it is no longer
http://nat.uca.org.auas you'll discover if you go there and get redirected to ... http://nat.uca.org.au/home/]
of course, you can see Update all in glorious web at: http://nat.uca.org.au/update/monthindex.htm
May 2004
What can be found in this edition of Assembly Update?
This edition shares stories from:
UIM Young Ambassadors for Peace and Cow Fattening in Bali Page 2
Other news from the Assembly:
Multicultural Ministry
Great Sunday of Sharing
Covenanting
The Assembly is moving!
General Assembly of the World Council of Churches
New print edition of the Constitution, Regulations and related documents
Regular Features
National Conferences
Position Vacant
Books for Unitings
New dates for your diary
How do I subscribe?
Contact: Linda Pritchard
Telephone: (02) 8267 4262
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Just a thought. . .
Some years ago I spent part of Christmas with a niece of mine whose family does not attend worship. In fact they have very little to do with the church. At one point during the day I recounted to her (not read) the nativity narratives with I hope the sense of suspense and mystery that the original authors would have hoped for.
Her response was amazing. This little six year old kept repeating, Tell me again!! Tell me again!! So I did four more times. There is something powerful about the Christian story. I think that many of us have forgotten how to tell the stories of faith. We prefer to talk theology, or teach people right from wrong, or have far too great an enthusiasm for accuracy so we read (often stiltedly) the words of the Bible. Stories are risky because they elicit emotions that we cannot control and people draw from them meanings that we may not have seen (or intended or want).
In reading the Eddie Gibbs book, Church Next, I note his view that the evangelical imperative requires engagement with people in ways that are open to ambiguity, dialogue and witness in short through stories. This well regarded evangelical says, at p 34, We must unconditionally accept those who are content to live with ambiguity, and be humble enough to communicate in open dialogue with those who hold a pluralistic world view. The confidence of the witness must be in Christ alone and not & in the impregnability of a Christian apologetic.
A recent movie has also shown the potency of story as a medium through which people are touched. The screening that I attended had more people under the of age 25 attending than any service of worship I have attended in a while. I know Mel has received some pastings for his latest movie but he is a story teller par excellence. What Mel understood, and many have not, is that stories are powerful and he wanted to tell a story about the person who is of most significance to him.
I think I need to become better at telling stories.
Terence Corkin, Assembly General Secretary
Stories from
Uniting International Mission:
As you may know Uniting International Mission (UIM) is a National Assembly Agency, responsible for International Relationships with our Partner Churches and also includes an aid and development division, Uniting Church Overseas Aid (UCOA).
We would like to thank all those groups and individuals who have supported our projects with our Partner Churches in the past and continue to do so.
2004 Sample Highlights
Young Ambassadors for Peace (YAP)
Our peace-building program has really taken off and we are inundated with requests from various communities to conduct more peace building programs. Joy Balazo has just returned from an intensive workshop in Burma on the boarder of Thailand, in the jungle area as there were fears of arrests in the city region. Dean Drayton, Margaret & Ron Reeson, Eldrene March and others have joined with Joy and assisted her in workshops. In PNG, a couple of participants were urgently called in to assist with negotiating with criminals as law enforcements failed. The program is one that works on the ground with locals and is making astounding changes progressively.
Cow Fattening in Bali
The Bali bombings devastated Australians and other tourists but has also had a tragic effect on the Balinese people. UCOA is working with MBM, the aid & development arm of the Protestant Church in Bali to buy and fatten cows with the local farmers, to supplement their meager income. Farmers have been deeply touched that total strangers are offering support through such a scheme. Some have sent their children off to the church orphanages so that they may eat regular meals and receive and education. Now they are encouraged to know that they may be able to contribute to their development or bring them home from the orphanages.
Something New !
Gift of Love Catalogue
We have a catalogue of projects and amounts that people as individuals or groups, can support. You can contact our office for a copy of this catalogue and distribute to friends or family for a glimpse into our work and how they can make a difference. This catalogue is available in May and we are also happy to supply resources and display material for those eager to fundraise for one of the projects listed.
Your prayers and involvement is what makes our projects a success! Please feel free to contact us for any further details or for any project sheets that may be of use within your group. If you can offer any assistance to our Sydney office whether it is writing stories or stuffing envelopes as a volunteer, this would be greatly appreciated!
Website Revamp
Uniting Church Overseas Aid and Uniting International Mission have revamped their websites. Please feel free to check them out and give us any feedback you may have: www.uim.uca.org.au
UIM Contact details:
(02) 8267 4269, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
PO Box A2266, Sydney South NSW 1235
Multicultural Ministry Work for 2004:
From: Helen Richmond, National Director, Multicultural Ministry
Some information that may be of use for you -
NEW Coolamon course Introduction to Cross-Cultural Ministry developed by
Rev Helen Richmond soon to be available. For more details contact Coolamon College [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Developing a workshop for congregations sharing property to intentionally develop
relationships of sharing being developed by the Working Group on Intentional Multicultural
Ministry.
A Helpful Guide a resource is being developed to assist congregations from culturally
diverse backgrounds to better understand the UCA.
A conference for youth leaders from 2nd Generation backgrounds is being organised by
the Working Group on Second Generation Youth and Young Adults for the coming year.
An intergenerational learning program is being developed by Multicultural Ministry in the
NSW Synod.
One Great Sunday of Sharing to be held on 18 July on the theme In Christ we are
reconciled to God and one another being prepared by the Qld MM network.
New book Developing Multicultural Ministry . Report of the one day conference on this
theme in the NSW Synod. Available for $5.00 from the NSW Board of Mission
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
New multicultural song book is being prepared as a resource for worshipping in a
multicultural church.
Report of the 2003 National Consultation on Cross-cultural Ministry available. For a
copy ($10) contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
A new Multicultural Ministry Journal is being developed.
Confronting Racism, Celebrating Diversity Workshops in South Australia and
are being planned.
Revised Guidelines on National Conferences and new Guidelines on Calling a Minister
from Overseas now available. For a copy contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
One Great Sunday of Sharing:
From: Helen Richmond, National Director, Multicultural Ministry
18 July is One Great Sunday of Sharing, an opportunity to reflect on the diversity and unity we have
in Christ and intentionally plan worship services and events to reflect our commitment to being an inclusive church. The theme this year is "In Christ we are reconciled to God and one another". Worship materials are being prepared by the Queensland Synod cross-cultural network and will be sent out to congregations in June with Synod mailings. For a copy of the materials contact
Ruth Crispin telephone (02) 8267 4220 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Covenanting: Media Release
>From Peter Lewis, National Director, Covenanting
Uniting Church Condemns Government Decision to Kill Off ATSIC
The Uniting Church today condemned the Federal Governments decision to abolish ATSIC saying it will bring to an end reconciliation in Australia.
The Federal Governments decision to kill off ATSIC and replace it with nothing more than an advisory committee demonstrates its total disregard for the well being of the Indigenous peoples of this nation the Rev Shayne Blackman, National Administrator of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, said today.
"This is a return to the paternalism of colonial days when Indigenous people had no say in their future and suffered terribly from the governments desire to assimilate.
We do not deny there is a need for the reform of ATSIC. Any federal body must both meet the needs of Indigenous people and provide Indigenous input into government policy. But its abolition without adequate representative replacement spells an end to any process of Reconciliation in this country. Indigenous communities will be further marginalised and disadvantaged with no possibility of a unified, national voice.
Mainstreaming will also further dilute the ability of agencies to address the needs of Indigenous peoples. It is the strong opinion of the international community that nations with formal mechanisms that respect Indigenous self-determination and rights achieve far better health and socio-economic outcomes.
"By drowning Indigenous people in the mainstream health, community and education systems, the circumstances of the Indigenous peoples of this country can only get worse.
"Contrary to the views of Senator Vanstone, the delivery of culturally relevant outcomes that enable Indigenous peoples to maintain their identity and integrity is not the violent segregation of apartheid. That is a silly comparison that only serves to feed the racist paranoia of many in our country.
"We would hope the people of Australia will protest loudly at this attack on Indigenous people and their right to self determination and human rights, Mr Blackman said.
The Assembly is moving!!
From: Wendie Wilkie, Associate General Secretary, National Assembly
Well parts of it are! Frontier Services is moving into its own premises, Level 5, 379 Kent Street, Sydney 2000 as of 1 May. They are one floor below the National Council of Churches office.
New contact details: Postal address GPO Box 2527, SYDNEY NSW 2001, Telephone (02) 8270 1300, Fax (02) 8270 1313
The rest of level 8, 222 Pitt Street, is reshaping its layout and organisation so most people are having to move to another place or another office. Come and see us in our new places next month!
National Conferences:
Theology & Discipleship:
From: Rob Bos, National Consultant, Theology & Discipleship
Becoming Disciples August Consultation
How can congregations be renewed for the important ministry of making disciples of Jesus?
Registrations for the Becoming Disciples consultation 17 to 19 August are coming in. Thanks to those who have responded already. Please check the website assembly.uca.org.au/TD and click on "Becoming Disciples". There is a link for registering on-line. For those without internet access, please contact Katie on (03) 9416 4262 Mon, Wed, Fri.
The early birds get the discount!!
Faith on the Edge Conference:
From: Wendie Wilkie, Associate General Secretary
A reminder that early bird registrations for the Faith on the Edge conference to be held
26-28 August in Adelaide close on 30 May.
You can make substantial savings by registering and paying by then. We already have a quarter of our hoped for number of registrations, so dont miss out.
Full-time candidates and students can get concession and we are reserving three free places for students. Indicate your interest to me, Wendie Wilkie, by 30 May to be considered for selection. That is free registration and accommodation sorry we cannot help with fares.
Faith on the Edge a conference on Christianity and Interfaith Dialogue in the 21st Century. Chaplains in particular are invited to come and share their experience in dealing with interfaith issues in ministry. Congregational ministers and people in all parts of the church are invited to come and explore issues in interfaith dialogue and relationships, a major issue for our community and our church.
Inputs from Rev Dr Clive Pearson, reflecting on theological understandings and issues, and input from leaders of four major world faiths to help us develop our knowledge and understandings a bit more.
For further information please contact Wendie Wilkie or Linda Pritchard at the Assembly office
(02) 8267 4262 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED]
General Assembly of the World Council of Churches:
From: Terence Corkin, General Secretary, National Assembly
The Uniting Church is a member church of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and as such is entitled to membership at the General Assembly when it meets. The next meeting of the Assembly will be in February 2006 at Port Allegro in Brazil. Due to changes made by the WCC the UCA is only entitled to two appointments at this Assembly. In addition the UCA can propose other persons who might be appointed by the Central Committee according to their criteria.
The Christian Unity Working Group invites expressions of interest from persons who may care to be considered for appointment, or for recommendation to the WCC Central Committee. Interested persons should send a short piece (250 words) on why they would be an appropriate person to nominate from our church. This material, with contact details, should be sent to Rev Dr Sandy Yule (Secretary to the committee) at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or 4/11 Bank Place Melbourne Vic 3000. Further details can be accessed from Sandy at (03) 9606 0034 (Monday & Tuesday).
Note: due to time restraints imposed by the WCC expressions of interest must reach the CUWG no later than May 31 2004.
New print edition of the Constitution, Regulations and related documents:
From: Terence Corkin, General Secretary, National Assembly
The 2004 edition of the Constitution and Regulations will become available from 1 June.
They will be available from Mediacom, or through the usual outlets.
Mediacom is able to take pre publication orders via their toll free number 1800 811 311, or once published orders can be submitted via their website, or the toll free number.
The cost for this publication will be $29.00 including GST.
Position Vacant:
Lecturer in Systematic Theology
The Perth Theological Hall of the Uniting Church in Australia and Murdoch University seek to appoint a Lecturer in Systematic Theology to commence in 2005.
Teaching and research in theology on the campus of a modern public university provides an exciting basis from which to engage issues of church and community.
Further information: http://jobs.murdoch.edu.au/. Contact: Dr Rowan Strong, phone +61 8 9360 6470, or email [EMAIL PROTECTED].
Closing date for applications: 4 June 2004
Books for Unitings
Books are selected by Hugh McGinlay e: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
(These new books are available from UCA bookshops and resource centres)
SEEKING A LIFE THAT MATTERS
Wisdom for today from the Book of Proverbs
Katharine Bell
(DLT)
ISBN 0232524025 $31.95
Discovers again the ancient, practical wisdom found in the Book of Proverbs, with its deep human pragmatism about money, work, planning, pride, anger, hope, fear, etc. Here are signposts for a satisfying life!
GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT
Stewardship in the Orthodox Church
Anthony Scott (ed.)
(SVS Press)
ISBN 0881412554 $29.95
Invites us to exercise responsible stewardship, to share our resources in a generous but disciplined and accountable way, calling us to take Gods plan of salvation for humanity as the only model for our own stewardship of Gods gifts. An Orthodox model for the church universal.
REFORMATIONS
A radical interpretation of Christianity and the world 1500-2000
Felipe Fernandez-Armesto and Derek Wilson
(Scribner)
ISBN 068483104X $24.95
Explains how the Reformation was not a unique watershed but a typical episode in a long history, shared by all the churches, of evangelical commitment and confrontation with the world. A fresh and original interpretation of Christianity over the past five hundred years. Hardcover.
JOURNEY WITH JONAH
The spirituality of bewilderment
Paul Murray
(Columba Press)
ISBN 0856073637 $13.95
Explores the significance for our time of this book that has made such an impact on Jewish, Christian and Islamic spirituality. Three sections are: 1. Obedience to the Word the lesson of the wild storm; 2. In the belly of paradox the lesson of the great whale; 3. Compassion without limit the lesson of the wondrous plant.
KING DAVID
A biography
Steven L. McKenzie
(OUP)
ISBN 0195147081 $14.95
A disturbing new biography of King David, based on a close and critical examination of biblical texts, ancient history and recent archaeological discoveries, reveals an aggressive leader, devious politician and ruthless war chief who depended for his success on campaigns of terror and assassination.
JEAN VANIER AND LARCH
A communion of love
Kathryn Spink
(DLT)
ISBN 0232518017 $34.95
Traces the growth of the LArche movement and the life and thought of the founder; his ever deepening awareness of the spiritual message of the rejected, his increasing intuition about those who, though poor in many ways, are possessed of exceptional richness of heart.
RELIGIOUS POETRY AND PROSE OF JOHN DONNE
Edited and mildly modernised by Henry Carrigan
(Paraclete)
ISBN 1557252351 $9.95
Poems, sermons selections, prayers and devotions from the great English writer record his struggles to reconcile the passions of the flesh with the demands of the spirit as well as his exalted love of Christ.
Dates for your diary:
2004
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 National Reference Committee meeting Canberra
June 9 Uniting Missions Network Meeting in Canberra
June 11-14 Tongan National Conference
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 theme In Christ we are reconciled to God and one another
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 7-10 Indonesian National Conference contact Harry Indriato (02) 9834 4646
September 25-28 New South Wales Synod meeting - Tamworth
September 26 Social Justice Sunday
September 27-29 National Meeting of Indonesian UCA Ministers
October 11-12 National Working Group on Doctrine
October 31-1 November Uniting Missions National Conference
November 15-16 UnitingCare National Reference Committee meeting
November 15-17 Preaching and Teaching in the year of& & in Melbourne
November 19-21 The Christian Unity Working Group National Conference, Melbourne
--
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.
