New Times - April 2012 - Uniting Church SA

April 2012
Faith that evolves
Issue 31, No 3 April 2012
discipleship for all ages
Shining a light
Mentoring offers a helpful hand p.10
Seven ordained
Celebrating new ministers p. 24
Contents
FEATURES
What makes for a good sermon?
6
Belonging to God
9
Shine a little light
10
A letter to The Church
11
Discussing Easter with children
12
A new thing springs up
15
Seven new ministers ordained
24
REGULAR PAGES
Moderator’s Comment
4
Letters to the Editor & Diary
20
Book reviews
Editor
Caryn Rogers
p. 8236 4230
e. [email protected]
Pilgrim Uniting Church in the City
12 Flinders Street, Adelaide
Advertising
Loan Leane
p. 8285 2768
m. 0404 089 762
e. [email protected]
Easter 2012
Enquiries
e. [email protected]
HOLY WEEK 2—5 April (12pm—2pm, Open Church)
Reflective readings and prayers will be available.
ISSN 0726-2612
WEDNESDAY 4 April (6pm Seven Sites, Seven Words)
A remembrance of the suffering of Indigenous
Australians and the Passion of Jesus.
MAUNDY THURSDAY 5 April
7.30pm Reflective Communion Service
GOOD FRIDAY 6 April
8.30am A spiritual journey through Easter
9.30am Commemoration of the Cross in words and
music with Pilgrim Choir
11.15am Contemplative Remembrance Service
(Taize Style)
EASTER DAY 8 April Celebration of Resurrection
6am Sunrise Service followed by a light meal
Worship services at 8am, 9.30am and 11am
Ph: 8212 3295 • www.pilgrim.org.au
Cover: One family, four generations of disciples. Photo: Caryn Rogers, iStock refs: p. 9 JasonDoiy
22–23
Production
Joie Creative
Printing
Graphic Print Group
Circulation
11 000
Deadline for May
April 11
New Times is the voice of Uniting Church SA. Published monthly, February
through December, New Times represents the breadth, diversity and vision of
Uniting Church members in SA. News policies, guides and deadlines appear
online at newtimes.sa.uca.org.au. Articles and advertising do not necessarily
reflect the views of the Editor.
Phone:
(08) 8236 4200
1300 766 956 (toll free from
Email:
[email protected]
regional areas)
Street address:
Level 2, 212 Pirie St, Adelaide
Fax:
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Postal address:
GPO Box 2145, Adelaide SA 5001
newtimes.sa.uca.org.au
Next issue:
Volunteering
There are many ways that Uniting Church people
share their time for the betterment of others –
gratis. While the tasks these volunteers undertake
are accompanied by a non-existent pay packet,
their work ethic is often the envy of million-dollar
corporations.
Ode to hands
Hands. They’re a wonderful thing. In
the eyes of a young child, hands present
one of the most interesting spectacles
available to human capacity, both fun and
functional.
Like most adults, I had grown to take
my hands for granted. Clapping was a
bore, chopping a chore, and typing a
functional necessity.
But, in the scheme of my everyday
working life as a writer, combined with
finishing my honours thesis, my hands
became collateral damage for the
extreme word count required by my
looming deadlines. My hands, no longer
a thing of fascination, were workhorses
pulling a plough which was too heavy a
load for them to bear.
At quite literally my own hands,
I suffered nerve damage to both of
my arms which, after four months of
constant, often-debilitating pain, is only
just beginning to heal.
The injuries that I suffered determined
a total change of lifestyle and a very
unhappy reliance on other people. Once
adamantly independent, I now found
myself at the mercy of others’ hands.
I used their hands to type, to cook, to
drive, to zip, to clean, to carry. And I
would sit helplessly watching.
As much as the disfunctionality of it
bothered me, it became a fascinating
rediscovery for me of how wonderful our
bodies are, and how important are each
of its functions. I watched in envy as
people clapped, listened jealously as they
typed and longed to do normal things like
brushing my teeth, sans-pain.
All the wonderful things about my
hands that I had discovered as a child,
I had forgotten. Now I was forced to
remember.
Growing up in Sunday School, I had
been riveted by stories of God’s Creation,
Noah and the Ark, Jonah in the Big Fish
and more. As I grew though, these stories
became old and unexciting - just as my
hands had done.
I had outgrown my initial fascination
within these biblical stories. But, I came
to encounter these stories again as an
adult as part of my theological education.
I was forced to ask more questions and
required to find more answers to what I
thought were simply tired children’s tales.
I don’t think there’s ever a time,
or generation, when we have finished
learning. When we believe we have, we
grow cold in our arrogance and quiet in
our imagination. While we will always
grow beyond our initial incredulities, every
now and then it is helpful to remember
and remind ourselves of the first things
that we learned – even if it is because we
are forced to do so.
03
ed
It’s interesting watching infants discover
their own hands. It often starts off with
stretching their arms out and then just
staring. As they stare, their foreheads
wrinkle in concentration, they start to
wiggle their fingers one by one, and then
flick them altogether, often with squeals
of delight.
When the fascination dies down with
these simple movements, the exploration
engages other objects into the altogether
exciting game of “I have hands and can
hit things”.
Babies smack their hands against
each other, doors, toys and everything
else to make a sound which slowly, over
time, begins to take the rhythm of a
clap or attempts another somewhat
instrumental quality. These musical
instruments/hands are soon also
understood to be useful at picking up
and putting down items and/or throwing
them across the room.
All of these wonderful occasions elicit
smiles, laughs and delighted trills (and
often small to large scale parental cleanups).
Caring - loving - sharing
Rev Rob WIlliams
A wise Sunday School teacher once
taught me that people are not berated
but loved into the Kingdom of God.
I believe that this is not an option but
a crucial goal for every community of
Christ.
But intergenerational discipleship can
be a challenge for some, personally as
well as corporately.
It seems to me that discipling is
motivated by the sincere desire to
pass on to others the love of God that
Christians have themselves experienced,
doing so assured that the living Jesus
strengthens such obedient action. The
outcome is disciples making disciples.
Families (however defined) interacting
with older members with whom they
worship could be one form of developing
intergenerational discipleship. I’m
aware of cluster groups operating
in congregations – a gathering of
generations around a meal with a time
for worship and learning together in
which relationships develop, friendships
deepen and Jesus is central.
I’ve encountered those who have
difficulty in relating to others older
and/or younger than themselves. They
honestly experience a generation gap
which they can’t cross.
Worship is central to most
congregations. To see children, youth and
adults sharing in its leadership as well as
providing the music and singing grows
disciples. It’s not just what happens when
such individuals or groups are up front.
Rehearsals often provide opportunities
for faith-sharing and encouragement
which then enriches the life of the whole
community as it worships.
Other congregations would dearly
love to be involved in intergenerational
discipleship but are a single generation
community. “That’s just the way it is,” a
worshipper in a small rural congregation
sadly commented.
mod
So what might ‘intergenerational
discipleship’ look like in your
congregation or faith community? Its
overarching purpose is to grow followers
and learners of Jesus, no matter what
their age.
Some congregations give messages
through their style of worship and lack
of provision of activities that they have
decided to focus on a single generational
track.
Whatever community we find ourselves
in, I’m inspired by these tender words
from 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8:
Just as a nursing mother cares for
her children, so we cared for you.
Because we loved you so much, we
were delighted to share with you
not only the Gospel of God but our
lives as well. (TNIV)
For me, these verses encapsulate
intergenerational discipleship – caring,
loving, sharing.
Rev Rob Williams kicked off the tenth anniversary celebrations
for Pancake Day in Rundle Mall on Tuesday 21 February.
04
Sharing the love
Julianne Rogers
Community spirit is the name of the Pancake Day game - and there has been plenty of that shared over the past 10 years.
More than 365 groups have hosted their own event this year. As you read this, thousands of dollars are coming into UnitingCare
agencies around the state to support the wonderful work they are doing on behalf of vulnerable and marginalised people.
In South Australia over the past 10 years there has been more than $450,000 raised – which averages out to around $45,000
a year!
We are grateful for every Pancake Day event hosted, big or small. We would like to say a special thank you though to those groups
who have hosted a Pancake Day event every year for the past 10 years:
Argent Uniting Church • Ascot Community Uniting Church • Athelstone Friendship Club (Athelstone UC)
Balaklava Uniting Church • Beachport Uniting Church • Brentwood Uniting Church • Bridgewater Uniting Church Fellowship Burnside
City Uniting Church • Burra Uniting Church • Campbelltown Uniting Church • Clayton Wesley Uniting Church Croydon Park
Uniting Church • Crystal Brook Primary School • Dernancourt Uniting Church
Golden Grove Uniting Church • Loxton Uniting Church • Meningie Uniting Church Fellowship
Modbury Uniting Church • Morialta Uniting Church • Mount Barker Uniting Church
Naracoorte Uniting Church • Para Vista Uniting Church • Parafield Gardens Uniting Church
Pilgrim School • Pilgrim Uniting Church • Resthaven • Rosefield Uniting Sunday School
Tumby Bay Uniting Church • Two Wells Uniting Church • UCare Gawler
Uniting Church Synod Office • UnitingCare Copper Triangle • UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide
NE Networks • UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide
Western Link Uniting Church • Westminster Prep School
Woodville Uniting Church
05
news
This Easter season, as we celebrate the risen Christ,
we remember the joy of community experienced at
Pancake Day events and look forward to another year
of witnessing Christ’s love to the community through
UnitingCare’s work in South Australia.
To find out more check out the next Pancake Day
News, available at unitingcare.sa.uca.org.au.
What makes for a good sermon?
Rev Tony Eldridge
news
I sometimes ask this question of groups:
what makes a good sermon? Responses
come back: I like to be taught something
I like to feel the preacher understands
everyday life, I like it when my attention
is held, ... to be stretched, … to feel
something, … a sermon to be pastoral
and feel comforted, … to be challenged …
to be helped.
In a congregation there are as many if
not more responses and peoples’ needs
do change from week to week. Imagine
the challenging task of meeting all those
expectations and needs in one sermon.
A helpful way of understanding the
preaching process, is that the preacher
goes into conversation with God, the
scripture and the needs of the people.
The sermon delivery then facilitates
the conversation between the listener
and God becoming the foundation for a
sermon that meets needs.
On any given Sunday the dilemma of
diverse expectations exists. In part this
can be addressed by adopting a practice
that considers the whole a range of
requirements for a healthy congregation
without trying to do it all in one sermon.
A useful question is, what does this group
of people need to grow in faith and love
of God from this sermon? I would suggest
that we take seriously the “intent” (what
do we want this sermon to do?) – is it
to be pastoral, Evangelistic, to teach, to
challenge?
Most preachers tend to have a fall-back
position on a dominant intent which is
most comfortable. To both stretch the
preacher and to address the overall diet
of the congregation I like to consider a
Find an Easter service near you: easter.unitingpeople.org.au
06
month and bring to it a weekly dominant
intent, for example, a teaching sermon,
an evangelistic sermon, a pastoral
sermon, or a spiritual growth sermon.
All these intents have a differing purpose,
structure and aim for a differing response
from people. Many books and websites
are available to enhance sermons in the
intents.
It is unrealistic to think we can meet
every need every week. By giving attention
to the overall diet of the congregation
and by spreading our major “intents” we
can go a long way to meeting the diverse
needs of the congregation.
Rev Tony Eldridge is a member of the
Adjunct Faculty of Uniting College for
Leadership & Theology as the Lecturer in
Worship & Sacraments. He is currently the
Minister at Westbourne Park Uniting Church.
March Presbytery Synod Meeting
The year’s first Presbytery Synod meeting, held at Adelaide
West Uniting Church on 2-3 March, prompted robust
discussion about the Uniting Church’s business and resourcing
matters on the Friday evening. This was followed on Saturday
by thought-provoking resourcing with keynote speaker Rev Prof
John Swinton.
The following is a brief overview of parts of the meeting.
Update on co-location of Presbytery & Synod
Office with Uniting College
Rod Dyson reported that Annesley had agreed to sell
Lots 1 and 2 of their current site to Resthaven. As these
Lots had been considered as a co-location option for
the Presbytery and Synod SA with the Uniting College,
further options for a future shared property are now
being discussed. These possibilities include: a different
allotment of the Annesley site, the existing Uniting College
site or a new site (to be discovered). A task group will
reconvene in the near future to continue to explore colocation options.
Resourcing Speaker: Rev Professor John Swinton
Ethical Uniting Church Investments
Venton Cook made a specific recommendation to change
the wording of the Ethical Investment Policy of UC Invest.
Venton also suggested people who have concerns in
relation to mining and coal production can invest in the
new UC Invest Dividend Income Fund, which excludes
mining companies (in nearly all cases). There was no
agreement on this proposal, though some speakers from
the floor shared strong concerns. It was unanimously
agreed that the proposers of this recommendation
forward their recommendations to the Resources Board
and Standing Committee.
The issue of Ethical Investments will be investigated in
the next edition of New Times.
West Papua solidarity and support
The Evangelical Christian Church in the land of Papua
requires support and resources from Uniting Church
in Australia in its ministry for peace and reconciliation.
Rev Adam Tretheway and Rev Christa Megaw encourage
Uniting Church communities to express solidarity with
the people of Papua by resourcing and supporting
partner church, the Evangelical Christian Church. They
presented a heartfelt account of the current situation in
Papua including human rights issues and the declining
population of Papuans in their own country.
07
news
“The task of the church is not world transformation but
signaling the Kingdom through small gestures... To be
human is to receive care and to be cared for... Inclusion is
not enough, people need to belong...”
The Presbytery and Synod were fortunate to have Rev
Professor John Swinton share extensively at the Saturday
3 March resourcing day. Prof Swinton took the Presbytery
and Synod through three sessions: Spirit, life and health The significance of theology, spirituality and religion in the
process of healing and community; Resurrecting the Person
– Holistic care in an inclusive community; and Leading Well
– Practical ways leadership teams and carers can create
inclusive, respectful communities.
The content, engagement and quality of presentation
made for a memorable day with much food for thought to
be taken back to Uniting Churches across the State.
It is highly recommended that you look into purchasing
Prof Swinton’s books related to the resourcing day:
Resurrecting the Person, Living Well and Dying Faithfully,
Raging with Compassion, Spirituality and Mental
Health Care. All books are available from MediaCom:
mediacom.org.au
news
The ministry of Lay Preaching
In late 1994 I was asked to
conduct worship at my local
congregation when the usual
preacher was called away to
another engagement. Not long
after that, someone said to
me, “You ought to think about
becoming a Lay Preacher.”
These very simple words were
how the Call to Lay Preaching
came to me.
So in 1995 I began the
necessary study - and loved
it! Getting to know my way
around the Bible, getting to
grips with the literary and
historical context and how
that shaped the meaning of
the words, applying all that to
contemporary living – it was
a wonderful time of learning
and exploring for me.
But an even greater joy
came with the opportunity to
share the faith, proclaim the
Gospel of the grace of God,
and support other Christian
people as they ran into
questions of what meaning
this ancient faith can have in
the present day.
Lay Preaching is a
“Specified Ministry”, that is,
there are regulations that
govern it and a programme
of education and formation
required for accreditation.
An Accredited Lay Preacher
is recognised by, and can
speak in, every congregation
throughout the Uniting Church
in Australia.
There are currently 240
people listed as active Lay
Preachers in South Australia.
This year 15 Lay Preachers
celebrate special anniversaries
(30, 40, 50, 60 years) with a
combined total of over 700
years’ service. That kind of
Placements news:
Placements finalised since the last edition of New Times:
• Rev Ruthmary Bond (0.5) to CitySoul from 5 March
2012
• Dieter Engler, Candidate for MOW to Mitcham Village
(0.5) from 1 March 2012
• Amel Manyon, Candidate for MOW to Northern
Suburbs Dinka Faith Community from 1 March 2012
• Rev Adam Tretheway, Deacon to Glenelg St Andrews
(0.5) from 1 April 2012
Please join us for the following special services:
INDUCTIONS
Rev Adam Tretheway, Deacon
Glenelg St Andrews
1 April 2012, 4.00pm
Rev Darren Lovell
Burra
22 April 2012, 7.00pm
annual tally is not uncommon.
Many Uniting Church
members will remember
the days when perhaps the
majority of services were
conducted by lay people
because the one minister
was responsible for four or
five churches, most of which
met twice on Sundays. In one
celebrated case there were 15
services to be conducted each
week!
The church continues to
need the services of its Lay
Preachers, and we believe
the formation that leads to
formal accreditation is of
immeasurable benefit to
preachers – and all teachers
and worship leaders, for that
matter.
Perhaps God is calling you
to this ministry. A new Lay
Preachers Handbook has been
produced, and is planned for
distribution to all Ministers
and Congregations during
April. Who knows whether, as
you read the Handbook, you
may hear the Call of God to
join in this wonderful ministry?
The book will be available
from sa.uca.org.au
The first Sunday in
August is celebrated as
Lay Preachers’ Sunday in
South Australia. A special
liturgy is being prepared,
and every congregation is
encouraged to recognise
the work of Lay Preachers
on or near that day.
Diamond Jubilee for Lincoln College
The Queen isn’t the only one celebrating 60 years of service!
It’s Lincoln’s Diamond Jubilee too – and you’re welcome to the
celebrations.
Early in the 20th century the Methodist Church in South
Australia had a vision for tertiary students: to provide a place
where they could study together, make friends and be “looked
after”. Finally in 1952, after searching for a suitable building
for two decades, the first inaugural men of Lincoln College
Adelaide moved in to 45 Brougham Place in North Adelaide
with the Master Rev Frank Hambly, his wife Dulcie and their
children. The Hamblys presided over Lincoln from 19521972. They were followed by the Rev John Whitehead and Mrs
Ervyn Whitehead (1972-1974), who oversaw the conversion
of Lincoln from a men’s college to a coeducational facility,
ensuring the longevity of the college. They brought with them a
fierce and determined sense of equality through faith.
Lincoln has nurtured, educated, cared for and supported
thousands of tertiary students across the past six decades.
Lincoln would like to say “thank you” to all of those in the
Uniting Church community who have cared, advised, and
volunteered their time.
On 27 April at 2pm former Principals of the College will
return to celebrate a service in Brougham Place Uniting
Church. After the formalities those gathered will move across
the park to Lincoln College East Lawns for a traditional 1950s
themed garden party. Please RSVP to the College if you would
like to join us on 8290 6000.
More information is available online at lincoln.edu.au
08
intergenerational discipleship
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations...” There is no age
limit on this call to action, yet often we only focus our discipleship efforts on the young. What does it mean to
go forth and make disciples of all nations – and all ages?
Belonging to God
Rev Dr Geoff Thompson
In the service of Congregational
Reaffirmation of Baptism, the members
of the congregation are invited to trace
the sign of the cross on each other and
to declare as they do so: “You belong
to Christ”. It is a powerful moment in
which we are reminded of the identity
we received at our baptism. If we allow
the sign and the words to tap into their
deepest meaning, the power of the
moment lies in its subversive intent.
Yet the power of this moment has
itself been undermined by the centuries
of domestication and sentimentality
under which the sign of the cross
has been buried. Peel back that
domestication and sentimentality and
what do we have? A sign of one of the
most violent forms of state execution
practised in the ancient world.
This is the sign that we place on each
other as we declare that we belong to
Christ. It is also the sign that we place
on infants when they are brought for
baptism. The modern parallel would
be for us to mark each other – and our
infants – with an image of a hangman’s
noose or an electric chair. How
completely bizarre!
It would be so much easier if we just
said, “You belong to Christ”. But the
physical remembrance of the cross
reminds us of just who this Christ is
to whom we belong. The only Jesus
Christ to whom the sign of the cross
entitles us to belong is the Jesus who
persistently challenged commonsense
ways of belonging. And this persistence
helped to get him killed. Jesus’ family
thought he belonged to them, but Jesus
told them he belonged to those gathered
around him. The people of his home
town thought he belonged to them, but
he walked right through their midst and
went on his way.
Some of Jesus’ Jewish
contemporaries thought that God
belonged to Israel, but again and again
Jesus insisted that everyone belonged
to God. Even the disciples thought that
Jesus belonged to them. When they tried
to isolate him from children, or sick or
hungry people, he would demonstrate to
the disciples to whom he belonged.
Uniting Church theologian Rev Dr
Garry Deverell recently suggested that
to belong to Jesus is to be “torn away
from our natural roles in favour of a way
of life which … calls into question the
most common paths by which we journey
through life”.
Perhaps every service of baptism
or reaffirmation should become an
occasion for such questioning. As well as
the reminder that we belong to Christ,
perhaps we should challenge one another
by asking, “What uncommon paths are
you following?” Imagine if we warned
parents at the baptism of infants that by
marking their child with the cross they are
deliberately exposing their child to a call
to an uncommon life.
Not a call to success but to simplicity,
not to career but to caring, not to wealth
but to poverty. Perhaps baptism really
ought to come with official warnings.
The call to belong to Christ has
heavy demands, but it also announces
liberation. Despite widespread anxiety
about the future of the church, we
are privileged to live at a time when
the church has slowly but surely been
weaning itself from the culture of
Christendom and its lure of success,
influence and status.
Perhaps more so than our forebears we
are able to learn what it means to belong
to Christ when there is nothing or no one
else to belong to. Marked with the cross,
we can become an uncommon people
living out the same hope in God which
enabled Jesus to let go of those natural
ways of belonging.
Rev Dr Geoff Thompson is Principal of Trinity
Theological College, Brisbane.
09
Shine a little light
intergenerational discipleship
Louise Heinrich
Our society worships beauty
and youth and forgets the
aged, whilst some older
people dismiss Gen Y as
reckless and undisciplined.
But rising above the age gap
and having a wise elder to
guide us through the storms
and calm seas of life is an
essential part of faith. Rev
John Blanksby has been
mentoring youth and young
adults for 25 years, and is
a firm believer in crossing
the generational divide
to exchange wisdom and
perspective.
“When we mentor, we are
not telling someone what to
do,” says John. “Our job is to
help young people recognise
10
God’s work in their lives, as
well as help them to discover
God’s call.”
John believes that
mentoring is similar to the
way Jesus invited his disciples
into a relationship with Him.
This softly spoken man is
not to be underestimated.
Before becoming a minister,
he was employed in
secondary schools where
he worked as a teacher, a
counsellor, and a principal.
The 71-year-old retiree is still
actively involved in his church,
Westbourne Park Uniting,
where part of his role is
mentoring young people.
“I enjoy spending time
with young people,” he says,
speaking of his inspiration for
being a positive influence.
John had experienced
firsthand the importance of
creating a relationship where
someone can make mistakes
and grow - without being
harshly criticised.
“It was crucial I was
mentored without judgement
when facing the challenges
that I did in my young
adulthood.”
Some people may question
the necessity of a mentor, but
in John’s mind, the purpose
is clear.
“In 21st century Australia,
young people coming to faith
have few role models. This is
why having a mature Christian
adult to share the journey can
be so significant.
“Jesus mentored the
disciples over three years.
They spent time being
with Him. It was a great
opportunity to experience
how someone close to God
lives their lives. A lot of young
people want a place to be
accountable for what they
believe God wants them to do.
“When discipling youth and
young adults, I believe it’s
important to incorporate them
into a worshipping community,
encourage them to be part
of a small group, and to link
them with a mature Christian
adult who can mentor them in
a one-on-one relationship.”
Many would wonder how to
first establish a relationship
that relies heavily on
vulnerability and trust with
a virtual stranger, but John
believes mentoring can grow
out of doing things together.
“Some mentors find it
helpful to share an activity
with the young person rather
than just sit and talk. Bo
Boshers and Judson Poling
call this the ‘Be-With Factor’.
For me this sometimes
involves going on a hike or
playing a game of squash.”
“The only way for young
people to change an attitude
towards older people is to
spend time together. If both
parties are open, they will
both grow. For the older
person, it can be incredibly
fulfilling and exciting to draw
alongside people and see
what God is doing.”
And if there’s no rapport?
“Generally I would
recommend a trial period of
three to six months, with the
choice of opting out with no
hurt feelings. You can’t force a
relationship.”
The art of mentoring is
about gently guiding an
individual towards God’s
truth. Everyone is capable of
bringing light and insight to
someone younger in faith.
“Mentors need to be good
listeners, good encouragers,
and willing to be open and
vulnerable. The most essential
requirement is a vital
relationship with God.”
A letter to The Church, from a cynic,
on the occasion of her confirmation.
you. Now this is nothing new, but it
led incrementally to distaste for you
altogether. I am sorry, church, but I met
too many people who didn’t understand
what it was they were enthusiastically
espousing and who blithely assumed that
their truth was the only truth.
Added to this was your not
insignificant betrayal of many people I
know and love, including some in my own
family.
church membership do not
always go hand in hand, writes
Carlynne Nunn, Community and
Outreach worker for Brunswick
Uniting Church. A young adult
who has grown up in and against
the church, Carlynne writes of
her recent change of heart and
confirmation as a member of the
Uniting Church in Australia.
Dear “The Church”,
I was born into you, raised by the
faces of grown ups that smiled at
me, collections of casseroles after
church and of course obligation. You
introduced me to The Lord and to your
people, well meaning individuals who
dressed neatly and said things like
“Jesus came into my heart” and “I
have a calling to go to Africa”. I learnt
to raise my hands in worship and to try
earnestly to remember how bad I was
when instructed to think of the cross.
I went to many of your incarnations
over time, and at some point along
the way, I began to wonder what was
actually going on.
Questioning the things your
people said to me on a Sunday
led to my feeling misrepresented
and disconnected from and by
I wanted to be a part of the kingdom,
not a man made institution that often
seemed entirely removed from the world
it allegedly wanted to help.
I kept attending a variety of your faces
but always looked for what was wrong
and the little that was right, my ear tuned
for the mistakes that would be inevitably
made and my cynicism about the whole
palaver at the ready, should I need it.
I began working at Brunswick around
15 months ago now. I had concerns at
first, though the job and my subsequent
involvement in the regular meetings of
your group here came at a time when
I was ready to find a solution to my
sparring with you.
I have to say, your little group here
in Brunswick is lovely. They have been
so outrageously welcoming and full of
encouragement it quite literally shocks
me. I often shake my head at my good
fortune, and marvel at the lack of all that
I despised about you before.
So Brunswick has taught me that while
a congregation can be different from
my experience and challenging in its
views, it can also be heartfelt, authentic
and gracious. I started thinking about
membership a little while ago, mainly as
a response to your people here.
That was shortly before I fell in love
with you.
I went to a conference a few weeks
back. I was scared of it, to be honest,
On arriving however, I found around
70 young people whose guileless
friendship inspired and floored me
and around whom I felt I was my most
authentic self, cynicism and all.
During the week away I learnt a lot
about you, and how you are, in your
Uniting form, committed to the most
basic and beautiful and important and
life giving things imaginable.
I also realised with a shock,
while watching Ken Sumner lead
communion, that although I’ve never
been someone who is ashamed of her
faith, though I’ve not been afraid to
talk about it, I have been so concerned
about removing myself from all that I
dislike about Christianity that I had at
some point forgotten nearly all there is
to love.
I had grown so competent at
pointing out all that is wrong with
you, that I had smeared my cynicism
over all that was right, obscuring
the possibilities you’ve been holding
politely for years as I railed against
your obsolescence.
I am sorry to say, I had let myself
grow embarrassed of not just you but
all connected with you.
As I watched Ken tenderly speak
of this gorgeous tradition and
remembrance, I realised for the first
time, that I can actually embrace what
I believe, and not become something
that I hate.
I can celebrate with friends who
believe and friends who don’t,
because to celebrate my faith is to
celebrate something both unique
and beautiful and only found here,
in me, and something that is a part
Continued on page 12
11
intergenerational discipleship
The path of discipleship and
I felt your denominations were
irrelevant.
on account of all the Christians that
would be in attendance. We both know
that I am not their type of people and
they are not mine.
Continued from page 11
of the ancient, the holy, the
transcendent and the joyful.
I don’t need or want to
separate them any more.
intergenerational discipleship
So church, I am writing to
apologise I suppose. I wanted
to explain that although
I have insulted you, and
though I thought I had good
reason, I want to give us
another try, if you’ll have me,
for in you I now see the face
of my Father.
Discussing Easter with Children
Melissa Cellier & Mary-Jo Zwar
What is the Easter story? In a nutshell (or should we say in an eggshell?) - Jesus is alive!
Quite young children can say ‘Jesus is alive!’ But what do the words mean to them?
I know you’re human, and
fallible and sometimes dirty
and broken and wrong, but
you have the capacity for
great beauty, and courage
and wisdom and the ability
to walk around in the mess
of our lives, finding the lovely
parts and making them shine
and I’ve always been the type
to believe the best about
things anyway.
Lastly, I don’t think that
church membership is the
only, or the best way of doing
life. But I have been placed
in a fortunate position inside
your monster, and believe
that those that can unite to
try in a corporate sense to
fight for justice and mercy
and love, to join the monster
in its challenge against the
empire, should do so. For
me that means no longer
pointing the finger at you in
accusation, looking at myself
as a part of this magnificent
story and making sure that
the change starts here.
With love,
Carlynne.
The Bible provides us with an extensive Easter narrative — in fact four slightly different narratives
— with three parts. Jesus suffers and dies; Jesus comes back to life and appears to people;
these events change history and our own life. The second and third parts are significant only in
light of the first. With children, and also with adults, we have trouble finding the balance between
glorifying the details of Jesus’ suffering and glossing over it.
So, how do we tell the Easter story with our children and grandchildren?
First and foremost we tell it by the way we live in light of the Easter story: Jesus is alive — for
us and for our children.
Secondly, we tell the story with words. From infancy on we tell our children about Jesus. His
love for people — in Bible stories and today.
Age appropriate books will give the words and illustrations that develop children’s
understandings. And that understanding is a gradual process built by hearing the Easter story
year after year.
Third, we find ways of engaging with the story — either as a one-off activity or as annual Easter
traditions.
• Discuss the Easter events of that day with questions like: I wonder why ...I wonder if...
I wonder what it means.
• As a focus each day use an object, eg a plate and wine glass; a cross; a growing plant or go
for a hillside walk, visit a cemetery and watch a sunrise.
• Read the story, encourage children to retell the story, act it out or reconstruct it with
playdough.
• Church traditions such as ‘burying the hallelujah’ or following the Stations of the Cross are
physical ways children can journey through Easter at church or home.
• Write ‘Jesus is alive!’ on the shell of a hard-boiled egg, or on the wrapping of a chocolate
egg and share with one another.
12
Welcoming new faces
How hospitable are we to strangers? Louise Heinrich investigates a creative way that one church
is reimagining mission.
This has been the motivation for an
unusual technique of teaching. ‘Life
Conversation Partners’ are life-size
cardboard figures, with real faces, real
clothes, and real stories, designed to
help churchgoers re-envision how to
welcome strangers into their lives.
“My wife, Lorraine and I created them.
It took weeks, actually.”
The Life Conversation Partners
work on two levels – to remind the
congregation that the purpose of a
church community is to welcome and
accept others. On a more practical level,
they are designed to prompt people to
contemplate how they would engage
meaningfully with them.
“I just brought them to worship and
hung question marks over their heads.
And I said to the congregation, “What
would you ask them? How would you
share your story with them? How would
these people fit into your life?
“The desired result is for us to be
socially open, welcoming and supportive
to anyone, to people who may not yet
know the gospel.”
When Noarlunga Uniting Church
amalgamated several congregations, the
church council decided to sell a building
in order to employ a Mission Pastor,
Titus Ng. The new direction of the
church began with the vision statement:
‘Out There – a church in the community,
for the community.’
In early 2011, Ross read Lucy
Moore’s book Messy Church, “It hit me
like a thunderbolt – how we could be a
different kind of church.” Moore’s book
claimed that a strong community is
needed to experience Messy Church,
and to Ross, a strong community equals
open borders.
“The Life Conversation Partners are
confronting, so they can’t be ignored.
As far as the church is concerned, we
cannot afford to let people escape
grappling with the reality.”
The reality is the church needs to
be an outward-focused community,
but sometimes it can be an exclusive
place where newcomers find it hard
to belong. Using the Life Conversation
Partners as a tool, Ross is passionate
about awakening the church to new
possibilities of social inclusion.
13
intergenerational discipleship
Easter time is a unique opportunity
for the church to have contact with
the community. But Rev Ross Honey
(pictured below), Lead Minister of
Noarlunga Uniting Church, believes that
this time of year isn’t the only occasion
congregations should be welcoming
those around us.
Ross thinks there’s something missing
in many churches today. “There is
no urgency or engagement with the
community. It’s not that people aren’t
kind and loving and beautiful – it’s just
that congregations often don’t know
how to receive strangers. Individuals are
focused on tradition and how they like
things being done.”
Speaking in a gentle voice, Ross’s
eyes glitter with good humour and
determination. This humble man has a
vision for a missional church – he wants
his congregation to engage with the
community outside.
intergenerational discipleship
The ministry of washing feet
Reverend Lu Piper, a Uniting
Church volunteer in Papua
New Guinea (PNG), has been
awarded an OAM (Order of
Australia Medal) for service to
the international community
in recognition of her roles in
education, health and pastoral
ministry.
The Medal, awarded on
Australia Day, recognises
Lu’s extensive work in PNG
as well as her contribution to
indigenous education here in
Australia and her work as a
parish minister in the Anglican
church.
“I have come to the point
where I understand ministry is
washing feet, and that alone,”
Reverend Lu Piper has dedicated much of her life to the people of PNG.
Pictured (L-R) Lesley Williams, Lu, Kathy Pereira and a PNG local
(name unknown) involved with the women’s fellowship program.
14
Lu says of her work. “All else is
peripheral, it seems to me, and
hopefully, with God’s help, it is
possible to let all else go.”
Lu’s journey to her current
position as a health worker in
partnership with the United
Church in Salamo began back
in 1968 when she worked as a
teacher in PNG. She spent four
years in the field before being
seconded by the Melanesian
Council of Churches to help
develop an education syllabus
for Primary School students.
After four years working with
indigenous students in remote
communities in Australia, Lu
returned to PNG, where she
spent several years at Gaulim
Teacher’s College.
Today, Lu’s love for the
people of PNG finds expression
in her support for Salamo’s
Health Clinics and remote
Health Outposts. The clinics
are vital in an area of the
world where many people
live in isolated communities
or remote islands. Access to
health services is very limited.
PNG has the highest rate of
HIV infection in the Pacific, with
many believing that it faces the
possibility of an outbreak on a
scale comparable to Africa.
In this context, development
support is vital. The United
Church in PNG, in partnership
with UnitingWorld, is active
in community development
initiatives, particularly focusing
on access to safe water,
sanitation and health services in
remote areas.
For more information
on Lu Piper’s work and the
development initiatives of
the United Church PNG, visit
the UnitingWorld website:
unitingworld.org.au/pacificprojects/
A new thing springs up
Louise Heinrich
secular, global and local, by taking part in
cell groups and daily reflection.
Since its inception, the group has
attracted members and friends from
cities, suburbs, rural and remotes areas
across Australia, in addition to people
from a diversity of denominational
backgrounds.
‘Members’ live by The Rule: spiritual
disciplines, life and work disciplines,
and community life disciplines; ‘friends’
respect The Rule but do not live their life
under its mandate.
Part of Wellspring’s premise is
to speak out strongly on matters of
injustice and oppression, racial and
religious discrimination, and the human
destruction of creation. In light of this,
members are vocal about the plight
of asylum seekers, disadvantaged
communities, incarcerated people, new
arrivals of different ethnic backgrounds,
community gardens, bush regeneration,
and much more. Members have been
conscientious for many years about their
use of water, electricity and petrol, about
food production, packaging and recycling,
but more are now seeking to live with
integrity.
Wellspring members Jim, Margaret, Brian, Libby, Judith, Pat and
Linda at a study group at the National Gathering at Uluru in 2003.
Those involved with Wellspring are
deeply committed to learning from,
listening to and living in solidarity with
Indigenous people and communities.
Although most members are over 50,
there is a youthful energy and passion,
intermingled with a strong desire
to share their love of justice with all
generations. Well aware that their ethos
reflects the values that many young
people are seeking to imbue within
their faith, Wellspring have consciously
sought to be more engaged with future
generations and their spirituality.
You are warmly invited to celebrate
20 years of the Wellspring Community
in Australia, 730pm Wed 18 April, at
Christ Church Uniting, Wayville.
For further information contact
Jean Stirling:
p. 08 8376 6371
e. [email protected]
15
intergenerational discipleship
Over the past 20 years, Wellspring have
constructed an identity that is faithful to
the values they find in Christ’s teachings.
Wellspring is a nation-wide community
that firmly adheres to values of peace,
worship, reconciliation, the environment,
and ecumenical faith, as well as being
true to Australian social and cultural
realities.
Rev John Martin, a former Uniting
Church minister, felt a strong call to
establish this type of community in
Australia after working with the Iona
Community in Scotland. He and his wife
were drawn to an expression of faith and
ministry which had a strong peace and
justice component.
In a 1991 appeal to the NSW Synod,
John spoke of individuals who, when
sharing on issues of the environment
or injustice, had often been met with
indifference from fellow churchgoers. He
proposed the formation of Wellspring,
that this might be a nomadic place for
communities and individuals seeking new
ways of living the Gospel in the world.
The first meeting of Wellspring was
held on 4 April, 1992 in Sydney and,
before long, spin-offs were popping up
all over the country. Many were attracted
to the idea of incorporating work and
worship, prayer and politics, sacred and
Intergenerational, intercultural sharing
Ian Dempster
The little outback town of Oodnadatta
is the newest faith community of the
Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian
Congress (Congress) in South Australia.
Last Easter, the Congress Faith
Community held meetings on the open air
church ground for the first time.
intergenerational discipleship
Visitors came from neighbouring
communities as well as the first
participants on an AboutFACE (Faith
And Cultural Exchange) Stepping Stone
journey.
In last month’s New Times, Rowan
Steele reflected on his experiences as an
Adelaidean visiting Far North Queensland
with AboutFACE; our own South Australian
towns, Oodnadatta and Port Augusta,
were also Congress host communities for
AboutFACE.
for the older aunties to have someone
about their own age to sit and talk with.”
For 80 year old great grandmother,
Mary Dixon from Werribee Uniting in
Victoria, this was the first AboutFACE
program she could attend, as this was the
first time the program had been open to
anyone over 18 years of age.
“Through this program the church
holds out a light to the rest of the world,
as a concrete example of reconciliation to
the nation,” she noted.
By lifting the age restriction there was
greater intergenerational involvement
from the communities that were being
visited. Jill Ruzbacky, AboutFACE
program coordinator said, “Some of the
feedback we’ve had initially is that in the
communities where Mary went, it was nice
Travelling from Sydney to the South
Australian locations also, Kate McLean,
Turramurra Uniting Church’s youth
worker, commented that AboutFACE had
restored her faith in the church.
This month, Congress is planning
to return to Oodnadatta in the second
week of the school holidays with Uniting
Church president, Rev Alistair Macrae,
leading Bible studies.
Denise Champion, Chair of Congress
SA and Synod Covenanting Coordinator,
loves what the AboutFACE experience
does for participants.
“AboutFACE allows me to continue in
my role as a story teller,” Denise reflects.
“Reconnecting with culture and stories
brings healing.”
Further Stepping Stone events are
planned this year. More details are
available on the Mission Resourcing Page
(p. 17) of this month’s edition of New
Times.
What is Stepping Stone?
Stepping Stone was invented as a
concept at a review meeting of the
AboutFACE program in August 2010.
Stepping Stone events were created
as a small, introductory step into the
AboutFACE program by introducing
cross-cultural relationships and faith
sharing within short weekend visits.
Last year in South Australia,
Congress partnered with the Mission
Resourcing Young Adults team for
three Stepping Stone events in
Oodnadatta, Hawker/Flinders Ranges
and Camp Coorong.
AboutFACE participants from NSW and
Victoria joined the newest Congress
community in Oodnadatta to learn, to grow
and to be changed.
16
Mission Resourcing SA
Stepping Stone Adventure, October 2011
Rev Rod Dyson
Alan Dutton
Discipleship is for adults too
Getting to know...
Especially since becoming a parent I have
been deeply grateful for the many leaders
in the local church who have given time to
children and youth each Sunday – to teach,
mentor, care and grow them as disciples.
These early years are foundational for
discipleship. Indeed they are critical to
helping our young ones form a relationship
with Jesus Christ. But I also know that the
journey does not stop abruptly when they
become young adults.
Years ago, during one of Thomas
Bandy’s visits, I remember his insistence
that adult discipleship was the engine
room of the local church. As adults
our growth as disciples is actually our
responsibility – to read, to pray, to study
the scriptures, to worship and fellowship,
to engage in relationships with people
who do yet know God and to be involved
in transforming the world. Indeed,
people who take responsibility for their
discipleship are profoundly different. We
can sense in them the presence of the
living Christ.
But, congregations also have a
responsibility. Bandy noted that one of
the marks of thriving churches is that
they multiply the opportunities for adult
discipleship. No matter how small our
congregation we can still take discipleship
seriously.
We need a way of continually growing as
disciples from birth to death. As disciples
we don’t retire. We continue our journey
with God.
In the end we all know that programmes,
no matter how good they are, do not
change churches. It transformed people
who change churches and people are
changed by an on-going, vibrant and
growing relationship with Christ.
Alan Dutton loves bushwalking, grilled Coorong mullet and CS Lewis. The Mission
Officer for Rural and Regional SA, Al resources ministry teams beyond the black stump
with characteristic cheerfulness.
Date of birth: The first half of the last century
Family: Married to Beulah, with three adult children and three fabulous grandchildren.
Church: Colonel Light Gardens Uniting Church
Background: Originally from Sydney, I moved to Adelaide in 1980. Following my
teaching career, I spent many years on the staff of Scripture Union, including
twelve years as State Director in SA. I have also worked with Mission Australia
as Operations Manager, Community Services in SA, and 2003-2007 served as
Mission Facilitator with the UCA Presbytery of Tasmania.
Why this job: I am passionate for local congregations to be effective participants in the
mission of God.
Hopes for the role: I focus on our congregations in the country, and aspire to equip
people to exercise their gifts for ministry, and to engage in God’s mission.
Role models: Nelson Mandela and Ernest Shackleton
Favourite books: Frank Tyson, The Test Within; the gospel of Luke; and anything by
Geraldine Brooks or Kate Grenville.
Together we can make a difference: AboutFACE in 2012
AboutFACE Stepping Stone events were created in 2011 as short term faith and
cultural exchange experiences within local Aboriginal communities.
Stepping Stone weekends are designed to boost knowledge and understanding
between cultures, create opportunities to experience the friendship, warmth and
hospitality of our indigenous brothers and sisters while exploring their real concerns
and desires for themselves and for Australia.
Denise Champion (Covenanting Officer), Ian Dempster (Congress Resourcing Officer),
and Katrina Levi (Youth and Young Adult Administrator), are working hard to bring
opportunities for Uniting Church congregations and individuals to be involved in
adventures that can reshape the way we see the world and our faith.
This year, there will be more opportunities to get involved with this fantastic initiative.
Coming up this month is a trip to Oodnadatta, 18–22 April, for fellowship, worship, and
participation in the local community. Further details for upcoming trips will be made
available soon.
Anyone is welcome to participate in Stepping Stone. For more information, or to
register your interest, please contact Ian Dempster:
p. 08 8281 1614
e. [email protected]
Rev Rod Dyson
17
Aged care in focus
magazine
Like many, Peggy Eckenrode held off the
idea of aged care as long as possible.
Aged care can be confronting to
consider, but may become an
unavoidable necessity for many. In
this article, the first of three in a
special series on aged care, Louise
Heinrich investigates what to do when
someone’s not coping at home.
Many people refuse to consider aged
care for themselves or their loved ones.
But thinking about the future for a spouse
or a parent can give them the greatest
chance of having their needs met.
These times they are a changin’
Margaret ‘Peggy’ Eckenrode hails from
Virginia, USA, and migrated here in
1969. The 89-year-old is charismatic and
articulate, with a charming North Carolina
accent. She’s been living in an aged care
facility for 12 years.
“After my husband died in 1995, my
doctor kept recommending that I think
about moving into residential care,”
Peggy remembers. “My kids took great
care of me – they brought me meals,
took me shopping – but I was beginning
to lose my balance.
“I fell one night, and did not want to
call anyone. The next afternoon, one of
my daughters discovered me, and not
long after, I was in an ambulance.”
Peggy’s experience is a common one.
She held off the idea of aged care as
long as possible – until an injury forced
her to seek help quickly.
As we get older, our bodies lose the
strength they once held. We become
more susceptible to ill health and
disease. Circumstances of later years
can have an impact too – the loss of a
spouse, loneliness, limited mobility –
any number of these things and more
make it difficult to cope with daily tasks,
such as housework and taking care of
ourselves. This is what aged care is for.
Reaching out
The first step to receiving assistance is
to contact an Aged Care Assessment
Team (ACAT). ACATs are groups of health
professionals who visit homes, have a
chat about lifestyle and health, and can
assess eligibility for particular services.
Peggy was assessed by an ACAT, and
moved into a low-care residential facility
after being on a waiting list. Medical
professionals, as well as the aged and
their family members, can book an ACAT
visit by ringing the Government Aged
Care Hotline (number at end of article).
Sometimes the excess of information
can be intimidating. Aged Care
Alternatives is an organisation which
specialises in face-to-face meetings.
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18
Franco Parenti, Coordinator at Aged
Care Alternatives, explains: “We use
‘option guides’ who are volunteers that
explain the situation to clients. They are
trained to speak in plain, understandable
language.”
Money money money
Finances can be the most nerve-racking
part of making a big decision, but the
aged care system is designed to make it
affordable for everyone.
The Australian Government funds
a portion of aged care homes, and
residents also pay fees and charges.
These are under the categories of
‘Daily Care Fees’ and ‘Accommodation
Payments’, and will be measured by
income and assets.
If the retirement funds are running
out, it is important to investigate
financial options. The government
provides “Financial Hardship
Assistance”, under which fees can be
reduced or waived. The Veterans’ Affairs
Network also gives help to veterans and
war widow/ers to pay their bills.
Next month, we’ll be looking at the
process of choosing an aged care
service.
To find out about fees, to book an ACAT,
or for more information regarding aged
care, contact:
Aged Care Alternatives:
8271 3888
agedcarealternatives.net.au
OR
Government Aged Care Hotline:
1800 200 422
agedcareaustralia.gov.au
positions vacant
RESTORE YOUR PHONOGRAPHIC RECORDS
OR TAPES TO NEAR ORIGINAL QUALITY & PRESERVE
THEM ON CD
Restore your faded 35mm slides to bright colour
and preserve them on DVD.
Ask us about VHS or MiniDV video tape & 8mm film to
DVD conversion, SA MEDIAWORKS, Kent Town SA Ph:
8362 2251 [email protected]
HOLIDAY RENTAL – Victor Harbor “BY THE SEA”
3br ground floor apartment on the Esplanade at
Encounter Bay with glorious sea views across to
Granite and Wright Islands - Relax in warm cosy, a/
cond comfort and watch the waves roll in – close to
restaurants and cafes - $160 pn–(min 3 nights) or take
advantage of discounted self catering winter rates @
$570 PW - Contact Kerry at Dodd and Page P/L - ph
8554 2029 and ask for “By The Sea” to view “online”
details and photos.
positionsvacant.sa.uca.org.au
DISAPPOINTED WITH GNOSTIC TEACHING
We made a 400km trip to Kent Town Uniting
church on 23 October 2011 to celebrate UC
Ministers ordained for 50 years. My wife’s
friend, the late Rev Brian (Rusty) Nicholls was
honoured. My grandfather preached there for
many years.
letters to the editor & diary
We were bitterly disappointed when the
preacher said: “We Christians are altogether
too arrogant in asserting that our Christian
message is the only way to God; we need
to welcome people of other faiths into our
fellowship and see their view of God.” This is
pure Gnosticism.
He also said, “Truth is manifold”, diametrically
opposing our Lord Jesus Christ, who said
unambiguously, that Truth is singular. Jesus
said: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No
man/woman comes to the Father but by me.”
Not many paths to God. Just one.
While he was still speaking, we began the long
drive home. Oh to hear someone honour Jude 3.
L. Phillips
Port Vincent
IRAN, ANTI-SEMITISM AND THE UNITING
CHURCH
Internationally there is a growing belief that
Israel will need to choose soon between
accepting a nuclear Iran which will then
attack Israel, producing a second holocaust,
or pre-emptively strike against Iran, crippling
its nuclear ambitions. Since conventional
ordinance appears to be inadequate Israel will
probably need to use nuclear weapons. It is
not unrealistic to believe that this attack and
the resultant surge in oil prices will produce an
unprecedented rise in anti-semitism around the
world. Clearly churches need to pray over every
aspect of this looming crisis. However, what is
the planned response of the UCA leadership?
Are we encouraging governments to develop
plans to protect the Israeli embassy and
consulates, synagogues and Jewish businesses?
Have we updated any plans in place to speak
out against anti-semitism?
P. Harbison
Somerton Park
Send your letters to:
[email protected]
or PO Box 2145,
Adelaide 5001.
Be topical, be brief, be timely.
Letters over 150 words will be edited; responses to
previous letters /articles will be considered within
two months of the original item’s publication only.
All letters are published at the editorial team’s
discretion.
20
PUPPET SHOW: “A Day in the Life of a Donkey” on Palm Sunday, Wesley Kent Town,
10.30 a.m, followed by lunch at 27 Grenfell Street, Kent Town. The entry is free,
parents and children of all ages are welcome. The play will be performed with the
help of the entire audience. Scripts will be available upon entry. If you and your family
are planning to attend, please RVSP Rev. Beatrice Panne
0408 894 885 or on [email protected].
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS of the Wellspring Community in Australia. The Wellspring
Community SA invites you to a Thanksgiving Service and Holy Communion, to be held
at Christ Church, 26 King William Road, Wayville at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 18 April
followed by a light supper. For further information please contact
Jean Stirling. Ph 8376 6371 or [email protected]
REV COLIN WHITE is rejoicing that he has been spared to celebrate his 90th Birthday.
His family invites friends from the Church and former Parishes to join in a celebration
on Saturday 21 April from 2.00-4.30pm in Dernancourt Uniting Church Hall,
Balmoral Road, Dernancourt. It would help if you could advise Colin’s daughter,
Lyn Zollo, by 10 April if you plan to attend. Email [email protected] or phone
0401 445 245.
STATE MISSION FELLOWSHIP – Tuesday 24 April, 10.30am at Scots Church.
Speakers are David & Kath Truran, Frontier Services Outback Links volunteers.
Morning tea and lunch available. All welcome.
ANOTHER WONDERFUL AFTERNOON of Favourite Hymns will be held at Mt Barker
Uniting Church on Sunday, April 29th., at 2pm. Pipe organ, piano, and brass will
accompany the singing, plus guest artists. Admission is free, with a cuppa to
follow. Come and join us for an inspirational time. Enquiries Margaret, 0427 734
071.
TORRENSVILLE METHODIST/UNITING CHURCH celebrates 100 years of the
opening of the church building in Hayward Avenue in May 1912. Past worshippers,
friends and sporting club members are invited to a reunion at Adelaide West Uniting
Church 312 Sir Donald Bradman Drive Brooklyn Park, Sunday May 6 2012 from
2 – 4pm. Donation for document preservation fund. Afternoon tea provided. Anyone
with photos to share for display please email to [email protected] or phone John
Andrewartha - 8443 3380 or Peter Whiting - 8556 5757.
PENOLA UNITING CHURCH invites all past members and friends of the former
Kalangadoo Parish, which includes Glencoe and Nangwarry, and current members
and friends to the 10th Anniversary of the opening of our ‘Meeting Room’ on 6 May
2012. Our guest preacher is Rev Rob Williams and luncheon will follow. Enquiries to
Sue on fax/phone 0887366054
“THE WISDOM OF THE MYSTICS” a Residential Retreat offered at Stillpoint
Spirituality Centre in Belair from 6 – 10 May 2012. The retreat offers an opportunity
to learn about mystics within the Christian heritage, reflect in silence, share
with others and experience contemplative prayer. Costs $340 - $440 (including
accommodation and meals). Registrations close 26 April 2012.
Contact [email protected] or telephone 8178 0048.
CUMMINS UCA CENTENARY On Sunday May 6th, Cummins Uniting Church will be
celebrating 100 years since the laying of the foundation stone in 1912. Rev Trevor
O’Brien will preach at a 10:30am service, with lunch provided and an afternoon of
story-sharing to follow. Please RSVP for catering purposes to Rev Matthew Carratt on
08 8676 2013 or [email protected].
THE EYRE PENINSULA annual ‘Celebration’ will take place at the Ceduna Uniting
Church on 10 May commencing with morning tea at 9.30 a.m. Guest Speakers
Rev Ruth-Mary Bond and Rev John Dihm. RSVP Joy Stott 86252493 or email
[email protected]
The Spirit & Place Art Exhibition is open every Saturday from March through to
Pentecost at Willunga Uniting Church, Bethany Hall. Open during Market hours: 9AM
to 12PM. Entry is free and many works are for sale. The church is an easy walk from
the Willunga Farmers’ Market.
To have your upcoming event or message published here, email diary@
sa.uca.org.au with ‘Diary’ in the subject line.
Every year the Uniting Church calendar highlights stories
of encouragement and challenge from within our mission
and ministry. We only see a short snippet of those stories
in the calendar, so New Times will be sharing a little more
with you in each month of the coming year.
Easter – the Rising Son
For many, the Easter weekend is synonymous with learning
about faith, eating meals in a communal dining hall, and
midnight conversations whispered in the dimness of
torchlight. Yes, it’s church camp time – where we are offered
the opportunity to escape the daily grind and reflect on the
cross’s true influence on our lives.
As the Easter day dawns and the first rays of sun pull back
the cloak of night, we celebrate the Son whose rising has
pulled back the banner of darkness and shone light into the
world. A new dawn, a new day, a new life.
magazine
Spencer Gulf at Sunrise on Easter morning 2005 as a Uniting
Church Easter Camp celebrates at Thuruna. Photo: Amy Maddern
Around the world on Easter, many will gather at dawn to
see the light come up on an empty cross, marking that death
has been defeated through Christ. At many of these camps,
the feeling of joy, hope and refreshing that comes with the
dawning of Easter Sunday stays years beyond those first few
moments of that day.
8261 8211
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21
Jesus and our darling Murray
Water: A Matter of Life and Death
Edited by: Norman Habel and Peter Trudinger
Recommended for: Those who hear the cry: “I thirst!”
In short: Following Jesus along the banks of the Murray...
“To live a spiritual life we must first find the courage to enter into the
desert of our loneliness and change it by gentle and persistent efforts
into a garden of solitude.” HENRY NOUWEN
reviews
In a diverse, intelligent and theological collection of nine essays, Water: A Matter of
Life and Death takes the reader to the banks of the Murray-Darling, the shores of
Oceania and Jacob’s well, and accepts Henri Nouwen’s invitation to enter into the
dust, wind and water of our existence.
David Paton (Thou Shalt not Covet the Environment’s Water p. 9-18) and Paul
Babie with Mark Brindal (Australian Water Law: Property, The Constitution and
an Anticommons Tragedy p. 19-34) ground the text from an environmental and
legal context around the Murray-Darling Crisis. From there Water meanders
into a theological pool that challenges the reader to take Jesus’ promise
of “living water” serious (Clive Ayre’s Water: More than a Symbol p. 49-62)
and to remember, retell and rethink biblical interpretations skewed by our
anthropocentric readings (with contributions by Barbara Deutschmann, Raymond
Person, Jr and Phoebe Stroede, Anne Elvey and Alan Cadwallader). Water
concludes with a biblical and historical look at the sacramental nature of water
in which Margaret Daly-Denton’s theology paints a landscape filled with practical
and liturgical possibilities for a church in a Desert Land.
Almost out of place; sadly yet beautifully so, is Jione Havea’s deeply theological
reflections on “Home” for the peoples of Oceania faced by the challenge of the
rising sea on their shores. Rising Sea, Drifting Bones, Dispersing Homes offers
a gift for pilgrim people who, like the ancestors of the islanders in Oceania, find
“their homes not in a particular location but in paths of their journeys...” (p. 3),
homes that exist “...not because of us... but because it has welcomed someone
(including us) into its shade” (p. 41).
“I thirst” is a cry we know too well. It is a cry of close to two billion people. It is a
cry from our land. It is a cry from the cross. In, what looks like, our “sixth hour”
(John 4:6; 19:28 cf p. 101) Water: A Matter of Life and Death challenges us to
“discern God’s presence in the water in a new and vibrant way” (p. 5).
- eDuard Helmbold
Devotions to devour
Revelations of Divine Love
I became a fan of Julian of Norwich on seeing the icon of her with a black cat for
company (I’m sure there was some mention of knitting too!). She is well known for her
saying “All shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.”
Julian of Norwich (1342-c.1416) was a Benedictine nun and mystic who lived a
secluded life at Norwich. Her Revelations of Divine Love is the first book written in English
by a woman and describes her sixteen visions (‘showings’) of the crucified Christ as she
suffered a serious life threatening illness. Quiet reading will yield such wonders as, “The
fullness of joy is to behold God in everything” and “The more the soul sees of God, the
more it desires him by his grace.”
Author: Fr. John-Julian, OJN
Recommended for: those
wanting to share in the
deep spirituality of Julian of
Norwich.
In short: Unabridged
contemporary English
Edition set out in a series of
Readings suitable for daily
reflection.
Available from: Uniting
Church SA office
This volume has an introduction which explains a little of the context of the time, of
Julian’s background and theology, with a final page of comment about the translation.
Readers may be surprised that Julian speaks of Christ as Mother, although she was
not the first to do so, and then goes on to use the masculine pronoun eg “our Mother,
he….”. There is so much more to ponder.
The body of the book consists of 195 readings – to be savoured and re-read and
reflected on. With awe and wonder and deep gratitude that this work is made so easily
available to modern readers.
- Glenys Badger
Two hands for beginners
Jim Elliot continues to inspire
Book: The Lion Guide to the Bible
Author: Peter Walker
Recommended for: Those new to
reading and studying the Bible.
In short: An introduction to the
Bible’s stories, themes, ideas and
background.
Available from: online bookstores
RRP: $39.99
Book: Shadow of the Almighty
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Recommended for: A biography of Jim
Elliot, whose life was tragically taken in
the 50s by an Ecuadorean tribe he was
ministering to.
In short: It is a heart-breaking but inspiring
tale that every Christian with a heart for the
lost should familiarise themselves with.
Available from: online bookstores
RRP: $16.95
Lion’s handbooks will be well
known to New Times readers
and this volume will seem
familiar even at first glance.
Its language is very easy to
read and the book is filled
with full page colour photos,
charts, maps, and discussion
boxes. Peter Walker assumes
no prior knowledge of the
Bible and intends his book to
be a complete introduction
to the Christian scriptures to
be read alongside the Bible
as a sort of coach or learned
friend. Each book of the Bible
is given separate treatment,
although in less detail than the
better known Lion Handbook to
the Bible, and there is useful
discussion of the different
genres of Biblical writing
and how they should be read
differently from each other.
The Bible presented in The
Lion Guide to the Bible is God
focussed and Christ centred.
As Walker says, “the important
debates about interpretation
can be left for later.” As a
school chaplain I value this
easy introduction to the Bible
and recommend it to new
Christians and to church
leaders and teachers of
discipleship.
- Damien Tann
Elisabeth Elliot’s precursor to
this book, Through the Gates of
Splendour, described in depth
how a passionate group of
young men left the safety of
suburban America and took
the gospel to an untouched
Amazonian tribe. In the end
through mistrust and fear all
four men were murdered.
Her second book Shadow of the
Almighty provides clarity on the
life of one of those four men,
her late husband, Jim Elliot.
Through his journals, letters
and first hand accounts from
friends a quite remarkable
picture is built of the young
man, one that continues to
inspire 60 years later.
reviews
RRP: $24.95
Jim Elliot knew God, and saw
it as nothing to give up his life
for Him. This is a challenge to
us all.
I thoroughly recommend
Through the Gates of Splendour to
be read alongside Shadow of the
Almighty. It is less of a narrative
and more an autobiographical
spiritual journey. At times it is
harder to digest, but provides
a needed depth to the tale
of sacrifice that continues to
inspire generations.
- Callum Iles
23
Seven new Ministers ordained
On Sunday 18 March at 2pm, seven new
Ministers of the Word were ordained at
Adelaide West Uniting Church, [as pictured]
Michael Dowling, Dieter Engler, Amel
Manyon, Douglas Monaghan, Julia Pitman,
Peter Riggs and Nathan Whillas.
Starting off with a song from the
Sudanese youth choir, led in rousing hymns
by Moderator Rev Rob Williams and with an
inspirational message from Rev Dr Ian Price,
this ordination service was bursting with
energy and joy from the beginning to the end.
Attended by around 600 friends, family
and church members, the service was a
wonderful celebration of the journey these
seven very different candidates had taken.
With the entire church auditorium and
foyer filled with supportive guests, sharing
in communion with the newly ordained
ministers was certainly an exercise in
community care and logistics as congregants
bustled to congratulate and receive
communion from their new ministers.
Congratulations to all seven new Reverends
– we wish you all the best with your future
placements.