New Times - December 2012

Issue 31, No 11, 2012

The voice of Uniting Church SA

December 2012

Contemplation Calming the chaos of Christmas

NOVEMBER SYNOD MEETING

CULTURAL

Prayer, prompting and

CONTEMPLATIONS

proposals pp. 6–7

Celebrating diversity at Christmas pp. 13–15

NEW Diploma Pathways in 2013

Contents FEATURES A Church of the future?

5

Presbytery and Synod Meeting wrap-up

6–7

Contemplative living

9

Postures of prayer

10

Multicultural Christmas

13–15

Christmas Bowl

23

REGULAR PAGES Moderator’s Comment

4

Diary

25

Reviews

27 Production Joie Creative

Editor Caryn Rogers p. 8236 4230 e. crogers@sa.uca.org.au

Printing Graphic Print Group

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editor

A time to reflect “And so this is Christmas… and what have you done…?” is a lyric sung out across carols nights in the lead up to that Big December Event – Christmas.

Christmas cannot help but lead us into a mode of contemplation and reflection – it’s so close to the end of the year and the start of a fresh new one.

No matter what our year has been, we all too often reflect on that which will make the next one better. This is often a blessing to the new year, but a guilty curse as we recognise missed moments and forgotten friends who seem to have escaped our consciences until now.

This Christmas feels particularly reflective for me as I write my last editorial

for New Times in this, my 40th edition since I took up the title of “Editor” some three and a half, almost four, years ago.

I find myself somewhat lost for words to describe the experience that I have had here – one which has used, stretched and challenged all of my giftings, passions and people-skills (often to the nth degree!).

The most poignant part of this role has been the privilege to tell stories with, and alongside, many wonderful, humbling people of faith. I would deeply like to thank all those who have worked with, written for, reviewed on behalf of, listened to and sympathised with me over the past years. I am truly grateful for every chance you have given me to be more than what I was.

Particularly, I would like to thank New Times' designer, Les Colston, for his tireless efforts, willingness to try it my way (even when I wasn’t sure what that would look like), and ability to meet deadline after deadline after deadline with me.

Without him this magazine would not and could not have become what it is.

Greatest thanks go to the One who has made this work worthwhile and meaningful. I am grateful for the challenge within which you enticed me and I look forward with excitement to what is ahead.

Before I hand over the reins to the new editors (who will introduce themselves in the 2013 February edition of New Times), I feel it necessary to ponder the future of the Uniting Church.

We anticipate a bright future, but are often hesitant to accept it and unwilling to change our ways. If we do not open up our hearts, lives and minds to the many, different and abundant ways to embrace a vibrant faith in the living God, I believe that we will not see the Church live on with any sense of vigour.

I am deeply concerned for the failure to include, retain and grow young adults beyond high-schoolers, as they inevitably deconstruct their world/faith views and find themselves in need of sojourners who can help them reconstruct a new way of believing.

For all that the Church has meant to me, for the ways it has covered me in its folds, lifted me in my darknesses and given me a home when I felt I was without one, it would be the greatest shame to fade away, simply because we were unwilling to change.

May we reflect on what has been, and plan for bolder years ahead.

Signing off,

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moderator

Pondering and parties At this time of year, it’s not just the Year 12 school-leavers who will be in party mode.

Many of us are about to enter into the busy-ness of the Advent/ Christmas cycle within the Christian Year. There will be the usual woollen-gowned-shepherds, perspiring profusely throughout the Christmas play, while more adventurous productions of the Christmas story will risk angels “flying” across the stage suspended from cables for that little bit of added “realism”.

Then for many will come the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer – the holidays at the beach, the suntan (or sunburn), catching up with those in neighbouring shacks or caravan sites who have been part of the Christmas or post-Christmas scene for decades.

And that will be great.

But around all we may do this summer is the Gospel of the Incarnation – of God joining us in and through Jesus. One of the key players in this drama is Mary, his mother.

I find Luke 2:19 catches my attention each time I hear it read – “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

To ponder is to reflect deeply on a subject. In the busy-ness leading up to Christmas, the last thing we may want to do is to make time for in-depth reflection. But I believe that if we do make time, the Advent/Christmas cycle will be enriched.

But what might we ponder?

In the light of God’s grace coming to us in Jesus Christ, we might reflect deeply on our awareness of God’s grace in our lives over the past year. That’s not to simply focus on the good times when everything went well but to also focus on the painful happenings – recognising that God’s grace was active in the pain.

I’m not suggesting this as a way towards making New Year’s Resolutions – they never work for me. I’m encouraging you to set aside time to reflect on God’s grace in your life so that, in thanksgiving, you might become bearers of God’s grace in all your relationships.

“And Mary pondered all these things in her heart.” What will you ponder this Christmas?

Rev Rob Williams

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news

Survey highlights church challenges Bindy Taylor

Every five years, the National Church Life Survey (NCLS) conducts a survey across the denominations of Christian churches in Australia.

The 2011 national survey encompassed 260,000 individuals. These individuals came from 4500 congregations which represented 23 denominations and eight different language-speaking groups.

Across 159 participating congregations from Uniting Churches in South Australia, 7007 surveys were completed by the 15 plus age group, 173 completed by children under the age of 15.

While the NCLS noted peaks in the total Australian population for people in their 20s and 40s, the Uniting Church is noted as having their population peak amongst people in their 60s.

The results indicated that the Uniting Church is comprised of the oldest congregations, nationally and statewide.

The average age of our parishioners is 62 years and five months; 64% of attendees are over the age of 60 and 42% are over 70.

In contrast, we have the lowest amount of youth and young adults, aged between 15 and 29, attending Uniting Churches nationally. This group makes up only 7% of our church-going population, compared with Catholic (10%), Anglican (13%), Lutheran (14%), Baptist/Churches of Christ (20%), Other Protestant (20%) and Pentecostal (39%).

These figures offer a concerning analysis about the future of our denomination, given our significant weaknesses especially in the Generation Y and Baby Boomer age brackets. Factors which may make the Uniting Church seem less attractive to these demographics need to be understood and addressed accordingly.

Will Hall, the Uniting Church SA Youth & Young Adults State Coordinator, said that these figures had featured on the agenda of a recent National Youth

and Young Adult reference committee meeting.

“We had a dreaming session which resulted in the committee wanting to work towards a first/third principal,” Will said. “This would mean that one third of finances go to resourcing ministries focussed on the first third of life who are planting the seed for the future of the church.

“Currently, the majority of church resources are targeted towards the last third of life. This may just reflect the current state of our church, but if we don’t strategically resource in the other direction synonymously, we could find ourselves facing further challenges – sooner than we think.”

Whilst the survey highlighted our challenges in attracting youth and young adults, it also offered data which analysed the current state of our Church’s culture and why people like being part of the Uniting Church.

The most important aspects of being a Christian for Uniting Church members are – growing our relationship with God (61%), being part of a local church (53%), showing God’s grace and love to others (37%) and having values and a framework for living (26%). The results also showed our faith in our church leadership – 80% indicated that leaders keep us strongly focused on connecting with the wider community, 78% that leaders are strongly focussed on direction for the future, 76% that leaders encourage innovation and creative thinking.

People were also supportive of change within the Uniting Church SA with 70% of responders indicating they would tend to support innovative change to the worship service they attend. However, only 12% agreed that new approaches to ministry and mission should be a priority in the next 12 months.

As with the previous NCLS Survey, what people like most about the Uniting Church in SA is its inclusiveness of all types of people; at 69.5% this rated very strongly.

With the awareness of the challenges before us, and the encouragement of those areas in which we are excelling, it will be interesting to see how our work in the following few years affects the next NCLS Survey – hopefully it will offer a more encouraging picture of the future of our Church, across all generations.

First time survey for Christian campsites For the first time in 2011, Christian campsites were represented in the National Church Life Survey. The findings highlighted the significant impact Christian camping facilities have on growing, nurturing and discovering faith in the Uniting Church youth and young adult community.

Camps were highlighted as a significant way for young people to strengthen their faith with 48% of 15 – 29 year olds strongly agreeing to this statement; 29% of people in this age group also acknowledged that attending Christian camps was a significant activity in helping them come to faith.

Mark Lee, General Manager for Uniting Venues SA, commented, “The results of the NCLS confirm what many of us already know – attending a camp at a Christian site can make a significant contribution to people's first-time commitment to Jesus and can strengthen an already-established faith.”

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news

Committees, commendations and consensus At the meeting of the Presbytery and Synod of South Australia on Thursday 1 – Saturday 3 November a number of exciting ideas were presented, important decisions were made, lives were celebrated and Dr Deidre Palmer was named as the new Moderator-Elect. Here are a few snapshots of the meeting, held in early November at Adelaide West Uniting Church.

On becoming Moderator Elect Dr Deidre Palmer

Thank you to the Synod for entrusting me with this ministry to serve God and the Uniting Church as Moderator. I plan to spend the next 11 months preparing prayerfully and thoroughly for this role.

I am inspired by the Uniting Church as a movement of the Holy Spirit in Australia today. As Moderator, I will encourage participation in the reconciling and renewing work of the Spirit in our community life as a Synod; and in the transformative mission of Christ in the world.

I have spent much of my life engaged in Christian education – supporting and encouraging people as they grow in Christian discipleship. As I have reflected on ways we nurture Christian spirituality in children, young people and adults, I have been drawn to the question – What sustains us and gives us hope?

Through your ministry and care of others, many of you are journeying with people who share their struggles and seek to make meaning. As Moderator, I look forward to hearing your stories of witnessing to the hope of the Gospel of Christ in ways you see connecting with contemporary Australians.

One of the strengths of the Uniting Church is our focus on “every member ministry”. This is an expression of the New Testament understanding of the Body of Christ. As a layperson, within the Uniting Church, I have felt encouraged and affirmed in whatever capacity I have been serving God. I look forward to journeying with you as Moderator. I pray that God will bless our ministry as we seek together to be bearers of God’s hope and love in the world.

New ministers to be ordained The Presbytery and Synod resolved to ordain Albert Patrizi and Frances Bartholomeusz (pictured) as Deacons.

The changing landscape Sharonne Price spoke about the ministry centres that are currently unfunded and the increase of congregational dependence on income from property. A working group will be established to consult broadly with the Presbytery (including the Presbytery Strategy and Planning Team) and to report to a 2013 meeting of the Presbytery and Synod on issues relating to the challenges of declining congregations.

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From all the lands on earth On Thursday 1 November, Rev Dave Williamson shared his hope and prayer for a multicultural and cross-cultural Uniting Church in South Australia.

The 2011 Australian census revealed almost a quarter of Australians citizens were born in other countries and approximately 43% have at least one parent who was born overseas.

The state of South Australia boasts even higher figures.

Dave encouraged members to live in respectful relationships with one another across and between cultural and linguistic boundaries, following the leading of the Holy Spirit.

news

"God is always with you..."

The Presbytery and Synod honoured three retiring ministers – Rev Rod Mann, Rev Don Purdey and Rev Sybil Peacock (absent) – on the evening of Friday 2 November.

Rod and Don addressed the crowd, which included their family members as well as members of Presbytery and Synod, with reflections on their experiences as Uniting Church ministers.

Though both Rod and Don are struggling with chronic illnesses - Rod with Parkinson’s, Don with Motor Neurone Syndrome - they spoke of how God has remained a close and ever-present inspiration.

“God is always with you, even when you feel like you’re in the loneliest place on Earth,” said Don with great earnestness. The message of God’s constant presence was strongly and joyfully emphasised, a particularly confronting message from a man being forced to retire early through his struggle with ill health.

Rod’s message referred to his encounters in churches and on the streets. His was a strong message of hope in the potential we have been given to live up to by God; that we are not to live in regret for what never was, but to continue to live up to what God has on offer. “Remember, God weeps not for what you have done or been, but what you could be.”

After what had been a difficult day of challenging discussions and proposals, many found the retiring ministers’ testimonies to be a significant time of reflection on what our ministries mean and who it is that is the central focus; many noted this as their highlight of the November meeting.

The floor rose in a standing ovation for these inspiring ministers.

Remembering ministers Members of the P&S Meeting stood in silent prayer for one minute in Memoriam of Ministers who have passed on since last year's October meeting - Tony Baker, Robert Grant Dunning, Oswald (Os) George Edwards, Wali Fejo and Heather Coral Wilmott (Lay Pastor).

Recognition of lay preachers Max Howland highlighted the significant contribution that lay preachers have made to the Uniting Church over many years. The following lay preachers were recognised for their years of service: 30 years – Pat March; 40 years – John Chase, Gweneth Davies, Ken Minne, Colin Rowe, Raelene Watts, Peter Whiting; 50 years – Les Haines, Trevor Miller, Frank Milne; 60 years – John Thomson, Margaret White, George Wood.

2013 Mission and Service Budget Barry Atwell outlined the 2012 budget position (to 30/9) with an operating deficit of $575,000 and an increase in the value of Mission and Service Fund investments to $450,000. Barry also outlined the long-term context of the budget. The 2013 Mission and Service fund was approved by the Presbytery and Synod and the motion to discuss the budget prioritisation strategy at Standing Committee on 8 February 2013 was agreed.

Extension of CEO/General Secretary placement After some deliberation, the Presbytery and Synod affirmed Rev Dr Graham Humphris as CEO/General Secretary and agreed to extend his placement in his current role until December 2018.

Kate Cocks Report Rev Peter McDonald shared stories from adoptees and relinquishing mothers who were residents of the Kate Cocks Babies Home. The full report can be found in the 2012 November Presbytery and Synod Mailings. This report will form the basis of a formal briefing for the Assembly Standing Committee and the Assembly President in preparation for a national apology by the Federal Government. This action was agreed to by consensus.

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Contemplation When the busy ‘silly’ season is about to hit, or is already upon us, this is perhaps the time when contemplation is most necessary. Viewing life with a new breath, a fresh perspective or from another culture’s point of view can refresh our Christmas spirits, and prepare us for whatever festivities we may be invited to.

Contemplative living Rev Gary Stuckey

Mention the word ‘contemplation’ and all sorts of images are bound to pop into people’s minds, frequently negative ones.

Often contemplation is thought of as sitting in passivity, being totally self absorbed.

Contemplation is not opposed to action though, or lost in passivity, nor is it selfish, a withdrawal or something for the spiritually elite.

We face many obstacles to leading a contemplative life, including the values of our culture around us, the way we’re taught to see the world and, often, a resistance to change.

We see contemplation as something we add to ‘normal’ life, rather than as a part of it. It is simply too counter-cultural for most of us as we get caught up in raising children, working, buying, selling and everything else we feel we need to do. We constantly find ourselves faced with a lack of time, conflicting pressures and societal expectations.

The word ‘contemplation’, comes from the Latin comtemplum; templum meaning ‘temple’ which is derived from the idea of a place on earth that mirrors what is in heaven. This templum is a place where the divine is revealed; likewise contemplation offers an opportunity to be a vessel for divine revelation.

There are contemplative practices which we can undertake that are significant in preparing us to receive such revelations.

Components of the contemplative life may be engaged, including experiences, practices, an identity or a lifestyle.

In some spiritual writing the distinction will be made between acquired and infused contemplation; acquired being a consequence of human effort aided by ordinary grace, i.e. spiritual practices and infused being a pure gift, which can come unexpectedly.

This is the paradox of contemplation – nothing we can do ensures that we can

attain it. While spiritual practices such as silence, solitude, meditation and prayer may foster and nurture contemplation, they do not guarantee a life of it.

For me, the contemplative lifestyle in the personal realm is summed up in balance and simplicity; balance between all the various aspects of life and simplicity in the pace of life, expectations, activity, possessions, even relationships.

One of the main and persistent criticisms of contemplation is that it is divorced from everyday life, somehow not living in the ‘real’ world. Those who follow a contemplative path, however, know this to be untrue. Rather than drawing the contemplative away from life, the contemplative path will involve the participant more deeply in it. If in contemplation one comes nearer to God, one will come nearer to – and act within – those matters that God cares about.

To speak of contemplation and contemplative action separately is unnecessary. Contemplation means action. If there is no action, there has been no contemplation.

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Contemplation

Postures for pondering The Christmas season can be summed up for many as chaotic. There are simple postures that may assist us to pray within the context of our busy-ness though, as we seek to make this time of year one of meaning rather than of madness. When we engage our physical selves in these acts of prayer, often it helps us to truly engage our whole selves within these moments.

Prayer doesn’t need to be long hours – there is frequently much to be done, celebrated and participated in at this time of year – but we can snatch a few quiet moments of reflection, renewal and calm as we continue onwards.

May these be a pause in your Christmas calendar.

Sit.

Give yourself an early Christmas gift of time to simply breathe.

Allow yourself to simply slow down and sit. Sit comfortably – cross-legged, indoors, outdoors, on a stool or tucked in a couch – wherever you will be able to slow down and have a quiet moment to yourself.

Breathe in and out, enjoy the feeling of the breath being drawn in through your nostrils and filling your lungs into their deepest reaches. Hold the breath for a moment of stillness and then release it, totally clearing the lungs.

Stroll.

As you stride around being both here and there at once, check your pace for a short period of time. Open your senses to observe all that surrounds you – sights, sounds, colours, fragrances.

Take these in and pause with the sense of self at that moment, at that time, in that place. As you become aware of your own self (not your tasks, your wants, your needs but yourself), weigh your smallness within the balance of the world around you.

This time of slowing down may help you celebrate your Christmas better with others – particularly those who are unable to keep up with much of the hustle and bustle.

Stand.

Simply stand. Allow yourself to feel the movement around yet separate from you – the breeze, the warmth, the pacing steps – and choose to be still.

Let your thoughts to be directed to God. Set apart the time of standing to regain solidarity within that sense of knowing and being known.

Contemplation

A call to action this Christmas Marguerite Marshall

Although Christmas is technically a celebration of Christ, God’s ultimate gift to us, this message is often lost in our celebrations.

For most, Christmas is a time of excessive consumption – gift giving and over-eating, fairy lights blazing and air conditioners blasting. Little thought seems to be given to how these things affect our Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and our climate.

The dangers of global warming, both environmentally and economically, have been predicted by a wide range of different organisations and individuals.

As Christians in the Uniting Church there is every reason to get behind the change for a better climate and fewer GHG emissions.

In its first public statement in 1977, the Uniting Church in Australia expressed an abiding concern for the wellbeing of the planet –

“We are concerned with the basic human rights of future generations and will urge the wide use of energy, the protection of the environment and the replenishment of the earth’s resources.”

Scientists at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) say that violent weather patterns will intensify and cause flooding, desertification, famine, water shortages and human conflict if GHG emissions are not reduced in the near future.

The Uniting Church’s commitment to the environment arises from the belief that God has called us into a special relationship with all he has created – a relationship of interdependence.

According to OECD, the cheapest and most effective way to reduce GHG emissions is to put a price on carbon.

Climate change is regarded by the Uniting Church as a serious threat to the future of life on earth.

Approximately thirty countries now utilise carbon pricing, Sweden having done so since 1991.

While we can pray and petition for change, this Christmas is also an opportunity to consider our personal impact on the environment – and how we might give a gift to the world of limiting our consumptions and investing our spending wisely.

Carbon pricing has not been a popular idea in Australia, but it is a necessary one. Australia emits more GHG than 180 other countries. Per head of population we produce more emissions than any other developed country.

Now is a time for acceptance and action.

Marguerite Marshall is a Uniting Church Member who trained under Al Gore to become an environmental leader in The Climate Reality Project.

Contemplation

The joy of giving It’s amazing how much joy 40 youth and leaders can bring with $1000.

This year, seven Uniting Church youth ministries shared the same Christmas wish – to give gifts to teenagers in need through Operation Santa.

Partnership was the theme of the giving game as Operation Santa was launched this year on Friday 9 November.

Every year, for 21 years now, UnitingCare has partnered with Target to bring gifts to children and youth in need.

This year, another partnership was added into the mix. UnitingCare teamed up with Katrina Levi and Will Hall from the Mission Resourcing Uniting Young People team to create an event that was fun and meaningful, helping to provide gifts for teenagers in need. Through their networks, they coordinated the combined youth involvement from Athelstone, Bridgewater, Brougham Place, Hope Valley, The Journey, Seeds and Sunset Rock – groups which, together, had raised more than

$1000 of funds to spend on the night.

On the Friday evening, the youth groups gathered to meet, greet and give.

Their night began at the Synod office with pizza and some introductions. Three UnitingCare agencies – UnitingCare Wesley Bowden, UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide and Uniting Communities – shared of their work and the importance of initiatives like Operation Santa. The group then made the short walk to the CBD Target together to buy their gifts before bringing them back to the office to wrap them.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Jess from Hope Valley. “It was great to be able to help out while being surrounded by such encouraging people. I would definitely come again next year and I hope that we can encourage a lot more people to come, too.”

She had helped to raise funds from within her church community by sharing her motivation with them – that she

You don’t need a suit to be Santa. Pictured are Allanah, Nicole and Jess from Hope Valley Uniting Church with the gifts they hope will brighten Christmas for teens in need in Adelaide.

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was sick and tired of wasting money on pointless things and wanted to give something worthwhile.

The agencies had a great time shopping with the youth groups and were thrilled to receive so many gifts.

“What an excellent night,” commented Tracey from Uniting Communities. “It was great to see all the kids so enthusiastically getting into it.

“These gifts will make a huge difference to the lives of many this Christmas.”

With bright red Christmas trees installed in every Target store, participating in Operation Santa is easy. Simply buy a gift and place it under the red tree at Target or drop it into a UnitingCare agency.

For information on Operation Santa, or to receive a Bible study designed for youth groups around the topic of Christmas and giving, please contact Julianne Rogers on: p. 8236 4233 e. jrogers@sa.uca.org.au

Contemplation

Christmas has many names Christmas is celebrated in many different ways. Traditions vary from family to family – and even more so between cultural and language groups. Here we are invited into the Christmas festivities of some new Australians, some with similar habits and hopes for the season, some definitively different.

Navidad

Oriana Orellana Jordan - Canary Islands I was born in Lanzarote, one of the seven Canary Islands that belong to Spain, although we are geographically much closer to Africa. There are no universities in Lanzarote so most of the ‘island children’ study on the mainland, 2000km away.

Navidad is the time of the year we are most likely to go back home.

We return because it is important to our families, especially our mothers, that we are sitting at the family table on the 24th of December and eating grapes on the 31st. However, it is also because it is winter in the mainland at that time of year – many want to get away from the cold and enjoy the year-round warmth of the islands.

So, Navidad becomes a family reunion involving food, warmer weather, rest, and – most importantly – being back at home.

Celebrations start on the night of December 24th, when families gather to have the most important dinner of the year. We call this evening ‘Nochebuena’.

We usually start celebrations by singing villancicos – Christmas songs that talk about things happening in Jerusalem at the time Jesus was born. They are entertaining, silly and funny – there is a very famous one about fish drinking water in a river.

We sing and talk as we wait for people to arrive (this can take a long time) and then we have dinner. What people eat varies from house to house. Although turkey may be the ´traditional dinner’, at my family’s home we always have sopa de mariscos, a type of seafood soup. For dessert it is common to have turrón, a Spanish nougat made of almonds and honey.

When I was growing up, we never gave each other presents.

However, I have heard that in recent years some Spanish families are doing this, probably as a result of foreign influence. I was never so lucky, and had to wait for the morning of 6 January, as Christmas celebrations last until the new year.

After Nochebuena comes Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve), a second time for friends and family to share dinner together.

The dinner is again a luscious, special one. But what makes this dinner different to all other dinners is that for dessert you must have 12 grapes.

I am sometimes questioned about the importance of this. All I can say is that it is something I have always done – even when I’m in other countries, even if I’m the only one doing it, even if they have no grapes in that country and I have to do it with raisins.

The cathedrals in Spain ring their bells exactly 12 times on the last 12 seconds of the year. At every stroke, you eat a grape. Every grape represents a month of the year, and you are meant to have as many good months as grapes you have managed to eat.

Then it is time for the presents. On the night of the 5th of January, the three Magic Kings, Melchor, Gastar and Baltasar, go to all Spanish homes and leave presents for the children that have behaved during the year. Those who haven’t behaved receive carbón, a candy which resembles coal.

This is a time of year for celebrating with friends and family – and eating far too much food!

Oriana (centre) and her siblings celebrate Nochevieja in Lanzarote.

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Contemplation

Killisimasi Tangi Steen - Tonga

A Sri Lankan Christmas feast in Adelaide.

Natthal

Madhavi Perera - Sri Lanka We are a family of four – my husband, myself and our two daughters. We have been living in Adelaide for about five years now, and we are originally from Sri Lanka.

For us, Christmas means the birth of Jesus Christ, son of God. In our first language (Sinhala) we call it ‘Natthal’.

We always try to visit Sri Lanka over the Christmas holidays so that we can celebrate with our parents. It is a very important occasion for us.

Sri Lankans normally colour-wash their houses in early December to welcome Christmas. We decorate our house, decorate a Christmas tree, make a crib, buy new clothes, prepare Christmas cake and, traditionally, make homemade wine – although bought is sometimes used now.

On Christmas Day, we celebrate by eating Christmas cake, spicy Sri Lankan snacks, a special Sri Lankan main meal (festival rice and curries) and Christmas puddings. We share these at a party with our relatives and with friends. Gifts are also given out to family members and close friends, the extravagance of which depends on the closeness of the existing relationship.

Celebrations continue throughout the week as we visit friends, relatives and neighbours.

Ailini and Tuiohu enjoy Christmas lunch.

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In my family, celebrating Christmas is a mixture of Tongan and Australian customs and traditions.

Christmas in Tonga is like a Sunday –a day of attending church services (early-morning, mid-morning and evening), and of sharing meals with neighbours, relatives and friends.

In Tonga, lunch traditionally consists of roast pig, fish and spinach, yams, taros, and sweet potatoes. We have water, ‘otai (a watermelon and coconut milk drink) and coconut juice to drink.

Young children have their special Christmas celebration after the family lunch. The program consists of Christmas skits, songs and dramas. This is followed by a Christmas party prepared by Sunday School teachers with the presentation of Christmas gifts consisting mainly of balloons, small toys and lots of lollies.

Prior to Christmas Day, an exchange of gifts occurs.

Traditional Tongan gifts normally characterise one’s role and gender in the family.

For example, the sisters provide cultural gifts of tapa cloth and scented oil for their brothers – this represents the role of nurturing and caring. In turn, they receive a basket of Tongan food and meat from their brothers – representing the role of providing for the family.

Christmas in Australia, for my little family, is very much a private affair.

The four of us, my partner and our two grown-up children, and whoever is visiting from Tonga, spend Christmas Day together. Lunch is normally prepared by the children, mostly my daughter. Here we usually eat turkey, salmon and salads, accompanied by wine and soft drinks.

The meal is followed by an exchange of gifts (with a monetary limit). We tend to ask people what they really want for Christmas, rather than guessing what they need. If the requested present is too expensive, other members of the family will contribute a certain amount with a view that the recipient will make up the difference.

Las Posadas

Jill Lienert - Mexican Advent

Amel and her family celebrate Christmas together.

Dhieeth

Amel Manyon - Sudan There are a number of names for Christmas in Sudan as there are many different languages spoken throughout the country.

The Dinka word for it is ‘dhieeth’ and this is what we use. Arabic is the main language spoken in Sudan, and the Arabic word for Christmas is ‘Īdul-Mīlād’. Both of these mean ‘the day of the birth of Jesus.’

Sudan does not traditionally celebrate Christmas, so we have mostly adopted the European way of doing things, having been introduced to it by missionaries long ago.

On Christmas Day, we first gather as a community at church.

We sing carols – but we do not just sing them on the spot like so many churches here do. We march as we sing the carols. We then share in prayer and worship, celebrating Jesus’ birth.

After the church service we go home to celebrate with friends and family. We eat traditional Sudanese food, including a delicious hot porridge. While the food we eat is not that different from other days, there is much more of it on Christmas.

It is common for families to go and visit the houses of friends after their celebrations at home. Unlike in Australia, there is no need to let these friends know beforehand that we are coming over.

The giving of gifts is not usual in Sudan, but some are given to children on Christmas Day. Presents are bought without any particular person in mind and usually consist of sweets, money or biscuits.

There are big festivals held at Christmas time in Sudan, with people coming together to dance and talk.

Before celebrations begin on 24 December, it is usual for Sudanese families to prepare themselves in a number of ways.

New clothes are bought for the children, the house is cleaned thoroughly and anything broken is repaired. We want to make things new – a new beginning. This symbolises Christ’s washing away of our sins, as well as the new beginning that the start of a new year brings.

Payneham Road Uniting Church is holding Las Posadas as part of their advent program this festive season.

Las Posadas is a nine day celebration that originated in Spain but is now popular mostly in Mexico, Guatemala and some parts of the Southwestern United States of America. The nine days of the celebration represent the nine months of a woman’s pregnancy.

Singing and a reenactment of Joseph and Mary being turned away from lodgings form the main part of Las Posadas.

One of Payneham Road Uniting Church’s members, Norma, will be celebrating her first Australian Christmas this year, away from her friends and family in Mexico, and this is why the church decided to hold this event.

Norma is excited to share her own Christmas traditions with her new Australian friends.

If you would like to take part in this event, or find out more, please contact Rev Jill Lienert on 08 8333 2640

Lily and 'baby Jesus' will take part in Las Posadas this year.

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Contemplation

Songs in the

setting sun

When a congregational forum was held at Gartrell Memorial (Dulwich-Rose Park Uniting Church) earlier this year, attendees were asked to share their ideas for building a sense of community within the church while connecting with the wider community.

Out of this came the idea to host Christmas celebrations on site and encourage members of the local community to walk – as families, as groups, or on their own – to join in with ‘Carols at the Manger’.

So, on Friday 14 December at 7pm, the tennis courts at Gartrell will become a stage for the church’s Christmas carol celebrations. As they arrive, people will be welcomed by the sight of tinsel and decorations on the fence of the tennis courts; those artistically inclined (or just a bit creative) are invited to add their flair to the decorations.

“Having an event like this within a suburban area means kids can have an experience of Christmas community and spirit within their own neighbourhood,” commented Rev Algis Greb, Minister at Gartrell. “We also thought some of the younger kids might get a bit of a kick out of being able to walk to the Carols at dusk with their parents.”

Carols at the Manger will feature traditional carol singalongs and singing from the Korean Presbyterian Church Choir as well as a number of exciting and creative activities, including an interactive reenactment of the Christmas story.

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The script combines elements of the birth of Christ, as told in Matthew and Luke, and children will be invited to dress up in costumes and participate in the story. Cordial and Christmasthemed biscuits will be provided.

It’s hoped that this event will bring together congregation members and people from the wider Rose Park and Toorak Gardens area. Invitations for this festive occasion have been extended to the local community, nearby Anglican and Catholic churches, the mayor, local members of parliament and Neighbourhood Watch personnel.

The team behind the event are hoping to share the joy and message of Christmas with others as well as build a strong sense of community. They are particularly focused on the broader community, beyond the current Gartrell congregation.

Walk to the Christmas Carols Where: Gartrell Memorial tennis courts

27A Prescott Terrace, Rose Park SA 5067

When: Friday 14 December, 7–8:30pm Bring: Sunscreen and singing voices

PANCAKE DAY February & March 2013 can make Together, we

a difference!

sa.pancakeday.com.au freecall 1800 060 543

magazine

It takes a village David Winderlich, Team Manager Eastern Services

W

e all know the saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’.

Sadly, in Australia today many people are raising their children in poverty or struggling to make ends meet because of long-term unemployment, disability or some other misfortune.

They are largely alone, or their circle of friends and family are similarly battling poverty and disadvantage.

Uniting Communities’ staff and volunteers working in the Eastern suburbs see almost 1000 people a year at Emergency Relief Services. While some manage to hold families together and continue to love and nurture their children in the face of challenges, many of them face major crises.

Centrelink and other Government support ensures such people survive, but these services don’t compensate for the lack of networks of community, friends and family that are so vital to quality of life, and often provide resources and advice at critical times.

They do not provide friendship and support to a young refugee couple preparing for their first child in a strange land with no friends or family, or support a single parent who is struggling to cope at home.

So we want to try something new. If it takes a village – a network of supportive people – then we want to build this village.

The plan is to create networks that can befriend and support people under pressure.

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The types of support will vary according to the needs of the person or family and the resources, abilities and interests of the ‘village᾽. Support offered could include taking a person shopping, practising English, helping with house-hunting or persuading the local football club to waive membership fees so a child can play sport – practical measures that will make a real difference in the lives of fellow South Australians.

Uniting Communities is excited about new work aimed at building and revitalising support networks within our community. Villages can be formed by churches, community groups, sporting clubs or even groups of friends. This is a serious enterprise which requires open-hearted, committed and compassionate people.

To find out more or get involved in our work in the Eastern suburbs, please contact Uniting Communities Eastern Services Team* Manager, David Winderlich on DWinderlich@unitingcommunities.org or 8331 3529.

If you’d like to offer other support, or find out more about volunteering, donating or the work we do, please visit our website: www.unitingcommunities.org. *The Eastern Services Team were previously part of UnitingCare Adelaide East, which amalgamated with Uniting Communities this year.

magazine

Yeelanna baby boom

Yeelanna Uniting Church is growing – one baby (or five) at a time. Top right is the newest addition to the Carratt clan, Sophia Joy; daughter of Rev Matthew and Rebecca Carratt.

T

here might be something in the water at Yeelanna Uniting Church, a congregation that meets 14km north of Cummins on the Eyre Peninsula – the congregation has welcomed six newborns in a four month period, with another on the way.

The encouraging figures of recent times seem a far cry from only a decade ago when, in 2001, the congregation was faced with decreasing numbers and discussions of whether it was best to close the church doors.

Twelve years later, Yeelanna Uniting Church continues to shine Christ's light on the local community and shape a future generation – proving that there is more than one way to “birth” a church.

50 years of camping

Geoff and Kath Prime (Wharminda) and Pamela and Rev David Houston (Adelaide) cut the cake at Thuruna Camp’s 50th anniversary celebration.

O

n Sunday 21 October, over 100 people met at Thuruna to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Spencer Gulf campsite.

Of those in attendance, 23 had also witnessed the grand opening of the site on 27 October 1962.

Speakers shared their memories of the past and hopes for the future of the campsite. A worship service, morning tea and memorabilia display also formed part of the celebratory event.

A history booklet and DVD are available for $5; contact Kym or Janet Shepherd on 8688 0040 or kjmab1@bigpond.com The Thuruna facility is part of Uniting Venues SA and is available for church groups, families, school camps and more. For information go to www.thuruna.com.au

A century-long relationship

Cruising beyond Berri

Fun, fellowship and songs on the river cruise with Trevor Charity and Bordertown folks – Trevor Carter, Jill Carter, Murray Dawkins, Maureen McPhee and Brian Jarrett.

O

n Friday 5 October, 42 people arrived for the Berri Family Camp. Grant and Lin Jewell arrived the day before to prepare for the invasion of campers, many of whom had travelled over three hours to get there.

Sincere thanks go to Grant and Lin for their loving care and friendship, encouragement to participate in the camp, and wonderful organisation of the weekend’s activities.

I

n 2013, the Uniting Church Mowanjum Congregation will celebrate its relationship with the Presbyterian/Uniting Churches.

The Mission formally began in October 1912 with Rev Robert Wilson and his wife, Frances, arriving near Kunmunya in the Kimberley, WA. There are many people across the Uniting Church who have been involved with Mowanjum. If you are interested in helping with the centenary celebrations or in attending, please contact Rev Dr Robert Hoskin on 0478 549 165 or email reh1@optusnet.com.au

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magazine

New Strategic Plan announced O

n Thursday 1 November, Rev Dr Graham Humphris, CEO/General Secretary of Uniting Church SA, introduced the proposed Key Directions for the new Strategic Plan at the Presbytery and Synod meeting.

Over 30 working groups gathered at the Presbytery and Synod meeting to discuss and give written responses to these proposed Key Directions. On Friday 2 November, Rev Phil Carr provided feedback from the working groups.

The 18 month process prior to this meeting had allowed for a broad and open inclusiveness of a variety of voices from across the Church to be heard. The process included input from all congregations, table group discussions at the 2011 October Presbytery and Synod meeting, discussions by Executive Officers and the Standing Committee, a request for all agencies and schools to suggest key points, and four open forums on the topic (two in rural SA and two in metropolitan Adelaide).

The Key Directions were reworded on the basis of this feedback and were affirmed from the floor as:

The aim of the proposal was to discern finally, as a Church, whether these Directions reflected how and who we would like to grow into within the next three to five years.

4. For the Presbytery, Synod and Ministry Centres; engage and resource the church to address key issues that will shape the future of the church in the next 10 years.

1. Build and deepen trusting relationships, in response to the gospel of Jesus the Christ.

2. In gratitude, affirm and celebrate the signs of God working in the world through the gifts and strengths of the UCA in SA. 3. Remind, refresh and resource the whole church regarding our foundational values and behaviours.

Uniting College has new training opportunities A

new development opportunity for those with a passion for chaplaincy and/or leadership will soon be made available at Uniting College for Leadership & Theology. Two new Diplomas in Ministry, with a specialisation in chaplaincy or leadership are being added to the current curriculum offerings next year.

“We wanted to address the gaps within our training system – particularly for chaplaincy,” said Rev Dr Steve Taylor, Principal of Uniting College. “While there are vocational level short courses and three year Bachelors of Ministry in both chaplaincy and leadership, there was nothing in between – and there needed to be.

“We thought diplomas would offer an ‘in between’ course, for those wanting to add something extra to their previous studies, to integrate within a Bachelor of Ministry or to up their skills for a particular role.”

The coursework of the two diplomas includes a total of eight topics – four core and four electives. The courses share the topics of Scripture, Discipleship, Mission and Formation for Ministry – essential tools for quality chaplaincy and leadership. A number of electives will also be offered to meet the diverse needs of chaplains and leaders.

“Chaplains in aged care face different challenges than chaplains in schools or hospitals,” Steve continued. “Likewise, a Chair of

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Church Council faces different challenges than a Minister of the Word in a rural context or a youth leader in a city suburb.”

“To offer quality training for all of these fields, we needed to make this diploma a bit more like a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ diploma, and less formulaic than perhaps other courses are.”

The diplomas are flexible in their course offering as well as in their delivery and expected time of completion. They can be studied on-site or through distance education, full-time (with eight topics being accomplished in one year) or part-time, from as little as one topic per year (with an estimated course duration of eight years).

You can find out more about the Diploma of Ministry with specialisations in Chaplaincy or Leadership by contacting the College office or browsing their website.

Uniting College contact details: p. 8416 8420 e. info@unitingcollege.org.au w. unitingcollege.org.au

magazine

House of prayer opens for all nations O n Wednesday 7 November, House International Uniting Church was officially launched.

The church reopened in the former Maughan Uniting Church building on the corner of Pitt and Franklin St in Adelaide CBD with Rev Roger Brook leading the new endeavour.

“Maughan was the name of a great man who had a mission,” said Roger. “We're still Maughan, we still share that mission, but now we trade as House International because this church is more than one name or location.”

The church building is home to a Chinese Christian Church and a South Sudanese Dinka Congregation; Roger has rebirthed an English-speaking service which will take place on Wednesday nights, the first service in English since Maughan Uniting Church officially closed in December last year.

“The past is good, but God is doing a new thing,” declared Roger at the inaugural Wednesday night gathering.

Dr Tony Ma, Rev David Amol and Rev Roger Brook are working together in shared ministry at House International Uniting Church.

“There's a new way God wants us to interact with this city.

“We have drawn our inspiration from Mark 11:17 where, in a very different context, Jesus quotes, ‘my house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’.

“We want people to worship here in their native language because that's very important, but we also gather here as one people,” Roger clarified.

“We are going to work together to keep our faith,” said Rev Dave Amol from the Dinka Congregation on the same evening, before Dr Tony Ma from the Chinese Church prayed that this first service would lay a foundation for years to come.

For more information head online to houseinternational.org

Share in the faith, love and hope that Christmas brings

sa.uca.org.au/Christmas

Summer 2013 Intensives Visual Presentation Systems Public Address Church - School - Board Room - Retail Display - Hospitality Data Projection - Plasma - LCD - Projection Screens - Accessories Sale - Installation - Service

2 exciting options...

Heritage, Theology & Polity of the Uniting Church A degree level intensive investigation of the UCA: who we are, where we came from, how we are organised and where we are going. UCA President Rev Prof Andrew Dutney 11-15 Feb 2013

“TEC - Everything Electronic installed with Excellence” Greg Hallam 0411 550417 - Keith Ellison 0411 556075 Campbelltown: 8365 0377 - Fax: 8365 0677 Web: www.tecsa.com.au

Spirituality for 21st Century Disciples A degree level intensive looking at the biblical, spiritual and ethical bases for Christian discipleship. Rev Tim Hein 11-15 Feb 2013 These units can be taken for credit or audit through the ACD Uniting College for Leadership & Theology is the ministry training and theological education agency of the Uniting Church SA. Uniting College is a member college of the Adelaide College of Divinity (ACD), a registered Higher Education Provider and Registered Training Organisation

CHRISTMAS EVE

6.00pm Festival of Readings and Carols with Pilgrim Choir and organ 10.30pm Christmas Eve Contemporary Worship With Communion

CHRISTMAS DAY

CONTACT: 08 8416 8420 info@unitingcollege.org.au www.unitingcollege.org.au www.acd.edu.au

UCS-CLT-001_Advert_v01 2 DECEMBER12 NEW TIMES.indd 1

9.30am Christmas Day Celebration worship service includes communion Music with Pilgrim Choir and organ Ministers: Rev Jana Norman & Rev Sandy Boyce Ph: 8212 3295

www.pilgrim.org.au

15/11/12 4:10 PM

Introducing our new Northgate residential care home It’s everything you’re not expecting.

Our state-of-the-art Northgate facility offers a model of care never before seen in residential aged care.

Created by leading Australian architects, this multi-million dollar complex is designed to encourage those wanting to continue living the life they enjoy.

Helping Hand’s comprehensive on-site services, including 24 hour care, therapeutic services through to an array of social activities, gives residents the confidence they need to keep living a fulfilling life. Because at Helping Hand we believe everyone has a passion. We’ll help you keep yours.

For more information call 1300 653 600 or visit www.helpinghand.org.au/Northgate

ALGO/HHA1915

Located on the corner of Fosters Road and East Parkway, Northgate.

magazine

Uniting Church helps Sri Lanka rebuild

K

amala and her husband were so afraid when the bombing and violence got close to their home, they fled war-torn Sri Lanka with nothing but the clothes on their backs. During five long years in a refugee camp in Tamil Nadu, southern India, they dreamed of raising their camp-born daughter in their homeland. Now, they are safely home in Sri Lanka.

Support from churches around Australia through the Christmas Bowl Appeal helped Kamala and her family to survive in refugee camps and to return home once it was safe.

“We left for India because of fear, but promised to return when things were safe again,” said Kamala. “Returning to Sri Lanka has not been difficult because of the help we have received.”

Life is still tough, but Kamala is incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to rebuild her life.

Kamala and her husband are among the thousands of Sri Lankans who were forced to flee as a result of the civil war that gripped their country between 1983 and 2009. Scores of people fled and have been living in camps ever since. Now that the conflict has ended, many are yearning to return home.

The Christmas Bowl is the Christmas Appeal of Act for Peace, the international aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia. Australians who support the Christmas Bowl in 2012 will be helping Sri Lankan refugees to make a safe return home. Donations will also provide food, social and psychological support, and healthcare for refugees who are still in camps.

Act for Peace supports camp programs that assist refugees in preparing for the challenges facing their return to Sri Lanka, equipping them with skills to allow them to support themselves.

Working with a local project partner, Act for Peace also helps provide refugees with the documentation needed to ensure that they can prove their Sri Lankan citizenship and obtain the benefits they are entitled to on returning to their country.

“Act for Peace sees first-hand the devastating effects of conflict on innocent people – but also the incredible difference that the right support can make. Act for Peace’s life-saving work around the world simply would not be possible without the support of people around Australia,” says Alistair Gee, Act for Peace’s Executive Director.

More than 2,000 churches took part in the Christmas Bowl, raising almost $2.5 million to help people in some of the most conflict-affected countries in the world. Of this amount, Uniting Churches in South Australia contributed $180,000.

For more information about Christmas Bowl, or to make a gift today, please call 1800 025 101 or visit www.actforpeace.org.au/christmasbowl.

“With the help my family has received we have been able to return to our home in Sri Lanka living in a safer environment.

I am so grateful.”

Credit: Janet Cousens/Act for Peace

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positions vacant

positionsvacant.sa.uca.org .au

RESTORE your phonographic records or tapes to near original quality & preserve them on CD Restore your faded 35mm slides to bright colour and preserve them on DVD. Ask us about VHS or MiniDV video tape & 8mm film to DVD conversion, SA MEDIAWORKS, Kent Town SA Ph: 8362 2251 samediaworks@soundtrack.net.au HOLIDAY RENTAL –VICTOR HARBOR 3br ground floor apartment on the Esplanade at Encounter Bay with glorious sea views across to Granite and Wright Islands. Relax in cool a/ cond comfort and watch the waves roll in- cafes’ nearby.

Special pre-Christmas rate of $600 pw(or $170 pn min 3 nights)-not available schoolies week –Jan 2013 vacancies @ $1,008pw reducing to $600 pw in Feb –This is a self-catering apartment. Managing agents; Dodd and Page P/L –ph Kerry at 8554 2029 or email kerry@doddpage.com.au and ask for details and web photos of “BY THE SEA” holiday apartment.

MORIALTA UNITING CHURCH STUDENT HOUSES - VACANCIES 2013 Undergraduate university/TAFE students from rural/regional areas.

Furnished single bedrooms, shared bathrooms, living areas. Close to UniSA, Magill. Easy travel to city for Adelaide University and Uni-SA, and to Mawson Lakes Campus. Rent $320 monthly. Mary Thornley 83322041 Church Office 83319344. Now is the time for school leavers heading for tertiary studies to apply for accommodation in our Student Houses.

WANTED Large Moderator style chair or pair, Medium Outdoor Church Bell Call 03 5341 5544

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positions vacant/diary THE COMPLAINTS PROCESSES WORKING GROUP - Dr Marelle Harisun, Rev Greg Walker and Mr Malcolm Wilson - invites any individual or group to arrange a conversation to share their concerns.

The time and days available for these conversations are Tues 11 Dec 12.30pm - 4.30pm; Thurs 13 Dec 10am - 4.30pm. The conversations will be held at the Adelaide College of Divinity, 34 Lipsett Terrace, Brooklyn Park. To arrange a time please contact Malcolm Wilson: p. 82364206, m.

0414 520140 or, e. mwilson@sa.uca.org.au. The Working Group is also happy to receive written comments and suggestion in relation to the UCA complaints and appeals processes. Please forward to Malcolm Wilson via email (as above) or to the Complaints Working Group, c/o Malcolm Wilson, GPO Box 2145, Adelaide 5000.

REV PROFESSOR MICHAEL HAWN, Professor of Church Music, Southern Methodist University (SMU), will be in Australia in late January 2013. Music, theology and comedy all in one! Sessions are Thursday 17 January, 6.30pm, Corner Uniting Church; Friday 18 January, 7.30pm, Myponga Uniting Church; Saturday 19 January, 10am-4pm, Yankalilla Uniting Church Day Seminar - please bring a bite of lunch to share. On Sunday 20 January join us at Delamere Uniting Church at 9.15am for worship, or at the Range Road Combined Service at 11am including a shared lunch. Come on down to the Fleurieu for a day out and a big sing!

RSVP Rev Dr Julia Pitman 8558 3441, jpitman@csu.edu.au. Sponsored

by SMU, the Community Outreach Mission Network and South West Fleurieu Uniting Churches.

VERMONT UNITING CHURCH invites you to join in their Christmas celebrations. Advent Dinner - Sunday 2 Dec 2, 5.30 for 6pm. Cost $10 per person with takings going to the Christmas Bowl Appeal. Adult Fellowship – Wednesday 5 Dec, 10am. Christmas reflections, stories and shared morning tea. Drop-in on Friday 14 Dec for a regular, informal gathering - people simply ‘drop-in’ for a warm welcome, good company and morning tea. For further information and to book for the Advent Dinner phone Rev Angie Griffin on 8293 2646.

In May 2014, Virginia and Dean Brookes are planning a three week pilgrimage visit to Spain. This will include a very short section of “The Way” Santiago de Compostela. For more information please contact the Brookes on 8395 2441 or ginny.brookes@bigpond.com.au To have your upcoming event or message published here, email diary@sa.uca.org.au with ‘Diary’ in the subject line.

Scholars and church history buffs are invited to the NATIONAL METHODIST HISTORY PROJECT CONFERENCE, 11am Friday 7 December - 3pm Saturday 8 December 2012, Adelaide Theological Centre (34 Lipsett Terrace, Brooklyn Park) in S1. Sponsored by Arnold Hunt Memorial Trust of Uniting College and Uniting Church Historical Society SA, chapters of the forthcoming national history will be read beforehand and discussed at the conference. RSVP for chapters and catering to Rev. Dr Julia Pitman 8558 3441 or jpitman@csu.edu.au.

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magazine

Smart faith sharing

I

f you have a “smart” phone (iPhone, Android, Samsung Galaxy, etc.) or tablet (iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, etc.) you now have access to a unique, new way to receive weekly inspiration about faith-sharing.

Launched on Thursday 1 November this year, the “50 Ways to Share Your Faith” Application (app) is an initiative of the Key Direction 1: Conversion Growth (KD1) Team as their final project within the current Strategic Plan of Uniting Church SA. “This is the only app in the world designed to give people easy-to-use ideas about faith-sharing," said Rev Ruthmary Bond, Convenor of KD1. “I was amazed when I found out that this is the only app available for this kind of thing – faith-sharing is something the global Church is so passionate about and in such dire need of help with.

“We’re really thrilled to be putting something like this out there for people to use – it’s practical, it’s easy to use and just makes sense. And it’s free!”

The app was designed to encourage people to recognise more opportunities to share their faith. A new suggestion is released weekly with an accompanying story of how others have put this theory into practice.

“The stories have been drawn from a broad cross-section of ages and demographics. The focus is on the relationships we have in our lives and how real our own faith is in keeping those relationships growing and thriving.

“Part of keeping relationships growing is by sharing more of ourselves – naturally, as believers, our faith is a major part of that.”

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The easy-to-use resource lasts for 50 weeks and includes opportunities for people to share the story of the week with others via Facebook, Twitter and email. There is a place to journal, the option to share your thoughts and challenges with others as well as the opportunity to share your own faith story for use in similar future endeavours.

There is good news for those who are not part of the smart phone/tablet community yet though. You can access this resource by signing up to be part of a confidential email list which receives an automated weekly email. You will have access to all the faculties of the app, without the need for anything other than your email account and weekly access to a computer.

Rest assured – if you do not have access to the above technologies, there are plans to distribute a printed version of 50 Ways to Share Your Faith at the October/November Presbytery and Synod Meeting next year.

“We deliberately wanted to hold off on a printed version so that we could get as many people as possible interacting with this online and sharing it with their friends. Besides, these tech-things aren’t ‘just for the young people’ – they’re fun for all ages!” Ruthmary finishes with a laugh.

The app has been available since 1 November. Access to the app is readily available online at:

sa.uca.org.au/share-your-faith

For more information, contact Ruthmary on: p. 8236 4244 m. 0407 608 000 e. rbond@sa.uca.org.au

A taste of the 50 Ways app Undivided Attention

(released online Thursday 29 November 2012) Stop bustling. Give someone your undivided attention.

I met with a friend for coffee; she brought a friend of hers along who was having a hard time (this had been arranged between us beforehand). We sat and drank coffee. She talked and I did a lot of listening. My phone went off but I let it ring and continued to talk. At the end of our time together she thanked me for listening and said she felt better just because she was able to share openly. She then thanked me for not answering my phone while we were talking. She said, "At that moment I knew that you were genuinely interested in me so I could trust you.”

Undivided attention is a great gift and a gift we can all give.

Angela

reviews A question of Revelation!

Book: Revelation Author: Robert Beckford Recommended for: those who are about to read Revelation for the first time In short: The importance of the Book of Revelation.

Available from: Darton, Longman and Todd RRP: $14.95

“My theological work cannot be removed from the concrete world in which I live. Faith without engagement with the socio-political world is “faith without works.”” So says author Robert Beckford, a British academic theologian and reader in theology at Canterbury Christ Church University.

I sing a song of the Saints of God Book: Saints of Old Author: Patrick Coffey Recommended for: starters in historical theology In short: A guide to saints in the first millennium.

Available from: amazon.com RRP: $12.95

From the early martyrs of Rome to Saint Margaret of Scotland, Roman Catholic layman Patrick Coffey provides biographical sketches of over thirty saints who lived during the first millennium.

This book is not a commentary on Revelation. It contains a brief introduction followed by the Book of Revelation as translated in the New Jerusalem Bible.

On first reading the book, I wondered at its purpose – it seems to add little to what is already understood about the book of Revelation.

However, I soon began to regard the book in a more positive light.

The true value of Revelation lies in the six page introduction. Here Beckford explains the relevance of Revelation for our time, also pointing out the difficulties and varied interpretations. He makes his own suggestions on how to approach the book.

Beckford claims that using his approach will inspire readers to change the course of human history by transforming the present.

Ray Creevy

Kick start sermons

The book provides a good overview of the saints. It can help ministers and teachers of Christian education with illustrations for sermons and children’s talks. Scholarly texts should be consulted to check details and to flesh out stories, as well as to provide a broader historical framework and Protestant perspective.

Book: Sermon Sparks: 122 Ideas to Ignite Your Preaching Author: Thomas H. Troeger Recommended for: sermon preparation In short: Quick ideas to get that sermon started.

Available from: MediaCom RRP: $25.75

The stories of two saints are relevant for the Christmas season.

Saint Nicholas (d. 343), Bishop of Myra, was generous while trying to remain anonymous. A man had three daughters but lost his money and could not afford to pay their dowries. One night a bag of gold coins appeared in the man’s house. Later, his second daughter was betrothed. Another bag of gold coins mysteriously appeared.

When the third daughter was to be married yet another bag of coins arrived but by this time Nicholas’ secret was out.

Good King Wenceslas (b. c.903-935), the patron saint of the Czech Republic and a political leader of Bohemia, tried to make Bohemia Christian but was killed by his brother. He was known for his faith and good works. He fed the hungry, cared for widows and offered hospitality to travellers.

Julia Pitman

Ever read for two hours in preparation for your sermon only to find that all of your fascinating reading has you no closer to actually starting it?

Here is the antidote.

The ideas in this book are based on the lectionary readings, however, the provision of a biblical passage index means that it can be used by any preacher. Sometimes Troeger shares a personal story, other times delving deeper into the text or even musing on the idea of preaching itself. Some of the ideas lead straight to a theme and sermon for the day while others simply start the juices flowing.

One of the most helpful aspects is that Troeger’s tone of voice is a preaching one, helping your brain move into sermon-writing mode. There are so many resources for preaching, whether they are commentaries or websites, and in some ways this resource sits alongside of these. However, knowing that Troeger is a respected theologian and preacher places your sermon preparation in great hands.

Jennifer Hughes

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