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e-news May 2010
Welcome to Community Connections.
To keep Community Connections of interest to the widest possible readership, we welcome for consideration news and information about initiatives, events and activities from all parts of the Synod. Regional contributions, and stories of how your congregation supports Living is Giving, are especially welcome. Send your material (maximum 150 words) to kima@nsw.uca.org.au.
Click here for Community Connections in a PDF that you can print off and distribute, or email to others in your congregation and community (requires Adobe Acrobat reader — click here to download).
This issue includes:
• Synod TV
• Literacy tests are vital, says Bill Crews
• US panel faults Obama for lagging religious freedom
• UnitingCare calls for ministerial taskforce
• No more land of the ‘fair go’ for asylum seekers
• Synod appoints next General Secretary
• Synod agrees to change preamble to constitution
• Church gravely concerned about asylum seeker decision
• Backdown on climate change a failure of leadership
• Government misses the mark on human rights
• Supporting your church just got easier!
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
• Silent Film Festival partners with Pitt Street Uniting
• Coptic art symposium , May 6
• The Real Picture of Jesus, May 8
• What Makes a Good City symposium, May 10
• Wesley Lifeforce Suicide Prevention Worshops, May 14
• Children and Youth workshop, May 15
• Midlife Momentum: Dr Holly Schut's 2010 May Macleod Lecture
LIVING IS GIVING: PRAYER POINTS AND RESOURCES
• Presenting a world of possibilities
• Get Planning! Don't forget to select your mission focus areas!
NEWS AND INITIATIVES
“Moving with God transforming communities” is the vision of this Synod. As a Synod we proclaim we will achieve this by being courageous, inclusive and generous. READ ON
Loved Synod? Missed Synod? Keep an eye on this page for updated video footage. READ ON
All of us, says Wesley Mission CEO the Rev. Dr Keith Garner, need to be more aware of the pervasive mental health issues in our community, a new report reveals. READ ON
In the May issue of Insights we look at the increasingly sexualised images young girls are being bombarded with by the fashion industry. READ ON
Literacy tests are vital, says Bill Crews
The Rev. Bill Crews, who runs remedial learning centres in Sydney, Darwin and Gladstone, says the Federal Government's national literacy and numeracy tests are critical to keeping a check and balance on students, especially those who might slip through the system. READ ON . Bill Crews' Exodus Foundation launches its Winter Appeal on May 14. READ ON
US panel faults Obama for lagging on religious freedom
The U.S. government is not doing enough to protect religious freedoms abroad, the independent U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has said in its annual report to Congress and the White House. READ ON
UnitingCare calls for ministerial taskforce
UnitingCare Australia’s National Director, Susan Helyar has called for an urgent Ministerial taskforce to resolve outstanding issues in both the Henry Tax Review and the Government’s response to that review. READ ON Central to an effective tax system is the premise that people contribute, according to their means, to the wellbeing of the whole community. READ ON
No more land of the ‘fair go’ for asylum seekers
The Uniting Church in Australia has condemned the Australian Government’s decision to house Afghan and Sri Lankan asylum seekers in the old Curtin detention centre. READ ON Hope turns to dust in the middle of nowhere. READ ON The nightmare of life behind Curtin's wire. READ ON
Synod appoints next General Secretary
The Uniting Church Synod of New South Wales and the ACT has appointed the Rev. Dr Andrew Williams as its next General Secretary. READ ON
The Rev. Dr Brian Brown has been chosen as the next Moderator of the Synod of New South Walesand the ACT, 2011–2014. READ ON
Synod agrees to change preamble to constitution
The Synod of New South Wales and the ACT, meeting in Sydney April 10-13, has agreed to change the preamble to the Uniting Church’s constitution. READ ON
Church gravely concerned about asylum seeker decision
The Uniting Church Synod of New South Wales and the ACT has expressed grave concern about the decision of the Australian Government to suspend processing asylum applications by people from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. READ ON
Backdown on climate change a failure of leadership
The Australian Government has failed the Australian people with its decision to delay any further work on an emissions trading scheme, says the President of the Uniting Church in Australia, the Rev. Alistair Macrae. READ ON Make us greener, oh lord. But not yet. READ ON
Government misses the mark on human rights
The Uniting Church has voiced its disappointment at the Federal Government’s refusal to proceed with the development of a Human Rights Act for Australia. READ ON Important steps to better protect human rights but substantial gaps remain. READ ON
Supporting your church just got easier!
Uniting Financial Services is pleased to announce the launch of the new-look Self Help Scheme, which is a great opportunity for members and friends to directly support their Uniting Church congregation … READ ON
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Silent Film Festival partners with Pitt Street Uniting, April-August
Australia’s Silent Film Festival will operate in September this year and from April to August it will be co-hosted with the Pitt Street Uniting Church. The festival brings restored classic silent films with live music and shorts showcasing Australia’s ties with East Timor from World War II to date. Opening night we will screen Damien Parer’s Men of Timor and the trailer and promotion for Debt of Honour. Find the program here or visit the festival website for more information.
Held at the Museum of Ancient Cultures (third floor, building X5B, at Macquarie University) at 7.05 pm, Thursday May 6 is the Symposium on Coptic Art. Entry is $15 or $10 for SSEC members. For more information please contact Margaret on 02 9850 7512 or AHDRC@humn.mq.edu
The Real Picture of Jesus, May 8
A one day conference and activity of the Society for the Study of Early Christianity. See brochure (click on the conference link at the right-hand side of the page). This event is to be held at the Conference Centre at Robert Menzies College, adjacent to Macquarie Uni (quite close to the Macquarie University train station) from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, Saturday, May 8. Entry cost $120; $110 for SSEC member; $80 for Pensioner; and $40 for Fulltime student. Sessional costs are $20 (concession $15) per lecture. For any enquiries please contact Margaret on 02 9850 7512 or AHDRC@humn.mq.edu.
What Makes a Good City symposium, May 10
On May 10, United Theological College will hold a one-day symposium with Dr Chris Baker, Director of Research at the William Temple Foundation in Manchester, and a leading expert on urban theology. The symposium will explore the theme, "What makes a good city". DETAILS
Wesley Lifeforce Suicide Prevention workshops, May 14
Aims of the Workshop include to learn basic SALT strategy — useful in detecting warning signs, listening and taking appropriate action; identification of resources in your local community. This event will be held at the Francis Phillip Motor Inn, 18 Maitland Road, Singleton on Friday May 14 from 8.45 am to 4 pm. The Workshop is Free, and morning tea, certificate and workbook are provided. To register call 8922 9095 or go online to www.wesleymission.org.au/Centres/lifeforce/calendar.asp
Remember that you will need to RSVP for Registration on May 7, 2010.
Children and Youth workshop, May 15
The Hunter Presbytery are hosting a Children and Youth Ministry Workshop with a focus on Godly Play & Messy Church led by Judyth Roberts and young people participating in worship using creative arts and media (led by Rob Hanks) at Adamstown Uniting Church May 15, from 1.30 – 4.30pm. For more information call Rowena on 82674295 for details or www.childrensministry.org.au.
Midlife Momentum: Dr Holly Schut's 2010 May Macleod Lecture
This is a free public lecture on Tuesday May 18 at the Centre for Ministry at North Parramatta. http://www.elm.org.au/may-macleod-desc/ Midlife Momentum is a ministry that focuses on aiding and empowering those in midlife and early retirement navigate the transitions of this season of life, while discerning God's purposes for their "second adulthood". There is also a One Day Worshop, May 22, at the Trinity New Lambton Uniting Church on Saturday May 22. Contact the Rev. Dr Peter Davis, Wesley Institute, on 0422 638 298 or email: peter.davis@wi.edu.au.
LIVING IS GIVING: PRAYER POINTS AND RESOURCES
Presenting a world of possibilities
Want to know how you can unlock a world of mission work that's full of possibilities. To find out how we invite you to host a free Living is Giving presentation. Our passionate presenters are happy to come to worship service and speak about their work or Living is Giving in general. Living is Giving provides you and your congregation with the opportunity to share the Christian message of hope and love with your community within and beyond the Uniting Church. This is a great way to connect with the mission focus areas you support. For more information please call Kimberly Almarza on 8267 4475.
Get planning! Dont forget to select your mission focus areas!
Has your congregation made its decisions about which mission focus areas to support in the coming financial year, and how much money it can contribute? Living is Giving gives your congregation an opportunity to make choices about which areas of the wider church’s mission to support — choices that reflect your own convictions and passion.
Please give generously. Talk to your congregation about increasing your contribution from last year, if possible, to ensure that the important ministries of our church can continue. Working together, all congregations can genuinely make a difference!
Remember that Planning Forms for 2010–11 are due in only two months time. So get planning! If you need a new form, just contact the Kimberly Almarza on (02) 8267 4475 or kima@nsw.uca.org.au.
You can also find the Living is Giving Handbook and Leader’s Guide and Planning Form online at http://livingisgiving.nsw.uca.org.au/.
Prayer points and praise points
Each year Living is Giving continues to advance the church’s mission work in ways that have changed many lives for the better. The current year, 2010-11, already looks exciting, with new ventures and significant achievements. Contributions by congregations and individuals through Living is Giving have helped make these activities possible.
Pray and give thanks for:
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Forbes Church in the Schoolyard
In 2007 church leaders from Uniting Church, Bush Church Aid, Baptist and Anglican backgrounds established Church in the Schoolyard, a rapidly-growing new faith community in North Forbes.
In an effort to combat Forbes’ problematic mix of high unemployment and widespread drug use, church leaders decided to reach out to the community by bringing stability and love to troubled lives.
Wednesday Night Church, as the locals like to call it, is a time where families come together to eat food, listen to music and a Bible message.
Up to 70 adults and children from a disadvantaged socio-economic background attend Church in the Schoolyard, with 15 church and community volunteers helping to facilitate the night’s activities. Church in the Schoolyard’s success has seen plans to lease out a Guide hall for more regular meetings and, as a result of a Synod Mission Resource Fund grant for the next three years, this vision may be realised.
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Worhsip classes at United Theological College
The following is a passage written by Gerard Moore, a lecturer at UTC teaching worship and practical theology:
"The worship class: always an interesting place and sometimes quite amazing. It is impossible to engage in discussion on worship without building on the experiences of all the participants in class. It is not just that everyone has an opinion on worship; rather it is the wisdom and humanity that shines through the thoughtful reflection and lively debate.
The material covered ensures both energy and silence are part of the dynamic. Whether opening up the traditions of the Lord’s Supper, understanding the challenge of the Word when heard in a service, delving into the singing of the psalms, or uncovering the dynamics behind the funeral rites, the material is always personal and pastoral. Typically, worship discussions involve mind, heart, spirit, community and culture. And yet there are further dimensions.
Current worship is deeply indebted to the past, often in ways that are obscure or unclear. Examining ancient worship patterns is not simply a mechanical respect for the past but rather a chance to look through the window of history into the living faith of past generations, comprehending the questions and problems they faced and the inspiring solutions they created. Our worship is not the same, but it shares in a common spirit and seeks to emulate a similar courage. The past opens us directly into the future. The next generations of worshippers will have wise guides if they creatively utilise the traditions of the past and understand the experiences that gave rise to those ways and patterns."
You can read more about these mission focus areas and other activities by clicking here.
To find out more about Living is Giving visit: http://livingisgiving.nsw.uca.org.au.
Studying journalism, graphic design or communications and would like to offer your skills to Insights? Go to http://news.nsw.uca.org.au/employment/2009/graduates-students.htm to learn how.
Don’t forget about the Moderator’s Drought Appeal. Your donation will help provide counselling, chaplaincy services and emergency relief to drought-affected people.
CONTACT US: unitingcreative@nsw.uca.org.au
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