NewTimes - November 2011

November 2011

Issue 30, No 10 November 2011

Disciples in training... or waiting?

Growing children up in faith Faith, formation and family pp. 10-11

Peter Combe Christmas Concert Win a family pass p. 8

Create Christmas.

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Your gift this Christmas will help restore the hearts and hopes of many troubled South Australians and allow their families to create a well-earned sense of peace and wellbeing.

Please give generously.

For further information about our Create Christmas appeal or to make a donation please telephone 8202 5111 or go to www.ucwesleyadelaide.org.au

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ISSN 0726-2612 New Times is the voice of Uniting Church SA. Published monthly, February through December, New Times represents the breadth, diversity and vision of Uniting Church members in SA. News policies, guides and deadlines appear online at newtimes.sa.uca.org.au. Articles and advertising do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor.

Phone: (08) 8236 4200 1300 766 956 (toll free from regional areas) Fax: (08) 8236 4201 Email: presbyterysynod@sa.uca.org.au Street address: Level 2, 212 Pirie St, Adelaide Postal address: GPO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001

newtimes.sa.uca.org.au Next issue: Christmas

Carolling

We sing them every year and, love them or loathe them, Christmas Carols are a rich part of our heritage.

But how much do you really know about your favourite carols, and what are they actually teaching us?

the Museum of Modern Art, New York This photo was taken of Luis Camnitzer’s piece at

I was two when I was baptised.

I was given the opportunity to grow into a religious path, with markers to guide my language learning and experience. When I am asked whether I ‘really’ knew what I was saying yes to, I’m adamant that I did, at least to a certain extent.

I’ve been reading lately about the spiritual formation of children, and the language associated with that growth.

There is a theory that the social and

communal aspect of religion shows a child how to grow up, how to behave and how to speak within that religion.

It’s partly in modelling, but it’s also in introducing the child to concepts slightly out of reach, giving them words, habits and activities to use that they may not be able to grasp the full meaning of yet.

As I have grown as a human being, that act of baptism has always been there as a starting point for me as I spoke the words of faith for myself.

Many opportunities have arisen for me to confirm my baptism, or even be re-baptised, but as much as the idea of re-commitment has appealed to me, I’ve felt it was unnecessary.

stage, is something I will continue to view as a faith foundation, remember as a declaration of belief, but more importantly, see for what it is – a gift of God’s grace.

The truly exceptional part of baptism is on God’s behalf – marking my forgiveness and newness through sacrament. While many things have changed for me since that early age, I can never undo the baptism, because it is not mine to undo. If God won’t undo it, I certainly can’t.

God’s gift to me, immersing me into a new life before I truly understood what grace was and how I needed it, is another act totally on his bill.

I had no idea what would become of my life, my faith, my character when I was baptised at the age of two. My baptism, early as it was, with words that belonged to others at that

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On the evening of my baptism, I remember being in my white robe, held up in the ministers arms before a vast crowd, saying the words of commitment, understanding God’s graciousness and then being guided under the water. When I emerged, my hair was plastered to my head, my ears were filled with applause and my face was splitting into an enormous grin.

Disciples in training

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Rev Rob Williams I believe that I’ve had a very fortunate life.

Born in the south east of our state, growing up on the edge of a small country town with our own stand of pine trees on the block next to the house, massive open drains to canoe in with my mates (much to the consternation of my parents), life was really great. And it continued when we moved to the city, living on the edge of suburbia as it was then, with foothills and quarries to play in (once again much to the consternation of my parents).

When we moved to the city, the church where we worshipped was committed to growing disciples and it produced many Christian leaders, adult and children alike. A long-distance friend, the Rt Rev Peter Cheyne, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, has a current Moderatorial theme – ‘making disciple-making disciples’. This captures what it was like in my city church; it’s what happened in just about everyone who worshipped there.

One of the greatest gifts I received as a child was my parents. I wasn’t dropped off at Sunday School like so many other kids. Both of my parents led and taught in all the Sunday Schools I attended, though I was never in one of their classes. There was always a time somewhere in the Sunday program for us to talk together about what had happened at Sunday School and what we had learned – yes, what my parents had learned as well as me. I cannot recall even one week when both of them hadn’t learned something of worth from those they had been teaching.

One thing I never heard was children being referred to as ‘the church of tomorrow’. They were very much a part of the church that was ‘now’. Children grew up in an environment that valued who they were and encouraged them to share their faith through participation in worship and music ministry, even preaching as they grew older and developed the necessary skills.

Many of my parents’ learnings weren’t simply facts or a new take on a familiar bible story. They often had to do with a deeper understanding of those they were teaching, something which was going to enable their relationships with their students to grow.

All this was happening because they were committed to learning together.

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So, is this just the Moderator ruminating over times gone by? Maybe. But as I’ve visited congregations around our state, I’ve been encouraged to encounter adults with a passion for relating to the children of their congregations, genuinely wanting to develop ongoing relationships with them, sharing their faith and skills for Christian living. I continue to see disciples in training, disciples who are the church now.

Rev Rob Williams as a young, possibly cheeky, disciple.

Health concern for detained asylum seekers Uniting Church President Rev Alistair Macrae commended a report that identifies the long-term financial costs to the community of extended mandatory detention of asylum seekers.

The report, funded by The Good Shepherd foundation, through the Yarra Institute for Religion and Social Policy, urges Australians to consider the longterm consequences of asylum policies.

“As a Church we are responsive to God’s call on us to treat all people with dignity,” said Alistair. “I commend this report as it seeks to reveal the true impacts of government policy on asylum seekers; not only in economic terms but the cost to their mental health and wellbeing.

Many of the submissions to the recent national taxation summit emphasised the importance of careful long-term costings of policies.

It is now well established that lengthy periods in detention cause significant mental health problems for asylum seekers. The Howard Government recognised this in 2005, when it agreed that 25 of the 27 detainees then remaining on Nauru should be brought to Australia. This was after doctors had diagnosed serious mental health conditions.

More generally, a study of detained asylum seekers in Australia found that more than one third of those detained for more than two years had new mental health problems in 2006-07. This was ten times the rate of mental health problems for those detained for less than three months.

Nominations are sought for the inaugural National Young Leaders Conference to be held 3-8 February 2012.

Hosted by the Uniting Church in Australia President, Rev Alistair Macrae, and Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress National Chairperson, Rev Ken Sumner, this event aims to recognise, celebrate and develop the gifts and voice of young people in the church who have leadership skills.

Held over six days at Naamaroo conference centre in Sydney, NSW, the event will be an important opportunity to share and grow in leadership.

If you know a young leader aged 18-30 in the Uniting Church, please encourage them to apply for this conference, or nominate them with their support.

For further information or an application/ nomination form: assembly.uca.org.au Applications or nominations should be directed to the President, Rev Alistair Macrae by Friday 18 November: president@nat.uca.org.au

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“As a community we need to be aware of the consequences of this kind of policy and stand against any policy that undermines the dignity of human life.”

Heeding this advice, this report estimates the long-term health costs of extended mandatory detention of asylum seekers. For the first time in Australia, it does so by applying innovative costing approaches developed in the Netherlands.

Young Leaders conference

Placements news: Placements finalised since the last edition of New Times: Michael Dowling (Candidate for MOW) to Eldercare, Kirkholme (0.8) from 1 January 2012 Rev Judi Hartwig to Spicer from 1 January 2012 Rev Gerry Hodges to Pastoral Relations Officer (Ministry & Congregations) from 1 October 2011 Nathan Whillas (Candidate for MOW) to Loxton and Renmark from 1 January 2012 The following is the current list of vacant (or soon to be vacant) approved placements: Adelaide West Bordertown, Buckingham and Mundulla from 1.01.12 South West Fleurieu (Delamere, Inman Valley, Myponga, Range Road, Yankalilla) Southern Yorke Peninsula (Brentwood, Corny Point, Curramulka, Edithburgh, Koolywurtie, Minlaton, Port Vincent, Stansbury, Warooka, Yorketown)

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Mitcham Village If you wish to express an interest in any of these placements, or would like to have a look at the profile, please advise Rev Philip Gardner, pgardner@sa.uca. org.au. You should also inform your Mission Network’s representative on Placements Committee of your interest.

October Presbytery Synod meeting On the 27 – 29 October, the annual Presbytery Synod meeting took place at Adelaide West Uniting Church.

An overview of the event, including wrap-up of important business will be included in the December edition of New Times.

Uniting Church Calendar 2012 The Uniting Church Communications Unit released the 2012 Calendar at the recent Presbytery Synod meeting.

This Calendar is a free gift to all congregations as a celebration of the life, vision and mission of the Uniting Church in South Australia.

If your congregation did not collect its allocated calendars, please contact Chris Hutchinson: e: chutchinson@sa.uca.org.au

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Changing Zimbabwean lives through Christmas community,” says Shanangurai Pedzisai, a farmer from the Mwenezi district of Zimbabwe. “I am getting enough food to feed my family and help other people.

Now I am a better woman, because I can make some money to put my children through school.”

“The flow-on effects are enormous,” said Act for Peace’s Executive Director, Alistair Gee. “With better yields, farmers can buy clothes and school supplies for their children, and reliance on food aid is reduced.”

For more than 60 years, the Christmas Bowl has shown how churches can work together to make a lasting difference in the lives of people around the world.

“Uniting Church congregations around Australia have been extraordinarily generous in their support for the Christmas Bowl over many years,” Alistair said. “Thank you!”

A range of resources are available online to help congregations incorporate the Christmas Bowl into worship, including PowerPoint presentations, activities for young people, and worship

resources prepared by the faculty of United Theological College in Sydney.

For more information or to give today, please visit the Christmas Bowl page at www.actforpeace.org.au or ring 1800 025 101.

Conservation farming has helped families in Zimbabwe enjoy better nutrition, and greater security. Photo: Janet Cousens/Act for Peace.

Toys needed for Christmas hampers Christmas is not far away. While many people will be planning their activities for this special time of year, others will already be trying to plan how they will afford any extras this Christmas.

At Christmas, essential needs are accentuated by the hype surrounding Christmas; there is significant pressure on struggling parents to provide their families with a Christmas that lives up to advertised expectations. During the festive season, community service providers like UnitingCare Wesley Bowden (UCW Bowden) are always under pressure to provide.

Every Christmas, UCW Bowden provides food and toy hampers to more than 1100 families. This year’s Hamper Distribution will take place on Wednesday 14 December at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

“Finding suitable toys is always a battle each year,” said Chief Executive Officer, Julian Sawicki. “We need the general public to help by providing new toys that UCW Bowden can add to the food hampers.” Julian noted that UCW Bowden has particular difficulties in obtaining toys for children and young teens, especially 10 – 14 year olds.

UCW Bowden is asking for toy donations to be dropped into 77 Gibson Street, Bowden, before 25 November to ensure the toys can be sorted, wrapped and added to the Christmas Hampers.

Every Christmas, UCW Bowden provides food and toy hampers to more than 1100 families. They are in urgent need of toy donations for these hampers.

For more information, please contact Natalie Schwarz: p. 8245 7100 e. natalie.schwarz@ucwb.org.au

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The Christmas Bowl is the annual appeal of Act for Peace, the international aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia. Funds raised support Act for Peace’s work with project partners including Pakistan, Ethiopia and the new nation of South Sudan.

Last year, generous giving by Australians through the Christmas Bowl raised $2.3 million to help people from conflict- and disaster-affected countries including Burma.

This year, the Christmas Bowl highlights the work of Act for Peace’s partners in Zimbabwe, where agriculture has been crippled by the combined effects of drought, HIV/AIDS and controversial government land reforms. More than 39 per cent of the population is undernourished.

Act for Peace’s partners have introduced a low-cost and low-technology farming strategy, called conservation farming, which can increase a farmer’s yields by up to 200 per cent.

“Conservation farming has changed many lives of the people living in our

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A Combe Christmas treat For almost 30 years Peter Combe has entertained Australian audiences with hits like Newspaper Mama, Wash Your Face in Orange Juice and Spaghetti Bolognaise.

The successful musician, broadcaster and children’s personality has sold over a million CDs, and his trophy cabinet boasts three ARIAS for Best Children’s Album, seven gold albums and two platinum albums.

For Peter, Christmas will always be the greatest season of hope and on Saturday 3 December, he’ll be playing a special Christmas Concert at Maughan Uniting Church, showcasing songs from his two Christmas albums, as well as some of the old favourites.

“Christmas is a season of great hope,” Peter enthuses warmly. “For all the commercialism, for all the overconsumption, shops selling stuff left, right and centre, it’s still a hopeful time of year.

The Christmas story is great. Christian, Agnostic - you can still enjoy it.

“When I wrote the first Christmas album in 1990, there weren’t many children’s Christmas songs. ‘Peter Combe’s Christmas Album’ was the first the ABC had ever done.

“It filled the emotional need I had to write a Christmas album that was

hopeful and optimistic; I guess I just wanted to write an album optimistic about Christmas. Then, in 2005, I felt there was a second one in me, ‘Wake up it’s Christmas’ was the result. I was very happy to do it; I was ready to do a fresh album.

“This concert has a real ‘coming together as a family’ feel about it. Many of the songs I’ll be performing are based on the traditional biblical story plus other well known community favourites.

“I have a soft spot for Maughan, having sung there many, many times over the past 40 years. They used to broadcast evening church services direct from Maughan and I’d often sing on those.”

While the show is designed for three, four, five - up to ten - year olds, Peter comments on the quality of the backup singers and the supporting acts, and urges that while it is, “very much for families, to bring the family together, you don’t need the excuse of children to come.”

The experienced performer will be joined by friends including the ‘Happy Christmas to You and to You’ band, young dancers from Adelaide’s leading drama school ‘Theatre Bugs’, a choir of young kids ‘The Glee Club’ and three extra backing vocalists.

Win Peter Combe Prizes If you’d like to catch some of Peter Combe’s Christmas optimism, tell us in 50 words or less, your favourite Christmas memory.

There are four Peter Combe prizes up for grabs: • Family Pass to the Concert • ‘Peter Combe’s Christmas Album’ • ‘Wake Up It’s Christmas Album’ • Peter Combe Complete DVD Collection

Seeing friendship, sharing need On 15 September, Rev Ian Dow and Trevor Williams headed over to Kirribass, a small Pacific nation north of Fiji and Vanuatu for almost three weeks. The pair hoped to build strong relationships with their two partner churches on Arorae, the southern most island, after their home congregation, Naracoorte Uniting Church, entered into partnership with Kirribass Protestant Church (KPC) through Uniting World.

In listening to their overseas neighbours, Naracoorte has identified three key areas of need: eye glasses, English learning and water. Their first

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project kicked off in midOctober with the collection of eye glasses.

“There are at least 10 people on the island, who are so short sighted they can’t see the end of their own arm,” said Ian. “We’re collecting specs so that people can go to the Arorae churches and find glasses suitable to their needs.

“We’re also going to be involved with boosting English language programs and resources, particularly for children, so they can go onto higher education, which English is a necessity for.

“Part of that will be helping equip their school library. Their most up-to-date resource is from 1971, so anything our library throws away is more current.

“We have skills in harvesting and using rainwater, so that’s another way we’re keen to help Arorae survive as their current underwater supplies are diminished and polluted.

“It’s critical that we begin this relationship now -the people of Kirribass are fearful of the global sea level rising.

They appreciate having a friend in Australia who is on their side, if worst comes to worst.

“If that worst doesn’t happen, we’re still helping them in a time where their traditional life on their island is under pressure from all sorts of things.

“As a church we’ve been experiencing firsthand that white people don’t know everything about God,” Ian said drily. “We’re seeing a different perspective of this God of the whole world who’s surprisingly not white middle class Anglo-Saxon.”

If you’d like to donate a pair of eye glasses, please send them to 9 Foster St Naracoorte, and they will be sent on.

Children - Disciples in Training We hear it said that ‘children are the future’. But what if children are dreaming of their future based on who they’re told they are, who they’re allowed to be, who they are - today? If we are to believe that children will have faith in the future, that means being discipled today, not waiting to be tomorrow’s disciples.

Disciples in training – my journey...

Melissa Cellier, Children & Family Ministry Team State Coordinator “Adults who attended church as children ... became exactly what we made them: well-intentioned, inadequately nurtured, minimally equipped, secular people who dabble in religious thought and activity – over half not knowing Jesus as personal Lord and Saviour even though still attending church and bringing their own kids now,” wrote Religious Market Researcher, George Barna.

That’s not my story though. I’ve personally known Jesus my entire life. I don’t have a ‘conversion’ story as such.

It used to disappoint me how boring my story was, especially as a youth/young adult, until a caring church member commented about the blessing I’ve had of always knowing God. My discipleship journey has been a blessed one.

I’ve known the closeness of a faithfollowing family, extended family and church family. My identity as a child and young person was strongly shaped and very secure because I had these circles of support. I explored what it meant for me to follow Jesus, know him personally and live my life God’s way from an early age. For me, growing up in church was growing up in community, attending Sunday School, Kids Club, KCO and youth Bible studies. My church community also became my social community; friends and family friends, holidays and sharing life together beyond Sunday mornings.

There were opportunities to be involved in the life of the church through Easter plays, lighting Advent candles with my family, and serving in different

ways. As I grew up I was encouraged to explore my gifts and skills in ministry.

At age 12, after “graduating” from Sunday School I went back as an assistant teacher. Throughout my teenage years, I became a Sunday School leader and when at university (studying teaching) I was involved in leading the youth group.

life - to see God’s grace, forgiveness and unconditional love in action. This was possibly one of the greatest lessons in discipleship for me – it doesn’t matter what I’ve done, how long it’s been since I’ve read the Bible or prayed – what matters is God’s grace and getting started again on the journey of daily discipleship.

At home, my discipleship journey was also supported. There were seasons where we did devotions together as a family. One strong memory of this was Dad drawing a picture of the Holy Spirit by drawing lots of coloured figure-8 squiggles over the top of each other. It spoke to me of light, mystery, colour and life. Over 20 years later, whenever I hear the phrase, “images of God,” I think of this picture and I think of my Dad sharing his faith with us.

My story is one of daily conversion and daily discipleship. Each day, choosing whether to believe and trust in God, whether to pray, “Today I believe God is at work, I am God’s child, God will provide, God cares, God is with me. Today, God use me.

Help me to trust in you.”

Growing up, my mum would take my two brothers and me to the local Christian bookshop where we could choose a daily Bible reading guide for ourselves. We were encouraged to use these guides and read the Bible for ourselves before going to sleep. For most of my adult life I’ve continued this daily Bible reading practice – although these days it’s over breakfast.

None of this was perfect – as my parents would affirm! We are a family who argues and disappoints, yet this is the opportunity to see real faith in real Melissa Cellier is the Children & Family Ministry Team State Coordinator, Uniting Church SA. She has been brought up in faith, and is passionate about sharing it with others – no matter what age they are.

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Children - Disciples in Training

Mary Jo Zwar

When my daughter was a pre-schooler she was given a hand-made quiet activity book with the title ‘Girls Can Be Disciples, Too’. Inside the book were pages featuring female New Testament disciples that she could manipulate using Velcro, buttons, wool and other simple items.

The title has stayed with me.

Disciples are not just characters from the New Testament of the Bible. Girls can be disciples, today.

Boys can be disciples, today. Parents and grandparents can be disciples today. Jesus said: ‘If you continue in my word, then you are my disciples indeed’.

What does it mean for a family today to continue in Jesus’ word?

The word ‘continue’ is a key. There’s no one-off, quick fix that makes disciples. It’s a continuing process.

The process may begin even before birth as parents commit themselves to being Jesus’ disciples and raising their child as Jesus’ disciple. It continues as parents make Jesus’ word a key

element of the home and lifestyle in which they raise their child — day after day, week after week, year after year, crisis after crisis, milestone after milestone, celebration after celebration — as the infant becomes a toddler, a school child, a teenager, a young-adult.

Children tend to think and behave like their parents; they become, as it were, their disciples. So the first step in raising children as Jesus’ disciples is for the parents themselves to ‘continue in his word’. This includes each parent’s own personal style of prayer, Bible reading and Bible study, worship and service to others.

The second step is to let children observe, overhear and perhaps imitate the parents’ faith practices and the caring way in which they relate to one another and to the child.

In the third step parents intentionally involve the child in the parents’ faith practices. They modify the practices and shape them to the child.

Prayer becomes not just adult prayer about adult concerns; it

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becomes prayer with children at mealtime and bedtime and at unplanned moments when they want to praise God or confide in him.

Bible reading becomes Bible story reading (or acting out, or singing) with young children. As children mature it becomes helping them to read for themselves with understanding.

Bible study becomes involving children in Christian education opportunities in a church or school.

Worship becomes a family event: not just going to church occasionally, but making worship in church a priority, preparing for it and talking about it afterward. It also becomes worship in the home, as regularly as possible in whatever form is appropriate for the family.

Service — service projects and a day-to-day servant attitude — becomes something children do with and talk about with their parents.

Faith five Mary Jo Zwar

Faith Five* is a simple plan for developing disciples — both children and adults — in the family home. Whether they call it a home huddle, or a family devotion or Faith Fives, whether they spend five minutes or longer, families are finding this five-step plan is a valuable nightly ritual.

1. Share highs and lows of the day Highs are the good things than happen; lows are the bad things. Some days there seem to be more of one than another. It’s good, even on the bad days to think of good things. Everyone should have a chance to share. Accept each person’s story as a true report and a gift to the rest of you. The ability to identify these aspects of life and verbalise them is a valuable life skill.

Children - Disciples in Training

2. Read the Bible Invite God into your family conversation in a way that is appropriate to the age of your children. For young children it may be a Bible story or a Bible song or a single Bible phrase.

For older children it may be a Bible verse. As children learn to read, they may read the verse from their own Bible and highlight it.

For Faith Five it’s better to dig deeply into a single Bible thought than to study large blocks of text.

3. Relate the verse to your highs and lows Young children will not make the same connections that adults make. That’s OK. God may be showing the younger disciples something that the grown-ups need to hear.

4. Pray for one another Thank God for your highs, for his love and for his guidance through his word. Ask God for continued guidance, help, strength, patience and courage in the face of the lows.

5. Bless one another A blessing can include physical touch: hand on head, hug, kiss or making the sign of the cross. Use your own words, words of a Bible benediction or simply: ‘Jesus loves you, and so do I’.

It’s never too early to start Faith Five in a family (or by yourself or with friends), and it’s never too late.

The Faith Five structure morphs with changes in a growing family. Begin when the first child is an infant with just the nightly blessing. Add prayers and stories as the child develops speech. When the child starts school, focus on highs and lows. When the child begins reading, add Bible reading and deeper discussion.

Faith Five at bedtime helps the family to reflect on the day and to deal with issues that might cause sleeplessness. It is a lovely way to send young disciples to sleep secure in the love of God and their parents.

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Children - Disciples in Training

Louise Heinrich Deidre Palmer has a warm demeanour and sparkling eyes, with an engaging and focused manner that betrays her passion for her work.

After 34 years of studying, teaching and working in youth and children’s ministry in the Uniting Church, she now helps churches to learn how to honour the developing spirituality of individual children.

“Spirituality is at the heart of who we are; it’s our relationship to God and the way that we connect to the world,” said Deidre. “Every child needs the kind of space where they can explore their own spirituality.”

Deidre has an impressive tertiary record: a Masters in Religious Education completed in North Carolina, a PhD in Religious Education and Theology from Boston, as well as a Masters of Social

Work at Flinders University, completed several years ago.

After encountering the binary of ‘adult’s church’ and ‘kid’s church’, Deidre is now an advocate for ‘messy church’. “I believe it’s incredibly important to have intergenerational worship, so that children are included in all aspects of church. We need to look for ways that we can involve children – this requires creativity, time and listening to children and their families.

“Perhaps they don’t have to be kept still, or absolutely silent. Drama and colour and movement all engage children in worship.

“I’m not of the opinion that there should be separate spaces for children and adults, as children can feel separated from the community. I don’t want to put down people involved in

kids church – I’m sure that they’re absolutely dedicated to the children – I just believe there’s a better way to teach children about God, community and worship.”

John Westerhoff first wrote about the socialisation approach to Christian education, through which children learn faith by being immersed in Christian community. Deidre studied under Westerhoff in the US whilst completing her Masters in Religious Education.

“People get to know you while you’re in worship.

Children learn to worship by being part of it, and observing the behaviour of the people around them.”

One of Deidre’s desires is to see children listened to, and included in all aspects of church life. “In the past, I’ve sat in a local church where the children are active and making noises, and adults give them an unwelcoming look, condemning the child.”

Deidre rebuts the idea that kids are too young to participate in their own spirituality, or understand concepts of God and worship.

“I believe what Ana-Maria

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Rizzutto said in her book The Birth of the Living God. After conducting research with hundreds of children, she discovered that by the time kids are 5, they already have an image of God. “Children develop a sense of trust, and being loved and included, from their experiences with people around them. That sense of trust is the foundation of where our understanding of God comes from.

“I have seen kids as young as two absolutely at home in a Christian community. I never taught my daughter the Lord’s Prayer, but she picked it up from church worship when she was three years old.”

Many churches go by the phrase, “Children are the church of the future.” Deidre disagrees with this dichotomy, instead urging churches to be conscious of what the children can contribute now.

“Do they feel welcome? Do they belong? We need to encourage them to flourish as human beings now.

“I’m inspired by a quote from Gabriela Mistral: To this child we cannot answer ‘tomorrow’. This child’s name is today.”

KCO: discipling children & families Melissa Cellier My memory of KCO as a child was along the lines of, “Wow! Look how big this family of Jesus is! This is what I belong to.”

I came from a good sized church and children’s program, and I understood that the church was global, but being part of a 3000 strong crowd was such an amazing experience of tasting the size of the church. More than 20 years on, KCO is still providing this experience for today’s children.

KCO (KUCA [Kids of the Uniting Church in Australia] Camp Out) is an overnight camp for kids aged 7-12 to explore faith through supported discovery and shared experience. The program is packed full of outdoor carnival sports, worship, creative spaces, performances, games, live music, time to hang out with friends and plenty of surprises.

The National Mission Statement says that KCO, “will give opportunity to children and adults to gather as ‘the people of God on the way together’. KCO will provide experiences of Christian community and diversity, growing faith as together we experience belonging, believing, growing and sharing.”

KCO is an exciting annual Uniting Church event for children aged 7-12 years old where they can explore faith, life and friendships while having a whole lot of fun.

KCO 2012 In 24–25 March 2012, KCO will focus on the theme “A World of Wonder”, helping children grapple with the wonderful, and not so wonderful elements of a big and complex world. kco.sa.uca.org.au

A strong sense of family Julie Riemann Echunga Uniting Church is a community of believers, with a strong sense of family.

Echunga Uniting Church is grateful for the Synod’s financial support for Narelle Pitchford, the church’s parttime Youth Worker, and all this enables the church to do with her leadership.

Narelle coordinates an energetic team who share a vision and a passion for communicating God’s love to their vibrant youth group, numbering 40+ at many events. Once a term, the youth conduct the Sunday morning church service, including worship leading, music, preaching and drama. The group includes teenagers from several

neighbouring Hills towns; many are from unchurched families - a wonderful opportunity to reach the next generation.

Further to her work with youth, Narelle and a team run great programs for primary school aged kids, connecting with many parents in the process. The team coordinates a group of around 75 for KCO each year from several Hills towns, enabling churches that only have small numbers of children to join in the fun also.

This friendly country church is full of life, offering a contemporary Sunday morning service for all ages, kids’ church, craft programs, an afterschool kids’ club,

prayer opportunities, home groups, a diverse social program, great fundraising activities including catering and much more.

So many folk have stepped through Echunga’s doors, felt right at home, experienced God in fresh ways and have stayed.

Three Echunga boys after enjoying the flour bomb and shaving cream fight at SAYCO 2011. L-R Hayden, Thomas and Dylan.

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Children - Disciples in Training

This overnight experience is a great place for training young leaders in caring for others, sharing their faith and being God’s person as a witness to those around them. It’s a great opportunity for families to share this faith experience together, for children to see their parents engaged in ministry and for parents to see their children exploring faith for themselves and with friends.

Eight children from three Uniting Church congregations, Lefevre, Dernancourt and Orrorroo, have their say about

Jacob, 9 nearly 10

Children - Disciples in Training

faith, church and what’s important.

Henry, 8

Emma, 8

Isaac, 13 Tiana, 11

Kimberley, 13

I wouldn’t call the children, disciples in training or waiting: they are disciples of the now. We need to learn from the children in how they share their faith because they do it naturally and authentically. They just need tools e.g. knowing they can ask friends to church or church functions, often we don’t say it, we just assume they know that they can. They love to be able to invite their friends. Children share stories without inhibition until they get to an age that they don’t feel comfortable about it, that they feel different. That’s what’s so good about KCO knowing there’s all these other children who believe too CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRY LEADER

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Rachel, 4

Reuben, 3

How do you describe God? Rachel: He likes us Emma: God is loving and caring

Why is Jesus important to you?

Tiana: Powerful, caring, patient, and beautiful

Tiana: Jesus is important to me because he helps me when I am sick, when I am feeling sad or helps us through bad times

Isaac: Really awesome, bigger than imagination Jacob: Good, visits every Sunday Henry: Nice, good, love Reuben: He’s in church, old, a person Kimberley: God to me is someone who loves everybody no matter who they are or even if they have done something bad. God still loves everyone for the choices they make.

Isaac: Because He took my sins and died for us Jacob: He died for all of us Henry: He died for us on the cross Kimberley: Jesus is important to me because he loves everybody. He looks after everybody even if they don’t believe in him he still loves everybody for their decisions they make in life. He showed me how much he loves me by dying for me.

Children - Disciples in Training

What is Faith?

Isaac: Knowing that Jesus will come again

What do you like about church?

Kimberley: Faith is believing in God and following the church. Faith is my religion. At SAYCO we talked about looking for the beauty. In the talks, we talked about looking for the inner beauty of ourselves and others.

It was a fun weekend to meet new friends our own age from different churches.

Isaac: Sunday school Reuben: Going, singing, scissors, toys and pencil sharpeners Kimberley: I like the songs in church. They are meaningful and fun to sing. I also like listening to the music. I am too old to go to Sunday School, but like going to Messy Church because I do lots of art and craft activities which I enjoy. They all have a meaning as to why we do these activities.

What do you dislike about church?

Jacob: Visit it every week Henry: Staying inside

If you ran your church what would it look like?

Isaac: Similar to our church, bigger Sunday school area

Who at church is important to you?

Jacob: More people at church

Rachel: God and Jesus!!

Henry: It would have a garden and a kid’s corner

Emma: God and everyone around us

Reuben: Run around in circles

Tiana: Our minister

Kimberley: If I ran my church it would have a purple floor with lots of chairs with cushions and it would have a very inviting warm feeling that everyone is welcome in. We would have lots of music we could sing and dance along to.

Isaac: Mum, Dad, Brothers and Ministers Jacob: God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit Henry: God and Jesus Reuben: Jesus Kimberley: God and our Minister Jenny - I trust them and can talk to them about everything and anything.

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Where to from here?

Children - Disciples in Training

Melissa Cellier

Ultimately, being a disciple is about relationships, between us and God, between us and each other. Children as disciples is about this too - children beginning and growing in their relationship with God, children knowing and being known by the people in their faith community. The opportunities and options for how each church does this are endless and below is information on networking and training in this. But the starting point in any church is the same – how will you welcome one child, one parent, one person in your church? Will you say hello, ask after them, chat with them about life and faith, encourage one another and pray together? We are all disciples, in training, together.

Following on from the Church &... many people commented that they would like to network or have further training on a number of topics that were presented as workshops. The areas we will focus on in the next 12 months are: Messy Church, Godly Play, Nurturing spirituality in children, Fresh expressions and Transitioning children to youth ministry.

Throughout the year we also host gatherings for people in Children and Family’s ministry to network, share ideas, browse resources and receive training and information specific to their roles as key leaders.

Church &... following on

You can also be kept informed of new resources, training and other events through our free monthly What’s Up newsletter.

The Church &... conference, held in early August, has generated much interest in improving and developing new models of Children and Family ministries.

If you would like to join our mailing list or are interested in these topics email children@sa.uca.org.au with your name, church, role and topics of interest.

Godly Play networking We are very excited to announce that Kerry Folland, Children’s Ministry Coordinator at Tea Tree Gully Uniting Church, has been appointed as the Godly Play Coordinator (voluntary) for Uniting Church SA. In this role, Kerry will oversee training and networking events for people using or interested in Godly Play. People are welcome to arrange a time to chat with Kerry and view the Godly Play room that has been set up at Tea Tree Gully Uniting.

A Godly Play Workshop is being held at Tea Tree Gully Uniting on 19 November from 12.30 – 4.30pm which will include making your own parable box. Discussions are also underway for a National Godly Play Conference here in Adelaide next year.

For further details contact Kerry: p: 8396 3252.

Mission Resourcing SA

Who is training whom?

Getting to know...

On the long weekend we spent an afternoon with two of our grandchildren (without their parents).

We walked up the hill on a beautiful spring day, to the playground by the footy oval. Very quickly a butterfly was spotted. It repeatedly settled on the bark chips and warranted closer inspection. The younger of the two children quietly moved close to the butterfly, lay down on the bark, elbows on the ground, hands under his chin and simply enjoyed it. It was a challenge to me: take time, be, enjoy! It was a missional act in the broad sense of contributing toward the reconciliation and renewal of the whole creation. The two year old was discipling me.

I also think of the Day Camp at Westbourne Park Uniting Church. 120 children spend five days at the church; days filled with music, drama, sport, the bible, activities and friendship.

The gift of time from the 50 or so youth and young adult leaders who commit a week of their holidays to be there as they love, care, teach and lead infectiously models what it is to be a disciple of Christ.

All of the children take part in a final concert on the Friday evening.

Their exuberant testimony to the love, joy and grace of Jesus Christ is second to none. I leave encouraged and uplifted: in fact, discipled!

Friendly and helpful Melissa Cellier took up her role as State Children & Family Ministry Coordinator earlier this year. Previously employed by Mission Resourcing at the Parafield Gardens Mission Centre, the dedicated worker is fitting in well with the team, and has also played a significant role in putting together the theme of this month’s New Times.

Rev Rod Dyson

Full name: Melissa Jaye Cellier Church: St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Norwood Hopes for the role: To see local church leaders and children and family ministries equipped, improved and encouraged to grow so that the children and families of SA have plenty of opportunities to hear and respond to the message and love of Jesus.

Favourite quote: “It’s the little things done consistently that make the biggest difference.”

My grandfather, Rev Don Howland, passed away last month and among the many wonderful memories I have of sharing life with him, I will always treasure how he prayed over me the Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6: 24-26) at both my confirmation and in his speech at my 21st birthday. I thank God for the blessing Grandpa was in my life and to so many others.

Uncertain times in Papua Rev Adam Tretheway It was confronting to see how much Papua had changed in the seven years since my wife and I had served there as Assisted Volunteers in Mission. The town where we were based is hardly recognisable any longer.

On the day of my arrival, somebody was shot not far from where I was staying. This was followed up by a severe bashing outside my bedroom using boots and helmets. Several more shootings also took place throughout Papua within a matter of days.

The political situation has deteriorated significantly and the daily intimidation by the military is having significant consequences on the lives of Papuans, especially those prepared to be a “voice for the voiceless”. Due to the prophetic voice of church leaders, many find themselves intimidated on a daily basis by the military. Having spent time with three of these people and seen the impact of this on their lives and their loved ones, I continue to be challenged and haunted by the words from Martin Luther King: “our lives begin to end the moment we remain silent about things that matter”.

The purpose of my visit was to spend time with the Gereja Kristen Injili Di Tanah Papua (GKI), our partner church in Papua, and to spend time being updated on the mission and ministry of the GKI along with travelling to two regions in Papua – Biak and Numfor – where South Australia has specific partnerships.

It was exciting to see and stay at the Medical Clinic on Numfor where Henley/Fulham Uniting Church had been the main financial contributor and to hear how the Malaria Boat project in Biak, supported by South Australian Uniting Churches, continues to save lives and provide better health care.

Our brothers and sisters in Papua continue to face uncertain times, especially in light of the political situation and increasing spread of HIV/AIDS. They remain grateful for the willingness of the Uniting Church to be a voice for the voiceless in both word and action.

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Imperative learning It was particularly pleasing to read your cover article about the Camp Coorong Stepping Stones event in the October New Times. Stepping Stones is a new Australia wide initiative in covenanting in the Uniting Church and South Australia has led the way with the first of these. It is imperative that more Uniting Church people have the opportunity to meet Aboriginal people, especially those in the Congress, and learn about their culture, their spirituality, their faith and their struggles as members of the most marginalised and poor in this nation. I would encourage readers to take the opportunity of attending Stepping Stones events in the future, especially as they are open to all ages. Your reporting is an essential element in promoting these covenanting relational events. Thank you.

P. Russell, Adelaide New political party?

After reading your report of the Welcome to Australia Party in the October issue, is it politically correct top suggest the UCA register a new political party - the Welcome to Australia Party.

letters to ed

M. Smith, Myrtle Bank

Send your letters to: newtimes@sa.uca.org.au or PO Box 2145, Adelaide 5001.

Where does a child’s concept of justice come from?

At Annesley Junior School, we believe the teaching of values underpins your child’s education. None more so than the appreciation of justice.

We work hard to impart this to all of our students, so your child will have the necessary foundations to help them make the best decisions in years to come.

Our team of dedicated and respected teachers is committed to teaching children these personal values and a life-long love of learning.

We’re proud of our esteemed history and inspired by what lies ahead. Our school is well equipped and has devoted new resources and facilities to accommodate girls and boys from Early Learning to Year 6, commencing in Term One, 2012.

So if you’d like to meet our Principal, Cherylyn Skewes or to learn more about our values based learning and curriculum, please contact our Registrar, Clare MacAdam on 8422 2211 or email registrar@annesley.sa.edu.au

2012 Enrolments Now 2-28 Rose Terrace, Wayville

Be topical, be brief, be timely.

Letters over 150 words will be edited; responses to previous letters /articles will be considered within two months of the original item’s publication only.

All letters are published at the editorial team’s discretion.

The Penong Church Centenary will be held on Sunday 6 November at 10.30am, with a catered lunch to follow. Please RSVP to Ms Jill Oats on 8625 1040 or c/- PO Penong SA 5690 ASAP for catering purposes. Rev Sue Ellis will preach on the Winds of the Spirit.

Adelaide West Uniting Church hosts ‘Seeds of Hope’ fundraising dinner on 12 November from 6.30pm. Cost: $20.

Proceeds to go to South Sudan Emerging Education Development Foundation. RSVP/more info from Dave Williamson 8236 4285, dwilliamson@sa.uca.org.au.

The Indigenous Art Exhibition continues at Crossways Uniting Church (cnr Oaklands & Diagonal Rds, Warradale) until 11 November, where it will then be on display at Scots Church (cnr North Tce & Pulteney St) from 14 – 25 November.

An ART & CRAFT EXPO will be held at Hope Valley Uniting Church (1263 Grand Junction Road, Hope Valley) on Friday 18 November from 2 - 7pm and Saturday 19 November from 10 - 3pm. Crafts include woodwork, card making, quilting and floral art. Other entertainment includes Torrens Valley Christian School Junior Choir, Irish dancing and more. Activities for children included as well as a BBQ and light refreshments. Enquiries: contact the church office 8396 0788.

Colonel Light Gardens Uniting Church is holding a Car Park Bazaar (560 Goodwood Rd, Daw Park). Saturday 19 November from 8.00am-12noon. Books, bric-a-brac, plants, fruit and veg and more.

Bacon & egg sandwiches, sausage sizzle, Devonshire morning tea.

Sites available $10. Enquiries: Denise 0435 991 145.

Wellbeing of mind, body and spirit Resthaven Chaplain’s Assistant, Bev, enjoys individual time with residents. A generous person, she provides comfort, companionship and prayer when required. Bev also supports the church services.

Resthaven Volunteer Chaplain’s Assistants meet the most courageous, vulnerable, strong, quiet, loud, challenging and wise people.

If you would like to join the volunteer team, or know someone who would, please contact:

HARE STREET UNITING CHURCH, KURRALTA PARK, celebrate their 56th Anniversary on Sunday 20 November. Worship service at 10am, with Rev Don Catford leading, followed by lunch, then a concert by the Metro Brass Ensemble. Historical items and photos will be on display.

All past members, ministers and friends are warmly invited to share in the day. More info: 8351 2202.

NEWTON UNITING CHURCH celebrates 100 years since services commenced. Worship services will be conducted at Morialta Uniting Church (26 Chapel Street, Magill) on Sunday 20 November at 8.15am and 9.30am followed by morning tea and book launch. There will be also be an exhibition of memorabilia. To express your interest, contact Morialta Uniting Church, 8331 9344, office@morialtauca.org.au.

State Mission Fellowship meets on Tuesday 29 November (Thanksgiving Day). Donations will be received for the national & world mission and Frontier Services. Speakers: Ben & Robyn McLean, Uniting World Associates in Mission/Pioneer, who have been working in China and Max Howland, outgoing UCAF Chairman. 10.30am at Scots Church, North Tce. Lunch and morning cuppa available. All welcome.

Willunga’s 10th annual Christmas Tree Festival is happening on 3 & 4 December, 10am – 4pm each day. Enjoy an inspirational display of Christmas trees, kids’ trail and activities, tasty treats and crafts for sale & Devonshire teas. Community carols on Saturday, 3 December @ 7pm. More info: contact Jenny - j.esots@ bigpond.com or Lois 8557 4182. Proceeds to Act for Peace Christmas Bowl appeal and local projects.

The Uniting Church Historical Society is planning its 2012 program and we would like to hear from congregations and agencies about anniversaries and historical events planned for next year. We can advertise these events, include them in our program and write up your story in our newsletter. Your history project may also be eligible for financial support through our annual grants program. Contact the Secretary, the Rev Dr Dean Eland at ucsahist@chariot.net.au for further information.

THE ECUMENICAL PROGRAM FOR THE FORMATION OF SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS will soon invite applications for its 2012 intake for the last of our Formation Programs. This is a three year (four x three days p.a.) program plus reading and written work. A brochure, application process, and an Information Evening on 21 November is available from Gary Stuckey at Stillpoint Spirituality Centre, 8178 0048, stillpoint@ internode.on.net.

The Frontier Services SA Support Team is planning a Celebration of the 100 years of Australian Inland Mission and Frontier Services on 29 July, 2012. The afternoon entitled ‘Then and Now’ will be held at Adelaide West. Guest Speaker: Jan Trengove OAM, Chairperson of the Board of Frontier Services. We are seeking people past and present who were involved in Methodist Inland Mission, Australian Inland Mission, Warrawee House and Frontier Services. We would like to hear from you and if you have any stories or photos that you think will add to our celebration. Please contact: Mrs Margaret Morey 8332 5249, Rev Bob Macintosh 8373 5848, Rev Norah Norris 8261 6852, Mr John or Mrs Judith Duval 8262 3435.

More information regarding the Celebration Day will be available in the New Year.

Favourite Hymn Sing. Come, bring your friends and make new ones. Singing the old Wesley, Watts and other wonderful music with the organ and piano. Cuppa to follow. Come for a drive as the hills look magnificent. Mt Barker Uniting, Sunday 20th November at 2pm.Enquiries Margaret 0427 734 071. All welcome.

Stacey Thompson, Coordinator, Volunteer Resources, 8206 0102, sthompson@resthaven.asn.au

www.resthaven.asn.au

Thank you... for spreading the word.

To have your upcoming event or message published here, email diary@sa.uca.org.au with ‘Diary’ in the subject line.

19 2011 10 New Times volunteers.indd 1

7/10/2011 5:36:44 PM

diary notes

Seaton Uniting Church are holding a ‘Mini Christmas Fair’ on Saturday 19 November from 10am – 2pm. Wide range of economical Christmas gifts available, as well as games, stalls, food, craft and more. Cnr Squires Ave & Owen St, Seaton. More details: 0416 268 289.

Emily’s Open Garden & Fete at “Pondok Indah” (89 Milan Terrace, Stirling). Goods for sale, food and drink available, live musical entertainment. All money raised in support of Indonesian orphanage and medical centre. Saturday 19 November 11.00am - 5.00pm and Sunday 20 November 12.00pm - 5.00pm. Garden open both days and fete is Saturday only. More info: sunsetrock.unitingchurchsa.org.au

UnitingWorld is an agency of the National assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia

The Relief & Development Unit of UnitingWorld is governed by a National Committee that is seeking new members.

If you are: • enthusiastic about the Uniting Church’s support for overseas partners in undertaking relief and development • possess governance experience or experienced in development, international relations, human relations, law, fundraising or government relations • able to commit to active governance involvement on the National Committee (visit website link below for position description)

UnitingWorld would like to hear from you.

positions vacant

For further information and to download a copy of the application form, http://www.unitingworld.org.au/positions-vacant/ or contact Jade Lor Chan: E jadelc@unitingworld.org.au | T (02) 8267 4267

www.everythingincommon.com.au

The ChrisTmas GifT CaTaloGUe of The UNiTiNG ChUrCh

Uniting Church in Australia Synod of Western Australia

Minister of the Word Full-time placement (option for 0.8 FTE): Victoria Park & Districts (Star St) Congregation This congregation is alive and growing and seeks a minister to help lead its continuing development. Our church, in an inner suburban area, has a congregation of 100 plus that is spread over all ages with a wide range of backgrounds and ethnicity. This active congregation is inclusive, theologically broad, creative and innovative in worship, and committed to outreach and social action.

The vacancy is open until filled and applications will be considered from 14 November 2011 See more at: www.wa.uca.org.au/victoriapark/about/ For a full profile and enquiries contact: Rev Dr Ian Tozer, Joint Associate General Secretary (Pastoral) Uniting Church in Western Australia Email: ian.tozer@wa.uca.org.au Phone: 08 9260 9800 Mail: GPO Box M952, Perth WA 6843

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Holiday Rental 3br ground floor apartment on the Esplanade at Encounter Bay with glorious sea views across to Granite and Wright Islands - Relax in cool a/cond comfort and watch the waves roll in – close to restaurants and cafes -special pre Christmas holiday rate of $600 pw (or $160 pn -min 3 nights) -not available schoolies week -Vacancies for Jan 2012 available at $1,000 pw -Contact Kerry at Dodd and Page P/L ph 8554 2029 and ask for “By The Sea” to see “on line” details and photos.

positionsvacant.sa.uca.org.au

From small beginnings Rev Dr Tony Nancarrow, founding editor The Central Times The Central Times had its birth in 1971 following two years of investigation by the Methodist Church in South Australia.

It was seeking a new approach to communicating with its members. As a young minister, inexperienced in the ways of journalism I was entrusted with the task of being its founding editor.

Prior to its launch the primary means of communication within the church was through the weekly South Australian Methodist. With the exception of its cutting edge editorials it was primarily scissors and paste journalism. Its core readership were congregational leaders.

The Central Times was designed to change all of that. Not only would it take

advantage of new printing techniques – printing presses with the capacity to produce 12,000 copies per hour- it would also focus on pictorial journalism, features, and news coverage of local events.

Congregations were invited to subscribe in bulk with fortnightly copies mailed direct to people’s homes. With an initial annual subscription of $1.00 and a postage cost of half a cent a copy, the 12,000 circulation paper was self supporting through subscriptions and advertising.

Within a year the fledgling paper was confronted with a rise in newsprint costs of over 100%, together with

For two years, Athelstone Uniting Church has held a very successful Christmas Tree Festival. Each year over 60 trees, decorated by Church and Community organisations, local businesses, schools, aged care homes and individuals, have been presented.

This year’s festival, running from Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 November, will feature a display of miniature nativity scenes as well as the specially decorated trees.

The opening day is always a special day with children from local schools attending as well as people from aged care homes. At 8.30pm that evening, Thursday 24 November, the festive lights outside the Church will be switched on - a display which has won a Council award for the previous two years.

Sunday worship is conducted amid trees, creating a special festive atmosphere to the worship.

Entrance is by donation and $2.00 for Devonshire Tea. Children are free. A free sausage sizzle is held on Friday night with special activities for the children.

For further information contact Joy Brook: p. 8165 3344 e. deanbrook@picknowl.com.au; treefest@athelstonechurch.org.au

Athelstone Uniting Church’s Christmas Tree Festival has been a successful community engagement each year with entrants creating their own version of a Christmas Tree.

Inman Valley Uniting Church cease services Margaret Lush For 140 years people have been worshiping in the Inman Valley Uniting Church, formerly Bible Christian, then Methodist. Earlier services were held in the Bible Christian and Wesleyan Churches on Bald Hills. The faith of many people has been nurtured in this place.

At 11am, Sunday 20 November 2011, the last regular worship service will be held. Rev Brant Jones, who grew up in Inman Valley will be the main speaker.

The Second Valley Choir will lead the singing as well as piano and flutes. A pooled luncheon will be held in the Inman Valley Memorial Hall after the service. All are welcome to come and be a part of this special day. This will be the start of a new way of being church in our area.

A regular monthly ‘Meet the Neighbours’ group will continue to meet in the church on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 10am – 12noon with the next taking place on 22 November.

This group has provided an opportunity for people to get to know one another better and all are welcome.

For more information, contact: Beryl Price: 8558 8218 Margaret Lush: 8558 8214

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magazine

Christmas Tree festival

rapid increases in postage costs. Its survival became dependent on its editor developing a broader range of skills which included layout and design.

The technology of the seventies – electric selectric golf ball typewriters with 9000 characters of justified type - now belongs to a bygone era. However, through its four decades of change, including a change in name to New Times, the paper continues to be faithful to its mandate - sharing news of the life of the people of faith through stories and features- designed to nurture, challenge, and inspire.

Red Dove Cafe turns 60

The Red Dove Café is an important part of the life and ministry of the Uniting Church in South Australia – and has been for 60 years. The cafe, fully staffed by volunteers, offers value-priced meals for Royal Adelaide Show-goers, and has done since 1951.

The mission-hearted team is driven by their commitment to resourcing National and World Mission through the profit this cafe turns each year, often around $45,000.

Many Red Dove volunteers started as teenagers and, while they will continue for many years to come, the days are long and fast-paced, and some are being forced to ease back on their commitments a little.

While 60 is often thought of as the retiring age, Red Dove Café is not even close. And they want you to think of how you might be involved next year, and the year after...

magazine

For more information on Red Dove Café, or to volunteer for the Café at the 2012 Royal Adelaide Show, contact Chairman of Red Dove: Graham Watts p. (08) 8276 8733 e. wattsgra@gmail.com

Daphne Kelly, long time Red Dove Cafe volunteer, and Richard Fewster, Trustee of the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society, cut the cake marking Red Dove’s 60 year of exemplary, and tasty, service to Adelaide Royal Show.

Study Anywhere External Studies

………………………………………………………………

Study from the comfort of your own home and at a time convenient for you.

Fully accredited courses available to study externally: Ministry, Theology & Culture Humanities: Creative Writing, History, Philosophy & English Christian Life & Ministry Vocational & Training Education Social Science: Youth Work & Counselling* Training & Assessment *some intensives required

For more information about external studies please call us on 08 83738777 or email us on email: enquiry@adelaide.tabor.edu.au

FEE-HELP is available—call us to find out more To apply online visit

www.taboradelaide.edu.au 181 Goodwood Rd Millswood SA 5034 CRICOS Provider Code: 00946E | VET Provider Number 4452

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Iles Trust to resource church More than $15,000 has been raised in support of a legacy trust honouring the life and ministry of the late Rev Dr Robert Iles.

Robert – a Uniting Church Minister for the Waikerie, Tusmore Memorial, Golden Grove and Walkerville congregations for 30 years – died tragically from a brain tumour in May 2009.

The Robert Iles Memorial Trust was established by family and friends in early 2011 to celebrate and resource areas of ministry that were close to Robert’s heart.

The Trust has been set up under the auspices of the Assembly of Confessing Congregations and is administered by a management committee based in South Australia.

Monies donated will be used to fund intermittent lectures and seminars on theological topics central to Robert’s ministry that will encourage and equip the local church and its ministers.

Funds will also be dedicated to publishing some of Robert’s sermons, papers and other theological works as a resource for the Uniting Church.

“My father’s greatest passion was to see the local church engaging effectively with current culture,” Robert’s son, Callum Iles, said.

“We had been asked to consider setting up some kind of memorial by a number of former parishioners and friends and we developed the Trust at their urging.

“Robert would be mortified to know that a Trust had been established in his honour, as he never sought the limelight, but there were so many people who were blessed and inspired by his ministry that we felt this was a fitting tribute.

“Our family has been overwhelmed by the generosity of friends, parishioners and supporters from around the State so far and we are excited to see what good things will come from this.”

For further details or to make a contribution to the Robert Iles Memorial Trust, please email ilesfund@gmail.com

Mathematical and mystical

Pascal’s Wager: The Man Who Played Dice with God Many who have studied Maths will be familiar with the name. Remember Pascal’s Triangle?

However few will know about his life.

Born in 1588 in France, Pascal was a sickly child who suffered from ill health all his life. (He died aged 39.) His father was responsible for his education and banned him from mathematics until he was 16 in case it proved too taxing but, at the age of eight Pascal replicated some of Euclid’s geometry theorems with no prior knowledge.

He went on to discoveries about vacuums and other matters which changed scientific thinking.

All this is set alongside his search for God, with the background of unrest in France politically and in religious circles.

Pascal’s work on probability led to the famous wager:

Author: James A. Connor

You believe in God and God exists. You win.

Recommended for: mathematicians and church history aficionados

You believe in God and God doesn’t exist you lose, mostly riotous living while on earth.

You don’t believe in God and God doesn’t exist. Not much to lose.

In short: Autobiography of the short life of Blaise Pascal - mathematics genius - and his arguments for the existence of God

You don’t believe in God and God does exist. You lose everything.

CS Lewis fans will recognise this as he says something similar.

Setting it in context is a helpful timeline detailing Pascal’s life alongside happenings in France and in the rest of Europe. The account of controversies within the Church are an eye-opener if you’ve not studied that period. This book is not an easy read (perhaps why it is so cheap!) but is worth the effort.

Available from: Koorong RRP: $6.95

- Glenys Badger

How well do we care?

Book: ‘Books of the Bible’ series: Mark

Book: The First 48 Hours

Introductory comments: Rowan Williams

Author: Jennifer S Cisney & Kevin L Ellers

Recommended for: people wanting to explore a particular book from the Bible.

In short: Williams’ introduction invites the reader into a deeper attention to the text and to the life of Jesus.

Available from: Uniting Church SA Office RRP: $12.95

The Darton, Longman and Todd ‘Books of the Bible’ series is designed to reignite a passion for reading the Bible.

The pocket books contain the complete text to a book of the Bible using the New Jerusalem version. For each book, a Christian writer or leader writes a brief introduction, providing a fresh ‘lens’ for reading the text.

The book of Mark’s Gospel is introduced by Archbishop Rowan Williams. He invites readers into this text not to, “admire or like Jesus,” but to make clear that, “things have changed because of him.” He highlights that, like

reviews

Introducing the Bible

Recommended for: anyone providing pastoral care after emergency situations.

In short: A basic guide to working in crisis situations.

Available from: MediaCom RRP: $23.45

the disciples, we may not always “get it,” and that understanding what is going on in the life of Jesus is hard, even though the text itself appears to be deceptively simple.

The books have helpful and descriptive titles to each section to guide the reader.

In appearance, the pocket books are like a small novel in size and page weight. They are portable and can be read in the quiet moments of our days - wherever we are.

- Sandy Boyce

The First 48 Hours is a reliable handbook for anyone concerned with the care of others in times of crisis. The authors address a range of situations and settings, and do so from a Christian perspective.

They affirm the importance of ‘being with’ people at times of crisis.

or five questions for reflection.

Some questions ask about the congregation’s ability to respond.

This is a helpful book for an introduction or a review of this topic.

- Andrew Clarke

They cover a range of scenarios and issues before moving into more difficult territory exploring the maintenance of hope and the provision of support and care over longer periods of time.

Each chapter is completed by a dot point summary and four

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Kingscote Uniting Church bombed Bev Maxwell A group of guerrilla knitters recently ‘yarnbombed’ the Kingscote Uniting Church as part of the Church’s participation in this year’s Kangaroo Island Art Feast, held 30 September - 9 October.

Yarnbombing (or knitted graffiti as it’s sometimes called) is the act of attaching knitted or crocheted cloth to outside items as a form of decoration.

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The Uniting Church was the only Church amongst the 16 sites that were ‘bombed’ and it attracted considerable interest, particularly as it drew attention to the recently-painted, historic Church building.

The buildings and grounds remained decorated throughout the 10 day Art Feast with new pieces appearing without warning.

Again this year the Uniting Church hosted the ecumenical ‘Spirit Feast’ weekend as an Art Feast event. With its Art Exhibition, 1920’s themed ‘mocktail party’, market, ‘quiet space’ and Blessing of the Artists service and lunch, it was warmly embraced by the community. The ‘Wings’ theme was reflected in the Art Exhibition, food, Church decorations and of course, the yarnbombing!

It was fun; it enabled many of the older, great knitters of the congregation to demonstrate their skills and importantly it linked us in with the wider community. Already people are thinking about what to create next year.

Pictured: L-R Shirley Bell, Joan Noble and Deb Hilliers, Yarnbombers of Kingscote Uniting Church