New Times - March 2009

Issue 28, No 2 March 2009 www.sa.uca.org.au/goto/NTmar09

New lives… fresh hope

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inside…

Church’s bushfire response 3 • New lives for refugees 4 – 9 • Church people honoured 10 Jetty Road ministry recognised 11 • 2009 Lenten Appeal 12 • Farewell to Kyle Waters 14

2

News

New Times

‘Focus on GWB not GDP’ Our federal parliamentarians have been urged to focus on GWB – general wellbeing – rather than just GDP – gross domestic product by UCA Assembly President Rev Gregor Henderson.

Church welcomed the efforts being made to measure true human wellbeing through environmental and sustainable development indicators rather than the economic indices that feed the idol of mammon.

Preaching at a service to mark the opening of Parliament last month, Gregor asked politicians to broaden Australia’s fundamental national goals beyond that of economic growth.

He also encouraged Christian and non-Christian parliamentarians to follow Jesus’ commandment to “Love God, and Love your neighbour as yourself�.

“It is but one part of what leads to human happiness - other components are the quality of our relationships, the beauty of our environment, the pursuit of justice and equity, enjoyment of the arts, realisation of our individual giftedness, and of course our spiritual wellbeing.�

Gregor said the Uniting KEN LEAVER SCHOLARSHIP Invitation for Submissions for grants to develop education events to encourage the church’s caring ministry r &WFOUT DPVME JODMVEF XPSLTIPQT PS seminars UP SFGMFDU PO IPX DIVSDIFT DBSF GPS community - to build and strengthen community life UP SFBDI PVU UP UIF TJDL BOE UIF JTPMBUFE - to share ideas on caring in the community - to broaden understanding of pastoral care r *OEJWJEVBMT NBZ BMTP BQQMZ UP EFWFMPQ MFBEFSTIJQ TLJMMT GPS UIJT NJOJTUSZ 2009 applications are due by the end of April Applications and queries to Joelie Hancock, 19 King Edward Ave, Hawthorn, 5062 ph: 8271 3694 joelieh@ozemail.com.au

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Quoting UK Conservative leader David Cameron who said “It’s time we admitted that there’s more to life than money, it’s time we focused not just on GDP but on GWB general wellbeing�, Gregor said churches have been working on that notion for centuries.

Gregor also thanked parliamentarians for the service and leadership they provide.

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ISSN 0726-2612 Editor: Jill Freear, Ph 8236 4230, email newtimes@sa.uca.org.au Advertising: Russell Baker, Ph 8361 6822, email ribad@bigpond.com Circulation: Sarah Urmston, Ph 8236 4260, email surmston@sa.uca.org.au Production: Joie Creative Printer: Cadillac Printing Circulation: 12,000

Distribution: On the first Sunday of the month Editorial deadline for April 2009: March 10 Advertising deadline for April 2009: March 12 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.

MARCH 2009

Building communities for the 12th Assembly Despite bushfires wreaking havoc in Victoria and the flooding in Queensland, we continue to witness the wonderful and inspiring gathering of community. This aspect of the Australian people is one to cherish – we are exceptionally good at rallying together, offering support, love, comfort and hope in times of crisis.

The Uniting Church in Australia is a key part of this; the very nature of our faith is an expression of community. And there is no better time to celebrate this fact than during an Assembly year.

The question is what are you going to do to engage with the 12th Assembly?

The 12th Triennial Assembly is a meeting of some 265 voting members of the UCA, who will gather in Sydney between July 15 and 21 to make decisions about the church for the next three years.

While you may not be attending the meeting in person, people from your presbytery and synod (maybe even from your church council) will be taking part. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t participate. Indeed, you are encouraged

to actively stay in touch with Assembly happenings.

The 12th Assembly has its own dedicated website (www.assembly2009.uca.org.au), with news and stories to keep you up to date. This is the place you should bookmark and visit before, during and after the six-day meeting in Sydney.

The representatives from your area will, of course, bring back all the stories relevant to your community, but the website will report the full breadth of 12th Assembly happenings.

One way that the 12th Assembly is inviting participation from each and every UCA member across the country is through a photo project.

You are invited to submit digital images that relate to the Assembly theme ‘Living Water Thirsty Land’. How do you interpret that theme?

We invite reflection on that theme as you take images within your community and your environment. More details can be found on the 12th Assembly website: http://www.assembly2009.uca.org.au/about/ theme.

- Penny Monger, Assembly communications officer

Religious slogan competition Recently overseas, bold advertisements were plastered on the sides of buses that read: “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life�.

The controversial advertisements were run by an atheist organisation, supposedly seeking to release the public from the ‘burdens’ placed upon society by religion.

The advertising campaign has prompted members of the Uniting Church’s online publication, ‘The Transit Lounge’ (TTL) to launch their own slogan competition.

TTL wants people to submit positive statements about God and their faith. The competition runs throughout Lent, because that’s a time when many people think about faith.

Competition entrants will be able to submit their slogan on the wall of The Transit Lounge’s facebook group or through the website: www. thetransitlounge.com.au.

Once the competition closes, TTL readers will vote for their favourite slogan from a shortlist picked by the editorial team and the winner will have their slogan printed on the first official Transit Lounge t-shirt.

New president for UCAF Adult fellowship members and friends from various parts of Adelaide descended on Seacliff Uniting Church at the end of January for the commissioning of Max Howland as president of the Uniting Church Adult Fellowship group in SA. The Christ candle used during the service was originally presented to Max at the completion of his theological studies at Parkin-Wesley College last November.

Max says the candle has become a symbol of the changeover from being in the care of the college to taking up his UCAF role. “The candle was presented to me at the end-of-year chapel service in recognition of my six years of service as secretary to the college council and also because I had completed my study program, which had taken five years.�

For the next two years Max will chair UCAF’s General Committee and provide pastoral support and care to fellowship groups across the state.

Uniting Church SA member and lay preacher Max Howland is the new president of the Uniting Church Adult Fellowship group in South Australia.

NEWS

New Times

3

Church’s bushfire response The Uniting Church has responded to the Victorian bushfire disaster by providing pastoral care, chaplaincy and funeral services, food and accommodation and other practical support.

The National Assembly immediately donated $50,000 from the national disaster fund to provide urgent emergency relief.

Assembly president Rev Gregor Henderson then launched a national appeal, calling on all UCA congregations to support bushfire victims by holding retiring offerings on the Sundays immediately following the fires. This fund will be used by the church for both emergency relief and longer-term pastoral care and rehabilitation for families in need.

Kim Cain, Communications director for the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, confirmed that at least one Uniting Church member – an elder at Kinglake – had died and many Uniting Church families lost their homes, farms and livelihoods.

One small Uniting Church building and one church community centre were burnt down.

As the recovery phase unfolded, the Uniting Church worked ecumenically through the Emergency Response and Recovery plan of the Victorian Council of Churches and the Victorian State Disaster Plan.

The church has established a register of ministers and counsellors who will be available for counselling support as part of the long term recovery plan.

In the meantime, the church is providing support for local ministers and congregations through presbyteries.

UnitingCare agencies are providing psychological and financial counselling and welfare assistance.

UnitingCare mobile kindergartens have been set up to support children and provide relief for parents.

Congregations are encouraged to keep churches open for prayer and reflection.

• Individuals wishing to give tax-deductible donations may do so via the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania’s website: http://www.shareappeal. org.au/donate-now/make-a-donation or over the telephone; Free Call 1800 668 426.

Individuals may send cheques or credit card donations to SHARE Community Appeal Bushfire Appeal, GPO Box 4355, Melbourne, 3001.

Support flows for victims Call for prayer As the extent of the devastating Victorian bushfires became apparent, messages of support began to flow in.

Uniting Church President Rev Gregor Henderson expressed his profound sorrow.

“The Uniting Church joins with all Australians in mourning the terrible loss of life from the Victorian bushfires.

“The horror of scores of lives lost, hundreds of homes destroyed and communities devastated, touches all of us very deeply. We thought it was impossible for the disasters of Ash Wednesday 1983 and Black Friday 1939 to be outstripped, but these 2009 fires, dreadfully, have done so.”

Jason Kioa, Moderator of the Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania, offered the following message on behalf of the church.

“We are all deeply saddened by the tragic events that have unfolded, and are still unfolding, across Victoria due to the bushfires. Alongside acts of untold bravery and great generosity we have witnessed the horror and pain of death, injury, loss of homes and cherished items.

If you are in contact with people directly affected by the fires please pass on the support and prayers of the Uniting Church.”

Lin Hatfield Dodds, national director of UnitingCare Australia, has offered assistance to the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania.

Rev Michaela Tiller, executive officer of UnitingCare South Australia said South Australian UnitingCare agencies and schools are also offering assistance and support.

“In the first instance the staff and volunteers (and in some cases clients and students) of our agencies and schools will be donating to the Uniting Church National Bushfire appeal, and many of our agencies and schools will publish details of the appeal on their websites and intranets.

Big Red Bus Project South Australian agencies and schools have responded immediately by donating money to support UnitingCare Cutting Edge’s ‘Big Red Bus Project’.

The money is being used to repair the bus and get it back on the road so that it can deliver power, internet access and other support to bushfire victims.

SA minister offers help Uniting Church SA minister Rev Rod James left almost immediately to offer help to bushfire victims and is staying with friends in the Whittlesea area.

Rod is supporting people in the Arthurs Creek/Strathewen area. He saw the impact of the fires first-hand after entering a restricted zone with the CFA. “The devastation is almost absolute in the ‘hot fire’ area,” Rod said. “Almost all buildings have been burnt down, many animals killed and many of the tall trees destroyed because the ground at their base has burned in the heat.”

Rod has been taking relief supplies to people who have returned to their homes in the fire zone but are living without power and other facilities.

“They have a magnificent community spirit but need lots of encouragement. Some of the fire fighting volunteers have seen things that will take a lot of coping with. Each day the response agenda changes and develops and will unfold over quite a long period of time.”

Muffins raise funds The Lyndoch Bakery in the Barossa Valley has come up with a novel way of raising funds for the UCA’s bushfire appeal. The bakery is making and donating muffins free of charge to stores willing to sell them.

Manager Sue Coomber said other local businesses have been quick to support the muffin venture. It’s hoped the muffins will raise at least $100,000.

Pictures of devastation from the bushfire zone.

for bushfire victims Uniting Church SA Moderator Rev Rod Dyson has called the church to prayer for victims of the Victorian bushfires.

Rod has also offered the church’s support to the Moderator of the Victorian and Tasmanian Synod, Rev Jason Kioa.

Some prayer points are listed below: • Families who have lost loved ones, livestock and property • Emergency personnel involved in the fire fighting effort • Medical personnel caring for burns victims • Forensic officers identifying victims • Those shocked by what they have seen during the disaster • Wisdom for those working on the short term and longer term response to this tragedy • Churches and chaplains offering comfort and support at this time.

The Assembly website has a number of bushfire response resources including liturgies and special services. They are available at http://assembly.uca.org.au/.

The Sandilands Uniting Church Congregation wishes to extend an invitation to attend a

Centenary Service 1909 2009 celebrating

100 years of fellowship within the Sandilands Uniting Church

to be held on Sunday 22nd March, 2009 at 2.00 pm and followed by a Devonshire Tea Any enquiries please contact: Grant Rowe 0429 392 076 Marilyn Stock 88 322 020

R.S.V.P. 7th March, 2009 if possible for catering purposes

MARCH 2009

4

N E W L I V ES - F R ES H H O P E

Working with refugees ‘incredibly rewarding’ Kevin Liston finds his job helping refugees so incredibly rewarding and challenging that even if he didn’t have to work – that’s still what he would choose to do.

Kevin is the director of the Australian Refugee Association (ARA) in Adelaide and with 25 years experience in the organisation, there’s very little he doesn’t know about refugees.

approximately 13,500 refugees this year. About a thousand of those will arrive through the on-shore program, (people who come here as students or visitors and claim asylum). The vast majority will be refugees from Africa, the Middle East and Asia who are selected overseas for resettlement.

Refugees have enormous needs While Australia has a good record settling refugees, Kevin says the people coming here have enormous needs because of their complex history.

“But they also have huge capability and potential.

Give them time and they will contribute hugely to Australian society. It’s these kinds of people - with determination and commitment – that we want here.”

Kevin is frustrated by negative reports in the media about refugees – such as at the end of last year when a Sudanese school boy was fatally stabbed in the city.

“When someone writes in ‘the Advertiser’ about ‘knifewielding refugees’, they’ve really got a sin to answer for,” he says. “Because those sorts of incidents are way outside the normal pattern of things.”

Kevin says the majority of refugees who come here have all of the attributes necessary to make a success of their lives.

Since 1983 Kevin has worked with new arrivals from many of the world’s trouble spots.

Over the years he’s assisted newcomers from Vietnam, Chile, El Salvador, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Burma, the Middle East and Africa.

He loves the variety of his work – which sees him meeting and greeting people from all over the world, as well as influencing government refugee and migration policy development.

Australia the best in the world Kevin believes that Australia has the best record of any country in the world when it comes to assisting and resettling refugees.

“The only other country on a par with Australia would be Canada,” he says. “Our preparation for accepting refugees, our social services, practical support, English language learning, assistance in getting work, community relations - all of that, is way ahead of other countries.”

He says Australia will accept

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Kevin says one of the most obvious success stories to come to mind is South Australia’s Lieutenant Governor Hieu Van Le. He was one of the first of the Vietnamese boat people to arrive in Australia in 1977.

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fairly determined and have a lot of energy, spirit and a strong sense of self.

“When you think that only five percent of refugees in a place like Kakuma Refugee Camp, might get settled in a year and they are all no more than numbers on a data base – they need a lot of perseverance, energy and initiative to stand out ahead of everybody else.”

At a personal psychological level, Kevin believes the transition to life in Australia is often far more difficult for refugees to deal with than the situations they come from.

“What they have endured before – persecution, loosing their homes, their family killed – I wouldn’t want to minimise that. But it is happening in a context that they know and understand; there is a history there and there is a society and a community that they belong to.

“When they come here, they are nobody. They are isolated.

They come as individuals and families and they have to get to know other people. They have to extend that and develop community. They need to learn about life here, get a job, get their children into schools …it’s a huge undertaking.”

Yet despite the enormity of that task, there are many refugee success stories.

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Kevin Liston has supported and advocated for hundred of refugees over the years, through his work at the Australian Refugees Association in Adelaide – and there’s nothing he would rather do.

New lives - fresh hope The Uniting Church SA, like many other organisations, is actively involved in helping refugees resettle in Australia. It’s part of our core calling to seek God’s justice for all people.

In recent years some of our congregations have raised hundreds of dollars to help pay for air fares for refugees. And once the newcomers arrive, church people have helped them with a huge range of needs – such as finding accommodation, buying clothing, dealing with government agencies, learning English, job hunting and generally adjusting to the Australian way of life.

Andrew Clarke, who co-ordinates the church’s MRN Centre for Ministry with Refugees says the church should be justifiably proud of what it has done – but the task hasn’t ended. He says there’s still much more to be done to help refugees here and those who are yet to arrive.

With this in mind ‘New Times’ decided to investigate the practical ways congregations are helping refugees get on with their daily lives. We explored programs at Modbury, Maughan and Adelaide West Uniting Churches. We also have a story about the Kingdom Assignment Sudan – a project supported by Hope Valley and the Journey Uniting Churches.

‘New Times’ also interviewed two remarkable refugees - attached to two local congregations - who are reaching their own personal goals, while also supporting others.

- Jill Freear

N E W L I V ES - F R ES H H O P E

New Times

5

Supporting the Sudanese community here Jill Freear No one knows better than Amel Manyon just how difficult it is to adjust to life in a new country and a new culture.

Not only has Amel made that transition herself, she has also helped hundreds of other Sudanese families adjust to life in Adelaide.

Amel arrived here in 2002 with her husband and their five children. She is also raising a niece and a nephew.

She was born in Southern Sudan and like thousands of others, was forced to flee because of the civil war. She lived for 21 years in Khartoum, the capital of Northern Sudan.

Amel spent several years raising the children on her own, as her police officer husband fled to Kenya and later to Egypt because of the threat of persecution.

Amel grew up in a large

church-going family and has always enjoyed reading the Bible and sharing the word of God. In Khartoum she worked as a secretary at the Nile Theological College. It was there that she started to develop a desire to be involved in ministry - but lacked the time and the money to study.

In the past couple of years she has studied part-time at the Lutheran Seminary in Adelaide.

Now she has entered a Period of Discernment at ParkinWesley Theological College and hopes, all going well, that she may become a UCA minister in the next couple of years.

Since settling in Adelaide, Amel has worked tirelessly to help Sudanese families adapt to the Australian way of life.

She has been involved at ‘African Women’s Day’ at Modbury Uniting Church and also at Maughan Church’s

‘Centre of Welcome’. For the past two years she has been employed as a support worker with the Migrant Resource Centre. She also chairs the Sudanese Women’s Association.

Her role has mainly been one of providing social support to Sudanese women – linking them with organisations and services that can assist them.

While some Sudanese leaders have left Adelaide to return to help re-build Southern Sudan, Amel is positive that she is called to support her people here.

She and her family are attending Modbury Uniting Church where Amel has opened a Dinka school for children on Saturday mornings.

She wants Sudanese young people to know something of their own language and culture, while also learning to adapt to the Australian way of life.

Amel Manyon, who attends Modbury Uniting Church, hopes to become the first female Sudanese minister in the Uniting Church in Australia.

Building God’s Kingdom Sudan – fast facts in Southern Sudan The Sudan was granted independence from the United Kingdom in 1956. Since that time the country has been ruled by military regimes favouring Islamic-oriented governments.

Rather than helping Sudanese refugees settle in Adelaide, two Uniting Church congregations have taken a different approach – they’re raising funds to support a community in the Southern Sudan.

Hope Valley and the Journey congregations are involved in the Kingdom Assignment Sudan (KAS). The project aims to raise $500,000 in the next few years to build a school, a health clinic and a church for the people of Malony in Tonj.

Supporting people in the Sudan Hope Valley minister Roger Brook, who also chairs the KAS board, says after hearing stories of Sudanese people struggling to settle here, the congregations decided they would rather use their time and resources to help build up the Kingdom of God in the Sudan.

The project evolved out of Roger’s friendship with Malok Akot, a Sudanese man living in Adelaide who was studying at Parkin-Wesley Theological College.

The churches raised the funds to send Malok back to the Southern Sudan to research a suitable project. He discovered Malony – an extremely poor and isolated community of approximately 28,000 people.

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Education highest priority So far the congregations have raised $60,000 which they hope to use in the next few months to build school classrooms.

The Malony community has set aside 30 acres of land on which a school, health clinic and church will be built.

There are only 1600 schools within Southern Sudan for 1.6 million school-aged children.

KAS hopes to build an eight classroom school in Malony to help educate more than 500 children in the district.

Roger says the school is being tackled first as the people feel that without education they have no future.

“It’s a pretty exciting project,” says Roger. “The way the congregations view it is that $500,000 can buy you one house in Golden Grove, or it can make a huge difference to the lives of many people in the Southern Sudan.”

Further information about the Kingdom Assignment Sudan can be found at www. kingdomassignmentsudan.org.au. The website includes a DVD titled ‘A new hope, a new future, a new nation, for the people of Southern Sudan.

More recently it has experienced two prolonged civil wars resulting in extreme poverty and famine.

The first civil war ended in 1972 but broke out again in 1983.

The second war and subsequent famine resulted in more than four million people being displaced and more than two million deaths over a 20 period.

In the South, vital infrastructure, including health and education systems, was destroyed.

A Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in January 2005, giving Southern Sudan self-rule and allowing the south to vote for an independent or united Sudan in a referendum in 2011.

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N E W L I V ES - F R ES H H O P E

6

A tale of endurance and determination Gutsy, determined and persistent are but a few of the qualities that come to mind when hearing Jonas Magaya’s story.

Jonas is a refugee from the Sudan – with an incredible tale of endurance.

Despite numerous setbacks over the past 36 years, he has remained upbeat and resilient and is finally forging a new life for himself in Adelaide.

Jonas is presently employed as a part-time youth worker at Enfield Uniting Church while completing his business studies.

He was born in Khartoum, in Northern Sudan.

His parents were from Southern Sudan but were forced to leave because of the civil war.

Jonas decided to return to the South once he had completed his schooling. However life became difficult when he was persecuted and accused of having connections with rebel groups.

A refugee in Kakuma He ended up fleeing to Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya on two occasions – a place he describes as desperate and desolate - and home to about 100,000 refugees.

Jonas eventually found employment in the camp – working for an American nongovernment organisation (NGO) – providing home-based care and counselling for people living with HIV/AIDS. Throughout this period he repeatedly applied for resettlement, firstly in Canada and then in Australia, but his hopes were continually dashed.

Finally in 2003 a cousin who had been resettled in Australia sponsored him here as a refugee.

However he continued to face new challenges in Australia. While Jonas found a job initially with Electrolux in Beverley, he had difficulty renting a house and being accepted for university studies.

However his dogged determination is finally paying off. He now rents a house in Enfield and has completed various business-related qualifications.

Faith pulled him through Jonas’ faith has helped him through all the trials and tribulations. While living at Kakuma he belonged to a Sudanese Youth Fellowship group and developed a strong church commitment.

He’s presently a member of the Sudanese Christian Fellowship group which meets at Adelaide West Uniting Church, as well as being involved at Enfield Uniting Church.

Music is also an expression of his faith. Jonas plays the electric guitar, drums and keyboard. He also writes and records his own Gospel songs and is a member of the African Nile Band.

Jonas hopes to complete his business studies next year, but now has a new dilemma to ponder.

A church member has suggested he consider theological studies at Parkin-Wesley College.

Jonas isn’t too sure about undertaking further study at this stage – but he is giving the idea some serious consideration.

Jonas Magaya is employed as a part-time youth worker at Enfield Uniting Church while completing his business studies.

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MARCH 2009

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N E W L I V ES - F R ES H H O P E

New Times

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Tony’s a driving force Adelaide West Uniting Church’s ‘Friends of Refugees’ group has helped hundreds of new arrivals settle in Adelaide over the past five years.

As well as assisting with accommodation, furniture and clothing needs, and putting people in contact with government and other agencies, the group also provides lots of practical help and advice.

One of its members, Tony Thompson, has devoted hours of his time helping newcomers improve their driving skills so that they might qualify for a full driver’s license.

Two of the many people Tony has helped are Mathew and Josephine Nyande – refugees from Serra Leonie.

The couple spent two years in a refugee camp in Ghana before being accepted into Australia under the UN resettlement program.

Mathew says the assistance from the Friends of Refugees group was incredible and says it would have been prohibitively expensive if he and his wife had had to pay for hours of driving instruction.

Since arriving in Adelaide in 2004 Mathew has gained a degree in Accounting and Business from Flinders University. He’s now working part-time for a business management company and is looking for full-time work.

His wife Josephine works at Aldersgate Aged Care facility and cares for the couple’s three children.

The family attend Adelaide West Uniting Church. Mathew has now joined the Friends of Refugees group so that he might help other refugees to settle here.

The work carried out by the Friends of Refugees group was recognised on Australia Day when the group won a community award from the West Torrens City Council.

Newcomers enrich Payneham Road

Mathew Nyande has gained his driving licence thanks to many hours of expert tuition from Tony Thompson who is a member of Adelaide West Uniting Church’s ‘Friends of Refugees’ group.

     

   

Members of the Payneham Road congregation with their ‘Jesus loves you’ sign which was made by two overseas students.

Nessie Faulkner The congregation at Payneham Road, Marden has a ministry to young overseas people. They may have come to Australia for different reasons - some to visit, some to study English, some to attend University and some to settle permanently – but we welcome them all.

Our ministry has been in action for about three years and in that time we have reached out to about 40 young people. These young people have enriched our congregation and helped us to better understand people from overseas and their needs when they come to our shores.

After our Sunday service we usually share lunch. During this time we help them with their ‘Aussie’ ways, seek to solve their problems and share cooking and household tips.

It is always sad when we farewell folk who are returning home.

Soon, though, new people enter our lives and all this without advertising – they come simply by word of mouth.

As you drive down Payneham Road you will see a large sign created by two of our young people from overseas. Artist Hyerim Kim has since returned to South Korea; but Sam, the graphic artist, is to remain here as a permanent resident. This is just one example of the talents and skills these young people have shared with us.

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   

 

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   

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    

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N E W L I V ES - F R ES H H O P E

New Times

African women value Modbury’s program Wendy Sinnott

Wendy Sinnott (left) and Pat Thomas – the two women behind ‘African Women’s Day’ at Modbury Uniting Church.

‘Is this the end?’

Looking for inspiration for Easter activities in your congregation?

‘Hive Resources’, which produces resource books for Australian churches, is offering two free copies of ‘Is this the end?’ which contains drama and puppet plays for the Easter season.

The first two readers to email newtimes@sa.uca.org.au, with ‘Is this the end?’ in the subject line, will be sent a fee copy of the booklet.

The resources are produced

by Rev Paul Clark who has been writing and performing

drama and puppet plays for more than 15 years.

Russell Reynoldson, who was a children’s worker with the Uniting Church SA in the late 1980’s, has contributed to three of the five books produced so far by ‘Hive Resources’.

HELP South Aussies keep going forward

WE DO! PLEASE DONATE TO UNITINGCARE WESLEY ADELAIDE. 10 Pitt St, ADELAIDE SA 5000 or GPO Box 2534, ADELAIDE SA 5001.

Ph: 82025112 www.ucwesleyadelaide.org.au

MARCH 2009

In 2003 Modbury Uniting Church identified a need within our Tea Tree Gully Council area and adjoining councils for some assistance to be given to new arrivals. Congregation member Pat Thomas had a background in settling new arrivals through the ecumenical housing scheme and I had a varied background including community development. With the church’s backing, Pat and I discussed the possibilities of a women’s group with a couple of Sudanese and Sierra Leone women.

In February 2004 Modbury Uniting Church’s African Women’s Day began. This year is our sixth year of operation.

In 2006 we had an average of 25 women and 26 pre-schoolers a week. In 2007 and last year our numbers increased slightly to an average of 30 women and 28 children a week.

There still seems to be a need for the program, despite the fact that fewer Sudanese are coming to South Australia. But more people are coming now from other parts of Africa. We have had women from Burundi, Liberia, the Congo, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda and other areas. We also have some new arrivals from South American countries. (One is now a regular volunteer).

Both Pat and I are volunteers and have a crew of 30 helpers (not all from Modbury Uniting Church). These people regularly provide transport, prepare lunches, help in the crèche, or assist with English language groups, computer skills, learner driving (on the computer) and sewing. There is no need to roster people and apart from crèche helpers, all areas are well staffed. Helping in the crèche can be challenging, but it is essential, because without the crèche the program would fail.

We also organise seminars – on health and legal issues and other things relevant to new arrivals such as housing, shopping, schooling, cooking and nutrition.

We conduct lots of home visits and help people get to their appointments. We work closely with Families SA who also provide a weekly financial counselling session at the church. Centrelink staff also visit, as do staff from the Holden Hill police station. The children love the police cars and bikes.

Modbury Uniting church has sponsored about 140 Sudanese refugees into South Australia.

The first family arrived in 2005 and the most recent family arrived last November. When a sponsored family arrives the church community finds them accommodation and helps them settle in – sometimes a daunting task for both the volunteers and families.

Modbury’s holiday activities A group of mainly Sudanese school children from Modbury Uniting Church enjoyed several outings during the school holidays including an afternoon at Adelaide Zoo. The kids had a wonderful time exploring the various animal exhibits according to organisers Wendy Sinnott and minister Tony Goodluck.

The children also enjoyed spending one 41 degree day in the wading pool at Tusmore Park, and another day in the church with a series of organised activities.

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New Times

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‘On the same wave’ Families connected to Maughan Church’s ‘Centre for Welcome’ took the plunge in January to learn surf survival skills, following an invitation from the West Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.

The families took part in Surf Lifesaving Australia’s ‘On the same wave’ program which teaches surf awareness skills to people unfamiliar with beach conditions.

West Beach Surf Lifesaving Club captain Peter Taylor said the national program specifically targets people from the bush and new arrivals from overseas.

Many of the young African refugees attending said they had never swum in the sea and they appreciated learning about swimming between the flags, identifying rips and signalling for help.

Two Sudanese youth – 13-year-old Door Door (below left) and 15-year-old Lual Nyok (below right) expressed an interested in joining a surf club and training to become surf life-savers.

Both boys have been in Adelaide for less than a year, but Door has already decided he would like to study law or engineering and Lual has set his sights on medicine.

Rev Liellie McLaughlin and Judy Shaw co- manage the ‘Centre of Welcome’ at Maughan Church. They are pictured with toddler Deng, on a day when the church took a group of new arrivals to West Beach.

‘Centre of Welcome’ helps new arrivals organised excursions for families to travel by train to Belair, or by tram to Glenelg. They’ve also visited the zoo and the museum.

Judy says once the new arrivals have visited such places as part of a group, they gain the confidence to visit later on their own, or with other friends.

Judy has also helped some of the newcomers to find employment in hospitality, aged care and other areas.

She is always keen to hear from people who may be interested in volunteering at the Centre of Welcome, or assisting new arrivals in other ways. Judy can be contacted on 0428 562 208 or email judy_shaw@bigpond.com.

The Centre of Welcome offers a child drop-off facility on Tuesdays between 10am and 11.30am as well as advocacy and advice.

Between 11.30am and 1pm a multi-cultural playgroup operates where parents and children from a variety of cultural backgrounds mix over lunch.

Between 2pm and 3pm English language conversation is offered, where new comers have the opportunity to practice their English skills with volunteers and people from other cultures.

Newcomers from Africa hit the surf in January to learn surf survival skills. The outing was organised by Maughan Church’s ‘Centre for Welcome’ and the West Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.

Our Annesley Story

A living sign Colonel Light Gardens Uniting Church has come up with a novel way to project its presence, life and witness into the community.

A large eucalyptus tree outside the church on the corner of Goodwood Road and Aver Avenue has been turned into a novel sign by the congregation.

Those driving north along Goodwood Road through the Daw Park/Colonel Light Gardens shopping centre during Advent would have first noticed a large yellow ribbon around the tree’s substantial trunk.

Then the word ‘God’ appeared on the trunk. Week by week the message grew until the sign finally read ‘God says welcome home’.

explore Young minds are naturally curious.

At Annesley College we nurture adventurous learning.

Our students follow their dreams and achieve success.

Read our real life stories at:

www.annesley.sa.edu.au/story

CRICOS Provider No. 00357D ANS0152

A unique program designed to support new arrivals to Australia is operating from Maughan Church, with funding support from the Uniting Foundation.

The Centre of Welcome runs on Tuesdays during the school term – offering day care for children, advocacy and advice, a playgroup and English conversation.

One of the centre’s project managers Judy Shaw says up to 50 people attend each Tuesday, from a range of different cultural backgrounds, including Chinese, Korean, Malaysian, Indian, Afghani and African.

“The centre is popular with older women who have come to Adelaide to care for their children while they are studying,” she said. “These women speak little English and are really socially isolated.

“We also carry out a lot of advocacy work - helping people find housing, or understand issues that may have arisen for their children at school, or tenancy concerns and the like.

“With one-on-one support we find these new-comers quickly grow in confidence and learn to manage their own affairs.”

During the school holidays the centre has

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NEWS

New Times

Church people on honours list Several people with Uniting Church SA connections have been named in the Australia Day Honours List. Fiona DixonThompson and Rev Dr Bill Edwards have been appointed Members (AM) of the Order of Australia.

Ray Buttery, John Geddie, Carol Greening and Malcolm Catford have been awarded a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia.

Fiona, who comes from Port Lincoln, was recognised for her service to the international community through establishing and coordinating the Orphans and Vulnerable Children project in Mwandi, Zambia since 2005.

Fiona’s mother Leonie says Fiona was flabbergasted by the award and hopes to return to Adelaide to receive her medal at Government House. “Fiona also acknowledges that the award was only possible because of the wonderful people who support her and the project,� Leonie said.

Meanwhile Rev Dr Bill Edwards was recognised for his service to the Indigenous community as an interpreter and through the recording of lanugages and culture of the Anangu people; to education and to the Uniting Church.

Bill says it’s been a humbling experience, but he’s conscious there are so many other deserving people, like his wife who has been commited to improving the health of Indigenous people. “The greatest reward is the relationships that I’ve formed with the Pitjantjatjara people and the encirchment to my own Christian faith in grappling with their issues,�

Bill says. He is presently writing a book about his 50 year involvement in Indigenous affairs.

Ray Buttery, a church member and lay preacher, was recognised for his service to veterans through a range of ex-service and social welfare organisations.

John Geddie has been recognised for his service to the community through the Hare Street Uniting Church and ethnic community radio. John helped establish and manages the Hungry Hare CafĂŠ.

Carol Greening, former chairperson of Mannum Uniting Church, was recognised for her service to the Mannum district.

Appila farmer Malcolm Catford, was awarded an OAM for service to local government, to health care and arts organizations and to the Jamestown community.

Building on a solid Foundation The Uniting Foundation’s capacity to make grants depends on you.

Since 2004, 195 grants totalling $7,902,714 have funded mission and ministry work of the Uniting Church throughout South Australia.

Today’s donations and tomorrow’s bequests earn income which supports: t DPNNVOJUZ PVUSFBDI FWFOUT JO SVSBM BOE VSCBO 4PVUI Australia t NJOJTUSZ UP BO FDP GBJUI XPSTIJQQJOH DPNNVOJUZ NFFUJOH in Botanic Park t DPVOTFMMJOH BOE SFMBUFE TFSWJDFT JO QBSUOFSTIJQ XJUI B SVSBM congregation and UnitingCare Gawler t EFWFMPQNFOU PG BO JOUFSHFOFSBUJPOBM DPVSUZBSE QSPWJEJOH B safe play area for children and a meeting place for adults t ZPVOH BEVMUT UISPVHI B ZFBS PG EJTDJQMFTIJQ learning and service t BUUFOEBODF BU UIF (MPCBM -FBEFSTIJQ 4VNNJU Your donations and bequests to the Uniting Foundation make this possible.

Contact Valerie Williams, Uniting Foundation Manager (8236 4234 or vwilliams@sa.uca.org.au) or visit the Uniting Foundation web page on www.sa.uca.org.au

MARCH 2009

Fiona Dixon-Thompson was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her work with orphans and vulnerable children in Zambia. (She is pictured with husband Rory on their wedding day in December).

Rev Dr Bill Edwards, (with his wife Val), was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for more than 50 years of service to the Indigenous community.

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Religious leaders want ABC religion report Religious leaders from a variety of denominations, including the Uniting Church, have lobbied the ABC for the return of ‘The Religion Report’ or a similar dedicated religious current affairs program.

The religious leaders met with ABC managing director Mark Scott last month.

The faith leaders requested that: • the ABC maintain a religious program unit, with appropriate staff, editorial and budget resources; • there be a return to the broadcast schedule of a dedicated religious current affairs program along the lines of ‘The Religion Report’ under the editorial control of the religion unit; and • specialist religious journalists continue to be employed and supported by the ABC. Mr Scott said the ABC had no plans to scrap the religion unit or to scrap specialisation in reporting, but that it would continue to modify programs.

He noted that in addition to other program slots, religion will feature in ‘Background Briefing’ which he says will reach a broader audience and allow for in-depth reporting.

Mr Scott also said that the effects of the religious program decisions made late last year are being considered in a current review.

The faith leaders have agreed to monitor the changes this year.

NEWS

New Times

11

President’s message on Australia Day On Australia Day, Uniting Church President Rev Gregor Henderson urged people to celebrate the privilege of being Australian, while encouraging reflection on our bloodstained history.

Gregor said Australia Day was the perfect time to acknowledge the first peoples of the land and to extend the hand of peace and friendship between all Australians.

“This is a great country, a lucky country, a rich country; a country which attracts people to its shores from all corners of the globe, due to the ‘fair go’ we afford to all who seek opportunity here.

“The Aussie spirit can be seen all over the world, as we give of ourselves to working in other countries, to providing aid, to celebrating humanity through our generosity and hopefulness.

“But we have a shameful and bloody past in our treatment of Indigenous Australians, beginning with the arrival of the first fleet and perpetuated by many who followed.

“So while we commemorate Australia’s European history on 26 January, we must also recommit to the ongoing process of reconciliation between the first peoples and those who have come after.

“We know that we have seriously and profoundly hurt Indigenous communities, which continue to lose their language, their culture and their identities.

“However, the Australian Government has taken steps towards a better future for Indigenous people. We strongly support increased attention to reconciliation and ask the Government to continue to focus on that in 2009.”

Gregor also acknowledged Holocaust Remembrance Day (27 January), as an opportunity to remember the horrific suffering of Jewish people during WWII and to acknowledge that racism is still a force for evil in today’s world.

“How horrible if we were to forget the depravity of that moment in history,” he said. “Yet still today genocide rears its ugly head - in places like the Congo, Sudan and not so long ago in the Balkans.”

He called on Australians to remember their histories – both the good and the bad – and to take those lessons into the future.

“The Christian faith calls us to repent for past sins and to redress past wrongs.

“We belong to a country that is remarkably peaceful and yet many of us have arrived out of situations of war and terror.

“Let us therefore acknowledge our pasts, and those of our fellow Australians, and work together for a future of harmony and reconciliation.”

Rev Bruce Grindlay is Holdfast Bay’s ‘Citizen of the year’ in recognition of his work supporting traders on Jetty Road. Bruce is pictured with Suzanne Jones, a Jetty Road trader.

‘Citizen of the year’ award for Bruce St Andrew’s by the Sea minister Rev Bruce Grindlay has been named ‘Citizen of the Year’ by the City of Holdfast Bay. The award, conferred on Australia Day, is in recognition of Bruce’s work as the volunteer chaplain for Glenelg’s Jetty Road shopping precinct – a unique form of street ministry.

Bruce has been the minister at St Andrews on Jetty Road for more than ten years. He first became involved with local traders about eight years ago as the result of a tragedy on the street.

Since then he has built up strong relationships with many of the 300 businesses in the area and presently chairs the Jetty Road Main Street Management Committee.

Bruce views Jetty Road as part of his parish and is committed to supporting traders, visitors and residents in the surrounding community.

“I came here knowing that I didn’t want to the curator of a museum,” Bruce said. “That’s why St Andrew’s is open every day of the week.

“It is the church in the market place and it gets involved in everything from the Tour Down Under the to Christmas parade.

“It’s been very affirming to receive the award and for the church to be perceived as an integral part of the Jetty Road precinct. Local traders recognise that the church does have something to offer and they regard St Andrew’s as their church.

Jetty Road trader Suzanne Jones said Bruce has an incredible and inspiring ministry in the street.

“He visits shop owners and staff and helps people with personal, business and financial matters,” she said.

As a result of Bruce’s unique chaplaincy a number of local traders are attending worship and a couple have become church members at St Andrew’s.

Bruce has also performed funerals, weddings and baptisms for members of the Jetty Road community.

New lecturer in Old Testament Dr Liz Boase has always wanted to work with the Uniting Church and says her new position fulfils a long term call. Liz is the new lecturer in Old Testament Studies at the centre for leadership development, on the ParkinWesley College campus.

Originally a speech pathologist, Liz has spent 20 years studying and teaching the Old Testament and has a PhD in this field.

Dr Liz Boase will lecture in Old Testament studies at the church’s new centre for leadership.

“One of the things which keeps the Old Testament alive is the fact that it’s so human,” she says. “In a unique way we find everything about our humanity – strengths, weaknesses, vulnerabilities – within the Old Testament.”

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Enquiries: phone 8331 7061 See also www.gtimsa.org

MARCH 2009

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NEWS

New Times

Supporting others during Lent Lyn Leane Controversial Australian philosopher and ethicist Peter Singer has joined a chorus of voices from around the world who believe present levels of world poverty are neither acceptable nor inevitable. In his latest book, ‘The Life You Can Save’, Singer argues if we all contribute we can reduce the misery experienced daily by millions.

Singer suggests if we all give away just five per cent of our gross annual incomes it wouldn’t damage our lives too terribly and it would make a massive dent in world poverty.

And then there is Bono from U2 whose mission is to render extreme poverty a thing of the past. And people like Microsoft founder Bill Gates who gives away millions annually to support projects that will improve the health and welfare of many.

The practice of regularly giving a percentage of income is familiar enough in the Jewish and Christian traditions. The tithe, or ten per cent of earning given for the sake of others, has a long history.

In South Australia, the annual Lenten Appeal has been a way for thousands of Uniting Church people to

Microfinance in Papua New Guinea John Minchin In 2007 Western Link Uniting Church member Ruth Sellick had a vision to offer basic business training to village women in Papua New Guinea.

The training Ruth offers is complemented by small-scale loans that enable women to set up their own businesses, fostering income-generation and independence.

Uniting Church Overseas Aid has adopted this project, providing excellent oversight and accountability mechanisms, to ensure that any help given is used to the best possible advantage.

This year’s Lenten Appeal will provide essential funds to ensure that small business loans can be offered in new areas of PNG. During Lent Ruth will review the work in Milne Bay and run another training course in the East Central Papua Region, on the south coast.

Ministry in the Philippines One of this year’s Lenten projects will help to develop the ministry capacity of church workers and ministers in North Luzon, in the Philippines.

The United Church of Christ in North Luzon is one of our partner churches and it has asked for help.

There are about 500 church workers in the North Luzon Jurisdiction serving 509 local churches with 60,000 members.

Approximately 85 per cent of the church workers are lay pastors with no formal theological education.

The office of the Bishop in North Luzon has designed a program to help equip and empower these church workers for ministry.

Through the Lenten Appeal there is an opportunity to assist with the theological education and in-service training.

Supporting Oodnadatta youth This year’s UAICC Lenten Appeal project will support youth ministry in Oodnadatta.

Donations will help train teachers and buy furniture and materials for the Sunday school.

It’s hoped there will also be sufficient funds to buy some musical instruments and a laptop and data projector for Sunday school use.

There are tentative plans to provide an opportunity for interested people to visit the people of Oodnadatta in the middle of the year.

Further details about the 2009 Lenten Appeal are available on the MRN and Uniting Church SA websites. For any general queries, please call Lyn Leane on 8236 4239 or email: leane@ sa.uca.org.au. For envelope queries email Paulene Goh at pgoh@sa.uca.org.au.

MARCH 2009

help reduce poverty. Over the six weeks of Lent each year, people in our churches and groups contribute amounts large and small for the benefit of others they will never meet, but to whom they are linked in the world-wide body of Christ.

For more than 30 years the Lenten Appeal has been a way of assisting our brothers and sisters locally and overseas.

This year the Lenten Appeal will focus on projects in Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and in Oodnadatta.

NEWS

New Times

13

UnitingCare Commissioning Service held People who give tirelessly of their time and talents to sit on the boards and councils of Uniting Church SA schools, colleges and agencies were formally acknowledged at a Commissioning Service at Westbourne Park Uniting Church last month.

It’s the first time UnitingCare SA has held such a service. It now hopes to hold a Commissioning Service at the start of every year.

About 120 people, (including principals, CEOs, leaders, board and council members), from the church’s eight local schools and colleges and 18

organisations took commissioning vows.

UnitingCare SA executive officer Rev Michaela Tiller said it was an opportunity to recognise and thank people who are committed to go above and beyond the call of duty because they believe the organisation they’re part of can make a big difference in people’s lives.

Uniting Church SA Moderator Rev Rod Dyson led the service on a theme of reconciliation, hope and renewal.

He expressed the hope that the organisations might make the presence of God real in their work – and move

all members of the community towards wholeness.

Uniting Director to be launched The Uniting Church SA oversees 50 boards, councils, electoral committees and committees with a total membership of more than 600 people.

Church agencies often have difficulty finding people to serve with the appropriate gender, gifts, church membership, skills and experience.

Rev Don Catford has been working in conjunction with the church’s IT Department to develop Uniting Director, a database linked to the internet where

boards, councils and committees will be given access to the names of people interested in becoming a member of an organisation’s governing body.

Uniting Director will be launched at the end of this month. People who would like to serve on a Uniting Church governing body, including agency, school or college boards, will be able to enter their personal details and express an interest online.

In the meantime if you would like to express an interest contact Miranda Jackson on 8236 4277 or email: mjackson@sa.uca.org.au.

Youthful view adds a fresh perspective Miranda Riley thought it would be a valuable experience to serve as a council member at Lincoln College having worked for a number of organisations, including Resthaven, that rely on their boards for leadership.

“I thought it would be good to learn what it’s like on the other side of the fence,” said Miranda.

“I also hope to learn governance skills which will help me with future job prospects.

“I’m able to contribute meaningfully to the council because of my background in public relations, marketing and graphic design.

“I also bring a youthful perspective - in my present employment I communicate with the 18 to 30-year-old demographic using a variety of digital media including online, e-newsletters, SMS and radio.

Management consultant Tom Farrant enjoys the social justice aspect of serving on UnitingCare Adelaide East’s Board.

Contributing to a significant cause Tom Farrant has been aware of the work carried out

by UnitingCare Adelaide East since the days when his school supported its predecessor, the Hackney Mission.

When he saw an advertisement last year in ‘New Times’ seeking people interested in board membership he started thinking about the possibility.

Then that call was reinforced when UnitingCare Adelaide East’s board chair Jim Everett asked Tom if he would join.

Tom sees his board membership an ideal way of being involved in the community and helping those in need.

“When I found out more about UnitingCare’s work, I became even more excited about the opportunity to get involved in such a hands-on agency.

“From a personal viewpoint, board membership provides me with an opportunity to develop my skills, provide a fresh perspective and contribute to a significant cause.

“Through my work experience as a management consultant, I believe I bring new and innovative ideas, an enthusiasm for social justice and a proactive can-do attitude.

“I also look forward to meeting a diverse range of people, growing relationships and developing my skills.”

“And while studying at UniSA in 2004 I went on an exchange to a university in Santiago, Chile. This gave me an understanding of the international student experience, as well as the challenges of studying in a second language.

“This has been helpful because the College caters to a significant number of overseas students.”

Miranda Riley is able to draw on her experience studying overseas while serving on the Lincoln College Council.

Richard Angove’s property and construction background enables him to make a useful contribution to the Seymour College Board.

Reward is helping girls reach full potential Serving on the Seymour College Board is a way of helping young women grow in confidence and self esteem in order that they might embrace life’s opportunities, according to Richard Angove.

Richard’s three daughters attended Seymour and he was impressed with the way the school helped them excel in different ways.

Richard initially became involved in the school’s affairs when he joined the Property and Building committee because of his experience in property and construction.

Late last year he was invited to join the school board when a vacancy arose for a person with a property background.

“I was motivated to join the board because I had seen first-hand the high level of pastoral care for students,” said Richard. “I was also impressed by the teachers’ passion to help students succeed in all areas – not just academically.

“I’ve been able to provide timely advice on property-related projects, so that the school has costeffective assets for the future.

“It’s been rewarding to see the school continue to prosper despite the economic climate, maintain a broad curricular and offering opportunities through scholarships and bursaries to girls from many walks of life.”

MARCH 2009

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New Times

‘God’s gift to the church in South Australia’ Rev Kyle Waters – the man once referred to as ‘God’s gift to the Christian church in South Australia, by UCA President Ian Tanner – was farewelled at a Memorial Service at Kent Town Uniting Church on January 23.

The service was led by Rev Don Catford who knew Kyle for more than 50 years. The following extracts come from Don’s eulogy for the man who was the first Secretary of the Uniting Church in South Australia.

We gather to farewell Kyle at Kent Town Uniting Church for it was in this building that he was ordained in March 1950. He also met here with the staff, families and students of Prince Alfred College for worship and fellowship; he was inducted here as President of the Methodist Conference and he played a major role in many of the Conference and Synod Services held here.

Kyle’s life was a unique life of faithful service, of integrity, loyalty, devotion, courage, prayer, vitality and individuality.

We remember him for the tremendous joy and pride he found in his family and his undying loyalty and devotion to them. We remember him for his devoted lifetime of ministry through the Methodist and

the Uniting Churches. We also remember him for his service to Australia during WWII as part of the 439 Australian Heavy Troop Division of the AIF, and for his contributions to the community through numerous organisations.

Kyle was a man of faith, an ordained minister, a school chaplain, a statesman, a revered churchman, a respected citizen, an honourable mason, a person who loved his neighbour and always acted according to his conscience.

He was a big man in every way and like the evergreen oak, his roots were firmly planted in the earth. He was solid – a man of great integrity – a leader extraordinaire.

For over 50 years Kyle worshipped at Morialta where he was loved by members and ministers alike.

Kyle was a churchman dedicated to his work as an ordained minister. After serving with the AIF, he began his theological training in Wesley College. During this time he served as a housemaster at Prince Alfred College from 1945 to 1947.

After completing his training Kyle served as associate director of the Young People’s Department, combining it with

the role of Field Evangelist for the Crusade for Christ. From 1951 to 1954 he served as the minister at Broken Hill City Mission.

From 1955 for the next 20 years, Kyle gave memorable and distinguished service as the chaplain at Prince Alfred College where many of his exploits have become legend.

Recognising his obvious gifts of leadership, the Methodist Conference appointed him as President for the 1971-72 Connexional Year.

Kyle was held in such affection and esteem that in 1975 he was appointed the Connexional Secretary of the Methodist Church and in 1977 he became the first Secretary of the Uniting Church in South Australia – a position he held for 13 years.

At 66 Kyle became the chaplain at the Daws Road Repatriation Hospital where his compassion, warmth and understanding endeared him to staff and patients alike.

Kyle also served 29 years as a Defence Force chaplain.

Kyle’s distinctive laugh, his enthusiastic hymn singing, his incredible memory for names, stories and information and his ever-present larger-than-life smile will not be forgotten.

A memorial service was held for Rev Kyle Waters (the first Secretary of the Uniting Church SA) at the end of January.

Earth takes eco tour Deanna Howland, Earth project officer Nine young church members, who are all part of Earth (the MRN Centre for young adults), have taken an eco tour through South Australia and Victoria to view environmental issues firsthand.

The young adults, aged from 18 to 34, came from six local Uniting Church congregations.

The group explored green issues while travelling through the Riverland and Grampians on their way to the National Christian Youth Convention in Melbourne.

They visited the Banrock Station Wetlands, Inland Botanic Gardens, Wentworth (where the Murray and Darling Rivers meet), Hattah Lakes, Halls Gap Eco-Hostel and more.

The trip was an opportunity for the young people to explore the connection between their faith and the environment, to learn about current environmental issues and be inspired and equipped to respond accordingly.

Students from Annesley College rehearse for ‘Hamlet’. Back row, from left to right: Millie Macadam, Kirsti Fobister, Tessa Hewitt, Maddy Hudson and Rebecca Van Essen. Front row, left to right: Sheridan Cox, Sara Pepe and Honey Debelle who plays Hamlet.

Annesley girls perform ‘Hamlet’ Students from Annesley College’s specialist performing arts program ‘Studio’ are taking on a major challenge for the Adelaide Fringe.

The girls are performing the tragedy of Shakespeare’s Hamlet with all the integrity and grandeur of the original text - but with an all female cast.

Director Andrew Jefferis says the students have welcomed the challenge. “In Shakespearean times English theatre was predominantly MARCH 2009

performed by an all male cast, with young boys filling female roles,” said Andrew. “But our all female team are set to reverse history.”

“We’ve done everything from fencing lessons to language research and voice training to ensure the girls are able to re-create the 16th century tragedy, but in contemporary costume.”

‘Studio’ will perform Hamlet from March 4 to 7 at 8pm, under the stars in the Annesley College courtyard.

Members of the Earth eco-tour: standing from left to right, are Bek Christensen, Rowan Steele, Alice Mansfield, Jasmine Esots, Andrew Wright, Kylie Goodluck and Ellen Horner. In front from left to right, are Beth Hewitt and Lauren Davis.

15 MAGAZINE

New Times Keep up to date with the latest Uniting Church SA news and events by signing up for UCEnews – a free weekly electronic newsletter delivered directly to your inbox. If you are a church administrator, newsletter editor, minister or secretary the information will be invaluable. To subscribe email Sarah Urmston at: surmston@sa.uca.org.au or call 8236 4260.

Would you be interested in reviewing books for ‘New Times’? A number of free books are available to people willing to write reviews for publication. To express an interest contact Sarah Urmston – contact details above.

The Barton Singers will perform at the Corner Uniting Church (corner of Oaklands and Diagonal Roads, Warradale) on Sunday March 22 at 2pm. Adults

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.

$12, pensioners $10; includes afternoon tea. Tickets available at the door.

further details phone 8178 0048 or visit: www.sa.uca.org.au/ goto/stillpoint.

A conference titled ‘Apologetics in the 21st Century’ with Dr John Dickson and Dr Greg Clarke from the Centre for Public Christianity will be held on Saturday March 28 at Sydney Missionary and Bible College. For further information visit: www. publicchristianity.com or call 02 9980 9913.

Peterborough Uniting Church Fellowship is celebrating 100 years of service to the Methodist and Uniting Church by the ladies of various organisations, such as guilds, church aids and fellowships.

The celebration will be on June 4, 2009 at 1.30pm at Peterborough Uniting Church, Kitchener St. Enquiries to Valerie Buttfield on 8651 2241.

Stillpoint Spirituality Centre has many events and services scheduled for 2009.

Some will be listed in UCEnews throughout the year. For EQUAL RIGHTS CELEBRATED

About your letters

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

The Uniting Church is known for its commitment to social justice and for standing in solidarity with the poor, marginalised and oppressed. A recent example of this was the submission from Uniting Justice to the Federal Government review of laws discriminating against people living in same gender relationships. More than 100 laws have now been altered to give legal equity to these persons. In relation

The Ecumenical Studies committee are clearing out older material and offering resources at a discounted price. to superannuation, property rights, power of medical and financial attorney, and inheritance, to name just a few, those that have supported each other as partners now have the same rights as those in heterosexual de facto relationships.

Members of Friends of Unity in this Synod/Presbytery celebrate the role our church has played and congratulate the Government on taking this action for justice. Friends of

Snapshots DVD resource: $10 plus postage, ‘Journeying with Christ’ $3 plus postage.

Enquiries to 8269 7860 or email: info@eculent.org.au Sandilands Uniting Church celebrates 100 years on March 22 with a service at 2pm conducted by Rev Brian Tugwell. The Ardrossan choir sang at the opening in 1909 and will also sing at the Centenary Service. Enquiries to Grant Rowe on 0429 392 076 or Marilyn Stock on 8832 2020.

State Mission Fellowship is meeting at Scots Church on Tuesday March 31 at 10.30am.

Speakers include staff from UnitingWorld Sydney and visiting Thai students. Lunch is available.

Consiglio will perform at Adelaide West Uniting church on March 12 from 7.30pm. He will also speak on the theme ‘Spirit, Soul and Body’. Cost $10. To book contact Bev Armstrong on 8339 2809.

Applications are invited for the World Council of Churches Stewards Program, for young adults aged 18 to 30, to take place in Geneva from August 19 to September 4, 2009. Applications close March 31, 2009. Enquiries to Sandy Boyce; on 0409 283 004 or email: sandyb@nat.uca.org.au.

Work Wanted CARPETS LAID. Expert repairs.

0417 872 105 or 8344 4725.

American Benedictine monk, singer, musician and composer Father Cyprian

EXPERIENCED HANDYMAN Household repairs and maintenance. “Your spare pair of hands.” Phone 8346 0933.

Unity will celebrate this move towards justice for all and thank God for this new freedom from oppression in a Service of Worship once the Governor General signs the changes into law. We invite all church members to join us. The event will be advertised in e-news and other media.

Rev John Maddern and Dr Marelle Harisun, Co-chairpersons Friends of Unity

12-SEAT BUS NEEDED! CitySoul, a new church plant in the city, is seeking the use of a 12-seater bus, or similar vehicle, each Wednesday evening from 4:30pm.

They have drivers, but urgently need the use of a bus to transport students.

If you can help, please contact Nathan Vawser on 0413713163.

Restore your phonographic records or tapes to near original quality & preserve them on CD. Restore faded 35mm slides to original bright colour & preserve them on DVD.

Uniting Church SA Communications Unit

Ask us about VHS & 8mm film to DVD conversion.

The Communications Unit has oversight of the church’s core communications activities including: New Times; media liaison; Uniting Church SA website; and implementation of all other communications strategies.

Communications Officer / Editor New Times Full-time This role is responsible for the production of New Times.

The newspaper is the Uniting Church SA’s primary publication and is produced 11 times a year. The Communications Officer also co-ordinates media liaison.

The successful applicant will have: UÊ*À Ûi ÊiÝ«iÀ i ViÊ>ÃÊ>Ê ÕÀ > ÃÌ UÊ ÝVi«Ì > ÊV Õ V>Ì Êà à UÊ- Õ `ÊÕ `iÀÃÌ> ` }Ê vÊÌ iÊ1 Ì }Ê ÕÀV Ê-

Communications & Public Relations Assistant 2 days / week This role provides administrative support to the Communications and *ÕL VÊ,i >Ì ÃÊÌi> ° ÀÊ ÀiÊ v À >Ì Ê> `Ê LÊ`iÃVÀ «Ì ÃÊv ÀÊÌ iÃiÊ« Ã Ì Ã\

Applications close March 13 2009

Chaplain Established in 1869 Prince Alfred College is one of Australia’s leading schools for boys. We have an enrolment of 1000 boys aged between 3 and 18, and are situated on spacious grounds near the centre of Adelaide. The College has an outstanding reputation for academic performance, sporting results, musical and drama productions, artistic development, moral and ethical formation in the Christian tradition, and for the quality of care shown to the students.

Semaphore Uniting Church Children & Family ministry worker 12 - 15hrs p/wk negotiable.

12 month contract position with the possibility of extension subject to funding and satisfactory review.

Applications are now invited from highly motivated Uniting Church Ministers of the Word or Deacons who can demonstrate Christian leadership, high level pastoral care, and excellent communication skills.

The general responsibilities of the position include: t 1SPWJEF B $ISJTUJBO QSFTFODF JO UIF 4DIPPM t -FBEFSTIJQ PG XPSTIJQ TFSWJDFT t 1BTUPSBM DBSF BOE DPVOTFMMJOH GPS TUVEFOUT TUBGG GBNJMJFT BOE old schoMBST t 4VQQPSUJOH UIF DVSSJDVMVN QSPHSBNT PG UIF 4DIPPM t 4VQQPSUJOH UIF EFWFMPQNFOU PG MFBEFSTIJQ BOE TUVEFOU WPJDF XJUIJO UIF 4DIPPM t *ODSFBTF BXBSFOFTT PG BOE TVQQPSU UIF JOWPMWFNFOU PG UIF 4DIPPM JO the wider community and world.

The role seeks to further develop ministry with families and children, resource the two existing playgroups and better connect this work with the congregation.

The Job and person specifications and application form may be obtained from the school or by accessing our website.

The names of three referees should be forwarded with the written application addressed to Mr Kevin Tutt, Headmaster, by Thursday 12 March 2009 to:

Terry Learmonth, HR Manager, Prince Alfred College PO Box 571, Kent Town SA 5071 tlearmonth@pac.edu.au

Engaged Involved Prepared Medium: Uniting Church News Times Client: Prince Alfred College Appearance Date:

E66104

Shannon Short Communications and Public Relations Manager Uniting Church SA, GPO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001 sshort@sa.uca.org.au 8236 4249

SA MEDIAWORKS

Kent Town SA Ph: 8362 2251 samediaworks@soundtrack.net.au www.samediaworks.soundtrack.net.au

The person appointed will need to demonstrate an aptitude for team work and commitment to discipleship through children and family ministry.

Enquiries and job and person specification Rev Greg Walker 0427 616 212 or 8235 2040 Email greg@uniting.com.au

Size: 14x2 (100mm) Mode: mono Key Number: E66104

MARCH 2009

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New Times

New improved website for Uniting Church SA The Uniting Church SA has a new improved website which will be easier for church members and other visitors to navigate.

Webmaster Steve Davis says the new site at www.sa.uca.org.au displays information in a more coherent way – with greater creativity and flexibility.

“It was necessary to re-launch the site because website technology has changed significantly since the previous organisational website was developed in 2005,” said Steve.

“One key feature on the new site is the ‘find a church’ function. The site has been integrated with Google maps, enabling visitors to obtain clear and comprehensive directions to any Uniting Church in South Australia.

“Another major advantage of the new site is the ‘quick links’ function at the top of the page,

Camilla, wife of Pilate, played by Bec Raymond, pleads for the life of Jesus in the Easter musical ‘The Power of His Love’.

Repeat performance of Easter musical God’s been speaking to people through the Easter musical ‘The Power of His Love’ according to producer Howard Raymond.

Last year the Soul Factor Gospel Choir performed the musical – about the last week before Jesus’ death – as part of the Adelaide Fringe.

Howard says last year’s production was such a hit, they knew they couldn’t stop at one season.

“We have the greatest story to tell, a terrific cast and a vocal ensemble cast of 50, giving a wonderful strength to the whole production,” he says.

“If you enjoy musical theatre or just great music, this musical has it all, from the exciting vocal fanfares of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem to the quiet, moving heart-break of His death – just sit back and let God do the rest.”

For further information visit www.soulfactorgospelchoir.com or call Howard on 8391 2127.

MARCH 2009

Above: Various images depicting different departments on the Uniting Church SA’s new improved website.

which allows visitors to quickly jump from one church department to another.

“There is a wealth of information on the website and I strongly encourage church members to have a look, as they will find many useful resources to support them in their mission and ministry.”