New Times - December 2018 January 2019

Issue 37, No 6, 2018

The voice of Uniting Church SA

December 2018/ January 2019

REFLECTIONS: WOMEN WEAVING

WHEN THE BIBLE SAYS

WISDOM & WONDER

SOMETHING I DON’T LIKE

pp. 6-7

pp. 8-9

Contents FEATURES Reflections: Women Weaving Wisdom & Wonder 6-7 When the Bible says something I don’t like Presbytery and Synod meeting

8-9 10-12

The story behind the Christmas Bowl

14

The products of Modern Slavery

15

REGULAR PAGES Moderator’s comment

4

Getting to know…

17

Out & About

18-19

Diary 20 Letters to the editor

21

Reviews 22 Talking points

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Editor: Petronella Lowies Editor-in-Chief: Bindy Taylor Advertising: Communications Design: Thaddeus Brady Print: Graphic Print Group

Cover photo: Megan Haryanto

For editorial inquiries: p. (08) 8236 4230 e. newtimes@sa.uca.org.au m. The Editor,

New Times GPO Box 2145

Adelaide SA 5001 For advertising bookings: p. (08) 8236 4260 e. newtimesad@sa.uca.org.au

sa.uca.org.au/new-times facebook.com/UnitingChurch.UnitingPeople ISSN 0726-2612

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

Print circulation: 8,100 Uniting Church SA Level 2, 212 Pirie St, Adelaide p. (08) 8236 4200 f. 8236 4201 country callers. 1300 766 956

DEADLINE FOR THE FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 EDITION: Friday 18 January Cover details: More than 300 women from across Australia met in Brisbane for the UnitingWomen conference.

Pictured are two women from the Northern Synod who attended. The Northern Synod will host the next UnitingWomen conference from 9-12 July, 2020 in Darwin.

Read some of the reflections from South Australian women who attended the 2018 UnitingWomen Brisbane conference on pages 6 - 7 of this edition.

Bringing joy to children of prisoners

sa uy ents b 40 es f $ w pr o on -ne ati rand n do o b ur Yo ild tw ch

Each year, Christmas Angels provides over 550 PKs (prisoners’ kids) with presents from their imprisoned parent during Christmas visiting times.

(08) 8272 0323 secondchances.org.au Placements News Placements finalised as of 21 November 2018 Rev Sue Page to Associate General Secretary from 1 January 2019 Rev Nicholas Rundle to Chaplain Royal Adelaide Hospital from 1 February 2019 Vacant placements The following is the list of vacant (or soon to be vacant) approved placements: Profiles available - Adare UC from 1 February 2019, Blackwood UC (up to 1.2 FTE for two positions), Brighton UC from 25 November 2018, Dernancourt UC from 1 March 2019, Enfield UC, Malvern UC, Maitland and Districts (0.6), Mount Barker UC (0.8) from mid 2019, Port Lincoln (Coffin Bay Community Church, Poonindie UC, Unity Hill UC) from 1 January 2019, Uniting Churches of Tatiara (0.8) (Bordertown UC, Mundulla UC, Buckingham UC), Unley UC (0.4), Waikerie UC. Profiles not yet available - Adelaide Korean UC (0.2), Flinders Congregations (0.6) Booleroo Centre UC, Booleroo Whim UC, Melrose UC, Wirrabara UC, Wilmington UC, Mannum UC (0.3), Para Hills (0.4) from 1 January 2019, Port Augusta UC (0.5) from 1 December 2018, Prospect Road UC from 1 January 2019 (available soon), Southern Yorke Peninsula from 1 January 2019, The Grove UC (0.3), Unley (0.4) (available soon).

Ordination and induction services Liz Dyson, Candidate for Deacon, 9 December 2018 at Adelaide West UC at 1:30pm.

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

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editorial

Mirror, mirror on the wall …

My journey of late has been one of self-reflection. Prompted by my current course of study in change management, I have been delving into the depths of Bindy – my strengths, fears, what brings me joy, what I value and most importantly, the areas I need to change. Change and growth are essential factors for me to progress from ‘good enough’ to the best I can possibly be.

Perhaps the most challenging part of my self-reflection journey has been the assessment phase. Gathering feedback from others about their interpretations of my strengths and weaknesses. Although confronting, this has been by far, the most satisfying and opportunistic part of my betterment journey. I feel both humbled and grateful for the opportunities to grow and fast-track change in my life by asking people to share and document their thoughts on my behaviour.

I recently met with my daughter’s teachers after experiencing challenges with her sleep routine. One teacher uncovered that my daughter felt like she couldn’t tell me how she was feeling at bedtime because I kept telling her “just to go to sleep”. Obtaining that feedback was critical to improving her sleep habits which have flow on effects for so many areas of her life. She now meditates before sleep, shares her feelings and listens to calming sounds. This enables her to minimise her anxieties and maximise her rest every night.

Having already seen the impact of me addressing my blind spots at work and home, I now understand the way my behaviour could be impacting others. Changes I have implemented have vastly improved my relationships and the well-being of the many I serve. There is still more work to be done, but I now understand that self-reflection will be a regular practice in my life for continued growth and improvement.

Self-awareness provides individuals with an honest account of their actions and beliefs and the way they impact others. It examines where biases lie and how we might work to overcome these so our world can be viewed in the most realistic way possible.

A lack of self-awareness has the potential to alienate others through the impact of unawareness about our actions towards others. We could potentially be self-validating our biases by mixing with those who only share our opinions. We may fail to seek out feedback from different sources on different areas of our life.

Sometimes in the church we can get comfortable, and prefer to stay in the ‘good enough’ zone. But we also know that this is not the life God calls us to. A lack of self-awareness and self-reflection can have detrimental effects on those around us, whether it be the Presbytery and Synod meeting floor, the people we ‘do life’ with or those we lead and serve. By taking the time to find out more about yourself, you

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gain a better understanding of your emotions, your strengths and weaknesses and your key drivers, in order to live with integrity and into the promise of fulfilment that God has for your life and those you serve.

Belinda Taylor

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m o d e ra t o r

Christmas is celebrated with gift giving As brothers and sisters in Christ we are gifts to one another. We need each other to be the Uniting Church. Can we receive the voice of another as a gift, knowing the Christ Child is with that person?

Do you know how the gift giving began?

Recently I attended a Godly Play workshop where the story of St Nicholas was shared. St Nicholas is remembered during Advent on 6 December each year, in commemoration of his death in 343AD. His wealthy parents raised Nicholas to be a devout Christian, but died when he was quite young. He was adopted by a benevolent uncle and eventually became Bishop of Myra.

In the Godly Play story, the storyteller says: “Nicholas always wanted to give a gift to the Christ child, like the Magi, but the Christ Child lived long before he was born. Still, he wondered if the Christ Child was living in every child”.

Throughout his life Nicholas secretly gave gifts to children at Christmas. This is well documented and when he died the gifts didn’t stop. The gift-giving continued and is captured in western culture in the figure of Father Christmas or Santa Claus. The Godly Play storytellers share this by saying, “…even now, all around the world, gifts appear at Christmas to surprise people, especially children. This all began because the Bishop of Myra saw the Christ Child in every child.”

Saint Nicholas’ idea of gift-giving has become a gift that goes on and on and on.

It is like the gift of the Christ Child. In giving His one and only Son to the world for its salvation, God has given a gift that goes on and on and on. For the story of the coming of the Christ Child is a story of God coming to us in love, peace and with wonder. Every time we tell the story we are sharing the Gospel: God is with us. This, too, is a gift we can give that goes on and on.

Caring for farming communities in drought with practical support is a gift that goes on and on. Supporting partner churches with resource gifts that empower local families and their communities is a gift that goes on and on. Visiting UnitingCare organisations and nursing homes

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Rev Sue Ellis participated previously in West Lakes Uniting Church’s community nativity event, “Carols by the Lake”.

with hampers and special gifts, enables goodwill to go on and on. In all of these gifts, we acknowledge that every child, indeed every person, is created in the image of God and of great value to God. In the gift of the Christ Child, God sent a gift of Peace upon the earth. This too, is a gift we can each offer to one another. It is a gift that can go on and on.

The Uniting Church in South Australia has become polarised by the Assembly marriage decision and our life together has not been peaceful. Instead, in the vulnerability that comes with any conflict, we have hurt one another.

As brothers and sisters in Christ we are gifts to one another. We need each other to be the Uniting Church. Can we receive the voice of another as a gift, knowing the Christ Child is with that person?

Give the gift of Peace to each other this Christmas – not the peace from feeling safe in a particular theological viewpoint, but the Peace that comes from the vulnerable Christ Child within. When we are at peace, we can flourish in our ministries of love. Peace becomes a gift that goes on and on and on….

Peace on earth and mercy mild. May the Peace of Christ bless you.

Rev Sue Ellis

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Giving Back

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leadership

Women weaving wisdom and wonder More than 300 women from all over Australia gathered at Somerville House in Brisbane for an inspiring UnitingWomen conference from 27-30 September, 2018.

The theme of the Conference, “Weaving Wisdom and Wonder” captured the spirit of what UnitingWomen is all about - creating space for women of all cultures and ages to weave stories, share wisdom and wonder together at what God is doing in their lives and in our world.

The women worshipped together, listened and shared stories, started conversations about key issues for the church and participated in workshops on everything from well-being and women in scripture to learning songs of our First Peoples.

The Uniting Church in South Australia Synod presented bursaries to five women to attend the conference. Three women, Jenny Prior, Jenny Esots and Alice Kroker each wrote a reflection on their experiences at the 2018 UnitingWomen conference.

Jenny Esots and Jenny Prior attended UnitingWomen 2018 together both as friends and independent bursary winners. Here they share a fun moment from the Conference.

Jenny Prior There was a pull of excitement when I read about UnitingWomen 2018: Weaving wisdom and wonder, in my church newsletter. It was 2,000km away, but bursaries were available from SA Synod to help South Australian women travel to Brisbane.

I see God in the connecting strands of my life. Here God was weaving present again, like the hobby of basket weaving with natural fibres that I took up this year. As my mother lives in Brisbane I could also invite her to attend the conference with me.

Being in a room of Christian wise women was very enriching.

The conversations flowed easily. Connections grew out of shared experiences and friends in common. Not all of the participants were mothers and grandmothers. The presence of young women brought hope. Our final keynote speaker, Brooke Prentis, was a young Waka Waka woman full of wisdom about the interconnections of her culture, her faith and her hopes for the future being woven together in a new tapestry over this ancient land.

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I was worthy of publically bringing the words of Jesus – ‘Remember Me’ – to His precious daughters.

I was asked to serve communion on the last morning of the conference. This surprise blessing was a humbling and affirming experience. I was worthy of publically bringing the words of Jesus ‘Remember Me’- to His precious daughters.

I am open to the Creator God weaving new strands in my life. I know He calls me to be creative and to serve and encourage others.

And I know He has a plan and a place for this to happen.

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leadership

Jenny Esots I missed the first UnitingWomen conference There were many rewarding lunch break in 2014, but my call to ministry was ignited conversations with pastoral workers who at the second UnitingWomen conference shared about the joys and challenge of two years later, which was held in Adelaide. ministering to those who often resist pastoral

…women still need The third one, in Brisbane, was a time to ask connections. This is a field of ministry I feel to make many concessions questions and wonder about the love of God. called to work in. and face restrictions in At this conference the President Elect, The UnitingWomen conference created their challenge to engage Sharon Hollis, made reference to Susanna a space to listen to each other’s stories and in ministry away from the Wesley, who had to find creative solutions to wisdom, while empowering women to take homemaker role. live out her ministry calling as a mother to on the mission of God creatively in every nineteen children while suffering through dire sphere of their lives. As I was welcomed to poverty in the 1700s. On reflection, I note that eat lunch, make curry powder or watch the women still need to make many concessions stunning fireworks, I met many new friends and face restrictions in their challenge to engage in ministry away from from all over Australia. I strongly felt the emerging theme of standing the homemaker role. Through my conversations with other women I with our Indigenous communities in their struggles and ministry realised that my heart was conflicted on where I was meant to be. towards real reconciliation.

Alice Kroker I felt very fortunate to be able to attend UnitingWomen 2018 alongside women who have come into my life over the last couple of years and who play a variety of different roles in my life at different times. I’m not sure these women realise how much I value the wisdom that they offer me.

It was valuable to reflect on how I connected to the music that formed part of the worship services. On the Friday afternoon I attended a workshop called ‘You can ring my bells’ in which the group who attended worked together to play a couple of pieces of music using hand bells and hand chimes. This was a personal reminder of how important music is for me, both the listening to and the playing, and an opportunity to reflect on my own spiritual practices.

Possibly the most valuable part of the conference for me was the time I spent in fellowship and with friends. I felt like I was amongst peers and was reminded of the support network I have of other women. There was also the reminder of the idea that I’m part of something bigger.

The conference offered me the opportunity to reflect on who the wise voices are in my life. At the moment I find myself surrounded by ‘wise women’ , deep wise older women. But during the conference I was also led to reflect on the fact that I am a ‘wise woman’ too. I was reminded of the mutuality that is in the relationships that I have, that I too have things to offer.

When I applied for the bursary I had no idea that I would be

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I find myself surrounded by ‘wise women’, deep wise older women. But during the conference I was also led to reflect on the fact that I am a ‘wise woman’ too. I was reminded of the mutuality that is in the relationships that I have, that I too have things to offer.

beginning in a Supply Ministry position the day after returning from the conference, and in the week before going to UnitingWomen I’d been thinking about what my Gran and Nanna would think about me taking on such a role, if they were still here. I don’t think either of them could ever have imagined that I would be in ministry (as a woman, let alone as a young woman), but I think they would be great supporters, particularly of me doing so as a woman.

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When the Bible says something I don’t like

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fa i t h

We have all read some passages in the Bible that make us uncomfortable. Do you treat the Bible as an all-or-nothing proposition in the way you live your life? If not, why is that? How did you come to that decision? Do you have an informed theology?

Rev Prof Andrew Dutney explored questions like these in a presentation he delivered in late October at Henley Fulham Uniting Church. This theological reflection is a shortened version of his talk.

We Bible-reading, Bible-believing Christians are good at keeping the message of the Bible within manageable boundaries. In a famous lecture on “the strange new world of the Bible”, Karl Barth said, “We shall always find in it as much as we seek and no more: high and divine content if it is high and divine content that we seek…nothing whatever, if it is nothing whatever that we seek.”

However, Barth went on to say, the Bible also has a disturbing way of breaking out of those boundaries and contradicting the convenient, congenial versions of its message that we’ve satisfied ourselves with.

Eventually it will say to us, “you have really found in me your own reflection. But now I bid you… Seek what is here”.

Barth says, “it is certain that the Bible, if we read it carefully, makes straight for the point where one must decide to accept or to reject the sovereignty of God. This is the new world within the Bible.”

As often as not, the Bible does this by saying something that I don’t like.

It could be something that stretches my credulity, like the sun standing still for a full day at Gibeon to extend the battle and ensure Joshua’s victory (Joshua 10:12-14).

It could be something shocking, like Elisha causing a group of children to be mauled by bears because they made fun of his baldness (2 Kings 2:23-25).

It could be something reprehensible, like the LORD requiring Israel to commit genocide (Deuteronomy 7:1-6).

It could be something counter-cultural, like Jesus’ ban on divorce (Mark 10:11-12) or Paul’s instruction that “Women should remain silent in the churches” (1 Corinthians 14:34).

Or it could be something very unwelcome, like Jesus’ advice to the rich young man, “go, sell your possessions and give to the poor” (Matthew 19:21) or his command to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Just when I think I’ve got the message of the Bible within manageable boundaries it breaks out and demands that I “decide to accept or to reject the sovereignty of God”. And it probably does that by saying something I don’t like.

The Basis of Union is very clear that the Uniting Church must hear, preach and teach the message of the Bible (paragraphs 4, 5 and 10).

We may not preach a message or teach doctrine that is without Biblical

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Just when I think I’ve got the message of the Bible within manageable boundaries it breaks out and demands that I “decide to accept or to reject the sovereignty of God”. And it probably does that by saying something I don’t like.

basis, let alone one that contradicts the message of the Bible.

So when the Bible appears to say something that I don’t like, I’m not free to ignore it. I can do one of four things: 1. I might show that the Bible is actually saying something else and that I misunderstand it when I read it straightforwardly. For example, I’d miss the magnificent celebration of the sovereignty of God, the interrelatedness of all creatures, and the distinctive human vocation in Genesis 1, if I took it to be all about when and how long it took God to create the universe.

2. I might show that that part of the Bible is superseded by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that I would deny the Gospel if I stop at the plain meaning. For example, the Old Testament law as a whole points to but is fulfilled by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 8).

3. I might show that there is new information or new insights that mean that I have to set aside the plain meaning of the text and interpret its message in the light of the Gospel. For example, Christian readers should challenge all those places where the Bible accepts and legitimates human slavery.

4. Or I have to accept that part of the Bible and order my life accordingly – especially when it commands me to love (Matthew 22:37-40). To love God. To love my neighbor. To love my enemy.

To love one another.

But as a Uniting Church member and Minister, I cannot simply ignore the Bible when it says something I don’t like. I must hear and respond to Christ in “the strange new world of the Bible”.

Rev Prof Andrew Dutney is the Principal of Uniting College for Leadership and Theology. He is a Past President of the National Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia and teaches Systematic Theology within the Adelaide College of Divinity and Flinders University.

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P & S n ew s

The two big decisions and what it means for us Petronella Lowies

The November Presbytery and Synod Meeting, held between 15 and 17 November at Adelaide West Uniting Church, was described by many as the most emotional three-day meeting this Synod and Presbytery has ever experienced. Over the course of three days, more than 400 representatives from Uniting Church congregations and faith communities from across the state, had to make a number of decisions that have far-reaching implications not only for South Australia, but for the whole of the Uniting Church in Australia.

There were two big issues in particular up for decision. First, was a request for the Presbytery and Synod of South Australia to suspend the Assembly decision on same-gender marriage until such time as adequate consultation has been achieved; and second, a request for the Presbytery and Synod of South Australia to allow the establishment of a missional, non-geographic Presbytery.

The Presbytery and Synod of South Australia will have to restructure, as there will now be more than one Presbytery.

Asking Assembly to suspend the marriage decision In July this year, the 15th Assembly meeting of the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) adopted two equal and distinct statements of belief on marriage – one that states marriage is between a man and a woman, and another that states marriage is between two people.

Establishing a missional, non-geographic presbytery The Uniting Church in South Australia, unlike the case in many other states, currently operates as a single Presbytery and Synod.

Traditionally, Presbyteries are arranged according to geographical location. At the November Presbytery and Synod meeting, the decision was made to start working on restructuring the current set up of the Presbytery and Synod to enable the formation of Presbyteries, including at least one non-geographical Presbytery, within the bounds of the South Australian Synod. This decision was made by secret ballot, indicating its highly emotive nature.

What does this mean? The Presbytery and Synod of South Australia will have to restructure, as there will now be more than one Presbytery.

By the next Presbytery and Synod meeting in June 2019, members should be able to vote on proposals that outline how a new structure will work and how it will be defined. Until that time, there is a great deal of work to be undertaken by everyone involved.

It is important to note that the South Australian Synod’s decision on whether or not we want Assembly to suspend their decision on this matter is the swing-vote in the national context.

If the Presbytery and Synod of South Australia votes to constitutionally challenge to suspend the 15th Assembly's decision on marriage, they will join other Presbyteries across Australia who have made the same decision. It is important to note that the South Australian Synod’s decision on this matter is the swing-vote in the national context.

So what did the South Australian Presbytery and Synod decide?

Without getting too technical, the meeting first had to vote on whether they wanted to make that decision at this particular meeting. After much debate on the matter and an official vote, it was decided not to make a decision – at least not at the meeting that was just held.

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What does this mean? If the Assembly is not notified of a Synod’s decision to ask for a suspension within six months, the decision will stand. That means that the South Australian Presbytery and Synod have until 13 January, 2019 to make a decision on the matter. The Presbytery and Synod has since agreed to meet on Saturday 5 January in order to do so. It also means that many same-gender couples will not know until January whether their intended weddings will be allowed to go ahead within the Uniting Church.

What you can do The UCA in South Australia will be navigating its way forward over the next few months in uncharted territory. The decisions and pending decision, remain as highly emotive topics for members. Regardless of people’s personal opinions about where we are, and how the future will be, we need to continue in the faith that the Uniting Church is God’s church. Please keep those who will be involved in the decision-making conversations in your prayers.

This is an amended version of the original article which was published in New Times online on Wednesday 21 November.

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l e&aS P d enrew s h isp

What else was decided on?

Besides the mostly administrative proposals that were passed, a few others are worth mentioning too. These include the proposal that Rev Rob Brown continues in the position of Interim General Secretary of the UCA in South Australia until such a time as a new General Secretary is appointed. It was also announced that Rev Sue Page has been appointed to the role of Associate General Secretary. She will begin her five year placement in January 2019.

A proposal was passed that the mission networks encourage young adults to attend the National Young Adult Leaders Conference (NYALC), to be held in Adelaide 17 – 20 January 2019.

A proposal that asked the SA Synod to adopt the Assembly decision regarding the Day of Mourning on the Sunday prior to Australia Day was also passed. Australia Day has long been celebrated on the day of the arrival of the First Fleet from England. For Second Peoples, this day has represented the beginnings of their story with this country.

However for First Peoples, this day represents the beginning of oppression, pain and devastation. In recognition of this pain and in solidarity with First Peoples of this nation, as well as our Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) brothers and sisters, the proposal to the 15th Assembly for a national Day of

Mourning to be acknowledged in Uniting Church congregations was adopted. Congregations across Australia are invited to explore ways that this may be acknowledged in their own contexts.

Members of the Presbytery and Synod of South Australia used ballots to nominate people into positions on several committees. The following is a list of new appointees: Covenanting Committee: Ruth Harbison–Gresham and Rev Sandy Webb.

Presbytery and Synod Standing Committee: Lauren Andris (under 35), Rev Simon Dent, Rev Susan Doughty (Rural), Bruce Ind and Rev Andrew Robertson.

Placements Committee: Rev John Hughes, Christine Secombe and Bronte Wilson (Chairperson).

Parkin Mission / Parkin Trust: Rev Dr Graham Vawser, Paul Frisby and Donald Sarre.

Synod Committee for Discipline: Rev Marty Rosenberg and Malcolm Wilson.

Synod Committee for Counselling: Rev Ian Kitto and Rev Sean Gilbert.

What was not decided on?

A number of proposals that were brought to the November Presbytery and Synod meeting could not be decided on. This was due to time constraints, as deliberations and voting on other proposals took a great deal more time than anticipated.

These proposals have been referred to the Standing Committee for decision. The committee and its new members will meet for the final time this year on Friday, 14 December. Details of this meeting will be published in UC e-News on 19 December, 2018. Subscribe to UC e-News to receive updates: sa.uca.org.au/uc-e-news/ The referred proposals are as follows: • Towards a more plastic-free world in the UCA (and beyond?)

• Guarantee of minimum stipend for all ordained ministry agents • UCSA Naming policy • Ministry agent appraisals to be done at least every second year (noting the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommendation) • Concern regarding the Australian embassy moving from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem • Commending the Five Leaf Eco-Awards to congregations • Concern about the ongoing detention of refugees on Nauru and Manus Islands

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Throughout the meeting Rev Charissa Suli led Presbytery and Synod members in a Bible Study about the Samaritan woman at the well. On the final morning Charissa invited everyone onto her mat, into conversation and into sharing God's story. She encouraged people to reflect on their own story with God and reminded us to invite others onto the mat, to gather, to share and to experience the Living Water of Jesus Christ

• Request for the fair treatment and mercy of asylum seekers living in Australia • Adopting the fourth Sunday in April as a ‘Break the Silence Sunday’ promoting open dialogue about rape and sexual assault • Increasing the level of Newstart payment

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Recognition where it is deserved

Rev Dr Paul Dongwon Goh was admitted as Minister of the Word in the Uniting Church in Australia. Paul fulfils the role of Justice & CALD Multicultural and Cross-cultural Officer in the SA Synod.

During the November Presbytery and Synod of South Australia meeting several people were recognised in a variety of ways and for a variety of reasons. Here is a short synopsis of those who were recognised.

• Rev Dr Paul Dongwon Goh was admitted as Minister of the Word in the Uniting Church in Australia. Paul fulfils the role of Justice & CALD Multicultural and Cross-cultural Officer in the SA Synod.

• Liz Dyson was resolved to be ordained as a Deacon in the Uniting Church in Australia. Her ordination is planned for Sunday 9 December at Adelaide West Uniting Church.

• Lynne Aird, currently studying a Bachelor in Ministry, received the Uniting College for Leadership & Theology’s award for “Outstanding achievement in the study of Christian Leadership . ” • A number of lay preachers received certificates of recognition for long service. Robin Bodycomb and Ken Edwards (not present) for 30 years of service each, as well as Phillip Whittaker and Ian Fuss (not present) for 40 years of service. Libby Kelly was recognised for an amazing 60 years of service. She received a standing ovation from the attendees.

• Ten retiring Ministers were recognised during a special service.

They are Rev David Buxton, Rev Trevor Klar, Rev Judy Knowling, Rev Peter Moss, Rev Bob Britton, Rev John Howard, Rev Wes Howland, Rev Beatrice Panne, Rev Greg Walker and Rev Jenny Walker.

• A further seven Ministers celebrated 50 years since their ordination.

They are Rev Keith Bone, Rev Deane Meatheringham, Rev Dr Tony Nancarrow, Rev John Watt, Rev Bill Service, Rev John Dihm and Rev John Mauviel.

• In memoriam: Rev Glenn John Barnett, Rev Norman William Hayward, Rev Donald James Holt, Rev Clarence Frederick Hore, Rev Brian Glenn Robins, Rev Allan Edwin Shephard and Rev Jean Claire Stirling (Deacon).

• The meeting also recognised and welcomed seven international guests who included, among others, Uniting Church of Christ in the Philippines, Bishop Joseph Agpaoa and the Iksan Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea, Moderator Kim Eun Kyung. The Korean delegation presented the Uniting Church SA Moderator with a large cross made with paper craft as a symbol of the churches’ oneness in Christ.

Official Opening – Uniting College for Leadership and Theology

Listen, Learn & Love

The Uniting College for Leadership & Theology officially opened their beautiful new building on Friday 16 November as part of the Presbytery and Synod meeting. The opening was officiated by the Uniting Church SA Moderator, Rev Sue Ellis, who unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

The building, which forms part of the Brooklyn Park campus, is named Uniting College for Leadership and Theology / Yarthu Apinthi. Also on campus is the Adelaide West Uniting Church, the Adelaide College of Divinity, the Adelaide Theological Library and a newly-planned second campus for Emmaus Christian College.

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Following the opening of the Uniting College for Leadership and Theology, Rev Dr Vicky Balabanski and Geraldine Hawkes officially launched their new book 'Receptive Ecumenism: Listening, Learning and Loving in the Way of Christ'. They were joined by three ecumenical leaders: Rev Prof Andrew Dutney, Rev Prof Denis Edwards and Bishop John Stead, who all provided favourable reviews of the the work undertaken by Vicky and Geraldine to highlight ‘receptive ecumenism’ as a concept and process for flourishing the church.

‘Receptive Ecumenism’ is available to purchase from GarrattPublishing.com.au or by calling (03) 8545 2911 or Freecall 1300 650 878.

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l eew n a dse r s h i p

KCO 2019: Save the Date The 2019 Kids Camp Out (KCO) will once again occur on 23-24 March, 2019 at Adare Camp & Caravan Park in Victor Harbor. Due to extreme weather prompting the cancellation of the 2018 KCO event, there was no opportunity to make full use of the wonderful resources that had been developed specifically for the event. In 2019, the KCO theme will be repeated: “Welcome, A Place to Belong ”, but there will be lots of new activities and material available, along with unique opportunities for Uniting Church kids to share fun, food, faith and friends.

The registration process has undergone changes to improve the online process for both campers and leaders. Registration for KCO will open on Wednesday 16 January 2019, with more information available on the website: sa.uca.org.au/KCO. If you need help spreading the news about KCO in your congregation or faith community, grab some posters or postcards from one of these five locations: • Central - Synod office (212 Pirie Street) • North – Salisbury Uniting Church (59-61 Park Terrace, Salisbury) • South – CoroUniting church (415 Main Road, Coromandel Valley) • East – Burnside City Uniting Church (384 Portrush Road, Tusmore) • West – Uniting College (312 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Brooklyn Park)

Arts and Crafts at KCO.

Alternatively, download the ‘Yapp app’ on your device, check out the website or KCO Facebook page, or contact David Buxton, Intergenerational Discipleship Developer directly on 08 8236 4246 or kco@sa.uca.org.au.

Venture: An opportunity to learn and lead in your congregation Our churches are blessed with many faithful and mature Christians, whether it be recently retired persons, those who have been retired for a while or those who are just too old for the Intern Year program. Just imagine the fruit that could be borne within our churches if we could fully equip those potential, grounded leaders. Well, maybe we can.

A new one-year adult discipleship program has been launched at the Uniting College for Leadership and Theology, targeted specifically towards mature Christians. Whether it is studying for your own personal and spiritual growth, discerning a new direction God may be calling you to or undertaking intentional training to serve in a new or enhanced way, Venture may be for you.

Participants in Venture will join together as a community for a few hours per week where they will spend time together reflecting on their studies and in prayer and worship. They will also join with other students undertaking subjects of the Diploma of Ministry at the Adelaide College of Divinity (ACD).

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Rev Beth Seaman, Venture Facilitator for 2019, explains that there is considerable flexibility in the program so you can choose subjects that suit your interests. “The Diploma of Ministry can be completed in one year of full time study or you can choose the number of subjects you wish to enrol in to balance other commitments and complete the Diploma of Ministry over a longer period of time. Subjects can be completed at Uniting College in Brooklyn Park or you can enjoy the flexibility of studying online.”

Venture has been developed for mature aged students but is open to persons of all ages. “We realise that it may be daunting for some to return to study, that’s why I am here to support you through every step of the way,” says Beth.

Venture costs only $350 per year and there are scholarship opportunities and FEE-HELP available too. If you would like more information or are interested in signing up, please contact the Uniting College on (08) 8416 8420 or info@unitingcollege.edu.au.

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c u l t u re

The story behind the Christmas Bowl

Coffs Harbour Council of Churches supporting the Christmas Bowl appeal on the 28 November, 2014.

Each year, many from the Uniting Church participate in the Christmas Bowl appeal. But do you know where this Australian tradition originates from? It all started with a young Minister from Victoria…

It was 1949. Millions of refugees were suffering in post war-ravaged Europe. Rev Frank Byatt, a young Minister from Victoria, was looking at his heavily-laden Christmas dinner table.

There was a stark contrast between the Christmas abundance we experience in Australia and the needs of others around the world.

Frank felt this was a shameful injustice, and felt compelled to do something. After all, it was Christmas, the one great day of sharing.

So he called upon his congregation to “get a bowl to put on your Christmas dinner table as a Bowl of Remembrance and see if you can get everybody ‘round the table to make a generous gift to share your good dinner with hungry children in other lands.”

This was the very first Christmas Bowl of Rememberance appeal.

That first appeal raised £1,808 to support refugees in urgent need - an incredible acheivement for a congregation at the time.

But Frank didn’t stop there. He believed that Australians have a responsibility to share our abundance with others who need it. So, with great dedication and commitment, he worked to bring the Christmas Bowl to all Australian families.

And now, 69 years later, thousands from across Australia join together each year to give to the Christmas Bowl. While many give online rather than by putting a bowl on tables, the Christmas Bowl remains a vital mechanism for sharing our blessings with others in urgent need around the world. The beautiful legacy continues its

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He believed that Australians have a responsibility to share our abundance with others who need it. So, with great dedication and commitment, he worked to bring the Christmas Bowl to all Australian families

importance today. Right now, there are 68.5 million refugees who have been driven from their homes.

By giving to the Christmas Bowl, support is provided to Act for Peace’s dedicated local partners around the world to meet the urgent needs of communities affected by conflict and disaster. It also provides lasting change – equipping people with resources and skills needed to solve their own problems and get back on their feet.

As we sit down to share our Christmas meal with our families and friends and celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us also pause to be grateful for what we have. And let us remember to respond to Jesus’ call to love our neighbours by sharing our good blessings with our brothers and sisters in need around the world.

If you would like to be involved with the Christmas Bowl Appeal, you can get in contact with Act for Peace. Call them on 1800 025 101, send an email to info@actforpeace.org.au or visit their website: actforpeace.org.au

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l eual tduere c rship

The Products of Modern Slavery

Do you really know where your Christmas presents came from?

Tasha Crumpler

taken away their God-likeness is destroyed.

Around $US150 billion in profits is generated each year through “We are told to love others as we love ourselves. If we understand modern slavery. While the money created is profiting traffickers, that this is the most important thing we do, then loving God and loving the uncomfortable truth is that we unintentionally feed this global others means we bring back the power imbalance in not only the enterprise through our spending habits.

It is estimated that over 40 million people worldwide are trapped and world, but in our own lives. When we choose something that is clean of slavery then what we are doing is bringing back the power balance of living in modern slavery every day. Roughly half of them are in forced the Kingdom of God.” labour and exploitation (Global Slavery Index). This means that the So how do we know those Christmas presents are clean of slavery? gifts we’ve bought our friends and family, the food we share, the clothes Many organisations dedicated to eradicating modern slavery, such as on our back and our household items are more than likely tainted by STOP THE TRAFFIK Australia, have lists and the extreme exploitation of individuals. These guides available that tell you what companies individuals are forced to work against their have slavey hidden within their supply chains. will, in often unsafe environments, under UK company statements and reports, which threat of punishment.

Countries within Asia and the Pacific It is better to build a fence at are publicly available, now also have to outline evidence of slavery within their supply chains. reportedly have the highest number of forced the top of the cliff, than run Products labelled ‘Fair Trade’ are produced labour cases. Surprisingly, economically stable an ambulance service at the ethically and sustainably. This label is often countries such as Australia and the US are also bottom of it. seen on chocolate. Similarly, the label home to 1.5 million slaves.

“Rugmark” indicates that no illegal child Following the footsteps of the United labour was used to create your rug Kingdom, Australia is currently in the process and/or carpet. of pushing a Modern Slavery Bill though the Due to the economic nature of slavery products produced though Senate, ready for January 2019, which will require companies with an forced labour tend to be cheaper, as people who handle your product annual revenue of at least $100 million to roduce annual reports on are paid a miniscule amount, if anything. The general rule of thumb: their actions to address modern slavery risks in their operations and if something seems cheaper than you would expect for that product, supply chains. someone along the supply chain is quite likely being exploited – Fuzz Kitto, National Co-Director of STOP THE TRAFFIK $7 t-shirts, anyone?

Australian Coalition, says this Bill will affect the lives of hundreds of thousands, even millions of people.

For more information contact STOP THE TRAFFIK via their “When people’s freedom is taken away they are depersonalised and website: stopthetraffik.com.au, send them an email to dehumanised. One of the most important things we realise in helping australia@stopthetraffik.com.au or phone them on 0438 040 959. to free people from modern slavery is that we need to help to prevent people being caught in the first place. It is better to build a fence at the top of the cliff, than run an ambulance service at the bottom of it.”

STOP THE TRAFFIK Australia is a collaborative effort of different organisations, communities and individuals against trafficking in Australia and around the world. They are not a faith based organisation, but Fuzz and his wife and Co-National Director Carolyn, are members of the Uniting Church. Their faith and understanding of who Jesus was propels their mission to help others and to bring hope.

“Slavery is not a part of God’s intention. We were created in His image. When we dig into that understanding we discover that God gave us freedom, free will and choice. So when someone’s freedom is Photo by llya Lix on Unsplash

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8261 8211 All hours

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

AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

Geoff Lewis General Manager

Partner with UnitingCare Australia to

Donate online or in Target stores

unitingcarechristmasappeal.com.au Return to Contents

l eeatdt ienr g g s htiop k n o w. . .

At Echunga, it’s all about community New Times talked to Rev Matthew Carratt from Echunga Uniting Church, a country congregation in the Adelaide Hills that are doing big things to engage their community.

A November event made you change your usual Sunday service, why?

Ours is a story of community partnerships, building on our church mission of Knowing Jesus, Go - Caring & Sharing. We viewed Remembrance Day this year as a significant event in our efforts to engage the Echunga community. As Remembrance Day fell on a Sunday, we decided not to run our usual service at the church but partner with the Echunga RSL sub-branch to offer a service for the wider community at the Echunga Memorial Gardens.

Would you view this engagement as successful?

Absolutely. At a rough estimate 130 people attended, including families from the local school, the RSL, the church and the newly formed Echunga Community Association. I was able to lead much of the service which included some reflections on the Centenary of Armistice from the RSL, wreath laying, a short ‘Chaplains Reflection’, plus some Christian hymns, songs and prayers.

The RSL-led event had only been attended by a small number on a

weekday in previous years and the church had no engagement with it.

So, due to the larger number we offered a light lunch back at the church garden which was well attended and another great opportunity to build links with the local community.

What else are you doing to engage with your community?

On the third Saturday in November we ran another event to engage our community, a “Bush Street Party” at a local property. It is an annual event that involves live music and great hospitality. We also host the local community carols event in the Echunga hall in December.

Earlier in the year we ran a SALA art exhibition connecting local artisans, which was a great success. On an ongoing basis we offer monthly coffee mornings for both men and women at the Echunga General Store, a weekly Craft, Cuppa & Cards group, fortnightly MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group, plus youth group and, until earlier this year, a Kids Club. These are just some of the examples of community engagement and partnerships in our little neck of the woods that we are excited about.

Echunga Uniting Church and the Echunga RSL sub-branch partnered to run a community Remembrance Day service on Sunday Nov 11. The service was followed by a light lunch back in the church gardens. This year was the centenary celebrations of the Armistice that ended World War I. On the 11th day of the 11th month at 11:00am, people across the world stood silent in remembrance of those who lost their lives in battle.

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out & about

Out & About

During the first week in June, three Uniting Churches (Athelstone, Balhannah and Marion) received goods from over 70 Adult Fellowship groups. Close to one hundred volunteers sorted and packed the donated items into large packing boxes on what is known as “Packing Day”. Around 22 m3 of goods were sent to fourteen Indigenous communities throughout Northern and Southern Australia.

On Sunday 4 November approximately 90 people attended the 160th Anniversary of the Delamere Uniting Church. An Afternoon of Music and Memories was followed by afternoon tea.

The Church has enjoyed continuous weekly worship since 1858, except during World War II, when the services were fortnightly, owing to petrol rationing. Among others, the guests included many ministers and lay preachers with fond memories of their time in the "Little Church in the Vale". The cake was cut by the present minister Rev Carol Chambers. During the afternoon a beautiful painting of the church was presented by the Artist, Diana Wallfried, to be hung in the church hall.

Photo by River Smith.

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Barossa Community Kitchen, a volunteer organisation that sprung from the Nuriootpa/Tanunda Uniting Church, provides free meals to the homeless, low income, lonely and people in need. The Kitchen was recently visited by Member for Schubert, Hon Stephan Knoll, to meet the volunteers and see how the Kitchen operates. Open on Thursday evenings, the Kitchen has provided community members in need with over 750 meals.

Between Friday 14 December and Thursday 20 December Westminster School will be aglow with thousands of twinkling lights and decorations. This is the 14th year that the school hosts this celebrated Christmas event where kids and adults alike can also meet Santa in his Magic Christmas Kingdom, take part in the nightly music and carols sing-a-long, and more. Carols start at 8pm each evening in the school’s Chapel.

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out & about

Port Elliot Uniting Church received a grant from the Uniting Church SA Ageing and Wellness Grants, which were distributed earlier this year. Since March, the church has held monthly information sessions, such as tablet/smartphone workshops, which benefit people in the 60+ age group. Pictured here is Resthaven’s Tanya Boakes and Michelle Tonkin during the October workshop themed “Help at Home.”

XRoad, an ecumenical children’s program run under Cummins New Beginnings Uniting Church, celebrated its 10th birthday this year on 31 August, 2018. This small town of 700 people, situated on the Eyre Peninsula, draws up to 60 primary school aged students who enjoy a time of worship, teaching and craft, three times a term.

Former Port Adelaide Uniting Church Pastor, Val Bennett, poses with artists Bob Daly and Kalyna Micenko in front of the new Bent Pine Community Garden mural on the wall of Port Adelaide Uniting Church. The mural was painted by about 30 locals in celebration of the church’s 150th Anniversary and was made possible thanks to a grant from Port Adelaide Enfield Council.

This group of youngsters from Bridgewater Uniting Church invited Moderator, Rev Sue Ellis, along to help shop for Christmas presents for teens doing it tough in the Northern suburbs of Adelaide. They shopped for $2,500 worth of presents in one night at Target, this November, to help launch the UnitingCare and Target Christmas Appeal. Find out more online at unitingcarechristmasappeal.com. au or give them a call on 08 8236 4233.

Photo by Mati Kirss.

Out & About profiles, events and happenings across the Uniting Church in South Australia and beyond.

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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diary OPENING OF GARDEN 'MALTUNTHI - BRING CLOSE TOGETHER'. Sunday 9 December, 9:30am-12pm. Enfield Uniting Church. A new garden honouring Kaurna people and their heritage will be opened. Worship for Advent 2 will be followed by morning tea and the garden opening. Dr Deirdre Palmer, President of the Uniting Church Assembly, will attend. For more information contact Suzanne Moore on 08 7120 7837 or email office@enfielduca.org.au.

SUMMER SOLACE: BRINGING CALM TO CHRISTMAS. Sunday 9 December, 11:30am-12:30pm. St Andrews by the Sea Uniting Church. Sit back and soak up the serene sounds of the "shinobue" (transverse bamboo flute) and "koto" (13-stringed zither and national instrument of Japan). Find your peace in tranquil tunes with a summer theme, brought to you by seasoned virtuosos Munetaka Umehara, a retired educator from TAFE SA, and Dr Mayumi Kako from Flinders University. They will be joined by special guests Sumika Nishiyama and mother-daughter artistes Masae and Kana Ikeda. Part proceeds from this concert will go toward providing food and toiletries for those affected by homelessness and poverty in the southwest metropolitan region, through the work of Community Aid. For more information contact Arts by the Sea on 0405 459 214 or email artsbythesea@ standrewsuc.org.au.

150TH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE. Sunday 9 December, 2pm. Port Adelaide Uniting Church. Celebration Service for the Congregational Church Building 150th Anniversary featuring music from our historical organ and a message from President Dr Deidre Palmer followed by afternoon tea. For more information contact Sarina Hampel on 08 8240 0200 or email pauc@chariot.net.au.

PORT ELLIOT UNITING CHURCH CAROLS AND READINGS. Sunday 9 December, 7pm. Port Elliot Uniting Church. Special guest soloist Andy Turner will join the Choir to present a Service of Carols and Readings. For more information contact Barb Turner on 0407858114 or email barbt40@bigpond.com.

THE ROAD TO CHRISTMAS. Friday 14 December, 7pm – Saturday 15 December, 9pm. Seeds Uniting Church. The Road to Christmas is a great time in the carpark of Seeds Church. The shepherds tell their stories, the bakers bake in the inn, the dancers dance, the census takers mark everyone in on clay tablets, Herod looks over his kingdom, the centurions march, the market gives tea & coffee, biscuits and dried fruit, all the craft people help children with their craft, the animals are loved; and Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus sit behind the inn with baby Jesus as the star of the night. We hope you come and enjoy being a part of the first Christmas in Bethlehem! For more information contact the Seeds Office on 8370 6472 or email info@ seedschurch.org.

CHERRY GARDENS UNITING CHURCH COMMUNITY CAROLS. Tuesday 18 December, 6:30pm–9:30pm. Cherry Gardens Memorial Hall. Presenting a community carols event to be held at the Cherry Gardens Memorial Hall, Main Road Cherry Gardens.

Children's activities begin from 6.30pm and include craft activities and a balloon twister. The carols and concert with a live Nativity tableau

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begins at 7.30pm. For more information contact Dianne Dyson on 0427 863 429 or email dirdyson@yahoo.com.au.

‘ALL SORTS’ MONSTER GARAGE SALE. Saturday 5 January & Saturday 12 January. Androssan Uniting Church. To be held in the church car park. All sorts of things for sale, all sorts of fun to be had, along with all sorts of refreshments. All sorts of donations gratefully received for this major fundraiser. Contact Rev Jane McDonald on 0408 393 786 or email revjane@bigpond.com.

ADARE’S AWESOME GARAGE SALE. Saturday 12 January, 7:30am. Adare Uniting Church, Victor Harbor. Enjoy an egg’n’bacon sandwich as you browse through many items including books, toys, electrical items, cakes, local produce, artwork, jewellery, plants, manchester, bric-a-brac and, also present, will be a philatelist.

Enjoy a Devonshire morning tea, a light lunch or a barbecue. For more information contact Ruth Williamson on 8552 8377 or email brianmar@adam.com.au.

Diary events are submitted online and featured on the Uniting Church SA website (sa.uca.org.au), in UC e-News and in New Times (deadline permitting). To submit your event please visit sa.uca.org.au/events/submit-an-event

SAVE THE DATE Special Presbytery Meeting Saturday 5 January, 2019

classifieds RESTORE your phonographic records or tape to near original quality & preserve them on CD Restore your faded 35mm slides to bright colour and preserve them on DVD. Ask us about VHS or MiniDVD video tape & 8mm film to DVD conversion, SA MEDIAWORKS, Kent Town SA Ph: 8362 2251 samediworks@soundtrack.net.au 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.

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letters to the editor

Congratulations

I extend Congratulations from Burra Uniting Church on your appointment as New Times Editor. I look forward to receiving the New Times when it is published as it has very relevant articles. Just remember to include country coverage as this will give more reading and meaning for our Church Congregation.

You might like to look at Messy Church article/story/photos as I believe it is a growing part of reaching out to the wider community.

You will have good ideas which will add to the New Times just like Catherine had. I enjoy reading the New Times as it gives a much wider perspective of what is happening in Churches in the Synod.

John Arthur Burra Uniting Church

This is so U.

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

Retirement and U.

Coordinating Chaplain Part time – 3 days/fortnight

Join Resthaven’s team of Coordinating Chaplains!

Due to a transfer, we are seeking a self-starter with proven leadership and communication skills from 1 February 2019 at Resthaven Murray Bridge to support residents, their family and friends to meet pastoral care needs.

You must be an ordained Minister of the Word or Deacon in the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) or other denomination, or similarly qualified lay person with qualifications in Clinical Pastoral Care.

Collaborate closely with the residential services team, providing individually-tailored emotional, religious and spiritual support to residents of all faiths – or none.

High in the heart of the city.

A city full of Festivals and Events.

Some arty. Some party.

Sports at the Oval. Cycles in the Square.

The full menu of music. Speaking of menus, food to graze. Wine to amaze.

It’s all about enjoy. And never about the gardening.

Or fixing up the old place.

U City Retirement Residences.

The unique retirement village. In Adelaide’s greenest designed building.

If this is U, talk to us today on 8202 5009.

Information and Sales Office, 28 Grote Street.

Open Wed to Sat 11am – 2pm or by appointment.

A flexible approach to working hours and a current driver’s licence are essential. Previous experience in aged care is desirable.

If you are enthusiastic and demonstrate empathy and understanding of the spiritual needs of older people, we’d love to hear from you.

Enquiries to: Wendy Morey, phone 08 8373 9054 at Resthaven

Retirement Residences

J003677

Applications and JD: Rev Philip Gardner, phone 08 8236 4201 Executive Officer, Pastoral Relations & Mission Planning Team, UCA, GPO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001 E: pgardner@sa.uca.org.au Applications close: 20 December 2018

ucity.com.au Return to Contents

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reviews

Book: Making sense today of the Christmas story Title: Christmas: Myth, Magic and Legend Author: John Queripel Recommended for: Those who want to be disturbed by our shallow comfortableness of the Biblical message, in a positive sense.

In short: The earliest accounts of Christmas in the gospels of Matthew and Luke are almost entirely different, both quite incredible, making little sense to the modern mind. While clearly not factual, the stories tell us many things.

Available: queripel@tpg.com.au, wipfandstock.com, Booktopia, Koorong and more

For many modern readers it will be a new experience to read the chapters that describe conditions in Judea when the gospels were written and which show the very different agendas of the only two New Testament writers who provide more than passing reference to the birth of Jesus.

The chapters guide the reader through the strange world of first century story and myth to an appreciation of the meaning of the stories about Jesus’ birth for us today.

David Merrit

A woman, both virgin and mother; a star moving at walking pace relative to the earth, turning, then moving in the contrary direction to all other astronomical objects before stopping over a particular town; a census called by an empire in such fashion that it would throw its normal efficiency into chaos; multitudes of angels declaring a saviour’s birth to shepherds with their flocks in the fields during the dead of winter; a pogrom carried out by a tyrannical leader to rid himself of a peasant child perceived as threat.

Does any of this make sense to us in a modern world? Are these things believable as literal historical events? If not, do they still have meaning?

Movie: Indivisible Film: Indivisible (2018) Director: David G. Evans Rating: M Synopsis: Based on true events, Indivisible is a dramatic film about Army Chaplain Darren Turner and his wife Heather, and their journey through marriage as servants of God and country.

Darren Turner (Justin Bruening) is a US Army Chaplain deployed to Iraq in the early 2000s. Leaving behind his wife, Heather (Sarah Drew) and their two children, Darren is eager to provide his fellow soldiers with spiritual support during peacetime and operational environments. Due to witnessing traumatic events, Darren develops Post Traumatic Stress

22

Disorder (PTSD) and becomes emotionally distant, not wanting the darkness of war to touch his loved ones. Consequently, his marriage becomes strained.

Walking into this movie I expected to see a total and unfailing focus on God, as is the case in most other Christian produced movies.

However, I was pleasantly surprised to see this wasn’t the case. Darren and his wife have intense moments of heartache, poor communication, understanding and trust, yet it wasn’t a miracle that saved them – it was hard work and the courage to face their problems together head-on.

I commend this movie for talking about mental health and showing the protagonist seeking help. Although I have some grievances when it comes to how they portrayed Darren's journey to recovery, I admire the decision for the issue to be highlighted, especially when it comes to male characters as their mental and emotional health and positive experiences with recovery journeys are often ignored in media/society.

Tash Crumpler

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Our Charitable Our Charitable Investment Investment Fundraiser Fundraiser Identification Identification Statement Statement provides provides moremore information information and explains and explains how how investment investment fundsfunds are used are used to support to support the charitable the charitable purposes purposes of theofFund. the Fund.

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talking points

It has been two months since the previous edition of New Times. Since then there have been a number of stories about Christians, Christianity and the Church that have made headlines worldwide. These are the stories that we talked about over a cup of tea.

Missouri Megachurch Pastor says Yoga has ‘Demonic Roots’.

Pastor John Lindell delivered a sermon titled: “Haunted: Pursuing the Paranormal”, at the James River Church in Ozark, Missouri.

Therein he urged Christians to stop practicing yoga, as yoga poses were “created with demonic intent to open you up to demonic power because Hinduism is demonic”. He went on to say that you cannot separate yoga from its Hindu roots.

His sermon has made headlines across the world and has invited a huge backlash from the yoga community. (From Christian Examiner, 13 November 2018) Missionary killed in attempt to reach isolated island On 17 November, John Allen Chau was killed by the tribesmen of the remote North Sentinel Island while attempting to share Christ with them. His death made world news and sparked mostly negative and antagonistic reactions towards the idea of missions in general and Chau in particular.

The Sentinelese of the Andaman Islands in India is among the world’s last ‘uncontacted’ people, who violently resist contact with the outside world. They are protected by India and it is against the law to attempt making contact with them.

Much criticism of the missionary was aimed at his ‘rashness’ and lack of preparation, painting him as a religious ‘Zealot’. An article in the Washington Post revealed that this was not the case. He had apparently been training and preparing for several years. (From Washington Post, 21 November 2018) Controversy over Jesus on the cross in organ donation advertisement Dying to Live, a group that promotes organ donation, released a controversial advertisement depicting Jesus dying on the cross where two Roman guards convince him to donate his organs. The soldiers use #blessed and #nailedit as part of their banter with Jesus. The advert has received as many complaints as praise. The organisation says that ‘heated discussion’ was exactly the point of the advertising campaign as they wanted more people to talk about organ donation.

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Christian prayer alongside ‘Welcome to Country’?

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has reportedly called for prayers and more gospel stories to be taught in schools. During a book launch for Dr Kevin Donnely’s “How Political Correctness is Destroying Education and Your Child’s Future”, Mr Abbott claimed that Australians are showing respect for Indigenous culture at the expense of acknowledging Australia’s Christian roots. He argued that Christian prayer should have as great a role in public ceremonies as “Welcome to Country” rituals, and wants to see more Christian gospel stories taught in our schools. (From News.com.au, 20 November 2018) Operation Christmas Child accused of being ‘Anti-Muslim Proselytising’ The Guardian columnist, Polly Toynbee, argued in an article dated 10 November, 2018 that the Operation Christmas Child gift boxes are run by an organisation that has anti-Muslim and anti-homosexual sentiments. The article took issue with the Bible stories and books dispatched alongside the children's gifts, arguing that such a strategy targets Muslim families. Samaritan’s Purse, the organisation behind the Operation Christmas Child project, is led by evangelist Franklin Graham, son of the late Billy Graham. He responded saying “Our purpose is to show God's love… No matter where we go, we don't hide the fact that we are Christians. Shoebox gifts are given to children regardless of religious affiliation and with no strings attached.”

(From The Christian Post, 10 November 2018) Asia Bibi to find asylum in Australia?

In 2010 Pakistani Christian woman Aasiya Noreen (known as Asia Bibi) was convicted of blasphemy against the Muslim faith and sentenced to death. In October 2018 the Supreme Court of Pakistan acquitted her based on insufficient evidence. But Asia is not allowed to leave Pakistan and is hiding in protective custody from religious mobs that want to see her killed.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton now says that if Canada’s current discussions for asylum fall through, Australia could offer Asia asylum. (From Herald Sun, 23 November 2018)

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