Assembly Update http://nat.uca.org.au/home August 2004
What can be found in this edition of Assembly Update?
New directions for the Assembly Sexuality and Leadership in the Uniting Church Stories from UIM Putting Cows in the Bank! Referral of Proposal 84 Media Releases 800 gather to share common values Multicultural Ministry UnitingJustice Defence Force Chaplaincy Positions Vacant Books for Unitings Dates for your Diary
Just a thought & Notes from the General Secretary
From July 9 to 14 the fifteen member churches of the National Council of Churches in Australia, along with several churches as observers, met for their triennial National Forum. Once again it was a wonderful experience of the grace of God that enables people of such diverse theological and historic experiences to meet together as sisters and brothers in Christ.
When Orthodox, Catholic and numerous protestant churches of various polities meet together it is impossible to hide the huge differences that exist among us. Differences in priorities, emphases, fears, theology, doctrine, practices, worship, and on and on. Yet these people, who one person has described as a sociological impossibility, worship together, support one another and sit at meals and listen and learn. Truly the only thing we can say we have in common is a shared conviction that we are called to a new life by Jesus and that this Jesus is the saviour of the world. Yet it is enough.
Bishop Michael Putney encouraged and challenged us to see that as followers of Jesus we are also the friends of Jesus and that this friendship not of our choosing is something that we must take seriously. Being friends of the friends of Jesus is not an option for Christians.
The UCA seeks to live out in its life, and through its commitment to the ecumenical movement, the conviction that the unity of the people of God is both Christs will and gift. So at the recent ASC meeting papers related to the Orthodox position on Christology and the Lutheran and Catholic position on justification were welcomed and found agreeable to the
position of the UCA. These are important steps to naming where our perceived differences are not as great as we might have thought. Dialogue is the key mark of ecumenical commitment.
Being genuinely ecumenical is not always easy. But sometimes it is easier between churches than within the same church. My hope is that the UCA will learn to live out its ecumenical commitments and practices within its own life not for the sake of the UCA but for its evangelical impact. (John 13: 35 and John 17:21)
Terence Corkin General Secretary, National Assembly
Where are they?: From: Wendie Wilkie, Acting General Secretary, National Assembly
The President, Rev.. Dr Dean Drayton, and the General Secretary, Rev.. Terence Corkin, are both overseas in August, at the World Alliance of Reformed Churches meeting in Ghana. Dean will also visit Fiji and Terence will take some leave in South Africa with his wife, returning on 2 September. During his absence, I will be acting General Secretary.
New Directions for the Assembly: From: Wendie Wilkie, Acting General Secretary, National Assembly
The ASC at its last meeting agreed to major changes in the way some agencies and areas of work are done nationally by Assembly staff. This will affect areas of justice, theology, covenanting, education, communications and other faiths. A team of consultants will be appointed with a specialist in each of the areas of justice and theology, with a third consultant having significant educational expertise. They will be supported by a small administrative support group, which will include skills in research, event organising and general administration. The position of Associate General Secretary will continue with an added dimension of being the team leader of this group. This initiative is to give the Assembly more flexibility in the way it covers a wide range of work, to give more intentional focus to its core responsibilities in theology and to an essential character of the church in its commitment to justice. It is also a reaction to a critically declining financial situation for the Assembly.
The ASC Review team will continue its work in writing job descriptions and transitional arrangements in the next few months.
Leadership and Ministry opportunities
There will be opportunities for people thinking to become involved in leadership and ministry nationally with the Assembly the first being the position of Associate General Secretary. This will be advertised in September and October with applications closing at the end of October. The job description and information will be available in late September. If you are interested in this position I encourage you to register your interest by writing to the Assembly General Secretary confidentially at PO Box A2266, Sydney South NSW 1235. An information pack will be sent to you as soon as it is available.
Sexuality and Leadership in the Uniting Church: From: Wendie Wilkie, Acting General Secretary, National Assembly
Sexuality and Leadership in the Uniting Church is a booklet produced by the Assembly under the direction of the Standing Committee. It is the second part of its three phase program and is aimed at helping those in the Church who wish to explore this issue further. In the first section, referring to the Basis of Union and the Bible, it explores core understanding of the Church, its attitudes to the Bible, to its mission, and to its ways of working within the reformed tradition. These papers could be useful in a wide range of circumstances. The second section contains three papers from different perspectives of the debate on sexuality and leadership - against, for, and living with difference. There are also sections of suggested ways forward, bibliographies and websites. Statements on ordination and sexuality from various groups within the church such as EMU, Congress, migrant ethnic groups and Unity are also included.
All ministers in settlement have received one, all congregational secretaries have been sent one. If you would like to buy a copy or purchase multiple copies for your congregation or group please contact MediaCom 1800 811 311. The books are $3 a copy plus $2 postage. If you order 8 or more postage will be at cost. It is also available as an Ebook on the Assembly website http://nat.uca.org.au/home/Ebook
Uniting International Mission: From: The Asia Desk, John Barr, Executive Secretary
General Synod of the Igreja Protestante iha Timor Lorosa'e (Protestant Church in East Timor)
The General Synod of the Protestant Church in East Timor took place in Ekaristi Church, Dili, East Timor, from the 5th to the 11th of July. The Uniting Church in Australia journeyed with this small church during the period of Indonesian military occupation and we supported our colleagues through the turbulent period leading up to East Timor's independence. We are now committed to working with this community during the current period of reconstruction.
Rev. John Barr, UIM Executive Secretary for Asia, attended the General Synod where Rev. Francisco de Vasconcelos was re-elected as moderator for another 4 year period.
The Protestant Church in East Timor faces major challenges. These include building trust in the community where mutual suspicion and distrust were fostered by years of occupation; developing self confidence in the wake of years of violence and intimidation; and establishing a distinct identity in a situation where the church has been cut off from the Asia-Pacific region.
Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in East Timor as they face major challenges.
Uniting Church Overseas Aid (UCOA): Jane Gibson, Aid & Development Division of Uniting International Mission
Putting Cows in the Bank!
A special group of enthusiasts will be taking a bike ride to Mt Kosciuszko in an attempt to raise funds for cow projects including the Cow Fattening Scheme from Uniting Church Overseas Aid (UCOA) and MBM, the aid and development arm of our Partner Church, the Protestant Church in Bali.
The 'Cows to Kosciuszko' bike ride will take place between October the 4th and 10th, starting from Sydney.
The Cow Bank team are not professional cyclists - just ordinary Australians moved by the plight of disadvantaged families in neighbouring countries.
If you would like to support this fun event please log on to http://www.cowbank.org/aboutcowbank.htm or make a direct donation for our project in Bali by calling 02 8267 4266. There are so many other ways you can support the work with our Partner Churches. Resources and display materials are available upon request.
Referral of Proposal 84 to councils of the church: From Wendie Wilkie: Acting General Secretary
The Assembly Standing Committee received a report on responses to this referral and this report has been sent to ministers in settlement and to congregations. Response were received from 619 out of the 2,252 congregations and 27 of 50 presbyteries. The responses show that there are clear differences of opinion in the Church on this matter and that there is no consensus on whether the Assembly decision should stand or be overturned.
Terence Corkin in his covering letter says: The responses confirmed that many members recognise that the presenting issues of sexuality and ministry and how we handle it includes significant issues about the UCA understanding of how the Bible operates in our life, the nature of the gospel and how authority is exercised in the UCA. It is seen that the booklet Sexuality and Leadership in the Uniting Church may help people and groups to explore these issues.
Please contact your synod office for this resource or look on the Assembly website.
Media Releases:
From: Gavin Melvin, Snr Communication Officer, National Assembly
GROWTH AND PERSPECTIVE: PRESIDENTS ADDRESS TO ASC - 21 July 2004
In his report the Assembly Standing Committee, President, Rev.. Dean Drayton, told delegates that his first year has been one of growth in a national and international perspective.
Being in this position changes you, Rev.. Drayton told the ASC.
When I came into this position I really thought that I had a good perspective on the life of the Church. Now, after a year, I have realised that its a job I am still growing into and that as I travel across the country and meet with people, I get a better understanding of the local and national issues facing them.
If the Church also thinks globally and nationally, then we will get a different perspective and a different appreciation of Gods calling, he said.
He emphasised: Since the gospel is the heart of our message, we need to find the language of today so that people can hear again the wonder of Gods new possibilities.
Full details: http://Assembly.uca.org.au/ASC/ASCJuly04/index.htm
MILESTONE CONVENANT SIGNED WITH PARTNER CHURCHES - 21 July 2004
The Uniting Church recently signed a new covenant with Australian Churches that President Rev. Dean Drayton believes, would not be possible anywhere else in the world
Rev. Drayton told the Assembly Standing Committee that the covenant, signed on Sunday July11 by National Council of Churches members was a milestone in the life of the Church in Australia.
While I was sitting in the Cathedral on the night the covenant was signed, the realisation of what we were doing finally struck home.
We had been able to put aside a range of differences and focus on the things that we shared together. I really had to ask myself in what other country could churches who are so involved in their communities sign such a covenant?
The covenant is wide and varied and includes things such as resource sharing, common mission and ministry, common sacrament and shared ordained ministers.
Full details: http://Assembly.uca.org.au/ASC/ASCJuly04/index.htm
ASC ENDORSES REGIONAL INTERFAITH DIALOGUES 21 July, 2004
The Uniting Church will enter a new era, working with the NCCA and the Federal Government to develop interfaith dialogues across the Asia Pacific region.
Uniting Church President Rev. Dean Drayton, said the Standing Committee at its July meeting agreed to participate in regional interfaith dialogues that will build on the work already being undertaken by the Church within Australia.
It follows a recent announcement by the Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, to investigate the possibility of the Australian and Indonesian Governments developing interfaith regional conferences in South East Asia.
After that announcement at the NCCA forum, we moved a resolution that the NCCA look to play an active role in developing these conferences because of the experience Churches like ours already have in this area.
Flowing from this I felt it was important that the ASC endorse Uniting Church participation so that we could share our own very broad experience at the table and play a part in making these conferences a success.
Im pleased that the ASC agreed to support the National Council of Churches resolution to try and work with the Federal Government to develop interfaith dialogues because I think we have some very useful experiences to share, Rev. Drayton said.
Full details: http://Assembly.uca.org.au/ASC/ASCJuly04/index.htm
NEW HOPE FOR REFUGEES - Tuesday, July 13, 2004
The Australian Government has finally demonstrated some compassion and common decency to the thousands of Temporary Protection Visa holders who having been living with uncertain futures.
Uniting Church National President, Rev. Dr Dean Drayton, said the decision to allow 9,500 TPV holders to make permanent residency applications from within Australia was a first step in re-creating public confidence in Australias immigration system.
We congratulate the Minister on todays decision it shows the Government has acknowledged the need for compassion and decency when it comes to people who have been granted protection in Australia as refugees.
The Uniting Church has always been concerned about the effects of temporary protection on refugees. Its not right to provide a safe haven for people and then, after they have established a life and a sense of belonging in Australia, insist they go home.
We are pleased that refugees will now be given the chance to apply onshore for permanent residency. This decision gives them the opportunity to build their lives with a sense of security and with hope for the future, Rev. Drayton said.
Full details: http://Assembly.uca.org.au/news/mediareleases/2004/release130704.htm
CHURCH WELCOMES BOOST TO HIV FUNDING 12 July, 2004
Uniting Church National President, Rev. Dr Dean Drayton, today welcomed a doubling of Australian Government funding to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS.
We applaud the Government for committing an extra $300 million to combat the virus in the Asia-Pacific region a region where last year 1 million people were infected and half a million people died.
While infections have been relatively stable in Australia, the Uniting Church has constantly made the point that Australia has an obligation to the rest of the world, especially our neighbours in the Pacific.
Two of our National Directors wrote to the Prime Minister late last year urging for an increase in the level of government funding to combat HIV/AIDS.
Full details: http://Assembly.uca.org.au/news/mediareleases/2004/release120704.htm
Review of Sexual Misconduct Regulations:
The Assembly sexual misconduct against ministers.
The Task Group invites anyone or any council in the Church who wishes to make a submission to the Task Group on any possible changes to the Regulations to send them to the Secretary of the Task Group, no later than 15 August 2004:
Rev. J Allan Thompson [EMAIL PROTECTED] 96 Margaret Street Launceston TAS 7250
800 gather to share common values:
from: Wendie Wilkie, Assembly Relations with People of Other Faiths Committee
Oakhill College at Castle Hill in Sydney was the venue for a gathering of 800 Christian and Muslims on Friday evening , gathering together to hear music and Muslim and Christian speakers, but primarily to meet one another, to share food and to learn a little more about the values we share and the way we can live together in harmony in Australia.
That so many people want to come out on a Friday evening is a sign that the local grassroots community are interested and want to meet one another, that they are more committed to living together in harmony than we would assume from our newspapers.
This is the third gathering in the past 12 months and each time more people come.
The gatherings are auspiced by the local Council, with Christian and Muslim representatives working with the Council to organise the event. Richard Glover from ABC radio chaired this event and Bishop Kevin Manning from the Catholic Diocese of Paramatta and Wendie Wilkie, Associate General Secretary for the UCA National Assembly, spoke from Christian perspectives. Suzan Meguid, a young Muslim woman who runs her own pharmacy in Auburn, and Keysar Trad, a leader in the Lebanese Islamic community spoke from Muslim perspectives. A catholic college string quartet provided music, with the local Castle Hill school childrens ensemble and a Muslim Gazi Husrevberg Youth Choir singing for the gathering.
Local groups want to follow this event up having smaller intentional ongoing gatherings that build and develop relationships begun and insights gained.
Multicultural Ministry: From: Helen Richmond, National Director, Multicultural Ministry
The Report on the Third National Consultation on Cross-cultural Ministry, Walking Together, which took place at Naamaroo Conference Centre, Sydney in March 2003, is now available.
The Consultation was a significant and enriching national multicultural event. This beautifully presented A4 128 page manual includes stories, photos, ideas for worship and workshops, key note addresses and a selection of helpful additional resources.
To order the Walking Together Report and additional multicultural resources, contact Ruth Crispin on 02 8267 4220 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] $12.00 per copy includes postage.
Worshiping in a Multicultural Church
As part of its on-going commitment to being an inclusive Church, Multicultural Ministry has been developing a new resource Worshiping in a Multicultural Church.
As work in progress, the resource will help promote greater understanding across the entire church, by providing a list of significant cultural and religious dates that are celebrated.
It is hoped that churches might use the resource to organise local celebrations as a way of promoting sharing and greater understanding. The full document is available on the Multicultural Ministry Website or by contacting Ruth Crispin at [EMAIL PROTECTED] If your communitys events are not listed please contact Multicultural Ministry. Highlights for this month include:
Sunday near 15 August Kwang Bok Jeol Gam Sa Joo
(Sunday to thank God for Korean Independence)
This service symbolizes the Exodus event. Thanks is given to God for delivering Korea from 36 years of Japanese colonization. The national flag is placed on the altar and the national anthem is sung at the end of the service. Korean
15 August of the Lunar Year Chu Soo Gam Sa Joo Thanksgiving Day
A thanksgiving service, which includes hymns accompanied by traditional musical instruments. Korean
15 August of the Lunar Year Moon Festival Childrens Festival
This coincides with the Vietnamese national holiday and is a great time for the children. Children parade through the streets at night with lanterns and singing. Vietnamese
Sunday near 17 August Hari Kemerdekaan Independence Day.
Prayers for the nation commemorating Independence day. Indonesian
15 August in Chinese Lunar Calendar (date in the Gregorian calendar varies each year) Mid-autumn Festival
This is celebrated by eating moon cakes and lighting candles in lanterns, and a day for family reunions. Churches host activities that share the message of reconciliation. Chinese
UnitingJustice:
The path of faithful discipleship does not mean that we retreat from the difficulties of the world, but rather get involved in finding a better way. We are not called to avoid life and all its struggles but rather to take risks, standing up for what is just, acting as neighbour to those most in need and sharing the great love of God in all we do and say.
[Message from the NCCA, Security at all Costs
A Christian reflection on where to draw the line,
Social Justice Sunday kit 2004]
In this age of uncertainty and in the face of the complex global and local issues of our day, security has become a key issue. We can feel as threatened by financial pressures, broken relationships and local crime, as we can by terrorism and war. We are willing to go to great lengths to feel safe and secure. But what are the hidden costs of this drive for security?
It is time to stop and think about where we should draw the line in our search for security. The 2004 Social Justice Sunday kit invites us to think about this issue at a critical point in our history.
This years resource kit is produced by the Social Justice Network of the NCCA and is a contribution to the Decade to Overcome Violence. It will examine some of the ways in which we as a nation and as individuals, churches and communities seek security, often unwittingly perpetrating violence on others and our world.
The kit includes resources for worship, a theological reflection, reflections on violence and security, and case studies.
The kit is intended for use by congregations, small groups and individuals. Social Justice Sunday is usually celebrated on the last Sunday in September but the materials can be used on any Sunday that is appropriate for your congregation and the study materials can be used over time throughout the year.
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
now available: NO SECURITY WITHOUT JUSTICE your faith, your vote, your voice Federal Election 2004
a resource document from the National Assembly
available from the UnitingJustice
and Assembly websites
hard copies available on request from synod justice offices and UnitingJustice Australia
coming soon: NO SECURITY WITHOUT JUSTICE your faith, your vote, your voice Federal Election 2004
a series of issues papers
will be available on the Assembly and UnitingJustice websites
WHATS NEW ON THE WEBSITE:
- media releases responding to Federal Government announcements about funding for AIDS/HIV and hope for refugees on Temporary Protection Visas 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
subscribe 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
Australian Defence Force Chaplaincy: From: Rev A Gale Hall, Convenor, Defence Force Chaplaincy
Looking for some direction in life? Ever thought of being a Chaplain in the Australian Defence Force?
The ADF has almost 51,000 permanent (full time) military staff. Of these, about 13,000 are in the RAN, 24,000 are in the Army and 14,000 are in the RAAF. There are also more than 23,000 Reserves (part time).
Its a pretty big family with many members. Add to this the families of members and chaplains have a giant-sized challenge in Christian ministry. Think of it. Is this an area where God might be calling you to minister?
Consider this. You would be working collaboratively with the Department of Defence to develop character building from a Christian perspective. There is no other ministry quite like it. No other ministry where an ordained person is embraced and incorporated into the heart of a government department doing the work that they were ordained to do.
Uniting Church Ministers of the Word or Deacons, both women and men, are being sought right now for chaplaincy in the three arms of the Defence Force.
Uniting Church chaplains in the Defence Force work either on a full time or part time basis (as a reservist which can be a stepping stone to full time service).
Chaplaincy gives you an opportunity to broaden your ministry experience.
The chaplains work is vital in the Defence Force as they attend to the spiritual needs of all service personnel and their families. They conduct services of worship, offer counselling and pastoral care and provide moral and ethical advice to commanders. They also assist through providing character development and marriage and relationship preparation/enhancement programs.
The chaplains work may be in Australia or overseas. It may be in barracks, on exercise, at war or on peace-keeping operations. It could be with fighting units and ships, at training establishments, in support units or on air bases.
To be an ADF chaplain, she or he needs to be a resourceful person, easily adaptable, who can communicate well with many different people and show genuine pastoral concern for their needs. He or she has to be a self-starter who can provide leadership on occasions and work well in a team environment.
The Defence Force provides chaplains with training in such things as leadership, management, instructional technique and enhanced pastoral skills. In addition to normal military training for specialist officers, there is a part time Post-Graduate Diploma in Chaplaincy currently available for chaplains further training.
Chaplains are Commissioned Officers and are employed by the Department of Defence on a professional salary as specialists. Full time chaplains are provided with subsidised housing, free medical and dental treatment and uniforms.
An ADF chaplain is placed by the Assembly through the Defence Force Chaplaincy Committee.
Worth thinking about?
Contact Rev. Gale Hall on 0733773324 (work), 0732644436 (home), 0410346573(mobile), [EMAIL PROTECTED], or [EMAIL PROTECTED]
I will point you in the right direction!
Positions Vacant:
Uniting Church Queensland Synod - SYNOD MISSION CONSULTANT
Applications are invited for the position of Synod Mission Consultant within the Queensland Synod.
Working in a team of three, the Synod Mission Consultant resources local churches, wider church systems and congregational leaders to grow the mission of God within their contexts and entrepreneurial services to the Church and wider community as an active member of Uniting Church Consultancies
The Synod Mission Consultant is required to work in a variety of ways to energise and resource the Church in the key areas of mission and discipleship within contemporary contexts. Specific focus areas for the medium term future work of the Synod Mission Consultant includes new congregations, Christian education, evangelism, leadership development, congregational Revitalization, prayer / spirituality and stewardship.
The Synod Mission Consultant will ha ve excellent communication skills (oral and written) and is expected to be conversant with the various forms of electronic communication. S/he will be a team player and have the capacity to reflect theologically. It is essential that the Synod Mission Consultant has a good knowledge of the mission of the Church in contemporary Australian society and, in particular, the polity of the Uniting Church.
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 October 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, (07) 3377 9705 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] APPLICATIONS marked CONFIDENTIAL and addressed to: Rev. Jenny Tymms, General Secretary Qld Synod, GPO Box 674, Brisbane Q 4001 CLOSE MONDAY 30 AUGUST 2004.
National Council of Churches in Australia
Business Manager
The National Council of Churches in Australia is seeking a Business Manager to have senior responsibility for the business functions of the organisation. The Council is an expression by 15 national Christian Churches of their commitment to closer co-operation and unity.
Based in the Sydney CBD, the position heads up a dedicated section of 5 staff people and supports national work being done in Indigenous Reconciliation, International Development, and a broad range of issues in contemporary Australian society.
We are looking for someone with a will to make a difference, qualified in accounting, and with management experience. You will need to have demonstrated leadership capacity and willingness to work as part of a team. This position offers a unique opportunity to use financial and management skills to work nationally with a range of Australian Christian communities.
Phone (02) 9299 2215 for further information.
Applications by 31 August 2004 to:
Rev John Henderson General Secretary National Council of Churches in Australia Locked Bag 199 Sydney NSW 1230
Books for Unitings:
Books are selected by Hugh McGinlay. e: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
(These new books are available from UCA bookshops and resource centres. For further information on any title, contact [EMAIL PROTECTED])
TELLING THE BIBLE
Stories and readings for sharing aloud
Bob Hartman
(Lion)
ISBN 0745951244 $17.95
A rich resource for churches, groups and individuals looking for fresh inspiration in presenting the gospel message; with stories from Old and New Testaments and including the major Christian festivals. Opens new perspectives on familiar truths and Bible stories.
LAMENTATIONS AND THE TEARS OF THE WORLD
Kathleen M. OConnor
Foreword by Walter Brueggeman
(Orbis)
ISBN 1570753997 $47.95
'Christians desperately need to recover the Bible's language of lament', says Douglas Hall of McGill University, welcoming this 'scholarly and wonderfully accessible study of the much-neglected Book of Lamentations... a timely gift to all who are serious about faith in God in difficult times'.
INTERMARRIAGE BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND JEWS
Abe W. Ata
(David Lovell Publishing)
ISBN 1863550763 $27.50
An important study from an Australian Christian author (of Palestinian and Lebanese origins) on understanding the richness and complexity of mixed marriages in a multicultural context. Essential for ministers and others who counsel people about interfaith marriages.
PARENTING TEENAGERS
20 tough questions and answers
Lois and Joel Davitz
(Paulist)
ISBN 0809141000 $22.95
Longtime psychologists, educators, and parents Lois and Joel Davitz offer sound advice and reassurance in this book that focuses on some major concerns and questions: relationships, communication, sadness, mood swings, conflict and crisis, money, bad influences.
HOLD ON TO HOPE
The foolishness of God
Wilfrid Harrington
(Dominican)
ISBN 1871552656 $19.95
This book is about recognising the face of the God whom the prophets encountered and whose word they proclaimed; and of acknowledging God's nearness and love, placing ourselves under God's protection in a world that is still awaiting the fullness of redemption.
SOUL SISTERS
Women in Scripture speak to women today
Edwina Gately; art by Louis Glanzman
(Orbis)
ISBN 1570754438 $38.95
Combines reflections on twelve full colour painting of women near Jesus (Elizabeth, Mary, Mary Magdalene, etc.) with stories of ordinary women in the author's life who recognised themselves in the portraits of the gospel women.
Dates for your diary: 2004
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 Witnesses 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 Meeting
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 26-29 Victoria & Tasmania Synod meeting
September 27-29 Northern Territory Synod meeting Kormilda College, Darwin
October 1-4 Western Australian Synod meeting Como October 8-10 Frontier Services Reference Committee Meeting - Townsville October 11-12 National Working Group on Doctrine October 14-17 South Australian Synod meeting - West Lakes 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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