New South Wales Synod, Uniting Church in Australia
April 2004
From the Rev. Dr Chris Budden, General Secretary
Dear friends and colleagues
What is your favourite part of the Scriptures? Do you tend to move naturally to the gospels, to parts of the Hebrew Scriptures, or to the letters? Maybe you turn to Revelation.
I must confess that I tend to open the gospels. Once that meant Luke, but these days I find Mark and John helpful in very different ways. Lately, though, I have developed another interest - the pastoral letters. I know there is a lot of debate about who wrote some of these letters, and there are some teachings which seem oppressive in our day, yet there is something fascinating about these letters.
What draws me to them is that they are concerned for the practice of the Christian life. They understand that being a Christian is not simply an assent to certain truths about Jesus, an affirmation of theological truths. Being Christian is about discipleship, it is about the need to discover ways of living that reflect our following of Jesus. It is about character and virtue, and learning through practice to live a Christian life. It is about the way the church learns to be the church.
We need to learn how to be Christians, to understand what it means to be a people who see Christ at our heart, and whose identity is a confessional identity found in our following of Jesus. The early Church saw martyrdom as very important, partly because there was great privilege in sharing the suffering of Jesus. Mostly, though, it was that martyrdom was about the realization that in the face of all the demands of the world, only one was worth giving one's life for - Jesus Christ.
I find that the longer I am General Secretary the more I am drawn back to the core things of my faith, and to some central questions:
· We talk a lot about the church's mission, but the real mission is the mission of God. How does that deep loving compassion of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit touch the human aching for wholeness of life, particularly in the face of suffering, war, hatred and prejudice?
· How does Jesus offer us a glimpse of that life, show us the kingdom of God, and bring it into our lives in his life, death and resurrection?
· How does the church claim for itself the sort of life and ability to celebrate and tell the story of God that will enable people to find a deeply personal and confessional faith, develop the character and virtues of a Christian life, and be able to put into practice the habits of Christian living.
· How does my personal faith in God draw me into God's desire for a world that is just, peaceful, inclusive and able to celebrate the gift of wholeness of LIFE? How do I connect the things of faith with the things of daily life? How does the church speak into the public and civic life of our society?
· How do we form leaders who give expression to the gifts which have been given to them, and who see themselves as servants of Jesus Christ and of the Church? How do we free people to use their gifts, how do we resource and encourage all members of the church, and not simply develop new rules to control people's ministry? How do we get the right balance between trusting the Holy Spirit, and ensuring that there is right order in our life? How are those who are ordained reminded that they are not simply individual ministry agents, are not only servants of their local churches, but have agreed in ordination to uphold the faith and life of the wider church and be faithful servants of the church?
· How do we get the right balance between the right of every person to wrestle with faith and work out their relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and the need for each of us to hear the wisdom and voice of the whole church as one that might also speak of what God desires for our lives?
To return to the beginning of this reflection, this is what the Pastoral Epistles were about. The gospels tell us the story of Jesus as that is understood by four communities of disciples. The Hebrew Scriptures tell the story of God among the people of Israel. The letters explain major theological themes. All of them at some level seek to make sense of the story of God in Jesus Christ and what this means for people to be called into a new and transforming relationship through the Holy Spirit.
May the wonder and awe of the story of Christ transform you this Easter, and set you on a renewed journey of faithful discipleship that is seen by the whole world.
The Rev. Dr Chris Budden
CERTIFICATE IV IN PASTORAL COUNSELLING
WHAT WILL YOU BE STUDYING IN 2004?
The Pastoral Counselling Institute is offering a Certificate IV in Pastoral Counselling. The Certificate trains people to provide practical visitation in parish, community and hospital settings; to become proficient in effective listening skills and caring; a connection between faith concerns and life problems. The Certificate provides a solid foundation for a ministry of pastoral care by teaching:
A Biblical understanding of caring
The nature of helping relationships
The essence of pastoral counselling
Models for thinking theologically
Basic counselling skills in class setting and ministry placement
The Certificate meets the Presbytery requirements of 15 days continuing education for clergy and is offered in weekly or intensive formats. Call the Institute for details or visit the website www.pastoralcounselling.org for further information.
Pastoral Counselling Institute 16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta 2151 (02) 9683 3664 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
2004/05 Stipend Information
The 2004/05 Stipend, Allowances & Support Fund Information will be available from early April. It will be posted to all Church Council Treasurers, Presbytery Treasurers, Ministers of the Word, Deacons, Lay Pastors & Accredited Youth Workers in Approved Placements.
Synod Lay Ministry Retreat
3rd - 7th May 2004
Collaroy Centre (on the northern beaches of Sydney)
If you are a ....
ä Lay Pastor
ä Lay Ministry Assistant
ä A paid lay leader in your congregation
ä A member of a Lay Ministry Team
This retreat is for you!
Organised by the Board of Mission and the ELM Centre, the Lay Ministry Retreat is a great opportunity to receive some continuing education and to network with others working in similar roles. This year's retreat will include bible studies, practical input, time for rest and spiritual refreshment, and more.
Numbers are limited and registrations close 21st April
For more information, visit the retreat website at www.nsw.uca.org.au/bom/lay_pastors/retreat2004.htm
or contact Allison Forrest / Glen Powell [EMAIL PROTECTED] 02 8267 4391
From the School of Continuing Education:
Reminder: Intentional Interim Ministry basic education program FOR 2004:
Places are filling up for the 2004 course, with the phase 1 and 3 residentials to run 3-7 May and 8-12 November. The early bird price (before 16 April) is $950 all-inclusive, live-in for the whole program. Contact Ilona Day for more details or to obtain a registration form: 8838 8936 or [EMAIL PROTECTED]
More details: Seminar Week 2004:
Seminar Week will happen at the Centre for Ministry from Monday 16 to Friday 20 August, 2004. The theme for the week is 'Public Spirit: God and Society'.
The international speaker for Seminar Week 2004 is Will Storrar, Professor of Christian Ethics and Practical Theology and Director of the Centre for Theology and Public Issues (Edinburgh). The theme for his lecture series is "Citizenship in a Global Era". Prof Storrar will deliver the Thatcher Lecture at 7.30 pm on Thursday 19 August. The title of the lecture is "Public Spirit: The citizen's gift in a global era".
Seminar Week will also feature:
An interfaith panel on citizenship in a pluralist society, with panellists to include Rabbi Raymond Apple of the Great Synagogue (Sydney) and Mehmet Ozalp from the Muslim organization, "Affinity International Foundation".
Major presentations by Assoc Prof Robert Gascoigne who teaches theology and ethics at the Australian Catholic University, and Dr Elizabeth Watson who teaches sociology at the University of Western Sydney.
An exhibition of the work of political cartoonist Cathy Wilcox (SMH & the "Age"), with a presentation by Cathy of her insights.
Numerous elective workshops, including David Millikan's "Ethical Schizophrenia: Working with '60 Minutes' - a case study" as well as others who will lead reflection on areas such as "what is a public theology?", Christian perspectives on public policy and Biblical perspectives on citizenship.
Costs:
The registration fees for Seminar Week 2004 have been kept to the same level as last year. Registration for the full week is $135. Single day registration is $35 (mornings $20 and afternoons $15). A discount of 50% of registration fees for retired ministers and
full-time students is available. The fee to take part in Seminar Week with tutoring and assessment for academic credit at undergraduate or postgraduate level at UTC is $600 (incl registration). Information about the cost of meals and accommodation will be available by the end of April.
This year, for the first time, the School of Continuing Education is able to offer financial support for travel costs and accommodation for those in UCA specified ministries attending from rural areas. Contact Rob McFarlane for details.
A full brochure will be available before Easter; copies will be enclosed with the June Synod newsletter. In the meantime, for more details contact: Rob McFarlane (SCE) on 8838 8935 [EMAIL PROTECTED] or Clive Pearson (UTC) on 8838 8932 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
New Initiatives Project Consultant
The Synod Mission Resource Funding Committee seeks to appoint a
New Initiatives Project Consultant
The Synod Mission Resource Fund invests around $4 Million in new mission ventures connected with the Uniting Church in NSW each year.
The person appointed will work with leaders of new congregations, regional congregations, emerging new initiatives and presbyteries to:
develop creative and effective mission project applications
resource, support & monitor implementation of selected projects
This will be a full time position, open to both Specified Ministry Persons and Lay Persons. Detailed Job Description and further information from Bruce Irvine, phone 02 6889 8336; email [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Applications close 1st May 2004
BURNSIDE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
UnitingCare Burnside provides professional training in: Group Leadership Parenting Education Programs Keeping Children Safe Out of Home Care Youth Services Family Group Conferencing Working with Men
For more information visit www.burnside.org.au and follow the
prompts to Resources and Training or contact: Andrew King on 02 4225 3540. [EMAIL PROTECTED]
WORSHIP EXPO
After over 10 years of holding Worship Expo at the Centre for Ministry in North Parramatta, Worship Expo will be offered in 2 rural locations this year. First in Mudgee on May 22, then in Leeton on October 9, Worship Expo will offer creative and practical ideas for worship. Electives will include Introducing New Music, Intergenerational Worship, kids church, ReCreate (worship and mission ideas with a youth focus), News Ways of Looking at the Unchanging Word and Worshiping in Small Congregations (Project ReConnect). A wide selection of books and other resources will also be available for sale. People can contact ELM for brochures (or check out the ELM website), information and to register. 8838 8904 or [EMAIL PROTECTED]
SYNOD AT TAMWORTH
September is Tamworth time
Local organisers are gearing up for what they're calling "a big adventure" when Synod goes to Tamworth from September 25 to 28.
The New England North West Presbytery is pleased to be hosting this significant event and all Uniting Church people from this Synod are welcome to attend.
The Synod meeting is held during school holiday time so activities for the whole family are being planned. It is hoped that many Uniting Church families will take the opportunity to take part in the Visitor's Program and other Synod workshops and celebrations.
The Synod venue is the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre (TREC) on the south side of Tamworth.
A range of options will be available for accommodation, travel, hospitality, food and entertainment. For accommodation note especially "The Calrossy Option" (details on the web site below).
So mark your diary - and come and experience the sort of informal fun, fellowship, worship and networking that develops when people live together in one place!
For further information go to http://nsw.uca.org.au/synod2004/ or contact Larraine Wood via [EMAIL PROTECTED] or on 6762 0973.
More details will also be available in the next Newsletter and in Insights magazine.
Resource Ministry Conference
A resource ministry conference for those who are providing a resourcing style ministry to a number of congregations
Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 May 2004, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (Accommodation provided for the Sunday and Monday nights.)
Talbingo Mountain Retreat, Talbingo 38 kms south of Tumut on the Snowy Mountain Highway
Being a resource person is very different to the traditional ministry role: There are not many people doing it. It is happening at a few places in each Presbytery. There is a need to get together. It is done differently in each place.
This gathering is a time out gathering to: Share what you are doing, how you are travelling and get some feedback. Have some input from Jeff Miegel from South Australia who has been there.
The Board of Mission will provide a travel subsidy and provide accommodation and meals at Talbingo.
Take time out and Tank up.
R.S.V.P.: by 10th May 2004 to Wendy White, Rural Mission and Evangelism Ph 02 6885 4217 Fax 02 6884 5847 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
ABC VIDEO
ABC Appeal Video now available through your local Presbytery office. Please contact them to borrow the video to show to groups within your congregation. Copies may also be borrowed from the Board of Mission.
MARRIAGE CELEBRANT STATIONERY
Marriage celebrant stationery may be ordered by phoning 1300 656 863.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION IN N.S.W. THANKSGIVING SERVICE
The Presbyterian Women's Association in N.S.W. is celebrating 40 years since its inception at a special Thanksgiving Service.
This service is to be held in St. Stephens Uniting Church, Macquarie Street Sydney on Friday 14th May 2004, commencing at 11.00 a.m, followed by a "bring your own" basket lunch in the hall, tea and coffee provided. Rev. Lindsay Ferrington will be conducting the service and Rev. Joy Bartholomew will give the occasional address.
For further information please contact Mrs. Sylvia Johnson, State Secretary on PH: 9690 9378.
ABOUT PEOPLE
Obituaries
Rev Wesley Pidgeon of Turramurra, died 5 February 2004 Rev Gordon Lancaster of Orange, died 26 February 2004 Rev Len Arthur of Nowra, died 2 March 2004
Reported Illness
Rev Dr Geoff Barnes Rev Ray Hughes Rev Jean Winter Mr Bill Langshaw Mrs Elaine Evans (she is thankfully back home and progressing slowly) Lay Pastor Narelle Hawkes Yullum, great grandson of Mrs Sue Blacklock Rev Roy Cosier
Awards
Rev Ivan Roberts awarded Citizen of the Year from Strathfield Council
Rev David Gill awarded the degree of Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa), from Serampore College, India, for service to the Church and theological education in Asia.
Births
Rafael, a son to the Rev Neale Roberts and Ms Iris Elgueta-Riguelme on 24 February 2004
Ministerial Retirements
Rev Adrianne Dempster, effective 28 February 2005 Rev Graham Dempster, effective 28 February 2005 Rev Robert Hall, effective 31 July 2004 Rev Margaret Joyce, effective 31 January 2005 Rev Tony Chambers, effective 31 August 2004
PLACEMENTS
Placements Approved
Canberra Region Presbytery Yarralumla Rev Dr Ockert Meyer 1 February 2004 (Minister of another Church)
Central West Presbytery Oberon Rev John Pearson 1 February 2004 (Limited Placement 50%)
Georges River Presbytery Georges River Presbytery Aged Care Rev Walle Te Ua 1 February 2004 (Minister of another Church) (Limited Placement 3 years)
Illawarra Presbytery Mittagong Rev Robyn Triglone 1 June 2004
New England North West Presbytery
New England North West
Presbytery Minister Rev Clive Cook 1 February 2004
Uralla & District Rev Olivia Rondonuwu-Neilson 1 February 2004 (Minister of another Church)
(Limited Placement 40%)
Riverina Presbytery Berrigan Lay Pastor Wal Andrew 1 January 2004 (Limited Placement 50% for 2 years) Leeton-Whitton Lay Pastor Mark Collins 1 April 2004 Sydney Presbytery Burwood - Croydon Rev Russell Morris 1 April 2004 Rose Bay Vaucluse Rev Ron Peacock 1 June 2004 Wesley Mission ES Leonie Findlay 1 February 2004
Approval to Fill
Central West Presbytery Bathurst Rev Lindsay Cullen
Far North Coast Presbytery Clunes, Eureka, Dunoon Rev Lindsay Cullen Lismore Regional Mission Mr Russell Playford Tweed Valley Mr Warren Rose
Ku-ring-gai Presbytery Sydney Senal Korean Rev Chris Udy
Parramatta-Nepean Presbytery Blacktown Rev David Wrightson
Other-Board of Education Director of ELM Mr John Oldmeadow
Inter Synod Transfers
Rev Clive Cook to NSW Synod 1 February 2004 Rev Barbara Allen to Victoria & Tasmania Synod 1 February 2004 YW Samantha Charlesworth to Victoria & Tasmania Synod 1 February 2004 Rev Robert Stringer to Victoria & Tasmania Synod 1 January 2004 Rev Gary Whelband to Northern Synod 1 January 2004 Rev Te Maire Vaeau to NSW Synod 1 December 2003 (on secondment from the Cook Island Christian Church)
RESIGNATIONS
Rev Ron Jennings, effective 2 August 2003 Rev Peter S Wilson, effective 31 December 2003 Pastor Rosalie Keirle, effective 29 February 2004 Rev Dae Sop Yoon, effective 31 March 2004
Fifty years ordination
The following ministers will celebrate fifty years ordination this year:
Rev Trevor Barrett Rev Dr Gordon Dicker Rev John O'Reilly Rev Ray Pritchard Rev Ted Ryan Rev Dr Len Thompson Rev Gordon Trickett
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Stephen Webb Media Officer Communications Unit NSW Synod, Uniting Church in Australia Box A2178, Sydney South, NSW 1235, Australia email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone: +61 2 8267 4308; Mobile: 0423 259 945; Fax: 9267 4716; Web: nsw.uca.org.au/cu/ & insights.uca.org.au/ ------------------ The Communications Unit publishes the monthly magazine Insights, conducts public relations for the NSW Synod of the Uniting Church, and provides a variety of communications services. These include writing, editing, web consultation and development, desktop publishing and graphic design, public relations and advertising. For a consultation or free estimate on your project call the Communications Unit at (02) 8267 4307.
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