April 2003

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Just a thought
Notes from the General Secretary

One of the disciplines that is important for my spiritual wellbeing is to stay connected to my local congregation. It is hard to get involved in too many things but I do attend a Thursday night home group as often as possible. This year we are studying Phillip Yancey’s book from a few years ago “What’s so Amazing About Grace?”At one level it is a very simple book with its stories and single thesis - God is good to us beyond what we deserve. But it seems that it is in the application that the great difficulties arise. We are living in dark and, to many people, confusing times. As I revisit the confronting and liberating story of the unmerited favour (grace) of God I am encouraged to think about how that message – and lives that reflect it – can be a light in the darkness. Through the Assembly your Uniting Church seeks to bear witness to the grace of God by standing alongside the economically and socially disadvantaged here and overseas; by advocating for a generous attitude to property when relating to new communities seeking a church to use, and wrestling with how to frame / use the regulations of the church to bless not imprison people.I wouldn’t be so bold as to say we always pull it off but I believe that as you travel through the Assembly web site, or hear our stories, you will see some evidence that the Assembly is a witness to the grace of God. If we all endeavour to make our ministries gracious / generous towards others then we will do a lot to shine some light in a dark world.

Rev Terence Corkin, General Secretary

National Disaster Fund
From Terence Corkin, Assembly General Secretary

Bushfires in Canberra and significant parts of Victoria and NSW have resulted in much suffering and loss. The Trustees of the National Disaster Fund wish to express their appreciation for the generous support of many people across the church who have given funds to the Assembly Appeal. Applications for approximately $20,000 in emergency assistance have been received by the Fund, and it has the resources to respond. Further applications are expected in the future for ongoing pastoral support and other contributions to the recovery phase. Thank you.

Tenth Assembly

With the Assembly less than six months away preparations are moving on apace. An Assembly website is being constructed and as information becomes available it will be posted on the site. It is intended to make all reports and proposals available on the site – as well as in hard copy once the papers are produced. For all the latest information as it becomes available keep an eye on the Assembly home page w:<http://nat.uca.org.au/home/>

Becoming Disciples
From: Rob Bos, Theology and Discipleship

A further reminder that the discussion paper for the Tenth Assembly, Becoming Disciples is now available for downloading from the Assembly website as a pdf file: go to <http://nat.uca.org.au/home/index.htm> Click on "Becoming Disciples". Photocopy originals have also been sent to all Presbytery and Synod Secretaries. Single copies are also available from Ruth Crispin in the Assembly office on t: (02) 8267 4220 or e: <ruthc@nat.uca.org.au> The document may be freely copied and distributed, provided it is kept intact. We welcome all responses and submissions by 30 April. Improvements will then be made before presentation to the Assembly for decision. We pray that the proposals will help to free up and equip congregations for their ministry of evangelism.

National Co-ordinating Group on Ministry with Children, Young People and their Families
From: Wendie Wilkie, Associate General Secretary

What a long title for an important but small group! This 10 person committee appointed by Assembly Standing Committee had its first meeting in Canberra in February. It brings together representatives of ChYNC (a national coalition of synod staff in areas of youth and children’s ministry) and others of various ages and experience in the church with passion and vision for this work. It affirmed the importance of a national focus and co-ordination. It will respond to assembly documents, assist agencies in being aware of the needs of these age groups, help develop national policies, and call together people together from time to time to discuss important issues and share ideas.

The first thing the group will do is to study and make comment from its perspective on the Assembly document “Becoming Disciples”. It is also to discuss co-ordination and other issues around national events such as NCYC and About Face and to explore some of the ideas and activities related to emerging church.

The group is very happy to hear from people who have ideas and comments on these areas of ministry. David Guthrey and Julie Furner are co-chairing the group.

Stephanie opts for country life and new adventures
From: Wendie Wilkie, Associate General Secretary

Stephanie Johnston, who worked for the Assembly for 10 years in the communications area, has decided to take a job in Newcastle and to live in the area. Last year Stephanie took long service leave to live with her recently widowed mother in Maitland and to complete her graduate diploma in Graphic Design. She has enjoyed being out of Sydney so much she has decided to stay! In her 10 years with the Assembly Stephanie developed her talent and skills in design and was a key person in the communications department. She went from being the junior assistant to being Graphic designer in publications. We will miss Steph. Her talent, her gentleness and sense of humour, her ability to work with a wide range of people and her willingness to work hard and make sure everything was just so, endeared her to many. We wish her well in her new endeavours and thank her very much for all her work and care.

Staff Movements
From: Terence Corkin, Assembly General Secretary

The Assembly Secretariat is very pleased to welcome Mr Jim Fraser to the staff as Chief Financial Officer and Administration Manager. Jim comes to us with extensive commercial experience and an active Christian faith. Jim replaces Stephen Pearson who concluded on January 31.

Sue Neilson joins the Secretariat (part time) in the area of data processing. We believe Sue’s addition to the team will greatly enhance our ability to service your needs when it comes to donations and purchases. We look forward to you experiencing improved service levels in this area.

Feedback
From: Terence Corkin, Assembly General Secretary

We have been encouraged to recently receive some positive feedback on Assembly Update. If you think it is a helpful newsletter then please recommend it to friends and colleagues. It is available by email or hard copy free on request. To subscribe send contact details to: Assembly Communication, Uniting Church in Australia, p: National Assembly Office PO Box A2266 Sydney South NSW 1235, t: (02) 82674231 f: (02) 82674222 e: <communications@nat.uca.org.au> w: <http://nat.uca.org.au/home/>. We welcome your feedback as we seek to provide you with a quick and easy connection to the national and international dimensions of the Uniting Church.

Harmony Day – March 21st, 2003
From: Reference Committee on Relations with Other Faiths

Harmony Day is part of the Commonwealth Living in Harmony initiative. Each year it provides Australians with a time to do something special about:
· promoting our community’s success as a multicultural society;
· re-committing ourselves to respect, goodwill and understanding between all Australians of all backgrounds; and
· saying no to racism.
Harmony Day falls on 21 March and coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Harmony Day began in 1999 and more people take part each year.
The theme for Harmony Day 2003 is You + Me = Us. All community organisations, businesses, schools, government departments, other groups and individuals throughout Australia can participate in Harmony Day. Obtain fact sheets and ideas for activities & events, or find out about events planned in your area on line at <http://www.immi.gov.au/harmony> or by contacting the Harmony Day office on 1800 33 11 00 (e:<harmonyday@immi.gov.au>). Harmony Day Kits are available free of charge. The kits include posters, stickers and ribbons.

Young Ambassadors for Peace (YAP) – General Update,
February 2003
From: Joy Balazo, UIM International Human Rights

1. Solomon Islands – January 2003
UIM - International Human Rights program has just finished its third in-country training for Young Ambassadors for Peace (YAP) in the Solomon Islands (25-31 January 03). This successful 7-day workshop was entitled ‘Together for Just Peace’. Its participants included Malaitan and Guadalcanal youth church workers from 5 denominations. This was the first YAP training in which all participants were Christian, and the first in the Pacific.

The YAP workshop methodology was highly appreciated by all participants. It is a method that brings all the participants close to each other and re-builds understanding and trust among themselves. For all the participants, YAP was a first, where they actively participated in understanding their conflict and in finding ways to sow seeds of peace in their communities.

A national ‘YAP-Solomon Islands’ (YAPSI) was set up with executive committee members from both Guadalcanal and Malaita. Its main responsibility is to ensure that YAP peace programs take place, and include the outer Islands affected by ethnic conflict. Provincial YAP programs were also set up in Guadalcanal and Malaita with agendas specific to the areas to widen the peace network of the Solomon Islands. Three YAP workshops are scheduled for 2003.

2. ‘Closing the GAP II’ - Ambon
The second ‘Closing the Gap’ workshop is scheduled for 9-15 March 2003. The request came from the GPP, a Muslim-Christian women’s organization in Ambon. Participants will come from eight Muslim and eight Christian villages, identified by the Protestant and Catholic churches and by the main Muslim organizations, MUI and BIMM. The effects of the first ‘Closing the Gap’ workshop for the communities has been very positive. Those making the request for a second workshop said, “The first ‘Closing the Gap’ seminar/workshop was very successful because, among other reasons, the participants were serious and enthusiastic to stop the conflict and make peace, but they don’t know how.” The more Muslim and Christian villages get involved in “closing the gap” among themselves, the stronger the hope that a return to genuine peace in Ambon is possible.

3. Other requests for YAP
Further requests for peace and reconciliation workshops (YAP) have come from our Partner Church, the Presbyterian Church of India in Shillong, North-East India, and also from Bougainville and the highlands in Papua New Guinea.

For the Sake of the Gospel
From: Rob Gallacher, Christian Unity

Thanks to those Synods and Presbyteries who sent in their responses to the document produced by the UCA/Anglican Dialogue, and which will come to the next Assembly. Although the deadline has passed, the Christian Unity Working Group would still be pleased to receive any comments or opinions that might be outstanding. Please send them to: Rev. Dr. Rob Gallacher, Level 4, 11 Bank Place, Melbourne 3000, e: <randng@gsat.edu.au> or f: (03) 9606 0220

Decade to Overcome Violence
From: National Council of Churches, Australia

The Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) is an initiative of the World Council of Churches for the years 2001 – 2010. It calls churches, ecumenical groups and people of goodwill to work together to cultivate a culture of peace.

The ‘Give Peace a Hand’ DOV kit is a resource that intends to aid and enhance existing efforts for reconciliation and peace. The resource reflects on biblical and practical aspects of building a culture of peace. This kit also contains resources for kids, prayer, worship and fresh ideas.

‘Give Peace a Hand’, DOV kits can be obtained from the NCCA*, Your local state ecumenical body or download from <www.ncca.org.au/dov> and work through it with your church group.

* Contact detail for the National Council of Churches (NCCA): p: Locked Bag 199, Sydney NSW 1230, t: (02) 92992215, f: (02) 9262 4514

A Reflection of the Presidents Young Leaders Conference
From: Katherine Doust, participant on the PYLC

Late last year (August 31 – September 6, 2002), a group of young-adult Uniting Church leaders (aged 18 to 35) from all over Australia gathered together with President James Haire to learn and be challenged about leadership and ministry. What an experience it was!

The Conference was not just a spiritual journey, but also a physical one. We travelled on a coach through a variety of Australian communities - from Brisbane to Cunnamulla, St George to Nimbin and on to the Gold Coast - 2200km all up! Along the way, we sat at the feet of local mission practitioners, shared fellowship meals with congregations and met people of the local community. We explored, discussed and critiqued how local churches in different Australian contexts are engaging in mission. Each day, James would skilful help us to pull together the ‘snap-shots’ of what we had seen, heard and experienced, to teach us about different leadership styles and effective approaches to mission. What a fantastic, hands-on, practical, stimulating way to learn!

It was a great encouragement spending a week in the company of other young people actively involved in the Uniting Church and having James get alongside each of us, humbly sharing with us, teaching us and empowering us.

Delegates returned home feeling enriched, reaffirmed, challenged, inspired, excited about ministry, leadership and in their service to Christ, with extra zeal and new vision for the direction of a Christ-centered church – all of which will hopefully overflow into their local congregations and communities!

Transforming Evangelism: Sharing Faith in a Post-Christian Context

Conrad Parsons, Urban Evangelism consultant at the Board of Mission, would like to announce a visit to Australia by Revd Dr Martyn and Mrs Helen Atkins next month. Martyn is the Postgraduate Tutor at Cliff College, Sheffield, and is well known for helping Methodist leaders and others to rethink evangelism for Postmodernity. Well
read, humble and passionate, Martyn will stimulate interesting discussion about God's mission, the Church and sharing faith in Western societies today. He will speak on Sat. 8th March (9:30am-3:30pm) at Beverly Hills UCA (82 Ponyara Rd, on cnr of King Georges Rd).

The $10 charge will include refreshments but please BYO lunch. Martyn will also teach at the Centre For Ministry at Masons Drive, North Parramatta from Monday 10th - Friday 14th March before flying to Adelaide.
For further information please
Email: conradp@nsw.uca.org.au or call
Emma at the Board of Mission on 02-8267 4384

BOOKS FOR UNITINGS
(These new books are available from UCA bookshops and resource centres)

FINDING HOPE AGAIN
Journeying through sorrow and beyond
Peter Millar
(Canterbury Press)
$36.95 ISBN: 1853114383

The moving story of one minister's anguished journey through grief prompts reflections on other experiences of bereavement, tragedy and loss; and the sometimes unexpected sources of comfort and encouragement he received at those times. Peter Millar was the Warden of the Abbey at the Iona Community and currently lives in Australia.

PROPHECY AND PASSION
Essays in honour of Athol Gill
David Neville (ed.)
(Australian Theological Forum)
$40.00 ISBN: 1920691006

Essays in honour of Athol Gill - visionary, community leader, biblical scholar and agent of social justice in the prophetic tradition. Contributors include Frank Moloney, Frank Rees, Chad Myers, Rowena Curtis, Thorwald Lorenzen and Merril Kitchen.

MARK: REALISTIC THEOLOGIAN
The Jesus of Mark
Wilfrid Harrington
(Columba Books)
$29.95 ISBN: 1856073904

Presents the Jesus of Mark's faith: prophet, teacher, healer, exorcist, and Messiah, but always returning to the cross because Mark's gospel is a theology of the cross, and before the cross there is nowhere to hide. Clear, simply written book and invaluable to all who preach, teach or simply want to understand better the gospel of Mark.

CHRISTIANITY AND THE RELIGIONS
From encounter to dialogue
Jacques Dupuis
(Orbis Books)
$57.95 ISBN: 0232524823

Is it possible to maintain that Jesus Christ is 'the way, the truth, and the light' and at the same time acknowledge that other faiths can offer roads to salvation? This book outlines a completely new model for approaching inter-religious dialogue: 'Union does not mean uniformity, nor does communion mean conformity. The grace of the dialogue between religions consists in the possibility of mutual enrichment'.

RADICAL GRATITUDE
Mary Jo Leddy
(Orbis Books)
$42.95 ISBN: 1570754489

'Presents radical gratitude as God's merciful remedy from the middle class quest for upward mobility' (Gregory Baum) A disturbing book that challenges first world Christians to be counter cultural in their basic values.

Books are selected by Hugh McGinlay e: <hugh@rainbowbooks.com.au>