UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY UPDATE
http://nat.uca.org.au/home/
June 2004
What can be found in this edition of Assembly Update?
Ambon Update and books Covenanting Multicultural Ministry Proposal 84 Roses Snr Communication Officer
Regular Features: National Conferences Positions Vacant Books for Unitings New dates for your diary
Just a thought . . .
It was quite interested and encouraged by the number of people who commented to me that they found my last piece about stories to be quite helpful. This got me thinking about stories again. Perhaps stories are also on my mind because on July 18 it is time for that very important event in our church’s life – “One Great Sunday of Sharing”. The Sunday is July 18 (you can use other dates) and an order of service is available at http://nat.uca.org.au/multi.
This Sunday is a chance for us to listen to the stories of other communities of faith. In the listening we can hear about the ways that God has led and worked with people in ways that might be different to the ways that we have experienced.
In listening to the stories of people from other cultural backgrounds we are encouraged to imagine new things that God might do with and through us; to be humble and accept that the way that God deals with us is not the way that God deals with everyone; and to discover afresh God’s capacity to come in fresh ways to different cultures and times. I hope you will listen for God in the stories of others during the “One Great Sunday of Sharing”.
Of course the Judeo – Christian religion is a religion of stories. Jesus’ method was, fundamentally, to be a teller of stories and the maker of stories to be told. No doubt there are other literary styles in both the Bible but foundationally we are invited to participate in God’s divine drama. Indeed the people of God have always understood the Bible to be the story of God’s dealings with creation from beginning to end. God’s call to us is to join the journey.
The Bible has this grand theme as well as bitsy little stories and what are sometimes called “meta narratives” – the great thematic stories that are played out over and over again. No doubt the list could be extended but four of the meta narratives are creation / recreation; exodus, exile and return; and the priestly story of estrangement from God and the restoration of relationship. We need all the stories.
It seems to me that throughout history God’s people (Hebrew and Christian alike) have got into trouble when they concentrate on only one of the big stories. Western Christianity has been hooked on the priestly story with its emphasis on sin and guilt and forgiveness and the means of atonement. In some places this seems to be the only story that is told. What would the message be – where would the connections be in our community – if instead sometimes we focused on the creation and God’s capacity to bring something good from nothing; or oppressed people hear of God’s compassionate listening to their pleas and sending a Moses; or what is the gospel that arises from the exile story in response to the high levels of estrangement that people feel from themselves and their world?
Where we get into trouble is when we privilege one story over all the rest, and when we make our story the story. God’s way of dealing with us is not the way God deals with everyone else. All the stories are important. All the stories need to be told. All the stories should be listened to in their own integrity.
Terence Corkin, General Secretary, National Assembly
Stories from
Uniting International Mission: From: John Barr, Executive Secretary, Uniting International Mission
UPDATE ON AMBON:
On 25th April, serious violence erupted in the eastern Indonesian city of Ambon. Christians and Muslims were again divided against one another. Housing areas were torched and people were randomly shot by snipers. A protestant church was burnt down and just recently a bomb was found outside the synod office of our partner church. Many people now
understand that the violence is being provoked by outsiders whose agenda is to again destabilise the region. Local Christian and Muslim leaders are working together to reconcile communities while the Uniting Church in Australia is assisting our partner church, the Protestant Church in Maluku, to support internally displaced people and work with young
people who are drawn into the conflict. The Young Ambassadors for Peace program continues to assist in the ongoing process of peace and reconciliation. Donations for the UIM Appeal for Ambon and the YAP program can be sent to UIM, PO Box A2266 Sydney South 1235, freecall 1800 000 331.
BOOKS FOR AMBON:
The remaining part of the Christian University was completely destroyed on 26th April during the outbreak of violence in Ambon. Rev Dr Margaretha Hendriks, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, is convinced that violence and bloodshed will never be allowed to undermine the contribution this university is making to the community in Ambon. Hence classes continue to take place in empty houses and disused halls.
An urgent need is to raise funds to replace the contents of the university library that was completely burnt out on 26th April.
Donations are being received by Uniting International Mission. Trinity College students in Brisbane have voted to forfeit their second semester book allowance and offer this to support the Christian University in Ambon. This is a great encouragement to the Christian community in Ambon. People are truly committed to maintaining the life of this university against huge odds.
Covenanting: From Peter Lewis, National Director, Covenanting
Covenanting Tenth Anniversary
July 10 this year will mark the tenth anniversary of the Covenant statement between the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and the rest of the Uniting Church in Australia. Covenanting has worship material available on its website www.covenanting.unitinged.org.au for congregations, presbyteries and synods who would like to mark this significant anniversary in the life of the Uniting Church. Please have a look. Permission is given if you would like to use sections of the material for your services on July 11.
Concern for Indigenous Voice
Covenanting and the UAICC is greatly concerned by the Federal Government's decision to abolish ATSIC and to mainstream services to Indigenous people without replacing ATSIC with an effective and appropriate Indigenous representative structure. Visit the website for material you can use to write to Canberra: www.covenanting.unitinged.org.au.
Multicultural Ministry: From Helen Richmond, National Director, Multicultural Ministry
One Great Sunday of Sharing ‘In Christ we are reconciled to God and one another’
One Great Sunday of Sharing 2004 is held on the 18 July (though congregations may choose to celebrate on a different Sunday). The theme is “In Christ we are reconciled to God and one another”. The Order of Service has been prepared by the newly formed Queensland Synod Multicultural Network, the Sermon notes by Dr Gedeon Gakindi. These and other resources can be downloaded from the Multicultural Ministry web site http://nat.uca.org.au/multi or contact Ruth Crispin telephone (02) 8267 4220 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Please generously support the Annual Appeal for Multicultural Ministry that coincides with One Great Sunday of Sharing. Cross-cultural ministry is a growing and dynamic area of ministry but needs your support to help make many important initiatives happen. You are invited to choose one of the projects listed below. Your giving ensures that work in these areas can be sustained;
* Developing Second Generation Youth resources and leadership training * Cross-cultural workshop - Confronting Racism: Celebrating Diversity * Translation of key documents
"One Great Sunday of Sharing is an opportunity to share who we are as God’s people. We are encouraged to reach out into the communities we live in and engage in an intentional way with those who are from diverse cultural backgrounds. It’s also an opportunity where we are challenged with a fresh reminder as to practical ways we can live out Christ’s command to love our neighbours as we love ourselves. Reconciliation is about establishing or re-establishing relationships and receiving each other as members of God’s family. This is what Christ’s good news is all about. There are many barriers that divide us from each other but Christ the “barrier breaker” can reconcile us to each other in much deeper ways than we would imagine."
Rev Liva Tukutama, Chairperson Assembly Multicultural Ministry Committee
We need to make room for grace as we try and understand the perspectives of those who are different from ourselves, building bridges across our differences. We have the assurance that the crucified and risen Christ is with us. Oneness is possible because it is Christ who reconciles us and calls us to be God’s reconciling community”.
Rev Helen Richmond, National Director Multicultural Ministry
Extract from the Order of Service prepared for One Great Sunday of Sharing
Prayer
Loving God
We pray for Australia, this land of such beauty and diversity.
May we become a nation built on principles of reconciliation, compassion,
respect for difference and access and equity for all.
We look for political leadership that is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous people, and the promotion of peaceful, just and respectful relationships across culturally and religiously different communities.
Help us to break down the barriers in our community and overcome the reality of racism, and xenophobia that mars our community.
As we journey as one people, teach us to live with difference; help us to make room for grace when we disagree with one another.
Take away the desire to exercise power and control over others.
That we may learn to live together in this land.
Amen
LITANY OF RECONCILIATION
Those who have been strangers or even enemies do not have to stay that way.
God leads us from conflict to creative interaction,
from estrangement to mutual recognition,
from self-assertion at the expense of others,
to celebration of God’s gifts among us.
God is ever transforming and renewing lives and communities!
By the power of the One who is the source of reconciliation we will become communities of reconciliation.
By the power of the reconciling Spirit we will build multicultural communities where love flourishes and there is respect for each person’s dignity and integrity.
Church response to the request for comment on “Proposal 84”: From: Terence Corkin, General Secretary, National Assembly
The time has closed for responses to the Standing Committee invitation to comment on “Proposal 84”. A number of responses came in after April 30 and they have been included. Responses were received from over 500 church councils, congregations and presbyteries. The responses are now being collated and a report will be taken to the next meeting of the Assembly Standing Committee in July. After the ASC meets (July 16 – 18) a report on the responses will be made available to the church.
Step 2 in the ASC process – a resource for use in the church: From: Terence Corkin, General Secretary, National Assembly
In August the Assembly Standing Committee established a working group to develop materials that will help the church think through a range of issues including the way the Uniting Church is organised, the Bible, Jesus, and also sexuality. There will be some discussion questions that are designed to help conversations to get started.
The material is made available as a resource. You are invited to participate. It is also the kind of material where some or all of it can be used in a range of situations including confirmation classes, Church Council study sessions or regular congregational groups. It is not only for use in relation to sexuality discussions. The Assembly Standing Committee has heard loud and clear that the discussions on sexuality reveal other questions and it is seeking to resource those discussions as well as the presenting one.
This booklet is very close to going to the editor and it is hoped to be in print by the end of June, and coming out in July. It will be about 40 pages A5 size. A copy will be sent to every minister in placement and to all Church Council Secretaries – keep an eye out for it (probably in regular synod mailings). It is expected that additional copies will be available for purchase and it will be available on the web with some additional resources.
Roses still available for this year!! From: Wendie Wilkie, Associate General Secretary, National Assembly
This is to assure you that Gift of Grace Roses are available this year as bare rooted roses delivered this winter. You can order in June for delivery in July/August. This is the last year that the Assembly will be selling these roses so get them while you can. Contact Sue Neilson at the Assembly office (02) 8267 4238 or Email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Welcome to Gavin Melvin: From: Wendie Wilkie, Associate General Secretary, National Assembly
Gavin Melvin has joined the communications team of the Assembly as Senior Communication Officer. He worked in rural NSW as a journalist and then as a political adviser in Canberra for the past 6 years. His prime role will be to advise the President, General Secretary and other senior assembly staff on media and communications strategies, to assist the assembly to more effectively communicate the work and the values of the church in public forums. He can be reached by email [EMAIL PROTECTED] and by telephone (02) 8267 4233.
Conferences:
Faith on the Edge – Christianity and Interfaith Dialogue in the 21st Century
This conference will be held on 26-28 August in Adelaide at the Monastery. There are still places available if you want to attend. Rev Dr Clive Pearson will be a key leader in theological reflection at the conference. Come and explore what it means for Christians in the UCA to be involved in interfaith dialogue and the questions we bring. Contact Linda Pritchard [EMAIL PROTECTED] or phone 02 8267 4262 Registration forms and information are available on our website http://nat.uca.org.au/relations/FOEConf/index.htm
Breaking Down Barriers:
Preaching and Teaching in the year of Matthew
A national conference on preaching, teaching and learning
sponsored by Uniting Education and the Synod of Victoria – Otira – Continuing Education
Venue: Glen Waverley Uniting Church Centre Corner Bogong Avenue and Kingsway Glen Waverley - Melbourne
Dates: Monday 15 November to Wednesday 17 November 2004
Encouragement and Learning
Here is another opportunity to encourage and enthuse the church’s preaching and teaching ministry. The conference is for all those in the churches engaged in these ministries – ministers and pastors, lay preachers, educators, candidates for ministry, chaplains, children’s ministry and youth ministry workers. It is intended for all who share an interest, enthusiasm and concern for the preaching and teaching ministry in the church. The three-day conference will again have an intensive focus on both content and process. We will explore the text of Matthew. We will also engage with best practice in teaching and learning.
The Speaker
Bill Loader is a Uniting Church minister, Professor of New Testament and Head of the School of Social Inquiry at Murdoch University. Born and educated in New Zealand, he completed doctoral studies in Germany in 1972 and has published in both English and German. Bill Loader’s six presentations are all on the Gospel of Matthew, the focus of the church’s preaching and teaching ministry in 2005. He will explore three big themes in the gospel, those of conflict, sexual ethics and spirituality. Each of these themes will be linked to three lectionary passages, allowing participants to begin their preaching preparation for 2005. Bill has a deep concern for the preaching and teaching ministry that will be evident in the content and presentation of his material.
Daily workshops are designed to equip participants for 2005, connecting Matthew to real-world ministry settings. The fifteen workshops are hands-on and very practical, relating to traditional worship, café church settings and to small groups.
Workshops are deliberately specialised, allowing you to engage with cutting-edge practice and theory relating to ministry through Fine Arts, Interactive Preaching, Oxford Debates, Meditation, Film Analysis and Manuscript Discovery.
Daily workshop groups will have the opportunity of preparing resources and then showcasing their wares through an “Expo” which will conclude each day. Each participant will thus be able to experience the achievements of the fifteen workshops.
A Queensland event. A modified version of the national preaching and teaching conference will be held in Queensland. Bill Loader will be the speaker. Workshops will also be available, as well as resources for perusal and purchase.
Two events will be offered:
Brisbane – September 12 to 15 - Sunday afternoon through Wednesday early afternoon.
MacKay – September 16 to September 18 - Thursday midday through Saturday midday.
For further details about the Queensland Preaching and Teaching in the Year of Matthew events, contact Rev’d Duncan Macleod, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
The Synod of Queensland (07) 3377 9777 or visit the Uniting Education web site www.unitinged.org.au.
The cost (National Conference)
Full three day conference cost: $180 Early Bird Rate (includes GST)
$195 Normal Rate (incudes GST)
Per day conference cost: $70 (includes GST)
How to register (National Conference)
For further information contact Katie Sullivan at Uniting Education PO Box 1245 Collingwood VIC 3066
Fax: (03) 9416 4264
Tele:(03) 9416 4262 or email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
For further information, or to complete an e-registration for this conference, visit www.unitinged.org.au
Would your church be interested in. . .
Would your church be interested in a Lowry Celebration console organ without any cost.
This organ has a Magic Genie 4 channel with 2 manuals and is approximately 25 years old. One pedal and the G key 2 octaves above Middle C need attention but otherwise it is in good condition.
If you are interested and can arrange and pay for transport then please contact
Jan Lansdowne on (03) 6234 1507 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] to arrange collection from Beverly Hills in Sydney.
If possible could you please organise this within the next 2 weeks.
Positions Vacant:
Uniting International Mission
Donor Liaison Officer Wanted! Full Time Sydney Office $34-$36K + Super (depending on experience)
Uniting International Mission is a national agency of the Uniting Church of Australia. We are responsible for international relationships with our Partner Churches.
Currently, we are looking for a committed and organised person who is good with numbers and enjoys database work. This full time position requires a person to process donations, from 9.00am – 5.00pm each day with a flexibility of working the rare, extra hours during peak periods. You will be supported by a cheerful and energetic team who pride themselves on meeting deadlines and enjoying a close-knit relationship.
DONMAN experience is preferred, however not essential. A hard working attitude, long term goals and work experience is necessary with your cover letter and resume. Please ensure that your application addresses the job description which can be requested at any time by contacting Jane on (02) 8267 4223 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Applications close on the 25 June 2004 unless specified on our website www.uim.uca.org.au Full details can also be downloaded at any time.
Permanent residents only.
DIRECTOR, YOUTH & CHILDREN’S MINISTRY UNIT (YACMU) – QUEENSLAND SYNOD
Applications are invited for the position of Director of the Youth and Children’s Ministry Unit (YACMU) within the Queensland Synod.
YACMU is a network for ministry development, which exists to equip the UCA for ministry and mission with children, young people and their families.
The aim of the Director is to provide congregations and presbyteries and the Queensland Synod with ministry resources, training and advocacy in ministry with children, youth, early adults and families through the effective management, strategic leadership, team development and visioning of YACMU.
The Director will have excellent communication skills, both oral and written. S/he will be a team player and have a passion for ministry with young people, children and their families and ideally be theologically trained. It is essential that the Director has a good knowledge of the issues facing the Church’s role in Youth, Children’s and Family Ministry, and a vision to encourage local congregations in this mission area.
Applicants will be committed to the ethos of The Uniting Church in Australia, which is an equal opportunity employer.
This full-time position is to commence mid August 2004 and will be based in Brisbane, with travel throughout Queensland required.
For an information pack to apply for the position, please contact Vivienne Rance on (07) 3377 9705 or [EMAIL PROTECTED]
APPLICATIONS marked CONFIDENTIAL and addressed to: Rev Jenny Tymms, General Secretary Qld Synod, GPO Box 674, Brisbane QLD 4001 CLOSE 30 JUNE 2004.
Regional Youth and Children's Ministry Workers Queensland Synod
The Queensland Uniting Church Youth and Children's Ministry Unit is wishing to appoint two Regional Youth and Children's Ministry Workers. These workers will join a dynamic staff team dedicated to providing effective ministry support in the areas of advocacy, education and training with children, youth, early adults, and their leaders and families.
The workers will minister strategically with congregations across one region of Queensland and also offer resource ministry to the wider church in a specialist area such as high school age youth ministry, Christian education or emerging church. Part of the worker's responsibilities will include resourcing one particular congregation or agency in youth and children's ministry.
The persons appointed will have passion and vision for resourcing and supporting families, leaders and their congregations. They will be entrepreneurial, energetic and creative. They will be willing to work within the ethos of, and under the discipline of, the Uniting Church in Australia. The positions are open to specified youth workers, lay workers, ordained or other suitably gifted persons. Experience and training in appropriate disciplines is helpful.
The positions available are in North Queensland and the Darling Downs.
For a position description and further enquiries contact:
Kylie Ellis, Administrator, Youth and Children's Ministry Unit on [EMAIL PROTECTED] or phone (07) 3377 9782.
Please send expressions of interest to The Director, Youth and Children's Ministry Unit, GPO Box 674, Brisbane, QLD, 4001
Applications close 30 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)
AND IS IT TRUE?
Truth, God and No-Man’s Land
Richard Clarke
(Dominican)
ISBN 1871552753 $21.95
The Church of Ireland Bishop of Meath and Kildare writes about faith and the need to search for faith with integrity – suggesting that believers must take the risk of standing in ‘no man’s land’, the place of vulnerability and insecurity where God may be encountered and proclaimed in truth.
CREATIVE CHURCH LEADERSHIP
The challenges of making a difference through leadership
John Adair, Wesley Carr and others
(Canterbury)
ISBN 1853115029 $53.95
The Church is called to be a sign and servant of God’s reign. What kind of leaders does the Church need today? How might the Church begin to look if imaginative, risk-taking leadership were fostered at every level of its life?
THE DAY HE DIED
The Passion according to Luke
Matthew Byrne
(Columba)
ISBN 1856074307 $17.95
Rich, sensitive, imaginative and informative companion to reading the story of the Passion in Luke’s Gospel, taking us from the Last Supper to the Burial, with colour and detail making the story come to life in all its horror and sadness; and exploring the insights, feelings and sensitivities that shape Luke’s particular account of the Passion.
THE FILMGOERS GUIDE TO GOD
Tim Cawkwell
(DLT)
ISBN 0232524661 $34.95
An elegant exploration of how film - the dominant art form of the twentieth century - has treated religious themes like compassion, unexpected grace, redemption, suffering – offering fresh perspectives on the crisis of faith in our times, with insight into the religious aspects of selected films and a chapter on films about Jesus.
THE GOODNESS WITHIN
Reaching out to troubled teens with love and compassion
Mark Redmond
(Paulist)
ISBN 0809141868 $33.95
The riveting story of one man’s mission to help troubled adolescents find a positive path in life – and the lessons that all parents, teachers, ministers, elders and youth ministers can gain from his experience.
IS THE BIBLE FACT OR FICTION?
An introduction to Biblical Historiography
Barbara E. Organ
(Paulist)
ISBN 0809142368 $28.95
Provides a clear explanation of how to read the Bible both as history and as literature, suggesting that we examine the books of the Bible not so much to discover what actually happened as to identify the kind of history writing the authors undertook – examining their styles, purposes and ideologies and helping us to interpret the texts.
MARTIN LUTHER
Selections from his writings
Edited and introduced by John Dillenberger
(Anchor Books)
ISBN 0385098766 $28.95
Luther’s vigorous, colourful language still retains the excitement it had for thousands of his contemporaries. This representative selection of his extensive writings provides a lucid introduction to the thought of the man whose new understanding of the Bible and our relationship to God released the powerful impulses that carried forward the reformation of the Church.
Dates for your diary: 2004
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 12-15 Preaching and Teaching in the Year of Matthew – Brisbane
September 16-18 Preaching and Teaching in the Year of Matthew - MacKay
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 Matthew”, Melbourne
November 19-21 The Christian Unity Working Group National Conference, Melbourne
How do I subscribe?
Contact: Linda Pritchard Telephone: (02) 8267 4262 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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