Issue 38 No 2
2019
April // May 2019
Exploring faith through art
Contents
RESIDENTIAL RETREAT
FEATURES A call to lead into the future.............................................................. 6 Looking through medieval eyes...................................................... 9 God, place and acts of faith.............................................................12 Where art and faith intertwines......................................................14 Get your art on!.................................................................................... 23
'Spiritual Practice in our Workday World' with Sharonne Price
5pm Friday 19 July to 3pm Sunday 21 July 2019 More information: stillpointsa.org.au or email stillpoint@internode.on.net
REGULAR PAGES Moderator’s comment......................................................................... 4 General Secretary’s comment.......................................................... 5 News..........................................................................................................10 Getting to know.................................................................................... 16 Out & About...........................................................................................18 Diary..........................................................................................................20 Letters to the editor.............................................................................21 Talking Points........................................................................................ 24
Nunyara Conference Centre, Belair
It is with great regret that we wish to inform you of the passing of Sitiveni (Siti) Rogoimuri, Covenanting and International Mission Officer of UCA South Australia, on Thursday 4 March. New Times featured Siti in the ‘Getting to Know’ section of our previous edition. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
PLACEMENTS NEWS Editor: Petronella Lowies Editor-in-Chief: Bindy Taylor Advertising: Communications Design: Thaddeus Brady Print: Graphic Print Group
Cover photo: courtesy of Helen Stacey
For editorial inquiries: p. 08 8236 4230 e. newtimes@sa.uca.org.au m. The Editor, New Times GPO Box 2145 Adelaide SA 5001 For advertising bookings: p. 08 8236 4260 e. newtimesad@sa.uca.org.au
ISSN 0726-2612 New Times is the voice of Uniting Church SA. Published bi-monthly, February through December, New Times represents the breadth, diversity and vision of Uniting Church members in SA. Articles and advertising do not necessarily reflect the views of the New Times Editorial team. Print circulation: 8200 Uniting Church SA Level 2, 212 Pirie St, Adelaide p. (08) 8236 4200 f. 8236 4201 country callers. 1300 766 956 Deadline for the June / July 2019 edition: Friday 17 May Cover details: Helen Stacey’s artwork, Falllowed paddocks Poltalloch Station, 1998 Strathalbyn SA. We feature Helen and her work on p12, and meet with many other artist and their programs in this edition, which is all about exploring our Christian Faith through the arts.
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Placements finalised as of 20 March 2019 Shelley Alexander (MOP) as Coordinating Chaplain Resthaven, Murray Bridge 0.3FTE from 5 March 2019 Rev Francis Bartlett as Coordinating Chaplain Resthaven, Leabrook 0.1FTE from 15 March 2019 Rev Michael Dowling to Blackwood Uniting Church from 18 March 2019 Rev Diane Holden to Enfield Uniting Church from 1 May 2019 Rev Amel Manyon to Dernancourt UC from 1 July 2019
Vacant placements The following is the list of vacant (or soon to be vacant ) approved placements: PROFILES AVAILABLE - Malvern UC, Mount Barker UC (0.8), Para Hills UC (0.4), Port Augusta UC (0.5), Prospect Road UC (0.5), Summertown UC (0.5), Uniting Churches of Tatiara (0.8) (Bordertown UC, Mundulla UC, Buckingham UC), Unley UC (0.4), Waikerie UC. PROFILES NOT YET AVAILABLE - Adelaide Korean UC (0.2), Belair UC (0.3), Flinders Congregations (0.6) Booleroo Centre UC, Booleroo Whim UC, Melrose UC, Wirrabara UC, Wilmington UC. Henley Fulham UC from May 2019, Loxton UC and Renmark UC from 1 January 2020, Mannum UC (0.3), Plains Community Church (Joint CoC/UCA), Southern Yorke Peninsula (0.6) IIM placement, The Grove UC (0.3).
Ordination and induction services Ordination of Peter Morton, Candidate for Minister of the Word at Seeds UC on 1 May 2019 at 7.00pm. Ordination of Lynne Aird, Candidate for Minister of the Word at Adelaide West on 5 May 2019 at 1.30pm. Induction of Rev Dianne Holden at Enfield UC on 16 May 2019 at 7.00pm. Induction of Rev Malcolm Rawlings at Brighton UC on 2 June 2019 at 2.00pm. For more information about any of these placements, please visit sa.uca.org.au/pastoral-relations-mission-planning/placementsvacant-and-finalised
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EDITORIAL
Find expression for your creativity
My 7 year old son’s version of a purple dragon with orange spots – since my own version wasn’t kept as a treasured keepsake.
Initially, I wasn’t planning a whole edition dedicated to the arts. It was our graphic and digital designer, Thad, who came up with the idea. I didn’t need much convincing though. If we can have a sports edition, why not an arts edition? That’s because I believe we are part of a society that is made up of communities and sub-communities, all centred around similar interests. In the wider community of South Australian Uniting Churches there is as much a flourishing sub-community of art lovers as there are sport lovers. And what better timing to work on an arts edition than during the Adelaide Fringe with its inspirations of creativity? This is where I admit that, while I consider myself as being relatively creative, I’m not necessarily artistic. In first grade I won an arts award for ‘most imaginative use of colour’. My artwork featured a dragon about to devour a princess on a stake. Unlike today, dragons were always green where and when I grew up. My dragon was purple with orange dots. What the judges didn’t know is that my colour decision was based on the purely practical fact that my green oil pastel was running low, and the purple and orange ones had hardly been touched. Not having proved myself to be the next Vincent van Gogh, my parents weren’t likely to buy me a new set of expensive oil pastels, so I had to make the whole set last. I still have my suspicions about the award only been given as a ‘ wooden spoon’ so as not to make me feel too discouraged with my efforts. But back to the thriving community of artists that call the Uniting Church their home – all of them blessed with both artistic abilities and an abundance of creativity. Thriving is probably the most descriptive word I can use when I think about the many and varied artists we harbour in our midst. The more I learn about the individual talent in our congregations Return to Contents
and faith communities, the more I discover a world with art being naturally linked to our Creator God. Thousands of books have been written on the subject of faith and art. A great number of them describe a fairly strained relationship between the two concepts, with art being viewed as secular and faith obviously not. Just as much has been written on the space where art and faith intersects. Typically, those books liken art to a parable of the lives we live and encourage us to glorify God through our artistic endeavours, or to take joy in its beauty just as God would. Within these pages you will find that all the artists describe their work, in some way or another, as an integral part of living and expressing their faith. I invite you to share in their stories and work through these pages. It was also impossible to feature all the artists and art programs that we came across in this single edition. I hope that those we do feature, however, will inspire you to unleash your creative juices – whether you have ever had an interest in the arts or not. It certainly inspired the New Times team and you can expect to see some subtle changes to the traditional look and feel of this magazine. However you find expression for your creativity, know that you are showing reverence to God and the talents you possess. Personally I will be steering my own creativity away from purple dragons and be a bit more intentional about pursuing my natural creative talents.
Petronella Lowies 3
MODITORIAL
Illustrations by Tasha Crumpler
Can good come from tragedy?
During Lent I travelled to New Zealand with the UCA President and the other Synod Moderators for a meeting with the President and Moderator of our sister churches. It was at the end of our week together that we received news regarding the terrible massacres at Christchurch. We joined the people of New Zealand in their shock, horror and pain. We listened to the compassionate, unifying words of New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, as she announced that the people directly affected by the shootings were New Zealanders. The chaos and the pain was felt by all their citizens – Maori, Pakeha, Pacific Islander, and Migrant. The scripture from Isaiah 65:17-18 which forms part of our Easter theme this year – Turning Hard Times into Good Times – says “I’m creating new heavens and a new earth. All the earlier troubles, chaos and pain are things of the past, to be forgotten. Look ahead with joy. Anticipate what I am creating.” (MSG) The events of Christchurch will never be forgotten. The chaos will lessen and the pain will become manageable over time. But can anything good come from this terrible tragedy? In Jerusalem, over 2,000 years ago, a single act of violence was perpetuated against an innocent human by the Roman occupiers. It was an act of violence abetted by the religious authorities. Jesus from Nazareth was crucified. That tragedy has never been forgotten. For Jesus’ mother, disciples and friends, the words of Isaiah would have sounded shallow, yet the words were a promise of a new creation that would bring joy. As Christians, we know the end of the story. Jesus rose from the tomb, bringing eternal life, hope and joy. God gives a promise of 4
For Jesus' mother, disciples and friends, the words of Isaiah would have sounded shallow, yet the words were a promise of new creation that would bring joy.
restoration and new life, even in the darkest of moments. The grieving Christchurch community were blessed by the many expressions of love and kindness poured out upon them. Compassion brings comfort, a good thing in hard times. The New Zealand parliament discussion on gun reform may be a good thing coming out of this hard time too. Wherever people stand against racism and other forms of hate and division, there is a glimpse of the goodness of the kingdom of heaven coming: a glimpse of goodness like a green pasture and a flower emerging where there was once a dry and barren land. Hard times can be turned into good times, when the creative love of God is released in our ministries of compassion and kindness, bringing hope and even, joy.
Rev Sue Ellis
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GENERAL SECRETARY
… and it’s goodbye from him! My time as Interim General Secretary concludes with the appointment of the Rev Felicity Amery (Deacon) as General Secretary from 1 May 2019. I will stay in the office for a time after that date to ensure appropriate handover but after this, I move on. I commend Felicity to the Church in South Australia. I am sure she will provide the leadership that is needed for the next part of our pilgrim journey. Many folk in this Synod know Felicity from other Uniting Church contexts and there is some excitement about her imminent arrival. This has been my second stint as “interim” General Secretary, having also undertaken the role for a much shorter period of time prior to the arrival of Rev Nigel Rogers. When I was approached by the Moderator I accepted the role not on the basis of any personal aspirations but because of my understanding of ministry and call. The Basis of Union (para 13) lays out the basis for all forms of ministry within the Uniting Church: “ … the one Spirit has endowed the members of Christ ’ s Church with a diversity of gifts, and … there is no gift without its corresponding service; all ministries have a part in the ministry of Christ.” We are called into ministries that reflect the gifts God has given us.
I have always understood that the primary factor in the answer to the question, “where to from here?” is to do with God’s call through the Church. As something of a traditionalist I have always understood that the primary factor in the answer to the question, “where to from here?” is to do with God’s call through the Church. There will always be personal factors. They may be influential but they will always need to be weighed up against the call. Being of a certain age, I was not looking for an extensive ministry when the previous General Secretary left us. I was prepared, however, to fill an interim role for a few months to allow the processes to continue. In the end, it has been about 18 months in the interim role, longer than I anticipated so I am looking forward to the end! My reflection about this period of time is, of course, coloured by the reality that the Church is going through a time of enormous change. This change is due in part to decisions of the Assembly related to marriage. However, within South Australia we have also made decisions regarding the formation of new presbyteries and the need to separate those presbyteries from the structure of the Synod. We will still be one Synod but within that Synod there will soon be multiple presbyteries. The decisions that created these changes were decisions made in an effort to refocus our life on mission. The changes will be structural but our structures are changing so that we can better serve God’s mission in the world. As is the case in any time of change there will be many challenges that lie ahead. Those challenges will remind us of our reliance on the Holy Spirit. We will have task groups and committees beavering away to ensure that the changes happen as well as possible but those groups will need to remember that nothing is possible in their own strength. As the whole Church we need to trust God to lead us through these processes. I wish you well as you move into God’s future.
Rev Rob Brown
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A call to lead into the future Petronella Lowies “General Secretary of South Australian Synod? I don’t think so...” Being community is one of the things she would like to focus on This was Rev Felicity Amery’s initial response when asked if she during her five-year term as General Secretary. “While I am very would be interested to apply. aware that I am a fresh face coming from the outside, I have always As Chairperson/Presbytery Minister of the Pilgrim Presbytery maintained a listening ear and keen interest in hearing the stories of Northern Australia, with regular trips interstate and visits of Indigenous and other local South Australians who are engaged to the Kimberley, Alice Springs, Nhulunbuy and various local in a variety of ministries. Finding a way to respectfully live together Darwin congregations, and with quite a few longer term projects with our differences and our common interests and to also have also on the go, Felicity was firmly of the view that she was ‘ busy fun while doing so, is what I believe God wants us to be on about.” enough’…… “ But when God keeps intermittently tapping you on It is Felicity’s goal in this role to help the Synod think and the shoulder through the agency of various colleagues, ministry plan strategically so that, together, we can set achievable goals to acquaintances, and some trusted long-term friends suggesting you create a Church that God will be able to live and speak through. should apply, then you cannot help but think that God might be up “Thinking about what and who we as the Church need to be in to something ,” she says. our contemporary context and place, will So as Felicity began to tune in and give take us into the future. Also, we have been serious consideration to ‘something totally moved from occupying a central space in out of left field’, she kept listening and the community to being on the edges – an Finding a way to respectfully decided to apply for a position that was uncomfortable idea for us but one that is live together with our different, challenging, full of possibilities not foreign to God. So how do we respond differences and our common and unlike anything she had ever to that position? Will it richly connect us to contemplated before. Several interviews those on the margins and with each other? interests and to also have fun later and after much prayer and discerning, while doing so, is what I believe How do we live alongside those who are she was offered and accepted her new different to us?” God wants us to be on about. calling. She starts her new position in May. She continues: “None of these issues are And while she may be new to the role, she is insurmountable. The answers involve being not new to the state. open to what God is doing and saying, and in taking risks. God is “I was born and raised in Naracoorte. As a family we attended calling us into the future. What might that journey look like? I am the Presbyterian Church where my mother was an elder, which excited to find out and I hope that there are others who will want was ‘quite unusual for that era’ . The many senior positions that to join with me on this adventure!” she occupied within the church and local community probably impacted on helping to shape my future ministry.” Felicity’s secondary school years were spent in Adelaide at the Anglican Girton Girls’ School, now known as Pembroke School. The girls were encouraged to attend Church on Sundays and this is where her love-affair with worship started. “I attended all three services at Pilgrim Uniting Church because each service had its own worshipping style and I loved that. It connected me to the community and the mentoring I received from the lay people there further shaped my future”. Felicity trained for ministry at Adelaide College of Divinity (the forerunner to the Uniting College for Leadership and Theology). Ordained as a Deacon, Felicity is always motivated by relationships and the stories and experiences of everyday people in their everyday life contexts. She is also inspired by finding new and creative ways to Rev Felicity Amery (second from left) with Rev Charissa Suli, Uniting Church respond to the Gospel and needs in our community. “ I love President Dr Deidre Palmer and Rev Rob Brown at the 15th UCA Assembly working collaboratively with people, creatively finding ways to be in Melbourne. Felicity, Charissa and Rob are all Chaplains to the current UCA President. community and nurture each other.” 6
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LEADERSHIP
Shining their lights through art Julianne Rogers Artworks had been dotted all over Pedare Christian College’s Junior School until a building project began. Pedare is merging the Junior School with the Middle and Senior Schools. When the build is complete, all 36 artworks will be brought together on the one campus. These art installations are contributions from students, some very young and others somewhat older, and their artworks include mosaics, murals and art installations that had been created over the years. Pedare is an R–12 Anglican and Uniting Church school in Golden Grove that aims to inspire every student to become an independent learner who has a genuine passion for contributing to local and global communities. This follows on from their motto ‘Let Your Light Shine’, taken from the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:16 NIV – ‘ Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven’ . It is a motto that acts as a foundation for the work of the school and the way they approach art. Art-as-wellbeing is one of the ways that Pedare has been growing students’ potential and ability to shine. Each year, Uniting Church member Karan Hudson has facilitated an arts project for the school grounds with a small group of students from varying years in the Junior School. One student from each cohort gets to spend time with the teaching staff, thinking about their environment and what art might be relevant. “ I have taken great pleasure in working with classroom teachers to add enrichment to the curriculum in terms of art and philosophy from Years 2 to 5, along with design and technology projects,” Karan says. “I’ ve loved the opportunity to create meaningful visual art with our students of all ages. No young child ever claims not to be able to draw. They simply look and draw what they see. Every adult artist longs to regain this skill; pure and simple.”
Art-as-wellbeing is one of the ways that Pedare has been growing students’ potential and ability to shine.
Student artworks and installations, such as these adorning the wall of the Blue Gum Activity Hall at Pedare Christian College, have been created over several years – many under the guidance of Karan Hudson.
Pilgrimage and working party to Oodnadatta Moderator Rev Sue Ellis will be leading a pilgrimage and working party to Oodnadatta just after Easter, from 24 – 29 April. This fiveday excursion is supporting the Oodnadatta Faith Community and the Reconciliation Week Pilgrimage of Healing Appeal 2019. The Pilgrimage of Healing has run annually since 2011 as a part of Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), supported by Mission Resourcing, the Uniting Church SA Covenanting Committee, and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC). The project offers support for the development of Indigenous communities within the Uniting Church in South Australia, and Return to Contents
chooses a different focus each year. The 2019 focus is once again on the Oodnadatta Building Appeal. This faith community currently worships at an open air church and is in great need of a building. Anyone is welcome to join this unique trip into Australia’ s heartland for a pilgrimage filled with work, fellowship and fun. If you would like to join the pilgrimage to Oodnadatta, please contact Mission Resourcing on 08 8236 4243 or mr@sa.uca.org.au. Alternatively, contact Ian Dempster, Congress Resource Worker, via email: idempster@sa.uaicc.org.au. 7
Top: Photo by CLAUDE MEISCH. License: CC-BY-SA 4.0 Left: Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0
Before the Reformation in the Western Church there was an emphasis on image and communication of knowledge through visual means, which was reflected in the church interiors, iconography and paintings of the time. The interior of churches post-Reformation reflected the opposite school of thought, being stripped of imagery which was considered idolatrous. This contrast can be seen in the interiors of the two churches pictured here. Above is the interior of the Reformed Church in Poschiavo, Switzerland, and left is the interior of Shrewsbury Abbey, England, the latter which dates to the Middle Ages. 8
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FAITH
Looking through medieval eyes Rev Dieter Engler I have a theory, that we in the Western world are seeing things through medieval eyes again. What I mean is … cultures and societies have a particular way of seeing, understanding and making sense of the world around us. For many hundreds of years we have been looking at the world through Reformation eyes, or more accurately through Reformation ears. For the Reformation was a shift from a more visually dominated understanding of the world to a more word-based understanding. At the same time the Reformation was a move to the interior world of the mind. The word produces an inner image, in contrast to an earlier (medieval) response to the outer image. We might be able to see these two contrasting epistemologies if we look at two works of art. The first is an altarpiece by the Netherlandish master Rogier van der Weyden, The Seven Sacraments (c.1445-1450) and the second, Luther Preaching to the Wittenberg Congregation (1547), by Lucas Cranach the Elder, a specially commissioned altarpiece by Martin Luther for his home Church in Wittenberg. In both we see a church interior where Christ crucified has appeared. In Cranach’s predella, Christ on the cross appears in front of the Wittenberg congregation as Luther preaches. In fact, Christ appears exactly because of Luther’s preaching. Luther continued to value images (in contrast to many other of the Reformers' iconoclasm) but subtly shifted the emphasis from art as object to art as image. “ When I hear of the passion of Christ, it is impossible for me not to make images of this in my heart… when I hear the word of Christ, there delineates itself in my heart the picture of a man who hangs on the cross.” It was a move that stressed the importance of the individual’s inner response to and understanding of God’s word. In contrast, the ‘congregation’ in the van der Weyden panel respond not to preaching of the word as much as the lifting up of the Host by the priest. Here, typical of a pre-Reformation way of seeing, the visual object creates a path to Christ’s efficacious death. Instead of understanding, the onlookers swoon and faint. They are overwhelmed by a much more emotional response, not to words, but to an object, which they believe is a path to God. The two paintings teach different ways of seeing. Both works point to the need of an inner piety, but link this with different paths of access to the divine. The swooning figures in Seven Sacraments point to the medieval desire for an encounter with Return to Contents
My theory is that the Western mind, and parts of the Christian church, are moving back to a preReformation way of seeing and understanding. There is a stress today on not so much understanding our way in the world as feeling our way. Emotion often overwhelms reason in the public debate. the transcendent through the visual “other”, while Cranach’s congregation seems much more self-assured, confident in their individuality as well as group identity. Their vision of Jesus is an interior vision controlled by a rational awareness of the spoken word. My theory is that the Western mind, and parts of the Christian church, are moving back to a pre-Reformation way of seeing and understanding. There is a stress today on not so much understanding our way in the world as feeling our way. Emotion often overwhelms reason in the public debate. And there has been a rejection of the purely interior world of the mind and a re-emphasis on the tangible world of objects and people. Christian piety becomes a response to the suffering individual, whom we see or encounter. The word of God, while still important, is now often interpreted in light of such encounters. Preaching that appeals to only an inner response, is now seen as limiting and unproductive. One can think of many examples where this shift to the image over the word is in evidence. It is already well documented that the advertising industry focuses exactly on the buying power of our emotional response to images. The huge popularity of contemporary art appears to me to be its appeal to our emotions to shape our understanding of the world. Often we are invited to physically participate in the artist’s work over against merely looking from a distance. Think of Facebook’s focus on the image as the means of enticing us to investigate further. The way we worship too shows signs of this more visual and emotional approach. For a Church tradition whose heritage is based on the word, what might this shift mean? It deserves careful thought. Rev Dieter Engler was born in Germany and migrated to Australia at an early age. He has been an art teacher, full time artist and now minister at Mitcham Village Uniting Church. His passion for using art as a means of discussing issues led him to instigate Life@death – an annual Easter art exhibition held at Gallery One, Mitcham. Read more about this exhibition on page 23. 9
A place to worship A thanksgiving service between the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and Noarlunga Uniting Church was held on Sunday, 17 February. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, mostly consisting of persecuted Pakistanis, recently purchased Noarlunga Uniting’s Hillier Street building. They had been gathering for worship there on Fridays for quite some time and were deeply grateful to have been able to buy the building as a permanent place of worship for their faith community. An official presentation was held as part of the church service. Representatives from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community presented Uniting Church President, Dr Deidre Palmer, and Uniting Church SA Moderator, Rev Sue Ellis, with gifts and a certificate of appreciation for the generosity of Noarlunga Uniting Church and the SA Synod. Dr Palmer also presented them with a commemorative plaque. A luncheon, prepared by the Ahmadiyya Community, was well received by all who attended the service. Ibrahim Abu Mohamed, the Acting Grand Mufti of Australia, travelled to Adelaide from Sydney to attend the thanksgiving
Dr Deidre Palmer and Rev Sue Ellis hand a certificate of appreciation to Fareed Bajwah, President of the Adelaide South Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, during a thanksgiving service between this faith community and the Noarlunga Uniting Church.
ceremony but fell ill and could not be present. Noarlunga’s Hillier Street Church building is now known as the Noor Mosque.
Welcome (to KCO): A Place to Belong! KCO 2019 was held on 23 – 24 March at Adare Camp and Caravan Park in Victor Harbor. The sun was shining and the children were smiling all weekend! 22 groups came together, bringing with them more than 230 campers and over 120 leaders to explore the theme Welcome: A Place to Belong! The theme encouraged the campers to think about what it means for God to welcome us and what it means to belong in God's Kingdom, as well as developing ways of sharing God’s welcome and creating a place for all to belong. The theme was carried throughout the program – from the Moderator’s Welcome and Communion to the activities, small group gatherings and a performance by the Dusty Feet Mob. Some of the Pilgrimage Stations included giant friendship ‘bracelets’, prayer flowers and creating a recipe book where the ingredients to create a welcoming space were: 2 cups of hugs, 4 tablespoons of smiles, 20 grams of handwritten notes and 1 extra-large hello. A big thank you goes out to all the Group Coordinators who helped get their Church group to KCO, Uniting Technology, MediaCom, UC Invest and Adare Camp & Caravan Park, as well as the KCO Team, gathered from a range of congregations, who volunteered their ideas, time and efforts. For more information about KCO, please visit sa.uca.org.au/KCO or email kco@sa.uca.org.au. 10
Campers share a moment with members of the Dusty Feet Mob, after having been taught a few dance moves by the group.
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NEWS
#BalanceforBetter On International Women’s Day, 8 March, a group of nearly fifty women from across the Uniting Church in South Australia “stepped away” for the day to focus on themselves. The women gathered at in.CAFÉ + WORKSPACE on Pirie Street, Adelaide. This year’s International Women’s Day theme was #BalanceforBetter, and this was built into the day-long retreat. Sharonne Price presented on “ The shape of our longings – balance for the soul”; Bindy Taylor led women through activities and a presentation on how to re-remember talents, skills, hobbies and interests, and how to weave this into a balanced life filled with joy; Lauren Andris wound up the day with a time for participants to get in touch with their body and mind, stretching and detangling from built up stress, and meditation. The retreat was well received by all who attended and many requested the retreat to become an annual event. If you would like to be involved in this or similar future events, please let the UCA South Australia Communications and Events team know by calling 08 8236 4200 or email: communications@sa.uca.org.au.
Rhanee Tsetsakos was one of the International Women’s Day Retreat participants who attempted the finger painting exercise, which encouraged participant to re-remember activities that brought them joy as children.
Walking on Country 2019
Photo by Holger Link on Unsplash
The Uniting Church Synod of NSW and ACT will be hosting a Walking on Country tour in June this year that encompasses several South Australian venues, including Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, Meningie and the Coorong. It is an opportunity for non-Indigenous people to visit Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) members on country and learn first-hand about First Peoples’ culture, heritage, spirituality and challenges. Participants will be able to listen to the wisdom of First Peoples’ Return to Contents
Elders, theologians and other concerned people who connect with the UAICC in order to be better informed about the cultural, moral and ethical complexities of our time. At the same time, the tour will provide an opportunity for UAICC members to be heard and for the wider Church to support First Peoples who are in the midst of significant change, and to nurture strong Covenantal relationships between Second and First Peoples. The tour dates are 15–30 June 2019. For enquiries and to register, visit the tour website: ucansw.goregister.com.au/woc2019/info/. 11
God, place and acts of faith Neryl McCallum The Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts (CMLA) has been using the 40th Anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia to place a spotlight on visual arts and spirituality within the life of the Church. The first article of the series focused on artists Mark and Jill Pearse, and appeared in New Times in the April/May 2018 edition. This is the second article of the series. You walk down the short gravel pathway to Helen Stacey’s the serendipitous moments that led to this exhibition becoming a cottage and enter the living room and know that Helen is a building block in re-establishing Australia’s relationship with China landscape artist. Paintings of various sizes, which are hung on the after the Tiananmen Square Massacre. walls and lean into corners, are impressions of vistas familiar to Interestingly, in her most recent paintings she has taken to those who know the country around Strathalbyn and the Upper creating her own symbols, what she calls post-colonial script, Coorong lakes. hieroglyphic-like marks inspired by modern life that she scratches Helen’s family has lived in this region for several generations. into the foreground of a painting. She says that landscape is You can see the deep attachment she has for it – almost every the place where myth is created and in a sense, by using these painting includes a vision of Mt Barker in the distance. She talks of markings, she is creating a new mythology for the modern world. how, whenever she returns here after travelling, she knows she has Although she loves it, Helen is not tied to her home region come home the moment she sees the mountain. as subject. Her works also include visions of the Riverland, the We are immediately struck by the true colours of the palette Flinders Ranges and Lake Mungo. Piled in her studio at the back she uses – pink, blue and purple for the of her house are folder upon folder of quick, Coorong, bolder greens and ochre-browns bright in situ sketches of the places she has for the Fleurieu hills – and how she layers visited and travelled to. She talks about the this colour to bring her landscapes to issues that arise from her desire to transfer You are invited to look deeper, life. Often created by scraping paint over some of the same energy that she captures in into the depths of the land, the canvas with the edge of cardboard, her sketches into her painting. into its history and into your one sees the layers of heavens, then the It is a disservice to label Helen purely as own connection with what horizon, then the hinterground and then a landscape painter. While she returns to you see. foreground. She may mix earth from the landscape again and again, she paints more place she is painting into the paint to than this. She has explored her English add texture and to give a real connection to the place. While this ancestry using Celtic imagery to depict the thin places where is visually pleasing and she cleverly uses line to draw one’s eye to the material and immaterial intersect. Swans are a regular motif, a specific point of focus, there is something else happening here. particularly in the series ‘ The Gift Bringers’ which explored the You are invited to look deeper, into the depths of the land, into its swan as a multicultural, multi-faith and mythological symbol. history and into your own connection with what you see. She’s also not tied to paint as a medium. The ‘Protection’ series Helen does not shy away from the fact that, while she feels depicts pieces of protective clothing made out of corrugated iron that this country is her home, it is not her land – she lives on and she has wrangled old gates into artworks. Her deft hand with Aboriginal land and she makes this known in her work. She has fabric means her pieces of silk painting are much sought after too. gained permission from the local elders of the Peramangk and Helen’s strong Methodist roots and the social gospel preached by Ngarrindjeri people to use some of their symbols in her painting John Wesley are clearly a motivation for what she does. As a young so that their spirit is not removed from the landscape, it sits solidly person Helen remembers her Minister speaking about how God and poignantly there. has a purpose for the world and how she could have a purpose in Reconciliation is important to Helen. She feels that meeting and the world. He encouraged her to tap into this by taking the time forming bonds with people is vital to making reconciliation real. to sit and reflect, pick up pen and paper and let God come in and She actively looks for ways to stand with Aboriginal people and reveal the ‘big adventure life has for you’ . She’s been living that has collaborated with local Indigenous artists, including renowned adventure ever since. weaver Elaine Trevorrow, to create works in the belief that art can She is actively involved in her local Uniting Church, St Andrew’s speak into issues of social justice and become a place of healing. Strathalbyn, and has a lifelong connection to the worldwide peace She has used her art to form connections with others far and wide. and reconciliation movement, Initiatives of Change. Helen and These have included collaborations with artists in Malaysia and the her partner, David Bunton, often find themselves engaged in an exhibition ‘Living Desert’ she took to China. Helen speaks fondly of array of social justice projects. They have most recently initiated a 12
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As a young person Helen remembers her Minister speaking about how God has a purpose for the world and how she could have a purpose in the world.
Clockwise from above: Cliff face, Mt. Freeling Station; Mt. Barker from The Nine Mile (road) with signs; and the artist Helen Stacey in her studio.
project in conjunction with the Hawke Centre to commemorate ‘Blackbirding’ in Australia, a part of our history that has mostly been overlooked. This included a trip to Vanuatu and Fiji as an act of reconciliation with the nation and families of those who had been part of this harsh practice. If you take the time to immerse yourself in and reflect on one of Helen’s works you find yourself invited into her work. And as you sit with it God enters in through the works great warmth and beauty, and the loving way in which Helen has created what is before you. Her mastery of colour and the brush/cardboard/sponge strokes speak of the connection she finds with God, with place, of the acts of faith with which she involves herself, and the joy she finds in her life’ s adventure. Helen’s retrospective exhibition “Horizons: 30 Years of Art Making” was held at the Royal South Australian Society of the Arts between 24 March and 14 April. It coincided with the release of a book on her career, titled “Horizons. Art as a transforming journey”. She regularly exhibits in Adelaide and beyond. For more information on her exhibits, artwork or book, view her gallery webpage: helenstacey.com.au. Return to Contents
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Where art and faith intertwines The Uniting Church in South Australia has been blessed with an abundance of people who live their lives creatively to the glory of God. While it is impossible to feature them all, New Times thought an arts edition cannot be published without telling you about a few artists, at least. Each of the artists featured here answered four questions: 1) What does your art involve? 2) Does your faith intersect with your art in any way? 3) Where do you worship? 4) Where can people go to learn more about you and your art?
Rev Paul Turley – Poet (Clayton Wesley Uniting Church) My art involves a piece of paper and a pencil (easy to find) and a few uncrowded moments (not so easy to find…). Poetry, like all art forms, calls for paying attention. I can’t write decent poems without bringing my mind to a calm and sustained focus on the poem’s subject. It’s the same with faith for me; the gentleness and quietness of prayer and meditation is a focus I need to experience the wonders of God and God’s creation. Some of Paul’s poems appear in the worship publications from the Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts (CMLA). It also appears in various poetry journals and magazines.
Karan Hudson – Visual Artist (Brougham Place Uniting Church) I’m greedy as an artist in that I want it all. Abstract, Expressionist, Figurative and landscape rendered in soft pastel, watercolour, mixed media, mosaic or acrylic. My favourite projects are always at the joyful intersection of my faith and art capabilities. I conribute to Dieter Engler’s curated Life@death Exhibition annually and work with Dr Deidre Palmer as well as in my own worshipping community. Karan is Vice President of the Pastel Artists of SA, where you can view some of her work: www.pastelartistsofsouthaustralia.org, and she is connected with the CMLA.
Marianne Musgrove – Poet & Author (Port Adelaide Uniting Church) I write poetry for adults and novels for children that explore topics such as forgiveness, conflict resolution and courage, the idea being to inspire hope and counteract the messages of despair pouring out of our screens every day. My books are an expression of my faith because they address spiritual issues faced by children. For example, The Worry Tree acts as a metaphor for God, the One we hand over our troubles to, The Beginner’s Guide to Revenge explores the nature of forgiveness, and Frieda is about welcoming the stranger. To paraphrase Robert McDowell, ‘Creating art makes you a tuning fork for the divine’ so as the words rise up within me, it’s my job to ‘sing’ them into the world.
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Find Marianne’s children’s books at mariannemusgrove.com.au; her reflections on spirituality and finding sustenance in the desert at locustsandwildhoney.net; her resource “How to use poetry in worship” through the CMLA (cmla.org.au); and “Unlikely Gifts: an Advent Bible Study” through MediaCom (mediacom.org.au).
Rev Mark Hewitt – Multi & Mixed Media Artist (The Corner Uniting Church) I try and portray things that we often walk past and not notice. Trying to show known things or places in a new way. Often what you leave out is as important as what you put in a piece. My faith and art are intertwined. One is an expression of the other. Creating is a form of prayer, it is calming and revealing. Mark is the lead Minister at The Corner Uniting Church where he and his team have built a whole culture around the arts. Many of his artworks are life-sized installations. A current project is a collection of drawings that others can colourin during worship each Sunday – two volumes have already been published through MediaCom (mediacom.org.au). View more of Mark’s work online at oldtractortinshed.net.
Rev Dieter Engler – Visual Artist (Mitcham Village Uniting Church) Painting, drawing and printmaking have been my chief forms of expression. I love the tactile quality and subtlety of how paper, paint and ink combine and how these simple elements are a means of exploring in great depth one's feelings, ideas and explorations of the world and of oneself. I paint out of faith. Just as faith is the expression of my deep trust in God, so art gives my faith expression through form and image. And just as my faith is an exploration, a discovery of what trust in God means, so my art is an exploration and discovery of what that relationship means. Dieter is the Minister at Mitcham Village Uniting Church. He is always happy to receive visitors at his studio. He doesn’t exhibit as much as he used to, but his work can still be viewed online through several galleries (just do a quick search under his name).
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Clockwise from above: ‘Burra Landscape’ by Dieter Engler; ‘Frieda’ by Marianne Musgrove; ‘Gabriel’ by Mark Hewitt; ‘Towards a Horizon of Hope’ by Karan Hudson; and ‘Poem for Sharon at Her Baptism’ by Paul Turley.
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The Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts Throughout the pages of this edition of New Times you are likely to come across mentions of the Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts (CMLA). This ministry centre is the big driver behind most of the artistic endeavours of the Uniting Church in South Australia. The CMLA was a significant resource for planning this art themed edition of New Times, providing content, contacts and advice. CMLA Board member, Rev Jennifer Hughes, kindly answered some questions on behalf of the ministry centre.
Can you explain, for those who don't know, what the Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts is and why it exists? The CMLA is a ministry centre of Mission Resourcing and the Presbytery and Synod of SA. Many people explore faith and life, God and spirituality, through shaping and planning worship, preaching, painting, singing, writing and sharing their creative gifts and skills. The Centre creates space for this to happen in community and to explore what this looks like together. There are events and workshops; pilgrimages to other experiences of community; creative ministry groups that provide space for artistic expression; and the development of resources that enable congregations and artists to share with other worship planners their gifts and skills.
The CMLA organise a wide range of workshops, events and tours that allows people to embrace their creativity and grow spiritually through music, arts and cultural pursuits. Here, artist Karan Hudson leads one of several watercolour workshops arranged annually by the CMLA.
What are your biggest current challenges? Over the last 10 years the Centre has grown and grown. We are exploring the delightful challenges of expanding with new congregations and networks and the many demands that this brings. What are your biggest achievements thus far? We have had fantastic conference events with Jonathon Welch, from the Choir of Hard Knocks; Trish Watts, songwriter and worship leader; Rev Dr Michael Hawn, from Perkins School of Theology; Rev Malcolm Gordon, songwriter and minister; and Dr Deidre Palmer, President of the UCA. We’ve explored worship with congregations from Mt Gambier to Port Augusta, Victor Harbor to Salisbury, Burnside City to The Corner. We’ve seen actors and scriptwriters, singers and songwriters, artists and poets all share their faith through the arts. We’ve shaped worship for conferences, Presbytery and Synod, Assembly and public protest and calls for justice. We’ve published numerous resources for worship with nativities and prayers, new songs, even sermons. We’ve seen the community life of MiniM choir and Subtle Bricks Theatre company flourish. We’ve seen faith explored through pilgrimages to Iona, Scotland and Taizé, France. One of the greatest joys has been seeing a network of people, in ministry, in 16
congregations, all across the state develop their understanding of worship and artistic practice, share life together and deepen their relationship with God. It has been quite a ride and there’s lots more to come! How can people support the CMLA or get involved? The CMLA is a non-profit. It exists by the generosity of volunteers, donors and through grants. There are lots of ways to participate in the life of the Centre, be it through leadership opportunities, participating in workshops and events, becoming a partner congregation or by becoming a donor. There is a three-day event coming up on 8–10 October which is going to be a fantastic time of exploration and discussion with Malcolm Gordon, Libby Byrne, Mark Pierson and Charissa Suli. There’ll be space to be creative, ask questions, share concerns, deepen faith and to worship God together. Everyone is welcome to take part in sharing God’s love creatively and expressing faith through worship and the arts. Return to Contents
GETTING TO KNOW
Sue Page & Tim Hodgson
Minister of the Word, Rev Sue Page, and Deacon, Rev Tim Hodgson, were inducted into their Synod roles at the Special meeting of the Synod on 9 February 2019.
The Synod office gained two talented leaders in January who are helping to shape the Church in South Australia for the future. Rev Sue Page is the new Associate General Secretary, replacing Malcolm Wilson. Rev Tim Hodgson is the new Executive Officer of UnitingCare SA, taking over from Chris Headland, who had been acting in the role. Tim was a Coordinating Chaplain in the Royal Australian Air Force and Sue was Minister at Para Hills Uniting Church. Sue and Tim are now both specialist Reserve chaplains in the Air Force. They are a married couple with two children, Alexander (11) and Keith (8). We asked them both to answer the same three questions. These are their answers: Can you tell us a bit about your faith journey and background in the Uniting Church? Sue: I grew into faith in the Uniting Church in Brisbane, really owning my own faith in my teenage years. A pivotal point came when, at 17, I was grieving the death of my mum, but distinctly felt held by God in the community of faith. Since then I have time and again been blessed by being surrounded and upheld by beautiful people of faith who show me how to be like Jesus. Tim: I was born in 1977, just after Union, and grew up in the Uniting Church in Melbourne. I have always had a sense of call to connect with people on the fringes. Return to Contents
When did you begin taking up leadership roles within the Church and what inspired you to do so? Sue: I began leading youth group in my late teens, and then went on to serve on other councils of the Church in my early twenties. I was the young, female voice – and I was empowered and encouraged by the leadership of the Church, both ministers and lay leaders, to exercise my gifts in leadership, and use my voice to help the Church think about its life differently. Tim: My first leadership role was as a young adult, when I joined church council. Later at 21, I became a congregation youth worker. I was inspired to play a part in transforming the Church. What is the one thing regarding your position that keeps you up at night and how would you like to address it? Sue: Nothing keeps me up at night! Not yet, anyway! I ask lots of questions. I believe that God is faithful and is equipping me for the role as it unfolds. I know that God is with us as the body of Christ in this part of God’s world, as we continue to discern how best to be his hands and feet and voice in our community. If we remain open, and do our best to follow Jesus with compassion and hope, we will get there. Tim: My position doesn’t keep me up at night, but my youngest child does. Especially in the middle of the night.
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Out & About
On Harmony Day, Thursday 21 March, Pilgrim Uniting Church played host to a pop-up art installation prepared by Safe Harbour Australia and Justice4RefugeesSA. The art installation comprised hundreds of balsa wooden boats painted by people in the community. The installation represents the treacherous journey many refugees across the world have made in order to reach safe shores.
St Andrew’s by the Sea Uniting Church’s building, hall and courtyard burst to life with music, food, artwork and colour from around the world during their Arts by the Sea Harmony Day Fair, held on Sunday 17 March. The Glenelg community tasted their way through Japan, Thailand, Scotland, Latin America, Italy, Russia and more while enjoying the music of bagpipes and flutes, bands and Japanese stringed instruments. There were beautiful culturally inspired crafts, costumes and dance performances as well.
There was a hive of activity at Bridgewater Uniting Church on Sunday 17 March as volunteers packed for “Days for Girls Australia” (DFG). The volunteers managed to pack 50 bags with washable feminine hygiene kits and plan to pack another 50 soon. DFG provides washable feminine hygiene kits to girls and women who would otherwise go without, enabling them to not miss valuable days from their education or employment. Find out more about this charity on their Facebook page: @DaysForGirlsAustralia or the website: daysforgirls.org.
The Taperoo community came together for pancakes and coffee at the launch of Lefevre Connections, a community outreach venture of the Lefevre Uniting Church. In linking the local community, Lefevre Connections includes a community coffee shop called Coffee@63, an undercover play area, an op shop that enables families to obtain cheap second-hand school uniforms through a uniform ‘swap & buy’ program, and an extensive library. The street library and a community butterfly garden are being developed in association with students from Ocean View College and the “Bringing back the butterflies” group. The launch was attended by local councillors and Penny Pancake.
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COMMUNITY
Do you have a photo of your event that you would like to see featured here? If so, please send it to us along with a description of what happened, where it happened, and who is in the picture. We can only print high resolution photographs sent as attachments to newtimes@sa.uca.org.au. Keep them coming!
On the first weekend in February, over 80 young people attended the Seeds Uniting Church Young Adult camp at Adare campsite in Victor Harbor. The young adults spent the weekend engaging in community & growing together. The Seeds Young Adult ministry currently comprises 11 young adult small groups and hosts monthly ‘Seeds Feed’ nights where young adults gather at the Seeds Uniting Church Café.
On 17 March, Cherry Gardens Uniting Church celebrated 170 years of continuous worship at its site on Hicks Hill Road, Cherry Gardens. Approximately 90 people attended a wonderful time of celebration and thanksgiving. Current members of the congregation were joined by past members, lay preachers, people from the local area and descendants of the pioneer families, including Uniting Church President Dr Deidre Palmer, who is a descendant of two of the pioneer families. In this picture Margaret Bennett , one of the oldest members, and Margaret Jacobs, direct descendent of the pioneer Jacobs family, cut the anniversary cake. Return to Contents
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DIARY
SALT AND LIGHT WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP. Tuesday 16 April, 10am-4pm. Brougham Place Uniting Church. Explore the themes of Holy Week through watercolour painting. Join wellknown local artist Karan Hudson to learn basic techniques such as wash, masking, mark-making, brush selection and colour theory. No experience required. Ages 16 and over. Materials and afternoon tea supplied. Tickets: $75. Hosted by the Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts. For more information contact the CMLA on 0 8267 2657 or email admin@cmla.org.au. PLAY & IMPROVISATION THEATRE WORKSHOP. Tuesday 23 April, 2pm-5pm. St Andrew’s by the Sea Uniting Church. Is your child a born performer? Or maybe in need of a confidence boost? Then check out Arts by the Sea’s latest workshop for kids aged 6-13 in the school holidays. International director Paulo Castro and Adelaide actor Nick Bennett from Stone/Castro Theatre Company are back by popular demand in our regular school holiday activity program. They will lead new games and exercises based on popular movie franchise Star Wars, for kids to develop confidence and self-expression through voice and movement. The 3 hour workshop concludes with a mini dramatic performance. Limited places so don’t miss out, book now and pay only $30pp. Walk-ins on the day strictly subject to availability, $35pp cash only, no exceptions. Contact Arts by the Sea on 0405 459 214 or email artsbythesea@standrewsuc.org.au. SCREEN ACTING WORKSHOP. Wednesday 24 April, 1pm-4pm. St Andrew’s by the Sea Uniting Church. Are you aged 9-15 and thinking about an acting career? Curious about how to break into movies and TV? Come and learn from industry professionals in a safe supportive environment. Meet director Paulo Castro from Stone/Castro Theatre Company, who has prepared newcomers for roles in ‘Neighbours’ and ‘Wolf Creek’, and actor Nick Bennett from indie film ‘One Eyed Girl’ and TV series ‘ANZAC Girls’. In this 3 hour workshop you will develop a script, shoot your scene and see the results on the spot. Limited places so don’t miss out, book now for only $30pp. Walk-ins subject to availability, cash only $35pp on the day, no exceptions. Contact Arts by the Sea on 0405 459 214 or email artsbythesea@standrewsuc.org.au. FEARLESS LEADERS CONFERENCE. Friday & Saturday, 3-4 May. Journey Uniting Church. As a Ministry Equipping Conference, Fearless Leaders Conference will encourage you to fulfil God’s purpose for your life and church communities. We are honoured to host Pastor Sam DiMauro [Hillsong] and Rev Stu Cameron [NewLife] who have pastored in small, medium and large churches with practical and proven wisdom. Other guests from the ministry coalface will encourage and position you and your teams to grow in Christ and with Christ’s church. For more information Contact Rev Andrew Hogarth via email office@journeyuc.org.au. RANGE ROAD UC 50TH ANNIVERSARY. Sunday 5 May, 1:30pm. Range Road Uniting Church. Range Road Uniting Church is celebrating 50 years of worship in their current church with a pleasant Sunday afternoon, which will include afternoon tea and a time of reminiscing. All welcome. For more information or to RSVP please contact Dean or Julie Whitford on 08 8598 5278 or email jd.whit@bigpond.com. FEAST OR FAMINE DINNER – KERNEWEK LOWENDER. Wednesday 15 May, 6pm–9:30pm. Kadina Wesley Uniting Church. This festival, the Feast or Famine Dinner will comprise five courses of plain country cooking with recipes from the mining era as well as excellent musical items between courses. Our forebears were poor.
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Each course would have had to have been the whole meal in the old days. This is not gourmet food, but it is food that evokes good memories. The menu is fun and just a bit different and the music will be lively and entertaining. Book early – this is a popular event. For more information contact Joylene Potter on 0417 821 109 or email joylene.potter@bigpond.com.au. ARTS BY THE SEA CULTURAL EXPEDITION. Thursday 16 May, 6:30pm-9:30pm. Samurai Teppanyaki House. Arts by the Sea, a ministry of St Andrew’s by the Sea UC, invites you to learn about the food, art and history of Japan’s samurai era while dining at Australia’s sole certified genuine teppanyaki restaurant. Samurai Teppanyaki House is the first and only Australian restaurant recognised by the Japan Teppanyaki Association. Enjoy a five-course teppanyaki dinner prepared right in front of you by Jack and Clark as Munetaka and Gail take you on a journey back through time with kamishibai music and Japanese culture during the heyday of the warrior class. For lovers of history, the arts and good food, this special event is a feast for all the senses! For more information contact Arts by the Sea on 0405 459 214 or email artsbythesea@standrewsuc.org.au. MILDRED’S KITCHEN – KERNEWEK LOWENDAR. Saturday 18 May, 9am-4pm. Wallaroo Uniting Church Hall. Day-long food experience for people interested in traditional Cornish cooking. It will allow a walk down memory lane as we explore together how to make the food our grandmothers fed us. All recipes used are at least 50 years old and some go back 100 years or more. Since many of our Copper Coast grandmothers were Cornish, there is a strong Cornish flavour in the food we present. You can spend a whole day just enjoying food, or you can join one or more individual sessions. Individual sessions cost $25pp or if attending the whole day $90pp. Book early to avoid disappointment by contacting Necia on 08 8821 3383, or via email neciaebert@yahoo.com.au. LOBETHAL HARMONY CLUB CONCERT – KERNEWEK LOWENDER. Saturday 18 May, 7:30pm–9:30pm. Kadina Wesley Uniting Church. Enjoy a night of voices singing in harmony by this long standing harmony club and their supporting artists. For more information contact Joylene Potter on 0417 821 109 or email joylene.potter@bigpond.com.au.
Diary events are submitted online and featured on the Uniting Church SA website (sa.uca.org.au), in UC e-News and in New Times (deadline permitting). To submit your event please visit sa.uca.org.au/events/submit-an-event
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Keep the banner flying high
Divisive and discriminatory, not Uniting
I have just spent four months worshipping weekly at The Vines Uniting Church in Woodcroft, and what a wonderful time it has been. There are banners on the wall (I love banners), and one shows the old church with vines coming out of the brickwork and clusters of grapes hanging from those vines. I was told the grapes represent the families of the church. I was immediately reminded of the well-known song, “You are the vine, we are the branches, keep us abiding in you”. This is certainly true of ‘The Vines’ congregation. It is very welcoming and friendly and with many enthusiastic ministry workers. Each Sunday is filled with great worship, the children are cared for, and there’s warm fellowship over morning tea. Well done true and faithful servants! Thank you Vines for your sincere welcome, and keep going!
Membership of our first South Australian Presbytery seems to be based on those church members who oppose same sex marriage. I believe that formation of the Presbytery in this way is discriminatory. We are a UNITING church with Christian belief in common. Surely this decision regarding composition of the first Presbytery indicates that we are more DIVISIVE and discriminatory than Uniting. Same sex couples already live together and many give their time and valuable service to our church community. Their unions are now recognised and legalised by the Australian government. Appeasement by grouping those who discriminate will be at best a temporary solution. It wasn’t that long ago that divorce was frowned upon by some church members. Surely it would be a positive step to recognise and accept all church members in their diversity and not to divide according to sexual orientation, ethnicity or due to any other grouping.
Judith Tann Encounter Bay
A great question I noticed a sign on the fence of Clayton Wesley UC recently. It read “Manus & Nauru. What would Jesus do?” The question would be lost on many people, but for those who follow Jesus, what a great question. Here are some answers people might give. See which ones ring true for you (if any) and which ones don’t. 1. Jesus wouldn’t do or say anything. It’s about politics and He wasn’t into politics. 2. Jesus would have agreed with the practice of indefinite off-shore detention because it has stopped the boats and saved lives. 3. Jesus would ask the government to show mercy to those in detention noting that, if His parents hadn’t fled to Egypt as refugees when He was a baby, He would have been killed by Herod’s men and the world would have been denied His saving ministry. 4. Jesus would go to Canberra and up-end the furniture in Parliament as a sign of protest, just as He went to the Temple in Jerusalem and up-ended the tables of the stall holders who saw Temple worship as a “business opportunity”. 5. Jesus would travel around the country retelling the story of the Sheep and the Goats to any who would listen (Matthew 25, verses 31-46). 6. Jesus would weep. 7. Jesus would go to Manus and Nauru and offer to take the place of all remaining detainees. Peter Shackleford Burnside City Uniting Church Return to Contents
Gaylene Margaret Foster Port Elliot Uniting Church Editorial Comment: Public documents regarding the formation of the Non-Geographic Presbytery (NGP, which Gaylene refers to in her letter as the 'first Presbytery') states that, among other reasons, this NGP exists to hold the position that marriage is the covenantal relationship of one man and one woman while at the same time recognising the integrity of each congregation/church council to make its own decisions on this matter.
Send your letters to: newtimes@sa.uca.org.au or GPO Box 2145, Adelaide 5001.
CL A SSIFIEDS MORIALTA CHARITABLE TRUST FUND Morialta Charitable Trust Fund has been supporting disadvantaged children, young people and their families in South Australia through its annual program of distributions for 40 years. To enable the Fund to continue this support through community organisations in South Australia, Morialta Charitable Trust Fund seeks donations from the public. Donations of $2 – and above are tax deductible and can be forwarded to the Morialta Charitable Trust Fund at PO Box 92, Crafers SA 5152. PORTABLE BAPTISTRY FOR SALE Diameter: 6ft, approx. 90cm deep. Galvanised construction, outside covering bolts, flexible plastic inserts, ladder. Contact Margaret Hapek (Royal Park Uniting Church) on 0402 095 556. 21
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Get your Art on! Looking for a program or place where you can immerse yourself in artistic pursuits? New Times has compiled information about where you can make that happen within the Uniting Church community. This is not an exhaustive list, but we hope it will provide some guidance of where to channel your creative juices. Arts by the Sea (St Andrews by the Sea Uniting Church) Find a rich variety of interactive events such as art classes, workshops, wellbeing-focussed sessions, drama and production classes (for kids) and much more. Special effort is made to learn about other cultures through their art, music and culinary teachings. The events change weekly, so the best way to stay on top of what they are offering for the community to interact creatively is through their Facebook page @ArtsbytheSeaGlenelg. Contact: 08 8267 2657 or office@bpuc.org.au.
Bridgewater Arts Centre (Bridgewater Uniting Church) While currently focussing more on live music and performing arts than visual arts, the community at Bridgewater Uniting Church plans to have visual arts exhibitions as part of its offering soon. Keep an eye on their Facebook page @BridgewaterArtsCentre for upcoming events.
Subtle Bricks (Brougham Place Uniting Church) Amateur performers and writers from all ages and different congregations perform as part of this theatre company. The program seeks opportunities to enrich worship with dramatic readings and scripts to broaden the experience in worship. Contact: 08 8267 2657 or office@bpuc.org.au.
The Corner Uniting Church A Thin Place: On various Sunday afternoons you can engage in contemplative worship, prayer and reflection around creative installations and multimedia stations. It is a multi-sensory and private time with contemplative communion. Corner Kids Performing Arts Group: Drama classes and productions for kids aged 7 and up. Classes are run on Tuesday afternoons. Kids aged 3-5 can participate in Kindy Drama on Wednesday mornings during school terms. Blank Canvas Youth Café: A youth and young adults visual arts café run once a month. It’s a place to chat, create and just be… as they eat, drink and explore faith and life together. For highschoolers to age 25. Water Colour Classes: These classes are for all ages. Join in on Wednesdays for either the morning or afternoon session. There are also various craft opportunities through The Corner Craft on Wednesday mornings. Contact: 08 8350 5400, administration@thecorner.org.au or follow them on Facebook @TheCornerUC.
Thursday Craft (Westbourne Park Uniting Church) Classes are held each Thursday throughout the school term and people of all ages are welcome to join an enthusiastic group of crafty people. Contact: 08 8271 7066 or craft@wpuc.org.au.
SALA Festival Life@Death Easter art exhibition (Mitcham Village Uniting Church) Through the annual Life@Death exhibition, Gallery One and Mitcham Village Uniting Church (both part of the Mitcham Village complex), give artists the opportunity to create or choose an artwork or object that speaks into one of the stations of the Cross. The theme changes annually with the 2019 theme: “Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus”. This year’s exhibition concluded on 12 April but there will be another installation in 2020. Contact: 08 8272 4504 or office@galleryone.org.
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Each August, several Uniting Church buildings regularly become venues for exhibitions as part of the South Australian Living Arts (SALA) Festival. The festival promotes and exhibits the work of visual artists from around the state. Among those churches are: Willunga Uniting Church, Sunset Rock Uniting Church, Colonel Light Gardens Uniting Church, Pilgrim Uniting Church and St Andrews by the Sea Uniting Church. TIP: Your local or neighbouring congregation may also be hosting craft groups. Check with them for details.
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Talking Points There are always stories about Christians, Christianity and the Church that continuously make headlines worldwide. New Times made a summary of some of these stories – the news we talk about over a cup of tea!
The religiously active are happier Apparently, people who are actively religious are happier than the non-religious. At least this is according to a study by Pew Research Centre, a nonpartisan fact tank, who released the results in January this year. Active participation in a religious congregation includes people who ‘identify with a religious group and say they attend services at least once a month’. According to the results, religiously active people tend to be more civically engaged and happier than their inactive counterparts or those who are non-religious. They also tend to smoke and drink less, but are generally not physically healthier. However, questions have been raised in relation to the link between happiness and religion because, according to the survey, it could just as easily be said that happier people are those who participate in more activities. (From The Independent, 6 February 2019)
Greens wants to change SA’s abortion bill On Wednesday 27 February, 2019, the Greens Upper House MP Tammy Franks introduced a bill* to reform abortion laws in South Australia. The bill, which decriminalises abortion, includes removing gestation limits and the two doctor rule, meaning that women could action an abortion up until birth. South Australia’s abortion laws are the most restrictive in the country despite the state originally being the first to liberalise abortion laws. A conscience vote on the Greens’ bill is expected in the near future. (From The Australian, 27 February 2019) *The UCA South Australia Moderator will shortly release a statement on the bill reform.
Street preacher’s arrest sparks outrage A street preacher was arrested in London in February for ‘breaching the peace’. He was ordered to stop preaching and, after refusing, the police officers accused him of racism, took his Bible away and handcuffed him. His arrest, which was caught on camera and distributed via social media, sparked worldwide outrage from Christians and atheists alike. Anglican clergyman and former chaplain to the Queen, Rev Dr Gavin Ashenden, was one of those to speak out, Tweeting: “The police have closed down freedom of speech and become Christianophobic. If we fail to protest we will lose our freedom under the law.” The Police department did not apologise for the incident but confirmed that the preacher was later de-arrested. (From CBN News, 25 February 2019)
Christianity on show in TV social experiment SBS aired a two-episode show that featured 10 outspoken Christians with vastly different views living together under the same roof, debating the big issues. Christians Like Us followed the critically acclaimed Muslims Like Us, which aired on SBS in 2018. The housemates grappled with topics such as sexual abuse in the church, abortion, women as priests, gay conversion therapy and much more. The show was aired on Wednesdays 3 and 10 April at 8:35pm and is available on SBS On Demand. (From TVBlacbox.com.au, 13 March 2019)
$55 million in security upgrades for places of worship In the wake of the terrorist attack on Muslim worshippers in Christchurch, New Zealand, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that $55 million will be made available for upgrades to security measures at religious organisations as part of the Safer Communities Grant scheme. Grants range from $50,000 to $1.5 million and can include enhancements such as CCTV cameras, lighting, fencing, bollards, alarms, security systems and public address systems. Applications for these grants closed on Thursday, 4 April. (From The Conversation, 18 March 2019)
US Senator keeps quoting a Bible verse that doesn’t exist US Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi recently addressed a meeting of representatives of Christian colleges with her favourite Biblical statement: “To minister to the needs of God’s creation is an act of worship. To ignore those needs is to dishonour the God who made us.” Pelosi also mentioned in the address that she is yet to “find it in the Bible” but knows “it’s there someplace”. However, according to an Associate Professor of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament at Whitworth University “the Pelosi passage is not in the Bible”. The passage has been used 11 times by Pelosi in the Congressional Record (between 2002 and 2018) in relation to a number of different topics from genocide, endangered species and tsunamis to Catholic schools. The Bible verse closest to the Pelosi passage is the Good News Translation of Proverbs 14v31: “If you oppress poor people, you insult the God who made them; but kindness shown to the poor is an act of worship”. Pelosi’s passage reverses the phrases and replaces ‘the poor’ to all of ‘God’s creation’. (From Slate, 4 February 2019)
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