New Times - October 2006

October 2006

Issue 25, Number 9

‘It’s an exciting time’ PP 565 001/00190 ISSN 0726-2612

Nicholas Kerr

THIS IS an exciting time to be in ministry, Julian Hamilton said in Adelaide last month.

Julian, who is based in Ireland, has an international reputation as a youth leader. He was guest speaker at SAYCO (SA Youth Camp Out).

“There are two main challenges,” he said.

“The first is a major challenge and it’s across the whole of the Western World.

“It’s a challenge to come up with new ways of being church that are appropriate and relevant to new generations.

“That includes Generation X – and Generation X is now forty years old.

So I’m not talking just about young people.”

Julian said the church is in a “wonderful grey area of post modernism”.

“We can recognise what’s gone before – but we can’t quite see what’s coming next,” he said.

Shaping the future “We have an opportunity to lay the foundations of what a post-modern faith will become.

“We’re actually shaping the future.

We’re trying to envisage and dream what the church will be and do in the next 100 years.”

Julian spoke about a “smaller challenge”.

“Every time I come to Australia I see a bunch of kids who can’t sit and listen in church anymore,” he said.

“They just can’t sit and listen for 10 to 20 minutes anywhere.

“It’s to do with the way they’re educated and their attitude to authority figures and institutions.

“Their world of entertainment’s so fast, all very quick fire.

“We live in a sound bite society. It’s very fluid. Nothing’s still or stagnant.

“No church that’s in any way stagnant or stale can command immediate respect.”

SAYCO: Julian (Jools) Hamilton, from Ireland, was guest speaker at this year’s SA Youth Camp Out (SAYCO), held at Oakbank.

Pictured are, from left, Peter Button, Joshua Baldwin, Jools Hamilton and Ben Hatcliffe. Peter, Joshua and Ben are from Parafield Gardens Uniting Church.

inside…

Enfield asks for help Coolamon’s new direction 27 years of negotiations

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Adult Fellowship news

Sense of community Part of the answer, he said, is to create a real sense of community.

“The church I want to belong to is a church with a real notion of what it means to be community – a church that’s in community with God and in community with each other in this incredible gift of a world.

“We need to have a sense of what it really means to need each other.”

Continued page 11.

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Awards for refugee work

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Preparing for Christmas

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Christmas postcards 2006 Uniting Church calendar 2007

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FIRST PRIZE: The Uniting Church’s Red Dove Café won first prize for the best “fixed site” food outlet at the Royal Adelaide Show this year. Pictured with Red Dove treasurer, Ken Robinson, are volunteers Helen Giles, of Willunga Uniting Church, left, and Ellie Butler, of Clayton-Wesley, right.

Please hand out at your church door

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NEWS

New Times

Enfield is looking for some help Jill Freear

Some of the children from the Enfield congregation

ENFIELD Uniting Church needs help. The congregation has a large number of children and young people, but not enough people to lead these groups.

Enfield supply minister, Rev Roz Bond, said the predominantly elderly congregation is in the unique situation of having more children than they can cope with.

“We have a wonderful array of beautiful children and families including Korean, Sudanese, Iranian, Fijian and Australian born children and young people,” she said.

“We have up to 40 children who attend Sunday school and up to 27 young people attending our Thursday night youth group.

“We sent 25 children to KCO this year and 18 to SAYCO. We’re now planning to send 10 young people to Perth for NCYC in January.

“We have two Sunday school teachers

and four youth group leaders, as well as five people who pick up and deliver families to and from church.

“But we are flagging – our teachers are dedicated, but tired. Congregation members are also supporting a number of women as they learn English and Australian culture, but that too takes time and energy.

“We urgently need a team of leaders from another congregation that will covenant to work at Enfield in the children and youth ministry programs for 12 months, or even for a school term – or alternatively a congregation that could plant a team at Enfield that would be dedicated to nurturing and encouraging our children and youth, for a specified period of time.

“We also urgently need a team of leaders who could run a January school holiday program at the church.”

By bike to Blinman SEVERAL Uniting Church SA members have pedalled from Adelaide to Blinman to re-enact a push-bike journey undertaken by three Wesley College students more than 60 years ago.

The 600 kilometre trip covered the same route travelled by then ministry students Doug Telfer, Alan Beames and Arnold Hunt.

In 1941 the three students visited family, friends and people in ministry. They took church services, gave a testimony, addressed the Blinman Sunday School, explored Wilpena Pound and repeatedly mended their bikes.

Doug’s son Colin Telfer said the ride has become part of

the family history and family members have talked for a year or two about undertaking the ride.

Several friends and Telfer cousins finally re-enacted the trip early last month, cycling through Balaklava, Clare, Jamestown, Orroroo, Hawker, Wilpena, Blinman and Gum Creek Station, before returning to Adelaide by car.

Colin said the first day was the toughest with a stiff head wind.

“However the longest leg – 109 kilometres from Orroroo to Hawker – was easy, as we had a good tail wind and travelled at 30 kilometres an hour.

“The highlight of the trip was cycling into Blinman

seven abreast and riding through the yellow ribbon which our support crew had stretched across the road.

“It was certainly an easier journey for us today, with a support crew taking care of us and cabins to sleep in along the way.

“There was not one puncture or accident. We’ve arrived home safely with a great feeling of accomplishment and just a few sore muscles.”

The keen cyclists are already talking about another trip.

Those who took part in the biking adventure included Andrew and Ruth Telfer (Seacliff UC), Raelene and Jeff Telfer (Pilgrim Uniting Church), Greg Telfer (Klemzig/ Clare Uniting Church), Colin Telfer (Malvern Uniting Church) and Mark Phillips (Pilgrim Uniting Church).

Pastors THE transition of the new ministry of pastor is moving forward.

Assembly Standing Committee has appointed a group to oversee the implementation and ensure a smooth transition in the coming 18 months.

One of the group’s key tasks will be to develop flexible guidelines for those who wish to move from existing specified ministries to ordained ministry.

The group has also been asked to consult across the church to find out the types of issues that may be faced locally during the transition period until the new specification is introduced.

OCTOBER 2006

Jeff, left, and Colin Telfer with their bikes

NEWS

New Times

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New direction for Coolamon

Coolamon College council chairperson, Dr Marelle Harisun, with Coolamon principal, Rev Dr Lee Levett-Olson

Jenni takes on justice job JENNI Price Hughes has temporarily joined the Uniting Church SA staff team.

She is filling the shoes of Solidarity and Justice Officer Kate Tretheway who is on maternity leave.

Jenni has previously been involved at Rosefield Uniting Church in administration and creative arts and ministries.

Jenni has just completed a Masters degree in Church Ministry at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Her studies included an internship with the Centre for Survivors of Torture, working with asylum seekers, refugees, asylees (asylum seekers who have been granted asylum) and victims of trafficking.

While in Dallas, Jenni met her future husband, Master of Divinity student John Hughes.

John is undertaking an internship at Brougham Place Uniting Church until next May. While at Brougham Place he will assist church youth in confirmation studies and also help establish a young adults’ ministry.

Both Jenni and John will return to Dallas by next August where John will complete his studies. He will then enter a three year probationary period before becoming a Minister of the Word.

Jenni also has her sights set on church ministry and is currently exploring ordination possibilities.

“Ultimately I’d like to work in ministry with a dual focus on social justice issues and creative arts in worship,” she said.

In the long term the couple would like to return to Australia.

DISTANCE theological education in the Uniting Church is set to take a new direction.

This follows approval of a new business model for Coolamon College that will see it resource other parts of the church and allow them to adapt courses as needed on the ground.

In the face of increasing financial pressures on Coolamon, Assembly Standing Committee was presented with a range of options for its future.

These ranged from no longer offering higher education courses to closing the college altogether.

Standing Committee acknowledged the value of the distance study offered by Coolamon for people without access to face to face learning.

It also recognised that without a change in focus, Coolamon would not remain viable.

The agreed way forward will see Coolamon collaborate with a range of existing providers to promote quality education and training with maximal flexibility for those lacking access to face-to-face teaching across Australia and beyond.

It will act as a network of expertise in the distance delivery of theological education, as distinct from being a stand alone provider.

It will continue to offer nonassessed, non-accredited group learning, competency based and VET sector accredited training.

The decision will also allow courses to be licensed to Synods and other parts of the church which can then adapt

them as needed and deliver them locally.

It is hoped the new model will open opportunities for education to be offered in Uniting Church service agencies and that the flexibility it offers will help Presbyteries wanting to access education and training resources for people entering the new specified ministry of Pastor.

In his report to the Standing Committee, Coolamon principal, Rev Dr Lee LevettOlson, said it was important to note that Coolamon College was established as a justice strategy.

It remains an important vehicle for many people wanting to study within the Uniting Church.

“Coolamon was established to enable people of the Church, wherever they lived and whatever their circumstances, to access theological education,” he said.

“Over time the demand from Synod agencies and individuals for access to studies at all levels from certificate to doctorate has been responded to, so that students can now tailor their choices to their own individual needs, using flexible learning approaches through the college, as well as work in congregational groups with a local facilitator according to their needs, with no assessment if that is their choice.”

Coolamon will begin negotiations with Synods about implementing the new model. It hopes to have the plan operational within 12 months.

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OCTOBER 2006

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COMMENT

News from the 19th World Methodist Conference Brougham Place Uniting Church Minister Rev Ken Anderson was a delegate at the recent 19th World Methodist Conference in Seoul, Korea.

Some 3,000 people attended. Ken reflects on the conference which he attended as part of a small Australian delegation.

SEOUL is a very interesting city and one that I would love to visit again to experience the city, the people and particularly the churches as they “do evangelism” and struggle with the issue of unification which is predominant in their thinking.

The friendship and hospitality that we were offered is beyond anything I have experienced anywhere in the world. The people and churches were incredibly generous in spirit and in kind.

The overwhelming feature emerging from the conference was the fact that

churches from first world countries with a liberal theological emphasis and formal traditional worship styles are declining dramatically. In contrast, churches from emerging countries and cultures are experiencing holistic growth. Their numbers, effectiveness and relevance of worship and significant social action are making a difference.

The World Methodist Church has grown by a million members a year for the past five years. This has not come from our style of church and witness. But when you see what is happening in places like Korea it is easier to understand. In most places it is not rocket science or fancy programs.

Prayer, leadership, small groups, changes to theological education, the needs of people and the expectation that God is going to do something, are basic to thinking and motivate action.

Highlights for me included a Korean

cultural night presenting the country’s history and faith development. This told the story of the church and its growth through music, dance, drama and visuals. It was one of the best experiences of my life, and I have seen some great events.

Another significant event was on the Sunday morning when 300 delegates joined 300 Koreans for a worship prayer vigil at the de-militarized zone at the 38th parallel border. This was followed by a tour of the border area.

We released 500 balloons. The news made the front page of the Seoul Times.

The conference made statements on Korean reunification and the Middle East. It installed John Barrett from England, (now working in Singapore), as the new President; and elected Paulo Lachman from Rio and the Brazil Church as President Elect.

The council also set priorities for the next five years. They are:

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

Overpopulation World overpopulation was summed up beautifully by Alan Jones in his letter to New Times in August. Why hasn’t the church addressed this problem, or the nation as a whole for that matter?

Here are a few ideas.

When the Bible was written there were 22 times less people on the planet, so it is not surprising that it was not an issue at the time. Most religious leaders rely on Scripture to justify their actions.

It is easy to appreciate overpopulation in species different from our own – crown of thorns starfish, rabbits, mice and locusts to name a few.

We notice overpopulation in other religious and ethnic

OCTOBER 2006

groups but notice it less clearly in our own. Sure the others are often more densely populated but that doesn’t make our overpopulation acceptable.

There is a feeling of being out competed numerically by other nations. We feel insecure.

Because issues of family planning are so sensitive they have been placed in the “too hard basket” by our politicians and church leaders.

So, while I share your concern, Alan, I suspect we have to destroy our biological planet before we realise we have overpopulated it.

Stephen Wicks Yacka-Gulnare

Slippery slope The remarks of the new President of the Uniting Church, Rev Gregor Henderson, on the “shameful behaviours of Christians” regarding sexuality and leadership are inflammatory.

If the leadership of the UC had been strong in the first place regarding the appointment of homosexual clergy it would not be on a slippery slope of failing in its duty of care for its members who, believe me, are grieving terribly.

Barbara Abbott Blackwood Sexual abuse I wish to encourage elderly South Australians – who were sexually abused as foster children or while in state care – to contact the Commission of Inquiry into Children in State Care.

The Commission is investigating allegations of sexual abuse against children in SA State care and deaths of State children due to criminal conduct.

It is also looking into the adequacy of the Government’s response to the allegations and whether appropriate and adequate records were kept.

The Inquiry has received more than 1000 allegations of sexual abuse and is investigating over 600 deaths of State children.

We are hoping that people within the aged care sector – including former foster

• Evangelism, leaders training and resources development.

• Clarification of the vision and role of the WMC. • Communication and support… between member churches.

• Communication, including greater use of technology.

• Youth Ministry. participation and leadership.

• Continued ecumenical and interfaith dialogues.

• Offering a prophetic voice for justice and peace; global issues of poverty, development and the environment.

• Supporting churches in countries where there is conflict and injustice.

Of major significance was the signing of a “Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification” by a representative from the Pope; a representative from the Lutheran World Federation and the Methodist President.

children, their friends, families and carers – might come forward to tell their stories so that we can learn more about what they faced.

Men and women in their 60s and 70s are talking to me about abuse which happened to them as children, even as long as 50 years ago. Often, they have not told family members, but I want to assure them that now is the time to come forward.

All information provided is confidential.

Free call 1800 258 668.

Ted Mullighan QC Commissioner Children in State Care Commission of Inquiry In decline I was encouraged by reports in the September New Times from several Networks of their plans and activities for development and training for evangelical outreach among their congregations. But I was dismayed to read about the shortfall of congregational contributions to the Mission and Service fund.

The 7 per cent budgeted for this year must have been based on congregational incomes for the last few years, but, as there have been “decreases in congregational giving”, it now has to be 9 per cent!

What has changed in the last few years for that calculation to be $450,000 short? What has caused over 7000 members and 40 ministers to leave the UCA in the last few years?

While there may be many reasons, the passing of Resolution 84 and its affirming

by Resolution 108 at the recent Assembly, must surely be the main contributing factor.

Sadly the UCA seems to be ignoring the clear warning of St Paul in Romans 12: 2,

as translated by JB Phillips, “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould”.

So, as we seem to be blindly following “the world” with its standards so removed from the Judeo-Christian traditions on which our society was founded, we shouldn’t be surprised to see this decline in our membership and finances.

Kevin R Moore Coromandel Valley Volunteer in PNG Our partner church UCPNG is seeking tradespeople and handy persons to help build a classroom at Bwaruada in the Papuan Islands region.

Volunteers must be available for two to three weeks in November 2006. A volunteer with a senior First Aid certificate and a person with medical expertise are also needed.

This is a fantastic opportunity for people with the appropriate skills and abilities to experience Papuan culture, build lasting relationships with people of another culture and share in the faith and challenge of mission and ministry.

For more information contact the People in Mission Office, Uniting Church SA on 8236 4270 or email judi@sa.uca.org. au.

Judi Jones Adelaide Industrial relations reform Anyone who has the opportunity should attend a briefing session on the new Industrial Relations/Work Choices law. It is more workerfriendly than the system it replaces, for instance, on the issue of taking time off.

It addresses the concerns expressed by Rev Dr Phil Marshall in the September New Times.

Daphne Freeman Port Lincoln

NEWS

New Times

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27 years of negotiations WHEN THE Uniting Church SA appointed Rev Keith Smith and Ken Leal to sort out Presbyterian property issues in 1979, the pair had no idea the issues would take 27 years to resolve.

At the time Keith was the second UCA Moderator in South Australia.

Two Presbyterians – Alistair Matheson and Robert Arstall – became part of the group.

Ken Leal later retired due to ill health and was replaced by Peter Petherick.

Keith became chairperson of the specially established body called “Free Church Negotiators Incorporated”.

The saga mainly concerned seven properties which belonged to the former Free Presbyterian Church in South Australia. That denomination resulted from a split from the Church of Scotland.

Keith said some Free Church people migrated to South Australia seeking

religious freedom and a better opportunity for their families.

“They planted congregations down Fleurieu Peninsula, in the South-East and at Spalding in the mid-north,” he said.

Many of these churches grew quickly. Most of them also died quickly, with the exception of the John Knox Church at Morphett Vale which was in use until the early 1970s.

The properties’ trustees had long since died and had not been replaced. The Free Church Negotiators persuaded the State Government to pass a Private Bill vesting the properties with the Negotiators.

In due course four of the properties were sold and the net proceeds divided between the Uniting and Presbyterian Churches and the Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia.

The Lucindale church, which had voted against church union, was vested in the Presbyterian Church and the cemeteries at Morphett Vale

and Spalding were transferred to local government authorities.

“There have been some ticklish negotiations along the way, involving claims by the Anglican Church and some descendants of the original Free Church settlers which were finally resolved without litigation,” Keith said.

“The last two properties were sold in 2004, making way for the final distribution of proceeds.

“The Uniting Church expects to receive about $250,000.

However, even more significant is the fact that we will no longer have to pay rates, taxes and insurance on the properties.”

Free Church Negotiators, from left, Alistair Matheson, Rev Keith Smith, Robert Arstall and Peter Petherick

Adult Fellowship plans THE UNITING Church Adult Fellowship, an agency of the Assembly, has a new President and a new national committee which will be based in Queensland for the next triennium.

Taking on the theme, “Let the Son shine through,” the new committee has already spent 18 months planning activities for their term.

The first national gathering of adults from across Australian will be at Rydges Resort, Caloundra on the sunshine coast from September 19 to 23, 2007. These dates run into the Queensland school vacation so early bookings are necessary.

There are two celebration tours – a pre-celebration tour, of five days and four

nights. This tour will take in the Hervey Bay area and will include a whale watching trip.

A post-celebration tour of five days and four nights will travel to the worldrenowned Carnival of Flowers in Toowoomba and on to other parts of the Darling Downs.

Both tours have limited numbers and early registration is advisable.

These three activities will help link adults of the Uniting Church throughout Australia and help them become aware of the ministries of the wider church.

Enquiries about the national gathering should be directed to Barry Kerr, clankerr@iprimus. com.au.

– Alyson Madsen, Adult Fellowship President

.30% p.a.

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MAGAZINE

New Times

Maughan wins an award MAUGHAN Uniting Church has been recognised for its work with refugees.

The award from the South Australian Council of Churches recognises Maughan’s loan fund which provides interest free loans to reunite refugees with family members in Australia.

Minister, Rev Elizabeth Vreugdenhil, said the $20,000 loan fund has helped to bring close to 90 Sudanese refugees to Adelaide in the past three years.

“It’s important that the money keeps circulating to continually relocate more refugees,” she said.

“We work closely with the Anglican Sudanese congregation which meets at Maughan.

“We administer the loans and the Sudanese select the loan recipients.

“We realised early on that it’s important to work in partnership, rather than create a dependency.

“The system works well. We have no bad debts because the Sudanese leaders are strongly committed to ensuring all loans are repaid.

“We’re thrilled to have this award and have our hard work recognised by the wider church.”

The congregation also provides ongoing support to new arrivals, helping them find accommodation, access the welfare system and assisting them to re-establish their lives.

Maughan has also produced a CD for churches interested in working with refugees.

The resource explains the social welfare system and provides other vital information for new arrivals.

And Modbury, too MODBURY Uniting Church has also been recognised for its African Women’s Day held on Tuesdays.

The program recently won the Tea Tree Gully City Council’s Project of the Year award.

African Women’s Day is run by approximately 30 volunteers and offers cooking, sewing, computing and English conversation classes to new arrivals.

Some members of the first Sudanese family to be helped by the Uniting Church SA’s Refugee Support Fund are, from left, Akui Mel Teeng, Benjamin Ayuon Kuol and Wol Bol Deng. They are pictured with their proposer, Anei Deng Yel. Their application came through Plympton Uniting Church.

First arrivals to be helped by new fund NINE Sudanese refugees have arrived in Adelaide after gaining financial support from the Uniting Church SA’s Refugee Support Fund. Another 15 will arrive soon.

Currently there is $27,000 in the Support Fund, (excluding funds from UC Invest, which has promised to match donations up to $50,000).

The Support Fund was boosted recently when

the family of Rev Arthur Jackson suggested people donate to the fund in his memory.

The donations received will enable one adult to fly from Nairobi to Adelaide.

Application forms for funding refugee travel are available from Louise Johnson in the Mission Resourcing Network on 8236 4237 or email louisej@sa.uca.org.au.

© Copyright 2006 Edi Leane. Artwork not to be reproduced in any way without the written permission by Edi Leane of Joie Creative. All Rights Reserved.

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

OCTOBER 2006

MAGAZINE

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Numbers were up for SAYCO 2006 About 350 people took part in SAYCO (SA Youth Camp Out) at Oakbank last month – 344 to be exact, which was 150 more than last year.

Pictured: Top left: Jo Garrard and Kirri Story, from Adelaide West Uniting Church.

Top right: Sarah Jennings and Victoria Fry from Morialta Uniting Church.

Bottom left: Katrina Clarke, Eliza Howland and Tori Silverblade, from Morialta Uniting Church.

Bottom right: Briony Mitakiki, Amber Smith, Anita Mitakiki, Cassie Coulthard and Cassandra Knowles, from Port Augusta Congress.

OCTOBER 2006

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MAGAZINE

New Times

Proposed Assembly of Confessing Congregations REPRESENTATIVES of the Assembly, including the President and General Secretary met with representatives of the proposed Assembly of Congressing Congregations in Sydney recently to discuss how it would relate to official Councils of the Church.

One of the main areas of discussion at the recent meeting was legal advice received by the Reforming Alliance which claims the decision of the 10th Assembly in relation to sexuality and leadership are invalid or irregular.

Meeting in Sydney on August 26 and 27, the Assembly Standing Committee received a report on the meeting from the General Secretary as well as its own legal opinion in response to the claims made by Reforming Alliance.

The ASC accepted the opinion it had received that there is no validity to the claims made by the Reforming Alliance. The ASC expressed concern that members of the church felt compelled to take theological differences to a civil court and made it clear that the proposed Assembly of Confessing Congregations has no status or formal recognition within the councils of the Church.

It asked the General Secretary to seek more information from representatives of the proposed Assembly of Confessing Congregations about the exact nature of how it will operate within the existing church structures. When answers have been received to these questions, this information will be distributed across the church.

Text of letter

HERE IS the text of the letter sent to the wider church by Rev Corkin on August 30.

Dear Colleagues, As many of you will be aware the Reforming Alliance has been proposing to develop an organisation known as the Assembly of Confessing Congregations. The information

OCTOBER 2006

shared in meetings, the media and through official Reforming Alliance and EMU channels has raised a number of questions about the objectives of the organisation and how this group will relate to the official Councils of the Uniting Church.

Less well known, but certainly communicated through the Reforming Alliance and its members, is the fact that Reforming Alliance has received legal advice. This advice leads Reforming Alliance to claim that the decisions of the 10th Assembly in relation to sexuality and leadership are invalid or irregular.

The National Executive of Reforming Alliance wrote to the Assembly Standing Committee and made a series of requests in the light of their legal advice. The Assembly Standing Committee meeting held over the weekend of August 25 to 27 addressed itself to the correspondence received from the Reforming Alliance dated August 1 and 25, and to consideration of the legal advice provided to it by the National Executive of the Reforming Alliance. Having received advice from the Assembly’s legal advisers the Standing Committee denies the validity of the claims made by Reforming Alliance.

The Standing Committee gave serious consideration to the issues and questions that were put before it.

After long and careful discussion the Standing Committee came to the views that are expressed in the resolution that is enclosed with this letter. The Standing Committee decision indicates its willingness for representatives to meet with representatives of the National Executive of the Reforming Alliance to discuss this resolution and additional questions that the Standing Committee has in relation to the proposed Assembly of Confessing Congregations.

When the Assembly has a response to these questions it will offer further advice to the Church. The proposed Assembly of Confessing Congregations

has no status within the church.

Members of the Assembly Standing Committee were very concerned for the pastoral dimensions of this issue. They are very aware that there are members of the church who are still working through the way they can live and work within the worship, witness and service of the Uniting Church.

Standing Committee believes that clear guidance is one of the pastoral responses that it can offer to the church.

I request that you make this correspondence and the resolutions of the Assembly Standing Committee known to Ministers, persons serving in the Specified Ministries and Church Council Secretaries.

• An extract from the unconfirmed minutes of the Assembly Standing Committee was sent with the letter. The extract is on the Uniting Church SA and the Assembly websites.

Guidance offered

THE NATIONAL Assembly has responded to requests from members, congregations and presbyteries for guidance on the proposed ACC (Assembly of Confessing Congregations).

Here is the full text of Assembly’s letter, dated September 7.

1. We welcome the fact that the Steering Committee of the proposed Assembly of Confessing Congregations (ACC) state clearly they wish ACC supporters to remain within the Uniting Church and adhere to the Basis of Union. We applaud this acceptance of the church’s unity in Christ. We believe this provides us with a firm basis for positive relationships between councils of the Uniting Church and the ACC. 2. We are concerned that aspects of the proposed ACC may lead congregations to believe they can pick and choose which parts of the Uniting Church’s polity and discipline they can abide by and which they might reject. We remind all ministers and members that every congregation in the

Uniting Church is under the pastoral and administrative oversight of the Presbytery and the general oversight of the Synod. Joining the ACC will not alter these relationships of oversight and accountability.

3. We are concerned at aspects of the proposed “Association of Confessing Ministry Workers”.

Information issued by the ACC Steering Committee appears to suggest that those joining the proposed Association will somehow be outside the requirements of the Uniting Church in relation to their accountability, oversight and discipline. We remind ministers and other ministry agents that joining the Association will not remove you from the requirements of the Uniting Church’s Constitution and Regulations with regard to your accountability, oversight and discipline.

4. We are concerned at suggestions that the ACC may seek to fulfil church functions which belong clearly to the Assembly – for example our relationships with ecumenical partners and the setting of standards for ministerial education. While the Assembly always welcomes input from church members on these national functions, they will always remain responsibilities of the Assembly.

5. The President and General Secretary, along with two Synod Moderators, expect to meet again this month with leaders of the Reforming Alliance and Evangelical Members within the Uniting Church. After that meeting, we expect to issue further advice to the church. We are very hopeful that our meeting will serve to allay our concerns and will build positive relationships for the future.

6. In the meantime we encourage church members and congregations to take care in their decision-making.

We trust that all decisions taken in the church are surrounded by prayerfulness and by respect for others whose convictions on particular issues may differ from our own.

New Times

PEOPLE AND PLACES

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Preparing for Christmas Jill Freear WHILE MOST of us have not even started to think about Christmas yet, festive season preparations are already well underway at UnitingCare Wesley Bowden.

Each December the agency distributes up to 1,200 Christmas hampers to people who are unable to afford Christmas luxuries.

Welfare Services coordinator Maureen Russell said it is a huge logistical exercise as hampers are prepared for Moslem, Asian and Australian families of various sizes.

“Our Christmas hampers contain pretty basic food items such as cereal, milk and sugar,” she said. “We also like to include a few special treats like bonbons, lollies, plum puddings, tuna, ham, rice, chicken and pasta.

“We get very little support from the business sector so we are always grateful to receive non-perishable food and financial donations from the public.”

Maureen said UnitingCare Wesley Bowden simply could not operate its various emergency relief programs without the support of many regular and loyal volunteers.

“I’m fortunate to manage a dedicated and reliable team of 13 to 16 volunteers. One of our volunteers has been coming every week for 14 and a half years. Our volunteers assist 8,800 families every year and those families have 11,700 children. Volunteers interview welfare clients, fundraise, sort donations and hand out welfare parcels.

“They all love being able to give back to the community in this way, and I never let anyone leave without thanking them personally.”

UnitingCare Wesley Bowden is always grateful for donations of non-perishable food, clothing and household items. They can be delivered to them at 77 Gibson Street, Bowden.

There are numerous volunteering opportunities at UCW Bowden. As well as welfare provision, volunteers can be trained to deliver financial counselling and tax help to low income households.

Hayette Hamden has been providing tax help to low income households for the past seven years. She has also provided volunteer financial counselling services to Arabic speaking people and others from 1993 to 2002.

Prospective volunteers should contact the team leader of Low Income Support Services, Rosalyn Williams on 8245 7100 or email rosalyn.williams@ucwb.org.au.

SA’s new Bible House THERE will be a special dedication service for the Bible Society’s new Bible House in Glandore, Sunday, October 22. In June the Bible Society moved from Rundle Mall to 770 South Road, Glandore. The new Bible House is the administration site. The Bookshop is now on Goodwood Road.

The Bible Society has been involved in mission work in South Australia and has made significant contributions around the world for more than 160 years. The dedication service will begin at 2.00pm at Bible House, followed by a tour and afternoon tea.

For more information contact the Bible Society on 82924888, or email infosa@bible.com.au.

Volunteers, from left, Hayette Hamden, Jean Tomlin, Helen Tickle, Gwen Marchant, Claire Curran and Sandee Othams.

‘Reel Spirituality’ MOVIES are a great evangelistic tool, according to Sandy Boyce, who is one of the teachers of a new course which explores faith through film.

“Reel Spirituality” is a new six week course being offered by Parkin Wesley College.

Sandy, who is a UCA People in Mission Administrator, has been leading the course with Rev Phil Gardner from Tusmore Memorial Uniting Church.

Sandy said the course encourages students to view movies through a theological lens.

“Movies are a wonderful artistic medium through which we can explore the nature of relationships, reality and God,” she said.

“After watching a movie with family and friends there may be a great opportunity to have a meaningful conversation about spirituality and Christianity – if you know how to go about it.

“This course helps students to ‘read’ films and explores several short films to discover the directors’ intentions.”

“Reel Spirituality” students also had the opportunity to view and discuss a short film made by Sunset Rock Uniting Church member Trevor Wright.

Trevor’s first film “Train Runner” was nominated for several 2006 SA short film awards and won an award for sound design.

OCTOBER 2006

10

NOTEBOOK

SIGN up early for UnitingCare’s Pancake Day on February 20, 2007, to ensure you receive free pancake mix and maple syrup. Unprecedented demand meant organisers were unable to provide free mix to all 2006 registrants. To register call 1800 060 543 or email SA Pancake Day Coordinator, Ruth Folland, ruthf@ sa.uca.org.au.

THE “Micah Challenge” Action Group presents “Offering of Letters” on Sundays, October 1 and 8, to help churches “speak prophetic words of justice” to local politicians. Details have been sent out in Uniting Church mail outs and e-news. Contact Deanna Howland 0427 0429 32 or deanna. howland@gmail.com.

LADIES from as far away as Victor Harbor and Adelaide answered the call from the eight Gumeracha Uniting Church knitters to become “guardian angel” knitters for World Vision.

These ladies were overwhelmed by the response of knitters who produced 62 jumpers, 33 rugs, 50 pairs of bootees, 71 beanies, 15 pairs of mittens and three scarves for children in Mongolia. Please contact Valda Hanna on 8389 1195 or Anne Cooper on 8389 1062 if you’d like to continue knitting, need wool or want to join the group.

INITIATIVES of Change and St Paul’s City Ministry invite you to a presentation, “Why terror? There is an alternative”, by visiting Islamic leader, Imam Dr Abduljalil Sajid and Mrs Jamila Sajid, on Thursday, October 12, at 7.45pm at the Unley Civic Centre, corner of Unley Road and Oxford Terrace. Enquiries to Geraldine Hawkes: stpauls@itim.com.au or 8127 7314.

New Times DERNANCOURT Uniting Church annual fete and auction will be held on October 21st at 9am at 1 Vingara Drive, Dernancourt. The auction starts at 9.30am. There is a variety of stalls and activities. Enquiries to the church office on 8369 0802.

INTERESTED in developing a culture of peace in your community? A live in workshop, conducted by the “Engage” Facilitator Co-Learning Process, with Brendan McKeague, will be held at The Monastery from October 4 to 7. Details from the SA Council of Churches, phone 8221 6633 or email sacc@ picknowl.com.au.

SHOWCASING Local Talent, an opportunity for community members to showcase their talents, will be held at Seaton Uniting Church hall, corner of Squires Avenue and Owen Street, Seaton, on Sunday, October 22, from 2pm to 4.30pm. Afternoon tea during the intermission. Gold coin donation for entry.

SIX SESSIONS on “A greener faith: theology and ecology and the Christian life” with Rev Dr Lee Levett-Olson, will be held on Sundays, from 3pm to 5pm, starting on October 22. Cost is $40 attendance or $85 for credit towards a C.Min or Dip. Min. Call Rosalie on 8416 8427 to enrol or email rosalie. upton@flinders.edu.au, Parkin-Wesley College.

PLAYGROUP in the Park will be held on Friday, October 27, from 10am to1pm at the Grange Soccer Oval. Theme is International Year of the Desert. It’s a “Big Day Out for Preschoolers.” Loads of entertainment,

For more Uniting Church events, visit Uniting Church online www.sa.uca.org.au and click on “What’s On”. There is also an online form which you can fill out to contribute notices to Notebook. fun activities, sausage sizzle and much more – all free for families with young children. Organised by Western Suburbs Playgroups. For information, email Kathy: kathyblaze@ozemail.com.au.

THE National and World Mission Support Committee invite people interested in the mission and outreach of the church to State Mission Fellowship on Tuesday, October 31 at 10.30am at Scots Church, North Terrace.

Rev John Minchin, Synod International Mission Officer, will speak about his recent visit to Thailand and tsunami relief efforts there supported by the UCA.

PEOPLE in Mission is looking for six to 10 trade or handy persons, as well as a first aider or medico, for a two to three weeks work party in Bwaruada, PNG, next month. Contact People in Mission office 8236 4240, 82364273 or email judi@sa.uca.org.au for more information.

MIDWEEK Meditation is an opportunity to pause at the end of the day for spiritual refreshment. It is held monthly on the third Wednesday, 6.50pm for a 7pm start, at Pilgrim Uniting Church, 12 Flinders Street, Adelaide. Phone 8212 3295 or visit: www.pilgrim.org.au.

VIENNESE organist, Peter Planyavsky, will perform on one of Australia’s finest organs at the Adelaide Town Hall, Sunday, October 15, 3pm. Free Admission. Presented by the Adelaide City Council, in association with the Organ Music Society of Adelaide.

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

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

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

Deadlines and distribution dates: November issue: Closing date for contributions, Wednesday, October 11, distributed, Sunday, November 5. • December issue: Closing date for contributions, Wednesday, November 8, distributed, Sunday, December 3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Editor: Nicholas Kerr. Assistant: Jo Watts.

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

OCTOBER 2006

ONE IN six Australian couples has trouble conceiving. The book “Swimming Upstream: the struggle to conceive”, written by a UCA member, addresses the issues that infertile couples face. For more information, to read some excerpts or to order, visit www. swimmingupstream.com.au or phone 8325 3035.

STEVE Begg will speak on “The good oil” at “Natter in the Pub” at the Tower Hotel Function Room, 621 Magill Road, Magill from 7.30pm to 9pm on November 28. He will explore what’s happening in the oil industry and where it’s heading. Information, call Alan Biglow on 8365 3077.

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

Deadline

SA’S TREES For Life is urgently calling for an extra 400 volunteer growers to help them reach their annual target of growing more than one million local native seedlings. Register to become a volunteer grower today by phoning Trees For Life on 8372 0150.

NOVEMBER 2006 issue: Deadline for contributions, Wednesday, October 11. The issue will be distributed on Sunday, November 5.

MAGAZINE

New Times

‘Act for the Christmas bowl’ AUSTRALIAN churches have responded generously to emergency situations in the world in 2006, Alistair Gee, Director of Christian World Service, says. But he has also urged concerned Australians to remember the Christmas Bowl program.

“Assistance in emergencies is a crucial part of what we do,” he said. “But we’re also committed to many other partners who are responding to injustice and poverty through long-term development projects. Their needs must not be forgotten.”

Alistair said the Christmas Bowl education kit is a great way for churches to explore ways to come together as a community and make a positive difference to the world through prayer, action and gifts.

“As the season of peace approaches, we as Christians are motivated to find ways to avoid man-made emergency situations,” he said. “Long term development and injustice response can be the solution.”

The Christmas Bowl works in 24 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific. It is a program of NCCA/Christian World Service, the aid and development agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia.

‘It’s an exciting time’ From page 1.

He said the global community is becoming increasingly real, “I want to be part of a church that knows what it means to have a relationship with God and a relationship with each other.

“Historically, evangelism can seem a little selfish. It can concentrate on your own relationship with God. “That’s important. But it means you also have to have a personal relationship with the people around you.

“Both must go together, or faith doesn’t work.

“We must be a church where people love each other, care for each other, go out of their way to help each other.”

Group Life Insurance Agencies Advisers for the Lutheran Group Salary Continuance Plan Dave Shrowder is a member of Golden Grove Lutheran Fellowship

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EIN238133 03/06

Classifieds

11

Davzil Pty Ltd, trading as Group Life Insurance Agencies, is a Corporate Authorised Representative (ASIC number 255589) of Elders Trustees Ltd trading as Elders Financial Planning (AFSL 237752). Dave Shrowder (ASIC number 255624) and Andrew Hentschke (ASIC number 255616) are Authorised Representatives of Elders Financial Planning.

Christmas postcard reminder TIME is running out for congregations wanting to take part in the Uniting Church SA’s 2006 Christmas postcard campaign.

Postcard orders close on Friday, November 3. The postcards can be viewed and ordered on line at www.sa.uca.org.au/goto/ christmas. They cost $60 per 1,000.

This year the postcard features a simple black and white image of a sleeping baby, with the words – Find peace this Christmas.

On the reverse are the words – Come celebrate with us.

Congregations can add up to 50 words about their own local church events.

The postcard image and theme will be advertised in local newspapers before Christmas.

The advertising will direct people to the Uniting Church SA website which will list local congregations’ Christmas worship times and other festive activities.

OCTOBER 2006

12

MAGAZINE

New Times

Calendar for church members THIS YEAR a calendar is being produced for Uniting Church SA members, instead of the more traditional booklet style annual report.

Thanksgiving Calendar Uniting Church SA

The 2007 Thanksgiving Calendar is being provided as a gift to thank members for their continued financial and practical support.

Public Relations officer Jill Freear said the calendar will be a constant reminder of the many areas of the church’s work which members help fund through their offering.

“We decided to trial the calendar after getting positive responses from church members in focus group research earlier this year,” she said.

“The calendar will contain all the usual key components of the annual report, including information on the church’s income and expenditure.

Practical and useful “But we believe it will be a more practical and useful publication to show members the sorts of projects they are supporting through contributions to the Mission and Service Fund.

“On top of that, the calendar will have a 12 month shelf life.”

Copies of the Uniting Church SA’s 2007 Thanksgiving Calendar will be distributed to congregations at the Presbytery and Synod meeting in November.

The calendar is being funded and produced by the Communications and Public Relations Unit, with some sponsorship support from UC Invest and the Uniting Foundation.

Stewardship Sunday THE 2007 Thanksgiving Calendar is also an ideal gift to give to church members on Stewardship Sunday, November 12.

A complimentary Stewardship Sunday PowerPoint and other resources are being developed for congregations for use on that day or any other day in which Stewardship is highlighted.

These resources will be available on the Uniting Church SA website.

OCTOBER 2006

The cover of the 2007 calendar. It will be distributed at the Presbytery and Synod meeting in November.

New church with community focus A NEW Uniting Church congregation, with an emphasis on connecting with and serving the community, has been launched in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.

The Journey Christian Church is a second campus of the Pedare congregation. It has been planted in the Gateway Uniting Church at Elizabeth Downs Pedare minister, Rev Roger Brook, said the new congregation will be contemporary and easy going.

“We’re aiming for an outward community focus and that’s why our foundation members are all very active in the community – in sports teams, dance, and art and craft groups,” he said.

“We hope their community involvement will help attract people to the new congregation.

“Members have also been offering free lawn mowing and gardening in the area once a week, to provide a service and connect with local people.”

The new congregation has already launched a kids club on Tuesday nights and intends to hold its first service on Sunday, October 1, at 4pm.

Gateway Uniting Church will continue to

Journey members provided a free community barbeque recently. hold services on Sunday mornings and is happy to share their premises. “We’ll be using the building at different times, so it’s not a problem,” Roger said.

The new congregation’s pastor is former school teacher Craig McGlone. He has been preaching at Pedare Uniting Church for the past 10 years and is studying ministry at Tabor College.

The Journey Christian Church at Elizabeth is being supported by the Uniting Foundation. The church plant will receive $60,000 a year for three years.