New Times - April May 2016

Issue 35, No 2, 2016

The voice of Uniting Church SA

April / May 2016

A call and a heart LEST WE FORGET

INTRODUCING MIKE WARDROP

Reflections on

New leadership for

ANZAC Day

intergenerational ministry

p. 9

p. 13

ANZAC Day Contents FEATURES KCO campers to explore life with Jesus A hunger to study the Bible

7 10-11

A call and a heart

13

Take two!

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REGULAR PAGES Moderator ’ s comment

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CEO/General Secretary’s comment

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Diary 20-21

Evening Prayer an Evensong Service featuring the Choirs of Pilgrim Church and Christ Church North Adelaide

6.00pm

Monday, 25th April, 2016 Editor: Catherine Hoffman Editor-in-Chief: Bindy Taylor Advertising: Communications Design: Winaya Kamaputri Print: Graphic Print Group For editorial inquiries: p. (08) 8236 4249 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

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

Print circulation: 9,000 Uniting Church SA Level 2, 212 Pirie St, Adelaide p. (08) 8236 4200 f. 8236 4201 country callers. 1300 766 956

Next edition: June/July New Times is now bi-monthly and no longer follows themes.

In between the print editions, news and articles are shared through UC e-News (sa.uca.org.au/uc-e-news) and New Times online (sa.uca.org.au/new-times).

For more information, please contact New Times Editor Catherine Hoffman on 8236 4230 or via email at newtimes@sa.uca.org.au DEADLINE FOR JUNE/JULY 2016: Friday 20 May

Pilgrim Uniting Church 12 Flinders St, Adelaide

8212 3295 www.pilgrim.org.au www.facebook.com/pilgrimorganandchoir

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editorial

Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable In past editorial articles, I ’ ve often written about the importance of both listening and speaking up. Over the course of the past few months, in things I ’ ve read and heard, I have felt this importance reiterated.

Communication is not always comfortable, particularly when it ’ s related to our own experiences or issues close to our hearts – but it doesn ’ t have to be comfortable to be beneficial.

Throughout the New Testament, we are given many examples of Jesus ’ willingness to involve himself in potentially uncomfortable discussions about the experiences of those around him and the issues they faced – no matter who they were. He listened, he taught, he asked questions. These conversations were invaluable to those he encountered.

Well, none of us are Jesus. But we are Christians who hope to learn from his example, to follow him as disciples. And communication is one way we can live out our faith.

What I think of as the “ big issues ” in our society are often topics of discussion that cause discomfort. Homelessness and poverty, discrimination of various kinds, mental health issues, domestic and family violence – none of these are comfortable things to hear people speak about or to bring up ourselves. But the effect of conversation around these issues can be immense. When we listen we can learn from one another, validate people going through hard times, offer support, and grow both as people and in our faith. And when we talk about something we are facing or an issue that is important to us, we can help raise awareness and gain vital support or affirmation. There ’ s so much to gain from this kind of communication.

We shouldn ’ t feel afraid to be a part of conversations simply because the subject matter is unpleasant.

Issues unique to the church can also be uncomfortable to face.

Carey Nieuwhof is a Canadian blogger, podcaster and pastor who often hits his readers and listeners with hard truths. Many of his popular blog posts have confronting titles – “ 6 warning signs your church culture is toxic ” , “ 8 lame excuses church leaders make ” , “ Why ministry is harder than it was a decade ago ” . He is seemingly unafraid of being blunt in communicating what he sees as the problems facing many congregations. Carey will be visiting Adelaide in May this year (see details below), providing an opportunity to engage in further discussion on these kinds of uncomfortable issues.

In order to grow and learn – as a church and as individuals – we need to listen and communicate, even when we think it will be difficult.

I encourage you to think of ways to engage on topics or tell stories that are important to you, following Christ ’ s example. It could be by attending Carey Nieuwhof ’ s Adelaide events, it could be a private conversation with someone close to you – it could even be by sharing a story with New Times!

Catherine Hoffman

Placements News Placements finalised since the February / March edition of New Times: Liz Dyson (MOP) as Co-ordination Chaplain ACHA from 15 July 2016 Rev Robyn Caldicott as Chaplain Flinders Private Hospital (0.5) from 15 July 2016 Vacant placements: The following is the current list of vacant (or soon to be vacant) approved placements: Profiles available – Ardrossan Parish (0.5); Ascot Community Church (0.8); ConneXions; County Jervois (Arno, Cleve, Coolanie, Cowell, Driver River); Flinders Parish (0.6); Keith “ One Church ” (Uniting Church and Church of Christ); Parafield Gardens; South West Fleurieu Linked Congregations (0.7); Tumby Bay & Districts (0.5) (from November 2015); Vermont (0.4) (from 1 June 2016); Westbourne Park (from 1 July 2016); Westbourne Park (0.5) (from 1 July 2016); Whyalla.

Profiles not yet available – Burra (0.7); Covenanting Officer; Kangaroo Island Linked Congregations; Mannum (0.3); Chaplain, Queen Elizabeth Hospital (0.5); Western Eyre.

For more information on any of these placements, or to view national placements, please visit sa.uca.org.au/pastoral-relations/placements-vacant

Cover details

Intergenerational Discipleship Developer Mike Wardrop stands in front of a mural by Kate Gagliardi outside Panacea on Halifax Street in Adelaide. Read more about Mike on page 13 of this edition.

Further conversation Supported ecumenically, including by the Uniting Church SA, Carey Nieuwhof, creator of the popular “ Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast ” , will present two sessions during his visit to Adelaide on Thursday 26 May. “ Generational leadership ” will be aimed at pastors, ministers and other church leaders, and will be held from 9.30am-12.30pm at Rostrevor Baptist Church. The second session, “ Just a phase ” , will be aimed at children, youth and young adult workers (paid and unpaid), and will be held from 7.30-10pm at City Salvos. Each session costs $10. For more information, please visit sabaptist.asn.au/gl2016 Return to Contents

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moderator

Thanking God for you “ I thank my God every time I remember you. ” – Philippians 1:3 How would you like to be remembered?

This past week, I had a “ chance ” meeting with a person I hadn ’ t seen for about 40 years. We were together at a rally supporting “ justice for refugees ” . We had played competitive sport together in our teenage years.

She was a beautiful person – not caught up in the competitive world, but more interested in friendship and relationship than in whether we won or lost. It was a delight to see her again. I was not surprised to see that she is involved in one of our local churches and actively supporting refugees. The kindness and compassion she showed as a teenager, toward me and others, is still evident today. It has been 40 years, but I remember vividly, as if it were yesterday, the warmth and friendship she offered.

How would we like people to remember our communities of faith?

What would we like them to carry with them in their hearts, about God and faith, through their experience of us as a church?

A number of people have asked me about the highlights of my time as Moderator. I have consistently replied that significant experiences have been my visits to local churches, witnessing their hospitality and generosity. My husband and daughter have shared in a number of these visits. They wholeheartedly echo that they have found these visits inspiring. In many parts of South Australia, Uniting Church congregations are living out the Gospel of Christ in ways authentic to their local contexts. They are engaging people with sensitivity to the needs, concerns and strengths of the community. They are growing the church through their faithful living.

It is a source of joy to me as Moderator, when I hear people say how significant their encounters with a Uniting Church ministry has been.

I have spoken recently with several people, who have benefitted greatly from the care of our hospital chaplains.

I have heard people in local churches and in the community give thanks for the kindness of a congregation at a time of loneliness and grief.

In a recent worship service, one of our leaders noted that a Uniting Church playgroup had supported her as a young parent.

Her experiences re-kindled her faith in God and her hopeful view of the world.

As the people of God, how are we remembered? What do thoughts of the Uniting Church bring to the minds and hearts of people in the wider society?

I pray that in people ’ s hearts and minds we are seen as a Christian community who embody God ’ s extravagant love, healing grace, and heart for justice. I pray that through our personal and communal life,

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Dr Deidre Palmer and others at the Palm Sunday Justice for Refugees rally on Sunday 20 March.

people will be invited into life transforming relationship with Christ. “ I thank my God every time I remember you. ” – Philippians 1:3

Dr Deidre Palmer

ce o / ge n e ral se cre ta r y

Working to grow the Church The Vision of the Presbytery and Synod of SA is: We seek to be an innovative, growing Church, proclaiming Jesus Christ, empowered by the Spirit to transform God ’ s world.

Perhaps sit with this vision for a moment and see what resonates with you.

I desperately want to see the Church grow. My heart is to see leaders develop so they can lead vibrant ministries within flourishing congregations. I believe we are called as a church to be “ in it together ” .

We are sowing the seeds of this cultural norm and we are also starting to see the fruit of it. When the desire to grow the church gets in your system it infuses all that you do.

In my role I participate in a range of meetings. Having a church growth mindset always ensures that I can bring energy and enthusiasm to a meeting, whether we are sharing information or making decisions.

The following is a snapshot of some of the conversations that are playing out at the moment regarding possibilities for growing the Church. It is not the complete list of things going on, but my hope is that people can be encouraged by the fact that God is growing the church in the Presbytery and Synod – as he is within numerous congregations. Some of the growth conversations currently happening are: Presbytery Strategy and Planning Team (PSPT) The PSPT is focussing on: • Developing models for establishing 10 Church Plants in the next 3-5 years • Strategic considerations for church development in the Noarlunga/Seaford area in the south of Adelaide • Strategic conversation concerning the development of ministry across the Adelaide CBD • Pathway for educating and equipping people in church growth that includes:

o Skills-based, non-accredited short courses run numerous times each year for ministers, pastors and key lay leaders

o A four-unit accredited course run through Uniting College that sits alongside the short courses for leaders seeking to go deeper into church life development New leadership pathways This year marks the start of a range of new innovations with respect to leadership development pathways: • Emerging leaders now have the opportunity to engage in Intern Year and Intern Plus • Leaders in ministry placements will be able to engage in Uniting Leaders Plus from mid-2016

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Leaders across the life of the church (ordained, pastors, key lay leaders) will be invited to a conference focussed on church life development and leadership from 30 August to 1 September.

The conference is a collaborative project between the SA Synod and the Queensland Synod in conjunction with New Life Uniting Church, who will also host the event.

Centre for Aboriginal Spirituality At the November 2015 Presbytery and Synod meeting, Rev Denise Champion spoke of her vision to develop a Centre for Aboriginal Spirituality. Conversations are in the embryonic stages of exploring the possibilities of developing three centres for Aboriginal Spirituality in Port Augusta, Tailem Bend and Brooklyn Park.

Relationships between UnitingCare SA, congregations and organisations associated with the Uniting Church There is a great deal of enthusiasm surrounding the current conversation between the Presbytery and Synod, Maughan Uniting Church and Uniting Communities, as a direction for the congregation is discerned in the context of the new development on the site. New discussions are also beginning to consider how the missional life of congregations can be strengthened by identifying new engagement possibilities with organisations associated with the Uniting Church.

Brooklyn Park Refurbishment Team (BPRT) The BPRT is making excellent progress in considering possible ways forward to enhance the spatial efficiencies for Uniting College, the synergy between Adelaide West Uniting Church and the College, as well as effective stewardship of the excess land on the site. The BPRT will be presenting an update to the June Presbytery and Synod meeting with a view to finalise plans for refurbishment to be presented to the Presbytery and Synod at the November meeting.

These conversations, along with a range of others, will continue to provide opportunities for numerous voices to shape the life of church as we seek to be an innovative and growing church, now and into the future.

Let me encourage you to consider how you can be a part of the conversations that are going on around the growth of the church.

If you want more information as to how you can be a part of the conversations, please send me an email at gensec@sa.uca.org.au

Rev Nigel Rogers

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n ew s

A joyful occasion On Sunday 21 February, an ordination service was held for Nick Patselis (Minister of the Word) and Priscilla “ Sil ” Hein (Deacon) at Adelaide West Uniting Church.

People from across the Uniting Church SA gathered to celebrate with Nick and Sil on this

joyful occasion. The service was conducted by Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer.

Nick was later inducted as minister of the Salisbury Uniting Church congregation on Friday 26 February. Sil is currently in placement as a chaplain with Eldercare.

Rev Nick Patselis, Dr Deidre Palmer and Rev Priscilla Hein.

Welcoming Rev Philip Gardner Rev Philip Gardner was recently announced as the Executive Officer of the Pastoral Relations and Mission Planning (PRMP) team.

Philip has been a member of the team for six years, focussing mainly on placements and chaplaincy. Previously he served for over 20 years in rural, regional and suburban congregations.

The PRMP team is focussed on the health, effectiveness and vitality of congregations and ministers. Their work

includes mission planning, consultations, placement of ministers, supervision of ministers, governance, conflict resolution, and complaints.

Philip is pleased to serve the Synod in this new capacity.

Philip ’ s formal induction will take place at the next Presbytery and Synod meeting on the evening of Friday 24 June. Further details will be provided in the June/July edition of New Times.

Rev Philip Gardner is welcomed to his new role by Dr Deidre Palmer at the Synod staff meeting on Wednesday 16 March.

New ways to resource With the cessation of the March Presbytery and Synod meeting, Mission Resourcing will be holding a series of strategic events in 2016 and 2017 to resource people in congregations.

Three events are planned for May this year, covering locations in the Adelaide metropolitan area, on the Eyre Peninsula and in the midNorth/Barossa region.

Mission Resourcing will partner with Rosefield Uniting Church to deliver the first of these events, titled Remind, Refresh Resource, from 13-15 May. Rosefield holds this teaching weekend annually in the church building at 2 Carlton Street, Highgate. This year, Melbournian chaplain Rev Dr Sunny Chen will speak on the theme “ At the Crossroads ” and will focus on Paul ’ s letters to the Galatians. Craig Bailey will also speak

on innovation, leadership and change management. Entry to the event is by donation.

The Eyre Peninsula event is being planned for Saturday 21 May, while the mid-North/Barossa event is expected to be held on Saturday 28 May. Details about the location, speakers and topics for these events are still being finalised.

For more information about the Rosefield Uniting Church teaching weekend, please contact Bev Freeman on 8236 4243 or bfreeman@sa.uca.org.au Further information will be provided through UC e-News in the lead-up to the other two events. For more information about UC e-News, please visit sa.uca.org.au/uc-e-news or contact the Communications team on 8236 4249.

A new opportunity at UnitingWomen!

The Uniting Church women ’ s conference, UnitingWomen, will run at Wesley Kent Town Uniting Church from Thursday 28 April to Sunday 1 May, 2016. Registrations are still open – and a new registration opportunity has also been announced! Limited spaces for the Saturday Q&A panel session, “ Where there is life, there is hope ” running from

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7.30-9.30pm, are now available for a cost of $25 per person.

For more information, please email info@unitingwomen.org.au or contact Bindy Taylor on 8236 4249.

To view the conference program, find out about speakers or register for UnitingWomen 2016, please visit unitingwomen.org.au

n ew s

KCO campers to explore life with Jesus Did you miss the hustle and bustle of KCO preparations that March usually brings? Well, we ’ ve got some exciting news for you - planning is now underway for KCO 2016!

This year ’ s KCO (KUCA [Kids of the Uniting Church in Australia] Camp Out) will be held at Adare Camp and Caravan Park in Victor Harbor from 10-11 September. The camp will focus on the theme “ Burst – Life with Jesus. ” “ We ’ re really excited to announce our 2016 KCO theme, ” says Melissa Neumann, State Coordinator of Children and Family Ministry in the Uniting Church SA. “ Campers will explore how God is the author of new life and wants us to have new life as burst by Jesus. This is about beginning again, excitement, refreshment, freedom, energy and faith in Jesus. ” Members of the Uniting Church SA are encouraged to attend a brainstorm session at Adare Uniting Church on Saturday 9 April, 10am-4pm, to further speak into the KCO program and theme for 2016. More information about this event is available below. “ We ’ re gathering to discuss KCO ’ s key purposes, this year ’ s theme and a possible program before going on a walking tour of the new venue, ” explains Melissa. “ We ’ re excited to explore Adare Camp and Caravan Park to see how we might use it. ” A KCO community dress rehearsal on Saturday 30 July will provide further opportunity for church members and groups to help plan KCO. More information about this event is also available below. “ As we begin to shape KCO and SAYCO [South Australian Youth Camp Out] for 2016, it will be helpful to know how churches and groups are planning to engage with these events. We ’ re asking you to please complete a short, seven-question survey about your congregation or faith community ’ s intention to attend KCO, SAYCO or both, ” Melissa continues. “ We want to work with you to enable attendance in this year of transition with the events only three weeks apart. ” The survey is available at surveymonkey.com/r/9WK7NSR

Moving forward This is a year of transition for KCO and contributions from the wider Uniting Church SA community are particularly valuable at this time.

Beginning in late 2015, a series of consultations were held regarding the future of KCO and SAYCO in 2017 and beyond. “ We want to thank everyone who has participated in this process so far, ” says Melissa. “ The consultation is now in its final stages so we will soon be sharing collated information and approved recommendations. ” More information about the consultation will be made available through UC e-News in coming weeks.

KCO community dress rehearsal Saturday 30 July at Adare Camp and Caravan Park (20 Wattle Drive, McCracken) This event will provide an opportunity to explore the site and to engage with 2016 program planning. The KCO organisers also hope to share a few more specifics about the event, as well as provide small group leadership training and information for Group Coordinators.

More information about this event will be announced through UC e-News and New Times closer to the date.

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fa m i ly

Community engagement for young people National Youth Week is approaching – and in the spirit of stereotypical youth rebellion, the week goes for 10 days, rather than seven, running from 8-17 April.

Last year ’ s National Youth Week featured a wide variety of festivals, events and creative happenings across the state, and 2016 promises to be even better with a commitment to cultural diversity outlined in the theme, “ My Community is Your Community ” .

For those of us in local Uniting Church congregations, National Youth Week has the potential to be a fantastic engagement opportunity to connect with teenagers.

Here are three ways for you to think about youth and your local congregation during National Youth Week.

1) Think MISSIONALLY

As Christians, we are constantly on God ’ s mission to the world. To do that, most of the time we find we have to go OUT. How can your local congregation serve the community? What gifts do you have that would bless your suburb and community ’ s teenagers? A great start is to call your local council and find out areas you could help.

Bring the church to your community.

2) Think SMALL Jesus was always about his Father ’ s business, and a lot of the time that involved the “ least ” . Who in your community gets missed? About one in every 1,000 South Australians between 12 and 25 are homeless.

That adds up to about 1,500 young people a night. What could you do to represent Jesus to a homeless young person during youth week?

Every action counts.

3) Think COMMUNITY Churches have an incredible capacity to love and serve others, but we can have a tendency to focus on what we ’ ve always done and forget to innovate. What can you do to listen to the voices of teenagers from within your church community? How can you help them to have a significant role in decisionmaking and to let them lead – not in the distant future, but right now?

We can ’ t wait to hear the stories of how churches are making their communities better and seeing teenagers thrive in faith and life!

Send your stories through to unitingyouth@ sa.uca.org.au or call 8236 4245. For more information on National Youth Week, please visit their website at officeforyouth.sa.gov.au/ programs/national-youth-week

Introducing the Intergenerational team Over the past several months changes have been brewing in Mission Resourcing. The Uniting Young People team are excited to share what ’ s been going on with them – and their new name going forward, the Intergenerational (or Intergen) team.

The name change was a conscious decision on the team ’ s part, as they move to thinking intergenerationally – to consider how the whole people of God might relate to, learn from and disciple each other in and out of a church context.

The new Intergen team is starting to take shape. Melissa Neumann,

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who continues with a Children and Family Ministry discipleship focus, has recently been joined by another team member – Mike Wardrop, who takes on the role of of Intergenerational Discipleship Developer – Youth & Young Adults (see page 13 for more information).

The Intergen team looks forward to announcing new team members in the near future as Mission Resourcing partners with Uniting College for Leadership & Theology.

For more information, please contact Melissa Neumann on 8236 4246 or children@sa.uca.org.au

l eual tduere c rship

Lest we forget Rev Sue Page is a minister in placement at Para Hills Uniting Church and a reserve Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Chaplain, serving at RAAF Edinburgh. In this article, Sue reflects on ANZAC Day, which will be commemorated on Monday 25 April, 2016.

It is interesting to me how in recent years ANZAC Day seems to have become more central in public life in Australia. As a child I remember it being about the World War I (WWI) and World War II (WWII) veterans getting together to tell their stories and march in the city. It was also a time of relative peace – at least, Australia was not engaged in any combat operations.

I guess as the years have gone on and there are fewer remaining veterans, ANZAC Day, with our living connection to WWI extinguished and that to WWII fading, has become more of a commemoration than a reunion. The appeal of ANZAC Day has broadened across the community. Partly in the interest of preserving the history, but also because veterans from more recent conflicts have been included – from the Korean and Malayan campaigns, to the Vietnam War, and this century ’ s Iraq and Afghanistan engagements.

Some would argue that it is a glorification of war that has taken on almost cult status in modern Australian society. But I see it as an honouring of the service and sacrifice of Australian men and women who have served, many dying for their country.

It was a great privilege to travel to Gallipoli for the centenary of the ANZAC landings commemorations last year, and to keep a vigil overnight. We looked out upon ANZAC Cove and up at the rugged cliffs that the first ANZACs staggered up attempting and failing to take, reflecting on what they endured, and the massive loss of life for absolutely no gain.

My husband ’ s great uncle, Benhardt Gabel, was one of the first ANZACs, landing on the beach on 25 April, aged 21. Ben had grown up in the Barossa Valley. He was killed on 2 May 1915, one week into the Gallipoli campaign. He is one of more than 3,000 ANZACs with no known grave, whose name is memorialised at the Lone Pine memorial at Gallipoli. It was a very moving experience to see his name there and Top: Benhardt Gabel, one of the first ANZACs, aged 21.

Bottom: Benhardt Gabel ’ s name on the Lone Pine memorial. honour him at the Lone Pine service of commemoration.

Many of us in the church sit uneasily with ANZAC Day and don ’ t of the men and women who fought and died to the sacrifice of Christ, support military service, believing in a Jesus who is a peacemaker, who whom many service men and women of WWI and WWII sought to is God ’ s love and grace and justice enfleshed so that we and all creation follow in their military service. It was “ for God, King and Country ” can be made new. that they fought and died. Many saw their military service as part of I believe in that Jesus. Many of the service men and women who serve in the military throughout our history and to this very day believe their Christian discipleship, following Jesus to the place where they were to lay down their lives for their friends, for their country, and for in that Jesus, too. their God. ANZAC Day is about honouring the sacrifice made by so many At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember for the freedoms we enjoy today because our world would be a very them. different place without their service.

Lest we forget.

As a Defence Force chaplain, my role is to point beyond the sacrifice

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fa i t h

A hunger to study the Bible Bindy Taylor

On two evenings each week, Parafield Uniting Church becomes a melting pot for people of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures as they join together to study the Bible. These sessions are held for people for whom English is a second language and are coordinated

by Karen Vanlint, the CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) Coordinator at Uniting College of Leadership &Theology. The students who attend are passionate followers of Christ who wish to study the Bible and grow to maturity, perhaps to become leaders in their own churches.

Uniting College was inspired to start this work after seeing a need for an avenue to study the Bible in easy English for new arrivals to Adelaide. The most recent group of students are mostly Burmese and worship at the Adelaide Falam Chin Church, who meet in Salisbury three times a week. Other students this year are Iranian, Indian and Vietnamese.

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The students asked for two evening classes, and Karen believes more could be opened in the future to accommodate students from other areas. “ They are hungry to study the Bible. Three current students have been looking forward to the class from their camp on the Burmese border and started attending after only being in Australia for a week! ” says Karen. “ It is a privilege to be working with such passionate students. ” Karen is working hard to ensure the material she delivers is both relevant and comprehensible, but recognises that the students, and even herself, are on a “ steep learning curve ” .

One of the attendees, Zing, is a single parent who, with her three children, came to Adelaide from Burma in 2013 after her husband passed away. One of Zing ’ s friends was studying the Bible in an English as a Second Language (ESL) class with Karen and suggested that Zing

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Students at the ESL Bible class run by Karen Vanlint at Parafield Gardens Uniting Church. Karen is pictured on this page, top left.

Thang and Zing are pictured on the opposite page, bottom left.

should come along, too. Zing was fearful about her English, worried that she wouldn ’ t understand 100% of the class. But she came along to the classes anyway, as it was her dream to study the Bible in English.

Now Zing is fulfilling that dream, and she goes home happy every week after the class.

Thang is another refugee from Burma and has been in Adelaide since 2007. He left his home country at risk of being arrested by the Government, fleeing to India, Thailand and then Malaysia, where he spent 10 years before obtaining his Australian visa. His faith is central to who he is, but he also needs to support his four children so he spends his days working as a welder. Thang is hoping to study ministry in the evening once the ESL course finishes.

Thang is a member of the Falam Chin Church and is very proud of the community they have built in Adelaide. The church has two major goals for the future – establishing their own church building (they

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currently share a building with Seventh Day Adventists in Salisbury) and establishing missional outreach in Burma and India. Thang shares these hopes and dreams.

Both Thang and Zing feel blessed to be living in Australia and to have an opportunity to study the Bible in English with Karen ’ s expertise.

For more information about the ESL Bible classes, please email Karen at karen.vanlint@flinders.edu.au or contact the Uniting College office on 8416 8420.

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fa m i ly

A call and a heart Catherine Hoffman

Earlier this year, Mike Wardrop was appointed to the new role of Intergenerational Discipleship Developer, working in youth and young adult ministry – and supporting others who do so. In taking up this position, he joins the newly renamed Intergenerational team (see page 8 for more information) within Mission Resourcing in the Uniting Church SA. Although not many months have passed since he assumed this role, already congregations have witnessed Mike ’ s passion for discipling young people. “ I have a real heart for youth and young adults, ” Mike affirms. “ But for me, it ’ s really about connecting with people – over movies, over coffee, over Jesus. And this is something I ’ m looking to do through this role. ” As Intergenerational Discipleship Developer, Mike will move from a direct pastoring role within a congregation (he has previously worked in youth ministry with the Brougham Place and Journey Uniting Church congregations), to supporting intergenerational ministry leaders across the Uniting Church in South Australia. “ It ’ s about equipping people, ” he says. “ So many leaders in our congregations have a call and a heart for ministry with young people. I want to assist them where they are. I want to ask questions, rather than telling them what to do. And I want to help them recognise the bright spots amongst what they ’ re already doing. ”

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With this in mind, Mike will be focussing his energies on discipleship rather than events. “ We have some really strong events in this state – and that ’ s awesome, ” Mike smiles. “ But I want to be connecting with congregations outside of these events. I plan on spending a lot of time out of the office, visiting different churches and getting to know their leaders. ” Mike will also be spending some of his time at Uniting College for Leadership & Theology, where a new intergenerational space is being established. “ I ’ ve almost completed my Bachelor of Ministry – I ’ ll be getting ordained in a few months – so the College is a familiar environment, ” says Mike. “ It will be exciting to see this space grow and develop, along with the relationship between the College and Mission Resourcing. ” Mike Wardrop will be contributing articles to New Times, in print and online, throughout the year. His article “ 10 ways to find new preachers ” is featured on pages 14 and 15 of this edition.

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leadership

10 Ways

to find new preachers Mike Wardrop

One thing I find myself consistently asked from people, particularly within the Uniting Church, is this: Do you know any new preachers?

I usually answer in two ways: 1.

I ’ M STANDING RIGHT HERE! I CAN HEAR YOU! 2.

Yes. Yes, I do.

People who run churches and youth groups, whether it ’ s through eldership, pastoring or simply being the person who put their hand up, will know how difficult it can be to find people who faithfully and skillfully share the gospel. It doesn ’ t feel like it should be that hard to find someone, but it often can be. We choose people we know are good, people we know are available, and people we know, full stop. In that order.

But the people who are in charge of the preaching roster have a powerful mandate. You have the opportunity to engage your church with a message that can powerfully transform lives and when your thinking is lazy, the message and messengers often can be as well.

When the preaching is poor, your church won ’ t grow, spiritually or numerically.

Here are 10 things I do to hunt down new preachers. The tips are a mix between finding established preachers that you don ’ t know and finding uncut gems that don ’ t know themselves yet!

1.

Remember the past preachers

2.

Look for passion

3.

People that know their Bible

4.

Charismatic and engaging

5.

Fresh perspectives

You may have skilled preachers up your sleeve that you haven ’ t used in a while and can speak well into your church.

BUT Remembering your past preachers can also help you recognise what type of preachers you usually choose. Do you tend to a type ethnically? Gender-wise? In terms of their preaching topics?

Where are your blind spots as a church? As a leader?

Remembering past preachers can give you an indication of who you should choose for the future.

Passion is no indicator of skill, or even calling. But it is a good indicator of someone who really loves Jesus, and that goes a long way to preparing preachers.

I ’ m always looking for preachers who use their Bible well. I can get people with other passions and skill sets to talk about those passions and skill sets, but when I ’ m looking for a preacher, I want someone with a full, healthy understanding of the Scriptures.

This is definitely below passion and biblical understanding, but it ’ s still important! When I work training young people for preaching, I tend to find they either know their Bible, OR they ’ re charismatic and engaging. They really need both! But I find it ’ s harder to teach the latter. If you know someone who is naturally engaging, they might be a great long-term project as a preacher.

I ’ m looking for people with varied ethnic backgrounds. I ’ m always looking for female preachers. I ’ m looking for people with different life experiences. I ’ m looking for people from different denominations. I ’ m looking for a wide range of ages.

Those people may have the history and perspective to reach your church. They will certainly broaden your understanding of how to live out your faith.

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leadership 9.

Sensitivity to the Spirit and a humble heart

6.

Use your networks

One of the many great reasons to be connected in a church network and to find brothers and sisters in ministry is to find great new voices to speak into your church.

Once, I simply asked a few friends to “ give me the name of the best preacher in your denomination under 25. ” I got exactly the names I expected – but it reinforced they were the people I was looking for. I also got a couple of extra names that we brought in and they each spoke brilliantly.

Give local, state or national leaders a call and ask their thoughts. They ’ ll most likely have a database, or at least a longer mental “ contacts list ” than you.

7.

Use your social media

8.

Podcast x infinity

Never be afraid of throwing it out on Facebook! If people can date using e-Harmony, you can get a preacher from Facebook. It ’ s not going to dent your pride that much.

Just make sure that you also…

Once you ’ ve heard a new name, the best thing to do is try to find a podcast or other recording of the preacher and hear what they have to say. It shouldn ’ t be too hard to find for most people who have preached a few times – check out YouTube or their home church, or simply ask them if they have a copy of a message.

Podcasts and recordings are great ways for you to check out a preacher before they come and speak. So is simply having a coffee with them!

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I really want both these things, mixed together. I look for preachers who are willing to change their sermon if they feel God ’ s not in it, who are more interested in impacting lives than spouting tweetable quotes, and who are willing to hang out with a church or youth ministry – connecting serving and engaging with people. I ’ m looking for preachers whose lives off the stage reflect their lives on the stage.

10.

Champion the young

Finally, just look for young people that you can give a chance to speak.

Young people are often more humble, flexible, willing to learn, and naturally passionate and enthusiastic for a new opportunity than those of us with a few more years of experience. They have gifts and talents just waiting to be shared. They have an ability to connect with their peers in a unique way.

At The Journey Uniting Church, where I spent several years in ministry roles, we tried to make sure that, youth group members were given the chance to be trained to preach to their peers at least once a term.

Because really, part of our jobs – not as preaching trainers, but as followers of Jesus – should be to encourage and empower the young.

Good luck on your search for the next great communicator to your church!

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c u l t u re

Growing Worship Gifted educator Michael Hawn has taken up his post as 2016 Musician in Residence within the Uniting Church SA. Through the Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts, Michael will contribute his considerable skills and knowledge to a wide variety of events while in Adelaide.

Michael has vast experience thinking about, writing and engaging in church and sacred music, particularly through his roles as University Distinguished Professor of Church Music and Director of Sacred Music at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University in Texas, USA. Michael has authored several books, most recently New Songs of Celebration Render: Congregational Song in the 21st Century, and he frequently contributes to church music periodicals.

He has travelled widely, gaining and sharing knowledge in over 40 different countries. Michael now brings this knowledge to South Australia. He will be contributing to four major events – the May Adnyamathanha Spirituality Pilgrimage (outlined on page 17), and the three events detailed on this page.

Michael will also present at smaller events and spend time in residence with different congregations over the course of his visit. More information about these events will be provided through UC e-News and New Times online over the coming months.

Songwrite SA Friday 17 – Sunday 19 June A song writing event encouraging new songs for congregations to be held at Burnside City Uniting Church. This event provides individuals with an opportunity to develop, write, score and record their own songs, while also being part of a creative community. Michael will provide special input on the shape and form of song, as well as how songs shape our faith. Songwrite SA costs $135; subsidies and scholarships are available.

Music & worship: thought-filled practice Monday 18 – Thursday 21 July, 9.30am-2.30pm This four-day intensive based at Burnside City Uniting Church explores the theology of worship and song. Topics include: choosing music, the evolving theology expressed through song, moving people through worship, the future of music in the church, songs being sung all around the world, creating worship that is inspiring and meaningful, and encouraging congregations to sing.

The event costs $150 for the full four days or $50 per day. It is also available for credit through Uniting College for Leadership & Theology.

Scholarship assistance may be available. For more information, please contact Sean Gilbert via email at sean.gilbert@flinders.edu.au IMPACT An Intensive in Congregational Worship Sunday 24 – Wednesday 27 July, 7-9pm Over four nights at Burnside City Uniting Church, individuals will be provided with tools to reinvigorate their congregation ’ s worshipping life. With Michael ’ s teaching, attendees will be encouraged to consider ways to shape worship, analyse worship services, and look to what the future holds. Each night will have a slightly different focus: Sunday 24 July – for everyone Monday 25 July – for ministers and leaders of worship Tuesday 26 July – for musicians, singers, choirs, bands Wednesday 27 July – for the whole team These sessions cost $10 per person, per night, $30 per person for all four nights or $100 for a group of four attending all four sessions. Congregations are provided with unlimited participation for a total of $200.

For more information about any of these events, please contact the Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts on 8267 2657 or admin@cmla.org.au

l eual tduere c rship

Photos taken during this year ’ s Easter pilgrimage to Oodnadatta, which also passed through Port Augusta.

The pilgrim ’ s way Individuals and communities from the Uniting Church SA, Uniting College for Leadership & Theology, and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) come together for a series of different pilgrimages each year. Some of these pilgrimages include physical journeys, while others are metaphorical – but all are important to the life of the Uniting Church in South Australia. This article provides information about recent and upcoming pilgrimages happening across the state.

Oodnadatta Easter pilgrimage Easter weekend, 2016 The Oodnadatta Easter Pilgrimage was held over the Easter long weekend in March this year. Uniting Church SA Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer, Intergenerational Discipleship Developer Mike Wardrop, and many others joined the pilgrimage. They were given opportunities to engage with the UAICC faith community in Oodnadatta as they celebrated Easter. A number of people were also baptised by the Moderator over the weekend.

Further reflections on this pilgrimage will be provided on New Times online at sa.uca.org.au/new-times Adnyamathanha Spirituality Pilgrimage Thursday 19 – Saturday 21 May, 2016 Rev Denise Champion, Aunty Pauline McKenzie and Michael Hawn will lead a pilgrimage through Adnyamathanha country in the Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound (Ikara) in May this year.

This pilgrimage provides an opportunity for people to experience the beauty of the Flinders Ranges as never before –

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to hear traditional songs and stories, explore songlines, and learn about the land. Participants will delve deeply into understanding what it means to be people of faith who listen to the ancient voice of God. This unique pilgrimage costs $380, and includes accommodation in cabins at Rawnsley Park. Other accommodation options are available at alternative rates.

For more information, please contact the Centre for Music Liturgy and the Arts on 8267 2657 or admin@cmla.org.au Pilgrimage of Healing Reconciliation Week, Friday 27 May – Friday 3 June, 2016 During Reconciliation Week each year, the Pilgrimage of Healing raises funds for a particular UAICC project. In 2015, funds raised were used to help support pilgrimages like those mentioned in this article, helping to train younger people to lead them.

This year, proceeds from the Pilgrimage of Healing will go towards the UAICC ’ s vision for the old Tailem Bend Uniting Church building.

Prior to its closure in 2014, the Tailem Bend church building was the site of many funerals and other important events in the life of the UAICC and wider Indigenous community in the Murraylands. The UAICC has been in discussions with different departments in the Uniting Church SA about developing a regional, ecumenical faith community at this site.

The Tailem Bend building requires a number of urgent, critical repairs to ensure it ’ s a suitable and safe space for this new Murraylands faith community – and this is what the 2016 Pilgrimage of Healing funds will support. The details are still being finalised, but members of the Uniting Church SA are encouraged to prayerfully consider donating to this cause. Further information will be provided through UC e-News and New Times online as it becomes available.

For more information about the Pilgrimage of Healing, please contact Congress Resource Officer Ian Dempster on 0417 217 320 or email idempster@sa.uca.org.au

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g e t t i n g t o k n o w. . .

Dr Deidre Palmer (centre) with husband Lawrie (left) and old friend Lance Window during the 2016 Tour Down Under.

McLaren Vale Uniting Church The McLaren Vale Uniting Church congregation seek to be faithful disciples of Christ, always endeavouring to make the most of what they have.

Sunday worship at 9.30am is preceded by 10 minutes of enthusiastic congregational singing. The church ’ s services are a blend of traditional and more modern elements, with Holy Communion celebrated on the first and third Sundays of each month.

Church members connect with each other and the wider community in a variety of others ways on a regular basis.

On the second Wednesday of each month, the church holds SoulSpace, a contemplative communion service starting at 7pm. This provides time and space for quiet prayer, reflection and spiritual refreshment by candlelight.

The Adult Fellowship is a very active group, providing friendship and activities for both men and women. They meet monthly and have a full program of guest speakers and outings. They also hold an annual fundraising concert, led by the Short-Handed Band. This year ’ s concert will be held on Sunday 5 June with the profits going towards childhood cancer research at the Women & Children ’ s Hospital. Later in Spring, members plan to hold a twilight Strawberry Fair.

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For 20 years, the prayer chain has been an emergency “ first call ” for people requiring divine assistance, often for illness or bereavement.

Recently a “ Future Directions ” congregational meeting was held, which gave an opportunity to brainstorm suggestions for the future of the church. The leadership team are currently in the process of implementing some of these suggestions, with the church seeking to be more visible and relevant in our wider community.

The church ’ s location in the main street of McLaren Vale provides wonderful opportunities to join in with the celebrations, festivals and events that seem to happen almost weekly in the area. The church ’ s facilities, and well-kept grounds enable the congregation to offer hospitality and an “ open door ” to spectators and visitors.

During the Tour Down Under in January 2016, which conveniently passes the church building, members provided a sausage sizzle, refreshments and a welcoming space for onlookers. Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer and her husband Lawrie were two of the many people to stop by. The church plans to have a similar set up for the Vintage Car Exhibition on Sunday 17 April.

One of the church ’ s highlights from the past year was a model train display held from 19-20 September. The church was full of happy people all weekend, with many children delighted by the spectacle. This event was an excellent fundraising opportunity and allowed the congregation to engage with the wider community.

On Friday mornings McLaren Vale Uniting Church welcomes over 45 people from near and far to their craft group, Hearts and Hands.

This group has been meeting for 27 years and the hall buzzes with conversation and laughter every Friday. Developing craft skills is secondary to the friendships formed that hold the group together.

The church ’ s Mission and Outreach Committee has several main activities: a Monday night drop-in centre, a three-course Loaves and Fishes Luncheon held annually at the McLaren Flat Community Club, an annual quiz night, and occasional luncheons for older folk in the district.

The McLaren Vale congregation feels that God has blessed the church abundantly over the years, and they thank God for his goodness.

g e t t i n g t o k n o w. . .

Marion-Warradale Uniting Church Community development – a venture in listening and acting together Marion-Warradale Uniting Church congregation are sharing in an exciting journey.

In early 2015, the church hosted community and congregation workshops to discuss needs and opportunities with their community. This was undertaken in partnership with Professor Fiona Verity from Flinders University and social work students undertaking 500 hour placements. “ We engaged in a process of asset-based community development, including a demographic and needs assessment of the communities surrounding our churches, consulting with agencies and groups in the area, and a volunteer-based community survey, ” says Cam Opie, one of the workshop facilitators and a member of the MarionWarradale congregation. “ This was conducted following a recent history of a steady and significant decline in numbers and ageing of our congregation, loss of income, and completion of a significant renovation and improvement to our facilities and grounds in early 2015. ” With volunteers from the congregation, an honours social work student gathered relevant information through a community survey, conversations and workshops, to find out: • What the community and congregation wished to participate in or learn • What skills or assets they could share Return to Contents

with others • If they had an interest in helping to get things going People from within the church and living in the area were approached. A community day was held at Marion Uniting Church where people could come and try yoga, meditation, piano conversations, and a nutrition training session, which included preparing a community lunch. Participants discussed survey results and planned for the future.

Activities favoured were culture and arts, social programs, spiritual activities, recreation, healthy eating, and early childhood activities.

Using this research, the Marion-Warradale congregation has worked with individuals, groups and service providers to establish and support programs and activities. In the past two years these have included TAFE ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, social and recreation activities for people with intellectual disabilities, Tai Chi, piano and conversations, meditation, yoga, an afterschool program, and twice weekly music playgroups. The music playgroups are particularly popular and are attended regularly by 40 families, with about 80 registered.

Skye, the mother of a toddler attending the music playgroups, appreciates “ the support and encouragement and flexibility you have given me to use my recent meditation teacher training in courses in the heritage chapel.

I feel welcomed by the church and greatly appreciate the help offered. ”

With Flinders University, the church piloted two nutrition education sessions for parents and carers, which were attended by 16 families. Topics included encouraging children to eat more vegetables and fruit, and healthy eating over Christmas. A crèche, nutrition information, learning activities, recipes and a shared healthy meal were also provided.

Following positive feedback, we submitted a Community Benefits Grant application to develop resources and deliver ongoing health and nutrition learning for preschool families.

Noma Madida, a student who grew up in a developing country, was unsure of what community development processes in a country such as Australia would entail. “ I imagined that promoting community cohesion would not work in a first world country where there were many services available. This line of thinking was influenced by my third world upbringing where community needs vastly differ from the ones at Marion, ” Noma explains. “ Supporting the preschool music play programs and the healthy eating programs changed my views. I observed how some parents valued this program, the questions asked and the exchange of ideas. “ I feel the parents newly settled in Australia may have received priceless information and formed new friendships thus giving them a sense of belonging. ”

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diary EFFECTIVE LIVING CENTRE DISCUSSION. “ Beyond Ignorance and Suspicion: are Australians Islamophobic? ” event to be held at ELC (26 King William Road, Wayville) on Tuesday 12 April, 7.30-10pm. A talk by Professor Riaz Hassan, Director of the University of South Australia Centre for Muslim and Non-Muslim Understanding, with time for discussion and questions. The discussion will centre on a report titled “ Islamophobia, social distance and the fear of terrorism in Australia ” . Tickets include supper and range from $10-$15. Book online at www.effectiveliving.org FASHION PARADE. Come along to Morialta Uniting Church (26 Chapel Street, Magill) for a Fashion Parade with Miss Peggy on Thursday 14 April at 1.30pm. Update your wardrobe for autumn and enjoy afternoon tea! Tickets $5. Proceeds to mission projects. For more information, please contact Helena Begg on 8331 9344 or office@morialtauca.org.au CHURCH FAIR. Come along and join in the fellowship, fun, food and frivolity at the Murray Bridge Uniting Church Fair (Monash Terrace, Murray Bridge) on Saturday 16 April, 9am-4pm. The fair will have a good supply of homemade cakes, biscuits, jams and pickles, strawberries and cream, plants and produce, and Devonshire morning and afternoon tea. There will also be free children ’ s activities, including clowns and storytelling, lucky dips, sweet treats and more! For more information, please contact Faye Menadue on 8532 5148 or ucmb@internode.on.net STORY WORKSHOP. Join storyteller, poet and Uniting Church minister Sarah Agnew for a workshop in telling personal stories at Blackwood Uniting Church (366 Main Road, Blackwood) on Sunday 17 April, 3-4.30pm.

Discover stories of your own worth the telling, and give them shape for telling effectively for your own wellbeing and to encourage the wellbeing of others. Cost $10 with a discount available if attending “ Welcome One Another with Love ” event (see below). For more information, please contact Blackwood Uniting Church on 8278 7699 or office@blackwood. unitingchurchsa.org.au WELCOME ONE ANOTHER WITH LOVE is the performance at the heart of a PhD project at the University of Edinburgh exploring biblical performance as a way of making meaning of biblical texts. Hear Sarah Agnew bring to life Paul ’ s letter to the early church in Rome, listening for its message for a 21st century audience. To be held at Blackwood Uniting Church (366 Main Road, Blackwood) on Sunday 17 April, 5-6pm. Cost $10 with a discount available if attending the story workshop event (see above).

For more information, please contact Blackwood Uniting Church on 8278 7699 or office@blackwood.unitingchurchsa.org.au A CUPPA FOR A CURE to raise funds for The Leprosy Mission will be held at 10am on Tuesday 19 April at “ Wandeen ” next to Echunga Uniting Church (Adelaide Road, Echunga). Come and hear Trevor and Heather Smith who have worked at McKean Rehabilitation Centre in Chiang Mai, Thailand for over 40 years. They have a passion for serving those with leprosy and disability. Every $5 entry donation gives hope, healing and dignity to someone affected by leprosy. RSVP by Friday 15 April to Jenny on 8388 8790.

STORY EVENT. Join storyteller Sarah Agnew for stories of courage in the face of persecution, execution and war at this event held at Pilgrim Uniting Church (12 Flinders Street, Adelaide) on Wednesday 27 April, 7-9.30pm. “ (in)humanity: human stories of fear and love ” is a series of stories and spoken word pieces that Sarah has been composing and performing over several years. Pianist Glenyce Durdin will join Sarah for this performance, to accompany the spaces between stories with music. Over supper, Sarah ’ s new poetry book, “ The Only Constants ” , will be launched.

Tickets $10. For more information, please contact Sarah via email at sarahagnew.storyteller@gmail.com UNITINGWOMEN CONFERENCE. The UnitingWomen 2016 conference will be held at Wesley Kent Town Uniting Church (27 Grenfell Street, Kent Town) from Thursday 28 April to Sunday 1 May. For more information, please visit unitingwomen.org.au

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MEET THE AUTHOR. Forum at Morialta Uniting Church (26 Chapel Street, Magill) on Sunday 1 May from 11.15am to 12.30pm. Author and Jesus scholar Lorraine Parkinson will discuss her books “ The World According to Jesus ” and “ Made on Earth: How the Gospel writers created the Christ ” . Cost $5, includes a light lunch after the forum. Please RSVP to Morialta for catering purposes on 8331 9344 or office@morialtauca.org.au OPEN GARDEN. The beautiful gardens at Sunningdale Organic Farm (630 Mosquito Hill Road, Mount Jagged, via Mount Compass) will be open to the public 7-8 May, 10am-4pm, as part of Open Gardens SA. It will be a charity event for Australind Children ’ s Fund. Morning and afternoon teas, and light lunches will be available. Plants and produce for sale. Garden walks and talks. Heritage-listed bushland. If desired, bring your own picnic lunch.

REMIND, REFRESH, RESOURCE EVENT. Rev Dr Sunny Chen from Melbourne is the speaker at Rosefield Uniting Church ’ s annual teaching weekend from 13-15 May. Sunny is chaplain at University of Melbourne with a PhD in Pauline studies. He will speak on the theme “ At the Crossroads ” and will focus on Paul ’ s letters to the Galatians. Craig Bailey will also speak on “ Leading innovation and change management ” . The event will be held at Rosefield Uniting Church (2 Carlton Street, Highgate), and is co-sponsored

by Urban Mission Network, Uniting College of Leadership & Theology, Mission Resourcing and the SA Lay Preachers Committee. For more information, please visit rosefield.org.au SA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES GENERAL MEETING. Saturday 14 May, 8.45am-1pm at Adelaide Congress Ministry (17 Bedwin Street, Salisbury North). A gathering of the member churches – all welcome for prayer, conversation and learning together, plus a little bit of business/decisionmaking. RSVPs essential. For more information or to RSVP, call 8215 0300 or email sacc@picknowl.com.au CLOSING SERVICE FOR MAUGHAN CHURCH BUILDING. A closing service for the Maughan Church building (corner Franklin and Pitt Streets, Adelaide) will be held on Sunday 15 May at 3pm. All are invited to this service of worship, which will include a remembering of the special events that have taken place in this space, including Methodist Conferences, Synods, June Congresses, Kairos and youth concerts. It will include thanksgiving for the people who have been part of the Maughan Church congregation over the years, and for all the ministries and mission that have been exercised through this building. The service will also provide an opportunity to prayerfully seek God ’ s wisdom in anticipation of the emergence of a Uniting Church faith community/congregation in the new building.

MESSY CORNER. Join Messy Church at The Corner Uniting Church (corner Oaklands and Diagonal Roads, Warradale) for an afternoon of songs, drama, and many craft activities on Sunday 15 May, 3.30-5.30pm.

Fun for the whole family including a shared meal. Cost $10 per family. More information at thecorner.org.au ADNYAMATHANHA SPIRITUALITY PILGRIMAGE. Join Rev Denise Champion and Aunty Pauline McKenzie on a pilgrimage through Adnyamathanha country in the Flinders Ranges from Thursday 19 May, accompanied by musician Michael Hawn. Sit under the stars and hear the dreamtime stories. Rise with the dawn and connect with the first people of this land. Be confronted by the story of displacement under white settlement.

Reflect on the experience through the arts and participate with Michael as we hear the stories, songs and spirituality that stretches back to ancient times. A unique opportunity not to be missed. Accommodation in cabins at Rawnsley Park. For more information, please contact the Centre for Music, Liturgy and the Arts on 8267 2657 or admin@cmla.org.au QUILT EXHIBITION. Hilltop Quilters present an exhibition at The Corner Uniting Church (corner Oaklands and Diagonal Roads, Warradale) on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 May, 10am-4pm. $5 admission includes recipe booklet. Quilt and craft display, quilt raffle, trading table, and Devonshire Tea. Hilltop Quilters, Brighton Uniting Church Quilters and Corner Craft will contribute. Proceeds go to Pinery Fires Recovery and Flinders Medical Centre ’ s Neonatal Unit. More information at thecorner.org.au

diary HISTORY MONTH EVENT. The “ Religion in State Schools: past campaigns and present challenges ” History Month event will be held at Woodville High School (Leslie Street, Woodville) on Sunday 29 May, 2-4pm. Dr Don Hopgood, former Deputy Premier and past Moderator of the Uniting Church in SA, will launch a three-part publication, “ Exploring Religion in State schools: the Story of the Religious Education Project ” .

Peter Russell, co-author, will speak on the third section of this work.

For more information, please contact Dean Eland on 0419 112 603 or djeland@bigpond.com HARMONY CLUB CONCERT. Mount Barker Uniting Church (13 Mann Street, Mount Barker) will host a concert by the Lobethal Harmony Club on Sunday 29 May commencing at 2pm. Tickets $15. For more information or to buy tickets, please contact Bruce Kelly on 0447 276 907.

BREAK-FAST at The Corner Uniting Church (corner Oaklands and Diagonal Roads, Warradale) on Sunday 29 May, 8.30-9.30am. Cafe-style relaxed space where people can chat around tables, sharing the daily breaking of the overnight fast, while breaking the greater fasting of spiritual stillness, reflective conversation and community friendship in the midst of busy-ness. Costs $10 per head. More information at thecorner.org.au

Fulltime Minister Minister of the Word or Deacon: St Stephen’s Uniting Church Wodonga St Stephen’s is seeking a minister offering vision, pastoral oversight and leadership to work with, and enable, dedicated and enthusiastic lay people to grow worship, study groups, discipleship, service and spiritual gifts. This Wodonga church is a single congregation seeking a fulltime placement.

The minister will be expected to maintain and enhance the community connections and ministry of the congregation, expressed through UnitingCare Wodonga, as well as other programs.

Wodonga is a regional city on the border of Vic/NSW with excellent educational opportunities from early learning to universities, top class medical facilities and very good transport links to capital cities – road, train and air. Cultural and recreational activities abound.

Employment opportunities exist for family members.

PLEASANT SUNDAY AFTERNOON. A pleasant Sunday afternoon will be held at Croydon Park Uniting Church (310 Torrens Road, Croydon Park) at 2pm on Sunday 29 May. A varied program will be presented by the Woodville Concert Choir. Donation: $10 adults, children free. Afternoon tea included.

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Ministers in good standing with any other denomination recognised by the Uniting Church are eligible to apply.

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To enquire or request a copy of the congregational profile and related information, contact Adrienne Dyall: 0408 975 882 or email afdyall@bigpond.com

A THIN PLACE. Everyone who enjoys (or wants to try) contemplative worship is invited to A Thin Place at The Corner Uniting Church (corner Oaklands and Diagonal Roads, Warradale) on Sunday 5 June at 5.30pm. All are welcome to an hour of quiet reflection on the theme of sorrow and joy at several prayer stations, including a multi-screen audio visual presentation of art, photography and scripture. More information at thecorner.org.au

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Applications should be sent to: Isabel Thomas Dobson, Secretary of Placements Committee, by email to isabel.thomasdobson@victas.uca.org.au or by post to 130 Little Collins St, Melbourne 3000.

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Applications close: 30 April 2016

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS. Golden Grove Uniting Church (formerly Golden Grove Presbyterian) invites all to attend their 150th anniversary celebrations. The old building at 75 One Tree Hill Road, Golden Grove, was first opened in June 1866. The mark the occasion, the congregation is holding two worship services of celebration – Sunday 19 and 26 June at 10am. The celebrations will continue after the service with a morning tea offered on the 19 June and a light lunch on 26 June. RSVP to Cath McKechnie on 0448 509 934.

CHOIR ANNIVERSARY. The choir at Glengowrie Uniting Church (33 Butler Crescent, Glengowrie) will be celebrating 60 years of service on Sunday 26 June, and will be holding a celebration at Glengowrie ’ s 10am service. Hear the anthems and join the congregation afterwards for a light lunch with musical items by the choir. For further information, please contact Anne Herman on 8294 6089.

Netball Chaplain Westbourne Park Uniting Church is seeking an enthusiastic Chaplain to our Netball Club.

We have 62 summer teams and 50 winter teams. We take seriously our church - club relationship.

The successful applicant will have proven pastoral and interpersonal skills, ability to coordinate a pastoral team, a love of netball, a lively Christian faith and be committed to the ethos of the Uniting Church.

This position is for 10 hours per week. For more information or a Job and Person Description please contact the WPUC church office, Rev Tony Eldridge 8271 7066 or email wpuc@internode.on.net Applications close Friday 22 April 2016.

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

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

Be topical, be brief, be timely.

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

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

p o s i t i o n s va c a n t . s a . u c a . o r g . a u Return to Contents

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“Your investments are helping Eldercare maintain its commitment to the care of older South Australians. We’re undertaking a major multi-million dollar redevelopment and expansion phase that will see us deliver best practice care in first class residential facilities.”

Chris O’Grady, Major Project and Property Executive, Eldercare

Invest with someone who invests in your community.

Visit us at ucinvest.com.au or call us on 1300 274 151.

UC Invest is an activity of The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (S.A.) ABN 25 068 897 781, the legal entity of the Uniting Church SA. Investment services are provided on behalf of the Uniting Church SA pursuant to ASIC Policy Statement 87 exemptions and APRA Banking Exemption No. 4 of 2014 (“The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (S.A.)”). Neither UC Invest nor the Uniting Church SA are prudentially supervised by APRA. Investments and contributions lodged with UC Invest will not benefit from the depositor protection provisions of the Banking Act (1959). All products offered by UC Invest are designed for investors who wish to promote the charitable purposes of the Uniting Church SA.

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reviews

Searching for miracles Film: Miracles from Heaven Director: Patricia Riggen Rating: PG Recommended for: people interested in a true story of faith, family love and divine intervention In short: A validation of the importance of faith in all circumstances.

Screening at selected cinemas across South Australia.

Every day God is performing miracles, from the mundane to the breathtaking – some harder to see than others. Miracles from Heaven demonstrates how God ’ s perfect timing and choreography can intervene to pull a person back from the brink of death, and into a place of grace.

This was such an enjoyable movie that I would definitely see it again.

Rated PG, I took my eight-year-old to see it, and she also loved it. But I can ’ t help thinking this was because we understood or recognised the many Christian references. The film had several church/preaching scenes, references to Christ, and discussions of faith and Jesus. I ’ m not sure a secular viewer could relate so well – some may find the “ God speak ” hard to decipher. Perhaps the near-empty theatre in which I saw the film demonstrates this. Still, I would consider rewatching the film, and encourage anyone with a faith to see it, too.

Set in Texas, within the “ Bible belt ” of America, Miracles from Heaven is a drama based on the true story of the Beam family – Christy (Jenifer Garner), Kevin (Martin Henderson) and their three daughters, aged six, 10 and 12.

The movie opens with the family attending their local church service and hosting an after-church barbecue at their family property.

This is where viewers learn that Kevin has recently invested all of the Beams ’ equity into their veterinary business to create the biggest clinic in the state.

Shortly afterwards, their middle daughter, Anna (Kylie Rogers), is diagnosed with a very rare intestinal disorder that doctors say is terminal. This revelation sends Christy into a state of turmoil, and the audience sees her grapple with her faith as she questions why God would let this happen.

Jennifer Garner gives an incredibly authentic performance in this movie, as her character navigates emotional highs and lows while searching for a seeminlgy impossible cure for her daughter.

I don ’ t want to give away the ending, but I can say the movie demonstrates that God is always working in people ’ s lives - sometimes even when things don ’ t seem to be going to plan.

It acts as a reminder that we must keep looking for, and appreciating, those little (and big) miracles that occur in God ’ s perfect timing.

Bindy Taylor

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c u l t u re

Julie-Anne Bingham, pictured bottom left at Blair Athol Experience Café. Other photos are from the Experience Café grand opening in Blair Athol on Saturday 27 February, 2016.

Take two!

Bindy Taylor

Many young people, particularly refugees and migrants, can find it difficult to gain work experience and employment in Adelaide.

Since its establishment, Experience Café has provided many young people with avenues for paid employment – and to Christ.

Operating out of CitySoul Uniting Church on Hutt Street, the café is the brainchild of Rev Ruthmary Bond and helps individuals acquire important life skills in a caring and supportive community.

The original café was such a success that another one was recently opened on Clifton Street in Blair Athol. This new community outreach has found a home in the old Blair Athol Uniting Church building, where it receives support from the building ’ s landlords, Prospect Road Uniting Church, who also run the adjacent op shop.

Due to a recent family tragedy, founder Ruthmary has had to temporarily step away from the project, leaving her close friend JulieAnne Bingham to oversee the new café.

The model of this café mirrors that of the Hutt Street location, providing opportunities for individuals to gain paid employment by undertaking practical volunteer work experience. It primarily seeks to connect with refugees, asylum seekers, the unemployed and new arrivals to Adelaide.

Julie-Anne has taken this task on with

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gusto, having previously witnessed the ways Ruthmary and the café have changed people ’ s lives through caring community and teaching experiences. “ Experience Café is the gospel worked out in a practical manner. It is training people, edifying people for Christian social outreach, ” Julie-Anne explains. “ Those volunteering in the café learn how to make coffee, how to wait on customers, appropriate ways to communicate, while also gaining life skills, including personal hygiene, independent living skills and more. ” Ruthmary is currently in talks with Government agencies on how Experience Café may be able to join with the “ Work for the Dole ” scheme to provide this kind of training and support to a larger group of people.

But this is just the first step. Those involved with both Experience Café sites are excited to build on this important community project.

The vision is to create an initiative called Experience Communities, which would provide opportunities for people to gain training and work experience in different kinds of businesses – or even to start their own business.

The old Blair Athol Uniting Church site is well-suited for this kind of growth. “ Due to the size and layout of the church building we already have other businesses

located in the café – a hairdresser, Masi, who one day hopes to take on apprentices, and Jan who undertakes massage therapy, ” says Julie-Anne. “ The vision for this café is for it to develop into Experience Communities, whereby all sorts of ventures can be assisted to grow and develop. At present, we have hopes to extend the business to the group of empty sheds located across the road from the café. ” There are a number of ways that Uniting Church congregations, faith communities and individuals can support Experience Café as they seek further ways to connect and grow. “ Patronising the business is one way to offer support, ” says Julie-Anne. “ The café is open from Wednesday to Friday, 10am until 3pm.

There are outdoor areas and toys for children.

It is an ideal location for mother ’ s groups with well-priced food and coffee. There is also a meeting space upstairs for hire. “ Experience Café is always looking for volunteers so we ’ d encourage people to consider offering support in this way, too.

We ’ re not only seeking volunteers to develop new skills, but people who have already held positions as managers or baristas and would like to assist in growing the skills of others. ” For more information about Experience Café, please contact Ruthmary Bond on 0407 608 000 or ruthmarybond@gmail.com

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