New Times - February 2007

February 2007

Issue 26, Number 1

PP 565 001/00190 ISSN 0726-2612

‘Re-think Aboriginal policy’

The Uniting Church delegation to Port Augusta met these young Aboriginal workers who were building new accommodation at Lakeview Transient Accommodation Centre.

Grant Warren is at left and Jeremy Williams at right. Pictures, Nicholas Kerr.

Visit to Port Augusta

The delegation saw these wiltjas (tents) where Aboriginal people travelling to the area in summer have been staying.

The Uniting Church has called for an urgent re-think of Aboriginal policy in Australia – including the recent trend toward mainstreaming services.

The call followed after a church delegation spent three days in Port Augusta last December.

Uniting Church President, Rev Gregor Henderson, said the visit was a stark reminder that on the whole, the policies of various governments continue to fail Aboriginal people.

The delegation is preparing a comprehensive report on the trip.

It will make recommendations, both to governments and to the Uniting Church, to improve the situation in Port Augusta but also in other areas of Australia.

There is a story on the Uniting Church SA website.

Please hand out at your church door

2

NEWS

New Times

Pancakes help drought relief THIS YEAR funds from UnitingCare’s national Pancake Day will be directed towards drought relief as well as generally helping Australians who are doing it tough. Last year in South Australia $56,000 was raised from pancake sales and donations. Organisers are hoping to register more groups and raise even more funds this year.

SA Pancake Day Coordinator Ruth Folland said nearly 300 groups have registered so far for Pancake Day on Tuesday, February 20. She is still accepting late registrations. As well as church related groups, this year registrations have come from government departments, wineries, banks, medical centres, rotary clubs, guide groups, schools and kindergartens.

“We’re thrilled with the range of organisations which are now getting involved,” Ruth said.

“This year country churches are particularly concerned about the drought affecting their

communities and want to help those in need.

“Pancake Day is one way these communities can raise funds for those who are really struggling. It’s also an opportunity to get together to support one another around the barbeque.

“This year we’ve decided to extend our major event in Rundle Mall and will be cooking pancakes for breakfast as well as lunch. We’re thrilled to once again have the support of staff from accountancy firm Bentleys MRI, as well as the Metropolitan Fire Service and the Royal Australian Air Force.”

To check if your congregation has registered for Pancake Day visit http://www.sa.uca.org. au/site/page.cfm?u=524. While online, you can download Pancake Day sermon materials and children’s ministry resources. Or you can contact Ruth on 8236 4256 to register.

100 went to Perth ABOUT 900 people were at NCYC in Perth last month – and just over 100 of them were from SA. This story is by one of the delegates, final year communications student, Keren De Boo, from Tusmore Memorial Uniting Church.

SINCE its launch in Gawler back in January 2005, organisers, leaders, and delegates have raised money and planned for the pilgrimage to Perth for this year’s National Christian Youth Convention.

International delegates from countries such as Indonesia, Sudan and Tonga joined with delegates from all states of Australia in praise and worship and to learn how they could become “Agents of Change” in their churches and communities.

So what exactly is an Agent of Change? One who acts justly, loves mercy and walks humbly with God (Micah 6:8); one who seeks to make a difference by answering God’s call in their life. Here’s a snapshot of how NCYC 2007 transformed those who attended.

An outstanding aspect of NCYC was the emphasis on community. Delegates were divided into six colour-coded communities who joined together for sessions of fun, shenanigans and, of course, some worship every morning.

What better way is there to start the day?

The community members became united in voice as well, in the form of community chants (or battle cries?) which were audible a few blocks away, especially around dinner time.

Speakers came to encourage and teach the delegates through presentations at the night rallies and Bible studies.

FEBRUARY 2007

Talk about a star-studded line up! They included the likes of the funny and philosophically complex Irishman, Pete Rollins; TEAR Australia representative, Dave Andrews; Joyleen Koolmatrie, who shared her story of survival against the odds of the Stolen Generation; and World Vision Australia CEO, and all round nice guy, Tim Costello.

Delegates had the opportunity to participate in a range of electives which covered areas such as social justice, practical leadership, issues of faith and other religions, what it’s like to be an Aboriginal in Australia, worship, practical living and the arts.

South Australian delegates were met on Thursday evening by Youth Mission Planner, Ernest Sorensen, Moderator, Graham Vawser and Linda Vinall from the South Australian Presbytery and Synod and devised the SA (Special Agent) shimmy. You should ask them to show you!

On the Friday of the convention, delegates took part in “Mission Immersion” in which they were sent to Christian organisations in and around Perth. Delegates were able to learn about and participate in different community aid programs and discover their relevance to us as Agents of Change. continued on page 11.

NEWS

New Times

3

Rev Wes Howland from the Oaklands and Wesley Warradale linked congregations and David Kowalick of the Fishgate congregation outside the Wesley Warradale Uniting Church which will be demolished soon to make way for a new regional ministry centre.

New centre planned Jill Freear

A NEW multi-purpose Uniting Church Regional Ministry Centre will be built in Warradale this year.

The $3 million development will be built on the Wesley Warradale Uniting Church site on the corner of Oaklands and Diagonal Roads.

Uniting Church SA property

and insurance manager Dennis Wright describes the project as one of our church’s most ambitious modern developments to date.

“It will be a double storey, multi-purpose facility, with a worship space for 450 people,” Dennis said. “It will also have several meeting and activity rooms, which will be suitable for a variety of

different purposes.

“The building will be highly flexible, with operable walls that can slide back to open up new spaces.

“This will be a landmark building, with a major focus on outreach and the provision of community services.

“One of its most exciting features is a café lounge area.

“The building site is perfect because it is highly visible, central and readily accessible to members of the surrounding community.”

Members of the Wesley Warradale congregation will worship at Oaklands Uniting Church when the church is demolished to make way for the new development.

The Oaklands church property has been sold to neighbouring Southern Cross Care, but the settlement has been deferred until the end of the year.

It is intended that members of the Oaklands and Wesley Warradale Linked congregations, and the Fishgate congregation, will move into the new ministry centre by the end of the year.

Oaklands and Wesley Warradale minister Rev Wes Howland said, while some are feeling sad about the anticipated loss of the Wesley Warradale church building, the overall feeling is one of excitement and enthusiasm.

“We’re looking forward to sharing the building and working with the Fishgate congregation,” he said. continued on page11.

FEBRUARY 2007

4

MAGAZINE

Uniting Foundation

FEBRUARY 2007

MAGAZINE

New Times

5

Lenten appeal 2007 Lyn Leane

DURING Lent the Uniting Church SA will participate in its 32nd annual Lenten Appeal.

For the six weeks of Lent, from Ash Wednesday, February 21st, through to Easter Sunday, April 8th, there is opportunity to share in the life of Christian communities in our partner churches.

This year the focus is on some small islands in Melanesia – Numfor and Supiori Islands on West Papua’s northern coastline, and New Ireland, located to the east of mainland Papua New Guinea.

The Lenten Appeal Committee is aiming to raise $20,000 for each of these two projects.

Lenten Appeal funds will also support the Lenten Disaster Fund, which is used to respond immediately to international crises.

The last donation from the fund was made in November 2006, when $5,000 was sent to our partner church in the Philippines to assist families who had lost a parent during political killings of pastors and journalists.

West Papua

Financial support for medical facilities and training on Supiori and Numfor Islands: The Evangelical Christian Church in the Land of Papua (GKI) is one of the UCA’s nearest partner churches.

An hour’s flight from Darwin, West Papua is the easternmost province of the Indonesian archipelago.

During 2006 church leaders in West Papua again emphasised their need for access to appropriate and affordable health care, education and income generating opportunities.

During the West Papuan’s General Assembly in March 2006, the Uniting Church SA was asked to continue its commitment to working alongside the GKI to provide medical facilities and training for people of the BiakNumfor Presbytery, which is geographically comprised of Biak, Supiori and Numfor Islands.

West Papua featured in the Australian media during 2006, particularly following the arrival of 43 West Papuan asylum seekers in Queensland.

Much has been written and debated about Australia’s relationship with Indonesia.

Some, including the Papuan churches, believe that the international community, including Australia, does have a role to play in West Papua.

The International Crisis Group, headed by Australian Gareth Evans, believes the most useful assistance the international community can provide is development aid.

Another assessment of health

needs in West Papua comes from Franciscans serving there who believe the lack of health care is a profound abuse of human rights.

The group says that, before the Indonesian takeover in West Papua, missionaries, the Dutch and the churches looked after the health of the Papuan people.

Now, it says, Papuans die daily because they are unable to pay for medicine.

Ambulance

A new ambulance for Kimadan Health Centre, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea: Kimadan is the major health centre run by the United Church of Papua New Guinea (UCPNG) on New Ireland.

There are two smaller health clinics, also operated by the church, at Messi and Kabanot.

Medical work conducted by all PNG churches is administered through the Church Medical Council based in the PNG National Government. Kimadan Health Centre, which serves more than 7,000 people.

Ambulances used by the UCPNG regional health services on New Ireland are old.

They are used for multiple purposes such as carrying patients, supplies and pathology samples.

Rev Doug and Jennie Hosking, who go to Morialta Uniting Church, plan to take the proceeds of the Lenten Appeal PNG project to New Ireland with them when they visit their old areas of service during mid-2007.

Ambulance journeys often take up to six hours and the poor condition of some roads means the vehicles are subject to a fair amount of wear and tear.

Lenten Appeal funds will help buy a new ambulance for Kimadan Health Centre.

It is hoped that the money raised can be delivered directly

by Rev Doug and Mrs Jennie Hosking. The couple will be involved in the next Rarongo Work Party on the neighbouring island of New Britain later this year.

Doug and Jennie served on New Ireland from 1971 to 1975.

Doug was the last expatriate

minister at Kavieng.

They are looking forward to their return visit to New Ireland, and hope to meet with some of those they previously worked and worshipped with.

Vaccination and pathology: Some years ago AusAid supplied fridges for Kimadan Health Centre, enabling the proper storage of early childhood vaccinations.

Since then the staff have achieved almost 100 per cent vaccination coverage in the region.

The Kimadan medical team frequently deals with emergencies in obstetrics,

industrial accidents in New Ireland’s copper and gold mines, burns cases and casualties from reckless driving.

Maternal and child health issues: Staff are constantly confronted by attitudes that affect their work, especially toward women and family planning.

One senior staff member tells of delivering the eleventh baby of a local woman in her early forties whose husband was reluctant to attend family planning sessions with her.

Such resistance to family planning is not uncommon.

Many local women also suffer from pelvic inflammatory disease and post-birth haemorrhaging.

Maternal and child malnutrition: Many women jeopardise their pre-natal health by over-indulging in chewing betel nut, or by consuming a diet too high in fat and carbohydrates.

There are also some forbidden foods which are really nutritious.

Tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases are widespread.

More about the 2007 Lenten Appeal projects can be found on the Uniting Church SA website at www.sa.uca.org.au/goto/ lenten_appeal.

FEBRUARY 2007

6

YEAR OF CALL

New Times

‘The idea seemed bizarre’

REV MICHAELA Tiller (pictured) believes her decision to enter ministry was more good luck than good management and certainly not part of any premeditated career plan.

Michaela left school in the middle of Year 11 to work for McDonalds – a far cry from her present position as executive director of UnitingCare SA. “I remember working the night shift at McDonalds. I’d knock off in the early hours of the morning and go out with friends before heading off to the Sunday service at Pilgrim Church,” Michaela said.

It was the Pilgrim and, before that, the Pirie Street congregation, which acted as a surrogate family to Michaela’s family, after the death of her mother.

“That community have been very important to me,” Michaela said. “There was a great acceptance of me, although at times my lifestyle wasn’t consistent with someone you could imagine ending up in ministry.”

A chance inquiry for more information about a lay leaders’ course and lay education at Parkin Wesley College steered Michaela toward a ministry career.

“At 17 I was too young to enrol,” she said. “That was my test; I thought I’ll enrol anyway and if I get in I’ll do it – and I did.

During the year-long course Michaela lived in at the college, got to know many ministry students and gained an understanding of the study and training required for ordained ministry.

Towards the end of that year a number of people suggested she study for a Diploma in Ministry, an idea she thought was “bizarre” at the time.

Although technically ineligible to enrol for the D Min at Flinders University, Michaela was granted provisional entry and also won a scholarship to help finance her studies.

The following year, at 20, she candidated and, in spite of her uncertainty about ministry, she trusted the wisdom of others and the discernment of the church and was accepted.

At 21 Michaela married fellow ministry student, Geoff Tiller. After nine years at college she graduated as a deacon with a B Min – and four children.

Not long after Michaela’s ordination she and Geoff were called to Kwinana, a small

parish mission just out of Perth, where they worked for three years.

Michaela was then invited to apply for the position of executive officer of UnitingCare in Western Australia. During that five year placement she gained valuable knowledge and contacts, and also equipped herself with an MBA. Last year Michaela accepted a five year placement with UnitingCare SA.

REV DR TONY Nancarrow (pictured) was actually considering a business career, when he had a growing sense that he was being called to ministry.

“I fought going into theological college … but I got to the stage where I could get no inner peace until I decided to respond,” Tony said.

Little did he realise at the time that he would spend only four years serving in fulltime congregational ministry and that the rest of his career would revolve around church communications.

Tony has just retired from MediaCom Education, an ecumenical agency which publishes and distributes Christian resources throughout Australia and New Zealand.

However, he is still planning to stay on as MediaCom’s executive director, overseeing the organisation’s strategic direction, marketing and international relationships.

Tony says the traumatic experience of his parents’ divorce when he was about 15, was a key factor which steered him towards ministry.

“I started attending Westbourne Park and then Glenunga Methodist Churches where I experienced a growing awareness of God’s unconditional love through

people in the congregation,” Tony said.

“The support and encouragement of ministers like Percy Grimm, Percy Clarke, Reg Bandt and Bob Lovell also had a profound impact on me.

“I had been working for the AMP Society for five years, when I had a growing awareness that I was being called to ministry.”

Tony studied for ministry at Wesley College and was sent by the Methodist Conference to Loxton for his first placement.

“My Loxton experience was far scarier than I had expected.

In those days there was no such thing as Clinical Pastoral Education – I experienced my first funeral just two weeks before my appointment.

“In my first two months at Loxton I conducted about six or eight funerals, some of which were rather traumatic experiences.

“There were six churches in the Loxton Parish and I would always preach at least four or five times on a Sunday.

“Even as a 26 year old, I was utterly exhausted by Monday.

I developed a good friendship with the local Catholic priest and we played golf on Mondays to relax.”

It was while he was in

his next appointment at Broken Hill South that Tony responded to an advertisement in the SA Methodist for a founding editor of the Central Times, (a tabloid journalism initiative by the SA Methodist Conference and a forerunner to New Times).

He wrote a submission and was promptly given the job.

While Tony was committed to the importance of communication in the life of the church, he quickly realised he needed to get some professional training.

He completed a public relations certificate, followed by a Journalism degree, all while working full time at the Central Times.

In the late 1970s Tony went to England, Canada and the United States to research changing trends in religious communications. He came home realising he already had the answers.

Tony and his wife used their life savings to produce the first edition of Editor’s Clip Sheets – a publication providing editorial and graphic resources for churches.

There was a huge demand for the publication and MediaCom was born.

Central to Tony’s life has been his commitment and

She is enjoying the role which involves “facilitating effective relationships between UnitingCare agencies and chaplains and the wider church”.

Michaela says her call to ministry was far from a blinding call and more an on-going affirmation of what other people saw in her.

“God just seems to work through people. Other people identified things and had confidence in me, and that

was affirmed by the various councils of the church.”

She believes she was “formed” at college and thinks the church should take more risks in accepting candidates and more responsibility for forming and preparing people for ministry.

“We also need to create easy pathways to ministry and have an environment which will attract and nurture younger people.”

Tony fought the idea at first

FEBRUARY 2007

involvement in the Rosefield congregation where he has served as associate minister for 35 years.

“I preach at least once a month. I love preaching and I’ll continue to preach while I still get a buzz out of it.

“Ministry is a lifelong

vocation – one never retires - I’m just going to have a slight sea change.

“I’ll come to the office a little less, enjoy my granddaughters a little more and my coffee intake with my wife will increase.”

YEAR OF CALL

New Times

7

Working in the community ONE OF THE Uniting Church SA’s newest ordinands, Rev Sandy Boyce (pictured), describes her calling as more of an unfolding awareness, rather than a “Road to Damascus” revelation.

At 54, Sandy is typical of the generally more mature people choosing a ministry career.

Previously Sandy taught for 20 years and then worked as a youth worker in a local congregation as well as in the Synod office.

She presently coordinates the People in Mission program, supporting volunteers in overseas mission placements.

Sandy’s minister suggested several years ago that she consider ordained ministry. That sparked a long process of discernment “I struggled with the idea,” she said. “It sat uneasily with me for a long time. But it didn’t go away.”

She began theological studies at Parkin Wesley College in 1993, long before she candidated.

“That was an invitation into the dance for me – where the steps are sometimes known and sometimes not. But God is the choreographer and you trust the choreographer.”

At the time Sandy was an active member at Rosefield Uniting Church, where she still worships.

“I loved leading worship, preparing liturgies and taking theological studies, but I just didn’t see myself as a congregational minister,” she said.

Some time later during a trip to India Sandy experienced a significant “aha moment”.

“People approached me for prayer.

This happened repeatedly. I began to see these ministry opportunities as part of my call to ministry in the community.”

Sandy said that, while it took her some time to hear her call, it was important that it was genuine.

“You have to go on your own journey. You have to own your sense of calling. Ministry is hard. It burns people up and you have to know that your journey is authentic.”

As to why younger people aren’t choosing ministry as a career, Sandy believes it may be because they perceive the church is too institutionalised.

“Young people are keen to get involved in practical ministry opportunities and to learn on the job.

“They generally don’t want to put ministry on hold while they go through all the steps necessary for ordained ministry.”

Heeding the call to ministry THE UNITING Church is being challenged to identify and raise up future leaders – particularly people who may be suitable for ordained ministry.

Nationally the church is facing a severe shortage of ministers in the next few years. In South Australia about a third of the 150 ministers and deacons in placement are expected to retire in the next six years. The shortage is compounded by the fact that ministers are tending to train later in life and retire early, having a much shorter career span.

In this two part series JILL FREEAR talks to ministers about what brought them towards a ministry vocation and asks them where that life led them. We will finish the series in the next issue.

© Copyright 2007 Edi Leane. Artwork not to be reproduced in any way without the written permission by Edi Leane of Joie Creative. All Rights Reserved.

To advertise in New Times: Contact Russell Baker phone 8361 6822 fax 8361 6833 email ribad@bigpond.com

FEBRUARY 2007

8

MAGAZINE

New Times

Uniting Church SA 2007: Dates to remember Friday, February 16, from 11am, UC Invest/UnitingCare Fundraising Golf Day. Details, phone 8236 4227, email paul@sa.uca.org.au.

Tuesday, February 20, all day, UnitingCare’s National Pancake Day, phone 1800 060 543, email address info@pancakeday.com.au.

Wednesday, February 21, Ash Wednesday.

Friday, March 2, World Day of Prayer.

Saturday, March 3, 9.30am - 4pm.

One day workshop: An Introduction to Biblical Storytelling in the Year of Luke. Sponsored by Network of Biblical Storytellers, SA Chapter, contact Gillian Powis: nobssa@gmail.com or Marnie Agnew: kucanews@sa.uca.org.au,phone 82364245 (Tues, Wed or Fri).

Tuesday, March 6, – Wednesday March 7, St Andrew’s Symposium. presented

by St Andrew’s Hospital Foundation and UnitingCare SA, enquiries www.standrewssymposium.net.au.

Friday evening, March 16 – Sunday, March 18, “Grow and Go” Lay Ministry Weekend, phone 8416 8427, email rosalie.upton@flinders.edu.au.

Saturday, March 31 – Friday, April 20 – Mission Ignition Return Visit by five young people representing the Church of Christ in Thailand.

Sunday, April 1, Palm Sunday.

Thursday, April 5, Maundy Thursday.

FEBRUARY 2007

Friday, April 6, Good Friday.

Sunday, April 8, Easter Sunday.

Friday, April 13, 6pm, President’s Table Dinner, phone 8236 4260, email jo@sa.uca.org.au.

Saturday, April 14, SA Council of Churches AGM and celebration, “Towards a Spirituality of Ecumenism: Thanksgiving for Ecumenism in SA during the past 50 years,” phone 8221 6633, email sacc@picknowl.com.au Saturday, April 14 – Saturday, April 21, Youth Week.

Saturday, April 28 – Sunday April 29, KCO (KUCA Camp Out), phone 8236 4246, email kco@sa.uca.org.au.

Sunday, May 6, 2007, Frontier Services Sunday, phone 8236 4231, email frontier@sa.uca.org.au.

Friday May 11 – Saturday May 12, Presbytery and Synod of SA meeting (Urban focus), phone 8227 0822, email events@sa.uca.org.au.

Saturday, May 26, Sorry Day. Sunday, May 27, 2007, Reconciliation Sunday, start of National Aboriginal Reconciliation Week, Week of Prayer for Reconciliation and Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Tuesday, June 12, Minister’s Day, phone 8227 0822, email address davidb@sa.uca. org.au. Sponsored by Uniting Foundation.

Sunday, June 17, Simply Sharing Week begins, phone 8221 6633, email sacc@picknowl.com.au.

Friday, June 22, Uniting Church’s birthday.

Sunday, July 1, NAIDOC week begins.

Saturday, July 21, National Children’s Ministry Conference (Melbourne), sponsored by Uniting Foundation, phone 8236 4281, email address heidi@sa.uca. org.au, more info www.sa.uca.org.au/ goto/children_youth.

Saturday, July 21, SA Council of Churches general meeting, phone 8221 6633, email sacc@picknowl.com.au.

Friday evening, July 27 – Sunday July 29, Biblical Storytelling weekend, Sponsored by Network of Biblical Storytellers SA Chapter, email Gillian Powis, nobssa@gmail.com, or Marnie Agnew, kucanews@sa.uca.org.au, or phone 82364245 (Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday).

Friday July 27 – Sunday July 29, Presbytery and Synod of SA Meeting (Urban focus), phone 08 8227 0822, email events@sa.uca.org.au Friday July 27 – Sunday July 29, Earth Leadership for Life weekend, email earth@rosefield.org.au.

Sunday, August 26, Migrant and Refugee Sunday.

Friday, September 21, International Day of Peace.

Friday evening, September 28 – Sunday September 30, SAYCO (SA Youth Camp Out), phone 8236 4246, email sayco@sa.uca.org.au.

Sunday, September 30, Social Justice Sunday.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007, Eradication of Poverty Day. Sunday, October 21, Children’s Sunday.

Sunday, October 21, International Day of Peace.

Wednesday, October 31, 6pm, Young Person’s President’s Table Dinner, phone 8236 4260., email jo@sa.uca.org.au.

Thursday November 1 – Monday November 5, Presbytery and Synod of SA annual meeting, phone number 8227 0822, email events@sa.uca.org. au.

Saturday, November 3, SA Council of Churches general meeting, phone 8221 6633, email sacc@picknowl.com.au.

Saturday, December 1, World AIDS Day. Sunday, December 2, First Suday of Advent.

Monday, December 3, International Day of People with a Disability.

Wednesday, December 5, International Volunteers Day. Thursday, December 25, Christmas Day.

NOTEBOOK

New Times MISSION Network representatives are invited to a “Train the Trainer” session (following the National Church Life Survey), to be held on Monday, March 19 in the afternoon and evening at the Uniting Church SA office, level 2, 212 Pirie Street. A workshop for congregations will be held on Friday, April 20, in the evening and on the morning of Saturday, April 21, at Adelaide West UC. Enquiries to Heather Bald on 8236 4243 or email heather@sa.uca.org.au.

PANCAKE Day sermon notes and children’s ministry resources are available on the UnitingCare website, www. sa.unitingcare.org.au. (Select the Pancake Day page and click on resources). Sermon notes are suitable for worship services, Bible studies and small groups. The children’s ministry resources are perfect for kids clubs, Sunday school or holiday programs. If you would like to register to hold a Pancake Day event contact Ruth on 1800 060 543.

THE GIANT Adelaide Easter Party is an ecumenical event organised by the churches in the Adelaide CBD. Enjoy free food and entertainment on Sunday March 25 from 12.30pm to 3.30pm in Hindmarsh Square.

A PLANNING to Plant conference featuring Rev Dr Martin Robinson, UK National Director of Together in Mission will be held on Wednesday, February 7, at Holy Trinity Church, 87 North Terrace, Adelaide.

For more information and to register, visit

9

For more Uniting Church events, visit Uniting Church online www.sa.uca.org.au and click on “What’s On”. There is also an online form which you can fill out to contribute notices to Notebook. www.gospeloutreach.com.au/resources/ MRConferenceBrochure.pdf.

KATHY Galloway from the Iona Community will be at Nunyara Chapel, Belair on March 23 and 24. Enquiries to Heather Bald on 8236 4243 or email heather@sa.uca.org.au.

SPONSORS are needed to help educate children in Mwandi, Zambia. Contact Jane Carey on 8684 2173 or email ajcarey@ aapt.net.au.

OAKLANDS and Wesley Warradale linked congregations are holding closing worship services on Sunday, February 11, before reopening at the Oaklands site on February 18, 2008. Worship on February 11 is at 9.15am at Oaklands, and 10.30am at Wesley Warradale. Call 8377 1946 for further details.

LOUIE Giglio, director of Passion Conferences, and Bo Boshers from Willowcreek are the keynote speakers at the annual “Out Of The Valley” Youth and Young Adult Leadership Conference

to be held from May 17 to 19 at Edge City Church. For more information or to register please call 83960788 or visit www.outofthevalley.com.

DRAMATICS, a drama playgroup for pre-school children, is being held on Friday mornings during the school term from 10am to 12 noon at Kensington Park Uniting Church, 286 Kensington Road, Leabrook. For more information contact Ruthmary Bond on 0407 608 000.

FRANCIS Macnab, a psychologist and Minister of the Word, will be the guest speaker at a breakfast on Thursday, February 15, at 7.30am. Cost is $30.00 and places are limited. To book contact Heather Bald on 8236 4243 or Ian Price on 8236 4236.

THE NATIONAL and World Mission Support committee invite people interested in church outreach to their state mission fellowship on Tuesday, February 27, at 10.30am at Scots Church, North Terrace.

Contact Joy Dunning on 8295 7745.

FEBRUARY 2007

10

MAGAZINE

New Times

David Hicks

PARKIN - WESLEY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

THE Uniting Church urged the Federal Government to secure the immediate release of David Hicks on the eve of nation-wide protests marking the fifth anniversary of his incarceration.

Uniting Church President, Rev Gregor Henderson, said David Hicks should be returned to Australia immediately and that any charges against him should be dealt with under Australian or international law.

“We strongly support the current efforts for David Hicks to be released from Guantanamo Bay and returned to his family and community here in Australia,” he said.

Level 2, 212 Pirie Street, Adelaide. GPO Box 2145 Adelaide SA 5001 Phone (08) 8236 4260 Fax (08) 8236 4265 Email: newtimes@sa.uca.org.au www.sa.uca.org.au

Telling stories about an innovative, growing church which is proclaiming Jesus Christ and is empowered by the Spirit to transform God’s world.

Who we are: New Times is a monthly tabloid news magazine serving the Uniting Church SA. It is published 11 times a year with a combined January-February issue. New Times is a member of the Australasian Religious Press Association. It has won the Gutenberg award for excellence in religious publication. Its editor has won the same award for excellence in religious communications.

Advertising: To advertise contact Russell Baker, phone 8361 6822, fax 8361 6865, email ribad@bigpond.com New Times accepts advertising in good faith. Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement.

Deadlines and distribution dates: March issue: Closing date for contributions, Wednesday, February 7; distributed, Sunday, March 4. • April issue: Closing date for contributions, Tuesday, March 13; distributed, Sunday, April 8. • May issue: Closing date for contributions, Tuesday, April 10; distributed, Sunday, May 6. • June issue: Closing date for contributions, Tuesday, May 8; distributed, Sunday, June 3. • July issue: Closing date for contributions, Tuesday, June 5; distributed, Sunday, July 1. • August issue: Closing date for contributions, Wednesday, July 11; distributed, Sunday, August 5. • September issue: Closing date for contributions, Wednesday, August 8; distributed, Sunday, September 2. • October issue: Closing date for contributions, Tuesday, September 11; distributed, Sunday, October 7. • November issue: Closing date for contributions, Wednesday, October 10; distributed, Sunday, November 4. • December issue: Closing date for contributions, Wednesday, November 7; distributed, Sunday, December 2.

Subscriptions: New Times is distributed free to Uniting Churches in SA. You can also subscribe and have New Times posted to you.

Subscriptions cost $30 if you are within SA, $35 if you are interstate, $40 if you are overseas.

Submitted material: New Times does not take responsibility for returning submitted photographs or other material.

Our partners: Many of our readers support New Times by making a gift to help us keep up with our costs. Gifts can be sent to us at GPO Box 2145, Adelaide, 5001.

Distribution: We are distributed on the first Sunday of each month.

Opinions: Opinions expressed in New Times do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the policies of the Uniting Church.

Editor: Nicholas Kerr. Assistant: Jo Watts.

New Times is designed by Edi Leane and Les Colston of Joie Creative, PO Box 29, Kent Town, SA 5071 and printed by Cadilac, 64 Kinkaid Avenue, North Plymton, SA 5037

Deadline

FEBRUARY 2007

MARCH 2007 issue: Deadline for contributions, Wednesday, February 7. The issue will be distributed on Sunday, March 4.

M A G A Z I N E

New Times

100 went to Perth New centre planned From page 2.

From page 3.

This saw delegates going to prison, rehabilitation centres and drop-in centres, as well as hearing from organisations such as the Micah Challenge and Operation Mobilisation.

A public rally was held on Saturday night, so people from churches all across Perth and its surrounds came to join with the delegates and hear Pete Rollins speak.

Nite Life followed each night rally. Delegates could listen to live music on the main stage, watch thought provoking movies in the movie tent, be creative in the Artspace, or chill out and chat with other delegates over a “mocktail” at the Mock and Mingle.

Sunday was Community Day. Members from each NCYC community went to a Perth church community to share in the service (and a hearty church luncheon!) and to encourage them.

“NCYC ’09: Converge” was launched with a bang on Monday night at the end of the farewell rally. Armed with stickers, t-shirts and rego forms, members of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania invited us to come to Melbourne for what promises to be another exciting convention.

“We hope the new ministry centre will have a mission type presence, children’s and family activities, craft and coffee groups, an Op Shop and a drop-in coffee shop or café.”

Lay minister David Kowalick said Fishgate members are looking forward to relocating from the Glengowrie Uniting Church hall into a new permanent home.

Hodgkison Architects have won the tender to design and manage the new South West Ministry centre project, which will be built in concrete, steel, masonry and glass.

One striking feature of the design is the two large blades which slice through the centre of the building. One of the blades features a stylised cross in a cut out circle.

The sanctuary will have a glass wall providing views of a contemplative garden.

The new centre is one of the Uniting Church SA’s priority mission projects.

11

Classifieds WORK WANTED EXPERIENCED GARDENER Roses pruned. I am your spare pair of hands Phone 8346 0933 CARPETS LAID. Expert repairs.

0417 872 105 or 8344 4725

ACCOMMODATION MARION BAY HOLIDAY HOUSE Sea views, large deck, sleeps 5/6, new home, off peak and pensioner rates.

Phone 0402 088 279.

FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY Long term, independent accomm. avail. for quiet living, mature person (or couple) in

lovely, full equipped home within beautiful, tranquil gardens.

Private large bedroom with use of own kitchen, bathroom and laundry etc. (Garage available).

Easy walk to shopping complex and transp in sthrn metro Adelaide. No smokers, children or alcohol. Consider pets. Rates negotiable to right person/s. ph 08 8325 2915 or 0417 867 077

Give AWAY Taperoo U/C have a Hammond Organ, with Leslie, to give away. Model no.L122. Anyone interested can contact Frank Jewell on 8248 1106

Our Vision

A compassionate, respectful and just community in which all people participate and flourish.

Please visit:

Board Members

www.ucwesleyadelaide.org.au

UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide is a large community service agency of the Uniting Church in Australia. It is a dynamic and innovative organization, working across a wide range of areas of service delivery and community building. An important aspect of our work is a focus on social policy and advocacy.

We are seeking three people who share our vision to join our Board of Directors in a voluntary capacity.

Expressions of interest are particularly invited from people with qualifications and experience in one of the following areas: • law • social policy and advocacy • finance and management For information on the role of the Board, contact Beth Alcock on 8202 5886.

Expressions of Interest accompanied by a CV detailing relevant experience should be forwarded to Sue Park, Chief Executive Officer, UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide, GPO Box 2534, Adelaide SA 5001, by COB Friday 16 February 2007.

A24031

UnitingCareWesley Adelaide

FEBRUARY 2007

12

MAGAZINE

New Times

‘Creation’ for Scots Church

BLACKWOOD Uniting Church member, artist and teacher Julie Haddrick has created a unique work of art, “Creation,” for Scots Uniting Church Fellowship.

Julie spent six months designing and making the “Creation” quilt, which features a fig tree as the central element of the design.

Julie said the colourful quilt contains aspects of the South Australian landscape as well as symbolic plants and animals.

“The butterfly, for example, serves as a reminder of the seasons and life cycles as well as being a symbol of the resurrection and eternal life,” she said.

Julie has hand dyed, printed, stencilled, drawn and painted many of the fabrics in the quilt.

It was then machine pieced, embroidered, appliquéd and quilted.

Julie believes the quilt is probably her best yet. She had many offers to buy it when it was displayed at a recent craft fair.

Julie has also made a second smaller quilt for Scots Church, “Fruits of the Spirit” which features doves and ribbons.

In 2005 one of Julie’s quilts featuring the Flinders Ranges won the Best of Australia at the World Quilt Competition in America.

Prize winning artist, Julie Haddrick, with her “Creation” quilt.

Promote your services this Easter Rows of colourful Easter eggs, symbolising new life, feature on the Uniting Church SA’s Easter 2007 postcard.

The postcard is available for congregations wishing to promote their Easter services and activities to their local community.

The Easter postcard campaign comes hard on the heels of the successful “Find peace this Christmas” promotional postcard which showed an image of a sleeping baby.

Last year 72 congregations ordered and distributed more than 100,000 Christmas postcards.

Once again the cover design of the Easter postcard is fixed, but congregations can print their service and contact details on the reverse side of the card.

The words on the front of the card are: “Some things are better shared…” and on the reverse the card reads: “You’re invited to share Easter with us this year”.

Orders close on Friday February 23 and cards will be available to pick up from the church office from March 19 onwards.

For further information or to place an order visit www.sa.uca.org.au/ easter, or contact Jo Watts on 8236 4260 or email jo@sa.uca.org.au.

FEBRUARY 2007