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e-news October 2010
Welcome to Community Connections.
To keep Community Connections of interest to the widest possible readership, we welcome for consideration news and information about initiatives, events and activities from all parts of the Synod. Regional contributions, and stories of how your congregation supports Living is Giving, are especially welcome. Send your material (maximum 150 words) to kima@nsw.uca.org.au.
This issue includes:
• October Insights: What hath God wrought?
• Government locust team at the National Field Days
• Make biodiversity a priority, ecumenical coalition urges
• Rabbi warns of 'New Intifada'
• Methodist churches in Britain using more languages
• Lives are at stake: mandatory detention must end
• Foreign bio-fuel projects 'undermine' food security
• Pope talks of freedom to convert
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
• Alarga Weekend, October 7-10
• Ride to Worship Week , October 9-15
• Induction – The Rev. Peter Godwin, October 10
• Introduction to the New Testament, October 11- November 15
• Discussion about saints, October 16
• Fair Share Festival, October 22-23
• Festival of Flowers — Dungog Uniting Church, October 23
• Renewal: a film about people, faith and earth, October 28
• Are we united or uniting? November 6
LIVING IS GIVING: PRAYER POINTS AND RESOURCES
• Host your own Living is Giving presentation
NEWS AND INITIATIVES
God, is this really the holiday in hell? Sin City some say — the Gold Coast… READ ON
October Insights: What hath God wrought?
Is technology terrifyingly destructive or the answer to our prayers? Is it altering human thought and behaviour for better or worse? Is it distancing us from God or bringing us closer? How are Christians and churches being affected by it? See www.insights.uca.org.au.
The 2010 report to the people the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT, You’re Welcome, was recently distributed in congregations. The report outlines the extensive work of the Synod and how congregations’ contributions to Living is Giving and the Synod Fund have enabled this work to happen. Find the report and summary reports in Korean and Tongan online by clicking the 2010 Report to the People cover icon at www.livingisgiving.nsw.uca.org.au/
Government locust team at the National Field Days
Visit the New South Wales locust team at the upcoming Australian National Field Days. READ ON The worst outbreak of locusts in a generation has begun across the eastern states, threatening a $2.8 billion crop in NSW alone. READ ON Uniting Church Rural Chaplains Kel Hodge and Julie Greig have set up a blog to link prayer partners and keep people informed about the impending locust plague in New South Wales. READ ON It's not just farmers, grain growers and agronomists who are on the alert for the approaching locust plague. READ ON
Make biodiversity a priority, ecumenical coalition urges
A coalition of churches and civil society pressure groups has urged governments and the tourist industry worldwide to make biodiversity protection a priority. READ ON
Hours after a freeze on West Bank Israeli settlement construction expired, bulldozers moved into an area close to Revava, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus, with many residents mindful of an earlier reminder that settler activity can be volatile. READ ON
Methodist churches in Britain using more languages
Almost 90 Methodist churches in Britain conducted services in languages other than English and Welsh, one of the official languages in Wales, in 2009, the church has announced. READ ON
Lives are at stake: mandatory detention must end
The Uniting Church in Australia has called on the Australian Government to urgently review the policy of the mandatory detention of asylum seekers. READ ON
Foreign bio-fuel projects 'undermine' food security
A Kenyan theologian and ecologist is warning that foreign companies using land in Africa to grow food and bio-fuel crops are undermining food security for millions of poor people on the continent. READ ON
Pope talks of freedom to convert
Pope Benedict XVI, on a visit to Britain, has reached out to leaders of other faiths, saying the Roman Catholic Church wants to build bridges of friendship but also insists on the freedom for converts to practise their new religion. READ ON
Is that country blood pumping through your veins? Is that heartbeat for the Lord Jesus Christ? “Abundance in the Bush” is a collection of 31 devotions based on life in the Australian bush which will stir, encourage and refresh anyone who is ‘country at heart’. Books available from the author at Linda Watt, PO Box 1, Imbil Qld 4570 for $7 each. (Please add $1.40 postage for one book, $2.80 for two, price on application for more copies.) E mail dusterduck@hotmail.com for more information.
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
The Sydney Emmaus Community will be holding an Alarga weekend from October 7-10, 2010 at Elanora Conference Centre. Alarga is the officially adapted Emmaus Walk that embraces physically challenged people. An Alarga weekend is called an Alarga Stroll and follows the Emmaus Walk format very closely. The differences from the Emmaus Walk are:
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Both men and women are accepted for a Stroll
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The numbers of the talks are reduced from 15 to 12, combining some of the talks.
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All the talks are reduced from 20 to 15 minutes' duration.
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There is a limit of 32 Pilgrims per Stroll.
These changes give the Pilgrims more time to get ready in the morning (showering, dressing etc.) and more rest time Friday and Saturday afternoons so that they will be able to receive all the Lord has for them during the day’s activities. If you are considering sponsoring someone please refer to the Sydney Emmaus Community website: www.sydneyemmaus.org.au for an application form.
Ride to Worship Week , October 9-15
People of all religions are encouraged to leave the car at home and cycle to their faith-based activities during Ride to Worship Week, from October 9-15, 2010.
Ride to Worship Week also coincides with the 350.org International Day of Climate Action (October 10). On the day, local communities will have the opportunity to contribute to a photo petition demonstrating that they are taking action on climate change, and calling for bold leadership.
For information and resources for participating in Ride to Worship Week, visit www.arrcc.org.au
Induction – The Rev. Peter Godwin, October 10
Everyone is invited to the induction of the Rev. Peter Godwin at 2.00 pm on Sunday, October 10 at Church in the Market Place, 400 Oxford Street Mall, Bondi Junction. For catering purposes, if you are planning to attend this joyous occasion please contact Church in the Market Place on 9387 2300.
Introduction to the New Testament, October 11 - November 15
Chris Budden is running a six week Introduction to the New Testament Course on
Monday evenings at 7 pm at The Willows, Warners Bay.
The course will commence on Monday October 11 and run until November 15.
The focus of the course is the way the New Testament, and particularly the gospels, are writings which seek to help the followers of Jesus negotiate a way through their particular social & political context.
Enquiries to: Chris Budden on 4956 5544 or email: revcb@bigpond.net.au
Discussion about saints, October 16
A discussion on "saints in the modern world" will take place on Saturday, October 16, when St Stephen's Uniting Church, 197 Macquarie Street, turns on a light lunch and some helpful speakers.
Emeritus Professor Bruce Mansfield has agreed to speak briefly and invitations have been extended to United Theological College and to broadcaster Alan Jones.
A list of saints as recognised by the Uniting Church will be available which shows that Mary MacKillop (who will be mentioned in Rome the following day) is not the first Australian saint.
Bookings are essential for catering purposes: 02 9221 1688 or email to office@ssms.org.au. Martin Place Rail Station is close by St Stephen's.
Fair Share Festival, October 22-23
Australia 's first Fair Share Festival, a major public education event with a focus on urgent eco-social justice issues and sustainable solutions, will be held in Newcastle on October 22-23 this year.
It is supported by UnitingCare Ageing (Hunter, New England, Central Coast).
The event concept was developed by local Permaculture Teacher Tom Toogood, a member of Adamstown Uniting Church's Mission and Social Justice Working Group.
The Festival will run at Hamilton Public School hall, grounds and Permaculture garden. For enrolment or as exhibitor, contact John jafshiel@gmail.com or
Roshni 0407 757 756, or 4952 5209 (John) or 49207763(Tom).
Festival of Flowers — Dungog Uniting Church, October 23
When: Saturday, October 23, 2010 — Floral displays and stalls open 9.00 am
Where: Dungog Uniting Church , 246 Dowling Street, Dungog
Morning tea: $4; Lunch — $10
Concert to follow lunch, featuring Silverfox Barber Shop Quartet - $5 (including afternoon tea).
To assist with catering bookings for lunch would be appreciated. Contact: Beryl Bale on 4992 1447.
Dungog is one hour from Newcastle by road. Excellent rail service available.
Come and join us and enjoy a wonderful day of fellowship and country hospitality.
Renewal: a film about people, faith and earth, October 28
Description : "The religious environmental movement is potentially key to dealing with the greatest problem humans have ever faced, and it has never been captured with more breadth and force than in Renewal." (Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org). Following the film, hear and share what Sydney faith communities are doing to live better with the natural world!
Organisation : Faith and Ecology Network, an interfaith network from 10 different religious traditions
Date/time: Thursday, October 28, 7 - 9pm
Location: Christian Brothers High School Theatrette, 68 the Boulevarde, Lewisham
Cost: Entry by donation
For more information, contact Anne Lanyon, 02 93528021, annelanyon.cmi at columban.org.au
Are we united or uniting? November 6
A one day symposium seeking to address some fundamental questions!
Speakers: the Rev. Dr Stephen Burns (PaCT Scholar, UTC/CSU, Church of England), the Rev. Dr Bruce Gregerson (General Council Officer, United Church of Canada), the Rev. Alistair Macrae (President, Uniting Church in Australia), Dr Anne Pattel-Gray (CEO, Ngaran Goori Ltd, Brisbane), the Rev. Dr Andrew Williams (General Secretary, UCA Synod of NSW & ACT).
Responders: the Rev. Dr David Gill (Former UCA & NCCA General Secretary), Dr Ben Myers (Systematic Theologian & Lecturer, UTC), Ms Katalina Tahaafe-Williams (Director of Communitas).
When: Saturday November 6, 9 am to 8.30pm
Where: UTC, 16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta
Cost: Early Bird (before 22/10/10) — $30 per person. After 22/10/10 — $40 per person (includes lunch, dinner, morning & afternoon tea/coffee, supper)
Students, pensioners & unemployed: $20. Half-day rate $15
RSVP: Katalina Tahaafe-Williams on 8838 8906 or email katalinat@nsw.uca.org.au By October 25, 2010.
LIVING IS GIVING: PRAYER POINTS AND RESOURCES
The major fundraising program of the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT, Living is Giving, has launched a secure online donation option, offering individuals the opportunity to make their own personal contributions over the internet.
Living is Giving supporters can now make fast and secure online payments by visiting the new and improved Living is Giving website, www.livingisgiving.nsw.uca.org.au.
The online donation option allows individuals to directly support the mission focus areas they feel passionate about, whether they be mission initiatives in new housing areas, training people for ministry, bringing the gospel to schools and universities, supporting drought-affected rural communities or continuing the life-saving work of Uniting Church Chaplains in hospitals, mental health facilities and prisons.
From the website, supporters can choose between a one-off or monthly donation.
Individuals who sign up to regular monthly donations become highly valued “Living is Giving Partners” and are regularly kept informed about their chosen ministry areas.
Individual contributions will help ensure that the mission and service of the Uniting Church continues well into the future. READ ON
Host your own Living is Giving Presentation
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 services and speak about their work or Living is Giving in general. Living is Giving provides you and your congregation with the opportunity to share the Christian message of hope and love with your community within and beyond the Uniting Church. This is a great way to connect with the mission focus areas you support. For more information please call Kimberly Almarza on 8267 4475.
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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The Manly Fig - commencing in 2009 as a live music venue held at Manly Village Church, the Manly Fig is a place that combines the desire to create a listening space for music and a contact point for church and community. Today the Fig has established itself as premier listening venue in Sydney.
According to the Rev. David Gore, the idea behind the Manly Fig was to build community and links to people outside the church while supporting, providing and developing live music.
Synod funding has allowed the church to purchase sound gear and equipment, holding better quality events and thus further expanding its base.
“On the first night the Manly Fig managed to get 70 people,” said David, “but 18 months later it has steadily built up the numbers to 250 people every event. It’s an amazing community experience.”
Although the Manly Fig is a secular event, patrons and young artists sometime bring up the topic of religion and faith.
The Fig has provided a model that shows how the church can provide an alternative non-pub, live music venue that encourages a positive, supportive community.
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UnitingCare’s Medically Supervised Injecting Centre - a fter almost ten years, the New South Wales State Government has finally recognised UnitingCare’s involvement in the Kings Cross Medically Supervised Injecting Centre by announcing that legislation would be passed to make the centre a normally funded service — having been run for nearly a decade as an extended trial project.
Although the establishment of the centre has divided public opinion, it’s been estimated that over 3,500 overdoses have been successfully managed, without a fatality, since the centre’s inception.
UnitingCare NSW.ACT Social Justice Consultant, the Rev. Rex Graham, says the centre no more encourages drug-taking than the St Vincent’s hospital — not far away — encourages sickness.
“The Centre represents social justice for people caught up in the self-destructive behaviour of drug-taking,” he said.
“This is not only because it literally saves their lives (prevents lethal overdosing) in many instances but also because it provides an opportunity to get alongside drug-takers and offer them, if/when they are ready, alternative life-affirming rehabilitative behaviours.”
“If society acts compassionately towards those caught up in self-destructive behaviours it will seek to get alongside them and engage with them respectfully so as to encourage a movement away from death-dealing to life-giving behaviours,” says Mr Graham.
Support for the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre has reduced the risk of mortality associated with drug overdoses and transmission of blood-borne infections.
You can read more about these mission focus areas and other activities by clicking here.
To find out more about Living is Giving visit: http://livingisgiving.nsw.uca.org.au.
Studying journalism, graphic design or communications and would like to offer your skills to Insights? Go to http://news.nsw.uca.org.au/employment/2009/graduates-students.htm to learn how.
CONTACT US: unitingcreative@nsw.uca.org.au
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