Assembly Update July 2004 http://nat.uca.org.au/home
In this edition:
The Presidents Table Working in a sweat shop The de Vries family I Delhi Jews, Muslims and Christians pray together UIM No Security Without Justice Media Releases Adult Fellowship One Great Sunday of Sharing National Conferences Books for Unitings New dates for your diary
Just a thought: Reflections on ice
The pond was frozen. Covered with an armour of ice. Geese waddled awkwardly on the slippery surface, seeking grip. They pecked at the ice with grim determination. No breakthrough and no food. Nearby debris suggested that this was a favourite geese haunt. A comfortable home; a place known and familiar. Now a grim winter denied them access to the familiar food, lodged in mud and reeds. Peck, peck, peck. Persistent birds - sleek, waddling, slipping. Brave attempts, but on resistant ice, getting nowhere. Other geese had left the pond for deeper, flowing water nearby. A piercing morning sun had melted some ice. Water danced to the winds gentle tune. A slippery departure, a short flight. Now they swam in a river full of food. Graceful in flight, elegant in the water, they soon settled into the opportune setting.
Why didnt the pond geese fly to the flowing water? Why the stubborn, futile pecking? To stay at the pond was pointless. Was it habit?
Did they cling to memories of the good old days ?
Was it the heritage value of the pond that restricted
their vision? Perhaps the familiar was more valued than the new? Did they cherish the comfort of fellow pond dwellers and the chatter of the golden past when food was plentiful?
Watching this display, we thought about the Church. Sometimes it seems easier to waddle about in pursuit of lost causes, than to flex our wings and explore new opportunities.
Seize the day! This was the rallying cry of the film Dead Poets Society , starring Robin Williams. It is a good word for the Church, too. Seize the day! The early Christians knew how to do this. Fleeing persecution, they gossiped the gospel in towns, marketplaces and homes. New churches, faithful communities of the People on The Way, sprang up in the most unlikely places. These Christians were not burdened by institutions to be maintained. They did not struggle to maintain a glorious past age. No, they were opportunists, travelling lightly, constantly educating, evangelising, giving and serving for the sake of the Gospel. It was an emerging church.
Is your congregation, is our Church, like the geese on the pond? Are we pecking away at futile tasks, at things that distract us from the essential work of the faithful Christian people? Are we forgetting how to fly and swim? Are we ready to move out into the flowing water, exploring and discovering new opportunities to which Christ calls us in acts of loving, obedient faith?
To find more about a recent investigation into educational ministry in overseas churches by Uniting Education staff, visit www.unitinged.org.au. Search for On Thin Ice.
John Emmett and Ted Endacott, Uniting Education
Presidents Table 2004 : From: Dean Drayton, The President, National Assembly
How do we name Jesus Christ in our time in a way society can hear?
Thats what UCA President, Dean Drayton, presented as one of the great challenges for our time during an address at the recent Presidents Table dinner at Scotch College in Perth, attended by over 40 people.
Dean spoke about the major issues facing the Church as well as his national and international commitments as President.
The need to keep trying was vital. Dean noted that although we often seem to have such limited resources & there are lots of issues we tackle where we think we cant make a difference, but its worth shoving our oar in, because you never know.
He reminded us that, although many people see sexuality as the big issue, there are other issues coming up such as bioethics and possibly even life on other planets, where there are few guidelines, biblical or otherwise.
Dean spoke of the Bali memorial services last year and how moved he was by the vast ecumenical services and the way they were conducted. He also thanked WA people for their assistance, particularly in relation to asylum seekers in the Port Hedland detention centre.
There are new signs of hope and new ways. Younger people are starting to apply to theological colleges. Dean is confident God will bring Gods Church into a form of being appropriate for this time and for the future.
Dean closed by speaking of his experiences in Ambon and the efforts religious leaders are making to work together to achieve peace. He ended the evening with a prayer for the people of Ambon.
On a recent trip to India Rob Bos visited an illegal squatter community in Delhi
Theology & Discipleship: From: Rob Bos, National Consultant, Theology & Discipleship
Riazzudins factory
Riazzudin proudly invites me into his factory. Inside the small room he has fifteen men working sewing machines, making jeans. They are all delighted to meet an Australian and, with Australian Rick de Vries as our interpreter, readily tell me about their work and give permission to take photographs. I promise to send copies.
We are in the Janata Community in Delhi, India. Janata is an illegal squatter community of about 80,000 people, mostly Muslims, tightly packed into a triangle with 500 metre sides. Some of the houses are makeshift (black plastic on flimsy frames); others are more durable brick. Water and electricity are supplied by entrepreneurs who have unofficially tapped into the grid and make a small charge to each household. All waste is carried away in open drains.
The men doing the sewing work 12 hours per day, with the hours varying, depending on the unreliable electricity supply. They earn about Rs 2,000 per month ($60 Australian at the current exchange rate). To be able to support a family costs Rs 100 ($3) per day or Rs 3000 per month, so women and girls supplement the income by sewing beads onto vinyl strips for shoes. They earn Rs 10 (30c) per pair; about two hours work. Families get by provided there are no expensive weddings or medical emergencies, and the police do not take one of your young men into custody on a trumped up charge and demand payment in exchange for his release.
Some of the better-off families those with enough people employed to manage a
Rs 1,000 ($30) per month surplus have devised an ingenious way of achieving their financial goals more quickly. Twenty families club together and each contribute Rs 1,000 to a pool. Each month the name of one of the families is drawn by lot and they receive the whole
Rs 20,000 ($600). The next month another family receives the full amount. This continues until all twenty families have Rs 20,000. No one loses. Nineteen families achieve their goals sooner. The money may be used for adding a room, or paying debts, or covering other urgent bills.
Their fondest hope is that the government will legalise the community and give people title to their houses. Their biggest fear is that the government will bulldoze the community.
Education is a priority, and those families with a number of people working pay to send their children to somewhat better schools. They hope that the next generation will have things a little easier.
I am impressed by Riazzadins quiet dignity, and his workers friendly smiles and warm handshakes. I am inspired by their acceptance of the will of God in all things. They have taught me something about the apostle Pauls dictum I have learned to be content with whatever I have (Phil. 4:11).
Theology & Discipleship: From: Rob Bos, National Consultant, Theology & Discipleship
The de Vries family in Delhi
Delhi, India, has been home to Australians Rick and Julie de Vries for the past nine years. Their two boys, James and Allan, were born there. They live in the Janata Community, a squatter settlement of about 80,000 people.
Julie and Rick are members of Servants , an international group of Christians committed to working with the poorest of the poor. Other members live in the Philippines, Cambodia and Thailand. Their particular calling is to the slums of Asias mega cities participating with the poor to bring hope and justice through Jesus Christ . They speak of it as incarnational ministry . Their support is raised through churches and friends, although they are careful not to live at a standard too much higher than the people among whom they live.
Several years ago, the de Vries family lived in a slum in South Delhi, which was home to about 4,000 people. Shortly after they moved out, that community was bulldozed and the people relocated . During the upheavals of that time, Julie and Rick supported the residents by explaining how the government bureaucracy worked and helping people to contact those who could help. They put people in touch with lawyers, advised on where to get needed medical advice, supported people with disabilities and showed people how to catch buses. They also helped people to organise to achieve common goals. They frequently have opportunities to pray with people.
All this, of course, first required being proficient in Hindi-Urdu and earning peoples trust.
Once their neighbours from the slum were scattered, the de Vries family moved to Janata. Julie, like her Muslim neighbours, covers her head when she goes out a sign of respect appreciated by the locals. Rick, a lawyer by training, is doing post-graduate studies in community development. James, the older of their boys, attends the local school. Allan is good friends with Gulnaz, Soni and Shabbo who live downstairs.
We met up in the midst of the national election campaign. Julie and Rick toss around the idea of suggesting to the local community that they offer one of the aspiring politicians a block of 20,000 votes in exchange for an iron clad promise that he will do what he can to legalise the community, thereby giving people security of tenure over the houses they have built.
We bought lunch in tiny shops run by local residents. Back in the de Vries single room, which serves as their living quarters, we shared a simple meal of roti, banana and vegetables. In an Indian slum, we broke bread the sign of incarnational ministry.
For more information: www.servantsasia.org
Uniting International Mission:
From: The Asia Desk, John Barr, Executive Secretary, Uniting International Mission
Indonesia:
Rev Professor James Haire (ex President and Chair UIM Reference Committee) and Rev John Barr (Executive Secretary UIM) met with His Excellency Mr Imron Cotan, Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, in Canberra on Friday 18th June. Concerns related to the ongoing conflict in Ambon and other parts of Indonesia were raised. Christians and Muslims continue to be killed in situations that remain critical. The Ambassador has related our concerns to Jakarta while opportunities for further dialogue were discussed.
North Asia:
UIM is delighted to share with the Melbourne Korean Congregation in the appointment of Mr Won-pyo Hong and Mrs Jung-ok Hong to serve with the NGO, Christ Reaching Asians Mission, in Najin, North Korea. Mr Hong has been appointed for an interim period of service that commences in July 2004. Both Mr and Mrs Hong will be formally appointed to serve for a three year term commencing in January 2005. Service in North Korea will include ministry with children who have special needs and basic community welfare.
East Timor:
The General Synod of the Protestant Church in East Timor (IPTL) will take place in Dili from 5th to 11th July 2004. Elections of new synod officers (including the moderator) will take place for the period 2004-2008. Rev John Barr, Executive Secretary, will represent the UCA.
Guests received from Overseas:
In recent months, UIM received the following visitors: Rev Edwin Kharkongor (Principal of John Roberts Theological Seminary in Mawklot, Shillong, North-east India); Rev Francisco de Vasconcelos (minister of the Protestant Church in East Timor); Mr Constantino Pinto (Director, Naroman Foundation, Dili, East Timor); Rev Herman Awom (Deputy Moderator, Evangelical Christian Church in the Land of Papua).
People in Mission:
Rev Scott Litchfield and family (Coromandel Valley in South Australia) are home on furlough from service with the Church of Christ in Thailand while Rob and Jacqui Floyd (Hervey Bay in Queensland) are extending their period of service to serve with Evangelical Christian Church in Timor (Kupang, West Timor). Pastor Craig Bailey (Aberfolye Park in South Australia) represented the UCA at a Youth Conference in the Diocese of Krishna Godavari (Church of South India).
UnitingJustice: From: Elenie Poulos, National Director, UnitingJustice
We are called to offer a vision of the world imbued with the sacredness of God where love, grace, compassion, justice and peace replace fear, violence, greed and oppression. It is only by justice by transforming community, reclaiming our humanity and cherishing the creation that we will build a nation and world that is truly secure.
[No Security Without Justice, Election 2004 A Briefing Paper]
In a global context marked by terrorism and war, civil conflict, global poverty and environmental destruction, it is not surprising that security has become a major political issue. We have a need to feel secure and strive for security in every aspect of our lives. But are we making decisions for a genuine and lasting security?
No Security Without Justice is the 2004 election briefing paper for members of the Uniting Church. It seeks to explore the implications of the gospel for aspects of Australias national life. The major issues covered include reconciliation, multiculturalism, the environment, issues for rural and remote Australia, healthcare, education, welfare, international aid and development and issues of international peace.
The document is non-party political. It contains material to help church members to think about these issues from a Christian perspective, listen to politicians and political parties with discernment and cast an informed vote. The question that lies at the heart of the document is: what kind of society does God call us to build?
No Security Without Justice is the result of collaboration and co-operation across the Uniting Church. It reflects the wide range of work in which the Church is involved and expresses the work and positions already undertaken by the Church.
A copy will be sent to every congregation by mid-July. Multiple copies will be available from the Assembly or your Synod justice agency or Synod office. It will also be available on the Assembly website http://nat.uca.org.au together with more detailed issues papers.
WORK SNIPPETS&
now available: REFUGEE AND MIGRANT SUNDAY 29 August 2004
Resources from the National Council of Churches website http://www.ncca.org.au/cws/refugees
coming soon: SOCIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY 26 September 2004
Security at all Costs? A Christian Reflection on where to draw the line
A kit produced by the National Council of Churches
This kit will distributed through the regular Synod mailouts in August. Hard copies will also be available from UnitingJustice and it will be available to download from the NCCA website
http://www.ncca.org.au
WHATS NEW ON THE WEBSITE:
- media releases responding to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commissions report on the Inquiry into Children in Detention, The Last Resort? http://nat.uca.org.au/unitingjustice/media/
web: http://nat.uca.org.au/unitingjustice/ email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
tel: 02 82674236 mail: PO Box A2266 Sydney South NSW 1235
ubscribe to Justice News [EMAIL PROTECTED] to receive info and updates about our work - send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a blank subject line and subscribe justice-news please in the body of the message
Media Releases:
From: Gavin Melvin, Snr Communication Officer, National Assembly
Vote (1) No more poverty 21 June
Church leaders from across Australia, including the Uniting Church, gathered in Canberra last Friday to keep poverty on the agenda in the lead up to the Federal election.
Vote [1] No More Poverty is a joint campaign of the Uniting, Anglican and Catholic Churches and their social services agencies and aims to raise awareness among members of our community and our political leaders about the growing rate of poverty.
The Uniting Church was represented at the launch by UnitingCare Australia National Director, Lin Hatfield Dodds and National Assembly ex President, Rev Prof, James Haire.
Ms Hatfield Dodds, said poverty is a growing problem in Australia and not just among unemployed people.
While Australia has experienced economic growth in the last two decades much of this prosperity has passed by many Australians. Today, we have the dubious honour of being ranked fourth on the OECD list of countries with the highest percent of population living in poverty, Ms Hatfield Dodds said.
Today, 852,000 Australian children live in jobless households and 3.6 million Australians live on a household income of less than $400 a week.
Agencies like UnitingCare which deliver the majority of community support in this country, see the despair and deprivation of Australias poor every day.
Each year more and more Australians are suffering an unacceptable standard of living and poverty is no longer just about unemployed people.
Many working Australians now find themselves struggling with poverty and as a caring church it is time we took a stand to see something done. Thats why we started this campaign.
The campaign was launched at Parliament House in Canberra on June 24 following a national newspaper advertisement in the Australian that day.
Church leaders, including Prof Haire, told politicians and media representatives of the desperate need for the Federal Government to take a national leadership role in tackling poverty.
Our faith and ethical traditions call us to ensure the health and well being of our communities. With this in mind we believe all Australians have the right to a decent life including access to work, education, housing, food and recreation.
The message that we sent to our political leaders was that sadly, for more and more Australians, this is a pipe dream.
There are no easy answers to solving poverty it is a multi faceted problem often caused by more than one factor. However, the first step is to acknowledge the problem and work together at all levels of government to find real solutions.
We called on the Federal Government to take a national leadership role on this issue and work through the Council of Australian Governments with State and Territory Governments to develop a well resourced national action plan working across government and in partnership with the broader community.
This is an issue we all need to be concerned and we are asking church members for their help to make politicians and political candidates aware of this issue. Please, in the lead up to the next election take the time to write to them or call them and ask &Do you care about poverty in Australia and what will you do to address it?
Want to know more about the campaign. Visit www.vote1nomore poverty.org .au More >> (link is: http://assembly.uca.org.au/news/mediareleases/2004/release270504.htm)
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Uniting Church calls for immediate release of children from Australia's detention centers 10 June
The Uniting Church has again called for the immediate release of all children from Australias detention centres, joining todays Sydney community protest.
UnitingJustice Australia National Director, Rev. Elenie Poulos, said she was outraged the Government has ignored the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Report into Children in Detention and its recommendation that all children be released from Australias immigration detention centres by today.
This is a Government which claims to be supportive of families and children yet its policies are destroying childrens lives. There is absolutely no excuse for robbing children of their innocence.
The HREOC report painted a terrible picture of life for children who are held in Australias detention centres, but the Government has refused to acknowledge that the detention of children is wrong.
The Minister, Amanda Vanstone, has said that releasing these children would send a message to people smugglers that we are a soft target if they bring children. More >> (link is: http://assembly.uca.org.au/news/mediareleases/2004/release100604.htm)
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Church Welcomes Opportunity For Indigenous Voice 01 June
The Uniting Church today welcomed the decision by Senator Kerry OBrien that the Labor Party will refer the ATSIC Bill to a Senate Inquiry.
Uniting Church General Secretary, Reverend Terence Corkin said the decision would allow the indigenous community and Australian citizens to have a voice on the future of ATSIC.
This decision ensures all Australians will have a say on the future of ATSIC and most importantly, the principles of indigenous self determination are adhered to before any decision is made. More >> (link is: http://assembly.uca.org.au/news/mediareleases/2004/release010604.htm)
Uniting Church condemns insult to Reconciliation Week 28 May
The Uniting Church condemns the Federal Governments insult to Reconciliation Week by choosing yesterday to introduce the bill to abolish ATSIC without replacement, Shayne Blackman, National Administrator of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, the Indigenous body of the Uniting Church said today.
May 27 is the first day of Reconciliation Week and celebrates the successful 1967 referendum granting citizenship rights to Indigenous peoples, he said.
For the Howard Government to put before the House of Representatives a bill which denies Indigenous people a voice and a say in our own affairs is a sign that this Government has total disregard of the reconciliation process in this nation. More >> (link is: http://assembly.uca.org.au/news/mediareleases/2004/release280504.htm)
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Uniting Church supports flexible maternity payments 27 May
The Uniting Church today expressed its support for greater choice in Government maternity payments for all mothers.
UnitingCare Australias National Director, Lin Hatfield Dodds said yesterdays debate in Parliament about lump sum maternity payments to young mothers had missed the point.
The suggestion that lump sum payments will encourage young women to have children is flawed.
The experience of UnitingCare providers across Australia is that young women enter relationships seeking the support and comfort which is often missing from their home lives. More >> (link is: http://assembly.uca.org.au/news/mediareleases/2004/release270504.htm)
Australias Jews, Muslims and Christians pray together for Iraqs future: From: Wendie Wilkie, Associate General Secretary, National Assembly
Representatives of Australia's peak Christian, Islamic and Jewish bodies prayed together for
the future of Iraq, the safety of Australian personnel serving in that country and for the families of civilians and soldiers who have lost their lives in that country.
Meeting at Temple Emanuel Synagogue in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra, delegations from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) , the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) and the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA), reflected on the great need for peace and international reconciliation at this momentous time.
Amjad Mehboob, the CEO of AFIC stated the prayers were to "express hope that the long-suffering Iraqi people will find peace and security in their homeland".
NCCA General Secretary Rev John Henderson, said "this is a pivotal moment for the future of our global society and a litmus test for hope".
President of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Jeremy Jones, affirmed that "Australians enjoy democracy, peace and wonderful inter-faith and inter-communal relations and our joint prayer is that the blessings we enjoy can be shared by the Iraqis and all people".
The joint prayers took place at a meeting of the Australian National Dialogue of Christians, Muslims and Jews, which also included an intensive exchange of understandings of "Prophets and Prophecy" and discussed future prospects for interfaith co-operation in Australia.
Further Information: Jeremy Jones, President, Executive Council of Australian Jewry 0411536436
Uniting Church Adult Fellowship: From: Joan Kelley, President, National Committee UCAF
LAUNCH OF CLOUD OF WITNESSES BANNERS
A number of banners have been made by Uniting Church Adult Fellowship Members in Western Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.
Each banner portrays a Biblical character making the Cloud of Witnesses and are creative and colourful some are breathtakingly beautiful. A few of the banners were on view at the recent U.C.A.F. National Celebration at Lincoln College. More have been promised for the banner Launch.
The Launch will take place at the Adelaide West Uniting Church Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Brooklyn Park (Bus stop 7) during a Service of Worship on Wednesday 11 August 2004 at
2.00pm followed by afternoon tea. The Service will be repeated at 7.30pm followed by supper.
You are invited to either or both Services.
After the Launch the Banners will travel around South Australia for the remainder of 2004. During 2005 and up to and including April 2006 they will travel around the rest of Australia.
Please take the opportunity of being at and taking part in the Launch of these beautiful Cloud of Witnesses banners.
Multicultural Ministry:
From: Helen Richmond, National Director, Multicultural Ministry
One Great Sunday of Sharing 18 July 'In Christ we are reconciled to God and one another'
Celebrate One Great Sunday of Sharing 2004 on the 18 July (or choose a different Sunday). The theme is "In Christ we are reconciled to God and one another". The Order of Service and sermon notes written by Dr Gedeon Gakindican 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]
The Annual Appeal for Multicultural Ministry co-incides with One Great Sunday of Sharing. You are invited to choose one of the projects listed below.
* Developing Second Generation Youth resources and leadership training
* Cross-cultural workshop - Confronting Racism: Celebrating Diversity
* Translation of key documents
Conference: From: Rob Bos, National Consultant, Theology & Discipleship
Still some places available at August consultation
How can the Uniting Church make disciples of Jesus Christ in a way that respects people and is faithful to our commitments as a church?
The NCLS reports indicate that evangelism is not a high priority for most Uniting Church people. This can change. A consultation in August offers you a chance to explore how your congregation or presbytery can engage in this vital and rewarding ministry. Daniel Benedict Jr from the United Methodist Church USA will be our keynote speaker.
There will also be great worship, some practical workshops, electives and lots of great people to meet.
Where? Adelaide.
When? 17 to 19 August.
How do you register? Go to http://disciples.unitingchurch.org.au or phone Katie on
(03) 9416 4262.
See you there!
Books for Unitings:
Books are selected by Hugh McGinlay e: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> (These new books are available from UCA bookshops and resource centres)
RIGHT AND WRONG
How to decide for yourself
Hugh Mackay
(Hodder)
ISBN 073361549X $29.95
What should I do? How should I live? Whats the point of trying to do the right thing? Australian Christian psychologist and social researcher helps us navigate the moral minefields of contemporary life and suggests some personal disciplines and strategies that can make it easier for us to decide what's right and wrong in our moral choices.
DAILY PRAYERS FOR BUSY PEOPLE
William J. OMalley
(Liguori)
ISBN 0764809911 $18.95
A four week cycle of prayers for morning, midday and evening, using resources from the Bible, great works of literature and evocative original prayers. The goal of these prayers is connecting with and resting in God (the author).
LORD OF THE BANQUET
The literary and theological significance of the Lukan travel narrative
David P. Moessner
(Trinity Press International)
ISBN 1563382423 $49.95
Comprehensive investigation of the Lukan narrative as the key to understanding the teaching and emphases of Lukes Gospel. Nuanced and invaluable (Virginal Seminary Journal)
JUDGE FOR YOURSELVES
Reading 1 Corinthians
Robert Evans
(DLT)
ISBN 0232524912 $31.95
A fresh understanding of Pauls theology and exegesis, offering an introduction to the entire Pauline phenomenon and offering practical tools for a better understanding of how to read Pauls letters. Has glossary notes on key theological terms, questions for reflection, etc. and suggests that Pauls instruction to the Corinthians to judge for themselves is the key to the nature of Pauls ministry.
THE QUEST FOR THE MESSIAH
(Second edition, revised and enlarged)
John Painter
(T&T Clark)
ISBN 0567292460 $20.00
Australian Bible scholar discusses the history, literature and theology of Johannine Christianity, the process of the composition of the Gospel and its relation to 1 John, the purpose of the Gospel and all its major themes and issues. This 1993 edition is available at a special price.
EACH DAY EACH NIGHT
A daily prayer companion
Paul Sheppy
(Canterbury)
ISBN 1853111562 $17.95
Simple outlines for morning and evening prayer help us discover the difference that beginning and ending the day with God can make. Includes: learning to be still, listening for Gods word, letting ourselves be challenged or encouraged, beginning to see the world as God does. Invites us to set out on a lifelong journey of discovery, change and growth.
COLONIES OF HEAVEN
Celtic models for todays church
Ian Bradley
(DLT)
ISBN 0232523371 $32.95
Explores how distinctive themes in the early Christianity of the British Isles - monasticism, blessing and cursing, penance and pastoral care, worship, the communion of saints and pilgrimage might be applied in practical ways to Christian life today.
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 11 Launch of Cloud of Witness Adelaide West Uniting Church
For further details contact Joan Kelley, National President UCAF
Tele: (08) 8179 5639
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 6 Indonesian Ministers
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
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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