Issue 26, Number 3 PP 565 001/00190 ISSN 0726-2612 April 2007

P l e a s e h a n d o u t a t y o u r c h u r c h d o o r

Greening the church

Pancakes in the Mall; University students, from left, Megan, Emma and Katherine enjoyed eating pancakes in Rundle Mall on Shrove Tuesday. See page 7 for more on UnitingCare’s Pancake Day.

Jill Freear

THE UNITING Church SA is going green and starting to question its impact on the environment. With climate change and greenhouse gas emissions hot topics, the church is determined to demonstrate good stewardship of God’s creation. Jenni Price Hughes, the Uniting Church SA’s solidarity and justice officer, said there are a number of environmental initiatives already underway within the church in SA including: • Congregations and agencies’ eco-action groups.• Congregations taking part in footprint analyses.• Education through Adelaide College of Divinity and in individual congregations.• A feasibility and funding options study for UCA properties to become more self-sustaining with water and electricity.• Scots eco-faith ministry.• A think tank eco-group which will coordinate the church’s actions. Jenni said work practices within the Presbytery and Synod office are also being examined to see how habits might become more environmentally friendly. “We felt it was really important that the church take action in the state office as well as encouraging congregations and individuals to bring about change,” she said.“Any greening initiative fits well with the church’s new Strategic Plan where we are developing ‘a theological and practical response to environmental issues’.“We are also keen to carry out a ‘footprint analysis’ of the office which will pinpoint the most effective changes we can make. “We are already recycling paper, drink containers and toner cartridges – but there is always room for further improvement. “We will be introducing individual

inside…

Serious about leadership 2

Strategic plan for all 3

The ministry maze 4

Support for refugees 5

Fundraising projects 6

Flipping for charity 7

Aged care challenges 8

DVDs for worship 9

paper recycling bins soon to encourage greater paper recycling. “We may also review air and land travel and may consider a workplace ‘Travel Smart’ program. “Staff are also being encouraged to be more vigilant in turning off lights and equipment. “There is much we can do at very little cost, to reduce our ecological footprint.”

THE PHrASE “ecological footprint” is used to describe the amount of land and water a population needs to support itself and absorb its waste.An “ecological footprint analysis” measures the amount of ecologically productive land, sea and water required to sustain a population, manufacture a product or undertake

certain activities, by accounting for the use of energy, food, water, building material and other consumables. The calculation is converted into a measure of land area in “global hectares” (gha) per person. Ecological footprints have been used to show that current lifestyles are not sustainable. For example the average space available to each person is approximately 1.9 gha. In the United States the average ecological footprint is 9.5 gha per person. In South Australia it is 7 gha per person; in Switzerland 4gha; and in China 1.5 gha.

Continued on page 11.

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2 New Times

What do you think?

THE Uniting Church SA is serious about equipping and encouraging its leaders – with a number of leadership development opportunities on offer this year.

Many of the activities are available free or are subsidised, thanks to financial support from the Uniting Foundation.

Out of the Valley: Next month Hope Valley Uniting Church is hosting another “Out of the Valley” youth and young adult leadership conference at the Edge City Church.

Hope Valley UC lead pastor Kynan Brookes said keynote speakers Louie Giglio and Bo Boshers are recognised internationally as premier youth leadership trainers.

Louie Giglio is the founder of the Passion movement, a college student ministry in the United States and Bo Boshers is the executive director of Willow Creek’s student ministries.

The Uniting Foundation has provided a $25,000 grant to support “Out of the Valley” in 2007.

Kynan said the funding will help keep the event affordable for the anticipated 500 delegates who will attend from all over Australia.

Further information about “Out of the Valley” is available at www.outofthevalley.com or contact 8396 0788.

Minister’s Day: The church is again supporting ministers and their partners through a “Minister’s Day” on June 12.

Adelaide educational consultant John Joseph will present the latest neuroscience research and its implications on how we learn.

Pastoral Relations executive officer Rev David Buxton said the presentation promises to be entertaining and will have implications for preaching and the way education programs are run in the church.

Later in the day a panel of ministers and psychologists will discuss ways ministers can take care of themselves.

The day will conclude with a formal dinner and live band.

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*Available for new investments or maturing investments only where an additional $500 is invested. Offer ends 31 May 2007.

UC Invest UC Invest UC Invest UC Invest Uniting Church SA Level 2, 212 Pirie Street, Adelaide Telephone (08) 8236 4220 Facsimile (08) 8236 4280 ucinvest.com.au

UC Invest and the Uniting Church SA are not supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. Investments lodged with UC Invest are not protected by the provisions of the Banking Act (1959). UC Invest is designed for investors who wish to promote the charitable purposes of the Uniting Church SA.

Rates From 1 April 2007Rates From 1 April 2007Rates From 1 April 2007Rates From 1 April 2007

Free counselling: Recognising that ministry can be challenging and stressful, the Uniting Church SA is offering free counselling to ministers and their partners.

This assistance is available through the Malvern Counselling Centre where ministers and partners will be offered at least three free sessions, thanks to a grant of $5,500 from the Uniting Foundation.

Ministers interested in this service should contact the Counselling Centre on 8271 6817.

Global Leadership Summit: Uniting Church people are being urged to attend the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit in Adelaide on October 12 and 13.

Last year more than 350 UCA people attended the event in South Australia. Attendees found the event “uplifting and challenging” and “inspiring”.

General Secretary Rev Dr Graham Humphris said the Global Leadership Summit is one of the best and most affordable leadership resourcing events available. “If we want to stay in leadership for the long haul and finish well – staying motivated and positive – then I believe we all need to attend some ‘leadership summit’ type event every year.”

This year speakers will include:• Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United

States.• Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of

State.• Carly Fiorina, former president and CEO of

Hewlett-Packard.• Richard Curtis, Oscar-nominated

screenwriter and co-founder of the Make Poverty History campaign and the Live 8 concerts.

The Uniting Foundation will subsidise 50 per cent of the cost of registration for up to 500 UCA members to attend. Email Graham Humphris for more details on grahamh@sa.uca.org.au.

CHURCH MEMBERS are being invited to provide feedback on the effectiveness of the new Presbytery Synod Mission Network Structure.

The November 2005 Presbytery and Synod meeting disbanded the seven former Presbyteries and formed the one Presbytery and Synod of South Australia, along with a number of Mission Networks.

The Synod has appointed a Presbytery Synod Mission Network Evaluation Committee consisting of past moderators Jan Trengove, Rev Dr Charles Biggs and Rev Neale Michael.

The committee would like to have feedback on the new structure from church members.

Written responses should be sent to committee convenor Jan Trengove at PO Box 20, Spalding, SA 5454 or via email: ianandjantrengove@bigpond.com.

Responses should be no more than one page long and should be sent before 30 April.

An interim report will be made to the Standing Committee this month and a final report will be presented later in the year.

Church is serious about leadership

Golf Day raises $10,000GOLFERS from UnitingCare agencies and Uniting Church congregations sweated it out in 38 degrees at UC Invest’s second annual golf day at Mount Osmond in February.

Despite the hot conditions the course was filled to capacity – the 124 golfers quenching their thirst with 786 soft drinks on course.

The winning team was from Adelaide Bank; CMI Toyota won the prize for best corporate, and Eldercare and Dernancourt Uniting Church won prizes for best church agency and best congregation respectively.

The charity event raised $10,000 for UnitingCare.

JILL Freear has been appointed acting editor of New Times. Former editor, Nicholas Kerr, will work with Jill on the next three issues.

Jill has worked in journalism, public relations and marketing in New Zealand and Australia. For the last year she has been assistant editor of New Times. Immediately before that she was communications officer for UC Invest.

Nick Kerr has been the Uniting Church SA’s communications officer and editor of New Times since 1990. He will finish up on July 6.

Last month Archbishop Philip Wilson received him and three others as candidates for ordination as deacons in the Catholic Church.

Nick, who is studying for a bachelor of ministry at the Adelaide College of Divinity, hopes to be ordained late next year.

Acting editor named

Strategic PlanModerator’s prayerLord Jesus, you have called people in every ageto follow youand to serve the world in your name.Help us to hear that same call today, and call more people to yourself, give us leaders committed to your Way,teach us how to be your disciplesshow us new ways to worship, witness and serve, let us always be seen working for your reign,show us how to care for all in need. Let your Spirit renew usto your praise and glory.

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3 New Times

This plan’s for all of usTHE Uniting Church SA’s new Strategic Plan is a plan for the whole church, according to General Secretary Rev Dr Graham Humphris.

Graham chairs the Strategic Planning Steering Group which will oversee the plan’s development and implementation.

Graham said the plan is for everyone – including church members, staff, ministers and leaders, congregations, agencies and schools.

“While we are aware that many groups within the church have their own strategic plans, we expect that many aspects of the Presbytery and Synod’s Strategic Plan will be relevant in these places too.

“We’d like every church council prayerfully to consider the plan’s Six Key Directions and see how they might be integrated into the congregation’s mission and ministry.

“The plan will open up many new and exciting possibilities for our church and ensure that we are intentional and committed about our future.

“It will also act as a beacon, directing our actions and priorities and ensuring we have a very clear focus over the next five years.

“If we all work together, we have a much greater chance of achieving our objectives.

“Six Core Teams have been appointed to further develop objectives and action plans relating to the Six Key Directions.

We’ll be keeping everyone up to date through a special newsletter which will be sent to all ministers and church secretaries, as well as key people in agencies and schools.”

Information is also available on the Uniting Church SA website, www.sa.uca.org.au/goto/strategicplan.

Members of the Strategic Planning Steering Group are, back row, from left, Rev Dr Andrew Dutney, Rev David Buxton, Barry Atwell, Rev Dr Ian Price, and Jill Freear; front row, Rev Michaela Tiller, Rev Dr Graham Humphris and Linda Bastick. Moderator Rev Graham Vawser is also a member of the Steering Group.

A PROJECT manager has been appointed to oversee the implementation of the Strategic Plan.

Linda Bastick has a background in human resources.

Most recently she was UnitingCare SA’s Synergy project manager, negotiating group contracts for goods and services.

Project manager appointedLinda will coordinate the work of the Strategic

Planning Steering Group and the Six Core Teams.

Her position is funded by a Uniting Foundation grant.

Linda is also happy to organise Strategic Plan presentations for Mission Network gatherings.

She can be contacted on 8236 4212 or email lindab@sa.uca.org.au.

Our Strategic Plan has Six Key Directions1: Fostering Conversion Growth.

2: Raising Leaders.

3: Growing Disciples.

4: Developing New Models.

5: Expanding our Profile.

6: Championing Justice.

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4 C O M M E N T

Navigating the ministry maze THE Uniting Church SA’s Pastoral Relations and Placements executive officer Rev DAVID BUXTON reflects on the call to ministry and the maze that people must navigate as they prepare for ministry.

I SPOKE recently on the issues facing the Uniting Church, and other Christian traditions which are facing a shortage of trained ministers to meet existing and emerging leadership needs.

A simplistic analysis of figures appears to suggest that God isn’t calling as many people to ministry.

However this isn’t supported by a broader evaluation that shows many people are exploring a sense of call to some form of ministry but not in the ordination stream.

Recently our church has received a number of inquiries from lay people who want to make themselves available to the church to serve in placements.

As many of these inquiries are from people who are not seeking a specified ministry role (i.e. Minister of the Word, Deacon, Lay Pastor, Youth Worker or Community Minister), the question arises how these applications and offers should be processed.

Our processes have been criticised for being bureaucratic and cumbersome, requiring a marathon runner’s disposition as well as a steeple chaser’s versatility to navigate the course.

But on the other side of the coin the church has a duty of care to ensure that all people are adequately supported and equipped as they serve.

We also need to have confidence that those in ministry have a basic competence to undertake the task, and are of good character with high emotional intelligence.

To make the process a little easier, the Presbytery and Synod of SA resolved in November 2005 to implement a Preparation for Ministry Committee (PFM) which would hopefully become a one-stop-shop for people interested in ministry.

Rev Rebecca Purling is the convenor of that committee and she reports to the Pastoral Relations Committee of the Presbytery and Synod.

All inquiries about beginning ministry, Period of Discernment and questions about getting started should be directed to her.

There are established processes to enable people to find their way.

Ministers and members of Church councils are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the regulations, particularly in reference to Community Ministers, Lay Pastors and Youth workers.

This will hopefully enable inquirers to find their way the first time.

Assembly will shortly release new guidelines regarding what the process will look like when the new ministry of Pastor starts next year.

With the Uniting Church SA’s new Strategic Plan having a strong focus on Leadership Development, this is an exciting time to be entering into ministry.

GROWING TOGETHERGTIM (Growing Together

in Marriage) provides retreat weekends for couples, giving opportunities to take “time out” from busy lives to communicate their love and esteem, to talk over the deeper issues, and to allow God’s Spirit to guide and change.

Optimal times for a couple to experience GTIM include 12 to 18 months after marriage, to help establish good patterns of communication; just before (or shortly after) the birth of a child, to help adjust to changes; as children move into their teenage years; when there are changes of employment, retirement or redundancy, with the need to reassess priorities, roles and goals.

Bookings are being taken now for a GTIM weekend on 18-20 May at Camelot Castle, Basket Range. Visit www.gtimsa.org, or phone 8396 2848.

Rob and Lee AllenMagill

About your lettersPlease keep your letters short — about 150 words is ideal.

Longer letters will be cut or rejected. You’re welcome to email letters to newtimes@sa.uca.org.au

or they can be posted to us atGPO Box 2145, Adelaide 5001

SKILLED WORKERSTHE Australian Refugee

Association (ARA) welcomes calls by the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) for orientation courses for skilled workers entering Australia on 457 visas.

However, ARA recommends social awareness and workplace orientation sessions be conducted upon arrival in Australia as well as before departure.

Orientation should be conducted as close to the workplace site as possible due to State differences in relevant legislation, including OH&S laws and other more subtle regional differences.

There are significant differences between living and working in urban or rural environments and between living in Darwin or Hobart, for example.

Orientation sessions run locally with up to date

information about laws and practices are essential for the effective transition of temporary workers to Australian society. Also, the potential exploitation of workers will be minimalised if workers understand their rights and responsibilities.

The Australian Refugee Association with its highly experienced Employment and Settlement teams is well equipped to provide realistic and practical in-country orientation for temporary workers on 457 visas.

Kevin Liston ARA Director

UnderdaleMENTORINGMENTORING emerging

leaders is a strategic activity in the life of the local congregation and the wider church.

It needs to be done well and consistently over time.

The recent article, “We’re not good at mentoring” (NT March 2007) suggested that the art of mentoring has lapsed.

If that is the case, then let us open up more discussion about mentoring and find fresh ways of helping people discern God’s call to ministry.

An experienced pastor once gave me some good advice, “Grow your leaders and they will grow the church”.

(Rev Dr) Phil MarshallTea Tree Gully UC

CHRISTMAS BOWL THANK you to everyone who

supported the Christmas Bowl, Partners4Peace and Emergency programs of Christian World Service in 2006.

Funds from these programs and from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) have been sent to partners in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific, for 44 AID projects (assistance in emergencies, injustice, and development and poverty reduction).

Colleen HodgeChristian World Service

Sydney

HELP FOR PINNAROOPINNAROO Uniting Church

has been conducting its own weekly services and maintaining a Christian fellowship for a number of years without a minister.

In 2004 Jim and Dorothy Schiller of Pinnaroo visited Adare Uniting Church at Victor Harbor and enjoyed the message from the lay preacher. They invited him to Pinnaroo “to deliver the same message”. He did and from then on Adare has sent a preacher or preaching team to assist every three months.

Over the past two years strong friendships have developed and both churches have been blessed. Hence it seemed a great idea for Pinnaroo church members to visit Victor Harbor for a weekend to further strengthen the bonds.

The invasion happened on March 3. Visitors discovered Granite Island and the delightful South Coast scenery, enjoyed shared meals and party games as well as worship and fellowship.

Adare Uniting church has a number of preaching teams and is supporting both Pinnaroo and Meningie Uniting Churches, which presently do not have a minister.

Ken Mableson Adare Uniting Church

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N E W S 5 New Times

Refugees need our helpBROUGHAM Place Uniting Church member Ben Yengi believes he was the first Sudanese refugee to arrive in Adelaide in the 1970s.

Ben took part in an “Out of Ashes” gathering and service celebrating the resilience of refugees and their supporters at Scots Church on Ash Wednesday.

Ben said there are now more than 2,500 Sudanese refugees living in Adelaide.

Many Uniting Church people are actively assisting these newcomers to adapt to the Australian way of life.

Ben believes the secret of successful integration is one to one assistance.

“It requires an Australian family to take care of the Sudanese family – one to one,” Ben said.

“It takes an enormous amount of time and effort by very committed people.

Ben Yengi, the first Sudanese refugee to arrive in Adelaide, at the “Out of Ashes” gathering at Scots Church on Ash Wednesday.

“The Sudanese people who come here have usually lived in refugee camps for many years and don’t know how to live here.

“There are a huge number of cultural differences.”

Ben was reluctant to comment on recent media reports that the Australian Federal Government is planning to reduce the African refugee intake in 2007-08.

The Sudanese community is concerned by the reports and the implications for reuniting family groups.

Ben plans to return to South Sudan this year to oversee a number of humanitarian and aid projects, in his capacity as director of the recently established KADI, (Kajokeji Australia Development Initiative).

Support for refugeesTHE UNITING Church SA’s Refugee Support Fund has helped bring 25 people to Australia in its first year of operation.

Fund coordinator Andrew Clarke said so far the fund has provided financial assistance for 10 adults and 15 children from six families to resettle in Australia.

“As more families obtain visas to bring relatives to Australia, these numbers will increase rapidly,” he said.

“Initially the fund has honoured a commitment to focus for the first year on Sudanese families.

“Applications have been received for families from Liberia, Kenya and Nigeria and demands on the fund will increase.”

COMMON DREAMSProgressive Religion as a Transforming Agent

You are invited to join Keynote Speakers

BISHOP JOHN SHELBY SPONG& REV STEPHANIE DOWRICK

at a gathering of progressive religious and spiritual people from around Australia.

SYDNEY - 16th to 19th August, 2007

www.commondreams.org.au or phone (02) 9267 3614Early Bird and Concessional Discounts available. For Program and Registration details:

Bishop Spong will launch his new book Jesus for the Non-Religiouson Thursday, 16th August, 7.30pm at the Pitt St Uniting Church, Sydney. He will also be speaking

in Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane as part of a post-conference lecture tour.

CHILDREN from drought affected families will be able to apply for financial assistance to attend KCO (KUCA Camp Out) this year.

A grant of up to $10,000 has been made available from the Uniting Church SA’s Drought Assistance Appeal to cover travel expenses for KCO attendees from rural areas.

Up to 3,000 children and adults are expected to converge at Adelaide Shores Caravan Resort at West Beach for the two day camp at the end of this month.

Uniting Church SA events manager Linda Driver is delighted that funds are available to help country kids attend.

“The drought is starting to bite in some rural areas and we were concerned that this might stop country groups attending,” she said.

“We just didn’t want a lack of finance to be the reason they stay away.

“Rural groups and congregations seeking financial assistance must apply for funding from the KCO executive committee – outlining how KCO participants and their families have been affected by the drought.

Appeal helps country kids“If approved, they will be given funding

based on the number of cars and kilometres travelled.”

Rural seminars FUNDS from the church’s Drought Assistance Appeal have supported two regional seminars for ministers and lay leaders involved in pastoral care in rural congregations.

Seminars were held in Murray Bridge and Port Pirie last month.

Author John Ashfield addressed both gatherings on mental health issues and about initiatives to build resilience and self-care in rural communities.

Appeal funds have also supported a “Caring Conference” for people in Cummins, Yeelanna and Lock.

UC Invest UC INVEST will match dollar for dollar any funds which are donated to the Uniting Church SA’s Drought Assistance Appeal.

So far more than $40,000 has been given by congregations and individuals to support rural people and congregations affected by the drought.

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6 New Times

Every little bit helps MeMbers of the Henley fulham congregation are proving that every little bit helps – when it comes to raising funds for overseas mission projects.

Last october congregation members set themselves an ambitious target – they decided to raise $20,000 by July this year to help build a medical centre on Numfor Island in West Papua.

several months and numerous projects later they are close to reaching their goal, with around $15,000 already in the kitty.

Minister Malcolm rawlings said everyone in the congregation has embraced the idea and contributed in some way.

In November a Quiz Night raised $2,500. In January 20 church members raised $5,000 by riding in the Tour Down Under.

A fellowship garden party raised further funds. A walkathon, a concert and a hymn singing afternoon are still to be held.

on sunday, July 1, the congregation is planning a church celebration and plans to have a cheque for at least $20,000 to go towards medical facilities and equipment on Numfor Island.

The Numfor project is also part of one of the Uniting Church sA’s Lenten Appeal projects this year.

The Schreibers – they’ll soon be moving to East Timor – from left: Hayley, David, Caitlyn, Christine and Nathan. Rhyanna (not pictured) will stay in Adelaide.

Many projects to support Members of the Henley Fulham Uniting Church raised funds for mission by being sponsored to ride in the Tour Down Under.

UNITINg CHUrCH people and groups looking for meaningful projects have a wealth of possibilities to choose from.

Woodside Uniting Church recently approached Uniting International Mission, People in Mission Coordinator sandy boyce seeking a worthy project to support.

sandy suggested a host of UCA related projects and is thankful for the generosity of Uniting Church people, groups and congregations who are making a big difference by supporting people and projects connected to our partner churches.

The Woodside Church council has decided to make an initial donation of $500 to sponsor a child for a year in a North Korean children’s home.

The home has been established in rasun City by a Korean couple from a Uniting Church Korean congregation in Melbourne.

Woodside Uniting Church is supporting a child in a North Korean children’s home which was established by Won-Pyo and Jung-OK Hong from Victoria.

More than 120 children, some suffering from tuberculosis and other diseases, are being cared for.

Woodside Uniting Church chairperson David smith said the project simply struck a chord with church members.

“We’ve decided to give $500 initially, but ideally we would like to support two or three children a year.

“We’re a small congregation of around 30 people, but because we are not supporting a minister at the moment, we’re blessed to have money available for mission.

“We have four children in our congregation and it would be great if they can correspond with the Korean children.

Information about Uniting International Mission projects can be found on the UIM website http://uim.uca.org.au/uim/welcome.

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7 New Times

Thousands flip out for charity Thousands of people across south australia flipped and feasted on pancakes in February to raise money for unitingCare sa – the community service arm of the uniting Church.

More than 700 unitingCare Pancake day events were held in congregations, schools, agencies, businesses, clubs and private homes right across south australia.

one of the bigger events was in Rundle Mall where staff from Bentleys MRI accountancy firm and other supporters joined forces to cook pancakes for unitingCare.

Celebrity guests at the Rundle Mall event included the Lord Mayor of adelaide Michael harbison, former adelaide Crow Ben hart and media personality Jane Reily.

Members of the Metropolitan Fire service and the RaaF also competed in a Pancake Tossing Relay Race, with the Fire service winning the Golden Frying Pan this year.

nearly $3,500 was raised during the Rundle Mall event. a small but dedicated group from Para hills uniting

Church was one of many uCa groups to use Pancake day as an outreach exercise.

Members of the congregation sold pancakes at the Para hills Paddocks house Market and also cooked pancakes for children at the Liberman Road Pre-school Kindergarten.

unitingCare sa hopes to raise more than $60,000 for local agencies to support people in need.

Former Uniting Church SA Moderator Jan Trengove cooked pancakes in Rundle Mall with Adelaide Lord Mayor Michael Harbison.

Anna and her son Mereki were two of the many people who enjoyed eating pancakes at UnitingCare SA’s Pancake Day event in Rundle Mall on Shrove Tuesday.

Never too old to cookThRee sPRIGhTLy Resthaven Marion residents have proved you are never too old to cook, flip and eat pancakes.

From left to right are 101-year-old Berenice Paterson, edna sproge and Flo schaffer, both 99, who began practising their culinary and flipping skills well before Pancake day.

With 300 years experience between them, the trio were well positioned to help cook 300 pancakes for Resthaven Marion residents on shrove Tuesday.

8 New TimesC O M M E N T

RECENT headlines about ‘Aged Care Abuse’ cite stories which are gross generalisations and hearsay from people with little hands on experience or in depth knowledge of caring for vulnerable, older people.

Bad headlines and generalisations damage the image of the industry as a whole and cause hurt and distress to staff, volunteers, residents, clients and their friends and families. A negative impression can have long lasting effects, regardless of the facts behind it.

Many thousands of individuals and their families rely on staff and volunteers working in aged care. In South Australia, there are around 16,000 individuals living within an aged care facility and many thousands more receive

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Aged care: Challenging the stereotypesservices within their homes. There are similar numbers of staff employed in aged care. The work is demanding, both physically and emotionally.

We want to ensure our elderly are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

People who need assistance as they age and their health deteriorates are vulnerable. They do not benefit from gross generalisations and negative stereotypes that diminish confidence in a system that generally works well and is considered to be one of the best in the world (noting that improvements are always welcome).

Aged care staff are dedicated and receive training in good care practices. It is important work, although it is often undervalued by society. Staff

are to be congratulated, encouraged and affirmed. They make a real and tangible difference in the lives of older people.

I personally believe there is significant accountability imposed by the Government on the aged care sector to deal with isolated situations of clearly unacceptable practices.

It is important for the public to realise that such situations are not reflective of the majority of experiences. There are rigorous processes and systems in place for managing issues.

It is also important that the public is aware of critical issues facing us as our population ages. A key issue is finance – resourcing from government and from those who use the services.

Another related issue is the ability to attract a suitably caring workforce to respond to the significant growth in demand that will occur as more people need support services. A significant shortage of registered nurses is a critical challenge.

The strange, wise world of monasticismANDOVER Newton Theological School is the oldest Liberal Protestant seminary in North America. As such, it trains students from the United Churches of Christ, American Baptists, Methodists and quite a number of Universalist-Unitarians. Why then might an annual, week-long class held in a Benedictine (Catholic) Monastery be full for up to three years in advance? Indeed, why would such a seemingly cloistered community and its traditional worship practice be the subject

of so much fascination?Earlier this year I had the opportunity to return to Glastonbury Abbey, south of Boston. A graduate of Andover Newton and now again the teacher’s assistant, my hopes for the week were both personal and professional; a chance to make a timely retreat, yet also a privileged opportunity to share something of my own experience with a very receptive group of theological students.The genius of the “Readings in Retreat” course lies in its

integrative nature. Set squarely within the prayer rhythm of a monastic community – participation in five daily chapel services – the students are also exposed to key texts from the Christian tradition; in this case from St Bernard’s remarkable commentary, “On the Song of Songs”. And, unlike mere academic analysis, they are invited to reflect both individually and in groups on how these medieval writings relate to their own spiritual formation as people and potential pastors.For me, the lasting question revolved around translating such a rich experience into both language and principles that can be readily understood, then applied. In my own community, I’ve sought to simplify this into the four S’s – Stability, Simplicity, Silence and Spirit – and while I don’t have room to extrapolate, it’s enough to suggest that the Benedictine “way” has a lot to offer in terms of positive correctives to so much of what we deem to be normative or “contemporary” Christian practice. For one, it has a long term view and an attractive understanding of grace that gently encourages us toward

gradual, yet deep changes within. No “flash in pan” spiritual superficialities, therefore. Rather, a radical openness to a way of heart and mind (affectus) lived out in stable communities devoted to a creative engagement with the world.Secondly, an emphasis on simplicity of spirit and vision born of prayerful reflection, may help us emerge from the anxious need to control and program just about all things pertaining to the church’s life and witness. In point of fact, I don’t recall seeing one mission statement anywhere within the monastery precinct! What I did see, though, was a faith community immersed in the Gospel and formed by a desire to work for a renewed church and world.In sum, I don’t think we can but be inspired and instructed by such an enduring and maybe “strange” witness as this. It may not make the ecclesial headlines but I sense that its tried and true wisdom will continue to beat at the heart of all things Christian when the latest strategies and personalities have long faded from view. – Rev Sean Gilbert, Christ Church.

RESTHAVEN Chief Executive Officer, Richard Hearn, comments on recent negative media reports on the aged care sector.

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9 New Times C O M M E N T

DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT FOR FINANCIAL AND PROPERTY SERVICES

The Director of the Department for Financial and Property Services (FAPs) will provide leadership for the Department’s team in providing financial, property, insurance and business support for the church including strategic expertise for the financial stewardship of the Church’s resources in alignment with the Queensland Synod’s Intentional Missional Strategy.

The successful applicant will be a member of the Uniting Church with qualifications, professional skills and experience in financial and business management and demonstrated ability to lead staff and maintain networks and relationships with individuals, groups and organisations.

The position will be based in Brisbane with travel throughout Queensland and interstate as required.

A full information pack is available via the website (http://www.ucaqld.com.au/career.php) or by contacting Shayne Hearley (07) 3377 9705 or shayne.hearley@ucaqld.com.au

APPLICATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY, 27 APRIL 2007.

THE UNITING CHUPCH IN AUSTRALLIAQUEENSLAND SYNOD

R

‘Don’t call me grumpy’

UCA minister and psychotherapist Dr Francis Mcnab with his latest book “Don’t call me Grumpy” which focuses on positive aging for men.

GENERALLY ministers don’t cope with aging as positively as people from other professions, according to Uniting Church minister and psychotherapist Dr Francis Macnab.

Dr Macnab is the founder and executive director of the Cairnmillar Institute in Melbourne which specialises in psychotherapy and community psychology.

He is also the minister at St Michael’s Uniting Church on Collins Street – one of the larger city congregations in Victoria . It has up to 1,000 worshippers on Sundays.

Dr Macnab was in Adelaide recently speaking on “the psychology of the search for contentment in older men” at a Mission Resourcing Network breakfast for ministers.

He said sometimes ministers lose their original energy and become part of the “mood state” of the institution.

“The church is a peculiar institution,” he said. “Many careers give you the chance to be re-invigorated, but often being placed in another congregation doesn’t revitalise a minister.

“Sometimes ministers are too busy caring for others, sometimes they haven’t learnt to care for themselves and sometimes they use their role and status to avoid dealing with their own human needs.”

Dr Macnab urges people to start thinking

about their retirement from the age of 45 or earlier.

“Successful aging is possible, as long as we think about it and plan for the 30 vital years beyond retirement.

“Preparation is the key – and by that I don’t mean planning to play golf or fix the kitchen cupboards.

“People need to find their own personal inspirational pathways. They need to find pursuits that give them a buzz and enhance their mood – so they can really flourish for the next 30 years.

“Support groups are also very important for well-being. Men in particular need to nurture friendships or they can end up lonely and isolated.”

Dr Mcnab also spoke about the importance of mood – particularly the importance of intercepting negative moods and learning how to infuse positive moods.

He has written 28 books on subjects including conflict and stress, grief and loss, and wisdom and contentment.

His latest book “Don’t call me Grumpy – what older men really want” focuses on positive aging for men.

His publishers have now asked him to write a book on positive ageing for women.

DVDs for worshipIF YOUR congregation has ever struggled to find a preacher or worship leader to take a Sunday Service – you’ll be pleased to know a solution is in sight.

The Northern Rural Mission Network has been granted $20,000 from the Uniting Foundation to produce DVDs for worship in local congregations.

The network’s key liaison person Jan Trengove said the DVDs will be a lifesaver for the network’s smaller congregations which rely on a few people to organise Sunday services.

“Sometimes without a

regular preacher, smaller rural congregations have times when the wheels just fall off,” Jan said.

“Our ‘Worshipping Together’ DVDs will allow them to worship appropriately without stress.

“We’re just so excited to be able to produce home-grown resources for worship.

“The Uniting Foundation grant has allowed us to buy TVs, DVD players, computers and a digital camera.

“We launched the first Worshipping Together DVD at a network gathering last month.

“The DVD has a seven minute message, questions for the congregation to ponder, a choice of songs, a children’s spot and prayers.

“We won’t be able to produce a recorded service for every Sunday, but we hope to record several services that will be suitable for use any time of the year.”

The Worshipping Together DVDs will also be made available to the wider church.

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10 New Times

For more Uniting Church events, visit Uniting Church online www.sa.uca.org.au and click on “What’s On”. There is also an online form

which you can fill out to contribute notices to Notebook.

HAS your congregation registered for the NCLS Forward Planning opportunity at Adelaide West on Friday evening April 20 and Saturday morning April 21? Congregations should bring their Church Life Pack, (NCLS results) if possible. Register ASAP with Heather Bald on 8236 4243.

STATE Mission Fellowship will be held on Tuesday April 24, 10:30am at Scots Church, North Tce. Adelaide. Antoinette and Peter Morris, Volunteers in Mission, will speak about their recent service in Tonga. Jenni Price-Hughes will also speak on church solidarity and justice issues. Lunch is available for $2.50. Enquiries to 8295 7745.

UNITING Church lay preacher, Roger Norris-Green will launch his novel “Outcast”, at 2.30pm on Friday May 18 in the Moonta School Library. The book is available from Rogers Books, BOX 100, PO, MOONTA 5558.

A “BRIDGING the Gap” workshop to help people engage with their local multicultural community in mission will be held on Saturday May 19, from

12 noon to 5 pm at Flinders St Baptist Church, 65 Flinders St, Adelaide. For more information contact Meryl Gemo on 8277 7842 or email mgemo@picknowl.com.au.

A QUIET day of prayer, stillness, worship and community led by Alan Biglow, John Blanksby, Gary Stuckey and Ann Siddall will be held on Wednesday May 16, 8.30 am to 4 pm in the Chapel at Nunyara, 5 Burnell Drive, Belair. Cost for “By Still Waters” is $30, covers food and materials. Registrations by May 8 to Ann Siddall on 8234 2299 (am) or annsiddall@bigpond.com.

WEEK of Prayer for Christian Unity is from May 20-27. Worship Resources can be downloaded from www.ncca.org.au or contact SACC office for hard copies. Resources include the Ecumenical Worship Service and Prayer

Guide for the week. The SACC office also has A3 Posters for $4 and pocket size Prayer Cards - $5 for 20.

KINGSCOTE Uniting Church is celebrating its centenary on November 10 and 11 2007. Past and present members are welcome to join the celebrations. Memorabilia associated with the Kingscote Methodist/Uniting Church for display or publication. Contact: 08 8553 2066, 08 8553 2283, bmscott@chariot.net.au or the Church office, 27 Investigator Avenue, Kingscote SA 5223.

“SINGING a new song” is a new hymnbook with modern words set to traditional melodies. The Centre for Progressive Religious Thought, (CPRT) publication can be ordered through George Stuart, 148 Brighton Ave, Toronto, NSW 2283, or email george.stuart@exemail.com.au.

ABERFOYLE UC member Peter David Steer has released a CD “Refresh” of inspirational hymns and ballads, available at Word Bookshop or via his website. Peter is also available to minister in churches or other gatherings. He can be contacted via www.peterdavidsteer.com or call 0400 617 773.

UCA ministers are reminded the church owns two sets of holiday units for holidays or short breaks. Peter Wood Lodge at Victor Harbor and Devona at Pt. Elliot have two and three bedroom self-contained accommodation. For bookings at discount rates contact Adare Conference Centre (08) 8552 1567.

Level 2, 212 Pirie Street, Adelaide. GPO Box 2145 Adelaide SA 5001 New Times: Phone (08) 8236 4260 Fax (08) 8236 4265Email: newtimes@sa.uca.org.au www.sa.uca.org.au

Telling stories about an innovative, growing church which is proclaiming Jesus Christ and is empowered by the Spirit to transform God’s world.

Who we are: New Times is a monthly tabloid news magazine serving the Uniting Church SA. It is published 11 times a year with a

combined January-February issue. New Times is a member of the Australasian Religious Press Association. It has won the Gutenberg

award for excellence in religious publication.

Advertising: To advertise contact Russell Baker, phone 8361 6822, fax 8361 6865, email ribad@bigpond.com

New Times accepts advertising in good faith. Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement.

Deadlines and distribution dates: May issue: Closing date for contributions, Tuesday, April 10; distributed, Sunday, May 6. • June

issue: Closing date for contributions, Tuesday, May 8; distributed, Sunday, June 3. • July issue: Closing date for contributions, Tuesday,

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• September issue: Closing date for contributions, Wednesday, August 8; distributed, Sunday, September 2. • October issue: Closing

date for contributions, Tuesday, September 11; distributed, Sunday, October 7. • November issue: Closing date for contributions,

Wednesday, October 10; distributed, Sunday, November 4. • December issue: Closing date for contributions, Wednesday, November 7;

distributed, Sunday, December 2.

Subscriptions: New Times is distributed free to Uniting Churches in SA. You can also subscribe and have New Times posted to you.

Subscriptions cost $30 if you are within SA, $35 if you are interstate, $40 if you are overseas.

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Our partners: Many of our readers support New Times by making a gift to help us keep up with our costs. Gifts can be sent to us at

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Distribution: We are distributed on the first Sunday of each month.

Opinions: Opinions expressed in New Times do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the policies of the Uniting Church.

Staff: Acting editor, Jill Freear, Assistant to the editor: Nicholas Kerr. Assistant: Jo Watts.

New Times is designed by Edi Leane and Les Colston of Joie Creative, PO Box 29, Kent Town, SA 5071 and printed by Cadilac, 64 Kinkaid

Avenue, North Plymton, SA 5037

Deadline MAY 2007 issue: Deadline for contributions, Tuesday, April 10. The issue will be distributed on Sunday, May 5.

Uniting Church SAPhone 08 8227 0822Country callers free call 1300 766 956

Mary retiresAFTER 13 years as Community Minister at Nuriootpa and Greenock Uniting Churches, Mary Plush believes it will be hard to let go of her role.

Mary took her last official service in Nuriootpa at the end of January.

“I’ve had a terrific time serving the community – it’s been a great honour – but with Bill (her husband) retiring later this year, it felt the right time to go,” Mary said.

“My one real advantage is that I’ve been part of this community for more than 40 years. My children went through school here and I’ve been involved in Netball.”

Mary is particularly proud of the Barossa Bush Chapel which she and the Nuriootpa congregation helped establish in 2004.

“The chapel really caught the imagination of a local wood merchant who provided timber and lots of imagination to build the altar, cross and log seating,” she said.

“It’s in a beautiful spot behind the Bush Gardens. Lots of people just come and sit because it is so quiet and accessible.”

Mary speaks proudly of the great community spirit in the area, which was evident four

years ago when the Nuriootpa congregation decided to send hay to a drought affected station in Ivanhoe.

In retirement Mary will continue as chaplain for Barossa Village, the local nursing home, and hopes to have time to indulge her passion for folk art.

She and Bill are also preparing for a trip later this year to visit friends in Portugal. They’ll also tour Britain and Ireland – this part of the trip a gift from their sons.

Mary remains vitally interested in the church and will continue to attend Nuriootpa Uniting although she hopes to stay off the preaching roster this year.

“I would love to attend future Synod and Presbytery meetings – I always enjoy them and it can be difficult to find lay people to attend.”

M A G A Z I N E

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11 New Times

ClassifiedsWorkWANtEdCArPEtSLAId.Expert repairs. 0417 872 105 or 8344 4725

EXPErIENCEdHANdYMANGardener. Stephen is your spare pair of hands. Phone 8346 0933

ACCoMModAtIoNMArIoNBAYHoLIdAYHoUSESea views, large deck, sleeps 5/6, new home, off peak and pensioner rates Phone 0402 088 279

HACkAMRoom to rent. Quiet location, beautiful views. $80 p.w. plus expenses. Furnished or unfurnished. Easy transport to Flinders and Noarlunga. Female, n/s preferred. Phone Annie 0410 455 659

VICtorHArBor

Peter Wood Lodge and Devona Holiday Units at Victor Harbor and Pt. Elliot, 2&3 br, s/c accommodation for UCA people. Reasonable rates. Priority bookings and discounts for UC ministers and staff. Phone (08) 8552 1657

ALICESPrINGS

When holidaying in the Centre, Campfire in the Heart, a small Christian community in the Alice, offers accommodation for individuals, families and small groups in a large house on 5 acres, 10 minutes from town. Join in Daily Prayers and Reflection. Phone Sue or David Woods on 08 8952 6607. Email: info@campfireintheheart.com.au

From page 1.‘Global footprint’Scots Church is auditing its

global footprint.

The audit is looking at the church, manse and other property linked to the church – considering energy and water usage, waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

A Uniting Foundation grant of $8,800 is funding the study and will also enable a number of other Uniting Church congregations to join together to assess the footprint of their Sunday worship services.

Scots ecominister Rev Dr Jason John said Scots will soon receive a detailed report on the ways the church can decrease its impact on the environment.

“Members of the congregation are very interested in the whole process. Large numbers came to hear footprint auditor and educator Tiffany Schultz explain the principal of footprint analysis and we expect similar numbers to come to hear the results.

“Many of our members are already very environmentally aware and are using low flow showerheads and low watt light bulbs in their homes. Many are also composting organic waste and catching buses where practical.

“Our biggest challenge at Scots is the poor design of the building – our offices tend to be hot in summer and freezing in winter. Understandably our 150 year old worship space was not designed with ecological principles in mind.

“But I’m sure there will be some realistic measures we can take to decrease our global footprint.

Footprint auditor Tiffany Schultz from Ecoconscious with ecominister Jason John assessing air conditioning units on the roof of Scots Church. Tiffany is one of the 84 Australians trained by former US vice-president Al Gore to present his climate change message from “An Inconvenient Truth”.

Greening of the church

“It will be easier for the Uniting Church to express concern to government and industry about global warming, if our congregations are actively working to reduce their own impact on the environment.

“And beyond that, more of us are realising that we cannot claim to love our Creator, if we do not show love for creation.

“Nine congregations have

already indicated an interest in auditing their properties and I’m hoping our actions will be a catalyst for more to come on board.”

Scots Church is on North Terrace, which is a planned “Green Street Showcase” in Adelaide.

More information on the cross-congregation auditing project is available online at http://ecofaith.org/footprint.

THE Uniting Church Adult fellowship national celebration will be held in Caloundra on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in September 2007.

The theme, “Let the Son shine through,” reflects the Queensland experience.

Keynote speaker and Bible study leader will be theologian and author Dr Val Webb who is also an adjunct faculty member at Augsburg College, Minnesota, USA; Whitley College Melbourne and United Theological College Sydney.

Dr Webb’s goal in her writing is to “make contemporary theology available to lay readers – bringing the academy to marketplace and

pew, especially for those disenchanted with the traditional church”.

Included in the costs is twin share accommodation, most meals, official fellowship dinner, a day trip to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and a night of fellowship and fun with the locals.

The $465 early bird registration closes on April 30.

There is also the option to extend your stay and pre and post celebration tours available.

For more information contact Mr Barry Kerr on (07) 3385 9915 or email clankerr@primus.com.au.

LIFE hasn’t always been easy for Paul Noble as his first book, an autobiography entitled “Noble Spirit” reveals.

Growing up in the 1950s in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs was very different from what it is today, especially after his parents’ separation when he was three.

Paul became an angry young man and was consequently moved to a boys’ home at the age of 10, then to a reform school and later to gaol.

“Noble Spirit” follows Paul’s story as he grows up and is raised by the State in a boys’ home.

Paul wrote the book as a source of encouragement and motivation to all who struggle with life’s difficulties.

Essentially the book is about transformation, and the way that God’s saving grace intervened in one man’s life and changed it dramatically.

“It’s a message to the church, that no matter where you come from, your journey counts,” Paul said.

Paul is available to talk to church and community groups and can be contacted on 0405 118 287 or via email paul@noblespirit.com.au.

– Keren DeBoo

Sun shines on UCAF celebration

It hasn’t always been easy

UCAF National Vice President Angela Lester looks forward to the national celebration in September. Photo by Osker Lau

Paul Noble with his book “Noble Spirit” which is an account of hisstruggles growing up, until God intervened and transformed his life.

© Copyright 2007 Edi Leane. Artwork not to be reproduced in any way without the written permission by Edi Leane of Joie Creative. All Rights Reserved.

To advertise in New Times:Contact Russell Baker

phone 8361 6822

fax 8361 6833

email ribad@bigpond.com

M A G A Z I N E12 New Times

A P R I L 2 0 0 7

Christians hang out with skatersJill FreearYoung Christians are mixing and mingling with skate-boarders and bike-riders at the Paradise skate Park on Friday nights this term.

the summer sk8 project is an ecumenical community outreach event instigated by members of the athelstone uniting Church and funded by the Campbelltown City Council.

athelstone youth leaders Craig Elliss and Evan Moorish said the project developed from the Big Week out last year, when youth members offered food, drink and friendship to skaters.

“after that we talked to the Campbelltown City Council about the summer sk8 proposal,” said Evan.

the council gave us a grant of $450 which has paid for a banner and posters and also food and drinks for the skaters.

“We just want to connect with these kids and provide a positive and caring environment.

“We are not pushing Christianity, but usually it’s not long before someone asks why we are there – and that gives us an opportunity to talk about our faith.”

Youth groups from several churches, including the rostrevor Baptist, Campbelltown reformed, st george’s anglican, Burnside Christian and Knightsbridge Baptist Churches are involved in the project.

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Members of the Athelstone UC Youth Group, Maddy, Jess, James, Kirralee, Laura and Chantelle, with co-leader Evan Moorish (far right) who are involved in the Summer Sk8 project at Paradise Skate Park.