November 2003 part 2
http://nat.uca.org.au
Assemblys new deal with Mediacom
In 2001 the Assembly ceased to have a dedicated publishing organization following the discontinuation of the Joint Board of Christian Education. Uniting Education retained staff within their Agency who had the skills necessary to handle the general publication responsibilities of the Assembly. At the end of 2001 the Secretariat took over the responsibility to manage the essential publication functions of the Assembly.
At the end of 2002 the staff person from Uniting Education left the Agency and the Secretariat undertook full responsibility for the publication functions. The result of these developments is that there have been a number of arrangements put in place to deal with each change in circumstances.
Following an internal review the Assemblys arrangement with Rainbow Books to distribute materials came to an end on September 30 2003. MediaCom, which is well known within the Uniting Church, will take over the distribution of Assembly publications from October 1 2003. Mediacom already sends out marketing material about their other publications and from the October 1 this will also include the Assemblys publications. MediaCom can be contacted Tollfree on 1800 811 311 or online at <www.mediacomonline.org.au/ucaoct>
National Working Group on Doctrine under way
The Doctrine Working Group has been reconstituted for the next triennium. It met in Sydney recently. Issues already on the table include: Membership in the UCA, "Becoming Disciples", review of Specified Ministries, apologetics (proclaiming and defending the faith in the twenty-first century), the ongoing discussion about sexuality and the relationship of doctrine to theology and ethics.
We are anxious to identify people who may be able to help us in our task. We would like to establish a data base of people who have special interest or expertise and/or who have done post-graduate studies in particular areas (e.g. the Pauline writings, the sacraments etc). This will help us to call on people as we need them. If you may be willing to be called on from time to time, please contact Rob Bos <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> indicating your contact details and area of expertise.
The Working Group will indicate to Assembly Standing Committee its readiness to offer comments on how papers and proposed policies fit into our Catholic, Reformed and Evangelical tradition, the Basis of Union and previous decisions of the Assembly.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Rev Sealin Garlett on his appointment to the WCC advisory group to the new Commission on Justice, Peace and Creation. This group will function until the 9th WCC Assembly in 2006, where decisions about the future will be made.
Audio Visuals available of the 10th Assembly!
Want to see and know more about what else happened at the 10th Assembly? There is a VHS /DVDs available of highlighst of the 10th Assembly.
Highlights of the 10th Assembly is a10 minute video/DVD that has been produced by Greg Fry and John Emmett. It has been shown as part of the Assembly report to Synods during September and October. Copies will be available in a few weeks. This audio visual includes scenes of the opening service, parts of Bible studies, excerpts of Professor James Haires expresidents report, some parts of the assembly agencies reports, children in KUCA-A, Overseas guests, UAICC report, etc.
Cost: $11 each for video or DVD, includes postage and GST. To order contact <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> and mark clearly audio visuals of 10th assembly
Conference:
UCA National Conference on Multimedia/the Internet
UCA National Conference on Multimedia/the Internet (exploring their potential for ministry and mission)
Dates: April 23-25, 2004
Location: Kippax Uniting Community Centre, Holt, Canberra, ACT
Theme: Explore openings for ministry and mission through the use of multimedia and Internet technology.
Suited to everyone from novices to experts.
BOOK IT IN YOUR DIARIES! MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!
Call for Expressions of Interest
UnitingJustice Australia is an Assembly agency of the Uniting Church.
Our mission is: to be faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ by pursuing social and ecological justice and peace in Australia and the world.
We are seeking expressions of interest for membership of the UnitingJustice Reference Committee, April 2004 to August 2006.
Duties of Reference Committee members include:
providing support and advice on such matters as strategic planning, priority setting, and the development of policy positions
receiving and considering matters referred by the National Director and advising the National Director and staff
together with the National Director, assisting and advising the President and General Secretary on urgent political and social issues
assisting in the oversight of task groups, research projects, and working groups
assisting in building the UnitingJustice Network
The Reference Committee consists of a Chairperson (elected by the National Assembly), the National Director, a representative of the Synod justice staff, and three members.
If you are passionately committed to the gospel of justice and peace, keen to contribute your gifts and experiences as part of a small, hardworking, voluntary team, and believe in the national life of the Church, contact UnitingJustice for an information package and selection criteria.
UnitingJustice Australia t: 02 82674236 , e: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> w: <http://nat.uca.org.au/unitingjustice/>
Enquiries to Rev Elenie Poulos t: (02) 82674239
Expressions of interest close 5 December 2003
Books for Unitings
Books are selected by Hugh McGinlay e: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> (These new books are available from UCA bookshops and resource centres)
THEIR RIGHTFUL HERITAGE
The story of early childhood services in the Uniting Church Victoria
Joan Waters
(Desbooks)
ISBN 0949824372 $24.95
Traces the history of the involvement of Congregational, Presbyterian, Methodist Churches and (later) the Uniting Church in early childhood services in Victoria from the earliest days in the colony until the early 1990s. Argues for the churchs on going involvement in the provision of these service. Illustrated.
BEING HUMAN
Fulfilling genetic and spiritual potential
Peter Vardy
(DLT)
ISBN 0232524556 $26.95
Celebrated Christian educator and philosopher argues that we must return to the idea that the task of ethics, and indeed, human life, should be to help people become fully human and suggests how this can be achieved in an age of uncertainty, doubt and change.
GOD IN ALL THINGS
Gerard W. Hughes
(Hodder)
ISBN 0340861355 $32.95
The sequel to the best selling 'God of Surprises' is about recognising God in the ordinary, in the joy and sadness of things, about knowing that God cannot be separated from whatever we experience, as if religion were something apart and detached from the rest of God's creation.
CAN WE EVER KILL?
An ethical enquiry
Robert Crawford
(DLT)
ISBN 0232523584 $34.95
Considers euthanasia, abortion, suicide, capital punishment, and war in the light of what philosophers and the world's religions have taught, seeking to answer the ultimate question: is it wrong to terminate or prevent life?
COMPOSING MUSIC FOR WORSHIP
Stephen Darlington and Alan Kreider (eds)
(Canterbury)
ISBN 085311524X $48.95
Top church musicians (including John Bell, Howard Goodall, John Harper and others) explore what kind of music for worship will speak in todays consumerist, multi-cultural, post-modern society; assessing the great variety of music on offer in different churches and searching for a way forward for music in worship.
WOMEN AND CHRISTIANITY
Mary T. Malone
(Columba)
ISBN 1856072851 Vol 1 The first thousand years
ISBN 1856073394 Vol 2 The medieval period (1000-1500)
ISBN 1856073653 Vol 3 From the Reformation to the 21st century
$35.95 each
A comprehensive history of women in the church from the earliest days, raising awareness of the persistent courage and innovative quality of womens lives in the church.
AUSTRALIAN RELIGIOUS DIARY 2004
(David Lovell)
ISBN 1863550984 $29.95
Beautiful and practical religious diary for 2004, with double spread page for each week; features UCA lectionary references, public and school holidays; hardbound for durability and protection.
Positions Vacant
Penrhos College Western Australia
Chaplain to commence in January 2004
A K - 12 girls day and boarding school of the Uniting Church in Australia located in Como, Perth, Western Australia
The College is seeking an outstanding person for this pivotal role in the ongoing development of meaningful and relevant worship, ministry and pastoral care for all students, staff and parents.
The Chaplains role is to represent the life of faith, particularly as it is lived in the Uniting Church in Australia and to assist with the implementation of a contemporary model of Christian Life and Witness through a progressive Values Education Program.
The College is seeking an Ordained Minister of the Word/Deacon/Specified Ministry of Youth Worker with:
The ability to conduct contemporary Christian Worship; Experience in providing Ministry to young people; A strong commitment to Pastoral care.
Please refer to the College web site for more details, including position statement and selection criteria: <www.penrhos.wa.edu.au> or contact the Human Resources Officer on t: (08) 9368 9529.
Applications close on: Friday 21 November 2003
Penrhos College is an equal opportunity employer and provides a smoke free campus
FIM
Position of Coordinator Frontier Internship in Mission
The FIM International Coordinatiing Committee is seeking applications for the position of FIM Programme Coordinator to be appointed towards the end of 2004. FIM is a programme involving young people from all over the world. The Coordinator's Responsibilities include recruitment, administration, program planning, pastoral support, fundraising, communication etc. This is an ecumenical, international, cross-cultural position and skills in the area of socio-political analysis, theological reflection, administration and management are required.
More information about the FIM programme is available on <http://tfim.org> while job descriptions are available from Uniting International Mission, PO Box A2266 Sydney South 1235.
Applications must be sent by mail before 1st February 2004 to:
Frontier Internship in Mission Ecumenical Centre PO Box 2100 150, route de Ferney 1211 Geneva 2 Switzerland
Christian Unity Vic Part time position vacant National Secretary for Christian Unity
A person is being sought to work two days per week as Secretary to the Christian Unity Working Group, a Melbourne based arm of the Uniting Church National Assembly.
The successful applicant will need to:
have a wide knowledge of the ecumenical movement and different Christian traditions
be an efficient secretary/manager with basic computer skills.
understand the Uniting Church and be aware of doctrinal issues
be a member of the Uniting Church in Australia.
Remuneration is based on .4 of a ministerial stipend.
A detailed job description is available from: Christian Unity Office, Level 4, 11 Bank Place, Melbourne 3000. T: 03 9606 0034 E: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
APPLICATIONS are to be sent to: Rev. Prof. Robert Gribben, 22 Illawarra Rd., North Balwyn 3104
E: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Application close: 1 December 2003.
Work to commence 1 February 2004
St Stephens Uniting Church NSW Minister of the Word St Stephens Uniting Church 197 Macquarie Street, Sydney
St Stephens, an historic civic church with a rich heritage of fine preaching and worship, seeks a Minister of the Word who is
led by the Holy Spirit
possessed of significant strengths, and
capable and equipped to accept a God given challenge.
The successful applicant will lead
Two Sunday Congregations which draw people from across the metropolitan area and visitors from country regions, interstate and overseas, and
A weekday ministry to people who work in the major offices of the Central Business District and people who visit medical practitioners, legal counsel, and State Parliament.
Applications close on Monday 8 December 2003
For initial expression of interest please contact Dr George Stewart t: (02) 9810 3352.
Under the Commission for Children and Young People ACT 1998 it is illegal for prohibited persons to apply and a Working with Children Check will be required.
Subiaco Uniting Church WA Ministers of the Word or Deacon
Subiaco Uniting Church incorporating The Warehouse Café
Expressions of interest are invited from ministers of the Word and deacons to provide leadership of this innovative Christian ministry.
The congregation expresses its ministry through the Warehouse Café, which opened in 2001. It aims to be a unique outgoing church where people want to be. The café is open 7 days a week, contacting individuals and groups who use its facilities and reaching out to those on the edge of the church through a variety of sponsored group activities. Every Sunday evening creative worship is offered.
The minister is the key contact person, providing oversight of the café ministry (not the business management), pastoral care of the congregation, leadership of worship and exploring opportunities for spiritualty in the café setting.
Closing date: 7 November 2003
Further details and expressions of interest to: General Secretary Uniting Church Synod of Western Australia GPO Box M952 Perth WA 6843 T: (08) 9486 1577
Dates for your diary
2003
November 1-2 E-merging Church II: Sketching tomorrow conference, Sydney.
November 2-7 Pray for the Patrol Ministers Conference at Nunyara in SA
November 6-7 UnitingCare Australia Children, Youth & Family face-to-face meeting, Canberra.
November 14-16 Assembly Standing Committee, Sydney
November 15 Conference on Cross-cultural Congregations, Centre for Ministry. Cost $15.00. Registrations: Board of Mission MM Unit, PO Box A2178, Sydney South 1235
November 17 18 UnitingCare Australia National Reference Committee meeting Canberra
November 17 18 Preaching and Teaching in the year of Luke conference. Melbourne. For further details see the Uniting Education Website <www.unitinged.org.au>
November 17-18 Australian National Alpha Conference, Hillsong Conference Centre, Baulkham Hills, Sydney. Guest speakers include Nicky Gumbel. For registration, contact local Alpha centre or <http://www.alphaaustralia.org.au/confer/index.htm> or toll free 1800 688 381 f: (02) 9816 5795 e:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
November 21 23 Christian Unity Working Group Annual Conference, Melbourne at Otira College
December 4-5 UnitingCare Australia Disability Advisory Committee face-to-face meeting, Canberra.
December 11 Defence force Chaplaincy Committee
2004
Congregational Union of Australia and New Zealand centenary will be celebrated this year. The Congregational Union of Australasia was effectively established in 1904, however it was preceded by several Inter-colonial conferences in the 1880's.
January 3-23 About Face Program. Young people placed in indigenous communities.
January 8 11 Fijian National Conference - Melbourne
March 22 25 Chinese National Conference - Sydney
April 21-25 The national U.C.A.F. celebration 2004. Venue: Lincoln College, North Adelaide
April 23 25 UCA National Conference on Multimedia/the Internet (exploring their potential for ministry and mission), Kippax Uniting Community Centre, Holt, Canberra, ACT
May 21-25 QLD Synod meeting
July 2-5 Queensland: Thomas Bandy speaks on the topic Why Churches Thrive, Sustaining Thriving Churches and Sustaining Leadership
July 9-10 South Australia: Thomas Bandy speaks in on the topic Why Churches Thrive, Sustaining Thriving Churches and Sustaining Leadership
July 9 - 13 NCCA National Forum, Adelaide
July 16-17 Victoria: Thomas Bandy speaks on the topic Why Churches Thrive, Sustaining Thriving Churches and Sustaining Leadership
July 30 - August 12 World Alliance of Reformed Churches 24th General Council
Accra, Ghana. The theme is: That all may have life in fullness
August 8 13 National Presbytery Ministers Conference. For further details contact Graham Whybird t: (02) 9980 67 62
August 17 19 National Consultation on Evangelism, Adelaide. See this issue of Assembly Update for details
September 27 29 National Meeting of Indonesian UCA Ministers September 29 October 2 Indonesia National Conference - Sydney
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Stephen Webb Media Officer Communications Unit NSW Synod, Uniting Church in Australia Box A2178, Sydney South, NSW 1235, Australia email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone: +61 2 8267 4308; Mobile: 0423 259 945; Fax: 9267 4716; Web: nsw.uca.org.au/cu/ & insights.uca.org.au/ ------------------ The Communications Unit publishes the monthly magazine Insights, conducts public relations for the NSW Synod of the Uniting Church, and provides a variety of communications services. These include writing, editing, web consultation and development, desktop publishing and graphic design, public relations and advertising. For a consultation or free estimate on your project call the Communications Unit at (02) 8267 4307.
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