The Newsletter February 2004
New South Wales Synod General Secretary, The Rev. Dr Chris Budden
Dear friends and colleagues
It is very easy when our ministry is within the life of the church, supporting its organisational life, to lose touch with the ordinary moments of life and community. We ask church questions, trust church traditions, keep the rules in place even when we dont mean to when we are supposed to ask about gospel, wholeness of life, the surprising power of the Holy Spirit, new and unexpected options. In times of change the traditional church answers often block the new things that need to be done.
On the other hand, I have been reminded over the last six months or so about how lightly, in an age of individualism, some people sit with the church. There is a tendency to think we can determine life on our own, or be the ones who alone can read scriptures or know what God is about. We ignore Jesus prayer for the unity of the Church or do not see how crucial the Christian community is to discipleship and life.
As we start a new year, I want to make a couple of claims about God and church. I want to suggest that the purpose of God has to do with the nurturing of a community of life: with peace, wholeness, justice, and LIFE that reflects the life of the Trinitarian God. In the biblical world this is called the Kingdom of God. It is about wholeness for the world, and for communities, and for individuals.
God is present in the whole world, but this divine shape is only identifiable as it is mediated by a specific religious community. This is the task of the church.
The Christian community is a covenantal community committed to the wholeness of life within ordinary social and historical moments, and yet sustains its identity as a particular people.
The church is a sign of the reign of God, a foretaste of what God desires, a community that reminds the world of what it means to be world and part of the household of life. It is an alternative community of discipleship, that shapes its life around the story of Jesus and explores what this means for the practice of being followers of Jesus.
The church is a sign and instrument of Gods purpose for the world; it points beyond itself to remind the world of the purpose of all creation, it offers praise and thanksgiving for its own life and on behalf of all creation, it shares with God in Gods saving and renewing purpose, it embodies the mercifulness of God in the world.
In summary we can say the church exists:
to hold the story of God before the world as a claim about what is ultimately real
to call people to become disciples of Jesus and to live a life in conformity to the kingdom of God
to enable people to be formed as Christian people, and to learn the practice of discipleship
to be a sign to the world of the shape of the community or life or wholeness that is Gods purpose for the world, and thus to live with justice, peace, forgiveness, wholeness and inclusion
to offer praise and thanksgiving to God on behalf of the whole creation.
to remind the world of what it means to be world
to be a sacrament or icon of the Trinity, a community that is bound by the importance of relationships in which unity and diversity are nurtured, alongside love, compassion and a movement outward into the world.
There is always a tension in the church between spirit and structure. We seek to be open to the Holy Spirit, to accept as leaders and people in ministry those who show us signs of the Spirit by the way they live and teach. On the other hand, as an institution (and we need to be an institution or there can be no continuity in the church), we tend to want to accept only those who have been chosen, trained and recognized by the church. It is the same tension as that experienced in the early church as people went around under the power of the Spirit sharing their faith, yet always the apostles checked that people upheld the gospel as they experienced it with Jesus.
Continuity and change. Personal experience and the voice of the church. Spirit and word. Personal integrity and the necessary unity of the church (John 17).
These are deep tensions for those of us committed to faith in Jesus Christ as the giver of life, open to the Holy Spirit as the one who renews and challenges all things, and seeking to be loyal to the people who are the Body of Christ.
I pray that in 2004 we will be able to renew our faith in Christ, allow the unexpected winds of the Spirit to blow over us, and treat with gentleness the life of the church that Christ has entrusted to us.
Chris Budden
PARTICULARLY WORTH LOOKING FOR -
White PagesSydney metropolitan Positions vacant Courses for 2004
Service for the Recognition of an Intern
The National Working Group on Worship commends to Presbyteries the new order for the Recognition of an Intern. It is available for downloading from the Assembly website, http:/assembly.uca.org.au/TD, click on "Worship", click on "Orders of Service" and scroll down to the section "Ordering of the Church".
For further information contact Paul Walton, Convenor, National Working Group on Worship (email - [EMAIL PROTECTED]) and Rob Bos, National Consultant, Theology and Discipleship (email [EMAIL PROTECTED])
Anniversary of Ordination
The Rev. Dr. George Jock Stewart was Ordained and Inducted into the Parish of Canowindra on 16th March 1954.
A Service of Thanksgiving to mark the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination will be held
in St. Stephens Church, 197 Macquarie Street Sydney at 6.00pm on Sunday 14th March 2004.
The Rev. Dr. Colin Ford will be the Preacher.
All friends and colleagues are invited to attend.
Mission Get-Together
Monday 29 March 2004 Thornleigh Hillcrest Uniting Church
10.30am 12noon Speaker: Rev John Mavor, "Being Part of a voluntary Movement"
1.00pm 2.15pm Speaker: Ms Joy Balazo, "Young Ambassadors for Peace YAP"
Musical Item: Northside Singers
Please bring a basket lunch. Tea/Coffee/Cold Drinks supplied
For more information please contact the Secretary, Mrs Joan Macleod 9624 2750
White PagesSydney metropolitan
We have been advised by Sensis White Pages that the contact person for directory changes is:
Matthew Attard [EMAIL PROTECTED] , Telephone/Fax 02 8289 1268
Changes should be advised to Matthew for inclusion in the 2004/2005 White Pages by the end of March 2004.
Positions vacant
Expressions of Interest are invited for the position of Executive Director, Board of Finance and Property:
This key role in the NSW Synod will become vacant mid year with the appointment of the incumbent, Jim Mein, as Moderator Elect
The Mission of the Board of Finance and Property is
With Gods help, to provide innovative leadership in the creative use and management of Gods resources
The Executive Director:
has responsibility for the financial, taxation, insurance, technology and property affairs of the NSW Synod,
will be expected to maintain close liaison with Presbyteries, Congregations and the agencies of the Church,
is be a key member of the Synod Executive team and, as a consequence, will play a vital role in the development and delivery of the strategies of the church.
The appointee will be committed to the mission and ethos of the Uniting Church. be highly skilled in the technical aspects of the role, be an empathic and visionary leader, have appropriate tertiary training, and have had extensive experience in senior management roles
Applications close on the 1 March 2004.
Enquiries and/or applications should quote reference number ED 955 and be addressed to The Insight Group at [EMAIL PROTECTED],
faxed to 02 9233 3802, or posted to GPO Box 7110 Sydney NSW 2001.
Telephone 02 9233 3711
A Management Accountant is sought by the Board of Mission, Uniting Church in Australia (NSW), a body who assists local churches engage in mission and service in their local communities. The successful candidate is required to -
maintain and develop the financial records of the Board
act as cash flow and reserves manager
develop the reporting capabilities in support of management and staff
Tertiary, professional and work experience in a comparable field is required, and experience with the Sun accounting system will be of great assistance. The position is available immediately.
The Board is located in Pitt Street Sydney and consists of 24 staff, under the leadership of the Executive Director.
A fuller job description is available from Sue Willgoss Telephone 8267 4387 Closing date for written applications is 28 February 2004.
Director of the ELM (Education for Life and Ministry) Centre
The Board of Education of the NSW Synod, is seeking a visionary, innovative and energetic educator. Applications are invited from lay and ordained, women and men for the position of Director for the ELM Centre.
The task is to advocate for, lead and co-ordinate education for lay ministries within the NSW Synod. The focus is on equipping lay people for leadership and enhancing the involvement of lay people in education ministry and mission.
The appointment is to commence in early 2004.
Information pack and position description are available from the Board of Education Office on 02 8267 4293 or [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Applications should be addressed to: Mr John Oldmeadow, Executive Director Board of Education, PO Box A2178, Sydney South, 1235.
Applications close: Friday 19th March 2004.
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.
Part Time Supply (Retired Ministers)
The Darling Presbytery Pastoral Relations Committee is seeking expressions of interest from Retired Ministers who might be able to provide short-term Supply Ministry in Broken Hill. Details can be obtained from the Secretary, Valerie White, on (08) 8087 5317 (Church Office), or by emailing [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Marriage Celebrants
Just a reminder that the Registry for Births, Deaths and Marriages will not accept marriage documents sent to them in their old reply paid envelopes. All mail sent to them must carry postage stamps or will not be delivered.
For further information contact Marriage Celebrants Section tele 6250 6496 or fax 6250 5962, email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To order Marriage Celebrants Stationery phone 1300 656 863
WANTED!
A congregation who could use an Mactintosh LC575 PC, Scanner and Printer combo. Please contact Sue Willgoss, Board of Mission 8267 4387.
Ministerial Exchange
The Rev David J Murphy seeks exchange mid June to mid July 2004 in the Sydney area.
David Murphy is minister at the United Methodist Church in Shelburne, Vermont USA and his church has 450 members. Shelburne is a beautiful village of 7,000 on Lake Champian, just south of Burlington, Vermont's largest city.
He is interested in a full exchange including: pulpit duties, light other duties, manse, beach privileges, more negotiable.
For more information contact, the Rev David Murphy PO Box 163 Shelburne VT 05482-0163
email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Phone 0011 1 802 985 2388
Fax 0015 1 802 985 1055
A minister of the United Church of Christ USA (Congregational), from a town of 26,000 people in southern Connecticut seeks an exchange anywhere in the Uniting Church in Australia for 2-3 months between September and December 2004. He serves as senior minister in a growing church of over 1,000 members, average Sunday attendance around 450. The staff team consists of three ordained ministers, a fulltime minister of music, a youth director plus support staff. New York City is just 90 minutes away. He's looking to exchange into a congregation with strong small group ministries and hopefully with a good number of younger families.
For further information contact Gregor Henderson on [EMAIL PROTECTED]
UTC
Intensive Subjects for Summer 2004 (These subjects run from 9am to 5pm unless otherwise specified)
APB169 Introduction to the Ethos of the Uniting Church (Rev Dr Chris Budden) (17 19 February)
MPG408/TPG449 Evangelism in Theological Perspective (Rev Dr Dean Drayton) (3 7 May)
MPB280/MPG480 Missional Leadership for Growing Congregations (Rev Dr Dean Drayton) (13 18 May)
Monday Extensives for 2004 These subjects run on the following Mondays from 9am to 5pm: 23/2; 15/3; 29/3; 10/5; 31/5 BPG453/BPM453 Lectionary Gospel for Preaching BPM520 Ethics of Biblical Interpretation
These subjects run on the following Mondays from 9am to 5pm: 1/3; 22/3; 5/4; 17/5; 7/6 TPG432 Politics, Power and the Person of Christ HPG472/HPM472 Writing a Parish History PPB390/PPM490 Ministry in Australian Society
Saturday Extensives for 2004 These subjects run on the following Saturdays from 9am to 5pm: 28/2; 20/3; 3/4 ; 15/5; 5/6
PPG442 Pastoral Care with Youth LPB100/LPG401 Looking into Worship LPD100 Elements of Worship (Diploma level)
This subject runs on the following Saturdays from 9am to 5pm: 13/3; 20/3; 3/4 ; 15/5; 5/6
HPB374 Religious Themes in Australian Literature
NEWS FROM THE PASTORAL COUNSELLING INSTITUTE
WHAT WILL YOU BE STUDYING IN 2004?
The Pastoral Counselling Institute is offering a Certificate IV in Pastoral Counselling.
The Certificate trains people to provide practical visitation in parish, community and hospital settings; to become proficient in effective listening skills and caring; a connection between faith concerns and life problems. The Certificate provides a solid foundation for a ministry of pastoral care by teaching:
A Biblical understanding of caring The nature of helping relationships The essence of pastoral counselling Models for thinking theologically Basic counselling skills in class setting and ministry placement
The Certificate meets the Presbytery requirements of 15 days continuing education for clergy and is offered in weekly or intensive formats. Call the Institute for details or visit the website www.pastoralcounselling.org for further information.
Pastoral Counselling Institute 16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta 2151 (02) 9683 3664 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
LIFT:Visit to Korea
LIFT is an overseas visitation program of the Board of Mission.
Last year, a team successfully visited churches in Fiji. This year the Presbyterian Church of Korea has invited a small team from Australia to visit some mission centres and churches in Seoul and one other city. The program will run from 4-10 May 2004 and is excellent opportunity to meet with church leaders and learn of the Korean Church/culture
For more details contact: Board of Mission, Annette Watson ph: 8267 4270 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] Numbers are limited to 12 and closing date for applications is 29 February, 2004.
EASTER APPEAL PROJECTS
1. PNG - Peace Building in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea
The Southern Highlands have experienced tribal conflict, killing, payback and property destruction. Money raised will give young people the opportunity to attend a peace workshop and explore ways to encourage peace in their own communities.
2 North Korea - Assist the Churches in North Korea
North Korea is an isolated country and in recent years has been unable to overcome chronic shortages of food. Children suffer not only physically but lack even a basic education. Your money will assist the churches in North Korea to help meet some of these childrens basic needs.
3. Far North Coast Presbytery - Congregations
Due to the rapid population growth in the far north coast, plans are being developed for several new congregations between Ballina and Tweed Heads. The Presbytery is working hard to develop new forms of Church to connect with the large number of spiritual seekers and people seeking a sea-change lifestyle in the region.
4. Theology Journal Cross Culture
The intention is to set up a journal dedicated to cross-cultural ministry, biblical and theological themes. It would be published 2-3 times per year and help develop our theological thinking in this important area.
It is envisaged that there will be an editorial board comprising members from Australia, New Zealand and Oceania.
ABC APPEAL
1. Wayside Chapel - Time-Out Space Program
Re-direct at-risk youth from a life of alcohol, drugs, prostitution and crime to a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle, building on existing SOTS work.
This program will be linked with the counselling that is a feature of the Crisis Centre. Employment of part-time counsellor/trainee, purchase of equipment (TV / movie screen, hire of movies, foodstuffs) for BBQ and movies
2. Griffith - 'Dare to Dream'
A diverse Multicultural group who take to isolated and outback congregations an understanding of Multiculturalism in stories, song and dance from Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Cook Islands and Australia.
3. West Timor Women in the Community
Supports struggling, poor families in West Timor, through the provision of small loans. Women are chosen particularly to take part in the project, as they are most often amongst the poorest people in the community with the responsibility of providing for their families. This type of loan has been successful in the past to start small businesses enabling those who participate to become self-sufficient.
4. Solomon Islands - Scholarships for Seminary
It is proposed that a Scholarship Fund be established by the UCA to cover the tuition and costs related to the training of theological students from the Solomon Islands. Because of the current economic climate in this country, there is little money and local regions are unable to provide financial support to cover these costs. Due to the violence and disruption being faced in the Solomons the training of church leaders who can share the gospel and build communities of peace are critical at this time.
If you are interested in donating to any of the above projects please contact Annette Watson (Cross-cultural ministry administration assistant) on ph: 8267 4270 or [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Hope Valley Uniting Church
Hope Valley Uniting Church has enjoyed a rich tradition of worshipping styles. It has steadily grown over the last few years and has three services on a Sunday, each with their own particular flavour.
A Worship Conference The Rocks Would Cry Out -Saturday 22 May 2004 will be a time to learn, share with others and experience celebratory worship.
For more information contact Hope Valley Uniting Church, tele 08 8396 0788, email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Living is Giving Leaders Guide & Planning Form (Make sure your treasurer has a copy of this.)
The 2004-2005 Living is Giving Leaders Guide & Planning Form was enclosed with the mailed edition of The Newsletter. Please read this thoroughly and be prepared to help your congregation(s) participate in Living is Giving when the full Project Book arrives with the March edition of Insights. Projects run for two years. So for 2004/05 Living is Giving is asking your congregation to either keep supporting the projects you chose last year or make a new set of choices.
It will cost the Synod more to support the projects you choose this year than it did to support the projects you chose last year. So when your treasurer or finance committee is preparing budget recommendations for your Church Council or congregational meeting, please allow for an increase in your Living is Giving contribution. We suggest an increase between CPI (2.6% Sept 03) and 10 per cent.
Lacuna Space for God
The Lacuna resource uses poems and liturgies, music sheets, a CD, Bible commentary, pew sheets, personal reflections and art that offer a challengeto rest, to be still and to know God.
For more information contact Board of Mission on 8267 4390 or [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To have & to hold
A pre-marriage program of the Uniting Church. For further information contact the ELM CentreTele 9683 3655 or Email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Week of prayer for reconciliation
May 27June 3 is an opportunity for the Church to demonstrate its commitment to Indigenous people and the process of reconciliation.
For further information please contact Peter Lewis email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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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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