danced with the leaders of six parallel streams who represented the diversity of pastoral care. We continued to dance as nominated chaplains from aged care, mental health, hospital and prison spoke about their particular “dance floors”: whether it is continually “changing hats” in aged care or the unique challenges and isolation of prison chaplaincy.

I danced with two new words: “adhocracy” (a flexible, adaptable and informal organisational structure without bureaucratic policies or procedures) and “dadirri” (deep listening; inner quiet still awareness and waiting). I danced with the thought that “cracks let the light shine in”.

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In October 2012, a front page story in a local newspaper had the headline, “First bricks at last”. It was talking about the five years of planning undertaken by St Lukes Uniting church at Belmont to see two 40 year old halls demolished and a brand new community centre built in its place.

patients or clients – and how I can work with God and others to “set the prisoners free”.

A longer version of this reflection

by Rev. Frank Van Der Korput, can be found at http://www.insights.uca.org. au/opinion/please-mind-the-gap-apersonal-reflection

Baby boomers need heart and soul in aged care UnitingCare Ageing recently partnered with the Centre for Ageing and Pastoral Studies in Charles Sturt University and the Australian National University on a research project. Their goal was to understand the effects of spirituality on baby boomers’ health during the ageing process. The official launch of the Final Report took place on 20 November 2013 at Wesley Conference Centre.

Participants were drawn from three groups of baby boomer population: UnitingCare Staff, adult children who have parents in our care, and those who are recipients of care through community services.

Amongst the many findings and recommendations, the increase in pastoral techniques such as meditation, listening to life journey, and the provision of education in spiritual care to all age-care staff were rated highly.

The evidence-based study also found there were significant protective benefits of spirituality in lowering anxiety about ageing.

St Lukes Community Centre was officially opened with a weekend of celebrations on the 14-15 September.

The opening ceremony featured a message from the Moderator, Rev. Brian Brown, and well wishes from local MP’s and other community leaders.

Entertainment was provided by The Six Tenors and a Tongan Choir and ended with a lavish afternoon tea for over 200. Three hours later, tables and chairs were out for a trivia night that saw 17 teams helping to raise funds to purchase a portable stage to enhance future events held in the centre.

Nearly $3000 was raised during the night which was supported by over 55 local businesses donating over $3500 in prizes. The following day, a combined church service was held followed by a concert featuring members of the congregation including an item by the Rev. Haloti Kailahi and his family performing “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” musical-theatre style.

The growing church is excited to have extra space to run their many weekly activities such as a large playgroup, SLYM/Youth group, Activity Centre, Ladies Fellowship, Prayer Breakfasts and Quirky Quilters. They also used the centre to conduct “Project Blessing” in December where Christmas hampers were put together for needy families at six local schools.

The community centre has a fully equipped kitchen for catering, is fully air-conditioned and can cater for up to 200 guests. Bookings from local schools and individuals for hiring the whole space have started rolling in already and that this centre will be a real plus for the community as a whole.

Further information is available on the church website or by phoning 4945 4655. insights.uca.org.au

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A destiny together: Justice for the First Peoples

Parliament House to pray and sing in a public vigil of lament.

In July 2012 in Adelaide, the members of the 13th Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia listened to members of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress tell stories about the effects of the Federal Government’s ‘Stronger Futures’ legislation (and the ‘Intervention’ before that) on their lives and the lives of their communities.

The second was to adopt a resolution calling on the Church to engage in a week of prayer and fasting for justice for the First Peoples, which will take place from 17—23 March 2014.

The Assembly members were very moved by the stories of harm and exclusion. They responded in two ways. The first was to ‘down tools’ and make a silent procession through the streets to South Australia’s

Through this pilgrimage of prayer and fasting the Uniting Church seeks to express our grief at the continued injustice experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; express our hope that justice will prevail for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders; and act in solidarity and bear witness to reconciliation and the genuine transformation of relationship that is possible though God’s love in Christ.

Invitations have been sent to presbyteries, and the President and the Chair of Congress in the hope that many Uniting Church members will want to come and be a part of this public witness to justice and reconciliation.

Prayer and information resources are available for presbyteries, congregations, individuals and small groups so they can exercise the daily practice of prayer and fasting throughout the course of this important week.

Visit www.assembly.uca.org. au/adestinytogether to download resources, register to attend the Canberra prayer vigil and to find out more about the Week of Prayer and Fasting.

The Uniting Church stands with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in a week of prayer and fasting for justice.

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News Uniting Church song writers scoop the pool in international competition The Australian Hymn Book’s first international hymn competition saw poetic and musical creativity shine with 128 submissions from across Australia and beyond.

The competition required poets to express theological aspects of St Paul’s writings in ways that can be understood and sung by contemporary congregations.

Three of the four finalists across the two categories were members of the Uniting Church.

Helen Wilshire (text) and Norm Inglis (tune) from Pilgrim Church in Adelaide were the winners of the ‘general’ category with their hymn, The gift that all may give.

The winner of the second category, which required a text based on specific passages of Paul’s writings, was retired minister of the Word, Rev. Rod Horsfield of Victoria, with his hymn New life in Christ.

Prof Brian Hill of “The Billabong” Uniting Church in Western Australia received an honourable mention for his song (text and tune) Come, Spirit God. All finalists’ songs were sung at a special service held in St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne in late November, 2013.

The Australian Hymn Book is currently looking into possibilities for publishing these songs, and other supplementary works to Together in Song (Australian Hymn Book II).

Details will be made available on the Together in Song website www.togetherinsong.org

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UN Women ad series reveals widespread sexism

“The ads are shocking because they show just how far we still have to go to achieve gender equality. They are a wake-up call, and we hope the message will travel far,” adds Kareem Shuhaibar, copy writer.

A series of ads, developed as a creative idea for UN Women by Memac Ogilvy & Mather Dubai, uses genuine Google searches to reveal the widespread prevalence of sexism and discrimination For UN Women, the searches confirm against women. the urgent need to continue making the case for women’s rights, empowerment Based on searches dated 9 March and equality; a cause the organisation 2013, the ads expose negative sentiments ranging from stereotyping as is pursuing around the world. UN well as outright denial of women’s rights. Women is heartened by the initial strong reaction to the ads and hopes they will The idea places the text of the Google search over the mouths of women spark constructive dialogue globally. portraits, as if to silence their voices.

You can be part of the conversation “When we came across these by using #womenshould. searches, we were shocked by how To find out more go to www. negative they were and decided we unwomen.org /en/news/ had to do something with them,” says stories/2013/10/women-should-ads Christopher Hunt, art director of the creative team.

Photos courtesy Memac Ogilvy & Mather Dubai insights.uca.org.au

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A first for Uniting Resources Meet Jae Hunt. She’s just joined as the Senior Legal Counsel for Uniting Resources, becoming the first in-house lawyer to be recruited

by Uniting Resources. For the past ten years, Jae worked for a listed property trust, The GPT Group, after spending several years working in property law for DLA Piper.

She’s passionate about helping people and property law and is looking forward to, “Creating a great in-house legal capacity that adds value and significantly reduces the legal spend of the congregations, presbyteries and Synod.”

After a long and successful career in the private sector, Jae felt the time was right to make a move to Uniting Resources.

“I wanted to use my experience to make a more positive difference in the community than I was able to do in a listed property trust, another corporation or many law firms. I was also really impressed by the various members of the Synod that I met throughout the interview process – everyone was really professional and friendly”, recalls Jae. Contact Jae by email at jaeh@ nsw.uca.org.au or phone on 02 8267 4306 or 0477 717 840.

The Coffs Harbour reading and conversation group keenly discusses church issues.

An insight into Insights Just over a year ago, members of the Coffs Harbour Uniting Church formed a monthly reading and conversation group to discuss current issues relating to the Church, and to local and global communities.

They began their group discussions with Our Iceberg is Melting by John Kotter, but found sourcing the books was challenging. So, they turned to Insights. Along with other publications, such as Ruminations, members of the group have become very aware that our Church’s problems are no different to many other churches.

Unfortunately, numbers in the reading and conversation group are low and the group is keen to encourage more of the congregation (including men) to join them. The group meets in the peaceful and beautiful surroundings of the Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden. If you would like to join, email Lyndall Coomber lynrosscoomber@hotmail.com.

A clear call “Why should we keep doing what we are doing?” This was a question posed to a Presbytery gathering recently when looking at the question of the Mission of the Church.

Jae Hunt, Senior Legal Counsel

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On the weekend of March 28 – 30 2014, the first National Conference

on Mission and Evangelism for the Uniting Church will be held. Assembly President, Andrew Dutney, will be hosting this inaugural event in Adelaide.

About the conference Andrew has said, “The Uniting Church is going through a time of tremendous change.

Some of it we have chosen, but much of it is simply generated by the force of circumstances. In this time of change it is critical that we keep in front of us the point of it all – mission and evangelism or, more properly, participation in the mission of God in Australia today.

A national conference on mission and evangelism is a means of acknowledging and encouraging that work. It is also a means of bringing together the insights of the different councils of the church into a fresh national process of missional discernment. It is an opportunity to articulate a shared vision of mission and evangelism linking the church’s congregations, councils and community service agencies.”

The Conference is being organised by the Assembly National Mission and Evangelism Network.

Let this article be your invitation!

For more information go to www. clearcall.org.au or contact Matthew Signore (msignore@sa.uca.org.au) or Peter Armstrong (pfarmstrong@ bigpond.com) 04 8833 4520.

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From the General Secretary’s desk Uniting for the Common Good

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he Synod staff worked hard to develop a Leadership Charter, which was endorsed by the last Synod. It speaks of ‘our Vision’, ‘our Mission’ and ‘our Behaviours’.

In the next few columns I would like to introduce this work and use it as the basis for a reflection. The starting point is ‘our Vision’.

Rev. Dr Andrew Williams General Secretary The General Secretary is appointed by the Synod to provide leadership to the Church by actively engaging in strategic thinking about the life, direction, vision and mission of the Church.

Have you ever tried to draft a vision or mission statement? Perhaps you’ve seen one in someone’s business or you have done an exercise in church to develop one. It is quite hard work, because done well, it requires a great deal of consultation – collecting people’s views and ideas and synthesising them into one statement.

Even then there is final tweaking and word-smithing as people argue for their key idea to be included. This was the process that we went through with senior staff in the Synod as we tried to develop our vision statement.

“Are we acting for the common good of the whole church?”

We also tried to use language that was not completely ‘churchy’, but would speak to a broad cross-section of people – particularly staff – who may not be too familiar with the subtle nuances of a well-reasoned theological argument.

In the end we settled on, “The Uniting Church will be a fellowship of reconciliation, living God’s love, following Jesus Christ and acting for the common good to build a just and compassionate community”.

It may alarm you to know that the words “following Jesus Christ” were added after the first draft! Were we forgetting Jesus? Or was it that Jesus is so foundational to our thinking that we took it as read and did not include it specifically? The words are

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there now so that there can be no ambiguity – we are clear that we are a church that is “following Jesus”.

Perhaps you also forget that at times. It is clear that the church does from time to time and so the Basis of Union (BoU) reminds us that “Christ reaches out to command people’s attention and awaken faith” and that “in his own strange way Christ constitutes, rules and renews them as his Church” (BoU para 4). It is also in the Basis that we find the idea of the church as a “fellowship of reconciliation” (BoU para 3).

Our language of “common good”, while it may have echoes in the Basis of Union, is not explicitly used there.

For me there are two ideas. The idea of serving the common good of humanity has been well explored and is quite familiar territory. We are able to say that we are working for a “just and compassionate community”. But the idea of ‘the common good’ for this Synod at this time also speaks to our need to continue to work together to always ask what is for the common good of the church as a whole. We all have a tendency to protect our own turf and this has led to elements of distrust between parts of the church.

A silo mentality; ‘them and us’ thinking.

What if that were no longer the case and that in all the decisions we made, all the planning we did, we always kept before us the question, “Are we acting for the common good of the whole church?”

Jesus’ prayer was that the disciples might be one, so that the world might believe (John 17). This is what motivates us to always work for the common good of the church and the community.

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A community of learning

There was a time when the only people studying theology were those who were studying for the ministry of a particular church.

But that was then and times have changed. These days, the majority of theology students aren’t planning on become reverends. So, what is drawing people from all walks of life to study theology?

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“I

am a student at United Theological College (UTC) and although I am not in ministry, theology at UTC has deepened my understanding of the vastness of God. This, I believe, is framing and setting firm foundations for any future call into ministry or teaching.” notes Mariana, a first year Bachelor of Theology student.

“My journey is one that has been a long time coming,” says Denis, a first year Bachelor of Theology student. “I have always wanted to be a disciple of God but didn’t know how to go about it.

UTC is a great opportunity for me to study the word, to give myself purpose and direction, and to give me the skills I need to hopefully help others.”

“Having been involved in our local church for many years now, and also as a lay preacher, I am challenged by the changes in society today. To better equip me I feel that I have to bridge my knowledge about scriptures and society as a whole. Thus my desire to pursue further studies. I also feel God’s calling for me to go into ministry. This is my first semester and I am enjoying it.” says Sosi, a first year Bachelor of Theology student.

Diversity is key United Theological College (UTC) was formed on 1 July 1974 by the resolution of the Congregational Union, the Methodist Church and Presbyterian Church in NSW. It later became the theological college of the NSW Synod of the Uniting Church.

Today, UTC is part of the Charles Sturt University (CSU) School of Theology.

UTC offers theological education and ministerial formation to: • those preparing for specified ministries in the Uniting Church • anyone seeking an intelligent and deepening understanding of the Christian faith • undergraduate university students studying theology as part of their degree in some other subject • postgraduate and research students in theology and ministry studies.

UTC is a diverse community. There are students from Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, the Pacific and Australia. It intentionally tries to mirror the multicultural society that is Australia’s defining characteristic and, perhaps in some small way, this serves as a positive model of what might be achieved in the wider community.

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UTC is able to support this diverse community by treating learning as a place/space of hospitality (in theory and practice) through community and relationship building.

Thanks to the dedication and commitment of lecturers, administrative staff and the remarkable resource of Camden Theological Library, the College strives to maintain a high level of higher education as well as ensure support for the diverse community of learners, which comprise laity, clergy and candidates training for ministry.

“We believe we are not just providing a model for theological education, but also for living out our Christian faith and discipleship in the wider community” said Seforosa Carroll, First Year Mentor.

“UTC is fantastic as it offers an environment that encourages academic and spiritual exploration, as well as supporting a culture of community and respect. The lecturers are both learned and passionate about theology, they do not merely teach theology, they engage with it and inspire students to continually dig and press into the depths of its richness.

It is evident that they love God, love what they do and that they want their students to excel at whatever level they may be at. The best thing about being a student at UTC is the opportunity to be in an environment where community and academic explorations go hand in hand”, claims Mariana, a first year Bachelor of Theology student.

All the support you need All students are supported in their learning by a team of student support staff. This team comprises the first year mentor, student administration, study skills tutor and Camden Theological Library.

Although each of their support roles differ, they all share a common objective: to provide the very best for each student by ensuring that the student is aware and is able to access all the possible resources provided by Charles Sturt University and United Theological College for a positive and successful academic study.

“We understand that for many, the study of theology is a faith journey, and not just an academic one. Therefore, we provide for the pastoral support and care of the student throughout the first year

mentor”, said Ms Carroll.

“We value the importance of relationships and the empowerment of individual student learning. We value the experience, traditions and cultures each student brings and encourage students to integrate these with the wider Christian tradition through ongoing theological reflection.

“It is our goal that each student (distance education and on campus) is able to feel a genuine sense of belonging and engagement with their peers and the different services the University offers”, states Ms Carroll.

The student support staff at United Theological College value collaborative teamwork. In conjunction with teaching faculty, they make every effort to ensure students have a positive academic learning experience.

We value the importance of relationships and the empowerment of individual student learning.

“I decided to come to UTC as I was encouraged to do courses as I am interested in becoming a youth minister.

I am grateful for support I’ve received so far.” says Simon, a first year Bachelor of Theology student.

“I’ve been a student administrator working with United Theological College since October 2008. It has been my absolute pleasure to work in such a dynamic, fun, fulfilling environment. I know I can speak for all support staff when I say we pride ourselves on delivering a high standard of service to students and faculty alike”, said Renee Keely, Student Administration.

“Our student administration area is always welcoming to any students who have questions regarding study, enrolment, applications, pricing, and adjustments to transcript or just to have a chat about what is on their mind or their concerns.

“We go out of our way to answer any questions, to listen attentively and to ensure that the student goes away feeling confident in our service. We deal direct with Charles Sturt University Student Administrators and Admissions, the Course Coordinator and assist Faculty where necessary. We feel very strongly insights.uca.org.au

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UTC is a diverse community.

There are students from Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, the Pacific and Australia.

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Students and visitors have access to the extensive resources available in the Camden Theological Library on campus at the United Theological College.

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about our work and enjoy the interaction with students and being part of a University that constantly strives to better itself and services to its students”, stated Jenny Stockton, Student Administration.

Shhh, it’s oh so quiet…

The Camden Theological Library plays a key role in the learning experience for students, and is a welcoming, supporting environment for ministers and lay-persons who are searching for resources.

“Each member of staff has an active relationship with a Uniting Church faith community and regards it as a privilege to be able to share in creating an atmosphere that is conducive to study and to support people of widely differing skill levels, cultural backgrounds and educational levels” said Moira Bryant, Library Manager.

“As a female, Muslim PhD student attending UTC Campus, one of the most satisfying experiences has been my encounters with the staff of the Library who have at all times been a source of great support and guidance during my learning journey,” Nada, a PhD student says of the library experience.

“The first year of my studies was quite challenging, and the first reference point for me has been the wonderful staff who have always been there for me, listening to me and providing me with positive reinforcement and answering questions no matter how difficult the questions were.

“I have been struck with their professionalism and their cultural and religious sensitivity during my communication with them. I truly felt that the experience was inclusive and made me feel part of the community of learners.

It has been an absolute pleasure to know and work with such capable and engaging staff. This has certainly had a positive impact on my learning.”

According to Moira, the students who come to study here are a constant source of inspiration. “I know of no student who has not felt deeply and prayerfully led to study here at UTC and for many theirs has been a costly journey.

“All have families, all have commitments, some have come from overseas, some do not have English as their first language, and many have financial and personal challenges. All are trying to seek greater knowledge and are discerning their particular path either to insights.uca.org.au

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ordained or towards other ministry so they can go forth better empowered to be disciples for the church and in the community.”

“This is one of the reasons why studying here at United Theological College has been manageable – because of the help and passion of the librarians - they genuinely show that they are here to help the students.” says Jimmy, a first year Bachelor of Theology student.

Access all areas First year mentor Seforosa Carroll works with student support and teaching faculty and believes that commitment, respect, friendship and the common goal of ensuring the best for each student has been the key to successful collaboration.

“My role is a combination of several things; it includes course advising, pastoral care and liaising with faculty and the student support team, ” she says.

“It is my privilege to teach Reasoning, Values and Communication, which is offered in first semester and introduces fundamental practical skills in how to research, develop skills in reasoning and write academic essays.

“It is also about ensuring that all students are aware and are able to access all the possible CSU resources available for a positive study experience and successful academic study. Often this means walking alongside students as they work through what they want to achieve with their degree, balance family and church commitments with their study schedule, and discern where God is calling them. Maintaining a community of hospitality that encourages and empowers learning is an integral guiding principle for me in my work with students”, states Ms Carroll.

“I aim to create one-to-one tuition in a friendly, supportive environment and offer guidance on effectively planning study and all the skills involved in academic writing. By building trust and relationship, and by encouraging the development of skills, I believe students can be empowered to become confident and fully engaged learners.

For first year Bachelor of Theology student Sisilia, Sef provided all the support and encouragement she needed to make a great start. “Sef encouraged and supported me especially in the beginning of my journey. She has made me feel welcome and assisted me with various inputs and discussion about assignments.”

“My hope is this empowerment will have a positive impact on their call to ministry in whatever form. I work as part of an integrated team with Sef Carroll, the first year mentor, Moira Bryant and the Library staff, Renee, Jenny and Joanne from Student Administration, and Gerard Moore as Head of School. I value and respect this team approach very much and believe it is a significant factor in creating a cohesive educational community”, said Carolyn.

“Sef helped us Pacific Islanders feel part of the community here. Her support and help and her smiles and friendliness give us strength to study. She encourages us to succeed in our assignments.” says Lofa, a first year Bachelor of Theology student.

Reasoning, Values and Communication Carolyn Craig-Emilsen currently teaches the Reasoning, Values and Communication course, which encourages the development of skills in essay writing and reasoning.

“Academic writing is an exercise which is both rigorous and demanding. Carolyn has been able to correct our work without imposing changes to our ideas and expressions,” says Mariana, a first year Bachelor of Theology student.

“Carolyn has helped me to improve my essay writing skills and my better marks are evidence for the improvement in my work. This has given me courage to succeed,” says Aivi, a first year Bachelor of Theology student studying under Carolyn.

Jimmy, a first year Bachelor of Theology student has found Sef approachable and helpful.

“Having Sef as my first year mentor helped direct me to the right subjects and pathways for my Bachelor of Theology” says Limoni, a first year Bachelor of Theology student.

If you are thinking about theological study at United Theological College, whether it be for interest, period of discernment, ordained ministry or a career other than ordained ministry, be assured that you will find the support you need. For more information please head to www.utc. edu.au or www.csu.edu.au or call us on 8838 8914 to find out more.

Insights February 2014 17

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Community and sense of purpose

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EXPLORE LIFE AND HOPE IN THE LIGHT OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST United Theological College (UTC) is part of the Charles Sturt University School of Theology. UTC seeks to provide theological education and ministerial formation for: • those preparing for specified ministries in the Uniting Church • anyone seeking an intelligent and deepening understanding of the Christian faith

• undergraduate university students studying theology as part of their degree in some other subject • postgraduate and research students in theology and ministry studies.

UTC is located in North Parramatta and is an inclusive community of women and men from a vibrant diversity of cultural backgrounds who are committed to theological enquiry and the practice of the Christian faith.

Now is the time to consider exploring the Christian faith in a culturally diverse community... faith seeking understanding.

ENROL NOW FOR SESSION 1, 2014

Apply now for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including: • Bachelor of Theology

(including an 8 subject Diploma and 16 subject Associate Degree)

• Graduate Diploma in Theology

• Master of Theology • Master and Doctor of Ministry • Doctor of Philosophy

Options for study include part-time, full-time, on campus or by distance education, in many cases. Single Subject Study options are also available.

For more information: Charles Sturt University 1800 334 733 www.csu.edu.au/contacts/enquiry UTC, Renee Kelly 02 8838 8914 reneek@nsw.uca.org.au www.utc.edu.au/courses/theology

UTC is constituted within the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of NSW & the ACT, and Charles Sturt University’s School of Theology.

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A

A Paradigm of Spiritual Growth

visitor to an Australian outback cattle station was intrigued by the seemingly endless miles of farming country with no sign of any fences. He asked a local farmer how he kept track of his cattle. The farmer replied, “Oh that’s no problem. Out here we dig wells instead of building fences.”

The implication is obvious. There is no need to fence cattle in when they are highly motivated to stay within range of their source of life — the well.

The Synod’s Christian Spirituality Committee is calling the church to a new openness, with congregations and subgroups within congregations exploring the “wells” of the Spirit that are the resource of every congregation.

The Uniting Church has many congregations that are facing severe challenges, which invite a plethora of ‘solutions’, such as new mission strategies, more creative worship styles and fresh approaches to engaging with different age groups.

It may be both more Biblical and more risky to entertain a ‘wells’ approach to Christian faith.

‘Wells’ Christianity is defined as an active, dynamic relationship to Jesus Christ. Such an approach seeks the nourishment and imagination of the insights.uca.org.au

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Spirit. We need to be careful to avoid the pitfalls of simply trying to replicate other movements, which were the pattern of Spirit-inspired initiatives of the past.

Such expressions of spirituality have richly contributed to the Uniting Church.

However, patterns change.

Freedom from defensiveness A church feeling pressured need not be a church that is defensive or that needs to expend undue energy in ‘building up the numbers’. Paradoxically, the nearer you are to the the ‘well’, the more freedom there is to explore widely.

A deep relationship with Jesus Christ develops confidence which transcends fearful huddling. It enables us to reach out in ever widening circles of experience and relationship without defensiveness just as Jesus did.

Jesus had confidence in who he was in relation to God. This enabled Him to cross boundaries of every kind. Christians who have that kind of freedom seem to attract others to the “well” also.

Evangelism by attraction Evangelism in ‘wells’ thinking is motivated by a personal, life-changing experience of the Christ, and focuses on pointing others toward Him. Our lives serve as witnesses to our faith.

Sadly, some forms of evangelism pay more attention to the numbers of people who can be corralled within a particular doctrinal or even denominational fence, and do little to attract folk to the Jesus of the gospels.

So, what characterises exploration of the “wells” approach to Christian faith?

• Are our lives dynamically connected to Christ, our source of living water?

• Do we freely and fearlessly cross boundaries to attract others to the “well” - or have we lapsed into complacent sheltering inside a respectable theological fence which hides our own lack of movement and serves mainly to keep others out?

• In what ways may ‘wells’ theology inform our experience of being God’s people in this land?

A very good Biblical example of ‘wells’ evangelism is the woman at the well (John 4). Her own encounter with Jesus so transformed her that she was freed from defensiveness and fear in such a remarkable way that even those who had previously shunned her were attracted to the source of life she had found.

Ross Kingham, Convenor Christian Spirituality Committee, Synod of New South Wales and the ACT Insights February 2014 21

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Building on a strong foundation

The future of our property T

he Uniting Church has a rich and colourful history, built on the unity, mutual respect and faith of its members. In fact, parts of the Church were literally built by members – buildings that today stand as a legacy to those who came before us, and which house our future. But what does that future look like and what role will property play in shaping it?

We spoke to Rev. Niall Reid, who previously worked as Chairperson of the Sydney Presbytery, who was recently charged with seeking answers these questions.

“Property has always been on my radar. When I was moderator I spoke at length about property and how we needed to rethink it. I believe at times it can become the focus of who we are and what we’re on about because we’re just so preoccupied with maintaining what we have. But we should be focussing on sharing the Christian gospel in different ways.

“When Jesus sent the disciples out he told them to go with nothing. I think part of the reasoning for that is if you don’t have anything, you don’t have to worry about it”, stated Niall.

Every journey starts with the first step “In my new role the first step for me is to understand who we are by asking and attempting to answer a series of questions: Why are we here? What are our messages? What sets us apart and differentiates us from other churches?

Only when we know the answers can we set about defining how we should express ourselves and what resources we need to be effective at whatever it is that we’ve determined we want to be.

“It’s at this point that the question of property comes in. Is the property we have fit for the task we’re on about?

What resources will help us be who we’re meant to be without becoming a proverbial millstone around our neck?” asks Niall.

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“I feel it’s time people started changing their perspective on things on who we are and how we are operating at the Church. It’s not just seeing ourselves in a parochial sense, where it’s all about us, but recognising that the Church is bigger than that. The challenge is how do we work together to allow that change to happen?

Is the property we have fit for the task we’re on about?

We’re on a learning curve “We’re on a journey. We are pilgrims on our way towards a promised goal.

Together we are learning where it is that God is leading us, what Christ is teaching us. It’s an evolving thing. We are on this road together, which means that we’ll need to participate and listen and share with one another and grow and change.

“It won’t just happen overnight. It is about change over a period of time.

We need to try and help people not be defensive or feel threatened, but actually feel excited about different possibilities”, said Niall.

The answer lies with the people on the ground “From the work completed so far, one of the key things that seems to be emerging is that we need to get presbyteries to work with their congregations to come up with a mission plan about what they’re on about, what they’re doing, what their mission is, and then look at the resources they have at their disposal and determine if they are fit for the purpose.

“Let’s take the rural church as an example. There may be one church in the town. It may not have huge numbers, but if there is no other church then it may be really important that it

stays. Compare this with a suburban area with many local churches and the need to maintain a presence may not be as pertinent; the property could better utilised”, stated Niall.

Look to the past to see the future “When we think that the people that we honour in the past were doing something quite new in their circumstances, they weren’t actually keeping something going. They were beginning something new. So, how do we use the resources they have given us to do something new?

“The Church is not simply defined by the gathering of the people for an hour or two on Sunday. It’s about its growing influence. It’s about growing numbers of people who are engaged, growing numbers of communities worshipping, witnessing and serving in a multitude of different ways – just not necessarily in the traditional way.

“At the end of the day, viability of the Church does not ultimately depend on property. It actually depends on its members and their belief and what they’re doing and why they’re doing it and who they are, and then living that out. It’s time for our thinking to evolve”, concluded Niall.

Look out for a special edition of Insights in March (apart from the regular monthly Insights) that will be looking at the theology of property in the Uniting Church.

Our special issue will provide information, case studies and questions for you consider as we undertake a review of the role of property in the Church.

Information will be provided about a consultation process across the Synod and ways for you to provide feedback to help guide the development of a new policy for consideration by Synod Standing Committee and for presentation at Synod 2014. insights.uca.org.au

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Rev. Niall Reid, “It’s time for our thinking to evolve”

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Looking beyond ourselves “L

ent Event offers us a chance to lift our eyes from ourselves and our own concerns. It’s an opportunity to take in a world we often don’t give much attention to as we look to our identity as the people of God.” These are the words of Rev. Andrew Smith, Minister at Corrimal District Uniting Church.

Andrew and his congregation have been part of Lent Event for the last seven years, embracing the opportunity to connect with communities experiencing extreme poverty and reflect on Jesus’ life of ‘good news to the poor’. People act by giving up an item or two from regular spending and donating this money to vital relief and development projects through UnitingWorld.

“It’s been great for us to be part of Lent Event not only because of our shared humanity and because relative to those we’re learning about we have a lot to share, but because of our identity as followers of Jesus.” Andrew says. “As we journey through Lent, giving something up and thinking about the impact this has on others is a small part of what it means to live out a costly faith.”

This year UnitingWorld’s Lent Event has a brand new component: Give it UP for Lent! Aimed at young people, this weekend-long campaign has been developed in cooperation with South Australia’s Uniting Young People team and includes a range of youth group resources, a video and bible study materials.

“Younger people can be a bit more creative with what they give up because we’re focussing the time frame for them on a single weekend,” says Give it UP for Lent co-ordinator Fiona Johnson.

“They might choose to give up their bed, footwear, cutlery or technology.

We’ve prepared some studies that help them think through what Lent is all about as well as how our excess contributes to a world of poverty.” insights.uca.org.au

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Children’s resources this year are also outstanding. Developed by the Maynard family, who spent a year in Zimbabwe as volunteers with UnitingWorld’s Experience program at Matthew Rusike House, the resources are creative and thought provoking, ideal for engaging children of all ages.

Children at Picton Uniting Church, who have been actively involved with the program for the last four years, are eagerly awaiting the release of this year’s resources. “Our children have grown so much in their understanding of the world over the last few years and have a real appreciation for the way other children live – the strengths of their cultures as well as the challenges they face,” says Sunday School Co-ordinator Yvonne Cooper. “They’re also creative about coming up with ways to help raise money.”

Giving up a coffee or your weekly takeaway raises valuable funds for these worthwhile projects.

Max Blacker, from Balgowlah Uniting Church, is already planning events in cooperation with other local churches to help supplement the income from Balgowalah’s involvement with Lent Event.

“Giving up a coffee or your weekly takeaway raises valuable funds for these worthwhile projects,” Max says. “But to learn more about the projects and contribute even more we’re thinking we might try to run an African Feast night to support the Sudanese Midwives project – there are fundraising ideas on the website that we’re going to consider.

I’m very supportive of Lent Event and would love to see more congregations involved.”

In South Sudan, the impact of the support of Uniting Church congregations through Lent Event is being felt in very real ways. South Sudan has among the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with 10,000 mothers dying each year, a statistic the Presbyterian Relief and Development Agency is determined to change.

With Uniting Church support, the second cohort of 22 trainee midwives is already halfway through their courses at the Leer Midwifery School. Eighteen midwives are already at work in the community, helping save the lives of mothers and babies through careful ante and neo-natal care.

Lent Event changes not only communities overseas, but the congregations who participate here in Australia. Andrew puts it best when he suggests: “It can be uncomfortable to be confronted with the truth of a message that faith takes us beyond simply what Jesus Christ means for our own personal lives. But the message of Jesus is truly transformative for the world and has implications for how we engage with others. Lent Event has become for us a spiritual discipline that turns our eyes toward Jesus, toward others and toward God’s world. As we give something up, a hunger builds in us and turns us toward our purpose.”

Are you looking to creatively nurture your congregation in their discipleship and engagement with God’s world?

Visit www.lentevent.com and register your congregation (or yourself!) for Lent Event 2014 or contact UnitingWorld on 02 82674267 for more information.

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Caravan of Hope: Joining God in mission

I

f you’re a child of the ’50s or ’60s, there’s a good chance you have fond memories of dad hitching up the caravan and taking off on a road trip with the family and pet dog in tow. They were simple times and offered a chance to reflect on all that was fabulous about growing up in Australia; exploring the countryside and sharing good times.

Carrying on the tradition of exploring and sharing, Caravan of Hope is for anyone who believes the Spirit is at work amongst us and wishes to explore where and how Uniting Churches in the Synod of NSW and the ACT are effectively engaged with their contexts, as Christian communities of faith.

Listen, support, participate, encourage, enquire, learn, be challenged and inspired!

“We believe God is alive and active in the life of the church. By being involved in ‘Caravan of Hope’ you will have a special opportunity to see where and how our Uniting Church is responding to God’s invitation to be partners in God’s mission” said Graham Anson, organiser of Caravan of Hope. insights.uca.org.au

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How it works

Participants in ‘Caravan of Hope’: • gather six times a year over a weekend • each time in a different mission and ministry location and context (e.g. rural, urban, multi-cultural, youth, indigenous, social justice) • attend and participate in missional activities of the local faith community • meet with those who lead and participate, to explore and learn • pay for their own meals, transport and accommodation (billeting may be available in some settings) And have the opportunity to: • see where the Uniting Church is doing things differently • listen, support, participate, encourage, enquire, learn, be challenged and inspired • make a contribution (where possible and suitable) • meet with leaders, volunteers, participants and explore • reflect on what they have been part of • contextualise their experience, and glean from it what is working and why

Where and when you can find us • March 1–2: Grace Community, (Goulburn) • April 12–13: The Commons, (Broadmeadow in Newcastle) • May 17-18: Kippax Uniting and UnitingCare (Belconnen in Canberra) • July 2014 Re(Imagining Mission)

Locations for the second half of the year are to be determined with ‘Caravan of Hope’ participants, but the dates are: August 16–17, September 20–21, November 1–2

Come and explore a different narrative; be part of a different story; come and see some of the places where God is at work and where we are vibrant, responsive, collaborative, relational, engaging and alive!

To be a participant in Caravan of Hope or to receive updated information for each visit, you’ll need to register (no cost) by contacting: Graham Anson on 0417 267 095 or 02 8838 8953, or via email at: grahama@nsw.uca.org.au Insights February 2014 27

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The Mandela Memorial Prisoner. President.

Peacemaker.

N

elson Mandela has been remembered at a memorial service in Sydney as a humble man who changed not only South Africa but the world.

Leaders from Christian churches, including Catholic Cardinal George Pell, NSW Governor Marie Bashir and South Africa’s acting high commissioner Ray Sithole, joined with members of the public to remember the anti-apartheid hero.

He died on December 5, aged 95.

Tears fell and clenched fists were raised as the South African national anthem swelled through the cavernous Uniting Church on Pitt Street.

Four candles, placed on a wooden table underneath the South African flag flying from the high pulpit, were lit by the church leaders.

The first signified Mr Mandela’s “amazing faithfulness to justice”, the second represented his courage and the third was ignited “in memory of one who, as he suffered 27 years of insights.uca.org.au

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imprisonment still developed an inner light of strength and peace”.

The final candle celebrated Mr Mandela’s “unending humility”.

South African singer Mignon LeeWarden, whose father had been in prison with Mandela led an emotional and moving chorus of the South African National Anthem during the service.

Uniting Church ministers, Rev. Dr Margaret Mayman and Rev. Andrew Collis, then led the service with two readings followed by the eulogies.

“Mandela will live forever in the hearts that beat with the promise of freedom, of justice,” South African-Australian Kolin Thumbadoo said.

The acting high commissioner thanked Australians “from all walks of life” who had supported South Africa and the struggle of its citizens for decades.

Ray Jackson, Leader of the Indigenous Social Justice Association spoke of how Mandela had influenced his decision

to become and continue to be involved in social justice activism for indigenous peoples.

“Vale Nelson Mandela, peace be with you,” Rev. Dorothy McRae-McMahon said, concluding her moving eulogy, which was punctuated with anecdotes of meetings with Mandela. “It was an amazing honour to be creating and presiding over the Sydney Memorial Service for Nelson Mandela.”

“It is hard to think of a more impressive person in the world over the last century and you could feel that deep respect for him in every moment of the service, something which overrode the grieving for our loss. He would have been delighted to see how remembering him brought so many church leaders and faiths together, alongside a wonderful range of lay people. We hope the “prayer pathway”, which we made at the end of the service, will reach out towards his people and others who wait in longing for the sort of love and justice which he represented.”

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The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress in NSW-ACT

T

he 1960s and 1970s was a period of significant social and political upheaval around the world, particularly for people in Africa and Asia who were seeking control of their lives after centuries of colonial rule.

In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have struggled for self-determination. The 1967 Referendum that meant Aboriginal people were counted as citizens, the tent embassy in Canberra, the land rights movement, have enabled Australia’s first peoples to take back control of their lives.

Aboriginal leaders in the Church were involved in these struggles, and also sought to confront the Churches with the same issues of control and self-determination. Indigenous church leaders began to gather to explore the possibility of a black church.

This eventually led to the establishment of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress at the 1985 Assembly. Congress was to be

that “body which is recognised by the Assembly as having responsibility for oversight of the ministry of the Church with the Aboriginal and Islander people of Australia” (UCA Constitution).

•R ather than try to build new selfsupporting congregations, it will build local fellowships of people with stronger relationships with other parts of the Church.

It was the first step on an important journey about Indigenous theology and worship, local ministry and issues of justice, Covenanting and the Preamble.

• I t will concentrate on building and encouraging networks and connections between Aboriginal people, the community and the Church.

As well as a national body, Congress established regional councils in each Synod, each of which has developed its own particular relationship with its Synod. In this, Synod Congress has been a committee of the Synod (at present within Uniting Mission and Education), whose work is overseen by the Aboriginal members of the Regional Council.

Congress originally focused on establishing congregations and supporting ministry agents. In 2012 it completed a review of its work and future focus, and made some important decisions about the way it will work in the next few years.

• I t will seek to increase its profile and presence within the Synod so that it always has a voice at the table, and the issues of Aboriginal people are kept before the church.

• I t recognises there are Aboriginal people in congregations across the Uniting Church who do not connect with it. It would like to build a broad set of connections between Aboriginal people in the Church, and in 2014 will hold a gathering of all interested people. If you are interested in joining such a gathering, please let us know.

•A s part of its hope to build connections between congregations and local Aboriginal people, Congress would like to begin ten ‘lighthouse’ projects where Congress will support and mentor congregations to build those relationships. If your congregation would like to be part of this, please let us know. ongress will work with Synod to •C rebuild the covenanting process.

Connect with us

We are on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/ UAICC-NSW-RegionalCommittee/157129347831531 You can also send an email to: Di Torrens, chairperson of Congress: congresscp@hotmail.com Chris Budden, Resource Worker: chrisb@nsw.uca.org.au Regional Council Leaders of UAICC.

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We’d love to hear from you. insights.uca.org.au

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23/01/2014 3:28:28 PM

Fellowship news News from Uniting Church Adult Fellowship

A new year, a new committee

This seeks to look after children in detention.

Information is available from UnitingCare, but will also be forwarded with the Year Books.

All Fellowships are urged to support this cause and donations are to be forwarded to the Treasurer and will be combined with UCAF Synod donations.

Newly elected chairperson of the NSW/ ACT Uniting Church Adult Fellowship (UCAF) Synod committee, Allan Secomb, brings New Year greetings to all. He looks forward to meeting as many groups as possible during his term of office and thanks the committee for the honour bestowed. He prays that all will be blessed as they continue to serve God The Annual Dedication Service of the NSW/ through Adult Fellowship.

ACT UCAF Synod committee will be held on Other committee members elected at Wednesday 12 February at Level 2, 222 the December AGM include Laraine Jones Pitt Street. Join us from 12.00pm for a light as Secretary and Geoff Hicks as Treasurer. lunch followed by a service at 1pm.

Denise Secomb remains Corresponding Special Guest will be the Rev. Kath Member and Janice Willis will take on Merrifield, Executive Director of Uniting the role of Connexions editor. Judy Hicks Mission and Education. All are welcome. continues with Insights.

RSVP Laraine Jones on 02 49731342.

Janice Willis was commended for her time as Chairperson, also Lyn Drabsch who has been a long standing Secretary and The 2013 National Celebration in W.A. was Chairperson, and Auriel Steverson who is a wonderful time of fun, fellowship, food and responsible for the re-vamped Connexion sharing. Special mention was made of the magazine.

Bible Studies led by the Rev. Dr John Squire To focus on the National Committees and the Rev. Elizabeth Raine from NSW. project during their three year term in The Rev. Marion Millin introduced Perth office, (Neighbour Connect) the NSW/ACT and the theme, together with a wonderful Committee elected to endorse as their summary prepared by Ann Connon. A project for 2014 UnitingCare’s ‘Give Hope’. photographic reflection record of the

The annual dedication service

The 2013 National Celebration

celebration has been forwarded to all UCAF Synod groups for future use. The photo of the banner, made from patches by all the states for the celebration, graces the Year Book cover.

Rallies and gatherings in 2014

Rallies and Gatherings are already in the pipeline for many Presbytery groups.

• Macquarie Darling meets on 13 March at Spring Hill U.C. • New England North West meets on 15 March at Quirindi UC. • Hunter Presbytery meets 20 March at Belmont UC • Canberra will meet at St Ninians on 27 March.

• Sydney Day Mission Support Group meets 31 March at Lakemba.

Do try and attend an event near you. They are rewarding informative occasions.

If you have any reports or stories of congregation events, please send them to Judy Hicks: Email: judyh_rnh@hotmail.com Phone: 02 4933 3703

Principles of Church Leadership United Theological College (UTC) is part of Charles Sturt University’s School of Theology. Principles of Church Leadership (THL421) is being offered as an intensive subject for Session 1 over eight days: 28-29 March, 1-3 May and 29-31 May 2014.

We are always hearing about the ‘special’ qualities leaders need to have. Yet every day all sorts of people contribute to real change, large and small. This subject is an opportunity to grow your leadership capacities and personal potential in a safe, supportive and challenging environment.

Learning objectives include: • explorations on different models of leadership relevant to church and community life • equipping others to grow their leadership strengths • reflections on personal foundations and their importance when exercising leadership in times of challenge or difficulty • developing leadership practices that are sustainable as well as effective.

No one has everything, but everyone has something to contribute to the challenges we face. It is liberating to talk about exercising leadership - seeing it as a contribution, rather than a designated role.

ENROL NOW FOR SESSION 1, 2014 This intensive subject may be studied as an individually assessed subject, monitored only, or provide credit towards further study.

For more information: Sue Kaldor info@newriver.org.au 0425 209 231

To register: Renee Kelly 02 8838 8914 reneek@nsw.uca.org.au www.utc.edu.au/courses

F2986A

Whether or not we hold positions of responsibility, we can exercise leadership to make a positive difference.

UTC is constituted within the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of NSW and the ACT, and Charles Sturt University’s School of Theology.

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Belief matters

Diversity within the divine

W

hat would the world be like if we were all more alike?

This isn’t just a philosophical question. In many ways, we live as though we wished others were more like us. We spend time with those who are similar to us and share our viewpoint and avoid those who seem to be different or challenge us.

But what about our diversity? Do we embrace it or do we merely tolerate it?

Over time, I’ve grown to appreciate the importance of our differentness. I’ve reached the point where I think of this incredible diversity — within our universe, within our human family — as one of our greatest blessings.

If there was no diversity and everyone was just like me, the world would be a very different place. We’d have a lot of stories being written, but they’d all be coming from one point of view so they’d get stale and repetitive. But I’m not sure how any of the stories would get recorded or shared — I have no clue how to make a pen or paper let along a computer or the Internet?

And that’s not all. There would be no roads or cars, no airplanes or boats. No

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buildings, either. You wouldn’t want to step into any structure that I designed or constructed!

If everyone were like me, we’d have no music — sorry, not my gift. No art — love it but don‘t have a talent for it. No science.

No mathematics. No doctors to keep us healthy, no medicine to save our lives. You get the picture.

Of course, the benefits of our diversity go way beyond our creature comforts. Our thoughts are influenced and shaped by the thoughts of others, even those with whom we disagree. Different points of view challenge and reshape our thinking.

Relationships challenge us to grow and move outside of ourselves in so many ways, offering us the opportunity to see life through another‘s very different eyes. Our differences can expand us and complete us, if we let them.

Our experience of God also is grounded in diversity. Each of us experiences God in our own way, through our unique but limited perspective. We also experience and learn about God through each other.

One verse says we get to know God through love, and that always involves

another person who is in many ways very different from us.

There’s no getting away from it. So much of our religious tradition honours our diversity, even if so many of our religious institutions do not. Genesis describes a creator who loves diversity and thinks that the many, many differences in our world are very, very good.

In the story of Noah’s ark, the creator insists on a boat big enough to preserve all of that diversity. There are many stories of Jesus rejecting those who tried to limit God to their own narrow terms. The idea of the trinity emphasises that there is diversity within the divine. 1 Corinthians 12: 12-27 tells us we are one body but have many parts, all working together – diversity within the Body of Christ.

We encounter divinity through our diversity. Although our diversity can be very challenging, it’s what makes everything possible.

Joe Kay (First published on sojo.net, used with permission) Ben Myers is taking a well-earned break and will be back again next month.

Insights February 2014 35

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Community Chaplain Lane Cove Uniting Church has the aspiration to take the Uniting Church into the community rather than waiting for the community to come to the established structures of the church.

To give effect to this dream, the Congregation is seeking a full time Community Chaplain.

This new and as yet untested role will seek to provide Christian presence and leadership through a chaplaincy style of ministry to those who live, work, shop or play sport in the Lane Cove community.

Because the role is new there are no hard and fast rules of engagement – the opportunity is there for a highly motivated person to bring their own ideas, creativity and experience to this new mission and to help, when the time is right to help to establish a new and prospectively different Uniting Church worshipping community (or communities) in Lane Cove.

The Chaplain will be supported by a committed Reference Group.

The position is suitable for either an ordained or lay person with an expectation of an initial appointment for three years.

Further details may be obtained by contacting the Congregation office, (02) 9428 2240, lanecoveuniting@bigpond.com or post to PO Box 225 Lane Cove NSW 1595 applications to Rev. Jane Fry, associate Secretary, Synod of nSW & aCt, po Box a2178, Sydney South nSW 1235, or janef@nsw.uca.org.au appliCationS CloSe 15 JanuaRy 2014

Community Caring pastor/ coordinator

St. Matthew’s Uniting Church Baulkham Hills Do you enjoy building caring communities?

Enjoy being a part-time (20 hours) member of our Ministry team at St Matthew’s leading our community caring.

For further details, please visit our website http://stmatthewsuniting.net.au or call the Church office on phone 9686 3003.

Please submit your application for this role and a copy of your resume by email to office@ stmatthewsuniting.net.au

Opening Worship using prayers and songs from the Assembly Bible Studies led by the Rev. Jione Havea from United Theological College Report from the Rev. Ian Smith, who was the Australian Churches of Christ delegate Together Towards Life: Mission and Evangelism in Changing Landscapes, presented by the Rev. Dr Andrew Williams, General Secretary of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of NSW and the ACT. The Church: Towards a Common Vision by Bishop H.G. Irinej, Serbian Orthodox Church

Closing date for applications: 21 February 2014

36 Insights February 2014

insights.uca.org.au You are Invited to a

You are Invited to a

Report from the WCC 10th Assembly in Busan, Korea 2013

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9.30 am to 2.00 pm on Saturday 22 February 2014 at the

9.30 am to 2.00 pm on Saturday 22 February 2014 at the

23/01/2014 12:52:34 PM Uniting Church, Carrington Ave, Strathfield

Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson star in Disney’s Saving Mr Banks.

Culture watch

Many a slip twixt the page and the flick H ollywood knows the shortest shortcut to a box office success is a trip to the bookshop. Since its earliest days it has mined the pages of successful authors for their celebrity appeal and ready-made audiences.

The latest incarnation of this age-old technique has been Disney’s seemingly bottomless interest in Marvel Comics.

But the method is not without its dangers.

In 1924 director Erich von Stroheim’s literal adaptation of the acclaimed novel McTeague ran for over nine hours. When the producers finally managed to cut it down to two hours the result was so incoherent that it did more to empty cinemas than fill them. The lesson? If you’re going to successfully move from one medium to another you need to be armed with a wise red pen. Saving Mr. Banks, a favourite for 2013’s Best Film, is dedicated to making that very point.

Saving Mr. Banks is the story of the struggle between Walt Disney and Pamela Traverse to bring her iconic nanny Mary Poppins to the big screen.

Tom Hanks provides a folksy Disney for film’s first portrayal of this legendary children’s entertainer. But the story is dominated by the fractious yet sympathetic “Mrs Traverse!” created by insights.uca.org.au

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Emma Thompson. The author emerges as a prim and proper curmudgeon who is determined not to let a money-making cartoonist ruin her creation.

There’s more at stake than artistic licence. Delving into her Australian upbringing, the audience realises that her book is built on the bones of the author’s own sad childhood and her maxims are the hard-won lessons that emerged. Is it any wonder that, in a film that will move you to tears more times than I care to confess, the biggest laughs come from scriptwriters who can’t understand why Mary Poppins would have a problem with animated penguins?

Another confession – as a scriptwriter I’m very familiar with pains associated with the adaptation. Some of the brightest and darkest moments of my life have revolved around trying to help creatives jump to a different medium. I understood completely when Traverse almost wept that Mary Poppins deserved better treatment. Hanks’ Disney does too. “I’ve fought the battle from her side,” he says, reflecting on early attempts to buy his famous Mickey. “The mouse is family.”

The trouble with translation is that the scriptwriter has to thoroughly understand the key idea the author is trying to

communicate. When you do, you can drop 90 per cent of the text and still end up with a winner. When you don’t, Aragorn ends up with a girlfriend. In Saving Mr Banks it’s the main reason Disney and Traverse can’t agree.

The film suggests Poppins was actually a reflection of the saviour Traverse’ own alcoholic dad needed, and the novel’s father character Mr Banks was written for him. It’s no wonder that a ‘spoonful of sugar’ didn’t help the medicine go down.

The same error is sadly often made when the Bible passes through Hollywood. If you don’t understand the author’s intention, you can’t get the translation right. Possibly the most significant criticism of The Passion Of The Christ was that, for all its disturbing accuracy, it made Jesus’ physical pain the sum of his sufferings.

But the Bible is clear that it was God’s turning away from His Son that cost him the most, and paid for our salvation. It’s no wonder Christians have reacted so strongly to ‘Christian’ films – as though someone were misrepresenting their family. Misunderstanding Mary Poppins is minor by comparison. Get God wrong and you’ll never get His story right.

Mark Hadley is a writer and producer.

Read more at www.markahadley.com Insights February 2014 37

23/01/2014 1:58:24 PM

Entertain me press play LISTEN up

10,000 Reasons, Matt Redman

BIG SCREEN

Mandela (M) This film proves it can be tricky trying to fit a full life on screen.

Justin Chadwick (The First Grader) has a good go at it, but a person like Nelson Mandela needs a mini-series rather than a two-hour picture.

Based on the book Long Walk to Freedom and starring Idris Elba as Mandela and Naomie Harris as the feisty Winnie, the film tries to pivot on the central relationship between Winnie and Nelson, and like their relationship it doesn’t quite work.

We start at the beginning and the film uses major news items as beats in the film, jumping from the Sharpeville massacre in March 1960 to his arrest in 1963, then from his subsequent 27 years in jail to his eventual release.

That’s a lot of ground to cover in two and half hours, and while the film is pitch-perfect in design, costuming and performances (Elba is excellent as Mandela, although aging makeup is a little unconvincing), one can’t help feel the whole affair to be rushed and much left has been left out.

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Matt Redman’s name has become synonymous with contemporary church worship and this album doesn’t disappoint. As the writer of many of the most-sung worship songs including Blessed Be Your Name, The Heart of Worship, and Better Is One Day, Matt’s songs are sung by millions of people every Sunday.

Matt has a unique ability to craft songs that teach deeply spiritual truths and remind us of God’s steadfastness.

This new album 10,000 Reasons features 11 all-new songs and is an excellent worship resource.

read this

The Bible on Key Issues of Life, Dr Nick Hawkes This book seeks to give Biblical answers to the key questions in life.

Some are more controversial than others. The teaching is succinct and the chapters are tackled with integrity and are informative. This would be excellent for group study as it is in fact dealing with the questions we all ask about life and how our faith can work effectively in our work life and marriages for instance.

Some of the tricky chapters on predestination, persecution and temptation are balanced with chapters on parenting, faith and getting a job. Presented in an easy-to-read, dip-in-andout way with Bible references for each subject this is a great group resource.

Diana (M) Sixteen years after her death we have the movie version of Diana’s life played with aplomb by Naomi Watts, who looks remarkably like the “people’s princess”. Savaged by British critics, this respectful biopic is in the same vein as The Queen.

But perhaps, such is the memory of the Princess, that anything about her life would have been derided. In this respect, maybe it was too soon.

The film also stars Naveen Andrews as Dr Khan and focuses almost entirely on their relationship. Some of the lighter elements of the film don’t quite come off, but the tightrope Diana walked as a tabloid celebrity dating a very private man is handled well. The inevitable news of her death – lights suddenly snapping on in the windows of a darkened street and the outpouring of grief – are brilliantly handled. “Royalty watchers” will enjoy this for what it is, a reverent look at the “peoples’ princess”.

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Stockxchng.c om Create an account and start sharing free photos with others or upload your own. These are royalty free and excellent for PowerPoint presentations and worship resources. The site is associated with istockphoto and is a great, free resource. insights.uca.org.au

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