UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY UPDATE
http://nat.uca.org.au
February 2004
This edition shares stories from. . .
Mission Prayer Handbook You never know where it will end up! International Mission Asia Desk UIM News Frontier Services People on the move New Ministry Position for President-Elect Smell the rose and hear the gospel
Other news from the Assembly. . .
The Presidents Table Becoming Disciples Consultation Conferences Ministry Exchange Opportunities Study Opportunities Positions Vacant Books for Unitings New dates for your diary
Just a thought
Last Sunday the worship service I attended was based on the lectionary reading from John 2 (the wedding at Cana). During the service we were invited to recall the things that have been / are the signs of the presence of God for us. Johns gospel is very big on signs.
However the point at the time of Jesus activity was that the signs would indicate the distinctive relationship that exists between Jesus and God. Those who recognised that intimate relationship would be the ones who would then believe that Jesus should be obeyed.
I rather suspect that turning water into wine is usually well regarded hard to make an enemy being so generous! At verse 11 the gospel notes that this very friendly act revealed the glory of Jesus and that his disciples believed. I guess when God is being nice to us and solving our problems or bailing us out of our poor planning then God is a good guy. God the rescuer is easy to believe in and easy to follow.
The next story indicates a less friendly God one who is angry (turning over the money changers tables), and who offers signs that are about destroying what the people of God were sure was Gods gift and intention (destroying the Temple).
The theme for the Tenth Assembly was, and for this triennium is, Witness the Glory of God. Sometimes the signs of Gods presence bring joy and sometimes anxiety. Sometimes the signs of Gods presence affirm what we are doing and other times condemn. Sometimes the signs are immediately self evident (as at Cana) and sometimes not (as when Jesus spoke of destroying the Temple and rebuilding it). What is clear is that there is no hard and fast indication in our daily life of what is a sign. To see something as a sign is an act of discernment, which ultimately is a gift of the Spirit, born of humility and openness to Gods leading and timing.
Terence Corkin, Assembly General Secretary
Whats going on. . .
The Presidents Table From: Assembly Secretariat
I want to see the church grow in the mission of God
The Presidents Table is a great opportunity to enjoy a meal with you in each region of Australia. It is a unique way to share in the mission God has given to the national Uniting Church.
I look forward to sharing with you what is happening in Australia and beyond, as well as in the Uniting Church. The President is given an amazing perspective but it is vital for me that we have the time and the occasion to hear from each other as well. Together around The Presidents Table we can share in the mission God has given this Uniting Church Dean Drayton, President
How you can become involved:
The Presidents Table is open to every member of the Uniting Church. Members are asked to make an annual contribution of $100 (although you can make a larger or smaller donation). Groups within the church are also encouraged to join.
Your donation is used for special mission projects and the money is distributed on the advice of the President.
The Presidents Table creates a platform for Dean Drayton to tell people what is happening on a national level, particularly in the area of mission. Meetings will be arranged whenever possible when Dean travels across Australia so that you are able to have an opportunity to meet with him and hear first hand about Church action, needs, issues and plans.
For further inquiries or to join The Presidents Table, telephone Jenny at the National Assembly Office ph (02) 8267 4202 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] or write to The Presidents Table, National Assembly, PO Box A2266, Sydney South NSW 1235.
New Ministry Position For President-Elect From: Rev Gregor Henderson, President-elect, National Assembly
Rev Gregor Henderson, Assembly President-elect, commences a new fulltime ministry placement this month. He will be inducted on 30 January as one of the two ministers in placement in the Canberra Central Parish, which consists of the large and thriving central Wesley Church in Forrest and the smaller suburban St Aidans Church in Narrabundah. The other minister is Rev Peter Walker, who also holds the position of chairperson of the Canberra Region Presbytery at present. The Canberra Central Parish says it is very happy to support the wider ministry roles of its ministers, including Gregors role as Assembly President during his three year term from mid 2006.
Only one other Assembly President has served in parish placement during a Presidential term Rev Dr DArcy Wood, sixth President 1991-1994, was minister of the Canberra City Parish, a neighbouring parish to Canberra Central.
Frontier Services Patrol Ministry From: Rev David Thiem, Associate National Director, Frontier Services
There have been, and are going to be, quite a few changes in Patrol Ministry.
Rev Bruce Lauder has begun in the West Coast Patrol based out of Queenstown, Tasmania.
Rev Bill Pickering has just arrived in Kununurra to begin in the East Kimberley Patrol.
Rev Gary Hardingham has moved from Mt Isa to Cloncurry to take up the flying McKay Patrol. His induction will be on Friday 30 January 2004 in Cloncurry at 7.30pm.
In May, the Rev Rob Dummermuth will move to Esperance and begin in the brand new West Nullabor Patrol.
David Wright, an ex-Salvation Army Officer, has begun as the lay Mobile Aboriginal Patrol person based out of Port Augusta.
Dean Whittaker (SA Congress), Darren Lovell (Alberton, SA) and Grahame Pogue (Geelong, VIC) are all shortly moving. This will leave the Jabiru, Sturt and Parkin Patrols vacant.
Smell the rose and hear the gospel From: Wendie Wilkie, Associate General Secretary, National Assembly
Rev Bruce Noble, retired but working with West Epping Church in Sydney as an associate minister, has been using the Gift of Grace rose and its name to preach on grace in churches recently. In his sermon he explored the many aspect of Gods grace, especially Gods gift of his son Jesus Christ. God creates in grace, God redeems in grace, it is most often the greeting used in the letters of the New Testament, relationships are based in grace. He ended his sermon with Smell the rose and hear the gospel ! Many people who have had a rose delivered in 2003 are now sharing their delight in the beautiful blooms. Those lucky few who got roses in 2002 are now enjoying strong and vigorous growth with roses on long strong stems, lasting a week or more with a fabulous perfume!!
If you would like one of these fabulous roses for yourself or for someone else, then we are still taking orders for delivering in 2004. In 2003 Corporate Roses experimented with sending roses later in the year to NSW, VIC and SA, as a way of spreading the load of delivering 8,000 roses across Australia! However this year they will revert to sending all roses as bagged roses in July.
Corporate Roses is happy to replace roses that do not survive the delivery well or fail to thrive in the first month or so.
Prices remain as advertised in the latest brochure which can be downloaded from the Assembly website <http://nat.uca.org.au>
For any enquiries please contact Sue Neilson in the Assembly Office on (02) 8267 4238 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
I have been collecting stories of how the rose has been used in the past two years with the idea of writing a small book about the project. I would be delighted if anyone has a story about the rose (with picture even better) that you send it to me for possible inclusion. Roses have been used to bring joy to others, to beautify, given as signs of friendship and commitment, as gifts to the broader community in rose gardens, in memorial gardens, etc. The picture has appeared on financial reports and on fridge magnets!! It has been a great community building project. Please send your story to me at the office [EMAIL PROTECTED] or PO Box A2266 SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1235.
International Mission Asia Desk From: Rev John Barr, Executive Secretary (Asia)
The President to visit Ambon
Rev Dr Dean Drayton will accompany the Asia Secretary, Rev John Barr, on a visit to Ambon in Indonesia during February to meet with leaders of the Protestant Church in Maluku (GPM). The Maluku Islands have suffered terribly in recent years from sectarian conflict that has killed thousands of people and left half a million people homeless. Discussions will take place concerning ongoing support from the Uniting Church in Australia as the region rebuilds and recovers from the extensive destruction.
People in Mission Movements
Phil Chapple from West Epping UC in Sydney together with Sally and Paul Graham from Kincumber UC on the NSW Central Coast will be taking up short term placements with the Church of South India, Diocese of Madras, on 25 February. Phil will tutor in Madras Christian College while Sally and Paul will serve in a CSI High School in Sholinghur. Helen Giles from Willunga UC in Adelaide and Phyllis Jones from St Stephens UC in Applecross, Perth, will be completing their placements with the Diocese of Madras in the next few weeks.
Jan and Jeff Hudson from Tusmore Memorial UC in Adelaide will be taking up a placement with the Church of Christ in Thailand as English language teachers. Meanwhile, Hye Shik Lee from the Galilee UC in Sydney has been accepted as an Associate in Mission and will serve in the Green Agro-Technology Centre in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Brian Neale from Newtown UC in Sydney has also been accepted as an Associate in Mission and is serving in with "Windows of Hope" in North India.
John, Katherine and Jessica Ruhle from Trinity College in Brisbane have just completed a short term placement with the Protestant Christian Church in Bali. Rohan England from West Epping UC has just returned to Korea to serve another year with the Urban Industrial Mission while Rebecca Bonello-Bryce from Cormandel Valley UC in Adelaide will be completing her placement with Bethany Home in Malaysia in mid-February. Jillian Cooper, a former Intern in Mission who now lives in Victoria, led an exposure group to visit the United Church of Christ in the Philippines during January.
Various opportunities for voluntary service in Asia are available, especially in the area of English language teaching. Applicants who have formal qualifications in teaching English as a foreign language are preferred. However enquiries from people who have experience in any area of teaching or have experience serving in cross-cultural contexts are welcome.
Contact Sandy Boyce (08) 8227 4240 or visit our web page www.uim.uca.org.au/peopleinmisison/
Uniting International Mission News From: Lucy Earl, Communications Officer UIM
Mission Partners has a new look!
The magazine is now in a new A5 colour format and each edition includes great stories and reflections from different projects and areas of work with our partner churches overseas. The February edition is now available. If you dont already receive a copy and would like to, please contact us on (02) 8267 4266 or email us at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Solomon Islands Appeal update
In 2003 Uniting Church Overseas Aid ran an appeal for Helena Goldie Hospital in the Solomon Islands. Thank you to all those people who so generously supported the appeal so far $130,000 has been raised to support the vital work of the hospital.
UCOA helps provide free medical help
Through the support of Uniting Church Overseas Aid, the Outpatients Clinic at Green Memorial Hospital in Sri Lanka is providing free medical treatment to people in need. As the sole source of medical care for many people living on the Jaffna Peninsula, the continuation of the Outpatient's clinic is vital. This project is an activity of the Jaffna Diocese, a diocese of the UCAs partner church, the Church of South India. One of the priorities of the clinic is to provide treatment for mothers and young children.
In the past two years the amount of patients the clinic has been treating has increased dramatically.
In 2002, a total of 14,339 patients were seen, which was a 10,000 patient increase on the previous two years. Some of the general costs that UCOA is helping provide for include staff costs, medical equipment and medication.
For more information contact us on (02) 8267 4265 or go to www.overseasaid.org
You never know where it will end up! From: Wendie Wilkie, Associate General Secretary, National Assembly
Twelve members of the congregation in the Port Hedland Detention Centre recently received a copy of the Mission Prayer Handbook for 2003. Rev Jenny Swanbury asked for them, as one of the members had borrowed hers and had greatly appreciated it.
At the end of 2003 all Uniting Church chaplains in schools, defence forces, hospitals, aged care, etc received a copy of the Mission Prayer handbook for 2004. The assembly often sends a free copy to congregations but it was the first time that chaplains had received it. I received many emails from chaplains, thanking us for the gift but also telling me how it will be used. A school chaplain gave it to some of his students to use as resource for prayer in services in December and will continue to do so in 2004. A hospital chaplain read the story about students in the group home at Charleville to an elderly patient who used to live there.
This years Mission Prayer Handbook, with the theme Space for Gods Glory continues to be used by many people throughout the church in a wide variety of ways for personal devotions, in meetings and in small groups, in pastoral care and ministry. It is filled with wonderful photos, many sent in by congregations for the 2003 Assembly in Melbourne. Order your copy from the Assembly phone Lineta (02) 8267 4238 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] The price is $8 for single copy (includes postage and GST) or $7 each for 10 or more.
"Becoming Disciples Consultation From: Rob Bos, National Director, Theology & Discipleship
We are delighted to have confirmation that Daniel Benedict, author of "Come to the Waters", and a consultant in the Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church, USA, is able to be the keynote speaker at the consultation. We are also negotiating with an Australian woman who has offered skilled leadership and training in this area for a number of years. The consultation will be held in Adelaide 17 to 19 August. The first offers of places will go out to Presbyteries and Synods very soon, with a sunset date. The remaining places will then be offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Let's make disciple formation top of the Uniting Church's agenda!
MINISTRY EXCHANGE OPPORTUNITIES IN 2004 AND 2005
From Rev Gregor Henderson, President-elect, National Assembly
International Ministry Exchanges, staffed until recently by Gregor Henderson, is making new staffing arrangements from May 2004. Until then an American couple are handling most exchange arrangements. Australian ministers seeking a short-term ministry exchange can contact Ann and Barrie Gray at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or can continue to contact Gregor Henderson at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Currently, there are opportunities for Uniting Church ministers in 2004 to exchange into Canada (Nova Scotia or Ontario), England (Colchester), Scotland (Aberdeen) or the USA (Columbus Ohio). For 2005 there are already ministers seeking exchanges into Australia from England (central London, interested in Sydney only) and the USA (Florida, Missouri, Texas and West Virginia).
Conferences:
The Future Is Conference 23-25 April 2004 From: John Emmett, National Director, Uniting Education
The Future Is. . . .
What's it about?
An Australia wide gathering in Canberra for Christians interested in ways in which the Internet, Multimedia, and Information Technology can contribute to the church's mission, worship, education and witness.
- Storytelling time for those with goodies to share
- Playtime for those who see possibilities
- Planning time for those launching the changes
- Up-skilling time for those who want to fly higher
- Strategy time for those helping the church make policy and shape ethics around the Internet and Multimedia
- Piecing together time for those who make connections
What are we on about?
1 A fair exchange of ideas
2 Exploring practical theology associated with the use and application of the Internet and Multimedia
3 Identifying significant insights into the connections between Christian spirituality and the Internet and Multimedia
4 Workshops that produce products that can be linked to the Preaching and Teaching conference in late 2004
5 A 'gadgets and gismos' forum
6 Conversations about strategy, ideas, technology, theology and ethics etc
7 Demonstrating excellence in some applications of software/hardware
For more information and a registration brochure and for E Registration visit www.unitinged.org.au
Study Opportunities
The Ecumenical Institute at Bossey (Geneva) conducts programs of study in areas relevant to ecumenism. The academic program for 2004 / 2005 has been sent to the Assembly office. If you are interested you may care to visit their web site at www.wcc-coe.org/bossey or email the administrative co-ordinator for academic matters Anu Talvivaara at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Trinity Theological Seminary in Ghana is holding a Global Institute of Theology from July 22 to August 15 to coincide with the meeting of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches General Council in Accra. This experience is especially recommended for people in the early years of their ministry who are interested in missiology from a variety of cultures. More information is available from the WARC web site at http://www.warc.ch/24gc/index.html
Positions Vacant
Assembly Appointments Frontier Services Patrols
Tennant/Barkley Patrol (NT)
The congregation have requested an interim ministry to consolidate town ministry in Tenant Creek.
Contact: Rev John Rowland (08) 8982 3400
Jabiru Patrol (NT)
This will become vacant at the end of January 2004. This is a position with a great deal of interaction with the local Binninj people. A love of and for indigenous people, a sense of adventure and a strong faith are all necessary.
Contact: Rev David Thiem (02) 8267 4226
Sturt Patrol (SA)
This is a joint venture between Frontier Services and the people of Peterborough congregation and this shared position will be available from March 2004.
Contact: Rev Ted White (08) 8664 1053
Parkin Patrol (SA)
In May this patrol will become vacant. Based out of Hawker it serves much of the upper north of South Australia.
Contact: Rev David Thiem (02) 8267 4226
Other Positions
General Secretary, Queensland Churches Together
The General Secretary is the Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Churches Together. The General Secretary (QCT) is thus directly accountable to General Meetings of QCT and to the Executive Committee and functions under the Constitution of Queensland Churches Together.
Application details, position description and Constitution of the QCT are available from the Administration Officer
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or telephone (07) 3369 6792 or fax (07) 3369 8573
Closing Date: 5.00pm, Friday 19 March 2004.
The Uniting Church in Australia Synod of Western Australia
Mission Planner (Full Time) (Re-advertised)
Engaging in Gods mission in the world, together with renewing congregations are priorities of the Western Australian Synod.
The Synod is seeking a Mission Planner to be a member of its Resourcing Local Mission Team and work with the Congregational Life & Mission Commission in fulfilling these goals
Suitably qualified and experienced ordained or lay people are invited to express interest in this challenging and vital position.
Closing date: 1 March 2004
Enquiries and applications to the General Secretary, Uniting Church Synod Office, GPO Box M952, Perth 6843 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Books for Unitings Books are selected by Hugh McGinlay e: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> (These new books are available from UCA bookshops and resource centres)
THE INNER VOICE OF LOVE
A journey through anguish to freedom
Henri Nouwen
(DLT)
ISBN 023252219 $22.95
Reprint of Nouwen's 'secret journal', written during the most difficult period of his life and offered to those who have to live through the pain of a broken relationship or who suffer from the loss of a loved one. Utterly honest and offering new hope, new courage, new life.
INFORMING THE FUTURE
Social justice in the New Testament
Joseph A. Grassi
(Paulist Press)
ISBN 0809140926 $42.95
Scripture scholar, writer and teacher Joseph Grassi describes the place of social justice - the just distribution of economic, social and cultural resources to all people - as envisioned and practised in the New Testament.
A HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND 1691-1996
Alan Acheson
(Columba)
ISBN 185607210X $68.95
Fascinating and engaging, this comprehensive history of the Church of Ireland describes the Church's experience as the Established Church until 1870 and through the following 125 years as an Irish institution; personalities, places, events, relations with other churches, engagement with the forces of independence, nationalism and political violence.
ROOTED IN FAITH
Meditations from the Reformers
Bernard Bangley (ed.)
(Paraclete Press)
ISBN 1557253455 $31.95
365 daily devotional readings taken from the writings of early Protestant authors, carefully selected and modernised; includes prayer, faith, contentment, family, inner life, Christian community, difficult times, and awareness of God.
SERVANT LEADERSHIP
A journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness
Robert K. Greenleaf
(Paulist)
ISBN 0809105543 $48.95
25th anniversary edition of Robert Greenleaf's prophetic essays on what he coined as servant leadership, a practical philosophy that replaces traditional autocratic leadership with a holistic, ethical approach. More important then ever in the wake of Enron, Parmalat and what some call our 'era of massive institutional failure'.
THE STRANGEST WAY
Walking the Christian path
Robert Barron
(Orbis)
ISBN 157075408X $29.95
Is Christianity bland, domesticated, unthreatening and easy to grasp? Or is it the most exotic, unexpected, and uncanny of religious paths? For Barron - who discovered Christianity through the mystics and saints - it is certainly the strangest way. 'At its very centre', writes Barron, 'is a God who comes after us with a reckless abandon, breaking open his own heart in love in order to include us in the rhythm of his own life'.
EASTER FAITH
Believing in the risen Jesus
Gerald OCollins
(DLT)
ISBN 0232525099 $31.95
Lucid and elegant work that brings together biblical scholarship, theology, and lived experience in a unique and compelling portrait of the Easter faith of the Christian community; presenting an accessible and convincing case for the reality of the empty tomb and the resurrection appearances.
Dates for your diary
2004
Feb 3 Relations with Other Faiths Reference Committee meeting Sydney
Feb 15-18 Multicultural Ministry Reference Group meeting
Feb 18 Coolamon College, Adelaide induction of new Dean of Students
Feb 19-21 National Working Group on Worship
Feb 21-22 Ministry with Children, Youth and their Families Assembly working group
meeting Sydney
March 12-14 Assembly Standing Committee meets in Sydney
March 15-16 National Working Group on Doctrine
March 22-25 Chinese National Conference Sydney. Contact Multicultural Ministry
March 31-1 April National Working Group on Missiology
April 21-25 The National UCAF Celebration 2004. Venue: Lincoln College, North Adelaide
April 23-25 The future is conference contact Uniting Education (03) 9416 4262
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 13-15 National Working Group on Worship May 21-25 Queensland Synod meeting
June Tongan National Conference contact Multicultural Ministry
June 7-8 UnitingCare Reference Committee meeting Canberra
June 9 Uniting Missions Network Meeting in Canberra
July Ministerial Education Commission meeting in Adelaide
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 16-18 Assembly Standing Committee meets in Sydney
July 18 One Great Sunday of Sharing Multicultural Ministry focus
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 6762
August 12-14 National Working Group on Worship
August 17-19 Becoming Disciples consultation in Adelaide contact Rob Bos at T&D
August 26-28 Faith on the Edge Interfaith Conference, Adelaide. Contact Wendie Wilkie,
Assembly Office (02) 8267 4203
September 26 Social Justice Sunday September 27-29 National Meeting of Indonesian UCA Ministers September 29-October 2 Indonesia National Conference Sydney
October 11-12 National Working Group on Doctrine October 31-1 November Uniting Missions National Conference
November 15-16 UnitingCare Reference Committee meeting November 15-17 Preaching and Teaching in the year of& in Melbourne
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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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