“All People That on Earth do Dwell”
A photographic competition/exhibition, September 25 to October 5, 2008
To be held at St Stephen's Uniting Church, 197 Macquarie Street, Sydney
$300 prize for winner
In each of the following sections:
Senior Amateur
Junior Amateur
People’s Choice
For entry forms and competition rules, phone: (02) 9221 1688 or email: office@ssms.org.au
Deadline for entries: August 18, 2008

Jesus, Gender and Judaism
Amy-Jill Levine is a self-described “Yankee Jewish feminist who teaches in a predominantly Protestant divinity school in the buckle of the US Bible Belt.” She is Professor of New Testament Studies at Vanderbilt University.
A member of an Orthodox synagogue who also once wanted to be the Pope, Amy-Jill Levine combines historical-critical rigour, literary-critical sensitivity, and a frequent dash of humour with a commitment to eliminating anti-Jewish, sexist, and homophobic theologies. Her most recent publications include The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus, and the edited collection The Historical Jesus in Context.
You may have met Amy-Jill before via DVD if you have accessed the Living the Questions or Saving Jesus study series.
Pitt St Church, 264 Pitt St Sydney. 7 – 9 pm Friday July 25.
Entry $20 / $15 includes a sparkling night and supper.
Bookings via Pitt St Uniting Church office 9267 3624 or pittstuc@bigpond.com

Jim Wallis in Australia
Jim Wallis, the author of Seven Ways to Change The World, will be touring in Australia, July 25-31.
Sydney : Saturday, July 26 - Monday, July 28.
Jim Wallis' New York Times bestseller, God's Politics, was described by UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown as "powerful reading for anyone interested in social change." Published in the U.K. in 2006, it has now sold over 300,000 copies worldwide.
Now, in Seven Ways to Change the World, Wallis shares his conviction that faith is coming back to work as a powerful force for progressive social change. He describes faith as "the catalyst that could provide the tipping point in finding solutions to the biggest and most significant moral and social crises of our world today" by "changing hearts and minds."
World Vision Australia is the primary sponsor of this tour. More information can be found on their Web site: http://www.worldvision.com.au/learn/conferences/JimWallis/

Art and Liberation with artist Emmanuel Garibay from the Philippines
Sunday July 27, 7 pm at Chester St Uniting Church, Epping.
Leading Filipino artist Emmanuel Garibay explores the complex and rich world of his culture, its politics and religion.
He depicts a life of competing tensions and finds an image of Christ as friend of the poor and liberator of hope. Join the artist for this fascinating visual exploration of the capacity of art to illuminate our lives and hopes. Emmanuel Garibay is an internationally recognised artist who is also president of the Asian Christian Art Association.
Supper will follow — donation welcome. Supported by Space for God and Arts-in-Action, Epping.

Burwood Evening Soiree
The Burwood Evening Soiree is coming to town. Come and join in a fun night of entertainment while raising funds for Habitat for Humanity (both for international projects/trips and projects in rural New South Wales).
Date: Saturday August 2, 2008
Time: 6.30pm
Location: Malvern Hill Uniting Church Hall (Corner of Malvern Ave and Murray Street, Croydon)
Click here for more information, and tell your friends and family!
Proudly presented by the Burwood–Croydon Uniting Church, phone (02) 9744 9635.

Hymnfest! 2008
How would you like to sing your favourite hymns to the accompaniment of a chamber orchestra?
St Stephen’s Uniting Church (197 Macquarie Street, Sydney) invites you to its annual Hymnfest on Sunday August 3 at 2.00 pm.
ALL WELCOME — bring your friends!
Admission free but donations are always appreciated.
Phone 9221 1688 or visit www.ssms.org.au.

Ecumenical worship services for children with disabilities and their families and carers
WorshAbility is a new venture, supported by Parramatta Nepean Presbytery, aimed at developing worship services for families with children with disabilities.
Worship services will be held at St Matthew’s Uniting Church, Baulkham Hills (Corner of Charles and Edgar Streets) on August 3 and November 2 at 2.30 pm.
If your child has special needs or sensitivities you would like to make us aware of or for further information contact Sue Scott, 0425 360 826, Christine Bayliss-Kelly, 0409 925 607, or email WorshAbility@gmail.com. You will find a flyer here.

Climate Change in the Pacific: Voices from Affected Communities
An evening seminar and discussion on Thursday August 7, 6 to 8 pm at Wesley Church, Wesley Mission, 220 Pitt St Sydney 2000.
Free admission.
Climate change is already a daily reality in the Pacific, with devastating consequences for many Pacific Islands people. Storms, storm surges and droughts are more frequent and extreme, and seas are encroaching. As a result, coastlines, homes, schools, and other vital infrastructure such as roads are damaged. Many people also face loss of traditional livelihoods as fish stocks, crops and fresh water decline. In some cases, entire communities are being forced to relocate. People living in the low lying islands of the Pacific face an uncertain future because of the ongoing effects of climate change.
This event will feature experiences and stories of three voices from affected communities. Come along and learn about the issue of climate change, the imperative for action, and what you can do in solidarity with Pacific communities.
Speakers: Aisake Casimira, Ecumenical Animator with the Pacific Conference of Churches, based in Fiji; Akii Neneia Taratiera, from Kiribati, now living in Sydney and involved in the Pacific Calling Partnership; and Sulufaiga Uota, from Tuvalu, a theology student at Charles Sturt University.
Supported by UnitingJustice Australia, Wesley Mission, the NSW Ecumenical Council; Uniting International Mission and other organisations.
For more information, contact Miriam Pepper, mpepper@climateinstitute.org.au, 02 9252 5200. Click here for a flyer.

Cross-cultural Youth Praise and Worship
A joint worship is planned among cross-cultural youth on the evening of August 16 at the brand new Dong San Korean Church in Parramatta. A number of youth groups will present songs and there will be plenty of time to sing together and praise God. All welcome. If your youth group is interested in participating, please contact Salesi Faupula or Myong Yang at the Board of Mission on 8267 4390.

Gallipoli Mosque Open Day, Auburn
Auburn Gallipoli Mosque invites you to the 8th Annual Mosque Open Day on Sunday August 17 between 10 am and 4 pm.
This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in touring the mosque, participating in seminar sessions, listening to the Adhan from the Minaret, or broadening their understanding of Islam.
There'll be seminars on:
11.30 am The Impact, Influence and Importance of Prophet Muhammad
2.00 pm Muslims in Australia: Past, Present and Future
A banquet of tasty cuisine will be on offer as well.
For more information, contact Ahmet Keskin on 0425 236 560, or visit www.gallipolimosque.org.au

Debate: We'd be better off without religion
August 19, 2008, City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney
While the world’s religions have inspired stunning acts of creation, they also have been implicated in some of the darkest deeds in human history.
If God cannot be blamed for such moments of evil, God’s priests and prophets at least have a case to answer.
So what might they say? That religion is unfairly blamed — and that we should look to other factors? Admit that there are problems but argue that on balance the good outweighs the bad? That there is no alternative; that people need religion like they need air? Click here for more information.

Unheard Voices: Australia’s role in Iraq’s growing refugee crisis
Hear three very different perspectives on the crisis from His Grace M. Meelis Zaia, a Bishop of the Assyrian Church of the East; Donna Mulhearn, a former human shield and humanitarian aid worker in Iraq; and Associate Professor Jake Lynch, director of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at Sydney University.
Thursday August 28, 6:30 pm, Sydney University (DT Anderson Lecture Theatre, Science Road, near the footbridge).
Enquiries: Cyril O’Connor, Refugee Program Assistant, NSW Ecumenical Council, (02) 9299 2215 or coconnor@ncca.org.au.
A joint initiative of the NSW Ecumenical Council and the Sydney University Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies.

Seminar: The Church, The State, The Media — Who sets the Nation’s Social Justice Agenda?
Have you recently heard comments such as:

• The Church should stay out of Politics
• Two subjects that should never be discussed at a dinner party — politics and religion
• The media is so biased
• Politicians are letting themselves be influenced by Christians

Who determines our nation’s social justice policy and to what extent should Christians, journalists or citizens through their politicians be involved in trying to influence policy?
St Ninian’s Uniting Church Social Action Group has been pondering these questions.
Because our 2006 seminar on Social Justice and Poverty was such a success and members of the Uniting Church in regional New South Wales welcomed the opportunity to participate in such an event, we have organised another seminar entitled “The Church, The State, The Media — Who sets the Nation’s Social Justice Agenda?” to be held on Saturday August 30 at St Ninian’s Uniting Church, Lyneham. Representatives of the church, the media and the state have agreed to help shed some light on these issues. The Rev. Elenie Poulos, National Director Uniting Justice, Jack Waterford, Editor at Large, The Canberra Times, Professor John Langmore, former Federal Member for Canberra and Professor John Warhurst, Australian National University, have all agreed to participate.
Further information or brochures and registration forms are now available on the St Ninian’s website www.stninians.org.au or by email from jashaw@actewagl.net.au.

What's God Up to With The Uniting Church? Communitas Inaugural Annual Lecture
6:30pm Friday September 5, Auditorium, Centre for Ministry, 16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta.
The Rev. Gregor Henderson, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, will not only launch this inaugural event, but to also be its very first speaker.
The vision of the Communitas Annual Lecture is to bring people together for an evening of spiritual and intellectual engagement and stimulation, with a respected and renowned speaker to address the gathered people on a particular issue of mission and theology that is of current significance in the life of the church and society.
It is also designed to be an evening of fun, social and cross-cultural interaction, sharing multicultural food together, and enjoying multicultural entertainment.
Mr Henderson will give us his reflections and insights on what God might be calling the Uniting Church in Australia to be in the 21st century. He will address questions like: Where might God be leading the Uniting Church in this new millenium? What does it mean for the Uniting Church to be church in this 21st century? How do we re-vision and respond to God’s call to mission and ministry in a context of declining membership and resources, and increasing diversity of many cultures and faiths? What of the call to church unity? What of our prophetic statement that the Uniting Church is a multicultural church? As a Pilgrim People, where have we been, where are we now, and where will we be in 2027?
For more information, phone United Theological College on (02) 8838 8927.

Christian Mission in the Public Square
An international conference on the topic of the Christian Mission in the Public Square will be held from the 2nd to the 5th October 2008. It will take place in the Chapel of the ACC&C, and is sponsored by the Australian Association for Mission Studies (AAMS), the Public and Contextual Theology Strategic Research Centre (PACT) and the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture.
The keynote speaker, Professor Nico Koopman, will discuss mission in the public arena of South Africa, and its implications internationally.
The purpose of this conference is to explore how the Christian message speaks in public and civic life in Australia and globally.
Scholars and practitioners from Australia and the region are invited to offer to the conference the fruits of their own work and experience.
To register to attend the conference or to present a paper, please print the Mission Conference Brochure (PDF) and follow the steps outlined. Early bird discounts apply for bookings made before September.

Living with the neighbour who is different: Gosford Interfaith Day
The Synod Committee for Relations With Other Faiths Committee would like to announce on Saturday October 18 from 10 am to 3 pm) Gosford Uniting Church will be the host for an interfaith day. The day is intended to provide an opportunity to reflect on Christian and Islamic teaching and deepen Christian–Muslim relations. Cost $15 per person (or a donation if this is not possible). For further details please contact the Rev. Greg Woolnough, Gosford Uniting Church, 129 Donnison St, Gosford, email info@gosforduniting.net.au or phone 4325 3695.

Eighth annual gathering of the Network of Biblical Storytellers (Australia and New Zealand)
October 24-26, Lake Dewar Lodge, Bacchus Marsh, Victoria
Costs: early bird by September 8 (or NOBS member) $275; before October 16 (close of registrations) $295. Day attendance is also possible.
Keynote speakers: professional storyteller and consultant/educator Pam Faro from Colorado, and Australian singer/songwriter Fay White.
The gathering includes a concert and the opportunity to offer stories to tell.
For more information, contact the NOBS national coordinator, the Rev. Philip Liebelt, on philipl@alphalink.com.au.

Cross-cultural Gathering 2008
The annual Cross-cultural Gathering will be held on October 24 to 26 at Greenhills Conference Centre in Canberra. The theme for this year is Crossing Over — Singing in Harmony. There will be plenty of sharing and fellowship, including a keynote address, Bible study and youth event. Cross-cultural members/leaders in congregations and presbyteries are welcome.
Closing date of registration is September 1. Some financial assistance may be available for youth and people from rural congregations.
For more information, please contact Salesi Faupula or Myong Yang at the Board of Mission on 8267 4390.

Inservice Training Conference
What: An Inservice training conference for ministry workers with children, youth, young adults and/or families
When: November 17-21, 2008
Where: Elanora Uniting Church Conference Centre.
Cost: Registration costs including program, meals and accommodation. $290 (by November 1, 2008). Ask us about part time day rates /assistance or subsidy etc
Contact: 02 8267 4295 Email: youth@nsw.uca.org.au Address: Synod Youth Unit, PO Box A2178 Sydney South NSW 1235
This five-day Inservice Conference is an opportunity not to be missed! It’s a chance to learn, to meet with those who get what you do, to reflect on your ministry short and long term, to be part of a supportive and resourceful group. We will be asking some peers to present about their model of ministry and unpack learning for ourselves, we will work on some topical issues and do train the trainer for the Synod’s latest child protection/safe place kit! The program will be structured in blocks to facilitate those who can only attend part time. Check our website mid-year for the full program.

‘A Cautious Embrace’: a Christian–Jewish conference reflecting on the discipleship and legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
St Joseph’s Spirituality and Education Centre, Kincumber, NSW
November 28 to 29, 2008
The fourth annual Bonhoeffer Conference is timed to mark the 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht, and is concerned with the enduring influence of Bonhoeffer's discipleship on contemporary Jewish-Christian relations. It brings together Jewish and Christian thinkers inspired by Bonhoeffer’s discipleship, and poses such questions as:

• Why were German Churches, the Red Cross and other humanitarian groups silent in the wake of Kristallnacht?
• What does Bonhoeffer mean to modern Jews, and why?
• In what ways does Bonhoeffer show us that interfaith relations should be based on a return to Scripture?

Click here for a brochure, which includes a program for the two days. The varied program of speakers includes NSW Governor Marie Bashir in her capacity as patron of the State Council of Christians and Jews, and Dr Rachael Kohn, producer of the ABC’s The Spirit of Things.
For more information, contact Luisa Wragge, (02) 4921 7755 or Luisa.Wragge@newcastle.edu.au.
The conference is a ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle and is run in conjunction with the University of Newcastle.

How Shall we Read? The Scriptures
The second Future Dimensions Conference is scheduled for 2009 and will cover the topic, “How shall we read? The Scriptures”.
We believe that the divisions and debates in the churches (particularly the Uniting and Anglican churches) built around the issue of sexuality have an understanding of the Scriptures at their heart.
When: April 18-19, 2009
Where: Chapel by the Sea, Bondi Beach.
You can keep up to date with developments here.

ABC Religion and Ethics
ABC's Events Diary. Events concerned with Religion, Beliefs, Ethics and Social Issues.

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