New Times - August September 2019

Issue 40 No 4

2019

August // September 2019

Contents FEATURES Destined to lead..……............................................................................. 6 The life-giving journey of theological education...................... 9 Being a safe church is everyone’s business...............................10 The last meeting of the Presbytery and Synod of South Australia......................................................................................12 Alpha : It’s about reaching the curious non-believers ..........13 Spirituality as we age..........................................................................14 ‘Soul Stories’: How writing down your life history can help you to walk in the light…..........................................................15 Encountering Jesus in the Philippines .......................................17

REGULAR PAGES Note from the Editor............................................................................ 3 Message from the Moderator.......................................................... 4 Message from the General Secretary........................................... 5 Getting to know.................................................................................... 16 News snippets.......................................................................................18 Uniting College news......................................................................... 23 Out & About.......................................................................................... 24 Diary…………………………………………………………………………............................... 26 Letters to the Editor…………………………………………………......................... 27 Talking Points........................................................................................ 28 PLACEMENTS NEWS Placements finalised as of 19 June 2019 Oliver Ponsonby (MOP) as UCA Correctional Services Chaplain from 1 August 2019

Vacant placements Editor: Petronella Lowies Editor-in-Chief: Bindy Taylor Advertising: Communications Design: Winaya Kamaputri Print: Graphic Print Group Cover photo: courte sy of ????

For editorial enquiries: p. 08 8236 4230 e. newtimes@sa.uca.org.au m. The Editor, New Times GPO Box 2145 Adelaide SA 5001 For advertising bookings: p. 08 8236 4260 e. newtimesad@sa.uca.org.au

ISSN 0726-2612 New Times is the voice of Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of South Australia. Published bi-monthly, February through December, New Times represents the breadth, diversity and vision of Uniting Church members in SA. Articles and advertising do not necessarily reflect the views of the New Times Editorial team.

Print circulation: 7850 Uniting Church SA Level 2, 212 Pirie St, Adelaide p. (08) 8236 4200 f. 8236 4201 country callers. 1300 766 956

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The following is the list of vacant (or soon to be vacant ) approved placements: PROFILES AVAILABLE – Belair UC (0.3), Flinders Congregations (0.6): Booleroo Centre UC, Booleroo Whim UC, Melrose UC, Wirrabara UC, Wilmington UC, Henley Fulham UC; Malvern UC, Mount Barker UC (0.8), Para Hills UC (0.4), Port Augusta UC (0.5), Prospect Road UC (0.5), Seacliff UC, Unley UC (0.4).

PROFILES NOT YET AVAILABLE – Adelaide Korean UC (0.2), Lighthouse (Port Pirie) from 1 July 2019, Loxton UC and Renmark UC from 1 January 2020, Mannum UC (0.3), Plains Community Church (Joint CoC/UCA), South West Fleurieu (0.7): Delamere UC, Inman Valley UC, Myponga UC, Range Road UC, Yankalilla UC; The Grove UC (0.3).

For more information about any of these placements, please visit sa.uca.org.au/pastoral-relations-mission-planning/placementsvacant-and-finalised

Deadline for the October/ November 2019 edition: Friday, 20 September Cover details: Bronte Wilson was chosen as the new Moderator-elect at the June Meeting of the Presbytery and Synod of South Australia. Get to know him a bit better on page 6.

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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Never stop learning The statistics for dementia, the permanent decline of a person’s ability to think, reason and manage their own life, is alarming.

It's Australia’s second leading cause for death, after heart disease. Researchers say that one could avoid dementia by keeping the brain ‘healthy and active’ as you age. Along with the usual health advice such as exercise and a good diet, they recommend two other things you should do to avoid the onset of dementia: learn new skills (such as a foreign language or tai chi) and increase your social engagement (by volunteering, or joining a special interest club).

Apparently, crossword puzzles or reading for pleasure won’t cut it. You need to truly challenge your brain so that all the right types of proteins and enzymes that keep your grey matter healthy get released. It happens easily when we are younger and just about everything we experience is new. But as our bodies age, all those processes slow down. That’s when it becomes hard ‘to teach an old dog new tricks’.

As is the case with our congregations in general, the pages of this edition are full of opportunities to either learn a new skill, to engage socially by volunteering, or both. Maybe you want to join an Alpha course, or volunteer to host one (page 13). Maybe you can find a passion for a ministry specifically aimed at the aged, or helping others revive their memories (pages 14 and 15).

Image by A Oberholster Venitaa from Pixabay

One place where you are guaranteed to achieve both is at the Uniting College for Leadership and Theology. Dr Liz Boase shares on page 9 how she drastically changed her life’s course by studying theology, and the enrichment that followed. Liz now lectures at the Uniting College, where all ages, including mature-aged students, can enrol in flexible course options, even through online learning.

Other people within these pages have just had some amazing life changes too, simply by taking on new roles.

The Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of South Australia, welcomes Bronte Wilson as the new Moderator (page 6) – a role that promises to be challenging, stimulating, rewarding and extremely socially engaged! Page 10 details information about Rev John Cox who is challenged to take on a newly created role to help our church communities be safe places free from abuse of any kind.

Personally, I believe that we should never stop learning.

Learn new technology hacks or gardening tricks from others; memorise a new fact each day; or challenge yourself to take a big leap, like formally enrolling to learn a new skill set or volunteering in your congregation. Whatever you do, never stop learning.

Petronella Lowies

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MESSAGE FROM THE MODERATOR

God speaks through us Young birds leave their nests to fly as their wings and bodies mature. The parents of fledglings often tempt their young out of the nest by using food to encourage them.

As they begin to fall, by instinct, they start to flap their wings and fly. From that point, the bird begins to flourish in its own right.

As a young woman in a rural church, those who nurtured my discipleship began to see that I was ready to use my gifts.

They encouraged me to minister in my local congregation. My mistakes didn’t matter, because their love was greater.

I remember leading the worship at a community event and feeling quite nervous and inadequate. The worship was wonderful, evidently, as a visitor complimented me. I shared how inadequate I felt and the visitor quoted me a scripture verse from 2 Timothy 1:7 “For we are not given a spirit of fear and timidity, but a spirit of love, power and self-control.”

That scripture verse has encouraged me in all of my ministry, allowing it to flourish.

God spoke to me through that visitor’s encouraging words. God uses us to speak to others through our ministries. At the final Presbytery and Synod meeting in June 2019, those gathered shared stories about the ministries of their congregations and we heard stories from the Mission Resourcing team and others, about flourishing ministries. Clearly, ministry is something that happens beyond just Sunday. The offerings of congregations to communities flourish where lives that were lonely find valued friendships, and when lives without purpose are given meaning.

Our attentive listening and caring reveals our genuine ministry of love, that can bring healing and hope. Our ministries point to Jesus when we are able to commend the faith we have, by sharing our own stories

of Jesus touching our lives, and why we follow him. The invitation to respond to God’s love by becoming disciples of Jesus is instigated by the Spirit moving within someone’s heart, nudging them to step out of the secure nest they know, and fly into a new experience of faith and flourishing.

The Australian context in which we minister knows very little about Christianity, yet, in conversation, they are very interested in how spirituality makes a difference in our life. God can speak through your story and your ministry, and that of your congregation, who can provide the welcoming space for such conversations to flourish. The Holy Spirit, your Helper, will give you the love, the power and the self-control you need.

Flourish in Ministry.

Rev Sue Ellis

Our attentive listening and caring reveals our genuine ministry of love, that can bring healing and hope.

Rev Sue Ellis, Moderator of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of South Australia, prays over the communion table at the last Presbytery and Synod Meeting in June. At this table, candles were lit by a representative of each of the Mission Networks. Networks existed for 16 years and were instrumental in assisting congregations to flourish in ministry.

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MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY

Learning through transition You will know from your life experience that in times of transition, whether it’s a new job, new grandchild, new rental or going on holidays, we learn something about ourselves. A new job requires an audit of gifts and skills. A new grandchild offers us a relationship and responsibility like no other and a holiday helps us learn what we need in order to rest and rejuvenate.

A new office reminds me about my personality and how it intersects with the personality of colleagues and associates. In Mark 3:31-35 Jesus' disciples discover that ‘their leader’ is enigmatic, deep thinking and hard to understand. As Jesus’ mother and siblings arrive, the disciples’ kinship responsibilities suggest a prescribed response. While Jesus is a deeply cultural person, this traditional paradigm is no longer enough for those seeking to be the activity of God in the world and he moves to reframe their response.

In recent weeks I have met with all the Synod staff. As they have shared what they do in the office and beyond, I have begun to understand what motivates them, the aspects of their work and ministry that energise them, and the aspects they find challenging. I have discovered a highly motivated team of people who are strongly committed to encouraging and resourcing the Uniting Church in all its many facets here in South Australia.

I have come to know the patience and

care they take when talking to members of I have discovered a highly motivated team the church, ministers, of people who are strongly committed to cleaners, treasurers, encouraging and resourcing the Uniting Church children, youth and in all its many facets here in South Australia. young adult workers, property officers, - newly elected Presbytery Office Bearers, chaplains and team leaders. and members of the Restructuring Task At a recent staff meeting they shared Group - are preparing to consult widely. Their again, exploring the impact on their objective is to bring creative, positive and ‘departments’, the decisions made at the forward thinking proposals to the meeting of final meeting of the Presbytery and Synod the Transitional Presbytery in September. I of South Australia. For some it means am looking forward to meeting you and being uncertainty about future employment, part of these conversations. or a reshaping of their ministry tasks, or Jesus is full of surprises. He looked at the welcoming new colleagues. For others it’s a rebranding task, a new storage system, new people sitting around him and said, look, right here, these are my mother, my brothers and names and more information and training sisters. Jesus is looking at us, faithful and days. And for all of them, it is a significant committed members of the Uniting Church increase in their workload over many in South Australia. We are the family He is months. I hope you will join me in taking calling. Nothing could be more exciting! opportunities to show your appreciation for their efforts and thank them.

In the coming months there will be further opportunities for me to meet you, Rev Felicity Amery members of congregations and other ministries around the Synod. The Generate Presbytery has commenced its work to General Secretary Rev Felicity support and resource congregations Amery met with all the Synod within its responsibility. There is much staff in their smaller work prayer, energy and joy as they learn and groups and in a bigger meeting to understand what motivates respond to new beginnings and needs. them, as well as the aspects Within the Transitional Presbytery, of their work and ministry experienced and committed people that serve as either a source of energy or a challenge.

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Destined to lead Bindy Taylor Bronte Wilson (58) isn’t one to seek out leadership roles, but it seems God’s intentions have been quite different. In his early 20s, Bronte was appointed as an Elder in his local Uniting Church.

Since this time, he has embraced leadership opportunities as a way of giving back to God and the church. This time Bronte finds himself led to the role of Moderator. Without seeking the role himself, he feels like God has been preparing and training him for it. He is ready to use his current and past experiences to bring the will of God to his three year role and to grow and nurture deeper connections across and beyond the Uniting Church in South Australia.

Bronte is a country man. Born and bred in Mount Gambier and raised on a farm, you can’t take the land out of the man. His family has recently acquired a block of scrub land close to Talisker Conservation Park on the Fleurieu Peninsula, where they can retreat for time away from their suburban home.

“Going bush for a holiday and getting completely away allows our family to go at our own pace and not operate on the timelines of others. Time on the land means less distractions and brings opportunities to connect and be closer to God,” says Bronte. “Australia has so much to offer, some of our best family holidays have been in nature, camping across remote locations in South Australia and Northern Territory by water and natural springs.”

Bronte’s most recent role has been close to his heart. He was the South East Rural Field Officer, a part of the Pastoral Relations and Mission Planning Team, and served Uniting Churches in rural South Australian locations. This complements his part-time employment of assisting with maintenance and groundskeeping at Nunyara Conference Centre. In a volunteer capacity, Bronte has served as a member of his local congregation’s property and finance committees, as a member of Synod’s Standing Committee and as Chair of the Pastoral Relations and Placements Committee.

“I was reminded of two things: this wasn’t about me but the will of God … and that the roles the Church had placed me in over the years were a preparation and a training for much of the role of Moderator.”

Bronte Wilson is the new Moderator-elect for the Synod of South Australia. He will start his threeyear role as Moderator in November this year.

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LEADERSHIP

He equates his current involvement in church life as focussing on three main areas: pastoral relations, practical help and big picture decision making. He also feels his experience serving in these areas has been preparing him for the task ahead.

“When initially approached by the Moderator Nominating Committee I was prepared to take the appropriate steps the process required of me, while waiting for the bolt of lightning that would confirm God’s call. When that didn’t come, I was reminded of two things: this wasn’t about me but the will of God as expressed by the call of the Synod and that the roles the Church had placed me in over the years were a preparation and a training for much of the role of Moderator,” he says.

Bronte has long been part of the Uniting Church, growing up in the Sunday School and moving through to the youth group.

It wasn’t until he finished school and relocated to Adelaide for a couple of years that his faith really strengthened. “It was during this time that my faith became more significant to me as I became involved in discussions with workmates and friends who didn’t always see things the same way I did and challenged me about what I really believed.

“This caused me to recognise for myself that my faith was from both an intellectual and a spiritual perspective. Being a youth leader and helping others to know God was significant in strengthening my own faith. As life continued on and different opportunities to serve the Church have been presented to me I have seen my own faith and understanding change and grow.”

Bronte wants his three year placement to focus on connections and relationships, particularly in light of the changing structure of the Church in South Australia.

“My hope and prayer is for the Church to see past our differences and to commit to a shared ministry across congregational, Presbytery and other boundaries. I see my role as helping to facilitate the making of connections that enable mission and ministry to grow. I hope to be able to listen across the Church and then reflect back the people’s dreams and desires, building and rebuilding relationships and connections.

My strong belief is that, if we can connect with each other, the wider community and with God, in a stronger sense, the Church and the world will be a better place.”

Amen.

SALA EXHIBITION 2019 Spring Festival A floral celebration of the colours of spring, featuring the works of local artists using a variety of mediums.

Betty Anderson, Claire Colby, Tess Leo, Joy Jervis, Barbara McGuire, Di Mitchell, Liz Steveson and Marg Tuckey.

19 August - 22 September 2019 12noon - 2.00pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8.00am - 12.30pm Sunday Services Join us for worship on Sunday 15 September to celebrate Spring.

Or visit the church to view floral displays and spend time in quiet reflection during the following week.

12 Flinders Street, Adelaide GPO Box 116, Adelaide SA 5001

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Ph: (08) 8212 3295 Fax: (08) 8212 9637 office@pilgrim.org.au www.pilgrim.org.au

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I didn’t have the language I needed to understand and talk about Christianity.

Nor did I have any real understanding of the Bible or doctrine or church history. It was through study that I examined my faith.

Uniting College students await the start of an Adelaide College of Divinity graduation ceremony.

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FAITH/ OPINION

The life-giving journey of

theological education

Have you ever felt the Spirit move in your life and wondered what God may be calling you about?

Dr Liz Boase considers how this call led her into a thirst for deeper knowledge of the Scriptures, and how true discernment could guide you too.

For those who don't know me yet – I’m Liz Boase, the lecturer in Old Testament at Uniting College. I’m in placement, but not an ordained minister. So how did I get to be in this role?

When I was twenty-five and an Elder in the Church, my minister tapped me on the shoulder and asked me about going into ministry. I was floored. I went home to laugh it off with my husband, who promptly agreed that it was something I needed to explore. That was not the response I expected, so I needed to discern what God was up to in my life.

The next year I enrolled in my first two units of a Bachelor of Divinity at Murdoch University. I was working as a Speech Pathologist, so part-time was the best option for me. Even as a teenager I had felt drawn to studying theology, but the timing wasn’t right at that stage. I don’t think anyone was very surprised that I decided to go in this direction.

Studying theology was life changing.

I very quickly discerned that ordained ministry was not my path, but academic theology certainly was.

I fell in love with biblical studies, and knew that I wanted to teach. I took nine years, studying part time (and having two children and working part-time along the way), to finish my Bachelor and Honours degrees. Because of my passion for biblical studies, my degree was full of as many biblical studies units as I could manage. I remember well the fun I had sitting at the dining room Return to Contents

table, every surface covered in books and journal articles, writing essays that led me deeper and deeper into new understanding of the scriptures.

During this time I also completed the preparation for lay preaching, and was commissioned in 1994.

After finishing Honours I was privileged to obtain a scholarship to undertake my Doctorate. That allowed me to move into my current role as a lecturer, for the first few years at Notre Dame University in Fremantle, and now at Uniting College. I love that I spend my working life engaging with the Bible and introducing students to the joy of studying the scriptures at depth.

Equally as important for me, however, has been the fact that through studying theology I developed different ways of thinking and talking about my faith.

I discovered new ideas, had old ideas challenged, and other ideas confirmed. I found confidence in expressing what was central and important to my faith, and explored ways of talking about what God was up to in my life.

I had never been confident to talk about faith and the importance of God and in my life. Even though I’m a preacher’s kid, I didn’t have the language I needed to understand and talk about Christianity. Nor did I have any real understanding of the Bible or doctrine or church history. It was through study that I examined my faith. There were many uncomfortable moments—times when I was challenged to see things differently.

My mind was stretched and expanded.

Some new ideas I took on board.

Others I didn’t.

Theological education grew my faith. I also developed the skills, knowledge and resources to examine and explore faith in

new ways. I learned about the traditions of the Church, and what we do and why we do it. I was exposed to diverse and often conflicting viewpoints about the Bible, about doctrine, about salvation, about the nature of God and the person of Jesus. And in exploring all of this diversity, I examined my own beliefs, and grew in faith and understanding as a result.

I continue to have my ideas stretched and challenged in my teaching and research. At the moment, I am doing research on reading and understanding parts of the Old Testament as a response to times of suffering and trauma. Many Biblical texts were written in the wake of catastrophe and change. Many passages, and whole books, reflect the theological struggles of the people during these times, and are written in ways that help the community come to terms with upheaval in their world. This opens up new ways for me to talk about scripture in my teaching and preaching, and as I lead studies in different communities.

My journey into theological education began as a movement of the Spirit in my life. I continue to feel that same Spirit journeying with me as I keep learning, writing and teaching. Theological education has been for me an enriching, life giving journey that takes me deeper and deeper into the mystery of God. Dr Liz Boase is the Academic Dean of the Adelaide College of Divinity, and Senior Lecturer in Old Testament at Uniting College for Leadership and Theology. Her research interests include the laments of the Hebrew Bible, particularly the books of Lamentations and Jeremiah, and understanding the impact of trauma and suffering on Biblical writings.

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Being a safe church is everyone’s business Rev John Cox, inaugural Director of the Uniting Church in Australia’s National Safe Church Unit, talks to Journey editor, Ben Rogers, about his new role. John previously served as Executive Officer of the National Royal Commission Response and Engagement Task Group, the group that guided the Uniting Church’s national response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

“One of the biggest hurdles to adequate reporting on child sexual abuse was the belief that the person working at the next desk could never do something like that.”

Rev John Cox, Director of the Uniting Church in Australia’s National Safe Church Unit

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LEADERSHIP

What is the background to the National Safe Church Unit?

Do most Uniting Church members accept the reality of abuse in our churches?

The Uniting Church took a proactive stance to engaging with the Royal Commission and the work of the national task group was to make sure that the commission had what they needed from the Church, and that the Church learned from the commission.

I think across the life of the Church we have people in congregations, lay and ordained, whose experience and understanding is that this could never happen here.

In the last year of the commission’s work the national task group transitioned to be more forward facing – asking itself the question, how do we implement what we've learned in and through the life of the Church?

The idea of a national safe church unit grew out of that.

It’s a unique collaboration between all of the Synods and the Assembly, so it is owned by the councils of the Church, which gives it a level of responsibility to drive change in and through the life of the Church.

What can we expect from the unit?

The new body is about cultural enhancement in the life of the Church; how do we understand ourselves as Church, what does safety mean and how do we live that out?

Our role is to resource the church to provide safe contexts in which people are nurtured and can engage the possibilities of faith in Christ. This is the call to be a Christian community.

The unit's work is intended to sit right across the church, not just the congregational life but also the associated organisations and the school life of the church.

So, this work is about supporting the Church to be who we are called to be through the creation of strong evidencebased policy frameworks and resources, further collaboration across the Church to create consistency in processes and enhance our education and training, and sharing information to create the checks and balances the Church needs to ensure safety.

The Royal Commission said one of the biggest hurdles to adequate reporting on child sexual abuse was the belief that the person working at the next desk could never do something like that.

That's a challenge for the Church, as we understand people of faith to be people of integrity as we know them in a particular sphere.

My experience is that it's not so much the looking back and saying, I don’t believe that. The struggle I think is here and now – yes, we accept that that happened there and then – but that would never happen now!

The checks and balances certainly help, but in my view safe church culture rests with every member of the Church owning a responsibility to ensure that it’s a safe space.

Helping the Church to understand that a percentage of abuse is perpetrated by people intent on undertaking that behaviour but there’s also abuse that happens when boundaries are lax, when opportunities are presented, is going to help us to be that safe community.

What drives you to continue working in this difficult space?

The dissonance between what I heard and experienced at the commission and what I understand the Church to be called to be – this is what drives me. You hear stories and you think to yourself, how on earth could we allow ourselves to not be who we were called to be, to allow that to happen?

I understand some of the contextual differences that contributed to abuse, the power and position of leaders, the place of children … so I understand functionally how that happened. However, this has not magically stopped… and this is not who we are.

We have moved a long way since some of the stories I've heard – but I strongly believe that following Jesus involves being a community of Christ in which people are nurtured and loved by God and by each other, and that being a safe church is one significant part.

“The dissonance between what I heard and experienced at the commission and what I understand the Church to be called to be – this is what drives me.”

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LEADERSHIP

The last meeting of the Presbytery and Synod of South Australia Adelaide West Uniting Church was the location for the final meeting for the Uniting Church SA as a combined Presbytery and Synod. The meeting was held from Friday 28 to Saturday 29 June with the Saturday comprising a celebration and closure of Mission Networks and the dissolving of the Presbytery of South Australia. Following this, two new Presbyteries were formed and gathered for the first time. The more noteworthy events from the meeting have been summarised in this article. Full reports and proposals are available at sa.uca.org.au/pres-synod-meetings.

Celebrating Mission Networks and Dissolving the Presbytery of South Australia

Meetings of the Transitional and Generate Presbyteries

Representatives from each Mission Network shared about the work they had been involved in over the 16 years the Networks were in existence. They lit candles in celebration of this work and the people the networks had supported and served. Uniting Church SA Moderator, Rev Sue Ellis handed over the Presbytery stole to Rev Philip Gardner, Executive Officer, Pastoral Relations and Mission Planning (now Placements and Safe Church Officer) to symbolise the end of the Presbytery of South Australia.

Members of the Transitional and Generate Presbyteries of South Australia met in their respective Presbytery groups on the conclusion of the full Presbytery and Synod meeting to elect office bearers. The Transitional Presbytery selected Saturday 21 September for their next meeting and the Generate Presbytery selected Saturday 14 September for their next gathering.

New Moderator-elect chosen for SA Bronte Wilson was elected to the role of Moderator-elect. He will take over from Rev Sue Ellis in November this year and will serve for a period of three years. Read more about Bronte on page 6 of this edition.

Restructuring Task Group Update Associate General Secretary, Rev Sue Page delivered an update on the Presbytery restructure. The existing structure of one Synod and one Presbytery in South Australia (existing since 2006) has been modified to allow for more than one Presbytery, with the first two Presbyteries - Generate and Transitional which began in an official capacity on Saturday 29 June, 2019.

Sue advised of 19 consultation sessions throughout the state to discuss the establishment of more new Presbyteries for South Australia. "This is an exciting time in our Synod," she concluded. "Now is the time to dream, imagine and create the future that will sustain and support and grow our church for its mission into the future." These consultations started in July and will continue until the first week of September. See page 20 for more information.

For further information and updates visit the Presbytery Restructure web page sa.uca.org.au/presbyteryand-synod/restructure/ 12

Contact details for the Transitional Presbytery: Susan Burt (Secretary) susan@urbannetwork.org.au.

Contact details for the Generate Presbytery: Rev Stephanie Tai (Secretary) info@generate.ucasa.org.au.

Proposal updates Several proposals were brought for decision to the Synod meeting.

Members passed a proposal that urges the Federal Government to address issues affecting the poor, the marginalised and the vulnerable. In its entirety, the proposal echoes the Uniting Church in Australia's vison for ‘A Just Australia’.

A Proposal requesting the Government of Australia to not move its embassy in Israel out of Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was passed after some reworking and amendments.

A recommendation that congregations who are a part of the Transitional Presbytery should be placed in three regional-based Presbyteries was referred to the Restructuring Task Group for consideration.

A Proposal regarding evacuating refugees and asylum seekers from Nauru and Manus Island to mainland Australia, amongst other requests, was slightly amended before being passed.

A proposal was passed for the Uniting Church President to meet with the Prime Minister and other political leaders of Australia about several issues that concern the Uniting Church.

A 2% increase in the minimum stipend was passed.

For more information on these proposals and how they were passed, please view the meeting minutes online at sa.uca.org.au/pres-synod-meetings.

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FAITH

Alpha: It’s about reaching the curious non-believers Petronella Lowies

Alpha, an evangelistic course which introduces the basics of Christian faith through a series of talks and discussions, has been around for nearly 30 years. Millions of people around the globe and at least 500,000 people in Australia, have attended and come to faith through it.

During July, three Uniting Church congregations in South Australia – Burnside City, Seeds and Sunset Rock – each started another series of Alpha sessions. Leah Hopton, coordinator of the Alpha courses hosted at Seeds Uniting Church, shares how other interested congregations can reach those in their community who are curious about Christianity but don’t necessarily believe.

Why Alpha?

“I see Alpha as a tried and trusted way that congregations can create discipleship opportunities within their own community. It is designed to reach people who don’t have a relationship with Jesus but have lots of questions about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit,” explains Leah. “We ask our congregation to invite non-believers to Alpha – including their friends, family, neighbours and workmates; people in their lives who they know have lots of questions about life, faith and God. It has been so successful that the sessions we began in July are our second round for the year.”

Seeds’ first round of 2019 saw the adult version of Alpha run parallel to a youth version, thanks in part to a lively relationship that the congregation’s youth group has with Aberfoyle Park High School. Individuals and small groups within the congregation have provided hearty, generous meals to help fulfil part one of the workings of Alpha: a shared meal. In part two of every session, the attendees watch a targeted video together, which is followed by part three: discussion and question time. The course itself runs over ten weeks.

“One of the reasons Alpha works so well is that it creates a safe, non-judgmental space to ask any question you want – even some really big, existential type questions,” says Leah. “And mix this with genuine hospitality.

We try to make people feel really welcome, as though they’re coming into our own home. Food is a big part of this. You can provide something as simple as pizza or go big – whatever suits your community.”

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“One of the reasons Alpha works so well is that it relies on hospitality to break down barriers and create a safe, non-judgmental space to ask any question you want.”

How to host an Alpha course According to Leah, hosting an Alpha course is quite simple.

You don’t need to know the Bible verse-by-verse or have any theological knowledge; just some free time and a willing team of helpers.

“First you need to register your interest on the website. All of the Alpha resources are online and free, including the videos and the training sessions.”

The first training session focuses on understanding how Alpha works, the power of prayer, how to create a welcoming environment and how to facilitate conversations. You would need two team members per table – a host to lead the conversations, ask questions and encourage everyone’s participation; another to model being a good and supportive table member.

“The second training session is about the prayer weekend, which happens in week seven or eight of the course. That is when the whole group goes away together and are really encouraged to meet and invite the Holy Spirit into their lives.”

Leah stresses that, while the Alpha course is available for free online, it is really not designed for individuals to attempt on their own. “It is about shared prayer and experience and Christian community.”

Find out more The website australia.alpha.org provides everything you need to know on how to run an Alpha course or where to attend one.

There is more information and background on the course itself and you can even watch the first episode in the series. Alternatively, contact Leah Hopton on 0438 254 993 for more information.

Guests and team members gather for a shared meal at the start of the Seeds UC Alpha course.

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FAITH

Spirituality as we age Choosing to walk in the light Petronella Lowies The last third of a person’s life is usually fraught with challenges. Close friends and family die, physical frailty sets in, there’s downsizing, transitioning to retirement homes or even full-time care. For many, retirement comes with a loss of identity and social integration. It involves dealing with loss and change while facing your own mortality. This is a time in one’s life where your spiritual needs differ from those of your younger years.

Rev Dr Elizabeth Vreugdenhil of the Stillpoint Spirituality Centre explains that, in old age, most people look back and ask all the big, existential questions such as “what did I achieve?” and “what was the meaning of it all?”

“People’s relationship with God is affected by their entire lives – their body, mind, culture, life circumstances and more.

That changes in the different ages that you’re in. In this last third of life people tend to go one of two ways: They either accept and find peace with those things in their lives that have happened (or not happened), or they live in regret and despair about those things. If you find peace, you walk in the light. If not, you walk in the dark.”

How can the Church respond to these issues?

“Congregations understand the need to tailor our message to meet the needs of children and young people,” says Elizabeth. “However, there is less awareness about tailoring the message for older people. I feel that it is very important to raise awareness that older people’s spiritual needs are different and deserve to be taken seriously”.

Elizabeth runs a project called “The Spirituality of Ageing”.

Through it, she has made it her mission to help people in their older years to walk in the light. She gives regular talks to groups big and small to help them understand that their older age does not mean that their usefulness is beyond its expiry date.

“Older people’s spiritual needs are different and deserve to be taken seriously.”

“Old age also brings a lot of freedom. There is more time for solitude and prayer – the freedom to just be and not do,” says Elizabeth.

“This means that older people still have a purpose. In old age, if you are a Child of God, your call to ministry will probably change from what it was in your earlier life.”

As an example, Elizabeth says that simply listening without judgement to others could be a valuable gift. So too is the gift of prayer – something those in older age have a great deal of time to do.

“I believe that churches can make much better, formal use of these gifts, which are the ministries of older people,” she says. “Value the older people, make use of their gifts and skills and address their spiritual needs very specifically.

This way, you will help them to walk in the light.”

If you would like Elizabeth to address a group or gathering (no group is too small, she says), please contact her at the Stillpoint Spirituality Centre at Christ Church Uniting in Wayville. Call on 8271 0329 or send an email to stillpoint@internode.on.net. She is also keen to expand this ministry and would love to hear from those interested in joining her.

Rev Dr Elizabeth Vreugdenhil believes that older people should never feel that they have no role or no ministry – in or outside of church.

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FAITH

‘Soul Stories’: How writing down your life history can help you to walk in the light Petronella Lowies Rev Dr Elizabeth Vreugdenhil has successfully used Don Jamieson’s Bible study Exploring and Affirming My Life: A short course in Spiritual Reminiscence Work to provide older people in congregations with a tool to “walk in the light” (see the adjacent article regarding the Spirituality of Ageing). She found Jamieson’s spiritual reminiscence method particularly helpful. This involves groups of older people to write down their memories and inviting God into this process, thus enabling them to overcome past regrets and find a new sense of identity.

She realised that non-believers would benefit from this process too, but might be put off by the overtly religious tone of Jamieson’s book. A decision was taken to write a new study similar to the spiritual reminiscence method that would be applicable for those with or without faith. It is meant as a way to reach a part of the community that is often left forgotten – older people.

An Ageing and Wellness grant from Resthaven, supported by Brougham Place Uniting Church, Scots Church Adelaide, Helping Hand Aged Care and Stillpoint Spirituality Centre, and under the banner of the Urban Mission Network, has enabled the development of a Resource Kit comprising the new book and a reprint of Jamieson’s book.

Lyn’s program guides the participants in an open-ended way.

She uses tools such as music, contemplation, stories drawn from real life that trigger feelings and ideas, and activities such as drawing a map of your childhood home and visualising walking through it again.

“Looking back at their life and revisiting memories they may have forgotten helps people to view themselves and some of the things that happened to them in a more holistic way,” explains Lyn. “Ultimately it shows them the growth they have undergone. If you are a Christian, it helps you to see God’s hand throughout your life.”

“Looking back at their life and revisiting memories they may have forgotten helps people to view themselves and some of the things that happened to them in a more holistic way.”

Dr Lyn Bray was appointed to write the new study book and her “Soul Stories: Life History and Spiritual Reminisce” outreach program, which includes this new book, is nearing completion. She has piloted it with small groups at Brougham Place Uniting Church and Helping Hand Aged Care, with some very positive outcomes.

“The six-week program encourages groups of over-60s to revive their memories in ways that affirm their lives,” says Lyn. “They participate in activities that help them to share those memories in a supportive way. They also write them down just for themselves, which has the benefit that it is private and allows the writer to reflect more deeply. The process gives them the Return to Contents

opportunity to look back at their lives and to understand how they have become the person that they are now.”

While currently written for groups, Lyn dreams of a version of her guide that will be applicable for one-on-one use, something that pastoral care workers or visitors could use with more frail people who find group participation difficult.

She would also like to write a training manual for facilitators, should funding become available.

The guide will be published in the coming months and then promoted through church circles and organisations that work with the elderly.

If you would like to contact Lyn about the Soul Stories project, please do so through Scots Church Adelaide on 8223 1505 or by sending an email to lifehistory@scotschurch.org.

What is a 'soul story'?

It is "a mixture of life, relationships, feelings, experiences and spirituality. [Writing a soul story] is a chance to look deep inside yourself, and find out who you really are."

- Don Jamieson.

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GETTI NG TO KNOW

Fellowship and Mission Support Historically, the Uniting Church and its founding denominations made use of what was known as 'Adult Fellowships' to help build the church. It was mostly young women needing some time away from their kids who came together in Christian Fellowship to ‘work’ for the Church through things like hospitality, fundraising and event organisation.

Stamp group, which collects and sells stamps for mission projects in Papua New Guinea. Other specific fundraising efforts include a UnitingWorld project known as 'Women in Ministry', where three women undertaking theological training at Rarongo Theological College in Papua New Guinea are supported financially (state project).

In a fairly recent development, committees of Fellowship, National & World Mission and Frontier Services have amalgamated their efforts to become the Uniting Church Fellowship and Mission Support. Their finances are still managed separately but working together has brought many efficiencies.

Nationally, the fundraising aim is to support Frontier Services Bush Chaplaincy as well as a 'Whole Pacific' ministry training program through which several women are currently studying ministry in Fiji.

Today, men and women alike still come together in fellowship within their congregations as they seek to develop, encourage and strengthen each other in knowledge and love of our Lord Jesus Christ and, through this, to minister prayerfully and practically in outreach to others. These fellowship groups can have a formal affiliation with the Uniting Church Fellowship and Mission Support, thereby connecting them to similar fellowship groups in the wider Church through shared missional goals, gatherings and support.

“For decades Fellowship has been a very important function in educating the wider church community about Christ’s call to serve our neighbours in need,” says Fellowship and Mission Support President Lesley Williams. “It will continue to provide the means by which Christians can gather regularly to share faith and life, and to be challenged to raise our horizons.”

What mission projects are promoted by Fellowship and Mission Support?

UC Fellowship and Mission Support promotes and actively supports outreach projects such as the Red Dove Café at the Royal Adelaide Show (see page 18), Packing Day (see page 25) and the Sally 16

“For decades Fellowship has been a very important function in educating the wider church community about Christ’s call to serve our neighbours in need"

How can people become involved?

Many congregations already have fellowship groups that are always looking for new members. If your congregation doesn’t have one, why not start one up? Gather three or more friends, meet over a cuppa and give your meetings some additional purpose with a fundraising goal. Every dollar helps.

If your fellowship group becomes an affiliate of UC Fellowship and Mission Support, you will receive a year book, monthly newsletters, assistance with projects, prayer and much more.

A State Mission Gathering will be held on Tuesday, 27 August at Scots Church Adelaide and will be open for all to attend.

For more information, contact UC Fellowship and Mission Support Secretary, Janet Woodward, on 8236 4275 or jwoodward@sa.uca.org.au.

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LEADERSHIP

Encountering Jesus in the Philippines Mike Wardrop In May this year, students from the Uniting College Intern Year program travelled to the Philippines to meet with pastors, congregations, ministry leaders and advocates from across the breadth of The United Church of Christ in the Philippines.

This Church in North and Central Luzon is a mission partner of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of South Australia, and furthering this partnership was a pivotal factor in traveling to the Philippines. For the Intern Year students it widened their understanding of mission and ministry – a skill they are developing while in the year-long Intern Year program.

“I left the Philippines a different, better person.”

Travelling to another country can be an eye-opening experience; even more so if it is a country where poverty and corruption are visible. For these students the experience was life-altering.

“I left the Philippines a different, better person,” says Noah Morris, an intern from Journey Uniting Church.

Rev Mark Schultz, Team Leader of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of South Australia’s Mission Resourcing, accompanied the students along with me, coordinator of the Intern Year Program. Mark commented on the difference between the conversations the students were having at the beginning of the journey and towards the end, noting the change he witnessed in them.

Overall, the students were deeply impacted by the hospitality, friendship and generosity of the Filipino people.

Noah said that he “witnessed a level of generosity that I haven’t experienced Return to Contents

anywhere else. People who had next to nothing were dedicating time, money and effort to make sure that we felt welcomed.”

Caitlin Klitscher, also from Journey UC, agreed. “I was challenged to be more generous,” she says. “And connecting with people in ways other than just a conversation (as speaking to them was a bit difficult) has allowed me to explore the uniquely different cultures, traditions and ways that God has made us.”

Larissa Ramsay, intern from Hope Valley Church, says that they have witnessed churches in the Philippines which had amazing hearts and incredible hope. “I found what it was to rely completely on prayer, because there are no other options.”

The 2019 Intern Year students and their coordinator, Rev Mike Wardrop (pictured second from right), on a balcony overlooking the mountains of Baguio City, Philippines.

Sarah Polanco, intern from Encounter Church, suggested that she would have a challenge to adjust back to the Australian way of life. “The generosity we experienced has sparked a desire in me to love in the way I have seen love in the Philippines.”

While there were light-hearted times to just play tourist, the trip had plenty of confronting moments. The students slept on floors in homes in rural mountain villages with no modern amenities and visited Rachel Mariano, a prisoner who was jailed for actions of justice on behalf of some of the Philippines’ marginalised indigenous groups.

We’re thankful to God for the opportunity to see the work of the Church and the Holy Spirit in the beautiful country of the Philippines.

The students would like to thank Mission Resourcing for their support, the Philippines partnership group for their insight and opening relationships with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, and the Highbury Street Fund for helping them raise the funds needed for this once in a lifetime experience. They also want to thank their families and friends who prayed for them, donated to them and supported them at their quiz night fundraiser.

Intern Year students entertain children in Ngibat, Philippines, where the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of South Australia, is helping with a project that assists our partner church in the Philippines to send teams that develop community health, education and sanitation.

Future trips planning now!

The Korean partnership group is planning to take a group of young adults from South Australia to visit our partners, the Presbyterian Church of the Republic of Korea. These are transformational opportunities for the people who go. The group is being finalised as this edition goes to print.

If you would like to support the trip in any way, please contact Mission Resourcing on 8236 4200.

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Red Dove Café Returns The ever popular Red Dove Café will once again be offering fresh food and great coffee at the Royal Adelaide Show. The Café will be open from Wednesday, 28 August (two days before the show starts) to Sunday, 8 September.

Started in 1951 with the sole purpose of raising funds for mission, the Café shifted its physical location at the show in 2017 to the Wayville showground’s south eastern corner – closer to the agricultural section. To keep feeding the hungry hordes with home-style meals and quality customer service, the Café makes use of between 70 and 80 volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to this important initiative.

Red Dove Café is open from 6:30am to 8:00pm every day that the show is in operation. Take your breakfast, teatime, lunch or dinner break away from the madness of the show at the refuge of the Red Dove Café and know that you will be supporting mission projects operating right here in South Australia!

A packed Red Dove Café on the day of its 2017 rebirth closer to the agricultural section of Royal Adelaide Show.

Working together to prevent suicide The most recently available statistics on suicide are from 2017, which showed that more than 3100 Australians lost their lives that year by suicide – nearly nine people every day of the year.

Those were fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, children and friends.

On Tuesday, 10 September, World Suicide Prevention Day will once again highlight the very preventable tragedy of suicide. This year the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is “Working together to prevent suicide”, and Scots Church Adelaide has a number of banners, promotional kits and ribbons available for other Uniting Churches to use. The banner’s message is an important one; “Suicide: It’s No Secret”. Launched in 2011, this campaign of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of South Australia, aims to encourage conversations that can change the culture of silence around suicide.

If you would like to know more about who is at risk, where to go for help or how to help others, please look at the “Suicide: It’s No Secret” page on the of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of South Australia, website: sa.uca.org. au/nosecret, or contact Rev Dr Paul Goh, Justice & CALD Multicultural and Cross-Cultural Officer, on 8236 4244 or by email at pgoh@sa.uca.org.au.

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Members of the Uniting Church in SA were reminded of World Suicide Prevention Day at the June 2019 Presbytery and Synod meeting by Rev Dr Paul Goh, Justice & CALD Multicultural and Cross-Cultural Officer.

To find out about the promotional items available from Scots Church, please contact the church office on 8223 1505 or by email at admin@scotschurch.org.

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NEWS SNIPPETS

Queen’s Birthday Honours In June a great number of Uniting Church members from across Australia were named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List – some of them for service to the church and others for extraordinary service to the community, leadership, working for justice, stewardship and more.

We are aware of at least four South Australians who made it onto the list and are also members of congregations of the Uniting Church in SA. They are Jennifer Teasdale (AM) from Kangaroo Island, who was recognised for service to education and international relations; Bruce Spangler (AM) from Gartrell Church (Dulwich-Rose Park United), for a lifetime of service

to basketball and the wider community, plus his drive to save Women’s NBL club, Adelaide Lightning; Peter Nettelbeck (OAM) from Willaston, awarded for service to the community of Gawler; and lay pastor Ern Bentley (OAM) from Enfield (formerly Millicent), recognised for services to the communities of Millicent and Beachport.

These awards acknowledge individuals who selflessly dedicate their lives to a greater cause. View the list of UCA members honoured in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours List in the News section of the UCA Assembly website, assembly.uca.org.au.

SAYouthFest – Save the date!

South Australian Youth Camp Out (SAYCO) has been a gift to our Church for nearly thirty years. It has endeavoured to give young people in SA an opportunity to hear a clear and simple gospel message and respond to it in their lives.

The fruit of SAYCO has been in bountiful evidence across the Uniting Church in both the discipleship and leadership development of young people. However, SAYCO has been diminishing in both attendance and energy around the event in recent times. In the last five years the number of youth groups participating in SAYCO has halved, and the total number of attendees (campers and their leaders) has dropped by over 400 people.

It is time to thank God for SAYCO and look to what the Spirit might have for the event in a new season. In 2019, SAYCO will be compressed into SAYouthFest – a one-day festival that will have all the things people love about SAYCO and more; time to hear the gospel in a fresh way, great worship, games, sports, friendships, good eats, and festival nights.

There will be opportunities to give thanks for SAYCO’s past, as well as dream together about what the future of youth events in SA could look like.

SAYouthFest will be held on Saturday, 12 October at Adelaide West Uniting Church, so save the date! Like and follow the Uniting Church SA Youth and Young Adults Facebook page to stay in the know.

Small grants available Australian Church Women SA Inc, through its Jubilee 150 Trust initiative, have grant funding available for women who, through lack of resources, are unable to undertake or complete a course, attend training programs or purchase equipment to benefit them and their families.

Applications are to be received by the Convener by Friday, 27 September 2019. Approved grants will be presented to the recipient’s sponsor in November. Enquiries and brochures are available from the Trust Convener, Mrs Lynne Hook. Contact her on 0419 835 882 or by email: lynne06@bigpond.com.

The applicant will need to be sponsored by a Christian Church body or individual office bearer of a Christian group, but need not necessarily be a Church attendee herself.

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Restructuring Task Group and Transitional Presbytery of South Australia Consultations The newly formed Transitional Presbytery of South Australia will reform into more Presbyteries at the Annual Meeting of the Synod commencing 14 November 2019. As this is a continuing process for the Restructuring Task Group and the office bearers of this Presbytery, 19 consultative sessions have been scheduled between 24 July and 3 September at locations all across the State.

The idea is to hear from as many UCA members as possible about their thoughts and ideas regarding what future Presbyteries in South Australia might look like.

At the time of publication, consultations have already taken place at the following Uniting Church congregations: Burnside City, Yankalilla, Marion-Warradale, Cudlee Creek, Gawler, Padthaway, Gambier East, Meningie, Murray Bridge and Western Link, as well as at the Chaplains gathering at Uniting College for Leadership & Theology.

A further seven consultations are scheduled as follows: •

Thursday 22 August, 2:30pm @ Maitland Uniting Church

•

Thursday 22 August, 6:30pm @ Wallaroo Uniting Church

•

Friday 23 August, 12:00pm @ Jamestown Uniting Church

•

Saturday 24 August, 10:30am @ Barmera Uniting Church

•

Sunday 25 August, 11:00am @ Mt Barker Uniting Church

•

Monday 2 September, 7:00pm @ Wudinna Uniting Church

•

Tuesday 3 September, 10:00am @ Kimba Uniting Church

Associate General Secretary Rev Sue Page will also continue to give weekly updates on the process with Facebook Live video sessions on the Uniting Church. Uniting People Facebook page. These live videos allow viewers to post live questions and receive answers in real time from Sue. For more information please contact the Synod Secretariat on secretariat@sa.uca.org.au or 8236 4200.

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NEWS SNIPPETS

Highlights from Helping Hand

New Golden Grove care home & caring for the “Forgotten Australians”

Helping Hand Aged Care recently opened its ninth care home at Golden Grove in Adelaide’s north-east. The three storey, 110 room care home has attracted unprecedented interest in resident enquiries and workforce applications.

“The environment we have created is world-class and embodies our organisational values of compassion, respect, excellence and community,” said Chris Stewart, who joined Helping Hand as its new Chief Executive Officer in January this year. ”However, we maintain that our highest priority is the quality of the care we provide within our sites and across all of our services.”

As they age, many people who identify as Forgotten Australians are struggling to face the possibility of a second time around in institutional care, feeling at risk of re-traumatisation.

Helping Hand recently celebrated its 65th anniversary. The not-for-profit organisation provides home care, retirement living and residential care services to more than 7,000 people a year across regional South Australia and metropolitan Adelaide, and employs more than 1,600 people.

A new project, Real Care the Second Time Around, focusses on the experiences of a community of people often referred to as ‘Forgotten Australians’.

“These are people who, as children in the period until 1989, were harmed in state and institutional care. They include former wards of the state placed in children’s homes, foster homes and orphanages across Australia,” says Chris.

He explains: “Many have been left traumatised and are suffering life-long consequences from abuse and neglect by the ’care‘ they received in their youth. As they age, many people who identify as Forgotten Australians are struggling to face the possibility of a second time around in institutional care, feeling at risk of re-traumatisation.”

Helping Hand is working with Forgotten Australians to develop resources to support them as they access aged care services. The work, which has attracted a range of funding investment including from the Federal Government and Flinders University, will also assist aged care providers to respond to the needs of Forgotten Australians.

The Federal Government has allowed Helping Hand to reserve a number of rooms at Golden Grove for people who are Care Leavers (Forgotten Australians, former child migrants, former wards of state and members of the Stolen Generations) and/or people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex.

His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia, enjoys a tour of Helping Hand Golden Grove at the official opening.

A local family enjoying the official opening of Helping Hand Golden Grove

For a copy of the first Real Care the Second Time Around resource, or to find out more about Helping Hand services, visit www.helpinghand.org.au or call Helping Hand on 1300 653 600.

His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, Governor of South Australia, officially opened Helping Hand Golden Grove. He is cutting the ribbon held by Helping Hand Chairperson Rosalie Pace and Helping Hand CEO, Chris Stewart.

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MORE FROM UNITING COLLEGE

Ten years on:

towards robust theological education Tim Hein It is hard to believe that the Uniting College for Leadership and Theology (UCLT) recently celebrated its 10th birthday – a full decade since the launch on Friday, 27 March 2009.

In his sermon on the evening of the launch, Rev Professor Andrew Dutney, UCLT Principal, made it clear that the new college was not a repackaged version of what the Church has always done in theological education. It was a fresh start, a response to the demands and opportunities of mission today. He stated, “Our role is to enable people to be the Christian disciples and missional leaders that God is calling them to be.”

He then outlined the mandate for the college: “To develop effective leaders for a healthy, missional church, who are passionate, Christ-centred, highly skilled and mission oriented practitioners.” The Uniting College was organised to serve that goal.

This seems more relevant now than ever. In order to keep fulfilling that mandate we are looking forward to adopting a new Strategic Plan. This plan contains important outcomes in areas such as online delivery, new courses, marketing, and the formation of candidates.

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“(Our) mandate reflects the reality that this is a challenging time for the church, and the call of discipleship and leadership invites us not to skirt away, but rather to step forward – engaging in courageous mission and ministry, trusting in God.”

But there are two key features of this new Strategic Plan I wish to highlight.

The first is a fresh purpose statement: Educating Courageous Disciples and Leaders for a Healthy Missional Church.

The word ‘courageous’ is specifically chosen. It comes from the root word ‘cor’, which means ‘heart’. In multiple places, the Biblical text calls us to take courage, primarily due to the fact that God is with us and will not forsake us.

The mandate reflects the reality that this is a challenging time for the Church, and the call of discipleship and leadership invites us not to skirt away, but rather to step forward—engaging in courageous mission and ministry, trusting in God.

The second is a new vision statement: A vibrant, growing learning community equipping and encouraging students in the way of Jesus, through high quality education, wherever they are.

That statement ‘wherever they are’ refers not just to geography, or the level of study, but also theological conviction. Over the past decade, UCLT has endeavoured to ensure the breadth of theological perspective is engaged and explored. However, as we move into the future, we have decided to do this more explicitly.

A robust theological education means understanding the breadth of the theological landscape, and how to navigate it. But now we are also introducing several more specific units designed to ensure students have the opportunity to go deeper within their theological conviction, such as hermeneutics in the evangelical tradition, or various contextual theologies.

UCLT is a function of the whole Synod, of all Presbyteries, and now more than ever we are committed to equipping and encouraging students in the way of Jesus, through high quality education, wherever they are.

Rev Dr Tim Hein is Vice-Principal of the Uniting College for Leadership and Theology and also the UCLT Director of Discipleship.

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Rev Amel Manyon’s induction service was held on Sunday, 7 July at Dernancourt Uniting Church. Amel is the first African woman ordained in the Uniting Church in Australia and is now the first African minister who has been inducted into an English-speaking congregation in South Australia. She came from South Sudan as a refugee, has five children and six grandchildren.

“2019 Packing Day” was completed at Athelstone, Balhannah and MarionWarradale churches during the first week of June. Volunteers packed and sent a total of 24 cubic metres of clothing and other goods to the APY lands, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Derby, Broome and nine other Indigenous communities in Arnhem Land. This was a truly fantastic accomplishment! A huge thank you to all of the people involved, including the very generous free freight provided

by Allied Pickfords and Sea Swift. To find out more please contact Nancy or Peter Cranwell on pwcranwell@bigpond.com.

Rev Frances Bartlett leads a modified yoga class called “Stretch and Balance” at Lefevre Uniting Church in Taperoo.

She calls it a form of body prayer, where the movements are designed to open the heart, release stress and encourage mindfulness for each participant. Most participants are aged over 60 (some in their late 80s!). It’s yoga taught from a Christian perspective. Find out more by calling Frances on 0407 687 311.

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OUT & ABOUT IN THE COMMUNITY

Staff and several guests bid farewell to Rev Rob Brown on Thursday, 13 June, at the Synod office in Pirie Street, Adelaide. Rob was the Interim General Secretary and the occasion not only called for a conclusion of placement liturgy, but also acted as a celebration, sending him off into retirement.

Rob has been a gracious and faithful servant of the Uniting Church in this role (and many others). It was his second stint as 'interim' GenSec, with his retirement having been delayed as a result. In this picture Rob (centre) and his wife, Gill, share a moment with Dr John Newton, Principal of Scotch College.

The Live Life Loud City event, held at Burnside Uniting Church on Friday, 14 June, was one of five youth events held across the state during that month.

These events provide young people with the chance to make connections with other young Christians in their area and to encounter God in the process. This year’s theme was 'Lionheart' – a play on the extreme courage of Daniel and his friends who lived so very differently from everyone around them in Babylon at the time. They didn't fit in, yet they thrived and were protected by God. The other four LLL events were held at Balaklava UC, Unity Hill UC, The Journey UC and Seeds UC.

Twice a year, during the summer and winter school holidays, Seeds Uniting Church hosts “Kidsventure”, a two-day activity-based children’s ministry that draws over 140 primary school kids – many of whom have no affiliation with the Church or Christianity. Each day the children are actively engaged, entertained, and inspired with a range of activities such as a giant bouncy castles to keep them on the go both physically, mentally and spiritually – including worship with the youth band and Bible Story time. During the July holiday program the kids were looked after by a fantastic team of 40 youth leaders.

Do you have a photo of your event that you would like to see featured here? If so, please send it to us along with a description of what happened, where it happened, and who is in the picture. We can only print high resolution photographs sent as attachments to newtimes@sa.uca.org.au. Keep them coming!

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UPCOMING EVENTS

15

Aug

“Bonhoeffer: Heretic or Hero?”

Mark Worthing

27 Aug

The Caring Grandparent – who cares!

7:00pm Christ Church Uniting Church

7:30pm Rosefield Uniting Church

The third session in the series, "The Controversy Factor - Why is Theology such a bother?" Cost is $15. Register though trybooking.com/ZZXGZ

Psychologist Marta Lohyn will guide involved grandparents on complexities such as feeling they have ‘no right’ to speak into family dynamics.

Contact: : 0438 012 227 or jkjmbarker@bigpond.com

Contact: 8271 9528 or admin@rosefield.org.au

22 Aug

"What does the Marriage Debate tell us about the Church in Australia Today?"

Rev Prof Andrew Dutney

7:00pm Christ Church Uniting Church

31

Aug

Discernment Retreat

8:30am One Tree Hill Uniting Church

The last session in the series, "The Controversy Factor - Why is Theology such a bother?" The Cost is $15 and bookings can be made through trybooking.com/ZZGZ

Lead by Ps Jessie Sanders and Rev Gary Stuckey. A One Day retreat for anyone wishing to hear God's voice and discern God's direction in their life. Recommended for all those participating in the Period of Discernment.

Contact: 0438 012 227 or jkjmbarker@bigpond.com

Contact: 0884168420 or jsaunders@unitingcollege.edu.au

22/23 Aug

Commending the faith -

Rev Dr Chris Walker

22 August @ Murray Bridge Uniting Church from 10:00am 23 August @ Uniting College from 9:30am A whole-day seminar: How do we share our faith in a changing Australian society today?

Contact: 8236 4221 or rtsetsakos@sa.uca.org.au

27 Aug

State Mission Fellowship

10:00am Scots Church Adelaide The speaker is Rev Anne Hewitt, Ecumenical Facilitator and Executive Officer of the South Australian Council of Churches.

Contact: 8522 6188 or jillpolki@gmail.com 26

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Death Cafe

Conversations and Explorations with Oct Friends by the Sea: Worship in the 21st Century

8-10

from 9:00am St Andrew's by the Sea Uniting Church A 3-day conversational event to talk, explore and think deeply and widely about worship, now and into the future.

Contact: 8267 2657 or admin@cmla.org.au

CL A SSIFIEDS MORIALTA CHARITABLE TRUST FUND Morialta Charitable Trust Fund has been supporting disadvantaged children, young people and their families in South Australia through its annual program of distributions for 40 years. To enable the Fund to continue this support through community organisations in South Australia, Morialta Charitable Trust Fund seeks donations from the public. Donations of $2 and above are tax deductible and can be forwarded to the Morialta Charitable Trust Fund at PO Box 92, Crafers SA 5152.

Sept

10:00am Walkerville Uniting Church Have a conversation over coffee and cake to explore your values and ideas about life and death issues in a safe and supportive environment.

Contact: 0458 112 998 or admin@ walkerville.unitingchurch.org.au

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Sept

Annual Wildflower Walk & Afternoon Tea

1:00pm Sandy Creek Uniting Church Go for an easy guided walk in local bush followed by afternoon tea.

Contact: 0417 863 325 or info@sandycreekuca.net.au

COPY-TYPE TYPING AND SECRETARIAL SERVICE Assisting Academics, Jobseekers, Not-for-Profit Organisations and Small Businesses with efficient, professional, confidential and quality typing and secretarial support – there when you need us! Contact us today and receive 10% off your first service. Concession card holders and Not-for-Profits receive 10% off every time. Call Denise Marron at Copy-Type on 0408 065 239 or email copy-type@iinet.net.au.

MOVING TO MELBOURNE FOR TERTIARY STUDY? Join the Brunswick Uniting Church Student House. Rooms available.

Visit brunswick.unitingchurch.org.au/ student-house-program or call Pastor Dave Hall on 0417 310 128.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The whole truth

Reporting on Israel Folau disappoints

I am moved to respond to Trevor Carter (NT, June/ July, p20).

Trevor’s letter reveals an assumption that “the truth” constitutes a law that must be obeyed in its entirety for all time.

But in our western society we routinely disregard biblical teaching, and whatever laws are implied, about diet, clothing and Sabbath, and set aside Jesus’ clear teaching about divorce, and we do this quite happily because we say that those aspects of the Law are obsolete, so they no longer apply to us. But on what authority?

More to the point, on what basis may one of us choose to disregard one part of the law—but refuse to permit another the same choice just because it’s a different area of the law, which we happen to support?

I share Trevor’s love for God and commitment to the Church; and I am constantly challenged by the wider “truth revealed in Scripture” that also includes a call to forgive, warnings against standing in judgement, a blessing on peacemakers, and qualities like joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and above all, love.

I was disappointed by the way the matters regarding Israel Folau’s anti LGBTQI pronouncements were reported in “Talking Points” (June/July 2019).

The main reference was to an article by sports journalist Bret Harris in The Guardian, May 19, 2019. While it may have accurately reflected Harris’ view, I doubt that they would ever be the editorial view of The Guardian. Did anyone check?

Two things saddened me about the Talking Points article. Firstly, in public life, we do not allow parents to deny their children lifesaving blood transfusions, or the practice of genital mutilation, or the exclusion of women from positions of authority—on religious grounds. The Uniting Church, through its commitment to social justice, endorses these developments.

Secondly, in public life and, surely, in the life and ethos of the Uniting Church, we have got to the point where public antiLGBTQI pronouncements are reasonably and ethically regarded as hate-speech.

So why, as envoys of the God of Love, would we ever regard freedom to promulgate this hate speech as a victory for religious freedom or see its proponents as martyrs when their freedom in this regard is curtailed? Spiritually, hate speech is blasphemy and should be called as such. (Letter shortened – ed)

Max Howland Seacliff Park

The Noble Duke of York and the Uniting Church Readers may be familiar with the poem where the Duke of York’s troops were neither up nor down the hill. For those who persist in opposing on principle the Uniting Church’s inspired solution to same gender marriage—I feel that we are neither up nor down.

Those pressing for their own presbytery deserve a rebuke for threatening the sacred fellowship of the UCA. Perhaps we in SA should get out of our own confusions and not be like those in the poem who were neither up nor down. We, by God’s grace, must march together to the top of the hill. Big problems will appear as they are: minor challenges.

Nature, and God, abhors a vacuum. So whilst we still have a clear vision from the top of the mountain let us restore as many presbyteries as seems needful with all the powers which belonged to them before Networks.

Congregations have all the freedoms they need to decline same gender marriage. But they cannot exclude anyone from its fellowship. The words of Wesley still stand: “For all, for all my saviour died”.

Stay at the top of the mountain, not neither up nor down and be misled that two presbyteries will be enough. Finally, when Synod’s vision is shared and caught, we can all come down again (as long as we don’t stop half way). To be neither up nor down may appear satisfactory, but it is no permanent residence for the Noble Church of God. (Letter shortened – ed)

(Rev) Jim Winn Woodcroft Editorial comment: Articles published in New Times do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial team. This is particularly true of Talking Points. We make every effort in this section to quote from only reliable news sources and to not portray a specific point of view.

We apologise if we have not achieved this with the Israel Folau article.

We quoted The Guardian journalist Bret Harris almost verbatim, not keeping in mind that this may seem to be portraying a particular side to the debate or his opinion on the matter.

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

David Pill (Retired Minister) Return to Contents

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Talking Points There are always stories about Christians, Christianity and the Church that make headlines worldwide. New Times made a summary of some of these stories—the news we talk about over a cup of tea!

1,700 year old letter sheds light on lives of early Christians A letter written on papyrus and dating back to the 230s AD was unveiled in Switzerland recently. It is addressed to a man named Paulus from his brother Arrianus, and reveals that the earliest Christians were not eccentrics who had withdrawn from the world due to persecution (as is often portrayed). Rather, they lived among their pagan community members and held political leadership positions.

The letter originated from the village of Theadelphia in central Egypt and discusses topics of faith, local politics and food under the Roman Empire. (From foxnews.com, 17 July 2019)

Not to be confused with cannabis A direct mail cataloguer and online retailer, Christian Book Distributors, has dropped the abbreviation it was known by to avoid confusion with the cannabis product cannabidiol. Both the book distributor and the product were known by the shortened ‘CBD’, with the product extracted from the hemp plant becoming more and more commonly known.

The book retailer’s chief executive explained that the company’s name no longer topped the list in Google searches for CBD because of the increasing popularity of CBD as cannabidiol’s abbreviated name.

The company now operates as Christian Book.

(From Christianitytoday.com, 12 July 2019)

Pope changes the Lord’s Prayer After experts concluded that the centuries-old wording used in English translations of the Lord’s Prayer (found in Matthew 6:9-13) is incorrect, Pope Frances has officially changed it. Now, instead of saying “lead us not into temptation”, it will say “do not let us fall into temptation”.

In a 2017 television interview Pope Francis told Italians: “It is not a good translation because it speaks of a God who induces temptation. I am the one who falls. It’s not him pushing me into temptation to then see how I have fallen.”

Many have criticised the Pope’s decision and it is not clear how many English-speaking countries will apply the change. The new wording was approved by the Episcopal Conference in Italy in May this year. (From The Guardian, 7 June 2019)

Archaeologists discover Biblical city where King David fled from Saul Researchers from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, the Israel Antiquities Authority and Macquarie University in Sydney believe they have discovered the Philistine town of Ziklag. David found refuge in Ziklag while fleeing King Saul.

The excavation began in 2015 at the site of Khirbet a-Ra‘i in the Judaean foothills – between Kiryat Gat and Lachish. Spacious, massive stone structures have been uncovered containing finds typical of the Philistine civilisation.

Following a regional archaeological study in the Judaean foothills, a picture of the region’s settlement in the early Monarchic era is emerging: Ziklag and Sha‘arayim are situated on the western frontier of the kingdom, perched atop prominent hills, overlooking main routes passing between the Land of the Philistines and Judea. (From Worldisraelnews.com, 8 July 2019).

US Trade war with China threatens Bible distribution Major Christian publishers such as HarperCollins and Tyndale has warned the Trump - administration that its 25% tariff hike will make it tough to access God’s Word. So far books have escaped earlier tariff hikes in the trade war, but it is proposed for the next round.

Leading Christian publishers testified before the US International Trade Commission in June to ask for exemptions.

China is currently the world’s largest Bible producer. With more than 800,000 words that can extend to 2,000 thin pages, special bindings, maps, ribbons, and four-color printing, the Bible requires sophisticated printers. While Brazil, India, and South Korea also print Bibles, China has become unparalleled in Bible publishing for its economy of scale and highly skilled workforce.

According to HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP), the proposed tariffs will force HCCP to increase its prices, reduce its sales volume, and discontinue some Bible editions.

(From Christianitytoday.com, 21 June 2019)

Uniting Church support for decriminalising personal drug use back in the news The Sydney Morning Herald reported on the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and ACT’s push to have all illegal drugs decriminalised for personal use in NSW. Along with its service arm, Uniting (the NSW & ACT version of SA’s UnitingCare) the Synod last year spearheaded a 60-member strong coalition that included the state’s peak legal bodies. The campaign is supported and was launched by Sir Richard Branson.

The recent article features an interview with Dr Marianne Jauncy, Medical Director of Uniting’s medically supervised injecting centre in Kings Cross. "We want to keep our children safe and we don't want people using dangerous substances. If that's our aim, you can clearly say the current system has failed."

The campaign does not call for the decriminalisation of the production, trafficking and supply of illicit drugs including ice, a form of crystallised methamphetamine, or other amphetamine-type stimulants.

(From The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 June 2019)

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