New Times August - September 2016

Issue 35, No 4, 2016

The voice of Uniting Church SA

August / September 2016

Renewing ministries NEW HYMNS

MORE THAN CAMPFIRE TALES

Recovering lost

Stories from Uniting Church camps

language in worship

pp. 12-13

pp. 10-11

Contents FEATURES Presbytery & Synod meeting summary

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Recovering lost language in worship

10-11

More than campfire tales

12-13

Encouraging engagement on mental health

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REGULAR PAGES Moderator ’ s comment

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CEO/Gen Sec’s comment

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Diary 20-21 Letters 22-23

Editor: Catherine Hoffman Editor-in-Chief: Bindy Taylor Advertising: Communications Design: Winaya Kamaputri Print: Graphic Print Group

(Morgans A.B.N. 49 010 669 726 A.F.S.L.235410) Participant of ASX Group, A Professional Partner of the Financial Planning Association of Australia.

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

8261 8211 All hours

www.ivanbutlerfunerals.com.au enquiries@ivanbutlerfunerals.com.au 26 OG Road Klemzig SA 5087

DEADLINE FOR OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016 EDITION:

Friday 16 September Cover details: Rev Don Bell and Dr Maarten Ryder stand in front of Pilgrim Uniting Church in Adelaide for this month ’ s cover photo. Don and Maarten will launch a new book of hymns at Pilgrim on Friday 2 September at 7.30pm. Don spoke to Catherine Hoffman about the language of hymns and worship. Read more on pages 10-11.

AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

Geoff Lewis General Manager

editorial

Busy, busy, busy!

This has been a hectic month for the Communications team – and for me in my personal life!

As you can see from the following pages – packed with interviews, events, campaigns and calendars – we have a lot on our plate right now.

(So much so that it ’ s taken over my editorial page!)

In the midst of all the busyness, I would like to take the time to point out the hard work individuals, congregations and communities have been putting into exciting new ministries. As Editor of New Times, I often hear stories of the different ways people are sharing their gifts and showing God ’ s love to others.

I encourage you to continue sharing your ministry stories with New Times. While we are not always able to fit these stories on the printed page, our online space offers an exciting platform from which to share them.

If you would like to talk about an article idea, please contact me on 8236 4230 or email newtimes@sa.uca.org.au

Catherine Hoffman

Intern •

Journalism internship

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Three month contract (0.4 FTE)

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Unique opportunity to progress your career

Are you interested in a future in journalism? If you are a tertiary student or recent graduate of Journalism, Communications or a related field, New Times is offering an internship that will bolster your knowledge with hands-on experience.

This position is based in the Uniting Church SA Presbytery and Synod office and reports to the Communications Manager and Editor-in-Chief.

Applications must include a resume (including at least two referees) and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria outlined in the position description, which is available from the positions vacant page on the sa.uca.org.au website.

The role is a three month fixed term, part-time (0.4 FTE) internship. Applications close Friday 19 August at 5pm.

For more information, please contact Human Resources via email humanresources@sa.uca.org.au or phone 8236 4234.

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2017 calendars Orders for the 2017 Uniting Church SA calendar are now open!

Each year, the Communications team produces this valuable resource, which includes photos of the Uniting Church SA community, important dates, lectionary readings, a message from the Moderator and General Secretary, and the Mission & Service Fund budget.

All congregations who wish to receive printed calendars must place an order by Friday 14 October, 2016. Congregations who do not place an order will not receive any printed calendars.

Pricing Printed calendars cost $1.50 each; there is no minimum order number.

A complimentary downloadable version will be made available online in November 2016.

Collection Churches can nominate to collect their calendars at the November Presbytery and Synod meeting or the Synod office (Level 2, 212 Pirie Street, Adelaide), or have calendars posted at an additional cost.

Ordering A document including an order form and payment slip is available online at sa.uca.org.au/calendars-annual-reports The completed order form and payment slip can be emailed, faxed or posted to the Communications team using the details below. Please ensure these are sent to the Communications team to be received by Friday 14 October.

Contact details All your calendar orders and enquiries can be directed to the Communications team: p. 8236 4230 e. communications@sa.uca.org.au f. 8236 4201 m. Communications, Uniting Church SA, GPO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001

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moderator

Intergenerational Christian communities Over the past month, I have had the joy of being part of three gatherings that have expressed in so many ways the best of our life as a church – the annual “School of Discipleship ” held in Sydney; the National Young Adult Leaders Conference on the Gold Coast, and Winterbourne here in Adelaide.

School of Discipleship has run for 13 years, growing out of the ministry of the Uniting Church in universities in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory – through chaplaincy, study groups and intentional Christian community. The event has a focus on “ radical discipleship ” and seeks to bring together “ kindred spirits ” for an opportunity to study Scripture and society in communityb and worship.

The National Young Adult Leaders Conference (NYALC) is an event organised by the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly. The conference is hosted by the Uniting Church ’ s President and the Chair of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, who work in collaboration with the state Synods.

In 2016, NYALC ’ s focus was on empowerment, identity in Christ, and being equipped for participation in God ’ s mission.

The gathering at NYALC embodied the multicultural, intercultural, intergenerational church we are and are becoming. We listened carefully to one another ’ s perspectives. We heard people ’ s pain around colonisation and dispossession. We listened to people ’ s concerns around domestic violence and violence in the global context. We grappled with different ways of worshipping and different theological understandings, and experienced Christian community in the midst of all those differences.

Winterbourne is a ministry of Westbourne Park Uniting Church. It is a four-day event for people in Years 8 through to 12, held during the school holidays. According to the organisers, “ Winterbourne seeks to be an opportunity for youth to grow in their faith whilst developing friendships and having fun through electives, worship, small groups and service. ” The theme for Winterbourne this year was “ Following Jesus ” – as healer, rebel, storyteller, supermodel and Saviour!

I found that these three gatherings had some features in common: • A focus on community that is shaped by Christ and Christ ’ s mission in the world.

• Respect for one another – an honouring of different perspectives and the unique gifts that each person brings. A respect grounded in the conviction that we are all created in God ’ s image and deeply loved by God. • Intentionality – creating spaces whose purpose is to encourage and equip people in the ministry they are engaged in through their daily life and work.

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Dr Deidre Palmer (back, second from right) with members of the Uniting Church SA at the 2016 National Young Adult Leaders Conference.

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Commitment from participants to give their time and energy to these events.

• Willingness to risk being with a new group of people and open themselves to building community and friendships.

• Discovering that there are others who share in this faith journey.

• Opportunities to grow deeper in relationship with God, and to explore the Biblical and theological foundations of our faith.

As the Uniting Church we are committed to intentionally nurturing children, youth and young adults in Christian faith.

I give thanks to God for local congregations and other councils of the Uniting Church who pour energy and resources into Christian formation, into intentionally supporting people in going deeper in their Christian faith, and into equipping them for participation in Christ ’ s mission in the world.

I give thanks to God for the way the Holy Spirit is shaping Christian communities whose life flows from the life of Jesus – spaces of overflowing grace, compassion, encouragement and hope. These Christian communities are the places from which reform and transformation are birthed.

Dr Deidre Palmer

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

Merging for mission and ministry I ’ d like to use my space in this edition of New Times to talk about a change that will be taking place at the start of 2017. Beginning next year, the newly formed Mission and Leadership Development (MLD) ministry centre will be rolled out across the operations of the Uniting Church SA. The MLD ministry centre will involve bringing together the operations and functions of Mission Resourcing, the Interim Mission Council, Uniting College for Leadership & Theology, and the Leadership Development Council. A great deal of the consideration concerning the move to this ministry centre was covered in the Leadership Development Council Review process, which was reported to Standing Committee earlier in 2016. At its recent July meeting, Standing Committee agreed to the development of the new MLD ministry centre, and work is already underway to further this process.

One of the primary tasks being undertaken at present is the development of the MLD Board, who will provide the necessary governance framework for the ministry centre and carry all the regulated responsibilities of the Ministerial Education Board. The current view is that membership of the MLD Board will be addressed through the election process at the November Presbytery and Synod Meeting. The Board will report to the Standing Committee.

There will be some significant staffing changes in the move to this new ministry centre. The key changes will affect the current positions of Principal of Uniting College for Leadership & Theology, and Executive Officer, Mission Resourcing.

The Principal role will now be included within the new position of Executive Officer, Mission Leadership and Development – a role which will thus be held by current Principal Rev Prof Andrew Dutney.

In this role, Andrew will be accountable to the MLD Board and will action direction given to him by the Board. The Executive Officer will also be responsible for the strategic leadership, financial and staffing management of the MLD ministry centre, and will report directly to the CEO/General Secretary.

The new position of Executive Director, Mission will also be significant in providing clarity for staff and the wider church as the transition is made to the new MLD ministry centre. This role will be undertaken by Rev Dr Amelia Koh-Butler, who currently serves as Executive Officer, Mission Resourcing. Amelia ’ s new role will include ongoing exercise of strategic leadership, and financial and staffing management with the Mission Resourcing staff who merge into the MLD ministry centre. The Executive Director will direct these aspects of mission with the Executive Officer providing oversight and accountability.

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Rev Nigel Rogers addressing the gathered members at the June Presbytery and Synod meeting.

The new position of Vice Principal will also be included in the leadership of the MLD ministry centre. The Executive Officer will ensure that appropriate delegations are given to the person in this role, who will effectively be “ second in charge ” within the life of Uniting College for Leadership & Theology. This role has not yet been assigned to a particular person.

Having outlined these staffing changes, you may be wondering – why change?

The fundamental reason is to strengthen the life of congregations.

The move to one MLD ministry centre will provide a more efficient and coordinated approach to educating and equipping congregations for mission and ministry. We seek to be a growing church and as such, we need to fully utilise the resources we have for the sake of supporting the local church.

More information about the MLD ministry centre will continue to be shared in the lead up to the November meeting of the Presbytery and Synod.

Rev Nigel Rogers

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Discussion and decisions As they gathered on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 June, members of the Presbytery and Synod heard proposals and reports, witnessed commissionings and inductions, and took part in discussions on a wide variety of issues. This article provides summaries of some of the noteworthy events from the meeting.

The laying on of hands during the induction and commissioning service.

Rev Dr Amelia Koh-Butler speaks during the first strategic and innovative evangelism session.

Induction and commissioning service

Strategic and innovative evangelism

The June Presbytery and Synod meeting opened with worship and an induction and commissioning service. Seven people were officially welcomed into roles in the Synod office, Uniting College for Leadership & Theology and the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC): Rev Philip Gardner inducted to serve as Executive Officer, Pastoral Relations and Mission Planning Team Rev Prof Andrew Dutney recognised as Principal of Uniting College and Executive Officer Rev Beth Seaman inducted to serve as Chaplaincy Manager, Pastoral Relations and Mission Planning Team Rev Mark Kickett inducted to serve as Development Officer for the UAICC and Minister to the Kalparrin faith community of the UAICC Rev Christy Capper inducted to serve as Director of Missiology, Uniting College and Mission Resourcing Judyth Roberts commissioned to serve as Intergenerational Discipleship Developer, Uniting College and Mission Resourcing Mike Wardrop commissioned to serve as Intergenerational Discipleship Developer, Mission Resourcing

Two sessions on strategic and innovative evangelism were held at the meeting, providing an opportunity for members to hear stories from the front and to share with one another.

In the first session, Rev Dr Vicky Balabanski, Rev Andrew Robertson and Rev Dr Amelia Koh-Butler each approached the topic of evangelism differently, drawing on their personal experiences and reflections.

In the second session, Rev Denise Champion and Rev Peter Riggs drew on their experiences of evangelism in ministry.

Denise reflected on the hopes and challenges of evangelism through the ministry of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. She spoke of the unique nature of teaching the Gospel within Indigenous Australian communities.

Pete then shared his own stories of evangelism in his role as a school chaplain and in his context at Playford Uniting Church. He spoke particularly about his congregation ’ s presence at a local football match on Good Friday this year.

At the end of each session members were invited to answer questions and share stories in small groups, followed by an opportunity for individuals to share reflections from the floor.

Recordings of some of the stories shared in these sessions will be made available online (sa.uca.org.au) prior to the November Presbytery and Synod meeting. The small group responses will be included in a report, which will be presented at the November meeting.

Presbytery Strategy and Planning Team Due to the resignation of two members, the Presbytery Strategy & Planning Team had two positions open. After nomination and voting processes, Ken Burt and Trevor Phillips were announced as the two newest members of the team.

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Mike Wardrop (left) shakes hands with Dr Deidre Palmer.

The communion table, ready for the closing service.

Readiness for ordination

Mission and Service Fund

A proposal to ordain Mike Wardrop as a Minister of the Word in the Uniting Church was passed by consensus. Mike was ordained at The Journey Uniting Church on Sunday 7 August.

Professional supervision Rev Diane Bury spoke about the importance of professional supervision. This term encompasses the relationship between a supervisor (usually a minister) and another minister or ministry leader, which serves to enhance the quality of ministry and provide a regular opportunity for reflecting on ministry and pastoral relationships.

Diane announced that the Pastoral Relations and Mission Planning team will hold a training session for supervisors in September. Dates will be announced through “ UC e-News ” .

For more information about professional supervision, please visit sa.uca.org.au/pastoral-relations/supervision-documents or contact Diane Bury on 8236 4254 or email dbury@sa.uca.org.au

Peter Battersby (Executive Officer, Resources) presented the Resources Board Report, including the 2015 Financial Report, Audit Report and 2015 financial statements. He acknowledged the faithfulness of congregations and members for their ongoing commitment to the wider work of the Uniting Church SA through the Mission and Service Fund.

Peter affirmed that the Uniting Church SA is on track to achieve the balanced budget target for 2016.

Public hospital chaplaincy Rev Mark Boyce and Rev Judy Knowling advised the gathering of changes to chaplaincy in public hospitals. They encouraged people in congregations to contact hospital chaplains directly if someone from their community is in a public hospital.

Further information about the changes and what they will mean will be provided in “ UC e-News ” and New Times.

Property sale proceeds

Closing worship

In October 2015, the Presbytery and Synod approved a new Property By-Law and Property Sale Proceeds Policy (PSPP), which is effective for all proposals to sell received after 30 June, 2016.

Lynne Aird spoke about the PSPP Review and the creation of the Property Sales Handbook. This useful resource has been prepared to assist congregations with information and processes related to the sale of all real estate property.

The Property Sales Handbook is available online at sa.uca.org.au/ property-services

The closing worship of the meeting was an emotional one, as it marked the end of the last Presbytery and Synod meeting to be led

by Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer. Deidre took the time to thank her worship team and other key people for their support at Presbytery and Synod meetings since she began as Moderator in 2013. She shared a brief message on the reading from Acts 2:42-47 before members shared in communion.

Deidre will continue as Uniting Church SA Moderator until the November meeting of the Presbytery and Synod when Rev Sue Ellis will be inducted into the role.

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Called to a special Synod A lengthy discussion over nuclear waste repositories took place over the Friday and Saturday business sessions of the June Presbytery and Synod meeting. The discussion followed a presentation from Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) members Rev Denise Champion and Rev Mark Kickett.

The pair introduced the topic by speaking of the concerns of Indigenous and UAICC communities around a proposed site for a repository on Adnyamathanha (Flinders Ranges) country, and around the disposal of nuclear waste in Australia generally.

After presenting a proposal related to these points (Proposal 5), members of the Presbytery and Synod expressed concerns over this issue, with many feeling they needed to educate themselves further.

Conversation centred around the distinction between the Federal Government ’ s low level Radioactive Waste Management Facility and the State Government ’ s consideration on SA ’ s involvement in the nuclear waste cycle, including the building of a separate medium to high waste management facility.

Both the Federal and State approaches to nuclear waste management highlight a lack of consultation with Aboriginal People.

This prompted the UAICC to seek support from the Uniting Church SA in the form of this proposal, as a request to walk in solidarity with them.

The members of the Presbytery and Synod were able to reach consensus on the first point of the proposal – to “ listen to and acknowledge the concerns and opposition that the UAICC are expressing about proposed nuclear dumps in South Australia ” . No decision was reached on the second point of the proposal.

The third point of the proposal was passed by consensus to “ request the Moderator to progress a process for Presbytery and Synod members to explore the issue of nuclear waste repositories and a meeting of Synod be convened for decision making on this matter. ” In response to the decision of the Presbytery and Synod, the Moderator has called for a special Synod meeting to take place at Adelaide West Uniting Church on Friday 19 August at 6.30pm.

The meeting will further consider potential effects of nuclear waste repositories in SA, and the second point to the UAICC ’ s proposal, which remains an outstanding piece of business from the last meeting: Stand in covenantal solidarity with UAICC to oppose the proposed nuclear waste repository at Barndinoota (Flinders Rangers/Ikara) South Australia.

All interested Uniting Church members are encouraged to attend the event, particularly members of the Presbytery and Synod.

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Rev Denise Champion addresses the gathered members at the June Presbytery and Synod meeting.

For more information, including background documents on the topic of nuclear waste, please visit sa.uca.org.au/pres-synodmeetings or contact Tim Molineux on 8236 4221 or email tmolineux@sa.uca.org.au

Placements News Placements News No placements were finalised in the month prior to Friday 22 July.

Vacant placements: The following is the current list of vacant (or soon to be vacant) approved placements: Profiles available – Burra (0.7); County Jervois (Arno, Cleve, Coolanie, Cowell, Driver River); Golden Grove (from 1 September 2016); Kimba (from 1 November 2016); Keith “ One Church ” (Uniting Church and Church of Christ together); Port Elliot (0.5) (from 1 April 2017); Tumby Bay & Districts (0.4); Westbourne Park (0.5) (from 1 July 2016); Western Eyre (Cornerstone (Cummins), Cummins, Lock, Yeelanna); Whyalla; Wesley Kent Town (0.7).

Profiles not yet available – Covenanting Officer, Presbytery and Synod; Gawler Parish (from 1 January 2017); Kangaroo Island Linked Congregations (from February 2016); Mannum (0.3); Noarlunga (from 1 January 2017).

Services Monday 15 August, 2pm – Induction of Rev Nicholas Rundle, Chaplain TQEH (0.5) at Woodville Uniting Church Tuesday 20 September, 7pm – Induction of Rev David Hoffman at Westbourne Park Uniting Church For more information on any of these placements, or to view national placements, please visit sa.uca.org.au/pastoral-relations/placementsvacant-and-finalised

leadership

Engaging with cultural identity Building Bridges of Understanding is the new ministry training course being offered by Mission Resourcing ’ s CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) Ministry team. CALD Ministry Coordinator Kemeri Liévano spoke to Catherine Hoffman about the training, and why it ’ s vital for church leaders and communities to get involved.

“ Building Bridges of Understanding is about cultural awareness for ministry, ” Kemeri Liévano emphasises. “ All the basics are there – it ’ s really an introductory program. It ’ ll include helping people to understand their own cultural identity and how to work with people who identify differently. ” The two-day workshop has been designed by the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly and has been successfully carried out in congregations and communities across the nation. But despite being a key tool in helping ministers and lay leaders to better understand cultural identity and community, it has remained absent in the South Australian sphere until recently. “ When we shape people for practical ministry, we need to be thinking about ideas like cultural identity and the cultural lenses through which we understand God and ministry, ” says Kemeri. “ If we don ’ t intentionally develop and resource the church in these areas, it ’ s going to be much harder for ministry leaders and churches to engage with the half of Australia that is from a cultural background outside the mainstream. ”

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Running over two days, Building Bridges of Understanding is a required or strongly recommended course for ministry leaders within the Uniting Church.

The course will help equip participants for respectful and intentional intercultural engagement, helping leaders to develop contextually relevant ministry in diverse communities. “ Our church communities embrace people from many cultural and linguistic backgrounds, ” Kemeri continues. “ This course looks at common misunderstandings held by some community members and leaders. Through this training we hope to help people move beyond cultural blindness – like the ‘aren ’ t we all just the same anyway? ’ mentality – and help them find ways to recognise, value and engage different perspectives in ministry. ” The program was designed by CALD ministry practitioners, theologians and educators to be relevant for both CALD and mainstream participants, so all are welcome. “ People coming along are encouraged to be ready to examine their own cultural

preconceptions with an open heart, to unpack scriptural perspectives on interculturality in ministry, and to begin understanding how we can use what God has given us to bless the church missionally. ” The Building Bridges of Understanding training workshop will be held at Parafield Gardens Uniting Church on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 August, 9am-4pm each day. The course costs $15 per day, which covers catering costs for morning tea and lunch. More training sessions may be added later in the year.

For more information, to register for the August session or express your interest in a future session, please contact Kemeri Liévano on 8236 4285 or email cald@sa.uca.org.au

Photo (left to right): CALD Ministry team members Kemeri Liévano and Sam Chan, pictured here with Esteban Liévano, will be two of the four presenters at the Building Bridges of Understanding training course.

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Recovering lost language in worship It ’ s not often that people can call themselves hymn writers these days – but it ’ s a claim that Rev Don Bell and Dr Maarten Ryder can now boldly make with the upcoming launch of their new publication, Hymns for Times and Seasons.

Catherine Hoffman sat down with Don to talk about the creation of this new hymn book, and the importance of language in worship music.

Many people don ’ t think of hymns as an exciting topic of conversation – but Rev Don Bell isn ’ t most people. Talking about hymns and his long history with them, Don ’ s face lights up in delight. He ’ s interested in all aspects of hymns – the theology, the language, the music, the history, and how they ’ re used in church settings. “ I ’ ve actually been writing hymns since about 1970 – with varying degrees of success, ” Don laughs. “ This book is the culmination of years of interest and study in both church and university settings. ” During his time as a Uniting Church minister in locations across Victoria and South Australia, Don witnessed firsthand the ways congregations engage with hymns, verse and music. He was particularly interested in the language people use to address God and express themselves in worship.

It is easy for church members to recognise that the language we use in worship is very important, and to understand that this language has undergone significant changes in recent decades. Not many of us, however, have given as much thought to this topic as Don. Since retiring in 2005, Don has spent considerable time reflecting on the language used to address God in worship, and the theology reflected in worship music. He previously completed a Masters thesis comparing language in older styles of worship with contemporary styles. These topics also form part of his current PhD work with Flinders University. “ What I ’ m interested in is not only the theology within our old hymns, but the theological and literary issues within worship music in general, ” Don emphasises.

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It is, perhaps, natural that Don ’ s interest in the language of worship would translate to writing hymns of his own – particularly after joining forces with Dr Maarten Ryder, the musician and scientist behind the music accompanying Don ’ s words. “ I call the songs in Hymns for Times and Seasons ‘hymns ’ rather than ‘songs ’ because I feel much of the language used in modern worship music has had the older beauty simplified out of it. But simplification isn ’ t everything, and in popularising the language and imagery used, many modern songs have lost the poetry of older hymns, ” he says. “ The hymns Maarten and I have written really concentrate on the Bible, and follow the church times and seasons. We ’ ve tried to create these hymns to give worshippers entry into the literary world of the Bible, so that they discover in it their own theology. ” According to Flinders University English Professor Graham Tulloch, the hymn writers have succeeded in this endeavour. In the foreword of Hymns for Times and Seasons, Graham writes that the hymns in this collection “ offer a language in which modern people can express their beliefs, but also a language fit to be addressed to God ” . “ There are many riches in this collection, both in Don ’ s verse and in Maarten ’ s music, ” Graham writes later in the foreword. “ I commend these new traditional hymns to you – a new addition to an old and venerable tradition. They are hymns for today ’ s people and they are hymns for today ’ s worship. ” Rev Prof Andrew Dutney, who also wrote a foreword for the book, adds that “ they speak from the heart to the heart, and lift my heart to worship God. ”

c u l t u re

Going all out for Pokémon

Above: Rev Don Bell (left) with Dr Maarten Ryder. Left: Don and Maarten with Denise Griffen, Don ’ s wife.

The music accompanying the hymns is also a topic that excites Don – he can ’ t help but sing a few bars of one of his favourites, “ As Treasure Hid Within Our Time ” , while speaking about it. “ Maarten, apart from being a brilliant microbiologist, is also a classically trained musician, and he ’ s the first oboist in the Unley Symphony Orchestra, ” says Don. “ He ’ s written some really inventive music for this book. There is a delightful story that Maarten tells of his recent work in China: One evening he heard a bird outside his window. He sang the tune to his Chinese assistant, who said ‘Oh! That ’ s our Chinese cuckoo ’ . This is now the basis of one of our hymn tunes. That ’ s a real inventive composer for you. ” Members of the wider Uniting Church community will have an opportunity to hear this music – and contemplate Don ’ s thoughtful wording – at a launch event being held at Pilgrim Uniting Church on Friday 2 September at 7.30pm. Entrance to the launch event costs $10 and includes a copy of Hymns for Times and Seasons, which is being published by MediaCom. “ We ’ re really excited to share this music with everyone, ” Don enthuses. “ We want to fill Pilgrim with people! ” For more information about Hymns for Times and Seasons or the launch event, please contact Rev Don Bell on 8278 7764 or email bellgriff@internode.on.net

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Uniting Church SA congregations around Adelaide have inadvertently found themselves a part of the craze surrounding Pokémon GO. The interactive, augmented reality game was released in early July and quickly attracted a huge following of people of all ages. The game requires players to walk around their neighbourhood looking for Pokémon, stopping at designated Pokéstops and “ training ” at Pokémon gyms.

A number of Uniting Church SA congregations contacted New Times to say that their church buildings have been identified as a Pokéstop or Pokémon gym. Many of these communities have embraced the opportunity to connect with visitors playing Pokémon GO. “ Usually the church has to go out into the community to engage with others; this situation is unique in that young people are actually coming to us, arriving on our doorstep, ” a representative from The Corner Uniting Church commented online.

The Uniting Church buildings in Golden Grove and Greenwith have been identified as a Pokéstop and Pokémon gym respectively. “ We haven ’ t engaged with this yet, ” Golden Grove minister Rev David Hoffman says. “ But we ’ re thinking we might set up a lure [which attracts Pokémon GO users to an area] at our Pokéstop. We ’ ll open up the church for people to come in and have a cuppa while they ‘catch them all ’ . ” Westbourne Park Uniting Church is also a Pokémon gym – which was put to good use during the church ’ s Winterbourne event, a school holiday day camp for youth.

Salisbury Uniting Church is a Pokéstop and has already provided opportunities for minister Rev Nick Patselis to engage with members of the community.

Meadows Uniting Church have changed their church sign to welcome Pokémon GO users after realising their location was a Pokéstop, and Tea Tree Gully has both a Pokémon gym and a Pokéstop on their grounds. “ We can ’ t help finding it amazing that such an iconic X/Y genspecific cultural phenomena is literally putting our churches on the map, ” says Kemeri Liévano, whose home congregation of Hallett Cove Uniting Church has been designated a Pokémon gym. “ It ’ s a real relationship-building opportunity. For example, if you have a café and your church is featured – free wifi and a hot drink is a better option for gamers than sitting in the carpark or shivering on the doorstep. And what a welcome that is! ”

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More than campfire tales Church camps are fun, safe ways to engage young people with the wider church – but they are about much more than providing a weekend of entertainment. These events provide genuine and important opportunities for children and teens to form and develop their faith.

It is important to keep this in mind when considering the shape of the Uniting Church SA ’ s annual KCO (Kids Camp Out) and SAYCO (South Australian Youth Camp Out), and the ways young people are led and nurtured at these events.

For this edition, New Times asked Uniting Church SA members to share some of the ways they have been affected by church camps – as young campers and as adults.

Longer versions of the following stories will be shared through New Times online (sa.uca.org.au/new-times) over the coming weeks.

“ Good follow-up by a local church is important ” Nicole Mugford

Camps have been a huge part of my faith growing up and even into adulthood. As a young person, attending Easter camps, KCO and Christian Endeavour camps showed me how to live faithfully as a Christian.

In the 24 years of my life so far, I ’ ve only missed one KCO. As a camper, I found it a good opportunity to invite friends from school to attend. As a junior leader, I was given opportunities to develop my leadership skills. As an adult leader at KCO, SAYCO, and other camps, I ’ ve had opportunities to hear from God, to try something new, to practice and refine a skill, and to build a network of other Christian leaders across our state.

The more I am involved in ministry with young people the more I realise the importance and value of Christian camps.

For many young people, in the country in particular, camps provide a rare opportunity

to meet other Christ followers their age and to experience worship that makes sense for them.

However, camps are most effective if they don ’ t stand alone as an experience. Camps are a place where seeds are planted, but the seeds need to be watered over the long term in order for them to grow. Good follow-up by a local church is important after a camp.

Nicole Mugford is a Bachelor of Ministry student who is currently undergoing a Period of Discernment. She lives and works in Naracoorte as the Youth Pastoral Assistant at Naracoorte Uniting Church, and also works as a pastoral care worker at a local primary school. She first felt a call to country youth ministry four years ago at a Christian Endeavour camp.

Nicole Mugford (pictured top, second from right) has been involved in many church camps.

“ We are in it together ” Jenny Esots, Willunga Uniting Church

I was invited to attend my first KUCA campout (now KCO) as a leader when my daughter was seven.

My initiation into the children ’ s camp phenomena was fast and furious. Our group arrived just before kick off at midday but still had to set up camp with a few stubborn tents.

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After racing to the opening event, we managed to pitch our group blanket at the back of a huge field of children all decked out in their KUCA gear. We were a long way from the main stage. There was a sea of little people in front of us who were finding out about faith in action.

Looking back that first camp still seems such a mad rush. From memory I went on seven “ camp outs ” – each with new discoveries, new kids and very little sleep. A lot of those children now have children of their own. The blessings flow on – we are in it together.

fa m i ly

“ Church camps are essential ” Nicole Callen

…on church camps Church camps are essential for all ages in the life of the Uniting Church – they can be opportunities for intergenerational interaction, pastoral zones, community building, and much more. As both a child and adult I have been part of my own local church congregation family camps.

As a child, camps provided me with opportunities to play and develop friendships with children from families of faith. I developed relationships with the parents and grandparents of these kids that have lasted long into my adulthood.

As an adult, I have watched church communities bond over camps.

It is a time where normally insanely busy people are able to stop and enjoy each others ’ company. They are able to learn through Bible studies, understand the diversity of God ’ s family in a much deeper way, and spend time living their faith with intentionality.

Larger church camps – like KCO, SAYCO, Easter camps and Beach Mission – are also something I am deeply passionate about. These are opportunities for kids to be surrounded by the gospel in a way that our increasingly secular world cannot and will not provide. They are able to see that there are many kids/youth that are journeying in faith.

They can question and think about their own faith in a supported environment. They can get excited about God ’ s promises and sacrifices.

These experiences can be of indescribable importance to a child/ youth ’ s faith journey. …on KCO as a child I attended KCO from an extremely young age. My mum and dad went for many years as leaders for our church and I just tagged along. I loved KCO as a youngster and then as an official camper.

There ’ s one KCO experience that really stuck with me. I ’ m not sure what year it was – I suspect I was about 10 years old – and Sue Oliver spoke about a big decision she was making in her life. There was a call from the front for financial support for the work she was going to do, and I remember being convicted that I wanted to help. I asked my small group leader if I could go to the admin tent and donate what was in my money box – a grand total of about 25 cents. On my way to give

Nicole Callen shared this photo of camping creativity.

the donation, I gave my life to Christ.

This wasn ’ t something I ever told anyone. I don ’ t think I even realised what had happened. But now, aged 40, I still remember where I was, what I could see and the emotion in my heart. I had a long way to go before I could call my journey an adult one, but that moment was when I think I felt God on a personal level for the first time.

Camps like KCO and SAYCO are so important. They ’ re not just babysitting and a fun weekend. They provide a time to minister, disciple and mentor children. They are those “ mountain top faith experiences ” that God is able to use to touch the hearts of kids. ...on KCO as an adult I currently attend Unity Hill Uniting Church in Port Lincoln where I am the Family and Children ’ s Worker. I am also mum to three boys and am a relief teacher at the local school.

Through these roles, I am involved in organising KCO on the Eyre Peninsula. In terms of numbers, KCO is much smaller here than in Adelaide – but it has the same impact.

We usually have around 100 kids in dorms at Thuruna campsite near Tumby Bay. The groups come from Port Lincoln, Cummins, Poonindie, Driver River, Cleve, Tumby Bay, Yelanna, as far north as Kimba and other towns around the Peninsula.

When these kids come together their eyes are opened to the size and spread of our church. Many are not connected with the local church, but are invited along for the camp experience. For many it is the first time they have heard the awesome news of Christ. For others, like my own kids, it is a time where they can be encouraged in their faith and can see that they are not alone on their journey.

Camps this year!

KCO 2016 – “ Burst: life with Jesus ”

SAYCO 2016 – STRONGER

This year ’ s KCO will be held on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11

SAYCO 2016 will be held from Saturday 1 to Monday 3 October

September at Adare Camping and Caravan Park in Victor Harbor.

at Woodcroft College. This annual camp is aimed at high school

The camp caters to children from age 7 to those in year 7, and is a

students from years 8-12. This year ’ s guest speaker is Katie Iles

major Uniting Church SA event.

from The Journey Uniting Church.

For further information about KCO, please visit sa.uca. org.au/kco or contact the Intergen Team on 8236 4246 or kco@sa.uca.org.au

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For further information about SAYCO, please visit sa.uca. org.au/sayco or contact the Intergen Team on 8236 4246 or sayco@sa.uca.org.au

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The Order of St Luke’s Healing Ministries (Australia) is hosting a day of teaching and healing

on Saturday 27 August, 2016, at Christ Church Hall, North Adelaide, from 10am to 4pm.

The guest speaker will be Rev Trevor Butler, National Chaplain of the Order. He will give the Alison Gray/ Joe Hocking Memorial Lecture, entitled “Restoration – Healing the Family Tree” and in the afternoon will conduct a seminar, “Praying for the Unsaved”.

There is no admission charge. Bring a plate for a shared lunch.

For further information, contact Fr John Beiers, 8351 2474 or jbeiers@bigpond.com, or Rev Reg Casling on 8271 4028 or randbcas1@bigpond.com

ing Ministry z a m A , in la p a Future Ch /chaplains w.airforce.gov.au

web: ww DPS:MAR043-16

ov.au

lains@defence.g

email: raaf.chap

leadership

Young people and leaders from across Australia gathered for the National Young Leaders Conference, including members of the Dusty Feet Mob (above left).

Close encounters at NYALC Bethany Broadstock

The first National Young Adult Leaders Conference (NYALC) I attended was in 2013, and I can still remember something of the bedtime story Aunty Denise Champion shared with us on the third night. It was about the Gum Tree Couple.

Two trees who were separated by a road built between them. “ They stood alone. It was a great sadness, they stood alone. We are meant to be together. ” I remember it as a metaphor for the hope of reconciliation which is central to our faith.

Three years later, same NYALC, this hope seemed like more than hope.

One hundred and thirty members of the Uniting Church, between the ages of 18 and 30, from six Synods and at least 11 cultures, were gathered for five days. We were supported by coordinators and mentors, the Uniting Church President, President-elect Dr Deidre Palmer, members of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, and many other leaders.

Each conference is a new realisation of a similar dream – to support, encourage and empower younger people in the Uniting Church in their ministry, leadership and faith. For this, an enormous amount of time goes into developing a program to guide people through days of worship, bible study, prayer, electives and workshops, time off-site, fellowship over meals and in plenary, and small group sharing. These are all valuable experiences.

But some of the most meaningful moments are those that are organic.

Like when Rev Fie Marino led an Acknowledgement of Country as a Samoan and sat down to pour from a glass into a bowl the actual land

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on which we were meeting as he acknowledged the original owners of that very land.

Or when, as part of a talent and culture festival, the Dusty Feet Mob from SA performed to Archie Roach ’ s song “ Took the Children Away ” . For five minutes there was nothing but silence and tears.

Or when a second generation woman cried as she reflected on what it would have meant to be stolen from your family.

The memorable moments when the pain of the other felt personal and real; moments of deep meeting, of realisation, relief, breakthrough, laughter, or frustration – all couched in honesty and love. Spontaneous prayer. A rendition of “ This is the Day ” in five languages. The instance when, at 1am in the morning, I woke up to a group of people singing somewhere outside: “ Sweep over my soul, sweep over my soul, sweet spirit, sweep over my soul. ” All of this, planned and unplanned, is partly possible because of the gifted leaders of the event, and partly because of who and what our young leaders are – talented, fun, loving, gracious, intelligent and wise.

But it is surely all possible because of who God is. Because God calls us into community – “ to be together ” – and because God ’ s spirit works to break down barriers so that those communities can be.

NYALC is truly intercultural, truly intergenerational, and truly a glimpse of the church we are and will be to come. The event itself forms a physical community for a moment in time. But the echoes of the singing and prayers will continue in life and witness for years to come.

For more information about the National Young Adult Leaders Conference, please visit nyalc.org.au

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“As we need to move to Adelaide to attend university, your investment in UC Invest, which enabled Lincoln College to refurbish and upgrade one of our dormitory buildings, will allow us to live in attractive, up to date accommodation whilst we are studying.”

Bethany & Caitlyn, Residential Tutors, Lincoln College

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.

l eual tduere c rship

Encouraging engagement on mental health People living with mental ill health are some of the most marginalised in the community. They can feel isolated, and experience poverty, unemployment, stigma and exclusion.

The church is called to reach out to the individuals and families who experience these issues – through advocacy efforts, welcoming communities, and recognising the inadequacies and injustices present in the delivery and support of mental health services.

The Uniting Church in South Australia has had a strong voice in mental health advocacy in the past, through chaplaincy, the work of UnitingCare organisations, and campaigns like “ Suicide: it ’ s no secret ” .

This year, the church will launch a new resource to assist congregations and individuals in advocating and supporting those living with mental ill health. Created by the Uniting Church SA and the Community Outreach Mission Network, the mental health booklet will be produced prior to Mental Health Week (9-15 October, 2016).

The booklet will provide information on common mental health problems, and outlines strategies for churches to reduce stigma and provide care for those affected by mental ill health. It will include a guide to starting conversations about mental health and information on making referrals to mental health professionals.

Uniting Church SA Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer will present the booklet at an official launch at The Corner Uniting Church on Tuesday 4 October, 9am. The booklet will be available to congregations from this date as a free resource. Church communities and leaders are invited to attend the launch event and engage with this important new resource.

For more information, please contact the Uniting Church SA Justice team on 8236 4201 or email justice@sa.uca.org.au Need to talk to someone? Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the SA Mental Health Assessment and Crisis Intervention Service on 13 14 65.

Suicide: it ’ s no secret

Upcoming dates

The “ Suicide: it ’ s no secret ” campaign, held annually around World

National or worldwide dates relating to suicide and mental ill

Suicide Awareness Day (10 September), is one way the Uniting

health can provide congregations and faith communities with

Church SA attempts to reduce the stigma surrouding discussions of

opportunities to engage with these issues and support those

suicide and mental ill health.

grappling with them. The following are just some of the upcoming

On Thursday 8 September, Scots Church Adelaide will offer resources and giveaway items in front of their church on North Terrace in Adelaide, engaging students and other passersby.

The “ Suicide: it ’ s no secret ” website is an excellent resource for

dates that Uniting Church SA communities may choose to connect with.

R U OK? Day (ruok.org.au): Friday 9 September World Suicide Prevention Day (wspd.org.au): Saturday

events, training and information relating to suicide and mental ill

10 September

health, and it also offers liturgies for Blue Christmas events.

Mental Health Week: Monday 3 – Monday 10 October

For more information about the “ Suicide: it ’ s no secret ” campaign, please visit nosecret.org.au or contact the Justice team on 8236 4201

World Mental Health Day (1010.org.au): Monday 10 October Blue Knot Day (blueknot.org.au): Monday 24 October

or email justice@sa.uca.org.au

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

So many stories!

Over the past two months the editorial team at New Times have received lots of photos and articles sharing how individual congregations and groups are growing, celebrating and engaging. As a result, this month ’ s “ Getting to know… ” focusses on the work of many Uniting Church SA congregations and communities! We ’ ll be back to the usual profiles in the October/November edition.

Have something to share? The editorial team is always happy to receive content to highlight in New Times – online or print! Please send submissions via email to newtimes@sa.uca.org.au

Friendship over 90 years On Tuesday 10 May, the Friendship Circle of Hope Valley Uniting Church ’ s Senior Ministry celebrated its 90th anniversary.

Forty-five people attended the celebration, enjoying musical entertainment and a high tea. The cake was cut by Betty Randell, who has been a member of the group for 25 years and is one of the five Friendship Circle members celebrating their own 90th birthday in 2016.

The first meeting of what was then the Ladies Guild of Hope Valley Methodist Church took place on Tuesday 12 May in 1926, almost exactly 90 years prior to this anniversary celebration. Mrs Barrett, the wife of Rev J.C. Barrett, presided over the occasion, and 10 members attended. The meeting was held in the original building of the Methodist Church, about 500 metres from the current Hope Valley Uniting Church. This old building is now used as a medical facility.

Since that first meeting, the group has been renamed on two occasions, reflecting the changing needs of the gathering. The first of these name changes came approximately 20 years ago when retired men decided to be part of the group, and it was renamed the Day Fellowship. Under both of these names, the group raised significant amounts of money for the church. However, about 10 years ago, members made the decision to shift focus from fundraising to community activities – and so the Friendship Circle was formed.

The Hope Valley Friendship Circle continues to meet on the second Tuesday of the month, 11 months of the year, enjoying interesting speakers and musical afternoons, followed by conversation over afternoon tea.

For more information about Hope Valley Uniting Church or the Friendship Circle, please visit hopevalleyuc.org.au or contact the church office on 8396 0788.

Sowing seeds at Semaphore On Friday 15 July, Seeds of Affinity, a group that supports women when they are released from prison, hosted their first ever quiz night at Semaphore Uniting Church.

Seeds of Affinity aims to provide a supportive environment for women to rebuild confidence and learn new skills. The majority of the prizes given out at the quiz night were handmade by women involved with the group. These included delicious biscuits, lemon cordial, relishes and luxurious soaps. Generous hospitality and delicious food also formed key parts of the evening. Rev Ian Hunter, the Semaphore Uniting Church community and local traders on Semaphore Road also provided support for the event.

The quiz night was held to raise money for a group of women to attend the Sisters Inside Conference in Brisbane this October. It was by attending a Sisters Inside Conference that Linda Fisk was first inspired

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to start Seeds of Affinity, supported by parole officer Anna Kemp. The quiz night raised approximately $2,000 – enough to send four women to the Sisters Inside Conference.

Seeds of Affinity are now an incorporated not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to supporting women who have experienced the criminal justice system. They receive no government funding to support this work. The group has been supported by Uniting Church communities in the past, and volunteer chaplain Rev Frances Bartholomeusz is a huge supporter of the group. In her work volunteering at a women ’ s prison, Frances has witnessed the support Seeds of Affinity gives to women once they are released.

For more information or to donate to Seeds of Affinity please visit seedsofaffinity.org.au

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

Left to right: Rev Dr Peter Ryan, Pastor Liz Dyson, Rev Robyn Caldicott and Dr Deidre Palmer at the induction and commissioning service.

Hospital chaplains inducted An induction and commissioning service was held on Thursday 14 July for Pastor Liz Dyson and Rev Robyn Caldicott. Liz takes up a full-time role as Senior Chaplain with Ashford Hospital, while Robyn fills the position of Chaplain at Flinders Private Hospital.

Also recognised at the service was Rev Dr Peter Ryan, who recently

retired after being a hospital chaplain for over 20 years. During his time in chaplaincy Peter served at both Ashford and the Memorial Hospital.

Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer led the service, speaking on the importance of chaplaincy in the life and ministry of the Uniting Church.

Community connections at Cherry Gardens On Sunday 19 June, over 100 people attended Cherry Gardens Uniting Church to celebrate the opening and dedication of the church ’ s new meeting hall and the refurbishment of their “ heritage room ” .

With the church community first established in 1849, Cherry Gardens Uniting Church has witnessed to the local community for many years – and with these new building developments, it hopes to continue doing so for many more.

Uniting Church SA Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer reflected on the church ’ s history, noting her special connection to the Cherry Gardens community – she is the descendant of two of Cherry Gardens ’ founding families. Deidre gave a message during the worship service part of the opening and dedication event, speaking on the topic of “ Community in Christ: Living Compassion and Hope ” .

The new church meeting hall was officially opened by Deidre after the worship service. Dr Alan Dube, the chair of the Cherry Gardens congregation, shared his reflections on the process of building the hall – how God had blessed the church in this process, and how the generous contributions and hard work of many had contributed to it being built. He spoke of the support from many small Uniting Church congregations, which was both humbling and a powerful expression of their faith in action.

The meeting hall and heritage room will help the congregation to continue living out their faith – looking for future ways of connecting with the community, and valuing the contributions of those who made these connections in the past.

A longer version of this article is available on New Times online at sa.uca.org.au/new-times/cherry-gardens-building-project

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CULTURAL AWARENESS FOR MINISTRY WORKSHOP. The “ Building Bridges of Understanding ” training workshop will be held at Parafield Gardens Uniting Church on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 August, from 9am4pm both days. For more information about this important training event please see the article on page 9 of this edition.

UMN AUGUST GATHERING. The Urban Mission Network will hold their August gathering at Mitcham Village Uniting Church on Thursday 18 August, 6-9pm. Rev Dr Amelia Koh-Butler will be the guest speaker, and the gathering will follow the UMN ’ s theme of “ Ministry from the Margins ” . For more information, please visit urbannetwork.org.au ROSEFIELD TEACHING WEEKEND will be held at Rosefield Uniting Church from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 August. Rev Dr Sunny Chen will be teaching from the book of Galatians on the theme “ At the Crossroads ” .

Robin Mann will also lead a session introducing people to new music from the “ All Together ” series. Cost is $25. For more information, please visit rosefield.org.au or contact Craig Mitchell on 0417 323 088.

CHRISTIAN SINGLES WINERY TOUR. This is an ecumenical event for single Christians 35 years and older. Attendees will tour three Adelaide Hills wineries and other locations, eating and enjoying wine tasting, on Saturday 20 August. For more information, please contact Julie Tamme on 0403 262 127 or email jtamme0405@gmail.com HYMNS AND CLASSICS. An afternoon of singing hymns and listening to classical music at Spicer Uniting Church on Sunday 21 August, 2-4pm.

Vocalists Phoebe Paine and Hew Wagner will be joined by the Hahndorf Town Band. Tickets $8. For more information, please visit spicer.org.au or contact the church office on 8362 3771.

OCCASIONAL SERIES WITH MANDY HARVEY. Blackwood Uniting Church is holding a series of events on “ the life and thought of people of Spirit ” , including a session with Mandy Harvey speaking on “ St Benedict of Nursia ” on Sunday 21 August, 5-7pm. The event has a relaxed format with wine and cheese. For more information, please visit blackwooduc.org.au or contact Jacqui Harrison on 8278 7699.

BREAK-FAST. Join The Corner Uniting Church for Break-Fast on Sunday 21 August, 8.30-9.30am. Share the breaking of the overnight fast in a relaxed, café-style setting, and join in spiritual stillness, reflective conversation and community friendship. For more information, please visit thecorner.org.au STATE MISSION FELLOWSHIP will be held on Tuesday 23 August, 10.30am, at Scots Church Adelaide. Rev Dr Sefarosa Carroll, Manager of Pacific Church Partnerships at UnitingWorld, will be the guest speaker at the event. Morning tea and lunch available, $5. All welcome.

ADELAIDE WEST COMMUNITY FAIR. Adelaide West Uniting Church will hold their annual fair on Saturday 27 August, 8.30am-3pm. The familyfriendly event will include a wide variety of food and drink, homemade produce and goods, and live entertainment. Stalls will include gardening, secondhand books, videos, games, records and children ’ s toys – all at bargain prices! Entry is free. For more information, please visit awuc.org.au or contact Suzi Cousins on 8234 1199.

WESTERN LINK SPRING FAIR. Western Link Uniting Church will hold their annual spring fair on Saturday 27 August, 9am-1pm. The fair will feature a variety of stalls – white elephant, plants, cakes, secondhand books, jams, etc. – in addition to a Devonshire morning tea, BBQ, lucky dips for children, and a whole lot more! Free entry. For more information, please visit westernlink.unitingchurchsa.org.au or contact Pam Marshman on 8443 8165.

CHILD SAFE ENVIRONMENTS TRAINING. Echunga Uniting Church will host a full-day child safe environments training session on Saturday 27 August, 9.30am-4.30pm. Cost is $25, payable on the day. Morning and afternoon tea provided; BYO lunch. For more information, please contact

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Julie Riemann on 0413 040 678 or email riemannzurich@yahoo.com.au CALLED TO CARE ORIENTATION WORKSHOP. Morialta Uniting Church will host a Called to Care orientation session on Sunday 28 August, 1.30-4.30pm. The orientation workshop is aimed at members and officers of church councils, and key leaders of activities and churches.

Attendees participate in understanding the essential and best practice of creating a safe place within Uniting Church programs and activities. Please RSVP by Wednesday 24 August. For more information, please contact the Called to Care Training and Development Officer on 8236 4248 or email calledtocare@sa.uca.org.au HYMN BOOK LAUNCH. The launch of Hymns for Times and Seasons

by Rev Don Bell and Maarten Ryder will take place at Pilgrim Uniting Church on Friday 2 September at 7.30pm. Entrance costs $10 and includes a copy of the book. For more information please see the article on page 11 of this edition.

RED DOVE CAFÉ – SEEKING HELPERS. Red Dove Café will operate again at this year ’ s Royal Adelaide Show from Friday 2 to Sunday 11 September. The café is seeking volunteers with current UCA background checks to fill morning, afternoon and/or night shifts. Red Dove Café is an important fundraising activity in the life of the Uniting Church and has been raising money for SA mission every year since 1951! To find out more about volunteering opportunities please contact Lesley Williams on 8261 3843 or email ljwilliams36@gmail.com SURRENDER ADELAIDE. The SURRENDER conferences are gatherings of Christians from across Australia to share ideas, stories and hope on the themes of justice, discipleship and mission. The conferences include keynote speakers and performing artists, and are for people from all walks of life – kids, youth and adults. The Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress is a hosting partner for these conferences. SURRENDER Adelaide will be held from Friday 9 to Saturday 10 September at Coastlands Church on Light Square in the city. Attendees can choose to register for the whole conference or for particular sessions; discounts are available for family groups, concession holders, youth and children. For more information, please visit surrender.org.au/adelaide-details or contact Danica Patselis on 0421 824 814.

SILENT RETREAT DAY. The Australian Christian Meditation Community SA is holding a silent retreat day on Saturday 10 September at St Ignatius Church Hall, 11am-4pm. The retreat will be led by Rev Grant Bullen on the theme “ My Bright Abyss: the spirituality of American poet Christian Wiman ” . There is a suggested donation of $15, and attendees must bring their own lunch. For more information, please email chr.med.southaust@gmail.com KCO 2016. This year ’ s Kids ’ Camp Out (KCO) will be held at Adare Camp & Caravan Park from Saturday 10 to Sunday 11 September. KCO 2016 focusses on “ Burst – Life with Jesus ” , a theme that will be explored within church groups of children aged 7-12. For more information, please visit sa.uca.org.au/kco or contact the KCO Office on 8236 4246 or email kco@sa.uca.org.au COMMUNITY HYMN FESTIVAL. An afternoon of worship, praise and fellowship at The Vines Uniting Church on Sunday 11 September, 2.30pm.

This community event is free and includes afternoon tea. All welcome!

GARAGE SALE. The Corner Uniting Church will hold a garage sale on Saturday 17 September, 9am-1pm. A wide variety of stalls and food will be available. Fun for the whole family! For more information, please visit thecorner.org.au BIBLE AND ECOLOGY WEBINAR. In this full-day webinar, participants will hear from scholars around the country about reading the Bible through “ ecological eyes ” , and will practise applying such lenses to

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scripture. All are invited to participate in this webinar – at Uniting College (gold coin donation, BYO lunch) or a self-nominated location (free).

While it will be possible for individuals to connect with the webinar, the organisers recommend organising a group. Rev Vicky Balabanski will be one of those speaking. To find out more about the other speakers or the webinar in general, please contact Jason John on 0438 609 097 or email jasonrobertjohn@gmail.com WEST LAKES UNITING CHURCH ANNIVERSARY. The West Lakes Uniting Church congregation at Bartley Terrace will celebrate its 41st anniversary at an event titled “ In the beginning: the West Lakes congregation ” on Sunday 25 September, 2-3.30pm. Rev John Watt will share some of the core convictions and inspirations that led to the church ’ s formation. For more information, please contact Dean Eland on 0419 112 603 or email djeland@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 on Sunday 25 September at 5.30pm. All are welcome to an hour of quiet reflection on the theme of brokenness and wholeness at several prayer stations, including a multi-screen audio visual presentation of art, photography and scripture.

For more information, please visit thecorner.org.au SMALL GRANTS AVAILABLE. Australian Church Women SA Unit Inc advises that small grants are available through Jubilee 150 Trust for women who, through lack of funds, are unable to undertake a course, attend training programs or purchase equipment to benefit them and their families. The applicant needs to be sponsored by a Christian church body or individual office bearer of a Christian group. The applicant herself is not necessarily a

church attendee. Sponsors are asked to apply in writing by the last Friday in September. Grants are presented in November. For more information, please contact the Trust Convenor Lynne Hook on 0419 835 882 or email lynne06@bigpond.com SAYCO 2016. This year ’ s South Australian Youth Camp Out (SAYCO) will be held at Woodcroft College from Saturday 1 to Monday 3 October.

SAYCO is an annual camp for young people in high school years 8-12. It provides a safe, thought-provoking environment for youth to have fun while growing and exploring their faith. SAYCO offers a unique program, which includes contemporary worship, games, workshops, and a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. This year ’ s theme is “ STRONGER ” and Katie Iles will be the key speaker. For more information, please visit sa.uca.org.au/sayco BREAK THE CHAINS RIDE. The Break the Chains fundraising ride will take place from Saturday 5 to Monday 7 November. The event will raise money for Teen Challenge South Australia, and was inspired by the work members of Sunset Rock Uniting Church have been undertaking with this group. Teen Challenge SA helps to support young people struggling with addiction. The organisers of the Break the Chains ride would like to encourage Uniting Church congregations to get involved by sponsoring a rider, hosting an event with a Teen Challenge SA speaker, or going on the ride. For more information, please visit teenchallengesa.com To have your upcoming event or message published here, email diary@sa.uca.org.au with ‘Diary ’ in the subject line.

positionsvacant.sa.uca.org .au

Ministry Placement – Geraldton (Midwest Coast of Western Australia)

Applications are invited for a Minister of the Word to fill a vacant placement at Lighthouse Geraldton. Lighthouse Uniting Church is multigenerational and a multicultural congregation with more than 200 attending activities in the church throughout the week. It has a strong emphasis on building relations within and beyond the Church with service in mission, discipleship, children and family ministry and small groups for all ages. A strong sense of unity is evident between congregations of all Geraldton churches.

This single ministry placement is supported by a willing team of lay leaders, lay preachers and committed congregations in each centre (Lighthouse supports two neighbouring rural congregations). The Church office has an office assistant and an Operations Manager. The Church council oversees the provision for ministry and works with the minister to ensure leadership within the ministry areas.

The successful applicant will have: • A solid Bible belief and support a biblical world view, • A compassionate heart for pastoral care, • A keenness to work with the congregation and community, leading outreach ministry, • Supportive of current mission focus, • Skills and passion to train and mentor leaders to build on the small group program within the church, and • Be able to focus on children and family ministry.

Geraldton is a large coastal, rural city with many facilities. Located 420kms north of Perth, please visit www.lighthousegeraldton.com and www.cgg.wa.gov.au for further details.

Alternative housing options are available including the provision of a housing allowance or provision of coverage of rental cost.

If interested, please send your Ministerial Profile with cover letter through to Rev John Barendrecht, Manager of the Pastoral and Placements Unit at: john.barendrecht@wa.uca.org.au Closing Date: 30 September 2016.

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Board Member Vacancies UnitingCare Wesley Country SA is a dynamic and innovative community service organisation working across a vast geographical area of regional and rural South Australia delivering services including housing, foster care, financial and family support, mental health services, advocacy and community development.

If you are passionate about making a difference in regional communities an opportunity exists to join the Board of Directors at UCWCSA. UCWCSA are expanding the Board skill set and seeking expressions of interest from suitably experienced people with a desire to strengthen their connections to community and share their specialised expertise by contributing to the strategic direction of the agency particularly in the area of: - Disability – NDIS - Industry and Sector Expertise - Working with Government Successful candidates will demonstrate their alignment with UCWCSA’s vision, values and strategic goals and the ethos of the Uniting Church.

Board meetings are held on a monthly basis at Port Pirie. Board positions are voluntary however travel and out of pocket expenses will be met

by UCWCSA. Further enquiries may be directed to Sue Park, Board Chairperson on 0408 971 306 or Anthea Pavy, CEO on 0427 861 683.

Expressions of Interest accompanied by a CV detailing relevant experience should be forwarded to Anthea Pavy, CEO, UnitingCare Wesley Country SA, 60 Florence Street, Port Pirie 5540 or via email anthea.pavy@ucwcsa.org.au by COB August 31st 2016.

Please visit www.ucwcsa.org.au

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letters to the editor

Nuclear site objection

At a recent meeting of our congregation of the Uniting Church in Hawker, we discussed the article on pages 16 & 17 of the June/July New Times magazine regarding the Adnyamathanha Peoples opposition, to the Low Level Nuclear Waste depository to be located near Hawker.

We resolved to contact you to explain our position on the subject.

We feel that the Church needed to be neutral on this and that those who have an objection to this facility should oppose it in their own right. The Uniting Church in SA as an entity should not have taken for granted that the members of the Uniting Church in Hawker, who may and do have differing views on whether the facility should be located in our area, should be included as supporting this article.

We also would like to state that this article is quite erroneous and lacking in detail as to where the facility is located. For example; pictures in the article make it look like the facility is next to a spring, whereas it is proposed to be located on the opposite side of a very large property well away from the spring.

The people who wrote this article and took these pictures are deliberating distorting the facts to support their point of view. The facility is for Low Level and some temporary intermediate waste to be stored in concrete above ground and certainly not any High Level Waste. This site is totally unsuitable for High Level waste and there is no discussion on where or if this type of waste will be stored anywhere in Australia at all.

The congregation of the Hawker Uniting Church wishes to be seen as neutral and members will approve or disapprove privately. We would like to see a disclaimer in the next edition.

C McInnis On behalf of Hawker Uniting Church Editor ’ s note: I would like to sincerely thank the members of Hawker Uniting Church for engaging with the New Times article titled “ A place to humble yourself ” (June/July 2016, pages 16-17). This article was intended to be a general reflection on the May Spirituality Pilgrimage from the viewpoint of the writer, Caryn Rogers, rather than an in-depth discussion of nuclear waste repositories. However, the editorial team understands Hawker ’ s concerns over the lack of details and analysis given to the discussion of the proposed repository site mentioned in the latter part of the article. While the comments included in the piece were correct at the time of printing, we agree that further discussion of this issue could have been beneficial to readers.

The topic of nuclear waste repositories (both low and high level), and the use of the Adnyamathanha site in particular, was discussed at length at the June Presbytery and Synod meeting. Members will gather for a special Synod on Friday 19 August to further discuss and deliberate on the topic (please see page 7 for further details).

- Catherine Hoffman, New Times Editor

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A warm welcome

I moved to the Lefevre Peninsula in 2010 with two young children. My parents and ex-partner were unable to support me with the children.

The stress of raising young children on my own had taken its toll on my health – physically, spiritually and emotionally. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of the congregation at Taperoo Uniting Church I was able to bring my children to a variety of activities where the kids and I were offered support and religious education. The minister, Jenny Walker, and volunteers at the church changed our lives for the better!

Special thanks to Jenny, Pam, Jean and Bill. (You don ’ t know what you ’ ve got until it ’ s gone!)

C Collins, Taperoo

Appropriate use of church buildings?

I find it distressing to see the number of churches that provide access to their facilities for events and groups that are alien to the gospel we proclaim.

Even if the income is valued, surely we have an obligation to exercise discernment about the use of our buildings, particularly when the worship centre is used to conduct activities which are patently religious involving meditation, chanting/singing and spiritual leaders whose message denies the deity of our Lord and Christ.

R A Lee Aldinga Beach 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.

Visual Presentation Systems Public Address Church - School - Board Room - Retail Display - Hospitality Data Projection - Plasma - LCD - Projection Screens - Accessories Sale - Installation - Service “TEC - Everything Electronic installed with Excellence” Greg Hallam 0411 550417 - Keith Ellison 0411 556075 Campbelltown: 8365 0377 - Fax: 8365 0677 Web: www.tecsa.com.au

reviews

In the beginning…

Book: Evolution of the word Author: Marcus J. Borg Recommended for: anyone interested in the early Church In short: A walk through the New Testament in chronological order RRP: $22.95

The scriptures, as we read them, were not written in the order in which we have received them. It is not the case that Matthew wrote first and that John of Revelation wrote last; that much is known by many people.

What is not known so widely is the actual order in which the New Testament ’ s parts were written, and what effect that had on the ways in which later books and letters came about.

Marcus J. Borg is a scholar known for his careful attention to the Bible and to the heart of the Christian message. Those familiar with his work will find much in this book which echoes his previous works.

A large part of this book is taken up with the New Revised Standard Version text of the New Testament. The author has written three brief introductory chapters, in addition to notes on each book. The key bit of creativity is the chronological order in which the New Testament documents are reproduced in this book.

At $23 this book is a rather expensive copy of the New Testament for those of us who already own Bibles. But as a reference book for a church library or as a lay preaching resource, it will undoubtedly prove valuable for its insights into the history of the first 100 years of Christianity.

Damien Tann

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Donations of $2 and above are tax deductible and can be forwarded to the Morialta Charitable Trust Fund at Unit 3, 51 Stephen Terrace, St Peters SA 5069.

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c u l t u re

Men gathered at the Living Water Men ’ s Conference in 2015.

Encouraging men for ministry Bindy Taylor

The community of Balaklava and surrounds had noticed a movement. Young men were beginning to gather each month to connect, share testimonies and worship together. The gatherings were growing, and those meeting had a desire to share fellowship with a much larger group of men. The group began praying and planning for an annual, wider-reaching event – and the vision for the Living Water Men ’ s Conference was born.

Errol Meaney, a local Uniting Church pastor, currently works with other local leaders to provide oversight for the Living Water Men ’ s Conference, which was first launched in 2011 at the Uniting Venues ’ Emmaus campsite.

Initially founded by lay leaders Shane Dodd and Lee Cunningham, Living Water was given valuable guidance and assistance by the Mighty Men ’ s Conference Australia. Since 2013, however, it has functioned in its own right under the oversight of local pastors. “ Over 200 men gathered from all over the country for an inspiring weekend of worship and ministry, ” Errol says, recalling the first event. “ There were local speakers and testimonies, and a great atmosphere over the whole conference – the response was nothing short of incredible! ” The Living Water Men ’ s Conference aims to provide a space for Christian men from different denominations to connect with God and with one another in a local, rural setting. The Emmaus site at

Halbury, just out of Balaklava, has proven an ideal location to cater to men residing in the mid-north farming community. “ It has been a complete joy to witness the event grow from year to year, with men coming from such a wide variety of contexts for the weekend, ” says Errol. “ Every year we have seen men make decisions to follow Christ and many others rededicating their lives to him. Each year there has been a different men ’ s ministry beginning in a church somewhere after the camp. ” This growth looks set to continue at the 2016 event, which will again be held in Halbury from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 October. The organisers expect around 300 men to gather and hear from guest speaker Dr Allan Meyer.

As in previous years, the conference organisers will seek to create a culture where men are welcomed from all walks of life, where friendships are made and strengthened, and where men are able to encounter God in personal and gathered worship.

Having attended a number of these events already, Errol shares his own highlight – the ministry and sharing that happens during break times. “ We take no credit for the sharing that happens at free time around the campsite, but simply recognise and celebrate God ’ s grace at work, ” he says.

Living Water Men ’ s Conference 2016 Friday 7 – Sunday 9 October, 2016

the Halbury oval (suitable for vans, utes, tents, swags or cars) or to

Halbury, South Australia

sleep in dormitories (no additional cost; places limited to the first 70

Cost: An early bird price of $95 is available until Wednesday 31 August. All meals, refreshments and accommodation costs are

people, with first preference given to interstate attendees or people with special needs).

included in the registration. As the conference is volunteer-driven,

Catering: Catering is limited to the first 300 people who register.

funds not used during the conference go back into programs that

For further information or to register, please visit

encourage men in their ministry.

Accommodation: Attendees are given the option to camp on

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livingwater410.org.au or contact Kirsti, the conference registrar, on 0490 519 218.

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