Assembly Update October 2004
http://nat.uca.org.au/home/
Just a thought & Notes from the General Secretary
In August I was able to attend the 24th General Council of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches held in Ghana. There were over 200 hundred churches represented from over 100 countries.
I spoke with a woman who was the first woman ordained in Poland from any church. She had been ordained only a couple of years. I spent time with Iranian Christians who shared something of what it is like to live in a country that is aggressively Moslem. There were people to meet who were from churches of 3,000 members who were also ethnically a minority in their country. Some participants were from denominations that arose because they had split from each other decades ago and were now trying to overcome those historic splits.
It was both a joyous and sad time. Joyful because as we met across language, culture, theological and economic divides we were able to see that we were one in Jesus Christ. The sadness was present because we were trying to deal with divisions that were in many ways a result of history, misunderstanding and pride.
A representative from one church asked me how his church went about joining the Uniting Church. I explained to him that we dont have congregations overseas. We believe that God is at work in those communities through existing churches and it would be arrogant for us to come in and say they couldnt do it right so we had better set up a branch office. I believe that is the kind of church we are ecumenical (respecting what God does in other churches); contextual (God speaks in and through our culture and we have to take that context seriously) and humble (we dont operate like know alls who reckon everyone else is wrong and they should all be like us). How would you describe us if you were in Ghana?
Terence Corkin
In this edition:
Farewell and thanks Report from ASC CowBank bike ride Multicultural Ministry Matthew Rusike Mission Prayer Handbook Sexuality & Leadership Conference Positions Vacant Books for Unitings Dates for your diary
Farewell and Thanks: From: Wendie Wilkie, Associate General Secretary, National Assembly
As many of you know I will be concluding my time with the Assembly at the end of this year. My last day in the office is 5 November. My plans are still not finalised for next year but I plan to go back to some study, do some teaching and retain some involvements ecumenically, in interfaith relationships and peace programs.
I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of you who have been part of my life and work over the past six years. It has been a wonderful opportunity in this position to see so much of the great work we do nationally and internationally and to make a contribution to it. I have met so many interesting and wonderful people and have enjoyed your hospitality thank you. For those with whom I have worked thank you for you contribution, your wisdom, your energy , commitment and insight you have inspired me. For those of you who have questioned, challenged and disagreed with me and my work thank you for you helped me to think again, to consider more carefully and more deeply, and to learn much. For all those who encouraged, taught and supported me and became friends thank you for your gift of grace and love it is the most precious. But especially thank you to those who encouraged me to hear the call of God and the church and to take up this position. It was not easy to leave family and friends, a teaching career and a known and loved place. I am glad that I took up the chance to be in leadership and to work nationally it is a unique view of the Church and I am still excited by its work and its outreach, and passionately committed to its vision and place in our society. Thanks be to God for the gift of grace that sustains us in all we do.
Report from the Assembly Standing Committee: From: Rev. Terence Corkin, General Secretary, National Assembly
The Assembly Standing Committee met by teleconference on 23 September and made some important decisions in relation to the way the Assembly will carry forward the work undertaken by the agencies Covenanting, Theology and Discipleship, Uniting Education and Uniting Justice. The mandate for a new team known as Uniting Faith and Justice was approved and position descriptions adopted for the specialists in Justice work, Theology and Christian Education. The decisions taken recognise the importance of identifiable personnel and expertise in a number of areas but also the benefits that can come from strengthening the holistic approach that the Assembly is developing.
Following these decisions the reviews of the current incumbents in Uniting Justice and Theology and Discipleship will take place with a view to bringing a recommendation about re appointments to the ASC in November.
John Emmett has indicated that he will conclude his employment with the Assembly in December and has taken on an important position with the Kippax congregation in Canberra as a Christian educator. The Assembly has been greatly blessed by the ministry John has exercised over many years.
The work of Uniting Education will not end and the decision to appoint a specialist educator is in part because of the commitment to maintaining the field services provided by Uniting Education. Ted Endacott, who as been with Uniting Education for two years, will be the acting National Director during the transition period. The new position will be advertised in November and December with a view to bringing a nomination to the ASC in March.
The ASC also approved the position description for the Associate General Secretary and it is hoped to bring a nomination to the November meeting.
Uniting Church Overseas Aid (UCOA): From: Jane Gibson, Promotions Program Manager UIM
Fiona gets on her bike for a good cause
One could certainly underestimate the determination and steely drive behind Fiona Collins' blonde ponytail and petite figure. Dressed in a snappy suit, her blue eyes sparkle as she describes herself as a "belly-dancing, web-designing, philanthropic program officer who moonlights as an Indonesian translator, masseuse and fundraiser".
Outside her day job as a program officer for the Vincent Fairfax Foundation, established as a benevolent trust in 1984, Fiona's zest for life and passion for social justice are intertwined.
Fiona has managed to combine her passion for the outdoors with her commitment to give something back to the community. Where another person rides a bike for exercise, Fiona cycles vast distances on fund-raising ventures.
Five years ago she rode 16,455km around Australia to raise money for impoverished families in Indonesia and East Timor. Despite six flat tyres and minor injuries, Fiona raised $75,000 for the cause. Regardless of the distance and discomfort, Fiona says that with each turn of the wheels, her thoughts shift into a neutral motion that is "meditative". Not surprisingly, Fiona considers her white Trek 7500 hybrid bike, which she has nicknamed Hamish The White Stallion, a very special friend.
Now, at the age of 30, Fiona again takes up the bike riding challenge, to support micro-credit programs in India, Indonesia and the Philippines. Leading the CowBank team, a motley group of policemen, teachers and other amateur riders, Fiona set off from Sydney bound for Mt Kosciusko on 3 October. The 582km bike-ride aims to finance 100 cows for communities abroad.
Fiona is a person of action, committed to making a difference in the world. Her friend Meg says: The word 'genuine' does not seem powerful enough to describe Fiona. She is an impressive leader who has a tremendous interest in those less fortunate and sets out to balance the scale to the best of her ability."
One project that will benefit as a result of the CowBank bike ride is UCOAs Bali Cow project. By providing struggling Balinese farmers with cows to fatten and sell, the aim of the project is to increase their incomes so that they can provide for their families. Since the 2002 Bali bombings, the income of local farmers has decreased considerably. This project is providing a new way for struggling farmers to earn an income.
Multicultural Ministry: From: Rev. Helen Richmond, National Director, Multicultural Ministry
Indonesian National Conference
32 Indonesian leaders met together from September 7 to 10 at Wamberal, NSW for the Indonesian National Conference.
The National Conference included representatives from the 12 Indonesian congregations and a fellowship groups with delegates traveling from Darwin, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.
Highlights included two bible studies led by Rev. Benyamin Susilo and speeches by guests including Uniting National President, Rev. Dr Dean Drayton, Uniting International Mission National Director, Rev. John Barr and Dr Clive Pearson.
The conference spent time hearing the points of growth, joy, pain and concern from Indonesian congregations. It agreed to investigate new ways to develop and support ministry in Brisbane and Adelaide.
It also celebrated the arrival Rev. Jonathan Pattisina from Indonesia who will serve one of the Indonesian congregations in Melbourne and the development of creative youth ministry at the "Rocks" which is part of the ministry of one of the congregations in Perth. Rev. Apwee Ting (Vic Synod) was elected the Chairperson and Rev. Salamo Bangun (Northern Synod) the Secretary in the two years to the next conference in Perth.
The Conference spent time considering its response to Proposal 84 and will communicate its resolution to the Assembly General Secretary.
Uniting Church Overseas Aid (UCOA): From: Jane Gibson, Promotions Program Manager UIM
Benefit concert - Matthew Rusike Children's Home in Zimbabwe, Africa. Friday 19 November 2004 6.30pm 9.00pm Pitt Street Uniting Church, 264 Pitt Street, Sydney
Matthew Rusike Children's Home has been caring and providing for homeless, orphaned and disadvantaged children since 1950. As well as providing the children with a loving and safe place to call home, this project also gives the children the opportunity to gain an education and to participate in vocational training. Vocational training programs include:
* gardening and growing vegetables * poultry farming * pig farming * sewing and dressmaking
An increase in urban and rural poverty, as well as the impact of HIV/AIDS, has meant that the number of children in need is increasing.
Heidi Jones, a Professional Musician, and Stephanie Acraman an experienced Opera Singer, will be performing on the 19 November to raise funds for the Matthew Rusike Children's Home. These performers are volunteering their talents to make a difference to the lives of the children. If you would like more information about this concert please contact us on (02) 8267 4269 or toll free 1800 998 122.
After the children have been at the home for a few months they improve physically and emotionally, they learn to laugh and cry, they become bright, they develop a sense of hope and
purpose, they discover life again. Mr Mangobe, ex-superintendent.
Why not join us in making a difference and enjoy a performance while you're at it!
Mission Prayer Handbook 2005 is coming!: From: Wendie Wilkie, Associate General Secretary, National Assembly
The Mission Prayer Handbook for 2005 will be available from Mid-November. It follows the theme of Witness the Glory of God - Breaking Down Barriers. It follows the story of the paralytic man brought to Jesus in Mark ch 2.
Reflections, stories and prayers around the theme have been prepared this year by a group in South Australia under the co-ordination of Sandy Boyce. Many of the contributions come from people who have been volunteers in mission or on short exchange trips. Once again it is full of beautiful photographs and many stories of the work of our Church nationally here in Australia and overseas.
Mission Prayer handbook will be available from MediaCom in SA for $9.50 a copy including postage and handling or limited stock can be purchased from the Assembly office if you can come and collect them for $8. Melbourne and Perth Uniting Church bookshops will also carry copies. They make ideal Christmas gifts for friends or your church group as well as for your personal devotions and reflection. Contact MediaCom on 1800 811 31 or Linda Pritchard at the Assembly Office, [EMAIL PROTECTED] or telephone (02) 8267 4262.
Sexuality & Leadership in the Uniting Church : From: Wendie Wilkie, Associate General Secretary, National Assembly
This booklet has been very popular and we have had to re-print it. . MediaCom are handling all orders so please phone them on 1800 811 311 or contact them by email [EMAIL PROTECTED] to place your orders.
Conference: From: Ted Endacott, Uniting Education
Preaching and Teaching in the Year of Matthew
The popular "Preaching and Teaching" conferences are on the move. Traditionally these lively learning events have been offered by Uniting Education in a Melbourne location. Ministers and lay preachers have travelled long distances to feast on top-level Biblical scholarship, browse resources and participate in cutting-edge workshops. The aim has been to encourage and enthuse those who preach and teach in the UCA, with a special focus on the lectionary Gospel passages.
In 2004, a number of Synods will work in partnership with Uniting Education (an Assembly Agency) to bring the event to five locations. There will also be a New Zealand version of the conference. Bill Loader, Professor of New Testament at Murdoch University WA, will be living out of a suitcase as he travels from location to location, helping participants find fresh new angles on Matthew's Gospel.
The NSW Synod events will be run in October at rural and urban locations. For details, try www.nsw.uca.org.au or www.elm.nsw.uca.org.au
The Synod of Victoria (Otira) and Uniting Education will hold a Preaching and Teaching event at Glen Waverley, Melbourne from 15-17 November 2004.
Program details and registration is via www.unitinged.org.au, or by phoning Katie on (03) 9416 4262.
Positions Vacant:
Assembly Associate General Secretary:
Information packs are available by contacting the General Secretary via [EMAIL PROTECTED] or telephone Jenny on (02) 8267 4202. Information is also available from the Assembly web site at http://assembly.uca.org.au/PositionsVacant/index.htm
National Consultant Christian Education:
The information pack is being developed for this position. It is expected that it will be available in the next couple of weeks.
More information will be available through advertisements in the synod papers and the Assembly website.
Applications will be open until mid January 2005. Expressions of interest may be made to [EMAIL PROTECTED], and an information pack will sent as soon as it is available.
General Secretary Christian Conference of Asia:
Nominees or applicants for this position should have good academic qualifications, including vision, commitment and experience in ecumenical coordination and relation with member churches and councils as well as ecumenical partners and agencies.
Schedule of Appointment:
We are setting 31 December 2004 as the deadline for submission of completed applications. The
Search Committee of the CCA will make a shortlist of the candidates for an interview in March 2005.
The final election of the General Secretary will be held at the General Committee Meeting prior to
the 12th General Assembly of the CCA in 2005 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Requirements for Application:
Please note that the applications for the position of the CCA General Secretary must include the
following:
A formal letter of application addressed to moderator of the Search Committee
A complete curriculum vitae (CV) of the candidate
Endorsement from his or her Church, and the National Council of Churches, if any, to which
his or her Church belongs
Two references to whom the CCA may write directly
A medical certificate of good health
Criteria for CCA General Secretary appointment and Job Description please contact:
Prawate Khid-arn, Associate General Secretary for Finance, CCA
Tel: (852) 2691 1068 Fax: (852) 2692 4378 / 2692 3805
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: www.cca.org.hk
Books for Unitings: These new books are available from UCA bookshops and resource centres.
HOMILIES FOR WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS
Joseph Pollard
(Columba)
ISBN 185607448X $19.95
A varied and broad collection of homilies for weddings and funerals, focusing on the personal element of both of these occasions, set against the background of social issues and ethical values, and within a theology of hope.
MUISC IN THE OLD BONES
Jezebel through the ages
Janet Howe Gaines
(Southern Illinois University Press)
ISBN 0809322749 $22.95
A guide to the eternal Jezebel story including a detailed analysis of the biblical tale from traditional and feminist points of view; shows how authors through the centuries have treated Jezebel whose 'unburied bones' became misogynist relics for generations of writers and preachers who retold her story as a warning about the dangers of rebelling against patriarchal society.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN AFRICA
Stories of wisdom and joy
Compiled by Joseph G. Healey
(Orbis)
ISBN 1570755272 $29.95
Unusual collection of stories from African elders who would gather children around the fire at night and narrate the stories, history and events that have made them a proud and memorable people - stories of identity and values, the mystery of being, and the relationship of human and non-human creation with the Creator.
PROPHETS
Words of fire
Megan McKenna
(Orbis)
ISBN 15707536447 $35.95
Draws on the Bible teaching and from a treasure house of stories - especially from the Jewish traditions - to breathe life into the prophets and open their message for us.
CELEBRATING LIFE
Finding happiness in unexpected places
Jonathan Sacks
(Continuum)
ISBN 0826473377 $24.95
'I have tried to say what happiness is, how we make it, how we lose it, and how we sometimes walk past it without recognising it. Happiness isn't somewhere else, it's where we are. It isn't something we don't have, we do. It isn't fantasy, it's reality experienced in a certain way. Happiness is a close relative of faith.'
IN LOVE ENCLOSED
More daily readings with Julian of Norwich
Robert Llewelyn (ed.)
(DLT)
ISBN 023252551X $10.95
Companion volume to Julian's 'Revelations of Divine Love' provides further readings of devotional richness and theological insight, again in a form ideally suited for devotional use.
THE LECTIONARY COMPANION
A guide for good preaching
Roger E. Van Harn (ed.)
(Morehouse Publishing)
Vol 1 The first readings Old Testament and Acts
ISBN 0819281050 $75.00
Vol 2 The second reading Acts and the Epistles
ISBN 0819281069 $75.00
Vol 3 The gospels
ISBN 0819281077 $75.00
Three volume set offers exegetical essays on the biblical texts for the Revised Common Lectionary; not a series of sermons, rather a collection of jump starts giving preachers a firm pace to stand in the text as they engage the Scripture with the issues of our time.
Dates for your diary: 2004
October 8-10 Frontier Services Reference Committee Meeting Townsville
October 10 White Sunday A special Childrens Sunday in the Samoan Church
October 10 Fiji National Day A Thanksgiving Service in the Fijian Church
October 11-12 National Working Group on Doctrine
October 14-17 South Australian Synod meeting - The Convention Centre, AAMI Stadium, Brebner Drive, West Lakes
October 25 Gospel Day in the Niuean Church
October 26 Tae Anga Evangelia Gospel Day in the Cook Islander Church
October 31-1 November Uniting Missions National Conference
November 11-14 Assembly Standing Committee - Sydney
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]
--
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.
------------------------------------------------------ - You are subscribed to the mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] - To unsubscribe, email [EMAIL PROTECTED] and put in the message body 'unsubscribe insights-l' (ell, not one (1)) See: http://nsw.uca.org.au/insights-l-information.htm ------------------------------------------------------
