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e-news May 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. Email your material (maximum 150 words) to us. Thank you!
This issue includes:
• Cautious, sombre reactions to Bin Laden’s death from religious leaders
• New report shows families are the hidden face of homelessness
• May Insights: Open access — Why church inclusiveness really matters
• Breaking the cycle of disadvantage leads to real jobs
• Methodists express repentance for massacre of Native Americans
• European leaders mark 10th anniversary of ecumenical charter
• Royal Roundup: Prayers and faithfulness
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
• Insights website is new so take a look
• Get your message out by advertising in Insights
• United Theological College Intensives: Second Semester 2011
• Christians in Community Gardening Visits, Inner Sydney
• National survey of lay preachers and worship leaders
• National Godly Play Conference Australia
LIVING IS GIVING: PRAYER POINTS AND RESOURCES
• We can't imagine a future without you
NEWS AND INITIATIVES
Message from the Moderator
Well-honed theology is vital for future challenges. A reflection on the “Focus on the New Testament & Ministry: Reading the text, ministering in the world” event. READ ON
Cautious, sombre reactions to Bin Laden’s death from religious leaders
Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders greeted the news of the death of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden with varying degrees of relief, regret and caution. READ ON
New report shows families are the hidden face of homelessness
A major report on family homelessness shows a growing number of Sydney families are struggling to gain secure accommodation and are being displaced by a critical shortage of rental accommodation and public housing while struggling with mental health issues, isolation and an outdated system geared towards the needs of individuals and not families. READ ON
May Insights: Open access — Why church inclusiveness really matters
True inclusiveness — acknowledging what people with disabilities can offer and teach the Uniting Church about prayer, service, understanding love, justice and hospitality — involves real relationships and connection. In May Insights magazine we explore some places in which such vital connections are happening and what churches can do to be more inclusive.
Also in this issue:
- Black theologian, Anthony Reddie, says reconciliation comes from recognising the place of difference in the church.
- Christian surfer Bethany Hamilton speaks to Adrian Drayton about her life after a shark attack as detailed in the new movie Soul Surfer.
Breaking the cycle of disadvantage leads to real jobs
UnitingCare Australia has welcomed the Federal Government’s clarification of its plans for welfare and employment services reform. READ ON
Disability, R.S. Thomas, church and state, Indigenous justice, Jim Wallace, secularism
Visit the Insights website for a broad range of noteworthy articles, from "R.S. Thomas: poet of the cross" to "The march of aggressive secularism". READ ON
Rowing ambassadors
A Vietnamese rowing team, hosted by the Uniting Church’s Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange and coached by school bursar Joe Donnelly, headed back to Vietnam early this month after some notable successes. READ ON
Methodists express repentance for massacre of Native Americans
In a spirit of repentance, the United Methodist Church is making good on a pledge to support a learning centre at the Western site of an 1864 massacre of Native Americans led by a Methodist minister. READ ON
European leaders mark 10th anniversary of ecumenical charter
European religious and political leaders were marking the tenth anniversary of the signing on April 22 of the Ecumenical Charter, noting that cooperation among churches has affected European civic and social progress. READ ON
Royal Roundup: Prayers and faithfulness
Archbishop backs William and Kate’s decision to live together before marriage The Archbishop of York has given his backing to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s decision to live together before marriage. READ ON
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Synod 2011 in Newcastle
Hunter minister and Moderator-elect, the Rev. Brian Brown, says the Hunter Presbytery is excited to be hosting the 2011 meeting of the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT. Mr Brown will be installed as Moderator at Synod’s opening service on Friday September 23. The meeting itself runs from Saturday September 24 to Tuesday September 27 and is being held at the University of Newcastle’s attractive bushland campus.
Uniting Church people in the Hunter are working with the Synod Arrangements Committee to ensure visitors will have a great stay in the region with a number of tours exploring the region’s history, natural beauty and gourmet delights planned. The theme chosen for the Synod in 2011 is “…on new and risky paths”. Mr Brown says the theme called the Uniting Church to integrate spirituality and social justice, to be a safe place where people would find acceptance, and to courageously stand up for marginalised and vulnerable people. Visit the website for more details.
Need a website? Too easy!
Canterbury Balwyn Road Uniting Church Congregation writes: “We had little idea of where to start with our church website, but the staff at Uniting Creative made the process so easy, with their helpfulness and professionalism. We selected the STARTER package for its price and flexibility, and we are so happy with the outcome. It looks terrific and will certainly help us reach people in our community in new ways.” Choose now from Uniting Creative’s web packages!
Uniting Creative web designer Esther Turnbull has been helping congregations and others to design websites that work. Meet the team online.
Insights website is new so take a look
Uniting Creative launched Insights’ new website in late March. It looks great, is easy to navigate and offers visitors greater interactivity, including the ability to comment, post and re-tweet items of interest. It’s designed to attract younger readers while keeping our regular readers happy too! Potential subscribers and advertisers will find the site informative — with premium advertising space now available for purchase. Insights’ web address remains the same: www.insights.uca.org.au.
Get your message out by advertising in Insights
Advertising in Insights magazine and on the Insights website is the best way to reach Uniting Church members in New South Wales and the ACT. For more information about recruitment ads and contract bookings, email Adrian Drayton.
Community Connections
Uniting Creative produces Community Connections, a monthly e-newsletter that keeps Uniting Church people (and others) informed about significant news, resources and events in the life of the Synod and the wider Uniting Church. Subscribe to Community Connections via email or website.
United Theological College Intensives: Second Semester 2011
Exploring Ordination Studies, with Clive Pearson & Michael Earl:
• Why does the Uniting Church believe ordination is a “Gift of God” to the Church?
• Explore the thinking of the Uniting Church in an ecumenical setting.
• How does the practice of the Uniting Church sit with the demands of today?
• Explore the relationship between the ordained ministry and the ministry of the whole people of God.
Centre for Ministry, August 22-16 2011. Enquires to Joanne Stokes: email or phone 8838 8914.
Christians in Community Gardening Visits, Inner Sydney
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 at churches in inner Sydney, including Food Forest (at St Michael’s Anglican Church Surry Hills), Eden Garden (at South Sydney Uniting Church), Turtle Lane Community Garden (at St Joseph’s Catholic Church Newtown), and Cottage in the Graveyard Community Garden (at St Stephen’s Anglican Church Newtown).
Saturday May 28, starting at 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Meet and finish at St Michael’s Anglican Church, 200 Albion St, Surry Hills. Cost: $15 ($10 concession), includes lunch and transport between gardens will be provided. Places are limited, for bookings please contact Miriam Pepper via email or call 0447 730 772. Visit the website for more information.
National survey of lay preachers and worship leaders
The Uniting Church Assembly is seeking information from accredited lay preachers, and other lay people who preach and lead worship regularly. The aim is to determine how the church might best recruit, train and support people who serve in this way. Ministers are requested to encourage people to complete an online survey here or download and complete a print version by May 31. A print copy can also be obtained by calling 08 8416 8420.
National Godly Play Conference Australia
Three days of training provided by international Godly Play trainers. Internationally accredited certificate for Godly Play teachers, especially professional children’s ministry workers, school chaplains, etc. Conference includes a Godly Play showcase Expo, and an official launch of Godly Play in Australia. The Centre for Ministry, Masons Drive, North Parramatta, July 13-17, 2011. For more info contact the Children’s Ministry team on (02) 8267 4295.
Youth Ministry: Unfiltered
Unfiltered is a Youth Ministry Intensive being held over the weekend of June 10-12, 2011, aimed at stretching, supporting, educating and building up people in ministry with young people.
READ ON
LIVING IS GIVING: PRAYER POINTS AND RESOURCES
We can't imagine a future without you
Over a decade ago Living is Giving was created to replace the process by which congregations and faith communities gave to what was known then as the Mission and Service Fund. Today, congregations and individuals can choose their mission focus areas and develop meaningful and engaging relationships with ministry.
But it is only through ongoing support that the mission and service of the Uniting Church continues well into the future and there are reasons for serious concerns. In 1993 our congregations gave $3 million to the Synod’s mission and service. Last year, even though congregational surpluses have increased steadily in the past 18 years, congregations gave $1 million less.
Is it any wonder the Synod has to cut back on resources and personnel when the wealthiest congregations are supporting the Uniting Church less and less in nominal terms, let alone in real terms?
In 1993 our congregations gave $644,000 to non-Uniting Church organisations. Last year they gave $2 million. While important areas of Uniting Church mission are forced to adjust to cutbacks, what are your congregation’s priorities?
The church needs our combined support through Living is Giving to sustain our vital ministries.
You can help stop the decay! Choose from a variety of mission focus areas that reflect your passions and hope for the Uniting Church’s future and sustain them by your contribution. Making a one-off gift or setting up regular monthly donations have never been easier, faster or more secure. Please make your online contribution today!
For more information, contact Marije Nieuwenhuis via email or call 8267 4475.
One more month to go
Your congregation's treasurer received a Leaders Guide and Planning Form which contains information about how Living is Giving works and how your congregation can participate. You can download a copy here. Please talk to your congregation, faith community or family about which mission focus areas to support.
Return your congregation's Leaders Guide and Planning Form by June 30, 2011 to Financial Management Services, Uniting Resources, PO Box A2178, Sydney South, NSW 1235.
For more information, visit the website or contact Marije Nieuwenhuis, Missions Promotions Officer on (02) 8267 4475 or marijen@nsw.uca.org.au. You can find inspiring and encouraging updates about all the mission focus areas online.
Nice to meet you!
Living is Giving invites you, your family and your congregation to be part of God’s mission through the wider work of the Uniting Church. Find out more about the mission of the Uniting Church in New South Wales and the ACT by hosting a free presentation. Our speaker Wah Sim enjoys taking time to speak to congregations about Living is Giving and how it offers Christ’s love and compassion to communities and individuals who need it the most.
For more information or a booking email or call Camilla Raven at Living is Giving on 8267 4393 and she will be happy to answer your questions!
We would also love to hear you. Do you have a story to share about how your congregation or faith community has raised money for Living is Giving, or how funds from Living is Giving have benefited you or your congregation? Email your story, with a photo or two. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Prayer points and praise points
We invite you to give prayerful consideration to the mission focus areas on offer and choose to support those which you believe:
•God is placing before you or your congregation in particular, or
•complement mission and ministry in your local community, or
•weigh heavily on your heart or the hearts of members of your congregation, or
•strike some other chord in the life of your congregation.
Let us pray for peace and understanding between Christians and Muslims
Let us pray for worldwide peace and stability and no waves of new terror and reprisal after the killing of Osama bin Laden.
Let us pray for the victims of violence against Christians in Nigeria
At least ten churches have been burned in Nigeria, where violence has broken out following the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan, according to Barnabas Fund, a UK Christian charity.
Violence broke out in the predominantly Muslim north when it became clear that Jonathan, a Christian from the south, would win in the presidential election over his key opponent, retired general Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim from the north. Jonathan was declared the winner on April18.
“The Red Cross is reporting that many people have been killed, hundreds injured and thousands displaced,” Barnabas Fund said. Christian Solidarity Worldwide, a UK-based organisation that advocates for religious freedom, also reported on its website that there were a number of attacks on churches and mosques.
Christian, Muslim and political leaders have since united to condemn the violence in which a police station was also torched. More than 100 people are reported dead so far with thousands of others being displaced in a country divided along religious lines with a strongly Muslim north and a mainly Christian south.
Let us pray for the people at the Northeast of Japan
Conditions there are severe as it's also snowing. Please pray for people who are suffering and ask God to show his mercy.
Let us pray and give thanks for the good work of our chaplains
Paul Drury, Parklea Correction Services Chaplain, says he is especially encouraged to see an inmate come to the chapel and spend considerable time on their knees in prayer — “what better way to abide!” Mr Drury: "Prison ministry is meeting people at a crisis time — when they first come through to when they are released — travelling with them through that time and trying to make God-sense of it." Living is Giving Prison Chaplaincy is one of the 15 mission focus areas that make a great difference in the lives of people; people who are seeking healing or opportunity or fulfilment and meaning.
Thank you for your support, and to find out more about this mission focus area and other Living is Giving activities please visit our website.
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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