Untitled - The Uniting Church in Australia Queensland Synod

Transcription

Ministerial Retirements
Minute of Appreciation and Personal Reflections
Rev Alan Baker…………………………………………………………………………………………………..1-2
Rev George Barnes ........................................................................................................ 3-7
Rev Ainslie Bos .............................................................................................................. 8-9
Pastor Viv Chapman ................................................................................................... 10-11
Rev Christine Digby ......................................................................................................... 12
Rev Peter Dunstan ........................................................................................................... 13
Rev Albert (Burt) Johns ............................................................................................. 14-17
Rev Amos Manoharan .................................................................................................... 18
Rev Charles Masih ..................................................................................................... 19-20
Rev Heather Selwood ................................................................................................. 21-22
Rev John Selwood ..................................................................................................... 23-24
Rev Dr Neil Sims ....................................................................................................... 25-26
Rev Dr Richard Wallace…………………………………………………………………………………27-30
Rev Ronald Bruce Warren .......................................................................................... 31-32
Rev David Wiltshire......................................................................................................... 33
Rev George Woodward .................................................................................................... 34
Rev Peter Woodward ..................................................................................................35-37
Ministerial Retirements and Memorial Minutes
i
Memorial Minutes
Pastor Col Amos ........................................................................................................ 39-40
Rev Evan Jones................................................................................................................ 41
Pastor Ralph Pienkinna ................................................................................................... 42
Rev Des Rienecker ..................................................................................................... 43-44
Rev Thomas Scarlett .................................................................................................. 45-46
ii
Rev Alan Baker
1.15
(a)
Notes the advice of Rev Alan Baker to become a minister retired permanently on the
grounds of age from 30 June 2012 under Reg. 2.6.1(d)(i)(1).
(b)
Receives a minute of appreciation of the Ministry of Rev Alan Baker.
Minute of Appreciation – Rev Alan Baker
Alan Baker was ordained and inducted into Bayside Parish on 25th February at Oriel Roberts Memorial Hall,
Moreton Bay College. Alan served with Rev Clive Ayre for four years. During that time the congregations
of Manly, Manly West and Wynnum were amalgamated and the new church on Wondall Road was built.
In 1990Alan attended an Emmaus walk, and continued to be involved in the Emmaus community throughout
his entire ministry, serving as Board member, Spiritual Director, and many times as ASD or Spiritual
Director on Walks. From 1992 to 1996 Alan ministered in Callide Valley Parish, serving the congregations
of Biloela, Wowan, Jambin, Lawgi and Thangool. It was during this time that Emmaus began in Central
Qld, and Alan was on the inaugural Board.
Alan spent approximately 6 months in Toowoomba West Parish in 1997 working with Revs Allan Kuchler
and Joan Johansen as that Parish readjusted after major changes brought about by the restructuring of
Toowoomba Parishes the previous year.
Alan then spent a number of years outside specified ministry. This also became a time of soul searching
where he realised that God still called him to ministry within the church, despite imperfections. This is an
example of Alan‟s loyalty and obedience. During this time Alan studied at Griffith University (Grad Dip in
Human Resource Management), worked as a volunteer, then Telephone Roster Administration clerk at
Lifeline Bowen Hills, Administration Officer with Central Exhibits Facility with the Qld Police Service, then
GST Co-ordinator with Blue Care (1999-2000) and then followed several different positions at Blue Care.
While at Blue Care Alan undertook further study and obtained a Masters of Business (HRM) from QUT.
Alan was appointed as Blue Care Chaplain (South Coast/Tweed) in April 2004 where he served the aged
care facilities of Kingscliff Gardens (Kingscliff NSW), Amaroo (Tweed Heads NSW) and Kirrahaven
(Kirra,Qld), and the Blue Care community services of Akirra respite centre (Kirra Qld) and Tweed Coast
Community (Banora Point, NSW) – the latter serving the whole of the Tweed Shire.
From Alan‟s commencement at Blue Care in 2004 through to his retirement in 2012, Blue Care was enriched
by Alan‟s administrative and organisational skills, his ability to implement systems, his wisdom, insight, and
his pastoral care. Alan has been a respected and valued member of the organisation and a trustworthy and
supportive colleague.
Alan‟s deep faith in the Gospel and his heart for mission, led him to work tirelessly at keeping Blue Care and
the wider church connected and alive. On special occasions he would organise ecumenical services and
became a significant part of the Border Council of Churches.
Having experienced a rich and varied ministry and having served as a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and His
church, Alan reluctantly retired on 30th June 2012.
The Uniting Church in Qld greatly appreciates Alan‟s contribution and gives thanks to God for his ministry
among us. So many of us have been blessed by his humility, discernment, wisdom and pastoral heart (not to
mention the humorous/cheeky part that some of us got to witness)!
Alan has lived out his „life verse‟ from Philippians 2:12 “keep on working with fear and trembling, for God
is working within you making you willing and able to obey His own purposes.”
We pray God‟s continued blessing on Alan and his wife Marian as they experience new opportunities and
much more awaited time with family and friends.
1
Personal Reflection
My ministry began when I accepted Christ as my Saviour. There were seminal influences on me leading to
my ordination as a Minister of the Word. These included the wise counsel of CD Alcorn, time on
Milingimbi Mission in Arnhem Land, studies at Trinity College and Brisbane College of Theology, peers
and family.
In my first parish I realized there were differences to how people perceived peer ministry, and how
manipulative and demanding some people were as I was frequently rung on my day off, with the
conversation beginning with “I know this is your day off, but ....”. Whilst I had a Lay Support Group (an
idea from my practical ministry placement during training) and a mentor, I sorely needed a supervisor to
guide me in being assertive in dealing with team issues and with parishioners.
Unfortunately for me, my search for a supervisor was not successful until very late in my next parish. In this
parish I learnt there was a difference to being a country boy in a city parish, and a city trained, city centric
(city expectations) of a boy in a country parish. However, the focus of pastoral visitation was a key element
of my ministry in both places, but I found my element in visiting those on the fringes of the church. In many
respects I started to develop a Deacon like in approach. This continued even more strongly when I became a
chaplain with Blue Care. However, I have always valued my ordination as Minister of The Word, and held
highly the discipline of worship and preaching. The other, lesser but still important, part of my ministry also
became apparent during my second parish. This was of administration – not running meetings and so forth
(the politics of the church), but statistics, rolls, and various keeping of records etc.
I had some time out to study and learn why a church could carry certain hurts, disorders, and even positives
long after the original happenings had passed, and even when other people were involved, who did not know
the history of the root cause. In a word, it is culture. I also discovered, thankfully, that the church is not
God, and God is not the church.
I am still learning about God, myself, and the church. I am thankful to God for all I have thus far learnt, and
for all God‟s graciousness to me and the church, and for being called to serve the special ministry known as
Minister of The Word. To this end, for anything good that has arisen from my ministry, praise God. For
everything else, blame me.
2
Rev George Norman Barnes
1.16
(a)
Notes the advice of Rev George Barnes to become a minister retired permanently on the
grounds of age from 31 January 2013 under Reg. 2.6.1(d)(i)(1).
(b)
Receives a minute of appreciation of the Ministry of Rev George Barnes.
Minute of Appreciation – Rev George Norman Barnes
George was born in Noranda Quebec, Canada and he came to Australia at age 10 months. George was an
only child. He grew up in Brunswick Heads (Northern NSW) and attended the Brunswick Heads Primary
School, the Mullumbimby High School. His last year of secondary School was at Armidale High School.
Tertiary Studies: George began studies at the Queensland University in the Faculty of Engineering. As part
of studies in engineering it was necessary to work at an engineering firm during the November to March
vacation. George applied to work at Evans Deacon Rocklea who offer first year apprenticeship wages of
£4.19.11 ($9.99) per week. He declined the job. He worked at the following: Mount Morgan Gold Mine,
Mount Isa Mines, Broken Hill South mine and John Darling Colliery near Swansea (South of Newcastle).
Theological Studies: George struggled with his studies. It was around l5years since George had started
secondary school studies and was at the point of point of throwing it all in. Through the encouragement of
the Rev Professor Rollie Busch who was Professor of New Testament Studies and Principal of Emmanuel
College George did complete the studies required for the Ministry of the word.
Following the completion of his studies, he was licensed to preach the Gospel on the 29 th November 1967 in
the then St. Lucia Presbyterian Church-the church he first attended when he came to Brisbane. Others
licensed with him in that Service were Les Brockway, Graham Beeston, Elton Drury, Don Treacher and Don
Whebell.
Marriage: George married Kay Kopittke in the Virginia Presbyterian Church on the 13th January 1968.
Ministry:
Student Minister: George accumulated important ministry experience in a variety of settings as a Home
Missionary student: Thursday Island, Indooroopilly-Kenmore, Hamilton-Hendra and Virginia-NorthgateBanyo. He learned much from the ministers who supervised him: the Revs Fairlie Forrest, Des Blake and
Charles Gray.
 George began work in ministry as supply Home Missionary on Thursday Island for 3 months,
responsible to the Presbyterian Minister at Gordonvale.
 Second appointment was as student Home Missionary at the Indooroopilly and Kenmore Presbyterian
Church. This ministry was for 2 years. George worked under the Rev Fairlie Forrest. Ministry at
Kenmore was in the little chapel (now The Pioneer Chapel) in the grounds of the Kenmore Uniting
Church. It was then situated in Kenmore Road.
 George was then appointed to Hamilton Hendra parish for 2 years with primary responsibility for
Hendra. This building was an army demountable and was situated roughly where Repco now stands.
George worked under the Rev Des Blake.
 His final appointment as a Student Home Missionary was at Virginia-Northgate-Banyo for I year under
the Rev Charles Gray.
 The late Rev Calder Allan [Director of Home Missions in the then Presbyterian Church] never let
George forget an error in his application to become a Home Missionary. This was in 1962. In his
application for date of birth he wrote 1962. Calder said that George was the youngest applicant for
Home Mission service
Ordained Ministry: George was Ordained in St Andrew‟s Presbyterian Church in Millmerran in February
1968. This ministry continued for 3 ½ years. The Congregations in the Parish were St Andrews Millmerran,
St Luke‟s Lavelle, St Mark‟s Kooroongarra and Millwood. In l97l George became minister of East
Toowoomba Presbyterian Charge (St John's and St David's) and also part time hospital Chaplain to Hospitals
3
and Nursing homes in Toowoomba. George was there for 4 years.
commitment to chaplaincy ministry.
Thus began George's long-time
He was called to St David's Presbyterian Church Ashgrove which in l977 became part of the Ashgrove
Uniting Church Parish- St. David's, West Ashgrove, Ashgrove Avenue, Dorrington, Alderley, Kelvin Grove
and Herston. After 10 years in this Parish and with a surplus of ministers in the Uniting Church, George
took a one year supply at St Stephen's Toowoomba. He was then called to Wesley Mission Brisbane as
Chaplain at Sinnamon Village, Bethesda and Aldersgate Court.
Then he became Chaplain at Greenslopes Private Hospital. During this time he became part time (25%) at
Brookfield Uniting Church where he combined his gifts for ministry in the congregational setting and parttime chaplaincy. After the settlement at Greenslopes concluded he served as Chaplain at Brassall Village
Ipswich (part time). In addition George spent one month in the Bridgetown-Boyup Brook Parish in West
Australia. George's gifts for and commitment to Chaplaincy was enhanced through these much-valued
ministries. During his time in Toowoomba, he became involved in the Clinical Pastoral Education Program
[CPE]. Not only were his own skills enriched, he also contributed much to the development of other
Chaplains.
As he enters retirement George gives thanks for the fruitful and developing ministry at Brookfield.
Brookfield has developed a number of annual events which are community outreach programs.
Boys' Brigade
Another of George's commitments was to the work of Boys Brigade. His first encounter with Boys' Brigade
was when he was Student Home Missionary at Hamilton- Hendra Presbyterian Church. In 1983 (the Boys‟
Brigade Centenary year) the State Council of Boys' Brigade in Queensland appointed its first Chaplain.
George served in that role for a number of years. He felt that to do the job properly and because his three
sons were in Boys Brigade George completed the training course for a Boys Brigade Officer. He became an
officer of 38* Brisbane company-The Gap Uniting Church. George served on the state council for a number
of years and became the BB extension officer becoming Captain of 38th Brisbane Company and later he
served as president of the No I Brisbane Battalion. He attended 4 tri-annual Pan Australian camps: Canberra,
Adelaide, Brisbane and Newcastle. He served as a Chaplain to a company at several of these camps. At the
Brisbane Pan Camp he ran the souvenir shop- “George‟s Super Souvenir Shop”.
Chaplaincy ministry
George's chaplaincy ministry began in l97I when he was appointed Presbyterian Chaplain to Toowoomba
Hospitals and Nursing Homes and called as minister of the East Toowoomba congregations of St. David's
and St John's. There were 4 hospitals viz. Toowoomba General, St Vincent's, St Andrews' and Baillie
Henderson. There were, at that time, about 14 nursing homes some of which had no Presbyterian Residents.
In this settlement George was involved in setting up a chapel in the Baillie Henderson Hospital.
In 1975 George was called to St. David's Ashgrove and for 6 months he was not involved in Chaplaincy
ministry. At the beginning of 1976 George started Chaplaincy at the Royal Women's hospital. For the next 8
years his chaplaincy ministry ranged across most Brisbane Hospitals. Prince Charles, Holy Spirit (now
Brisbane Private Hospital), Wesley Hospital, Princess Alexandra and Royal Brisbane. This was in addition to
parish duties in the Ashgrove Parish of the Uniting Church.
In 1983 George took on the role of part-time chaplain at Greenslopes Repatriation Hospital doing 2 days a
week-relieving the full time chaplain. After serving in Toowoomba in 1985 George returned to Brisbane to
be Chaplain to Sinnamon Village, Bethesda, and Aldersgate Court as part of Wesley Mission Brisbane. This
continued until the end of 1995. During this time George was involved in the setting up of a Chapel in
Sinnamon Village.
He then applied for and was appointed OPD Chaplain to Greenslopes Private Hospital. This was a fulltime
position funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The position finished at the end of 2006. In
September 2008 George began Chaplain (part-time) at Brassall Village Ipswich. This concluded in 2010.
Other Chaplaincy positions (Honorary) were St John Ambulance and TPI.
4
Conferences
Always keen to develop his gifts and skills, George participated in several organisations and training events:
 Aged care Conferences. George attended conferences in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Auckland.
 Australian Health and Welfare Chaplains Association. The first AHWCA Conference he attended
was in Brisbane as a day attendee, Others have been in Sydney (2) Launceston (2), Hobart (1) Perth
(2), Adelaide (3), Brisbane (3) Alice Springs (1) and Melbourne (3)
 Congresses on Pastoral Care and Counselling. The first attended was in Toronto, then Perth (Asian
Pacific Congress) Hong Kong (Asian Pacific Congress) and Rotorua (International Congress)
 It was a privilege for George to attend the last Conference of the Australian Health and Welfare
Association as it changed to become Spiritual Care Australia.
 With most of these Conferences/Congresses George took the opportunity to see the local area and
spent extra days exploring each venue.
 George continues to value the friendships established at these conferences
Meals on Wheels
George was part of the Inaugural Committee of the Herston and District Meals on Wheels. He was elected as
Inaugural President and served in that capacity until the end of 1984. He was elected Honorary Life
member.
Health Issues
In the wee small hours of Thursday the 11th June 1988, George had a heart attack in the Emergency Ward of
Greenslopes Private Hospital. Following an Angiogram he was transferred to Wesley Hospital where the
next day Open Heart Surgery was performed. He did not return to work until late September and then only
for a few hours a day. There were other medical problems that followed the open heart surgery: It was least
several years before George felt fully recovered. He is thankful for this gift of life and pledged to work
longer than expected to show his gratitude.
Interests
Handyman: From an early age George followed in the footsteps of his father with handyman pursuits.
Photography: This was a hobby George and his father shared. They developed their own negatives, made
their own prints and enlargements. Other interests have been Woodwork, Mechanics and Radio.
In his retirement, George is looking to complete many unfinished projects and set up his Model Railway
which has been packed away for nearly 20 years. George has always sought to point others to the central
reality of ministry. As St Paul said to the Christians at Corinth, "... we have this treasure in clay jars, so that
it may be made clear that that this extraordinary power belongs to God and not to us…”
On November 3rd at Moggill, the presbytery resolved to approve the retirement of Rev. George Barnes.
The Synod gives thanks to God for the ministry of George Norman Barnes and acknowledges the loving
support of Kay and their sons Stephen, David and Timothy and their families.
5
Personal Reflection
It was in December 1962 that I began my ministry as a Student Hume Missionary. This was as long service
leave supply on Thursday Island. I had many great experiences in this 3 month period. I remember touring
the Island to pick up children for Pathfinders on Friday night. With so much energy the Torres Straight
Young People possessed they were given a ball to play with in the hall for the first 20 minutes. Then you
could begin the evening program. I carried about 6-10 children in the back of the covered Land Rover Ute.
They sang a variety of songs always leading up to “When the Saints go marching in”; complete with
stomping of feet on the floor of the ute.
Three other student Home Missionary appointments followed. Each provided learning experiences. The
first funeral of the 772 funerals I have conducted over the years was at my third appointment. Each of these
appointments involved conduct of worship, visiting, sometimes taking a Sunday School Class or
involvement with youth. I had had other learning experiences prior to these appointments. These were in
secular employment. These experiences were valuable in learning to relate to people. Balancing part time
work, Studies and Church activities was not easy.
My Professors at Theological College were both challenging and helpful in the formation of people for the
ministry. Licensed to preach the Gospel in December 1967, I was Ordained in February 1968 and moved to
the Downs. Since I began my ordained ministry in 1968 the following have been introduced to assist with
ministry: Continuing Education for Ministry, Professional Supervision, the concept of Spiritual Directors,
Child Safe Church and Code of Ethics.
Over the years I have made contact with many people who have influenced me. I have been blessed by these
opportunities as well as conferences which I have attended in various parts of the world. Each has been an
influence on my Theology, personal outlook and my approach to Pastoral Care. These conferences I have
used to explore Cities and country areas and this experience has broadened my outlook. One Conference in
Toronto Canada I shared with people from 44 countries. Flying in to Sydney to the tune I still call Australia
home reiterated that while it is great to visit other countries, Australia for me is the best place to live.
My pastoral ministry has been influenced by the Action/Reflection model of Clinical Pastoral Education.
Having been in touch with the emphasis of its founding father, Anton Boison, and other greats like Henri
Nouwen, whom I have met, and Viktor Frankl, who emphasised the importance of having meaning and
6
purpose. For over 30 years I served both part time and full time in a chaplaincy role. Here I was privileged
to touch the lives of many people not in a relationship with the church and Christ the head of the church. I
saw myself as Christ‟s representative to them.
It has been recently said to me that there are many people whose lives I have touched and that to me is what
ministry is all about if we take a leaf out of the life of Jesus Christ. Long ago I was led to the conviction that
it was not my role to fix or solve people‟s problems but to journey with them that they might find their own
way forward.
Of recent times I have put much more effort into preparing for worship services. I have also found that for
Pastoral visiting it is now necessary to make appointments to see people whereas at one time you could roll
up to a home and someone would be home. One exception was in about 1970, when I finally made contact
with one household the family gave me back a pile of visiting cards collected from my unsuccessful visits.
I survived a time when there was a surplus of ministers in the Uniting Church-some were on the Dole and
others had to take a supply position because there was no other opportunity for ministry.
In my time as a Sunday School pupil when there were clear barriers in interchurch relations to today where
there is the opportunity for much interchurch and interfaith relations. It was a privilege for me to attend a
conference in Melbourne where the Australian Health and Welfare Chaplains Association became Spiritual
Care Australia with a leader from most Faith Groups present. This had a similar ring to a Congress I attended
in Toronto Canada where there were speakers from the following Faiths: Christian, Jewish, Buddhism and
Islam.
Talking about Sunday School touches on one of the greatest changes in congregational life. Once upon a
time Sunday Schools were large but today most congregational struggle to provide a viable Christian
education program for children. The same can be said of youth ministry. I recall a time when most
congregations had a youth group of 60-80 people. This led to inter-fellowship competitions in Drama, Music
as well as camps and rallies. In the past 9 years I have found it difficult to involve young people in current
youth programs partly due to part time employment, greater freedom, sports and extra curricula activities in
schools. Yet in saying this I have to admit to personally having nothing to do with church between the ages
of 12 and 17.
In the last nine years of ministry I have discovered how, at least in some areas, the church can be a real part
of their local community by developing activities where the local community can take a part and also the
congregation can be involved in local community events. I retire with many memories of activities I have
been involved with and the extent of growth I have experienced.
7
Rev Ainslie Bos
1.17
(a)
Notes the advice of Rev Ainslie Bos to become a minister retired permanently on the
grounds of age from 31 May 2012 under Reg. 2.6.1(d)(i)(1).
(b)
Receives a minute of appreciation of the Ministry of Rev Ainslie Bos.
Minute of Appreciation – Rev Ainslie Bos (formerly Ainslie Scott)
Ainslie Withers grew up in East Malvern, Melbourne. She attended Korawa Girls‟ Grammar School and
Toorak Teachers College, completing a Bachelor of Education. She taught for ten years at Glen Waverley
Primary School, Highvale Primary School and Mountain Gate Primary School, Ferntree Gulley.
Her family of origin was not involved in the life of the church, but through the influence of various people,
including her sister Sue, and the ministry of Ashburton Uniting Church, Ainslie became a Christian in 1982.
Ainslie married David Scott in 1982 and their son, Andy, was born in 1986. She commenced part-time
theological studies with the Church of Christ and at Whitley College. During her time of study, Ainslie
experienced a call to the Ministry of Deacon. She therefore applied for candidature in the Uniting Church
and completed further studies with the United Faculty of Theology, Melbourne, completing a Bachelor of
Theology.
She was ordained in December 1992. Both her sister Sue Withers and brother David Withers subsequently
became UCA Ministers.
Ainslie‟s first placement was at Ringwood Uniting Church (1993-1997). After a year of chaplaincy at Kew
High School, she returned to congregational ministry. She served for three years at Westernport (Hastings,
Crib Point, Somerville, Balnarring) from 1999-2001. In 2002 Ainslie was inducted in the Canterbury Road
Community of Congregations (Mt Pleasant, Vermont, Blackburn South) and served there until the end of
2004. As she believed that some of her passion for mission and outreach was increasingly being accepted by
the church, and not just within the diaconate, she applied to transfer to the Ministry of the Word, and was
ordained in 2004.
As a result of a three week exposure trip to the Philippines in 2003, Ainslie and David applied to serve
overseas with UnitingWorld, received training, and were appointed to the Diocese of Madras, Church of
South India in 2005. They arrived at a time when, as a result of the 2004 tsunami, many people had lost their
homes and livelihoods. Ainslie was attached to St George‟s Cathedral, Chennai where, in addition to leading
worship, she supported the cathedral‟s work in aged care and children with disabilities.
In 2006 Ainslie was appointed to Bayswater Uniting Church, and worked with the Presbytery of Maroondah
in supporting people with a lived experience of mental illness, a work she had helped commence whilst at
Ringwood twenty years earlier. This ministry evolved into a chaplaincy in Mental Health ministry within
Eastern Access Community Health (EACH). Her marriage to David sadly ended at this time.
In late 2008 Ainslie moved to Queensland and undertook supply at Cooroy-Pomona while working with the
Presbytery of Mary Burnett in the Mental Health ministry. She also became a member of the Committee of
Management of Discovery, a support agency for people with mental illnesses.
Ainslie had gone on a second UnitingWorld exposure trip in 2008, this time to North India, with a focus on
inter-faith relations. This led to an ongoing relationship with the Diocese of Amritsar, Church of North
India. She subsequently returned three times (2009, 2010, 2011) to co-teach in-service courses for church
leaders of this diocese with Robert Bos. Ainslie and Rob were married in October 2009.
She was inducted into Mooloolaba Uniting Church in January 2010 and served there until 2012, when she
temporarily relocated to Melbourne to care for her ageing father. Rob and Ainslie have also been accepted to
work with UnitingWorld in Pacific churches, initially the United Church in Solomon Islands.
8
Ainslie‟s ministry has been marked by thoughtful and creative worship preparation, attentive pastoral care,
and lots of new initiatives in the church‟s outreach, including play groups, Mainly Music, aged care, support
for homeless people, ministry with young families, craft groups, school chaplaincy, coffee groups, youth
ministry and new partnerships with community groups. Her energy, creativity and enthusiasm have inspired
numerous lay people to find themselves engaged in new forms of ministry.
The church thanks God for the ministry of Rev Ainslie Anne Bos. Ainslie has helped us all to be more truly
the church of Jesus Christ, living the life of the kingdom of God, whilst herself leading through personal
integrity and by example.
Personal Reflection
I came to faith in Christ as a young adult and, from that time, my life unfolded in a direction I had not
anticipated. The relationship with Christ has grown me, and continues to do so in ever-deepening ways. I
am grateful to my siblings and to Rev Andrew Hope for their witness and example.
As I look back, I notice blocks of time: 10 years as a primary teacher, 10 years of tertiary study and 20 years
of ministry, first as a Deacon and then as a Minister of the Word. Highlights have been establishing, with
others, a Mental Health ministry position in the Presbytery of Maroondah, and then partnership with
congregation members creating opportunities for outreach and new relationships in the wider community
through playgroups, drop-Ins, elder care outreach activities, op-shops, study series, art therapy at the local
Psychiatric Hospital in Maroondah. Worship leadership week by week has proved a challenge but has also
deepened my faith is many ways.
Another unexpected path to unfold was the opportunity to work with UnitingWorld, first with the Church of
South India, and then in the Diocese of Amritsar in the Church of North India, and more recently in the
United Church in Solomon Islands.
Although stipended ministry has concluded, I continue to look forward to the ways in which Rob and I can
be open to God‟s call to mission and service.
Thank you to all those in the church who have been, and continue to be, an inspiration and witness!
9
Pastor Viv Chapman
1.18
(a)
Notes the advice of Pastor Viv Chapman to withdraw his recognition as a Lay Pastor in
accordance with Reg. 2.10.7(a) & (b) from 31 December 2011
(b)
Receives a minute of appreciation of the Ministry of Pastor Viv Chapman.
Minute of Appreciation – Pastor Viv Chapman (and partner in life and ministry, Lyn)
To begin this Minute of Appreciation for Pastor Viv Chapman, reference is made to the following verses of
scripture Romans 12:6-8 (6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if
God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is
serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be
encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility
seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.)
In one bible reference the title of this section of scripture is Humble Service in the Body of Christ. Although
he would probably disagree, these words describe the humble servant that Viv is.
Viv was born at Stanthorpe and lived on an apple orchard with his five sisters for the first twelve years of his
life. It was a cold climate but a warm family that formed him. Church and Sunday School at Thulimbah
Presbyterian Church continued the „forming‟.
When his Dad retired the family moved to Redcliffe – Woody Point to be exact. Viv completed high school
there. As he says, “It was at the tiny Woody Point Presbyterian Church that my twin sister and I came to
faith.”
Prior to offering to serve God in full time ministry in the Uniting church Viv Chapman spent the best part of
40 years as a primary school teacher and teaching principal. He began teaching in 1964 at Clontarf Beach
State School. In 1966 he went west to Mt Isa and taught in various schools in the Mt Isa and Cloncurry area
before returning to Clontarf Beach in 1968.
In 1968, Viv married Lyn and they have travelled together so fittingly and supported each in life and in
ministry. The family remained in Clontarf for the next 11 years and were blessed with three daughters. With
a wife, three daughters and five sisters Viv says of himself that he has an empathy with women.
A one year teacher exchange to New Zealand (Parakao) in 1979 remains a highlight for the family. After
another year in Clontarf Viv was transferred to a one teacher school at Hawkins Creek (near Ingham) where
they spent 3 and a half years before a move in mid 1984 to Airville State School (outside Ayr) where he
continued as a teaching principal until 2000. He was always active in leadership in the Methodist and then
Uniting Churches in many capacities including preaching, teaching, eldership, chair of committees etc. His
ministry also extended to his school in the attitude and values that he brought as teacher and principal.
He “retired” from 40 years teaching at the end of 2000 with the last 21 as a teaching principal. He and Lyn
then offered themselves in service to the church as they believed that God had other plans for them. They
initially went as pastors to Broome for the last part of 2001 because “no one else would go.” He was then
called to Charters Towers where he and Lyn served faithfully and well for the next ten years. What follows
here is part of that congregations reflections on the ministry of Viv and Lyn Chapman amongst them.
When Viv was called to Charters Towers, with his wife Lyn, in 2001, it soon became evident that they were
a partnership in life and in ministry and over the following ten years it was a meaningful and significant
ministry. Viv and Lyn set the standard in many areas including Pastoral Care, involvement in the wider
church, home groups and spiritual development and the congregation responded positively in these areas. In
respect to the wider church Viv has ensured that his congregation was informed about and regularly prayed
for the presbytery, the Synod and the Assembly. It has helped that Viv has served on the Presbytery
Leadership team and as Southern Zone Chairperson and also on the Council of Synod.
10
Pastoral Care is a gift that both Viv and Lyn share. They care about people and this shows through whether
they are visiting in hospital, aged care facilities or at home, sharing with people at weddings, in preparations
for funerals, or in preparations for and follow up after baptisms. They make people feel special and that is a
gift. However there have been those people for whom they would say that “extra grace” has been required.
Viv became a valued and respected leader not only in the church family but also in the wider Charters
Towers community.
Viv and Lyn were deeply appreciated in the RE program in schools. Viv brought a richness of experience
and love for children to the team and Lyn‟s faithfulness to teaching, has been an inspiration and her love for
the children has been a blessing. Viv and Lyn started a Kid‟s Time Out for primary aged children, a vacation
bible school and Viv has been a leader on the Southern Zone Kid‟s Camp for a couple of years running. Viv
has a heart for youth. Viv and Lyn have much input into the Chaplaincy Committee and provide
administrative support and pastoral care to the Chaplains in Charters Towers.
Viv has been an integral part of the Emergency Relief at the Charters Towers Neighbourhood Centre, being a
voice for those who can‟t speak for themselves and has seen the introduction of a more streamlined and
socially responsible management of the resources. Through Viv‟s involvement with Welfare, the Charters
Towers congregation has been exposed to a variety of needs in this area and as a church family have assisted
financially, physically and prayerfully.
Viv and Lyn are God‟s faithful servants who have encouraged many. They are generous and hospitable,
loving and caring and they go the extra mile or two or three. They are prayerful leaders whose life
experiences have been used by God in ways that have been beyond their understanding. They believe that
the Uniting Church is the “middle of road” and with God‟s help has been used in many places, and certainly
in Charters Towers under Viv‟s leadership to draw churches together for fellowship and prayer and for the
organisation of a number of events including in particular combined church activities including visits by the
Watoto Children‟s choir and the organisation of the Community Carols service.
Thanks be to God for gifting Viv and Lyn to the Charters Towers congregation and to the North Queensland
Presbytery. We give thanks for the strong bonds of friendship that have been formed and we know that as
they prepare for the next stage of their journey they will commit their ways to the Lord and say “Here we are
Lord, is it us Lord? We have heard you calling in the night, we will go Lord, if you lead us, we will hold
your people in our hearts”.
Viv and Lyn have continued to respond to God‟s call in their availability for supply ministry in the
Presbytery, including 2 months at Mount Louisa while Rev Anne Harley received radiation treatment for
cancer.
Viv and Lyn Chapman – servants of God and encouragers of people. We thank God for your past and
continuing ministry among us.
11
Rev Christine Digby
1.19
(a)
Notes the advice of Rev Christine Digby to become a minister retired permanently on the
grounds of age from 20 January 2013 under Reg. 2.6.1(d)(i)(1).
(b)
Receives a minute of appreciation of the Ministry of Rev Christine Digby.
Minute of Appreciation – Rev Christine Digby
Christine Digby was ordained by South Morton Presbytery at Geebung Uniting Church on 14 August 1991.
Christine grew up in Wynnum and was a member of Bayside Uniting Church where her family were
dedicated members of the Congregation. Christine's mother Phyllis is a woman of faith and her late dad
Mervyn was ever thankful for the blessing that God had bestowed upon himself and his family. Bayside
Uniting Church was a vibrant teaching church that laid the foundations of Christine's faith and future
ministry.
Christine served as a congregational minister at Wavell/Geebung (now part of the Kairos group), spending
most of her time at Geebung. Working with the Rev Bob Warrick was a high point of her ministry. She also
served at Windsor/Grange and Trinity Wilston Uniting Church before responding to the call of God and
joining the Australian Regular Army as a Chaplain serving at the School of Military Engineering, the
Defence Force School of Signals, 1 Health Support Battalion and 2 General Health Battalion. Christine was
deployed to East Timor for six months during 2011.
Christine has a strong interest in social justice and was involved during her ministry with ongoing social
justice issues, Queensland Churches Together, Uniting Care and the Ministerial Education Board. She also
was involved in all aspects of Presbytery life whilst a Congregational Minister. Christine has retired to
concentrate upon the needs of her family.
We are thankful and appreciative of Christine‟s ministry and service to the wider church.
12
Rev Peter Dunstan
1.20
(a)
Notes the advice of Rev Peter Dunstan to become a minister retired permanently on the
grounds of age from 28 February 2013 under Reg. 2.6.1(d)(i)(1).
(b)
Receives a minute of appreciation of the Ministry of Rev Peter Dunstan.
Minute of Appreciation – Rev Peter Dunstan
Peter was heavily a heavily committed lay person in the Lawnton Uniting Church and working as a commercial airline
pilot when he was asked to move to the Narangba church to help with the local Lay leadership. While serving as an
elder in that church he felt that God was calling him to leave behind his career as an airline pilot and do something new.
During the next couple of years Peter saw God‟s hand closing doors and opening new ones and after much prayer and
several debates with God about calling him to give up his job flying 737‟s which supported himself, his wife and his
five children Peter finally stopped running and candidated for the ministry in 1989.
Peter entered Trinity Theological College at the age of 47 in 1990 and graduated in the middle of 1994. During this
time Peter did his field placement at Toowong Uniting Church under the supervision of Rev. Dr. Doug Brandon.
Straight out of college Peter did a supply ministry as the chaplain at the University of Queensland for six months. Peter
then took some time off as he explored other options to serve God but after this time out believed his call lay as a
Minister in the Uniting Church.
In 1996 Peter accepted a call to Chapel Hill Uniting church and had a successful ministry there for 10 years where he
implemented over 30 Alpha courses and had a great ministry to young families and children in that setting.
Peter accepted a call to a very different ministry in 2007 when he accepted the position of Chaplain at Wesley Mission
Brisbane- Sinnamon Park. Here he continued to use his skills in pastoral skills and prayer ministry to great effect as he
minister to people in the final stages of life.
Peter retired on the 28th February 2013 on the grounds of age and now enjoys some time to mow the yard and smell the
roses. Well done good and faithful servant.
Personal Reflection
The beginning of the ministry that I believe God gave to me, started with a very strong sense of calling four years
before I commenced training as a Minister of the Word.
This sense of calling was extremely important as going from the cockpit, as a commercial pilot, to the pulpit as a
student minister at the age of 47 with a wife and 5 children to support and educate was a bit of a leap of faith.
After completing my training for the ministry and spending one semester as a chaplain at the University of Queensland
plus 18 months of ministry outside the Uniting Church, I was asked to talk to the Chapel Hill Uniting Church with
regard to a settlement there.
This proved to be a very fruitful period, for myself, my wife Jan and I hope for the people of Chapel Hill. We witnessed
God transform the lives of many, primarily through the ministry of the people in the congregation and particularly
through the more than 30 Alpha courses that took place over the 10 years that I ministered there. Alpha and the other
courses that were run helped greatly to build up the enthusiasm and leadership of the congregation for God‟s work in
that community. Many young families with children became part of the church – it was a time, for the most part, of
encouragement and blessing for us.
My time as a Chaplain with Wesley Mission was largely at the other end of the age spectrum as God opened up
ministry in aged care. Though some aspects were very different to congregational ministry there was one aspect that
was the same, that is, working with people to help them stay connected, reconnect or connect for the first time to the
living God. To show God‟s love and grace at a time in a person‟s life when they are near the end of physical life on this
earth and often in great need, is hard to put into words. To witness the caring attitude of the nursing, personal caring
and other staff is a wonder to behold and a truly amazing way to complete my fulltime ministry with The Uniting
Church.
Perhaps the words of a well- known Hymn sums it up:
To God be the glory, great things he has done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his son,
Who yielded his life an atonement for sin
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.
13
Rev Albert (Burt) L Johns
1.21
(a)
Notes the advice of Rev Albert (Burt) L Johns to become a minister retired permanently on
the grounds of age from 30 November 2011 under Reg. 2.6.1(d)(i)(1).
(b)
Receives a minute of appreciation of the Ministry of Rev Albert (Burt) Johns.
Minute of Appreciation – Rev Albert (Burt) L Johns
Each stage is a preparation for the next.
Burt responded to the claim of Christ on his life and the seeds were sown to the call to ministry while Rev
John Mavor was minister of the Oxley-Darra-Inala Methodist Church. In preparation for this he lived at the
Methodist Bible College & Training School from 1964-65. He received the College Certificate which
included requirements to become a candidate for the Methodist Ministry. Rev Brian Whitlock was his
minister when he left Inala in 1966 for his first parish on probation at Ingham under the supervision of the
ministry of Rev Ed Smith.
That year in Ingham he saw the start of: an All Age Church School; a friendship group for elderly shut-ins;
and began and led himself a Young Adult group that continued for many years. (Revs Smith, Mavor, and
Whitlock-provided Burt with models of leaders initiating change.) Rev Aubrey Baker, Chairman of the
Northern District and his wife Ailsa opened their home in Townsville for Burt to study. Burt helped Aubren
a boys camp on Magnetic Island that year. The next year he began full time study at Kings’ College.
In 1969 Burt and Judi Bennett married in Kings’ College Chapel. While still studying for ordination both his
parents died within a year of each other. This intense time of grieving provided understanding to the many
people he was to later help pastorally. Rev Ray Hunt’s model of listening to a life history and then carving a
tribute in words to his mother is with him still.
1971-Ashgrove-The Gap he enjoyed the fellowship of local preachers he gathered together for training.
1972-Innisfail Here he encouraged some students from high school to practise their band in the hall and on
returning some years later found them making a living from it. (Rev Syd Cassells, Dist. Chairman, pressed
on him the need for continuous reading.) After Noel Preston’s presentation on Action for World
Development he was inspired to speak to every service club in Innisfail on the subject. To help his public
speaking he joined the local Toastmasters.
1973-74-Home Hill where seeds of ecumenical chaplaincy were born when a Catholic priest joined him in a
weekend at the Millaroo Rodeo. Burt was ordained in Albert St at the 1974 Synod. Dist. Chairmen Revs
Cassells & Ron Smith were influential.
1975-76- North Rockhampton he worked with Rev Stan Schloss who was a great encourager. Burt started
training with what is now Relationships Australia. He was on-call to the Base Hospital and chaplain to the
College of Advanced Education and on the Board of ITIM.
1977- The Wesley Central Mission with Rev Ray Hunt when the Uniting Church in Australia was formed.
Burt’s main task at Albert St was pastoral visitation. He continued the training course with Relationships
Australia in Brisbane and was a member of the Qld Council of Churches which employed a chaplain to what
is now The Park - Centre for Mental Health at Wolston.
1978-82-Mt Gravatt-St Peter’s-Trinity with Rev Owen Bingham. Burt encouraged the start of the Bethel
Bible course with Owen as its leader. With the help of the late David Chisholm, founder of Day Camping,
Burt began it here. He became a bus driver to keep costs down. Judi and he started a neighbourhood
14
friendship club which invited local artists to teach others to paint as one of its activities. He served for two
years as Chair of the South Moreton Presbytery’s Education & Outreach Committee. In that position he
initiated a Presbytery wide program with Rev Dr Allan Walker, the visiting missioner, with night meetings in
Garden City Shopping Centre and training programs at local UCA halls.
As a tertiary chaplain to the Mt Gravatt campus for five years, he initiated a chaplaincy service to the athletes
and volunteers to the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane. He chaired this concept through to its
completion with the Games Foundation for four years. He took on the task of UCA Chaplain. This was a
multi-cultural event with representatives from all major religions working together.
McGregor State High was on the outskirts of most parishes at the time and not enough RE teachers could be
provided. Burt believed that students in state high schools were entitled to an umbrella of pastoral care that
existed at most private colleges. Therefore, while President of the Mt Gravatt- Greenslopes Ministers’
Fraternal, he negotiated a public meeting of local churches, High School staff, and local citizens to hear a
speaker from Sydney tell of what was happening there. From that meeting, a Board of Christian Education
was formed with Burt as Chair and the Board employed for the first time in a state high in Queensland a
registered teacher to do RE full time and to be a chaplain. This started in 1982. This model was followed by
others. This was a practical form of ecumenical endeavours involving people from varied backgrounds
committed to a common task. The Scripture Union took up this task many years later.
1983-92-Oxley-Darra
This was part of the parish where he came to faith as a teenager and felt he had now returned to make a
contribution to a people who had helped him on the way and who had tirelessly served discharged prisoners
and people with intellectual challenges over many years.
Along with others he was concerned that their buildings were inadequate for their missional needs. They
were meeting on over three sites for Sunday School. Before he left at the end of his 10 years the people had
paid for a new church building, a new manse, and Mr George Scarlett single-handedly built a new hall at
Darra. The old hall from John Mavor‟s time was firebombed a few days after the local newspaper announced
a Vietnamese service was to begin. A ministry with the Vietnamese community began and resulted with Rev
Thanh becoming the first Vietnamese ordained into the UCA. The rationalising of three properties onto one
near the railway station at Oxley was the first in the presbytery in a decade. A Ministry of Crossroads was
able to expand onto the new premises and seeds of the Barnabas ministry were sown. (Rev Ed. Smith and
Mrs Shirley Leutton, were co-founders of Crossroads. At the time Shirley was a member at Oxley.) Burt
served as chair of Admin & Finance for a year in the presbytery.
Burt had seen at Mt Gravatt how Boys‟ Brigade had an in-built leadership training program. With help from
there he formed the Boys‟ Brigade whose numbers leaped to 60 at one stage and the Girls Brigade to 30+. He
started a cricket team for under 8‟s which soon became a club of 5 teams. Burt became President/Chaplain of
the Qld Churches Cricket Assoc. Burt and Judi led a course in the Bethel Bible series with 53 people in the
congregation completing the two year course. He led two courses in the Lab 1 Calling and Caring program.
(This experience in understanding its mental map was to shape his future chaplaincy.) He was influenced
again by the teaching of the Torchbearers, whose members were part of the congregation, because of their
emphasis on the indwelling Christ in the life of the believer.
1993-94-he helped part time at Jimboomba where, as part of the Beaudesert Parish, he led two courses in
LAB 1.
1994-97-Springfield Lakes he was in ecumenical endeavours with Roman Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran
colleagues. As well as RE much of his work was in going house to house often with the local catholic priest.
To help with parish finances he worked one day a week as a tertiary chaplain at Kelvin Grove Campus. (For
some time he had been a member of the Qld Ecumenical Tertiary Chaplaincy Board. Kelvin Grove was his
eighth year as a part time tertiary chaplain. )
15 years in full time Hospital and continued part-time Navy chaplaincy.
15
He began by relieving at the Princess Alexandra and the Mater Hospitals as a colleague of Rev Helen Prior.
This taught him how some people‟s illnesses are so de-energizing that this is the only time they are
pastorally cared for. While relieving at The Wesley Hospital for six months he facilitated a course in
Spirituality for staff. This was the result of his reading in spirituality in nursing and meeting international
leaders in the field while a chaplain on Kelvin Grove campus. He also relieved Rev John Thiesfield in Blue
Care. On 1 July, 1997 Synod appointed him to The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH). Holy Spirit Northside
Hospital(HSN) later co-located. This appointment continued for 14 years till 30 November, 2011.
He mentored many pastoral carers in this vital ecumenical setting. While Co-ordinator of the Pastoral Care
Service at The Prince Charles he began courses for staff and pastoral carers in LAB 1 Calling & Caring
(Strategic Communication Skills) and liaised with Hospital leaders for chaplains and pastoral carers to begin
training in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) under the supervision of Rev David Larsen. Burt had
appreciated the help of CPE completing 4 units before having it based at TPCH & HSN. Burt continues to
serve on the TPCH‟s Human Research & Ethics committee. He lectured to staff at Grand Rounds in 2010 on
the topic, „Listen, Hear the Story‟ based on John Savage‟s LAB 1 and drawing on experiences from the
hospital and Defence listening. In November 2011 on the Hospital‟s Excellence Award Day, Burt received
the Outstanding Involvement Award for „contribution towards creating an excellent health care
environment‟.
In 1990 while at Oxley-Darra Burt accepted an Assembly appointment as part time Naval Chaplain. This will
continue till 31 July, 2014. Helping to strengthen spirits has been an honour to Burt. Being in turn
strengthened by the same people and learning from them increased his own resilience. While he met famous
Olympians in 1982 at the Commonwealth Games, the people going through health challenges both in
hospital and members of defence are for him „the true Olympians of the spirit‟. Burt leads the annual HMAS
Perth survivors and memorial service and helped with the Commemoration service above the resting site of
the Army Hospital Ship „Centaur‟. He continues to minister to defence persons facing trauma.
16
Personal Reflection
Rev Les Vickery, a pioneer in chaplaincy to people with mental health challenges, once said to me, „ I
consider myself neither inferior nor superior to any other human being but merely a person who has a
contribution to make.‟
These have been wise words to me. „I am thankful that God, first through the Methodist and then the Uniting
Church, offered me a means to make a contribution‟, said Burt. I consider the Uniting Church to be an allembracing community.
I am thankful to Judi and her mother, Phyllis and our sons Ben, Wes, Adam and Matt for the contribution
they have made to my life in ministry to enable me to be the person I am becoming. The seven grandchildren who are keeping me fit as part of that becoming. Judi‟s music, writing and reading add positively to
my life each day. Her love of music motivated her to form Junior Singer groups in two parishes and produce
a musical.
I have been blessed by many in congregations and chaplaincy settings who also have been Christ to me, and
by many colleagues who have mentored me. Mine has been a most fortunate life.
I am also thankful to people in the medical world. In late February this year I had for the second time in 23
years the removal of melanoma and while at The Prince Charles Hospital had the replacement of two hips.
This latter brought to an end years of pain and put a new spring in my steps. Now Judi and I regularly walk
around the river at Jindalee and sometimes march Brisbane city streets to seek in a small way justice for
asylum seekers and this country‟s original inhabitants. To be able to walk is a gift.
„The best is yet to be'
17
Rev Dr Amos Manoharan
1.22
(a)
Notes the advice of Rev Amos Manoharan to become a minister retired permanently on the
(b)
Receives a minute of appreciation of the Ministry of Rev Amos Manoharan.
Minute of Appreciation – Rev Dr Amos Manoharan
Rev Dr Devasahayam Amos Manoharan was ordained as a Deacon in 1970 and Presbyter in 1971 by the
Church of South India. He offered himself to be a Missionary Pastor and has served in Australia, India,
Singapore and England. He served as Minister of the Word in the UCA Queensland Synod from 1990 until
his retirement from full-time ministry on 31 May 2012.
Amos has studied in Universities all over the world. He received his B.A. and B.T. (B.Ed.) from Madras
University in India. He studied for his B.D. at Serampore University also in India and then Sri Venkateswara
University for his M.A (Philosophy). Birmingham University was where he gained his PG Diploma in
Pastoral Studies and it was through City University Los Angeles that he completed his PhD. His study was
fuelled by his desire to be an effective minister. His obvious thirst for knowledge and desire to pass on what
he has learnt has seen him offering opportunities for others to learn by conducting seminars and courses
particularly in Christian Spirituality, Christian Meditation, Yoga and Interfaith dialogue and relations. These
included Services of Worship for Harmony Day and Naidoc Week and participation in community affairs.
Amos served the Church of South India from 1970 till 1990. During this time he also held the role of
Director Industrial Mission in Madras. He had placements in Counselling and Industrial Mission at
Birmingham University and was Hon. Faculty, at Haggai Institute for Evangelism in Singapore. He was on
the faculty for UCA Coolamon College from 1983. In 1995 he took on the role of Course Director- Christian
Spirituality for Rockhampton Catholic Education. He has also written articles and small books on Christian
Spirituality and the practice of prayer.
In 1983 sponsored by the Church of South India, Amos moved to Australia and ministered in the UCA East
Derwent Parish in Tasmania for two years. In 1990 Amos, Shanthy and their children moved to Australia
permanently. Amos commenced his ministry within the Queensland Synod with a placement at Noosa as a
Blue Care Chaplain. From there he spent time with Calvary Presbytery UAICC, Rockhampton South Parish,
Maryborough Parish and finally completed his full-time ministry with his placement at Holland Park Central.
Amos‟ ministry has been much appreciated particularly in the areas of leadership in worship, pastoral care,
and his passion to exercise his effective gifts in teaching and training in Christian Spirituality, Interfaith
Dialogue, Mission and Evangelism and Christian Meditation. Amos exercised a sensitive, effective pastoral
ministry with a strong multicultural emphasis. He was diligent in his approach to ministry and open to cooperate with Church and community initiatives. Through his involvement in ecumenical groups he gained
the respect of the lay leaders and clergy in other Christian churches as well as in the Uniting Church in
Australia.
Amos has expressed his understanding of mission in the following words: “Mission means movement and it
comes in two parts – coming and going. We come to the Lord to be strengthened and to receive his spirit.
Then we go into the world to proclaim the Good News by words and deeds. There is no use of coming
without going and there is no use of going without coming. Coming and going are like two sides of a coin.
As Christians, we believe that we are called by God and he commissions us to share the Good News of the
Kingdom of God.”
18
Rev Charles Masih
1.23
(a)
Notes the advice of Rev Charles Masih to become a minister retired permanently on the
grounds of age from 30 April 2013 under Reg. 2.6.1(d)(i)(1).
(b)
Receives a minute of appreciation of the Ministry of Rev Charles Masih.
Minute of Appreciation – Rev Charles Masih
Charles Prem Masih was born in Navua, Fiji the youngest of nine children, and his early life and formative
years were shaped by his parents‟ Christian faith and the strong cultural ties of traditional family values.
In 1970 at 18 years of age Charles completed High School at Navua and entered the work force where he
was employed in a Construction Company as a Timekeeper/Accountant in the capital, Suva.
Charles made a decision for Christ in 1971 at a Service in his local Methodist Church, and in due course felt
the call to full time ministry. After offering for training as a minister of the Word, he was accepted by the
Methodist Conference entered the Theological College at Davuilevu and undertook the required years of
study.
After training, Charles was ordained in 1980 by the Methodist Conference in Suva and was appointed to
Sigatoka Circuit on the Coral Coast. Various Parish appointments followed at Nandi and in Circuits on other
Fijian Islands.
Marrying Elizabeth at Nausori in 1977 was to prove significant because of the way the partnership was to
evolve and contribute to the work of Christ in ensuing years.
Charles and Elizabeth moved to Australia in 1985, with the blessing of the Methodist Conference, and were
subsequently seconded to N.S.W. Synod of The Uniting Church. Charles commenced his ministry in N.S.W.
by assisting the Rev John Butson in Auburn, Sydney.
He completed the necessary studies required for transition to The Uniting Church ministry in 1986 before
being called to assist at Lismore.
After transferring to the Qld synod Charles then served in Congregations as far afield and as varied as
Weipa, Proserpine, and Cunnamulla/Charleville. These developing years of ministry were busy and fruitful
for Charles who was well supported by Elizabeth, and by now a growing family of two children Evelyn and
Ezekiel.
In 1994 Charles returned to Brisbane assisted at Camp Hill Congregation whilst undertaking further
theological studies at the Brisbane College of Theology.
Subsequently, from 1995 until 2006 Charles served congregations at Raft Street Toowoomba,
Lowood/Fernvale, Jimboomba, Eastern Downs, and during this time he also ministered to the Aboriginal
Faith Community in Zillmere.
Charles was gifted with the ability to minister in an indigenous and cross cultural setting and he was well
received by those he served in this capacity.
In addition, he revealed a talent for Hospital Chaplaincy, and served in this role firstly in 2002 at the Princess
Alexandra Hospital, and latterly, in 2007 he was employed in a part time capacity by Catholic Health System
as Hospital Visitor/Chaplain to Prince Charles and Holy Spirit Hospitals, Brisbane.
During this period he and Elizabeth worshipped at the Sandgate Congregation, and on request ably supported
the Elders and the then incumbent Minister Rev Peter Clark, in voluntarily visiting the sick, elderly, and
assisting the bereaved.
19
Charles acknowledges the influence of colleagues Rev Dr Rob Bos and Rev Ron Holt, and the many others
in The Uniting Church, and ecumenically who have contributed to his life and ministry.
He was appreciated by Clergy from other Denominations, and down through the years he sought to identify
with the Ministers‟ Fellowships, in the Communities where he served Charles has always been a consistent
participant in the Councils of the Church, and he regularly attended Synod and Presbytery Meetings, as well
as serving on Presbytery Committees in various capacities. He was also afforded the privilege of serving as
Chairman of the Blue Care Committee while serving at Prosperine and Cunnamulla.
Charles‟ ministry was characterized by practical empathy and concern for people. He thrived on systematic
pastoral visitation and discovered a special affinity for conducting weddings and funerals.
Charles has been a faithful servant of the Church, and has always strived to preach the Gospel and serve
others in helpful ways. He and Elizabeth have made many friends through the years of their various
ministries, and they hope to sustain many of these friendships long into retirement.
Personal Reflection
I had God‟s call in 1971 when I gave my life for His ministry. It has been exciting, both in Fiji and
Australia. I grew in faith, wisdom, passion, knowledge, understanding and service.
Ministering in urban, rural, remote and outback parishes broadened my understanding of serving God‟s
people in various lifestyles. It was at times challenging to minister to Ethnics, Migrants, Aboriginal and
Anglo-Saxon parishes but with God‟s help, guidance and the support of my family I persevered and managed
faithfully through some difficult times.
In conducting weddings, funerals, baptisms, religious education, fundraising and visitation I met some lovely
people to whom I could minister outside the church life. I have passion for chaplaincy and through the grace
of God have brought comfort, healing and wholeness to the sick and dying. The feedback from patients,
staff and families has been most gratifying and encouraging for me. The counselling sessions on the last
rites with patients and their families have been healing and comforting as they have requested for me to
conduct the funeral of their loved ones.
Though I was sometimes ostracised and under-estimated by the Church, I was always blessed by our
gracious God in many ways to continue exercising His ministry.
20
Rev Heather Selwood
1.24
(a)
Notes the advice of Rev Heather Selwood to become a minister retired permanently on the
grounds of age from 31 December 2012 under Reg. 2.6.1(d)(i)(1).
(b)
Receives a minute of appreciation of the Ministry of Rev Heather Selwood.
Minute of Appreciation – Rev Heather Selwood
Rev Heather Selwood has served as a Minister of Deacon since her ordination on the 30th June 1997. While
it is her retirement from this ministry which is being acknowledged at this time, she has known and served
Christ for the whole of her life, and that life of discipleship will continue in the years of retirement. Prior to
her training for ministry, Heather had been an occupational therapist, living in rural towns where John
worked as a school teacher, and she had completed a Diploma in Religious Education. It was while living in
Laidley that Heather and John responded to a call to ordained ministry. Heather has served in two
settlements – Laidley for 3 years, and for the past 12 years in Kingaroy-Kumbia-Wondai-Proston.
Heather has exercised a ministry alongside John, and the strength of their marriage relationship has flowed
into their working together in ministry. Heather‟s ministry has been multi-faceted reflecting her many gifts
and skills, and has been exercised with love and grace, and with competence and commitment.
Heather worked with Laidley Crisis Care and Blue Care Respite in Laidley, and as a Blue Care Chaplain in
Kingaroy and Murgon. In Kingaroy she taught a Lay Hospital Chaplaincy Course for members of the Inland
Zone. Her ministry in these areas have shown wisdom, sensitivity and warm acceptance of those amongst
whom she has ministered.
These pastoral care skills have also been exercised on the Pastoral Relations Committee of the Mary Burnett
Presbytery, in her support of newly appointed lay pastors in the Inland Zone of the Presbytery, her standing
alongside lay people who were learning how to conduct funerals in their local congregations, and her general
availability to those who sought her guidance.
Heather has enjoyed preaching and leading worship, and has done so with prayerfulness and creativity. Her
skills as a pianist have always been offered when required, and her willingness to play for worship at
Presbytery meetings and Retreats has been much appreciated. Heather possesses excellent administrative
skills and gives attention to detail which has contributed to the ministry of the local congregation, the Zone
and the Presbytery.
Along with John, she has served the Presbytery and Synod, and various conferences and seminars, in
managing the technologies which have enabled the smooth running of these meetings.
Heather‟s many gifts and skills have been made available to Christ and the Church, and these have been
offered competently and humbly where required. She has shown wisdom and insight, thoughtfulness and
care, based in a deep and loving relationship with Jesus Christ. We give thanks for Heather‟s ministry, and
for the ways in which she has touched the lives of so many people with the love and care of God. Heather‟s
sense of humour, her warm hospitality, her warmth and acceptance of people has been a hallmark of her
ministry. We pray that Heather and John will have a healthy and blessed retirement, and know that Heather
will continue to be a blessing in the lives of many in the years ahead.
21
Personal Reflection
Having come into ordained ministry as a „mature aged student‟, there was some adjustment to the academic
life, especially as our own family were also studying at the time. Through that time, and the following years
in parishes, my sense of call from God was always very strong and carried me through times of difficulty and
doubt. John and I were called at the same time, and have worked together, and I am very thankful for that. I
believe that we have complemented one another in our roles and what we have been able to offer to the
church.
Having been in lay ministry roles for many years before our ordinations, we had extra understanding of, and
feeling for, the ways in which congregational members contribute to the life of the church. It is they who
continue the work when ministers move on (or retire), and maintain the church‟s presence in the community.
I believe that it is vital for the church to work within the community, especially through the agencies of
UnitingCare. As a deacon, this has been an emphasis for me, although I do consider that it should be an
important part of every minister‟s role. The church expresses its mission in the community by means of its
agencies, the agencies gain another (critical) dimension to their service, and the people of the community
who are served receive so much more. God‟s hands rests on his people when they have a common purpose
with their Lord. I thank the church for the opportunity to be enabled to answer God‟s call over the past 15
years.
22
Rev John Selwood
1.25
(a)
Notes the advice of Rev John Selwood to become a minister retired permanently on the
grounds of age from 31 December 2013 under Reg. 2.6.1(d)(i)(1).
(b)
Receives a minute of appreciation of the Ministry of Rev John Selwood.
Minute of Appreciation – Rev John Selwood
Rev John Selwood was ordained a Minister of the Word on the 30th June, 1997. John was a school teacher,
living in Laidley, when he and Heather both heard the call of God to ordained ministry. He worked as a Lay
Parish Assistant in 1993, and after completing his studies in Trinity Theological College ministered in the
Laidley Congregation in the Presbytery of Bremer-Brisbane prior to his past 12 years in Kingaroy-KumbiaWondai-Proston within the Presbytery of Mary Burnett.
John‟s ministry has been rich and varied, and he has touched many lives both in the congregations where he
has served, but also in the wider church and community.
John‟s gifts in teaching and preaching have been evident in his leading of worship, and teaching within the
local congregations, the Mary Burnett Presbytery where John provided Sacrament Training through Trinity
Rural Campus, and his support of those participating in the Lay Preacher Course.
John‟s name has been long associated with computers and IT, and his skills have been made available to all
who have sought his help. He has led workshops, prepared manuals that are easy to understand, and been
endlessly patient with those who have known little in these areas. John‟s generosity in his gifts of time,
knowledge, and equipment in local congregations, within the Presbytery and the Synod has been much
appreciated.
Another area that many connect with John is that of Day Camping. John became involved in Day Camping
in the early years of its development in Queensland. While teaching in the area, he led the first Day Camp in
the South Burnett about 36 years ago. He has been instrumental in leading and enabling Day Camping in
both Laidley and within the South Burnett. Along with the ministry to the children who attend, the training
and development of leaders has been significant in the lives of many young people (and not so young) who
have been involved.
John is an excellent listener, and has willingly and patiently given of his time in supporting and caring for
others. He has been a Police Chaplain, and this ministry has been much appreciated.
John‟s ministry has been exercised primarily in rural congregations, where he has been faithful in serving
and responding to the needs of the congregational members, and all that is necessary for the fulfilment of
ministry. But John‟s ministry has also been exercised through involvement in local ecumenical activities, as
Chairperson of the Inland Zone, and has been supportive of the life of the Zone and its leaders. John has
served the Presbytery on both the Standing Committee and the Pastoral Relations Committee, making a
significant contribution in both these roles.
We are thankful for not only the many facets of John‟s ministry, but for his spiritual maturity, his patience,
his hospitality (and ability to make excellent coffee), and his generosity of spirit.
We trust that John and Heather will have a blessed retirement, and we know that they will continue to be a
blessing in the lives of those amongst whom they live and minister.
23
Personal Reflection
It doesn‟t seem like fifteen years since ordination and this part of the journey has come to an end. Coming
into ordained ministry from a teaching background gave me skills that were useful in ministry, such as
keeping control of unruly classes, mediating playground fights, making sure that everyone was attentive to
words of wisdom and not sleeping. Well not really but it gave me life experiences that helped in ministry
with Heather as we shared our placements.
For me the call to ministry has been lifelong, as a boy, then as a teenager at a Secondary School Camp where
I made a conscious decision to undertake fulltime ministry. The advice was to get some life experience
preferably as a teacher which I did and began a phase of ministry as a lay person. Finally I realised that God
was not going listen to my excuses anymore and with Heather, I candidated for fulltime ministry. Working
with your life partner in ministry has its advantages in using each other‟s complementing skills to provide a
deeper, richer ministry experience.
I believe in the body ministry of Christ. Each member has a part, everyone has a function, and we are just as
important as each other. Whether ordained or not we are all vital to the ministry of Christ. As our mission
statement says Uniting in Christ: acting with love; living with hope; witnessing in faith; working for justice.
24
Rev Dr Neil Sims
1.26
(a)
Notes the advice of Rev Dr Neil Sims to become a minister retired permanently on the
grounds of age from 30 July 2012 under Reg. 2.6.1(d)(i)(1).
(b)
Receives a minute of appreciation of the Ministry of RevDr Neil Sims.
Minute of Appreciation – Rev Dr Neil Sims
Neil‟s call to ministry was a growing realization in his final year of high school as he considered his future.
At Wynnum High School in 1964, the Reviewing Officer for the Army Cadet Passing-Out Parade was Rev
Prof Lt-Col R A Busch, the Principal of the Presbyterian Theological Hall, later Moderator of the Uniting
Church Qld Synod and President of the Uniting Church in Australia. Neil spoke to him that day about the
possibility of going into the ministry, and Rev Prof Lt-Col R Busch encouraged him as did others.
When Neil completed the formal training for ministry required by the Presbyterian Church at Emmanuel
College from 1968-1970, he felt he should develop his training further. At the end of 1970, Neil and Jenny
were married, and have supported each other in ministry ever since. They were soon on their way to the US
where Neil did a ThM in pastoral theology at Princeton Theological Seminary followed by a year of Clinical
Pastoral Education in a parish setting in Greenville, western Pennsylvania. From there he accepted a call to
be the second minister at St Paul's Collegiate Parish (Stafford, Everton Park, West Chermside). Neil was
ordained in the Stafford Presbyterian (now Uniting) Church on 26 October, 1973, forty years ago this year.
His colleagues there, first Maurie Harriman and then David Lowry, helped him get started in ministry.
During that time, Neil and Jenny were delighted to welcome into their family daughter, Jo, and son, Stephen.
Those days leading up to the formation of the Uniting Church were very hectic for a young family.
Neil became a Minister of Chermside Uniting Parish at the inauguration of the UCA in 1977. Paul Trigge,
Bruce Upham and Ron Potter were his mature colleagues. Those first years were very formative for Neil, but
he still had much to learn about ministry.
When Neil joined Barry Graham in ministry in Cairns in 1982 (and later Alf Dixon), there were diverse
challenges in ministry in a provincial city with six congregations. Still there were significant occasions of
seeing God at work. In 1986, the family moved to Trinity Ipswich Parish, and the next year, a young Paul
Yarrow began a valuable youth and children's ministry amongst the three congregations. Jenny did some
lasting formational ministry there through their exciting Tuesdays Together program. While there, Jenny said
to Neil, "Your ministry is getting stale. You need to do some more study." So began a Doctor of Ministry
degree from Fuller Theological Seminary, where he researched what it means to lead a Uniting Church
parish. Six years later the Sims family made the short move to Oxley. One of the joys there was the
significant lay involvement in ministry. Another was the enrichment of working closely with two
Vietnamese colleagues, firstly Rev Tran Huu Thanh and then Rev Bui Chi Ai, and their congregation. Neil
had only been there four years when two Ministry and Mission positions came up at Trinity Theological
College and he was aware that God had given him an interest in the formation of others for ministry. Neil
was appointed to the second of those two positions in 1997. So began a very different kind of ministry.
Since 1997, Neil has served as Lecturer and more recently as Director of Studies in Ministry and Mission at
Trinity Theological College, where for all that time he has also been Director of Field Education. Within the
Faculty of Trinity, Neil was a greatly valued colleague. Faculty colleagues and many others have
experienced Neil's pastoral care, not least at times of crisis. Neil published widely in his area of supervision
and pastoral care and attended many conferences and seminars including key note presentations at the ANZ
Association of Theological Field Education Conference.
For the bulk of his time at Trinity, Neil was part of the wider ecumenical faculty of the Brisbane College of
Theology and worked with a number of colleagues from Pius XII Seminary, now St Paul‟s, and St Frances.
The wider ecumenical commitment was refocused recently with the Affiliation Agreement made between the
Trinity and the Australian Catholic University.
25
Neil‟s time at college will be remember by the wider church for his work with field education both students
and congregations. During his 15 years of his ministry at Trinity college over 80 youth workers, deacons
and ministers of the word, passed through the Field Education program. It is this legacy that Neil leaves to a
grateful church.
Upon his retirement, Neil is grateful for the faithful support of his wife and children and their families over
all those years. Now it's Neil‟s turn to support Jenny in her ministry placement at Dalby-Jandowae. Since
Jenny journeyed with Neil where God called him to minister over more than thirty years, he is able to partner
her where God leads her for a few years. Neil is seeking to be open to the new things God has in store for a
retired minister. Thanks to God for God's continuing grace in Jesus Christ!
Personal Reflection
As a seventeen year old, I embraced God‟s call to ordained ministry. Little did I know then about the incredible
faithfulness of a majority of worshippers in the congregations from Stafford and Chermside to Cairns and Ipswich and
Oxley. I had this dream of forming disciples of Jesus through our worship, learning, fellowship and service. Little did I
know then how much those people would be forming me as a minister of Jesus Christ. Sincere thanks to those of you
who contributed to my formation! I always had a strong sense of the privilege of ministry. That has not diminished.
While retirement means trusting the leadership of the church to the next generation of ministers – moving away from
up-front positions – the call of God on my life continues.
My father-in-law, Rev Jim Sweet, lived for thirty years beyond his retirement. So, if retirement is winding down and
taking it easy, such a time of relative inactivity sounds scary. Besides, it seems incompatible with the call to
discipleship. For me retirement, then, is a new beginning, a reinvestment of my life. Sure, it is a time for a slower pace
of living and it is a time to pursue some personal interests that have been postponed, but it is also a time for continuing
to offer my unique gifts in God‟s service, a time for pursuing one‟s particular God-given passions. I am still working
this balance out in my life.
“What we have been makes us what we are.” So declared my Dad, in his philosophy of life as he pursued his family
tree research. He earnestly wrote, “It behoves us not to besmirch the record any further.” In his seventies, he was
coming to terms with his life. Retirement is a time that asks us afresh, “What does our life mean?” It is also a time
when our bodies remind us that we are mortal. So I continue the journey with God‟s people through this life and
beyond – a journey of love, faith and hope. The love is expressed in both old and new relationships. The faith and hope
are in the God of the past, present and future. Thanks to the Presbyterian and Uniting Churches for being at the heart of
my journey!
26
Rev Dr Richard Wallace
1.27
(a)
Notes the advice of Rev Richard Wallace to become a minister retired permanently on the
grounds of age from 30 April 2012 under Reg. 2.6.1(d)(i)(1).
(b)
Receives a minute of appreciation of the Ministry of Rev Richard Wallace .
Minute of Appreciation – Rev Dr Richard Wallace
Richard Andrew Wallace was born in Adelaide and grew up in South Australia. His father, a lapsed
Anglican, was converted by a street preacher. As a result, he left his sales staff position in Adelaide and in
the mid-1950‟s became a Home Missionary with the SA Methodist Conference. This meant short term
appointments around the state, with sometimes irregular payment and poor housing provisions.
Having grown up in a strong church family, two years after finishing his secondary education at Birdwood
High School, Richard became a candidate for the ministry in 1966 in the Methodist Church of Australasia,
South Australia Conference.
While Richard‟s father was appointed to Kapunda Circuit, Richard met Pam in 1967 and they were married
in December 1970 at Hamilton Park Methodist Church. They have three children Matthew, Cristy and
Vandhana.
1967-1970:
Richard undertook theological education at Wesley College and graduated with a Diploma of
Theology.
1971:
He was appointed a probationer minister to rural Kingston SE in South Australia serving
congregations at Bray, Robe, Mt Benson, Reedy Creek and Kingston.
Oct1972:
Ordained as a Methodist Minister.
1974:
Commenced service as Methodist Overseas Mission Staff in Fiji, as a minister with the
Indian Division, Methodist Church in Fiji.
1974-1975:
Assistant minister in Dudley Circuit, Suva. Duties included general pastoral responsibilities,
including hospital and gaol visitation and senior high school Religious Education classes.
Rev. Daniel Mastapha was his senior minister and he gave Richard time to successfully
complete Hindi language study. Richard conducted ministerial duties in Hindi as required.
The house church movement in the Indian Division was a significant means of evangelism.
Members would invite friends and neighbours to their house for singing, prayers and
proclamation of the Scripture. Church staff conducted these, and Richard valued the strong
fellowship and witness these prayer meetings provided.
1976-1978:
Superintendent Minister of Ba/Ra Circuit. Involved in institutional work as Chairperson, Ba
Methodist Hospital Council, Chairperson "Veilomani" Home for underprivileged boys and
Chairperson of Ba "Housing and Relief Trust" committee charged with administering an
inter-church low cost housing scheme. Member of Ba Methodist High School Council.
Attended also to other pastoral duties, including upper primary Religious Education,
coordinating three staff members.
1979-1982:
Superintendent Minister Dudley Circuit, Suva. Carried out general pastoral duties, with
ministry extending to gaols, hospitals and mental institutions. Co-ordinated staff comprising
a probationary minister, deaconess and two lay assistants. During '81 - '82 Chairperson of
Suva "HART" committee.
Sept 1977:
December 1982: Divisional Superintendent, Indian Division, comprising eight circuits, eight
ordained ministers, two probationary ministers, four deaconesses and four lay workers.
27
Responsibility for finance, staffing and congregational development. Pastor to all divisional
staff, member of Fiji Conference Standing Committee and Education Committee.
Feb-Aug 1983: On return from Fiji Richard sought to engage in post ordination study in Christian Education
and he took up interim ministry, Adelaide Plains Uniting Church Parish (Hamley Bridge,
SA), while pursuing study options.
Sept 1983 - June 1989:
Pastor, Community United Methodist Church, Wrightwood, California - Pacific
United Methodist Conference. Richard, Pamela and children greatly enjoyed the
warm hospitality of the Wrightwood church members. This strong pastoral
caring for an Australian minister and family included funding for Richard‟s
study, and including the children in family outings and camps.
Sept 1983:
Enrolled Master of Arts in Religious Education, at The School of Theology at Claremont.
May 1986:
Graduated MARE, Claremont.
Sept 1986:
Commenced course work and dissertation PhD program in Theology,
Personality, with emphasis in Education. Participated in research project "Teach Us to
Teach," an anthropological approach to religious education.
July 1987:
Conducted research for internship requirement on Prof. Emeritus Ross Snyder's work on
formation of personal meanings.
May 1989:
Graduated Ph D, Claremont. Dissertation: Renewing Interiority in Religious Education
Considering Subjectivity and Intersubjective Experience. Academic Honours: 1986,
President's Award for Academic Excellence (Professional Programs). 1989,President's
Award for Academic Excellence (Doctoral Programs).
Jul 1989 – Dec 1993:
Pastoral Ministry in Midlands Uniting Church Parish, SA Synod. Member Riverton
and District High School Council. Secretary Wakefield Presbytery Pastoral
Relations Committee, Chairperson from July 1992. Member SA Synod Educational
Services Committee.
Having spent most of 15 years overseas the rural settlement of Riverton with congregations at Auburn,
Manoora, Saddleworth and Marrabel provided a nurturing return to Australia for Richard and his family. The
shared ministry there with committed and generous members provided vitality to the church during
economically difficult rural conditions
1991: Member SA Ministerial Education Board and Ministerial Selection Panel.
Presbyteries Settlement Advisory Council from August 1992.
1994 - 1996:
Member of Joint
Teacher, School of Theology, Nungalinya College, Darwin. Acting Co-ordinator Field
Ministry Practice '95 - '96. 1996 Academic Dean, Nungalinya College. VET sector
curriculum development, Advanced Diploma in Ministry, Certificate 3 Community
Organising, Certificates 1 & 2 Family and Community Services. Other duties included
teaching and writing of culturally appropriate resources for training of Aboriginal church
leaders. Chairperson Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress Faculty.
This afforded Richard the opportunity to commence some language learning as well as cultural insights
provided generously by students and Northern Regional Council of Congress members. Richard found it a
privilege to be accepted in a Yolngu family with its broad relationships with each other and the natural
world.
1997 - 2003:
Dean of Students for UAICC. Ministry Support Worker for Northern
28
Region Council UAICC. Supporting the ministry of congregations in NE Arnhem land, AnanguPitjantjatjara lands, and the Kimberley. Richard‟s introduction to the formally untold history of Australia‟s
first peoples made him feel angry, and stories of killings in the not too distant past a sadness for the terrible
loss.
During this time Richard also participated in the structural life of the church as a member of the Ministerial
Education Commission, UCA 1995-1999, and 2001. UCA Assembly Theology and Discipleship
Commission from 1999. These groups provided theologically framed discussions that gave Richard valued
connections to the national church.
Oct 1999 - Sept 2001: Moderator, Northern Synod, Uniting Church in Australia.
2000 - 2003: Honorary Translation Advisor for Bible Society in Australia for Djambarrpuyngu Bible
Translation Project, Galiwin'ku, Arnhemland. Board member, Kormilda College Inc. Member, Royal
Darwin Hospital Clinical Ethics Committee. Member, Human Research Ethics Committee for Menzies
School of Health and Territory Health Services.
Jan 2004- Apr 2012:
National Leadership Training Coordinator Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian
Congress. Course Coordinator Yalga-binbi Institute for Community Development for Certificate III,
Certificate IV and Diploma of Christian Ministry and Theology involving Curriculum Development and
Mentoring Program Development. Convenor Curriculum Development Committee and Convenor UAICC
Ministerial Education Board.
Calvary Presbytery and the UAICC nationally wish to express their deep gratitude for the contribution
Richard has made to their life and witness. In particular, they want to acknowledge Richard‟s leadership and
creativity in his support for the education and training of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Christian
leaders.
Together with Congress leaders, Richard established the national program of leadership training for
Congress ministry workers through Yalga-binbi Institute for Community Development. This has been an
extremely significant development for the Congress nationally, with students from all of the states and the
Northern Territory participating in a culturally relevant course that will qualify them for the requirements of
ordination, if this is the pathway that they are called to, or lay leadership. Yalga-binbi Institute is recognised
by the Assembly MEC as a Uniting Church theological educational college.
Richard‟s teaching in the Ministry and Theology courses and preparation of course materials has been
undergirded by his deep theological knowledge and wide experience in working in cross-cultural settings.
He has had the ability to contextualise theology and the practice of ministry to Indigenous settings.
Richard retired in April last year. It is with great sadness that we note that his wife Pam, who was seriously
ill at that time, died later on August 6, 2012. Their life together was indeed a partnership in ministry. It
spanned rural Australia, California, Fiji and from 1994, Indigenous Australia.
We thank God for Richard‟s gracious and thoughtful contribution to the life of the Presbytery and the
wonderful leadership he has exercised with the Congress and in ministerial education more broadly.
29
Personal Reflection
Ministry of the Word has been my response, if at times a faltering one, to a divine call upon my life. At
baptism the church affirmed God‟s saving grace in a public way. My own experience of the call to ministry
was of the quiet, persistent One. From a fairly early age I harboured the conviction that I would be a
minister. Throughout the years I had a sense of “there is really nowhere else to go, except ministry”. This
framed God‟s claim on my life for full time ministry.
While seeking to faithfully give witness to the Gospel, I also encountered God as community. The Trinity is
the pattern of community, equal persons together, and as church fathers said “mutually indwelling” in each
other. So ministry was never a one person operation, and it was a privilege. In each pastoral charge there
were supportive, faithful members who were generous, committed and forgiving of mistakes. This shared
ministry reflected, in part, the divine community; as did the cultural diversity across the faith communities in
three countries in which I had pleasure to serve. Participation in ministry spanning different world-views,
customs and languages infused great richness in life and faith. They have taught me much.
My wife, Pamela was a steadfast support throughout my ministry. Her keen discernment and counsel were a
steadying influence. She had her own ministry too, mostly to youth, women and family. Sadly, she lost her
battle with cancer a few months ago. I am grateful to God for the opportunities for ministry, and profoundly
thankful for God‟s unconditional love in Jesus Christ. Now, in a world so frequently threatened with being
overwhelmed by violence there is a great challenge conveyed in Jesus‟ life and teaching of peace and nonviolence.
30
Rev Ronald Bruce Warren
1.28
(a)
Notes the advice of Rev Ronald Bruce Warren to become a minister retired permanently on
the grounds of age from 31 December 2012 under Reg. 2.6.1(d)(i)(1).
(b)
Receives a minute of appreciation of the Ministry of Rev Ronald Bruce Warren.
Minute of Appreciation – Rev Bruce Warren
While Bruce was in his late teens and early twenties, God began to call him into the ordained ministry, but
that was a call that went unanswered for ten or more years. It was while he was working with Temple Trust
that Bruce responded. He offered as a Candidate for the ministry and was accepted by the NSW Methodist
Conference in 1975. Four years of training at the United Theological College at Enfield followed, leading to
Ordination and more than thirty years of highly effective ministry, serving in five quite different parishes
before retiring at the end of 2012.
Bruce was born at Cowra NSW in 1944, the youngest of 5 boys and one girl. His father was a teacher at a
small school near Cowra, but the family moved to Bankstown for greater educational opportunities for the
children. Sadly, when Bruce was only 10 years old, his father died.
After completing his primary education at Bankstown North Public School, and secondary schooling at
Punchbowl Boys‟ High School, Bruce entered the workforce as an apprentice letterpress printer. Further
training followed at Sydney Technical College in letterpress printing, and later in Graphic Arts.
During his training for ministry Bruce not only completed his Diploma of Theology (L.Th), but also a course
in Clinical Pastoral Education which saw him doing the practical elements at Gladesville Psychiatric
Hospital. These two areas of training helped to ignite in Bruce an enduring commitment to doing whatever
he could to serve his Lord, the Church an d the community in the very best way possible, a commitment
shared by his wife, Judy.
Following ordination in November 1980 in his then home church at Greenacre, Bruce began his ministry in
Gilgandra, together with Judy and their children, Bradley and Joanne. Whatever expectations he had of
building the Church, he didn‟t expect to be involved in the building of the actual Church building. The
previous building had been condemned. Until the new building was completed services were held in the
local CWA Hall. In Gilgandra Bruce was instrumental in establishing evening services which included at
least six different denominations. This had a significant impact throughout the community and resulted in
many people coming to an understanding of Jesus and a commitment to Him. That experience of working
together with other parts of the Church to make an impact in the community and build up the Body of Christ
became a hallmark of Bruce‟s ministry in his following placements, together with his own active
participation in the wider community and equipping himself to serve even more effectively.
Over the years Bruce has served in various places in the State Emergency Services, both as a member and as
a Chaplain; in Sports & Leisure Ministry; in Drought Relief, and in the relevant Ministers‟ Fraternals. He
has been trained in marriage preparation and enrichment, in grief & loss, death & dying, and sought to better
equip himself through various conferences, seminars etc.
That initial placement for 5 years at Gilgandra was followed by 3 years at Dorrigo, 7 years at Gatton, 10
years at Centenary and finally 7 years at Wellington Point. In each of these, Bruce had the great joy of seeing
people won into the Kingdom of God, and the Church growing.
At different times Bruce has played squash, become quite an artist, been Chairman of the local P&C, and
even put his earlier experience as a printer to good use when the local newspaper‟s only printer was on
holidays.
Bruce and Judy are now enjoying the change of pace in retirement, especially in having their own home.
Bruce‟s passion however for seeing people won into the Kingdom of God is as strong as ever. He has a
particular concern for people in isolated places where there is no minister, and also caring for other ministers.
His oft-repeated offer is “Have caravan. Will travel.
31
Personal Reflection
34 years flies by in an instant as I look back on the varied ministry I have experienced in 7 different ministry
scenes, I recall the excitement of being involved at the very beginning of the Charismatic renewal in Sydney,
and the amazing experiences that followed.
Meeting the cream of the world‟s ministry through my executive organising role in Temple Trust, the peak
interdenominational body for the Australia wide conferences that ministered to tens of thousands hungry for
the reality of God in their lives was a unique experience.
God‟s call to me for ministry at the age of 30 and my subsequent training at UTC in Sydney showed me
clearly in my first three months of ministry at Gilgandra, that the church had much to learn about training its
ministry, academically it was high, but in the practical issues like funerals weddings and pastoral care, much
was lacking.
However relying on the Lord and much prayer overcame the lack in training and to see revival in a small
country town where 6 different denominations worshipped together every Sunday evening for 5 years was a
real joy.
Seeing many individuals and whole families regularly come to faith in Jesus was what ministry was all
about.
When I came to Queensland I found rewarding ministry in the three placements in which I served, coming to
the city though was initially difficult due to many years in rural service but the people of God smoothed with
way in each congregation.
The consequence of this are many friends who have supported us as a family, and continue to pray for us and
exercise their friendship despite a change in ministry direction for me as a retreaded minister.
My sadness at the “new directions” of the UCA, which had the real potential to be God‟s instrument for
revival in Australia in its infancy, has been deepened as I have personally experienced many Godly people
leave the church family because of the liberalisation of theology and “modern” practice to appease the
minorities within the church.
So my passion in retirement is to serve the hurting and wounded, to exercise a ministry to those who have
none, because the tyranny of distance in this nation should have no bearing on supplying the Good News to
those who are thirsty for it, regardless of the official theological position of the Church, to that extent, have
caravan will preach!
32
Rev David Wiltshire
1.29
(a)
Notes the advice of Rev David Wiltshire to become a minister retired permanently on the
grounds of age from 28 February 2013 under Reg. 2.6.1(d)(i)(1).
(b)
Receives a minute of appreciation of the Ministry of Rev David Wiltshire .
Minute of Appreciation – Rev David Wiltshire
David Wiltshire has carried out a very faithful and heartfelt ministry for Christ, the Church and the people of
God who are that church over many years.
David‟s ministry has included preaching, teaching, great pastoral care and some very practical ways of
assisting people in their lives.
David began his ministry in 1984 as a Lay Pastor in what was then the Lowood-Rosewood Parish. He
continued in this capacity until 1987.
It was time for David to further develop his ministry and, having participated in the candidature process
through the Lowood-Rosewood Parish David entered Trinity College and Brisbane College of Theology as a
student studying for ordination as a Minister of the Word. This took up the next three years of his life 1988
to 1990.
In December 1990 David was ordained at the Geebung Uniting Church.
His first placement as an ordained minister was into the Pine Rivers Parish where David ministered across
the Parish and exercised particular pastoral oversight and leadership for the congregations of Narangba and
Dayboro. These congregations greatly appreciated David‟s ministry as did the whole of the Parish.
David and Glenda and their family were certainly a significant part of the Pine Rivers Parish during the years
from 1991 to 1994. For the years 1995 to 1999 David ministered in the Parish of Deception Bay which
included churches at Deception Bay, Burpengary and Narangba.
From this area David received a call to begin ministry in Crow‟s Nest in 2000 where he stayed until February
2007. This was then followed in March 2007 to his final placement at Chapel Hill from where retirement has
beckoned in February 2013.
Each of these places has been special for both David and Glenda and places in which they have planted
something of themselves as well as planting, watering, and fertilising seeds of faith in Jesus Christ.
David has also served the Presbyteries and wider church movements in the areas in which he has ministered.
He has chaired the Bremer Brisbane Presbytery and served in other ways other Presbyteries. At the Synod
level David has been involved in a range of ways including an important role as Synod Ballot Convenor for a
number of Synods.
A particularly significant part of David‟s ministry and one that has been very well received has been the “ute
ministry”. David and his “truck” have always been ready to help out with people moving house, taking
things to the dump or otherwise needing some help with the practical things of life. This has been a special
part of ministry from which many have benefitted.
Together we pray that God may continue to bless David, Glenda and their family as this new era in their
lives unfolds in the days to come.
33
Rev George Woodward
1.30
(a)
Notes the advice of Rev George Woodward to become a minister retired permanently on the
grounds of age from 31 July 2012 under Reg. 2.6.1(d)(i)(1).
(b)
Receives a minute of appreciation of the Ministry of Rev George Woodward.
Minute of Appreciation – Rev George Woodward
George Woodward has served the church working firstly as a Lay Missionary, then in congregations and
Chaplaincy for over forty years.
George was born at Kilcoy 28 July 1948. His family valued regular worship and caring for others. He went
to church and Sunday school firstly at Kilcoy Methodist church and later Palmwoods Methodist church
(1957 -1963).
From the beginning he enjoyed school, firstly at Stanley River State School 1954 -1957, then Palmwoods
Primary School 1957 – 1961 and his secondary education at Nambour State High 1962 - 1963. He then
attended Queensland Agricultural College 1964 - 1966 (Queensland Diploma of Horticulture).
He completed studies from 1978 to 1980 for a Bachelor of Arts – Darwin. In 1981 and 1982 he studied
Theology at Nungalinya College Darwin and in 1983 he completed his ordination studies in Theology in
Brisbane.
After completing his studies at Gatton College George worked as Laboratory Assistant at the College in
1967. He then worked for CSIRO 1968- April 1970. Then he responded to a call for Lay Mission Staff and
went to Yirrakala. He worked as a farmer growing bananas and other crops as well as establishing a poultry
farm. He worked hard and was very successful which meant he needed to spend considerable time on
administration. He was well appreciated by the Yolgnu people and the results of his work are still evident
today.
He candidated for the Uniting Church Ministry in 1977 and began studies for Ordination.
In 1984 after Ordination George was placed at Derby/Mowanjum where he ministered to both Derby
Township and the Mowanjum people. He again worked hard and some would suggest too hard. When it
was time to leave at the end at the end of 1989 he was not well.
He returned to Queensland in 1990 and was placed in the Isis where he served with distinction until the end
1994. When the Northern Synod and Frontier Services called him to go to Jabiru and the surrounding patrol
he moved back to the Northern Territory in 1995.
In 2000 George answered the call to a different ministry as The Uniting Church Chaplain at Kormilda
College in Darwin. Here he was called on to do a great range of tasks. His previous experience and standing
with Aboriginal people was invaluable. Unfortunately he had to leave this ministry and return to Queensland
on extended sick leave for the first half of 2006.
From July 2006 he was able to return to ministry at Glasshouse Country firstly at 0.5 and later 0.6. As his
health improved he took up 0.4 Chaplaincy with Blue Care. He was greatly appreciated at Glasshouse
Country and Blue Care. George is very humble about his achievements and expertise. He is known as one
who will always do a job well and his care for people is always evident.
In July 2012 he decided to take his well-earned Long Service leave and retire on grounds of age.
George married Bernadette in 1971. They have three children and two grandchildren.
We wish him well as embarks on a number of his interests in retirement.
34
Rev Peter Woodward
1.31
(a)
Notes the advice of Rev Peter Woodward to become a minister retired permanently on the
(b)
Receives a minute of appreciation of the Ministry of Rev Peter Woodward.
Minute of Appreciation – Rev Peter Woodward
Peter Woodward has served the church working in congregations for over forty years.
Peter was born at Kilcoy 19 December 1946. His family valued regular worship and caring for others. He
went to church and Sunday school firstly at Kilcoy Methodist church and later Palmwoods Methodist church
(1957 -1964). While at university he attended Albert Street Methodist Church.
From the beginning he enjoyed school and he did well, firstly at Stanley River State School 1952 -1957, then
Palmwoods Primary School 1957 – 1960 and his secondary education at Nambour State High 1961 - 1964.
He then attended University of Queensland where he was awarded a B.Sc. with honours in Maths. He
completed a B.D. (now Accredited as M.Div) from Melbourne College of Divinity in 1973. He completed B.
Ed. Studies Nov 1980; Completed Grad.Dip.R.E. from S.A.C.A.E. now University of S.A. 1985; He
commenced D.Min studies 1987 - degree never completed but did include a paper "Spirituality for Army
Chaplains" which was subsequently used in chaplaincy training; Commenced M.Min. studies with Charles
Sturt University in 2003; graduated M.Min Dec 2011; Currently undertaking studies to lead to D.Min with
C.S.U. with a major interest in preaching.
He candidated for the Methodist Ministry in 1969, entering King's College in 1970 and he completed the
Joint Faculty of Theology certificate in Nov. 1972. From Dec 1970 to Feb 1971 Peter did Long Service
Leave Supply in Crows Nest Circuit. On 20 Nov 1971 Peter married Joan Bell and lived in Wesley House
for most of 1972.
He was stationed as a probationer to Tully Methodist Circuit in Jan 1973. He was ordained at the Methodist
Conference on 18 Oct 1973. Tully Methodist Circuit was joined to Innisfail to become Tully-Innisfail Circuit
in Jan 1974. While in Tully Peter became an Army Chaplain, being commissioned Chaplain Class 4 in the
Army (Citizens' Military Forces) 17 May 1974 and posted to 51 RQR based in Cairns. This began a
distinguished Military career.
Peter was posted to DSG Puckapunyal (fostering unit 21 Const Sqn, RAE) Jan 1978 and transferred to the
Regular Army Feb 1978 - they needed 6 weeks to do his security clearance! He was posted to HQ Training
Command - Character Training Team Jan 1980 to Dec 1981. He was based in Randwick and flew frequently
to Wagga and elsewhere to conduct Character Training. In 1980 he was away from home 110 nights and in
1981 104 nights; posted to 2/4 RAR, 3rd Brigade, Lavarack Barracks Jan 1982 to Dec 1983 and Advanced to
Chaplain Class 3 April 1982; Posted Officer Cadet School, Portsea Jan 1984 to Dec 1985; Posted HQ
Training Command - Character Training Team Jan to Dec 1986 (70 nights away from home!) Completed the
Navy Drug and Alcohol training Posted Snr Chaplain (PD) HQ 1 Division Enoggera Jan 1987 - Chaplain to
8/9 RAR 1987 - 1988; Chaplain to other units in Enoggera Area including 2 Combat Engineer Regt and 1
Sig Regt 1989 – 1990: Aug - Dec 1988 Ex Long Look with 12 Air Def Regt, RA and 22 Air Def Reft, RA,
Dortmund, W Germany Posted HQ 1 MD Senior Chaplain and advanced to Chaplain Division 3 (LT COL)
Jan 1991. This posting was rebadged a couple of times as Defence went through restructuring - Regional
Seminars and Chair of the Brisbane Area Chaplains' Committee were highlights Completed CPE Quarter
1991; Posted HQ Log Comd, Melbourne, as Snr Chaplain and advanced to Chaplain Division 4 Jan 1995
(Undertook MBTI Facilitators' Training in 1995).
This posting commenced our 4 years 4 months of being married separated.
Peter was posted to HQ Training Command, Sydney, as Snr Chaplain in Jan 1996 with oversight of
chaplaincy in all training units in the Army and of chaplaincy training at ALTC. The first iteration of
35
Chaplain Competencies was undertaken with Maj. Zac Zaharias at HQ Trg Comd and in large part arose out
of the Spirituality paper.
In 1999 he was posted to Army HQ (supernumerary) prior to becoming Principal Chaplain Advanced to
Principal Chaplain and posted Principal Chaplain - Army Dec 1999 Dec 1999 visited Bougainville and
Timor Leste with Chief of Army; 25 Apr 2000 official Australian Chaplain at Dawn Service and Lone Pine
Service, Gallipoli Nov 2002; concluded posting as Princhap-A Jan 2003 transitioned to A.Res as Principal
Chaplain (PD) and Army representative on CCPDC. He concluded his appointment as Chair CCPDC; thus
completing almost thirty-eight years of dedicated service.
On returning to part time chaplaincy Peter made himself available for Congregational ministry. In 2005 he
undertook quarter time supply ministry at Murrumbateman Uniting Church 2005, in 2006 half time supply
ministry with Gungahlin Uniting Church; in Mar 2007 commenced ministry with Ipswich City and
Leichhardt congregations; giving very good leadership until 4 May 2012. Peter has also supported the
ministry of others by service on committees at Presbytery, Synod and Assembly levels.
Peter and Joan have three daughters and eight grandchildren.
We wish him well as embarks on a number of his interests in retirement.
36
Personal Reflection (on 40 years of ministry)
On my retirement from Army chaplaincy my speech included praise to God, thanks to my family and
honouring the troops – without the troops there would be no chaplaincy. Those sentiments remain with me
as I have moved from full time placement to retirement and supply ministry. God‟s call to ministry brought
me into a life that has been a wonderful adventure with highs and lows in all sorts of places. The highs have
included: learning that “soldier language” is not foreign to God; sitting down with prison “residents” in
Kairos ministry; and discovering excitement in the ministry of preaching and leading worship. The lows are
not all that frequent but the loss of a friendship in difficult circumstances has been a particular
disappointment.
One of the questions that the church must always ponder is the interaction between the prevailing culture and
the message of God‟s love embodied in the church. How much does the culture shape the church and how
much does the church shape the culture? In the last forty years the culture has changed considerably –
technology and individualism stand out. Sadly, the church is often beholden to the culture; and, as the
churches‟ influence on the culture decreases, I yearn for the prophets and mystics (usually misunderstood
and often derided by the church) who will call us to know God‟s presence and action in a renewed way.
And in all my ministry I have to give praise to God, thanks to my family and honour to the “ordinary,” but
really “extraordinary,” church people who have blessed me by the way they have shared their lives with me.
37
MEMORIAL MINUTES
1.32
Adopts the Memorial Minutes as presented concerning ministers who have died since the TwentyNinth Synod.
Pastor Col Amos
Rev Evan Jones (previously acknowledged)
Pastor Ralph Peenkinna
Rev Des Rienecker
Rev Thomas Scarlett
38
Pastor Col Amos
Today we give thanks for the life of Colin William Amos – a man of high principle, inner strength and
loyalty; quiet and gentle in nature; a kind and generous man with a deep and enduring Christian faith.
Col was a Mapleton boy, growing up on the range. But he faced sadness early in life, losing both his parents
before his 15th birthday, and he went to live with his mother‟s family in Nambour.
The faith he had learnt from his family was nurtured by the local Presbyterian Church. It was there he made
a firm Christian commitment in his teens from which he never wavered.
He served his apprenticeship as a radio technician, later moving on to TV. Working in electrical stores, Col
excelled at fixing all kinds of electrical appliances, from sewing machines to electronic organs. He operated
the sound system for the Nambour Show, and his quiet style and thorough knowledge of electrical appliances
also made him a very effective salesman.
He also had a great love of cars, and took pride and great care in every car that he owned.
Col later became involved in the Nambour Methodist church with his uncle and there he met Bev. They
married in 1956 and it was a partnership that endured, growing ever closer over the following 55 years. In
due course Dawn and Paul were born.
He responded to an invitation from Rev Elvery for people to undertake a lay preacher‟s course. Completing
this course Col felt a strong call to full-time ministry and offered himself to the Methodist Church as a Lay
Pastor. It was a life-changing decision.
In 1969, with their children still in primary school, Col and Bev left the security of home and career behind
to take up an appointment at Herberton as house parents for country, islander and aboriginal boys at
Woodleigh College with John and Iris Gillingham.
Col and Bev became a close-knit team as his Lay Pastor appointments took him, sometimes at short notice,
to South Kolan, Shorncliffe, Blackwater, Woodridge-Kingston and Goondiwindi. It is a varied list including,
along with the more conventional churches, rural, mining and lower socio-economic communities.
Among the highlights for Col were working ecumenically at Blackwater where he received special
recognition from the Catholic community there; bringing young people through to confirmation; and
working with an aboriginal pastor and his wife at Goondiwindi just after a series of race riots.
Col always saw his lay pastoring as a team ministry, encouraging people with their gifts. He and Bev
worked together in some innovative ministries including establishing a drop-in centre at Blackwater, a
similar ministry with old and young was carried out from a bus in the Woodridge area; and there were many
varied forms of Christmas presentations.
The final role of his working life was liaison officer for the Queensland Uniting Church‟s camps, providing
oversight and especially valued pastoral support to camp staff.
Retirement saw Col and Bev living for many years in Palmwoods before moving to the Carseldine-Taigum
area more recently. They continued supporting their local churches throughout, right up to their chapel
display in last year‟s Christmas lights here at Sandgate.
During this time Col was able to develop computer knowledge and skills which he used extensively in joint
projects with Bev for the church. He was always aware of his limitations and imperfections, but reliant and
thankful for God‟s amazing grace.
Over the last few years Col shared on the roster with me at Albert Street‟s open church ministry. He loved it.
From 10am to 2 it was never quiet for long and Col thoroughly enjoyed meeting people from all over the
world and welcoming people coming in different situations of life.
39
It was typical of Col‟s personality and his philosophy of ministry. From his wide experience as a Lay Pastor
he said that the most important requirement for ministry was a love and care for people. He took this very
seriously and it is this which endeared him to so many people wherever he went.
Family has always been very important to him and he was very proud of every one of them. He supported
Dawn and Paul as they made their way in life, welcoming their partners into the family and taking great
delight in each of his grand-children, following their own progress with interest and encouragement. And it
was a joy to him to greet a third generation of the family in his great-grand-daughter Layla,
Col‟s stubborn and matter of fact acceptance of whatever life dealt out to him meant he faced these last
months of suffering with quiet fortitude, dignity and enduring faith. He was confident in the promise of
Jesus that a place is prepared for him in God‟s presence, saying “I‟ve had a good life and I know where I‟m
going”.
Col‟s was a good life, well led. His deep faith and achievements are an inspiration. We will miss him; but
we are all the richer for his being part of our lives.
40
Rev Evan Jones
Evan was born in Townsville on 21 May 1931 and died in Maleny on 6 August 2011.
Evan began ministry in the Methodist Church as a 19-year-old lay pastor in 1951, serving in Toowoomba
and Cairns, prior to entering theological college. In 1958 he married his life partner and soul mate, Moyra,
and he was ordained at the 1959 Methodist Conference.
Empowered by a deep commitment to the radical discipleship of Jesus and a strong loyalty to the Church,
Evan employed his many gifts and his considerable intellect in a long and fruitful ministry in fields as
diverse as Longreach Lowood, Gatton, Fortitude Valley/New Farm, Inala, Broadmeadows Mission (Vic) and
as senior UCA Prison Chaplain in Victoria, including Pentridge Prison in Melbourne.
Evan was passionate about taking the Gospel to the poor, the down trodden, the marginalised. He was an
early activist in support of indigenous rights. He became a loyal friend to many migrants and worked
effectively among the poor, the disabled and the imprisoned.
He taught Theology to Deaconesses for many years and was a supervisor and mentor to a significant number
of theological students, including our current President, Rev Dr Andrew Dutney. A founding member of the
House of Freedom, he taught in their School of the Prophets.
Evan was a great encourager. He deeply understood the human condition and how to apply the Gospel in the
testing circumstances that life can bring. He could readily forgive much and love extravagantly.
He was academically outstanding, yet he had remarkable skills in getting alongside the uneducated and
intellectually challenged.
Evan and Moyra shared a love of books, gardening, theatre and cooking. Their hospitality, generosity and
thirst for knowledge in all its length, breadth and depth, are legendary.
In retirement, Evan remained active in preaching and pastoral care among the congregations of the Blackall
Range Parish. His wise counsel was deeply appreciated by those who had the good fortune to know him, and
was often sought out by people he had befriended decades earlier.
Evan Harding Jones‟ life and ministry can most succinctly be summed up in the words of John Bunyan:
„There‟s no discouragement
shall make him once relent
his first avowed intent
to be a Pilgrim!‟
Thanks be to God for the life, love, compassion and ministry of this faithful, colourful , prophetic, creative,
innovative and encouraging Disciple of Jesus Christ.
41
Pastor Ralph Pienkinna
“Keep visiting and knocking at doorways, keep meeting and reaching out amongst the people, be Christ to
them… care and serve them”
This was some of the encouragement offered to Ralph Peinkinna by Rev Shayne Blackman, who on behalf
of Calvary Presbytery, commissioned Ralph as a community minister to serve the people of Aurukun on
Cape York on Sunday August 6, 2006.
Members of his clan and ceremonial group brought Ralph for his commissioning in procession. They
surrounded Ralph, singing traditional songs, carrying branches and leading him to the door of the church.
Here he was revealed from out of the middle of the group and ceremonially presented for commissioning.
Sadly, Ralph died on November 4, 2011.
In the five years of his work as a community minister Ralph continued much of the ministry he was already
fulfilling as a church elder: “knocking at doorways, meeting and reaching out amongst the people, being
Christ to them.” He led worship and preached, supported the local minister and elders, and gave pastoral
support to the youth.
Ralph, who was born on the 23rd January, 1947 at the Aurukun Mission, was a member of the Aaplech
ceremonial group. He took on a significant community leadership role in the 1990‟s as the spokesperson for
the Aurukun Community Justice Group. This group, which continues today, has an important role in finding
solutions to local law and order issues, mediation and establishing controls over the entry and consumption
of alcohol. Today it is illegal to bring alcohol into Aurukun, a restriction that Ralph and other elders of the
Justice Group supported and from which the community has greatly benefited.
Throughout his life, Ralph was a committed member of the church. He was an accomplished piano
accordion player and often led sing-songs at fellowship meetings at his home. He actively participated in
prayer meetings and Bible study.
Ralph was a skilled hunter and fisherman. He spent much of his time living at the mouth of the Archer
River, Aurukun‟s main estuary, where he built a shelter and developed a garden at his outstation.
Ralph was married to Ellen, who passed away several years earlier. He has two children, Paul and Belinda,
and two grandchildren.
Calvary Presbytery and Aurukun Uniting Church thank God for Ralph‟s lifetime of dedication and ministry.
His style of leadership was quiet and unassuming. He would play his part as required and lead by example.
We are grateful for Ralph‟s gifts of ministry and deep spirituality.
42
Rev Desmond (Des) Keith Rienecker
In August 1954, in the gathered congregation of the Methodist Church in Blackall, Des gave his life
to Christ and became his follower. The church gained a new raw recruit and his mates lost a
seasoned drinking partner. After he began to follow Jesus, the minister, Brian Whitlock, challenged
him one day: “Rienecker, we need young men for the ministry. How about it?” Des took that as
God‟s call to take up the challenge of ministry. By the end of 1954 he had applied to the Home
Mission Service for training as a Home Missionary.
After his Home Mission work at Jandowae, Des was appointed to the Allora Clifton Circuit as a
first year probationer and it was during this appointment that he met a young Eunice Wright. She
was to be his life-long love. They were always together. She was his perfect partner: her
vivaciousness and his quietness, her spontaneity and his stability.
They married when Des finished College and moved to their first posting – Biggenden. It was tough
going for the young couple. Eunice was homesick, they had their first child, there were 6
congregations, four Sunday schools, three youth groups, continuing probationary studies and the
region was in severe drought. Nevertheless it was a rewarding time, and some lifelong friendships
were formed.
Further postings followed, included Crows Nest, Atherton, Oxley, Enoggera and Bracken Ridge.
The size of the work in those early postings was daunting. Biggenden, Crows Nest and Atherton
had such large territories to cover and so many congregations and ministries to manage.
There was a special place in his heart for the rural postings. He came from farming stock, he loved
the rhythm of the land and the people who worked it. He was very much content to be sitting on a
tractor, milking the cows, shifting irrigation pipes, or whatever had to be done. Even after the
family settled at Oxley in Brisbane, they often ended up on a farm for holidays. To spend time on
the farm was, for Des, a time of refreshing and revitalising of his heart and spirit. It helped him stay
strong and certain of who he was and his purpose in life.
But he wasn‟t just capable in the rural setting. Wherever Des went, he thrived. Oxley, Enoggera and
Bracken Ridge were definitely not country, but there were people there to be served, people to lead,
people to love, people to draw towards the Kingdom, people to learn from and people to grow with.
In fact, Des spent the majority of his ministry life in the city.
His retirement years were very busy, doing several short term parish postings from Goondiwindi to
Kangaroo Point, but also Chaplaincy at Blue Care and at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. Des derived
a lot of satisfaction in his role as chaplain, caring for people in difficult times, being there to provide
strength and comfort. He wasn‟t afraid of the faith-challenging complexity of dealing with pain and
suffering.
Des was interested in people. He was interested in their story and did not need to insert himself or
his story into the conversation. He was a great listener. He cared deeply for people. He took the
words of Jesus seriously in that he considered the needs of others before he considered his own
needs, when it came to looking after the poor and the down-trodden. He would listen rather than
talk, ask questions rather than give answers. He was content to work in his own quiet way to make
sure things got done. He was faithful.
Churches where Des ministered generally grew in grace, in stability, in purpose, in patience, to be
inclusive toward people rather than exclude people, and to be outward rather than inwardly focused.
Although he was a man who loved order and was fairly traditional in his worship and service, he
43
was never one to be tied to any particular practice if it needed to change. He was always ready to try
something different, or to support those who wanted to do that. He considered that if someone was
holding on to a particular way of doing something “because we have always done it that way”…
that was a probably a good reason to change it.
In those latter years of his life his life, he would often say that he was “overwhelmed by a sense of
thankfulness to God for all God has given me. God has enriched my life in every way, to the point
that I am convinced more and more that it‟s not what I have done, but what God has done that has
made my life so rich and full.”
44
Rev Thomas Scarlett
Reverend Thomas Tipper Scarlett (Tom), 90 years of age, late of Currimundi Queensland died on 17 th
January 2013 at Buderim Private Hospital.
Tom was born on 26thJuly 1922, Ferry Hill Durham, England to Joseph William and Rosie May Scarlett (nee
Tipper), devout Salvationists.
He was married to Margaret Ruth (Ruth) Giles, at Richmond Salvation Army on the 24th March 1951 by
Ruth‟s father, Major Henry Giles. Tom and Ruth celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in March
2011 with a large crowd of family and friends.
The Scarlett family immigrated in 1927 and settled in Victor Harbor, South Australia. The years in that
place were very precious and the lessons learned, through the faith of his parents and personal experience,
laid the foundation for his future. Here too, Tom had his first job, selling newspapers on the street.
The family moved to Melbourne when Tom was in his teens and he worked at a number of jobs, including
making small appliances and in the textile industry before enlisting in the Royal Australian Navy in 1941.
During the Second World War he served as a stoker on board the HMAS Canberra and later, following the
sinking of this vessel in the Battle of Savo Island, the HMAS Shropshire. The war years challenged his faith
and strengthened his character and it was during this time that he heard God‟s call to enter the ministry.
Following his discharge he entered into full time study at Kings College Brisbane, to prepare himself for
service within the Methodist Church in Queensland: a decision prompted by his relationship with a
Methodist naval padre. Tom was ordained in March 1951 and served in various circuits from Cairns to
Brisbane then as a chaplain to the prisons. He also was Director of the departments of Home Missions,
Social Services, and Evangelism before being elected President of the Methodist Conference in Queensland
in 1975. The following year he accepted his last placement: the Valley New Farm Methodist Mission, an
area in which he had volunteered to work following the 1974 floods. Tom had played a key role in
discussions with the Presbyterian and Congregational churches which in 1977 saw the majority of them
come together as The Uniting Church in Australia so it was fitting that he retired as a Uniting Church
minister.
Tom enjoyed the respect and affection of his peers. He fulfilled his ordination vows to the highest extent.
Tom had a wonderful gift of English expression and was a great communicator. He had a heart for humanity
and was able to connect with people of all ages and from all walks of life. Whether he was hosting notable
personalities or ministering to those less fortunate he treated them with warmth and respect. He was a
humble, patient and compassionate person who put others ahead of his own needs.
Alongside his ministerial work he found time to be involved in a number of community organisations
including: Prison Fellowship, Temperance League/Drug Arm, Ecumenical Coffee Brigade, and Pavilion of
Promise Expo 1988. In his lifetime Tom was involved in many national and international missions including
the Billy Graham Crusades. He had a particular interest in politics and stood for city council elections for the
ward of Toombul in 1969.
In retirement Tom worked in conjunction with Gregson and Weight conducting funeral services in
Caloundra. He joined the local Probus Club, the Two Way Creek Catchment Association at Moffatt Beach,
was actively involved with the Canberra Shropshire Association and the RSL, becoming the honorary
Chaplain to Caloundra Centaur Nursing Home. Tom was also honoured to be selected as a naval
representative to participate in the Australia Remembers Commemoration in Papua New Guinea where he
became the honorary on board chaplain. He was also well known and loved in the retirement village at
Currimundi where he lived and conducted ANZAC ceremonies in his later years.
Tom will be remembered particularly for his dedication to God, his humility, his compassion, his love of
family and his work among those on the fringes of society. His warmth, humour and infectious laugh were
the mark of a man who will not be forgotten.
45
He was a most wonderful, loving husband and father and he cherished every family member. Tom is
survived by his wife Ruth, their children Glenda, Carolyn, Robyn, Judith, Wendy and Gregory and their
families. At the time of his passing the family had grown to include 17 grandchildren and 11 great
grandchildren.
A simple and dignified celebration for his life was held on Friday 25thJanuary at the Uniting Church
Caloundra in the company of approximately 500 family, friends and community members. All his
grandchildren participated in the service which ended with a ceremony where a candle, which had been lit in
his name, was extinguished and family members lit theirs from the Christ Candle in a symbolic gesture of
living out an ongoing, personal faith experience.
A commemorative plaque in Tom‟s honour has been placed on the Memorial Walkway Victoria Parade,
Wickham Point, Caloundra, where his ashes were scattered.
46

Untitled - The Uniting Church in Australia Queensland Synod

Transcription

Similar documents

Ministry of Sound and its worldwide evolution to the present

Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top

Permission and Medical Release Form FBC JAX Youth Ministry

WOMEN`S LEADERSHIP UNIVERSITY

For more information contact Marilou Braswell at

MINISTRY INISTRY MENTORS®

2-14-2016

GREETINGS IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD AND

view the WASHen brochure - Zimbabwe International Trade Fair

The SIETMANN Family - All Points Baptist Mission