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e-news April 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:
• Be inspired to change the world
• Ancient message planted in the form of a cross
• Support sought for Easter Sunday as public holiday
• Church slams Abbott's 'chilling' asylum message
• New ‘Solarising Churches’ guide for churches
• Visit the Uniting Creative stand at Synod 2010
• Reserve Bank chief shows his human side
• Hornsby Uniting Church vision becomes a reality
• UnitingJustice Australia calls on banks to give back
• Indigenous Australians and the church's confession
• Parties ignore evidence in extending compulsory income
• Get your message out by advetising in Insights
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
• NCYC11 discount registration period extended, April 11
• Adult Fellowship National Celebration , April 21 – 25
• Annual Pacific Choirs Day, April 26
• Atheism Will Never Win the Battle with Religion Debate, April 27
• Symposium on Coptic art, May 6
• The Real Picture of Jesus - Text & Image Conference, May 8
• What makes a good city symposium, May 10
• Creating Church to Connect to the Unchurched, Canberra, June 24
• Engaging the Basis: Theological Directions of the UCA, July 9-11
• Young Leadership Council International Conference 2010, July 28 - August 1
• New “Solarising Churches” Guide
LIVING IS GIVING: PRAYER POINTS AND RESOURCES
• Living is Giving stand at Synod 2010
• April Update posters comming soon to a congregation near you
• Host your own Living is Giving presentation in 2010
NEWS AND INITIATIVES
During professional supervision, one of the questions my supervisor will ask is, “How is the swimming going?”
I know the question has a double meaning — there is a concern for my physical wellbeing but also the question is about my prayer life. I try to swim at least three times a week in what I call “the prayer pool” because as I swim I am involved in intentional prayer. READ ON
Be inspired to change the world
How can we change the world?
Stories in April Insights tell of people who are pursuing a better future; Christians who believe in the power of faithful ideas to change the world. Be inspired to join them in prayer, love, kindness, generosity, revolutionary risk or simple obedience … People and the earth are depending on us all to do our bit. READ ON
Ancient message planted in the form of a cross
Easter is the time for us to be bearers of hope and life for the world, says the Rev. Niall Reid, Moderator of the Uniting Church Synod of New South Wales and the ACT, in his 2010 Easter message. READ ON Christians urged to reach out at Easter. READ ON
Support sought for Easter Sunday as public holiday
The Moderator of the New South Wales Synod of the Uniting Church, the Rev. Niall Reid, is encouraging church members to support a postcard campaign to make Easter Sunday a public holiday. READ ON
Church slams Abbott's 'chilling' asylum message
The Uniting Church's president has described Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott's language on asylum seekers as "extreme". READ ON President’s Easter message. READ ON
New ‘Solarising Churches’ guide for churches
Uniting Earthweb has produced a guide for Uniting Churches interested in investigating solar photovoltaic systems for their roofs. READ ON
“Generous … as God is” is the theme of the meeting of the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT at Canterbury Park Race Course from April 10-13. For more information see http://nsw.uca.org.au/synodmeeting/ and check out the Synod website http://nsw.uca.org.au/ for daily news stories — including information about who gets elected as the Synod’s next Moderator and the result of the ballot for General Secretary.
Visit the Uniting Creative stand at Synod 2010
Uniting Creative staff will work as journalists, photographers, media liaison specialists and web designers at Synod 2010 but we’ll also have a stand where you can get printed information about the communications services we offer. Take note of our striking new banner … and if you need a banner or other marketing products, talk to us at the meeting or call us for a quote on 8267 4307. See www.unitingcreative.com.au for more information.
Reserve Bank chief shows his human side
The governor of the Reserve Bank surprised interest rate watchers again with his wide-ranging public comments. This time he spoke out about his Christianity and how it drives his role as a central banker. READ ON MORE "There is a God; this is worth checking out." READ ON RBA chief Glenn Stevens opens up on his Christian faith. READ ON Faith which faces life’s challenges is an appropriate theme for this year’s Wesley Mission Easter Breakfast. READ ON
Hornsby Uniting Church vision becomes a reality
A 20-year vision is about to become reality with the opening of the new Hornsby Uniting Church. READ ON
UnitingJustice Australia calls on banks to give back
UnitingJustice Australia has joined a growing international movement calling for the introduction of a tiny tax on financial transactions – the Robin Hood Tax. READ ON
Around 400 people gathered in the Red Gum Function Centre, Wentworthville, to celebrate the ministry of the Rev. John Jegasothy on March 20. READ ON
Indigenous Australians and the church's confession
An excerpt from the conclusion of Ben Myers’ paper on the Uniting Church's proposed preamble, where he tries to illustrate what it might look like to make a confession about what it means to be the church in Australia. READ ON
Parties ignore evidence in extending compulsory income
UnitingCare Australia reacted with disappointment to the announcement today that the Opposition will vote with the Government to pass legislation that will enable extension of compulsory income management. READ ON
Get your message out by advertising in Insights
Advertising in Insights magazine and on the Insights website is the best way to reach
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
God’s generosity and people’s response to it is to be the focus of the meeting of the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT to be held at Canterbury Park Race Course from April 10-13, 2010. Visit the Synod meeting website at http://nsw.uca.org.au/synodmeeting/ for more information about the theme, when proposals are due, how to vote, what to do if you’re a first time member or a visitor, what the theme is and how it is hoped this Synod meeting will take a new shape so people feel even more included and encouraged in their faith and ministry.
NCYC11 discount registration period extended, April 11
The last discount registration period for the Uniting Church’s National Christian Youth Convention has been extended until April 11, 2010.
Register now for ncyc11 at the Gold Coast to take advantage of attendee registration at $290. From April 12, 2010, prices are as follows: Attendees (registered bulk group of 10+) $320; Attendees (individual registration) $349; Adult volunteers remain at $150 each.
Visit www.ncyc11.com.au for full details and additional accommodation options.
Adult Fellowship National Celebration, April 21 – 25
The Adult Fellowship National Celebration will be held at Greenhills Centre, Canberra from April 21 – 25. Please contact Denise and Allan Secomb for more information on 02 4951 68855, or allananddenisesecomb@gmail.com.
Annual Pacific Choirs Day, April 26
The Annual Pacific Choirs Day will be held in 2010 on April 26 from about 10 am to 5pm at the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, Glendenning Rd, Glendenning.
This is a wonderful day of Pacific culture and singing. Choirs from many of our Island churches compete in various choral competitions, as well as traditional and second generation cultural items. The day is complemented by the availability of Pacific foods, sold by various church groups.
This is the Major Fund Raiser each year for Alan Walker College. Pacific churches compete for a Thanksgiving Tanoa which is awarded to the church making the greatest financial contribution through their day's activities. There is no entry cost for the day but there are opportunities during competition for the audience to show their appreciation of various performances by contributing financially as the acts occur. [lots of $5 and $10 notes are a great asset during the day!] You are invited to come along for all or part of the day [arrival at any time is appropriate].
For more information, contact Julie Brackenreg on 9630 0777.
Atheism Will Never Win the Battle with Religion Debate, April 27
Ian Bryce and Peter Bowden lock horns on whether rational arguments for the non-existence of God will convince the bulk of ordinary people to give up religion. Ian says that common sense and intelligence must win. Peter says religion is wired into us.
Time: 7:30pm - 9 pm April 27
Cost: $6 incl coffee/tea
Venue: Fairtrade Coffee Company, 33 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe
Enquiries: Philoagora, www.philoagora.com or (02)97976459
Symposium on Coptic art, May 6
When: 7.05 pm, Thursday May 6, 2010
Where: Museum of Ancient Cultures (third floor, building X5B, Macquarie Uni)
Cost: $15 ($10 for SSEC members)
Enquiries: contact Margaret on 02 9850 7512 or AHDRC@humn.mq.edu
The Real Picture of Jesus - Text & Image Conference, May 8
An activity of the Society for the Study of Early Christianity (Macquarie University).
See brochure (click on the conference link at the right-hand side of the page).
When and where: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, Sat, May 8, 2010 at The Conference Centre at Robert Menzies College, adjacent to Macquarie Uni (quite close to the Mac Uni train station).
Costs: Normal $120; SSEC member $110; Pensioner $80; Fulltime student $40
Sessional costs are $20 (concession $15) per lecture
Enquiries: contact Margaret on 02 9850 7512 or AHDRC@humn.mq.edu
What makes a good city symposium, May 10
On May 10, UTC 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." See DETAILS
Creating Church to Connect to the Unchurched, Canberra, June 24
Hunter :Thursday June 24, 2010
CFM: Friday June 25 & Saturday June26 2010
Contact: Peter Hopkins, peterh@nsw.uca.org.au
Engaging the Basis: Theological Directions of the UCA, July 9-11
This conference sets out to explore the theological commitments and responsibilities of the Uniting Church of Australia. It is to be held at the Centre for Theology & Ministry, Melbourne on July 9-11, 2010. Please visit the conference website for more information www.engagingthebasis.ucaweb.com.au. Full details of the conference aims, its programme, and the various presenters are available there - together with a downloadable registration form.
Young Leadership Council International Conference 2010, July 28 - August 1
Each year, the International Council of Christians and Jews YLC hosts a conference that brings together a group of carefully selected participants from diverse religious backgrounds and geographical locations. We are very excited to be hosting this year’s YLC Conference in Dublin, Ireland, July 28 to August 1 2010. MORE INFO
New “Solarising Churches” Guide
Are you interested in generating your own electricity from the sun? With new government incentives, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are now financially within the reach of more churches in NSW. The Uniting Earthweb Group has produced a guide for churches interested in investigating a system for their roof. The resource includes information about solar systems, planning considerations, solar system finances, and guidance for choosing an installer. There are also suggestions for churches interested in installing solar hot water at their manse, as well as information for households. Read more about the guide and access it here.
LIVING IS GIVING: PRAYER POINTS AND RESOURCES
Living is Giving stand at Synod 2010
The key to a world of possibilities is in your hands through Living is Giving — the major fundraising program of the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT. It links congregations’ giving and mission planning with the mission and ministry of the whole Uniting Church, at home and abroad.
Learn more about the part you can play by visiting the Living is Giving stall at Synod 2010, visit the website www.livingisgiving.nsw.uca.org.au or contact the Living is Giving Administrator, (02) 8267 4393 or livingisgiving@nsw.uca.org.au.
April Update posters coming soon to a congregation near you
Keep your eyes open for this quarters round of April Updates posters on the Living is Giving mission focus areas you and your congregation are supporting this financial year. Make sure you read about your congregation’s selected mission focus areas to learn about the wonderful things happening in the Uniting Church thanks to your financial and prayerful support.
For more information, visit the website http://livingisgiving.nsw.uca.org.au/ or contact Kimberly Almarza, Missions Promotions Officer on (02) 8267 4475 or kima@nsw.uca.org.au. You can also find the updates online at http://livingisgiving.nsw.uca.org.au/missionfocusareas.htm.
Host your own Living is Giving presentation in 2010
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. To find out how you can unlock a world of possibilities and learn how your congregation can make a difference to the lives of others, 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. 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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UnitingCare NSW.ACT appoints new hospital Chaplain
The Royal North Shore Hospital celebrated the appointment of its new Hospital Chaplain, Julie Telfer, with a commissioning service held on March 2, 2010.
Attending the service were members of the Ku-ring-gai and Sydney North presbyteries, as well as hospital staff and patients. The service, lead by UnitingCare NSW.ACT Executive Director, the Rev. Harry Herbert, provided a day of fellowship, joy, music, and singing.
Mrs Telfer was officially appointed to the role of lay chaplain at the Royal North Shore in June 2009, after graduating from United Theological College in May last year.
“I’ve always had a passion for hospital chaplaincy even though I didn’t know that I would end up in a hospital position,” said Julie.
Working three days a week, Julie will provide pastoral care for up to 10 to 12 patients associated to the Uniting Church, ministering in all kinds of areas from the maternity wards to palliative care.
A determining factor in Julie’s decision to become a chaplain was when her own mother was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease.
“When my mother went into hospital, it became apparent that there were a lot of other people who had no-one to talk to, no visitors, no family.”
Julie’s experience inspired her to take a Clinical Pastoral Education Unit, which then led to a degree in Theology, all the while volunteering as a ward chaplain at Gosford Hospital.
“When I saw the role advertised in Insights Magazine, I was just amazed. I just thought “That’s me! I could do that.”’
As a chaplain, ministering in tough and often confronting circumstances, Julie hopes to bridge the gap between the Uniting Church and those who do not have a church community.
According to Julie, immense support came from family, friends, the presbytery, her local community, including the support of other fellow UnitingCare NSW.ACT. Chaplains, some of whom were present at the commissioning service.
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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