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e-news February 2011
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:
• Commission on track to deliver for older Australians
• Sentencing is significant for Egypt's Christians
• Faith gets star treatment at Sundance Film Festival
• Hills men's shed offers a place to belong
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
• UnitingCare disability carers’ group
• Invitation to Induction, February 11
• Transforming Practices , February 11
• The evolution of God, February 13
• OH&S risk analysis workshop, February 16
• Kidsreach children’s ministry conference, February 19
• Interfaith service with Stephanie Dowrick, February 20
• UTC start of academic year celebration, February 21
• Worshability services, March 6
• Jesus, Better Known & Bible, Better Read, March 19
• Community gardening visits, March 12
LIVING IS GIVING: PRAYER POINTS AND RESOURCES
• The new Living is Giving 2011-12 Handbook coming soon
• Become a Living is Giving partner
• Host your own Living is Giving presentation in 2011
NEWS AND INITIATIVES
The last few years have been fairly tough for many working within the Synod READ ON
The enormous clean up is well underway in Central and South East Queensland after the region experiences the worst flooding in 30 years. READ ON In response to the devastation caused by the flooding in Queensland, a National Appeal has been launched by the national Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia, in cooperation with the Queensland Synod and Lifeline Queensland, to afford all members the opportunity to give in this time of significant need. READ ON A letter from Anne Cross, CEO of UnitingCare Queensland, outlining the situation in Queensland. READ ON
We can attract people to our churches … but what makes them stay? Jonathan Foye finds out from several “newbies” what convinced them to become part of the Uniting Church.
Also in the February issue: Insights profiles the Helensburgh congregation with its focus on the arts. It also looks at tertiary chaplaincy and training for people to ensure we are a safe church. See features, news and reviews at www.insights.uca.org.au.
Many names of members of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of New South Wales and the ACT, again featured in the Australia Day Honours list announced on January 26. READ ON Jessie Bell had never heard of the Order of Australia Medal before she received a letter telling her she had been awarded an OAM. READ ON
Commission on track to deliver for older Australians
Uniting Care Australia has welcomed the release of the Productivity Commission’s groundbreaking draft report into aged care. READ ON
Sentencing is significant for Egypt's Christians
The sentencing to death of a Muslim man in connection with an attack in 2010 that killed six Coptic Christians and a Muslim police officer is seen as being particularly significant for Egypt's Christians and a marked difference from previous responses to attacks on Copts. READ ON
Faith gets star treatment at Sundance Film Festival
Celebrity sightings and up-and-coming indie flicks are a given at the annual Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, but this year something else is drawing attraction on the red carpet: faith on film. READ ON
Hills men's shed offers a place to belong
The Rev. Geoff Stephenson says when a man retires he can feel lost or show symptoms of depression, particularly if he was a professional who had worked long hours that precluded him from having hobbies. READ ON
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Are you on the internet? Can people find you? What do they see?
Uniting Creative now offers special web packages to ensure your congregation, church agency or not-for-profit organisation makes an impact on the web!
It’s easy to make your mark with our Starter, Plus, Premium or Custom Web packages. Email unitingcreative@nsw.uca.org.au to connect with your online community.
Meditation is an ancient form of prayer which is found in all the great religions. Many Christians have rediscovered their own meditative tradition through the work of John Main, who is the inspiration behind the World Community for Christian Meditation. Meditation is not petitionary prayer. That is to say, when one meditates one does not petition God for things that one desires, but rather one is silent and receptive to God’s presence. Meditation is a chance to let God do the talking.
Sessions begin at 2.30 pm each Sunday at Marrickville Uniting Church Hall, corner Illawarra and Warren Roads, Marrickville.
UnitingCare disability carers’ group
You are invited to come and join the Uniting Care Disability Carer’s Group, a place for family members or people with disabilities to come and share together. We meet once a month, enjoy morning tea and keep up to date on current issues in disability. Carers who attend are welcome to share their ideas for the group.
Held at Carrington Centre (room next to Meals on Wheels), at 2 Carrington Square, Campsie, Wednesdays, 10 am to 12 noon. The meeting dates for 2011 are: March 9, April 13, May 18, June 8, July 13, August 17, September 14, Carer’s Week October tba, November 9.
For more information contact 8752 3777.
Invitation to Induction, February 11
St Luke's Belmont congregation extend an invitation to the Induction of the Rev. Haloti Kailahi held at St Luke's Uniting Church, Narla Road, Belmont on Friday , February 11 - 7.30 pm. All are welcome with supper provided.
Transforming Practices , February 11
Transforming Practices is offering Facilitated Group Supervision in 2011. This form of supervision is available for people involved in ministry, education, health, chaplaincy and pastoral care or other caring professionals. Many people prefer to work in a group rather than engage individual supervision, so each year we provide a number of groups facilitated by different professional supervisors.
A facilitated group usually consists of four to six participants who meet for three hours, five times across the year. These groups are provided at the Transforming Practices rooms at Epping, or in a location mutually suitable for the group participants. In those groups participants have opportunity to reflect on and discuss their pastoral/professional practice issues.
The groups are facilitated by a professional supervisor from Transforming Practices. If you are interested or have enquiries about group supervision please contact Judith Dunbar on 0428 552 521 or by email at judithdunbar@bigpond.com.
Application forms for Facilitated Group Supervision due by Friday, February 11, 2011 are available at www.transformingpractices.com.au.
The evolution of God, February 13
Celebrate the wonders of Evolution as Charles Darwin’s best gift to people of faith at Pitt Street Uniting Church at 10 am on Sunday, February 13 – just a day after his birthday!
OH&S risk analysis workshop, February 16
Bill Tobin, Manager, Workplace Safety Services, Synod of New South Wales and the ACT, will deliver an OH&S Risk Analysis Workshop on Wednesday, February 16. The target group for the workshop includes anyone with a supervisory, training or leadership role in your congregation/agency, including Church Council members. It is intended that these people will lead, champion, coach and coordinate implementation of the Risk Analysis process and ultimately the Synod of NSW/ACT OH&S Management System Network.
The workshop will be held in Training Rooms 5/6, Level 2, 222 Pitt Street, Sydneyand is scheduled to commence promptly at 10 am and conclude at 4 pm. To register contact BIll Tobin at billt@nsw.uca.org.au or call 8267 4242.
Kidsreach children’s ministry conference, February 19
On Saturday, February 19, Wesley International Congregation is hosting the Kidsreach children’s ministry conference and expo featuring Mark Griffiths. Mark is the leader of the Warfield Churches, a family of Anglican churches based just outside London. He also oversees children’s ministry for New Wine, an organisation now ministering to 25,000 children every summer. In 2009 Mark completed a PhD in child evangelism. Visit the large expo of children’s ministry resources and meet various leaders of children’s ministry organisations and churches. The Expo runs from 8 am to 5 pm at $50 per head ($65 if paying after 6 Feb), $20 for under 20 years, $40 for students and pensioners. Group of 10 or more registering together costs $40 per person. For registration and enquiries contact Emmy Lee at emmy.lee@wesleymission.org.au.
Interfaith service with Stephanie Dowrick, February 20
Join in an enchanting interfaith experience of worship at 3 pm on Sunday, February 20, at Pitt Street Uniting Church. The home religion of the Rev. Stephanie Dowrick is Christianity but she draws extensively from numerous religious traditions as she leads us into a wonderful experience of the sacred. Enjoy this experience for yourself! The Interfaith services meet at 3 pm on the third Sunday of each month except January.
UTC start of academic year celebration, February 21
The Ministerial Education Board of the Synod and the faculty of United Theological College wish to extend a warm invitation to attend the 2011 UTC Commencement of Academic Year Celebration.
Presiding Preacher: the Rev. Dr Andrew Williams (Synod General Secretary)
Date: Monday, February 21, 2011
Time: Opening Service begins at 9.30 am
Venue: Chapel of St Andrew, Centre for Ministry, 16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta. Please assemble at the Aboriginal Cross (located within the car park). The service will then precede to the Chapel of St Andrew.
The service will be followed by morning tea starting at 11.30 am in the auditorium, you are invited to attend the Inaugural Lecture for 2011.
Topic: “ The End of Time: The Basis of Union and a Theology of Social Justice”
resented by: Ben Myers (Lecturer, Systematic Theology)
At 12.30 pm the student association will host a BBQ
Gold Coin Donation entry.
RSVP: February 11, 2011
For catering purposes please contact: David Roper – UTC Student Administration
Phone: 8838 8927
Email: davidr@nsw.uca.org.au
Worshability services, March 6
Worshability is a worship service for children and young people with differing abilities (and their families) – a chance to get close to God, have fun, express yourself, celebrate and share with others.
Includes afternoon tea but please let us know if there are any special dietary needs. For enquiries please contact Sue on 0425 36 08 26 or Christine on 0409 925 607.
When: March 6, May 29, August 21, November 13
Where: St Matthew’s Uniting Church, Baulkham Hills
Time: 2.30 pm – 4 pm
Jesus, Better Known & Bible, Better Read, March 19
Jesus, Better Known & Bible, Better Read is the theme of a seminar of the Centre for Progressive Religious Thought (CPRT). Revealing a Jesus we hardly know and a Bible we have hardly understood. A regional conference with three members of Westar Institute, including speakers: Sir Lloyd Geering, the Rev. Dr Greg Jenks with moderator the Rev. Rex Hunt. Held at Beecroft Community Centre, corner Beecroft and Copeland Roads, Beecroft from 9 am – 4.30 pm on Saturday, March 19 with morning and afternoon tea provided. Early bird registrations (before 1 February) – $50, Adult $60. Pensioner/student/CPRT members $55. For more information call 0405 758 116 or cprtfreedomtoexplore@yahoo.com.au
Greg Jenks, Fellow of the Jesus Seminar, an Anglican Priest and Academic Dean at St Francis Theological College, Brisbane will witness at 10.00am on Sunday March 20at Pitt Street Uniting Church, 264 Pitt Street, Sydney. Bring your family and friends!
Community gardening visits, March 12
Are you or your church involved in community gardening? Or are you thinking about making a start? Are you interested in meeting with Christian community gardeners and hearing their stories? Come along to this tour of community gardens in Sydney’s South West, including Hughes street community garden, Glenquarie Anglican church community garden, the living garden, and the food 4 life community garden. To be held on Saturday, march 12, 9:30 am - 3 pm at Liverpool Uniting Church, 28 Pirie street, Liverpool at $15 ($10 concession) and includes lunch.
Transport between gardens will be provided
RSVP essential, to Miriam Pepper on 0447 730 772 or info@unitingearthweb.org.au . Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
For more information, see www.unitingearthweb.org.au/explore/garden-visits.
LIVING IS GIVING: PRAYER POINTS AND RESOURCES
The new Living is Giving 2011-12 Handbook coming soon
In the March edition of Insights, you’ll receive the new Living is Giving Handbook for the coming financial year.
In the new Handbook you might notice some changes made to the Living is Giving’s mission focus areas. Reflecting the shifting structure of the Uniting Church and the changing needs within the community, there are now 14 different mission focus areas. Please read carefully through the new Living is Giving Handbook 2011-2012, as many of the mission focus areas you and your congregation have supported in the past, may have been altered.
Despite these changes Living is Giving continues to help sustain a wonderfully diverse array of ministries such as: resourcing people for a life in ministry; more advocacy for social justice and peace; allowing new congregations and faith communities to thrive; bringing the gospel to schools and universities; and offering significant ministry in the community beyond the church through the work of our chaplains in schools, universities, prisons, hospitals and mental health facilities.
Through Living is Giving, congregations and individuals are encouraged to give generously to help create a future that brings God’s love to the world and nurtures people as they grow. So please give with a generous heart. Like seeds, every contribution to Living is Giving, large or small, makes a difference in helping God’s work flourish.
Become a Living is Giving Partner
The key to unlocking a world full of possibilities is your hands when you become a Living is Giving Partner.
You can make your own secure, personal donation to Living is Giving, online.
When you make a monthly contribution you become an important partner of Living is Giving.
From as little as $4 a week you can choose from a variety of mission focus areas that reflect your passions and hope for the Uniting Church’s future.
From empowering the vulnerable and needy to giving children a voice in the church, our mission is bringing messages of hope, solidarity and love to the world.
Unfortunately, contributions to Living is Giving still can’t match the increasing cost of many mission activities, which means a leaner Synod budget and an uncertain situation for many of the church’s ministries in the coming years.
Individual contributions will help ensure that the mission and service of the Uniting Church continues well into the future.
So give today, give generously and help spread the good news of God revealed in Jesus Christ.
Visit www.livingisgiving.nsw.uca.org.au to make your contribution!
For more information, contact Kim Almarza on 8267 4475 or kima@nsw.uca.org.au.
Host your own Living is Giving Presentation in 2011
Want to know how you can help the greater work of the Uniting Church of Australia, Synod of New South Wales and the AC T. To find out how we invite you to host a free Living is Giving presentation. Our passionate presenters are happy to come to worship services 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 Living is Giving on 8267 4393.
Prayer points and praise points
Each year Living is Giving continues to advance the church’s mission work 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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Growing New Congregations and faith communities - The Manly Fig started in 2009 as a live music venue, running once a month on a Friday evening at Manly Village Church.
According to the Rev. David Gore, the idea behind the Manly Fig was to build community and links to people outside the church while supporting and providing live music.
“We wanted a place that combined the desire to create a listening space for music and to make a contact point for church and community that was easily accessible via non church people,” said David.
Synod funding has allowed the church to purchase sound gear and equipment, hold better quality events and thus further expanding its base.
“On the first night the Manly Fig managed to get 70 people but then 18 months later it steadily built up the numbers to 250 people every event. It’s an amazing community experience,” said David.
This ministry of music began with a mother’s mission to help her two very musical children express their creativity in a safe and supportive space. And where better to do it, thought mum of two Robbie Elliot, than at her local church?
“The Manly Fig is a wonderful opportunity to present emerging talent and experienced acts in the live music scene,” said Robbie Elliot.
Although the Manly Fig is a secular event, patrons and young artists sometimes bring up the topic of religion and church.
The Fig has provided a model that shows how church can provide an alternative, non-pub, live music venue that encourages a positive and supportive community.
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.
CONTACT US: unitingcreative@nsw.uca.org.au
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