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e-news July 2010
Welcome to Community Connections.
To keep Community Connections of interest to the widest possible readership, we welcome for consideration news and information about initiatives, events and activities from all parts of the Synod. Regional contributions, and stories of how your congregation supports Living is Giving, are especially welcome. Send your material (maximum 150 words) to kima@nsw.uca.org.au.
This issue includes:
• July Insights: Chaplains in service — The forces are with them
• Synod to coordinate state disaster chaplaincy
• Grand Plan provides new vision for aged care
• Church to produce childhood memories resource
• Tongan conference considers victory of faith
• Koreans and friends remember price of freedom
• US faith groups give G20 nations failing grade on poverty
• WCC welcomes coming into being of new World Communion
• Queen’s Birthday 2010 Honours list
• Obstacles and opportunities remain for mission in unity
• What's Religious about refugees?
• Need promotional brochures — Uniting Creative can help!
• Supporting your church just got easier!
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
• The 8th Abrahamic Conference
• Lay Specified Ministry of Pastor 2010 Conference
• FUTURE DIMENSIONS: Mission Re-imagined
• Young Leadership Council International Conference 2010
LIVING IS GIVING: PRAYER POINTS AND RESOURCES
• Presenting a world of possibilities
• Get Planning! Don't forget to select your mission focus areas
NEWS AND INITIATIVES
Message from the Moderator
As I was working at my computer I looked out the window of my study and for a moment watched construction workers on a new high rise apartment, a crane towering above them, the sun dancing through the spray of water they were directing at the newly erected Perspex balcony surrounds. READ ON
July Insights: Chaplains in service — The forces are with them
One’s called the Action Chaplain. Another says he goes where the troops go in order for his ministry as a chaplain to be incarnational. The defence force and police chaplains we interviewed for this issue of Insights serve willingly and wisely. There’s also a host of book reviews about the new atheists and the Christian commentators who argue against their claims. READ ON
Synod to coordinate state disaster chaplaincy
The General Secretary of the Uniting Church Synod of New South Wales and the ACT, the Rev. Paul Swadling, on June 25 signed a memorandum of understanding between the Synod and the Department of Human Services, Community Services, to ensure the coordinated delivery of chaplaincy in evacuation and recovery centres. READ ON
Grand Plan provides new vision for aged care
UnitingCare Ageing, responsible for the Uniting Church’s ministry for older people, is participating in The Grand Plan, a new vision for the care of older Australians. READ ON Fr Bob Maguire will discuss The Grand Plan on the 7pm Project on Chanel Ten this Wednesday. Here, the grand pair talk up The Grand Plan. READ ON
Politics gets personal
Students from Ravenswood School for Girls (a Uniting Church school in Gordon) have walked Canberra’s corridors of power to speak out against poverty and injustice. READ ON
Church to produce childhood memories resource
Pennant Hills Uniting Church has embarked on a project to research and produce a resource for ageing people based on their childhood Christian memories. READ ON
Tongan conference considers victory of faith
Her Royal Highness Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho, the Crown Princess of Tonga, was one of around 1,000 people who attended the 19th Tongan National Conference (TNC), held June 11-14 at Newington College in Stanmore. READ ON
Koreans and friends remember price of freedom
The Sydney Cheil Church’s chapel was filled to capacity when veterans, their families and members of the Korean congregation and community gathered for the 60th Korean War Memorial Service on June 20. READ ON
US faith groups give G20 nations failing grade on poverty
An alliance of religious denominations has given the world's richest nations a near-failing grade for their progress on eradicating world poverty. READ ON
WCC welcomes coming into being of new World Communion
On June 18, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) merged with the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC) to form the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC). The new ecumenical body groups 227 member churches representing 80 million Christians in 108 countries. READ ON
Queen’s Birthday 2010 Honours list
The Synod of New South Wales and the ACT extends its proud congratulations to those honoured in 2010. READ ON The Rev. Douglas Purnell’s curiosity for life and desire to be a minister started at the age of seven when his mother died. READ ON
Obstacles and opportunities remain for mission in unity
“Take your stumbling-blocks, and turn them into stepping-stones.” This was the well-known personal byword of Christian statesman and Nobel Peace Prize laureate John R. Mott (1865-1955). READ ON
What's Religious about refugees?
Church agencies have been among the loudest in calling for humanitarian treatment of refugees and also providing advocacy services for those who can be reached. They claim it is a deeply held faith position, necessitated by their Christian beliefs. But this time round both political leaders were active members of those same churches. READ ON
Need promotional brochures — Uniting Creative can help!
If your church or organisation takes part in community events, make sure you have a promotional brochure to ensure people know exactly what you do. Uniting Creative will design your brochure to give your message impact. Email unitingcreative@nsw.uca.org.au now for a free quotation.
Supporting your church just got easier!
The new-look Self Help Scheme is a great opportunity for members and friends to directly support their Uniting Church congregation.
Recently, the scheme has been simplified to make it easier for congregations to grow the financial support they need to fulfil their mission. Once a Self Help Scheme is established by a Uniting Church congregation, supporters simply open an at call Self Help Investment which foregoes interest to benefit their chosen Self Help Scheme.
To find out more look for a brochure at your local Uniting Church. Alternatively, call Uniting Financial Services’ friendly service team on 1300 133 673 or visit their website.
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Sarah Coakley Symposium
On July 12-13, United Theological College will host an international symposium on Sarah Coakley and the future of systematic theology. The event will include two days of papers and intensive discussion, concluding with a public lecture by Sarah Coakley. Coakley is widely recognised as one of the most exciting and creative figures in contemporary theology and this will be a time of serious discussion about the future of systematic theology, using her work as a resource and stimulus. READ ON
The 8th Abrahamic Conference
Topic: Abrahamic Faiths, their relevance and contribution to society today.
When: August 1, 4-7 pm
Where: Mary Mackillop Place, 11 Mount Street, North Sydney
More information: Affinity Intercultural Foundation
Lay Specified Ministry of Pastor 2010 Conference
General Competencies, Lay Education and Formation.
When: July 20-21, 2010
Where: Centre for Ministry, North Parramatta
Cost: $70 for both days or $40 per day (includes morning & afternoon teas & lunches)
For more information or to register 8838 8916 or 0433 739 105 or jorger@nsw.uca.org.au or elm@nsw.uca.org.au
FUTURE DIMENSIONS: Mission Re-imagined
Re-claiming Mission in an emerging century
Reflections from some of Australia’s most prominent religious thinkers.
The conference takes an unapologetic progressive stand in believing that we need to move from past ‘certainties’ to struggle with the nature of faith in the 21st century. We need to ask new questions and to wrestle with the uncertainties these questions raise. The conference seeks to find a direction forward which will make faith authentic, with intellectual and experiential integrity.
Of particular note for this conference will be the question of mission. In an age of sound bytes and spin, what is mission? When the dominant Christian voices alienate as many as they welcome, who is a missionary?
If home is a marketplace for beliefs, if poverty looms on our doorstep, where is the mission field?
Speakers: Fr Peter Kennedy, Graham Long, Fr David Smith, Penny Davies, Gordon Bradbery, Captain Robin Moulds
Where: Chapel by the Sea, Bondi Beach and HopeStreet Urban Compassion, Darlinghurst
When: July 23-25
For info: 9130-3445 or chapel@ucabondibeach.com.au
Young Leadership Council International Conference 2010
Each year, the International Council of Christians and Jews YLC hosts a conference that brings together a group of carefully selected participants from diverse religious backgrounds and geographical locations. We are very excited to be hosting this year’s YLC Conference in Dublin, Ireland, July 28 to August 1, 2010. MORE INFO
Uplifting music at Knox
Knox Grammar School's Gallery Choir will perform concerts on August 19 and October 14 with vocal soloists from the Conservatorium. On November 11 a choral concert will feature Christmas music from around the world. Tickets available from www.knox.nsw.edu.au.
Black Stump Festival 2010
When: October 1-4, 2010
Where: Sydney International Equestrian Centre, Horsley Park, NSW
More info/ticket sales: http://www.blackstump.org.au
Featured Music/Speakers/Arts so far: Matt Corby, Angelas Dish, Playjerise (final show), Planet of the Stereos, Mike McCarthy, Jigzag, Garage Hymnal, MMad Moves, Cam Semmens, The Four Hoarsemen of the Apocalypse, Dave Wiggins, Tim Costello, the Rev. Dr Joel Edwards and many more!
LIVING IS GIVING: PRAYER POINTS AND RESOURCES
Presenting a world of possibilities
Want to know how you can unlock a world of mission work that's full of possibilities? To find out how we invite you to host a free Living is Giving presentation. Our passionate presenters are happy to come to worship service and speak about their work or Living is Giving in general. Living is Giving provides you and your congregation with the opportunity to share the Christian message of hope and love with your community within and beyond the Uniting Church. This is a great way to connect with the mission focus areas you support. For more information please call Kimberly Almarza on 8267 4475.
Get planning! Don't forget to select your mission focus areas!
Has your congregation made its decisions about which mission focus areas to support in the coming financial year and how much money it can contribute? If not, act now! Planning Forms for 2010–11 were due last month.
Living is Giving gives your congregation an opportunity to make choices about which areas of the wider church’s mission to support — choices that reflect your own convictions and passion.
Please give generously. Working together, all congregations can genuinely make a difference!
If you need a new planning form, just contact Kimberly Almarza on (02) 8267 4475 or kima@nsw.uca.org.au.You can also find the Living is Giving Handbook and Leader’s Guide and Planning Form online at http://livingisgiving.nsw.uca.org.au/.
Prayer points and praise points
Each year Living is Giving continues to advance the church’s mission in ways that have changed many lives for the better. The current year, 2010-11, already looks exciting, with new ventures and significant achievements. Contributions by congregations and individuals through Living is Giving have helped make these activities possible.
Pray and give thanks for:
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Terrigal’s in the mess with Messy Church
In Terrigal Uniting Church the expression goes that “God likes to be in the mess with us.” Thanks to a new initiative held by the church, beautiful things can come out from the mess. Messy Church was launched on April 24, tailored to families who otherwise find it hard to juggle church and family life on a Sunday.
Messy Church is not just for children and it is not a club. It involves and values everyone: young and old, families and singles, male and female, poor and rich.
According to Jim Munday, Messy Church provides an opportunity for people of all ages to worship together by introducing Jesus through hospitality, friendship, creating and celebrating.
“A lot of the people that come along on a Saturday night are actually quite surprised by how we approach church,” said Jim, a church elder and spiritual organiser of Messy Church.
“You find elderly people participating in colouring activities and playing games with local kids — it’s a really nice family environment. It’s a very intergenerational thing.”
It also gives the congregation an opportunity to invite non-church friends who might otherwise feel uncomfortable with traditional church.
Terrigal Uniting Church hosts a Messy Church once a month, welcoming around 35 people of all ages and faiths to worship God, experience fellowship and explore faith matters.
"One of things we were conscious of was that we were quite fragmented in our approach to our family ministry so when the Children’s Ministry Consultant gave a talk about Messy Church, we realised we were on our way there anyway.”
As a result of Messy Church’s unique approach to Sunday church, Terrigal has recently seen a slight increase in the numbers of high school age and young adult worshippers, and also welcomed a new family with young children.
You can read more about these mission focus areas and other activities by clicking here.
To find out more about Living is Giving visit: http://livingisgiving.nsw.uca.org.au.
Studying journalism, graphic design or communications and would like to offer your skills to Insights? Go to http://news.nsw.uca.org.au/employment/2009/graduates-students.htm to learn how.
Don’t forget about the Moderator’s Drought Appeal. Your donation will help provide counselling, chaplaincy services and emergency relief to drought-affected people.
CONTACT US: unitingcreative@nsw.uca.org.au
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