Insights - June 2014

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Share your heart and home.

Become a foster carer.

Many children are unable to live with their birth families and there is an ongoing need for more foster carers in New South Wales.

UnitingCare Burnside is seeking foster carers to provide safe and secure home environments for school aged children. Some kids have had a challenging start and require extra love and support.

We welcome people of any age and culture who are single, de facto, in same sex relationships or married, with or without children. There are flexible care options — from providing respite for a weekend each month to short term and long term foster care.

UnitingCare Burnside provides training, an allowance and 24/7 support every step of the way.

Talk to us about fostering a child: Dubbo (02) 6885 5010

Mid North Coast 1800 815 113

or visit www.burnsidefostercare.com

Sydney (02) 9768 6955

Welcome from the Moderator At the heart of stewardship

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ne of the more enjoyable and refreshing of the moderator’s activities is to meet twice a year with the moderators of the other synods. It offers us a time of retreat and fellowship facilitated by our president. On one of the two occasions we also meet with the New Zealand Presbyterian moderator and Methodist president.

The April 2014 gathering was hosted by the Kiwis at Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands, near Waitangi. The area is famed for being the site where the treaty between Maori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown was signed in 1840.

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.

In order to enhance the benefit of the trip, Helen and I added five days leave to travel and walk in the North Island. Our planned 8-hour traverse of the Tongariro crossing, with its active volcanoes and crater lakes, was thwarted by heavy weather. Having said that, the day we arrived at the National Park was clear and we had a wonderful view of the majestic snow-capped mountains: Tongariro, Ngauruhoe (“Mount Doom” from the Lord of the Rings movies) and Ruapehu, the North Island’s highest peak.

Arriving early at Paihia, we made the most of the local walking trails, one of which led from Paihia, south along the coast to the ferry at Opua. Thereafter we made our way through dense and hilly bushland and mangrove boardwalks to Russell, New Zealand’s first White settlement; before taking another ferry back to Paihia.

At times we were trudging through unfamiliar territory with no landmarks, and often in a different direction to where we thought Russell ought to be.

Doubt and faith wrestled with each other until a signpost assured us that we were indeed on the right track.

When the moderators and presidents arrived, we received a traditional Maori

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welcome and were treated to warm and generous hospitality from our Kiwi hosts. This included an afternoon at Waitangi, and another to the Marsden Cross at Oihi, site of the first Christian sermon preached in New Zealand by Samuel Marsden on Christmas day 1814. The fondness with which he is revered in Aorotoa New Zealand is unlike his reputation in Australia where he is known as the ‘flogging priest’.

In our sharing time we learned the New Zealand churches are experiencing similar struggles to us in terms of numerical decline, ageing congregations and financial woes. Yet their leaders are in good heart and, like us, see a strong future for a church that keeps following Christ even when the bush is dense and we are not sure if we are on the right track. Signposts, where they appear, are welcome.

One such signpost is called stewardship. The scriptures abound in affirming examples of the generosity of spirit that gives of itself and does not count the cost, of which Jesus is the supreme example. They also warn of the miserliness that fearfully holds its treasure to itself.

Our time in Aotearoa had significant stewardship moments; like the road sign: “Look after our forests. They are busy saving the earth”. Also, as we were leaving Paihia we learned that the local Presbyterian prison chaplain, who gave us many hours of his time to share the Maori culture, was in fact on annual leave at the time.

Stewardship is sometimes about how we protect, conserve and use precious resources. At other times, it is about the giving that does not count the cost.

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

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Contents 23 24

Cover story

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Giving is one of those unique gifts that rewards both those who give and those who receive. So it should come as no surprise that this financial year we will raise almost $1.8 million through ‘Living is Giving’. This generosity shows we have a heart for the wider mission of our Church and that when united we can move mountains.

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Regulars 3 from the Moderator 5 letters 7 news

32 fellowship news 34 updates from the General Secretary

Editor Adrian Drayton SUB-EDITING/PRoduction/ DESIGN Belle&Co Editorial/advertising/ DISTRIBUTION inquiries Phone 02 8267 4304 Fax 02 9264 4487 ADDRESS Insights, PO Box A2178, Sydney South, NSW, 1235 email insights@nswact.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

28 The Uniting Church in Australia is one of the 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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Your Say Does Biblical accuracy matter?

In Ben McEachen’s appraisal of the film Noah (“Does Biblical accuracy matter?” March Insights) there seems to be an assumption that the Noah/ flood story is true. The Bible is a history of the Jewish people over millennia. The further back in history the story goes, the more inaccurate it must be. Noah’s story carrys good lessons but it cannot and does not need to be literally true.

Expanding our perspective on Easter I was greatly encouraged by the moderator’s reminder in April’s Insights that we can embrace a more expansive perception of the transforming work of Christ beyond saving souls. His article was a timely reminder that Jesus not only died for us but lived for us. Only in holding both together, His life and death do we do justice to God’s love and God’s justice (Hebrews 10:9-10).

We can never exhaust the unfathomable truth of God’s saving grace, however we can grow in grace and the knowledge of God’s saving activity in Jesus. Declining numbers and the diminished influence of the Church raises the question: has the Gospel lost its power? Or, could it be that the Church lost confidence in the Gospel?

Rev. Peter McIntyre

Self-empowerment The work of Parramatta Mission, its congregations, staff and volunteers in the community is truly commendable (Insights April 2014). However, I feel that the message of “transforming lives” of others is, sadly, a patronising and elitist comment. Supporting people to gain strength, skills and selfempowerment will help them change their lives.

Virginia Adlide, Bowral insights.uca.org.au

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May I comment on your excellent News article Violence on Manus Island: the more articles in the media showing the distress of asylum seekers, the less likely any more boat people will arrive, just what the government wants. To help the present asylum seekers, we must find a way to stop these illegal migrants without treating them cruelly as we are today.

Meantime, they need better conditions and something to do, like learning English; and kids and their parents should be exempt from detention.

Dr. Kevin B Orr, Blakehurst

Faith in politics and maintaining a moral compass On the first two Sundays of May, the ABC’s Compass program screened a two-part series entitled: “God in the Lodge”, which examined the religious beliefs of Australia’s prime ministers from Federation to the present day.

The religious beliefs of our nations’ Prime Ministers have become more public in an increasingly secular age, yet it’s an aspect of political life rarely explored. The two-part series made for interesting and insightful viewing as the belief of the nation’s leaders helped shape policy and the decisions that were not always popular amongst the electorate. Just as Billy Hughes “fanned the flames” of religious sectarianism in WW1’s conscription debates, today we have a prime minister who professes a faith that may or may not form his thinking when it comes to current issues.

The challenge for Christians is how to balance personal faith and the need to recognise that some policy decisions need to be made, that whilst not in keeping with belief, may well be for the common good.

Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook

A great help for ministers Thank you for an excellent edition (May Insights 2014) highlighting the stress under which ministers are so often placed.

A great help for ministers would be to have some security regards their employment. Currently it is easier to dismiss a minister than it is to get rid of the cleaner! Why don’t we in the Church in terms of natural justice give ministers a legally binding employment contract like we give everyone else? Then there would be recourse by ministers to unfair dismissal laws and the like.

Are we prepared to give our ministers the protection that natural justice demands?

Rev John Queripel, Bondi Beach

The church is not a one man band The May edition of Insights focused on the pressures faced by paid ministers.

Most of the problems of both ministers and the Church as a whole, would be solved if we took note of the teaching in the Bible. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Paul pictures the church like a body with all the parts equally needed for the body to function. In other words, every member of the Church Congregation has gifts which are necessary for a healthy and growing Church. In his parables of the talents, Jesus expected that every Christian should use their talents to the best of their ability, no matter how small or unimportant they may seem (Matthew 25: 14-30, Luke 19: 12-27).

If an orchestra tries to perform a piece with only a few of its players, the music will sound weak and insipid. If a sporting team plays a game with only a few of its players, Insights June 2014 5

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Your Say it will be defeated. If body parts are not functioning properly, the body will be sick or even dying. Thus, a Church where not all its members are functioning will project a weak message, be defeated, sick and may eventually die.

The Church is not a one man band, but a team of people who all have a vital part to play. If we can develop and use the various gifts of all our members, we may solve the problems of clergy burnout and declining Congregations.

Marion Perry, Bathurst

Heartbreaking I would like to comment on your article called “Fighting for the Voiceless” (April Insights 2014). It was heartbreaking (an understatement). I am going to fight this with all my being but I need help.

I want to get my facts correct. There seems to be some organisations in Thailand that are keen to help and preserve elephants. There is a Thai Elephant Conservation Centre. The Thai’s are mainly Buddhist aren’t they? I thought they were supposed to revere animal life?

There must be a law to stop this. What can I do? I just cannot understand this cruelty. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Angela Morgans, Turramurra Editors note: Thank you Angela for this heartfelt letter, Meera Lodhia will respond to your request.

Engaging in serious theological ref lection I cannot emphasise enough how difficult it has been to engage people, both ordained and lay, in a serious theological reflection process about the mission of God in which the local Congregation ought to be engaged. It seems that as long as someone turns up to take the service next Sunday — or to take the funeral — preferably a minister, we do not need to worry.

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of mission is sending a minister to a Pacific Island.

Much theological education of ministers and Congregations is needed to address this first so we have a shared meaning of mission in the conversation.

John Hooper Editors note: The following are edited responses to the Property for a Pilgrim special issue of Insights. You can find these responses in full at http://nswact.uca.org.au/resourcecentre/right-column/property-for-apilgrim-people-your-say/

Evolving people with responsibility for our future We call ourselves a Pilgrim People but seem to be waiting on God to tell us the way. I would rather think of us as an Evolving People with the responsibility for our future squarely on our own shoulders.

There are other Churches around us who aspire to the traditional ideas of God and, far from selling property, are investing in it at a great rate. It seems to me they are operating on peoples emotional feelings, rather than on rational beliefs, which surely will survive in the long run.

One often hears people say that the attraction for them in the Uniting Church is that you can ask questions and have divergent or new ideas without being condemned. At the progressive Common Dreams conference in Canberra last year, some 70% of the 500 or so participants claimed association with the Uniting Church when asked for a show of hands by speaker Marcus Borg.

Let us build on our strength in the belief that reason will prevail, while continuing to demonstrate the love of which Jesus spoke.

Bruce Bishop, Eastwood

A God-given opportunity Although the Synod’s property review may be perceived as a threat, it is in

fact a God-given opportunity to search our hearts to see if we are really disciples of Jesus.

Our Lord Jesus was very clear on what He requires of us – action, not piety. Although we have an older Congregation there is no evidence in the Bible that God in-built retirement into His creation. Abraham was old when he was called by God. In John 5.17 – Jesus said to them: “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.”

This is the issue – it is not what the Synod thinks, or what the Rev. Niall Reid thinks, it is what our Lord Jesus wants of us.

Derryck Klarkowski, Toukley

Takes our breath away The complexity of working out a property policy seems to take our breath away. But it needs to be sorted before people of goodwill, like ourselves, are prepared to commit to anything in terms of divesting ourselves of the property bind.

As we consider focusing more on being a ‘Pilgrim People’, it’s time we not only freed ourselves from the property bind, but freed Jesus from the bind of the Old Testament. If Jesus is to be a man for all time and all cultures he must be more accessible to people of the 21st century.

Bronwyn Mannell

Be rewarded for having Your Say This month every contributor receives a two-for-one ticket to see Son Of God, courtesy of Rialto Films.

Your Say letters should be sent to insights@nswact.uca.org.au or posted to Insights, PO Box A2178 Sydney South NSW 1235.

Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

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News Hope and hardship: the gift of clean water Jane Kennedy, Papua New Guinea Project Manager, UnitingWorld recently travelled to a water and sanitation project in the easternmost point of the mainland of Papua New Guinea. More than 60 people die every week in Papua New Guinea because of waterborne illness.

“Although we work with the whole village, we focus on providing water supplies to schools and health clinics so that hygiene messages and practices can be taken home from school or after a health check.

More children are likely to attend school when they can access clean water and disease is less likely to be spread when people attend the health clinic with wounds and infections,” said Jane.

This month UnitingWorld is launching its biggest appeal of 2014 to provide clean water and sanitation for communities in the Pacific, Asia and Africa. It’s a major opportunity for you to combine your donation with an Australian Government Aid grant to make your gift go so much further.

Please consider giving one family a chance to access clean water by making a donation to our clean water appeal before June 30.

You can donate online at www.unitingworld.org.au/water or call us on 1800 998 122. insights.uca.org.au

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News

Welcoming Rev. Seforosa Carroll to UnitingWorld UnitingWorld is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Seforosa Carroll to the role of Manager - Church Partnerships, Pacific within the Church Connections Unit of UnitingWorld.

Sef is a Fiji-born Rotuman who moved to Australia in 1987. Sef joins UnitingWorld from Charles Sturt University and is based at United Theological College in North Parramatta, where she is the first year mentor.

Acting National Director for UnitingWorld, Rob Floyd, says, “We are delighted to welcome Sef to the team. Sef brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and relationships that will greatly enhance the Uniting Church’s engagement with our Pacific Church Partners.”

“I look forward to joining UnitingWorld and in particular to expanding and deepening UnitingWorld’s relationships with our Church partners in the Pacific and in Australia. It is an opportunity to contribute to and find different creative ways of addressing issues of theological education and church leadership, gender issues, climate change and poverty with our Pacific Church Partners. I am excited to be a part of a Uniting Church Agency that is committed to transforming change,” said Sef Sef will start her new role at UnitingWorld on 1 July.

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Ningana Enterprises Partnership

Churches establishing closer ties with Ningana The Griffith, Yenda and Binya Uniting Church Congregations are establishing closer ties with Griffith-based Ningana Enterprises, which runs several services catering for the needs of people with a disability and their families and carers.

When Griffith Uniting Church member, Nicole Denhert, was looking for help collecting, sorting, storing and distributing fresh fruit to Foodbank NSW, Griffith Meals on Wheels, Griffith Public School, and the Wagga Uniting Church Food Ministry (more than 200 kilometres from Griffith), Ningana threw its doors open to her.

UnitingCare NSW.ACT Community Development Coordinator (Riverina), Neil Barber, and Uniting Church Rural Chaplain, Julie Grieg, then met Ningana seeking their assistance with the food relief programs operated by many Uniting Church congregations throughout NSW and the ACT, and to thank them for their support.

Griffith Care-van project The Griffith Care-van project, which provides food and other support to locals who are homeless or socially isolated, is up and running. Members of the Griffith Uniting Church Congregation are supporting the service by providing security to the Care-van operators and connecting newly-arrived refugees and asylum seekers with services at the Care-van. UnitingCare Ageing helped fund the project through an Innovative Community Grant awarded last year.

Clean Slate No Prejudice Neil Barber, UnitingCare NSW.ACT Community Development Coordinator (Riverina), has been working with Griffith police, the local Aboriginal Medical Service and members of the Griffith Uniting Church Congregation to secure ongoing funding for the Clean Slate No Prejudice crime diversion program.

The program provides up to 20 young people (aged 10 – 21) with a fitness workout, shower and breakfast, and transport to school – three mornings a week during school terms. Mr Barber said the program had helped reduce criminal behaviour and improved participants’ attitudes towards fitness and school. insights.uca.org.au

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Macquarie-Darling Presbytery Forum

Bathurst hosts MacquarieDarling Presbytery Forum Thirty representatives from the Uniting Church and UnitingCare met in Bathurst in March to participate in the latest Macquarie-Darling Presbytery Forum.

Chaired by Dubbo-based Presbytery Resource Minister, Rev. Karyn Burchell-Thomas, the forum focussed on community services operated by Uniting Church Congregations in the eastern parts of the Presbytery.

Participants heard of a service that was run as outreach ministry in 2013.

A small group of elderly men from Perthville Uniting Church raised almost $90,000 by performing odd jobs in their local community.

All agreed it was encouraging to see such dedication and commitment from members of the church, as they continued to work tirelessly in their local communities. This work was seen as a clear expression of their faith and a means of outreach to other members of their community.

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The P.A. People celebrate 40 years of service to the Christian Church community

Wagga’s new Pilgrim Worship Centre almost complete

For more than 40 years, The P.A. People in Sydney has been providing technical solutions to Christian churches and their ministries, including the heritage listed St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney’s CBD, Hillsong Church and The Wayside Chapel in Kings Cross.

Members of Wagga Wagga’s Pilgrim Uniting Church are preparing to move into their new worship centre, where final touches are being made. The centre, which is located in Glenfield will also house local UnitingCare Ageing Community Care staff.

“The P.A. People was founded on designing systems, supplying equipment, and developing and building products to service the local Church,” said Chris Dodds, Director of The P.A. People.

The centre will allow the nine families who are currently on the waitlist for playgroup will be easily accommodated. The playgroup currently hosts 15 families from multicultural backgrounds and delivers a program that supports early English literacy development for children whose parents have varying levels of English skills. This is developing into a major community service undertaking by the Church.

Whether a new building, event, or a refurbishment of an existing system, The P.A. People always employ their ‘Fitfor-Purpose’ design philosophy – any equipment must be appropriate to the application, serviceable and sensible according to a project’s budget.

If you would like to discuss your church’s needs and receive expert advice, please contact: Brett Steele, Manager - Installed Systems or Karen Jones, Manager - Sales Hire Service on P: 02.8755 8700 F: 02.8755 8599 E: info@papeople.com.au W: www.papeople.com.au

The move has been a long time coming (more than 12 years of planning) and congregation members are looking forward to getting to know their new ‘housemates’ (the Community Care staff) and neighbours in Glenfield.

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News The first St Philip’s Work Party

Faces may change, but the tradition continues The first St Philip’s Work Party was in 1964. The challenge to get St Philip’s, Australia’s most remote residential College, ready for opening day the following year was a ‘glowing experience’ according to one volunteer, Mr George Pillar.

The magic that made this ambitious plan work was Rev. Fred McKay‘s ability to turn a challenge into a most successful and enduring enterprise.

More than 280 volunteers carried out extensive and varied work including reassembling, sanding and painting.

Beds used by the work parties and metal chairs were all donated from Mary Kathleen Mine near Katherine.

Lois, who would become the College’s first matron, was the work parties’ co-ordinator, and organised the volunteers and tradespeople to ensure everything done in time for the opening – a huge task.

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Today, self-funded volunteers, mainly members of Church Congregations in Victoria and South Australia, continue the tradition of forming work parties at St Philip’s. Their service continues to be a priceless gift to St Philip’s.

The Work Party Wall of Honour in the Fred McKay Museum at St Philip’s was established to recognise the extraordinary service by volunteers who have given 10 years of service, and the Garden of Generosity, located nearby, honours Work Party leaders.

Student minister starts at Wesley Castle Hill Wesley Castle Hill Uniting Church recently welcomed a third year student from the Uniting Church’s theological college. Mr Adrian Sukumar-White, 29, is a candidate for Minister of the Word at the church’s United Theological College (UTC) at North Parramatta.

Castle Hill, Rev. Dr Rhonda White, said the placement of students for the ministry in Congregations was critical to ministerial formation. “At Castle Hill we recognise that as a Congregation we can offer the practical experience of the Church’s ministry across numerous disciplines”, Dr White added.

Since arriving at Castle, Adrian has been sharing with Dr White and Wesley’s Deacon, Rev. Karen MitchellLambert, in services of worship, pastoral care and other ministerial areas.

“I recognise that theological studies are only one part of the overall life and witness of a minister in the Uniting Church”, Adrian said. “Understanding the breadth of congregational life before taking up my first Congregation after ordination provides a valuable insight”, he added.

One of the ministers at Wesley insights.uca.org.au

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Raising hope On any given night in Australia 1 in every 200 people is homeless. 44% of these are women.* Homeless women often put themselves in unsafe situations and become dependent on others for basic needs. They are likely to lose connection to family, friends and the community. Crisis accommodation provides intensive support and case management to restore hope in women who have been deeply traumatised in life.

A holistic approach toward meeting women’s individual needs is a necessary requirement in reaching a more permanent solution.

Parramatta Mission is working to fill this gap in services for homeless women in Western Sydney.

MSIC Kings Cross

A visit to Australia’s first and only Medically Supervised Injection Centre A small group of staff from UnitingCare and Uniting Resources visited the UnitingCare Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC) in Sydney’s notorious Kings Cross, to observe firsthand how this extraordinary chapter in Sydney’s history and the Uniting Church’s social justice history, is unfolding.

The staff visit was led by MSIC Medical Director, the passionate and spirited Dr Marianne Jauncey.

“We can only change the world one conversation at a time, but by looking within, behind fear and misinformation, we hope you will see the Centre for what it is; a practical and compassionate service for marginalised people.”

Since opening in 2001, there were 861,848 supervised injections, 4,937 overdoses, zero deaths (as at December 2013). The priority is keeping people alive, reducing the spread of disease, and providing referrals to other services and information about health issues including HIV and Hepatitis C. insights.uca.org.au

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Food Ministries faring well Wagga Uniting Food Ministries has established a strong partnership with a local school, Mt Austin High, which grows and donates fresh vegetables to the food service.

This means the service has more fresh produce for local residents struggling to meet their food needs and the students involved in the program are gaining basic horticulture, cooking and volunteering skills.

As part of this ministry, the kitchen in the church’s drop-in centre has been upgraded to make the space more useable for volunteers and visitors. It also gives the church another space for innovative community outreach in central Wagga Wagga. The upgrade was funded by a Price Trust grant awarded last year, and completed by volunteer labour from the Congregation earlier this year.

Parramatta Mission’s Raising Hope for Homeless Women Gala Dinner, hosted by Mark Taylor, is being held on Friday 27 June to raise awareness and funds to address the unmet need of crisis accommodation for women. All proceeds will go towards building and developing crisis accommodation for homeless women.

With your support we can help women escape the danger and despairing reality of homelessness, giving them hope and assistance to transition into safer and more independent living. * ABS 2011 census

For tickets to the Raising hope for homeless women Gala dinner please contact Donna Kelly 02 9891 2277 or email donna. kelly@parramattamission.org.au See advert on page 31 for details.

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From the General Secretary’s desk People give to people

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remember when the Living is Giving programme began in this Synod. I was asked to write an article on the theme ‘People Give to People’ — that being one of the theories that was driving the change from the existing levy system to a system that allowed Congregations to choose the projects they wished to support.

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.

I used a sermon on the Good Samaritan as the basis of the reflection to show how many people passed by. Apart from one — the Samaritan — who actually stopped and came to the place where the man, a stranger, was lying unconscious and gave him assistance. This assistance undid all the harm that the robbers had done even to the point of meeting his expenses when he had transported him to the inn. People give to people!

I have learned this lesson recently in my own life. During May I took part in the UnitingCare moveability challenge to ride my bike 500kms. Although I am writing this before I’ve finished the ride, I can tell you I reached my fundraising target on day one of the challenge and revised it upwards to more than double. I am on track to reach that target, too.

People are generous. They give to people and they give to good causes. In our leadership charter we said of generosity: “The Uniting Church is blessed with significant resources, which can be used to build the common good and support the work of the whole Church in its many expressions of ministry. We will promote and ensure the generous stewardship of these resources. We will be generous with our time and talents and in our dealings with each other. We will form partnerships to build community capacity and be inclusive of all.”

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Indeed we serve a generous God who calls us to be generous. Being generous should imbue every part of our lives. John Bunyan had a little poem:

There was a man, some called him mad; the more he gave, the more he had.

I am lucky too to be part of a Tongan family. They have taught me a lot about generosity and giving. They do not give from their excess — the leftovers they can spare — they truly give everything they have and count it as a blessing. They give because they believe in the work of the Church and take seriously their duty to God. R T Kendall has said, “Tithing is the solution no one talks about…if every Christian tithed, every Congregation would be free of financial worries and could begin truly to be the salt of the earth. If every Christian would tithe, the Church would begin to make an impact on the world that would change it. The Church instead is paralysed.” Let’s learn to be generous and to give God the share that is God’s due!

In my sermon on the Good Samaritan, I explained that I had been inspired by a friend’s story. On entering a Church he found the words ‘come in to worship’ and felt inspired.

He felt more inspired though as he left and found the words ‘go out to serve’.

As we come and go in the life of the Church we need both worship and service to make our lives complete.

Both require our generosity and our energy.

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Grants for community service projects Norman and Florence Price Memorial Trust The Norman and Florence Price Memorial Trust provides small, one-off grants for projects that, in some way, help relieve poverty. It is administered by the Board of UnitingCare NSW.ACT. Applications are being sought for 2014-15. To be eligible, an organisation must be accountable to a congregation, presbytery or mission within the Synod of NSW and the ACT. Assessment criteria include: the level of analysis and planning evident in the project plan; the capacity of the organisation to manage the project; the commitment of the organisation's members/ volunteers (financial or in-kind) to the project; and the level of collaboration with the service’s clients and/or other services.

For more details or to apply, visit www.unitingcare nswact.org.au/resources/grant_programs/price_trust.

The deadline for submissions is 22 August 2014.

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T

he world’s history is filled with inspiring quotes on giving:

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” ― Winston Churchill “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” ― Charles Dickens “It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” ― Mother Teresa

Australian society. They also seek to help Aboriginal and Islander people achieve spiritual, economic, social and cultural independence, as well as enhance education and employment opportunities.

A mission at work Here are just a few of the many programs and initiatives of UAICC.

Giving is one of those unique gifts that rewards both those who give and those who receive. So it should come as no surprise that this financial year we will raise almost $1.8 million through ‘Living is Giving’. This generosity shows we have a heart for the wider mission of our Church and that when united we can move mountains.

Community development: UAICC designs and runs a number of longterm development programs that are aimed squarely at improving community life. Programs cover areas such as education, health and aged care, construction, business enterprise development, literacy programs, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, women and youth leadership, and more.

As we head towards our anniversary year in 2017, marking 40 years since Union, we are only limited by our imaginations as to just how much we can truly raise when united.

Holistic ministry and evangelism: Holistic ministry is at the heart of what UAICC does. They focus on caring for the whole person – spiritually, physically, mentally and socially.

Your contribution makes a difference.

The money you contribute goes towards areas of mission and faith that will help shape our future. And it is here we can see Jesus’ love at work.

Building deeper relationships: In the same way that God is bound in a covenant relationship with people, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people of the Church seek to be bound in covenant with each other. They agree to share not just some of their worldly possessions, but everything, including themselves, with each other. In this way, they hope to contribute to a more just Church and nation.

Here are just a few of the ‘Living is Giving’ programs your generous efforts support.

Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) Our social justice advocacy work and community welfare services express our belief that God is committed to life now.

It is our response to the Bible’s call to care for and protect the marginalised and vulnerable A key component of our justice work is the Church’s efforts to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians together and to support the Indigenous community generally. Reconciliation, land rights and Indigenous leadership training are just some of the activities we engage in.

We do this primarily through the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC). Established in 1985 as the Indigenous arm of the Church, the UAICC, in collaboration with others, aims to bring an end to the injustices, which hold Aboriginal and Islander people at the fringes of 16 Insights June 2014

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Restore the role of elders: The aim of the UAICC ministry is to restore respect and honour in the lives of Indigenous people and the Church; to serve as keepers of culture and Indigenous history; bring balance, wisdom and spirituality to Congregations, and offer support.

Develop youth: UAICC youth ministry tackles the issues of unemployment, poverty, poor health a lack of housing, racism, domestic and street violence, imprisonment and low self-esteem, as well as the threats to health from alcohol, tobacco, drugs and gambling.

Affirm women: UAICC works to ensure Indigenous women are affirmed and respected as holding a special place in Indigenous family life. Its work is varied and ranges from supporting women group meetings to cultivating and distributing traditional bush medicine using traditional knowledge.

Building connections in rural and remote areas

Living in rural and remote communities in Australia can throw up a number of challenges even at the best of times.

Isolation, difficulty accessing services, and an uncertain future on the land are part of everyday life for many. And when drought or severe floods hit, these challenges are magnified.

Recovery can take years, placing greater strain on families and communities.

The role of the rural Church and rural chaplains is invaluable in rural and remote communities.

Julie Greig is one of only three rural chaplains in NSW. Together with Phill Matthews and Sue Chapman, who works one day per week, the trio is responsible for delivering rural chaplaincy services across the entire state.

“As a rural chaplain, my role has a number of parts. One of them is around community development. I also help prepare government submissions and grant applications, support disaster recovery, proactively get involved with social justice and advocacy, support lay leaders in congregations, do financial assistance work for families that need help, and any other chaplaincy work that’s needed,” said Julie.

Like many rural and remote services, funding is hard to come by.

“Probably the biggest reality is that there is no money to pay for my role. I fund myself, and the Rural Ministry Unit funds my expenses. The local Church in Hillston provides me with a house to live in, all of which is extraordinarily generous, and Sydney North Presbytery pays Phill’s position. They have been unbelievably supportive of rural ministries. But the bottom line is we’re always chasing dollars and we never have enough to do what we need,” said Julie.

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Chaplaincy in prisons, hospital, schools and universities The Uniting Church’s prison chaplains bring God’s love, mercy and hope and offer direction to those excluded from our community. Hospital chaplains provide much needed comfort and guidance for patients, staff and families.

Chaplains provide encouragement and guidance for people facing some of life’s most distressing situations. The ministry is unrelenting, challenging and greatly needed and appreciated.

UnitingCare mental health chaplains have an important role in bringing support and the presence of Christ to mental health patients. A good relationship with God, with others and with oneself promotes self-worth and is vital to the healing of the spirit. Your support helps our chaplains to be there at crucial times in people’s lives.

Become a fundraising champion and create or join a fundraising event Fundraising can be fun. When everyone gets together it’s easy. It’s all about our community and raising money for the common good.

In the coming months, ‘Living is Giving” will be transformed into a ‘one stop shop’ for Churches and Congregations fundraising activities, including an online fundraising hub with helpful fundraising tools and tips.

It will be an improved and easy way of making your fundraising joyful. It will also become a place to join community events and to participate and spread the word through social media and your Congregation.

What can you or your Congregation do to help those in drought?

Drought has been impacting the north of NSW for over two years and is really beginning to bite hard for those trying to farm or run businesses in the area.

Unlike fire or flood, drought is an insidious creeping disaster that doesn’t have a starting point. But like other disasters, recovery takes a long time, even after the rains come.

Very often when we see pictures on the television and read stories about those struggling to survive, we want to immediately help. This is what God has called us to do: care for those who are hurting. Rather than wait and listen to the wisdom of those on the ground or agencies that are experienced in disaster recovery, people will throw all they have at the problem.

While the intent is genuine, not all of the responses are helpful: a semitrailer load of potatoes, a boot load of children’s boots and a trailer load of children’s clothes. All of these things are extremely difficult to give away when the community has fewer than 300 people and many live a long way from town.

Another challenge is a donation that comes with a condition: “This $180 must be spend on a family”, “this $300 on children activities”, etc. The irony is that the time it takes for rural chaplains to manage and plan these requests is time they can’t spend with individuals, families and communities who need them. Those in the middle of the drought and those working with them are the best ones to decide on how the money can be best used.

The nature of drought means money may not get spent immediately. At the moment the situation is critical, but regardless whether it rains or not, it will be even more critical in six months’ time.

It is important that some funds are still available then.

So what is helpful? The Moderator has been very proactive in making money available from his Disaster Appeal to help individuals and communities, and the Rural Chaplains are one of the on-ground agencies helping to distribute this.

The other great need is for money to keep the Rural Chaplains going.

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They need money to put fuel in the cars, pay the telephone bills and pay for accommodation when they travel to distant areas.

The response from our churches is beginning to build. Each time the Moderator receives a donation, the family of God is looking after those in need. The worse thing is for people to feel like no-one cares.

Extracted from ruralchaplains. blogspot.com.au

We can all make a difference.

All it takes is a little effort In May, General Secretary, Rev. Dr Andrew Williams pedalled to raise funds for UnitingCare programs supporting people with disability. He set a goal to cycle 500kms and raise $800 to assist people with disability.

If you’d like to follow in Rev. William’s footsteps (or tyre tracks) and raise funds, here’s what you can do with your donations: 1. Hold your fundraiser then securely bank the funds collected at www. livingisgiving.nsw.uca.org.au/ donate 2. Contact Lisa Sampson, Media and Fundraising, Uniting Resources, by calling (02) 8267 4303 or email livingisgiving@nswact.uca.org.au 3. New fundraising hub coming soon at http://nswact.uca.org.au/ change-the-world/giving-donation

UnitingforGood A sustainable future is in your hands

Livingis Giving Let's unite together to see the mission work of the Church continue!

There is a copy of the form for Living is Giving Planning Guide 20142015 on page 22. Treasurers, please complete the form and return by June 30.

Extra forms are available to download at nswact.uca.org.au/ change-the-world/giving-donationa or email contactus@nswact.uca.org.au

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UnitingforGood A sustainable future is in your hands

Livingis Giving I

n New South Wales and the ACT Living is Giving is how we join in mission. Through Living is Giving we help the Synod offer prayerful, professional and financial support to Congregations and Presbyteries and to carry out the Uniting Church’s mission and service in local communities, in remote areas and with partners overseas.

With the generosity and financial support of Congregations and Church members throughout this Synod, we are moving towards a more just and compassionate community. With God’s guidance and love, we can build a sustainable future for the Church.

Please make Living is Giving your mission priority and use the form overleaf to inform your Synod about your contribution for the new financial year. Your Congregation’s contribution to Living is Giving is vital for the life of the Uniting Church in New South Wales and the ACT.

Livingis Giving Living is Giving mission focus areas 2014–15 Some of the programmes supported by Living is Giving are: Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress UAICC UAICC is working to support and improve the spiritual and physical welfare of Australia’s first peoples. It is committed to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to improve health, education and employment opportunities.

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Uniting rural communities The Uniting Church rural ministry agents are working hard to bring encouragement and practical help to rural, remote and regional communities to help reduce the burden on these communities and increase their resilience in challenging times. The Synod is a supporting network for rural church and rural community development in New South Wales and the ACT. Living in a multicultural Church Living multiculturally requires a great deal of thinking, listening, time and energy to take into consideration each other’s experience, history, feelings and perspectives. Multicultural ministry recognises the need to ensure that our life together reflects our equal membership in the household of God, regardless of race, age, gender or creed.

Next generations and new forms of Church The future is here and now! Ministry with the next generations nurtures and encourages innovative ways in which younger people can find a place and express themselves in the community of faith. Leadership and discipleship is the key and aims to be the springboard for future youth leaders in the Church.

New forms of Church for a fast changing world are evolving as we work towards a sustainable future for a whole of Church that connects deeply with today’s society.

Education and leadership development Training and education to equip people of faith is a growing need, particularly in rural and remote areas. The Church provides education, theological insight, strategy, research and resources for leadership, new initiatives, discipleship,

ministry and mission to serve Christ, who rules and renews the Church and seeks the reconciliation of creation.

Community services, chaplaincy and social justice UnitingCare NSW.ACT is responsible for the work of community services, chaplaincy and social justice advocacy.

All our work is inspired and guided by the principles of justice and compassion.

It has been caring for vulnerable children, young people and families in New South Wales for over 100 years and is responsible for the Uniting Church’s ministry for older people, particularly those who are disadvantaged, vulnerable and isolated.

Its services are delivered in a Christian context characterised by compassion and love for all.

Speaking up for justice, fairness, and peace The Uniting Church in Australia is committed to social justice, valuing the inherent dignity of all people. We pursue justice and peace through mission, service and advocacy, as well as worship, witness and education. We’re passionate advocates on many issues, including the rights and dignity of asylum seekers, the treatment and care of prisoners, inadequacies in gambling legislation, the environment, religious intolerance, multi and cross-cultural issues and fair employment practices.

P lease return the form to

Living is Giving PO Box A2178 SYDNEY SOUTH, NSW 1235

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PLANNING FORM FOR JULY 2014 – JUNE 2015 Congregation’s Treasurer to complete & return by June 30, 2014 Congregation LIG Number: L (see Synod Directory, Index of Congregations)

Congregation Name: Presbytery:

Treasurer’s name: LIG Ambassador’s name: Treasurer’s phone number: Phone number: Treasurer’s email address: Email address: Anticipated total 2014–15 Living is Giving contribution: TOTAL AMOUNT $

Direct debit payment information:

(whole dollars please)

Date of first payment:

Frequency

o Monthly

o Quarterly

o Yearly

o Other (please specify): AMOUNT $

Direct Debit Authority (Please tick the appropriate box) New Direct Debit Authority o To establish a Direct Debit for the first time a ‘Direct Debit Request’ form must be completed.

This form is available at www.unitingfinancial.com.au/documents-resources/forms/form-10-direct-debitrequest/ or by calling 1300 133 673.

We request and authorise Uniting Financial Services (Debit User Number 126416) to process the above regular amount after June 30, 2014 for Living is Giving to debit or charge us through the Bulk Electronic Clearing System from the account detailed in the original Direct Debit Request form.

Authorised Signatory Authorised Signatory Name Name Signature Signature Date Date Once this form has been completed, make a copy for your Presbytery (if required) and for your needs, and send the original to Uniting Resources before June 30, 2014, or email to fms@nswact.uca.org.au

DETACH OR PHOTOCOPY AND SEND FORM BY JUNE 30, 2014

Change existing Direct Debit Request o

Return this planning form to Living is Giving PO Box A2178 SYDNEY SOUTH, NSW 1235

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Seeking refuge in music he says. “You guys put your money or your prayers where your mouth is and you really do help … your Churches have been phenomenal.”

In Queensland, Chermside Kedron Community Uniting Church in Brisbane is one of three drop-off points.

The Music for Refugees project wants refugees who are no longer in detention to have a musical stress outlet.

Community networks to continue music making are also important.

Money is something we don’t need.

All we want are instruments “The instrument collection has to be ongoing,” says Philip. “They should be able to take their instrument with them.

It doesn’t mean that because they are out of Villawood that their stress ends.

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he simple idea of starting a music class in the Villawood Detention Centre, Sydney, has created a vast network of instrument donors for asylum seekers in detention.

Sydney-based volunteer music teacher Philip Feinstein established classes inside the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre around two years ago.

He has now expanded the Music for Refugees project to include almost all Australian immigration detention centres, including Christmas Island and Nauru.

After fleeing apartheid in South Africa in 1972, Philip appreciates the welcome he received from Australia and wants to share it with others.

“About four years ago I began to realise the terrible plight of refugees in Australia so I made contact with the Villawood Detention Centre,” he says.

“I believe music is a wonderful way to help people relieve stress.”

SERCO, the company who manages Australia’s detention centres, was keen but had no instruments. Philip told someone the story and was instantly donated a piano.

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The piano turned out to be one Philip had sold more than 20 years prior. The project was off and running.

“I ended up getting five pianos for Villawood, over 30 guitars and violins and percussion and so on. Villawood is now chock-a-block with instruments. It now has music rooms and we have jams there.”

Music has been used as a therapy in places of incarceration for years and has proven to reduce self-harm, violence and negativity and to enhance self-esteem.

“A lot of what I do makes them feel good, which is very important, but I’m also thinking ahead. Advance Australia Fair is very important; these people will be new Australians so it is important that they know that,” says Philip.

His energy and passion for this project is infectious. Churches (and other organisations) act as drop-off points for members of the public to deliver instruments which are then taken to the various detention centres. The vast majority of drop-off points are Uniting Churches.

“I contacted Uniting Churches all over the country and they all came on board,”

“Money is something we don’t need. All we want are instruments!”

The donation of small, portable instruments is encouraged (guitars, recorders, ukuleles, violins etc) but all instruments are welcome. Philip also suggests families contact their schools for any excess instruments that could be donated.

Mardi Lumsden, Editor Journey Queensland. First published in Journey magazine.

TO DONATE AN INSTRUMENT SEE THE LIST OF DROP-OFF POINTS http://jamwithus.net Please note that only small instruments in working order (guitars, violins, percussion, recorders, etc) are required.

Please do not deliver large instruments like pianos to dropoff points. If you want to donate a piano, organ or drum kit, please contact Philip Feinstein philipf9@ bigpond.net.au who will try to arrange transportation direct to the appropriate detention centre if they require such an instrument.

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Answering the call

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ev. Gordon Ramsay is the Chairperson at UnitingCare NSW.ACT and Executive Minister at Kippax Uniting Church/ UnitingCare Kippax. Over the years he has sat on several government and community boards and committees in the ACT – focussed mostly on community services, social inclusion and policy development.

In January he stepped into the role of Chairperson of the board of UnitingCare NSW.ACT. The board recently absorbed the roles of three previous boards to provide a streamlined governance structure for the organisation, which oversees the Uniting Church’s community services and social justice advocacy missions in the Synod.

Gordon’s advice and guidance will be crucial to the future of UnitingCare.

Gordon has a passion for helping the most marginalised and vulnerable in society and is a strong and vocal advocate for a just, equitable and inclusive Canberra – the city he has called home for the past 17 years.

After graduating and establishing a promising career with a large commercial law firm in Sydney, Gordon felt called to the ministry. Many colleagues saw it as an unusual move, but for those who knew him well the only surprise was that the decision took as long as it did.

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“Sometimes the church recognises the call before the individual does,” he said.

After being ordained, Gordon spent three-and-a-half years pastoring a church in Kingsgrove. In 1997, he moved to Kippax Uniting Church on the western edges of Canberra with his wife, Lyndelle, and children, Joel and Justine. He has been in ministry there ever since.

“The people in this church community are such fantastic people,” he said.

“You could not hope to be part of a better, more passionate, more engaged Congregation than Kippax; one that truly wants to make a difference in its local community.”

Gordon has become a well-known advocate for social inclusion and is often quoted in the Canberra media.

He considers a highlight of his time in Canberra as chairing the Targeted Assistance Strategy panel, which provided the ACT Government with recommendations on how to lessen cost of living pressures on people struggling financially.

“Because of the nature of the ACT, I have the chance to help shape where social policies are heading and I think that’s really exciting; that is a phenomenal privilege,” he said.

Many observers predict challenging times for the community services sector with funding pressures, a range of legislative reforms ahead, new service delivery models required and increased competition. However, Gordon believes UnitingCare is well positioned in this environment.

“There is no doubt that there is a lot of change ahead in the community services sector,” he said. “If we think about ourselves primarily as a community services organisation struggling in the face of change, then I think things will be difficult.

“But if we think about ourselves as living out the ministry of Christ, which is about caring and sharing with the most vulnerable, living out those core things of who we are, that means we will be able to draw on a deeper identity and strength to face difficult times.

“There is no doubt that across the UnitingCare network we have the capacity to work through some very difficult times…if we come to this from the perspective that we are called to be those who stand alongside the most vulnerable, I have no doubt that we will not only come through but come through very well.”

Mark Filmer

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Will you warm to being compassionate this winter?

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ave compassion for everyone you meet, even if they don’t want it. What appears bad manners, an ill temper or cynicism is always a sign of things no ears have heard; no eyes have seen. You do not know what wars are going on down there where the spirit meets the bone.

- Miller Williams As the weather gets colder most of us can be thankful that we have a warm place to sleep and a hot meal on our table each night. For many people in our community this winter this will not be the case. And in winter when the weather is bad, it can make everything else seem worse. It is the same for everyone and for those already struggling, life can reach a very low point.

It is important that as we go about our everyday lives we are thankful for what we have and that we are mindful of those less well off than ourselves.

We cannot as individuals take in every stranger we see, or feed those who may be hungry, but we can show compassion towards everyone we meet.

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Compassion can start with those around us, making sure that they are ‘okay. A smile, a comment, a small act of kindness, or even just acknowledgment can brighten someone’s spirit on a dark day. We can show compassion to others by simply taking the time to really listen to people.

At Parramatta Mission we accept everyone who comes to us without judgement. There are many reasons why that person has ended up on our doorstep and there may be many struggles they have had to endure to get to that place where they need to ask for help. For some, asking for help is often one of the hardest things they have had to do.

The values of grace, dignity, inclusion, hope and faith at Parramatta Mission go hand-in-hand with compassion and are at the core of every service we provide. These services are diverse, ranging from crisis accommodation for men and youth, crisis domestic violence accommodation for women and children, transitional housing, food recovery, family programs, a community

visitors program and our meals plus outreach program – serving nutritious meals for breakfast and lunch, five days a week.

Our dedicated, passionate staff and volunteers show compassion to those who walk through our doors, allowing them to tell their stories and helping them to bring about positive changes in their lives. A cup of tea or warm place to shelter on a cold and wet day can be the beginning of their journey to a better place.

As Congregations of the Uniting Church of Australia and an organisation, Parramatta Mission also strives to live by the Uniting Church’s value of inclusion. Everyone in our community, no matter their situation deserves our inclusion and compassion. This is particularly relevant as we enter the colder months, more and more people in our community are turning to us for help, compassion and inclusion.

As Congregations, let’s encourage one another as we unite for the common good this winter – together we are a community transforming lives.

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Eleven years and getting stronger The School of Discipleship “M y concern is to understand the world biblically”, wrote the lay theologian and lawyer William Stringfellow in 1973, “not to construe the Bible in a worldly way.”

Like countless others before and after him, Stringfellow had embarked upon the risky, hazardous, and life-changing journey of Radical Discipleship. That is, a following of Jesus determined by who Jesus is, and what Jesus’ Kingdom asks of us.

Stringfellow’s statement — and indeed, his life — was intensely Christian, always intersecting with the political. But his purpose, first and foremost, was not to express a political view, but to say something biblical.

Rather than mining the Scriptures for passages that seem to confirm our understanding of ourselves and the world, what if we were to allow the Scriptures to read and interrogate us?

Rather than seeking God’s blessing upon our chosen career paths, lifestyles, and denominational priorities, what if we were to seek first God’s will for us, and God’s justice?

Rather than reimagining Jesus in our own image, what if we were to first ask: who is Jesus? And can we allow ourselves to be renewed, reorientated, and restored as disciples of the Crucified and Risen One?

by a keynote speaker, typically a prominent Biblical scholar or activist for social justice. Past speakers include Professor Thorwald Lorenzen, Dr Ched Myers, Dr Elaine Enns, Professor David Batstone, Dr Jeff Aernie, Rev. Kylie Crabb and Rev. Dr. Deidre Palmer.

A place where disciples of Jesus Christ are formed and nurtured This year, the School of Discipleship will be held at Naamaroo Conference Centre, Sydney from 4 – 7 July. The keynote speaker will be Dr Ben Myers, lecturer in systematic theology at United Theological College, Parramatta, and author of the world famous blog, ‘Faith and Theology’.

The School of Discipleship is also a time for the building of community and sharing of stories. An afternoon game of soccer in the rain-soaked mud is not an unusual phenomenon.

In the evening, people gather in the main hall around a wide variety of board games, and exchange stories about Dorothy Day, Francis of Assisi, and Oscar Romero over a block of fair-trade chocolate.

The School of Discipleship originally began life as a way of annually drawing together young adults within the Uniting Church. And it remains, in spite of increasing variation in the age and denominational background of its attendees, a pivotal site for the formation of young disciples of Jesus.

Several regular attendees of the School of Discipleship have gone on to become ordained ministers within the Uniting Church. Its scope, however, extends far beyond the formation of people for ordained ministry.

The School of Discipleship provides a substantial amount of the present and future lay leadership in the UCA, as well as numerous people who herald the Reign of God in the world through their different vocations.

We are grateful to God for the financial support that the School of Discipleship, now in its eleventh year, has continually received from the Assembly. May it continue to be a place where disciples of Jesus Christ are formed and nurtured for many years to come.

Join us!

Go to www.schoolofdiscipleship. org.au for more information.

For the past ten years, a dedicated set of people, a good many of whom have emerged from our ‘Christian Students Uniting’ Bible study groups on tertiary campuses, have gathered together in the July cold precisely for this purpose.

To reject the fashionable notion that we can reinvent God for the sake of our own designs, and instead return to the ‘root truths’ of what it is to be a genuine, authentic disciple of Jesus.

This gathering is called the ‘School of Discipleship’. It is a school for all those who love the Lord, and would like to love him more and serve him better.

As a school, it is primarily a place of learning, fun and worship. Each year, the School of Discipleship is addressed insights.uca.org.au

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A step in the right direction

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eople who are homeless are among the most marginalised in our community. Thanks to UnitingCare Stepping Stone Community, young men aged 14–18 years who are homeless can access medium to long term residential accommodation and support services.

More than just a place to ’crash’ for the night, Stepping Stone Community is a supported development program, that helps these young men achieve independence, stability and skills for everyday living.

Stepping Stone Community is a not-for-profit service established by Campbelltown Uniting Church in 1982.

It’s the only one of its kind in South West Sydney. It’s partly funded by the Community Services Department of Human Services under the Specialist Homelessness Services program and via donations from the local community.

Stepping Stone Community accepts referrals from agencies state-wide, although priority is given to those from the local area. The majority of referrals come from Community Services Human Services, the Juvenile Justice Department, crisis accommodation agencies, local high schools, community members, out-of-area residential services, and family and self-referrals.

At any one time, the centre can provide accommodation for up to five men.

Each resident has an individual case management program to assess their personal needs and goals with a case worker.

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The living skills programs offers residents a number of practical skills to help them navigate the challenges of independent living, including budgeting techniques, cooking, laundry, chores and personal hygiene.

Over the last year, 45 young people accessed our service. But only 16 young men being could be accepted into our program, leaving 29 as unassisted persons. Currently 3 of our longterm residents have been exited into independent living, all of whom have settled well. Another of our boys was able to restore family relationships and returned home.

Stepping Stone Community hopes to expand the service it provides to help fulfil the ongoing need for young male refuge accommodation in the local community.

Young Driver Education Program (YDEP)

For many years one of the main barriers to our young residents securing apprenticeships or employment has been the fact that they were never able to obtain a driver licence. What may seem like a normal achievement for many young people, was beyond their reach for our boys.

The majority of our residents are estranged from their families and therefore have no vehicle to learn in and no supervising driver to assist them complete the necessary 120 logbook hours. The option of completing the hours with a qualified driving instructor,

with a cost of approximately $6,500, is prohibitive.

In August last year we successfully secured a grant from The St George Foundation, allowed us to offer a driver education program for our residents. Our first ‘graduate’ sat his test in March of this year and was successful on his first attempt.

A very big thank you to Russell Flemming, RJF Driving School, for being so supportive of the program. Thanks also goes out to our residents, and to the St George Foundation for recognising and responding to the need and for giving our boys the opportunity to improve their future.

Our objectives are to:

•p rovide a safe and stable environment •p rovide a living skills program •a dvocate on behalf of our young people • r estore the family unit and offer support •d evelop individual case plans with realistic and achievable goals •h elp residents gain/maintain study or work opportunities •p rovide regular house/sporting/ community activities to help residents develop social skills and foster physical, mental and emotional wellbeing •h elp residents transition to independent living. insights.uca.org.au

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2014 Keynote Speaker:

Practising Resurrection:

Being a People of Life in a Culture of Death Dr. Ben Myers When: July 4th - 7th 2014 Where: Naamaroo Conference Centre What: Small groups, fellowship, electives, worship, teaching, free time and lots more!

Registration now open: www.schoolofdiscipleship.org.au

2014

2014

2014

2014

2014

2014

Mission, Evangelism and Apologetics

(THL238/THL438)

Want to discover new ways to share faith in Jesus Christ?

Want to learn more about the Church for every context?

“There is so much more...”

Guest Lecturer Rev. Dr. Steve Taylor is a renowned missiologist from Adelaide and will be teaching this as an intensive subject in Session 2 from 7 - 11 July 2014.

A1042

This subject explores historical, biblical and theological perspectives with particular focus on the relationship between the gospel and culture, and recent discussion on the missional nature of the Church. It is available as an elective in the Bachelor of Theology and Graduate Diploma of Theology, or through CSU as Single Subject Study.

ENROL NOW FOR SESSION 2, 2014 This subject may be studied as an individually assessed subject, for interest only, or credited towards further study.

For more information: Joanne Stokes 02 8838 8967 joannes@nsw.uca.org.au

To register: Renee Kelly 02 8838 8914 studentadmin@nsw.uca.org.au

www.utc.edu.au/courses

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

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Lectionary Reflections

Jesus’ prayer offers some subtle yet staggering insights 1 June John 17:1-11

22 June John 17:20-26

29 June Matthew 10:24-39

Jesus’ radical/disruptive approach to his own religious culture represented obedience to and thereby brought glory to God. Eternal life is in the encounter/ knowing/relationship with God (something that is a lived experience rather than simply thought about). The faithful are those who truly get that Jesus was going about God’s business.

Respectful unity flows from a fairly deep seated sense of security. It is a unity based on things more profound than our stated beliefs or shared peculiar cultural/religious practices. It requires considerable humility and maturity… qualities that are not commonplace in our day.

This is one of those frightening apocalyptic passages that seem to indicate everything is going to get very nasty. But such an idea represents a uniquely western view. For much of the world, life is already as described in this passage.

Reflect on the way in which radical/disruptive dynamics become domesticated over time and consider where the call of Christ might be urging you beyond the safe/familiar.

8 June John 20:19-23 How awful it must have been to be the first apostles charged with unheard of power and responsibility. Jesus himself was accused of overstepping this divine delineation (only God can forgive sin) and certainly the apostles would have been exposed to the same accusation.

History repeatedly shows us that the church that incarnates this creative power and carries out these responsibilities transforms the world. In what way is the Spirit of Christ calling you into these things?

15 June Matthew 28:16-20

True unity is always a miracle. It is not in our self-preserving natural instincts to give ourselves (offer our life) to one another. There is a sense in which true unity is akin to the irrationality of love indeed it is an expression of love.

Community knitted together by mutual love is an eloquent testimony to God’s kingdom. One might wonder if it is the only compelling testimony worth offering today’s cynical environment. The power of the story we are telling is powerfully experienced in the transformation of community.

Consider your experience of church.

When has it been at its best? When has it caused you to despair? What do these experiences suggest to you about how the experience of God is shared (or not) through community?

Now in the post-Christendom west, the veneer of Christian values is wearing very thin. Leaders continue to claim the high (moral?) ground, but society is becoming disenchanted. The old magic of ‘spin’ and ‘righteous violence’ is losing its power.

Those who follow Jesus and step out of the closed circle of self-preservation will become as strangers and aliens to those who remain within that circle of actions and reactions. The self-giving approach of Jesus makes his followers inherently vulnerable - as Jesus himself proved to be.

The ‘apocalypse' is the uncovering of things as they actually are - so that they are seen. Real attitudes exposed to the light of day. The violence in society/ relationships named for what it is.

Consider the extent to which your confession to Jesus is heard by others. What response do you get?

Who is threatened by what in those confessional moments?

This Lectionary Reflection was prepared by the Rev. Dave Gore.

It is an unexpected authority that is revealed in vulnerability and apparent weakness. An authority that recognises the place of other temporal authorities and understands the relative power of its own eternal nature. An authority that woos rather than dominates.

An authority that invites participation rather than exclusion. An unassailable authority!

To what extent are you aware of (do you experience and exercise) this authority into which you have been baptised?

30 Insights June 2014

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insights.uca.org.au

23/05/2014 2:44:34 PM

To mark June 2014 as Multicultural Month in the Synod of NSW and the ACT, we bring you the

Uniting Multicultural Festival Saturday 14 June, Centre for Ministry, 16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta 8.00am - 5.00pm There will be multicultural food stalls, dance and music competitions, and much more. Come and enjoy a day of fun and entertainment. All ages welcome.* Please note: The Festival date falls within Refugee Week so there will be particular emphasis on the ‘Give Hope Campaign’ in solidarity with Refugees and Asylum Seekers.

We celebrate the Uniting Church in Australia Anniversary with a

Multicultural Worship Service of Thanksgiving Sunday 22 June, Sydney Town Hall, George Street, Sydney, 6.30pm

Enquiries: unitingmulticulturalfestival@nsw.uca.org.au * Please note that Uniting Multicultural Festival 2014 has been modified so that we are celebrating with two events over two weekends this year instead of the three weekends previously advertised. We encourage local churches and groups to use every opportunities available to them to celebrate multicultural month in June and we will have resources available for them do this. For further enquiries please contact the above or the Synod Multicultural Consultant directly at katalinat@nsw.uca.org.au.

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Our Church is seeking a minister who will have: • Passion for the gospel of Christ, with gifts in leadership and evangelism.

• work as part of a ministry team to nurture faith and with a pastoral heart for our predominantly older Congregations Applicants must be willing to attain a valid ”Working with Children Check Number”and have the right to work in Australia.

For further information regarding the position please contact Rev. James Annesley at graftonuniting@bigpond.com Applications should be sent to Jane Fry at janef@nsw.uca.org.au Closing date for applications is Friday 5 September 2014.

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Dip your toe in the water

United Theological College (UTC) is part of Charles Sturt University’s School of Theology and is based at North Parramatta. As an introduction to theology, UTC is offering four subjects in the second session from July to October 2014.

These subjects may be studied individually through Single Subject Study, for interest only, or as a step towards CSU’s Bachelor of Theology.

ENROL NOW FOR SESSION 2, 2014 More inforMAtion: Joanne Stokes 02 8838 8967 joannes@nsw.uca.org.au

• European Reformations 1400 - 1700

to enroL: Student Administration 02 8838 8914 studentadmin@nsw.uca.org.au

• Introduction to New Testament Studies

www.utc.edu.au/courses

Enrol now for: • Being the Church

A1051

Are you ready to think more deeply?

• Practical Theology

theology. think about it.

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

insights.uca.org.au

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Insights June 2014 33

23/05/2014 2:45:45 PM

Updates from the General Secretary Information for individuals and congregations

Welcoming new placements •R ev. Il-Woong Kim, Lugarno Peakhurst, 1 June 2014 •G eoff Flynn, Wollongong Mission, 1 September 2014 Induction/Commissioning •R ev. Alex Thomas, Pennant Hills, 1 June 2014 • Alan White • Ockert Myer • Geoff Wellington, 2 May 2014 Conclusion of ministry • Chris Budden • Kerry Bartlett, 30 April 2014 •R ev. Dr Kenneth Brown, Kincumber Congregation, 27 April 2014 •R ev. Hye Kyong Lee, Beecroft Congregation, 18 May 2014

Retiring gracefully •R ev. Mark Watt (medical grounds), 14 April 2014 •R ev. Will Pearson, Broken Hill 50%/ Presbytery Minister 50%, 31 August 2014 Australian Hymn Books Long Jetty Uniting Church has around 150 copies of the Hymn Book that are looking for a new home. About half are in very good condition and the balance are certainly usable. Included are several music editions and a couple of large print versions. If you’d like to see them in your Congregation or know of someone who could, please call 02 4333 4353 or email runcible@tech2u.com.au

Lifeline fundraising opportunity Lifeline Newcastle & Hunter are fundraising with Entertainment Books.

They will receive $12 from the sale of every book, which will directly benefit the local crisis support and suicide prevention services they offer. For more information or to purchase a book contact Mandy Mills on 4040 2000 or email mandy@lifelinehunter.org.au Outreach Resource Co-ordinator To work with youth and church groups to develop and implement a strategy to expand and support areas of ministry.

St. Luke’s Uniting Church – Belmont.

NSW, 24 hrs p/w. For position description - contact Jenny Mathieson.

Applications close 27 June 2014.

Phone (02) 49468143 or email jennyandray@bigpond.com

Ministry Matters Current P lacement Vacancies as at 1 June 2014.

The following placements have submitted profiles to the Placements Committee and are either in, or soon to be in, the process of seeking to fill a ministry vacancy. Placements are available to specified ministers of the UCA. These placements are listed as being suitable for a Pastor under Regulation 2.3.3(a)(ii). A non-ordained minister may offer to serve in an approved placement through a written application to the Synod. Expressions of interest may be made in writing to the Associate Secretary, janef@nsw.uca.org.au or to the Presbytery’s Placement Committee representative.

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South Australia • Rosefield VIC/Tas Synod • Clarence Uniting Church - Centres at Vellervie and Lindisfarne Tasmania Northern Synod • Alice Springs

OTHER UnitingCare Ageing • ACT/Far South Coast Hub Chaplain Uniting Mission and Education • Mission Resourcing Consultant insights.uca.org.au

23/05/2014 2:46:08 PM

Belief matters

“was crucified…”

I

n the ancient world, crucifixion wasn’t only about death. It was about disgrace. The problem with getting yourself crucified wasn’t just that it would kill you, but that it would also humiliate you. Today we tend to assume the worst thing about crucifixion was the physical suffering.

But in a culture of honour and shame, humiliation – the pain of the soul – can be even worse than the pain of the body.

The horror of humiliation is expressed in many of Israel’s psalms. This list of horrors in Psalm 79 culminates in the worst fate of all: public disgrace. “We have become a taunt to our neighbours, mocked and derided by those around us” (Ps 79:1-4). We have been butchered – and, what’s worse, humiliated!

Jesus went to his death reciting another psalm of humiliation: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? …

I am a worm, and not human; scorned by others, and despised by the people.

All who see me mock at me; they make mouths at me, they shake their heads” (Ps 22). To be crucified was to be cast out of the community, rejected by God and humanity. It was a disgrace worse than death.

It was the humiliation of Jesus’ death that made such a deep impression on the first Christians. Quoting an early Christian hymn, Paul describes

Jesus’ whole life as a descent into humiliation and disgrace. “He emptied himself, taking the form of a slave,” and “humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross” (Phil 2:7-8). The world was saved

by Jesus’ shame: that is the scandalous message of the cross.

And Jesus’ followers were the first people in the history of the world to describe humility as a virtue. Paul reminds the Philippian Christians that they ought to have the “same mind” as Christ (Phil 2:5), renouncing honour and becoming like slaves in service to one another. In ancient Roman culture, the whole purpose of life was to acquire honour and to shun everything that might diminish one’s reputation. To be humble was a bad thing. It was the worst thing that could happen to a person.

Yet the earliest Christians went about proclaiming the dignity of humility. Paul calls himself a “slave of Jesus Christ” (Rom 1:1), as if it were the highest honour in the world.

Jesus’ shocking claim that it is better to serve than to be served (Mark 10:45) is accepted today as if it were just plain commonsense. The message of the cross has bequeathed this gift to our culture.

Yet because today we take humility for granted, it’s easy to forget the real scandal of the gospel: that the world was judged and redeemed by a shameful death. This death has given us a whole new moral framework. Up has become down; down has become up. In Jesus, God “has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty” (Luke 1:52-53).

Ben Myers is Lecturer in Systematic Theology at United Theological College

In the first century, this message of humility was a shocking thing to hear. Yet today if you asked anyone on the street whether it’s better to devote life to selfaggrandisement or to humble service, they would admit that a life of service is better. Throughout the western world, the message of the cross has inverted the ancient values of honour and shame.

Board Positions Vacant Expressions of interest are invited from members of the Church interested in assisting in the roles set out below.

Each of the entities is seeking new members with appropriate skills and experience in order to strengthen the respective governance functions.

Treasury and Investment Services The opportunity exists for two individuals to join the Board of Directors of UCTAL. We are particularly interested in Financial Services (treasury, banking, investment) applicants with business development or accounting and audit skills.

insights.uca.org.au

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Uniting Resources Uniting Resources is seeking board members with leadership qualities and who possess knowledge and expertise in areas such as property, risk and insurance, finance and governance.

Enquiries or expressions of interest should be directed to Chairman, Synod Governance, Nominations and Remuneration Committee

C/- Diane Pearce, 02 8267 4310 or dianep@nsw.uca.org.au

Insights June 2014 35

23/05/2014 4:31:02 PM

Scholarships Uniting Mission and Education and United Theological College are offering scholarships to assist you to further your ministry skills and knowledge.

“The scholarship allowed me to achieve my learning objectives which continue to resource me in my ministry within the Church — like a cup flowing over.”

Categories include: General, UTC Students, UTC General, Candidates, Continuing Education, Clinical Pastoral Education, Deacons, Post Graduate, Overseas and Library.

There are three Application Forms (which provide more information) depending on your situation: • UME Application Form for Continuing Education • UTC Application for Undergraduate Education

Please call 02 8838 8912 for an Application Form or visit ume.nsw.uca.org.au/scholarships-for-training-andeducation/ or utc.edu.au to download them yourself.

Offering finanical assistance • Uniting Mission and Education • United Theological College

• Educational Grant for Short Term Training Closing date for Undergraduate and Continuing Education Scholarship Applications is Monday, 4 August.

02 8838 8912 | Centre for Ministry, 16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta

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23/05/2014 2:46:45 PM

Culture watch

Why doesn’t God use time travel?

Y

ou’ve made a mistake. Again.

A big one. But what can you do about it? Nothing. You’ll just have to wear the consequences. *Sigh*. If only you could go back in time, so you could get it right instead.

If life was a movie, we could do just that. Time travel. All we would need to be able to do-over anything is to get an electrical surge (The Terminator), a ‘time-turner’ (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban), a hot tub (Hot Tub Time Machine) or any suitable conduit between now and then. Simple.

Right now, X-Men: Days of Future Past is dominating cinemas. In case the title didn’t trip your ‘time travel’ alarm, the premise of this superhero’s sequel should: Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) must soldier on to prevent the wiping out of mutant humans by returning to the past to save the future.

For the umpteenth time on screen, the only solution to a problem is the rewriting of history. A tempting option, as we’ve all lived through stuff we wished we hadn’t. But, in the offscreen world, no-one has been able to use the time-travel solution. Even though we know it just takes a flux-

insights.uca.org.au

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capacitated car (Back To The Future) or a snowy night’s sleep (Groundhog Day).

God has placed all kinds of limitations upon what he has created.

You can’t become an ice-cream. I can’t become a laptop. Scooting back and forwards through time is another boundary. Why would God do that?

Sure, movies demonstrate the perils of time travel, but how helpful would it be? Like that guy in About Time, we could modestly use it to make our lives better, right?

Apart from movies also showing how people abuse time travel (Time Bandits to Looper), let’s lift our sights higher.

Forget about us. Why doesn’t God, the original Time Lord, use time travel?

Doesn’t he have the divine technology to go back and prevent bad stuff?

Like when the first humans defied God, and evil entered the world.

Couldn’t God have used a heavenly time machine, and got Adam and Eve to have another go?

Or how about when God came to earth in the person of Jesus? Why didn’t Jesus use his almighty power to find a convenient wormhole, go back, and avoid unfair crucifixion?

Movies employ time travel, but God never has. Which tells us something about how God created existence to unfold, in a particular direction. Even if it involves things we, like God, would prefer to not see happen. Such as his beloved son, Jesus, dying on a cross.

Movies would urge God to use time travel to try out infinite options. But God sent his willing son to die and rise again. God provided no other option to the problem of all our problems.

Evidently, that solution is God’s only solution.

Just as Jesus lived life going forward, we benefit from not being able to go backwards in time. Unlike Jesus, we’re not perfect.

Mercifully, God can use the bad in our lives to refine us. Draw us closer to Him and Jesus, in reliance and trust. Like it or not, we learn from experiencing mistakes, misfortune, pain and tragedy.

As 1 Peter 1 clearly indicates, faith in God’s eternal solution is strengthened by sticking with God. No matter what.

Ben McEachen Insights June 2014 37

23/05/2014 2:46:59 PM

Entertain me read this BIG SCREEN

press play

Son of God (M) Son Of God was developed from material created for the miniseries The Bible, which has aired worldwide to over a 100 million people. While some deleted scenes have been added, most who view the film will have a certain sense of dejavu.

Diogo Morgado* stars as Jesus.

He is one of the few actors who has been able to infuse Jesus with traits that we recognise in the Biblical text. He seems to exude humility, loving kindness, charisma, calm and selflessness, but when needed has the strength we recognise in scenes like turning the tables in the temple.

Perhaps because the film is edited together from the series (and is paced in some places like it could lead into a commercial break) some transitions seem a little disjointed.

But these are all niggles really, because as a theatre experience the film is less a movie, more an occasion for corporate worship.

As a devotional tool, the film’s simplicity is undeniably an asset. Perhaps what it lacks in ‘spectacle’ it more than makes up for in an emotional and worshipful experience, something you won’t experience when you see X-Men: Days of Future Past!

Adrian Drayton *Read Insights interview with Diogo Morgado at www.insights. uca.org.au 38 Insights June 2014

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Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint, Nadia Bolz-Weber Warning: this book contains passionate faith mixed with swear words.

If you think that you may have a problem with this, then you should probably not read it. If you don’t have a problem with offensive language and faith intermingled then you will probably enjoy reading it.

This may be a confronting read for some Christian people. Nadia Bolz-Weber shares a passionate faith memoir full of her life experiences as a sinner and a saint.

Through the stories we glimpse a vision of a community of Christ in the ‘House for All Sinners and Saints’ Church in Denver, which seeks to reach out with the love and redemption of Christ to broken people from all walks of life – even “Soccer moms” and other suburbanites. In a compelling raw and honest narrative and commentary of various parts of her life, she tells of her struggles and how God has taught her about faith and discipleship.

This is a real life example of how God calls a bunch of messed up people into a messy communion, and is a wonderful vision of the Church at work in worship, witness and service.

Labor Day (M) Told through the eyes of the 13-yearold Henry, Labor Day is the story of a five-day love affair between Henry’s mother, Adele, and a fugitive who sought refuge in their home, Frank, which took place over the Labor Day long weekend in 1987.

Crippled by her depression and anxiety, Adele (Kate Winslet) rarely ventures outside. On their monthly shopping trip for supplies, they are accosted by a wounded Frank (Josh Brolin), who demands they take him to their home so he can hide until nightfall.

With his wound not allowing him to leave as soon as planned, Frank sets about making himself useful by performing the household duties that haven’t been seen to since Adele’s husband walked out. A bond is formed between them and, for a fleeting moment, the family feels whole again.

Kate Winslet is magnificent, creating a believable and sincere character, and Josh Brolin does well considering the limitations of his character.

Duncan McLean

Jon Humphries

insights.uca.org.au

23/05/2014 2:47:16 PM

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