New Times - February 2008

Issue 27, No 1 February 2008 www.sa.uca.org.au/goto/NTfeb08

Rural resilience

PP 565 001/00190 ISSN 0726-2612

Toughing it out through drought and bushfire

Communities in rural Australia continue to suffer from the effects of severe drought. UC Invest has provided over $1 million in funding to help ensure the Uniting Church can continue to provide an effective ministry to rural South Australia into the future.

Every investor helps UC Invest make a difference.

UC Invest is an activity of The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (S.A.) ABN: 25 068 897 781. UC Invest and the Uniting Church SA are not supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. Investments lodged with UC Invest are not protected by the provisions of the Banking Act (1959). UC Invest is designed for investors who wish to promote the charitable purposes of the Uniting Church SA.

inside…

Church leaders in Middle East 2 • Call for climate change action 3 • Surviving the drought 5 Riverland’s tough time 8/9 • Quilts raise funds 11 • Resourcing rural congregations 12 • Contemplative worship 15

2

NEWS

New Times

Australian church leaders visit Jerusalem and the Holy Land In December UCA Assembly President Rev Gregor Henderson and Assembly General Secretary Terence Corkin were part of a delegation of Australian church leaders that visited Jerusalem and the Holy Land.

The nine member delegation aimed to express friendship and support for Christians in Palestine and Israel; meet with Jewish and Muslim faith leaders and representatives of the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority; and help Australians more fully understand and respond to the situation in Israel and Palestine.

The leaders issued the following statement.

It was a profound privilege to visit Palestine and Israel. We felt welcome and safe, and greatly appreciated the friendship and hospitality extended to us. We consulted widely, visiting the Old City of Jerusalem, West and East Jerusalem, Hebron, Jenin, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and refugee camps where churches are providing humanitarian support. We met with Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders, Israeli government and Palestinian National Authority representatives, and civic and human rights leaders.

We have been encouraged by international efforts toward a just peace renewed at Annapolis, and by the desire for negotiations between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian National Authority.

We were distressed to hear Palestinians, both Christian and Muslim, relate the suffering and fear experienced daily by large numbers of their people.

We saw and heard evidence of systematic harassment, physical and psychological oppression, widespread unemployment, poverty, and economic deprivation, resulting directly or indirectly from Israeli military occupation of the West Bank. Their suffering compels us to respond, and we assure Palestinians of our compassion and concern.

We visited Yad Vashem and laid a wreath in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. We heard of Israeli grief and pain resulting from violent attacks and continuing fear of terrorist activity. We condemn all acts of terrorism and assure Israelis of our compassion and concern.

We recognise the complex nature of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. We strongly affirm the right of both Israel and Palestine to political autonomy, security and self-determination. We join with a large majority of the people of Palestine and Israel in longing for a just and lasting peace. We understand the reluctance to make concessions or to trust those who are the source of fear and oppression, but the time for courageous and inspiring leadership has come.

We support actions to enable Israel and Palestine to negotiate just outcomes on borders, settlements, water, refugees, prisoners, Jerusalem, and security.

We are particularly concerned by the imprisonment of teenagers, mothers with dependent children, and those detained without trial for long periods. We encountered the debilitating effects on the Palestinian economy and impacts on daily life of the segregated road system, the proliferation of checkpoints and road blocks throughout the West Bank, restrictions on movement of people and goods, and the effective isolation of Palestinian communities from one another.

We were repeatedly told that these matters stand in the way of a just peace.

We are heartened by important signs of hope in the face of persistent difficulties. The emergence in Jerusalem of the Council for Religious Institutions promises greater understanding and cooperation among Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders and communities. Human rights organisations in both Palestine and Israel undertake significant and

Members honoured Two Uniting Church SA members have been named in the recent Australia Day Honours List.

Kenneth Smith from Meadows Uniting Church has been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to the dairy industry in South Australia.

Linda MacGillivray has been awarded a medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to children, particularly through the Guiding movement; to young people with a disability, and to the Uniting Church in Australia.

Linda is an elder at Brougham Place Uniting Church and has been involved in Sunday school and Christian Education for 15 years.

ISSN 0726-2612 Acting editor: Jill Freear, Ph 8236 4230, email newtimes@sa.uca.org.au Advertising: Russell Baker, Ph 8361 6822, email ribad@bigpond.com Circulation: Jo Watts, Ph 8236 4260, email jo@sa.uca.org.au Production: Joie Creative Printer: Cadillac Printing Circulation: 12,000 Distribution: On the first Sunday of the month Editorial deadline for March: 5 February Advertising deadline for March: 7 February New Times is published 11 times a year by the Uniting Church SA Communications Unit.

Articles and advertising content do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or of the Uniting Church.

New Times articles and policies are published on the Uniting Church SA website www.sa.uca.org.au.

Office: Level 2, 212 Pirie Street, Adelaide. GPO Box 2145 Adelaide, SA 5001.

FEBRUARY 2008

sometimes dangerous work with courage and passion.

Vibrant educational and cultural initiatives are evident in oppressed communities and refugee camps.

We ask Australian churches to: • pray for a just and lasting peace for Jerusalem and the Holy Land; • encourage the Australian Government to take more action to support a just and lasting peace for Israel and Palestine; • hear the stories of the suffering and oppression, perseverance and hope of the people of the Holy Land; • sponsor aid and development projects in the West Bank and Gaza; • support the status of Jerusalem as an open city for all faiths and peoples; • encourage Australian Christians to visit the Holy Land and foster relationships with Palestinian Christians; • build stronger relationships with Jewish and Muslim communities in Australia.

Our common humanity and legitimate desires for security and freedom can drive the peace process forward. We are confident that a just and lasting peace for Palestine and Israel can be realised.

The letter was signed by the following church leaders: Archbishop Phillip Aspinall - Anglican Church, Rev Rod Benson - Baptist Union, Dr Kevin Bray - Churches of Christ, Archbishop Francis Carroll - Roman Catholic Church, Rev Terence Corkin – UCA, Lyndsay Farrall - Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Rev Gregor Henderson – UCA, Rev John Henderson - National Council of Churches, Rev Merrill Kitchen - Churches of Christ.

UnitingJustice welcomes end of ‘Pacific solution’ The Rudd Government’s initiative to end the detention of asylum seekers on the island of Nauru has been welcomed by the Uniting Church.

Rev Elenie Poulos, national director of UnitingJustice, has praised Immigration Minister, Chris Evans’ decision to provide refugee status to the seven Burmese men on Nauru.

“We congratulate the Federal Government on taking important steps to provide resettlement opportunities to these seven men who have been held on the island for more than a year,” Elenie said.

“We are pleased that the Minister has promised to quickly review the cases of the remaining refugees and asylum seekers and to end the practice of detention on Nauru.”

Elenie said the Uniting Church fully supports the dismantling of the ‘Pacific Solution’, set up by the previous Federal Government.

“The Pacific Solution has put us in breach of our international refugee obligations and

adversely affected our reputation as a country committed to upholding human rights.

“It has been a cruel policy with detrimental effects on refugees, some of whom were detained for more than three years.

“This policy, which has cost millions of dollars, has seen refugees languishing on Nauru and Manus Islands for years with no access to proper services and appropriate representation, and no clear hope for future resettlement.

“We welcome action to dismantle the ‘Pacific Solution’ policy and to provide refugees with resettlement opportunities within the Australian community.”

Uniting Church in Australia members, congregations and agencies around the country are involved in caring for refugees and asylum seekers and advocating for just and appropriate policies which uphold their rights and respond positively to their needs.

The Uniting Church has spoken out against the Pacific Solution since its inception.

Verdun Uniting Church Progressive, Non-dogmatic, Caring. Sunday Gatherings 10am.

8388 0163 Between invocation and benediction is the possibility of speaking justice Maren C. Tirabassi

COMMENT

New Times

3

Where is God’s hand in the drought?

Rev Dr Andrew Dutney

It’s not the place of an Adelaide-based academic to tell Riverland people the theological meaning of drought. Where is God in this disaster? That’s the right question. But I’m not the person to answer it. It’s a question that comes out of their relationship with God. It replies to God’s anxious call in the garden, ‘Adam, where are you?’

It echoes Jesus’ cry from the cross, ‘Why have you forsaken me?’

However I can reflect on 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 in which God says that, in a time of drought, if the people ‘will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways …I will forgive their sin and will heal their land’. That sounds promising. Just get everyone to turn to God and the heavens will open. But that’s too neat.

In any case Jesus taught that God doesn’t play favourites.

(Matthew 5:43-48) ‘He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous’.

The weather won’t change even if everyone becomes a Christian.

But the general themes in

the passage from 2 Chronicles are relevant. People and the land are spiritually related. God relates to us as communities, not just individuals. Neglecting our relationship with God has real consequences. God is the source and sustainer of life.

Riverland people will tell us how these themes play out today, in this drought and in their relationship with God. People also ask, Should we pray for rain? Yes - it’s part of the ‘daily bread’ that Jesus taught us to pray for. We should always pray for what we need.

Turning to God for help doesn’t mean ignoring expert advice or ceasing to help ourselves. Praying for rain is practicing and refreshing our relationship with God, the source and sustainer of everything. That relationship nourishes the resilience we need to persevere and flourish. So we should pray for rain, placing ourselves, our community and all that we love in the hands of God. And with our hearts centred in God, we should do the things that will give us the best chance of surviving this drought.

Church joins call for action We can turn threat into opportunity and create exciting new business opportunities and jobs. We can secure our water supplies, our health, our agriculture and our enviable way of life. We can protect low income and vulnerable Australians, together with our near neighbours.

“We can and must spare our children the legacy of dangerous climate change.

“We call on all parties to join us and create a clean, safe future for our children.”

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The Uniting Church has joined an unprecedented alliance of groups, representing nearly every sector of Australian society, in issuing a statement calling on all political parties to rise to the challenge of tackling climate change.

The alliance includes big business, churches, farmers, doctors, community, consumer and development groups, miners and environmentalists.

The statement, run in prominent advertisements in major daily newspapers at the end of November, urged the nation’s political leaders to dramatically cut greenhouse pollution, play a global, climate leadership role and make Australia a world leader in clean and renewable energy.

“Our scientists are now warning that urgent and decisive action is needed to avoid dangerous climate change,” the statement said.

“We have great faith in Australians. We believe Australia is uniquely placed to meet the pressing challenge of climate change just as it has overcome many great challenges before.

“We are an ingenious and enterprising nation.

& ask for Gayle FEBRUARY 2008

4

Advertorial The Uniting Foundation is a major provider of funding for exciting and forward looking projects that are expected to have a major impact on the future mission and ministry of the Uniting Church to the SA community.

The Foundation is also a proud sponsor of some of the future dreams and visions of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress.

Congratulations to the following successful applicants: Leadership Development Projects Applicant Name

Project

Amount

Rev Ian Hunter

Spirit Journeys.

$7,900

Rev Jonathan Davies

Doctorate of Ministry Scholarship.

$49,600

State Wide Leadership

Global Leadership Summit, Ministers’ Day 2008,

Up to

Development Events for 2008

Out of the Valley Conference and Presbytery Resourcing Days.

$115,000

Seed Funding and Innovative Project Grants Applicant Name

Project

Amount

Maughan UCA

Centre of Welcome - program of support for

$120,000

refugee / migrant families.

over 3 years

Children’s Outreach and Ministry Program.

$120,687

Adelaide West UCA

over 3 years Strategic Plan Leadership

Australian Leadership Magazine in partnership with

$51,000

Core Team

Mediacom and Easum Bandy and Associates.

over 3 years

Blitz Youth, Naracoorte UCA

‘Strength’ program for Year 8 boys, Naracoorte High School.

$25,870 over 3 years

Port Augusta UAICC

Case Manager for Tjinatjunanyi (Footprints to Freedom)

$100,000

Faith Community

– program of schooling for Aboriginal students previously

over 2 years

dis-engaged from the school system.

Next grant round closing date March 15th 2008 Want to know more?

Karen Granger

Listening to the de-churched. Research project to

Up to $20,500

understand and analyse needs of people who were once part of the UCA.

Church Planting Applicant Name

Project

Amount

To explore your project idea or request an application form please contact Louise Johnson on

Tim Hein

Soul in the City / Awaken Faith Community - church plant.

$197,000

Phone: (08) 8236 4237 Email: grants@sa.uca.org.au

Gift Funding

www.sa.uca.org.au/goto/foundation

Want to help?

You can use the contact details on this page if you: Have a confidential enquiry about how best to support the Uniting Foundation by making a donation or leaving a bequest in your Will.

Want someone to talk to a group in your congregation about the work of the Uniting Foundation.

over 3 years

UC Invest are pleased to support the following congregations with Gift Funding:

Congregation

Project

Maitland

$5,500

Electronic worship upgrade

Ardrossan Parish

$2,700

Digital projector & lap top

Murray Bridge

$16,681

Thrift Shop shed extensions

Langhorne Creek

$10,000

Church roof re-placement

Nuriootpa

$15,303

New toilets, including access for disabled

Blackwood

$17,500

Car park upgrade

Flinders Parish

$774

Adelaide West

$15,000

Property upgrade: AV with cupboards

Gawler

$35,000

Youth Pastor

Clearview Mylor Cornerstone

FEBRUARY 2008

Amount

$5,000 $17,000 $5,000

Replace photocopier

Windows repair Electrical re-wiring Data projector & lap top

NEWS

New Times

5

Surviving the drought Stone fruit grower Michael Trautwein is like many others in the Riverland. He has been forced to rip out some of the trees on his 115 acre property simply because is not economical to keep watering them.

allocations keep changing.

Michael’s family have been growing stone fruit in the area since 1960. The past two years have been the toughest they have ever experienced. In the past year they have removed 25 per cent of their orchard.

Michael says while some growers tried to save on water this season, he didn’t, even though his business was not in a strong financial position.

Yet Michael is philosophical.

“We took a serious look at the business and took out crops that were providing marginal returns. We also removed trees that were due to be replaced in the next two to three years anyway as part of our on-going redevelopment program.”

Stone fruit trees are replaced every 10 to 15 years, unlike citrus trees which have a 25 to 40 year life span. The situation has been much tougher for the citrus growers because if they remove 10-year-old trees it affects their capital.

“The way I’d describe this to city dwellers is that it is like bulldozing half your house, having your income halved, still having to service your mortgage, needing to get another loan to rebuild your house and then servicing all

The Government recently lifted the allocation from 16 to 32 per cent; but come July this year no one knows what their allocation will be. That depends on how much rain falls in the Murray-Darling Basin.

Stone fruit grower Michael Trautwein (right) with Uniting Church SA rural mission planner Malcolm Wilson; behind them are some of the fruit trees that have been removed on Michael’s orchard.

the debt on half your income,” says Michael.

While many growers in the district are in financial and emotional strife, Michael’s positive outlook and his Christianity are helping him through. He and his family attend a nearby Lutheran Church congregation.

“Our outlook is that God gives and God takes and there’s not much we can do about it,” he says. “People focus too much on what they have; their identity is tied up in their possessions. It’s not what

you have, but what you are.

And we believe that God will provide.

“You’ve got to have a long term and a short term business plan – you’ve got to plan to be here for ever and also just plan to survive.

“We’ve had to tighten our belts. Even the kids know they’ve got to buy what’s discounted or on special when they’re out shopping.”

In the present climate it is difficult for the blockies (fruit growers) to make sound business decisions as water

“Some tried to save on water during the cell division period.

Now they’ve got small fruit, which is worth less, and a lower yield which costs more to pick and pack.

“We knew we had to do it properly. We were lucky. We’ve got a good crop. However we made some bad decisions last season which cost us half a million dollars. That had nothing to do with the drought; it was just bad management.

We’ve had to learn from that and move on.”

Michael, like many other growers, is in the process of switching from spray irrigators to drippers. This will effectively halve his water usage. Some of the infrastructure costs will be recouped through a $20,000 Government grant.

Despite all the difficulties of the past two years, this season he is hoping to make a cash-

flow profit. “We are happy with where we are at now – but we never count our chickens til all the money is in the bank.

“We’re part of a growerowned marketing company in this region. Coles is our best paying customer, so we’re reducing our exports and building a stronger relationship with Coles.”

Michael believes the only injustice in the drought is that SA Water (and its customers) do not pay commercial rates for water.

“Adelaide residents are not paying for the cost of the water shortage, they are just paying for the infrastructure and the cost of pumping water to the house. City people should be paying an extra dollar a kilolitre - and the average household probably uses 1,000 kilolitres a year. That cost should be passed on - that’s the reality.”

Michael believes there is a great opportunity for Riverland churches to connect with those doing it tough and to share God’s love. But he cautions that the response firstly needs to be practical. “Put food in people’s bellies. Drop food parcels on their doorsteps. Meet their physical needs first, and then meet their emotional and spiritual needs.”

Retired minister supports KI after fires Retired Uniting Church minister Rev John Magor was called in to support Uniting Church members on Kangaroo Island in the wake of the December fires which destroyed 95,000 hectares of mostly national park.

John served on Kangaroo Island from January 2000 til December 2004 and was the natural choice to fill the bridge ministry role, organised through the Post Disaster Pastoral Ministry group.

He provided pastoral care and support to church members for three weeks last month – filling the gap after Kingscote lay pastor Brian Scott left to take up a Riverland placement and prior to the arrival of new lay pastor Heather Willmot.

John personally supported many families impacted by the fires, including two Uniting Church families who lost livestock, fencing and wheat crops.

John said the work of Stokes Bay Uniting Church lay leader Des Pratt must also be recognised.

“Des has spent many hours listening and assessing people’s needs through his liaison role with the Rural Counselling Service,” said John.

“It’s been fantastic to see the way the community has pulled together to support each other in the aftermath of the fires. On the whole people are feeling well supported.

“Insurance companies have been helpful in arranging for replacement fencing and labour and various other agencies will cover lost income.

“Prayers from Uniting Church SA congregations will be appreciated in the coming months as island life and work gets back to normal. Some trauma related issues may yet arise and other practical needs may need to be met once the initial clean up is completed.

“It’s been personally rewarding and a privilege to be here to support those who were heavily involved in the firefighting effort or fearful for their own properties.”

“Locals really want to see visitors returning to the island, as tourism is an integral part of the island’s economy.”

Kingscote Uniting Church served as a public meeting point during the firefighting effort and was also a drop-off depot for food cooked by locals for the 700 fire-fighters and others involved in the emergency response.

Rob Willmott, (the husband of KI’s new lay pastor Heather Willmott) gives moral support to Gwen Rowsell. The December fires surrounded Gwen’s home and destroyed her ‘washhouse’ just a few metres away.

FEBRUARY 2008

6

COMMENT

Is drought a judgement?

Rev Deane Meatheringham, Uniting Church SA rural mission planner Is drought a judgment from God against human defiance? We do not like questions like this. In Scripture, droughts (or famines) are often part of the natural rhythm of the creation and its seasons and are not connected with human sin.

Dorothea McKellar describes Australia in her poem ‘My Country’, as a “sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains, of rugged mountain ranges, of droughts and flooding rains”.

We may agree with this and say that droughts are a feature of the land and we should expect them. We need to take care and discipline when deciding where to plant crops.

In the late 1890’s grain crops were grown in northern SA up as far as Nackera. The rains were okay at that time, but further experience revealed this was exceptional and the area was not suitable for cropping.

Unlike 2006, when the drought and frost left everything barren, this season in South Australia there is water in farm dams and in household rainwater tanks. However, the rain has been patchy. The drought is patchy. Rain has fallen in one area and not another. The unfairness of the distribution has meant that some people have reaped very little grain while others stand to make good money especially with higher grain prices this season.

We feel this keenly and some people ask, “where is the justice of God in such an unequal distribution of moisture? Is it right for God to pick and choose so arbitrarily?”

What Christians should know is that it is out of the sheer goodness of God that we receive rich things. It’s not because we have behaved well and are rewarded. In God’s becoming one with humankind, in the flesh and blood of Jesus, we are told that God has entered and experienced the unbearable hardship and grief of human beings in the creation. Our God is familiar with suffering.

We also know God used our own defiance of him

and hardness towards others to reconcile us to himself in the death of Christ.

Living in hope The Christian faith is not utopian, nor is it pessimistic or optimistic. It is realistic. It hopes for what God has promised though the salvation of Christ. It begins to live consistently in the light of what it hopes for in the future.

Suggesting that a Christian response to the current climate change crisis is to hope may be criticised as being somewhat weak. Am I merely saying just hope everything will turn out okay so that we can continue with our present lifestyle?

A more accurate way to see it is that as we anticipate what “we hope for” we commence to shape up for it by ordering our lives accordingly.

Without hope, we are hopeless and bereft of any future.

Croydon Park and Woodville Gardens Uniting Church minister Rev Kaye Colliver surrounded by children from Sierra Leone.

Expanding family

Croydon Park and Woodville Gardens Uniting Church minister Rev Kaye Colliver has gone above and beyond the call of duty, opening her home to ten new immigrants from Sierra Leone.

Looking to a future renewed creation, we The five adults and five children are all related to Woodville do not spoil or destroy God’s creation now. As Gardens church member and refugee Bakar Barrie who arrived in a farmer can work to renew the soil through Adelaide five years ago after escaping the civil war. replanting trees, using fewer chemicals and not Bakar’s father and eldest brother was shot dead during the over-working the land, so too we can work for conflict. The family fled. Bakar and his brother Mohammed spent the renewal of the world’s eco-system. time in a refugee camp in Ghana and the others have been in Guinea.

Faith can cause us not to consume as much In June some of the Barrie family arrived in Adelaide and in power through using inefficient air-conditioning late November there was another joyous reunion at Adelaide or by driving vehicles with large engines. We Airport when a further ten family members arrived. can question whether a city like Adelaide needs The family’s travel was assisted by the Uniting Church SA’s carbon-producing car races. We may choose to Refugee Support Fund. support the development of clean coal policies Bakar had not seen many of his seven surviving siblings since and technologies for sun and wind power.

1999 and had never met many of his nieces and nephews.

Christians can affect a powerful witness to Christ Kaye has been hosting ten of the new arrivals in the Woodville and his saving grace by their attitude and care of Gardens manse. The wider Barrie family live within walking the creation. distance and are helping the new arrivals to settle.

Christians who hope will also pray for the The men in the family are keen to find work, but first have deliverance of the creation from tyranny and to complete the mandatory 510 hours in English classes for new catastrophe. Providing we acknowledge our sins immigrants. in repentance and trust the full forgiveness of all Kaye said the family is being supported by various welfare our transgressions, we should be bold enough to agencies which have provided household furniture and basic pray for rain and for our daily basic needs along necessities. They are now looking for suitable housing in the with all humankind. We will be praying for God’s vicinity. will to be done on earth as it is in heaven and The Woodville Gardens and Croydon Park congregations are for his ultimate kingdom to come. also helping them integrate into Australian life.

The Uniting Church in Australia NSW Synod

Presbytery of Parramatta-Nepean Presbytery Minister Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced ordained or lay persons to fill this vital and fulfilling role with the primary purpose of exercising pastoral care and oversight of Ordained Ministers in placement.

The Presbytery covers much of Western Sydney with diverse cultural and socioeconomic groupings. The rapidly expanding population presents many opportunities to share with people the Good News of Jesus Christ.

In response to these opportunities a long range mission strategy is in place to encourage existing congregations and guide new mission initiatives.

The person appointed will work as an integral member of the Presbytery Leadership Team.

Additional information and the position description can be obtained from Trevor Knight tjk139@bigpond.net; 0423 112 614 or 02 9651 5539.

Applications close on 7th March 2008 and are to be addressed to:

Uniting Church NSW Sydney Associate Secretary, Ministry Mrs Meg Herbert PO Box A2178 Sydney South 1235

FEBRUARY 2008

MAGAZINE

New Times

7

Take a break

Supporting people through the drought: from left Waikerie Uniting Church Council chairperson Ross Copeland and Waikerie pastoral care worker Steve Davis.

Waikerie Uniting Church supports drought affected The on-going drought and lack of water for Riverland irrigators has given the church a unique opportunity to spread the Christian message, according to Waikerie Uniting Church members.

The congregation has recently employed pastoral care worker Steve Davis to support people during these tough times.

Steve says there is evidence that fruit growers in the district are starting to feel the pain, but he believes the worst is yet to come.

Because of the water restrictions, citrus, stone fruit and grape growers have been forced to let some of their crops die.

“They made plans according to the 16 per cent water

allocation and now the government has increased the allocation to 32 per cent many have been caught,” Steve says.

“They bought water at high prices which they wouldn’t have done if they had known the allocation was going to increase.”

Steve says there are more properties for sale in Waikerie right now than is normal.

He understands many are investment properties owned by growers who are being forced to cash up.

He says while welfare

agencies and service clubs can support growers’ practical needs, the church is in the unique position of being able to offer spiritual help.

“Our focus is on bringing people hope. We do that by telling people about Jesus what he’s done for them and how he will ultimately bring them peace,” says Steve.

Meanwhile Waikerie church council chairperson Ross Copeland is confident that the rains will come, but says in the meantime better water management is needed.

Uniting Church Camps and Conference Centres in South Australia are available free-of-charge to individuals and families affected by the drought and water restrictions in rural areas.

Nunyara Conference Centre in Belair, Adare Conference Centre in Victor Harbor, Tarooki Campsite at Robe and the Thuruna Campsite on the Lower Eyre Peninsula near Tumby Bay are offering up to seven nights accommodation for affected people needing a break.

The costs will be covered by the Uniting Church SA’s Drought Assistance Fund. Other costs, such as travel and meals, must be covered by those using the facilities.

Ministers and congregations may arrange a booking by contacting the relevant centre directly and stating that the booking is being made through the Uniting Church SA’s Drought Assistance Fund.

Ministers and church leaders are also encouraged to arrange for groups of families to spend a few days together.

Contact details for bookings are as follows: • Nunyara Conference Centre, 5 Burnell Drive, Belair, SA 5052, Ph (08) 8278 1673, email: bookings.nunyara@senet.com.au.

• Adare Conference Centre, Caravan Park and holiday units, Wattle Drive, McCracken, Victor Harbor, SA, 5211, Ph/Fax (08) 8552 1657, email: adarecentre@internode.on.net.au.

• Tarooki Campsite at Robe, Ph (08) 87 673 124, email: tarookicamp@bigpond.com.

• Thuruna Campsite, Coast Road, South Tumby Bay, SA 5607, Ph (08) 8688 8004, www.thuruna.com.au.

Attention Women!

Come, listen, and enjoy the

CWCI Weekend Convention 14 - 16 March 2008 Recreation Centre Victor Harbor High School

With 3 excellent speakers For more information & registration form please contact

Lee-Anne Walsh 8445 1886 Closing date for postal registrations 7th March 2008 Registrations accepted at the venue.

Come for the weekend or just for the day.

Pastoral Pathways Presents - Module 1 Come and discover the joys of sharing life’s journey with others.

Develop and Deepen your current Pastoral care skills and understanding.

Find pathways into working alongside others as part of a pastoral team in an agency or congregation

Monday 18th February at Seaton Uniting Church 7pm- 9.30pm Thursday 21st February at the Uniting Church Office, 212 Pirie St., Adelaide 1pm – 3.30pm Module 2 courses in Aged Care, Disabilities, Hospital Visiting and Congregational Care commencing April/May, 2008.

Enquires to Rev. Dianna Bartlett 8236 4283 or email pathways@sa.uca.org.au

FEBRUARY 2008

8

MAGAZINE

New Times

Tough times in the Riverland

Members of the Berri and Barmera congregations sit on the banks of the Murray River in Berri to show there’s plenty of water in the river for recreational purposes. Standing l to r: Tony Loffler and Ron Harris; Sitting l to r: Geoff Garden, John Chase, Rev Carol Chambers and John Petersen.

Jill Freear Members of the Berri and Barmera Uniting Church congregations are urging city people to visit the region to help boost the local economy.

The lack of rain in the MurrayDarling Basin in the past two years has dried up water supplies for agriculture and horticulture. It’s the worst drought recorded in 116 years.

They say media reports about the lack of water in the Murray are causing visitors to shun the area when tourism dollars could help inject much-needed cash into desperate businesses.

The reality is that while irrigators are struggling with dwindling water supplies, the Lock system ensures there is still sufficient water for boating, fishing and other recreational purposes.

Church members throughout the Riverland paint a bleak picture of how the on-going drought is affecting the region.

Blockies struggle Many fruit growers or ‘blockies’, (as they are called), are struggling to stay on the land. Some of the smaller growers have already gone.

Others want to leave but say the Government’s exit grant is inadequate.

And in the current climate no one is lining up to buy their properties.

FEBRUARY 2008

general George Goyder in 1865 to delineate cropping land from desert.

Recently, with some rainfall in the Murray-Darling catchments, the government increased Riverland water allocations from 16 to 32 per cent. But that’s been cold comfort for blockies who have let crops die and have bulldozed and burnt trees because they didn’t have enough water at crucial periods.

It’s also done nothing for farmers who leased water from upstream, some paying up to $1200 a megalitre. The price has now dropped to between $550 and $600 a megalitre. Some who borrowed up to $120,000 for water have technically lost around $50,000.

We’re feeling grief after being forced to turn off the water on some crops.

We’re only surviving thanks to Adelaide church members who are buying our sun-dried fruit.

Tony Loffler, UCA member and fruit grower at Pyap, near Loxton.

There is speculation that climate change is forcing Goyder’s line southward. The iconic line was drawn by South Australian surveyor-

Prices for wine grapes have gone up this season, but the increased income won’t cover what some growers have spent on additional water.

It’s estimated that at least ten percent of fruit growers are in serious trouble and are unlikely to survive another season.

I’ve turned off the water on 40 acres and bulldozed the trees. I’m ready to think about retiring and the land may be more attractive to purchasers if it’s clear-felled. Our Christian faith will help us through because the Lord will supply our every need. There is an opportunity right now to reach out with the true Christian message and to give practical support to the community.

Tony Swanbury, Living Waters Christian Community elder and Loxton citrus grower.

Blockies are tightening their belts and making the best business decisions they can in a constantly changing environment.

MAGAZINE

New Times Local economy suffers Their desperate situation is beginning to impact on other businesses in the horticultural dependent region. Many fear while the situation is tough now, the real impact is yet to hit.

Peter Burne, a senior viticultural officer with grape supplier CCW Cooperative, estimates Riverland growers have spent $65 million on water in the past year – that’s cash that’s gone straight out of the local economy.

The situation is starting to take its toll on growers’ mental health.

Many are suffering from anxiety and depression. Tragically some have taken their own lives.

Riverland residents say it’s difficult to identify who is in trouble and how to reach them. The pride and stoicism prevalent in rural communities prevents many from seeking help.

Big billboards have sprung up in the area encouraging people to visit the ‘Beyond Blue’ website.

The organisation has launched a national campaign called ‘Don’t beat about the bush!’ aiming to increase awareness about mental illness in drought affected communities and to point people to organisations that can help.

addressed as authorities work out how to best manage a diminishing resource for the long-term.

None of this change will happen without some real short-term pain.

Berri Barmera minister Rev Carol Chambers says churches in the region are doing what they can to listen, support and encourage people affected by the drought.

Late in 2006 Uniting Churches in the Riverland stayed open for 12 hours. “People came in crying,” said Carol. “We had tea, coffee, cake, music and candles. We prayed for them and had helpful literature available. It just breaks me when all I can do is sit and pray and ask people how it’s affecting their lives.”

Riverland residents don’t doubt that their community is about to change forever. There is talk that the Government would like a third of growers to leave the land for the sake of the environment. Many are concerned that it may not necessarily be the best operators who survive.

We are farming on the most marginal country in the world – in 2002 dry land farmers were brought to their knees and we haven’t fully recovered. If we have another dry land drought next year we are in big trouble. On paper today we are holding our own, but we are by no means secure.

Michael (and Jeannie) Vowles, wheat, cereal and livestock farmers near Loxton and Catholic Church members.

The drought is changing the face of horticulture. Growers are being forced to use water more efficiently and monitor usage carefully. At least the irrigation industry is booming. Many growers are taking advantage of a $20,000 Government grant to help cover some of the costs associated with replacing wasteful sprayers with more efficient drippers.

“We usually have 12 trainees, but that’s dropped to six,” says John. “If I have to close down I can retire and still survive, but the industry is losing trained people who would have worked for 45 to 50 years.”

Casual fruit-picking work is drying up and the freight haulage industry is feeling the pinch. ‘For sale’ signs are springing up on residential streets and throughout business districts.

A number of car yards have closed, as blockies repair and re-condition engines instead of buying new vehicles.

Many growers are travelling to Roxby Downs and other areas to find casual work, while at the same time trying to keep things going on the land. Wives and partners are returning to previous careers to supplement the farm income.

Families and relationships are under pressure.

$100,000 for drought assistance The Presbytery and Synod of South Australia is doing what it can to support farmers and irrigators affected by the drought.

When the State Government announced that the water allocation would go up to 32 per cent there was a lot of anger as some blockies had already let half their orchards die and others were deep in debt from buying water.

The Berri Uniting Church is open for two hours every Friday morning for prayer. Carol supports people and directs them to other services for practical help and financial assistance.

He manages a small horticultural training business and says the number of trainees has halved.

Church members throughout South Australia have been generous in their support. Carol has been sent substantial sums from congregations where she has served previously.

This is the Lord’s drought – we need to ask him what its purpose is. We need to stand together and walk together in this drought - laugh together and cry together - and ensure no one is left behind.

Peter Magarey, SARDI senior plant pathologist and Loxton Christian Fellowship elder.

Tough decisions needed Riverland people say the desperate situation will test the Rudd Government. They say tough negotiations are needed with New South Wales and Victoria over water-sharing. And the issue of water over-allocation must be

We are heading into unchartered waters because of the unprecedented nature of this drought. It’s a difficult time – growers are in a sea of indecision.

Tim Smythe, Riverland Wine Industry Development officer.

Aub Mattner (right) Loxton Uniting Church elder. (Left: UCA member Fiona Kupke).

John Chase, from the Berri Uniting Church describes the situation as worse than a crisis.

9

The males in the Berri and Barmera congregations recently organised a ‘Men’s Day Out’. They hired a houseboat and invited men from the church and the community to enjoy a day on the river. It was an opportunity to relax and escape from day-to-day pressures. It’s hoped the men’s days will become a regular feature in the region.

In nearby Loxton, more than 200 Christians joined together in prayer in the local High School oval in December. Loxton Christian Fellowship elder Peter Magarey said the aim was to bring all denominations and the community together to ask the Lord the purpose of the drought.

The church launched a Drought Assistance Appeal in November 2006. This fund presently contains $100,000 which is available to assist congregations and individuals.

Anyone interested in accessing these funds may put a proposal to the church’s deputy general manager, Resources, Peter Battersby. He can be contacted on 8236 4225 or email: peterb@sa.uca.org.au.

The church is also encouraging drought-impacted people to use its four SA camps and conference centres to take a break. Free accommodation is available for seven days.

City congregations are being encouraged to adopt a country twin, so city people can do something to support those impacted by the drought. Rural mission planner Rev Rob Stoner says this could see ministers swapping pulpits for a month, if both congregations are agreeable, or country congregations visiting their city counterparts to have a break.

The church is also providing additional pastoral support to Riverland irrigators. Last month retired minister Trevor Rogers visited the region, focusing his attention in the Renmark and Loxton areas.

Trevor is also assisting people in Riverland congregations to provide pastoral care. The church is also helping those who are struggling to feed their families by distributing supermarket vouchers.

FEBRUARY 2008

10

MAGAZINE

New Times

Rural counsellors seek church help Members of the Rural Financial Counselling Service in South Australia (RFCSSA) are keen to build relationships with regional congregations to support people affected by the drought.

RFCSSA chair Don Blesing and general manager Kay Matthias recently met with the Heads of Christian Churches to discuss rural financial counselling in the state.

Ms Matthias said that the number of people seeking support from the Service has increased by more than 400 percent in some areas in the past year. “The Riverland is in extreme circumstances at the moment. It is taking a huge amount of our resources and we will need even more staff in the coming months as this area continues to be the major focus,� she said.

The Service started in September 2006 with eight rural financial counsellors, but due to the ongoing drought this number has now increased to 21.

Mr Blesing said that RFCSSA is keen to build partnerships with the Christian churches throughout regional South Australia.

“As Rural Financial Counsellors cannot provide spiritual or emotional counselling, only financial counselling, it would be good for our counsellors to build up a relationship with local church personnel so they may work together to help people who are suffering in many circumstances. “Given the severity of this drought it is imperative that we work together to support those communities in SA that are really hurting,� he said.

Rural financial counsellors are based in Wudinna, Port Lincoln, Jamestown, Clare, Kadina, Kangaroo Island, Loxton, Murray Bridge, Kalangadoo, Naracoorte and Magill.

These counsellors work closely with a number of other professionals, including accountants, health care workers, GPs, agronomists and agribusiness specialists.

RFCSSA Inc provides free, confidential financial analysis and referral to primary producers, fishers and small businesses across South Australia. They can be contacted on 1800 836211.

Ministers develop leadership skills

Book Review:

‘Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family’ Author: John Ashfield Publisher: Peacock Publications, (on behalf of Beyond Blue)

This resource book for good mental health, by author and educator Dr John Ashfield, was originally launched in 2004.

However in September 2006 the South Australian Government funded the printing and distribution of 16,000 copies of a new fifth edition as part of its drought assistance package.

The book has been compiled primarily for people in rural and remote areas who have little access to counselling and psychotherapy services. ‘Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family’ provides practical suggestions for dealing with depression, anxiety, disturbing thoughts, insomnia, conflict, anger, stress, grief, relationship violence and substance abuse.

Check lists, warning signs, medication, who to contact in a crisis and a range of therapies are discussed.

It is laid out in a simple, straightforward manner and is easy to read. A key message is to take early action rather than soldiering on until you have a

serious mental health problem.

This book is not intended as a substitute for professional mental health assessment and management. However it does provide information on prevention, early detection, intervention, self-help and education about common mental health issues and mental disorders.

Anyone in serious trouble is directed to a 24 hour Mental Health Crisis Line, ph 131 465.

The book is available through rural and regional GPs, rural financial counsellors and agricultural service providers.

Author John Ashfield has an interest in mental health, men’s issues and gender psychology.

He is presently developing and coordinating mental health and men’s health initiatives in regional South Australia.

Kimba’s blue Christmas Rev Rob Tann (Unity Hill, Port Lincoln) and Rev Ian Dow (Naracoorte) are part of a group of nine local ministers undertaking a leadership development program. This is the third program sponsored by the Uniting Foundation as part of the Uniting Church SA’s commitment to training and equipping leaders.

The ministers visited regional churches in Queensland late last year to explore what makes an effective and healthy congregation. The ministers will undertake further learning this year.

Rob (left) and Ian are pictured with program co-ordinator Heather Bald from the church’s Mission Resourcing Network.

Farmers doing it tough were among those who took time out to attend Kimba Uniting Church’s Blue Christmas Service last year. Like others held around the state, the ecumenical service was aimed at people grieving or feeling alone at Christmas.

Kimba’s service also aimed to support people facing financial hardship. “We had some young people who are trying to make a go of farming and just doing it tough,� said Rev Bob Britton.

About 30 people attended, half of those were from outside of the church. “The service was never about numbers, only about needs. I was delighted that those who attended were able to let go of feelings of loss, financial problems, even relationship difficulties in a very safe and secure environment.�

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MAGAZINE

New Times

Prayer in time of drought

11

Holy and life giving God Creator and Sustainer of all that is, We turn to you in our time of need, Asking that your love would meet us In our anger and confusion.

Our lands lie parched and dry And we share the pain of plant and animal alike.

We have tried to be good stewards Yet despite our best efforts we have failed.

We recognise our powerlessness and turn to you once more.

From deep within us our cry reaches out to you.

Our faith reminds us that you are a God of hope So we turn to you and seek your blessing.

Uniting Church SA member Judith Purling displays some of the colourful patchwork quilts that will be sold to raise funds for a newly established Centre for Indigenous Scriptures in the Northern Synod.

Quilts to raise funds

We pray for those who farm the land That they may find new hope and strength to face each day.

We pray for those whose relationships are strained Grant them your peace; help them see new ways ahead.

We pray for the rural communities which are fragmenting As services and personnel are withdrawn.

Grant them a vision of the future that Finds its hope to begin in you.

We pray for those who represent our governments and for those who can effect political change.

Grant them wisdom and understanding and compassion as they make decisions which effect lives and livelihoods.

Above all may our trust be in Jesus Christ, And may the future that you have prepared for us, Bring us closer to you and to each other in love and harmony.

This we ask in Jesus name. Amen.

- Rev Eric Kirkham, Uniting Church SA Rural Mission planner

Adult fellowship members and other congregational groups are being urged to make patchwork quilts to raise funds to support a newly established Centre for Indigenous Scriptures.

The centre, based in Nungalinya in the Northern Synod, is a network providing support services to groups and individuals wanting to translate the Scriptures into local Indigenous languages.

The quilt project was launched late last year by members of Nightcliff Uniting Church in the Northern Territory. After listening to Indigenous people speaking passionately about the importance of having the scriptures translated,

Good Old Fashioned Sound Advice

church members felt inspired to support the Indigenous Scripture Centre in a practical way.

Rev Felicity Amery, who is a member of the organising team, is encouraging anyone who enjoys sewing, cutting and ironing to get involved.

Quilts should be made using 15cm or 20cm squares to the size of a single bed cover, approximately 135cm by 225cm. The quilts should be made with brightly coloured, strong cotton fabric and without wadding.

The quilts will be sold to Indigenous people at presbytery, synod and Assembly meetings.

For more details contact Judith Purling on 8261 1283.

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Key Responsibilities: The Coordinator- Ministry Placements and Standards will be required to undertake duties and responsibilities in the following areas: UÊ À` >Ì Ê vÊ ÃÌÀÞÊ* >Vi i ÌÊ«À ViÃÃiÃÊ> `ÊÀiµÕ Ài i ÌÃÊ V Õ` }Ê>ÃÃ ÃÌ }ÊÊ Ê Churches and Ministers seeking appointments and advising and reporting to the Ministry Placements Committee.

UÊ ` ÃÌÀ>Ì ÛiÊ ÛiÀÃ } ÌÊ vÊÌ iÊ ÃÌÀÞÊ*À viÃÃ > Ê-Ì> `>À`ÃÊ«À ViÃÃiÃÊ> `Ê« V iÃÊv ÀÊÊ Churches of Christ in SA and NT, and ensuring Ministers are adequately educated and informed in this area.

UÊ ` ÃÌÀ>Ì Ê> `Êv>V Ì>Ì Ê vÊÌ iÊ Ì Õ }Ê VVÀi` Ì>Ì Ê«À }À> Êv ÀÊ ÃÌiÀÃÊ including provision of feedback to the Ministry Work Group on compliance and other relevant matters.

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To obtain a PERSON & ROLE DESCRIPTION (including qualifications and experience required), or to seek further information, please email to mbutler@churchesofchrist-sa.org.au or phone 08 8269 7873.

Please send applications, addressing the criteria in the Role and Person Description, to: CONFIDENTIAL The State Minister Churches of Christ in SA & NT 171 Main North Road NAILSWORTH SA 5083 Applications close Monday 25th February 2008

FEBRUARY 2008

12

MAGAZINE

New Times

Resourcing rural congregations Rev Rob Stoner, mission planner, Uniting Church SA

There is no doubt that the structure and leadership of the rural church is changing.

Fifteen years ago, no one had even heard of lay ministry teams. Now we have more than 50 lay-led congregations. Fifteen years ago, we had sufficient ordained ministers to fill most rural placements. Now we have larger groupings of congregations being serviced by the person in placement who is more likely to be a nonordained lay minister. Fifteen years ago, most rural congregations, although not large, did not question whether they had a viable future.

Now an increasing number of congregations are struggling to survive. Fifteen years ago, most rural towns were rural service centres and the church understood the culture in which they were working. Now many rural service centres are in decline and tree-change, sea-change communities are growing and the church is struggling to relate to the changing culture of these communities.

The world surrounding the rural church has changed and if the church is to continue to be effective in its ministry and mission, new structures and leadership are required. While no one can predict the shape of the future church, the trends that are developing include the following critical factors: • Every congregation, (whether lay-led or under a minister) needs to have adequately resourced lay leadership which takes responsibility for the life and work of the congregation.

• Every lay-led congregation needs to be under the oversight of an appropriately trained and equipped resource person, preferably an ordained minister.

• Every lay leader needs to have access to, and be encouraged to engage in, appropriate training with an emphasis on developing a congregation’s mission into its community.

• Every rural placement needs to be seen as a resourcing ministry position; i.e. ministers who fill these placements will have a role in teaching, training, encouraging and supervising not only the congregation(s) in which they are situated but

also a number of lay-led congregations in the region.

• Resource ministers will be required to undertake appropriate training/continuing education to fulfil the expectations of their role.

The key question is what sort of structure and leadership will enable existing and new congregations to be effective in their communities. The bottom line is whether a congregation’s existence makes a difference. Is the community enriched by the congregation’s presence? If the congregation disappeared, would anyone notice?

The Presbytery of South Australia has a vital role in helping this sort of ministry develop by: • Determining what is the “critical mass” of ministry placements needed in rural SA and where these are best situated. This will require it to think beyond present and previous parish and presbytery boundaries and beyond present models of ministry. It may also need to think about funding because present rural congregations will be unable to sustain the critical number of placements without assistance.

• Providing appropriate training/continuing education packages to ensure ministers are prepared for the resource minister role. (This has already begun with a three day intensive for rural ministers and leaders held in January).

Bridgewater’s sign Bridgewater Uniting Church was one of 60 congregations which got behind the Uniting Church SA’s 2007 Christmas campaign.

The congregation distributed postcards and featured the campaign on their street signage. Attendance at the Christmas Eve service was more than double average Sunday attendance. Oliver Morgan is pictured with the sign.

• Providing appropriate training for lay leaders in rural congregations. (This is already taking shape through Rural Ministry Schools.)

Who do you say that I am?

But there is still a gap between the way the rural church is structured and resourced presently and a structure and leadership model which is sustainable into the future. The presbytery has already agreed to establish and fund six Rural Resource Minister placements. These people will help the church make the transitions necessary to become a vital and continuing presence in rural communities. Their work will help congregations and leaders build effective and sustainable ministry amid the continuing changes in rural communities.

What face of Christ will we project in this community?

Great opportunities for exploration of community connections and emerging church in a creative team.

New Areas Ministry: full time Minister of Word and Deacon positions in Melbourne’s north and west.

Presbytery of Port Philip West Information: Rev David Mills millsfam@majestic.net.au 03 9307 8732

Young Adults & Youth Pastor Brougham Place Uniting Church Brougham Place is an open & inclusive community of faith with a diverse background.

We seek an energetic “Young Adults & Youth (YAY) Pastor” to work for approximately 15 hours per week, providing: 1. forums where members have a sense of identity, friendship & inclusion 2. an opportunity for members to participate in a practical way to the worship at Brougham Place Uniting Church & beyond 3. an environment for learning, particularly about biblical text & church history in an atmosphere of intellectual honesty The YAY Pastor will:

Closing Date Feb 29, 2008

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FEBRUARY 2008

sharing the vision, sensing the presence, in a spirit of openness

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The job description & person specification is available from the Church Office.

The position may suit a candidate already working in a part-time role such as school chaplain.

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Parkin-Wesley College has scholarships available for people who wish to study in Semester 1 2008:

Eucharist & Pancake day after church Feb 3rd 10am Ê

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Ash Wednesday Feb 6th 7.30pm Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday Feb 17th 10am Celebrating 50th Anniversary of 1958 Ordinations Feb 24th 10am All Welcome Office Monday Friday 8362 2544

www.wesleykenttown.com

MAGAZINE

New Times

13

Changing face of the rural church Congregations in the Wakefield parish are experiencing massive cultural change, symptomatic of the changing face of the rural sector, and not necessarily connected to the drought and lack of water for irrigation.

Improved farming techniques and rationalisation means fewer people are working on the land.

In the past 12 months a small congregation at Kalpara and a faith community at Halbury have closed as the townships around them have declined and services have moved to larger regional centres.

Balaklava is growing at the expense of neighbouring rural towns. It’s now the hub for schooling and the regional centre for banking and shopping.

Retirees looking for a treechange are moving to Balaklava and this has contributed to the cost of housing doubling in the last eight years.

However the Balaklava congregation is not growing at the same rate as the township.

Changing social attitudes, increasing secularisation, the ease of travel and other factors mean that church activities are no longer the sole focus of the community.

Wakefield Parish minister Rev Shane Kammermann says

Enfield Uniting Church ‘The Church in the Shopping Centre’ is seeking to appoint an

Office Administrator (Ministry Support) 20 hours per week

Applications for the position must be in writing, must address the Essential and Desirable Criteria and include the names and contact details of two (2) referees.

Full details are available from Mrs Margaret Gunn, Chairperson, Enfield Uniting Church Council, 2 Park Street, Sefton Park SA 5083.

Applications may be posted to this address or sent by email to: mhgunn@bigpond.net.au Closing date:15th February 2008

Balaklava Uniting Church has a membership of around 150.

Members are both strongly committed to the Lord and to other activities.

“In the two years I’ve been based here, weekends have proven very interesting. People enjoy coming to church but they also like to go away – we’re only an hour away from Adelaide, Clare, the Barossa Valley and Yorke Peninsula.

People are also very sports orientated and that can keep them from church activities.”

Balaklava Uniting Church council chairperson Margaret March says the town used to be a strongly Christian community and everyone attended worship.

“It used to be a community where people knew each other really well, but now the church is struggling to know how to be relevant to our community.”

The congregation is caught between wanting to care for its older members who don’t want change and wanting to engage younger people.

“We’d like to have a service that will attract younger unchurched people,” says Shane. “But we need to work out how to make room for new people, without upsetting our current members.”

One successful congregational initiative is a

Tackling rural challenges: from left Margaret March, chair of the Balaklava Uniting Church Council, Rev Shane Kammermann, Wakefield Parish minister and Lloyd Mudge, chair of the Port Wakefield Uniting Church. young mother’s encouragement group – known as MEG. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in MEG in the past year,” says Margaret. “We are now teaching in homes, church members are providing a crèche and we have a meals outreach to mothers with new babies, irrespective of whether they are church members.”

Ecumenical youth activities are also going strong in the district.

Shane says there are many

Shared Chaplaincy (.04) and Parish Ministry (.06) Bright P-12 College - Bright Alpine Parish Bright P-12 College and Bright Alpine Parish of the Uniting Church are seeking a Chaplain for two days a week in Chaplaincy work and 2 days a week plus Sunday in the Parish.

Bright is a major tourist area with easy access to the Victorian Alps and is one of the most beautiful areas in Victoria.

The Chaplain will work with students, families and staff at the school, as well as undertaking Parish ministry.

Ordained Ministers of the Word or Deacons who have a Degree in Theology, Education or Counselling/Pastoral Care and some study in one of the other two disciplines, or have extensive experience in these areas are invited to apply.

For further details contact: Rev. Glenys Gill on (03) 5763 2151 P.O. Box 132, Benalla Vic. 3672 Or email glenysgill@bigpond.com

opportunities for the church to be involved in mission and the congregation is learning to give anything a go. One recent novel initiative was an “Extreme Pramming” group for young dads, where members ran around local river banks while pushing their young children in ‘all-terrain’ buggies.

Interesting activities are also happening in Port Wakefield Uniting Church.

The congregation has opened its doors to new Chinese

Volker H Sprinkmeier Gold & Silversmith For personal service in Handcrafted Jewellery Re-models and repairs.

25+ Years experience at Atelier Aurum Room 306a, 38 Gawler Place Adelaide Ph: 8232 2030

immigrants who are employed in the local meat works.

Port Wakefield chairperson Lloyd Mudge says every third Sunday about 15 Chinese migrants come to worship and connect with church members with the aid of a translator.

In the past year Port Wakefield Uniting Church has also been the gathering place for “Chooks and Chicks” an ecumenical craft outreach group.

Tasmania in Beautiful Autumn 5-18 April 2008

A comprehensive, leisurely, quality tour, mild weather.

All major attractions (ex all capital cities) Details from Rev David Paech 15 Old Well Rd, KLEMZIG SA 5087 (08) 8367 6276 dpaech@picknowl.com.au Limited to 30 people

#VEHFUJOH 8PSLTIPQ t 4USVHHMJOH XJUI ZPVS EBZ UP EBZ öOBODFT

Family, Youth & Children’s Ministry Worker

Pilgrim Uniting Church Flinders Street, Adelaide 10 hours per week Application information from Office Administrator (08) 8212 3295

t 8BOU UP CF VOEFS MFTT öOBODJBM TUSFTT t %P ZPV XBOU UP UFMM ZPVS NPOFZ XIFSF UP HP SBUIFS UIBO XPOEFSJOH XIFSF JU XFOU t %P ZPV XBOU B GSFTI TUBSU Don’t despair. Good budgeting is a ‘key’ element in relieving financial stress and reaching your financial goals. Irrespective of your age or financial situation, this free workshop will point you in the right direction towards managing your money better.

pilgrim@pilgrim.org.au

To find out more or to register your interest (group bookings welcome) please phone: Andrew Perkins on (08) 8363 2222 or email at andrewp@jbco.net.au

Written applications addressing the Job and Person Specification

John Baraiolo & Co 42 The Parade, NORWOOD SA 5067

close 18th February 2008

FEBRUARY 2008

14

MAGAZINE

WINDSOR GARDENS Uniting Church Op Shop (3 Pitman Road, Windsor Gardens) is looking for volunteers to assist for a few hours on Fridays and/or some Saturday mornings. If you can help please call Ron on 8261 9511.

New Times

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

ABERFOYLE UNITING CHURCH is concerned about the impact of drought on rural people. If you have a holiday house or home and would be willing to billet a rural family, contact Aberfoyle Uniting Church on 8270 8550 or Roger Modra on 0433 502 500.

of the new committee and launch of the UCAF 2008 project. Rev Peter Morel will speak on his visit to the Orphans and Vulnerable Children Project in Mwandi, Zambia. Lunch available at 12 noon for $3.

Enquiries to 8295 7745.

PRINCE ALFRED College Chapel Choir plans to perform Handel’s Messiah in 2009 as part of the 250th Anniversary celebrations of the death of George Frederick Handel. They need approximately 40 copies of the vocal score. If you can help please contact Pamela Freeman, Music director on 8334 1200 or mobile 0417 831 503.

MOUNT GAMBIER Uniting Church is holding a Children’s Resourcing Day on Saturday February 9 with Mary Jo Zwar from the church’s Children and Family Ministry Centre. Sessions include “Making Disciples” and “How Children Learn”.

Cost is $20 including morning and afternoon teas and lunch.

Enquiries to 8715 1062 or 8723 3209.”

STATE MISSION FELLOWSHIP will be held on Tuesday February 26 at 10.30am at Scots Church, North Terrace. There will be a Communion Service, dedication

TEAR ‘Seeds of Hope’ Breakfast from 8am til 10am, Saturday March 1 at Adelaide West Uniting Church, 312 Sir

Donald Bradman Drive. Hear some encouraging stories of hope from TEAR supporters and help launch TEAR’s education program for 2008. Gold coin donation. RSVP to sa@tear.org. au or 0400 988 755.

MENINGIE UNITING Church celebrates the 50th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone for the church building on Sunday March 30, 2008, with a service at 10.30am lunch and book launch. All welcome.

Enquiries to Bill Paterson on 0427 971 355 or email: bjpater@lm.net.au.

PANCAKE DAY Morning Tea, Tuesday February 5, 10.30-12noon at Western Link Uniting Church, 93 Crittenden Road Findon. A musical backdrop, pancakes, tea/coffee.

BLACKWOOD UNITING Church is hosting a Community Art Exhibition on the theme of ‘Transformation’. Entries

by February 29 (forms available from 8278 7699 or email: office@blackwood. unitingchurch.org.au).

Exhibition will be launched on April 17 at 7.30pm, and open from April 18 to 20 from 2 to 5pm.

HOLY WEEK retreat at Nunyara Chapel/Stillpont Spirituality Centre (5 Burnell Drive, Belair) on Wednesday March 19 from 9 to 5 pm. Led

by Revs John Blanksby and Gary Stuckey. Cost of $35 includes lunch, morning and afternoon tea. Register by March 12 on 8178 0048 or email: stillpoint@ internode.on.net.

CELEBRATE ‘EVOLUTION’ Sunday on February 10. For resources visit http://www.butler. edu/clergyproject/rel_evolution_ weekend_2008.htm.

FUNTASTIC FEBRUARY is a series of free workshops for preschoolers and carers. Kidz Craft

on February 13; Kindermusik on February 16; Let’s Dance on February 20 and Munching Storytime on February 23.

Sessions from 10am to 11am at the Western Link Uniting Church, 93 Crittenden Rd, Findon. Book on 8445 2332 between 9am and 12noon.

NCYC IS organising ‘Australia’s Biggest BBQ’ and invites you to hold a BBQ at a local venue on (or around) Sunday May 4, 2008.

Visit: www.ncyc.org.au for more information and registrations.

Ministry Moves Rev Ian Dow has moved to Naracoorte, Rev Anne Hewitt to Resthaven, Rev Blythe Mann to Seaton and Rev Gary Stuckey full-time to the Stillpoint Faith Community. Lay pastors who have moved include Gary Ferguson to Ardrossan, Karen Filmer to Tintinara, Naomi Rosenberg to Minlaton, Brian Scott to Loxton and Renmark and Heather Willmott to Kangaroo Island.

About your letters BOUMA’S RIGHT In your interview with Gary Bouma (November New Times), his final comment was “I do not find a single place where Jesus said - come with Me to the Synagogue.”

The modern implications of that truth are revolutionary. Why don’t we just love people where they are, instead of trying to get them to church?

In my experience, people will talk to me about their families and work and life in general, and about Jesus but when I introduce the subject of church, they tend to tune out. Two years ago we ran a $2 million campaign announcing “Jesus - all about life”. Stick to Jesus, and you’re on a winner every time!

Rick Martin Valley View INDIGENOUS COMPENSATION New Times reported that the Uniting Church SA is supporting the UAICC in its campaign for a treaty with Indigenous people, based on the Letters Patent. The article also referred to the New Zealand Treaty of Waitangi.

Both of these documents state that Indigenous people should have rights to and ownership of the lands they “occupied and enjoyed”. Before Europeans came Indigenous people “occupied” all of this land. Would such a Treaty allow them to take over all of this country?

In New Zealand to date land settlements have cost millions of dollars. In Australia Indigenous leaders want $1 billion for compensation for the Stolen

FEBRUARY 2008

Please keep your letters short — about 150 words is ideal.

Longer letters will be cut or rejected.

You’re welcome to email letters to newtimes@sa.uca.org.au or they can be posted to us at GPO Box 2145, Adelaide 5001

Generation. Will pay-outs make any difference? Sadly I don’t think that the “mighty dollar” is really the answer. First there needs to be a change of heart and attitude in both white and native peoples.

Kevin Moore Coromandel Valley CAFÉ GIVES THANKS The Uniting Church’s Red Dove Café made a profit of $41,000 from the 2007 Royal Adelaide Show. Our grateful thanks to all who supported the Café especially to the tireless Red Dove Café committee led by Rae Cranwell, and the volunteers, donors and food purchasers.

The proceeds will support the following projects: UnitingCare Mental Health chaplain ($8,000), UnitingCare small agencies ($8,000), Noah Centre, rehabilitation of prisoners and families ($5,000), Kairos Prison Ministry ($5,000), UnitingCare Wesley Port Pirie, Micro Credit program ($3,000), UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide ($2,000), UnitingCare Wesley Bowden ($2,000), Schools Ministry Group ($2,000), UCA Prison Chaplaincy ($2,000), Refugee Chaplaincy ($2,000), SAYCO & KCO ($2,000).

Joy Dunning UCA National and World Mission Support, SA

From left: Bill Luxon, Win Gibbons and Meryl Gemo, at back, pray for Hong-Yun (Henry) Li, Xiawei Cheng, Sophie Yuzi and Shanshan Cui after their baptism at Seacliff.

First Baptisms in new church Meryl Gemo, Ascot Community Uniting Church, Multicultural Ministry coordinator Hong-Yun (Henry) Li, his wife Xiawei Cheng, their daughter Sophie Yuzi and Shanshan Cui, all originally from China, were baptised at Seacliff in November.

They are the first new Christians in a ‘house church’ that has emerged since Bill Luxon and I began sharing the gospel with Henry and two other Chinese men about a year ago, after meeting them through the multicultural outreach activities at Ascot Community Uniting Church.

Later Henry’s family and other Chinese, Japanese and Mongolians joined us to learn about the faith.

Some have since returned to China. But with four becoming followers of Christ, we decided to call our small new community our ‘Jesus Family’. We meet weekly to eat, study the Bible and pray together.

I don’t like the term ‘house church’ because it perpetuates the idea that church is an event in

a building. However the term is often used to describe the churches that are multiplying rapidly in many parts of the world at present; and it is this kind of church that I’m trying to learn how to nurture into being.

Exploring these new directions is the focus of a one-year internship I have been undertaking with Forge Mission Training Network, assisted by a Uniting Foundation grant. My goal is to learn how to teach new believers to teach others so that many more churches are started.

The new Christians are already helping me share the faith during a weekly meeting for English practice in the home of another Chinese couple.

I believe God wants to bring church growth here, but our mindset can get in the way.

Having been a ‘church-goer’ all my life, I keep discovering things I need to unlearn. But I’m greatly encouraged by what God has done with our experiments so far.

NEWS

New Times

15

Thumbs up for church communications New Times readers and members of the Presbytery and Synod are generally satisfied with the Uniting Church SA’s communication initiatives.

More than 250 people responded to a Communications Survey in November.

Uniting Church SA Communications manager Shannon Short said the feedback received has already had an impact on the content and format of ‘New Times’.

“Your comments have also clarified our communications priorities for the coming year,” said Shannon.

‘New Times’

“There was strong support for ‘New Times’ with 93 percent of respondents stating it is important for the Uniting Church to produce the newspaper. Most people (79 percent) are generally happy with its content.

“The qualitative feedback also highlighted a view that the paper was improving in recent months with strong support for the new look cover and themed issues. These new features will become a permanent part of ‘New Times’.

“The higher quality paper trialled in the November edition was not perceived to make a difference and we discontinued its use in December.

“There was significant diversity in what people are looking for in ‘New Times’ and church communication.

“Some want more debate and a variety of viewpoints and others believe we need to keep debate out of the paper. Others called for more ‘Biblical truth’.”

The four most popular topics to ‘New Times’ readers were: Spiritual and faith development, Children and youth ministry, Presbytery and Synod news and Social justice.

Electronic Communication

“Perhaps the biggest surprise was that among respondents, more people now use the internet daily than read a paper,” said Shannon.

“This highlights the growing shift to electronic media and the need for the church to continue to develop electronic communication.

“Eighty percent of respondents use the internet and 75 percent have visited the Uniting Church SA website. The significant majority are able to find what they’re looking for.

“While there was support for increasing electronic communications, at least 30 percent of respondents do not have broadband.

“Despite the high level of internet usage among readers, people do not want an electronic version of ‘New Times’. Only 14 percent said they would be more interested in ‘New Times’ in this format.

In contrast, leaders expressed considerable interest in receiving UC Information and fliers electronically.

Future directions

“As more than 70 percent of respondents report the use of data projectors in their congregations, we may explore the provision of information and promotional material in this format,” said Shannon.

Of the other initiatives suggested, the most popular were an electronic leadership newsletter, a practical workshop on church profile raising and a DVD with 3-minute promo spots.

Email Shannon@sa.uca.org.au if you would like a copy of the Communications Survey results.

Members of the Stillpoint Faith Community, from left: Dean and Jenny Drilling, Ann Siddall, Coralie Driver, Denise Griffen, Don Bell, Marilyn Stuckey, Beth Chandler and Rev Gary Stuckey (centre front).

Contemplative worship Rev Gary Stuckey is looking forward to a new full-time role – leading the Stillpoint Faith Community in the Nunyara Chapel, Belair.

For the past five and a half years Gary was based at Colonel Light Gardens Uniting Church but a Uniting Foundation grant has enabled him to shift his focus from congregational ministry to develop the life of the faith community full-time.

Gary’s own spiritual journey has been inspired and informed

by Monasticism. He is a member of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, a monastic community in Arkansas.

It was a throw-away line from US evangelist Tom Bandy to “remember that alongside the mainstream church there exists the monastic church” that inspired Gary to pursue the idea of contemplative worship.

The Stillpoint Faith Community was formed in September 2005 and began meeting monthly at Nunyara. Now the community meets twice a month and has an

average attendance of 30 people.

“Nunyara is a perfect spot for contemplative worship,” said Gary, “providing space for silence and reflection. The services are designed to allow people to contemplate Scripture, participate in Holy Communion and share prayer, community and silence in an unhurried, reflective way.”

The faith community has attracted people who also enjoy traditional worship in other Uniting Church congregations.

Community member Dean Drilling, who also worships at Colonel Light Gardens, said there is a discipline involved in being silent and reflecting. “I find it stimulating,” he said.

Community member Beth Chandler said the environment is “conducive to reflection and the community is welcoming and accepting”.

Member Coralie Driver said there is “an opportunity to be still and listen to God, which is a real challenge”.

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  

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The faith community’s charter contains three elements: • To help people centre on God in their private and communal spiritual practices, • To recognise that love is the primary witness in our relationships with each other, and • To encourage compassion and action in the world.

Gary is also interested in the health and spirituality of clergy and is available to talk, share and reflect with ministers.

He is based in the Stillpoint Spirituality Centre adjacent to the Nunyara Chapel and can be contacted on 8178 0048.

Classifieds Work Wanted CARPETS LAID. Expert repairs. 0417 872 105 or 8344 4725 EXPERIENCED HANDYMAN Handyman work $15 per hour plus petrol. No gardening at present.

Stephen, “Your spare pair of hands.”

Phone 8346 0933 WANTED Very old toy train sets in best condition. Hornby, Lionel makes etc.

Please phone 8271 6842

REAL STORIES ABOUT LIFE, FAITH & SPIRITUALITY

Snapshots is an innovative Small Group resource for the time leading up to Pentecost consisting of a DVD and discussion guide.

Your group will watch and listen as ordinary people tell their inspiring stories & are then invited to dialogue about their own stories of Life, Faith and Spirituality. www.eculent.org.au info@eculent.org.au Phone 0411 244 463 Commissioned by the SA Heads of Christian Churches

FEBRUARY 2008

16

NEWS

New Times

Thailand calling! Explore the big questions this Easter Rev John Minchin

Are you looking for an adventure in another culture that will change your life and your view of Christian mission?

Are you willing to travel with a group of young South Australians who will bring back to the Uniting Church rich experiences and stories to share?

Are you ready to learn from Christians beyond Australia about the challenges they face in being faithful followers of Jesus?

The next Mission Ignition visit to Thailand will depart from Adelaide on December 27, 2008, returning on January 24, 2009.

The leader will be Tahnee March, from Malvern Uniting Church, who was a member of the last Mission Ignition team. Tahnee is excited about the possibilities presented by Mission Ignition.

“I am looking forward to sharing this experience with other young Christians and being inspired to reach out in practical ways,” Tahnee said.

Mission Ignition is open to anyone aged 18 to 30.

The cost is approximately $2,500 for the four week visit. This covers everything except spending money. It also includes a contribution towards the travel costs of young Thai people who will visit South Australia in April 2009, as the second phase of the Mission Ignition program.

For further information contact me in the Presbytery

and Synod International Mission office, on 8236 4203, or 0439 603 188, or email: johnm@sa.uca.org.au.

Applications close on Wednesday March 5.

Application forms and information are available on the International Mission page of the Uniting Church SA website: www.sa.uca.org.au.

If we look honestly at the Easter story it probably doesn’t make much sense to people outside the church. Chocolate eggs and a long weekend have more appeal than a man nailed to a cross. So how does the church help people to make a meaningful connection with the Christian message at Easter?

The Uniting Church SA’s Easter postcard campaign is one way that churches can raise their profile.

Tahnee March, who will lead the Mission Ignition trip to Thailand in December.

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Church.” Congregations can personalise the cards with their own name and details of their Easter worship times.

The theme is based on a successful Easter campaign run by the Queensland Synod last year.

The cards cost $65 per 1,000 postcards, (plus GST if

applicable). The deadline for orders is February 8, 2008.

To view the sample postcard or to order online go to: www.sa.uca.org.au/goto/ easter.

For further information contact Jo Watts on 8236 4260 or email jo@sa.uca.org. au.

“The postcard’s design is based on the old question – which came first the chicken or the egg?” explains Shannon Short, Uniting Church SA, Communications and Public Relations manager.

“Our promotional campaigns are about helping people to see the relevance of their local church – in this case, as a place to explore life’s deep and meaningful questions.”

On the reverse of the card are the words “Explore life’s bigger questions this Easter. Join us for Easter Worship at ….Uniting

Online poll

The Uniting Church SA’s 2008 Easter postcard is designed to encourage people to connect with their local congregation to explore life’s big questions.

Rural resilience

In light of the severe water shortage, should city residents pay more for water?

To vote visit www.sa.uca.org.au/goto/NTpoll   

Online forum

Drought help

This month’s forum focuses on how the church might help rural people struggling because of the drought. Do you think the church is doing enough? What else could we do? Is your church willing to twin with a country congregation?

Email your ideas to newtimes@sa.uca.org.au

A world in despair needs churches that care FEBRUARY 2008

2008 www.joie.com.au