May 2007
Issue 26, Number 4
PP 565 001/00190 ISSN 0726-2612
‘Work for reconciliation’
Nicholas Kerr
AUSTRALIAN churches – including
the Uniting Church – are renewing
their commitment to work with and
for Aboriginal people.
Uniting Church President, Rev
Gregor Henderson, said this in
Adelaide last month.
“We need to recommit ourselves to
reconciliation,” he said.
He also recalled the 40th anniversary
of the May 27, 1967 Aboriginal
Rights Referendum.
The referendum gave citizenship
rights to Aboriginal people. It
required them to be included in
the national census and gave the
Commonwealth Government the
power to make laws for Aboriginal
people.
“In the last decade or so, and
particularly the last five or six years,
Aboriginal needs and aspirations
have dropped off the national
agenda,” Gregor said.
Gregor led a delegation of Uniting
Church and Congress (Uniting
Aboriginal and Islander Christian
Congress) leaders to Port Augusta
late last year.
“The Port Augusta visit brought
home to us the fact that there are
things happening in Aboriginal
communities at the moment with
relation to government policy that
really need to be changed,” he said.
“Our UC Assembly Standing
Committee resolved to work,
alongside Congress, to bring
Aboriginal agendas back onto the
national agenda this year.
“Obviously the federal election this
year is one opportunity to highlight
some Aboriginal issues.
“Much more importantly, we need
Australian communities to recommit
themselves to self-determination for
Aboriginal people.
“Current Australian Federal
Government policy seems to be to
talk only with those they want to
talk to, rather than to people across
the spectrum of Aboriginal people in
Australia.
Continued on page 11.
Uniting Church Assembly President, Rev Gregor Henderson, was in Adelaide to speak on the possibilities of ecumenism at
celebrations marking 60 years of the SA Council of Churches and other ecumenical initiatives in SA.
New focus on Indigenous issues
Some of the tent accommodation at
Lakeview Transient Accommodation
Centre, Port Augusta.
THE UNITING Church is calling for a
renewed focus on Indigenous issues.
It says Indigenous disempowerment
is a national problem that must be
addressed.
The call has come from the Assembly
Standing Committee following
the visit of church leaders to Port
Augusta in November at the request
of the UAICC (Uniting Aboriginal
and Islander Christian Congress).
A delegation lead by Uniting
Church President Rev Gregor
Henderson visited the Lakeview
Transient Accommodation Centre.
They found conditions that would
not be tolerated by the majority of
Australians.
Continued on page 11.
inside…
International partnerships
$10m for church
Walking a sacred path
2
3
5
6
Eastern youth
6
Iona visitor
7
New head at UCWPA 8
Caring during drought
9
Thai visitors
Please hand out at your church door
NEWS
2
New Times




2007
Rates From 1 May 2007
Fixed Term Investments
3 years
2 years
1 year special*
1 year
6 months
6.40% p.a.
6.30% p.a.
6.75% p.a.
6.25% p.a.
6.00% p.a.
Money Manager
School Saver
5.00% p.a.

5.25% p.a.
*Available for new investments, or maturing investments only
where an additional $500 is invested. Offer ends 31 May 2007.

UC Invest
Uniting Church SA
Level 2, 212 Pirie Street, Adelaide
Telephone (08) 8236 4220
Facsimile (08) 8236 4280
ucinvest.com.au
UC Invest and the Uniting Church SA are not supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. Investments
lodged with UC Invest are not protected by the provisions of the Banking Act (1959). UC Invest is designed for investors
who wish to promote the charitable purposes of the Uniting Church SA.
From left: SA General Secretary Rev Dr Graham Humphris, Kerry Enright, national director of the UCA’s
UIM (Uniting International Mission) and Moderator Rev Graham Vawser.
‘Form new partnerships’
Jill Freer
Uniting Church congregations are being
challenged to form at least one relationship with a
church beyond Australia.
The new national director of the UCA’s
UIM (Uniting International Mission) Rev Dr
Kerry Enright has issued the challenge, saying
international relationships deepen out knowledge
of God and change how we live.
Kerry was in Adelaide at the end of March on a
brief familiarisation visit.
He became national director in January, after
serving as General Secretary of the Presbyterian
Church of Aotearoa New Zealand for 10 years.
Kerry said the church is inherently international
and when we commit ourselves to the One Holy
Catholic and Apostolic Church, we commit
ourselves to the international-global church.
“We give expression to this by having living
links or relationships beyond Australia,” he said.
“Participating in the mission of Jesus Christ is
partly about giving money, but it is much more
about forming relationships.
“By forming relationships with overseas
churches we start looking out for their interests,
because they become our brothers.”
He said lots of Uniting Church
congregations and schools in South
Australia already have strong international
relationships and we must affirm those
existing relationships as well as establish new
partnerships.
He also hopes to introduce a Kiwi concept
here – whereby every congregation would
have a “world mission enthusiast” – a person
who is interested in promoting the global
dimension of the Uniting Church among
colleagues and friends.
“About four or five years ago we completed
re-jigged the way we went about global
mission within the Presbyterian Church in New
Zealand,” he said. “We strengthened our youth
leadership networks and deliberately inspired
our young people to go overseas and engage
in global mission.
“They returned and inspired their friends
and now it is young New Zealanders who are
leading the way in global mission. “This focus
beyond ourselves makes a big difference.”
South East Kids Camp Out
THE ANNUAL South East Kids Camp Out held on
the Naracoorte High School oval in early March
included 124 children from Naracoorte and a
further 70 from Bordertown, Francis, Lucindale,
Mt Gambier, and Padthaway. There were also
130 volunteers, who acted as leaders, instructors,
musicians, tent riggers, cooks and infrastructure
providers.
The Camp Out theme was “STEP! SKIP!
STOMP!”
On Saturday afternoon campers had fun
activities including abseiling, gymnastics,
swimming, canoeing, ice block tobogganing, box
hockey, craft, biscuit icing, face painting and
the ever popular dunking tank. A shuttle-bus
service between elective venues allowed for fuller
participation in the electives program.
The evening program of lively inspirational
songs and home-grown challenging drama
developed the “Step! Skip! Stomp!” theme and led
MAY 2007
to quality discussion and sharing in “Tent Talk”
time.
On Sunday morning the theme was further
reinforced through five 15-minute Bible Track
presentations including a:
• “Remember” music skit.
• A Burke and Wills explorers’ drama.
• “Jonah and the Whale” on flannel graph.
• Role play on real life issues for kids.
• Active team building games.
The campers’ offering of $700 will support
Mercy International’s work among AIDS and
HIV orphans in Thailand.
Camp Out co-coordinators David and
Yvonne Hogarth and Diana Agnew believe the
event was spiritually rewarding. Encouraging
feedback prompted the presentation of the
Easter Story in Naracoorte South Primary
School and plans to establish a Kids Club there.
– David Hogarth
NEWS
New Times
3
$10m for mission and ministry
UC INVEST is continuing to play a vital role in equipping the
church for mission and ministry.
The Uniting Church SA’s investment arm has just announced a
record surplus of $16.5 million in 2006 and has promised grants
of $10 million to the church – its largest distribution ever.
The Church Loan Fund is the largest recipient. It will be
boosted by a $4 million grant. The Fund provides flexible loans
at low interest rates to congregations.
Port Lincoln, Coromandel Valley and Adelaide West Uniting
Churches used the Loan Fund when building new worship
complexes. Many other congregations have used the Fund to
renovate properties and buy manses.
UC Invest’s 2006 surplus has been allocated as follows:
• Church Loan Fund, $4,000,000.
• Strategic Plan Funding, $1,350,000.
• Mission and Service Fund, $1,145,000.
• Uniting Foundation, $1,000,000.
• Resourcing Rural Ministry, $1,000,000.
• Gift Funding, $955,000.
• Building Maintenance, $500,000.
• Drought Relief Fund, $50,000.
UC Invest manages investments worth more than $130
million.
If you want to know more about investing with the Uniting
Church SA contact UC Invest on (08) 8236 4220.
Changes to Gift Funding
UC INVEST’S Gift Funding Program is to change from being a
once a year opportunity to a program with four rounds per year.
From next month Gift Funding application closing dates will
coincide with the closing dates for Uniting Foundation grants.
Gift Funding and Uniting Foundation grant applications
must be forwarded to the Uniting Church SA office by June 15,
September 15 and November 15 this year.
There are four categories of Gift Funding:
•Small grants – any congregational project, up to $1,000.
•Property upgrades – funding of up to $25,000 a year.
•Additional/upgraded worship or other equipment
requirements – funding of up to $7,500 per item.
•New missional ventures – funding of up to $35,000 over a
three year period.
For more information about Uniting Church SA’s grants,
contact grants officer Louise Johnson on 8236 4237, email
[email protected] or visit www.sa.uca.org/goto/grants.
UC Invest board members, from left, Brian Pickering, Joan Blanchard, Denis Giles, Tom Adams (chairperson),
Rosey Batt and Barry Atwell who manage more than $130 million on behalf of the church.
Leadership and conversion
growth big issues
Solomon’s
appeal
Leadership and conversion
growth are key subjects for
discussion at this month’s
meeting of the Presbytery and
Synod of South Australia.
The meeting will be held on
Friday May 11 and Saturday
May 12 at the Playford
Function Centre, adjacent to
the Elizabeth City Centre.
During the Friday night
business session the church’s
vision for Leadership and
Conversion Growth will
be presented. Both are Key
Directions in the church’s
Strategic Plan.
Presbytery Synod members
will also be invited to discuss
and endorse the church’s
plans to establish a Leadership
Institute.
MRN executive officer Rev
Uniting Church Overseas
Aid has sent an initial sum
of $5,000 to our partner, the
United Church in the Solomon
Islands for emergency relief
activities following last
month’s earthquake and
tsunami. Further funds are
urgently needed to help
rebuild communities.
Tax deductible donations
can be made by phoning toll
free 1800 998 122.
Cheques should be made out
to Uniting Church Overseas
Aid – Solomon Islands Appeal
and sent to PO Box A2266
Sydney South NSW 1235.
Further information can
be found on the Uniting
International Mission website:
http://uim.uca.org.au and
on the Christian World Service
website: http://www.ncca.org.
au/cws.
Dr Ian Price said “The changes
the church plans to undertake
in terms of structure and
culture are monumental, This
will require prayer, wisdom
and direction.”
Saturday’s resourcing day
has the theme “Let’s get real”;
Rev Dr Steve Taylor, a church
planter from New Zealand, is
the keynote speaker.
Steve is pastor at
Opawa Baptist Church in
Christchurch, where he leads
a staff team of seven and is
transitioning the church into a
new future.
The Friday night business
session is open only to
Presbytery and Synod
members. All are welcome to
attend the Resourcing Day on
the Saturday.
MAY 2007
4
COMMENT
Want to help ?
MAY 2007
NEWS
New Times
5
Pioneering
multi-cultural
aged care
Regency Green is not your average aged care facility. It’s a
pioneer in multi-cultural aged care in Adelaide – with 14 different
cultural groups among the 80 residents.
The UCWPA (UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide) facility at
Regency Park was opened in August 2003.
Approximately $10 million was spent purchasing, renovating
and upgrading the former Crippled Children’s Association home to
develop a facility meeting 2008 aged care industry standards.
Regency Green’s director of nursing Ruth Crawford reports that
life is never dull when attending to the needs of the residents
– who are Aboriginal, Cambodian, Chinese, Maltese, Filipino,
Spanish, Vietnamese and a variety of other nationalities.
“Ensuring we have enough staff fluent in the various languages
spoken by residents can be a challenge,” said Ruth. “Firstly we
select staff with the right nursing or aged care skills and then
consider language abilities.
“It’s comforting for elderly people to communicate in their
native tongue. Sometimes people with dementia lose their ability
to communicate in English and revert to their first language.
“We also have some residents who have never learnt English
– so it is very important to have staff who can communicate with
them.”
Regency Green is also able to call on UCWPA’s Ethnic Link
Service, a home visiting service for people from different
cultures. “We always have someone from Ethnic Link to help with
admissions – to show new residents around and help them settle
in,” said Ruth.
Food is also a challenging area at Regency Green. “Pasta means
two different things to Spanish and Maltese people,” said Ruth.
“And each of our different cultural groups prefers different kinds
of rice!
“We also have volunteers who make ethnic food with different
cultural groups.
“We always do our best to please everyone but unfortunately we
don’t get any extra funding to account for these extra challenges.”
Jeff Trahair from the Adelaide Labyrinth Project with Clayton Wesley Uniting Church minister Anne Butler
walking the labyrinth which is set up each month in the church hall.
Walking a sacred path
Labyrinths are back in vogue – undergoing a
dramatic revival in recent times as a meditation,
relaxation and spiritual tool.
The labyrinth first appeared in Greek mythology
as an elaborate structure built for king Minos of
Crete to hold the Minotaur – a creature that was
half man and half bull.
During medieval times the labyrinth entered the
Christian tradition – representing the hard path
to God. Walking the labyrinth became a symbolic
form of pilgrimage for those who could not afford
to travel to holy sites.
Today labyrinths are used to help people
achieve a contemplative state and are believed to
have spiritual and health benefits.
Labyrinths feature in many local Uniting
Church congregations. On the last Tuesday
of every month a labyrinth is set up in the
Clayton Wesley Uniting Church Hall for
meditation and illumination.
The Pilgrim Uniting Church community
used a portable labyrinth during Lent. Minister
Rev Dr Jenny Byrnes said different themes
were used each week. Members also had
pictures of labyrinths – tracing the path with
their finger as a Lenten discipline.
There is also a paved labyrinth set under
trees in a garden area at Parkin-Wesley
College-Adelaide College of Divinity.
Regency Green residents from left, Mrs Chui Lin Yeung, Hong Kong, Mrs
Jie Xin Zhao,Beijing and Mrs Maria Valdes, Chile.
MAY 2007
6
MAGAZINE
New Times
Fun and fellowship Thai visitors
for eastern youth
The Uniting Church SA’s partnership with the Church of
Christ in the district of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand is
continuing to strengthen.
Five young Thai people, who are students and teachers,
visited South Australia for three weeks in April, on the fourth
reciprocal “Mission Ignition” exchange trip.
Uniting Church SA international mission officer John
Minchin said the partnership is highly valued by the people in
Chiang Mai as it is a great opportunity for the young visitors
to practise their English.
“Previous experience has shown that when these young
people return to Thailand they really start to emerge as young
leaders in their communities,” said John.
“The program is having such positive benefits for both the
people in Chiang Mai and South Australia, we are sure it will
continue.”
The Thai visitors attended Easter camps in South Australia
as well as visiting the Chapel Street and UAICC congregations
in Port Augusta and the Tjinatjunanyi School for Aboriginal
students.
“It was a dramatic and powerful experience for these
young people to see how the Uniting Church is responding to
Indigenous people”, said John.
Eastern youth pastor Matthew Bond (far right) with some of the young people as they prepared to head
off on a golfing activity last month.
Uniting Church youth from several eastern
suburbs congregations are sharing social
activities, fellowship and worship.
On alternative Friday nights between 20
and 40 young people gather at a fast food
restaurant before heading off for a social
activity and devotions.
Parents from the participating congregations
assist with organising and transport.
The project is partly funded by a Uniting
Foundation grant of $18,000 over three years.
The congregations involved – Campbelltown,
Beaumont, Tusmore Park, Tusmore Memorial
and Kensington Park – are matching the
Foundation grant.
The youth activities are coordinated by
ministry student Matthew Bond, who is the
eastern suburbs youth support worker, or
youth pastor, as he prefers to be called.
Matthew is married to Kensington Park
Uniting Church minister Ruthmary Bond.
Both have a natural affinity with young
people, as they are raising five of their own.
Ruthmary also chairs the leadership group
which manages the program.
Matthew said the shared Friday night
activities provide the young people with an
opportunity to socialise, meet youth from
neighbouring congregations and have a fun
activity to bring their unchurched friends to.
“It’s pretty relaxed and easy going – but
we always build in devotions during the
night to ensure it’s a God event,” said
Matthew.
Minister and Chaplain Shorn for Charity
Mitcham Uniting Church members were
quick to respond when their minister Tony
Goodluck agreed to have his head shaved if the
congregation raised $500 for the Leukaemia
Foundation.
Members dug deep and funds were duly
pledged as part of the Foundation’s “World’s
greatest shave” fundraising event.
Gerry Hodges, the Uniting Church coordinating chaplain at the Royal Adelaide
Hospital, also had his locks shorn for the same
cause.
Gerry’s already receding hair was cut
to a “number two” in the hospital’s main
foyer while hospital staff and visitors gave
encouragement.
Gerry’s haircut raised $1,000 and he is open
to further donations.
UCA chaplain Gerry Hodges also had his head
shaved in the main foyer of his workplace - the
Royal Adelaide Hospital
MAY 2007
“I am happy to help the Leukaemia
Foundation which provides such tremendous
support for patients and families,” Gerry said.
“The event helped raise awareness and
demonstrated the generosity of hospital staff.”
Five young Thai people visited South Australia last month on the
fourth reciprocal “Mission Ignition” visit with the Uniting Church SA.
Pictured are (back l to r) Horn (29), Ik (21) and Bill (18) and (front l to r)
Fai (23) and Goi (24).
MAGAZINE
New Times
7
Poetry, song and theology from Iona
SOUTH Australians were
treated to poetry, song and
theology last month from Rev
Kathy Galloway, the Leader of
the Iona Community, based in
Scotland.
Kathy has served for 30
years as a minister with the
Church of Scotland, but is
perhaps better known as a
practical theologian, writer
and social activist.
She spent five weeks in
Australia earlier this year,
visiting all capital cities except
Darwin and was the main
speaker at the Wellspring
Community’s national
gathering in Canberra in
March.
Kathy addressed two forums
in South Australia where she
touched on social justice,
ecology, reconciliation and
healing and also introduced
the music of the Iona
Community.
in everyday language not
religious jargon.”
During the forums Kathy
critiqued society and the
church and challenged the
church to value being a
community of hope and joy
and to celebrate joy more
fully.
She also challenged the
church to rediscover a sense
of lament so that we might
feel empathy with those
challenged by loss.
The last session was on
healing. Kathy encouraged
those present to pray for
people in their wholeness not
their illness.
“Healing always takes place
in the context of community,
not isolation,” she said. “We
pray for the person, but
also their community. Every
healing ministry of Jesus
restores the person back
into community, back from
exclusion.”
Kathy said Iona’s music
is distinctive. It draws on
Kathy’s South Australian
the indigenous traditions of
forums were hosted by the
Scotland, as well as other parts Wellspring Community SA,
along with the MRN and its
of the world.
Centres for Spirituality and the
“People like the fact that
Effective Living Centre.
Iona offers music for the
Next month Rev John Bell
intellect,” she said. “We try to
from
the Iona Community will
engage in contemporary issues
Rev Kathy Galloway, the leader of the Iona Community, with Val Bennett, coordinator of the Wellspring
Community SA and Rev Brian Ball, a Wellspring national council member.
be in Adelaide to speak about
Iona’s worship and music.
The Iona Community
THE IONA Community was
founded in Scotland in 1938
by Rev George MacLeod,
a minister in Glasgow. It
is an ecumenical Christian
community that seeks relevant
ways of living the Gospel.
Iona members are committed
to action and reflection for
justice, peace and the integrity
of creation.
There are 250 members in
Britain and Europe and many
more associate members and
friends throughout the world.
The community’s mainland
home is in Glasgow. The
community also has a visitors’
centre in a restored abbey
on the island of Iona off the
west coast of Scotland. The
Isle of Iona is a well known
destination for pilgrims.
The Wellspring
Community in Australia
was inspired by the
Iona Community. It was
established in 1992 and
there are about 50 members
in South Australia.
© Copyright 2007 Edi Leane. Artwork not to be reproduced in any way without the written permission by Edi Leane of Joie Creative. All Rights Reserved.
To advertise in New Times:
Contact Russell Baker
phone 8361 6822
fax 8361 6833
email [email protected]
MAY 2007
8
FEATURE
New face at the helm
THERE’S a new face at the
helm at UnitingCare Wesley
Port Adelaide.
much better chance of making
a strong difference, rather
than just going it alone.”
Libby Craft is leading the
team after the retirement of
CEO Peter Bicknell at the end
of last year.
With an MBA (Master of
Business Administration)
under her belt, Libby is not
fazed at administering an
annual operating budget of
$47 million and managing a
team of more than 800 staff
and 200 volunteers.
Libby knows the
organisation well, having
worked there since 1996, and
serving for the past two years
as deputy CEO.
Libby says the mission is
a great place to work and
she is energised by making a
positive difference in people’s
lives.
Promoting a positive
workplace culture, and
promoting leaders and
partnerships are key items on
her agenda.
“We’re not in this alone;
it’s important that we work
with all our key stakeholders
– the Uniting Church, our
UnitingCare Wesley partners,
our clients and volunteers,
and the organisations that
fund us,” Libby said.
“If we all work together we
create a synergy and have a
MAY 2007
With more than 80 leaders
in the organisation and many
teams running community
programs and aged care
services across the State,
Libby believes it’s “very
much about teamwork and
working alongside staff and
volunteers”.
She already has several
ideas about new areas the
organisation could become
involved in.
“I think community
development and building
community are important,”
she said.
Meanwhile Rev Don Catford
is preparing to retire from
UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide
at the end of June. Rev Les
Underwood will replace Don.
Libby Craft, the new CEO at UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide
New Times
Getting
through
winter
Your help is needed to help
people get through this winter.
UnitingCare Wesley
partners in South Australia
have launched their “Getting
Through Winter” appeal and
are seeking donations to
help people who are hungry,
homeless or simply need help
to pay their utility bills.
UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide
marketing and development
manager Pam Jones said that
during the winter months
local UnitingCare Wesley
agencies are asked to provide
immediate assistance to more
than 350 people each working
day.
“We are seeking cash
donations to help people left
out in the cold this winter,”
said Pam.
“A donation of $35 will buy
a blanket, $150 will make a
power bill affordable and $250
will pay for groceries for a
family of four for a week.
Continued on page10.
COMMENT
New Times
9
The facts of (eternal) life
Cecily Cupit
I was putting our three-year-old to bed
when he passed on what he’d learned
that day. “Jesus died on the cross to
save us from our sins,” he told me.
“Yes, he did.”
“He rose again on the third day,” he
said.
That’s right,” I agreed.
After a moment he added. “He was hit
by a truck.”
It took us a while to sort that out. His
well meaning teacher had told the child
what one might say to an adult. But
the child hadn’t a clue what “died on
a cross” meant. The only cross he’d
ever seen was the one on the signs at
railway crossings. He’d reasoned that,
if Jesus died on the cross, he must have
been hit by a truck.
Ask any Christian parents the single
thing they most want to pass on to
their children and they’ll say faith
in Jesus. Yet for lots of parents and
children’s leaders, the idea of talking
to kids about faith is as fraught
with anxiety as the thought of
communicating the other facts of life;
those that start with birds and bees.
Both situations make us ask, Are they
ready for this? What if I don’t give
enough information? What if I give
them too much, too soon and confuse
or scare them? What if they don’t
understand? What if they ask questions
I can’t answer? What will I say?
First; it’s important to realize you can’t
start too early. As with communicating
the other facts of life, the earlier you
start, the easier it is. The sooner they
make contact with the words and
stories and symbols of faith,
the earlier faith becomes part of life.
It’s a mistake to wait and serve up all
vital information in One Big Lecture,
partly because they’ll wonder why,
if it’s so important, you haven’t
mentioned it before! The art is to
discuss a little information, often, as
the topic arises.
You do need to keep your sense of
humour intact. If a young child tells
you “I love Jesus,” that’s great, but
if they add, “I want Jesus on my
sandwich for lunch,” all is not lost. The
child just hasn’t yet understood the
difference between Christ Jesus and his
brother, Kraft cheeses. (I’m not being
facetious; this really happened.)
Understand children are not small
adults. They’re still learning to process
information. Before about age 12
children don’t understand abstract
propositions, metaphors, or complicated
analogies. What they understand is
relationships. Being friends with Jesus,
being a follower (or even a disciple),
being adopted into God’s family, that
makes sense.
A child recently gave me their lowdown
on Easter. “Do you know Easter is when
they killed Jesus? But he came alive
again and we all get chocolate!”
In time, I hope and pray she’ll
understand we get far more than
chocolate out of that Easter transaction.
But for a four-year old, that seemed to
be a perfectly adequate theology.
• Cecily is a creative resources person
at Malvern and Unley Uniting Church.
A revised edition of her book, “Come
and follow Jesus,” offers practical ways
to talk with children about faith. It is
available through Scripture Union.
Church cares for drought affected
The Uniting Church SA has been
actively supporting those affected by
drought in rural communities. As
well as providing financial support
through the Drought Assistance Fund,
the church is also giving practical and
emotional support to those who have
been impacted.
Rev ROB STONER from the MRN’s Rural
Ministry Team reports on the church’s
response.
PROVIDING personal support for
ministers and other key leaders
under stress as they work with their
congregations and communities.
This includes providing mentors for
ministers and ministry teams and
temporary, short-tem pastoral support
in some areas from a pool of retired
ministers.
WE HAVE supported local congregations
so that they can continue to be
responsive in their own community
(even though many of these people are
themselves farmers and under similar
stress) by:
OFFERING collegial support for
ministers and lay leaders. This includes
hosting two recent seminars at which
John Ashfield, author of “Taking Care
of Yourself and Your Family”, presented
material about maintaining mental
health in times of stress. Notes of John’s
presentations are on the MRN website.
In addition to providing continuing
ministry, we have supported local
communities, primarily by participating
in community drought support events.
Some have been arranged and driven
by the local church. For others we have
been a partner with local community
groups arranging the event. These
events are often family-oriented. They
provide a meal and entertainment. And
they provide a base where local support
workers – financial counsellors, social
workers, community health workers
– can be seen and accessed. But the
key ingredient is that they give time
for those affected to talk about what is
happening in a stress-free environment.
OFFERING financial support to
ensure that congregations will not be
disadvantaged (or even closed) because
they cannot presently meet their budget
requirements. In this way we are
maintaining ministry that is in touch
with the community’s needs.
FORMING supportive links from citybased congregations; offering ministers
and leaders to lead worship or other
ministry to allow local ministers and
leaders either to take a break or to focus
more specifically on drought-related
ministry.
We have not, at this stage, seen the
need for the church to provide financial
handouts to families or specific
assistance for farm-related expenses.
We believe that most of what is
required in this sense is covered already
by Government and farm-related
organisations. But we have explored the
possibility of low cost holiday options
to give families a break. We have been
offered the use of some private holiday
housing by one congregation and are
exploring the possible use of church
campsites for “take-a-break” camps
for families. We are conscious that,
should the drought continue, the need
for more direct assistance to families
might become a higher priority. We also
remain conscious of not falling into
the trap of what John Ashfield calls
“conspicuous compassion”.
If you would like to know more about
any of the church’s drought responses,
or have other ideas about how the
Uniting Church might respond to
the pressures of the drought on rural
communities, any of the MRN’s Rural
Ministry Team (Deane Meatheringham,
Eric Kirkham, or Rob Stoner) would be
happy to talk with you.
www.wesleykenttown.com
MAY 2007
10
MAGAZINE
KNITTERS at Gumeracha
Uniting Church are holding a
“Beanie-knit-a-thon” until the
end of May. Mens beanies will be
sent to Byron Place Community
Centre. If you would like to help,
phone Valda Hanna on 8389
1195 or Anne Cooper on 8389
1062.
MUSIC@Wesley will run
a season of concerts every
second Wednesday from May to
August by well known Adelaide
musicians. Admission price is
$5, including afternoon tea. It
will begin on May 9 at 2pm with
a concert commemorating the
300th anniversary of Diderik
Buxtehude’s death. Contact 8362
2544.
REV DR ANDREW Dutney will
conduct three UCA orientation
sessions on May 14, 21 and 28
from 4pm to 6pm at the ACD.
Register with Jody Drechsler
at [email protected] or
phone 8236 4255. See http://
www.sa.uca.org.au/site/page.
cfm?u=198&c=2820 for more
details.
WELLSPRING Community
(the Australian expression of the
Iona Community) invites you to
its 2007 meetings in the Julia
Farr Chapel, Fullarton at 6.30pm
with a shared tea, speaker and
discussion. UCA ecotheologian
Rev Dr Jason John will speak
on Wednesday May 16; on
Wednesday July 18 the topic is
“Sharing our journey - engaged
spirituality”; on Wednesday
November 21 Dr Nadine Pelling
from Flinders University will
discuss human rights; and on
Saturday September 15 from
New Times
For more Uniting Church events, visit Uniting Church online
www.sa.uca.org.au and click on “What’s On”. There is also an online form
which you can fill out to contribute notices to Notebook.
9am – 5pm there will be a
retreat at the Old Noarlunga
UCA led by Dr Anna Grant
Henderson. Inquiries to Val
Bennett on 82401945.
ARTISTS are invited to be
part of the art competition and
exhibition “Create to Advocate
07”. Entries close on May 18,
2007. Visual artists of all kinds photography, painting, drawing,
multimedia and 3D - we need
you to express your vision for a
world where poverty is history.
For more information visit
http://www.makepovertyhistory.
com.au/advocate07.html.
A BRIDGING the Gap
workshop, to help churches
connect holistically with their
local multicultural community,
will be held on Saturday May
19, from 12 noon to 5 pm at
Flinders St Baptist Church, 65
Flinders St, Adelaide. Cost is
$20 per person, (includes lunch).
RSVP May 11 to Wendy on 8371
0811 or email [email protected].
org.au.
A SPECIAL anniversary
service will be held at Brougham
Place UC on Sunday May 20 at
10 am to celebrate the NCYC
movement over the past 50 yrs.
Further information from Rev
Ken Anderson on 08 8267 2657
or [email protected]. Expressions
of interest gratefully received
including the names of people
involved in NCYC in 1957.
BLACKWOOD Jazz “Live
fire” will be held on May 20
2007, 7pm at the Blackwood
Uniting Church Hall (266 Main
Rd, Blackwood). Live music,
hot drinks and BYO nibbles.
Contributions will be collected
to cover costs.
CAMPBELLTOWN Uniting
Church celebrates 160 years of
worship this month and also the
100th anniversary of the “new”
church building. Anyone with a
past connection is invited to an
historical and musical evening
on Saturday May 26 at 7.30pm
and to an Anniversary Service
on Sunday May 27 at 10.15am.
Inquiries to Alison Warren
on 8265 0546 or Rev Gillies
Ambler on 8365 2241.
RECONCILIATION Sunday
will be celebrated by
congregations on May 27.
Worship resources are now
available from the MRN and
on the Covenanting website
for downloading at http://
www.sa.uca.org.au/goto/
covenanting. The resources
include a full order of service,
Level 2, 212 Pirie Street, Adelaide. GPO Box 2145 Adelaide SA 5001
Phone (08) 8236 4260 Fax (08) 8236 4295
Email: [email protected] www.sa.uca.org.au
Telling stories about an innovative, growing church which is proclaiming
Jesus Christ and is empowered by the Spirit to transform God’s world.
Who we are: New Times is a monthly tabloid news magazine serving the Uniting Church SA. It is published 11 times a year with a
combined January-February issue. New Times is a member of the Australasian Religious Press Association. It has won the Gutenberg
award for excellence in religious publication.
Advertising: To advertise contact Russell Baker, phone 8361 6822, fax 8361 6865, email [email protected]
New Times accepts advertising in good faith. Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement.
Deadlines and distribution dates: June issue: Closing date for contributions, Tuesday, May 8; distributed, Sunday, June 3. • July
issue: Closing date for contributions, Tuesday,
June 5; distributed, Sunday, July 1. • August issue: Closing date for contributions, Wednesday, July 11; distributed, Sunday, August 5.
• September issue: Closing date for contributions, Wednesday, August 8; distributed, Sunday, September 2. • October issue: Closing
date for contributions, Tuesday, September 11; distributed, Sunday, October 7. • November issue: Closing date for contributions,
Wednesday, October 10; distributed, Sunday, November 4. • December issue: Closing date for contributions, Wednesday, November 7;
distributed, Sunday, December 2.
Subscriptions: New Times is distributed free to Uniting Churches in SA. You can also subscribe and have New Times posted to you.
Subscriptions cost $30 if you are within SA, $35 if you are interstate, $40 if you are overseas.
Submitted material: New Times does not take responsibility for returning submitted photographs or other material.
Our partners: Many of our readers support New Times by making a gift to help us keep up with our costs. Gifts can be sent to us at
GPO Box 2145, Adelaide, 5001.
Distribution: We are distributed on the first Sunday of each month.
Opinions: Opinions expressed in New Times do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the policies of the Uniting Church.
Staff: Acting editor, Jill Freear, Assistant to the editor: Nicholas Kerr. Assistant: Jo Watts.
New Times is designed by Edi Leane and Les Colston of Joie Creative, PO Box 29, Kent Town, SA 5071 and printed by Cadilac, 64 Kinkaid
Avenue, North Plymton, SA 5037
Deadline
MAY 2007
June 2007 issue: Deadline for contributions, Tuesday, May 8.
The issue will be distributed on Sunday, June 3.
sermon notes, quotes on
reconciliation, prayers, words
for hymns, children’s story, and
information on the Congress
and links to further resources.
THE WESTERN suburbs
“Churches Together” choir
with the Salvation Army Corps
Band Arndale will present a
Pentecostal Celebration on
Sunday May 27, at 7.30 pm at
the Salvation Army Worship
Centre, Arndale St, Kilkenny
and again on Sunday June 3,
at 2.30pm at Lutheran Homes,
1217 Grand Junction Rd, Hope
Valley. Free entry.
MAY State Mission
Fellowship will be on Tuesday
May 29 at 10:30am at Scots
Church, North Terrace.
Volunteers in mission Beverley
and Trevor Watson will speak
about their ministry in Jaffna,
Sri Lanka. Andrew Telfer will
also talk about his mission
awareness visit to Ikkadu,
South India. Lunch at 12 noon.
Enquiries to Joy Dunning on
8295 7745.
ROSTREVOR artist Audrey
Emery is staging an exhibition
called “Soul’s Journey” at the
Pepper Street Art Gallery, 558
Magill Road next month. The
8 poems and 30 mixed media
art works reflect Audrey’s own
spiritual journey. The exhibition
will run from June 8 to June
30, from Tuesday to Saturday,
noon til 5pm.
THE Third Take Short Film
Competition is calling for
UCA filmmakers to create a
film based on the keyword
“searching”. Entries close on
Friday June 29. Winning films
will be premiered at ACMI
Cinema in Federation Square,
Melbourne. For more details,
visit http://thirtdtake.org.au or
email [email protected].
MORIALTA UC invites
expressions of interest for a
whale watching and natural
wonders of Eyre Peninsular
tour in late August - early
September for eight days.
Approximate cost $950. Cost
includes transport, dinner,
bed and breakfast and site
visits. Tour led by Bev Tredrea.
Contact 83319344 or email
[email protected]
NEWLAND Memorial
Uniting Church is celebrating
“Our Journey” with the 80th
anniversary of the “new”
building and 168 years since
Rev Newland arrived at
Encounter Bay with 30 people
in 1839. Celebrations will be
on from October 20-28, 2007.
Memorabilia is sought for
display and publication. Contact
Joyce Branson on jebranson@
bigpond.com or 8552 3828.
“TWENTYFOUR” is a multi
media, multi format Bible
Reading program for groups
and individuals based on Luke.
Contact Ernest Sorensen at
the MRN or register interest at
www.bty.com.au.
SYNERGY uses the
combined size of the Uniting
Church’s agencies, schools
and congregations in SA to
negotiate competitive pricing
and conditions for a range of
goods and services. In many
cases your congregation can
access the same prices available
to the larger agencies and
schools. Go to www.sa.uca.org.
au/goto/synergy or contact
Synergy Manager, Collette
Houlahan (Mark Dickens from
April 30 2007) on 8236 4263.
THERE is a preview of
“Seven Days” a documentary
by Russell Brown about UCA
People in Mission volunteer
Fiona Dixon-Thompson’s work
in Mwandi, at www.youtube.
com/watch?v=tOKr0N1FZVg.
Ministry moves
Rev Rebecca Purling will
move to become minister at
Broadview and Northfield
Uniting Churches from 1 July
2007. Rebecca is presently
the minister at Belair and
Blackwood Uniting Churches.
Getting through winter
From page 9.
Donations of any size will be most gratefully received.”
Projects and programs that will be supported through the
“Getting Through Winter” appeal include:
• Byron Place – a day centre offering hot showers and
laundry facilities to homeless people, as well as clothing,
medical services, counselling and recreational opportunities.
• Lifeline – a 24/7 telephone crisis counselling service.
• Streetlink – a health centre for people under 25 and their
children.
• Port Youth – a support service and outreach program for
young people including African refugees with complex needs.
• The Port Adelaide Family Centre – providing emergency
relief to struggling families.
Cheques can be made out to UnitingCare Wesley and posted to
10 Pitt Street, Adelaide SA 5000. Credit card donations can also
be made by calling 8202 5112 or call toll free on 1800 247 365.
Any donation over $2 is tax deductible.
Donors may choose to support individual agencies.
Alternatively, donations will be shared between the four
UnitingCare Wesley partners in South Australia.
M A G A Z I N E
New Times
‘Work for reconciliation’
From page 1.
“We seem to be returning to some of the
paternalism of past national policies.
“This approach failed in the past and will fail
again.”
The churches must work together and
individually on Aboriginal issues, he said.
“Aboriginal issues are one of the major issues
facing Australia as a nation. “Ecumenically, I
expect the Australian churches will pay far more
attention and do far more advocacy work on
Aboriginal issues in the next few years.”
Uniting Church and Congress leaders will meet
the SA Aboriginal Affairs Minister,
Jay Weatherill, later this month.
They will meet Federal Opposition Leader,
Kevin Rudd, later in the year and have asked
for a meeting with Prime Minister, John
Howard. Aboriginal issues will be part of these
meetings.
Gregor is particularly critical of the Federal
Government’s “mainstreaming” policies, which
have resulted in de-funding of some programs.
“State policies can all too easily acquiesce
to Federal policies – and the states have
responsibilities for things like housing in
Aboriginal communities,” he said.
“Jay Weatherill has been in touch with us via
email following the Port Augusta visit.
“There’s certainly an openness from him. We
anticipate a good conversation with him.”
11
Classifieds
Work Wanted
Accommodation
CARPETS LAID. Expert repairs.
0417 872 105 or 8344 4725.
MARION BAY HOLIDAY HOUSE
Sea views, large deck, sleeps
5/6, new home, off peak and
pensioner rates Phone 0402
088 279.
EXPERIENCED HANDYMAN
Gardener. Stephen is your
spare pair of hands. Phone
8346 0933.
Over the Hedge Gardening
and Mowing Services. Western
suburbs. Seniors discount.
Phone: 0439 769 145. A/hrs:
8248 5650.
VICTOR HARBOR
Peter Wood Lodge and Devona
Holiday Units at Victor
Harbor and Pt. Elliot, 2&3 br,
s/c accommodation for UCA
people. Reasonable rates.
Priority bookings and discounts
for UC ministers and staff.
Phone (08) 8552 1657.
New focus on Indigenous issues Giant Easter party
From page 1.
“Port Augusta is a microcosm of what happens
with Aboriginal issues,” Gregor said.
“The trip was helpful in reminding us of several
policy issues that we believe are not being well
handled, particularly by the Federal government.”
Gregor criticised the lack of consultation with
local government and the Aboriginal community.
The Federal government policy of
“mainstreaming” — withdrawing funding,
particularly from special programmes for
Aboriginal people — is “completely ill
advised,” he said.
“All the indicators of social well-being in
terms of housing, education and health,
continue to have Aboriginal people at the
bottom of the socio-economic statistics.
“It’s time for us as Australians, and for us as
church, to say we can surely do better than
this.”
Uraidla’s closure
blesses Summertown
The sale of Uraidla Uniting
Church in the Adelaide
Hills has provided several
“blessings” for neighbouring
Summertown Uniting Church.
The Summertown
congregation has built a new
kitchen, extended the church
hall, built some disabled toilets
and converted the old kitchen
into the minister’s office.
All of the renovations have
been completed for less than
$100,000, which was the
congregation’s share of the
Uraidla sale proceeds.
Summertown chairperson
Mary Engler said the
congregation is blessed that
their minister Rev Greg
Walker is a former builder and
managed much of the project
himself.
“We also had more than
34 volunteers who helped at
various stages,” she said.
“Another benefit was that
all the tradesmen were locals
and our minister had the
opportunity to share spiritual
things with many of them
while working alongside
them.”
The Summertown
renovations were officially
opened on Palm Sunday.
Adelaide’s inner city churches joined together last month to
host a Giant Easter Street Party in Hindmarsh Square.
The aim of the event was to connect with the people who
breathe life into the city, including politicians, business leaders,
residents and tourists.
More than three thousand people turned out to enjoy free
barbeque food, entertainment and a host of children’s activities.
Maughan Uniting Church minister Rev Dr Elizabeth
Vreugdenhil described the party as “pre-evangelism event”. She
said it was a great opportunity to build relationships with people
in a friendly relaxed way.
“People who don’t attend church are often afraid of churches
and church people. They fear we may be judgmental,” said
Elizabeth.
“It was good to have the opportunity to meet people and offer
them hospitality so some of those barriers could be broken down
in the safe atmosphere of the open crowd.
“Respectful, friendly conversation was the order of the day.
Some folk were interested in the individual church stalls and
took away details of worship services and other activities.”
“It was also great to work with a wide variety of churches with
differing theological points of view. A project like this really
drew us together and helped us to get to know one another.”
Adelaide Ministers Circle chair, Nicholas Rundle, said the
event demonstrated that churches are actively involved in the
community.
The churches involved included Baptist, Lutheran, Pentecostal,
Roman Catholic and Uniting, with support from Mission
Australia, the Bible Society and Fusion.
Maughan Church minister Elizabeth Vreugdenhil (left) used puppets
to connect with children at the Giant Easter Street Party organised by
inner city churches last month.
MAY 2007
12
MAGAZINE
New Times
The spirit of Generation Y
Young don’t identify
with any religion
Keren DeBoo
MORE THAN half of Australian young
people between the ages of 13 and 29
do not identify with any religion or
denomination.
This is shown in a report by researchers
from the Australian Catholic University,
Monash University and the Christian
Research Association (CRA).
The report, “The Spirit of Generation Y” is
the result of three years of study into what
makes Generation Y tick, spiritually.
Statistics like these may be disheartening.
But Uniting Church SA Youth Mission
Planner, Ernest Sorensen, says they show
these young people like to form connections
and networks with the people close to
them, and in doing so help create their own
beliefs.
“It’s about who they relate to and who
they have their experiences of life with,
who they find have similar attitudes and
beliefs and how they connect with those
people,” he said.
“They’re looking at constructing their
worlds around themselves and what they
want to do with their lives.
“They’re borrowing bits and pieces of
religion that they see important to fit
into that, rather than understanding their
religion from the context of their parents’
generation.”
Ernest said that statistics on Generation
Y, when compared to those of their parents,
the Baby Boomers, were almost identical
when it came to religion and world view.
The difference is that “where the Baby
Boomers have got to their understanding by
age 40 or 50, Generation Y is starting life as
an adult with the same attitudes”.
Where will Generation Y take these views
into their futures?
Ernest said that, of the 130 representatives
of nearly every denomination present at the
CRA discussions, all agreed that Generation
Y could not be considered a “problem to be
fixed”. Rather the church needs to make itself
welcoming to young people.
“We can’t expect them to come into our
world if we can’t be a part of their world,” he
said.
According to Ernest, the Uniting Church
is well prepared to welcome this generation
because of structures already in place.
“The structures that we’ve got are great, but
we need to take the emphasis away from them
joining us to us joining them. I think that’s the
key.”
An overview of this study can be found in
the book “Putting Life Together” by Philip
Hughes, which can be ordered from the
Mission Resourcing Network Resource Centre.
Ernest is available to talk to your church
or youth group and would love to hear from
you. You can contact him at the MRN office
on 8236 2461 or 0400 127 717 or by email
[email protected].
New college site
WHAT is it like to learn about Christian
ministry and service with the Uniting Church?
Is Parkin-Wesley College an ivory tower or a
comfy lounge?
A new photo gallery at http://www.
parkinwesley.org.au/photos gives some
glimpses of student and community life from
2007 and recent years.
The gallery is part of the college’s new
website.
Melbourne icons
displayed in SA
This hand-painted icon of Christ carrying a jewelled cross as
he tramples the gates of Hell is one of several icons from the
Uniting Church Icon School Network in Melbourne. The icons are
on display in the foyer of the Uniting Church SA Presbytery and
Synod office until the end of May. The icons depict images of the
resurrection and the flight to Egypt.
Ministry with a difference – Wesley Mission Perth
Full time placement
Wesley is one of four congregations making up the Uniting
Church in the City. The purpose of the Uniting Church in the City is
missional - to enable the four congregations to work collaboratively
to initiate new mission and ministry projects which will touch and
transform the lives of the people of the city.
There are four ordained placements within the Uniting Church in the
City with each accountable to the UCIC Church Council. All are expected
to work as part of a team ministry, sharing responsibility for the total
mission and ministry of the UCIC.
Wesley Mission Perth, located in central Perth, is a welcoming, inclusive
and accepting congregation with a generosity of spirit. As a result it is
a very diverse congregation, including people from a range of cultures,
people with disabilities and people from a variety of backgrounds.
Wesley has developed varying styles and times of worship.
Wesley is a permission-giving congregation.
The profile is available from
Rev. Dr Ian Tozer, Joint Associate General Secretary (Pastoral),
WA Uniting Church, GPO Box M952, Perth WA 6843
email: [email protected]
OR from http://home.wa.uca.org.au/ (Wesley Mission Section).
Applications should be forwarded to Revd. Dr Ian Tozer and close on 31st May 2007
MAY 2007