Issue 26, Number 4 PP 565 001/00190 ISSN 0726-2612 May 2007

P l e a s e h a n d o u t a t y o u r c h u r c h d o o r

‘Work for reconciliation’

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.

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.

inside…

International partnerships 2

$10m for church 3

Walking a sacred path 5

Thai visitors 6

Eastern youth 6

Iona visitor 7

New head at UCWPA 8

Caring during drought 9

New focus on Indigenous issuesTHE 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.

Some of the tent accommodation at Lakeview Transient Accommodation Centre, Port Augusta.

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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

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

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.”

‘Form new partnerships’

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Rates From 1 May 2007Rates From 1 May 2007Rates From 1 May 2007Rates From 1 May 2007

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.

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$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 FundingUC 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 grants@sa.uca.org.au 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 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

Leadership and conversion growth big issues

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.

Solomon’s appealUNITING 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.

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Want to help ?

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Pioneering multi-cultural aged care

Regency Green residents from left, Mrs Chui Lin Yeung, Hong Kong, MrsJie Xin Zhao,Beijing and Mrs Maria Valdes, Chile.

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.”

Walking a sacred path 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.

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.

Fun and fellowship for eastern youth

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 youth pastor Matthew Bond (far right) with some of the young people as they prepared to head off on a golfing activity last month.

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.

Thai visitors

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).

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 co-ordinating 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.

“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.”

Minister and Chaplain Shorn for Charity

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.

UCA chaplain Gerry Hodges also had his head shaved in the main foyer of his workplace - the Royal Adelaide Hospital

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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.

Kathy said Iona’s music is distinctive. It draws on the indigenous traditions of Scotland, as well as other parts of the world.

“People like the fact that Iona offers music for the intellect,” she said. “We try to engage in contemporary issues

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’s South Australian forums were hosted by the Wellspring Community SA, along with the MRN and its Centres for Spirituality and the Effective Living Centre.

Next month Rev John Bell from the Iona Community will

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.

© 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 ribad@bigpond.com

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.

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New face at the helm

Libby Craft, the new CEO at UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide

THERE’S a new face at the helm at UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide.

Libby Craft is leading the team after the retirement of CEO Peter Bicknell at the end of last year.

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

much better chance of making a strong difference, rather than just going it alone.”

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.

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.

Getting through winterYOUR 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.

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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.

The facts of (eternal) lifeAsk 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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

FORMING supportive links from city-based 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.

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.

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.

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.

www.wesleykenttown.com

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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.

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 jody@sa.uca.org.au 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

Level 2, 212 Pirie Street, Adelaide. GPO Box 2145 Adelaide SA 5001 Phone (08) 8236 4260 Fax (08) 8236 4295Email: newtimes@sa.uca.org.au 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 ribad@bigpond.com

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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.

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Deadline June 2007 issue: Deadline for contributions, Tuesday, May 8.

The issue will be distributed on Sunday, June 3.

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 wendyr@sa.su.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 kena@bpuc.org. 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,

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 info@thirdtake.org.au.

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 morialtauca@picknowl.com.au

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.

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.

Getting through winter

M A G A Z I N E

M A Y 2 0 0 7

11 New Times

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VICTOR HARBORPeter 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.

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,

New focus on Indigenous issues

‘Work for reconciliation’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.”

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.”

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.

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.

Giant Easter party

Uraidla’s closure blesses Summertown

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.

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M A Y 2 0 0 7

The spirit of Generation Y

Young don’t identify with any religionKeren 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”.

Melbourne icons displayed in SATHIS 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.

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 ernests@sa.uca.org.au.

New college siteWHAT 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.

Ministry with a difference – Wesley Mission PerthFull 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 6843email: ian.tozer@wa.uca.org.auOR 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