This advertised offer is available from 1 October 2009 and is subject to change or withdrawal without notice. The minimum investment is $500. Interest is calculated daily and paid six monthly from the date of lodgement. UC Invest is an activity of The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (S.A.) ABN 25 068 897 781. Neither UC Invest nor the Uniting Church SA are supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA). 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.

5.25%PA

12 monthterm investments

6.00%PA

24 monthterm investments

Open a 12 or 24 month term investment with UC Invest and, for a limited time, you’ll have these two very tempting rates to choose from. With these rates we understand it could be a difficult decision.

When you invest with UC Invest, you’re also supporting the Uniting Church SA, just by simply investing.

So...which great rate will you choose?

PP 5

65 0

01/0

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ISSN

072

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12

Compassionate arms, Gospel heart Uniting Church. Uniting People.

Reforming reformUnmasking the prison system, p. 4 & 11

Raising our profileCelebrating togetherness, p. 5-10

Issue 28, No 10 November 2009 www.sa.uca.org.au/newtimes

e d i t o r i a l

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

2 New Times

ISSN 0726-2612

New Times is the voice of Uniting Church SA. Published monthly, February through December, New Times represents the breadth, diversity and vision of Uniting Church members in SA. News policies, guides and deadlines appear online at sa.uca.org.au/newtimes. Articles and advertising do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor.

EditorCaryn Rogers 8236 4230 crogers@sa.uca.org.au

AdvertisingRussell Baker8361 6822 advertise.newtimes@sa.uca.org.au

Circulation and EnquiriesAlex McGrath8236 4242 amcgrath@sa.uca.org.au

ProductionJoie Creative

PrintingCadillac Printing

Circulation11 500

Editorial and Advertising Deadlines for NovemberNovember 11

Uniting Church SA

Level 2, 212 Pirie St, Adelaide

PO BOX 2145 Adelaide SA 5001

8227 0822

Deliberate unityTogether we’re heavyThere’s an old saying that a burden shared is a burden halved. True, but it means the burden is carried at half weight by two people.

I like to think that I’m pretty strong. I’ve been known to attempt to shift large weights on my own – couches, desks, heavy wooden beds - simply for my sheer desire to prove that I can get the job done, unassisted, no matter how puffed, pulled or pitiful I end up.

It’s not just a physical idiocy either. I’ve often taken that lone ranger mentality into how I carry myself emotionally and spiritually.

so I know what it’s like to be weary. and I know what it’s like to feel like an ox. a bull-

Rod DysonThe formaTIon of the Uniting Church was a very deliberate act. The UCa was not formed out of weakness but out of a deliberate missional decision. The first paragraph of the Basis of Union says that the three forming denominations entered into union to bear witness to that unity which is both Christ’s gift and will for the church. That original vision still guides our life as a church. Unity is not sameness but oneness in Christ (unity with diversity).

The book of revelation (5.9) talks of every “...tribe and language and people and nation...” being present in heaven and praising God. If this is the vision of heaven is it not also the vision for the church on earth? Why are our congregations, in general, so homogenous? Why are our congregations at least not representative of the diversity of the community in which they are situated?

one answer is that ‘like tends to attract like’. We are more comfortable with people like us. I think our homogeneity reflects the fact that we

Uniting Church SA Moderator, Rev Rod Dyson with CEO/General Secretary Rev Dr Graham Humphris smile for their Uniting Church 2010 calendar photo.

Next issue: Sharing the Christmas spirit

headed beast pulling forward in a double yoke – with only one spot filled and the other half-yoke pulling me slightly down on one side.

Jesus’ imagery of our taking his yoke upon us (matt 11.28-30) is an apt demonstration of what can be achieved when we pull forward together with him.

Two oxen yoked together can pull more than double the combined weight two single oxen could pull, if the conditions, training, and capability of the team are optimum.

Under his yoke, we learn humility and gentleness. and, thank goodness, we find rest.

Gathering together under the yoke of Jesus is core business for us as the Church- it’s how we unite, and as we unite, we pull forward and we get somewhere.

When we’re yoked together, we feel the pull of one another in our bull-headedness, we see each other closely and have to learn to get along to get the job done.

We are open to being needed by others and needing them.

Together we are heavy, but a heavy togetherness is lighter than the weight of loneliness and necessary to sharing the yoke of Christ with a world in need of true rest.

Trying to be a team-playerCaryn Rogers

are content to be with like people. I want to call us back to the original vision. our homogeneity falls well short of the richness that God planned for humanity. only as we gather with people of different nations, socio-economic groups and customs do we enjoy a richer insight into the nature of God. Let us strive to be inclusive, receiving people who are different to us - as a gift from God.

our homogeneity also fails our missional vision. a diverse congregation signals that all kinds of people are welcome. When we all look the same it signals that only some people are welcome.

The writer of the Gospel of John highlights the missional vision in chapter 17. Verse 23 says, “...may they (believers) be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

I am very interested to show the world that God sent Jesus and that God loves the world. Being a Uniting Church of uniting people does just that.

Cover Pic: Jade Kearns

Celebrating milestonesmany UnITInG ChUrChes have been worshipping together for a very long time – particularly those stemming from methodist roots.

as we’re launching further ahead into ‘raising our profile’ as a church, celebrating that as a Uniting Church, we’re in the business of Uniting People – we just wanted to take the opportunity to give an appreciative nod to our past.

happy anniversaries!

75 - Lock Uniting Church

80 - Poonindie Uniting Church

100 - Berri Uniting Church

147 - milang Church

160 - salisbury Uniting Church

165 - st andrews strathalbyn

*figures may represent anniversaries of congregations or buildings.

N e w s

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

3 New Times

Will you still need me, will you still feed me when I’m 94?

Join us at the Gopher Justice Rally on Sunday November 8

Graham Humphris, General Secretary/CEO Uniting Church SA

I dIdn’T haVe much idea about ‘aged residential care’ until I recently had to find a ‘place’ for my parents.

my father had had a number of strokes, and mother had been having some mini-strokes. mum was dad’s primary carer, a role which, although she never complained, had clearly become increasingly more difficult.

some time ago, after being assessed, dad secured a place in high care and mum was eligible for low care. and so it was time for them to leave our family home; their home they’d lived in for about 15 years. It was also time to give away their beloved dog and leave their local church at adare and the Victor harbor community.

for us children, it was a change of roles. now, we were the ones needing to look after our parents as they entered

into this very vulnerable stage of life.

I have to say that personally this process has been one of the most stressful and traumatic times in my life - every part of it was traumatic. I first had to begin to understand how this complicated ‘aged care’ system works. apparently, first people are assessed - which takes some time. Then, after the assessment, people are able to look for a suitable place. and once a suitable place is found, the waiting continues.

I discovered that entrance fees are very high, there are few places in the rural sector and also, to my surprise, there are almost no places for couples. This means that invariably one partner goes into ‘care’ while the other stays at home, often alone, still waiting for a place. In my parent’s case, this was going to mean just about their first separation in over 60 years.

Uniting Church SA Moderator, Rev Rod Dyson, is calling on the church community to support a campaign that calls for:

•Access to appropriate aged care when and where it is needed

•A commitment to ensuring that aged care is viable and sustainable in the long-term – for individuals, the community and providers.

People who desperately need aged care should not be turned away.

While my father is in high care now at seaford eldercare, my mother is still waiting for a position in low care. she’s been able to spend three weeks in the respite facility onsite but after that, my parents will be separated until mum can secure a place. Their biggest fear is being apart from each other and my dad has commented, several times, that he doesn’t know how he’ll survive without his wife, even on a temporary basis.

so there it is. I’ve actually got a much better understanding now of how traumatic it is when a married couple, in particular, goes into residential care, how difficult it is to get in, how challenging it is to understand the system, how long waiting lists are and the inevitable trauma of one partner going into care with the other still waiting.

But I’m actually glad that I now understand some of these complexities because

the sad fact is that aged care is becoming unviable. People who desperately need aged care are being turned away because there are simply not enough places. and these delays in accessing care are compromising the quality of life for elderly people – when they are least able to do anything about it.

I’ve also come to realise that the Uniting Church can be justifiably proud of the service it provides in aged care – through all of its agencies; Clayton Church homes, eldercare, helping hand, resthaven and UnitingCare Wesley. In my own case - eldercare has been amazingly helpful and supportive.

however, the wide-ranging issues with aged care are something the Uniting Church should play a part in addressing as these issues will almost certainly become more significant in the next

Gather at 1pm at the festival Centre Plaza, adelaide city. Come on your gopher or on foot to show you care.Please put the rally in your diary and encourage your congregation and community to join us - make sure to ask your minister or go online to www.sa.uca.org.au/goforjustice to see what other resources are available in helping value older people.

Learning the hard way20 years as we baby boomers also start to need care.

This process has led my wife and I to have a number of discussions about our future too. I reckon that even as people of faith with another future to look forward to, we still need to plan for our future in retirement and our aged years. otherwise, it will be others who make choices for us and the options will be very limited.

If you want to play a part in this, then why not share in the Gopher Justice rally on sunday 8 november or check out the special website – www.sa.uca.org.au/goforjustice - for other ways to get involved. This is an opportunity for our church to act together with a united voice. at the same time you could get more of the facts yourself, write to politicians and share with others the need to value older people and seek justice with them on this issue.

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

4 F e a t U r e

Politics and prisons

John Morgan from Aldgate Uniting Church and Stephen Edwards from Padthaway Uniting Church conversing with two of the guests involved in the KAIROS Prison Ministry program.

Prof Rick Sarre, Professor of Law and Criminal Justice at the UniSA

PrIsons are very expensive institutions. They disproportionately affect Indigenous australians and other disadvantaged groups. They drive a massive wedge into the social fabric and have limited impact on crime rates and re-offending. yet, as the rates and numbers show, we are turning to prisons to an increasing degree to ‘solve’ our law and order problems. Why might this be the case? Can and should we attempt to reverse the trend? Is it appropriate and possible for governments, in their quest to control crime and victimisation, to put in place policies designed to lower, rather than raise, imprisonment rates without jeopardising their popularity at the polls?

What steps can be taken to change the current mindset?

1. opposition spokespersons need to open up a debate rather than be Tweedledee to the government’s Tweedledum. When the south australian deputy Premier made his well publicised remark in the state parliament in may 2008 that the Labor government was prepared, with reference to high prisoner numbers, to ‘rack ‘em, pack ‘em and stack ‘em’, the opposition leader martin hamilton-smith called him a ‘bully’ and pointed to mr foley’s apparent ‘about face’ on the issue, given public statements that mr foley had previously made. There was no mention, however, by mr hamilton-smith of a report authored in 2007 by the human rights Committee of the Law society of south australia that had alleged that south australia was in breach of the standard minimum rules (International Guidelines) on prisoner management and overcrowding. There was no pressure on the government at all.

2. Policy-makers need to drive home the argument that a safe community is one that is built on trust, equality of opportunity and social capital, not one where social misfits are locked away in disproportionate numbers. It is undeniable that in our prisons we find principally those who are economically marginalised and facing labour market uncertainty, who live under the influence of drugs, poor education or mental illness.

3. We need to challenge the assumption that punitiveness is what citizens want. The evidence exists that, when given the right information, the population is not as punitive or vindictive as our political leaders might think or fear. In studies done in Victoria by Karen Gelb and the sentencing advisory Council (saC) they found that, when asked a simple abstract question, people believe that sentences are too lenient. But when given more information about the crime or about the offender, people’s levels of punitiveness drop dramatically. In a 2008 follow up study, the researchers concluded that, when given more information, people are willing to accept alternatives to imprisonment, and victims of crime are no more punitive than others.

Prisons provide some deterrent effect on crime, and there is certainly a short term incapacitative effect, but an over-reliance upon prison as a crime reduction strategy comes at a significant financial cost, is not consistent across offences nor jurisdictions and is often inequitable. The high rate of imprisonment of Indigenous australians does not have an obvious dividend of crime reduction in Indigenous communities.

It is not beyond the wit of modern societies to find effective strategies to combat the scourge of crime, to protect victims, to stop victimisation, and to stem the tide of angry and disillusioned young people who keep coming to the attention of police. That will not happen without well informed debates free from the politics of ‘law and order’ populism. There is every reason to suspect that the community is ready for such debates and will not punish at the polls any party brave enough to raise them.

We need to tell governments that they can build long term social investment into criminal justice policy-making without risking electoral backlash.

Professor Rick Sarre spoke at the October Presbytery and Synod Meeting as part of the Prisons and Justice Advocacy Group presentation.

Reforming reformIT’s noT eVery day that you get invited to prison. In fact before I was invited to the closing ceremony of the tenth Kairos course at mobilong Prison, I’d never been asked, or expected, to enter a prison and come face to face with prisoners.

I wasn’t frightened; I was impressed at the privilege my job could afford me to gain insight into another world. more than that, I was impressed as to why I was invited.

The prison system isn’t one that we tend to think too much about in our normal church lives. But as suggested at the october Presbytery and synod meeting, perhaps it’s time we did pay more attention, and re-consider what kind of attention it is that we’re paying.

our mentality is, more often than not, to lock and rot offenders. But on meeting some of the guys at mobilong I began to realise that it doesn’t often help to ‘reform’ them as much as it does solidify their awareness that they are criminals, which is appropriate, but goes further to inadvertently comment that that’s all they can

ever be, which offers no hope of redemption or fulfilment of repentance.

Kairos Prison ministry is an expression of humanity exploring what it means to be human, made in God’s image, as well as better ways to live and make choices.

The three and a half day Christian program aims to change the lives of prisoners. Taking up to 28 men per course and challenging each participant’s attitudes, Kairos encourages change by focussing on prisoners’ beliefs – beliefs about themselves, others, the world and God.

‘families’ are formed around table groups comprising of around six ‘guests’, as the prisoners are referred to, and three members of the Kairos team - a crew of men from various denominations across the state. Guests are encouraged to engage with issues of forgiveness and given safe spaces to relate, human to human, where it doesn’t matter what they’ve done, who they are or how long they’ll be ‘in’ for.

Ray* has been a Christian his whole life. Growing up in Victoria he was a regular attendee at Sunday school. He was also the only child in his family to be a ward of the State.

With little plans for his future, Ray took the wrong path.

“I made a few mistakes, which I’m still paying for,” he notes. “I was cut off from my family for years. But because of Kairos, I’m moving forward and talking to my family.

“We’re still talking, learning how to be different.”

For Ray, a participant in Kairos nine and now a servant at Kairos ten, his experience with the Kairos team has been a life changing one, particularly through the forgiveness ceremony.

This ceremony is often an incredibly moving and challenging experience for guests as they note down the people they need to forgive. They then ceremonially burn the paper and symbolically release their unforgiveness. Kairos team members say you often see a weight lift off men’s shoulders as they begin to be released from the burden of their unforgiveness.

For many, prior to Kairos, forgiveness is seen as something that only weak people without means for vengeance do.

“That forgiveness ceremony – we’d talked about the people who’d done wrong to us, who’d hurt us. It was quite emotional for me. Through this, I’ve found answers and I’m moving on now.”

“It was an eye-opening three days. I’d gone to church when I was young but this has offered different aspects of faith.

“I read the Bible often and study for an hour or so before putting it down. It’s good reading, everything’s so true.”

Ray is set to be released soon and will continue to be involved with the weekly Tuesday night Journey Program as he’s able, while he’s inside. He’s also keen to get involved in a church, and build a better life on the outside with his wife of 17 years.

Continued on page11.

Caryn Rogers

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

U N i t i N g C h U r C h . U N i t i N g P e o P l e 5 New Times

It’s church, Jim, but not as we know it

hoW do yoU sum up a church as diverse as ours? We’re contemporary – yet ancient. open-minded and conservative at the same time. Passionate about sharing Jesus and raising our voice against injustice. We’ve got congregations at the heart of almost every community and yet no two are the same.

That’s been the challenge for the Kd5 team responsible for implementing Key direction 5 of the Uniting Church sa’s strategic plan. The task of “raising our profile” has been before the team for two years. after much research and discussion, the Uniting Church will soon embark on a profile raising and community engagement campaign.

Uniting Church. Uniting Peopleis the campaign tagline.

“That message will underpin all that we do,” explains Kd5 team convenor, shannon short.

“We are Uniting People. That’s who we are. It is also

what we’re on about: working for a better community.”

“rather than tell people how good we think we are, our aim is to demonstrate our relevance by drawing on the practical learnings of our agencies, schools and congregations. We don’t want to position ourselves as ‘experts’; rather as people

who experience life and are willing to share this knowledge to help everyone.”

The campaign will focus on four core themes over the next 12 months with a variety of elements including advertising, website and resource materials.

The first theme is loneliness. “our aim is to name an

issue that is very real to many people, but not something we like to talk about. our message will be about making time for people who may be feeling isolated or alone this Christmas. We’ll be focusing on people who may be lonely as a result

Mel and Ben Ernst are part of the brains behind StreetGeek – a monthly LAN party at Colonel Light Gardens Uniting Church.

of grief, loss, isolation, or mental health issues.”

The second theme is parenting and that will run from march to may 2010.

Uniting People will launch in december 2009 with a radio campaign.

Shannon Short

no – I’m noT at a star Trek convention, but I might as well be. I feel like a fish out of water at my first Lan party.

everyone’s got a handle (except me – I’ve got no idea what’s going on). a ‘handle’ is a nickname for those who’ve come to play computer games at this local area network party.

Colonel Light Gardens Uniting Church has been transformed. There are computers in one hall, and consoles in another. It takes hours to set up and pack up for this monthly gathering.

over 150 people attend the event, which starts at 7pm on a friday night and goes through until 9pm on saturday night. some gamers play for the entire time, others take a quiet nap in the sleeping area.

The parties are co-ordinated by the church’s youth and children’s worker, mel ernst.

To find out more go to streetgeek.com.au.

Uniting People “We are Uniting People. That’s who we are. It is also what we’re on about: working for a better community.”

New Times November 2009 edition15 x 2 columns size (15cm deep x 10cm wide). Cost : $330 plus GST.Order No. 112224 Charge to Resthaven Incorporated

www.resthaven.asn.au

Making a difference...supporting older people and their carersResthaven offers a range of support services for people living at home, in residential care and independent living accommodation.In-home care and support for older people and respite options for their carers is available across metropolitan Adelaide, the Murraylands, Riverland and the Limestone Coast. For details call 1300 136 633 (cost of a local call and you will be diverted to the nearest community service location) or visit our website.

Residential high and low care as well as short term respite is available at:

• Bellevue Heights • Craigmore • Leabrook • Marion • Malvern • Mitcham • Murray Bridge • Paradise • Westbourne Park.

Details: ph 8373 9123 or visit our website.

Note: Inquiries about vacancies or employment at the new facility in Mt Gambier are premature. However, expressions of interest can be made by emailing pr@resthaven.asn.au

A WILL TO CAREThe generosity and forethought of people who have made a Bequest (a gift in their Will) can help us enormously.

These legacies - a lasting, caring memorial gift, extending beyond your lifetime, allow UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide to continue to develop new and changing programs in response to community needs.

For a FREE, NO OBLIGATION booklet on the steps you need to take before making a Will and how you can include a gift to UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide in your Will, please phone our Community Liaison Officer, Jaylee Cooper, on 8440 2254 or log on to our website www.ucwpa.org.au

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

6 U N i t i N g C h U r C h . U N i t i N g P e o P l e .

Fundraising, a walk in the urban park

Hamley Bridge Uniting Church is keen to see more families from the area re-engage with their spiritual life, and value their children at the same time. Pictured (L-R) Joe Tily, Pastor Grant Jewell, Dick French (all from Hamley Bridge Uniting Church) and Richard Gregory, (St Thomas Anglican Church).

Catherine Green

KInGdom assIGnmenT sudan (Kas) is a non profit charity instigated by members of hope Valley Uniting Church and the Journey Uniting Church (at Golden Grove). since 2006, Kas have been raising money to help re-build the Tonj community in southern sudan.

on sunday 13 september, Kas held our first s.o.s (saving of sudan) Walkathon. The 63 walkers that participated in the 10km walk raised much needed funds, collecting sponsorships from neighbours, friends, and strangers.

It started out as an absolutely perfect day - then came the wind, the showers, some sunshine, followed by more showers!

The weather did not dampen people’s commitment, enthusiasm and determination to complete the urban route that took us from

north adelaide through the back streets to norwood Parade, up rundle street and rundle mall, down King William road and back to Bundeys road via melbourne street.

Walkers were welcomed back by the mouth-watering smell of pancakes being cooked, spurring them onto the finish line, where the steaming hot pancakes were hungrily and appreciatively consumed.

We expect to have raised over $8000 – a brilliant effort! Thank you to all walkers and sponsors for your support and generosity.

Kas board member andy dunt, will travel to sudan with a small crew in January 2010 to begin the building project. To offer your support for this project, or to learn more, please visit our website www.kingdomassignmentsudan.org.au

Dedicating education and communities

Dick French

eVery WeeKday morning many children leave hamley Bridge to go to school outside of our community.

Whilst families choose to send their children to Christian schools, they do not participate in the life of the churches in hamley Bridge.

so, to provide families with the opportunity to discover the churches of the community, a student dedication service was held at hamley Bridge Uniting Church on sunday 18 october.

We recognised that the new school term ahead for the students was a time to dedicate and bless our most precious resources, our children, and that most valuable asset, their education.

The service was entitled ‘knowing Jesus’ and we asked for wisdom and support for all school staff in their call to educate, lead and protect.

The student band from horizon Christian school in Balaklava provided the music; Principals of horizon and hamley Bridge Primary schools and the hBPs Pastoral Care Worker participated in the service conducted by Pastor Grant Jewell, our Uniting Church Pastor.

We hope from this opportunity that some of these families may see the benefits of worshipping as part of our congregations and, as such, reconnecting with their Lord and saviour.

This initiative was coordinated in partnership with the st Thomas anglican Church.

UnITInG CoLLeGe is pleased to announce that rev dr steve Taylor has been appointed as the new director of missiology, commencing in January 2010. steve is a Baptist minister from Christchurch, new Zealand, and has visited adelaide on a few occasions over the last couple of years, including being a keynote speaker at our Presbytery meeting and being a visiting lecturer in missional Leadership in the second half of 2008.

Supporters of Kingdom Assignment Sudan took to the streets, on Sunday 13 September to raise funds for the not for profit organisation. Over the course of 10 kilometres, the walkers raised more than $8000.

Director of Missiology appointedsteve will be lecturing in

theology and missiology, contributing to continuing education for ministers, and providing leadership in the mmin and dmin programs of the aCd. his background includes study of the interface between gospel and culture, experience in church planting, and most recently, leading a traditional congregation through change to a multi-congregational approach to contextual mission.

“my wife and I see this as a missionary call, a season in which our talents might serve God’s mission work in australia,” says steve. “We consider ourselves Baptists on loan!”

The role will include lecturing, writing, building a team of lecturers, serving the wider church and formation of leaders, both ordained and lay.

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

U N i t i N g C h U r C h . U N i t i N g P e o P l e 7 New Times

Do Christians know how to be spiritual?

What’s McDonald’s got to do with it? Many Christians engage in a spirituality that more closely resembles a consumable item, than following a Consuming Fire. Uniting College has invited John and Olive Drane to ask questions about the McDonaldisation of faith.

Craig Mitchell

TheoLoGIan John drane is married to a clown. really. his wife olive shares the good news of Christ through clown ministry. Travelling with olive around many festivals and other public events in the UK, John saw her touching people’s lives in a way that he as a preacher and teacher rarely managed to do. he began wondering why the church could not do the same.

several years ago I was helping a church in Victoria to reshape its mission. The town hosted a huge monthly market populated with craft and ‘new age’ stalls. hundreds of people came from across the state to visit the market. I suggested that once a month, on market day, the church could move its worship to an afternoon or evening, in order to offer some kind of presence at the market on a sunday morning. after very little discussion, the church leaders decided that such a change to its routine was too difficult.

John drane asks whether Christians really know how to connect with the spiritual quests of people beyond the church. Popular spiritualities can certainly be self-indulgent, irrational, and elitist. nevertheless the large majority of people find spiritual meaning in a wide range of ways in everyday life usually disconnected from the church.

There are three kinds of spiritual expression, according to drane - lifestyle, discipline and enthusiasm. Connecting with people beyond the church involves taking seriously these expressions, and understanding what kinds of people seek them. What would it look like to shape our mission around the spiritual longings of people in our community?

John and olive drane will be leading seminars on 19 and 20 november, a joint event between Uniting College and Tabor College. for more information, contact Uniting College on 8416 8420 or visit www.unitingcollege.org.au

Effecting changeSusanne Hagan

an effeCTIVe church ministry changes those who reach out as much as it changes those who are reached.

members of meadows Uniting Church have been challenged in their faith over the past forty plus years, as they have reached out to residents of Kuitpo Community, an alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre under the direction of Uniting Care Wesley adelaide.

The primary area of ministry has been bringing residents to the sunday morning worship service and the cuppa time after. however, in the past few years, the focus has enlarged.

Kerry and michelle Grimwood, who for the past eight years have been primarily responsible for the Kuitpo outreach, have kept in contact

with a number of former residents, encouraging them to find a church home and become stable in their life and faith. Without this kind of encouragement and stability, residents too easily fall back into addictive behaviour patterns.

This past year, Kerry and michelle have had a vision to further encourage former residents as well as spread the blessing that meadows Uniting has experienced. once a month they, and several former residents, visit another church in the area for the sunday morning service. The goal is mutual encouragement in the faith through testimony in word and song. God is glorified as the former residents speak both of transformation in their lives as well as the ongoing challenges they face.

Churches in the adelaide and closer regional area who would welcome a visit from the team are invited to contact Kerry or michelle at 8388 3571.

Planning a mixerAndrew Dutney

IT’s TIme To mix religion and politics. not organised religion and party politics. It’s time to mix the ‘disorganised’ religion of 21st century australians and the politics of justice and peace.

australian religion has become radically voluntary. People choose a religion for themselves, what parts they’ll adopt or reject, and what they think of any political statements that their religion’s official leaders make. over a lifetime a person might practice several different religions and none at all. In earlier generations a person risked losing her place in her family or community by merely changing from, say, methodist to Catholic through marriage. not now.

as a Uniting Church minister I have a vested interest in the health and viability of that institution. But we know that serious, committed participants in our congregations might also be ‘just passing through’. Their commitment is more to a spiritual journey than the current host institution. our task isn’t to give political instructions or even advice. It’s to help participants connect their spiritual journey with the political journey that every person who cares about justice and peace is also on.

Rev Dr Andrew Dutney was a member of the Monday night panel at Pilgrim Uniting Church’s Symposium on ‘Politics and the Public Good’. Andrew is the Principal of Uniting College for Leadership and Theology and spoke on behalf of the Prisons and Justice Advocacy Group appointed by the Synod in 2008.

U N i t i N g C h U r C h . U N i t i N g P e o P l e .8 New Times

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

Central Districts crusadeRev Scott Button, Parafield Gardens Uniting Church, and Pastor Lindsay Mayes, Elizabeth Church of Christ, are looking forward to the outdoor Crusade to be held at Elizabeth Oval in mid-November.

ChUrChes from the northern suburbs of adelaide and beyond are teaming up to hold a series of evangelistic rallies at elizabeth oval, the home of the Central districts football Club, from november 11-14.

The idea of the outreach began when evangelist adem Xhafer sensed God saying, ‘go to elizabeth’ and had felt, very strongly, God say ‘I have

heard the cry of my people and seen their suffering’.

adem, an assemblies of God Pastor and evangelist from Cairns, grew up in an albanian muslim family and came to Christian faith as a young man.

he has spoken at open air crusades in many countries outside australia but this will be his first in australia.

adem came to adelaide to

This event is open to people across South Australia and Scott would value having email contacts in as many churches as possible.

If you want to know more, contact Scott at Parafield Gardens Uniting Church, 8285 7104 or srbpguc@bigpond.net.au.

meet with local pastors at his own expense. With a heart for our indigenous brothers and sisters, adem also met with leaders of the UaICC in adelaide to gain their support.

from these meetings a common discernment was made - this was of God. The oval was booked and planning began.

“God has a habit of starting where others wouldn’t and

Jesus met people where they congregated,” said rev scott Button, minister from Parafield Gardens Uniting Church. “The elizabeth oval is one of those places, especially for people in the northern suburbs.”

scott Button is co-directing the event alongside Pastor Lindsay mayes of elizabeth Church of Christ.

“many faithful Christians

have prayed together for years out here for God to move and bring revival to our region,” says scott. “maybe this is part of God answering those prayers.

“This is a real step of faith for us, on many levels. We have only a short timeline to organise everything and raise money to cover our costs.

“We don’t know how many people will come but we feel convicted that God has said ‘I’m in this, don’t take your hand off the plough’.”

Educational Achievement Awards 2010 (Yrs 5–8) & Scholarships 2011 (Yrs 5–11)The strength of our learning community is distinguished by shared values and genuine care. We equip our students to be self sufficient in a rapidly changing learning-landscape.

To receive more information, contact Maxine Green, Admissions Manager on (08) 8422 2291 or admissions@annesley.sa.edu.au

To learn more about what success means at Annesley visit: www.annesley.sa.edu.au

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Our Annesley Story EVERYONE DESERVESA SPECIAL CHRISTMAS

Your donation will help

UnitingCare Wesley

make Christmas special for people

in South Australia

To donate: Phone 8202 5112

GPO Box 2534 ADELAIDE SA 5001

www.unitingcarewesley-sa.org.au

9 New Times U N i t i N g C h U r C h . U N i t i N g P e o P l e

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

Jo Watts, KCO and SAYCO Event OfficerThe BLended maccas consumed for a game couldn’t stop us. The rain couldn’t stop us. The party string sprayed during Carnival couldn’t stop us. But... dog food? That could - but only or a second!

yes somebody ate dog food. Who? I hear you ask, nervously thinking of the children and youth you’d sent along.

our speaker Jason hoet did – and the youth were glued to their seats as he explored the question ‘are we a choosy or chosen generation?’ as he discovered, Chum really is meant for dogs and our hope is that the youth will also discover what it means to be a chosen, not choosy, generation.

sayCo 2009 was a huge success! There were 500 people representing 35 congregations through campers, leaders and ‘Team sayCo’ – our dedicated and tireless team of volunteers. some are even saying this was the best sayCo ever...

highlights from the program were tribal wars, worship sessions, leadership workshops and small groups.

our mentoring program for 16-17 year olds launched well and we know this will be a strong part of sayCo’s in the future.

Thanks to everyone whose help made this event possible!

SAYCO‘09 wrap-up

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

10 New Times

Sharing the Good NewsU N i t i N g C h U r C h . U N i t i N g P e o P l e .

eaCh year UnitingCare Wesley Bowden (UCW Bowden) has thousands of people coming through their doors who need support and guidance to help them make a better life for themselves and their families.

This is where the adopt-a-family Christmas Program is able to offer much needed relief during one of the hardest seasons of the year.

adopt-a-family at UCW Bowden is part of the wider Christmas Program for needy families. Its purpose is to make a positive difference for families who have experienced extreme hardship or trauma during the past year. This program is extra special because the families who receive the adopt-a-family hampers and gifts have been personally invited by UCW Bowden counsellors to participate; they have been selected based upon the exceptionally difficult circumstances they have experienced.

The adopt-a-family Christmas Program allows individuals within the community to team up with friends, family and colleagues to sponsor a family in need. once registered each sponsor will receive information regarding the age, sex and clothing size of each member of their adopted family. The sponsor can then buy presents and

UnitingCare Wesley Bowden offers support to families around Christmas time through their ‘Adopt-a-Family’ Programme. Last year over 500 children received Christmas Presents through this initiative.

food for all of the family to bring some joy and happiness into their lives at this special time of year.

many of the recipients of these packages are overwhelmed by the generosity of others. These people are undergoing such hardship that they are so relieved and thankful to receive such a wonderful gift at Christmas. We have experienced tears, smiles and even little jigs because of the joy that the adopt-a-family Christmas Program has brought to people.

“There is as much pleasure for people willing to give as those receiving in my experience,” said Joan Casey, office manager at UnitingCare Wesley Bowden.

This year in particular UCW Bowden is experiencing a higher than expected need to the extent where they already have 16 families awaiting adoption but sadly have no sponsor - yet. The true spirit of Christmas is in giving to others, so if you can assist in any way please contact UCW Bowden before sunday 15 nov 2009 on 8245 7100 or joan.casey@ucwb.org.au.

Please do something amazing this Christmas and help UCW Bowden to bring joy into the lives of these families!

Meryl Gemo, Coordinator, MRN Centre for Multicultural Ministry, Ascot Community Uniting Church

LasT WeeK an asian woman visited us, asking if we could teach her about the Christian faith and what resources were available.

requests like this are starting to come to the Centre for multicultural ministry more regularly.

a growing number of international students and other newcomers from overseas are going to local churches to practise english, make friends as well as learn about Christianity and australian culture.

at ascot Community Uniting Church, we have found that the Chinese people who attend our social outreach events are often curious about the faith.

recently, at one of our friendship feasts, a young man asked me if someone could teach him about the Bible. he had just come back from a short holiday in China, and a Christian friend there had encouraged him to read it.

When I discovered he didn’t have a Bible, I bought him a Chinese-english new Testament in a modern translation and promised to have some conversations with him as he read it.

I was also able to take one of our regular table tennis players to aberfoyle Uniting Church’s car-park ‘Bethlehem’ last Christmas. as we talked she began to realise that the story of Jesus was history, not myth.

Later on she asked fellow table tennis players about him and I gave her the dVd Jesus to watch in both her own language and english.

This film, based on the Gospel of Luke, is distributed by ‘Jesus Gift to the nation’, a division of Campus Crusade for Christ australia, and the available range can be found at www.jesusdvds.org.

With up to 32 languages on a single dVd, I have found this film a very useful tool for introducing Japanese, mongolians and others to Jesus. The questions it raises often leads to further conversation.

This film inspired me to prepare a course titled Meet Jesus which I have used with a small group of Chinese people successfully. It uses the new International reader’s Version of the Bible which I consider the easiest for people who are not native english speakers.

I have also tapped into a website that other churches may find helpful for some of their own members. This is www.easyenglish.info, which features easyenglish, a form of simple english developed by Wycliffe associates (UK). also free to download from this website are Bible commentaries, studies in easyenglish and a very simple translation of the Bible.

With such readily available resources, it’s not hard for any church member to share the story of Jesus - even with people who understand very little english.

Adopt-a-Family for Christmas!

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

11 New Times F e a t U r e

Kairos Prison Ministry is heavily supported by Uniting Church people – both face to face in the program, behind the scenes with the cooking and prayer as well as financially, particularly through Adult Fellowships, most notably through the Red Dove Cafe.

Kairos Prison Ministry is an exciting opportunity to be engaged in one of Jesus’ prime ministries (Matt 25:36). Invite one of our leaders to share what God is doing here in this state. We would be pleased to provide a ten minute input in one of your worship services. Lives are being changed, people made whole, families given hope.

Enquiries: David Hawkins 8373 0778, 0418 807 700, hawkinsd@bigpond.net.au or visit www.Kairos.org.au.

“I have a need to structure my future – I never used to. I’m achieving, I’ve got employment and a house sorted out. I’ve got plans for it all now.

“Kairos is brilliant to look forward from, rather than just going back to old habits. I hope the future turns out beautiful for all of us.”

Continued from page 4.

Allan* and Ollie* hadn’t really talked to each other much before Kairos, but after being in the same ‘family’, it’s likely that that will be just one of the changes they’ll make after Kairos.

“What encouraged me is that we don’t normally have conversations like we’re having here,” Allan said. “I’ve been able to personally get things off my chest. It’s helped [me to] forgive myself and others like you wouldn’t understand.

“Other fellas, they’ve been opened up from the cage they’re in because they had people to speak to. Kairos has helped people speak up and out to people we didn’t know.

“At the start, we had problems expressing the way we felt; but now at the end people are singing, reading along, speaking on the microphone – everyone’s getting up to say what’s been happening for them.”

Allan grew up with religion - both of his grandmothers attend church every week. On the outside Allan used to share his time between the Greek Orthodox of one and the Catholic Church of the other. While enjoying the experience, Allan has begun to see another side to God here.

“God is different here. It’s been helpful to meet you [Kairos team] guys – you’re normal, a lot less daunting than when I go to a priest and don’t know what to say.”

“I look to Stephen [Kairos team member and ‘family’] as a friend, I can speak comfortably.”

“I haven’t talked about religion this much before; I’m usually pretty quiet about it. I didn’t speak up before but they’re all, including the inmates, helping me to talk up more.”

For Ollie, this was really his first experience of religion, and first time speaking with Christians.

“I wouldn’t have talked to any of yous before all this, why would I? I’m from the other side of the tracks. I’ve come from a life of violence and hatred - I kind of expected that Christians don’t talk to people like me.

“I thought I’d always be judged – but that’s changed. I’m not judged [here]. Out there in prison we’re judged - judged by who you are, what you’ve done, how you act, what you look like. We’re judged for doing this course, people ask, ‘why are you doing this?’ or ‘you a Christian now?’

“I prefer to have a conversation with these [Kairos] guys than half the guys in the unit. Out there, you got to keep your guard up - don’t let emotions show.

“It’s difficult to break free. As far as it goes we’re criminals – that’s all.”

“We can’t talk to the officers,” Allan says. “To them we’re pieces of s%*t, we’re criminals. But we come to you as equal or normal people.”

“When we’re back in the jail with the officers, it does your head in, you can’t function.”

“When you guys leave I’ll feel a bit lonely,” Ollie continues. “When you blokes go everything will go back to bloody normal.”

“Before these blokes I thought f*#k the system, f*#k the world, but these people...” Ollie trails off and Stephen remarks, “We don’t want to go home either!”

“We’ve always got Tuesday nights, man,” Ollie finishes.

Incorporating a weekly ‘Journey Program’ on Tuesday nights, Kairos is genuinely helping prisoners come to grips with their pasts, and helping them to reform a more positive future for themselves.

“The kind of emotion these guys are able to express in the Kairos program shows that something supernatural happens – it’s not ‘normal’ prison behaviour,” commented Ross Lee from Moonta Uniting Church, a member of several Kairos teams. “It’s front row tickets to see God at work.

“People ask how I can mix with such ‘hard’ people. It’s easier to come here than to church. Here – the masks are off.”

“We’re not given a list of names and the crimes they’ve done, so we don’t go in with any preconceived ideas about who these guys are,” comments Padthaway Uniting Church member, Stephen Edwards (mentioned in Allan and Ollie’s story).

“I really think we’re being who we’re meant to be. I wish you could plonk this in a church!”

People invited from the outside world began to filter into the closing ceremony a little after 5pm and take their seats until the rows of 200 seats were full, facing with anticipation, the arrival of the guests who’d participated in the program. To pass the waiting for our guests, the Kairos team led us in the songs they’d prepared for the night. There were only two songs, but good-naturedly we sang those two songs once, twice and, when it looked like ‘shout to the Lord’ was about to begin again, it was announced, to my relief, that the guests we were waiting for were ready.

The men walked in, wide-eyed, daunted and amazed at the sight of 200 Christians clapping them in and singing ‘When the saints Go marching in.’

We all took our seats again and the guests from mobilong were able to see exactly how many people were there to support them. They each had an opportunity to speak to the large crowd both in their Kairos families and individually.

stories of faith, intentions to make a better path, to be better men - for their sake and for their families’ - poured out, moving many in the vast crowd to tears.

“We’re taking away God, who will now be in our life forever...”

“I think I might like to be friends with God and Jesus...”

“I didn’t think I deserved the love and acceptance I was shown...”

“It’s a safe environment to lower our walls and open up our paths...”

“Unforgiveness leads to anger and hatred; which leads us in here...”

“my life’s been full of darkness and abuse. yous have shown me a bit

of the light - so thanks for that.”

It’s hard to communicate to you in black and white print just how moving it is to see people genuinely and honestly respond to God when they don’t necessarily know the ‘right’ thing to say - it’s just actually what they’re feeling from the core of their souls.

It’s an unsanitised faith we’d do well to remember and value more often.

Leaving mobilong that night I felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness for these men, that I would go back to my life and enjoy the benefits and privileges of a very blessed existence, while they went back to violent gangs, old pressures, judgement and being told day after day that they would never be anything more than criminals.

I’m aware that some of these men have done terrible things; but I, like the Kairos team, believe in the God of second, third and umpteenth chances. The same God that loves and saved me also loves and enjoys the company of these men. While I struggle to reconcile that human beings can cause such grievous harms, my vow is to allow these men the opportunity that I’ve been extended – the one of grace and redemption, the one that allows them to make mistakes and get up to do better next time.

I’m proud to be part of a church that values human beings, from whatever side of the tracks or barbed wire fence they might be on. I look forward to seeing what we can do to help all people journey towards wholeness. one prisoner asked why I was at mobilong that afternoon and I explained that the Uniting Church was trying to make a better way forward for the reform system. he looked relieved and simply said, “I’m really glad you’re doing something about this.”

*Names changed for security reasons.

Reforming reform

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

12 New Timesw o r l d

Sowing bountifullyRobin Dixon-Thompson

The LoZI Women in mwandi, africa cart 20 litre water containers on their heads, with some walking five or more kilometres in deep sand.

Between 10-15 villagers are taken by crocodiles every year - mainly women drawing water. To overcome this devastating problem, four south australians headed over to upgrade the water system, laying water directly into houses.

you can imagine the joy on the faces of the Lozi people. We were told, especially by the women, that we must have been sent by God.

If you have qualifications you think you can share with these wonderful Lozi people, come and join our work party next year.

robswatersystems@bigpond.com

Remembering the persecutedRev Ian Clarkson, UCA HopeNet Field Minister

years aGo we hosted a young Pastor who had escaped from Bulgaria, while it was still under Communist domination. In his home country, he had been tortured for information about his congregation by electrodes applied to his genitals.

I remember him saying that after the first blast of unspeakable pain, he was sustained in an amazing peace. many others have given similar testimonies in such circumstances.

from my conversion, I have been impressed that the Persecuted Church is the diamond tip of the Kingdom of God on earth and that ‘you don’t have true divine service, without remembering, the suffering Church’.

I have never forgotten that, but many have. The rsL does better in remembering their comrades than churches do their persecuted.

This month has been set aside for the International day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, usually held on the second or third sunday of november. setting aside this time stimulates frequent, weekly remembrances and prayer for this - globally.

It is estimated that 100 million Christians around the world are currently imprisoned, physically abused or oppressed.

The persecuted aren’t pitiable victims, they are powerful victors who guarantee that goodness and humanity will prevail. They are the leading edge of moral

goodness, the pioneers of the good which benefits and blesses the world. We should remember them. (heb 13:1,Colossians 4.18)

They ask primarily for prayer that their strength will not fail and their testimony will remain true. The persecuted demonstrate the might of Christ and his Body is unconquerable.

The enemy of Christ’s Body might use pain, or pleasure, starvation or surfeit, the plan is the same – to seek to wipe out the image and glory of God, in Christ’s people.

all who desire to follow Christ, to live a godly life, will be persecuted. our innate desire to be liked must yield to the holy calling to love God, to follow his commands, to worship him alone.

The following websites help make our fellowship with the Persecuted Church closer, and the need, to advocate effectively, more explicit. • Purpose resources for the november focus: www.idop.org • an excellent site by Voice of the martyrs is:

www.prisoneralert.com. It profiles various prisoners for Christ, with translations of phrases and Bible verses you can print off and send to them.

• ‘end Christian Persecution’ is part of the Uniting Church Vic/Tas synod’s endeavours to advocate for the persecuted church: http://victas.uca.org.au/outreach-justice/justice-and-international-mission/project-areas/end-christian-persecution

• The site www.chinaaid.org focuses on China. It’s run by a passionate former defector who operates a very detailed information site which enables you to send emails onto the Chinese embassy in Canberra.

• for downloadable videos surveying stories around the world, (helpful for church services) go to www.releaseinternational.org.

• There are many excellent organisations: Voice of the martyrs, open doors, Compass direct, forum 18. Please ‘google’ these to help remember our brothers and sisters around the world.

may these actions strengthen your Church wonderfully, as it has ours.

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

13 New Times

Farewell Rev Desmond SmithRev Keith Smith

We fareWeLL a man who stood tall within the methodist and the Uniting Church as well as in the wider community of the defence force – rev des smith. To borrow the language of Wesley, des’ story is about, “the triumphs of his grace.” some would say that desmond Charles smith came from the wrong side of the tracks; a foster child who grew up near the wasteland in the northern end of the Le fevre Peninsula, at Taperoo.

The reality of Jesus was conveyed to this growing young man through the witness of his salvation army grandmother; through the influence of the small band of saints who worshipped at Taperoo; and through one of his ministers, rev Jh Pointon, who recognised the young fellow’s latent gifts and pointed him in the direction of the ministry.

Psychologists would say that the young des began with a poor self-image. By grace, he was nurtured by people who believed in his potential. his years at Wesley College gave him a group of life-long friends, who have affirmed him as he faced new demands.

College prepared him for ordination in which the church affirmed his call to the ministry. during those College years he won margaret, who personified the truth that he was accepted, loved and valued. They began their 55 year long partnership on 11 december 1954, which in due course, provided des with the support of a family of his own and enabled him to attempt great things for God.

des had grown up a dyed-in-the-wool methodist who had to struggle to accept the new ways of the Uniting Church. he had ‘travelled’ as his methodist fathers had - one year each at Penong and Wudinna and then two years at Kimba. Leaving the West Coast, they journeyed at Kingston, Peterborough, yorketown, malvern and, finally, marion.

at this point he changed gear, and resolved to pursue his ministry full-time within the army. he served in three states, reaching the rank of half-Colonel.

des rounded out his ministry at Ballarat with extra duty as Grampians Presbytery Chairman. he and margaret then returned to their home state to enjoy retirement and the fellowship they had fostered here.

des was an honest, hard working preacher who shared his strong evangelical faith and his own experience of ‘amazing Grace’. he was an assiduous pastor, relating well to young people. always a tidy administrator, he listened to different viewpoints and gave wise leadership.

The whole church has lost a down-to-earth and caring apostle of Christ to our age. We offer our sympathy to margaret, Kathleen, marjorie, Phillipa, daniel and aiden. Let us all be glad that he walked this way and shared so generously with us all.

Letters to the Editor

Send your letters to: newtimes@sa.uca.org.au or PO Box 2145, Adelaide 5001.

eVIdenCe of sUPPorT There are many in the

Uniting Church who wish to stand beside and in support of, homosexual, bi-sexual and transgendered people as they seek due recognition and full acceptance. We wish to notify all friends of an opportunity to give tangible evidence of that support in the 2009 Pride march.

friends of Unity have registered to join the march and provide a group in which Uniting Church members can march together. recently friends of Unity wrote to the synod seeking permission to have the UCa logo on our banner, but we were denied permission to do so. Therefore, we intend to march behind a banner reading ‘God loves all rainbow People.’

should you wish to join us in this show of support, the march is scheduled for saturday 14 november, 6.30pm, assembling at rundle Park from 5.30pm.

J MaddernFriends of Unity

haPPy 80Th GrahamI was delighted to read about

footballer, opera singer, and minister, rev Graham nicholls (New Times, october).

Graham’s ministry started well before his ordination. I met Graham in the late 1940s when he and his family moved from Lochiel to ‘Kingscourt’ farm, assuming the role of sunday school teacher in the methodist Church.

he kept our interest by reciting many narratives from old and new Testaments, often allowing us to have class outside.

In those years, Graham was my mentor when I did not have a father, and responsible for introducing me to regular Bible reading. This habit eventually led me a decade later to my call to personal discipleship and ordained ministry.

I remember max fatchen writing an ode to Graham in The Advertiser, including these unforgettable lines: ‘no more the umpire’s whistle shrill. Now it’s the Barber of Seville.’

happy 80th birthday Graham, from a grateful septuagenarian.

Rev C RidingsRyde, NSW

sUnday’s ChanGedI strongly agree that Good

friday and Christmas day should be kept free of the sport, retail, gambling and drinking (New Times, september).

at 75, I find myself a bit of a hypocrite, celebrating Christmas dinner and exchanging gifts at home on Christmas eve, gathering at a hotel with the extended family and friends on Christmas day.

I myself attend church, my family don’t.

I am sad that even sundays now are full of noise. so different from when I was young.

The meaning to these days has changed, and in my opinion not for the better.

I have not been in the best of health. however, I take solace in my faith and trust in God and the beautiful things in life.

R EppsVictor Harbor

Be topical, be brief, be timely.Letters over 150 words will be edited; responses to previous letters /articles will be considered within two months of the original item’s publication only.All letters are published at the editorial team’s discretion.

Since 2004, 195 grants totalling $7,902,714 have funded mission and ministry work of the Uniting Church throughout South Australia. Today’s donations and tomorrow’s bequests earn income which supports:

• theestablishmentofanewfaithcommunityatMountBarker

• aFridaymorningworshipserviceforparents/carersand young children

• theCentreforMulticulturalMinistry

• the‘LifeShed’ministryrecognisingandutilisingthegifts brought by men to the congregation and the community

• achurch-basedannualsymposiumexploringvaluesfor living in the 21st century

• provisionoftheAustralianLeadershipMagazinetoevery minister and lay pastor

Your donations and bequests to the Uniting Foundation make this possible.

Contact the Synod office (8227 0822 or presbyterysynod@sa.uca.org.au) or visit the

UnitingFoundationwebpageonwww.sa.uca.org.au

Building on a solid Foundation

The Uniting Foundation’s capacity to make grants depends on you.

WANTED TO BUYAustralian Aboriginal New

Guinea and PacificTribal items WANTED

Weapons, boomerangs, artefacts, masks, bowls, carvings, figures, ALSO DOT paintings, BARK

paintings, watercolours by Aboriginal artists.

Phone Tony Bond(08) 8363 1351 or 0401 008 488

UnITInG JUsTICe? The contribution made by

Uniting Justice on global warming (New Times, september) reflects little credit for them.

The director stated that ‘the Government bowed to the pressure of an industry lobby hell-bent on maintaining its polluting ways, yet it still failed to gain the support of the opposition: an opposition which itself seems unable to come to terms with what is happening with the planet.’ ‘It is time for the opposition to leave the sceptics behind and come on board.’

This suggests that Uniting Justice has a simplistic understanding of complex issues.

When Uniting Justice speaks with understanding on the far more serious and pressing matters of the equitable sharing of water flowing into the river murray and the rapidly growing social problems created by the breakdown of traditional family life, more notice might be taken of what it says about global warming.

D MackenzieGlen Osmond

r e V i e w s

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

14 New Times

Caring in actionBook: mama JudeAuthor: Judy steel with

michael sextonRecommended for: those

wondering how one person can make a difference.

In short: The story of resilience and renewal in the face of poverty and death.

RRP: $32.95

Whilst Judy steel’s plan was to retire, God had something else in mind. and so, she went to Uganda.struck by the poverty and lack of medical assistance available to people, she didn’t just resolve to send money. she rolled up her sleeves and used her 30 years of experience as a nurse in australia to help those in need.since that first trip, Judy has returned to Uganda seven times and is known to the Kampala locals as ‘mama Jude’.The book shares the highs and lows of Judy’s ventures. she shares her heartbreak and anger at the disease of aIds that strikes the people she meets, and also the frustration at not being able to do more.In reading Judy’s story, I was amazed at just how much was achieved when one person decided to help those in need.Judy’s voice is practical; addressing the physical needs of the people around her. But you cannot miss the love and affection conveyed in the words, especially as she describes the joyous occasions of opening the medical clinic, language classes, helping the youths of the area, and more.I would recommend the book to anyone of any age or background, but especially those who feel as if their life doesn’t count for anything, or they can’t do much by themselves. The conversational style of the book makes it easy to read and for me, the pages came to an end all too soon.

- Sarah Urmston

Sorry Dawkins but I don’t agreeBook: Why There almost

Certainly is a GodAuthor: Keith WardRecommended for: those

with a desire to expand their knowledge of theology, philosophy and science

In short: an academic analysis of the relationship between science and religion.

RRP: $19.95

This book is British cleric, philosopher, theologian and scholar rev Professor Keith Ward’s response to The God Delusion by richard dawkins. In the preface Ward points out, I think slightly tongue in cheek, that since dawkins claims no such subject as theology exists, when he criticises theological matters he is, in actual fact, talking about nothing.

Comparative theology and the interaction between science and religion are two of his main topics of interest.

Ward takes on dawkins’ atheist materialism head on, and does so with grace. he has no difficulty in acknowledging where dawkins is right in his arguments. Ward uses science’s own quantum theory to undermine the materialist worldview approved by dawkins.

It took me some time to read this 160 page book and I have to admit that dawkins is by far the easier read. Ward’s use of technical philosophical and scientific terms makes it difficult for the uninitiated, but in the end I found it worth the effort.

for those prepared to work their way through this book, whether they are theist or atheist, they will find Ward’s gracious objections to dawkins stimulating.

- Ray Creevy

The year of losing my religionBook: Through a Glass

darklyAuthor: Caroline JonesRecommended for: readers

seeking to learn more about the nature of loss

In short: a detailed and moving memoir of loss of a loved one.

RRP: $34.95

Caroline Jones has endured considerable loss, losing her father, who passed away after a traumatic period of sickness, leaving her struggling for guidance.

despite many decades spent listening to the stories of others bereavement as a well respected radio and television journalist with the aBC, nothing could have prepared her for her own grief.

her memoir Through a Glass Darkly, explores the complex themes of medical intervention, making decisions on behalf of others and the enormous responsibility that comes with a role reversal.

Jones evokes strong feelings amongst readers through contributing her own emotions and examining her helplessness, confrontation of anger, momentary loss of faith and endurance down the long road to understanding.

Writing with significant detail and justifying such detail as the wishes of her father, Jones entices readers to continue and stimulates opportunity for her to pay tribute to her father’s own writing by including excerpts of his stories and family heritage.

Jones best describes this book in the introduction through acknowledging that it will not be for everybody ‘because it documents a very challenging time, but if this is a stage of your life you are ready to explore, I hope to offer you company on your journey.’

This book will appeal to those brave and honest enough to confront their own grief and loss.

- Jenny Esots

And the greatest of these is...Book: God with skin onAuthor: anne robinsonRecommended for: God-

chasers and anyone seeking new ways of relating to God

In short: an insight into God and his many different forms.

RRP: $24.95

despite the interlocking fingers on the cover which distracted me somewhat and screamed ‘oh no yet another book on the joys of a Christian marriage’, I was attracted by the list of chapters which include ‘The devil with skin on: relationships with our enemies’, ‘God on facebook: virtual relationships’, and ‘God with fur on: significant relationships with non-human creation’.

Like many in the Church who struggle with different forms of belonging I found this book to be a great help in providing alternative views of the love of our interactive God.

each chapter of this book on finding God’s love in human relationships contains a story or a personal revelation from anne’s life, a Biblical parallel and finally an application of the ‘God with skin on’ principle; Immanuel can present in our different circles of influence and contact.

you may struggle with the patristic model of God the father, but what of God the avatar who mirrors your virtual friends in second Life, God the Weird Uncle you only saw at childhood Christmases, or God the second-Cousin who became like a sister when your nuclear family went atomic on you. The loving God of anne robinson is not limited by gender, age, or even human-likeness.

“our belongings are our relationships, not our possessions.” anne robertson didn’t say that, Joseph myers did, but if you agree with the sentiment then you will enjoy engaging with God with Skin On.

- Damien Tann

Love and justiceBook: another Way to Love:

Christian social reform and Global Poverty

Author: Tim Costello and rod yule

Recommended for: everyone wanting to put their faith into action and address global poverty

In short: Twelve encouraging chapters about ways to show God’s love and respond practically to injustice and poverty.

RRP: $24.95

Another Way to Love outlines reasons for Christian involvement in advocacy, aid and development whilst delineating specific Christian attitudes and actions that influence the form and structure of Christian responses. Primarily, it argues that there is a particular way of loving which emerges out of having a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The numerous contributors, especially those in the first six chapters, make it clear that a Christian perspective makes a difference. Understanding the situation as nothing other than evil, Tim Costello influences the intensity of one’s response by suggesting that poverty can no longer be seen as either inevitable or unresolvable, with the nature of it being that there is a gospel of hope and not merely an economic answer.

The second half of the book has six chapters which are all useful and encouraging examples of the way that focussed advocacy really works.

The theology is very accessible and the contributors all speak from experience. The book is extremely positive and demonstrates that ‘faith active in love’ (Galatians 5:6) produces another way to love - which can really make a difference.

an uplifting book about success and change and the way that focussed advocacy can help the world’s poor.

- Dr Brian Edgar

Available from www.worldvision.com.au for $25 including postage

M a g a Z i N e

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

15 New Times

To have your upcoming event or message published here, email notebook@sa.uca.org.au

with ‘notebook’ in the subject line. eXPerieNCed haNdYMaNComplete, friendly home-helpand maintenance service.“Your spare pair of hands”Phone: 8346 0933ACCOMMODATION TERTIARY STUDENTSVACANCIES POSSIBLE FOR 2010Morialta Uniting Church Student Houses - undergraduate university/TAFE students. Furnished single bedrooms, shared bathrooms, living areas. Proximity Uni-SA, Magill. Easy travel to northern campus and city for Adelaide University and Uni-SA. Provisional applications are invited. Mary Thornley (83322041) Church Office (83319344). Rent $300 monthly.

CaroLs In The BUsh – sunday 22 november from 6.00pm at rockleigh Uniting Church. Guest: sa Police Band Brass Quintet. Carol singing followed by supper. Collection to support Beyond Blue. Bring chair and rug (can get cold). arrive early for ‘drive in’ parking and listening. enquiries: Barbara Pym 8538 7060, pympton1@bigpond.com.

a modeL raILWay shoW featuring award winning working exhibits of all gauges and styles on display at Vermont Uniting Church hall on 21 & 22 november. display times: 9.00am - 5.00pm saturday and 10.00am to 4.30pm sunday. among the exhibitors will be rev Vern Cracknell’s ‘Kangaroo & Cockatoo railway’. exhibit includes garage sale, model railway trading tables, sausage sizzle and scones. admission: $5 per adult, $12 per family. enquiries: Bill Levi 8297 8289, 0427 357 010.

Pre-ChrIsTmas feTe at salisbury Uniting Church on saturday 21 november from 10am – 2pm. The fete is a fundraiser for Uniting in Care salisbury, stalls include: cakes, biscuits & jams, devonshire teas, sausage sizzle, craft work, garden plants & ornaments, children’s toys, books & games, second hand items and mini golf. enquiries: mavis & John holland 8263 9513 or church office 8258 2675.

morIaLTa UnITInG ChUrCh warmly invites you to the ‘mighty magill Christmas market 2009’ on saturday 21 november 9.00am to 3.00pm. stalls, morning tea and lunch available. featuring exhibition, ‘sense of story’ from 21-26 november in the church. Gold coin donation. story displays welcomed – contact church office, 8331 9344, office@morialtauca.org.au.

Positions vacant

To advertise in New Times:contact Russell Bakerp. 8361 6822f. 8361 6833e. advertise.newtimes@sa.uca.org.au

w o r l d16 New Times

UnitingWorld responds to global needs

N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 9

an esTImaTed five million Zimbabweans are currently in need of food relief - the Un has predicted that this number could soar to over seven million by the end of the year.

“The people in this area know what it means to be hungry,” said rob floyd, associate director of the relief and development Unit of UnitingWorld.

rev simbarashe sithole, Presiding Bishop of the methodist Church in Zimbabwe said, “It would be very helpful to have food assistance for our people. as a church we are doing our best to ensure that whatever little is available gets to the remotest part of the country.”

Education withUniting Church Schools

Our independent schools provide education for around 6,000 students in South Australia from Early Learning to Year 12.

They o�er a variety of learning environments, and a world-class standard of excellence in facilities and academic standards.

While these schools respect the faith diversity of all students, the story, values and practices of the Christian faith are expressed with

integrity in order to nurture young lives for sound learning, faith, compassion and responsible service.

89 Greenhill Road Wayville

South Australia 5034

P: 8422 2288

F: 8272 0142

www.annesley.sa.edu.au

PO Box 571 Kent Town

South Australia

P: 83341200

F: 83630702

www.pac.edu.au

Carruth Road Torrens Park

South Australia 5062

P: 8274 4333

F: 8274 4247

www.scotch.sa.edu.au

546 Portrush Road

Glen Osmond 5064

Telephone: 8303 9000

Facsimile: 8303 9010

www.seymour.sa.edu.au

Campus Drive, Aberfoyle Park

South Australia 5159

P: 8270 3033

F: 8370 7734

www.pilgrim.sa.edu.au

Alison Ave, Marion

South Australia 5043

P: 8 8276 0276

F: 8 8276 0277

www.westminster.sa.edu.au

Zimbabwe food security crisis

“The LeadershIP of our partner churches indicated that any support from the Uniting Church in australia would not only be used to attend to immediate medical, food supply and clothing needs but also to address the long term impact of the samoan tsunami,” said Bruce mullan, UnitingWorld’s associate director for Church solidarity (Pacific).

a samoan Congregational minister’s wife was killed and many church members have been affected by the tragedy. methodist General secretary, rev Tupo folasa II, reported that authorities are still finding bodies - many more are homeless and in need of food and clothing. a key issue is not just the damage to properties but the emotional damage the samoan people have suffered. “my feeling is that more than anything, they are comforted that their Uniting Church sisters and brothers in australia are in solidarity with them at this time,” said Bruce.

Samoa Tsunami appeal

The sUmaTran quake is expected to have claimed more than 1000 lives and destroyed health and livelihood infrastructure. The area of Padang now faces immediate health concerns as well as a massive rebuilding effort.

rev Kuntadi sumadikarya, moderator of the Indonesian Christian Church, has requested the support of the Uniting Church in australia as they seek to provide much needed medical assistance.

“We will have a medical team in Padang from Tuesday 6 october. as medical assistance will be needed as long as two months, we will also have a second team,” said rev. Kuntadi.

at the Uniting Church in australia 12th assembly gathering, the rev Kuntadi said, “when we cry, you cry; our struggle, you take on as your struggle also.”

Sumatran Earthquake appeal

on saTUrday 26 september, Typhoon Ketsana brought the equivalent of one month’s rain in just 12 hours, causing the worst flooding in the Philippines in more than 40 years.

It is reported that almost 380,000 people have sought shelter in schools, churches and other evacuation centres. furthermore the homes of nearly 1.9 million people in manila and surrounding areas are thought to have been flooded. Typical scenes are pictured at left.

disease and sanitation are now major concerns for the Philippines as the putrid flood water recedes.

UnitingWorld national director, rev. dr Kerry enright says, “as part of this appeal, UnitingWorld will seek to address the immediate challenges of the emergency while looking at ways we can support a long-term response.”

Typhoon Ketsana Philippines appeal

more information about the appeals are available on UnitingWorld’s website at www.unitingworld.org.audonations can be made to UnitingWorld: online www.unitingworld.org.au Call 1800 998 122Via mail Po Box a2266 sydney south 1235Gifts of $2 and over are tax deductible.

IT’s amaZInG how much can happen in just one month. shortly after launching their appeal to respond to the food security crisis in Zimbabwe, UnitingWorld has further called out on behalf of countries, and our church partners, affected by the three natural catastrophes that occurred within weeks of each other: Typhoon Ketsana in the Philippines, the samoan Tsunami and the sumatran earthquake. all within the space of one, horrific month.

“Commentators speak of australians suffering ‘compassion overload’ but I am confident that those who drink from the wells of living water will find replenished resources for prayer and other caring responses,” rev alistair macrae.

rev macrae has urged people to support the victims of natural disasters in asia and the Pacific.