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2011

February 2011

A new PreambleA new future, p. 6

G’day neighbourA Samaritan church, p. 10

Words of grace, hands of mercy called to care

Editor

Caryn Rogers

p. 8236 4230

e. crogers@sa.uca.org.au

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Loan Leane

p. 8285 2768

m. 0404 089 762

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Enquiries

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sa.uca.org.au/new-times-home

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Production

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Printing

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Circulation

11 500

Deadline for March

Feb 9

ISSN 0726-2612

New Times is the voice of Uniting Church SA. Published monthly, February

through December, New Times represents the breadth, diversity and vision of

Uniting Church members in SA. News policies, guides and deadlines appear

online at sa.uca.org.au/new-times-home. Articles and advertising do

not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor.

Next issue: Stewardship & Charity

iStock ref: p. 9 GaryRadler; p. 15 menonsstocks, p. 16 shironosov

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A relative of mine once claimed it was a bad idea to get a girlfriend before Christmas. Such a rookie mistake would cost greatly, what with a Christmas gift, exciting New Year’s events to be paid for and Valentine’s Day soon after. His conclusion? Best to wait ‘til March.

While I laugh at the miser’s dark, monetary lament, I understand why he might feel so. All of these events cause a significant punch to the pocket, but may never have any heart impact whatsoever.

Now I’m sure that Valentine’s Day isn’t all cupids, chocolates and catastrophic bills. But sometimes, when we nominate only one BIG day for celebration of such things, we actually hide 364 days of uncelebration. That one day might shout an impressive hologram of our love but it cannot be projected all year without a love larger than a small, special-occasions-only-heart-shaped-box.

Love = pain. But that little ditty doesn’t sell cards on 14 Feb.

Yes, love hurts when it’s broken – but love also hurts because we are broken and we live in a broken world.

Last year I ran in the ‘Race for Life’, an event designed to honour and remember cancer victims – survivors, fighters and loves lost.

When you participate in these races, you have two pieces of cardboard to decorate your torso with: a running number for your front and an open slate for your back, to write the name of the person for whom you are running.

Often people write what cancer their person suffered from, their relationship to them and, sometimes, the date their person died. It’s hard enough to breathe after a few k’s of running, let alone, running while sucking back the tears those names spike.

The name on my back had gotten me out of bed that morning, pushed me on amongst the tiring pack and egged me towards the seemingly-forever-long final stretch.

It was because it was more than a name. It was a name with a human being attached. A name with a wife. The name

of a best friend’s Dad. A name that had accepted me like another daughter, sat across from me at the dinner table and greeted me warmly - for years.

I couldn’t cure the terminal illness wrecking my person’s body. But I could wring my heart out to wear his name with pride.

I ran because I cared.Care costs us a little bit of

ourselves - sometimes a lot. As we stretch ourselves to exert this most excellent trait, we become more like the God who gave everything for us.

I don’t believe in ‘special occasions’ love, if all there is

Next issue: Stewardship & Charity

is a heart-shaped box. I do believe in ‘all occasions’ love though, love that bursts and breaks, burgeons and blooms.

I might be a romance-cynic, but it’s just not how I care.

Caryn ‘Valentine-less’ Rogers

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Rev Rob Williams

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What is it like to feel loved, accepted, valued, heard and cared for?

It’s awesome!

I had been invited to see in the New Year, along with our Uniting Church President and the other Moderators from around Australia, at the National Christian Youth Convention (NCYC) held at the Southport School on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Just a quiet gathering - myself, the President, five Mods, NCYC leaders, volunteers and 900 young people!

It wasn’t an invitation just to attend the conference. It was an invitation to engage deeply with the delegates, to listen to them, to share in their activities and to grapple with issues that are really concerning young people.

It was also a chance for mentoring. Each Moderator was joined by their own group of ‘Moderator’s Mentoring

Mates’. These mates were a team of young people formed before the event to mentor their Moderator in youth issues throughout NCYC, and throughout their term of office. Yes, you read correctly – mentor the Moderator, not be mentored by the Moderator.

I discovered that young people are passionate about sharing their faith and gifts with others. It was painful, however, to hear many who were frustrated by adults who wouldn’t accept their ministry skills within their congregations. They felt regarded as ‘the church of tomorrow’ and were not allowed to contribute as a vital part of the church today.

On three afternoons, my ‘mates’ and I met with others and explored issues about which they were passionate. These fell into four broad

areas within the Uniting Church and the broader community – communication, mission, discipleship and identity.

We left NCYC with many issues demanding our attention. These included:

• working for and with asylum seekers,

• really hearing from youth within the church,

• re-engaging 18-35 year olds in the name of Jesus, and

• creating opportunities for young people and adults to share in ministry together.

The greatest impact NCYC had on me was the way I felt loved, accepted, valued, heard and cared for by the young people with whom

Yes, youth do careI was privileged to share the week. I also witnessed many delegates caring for each other as they shared in their community groups and as they comforted and supported each other in times of deep emotion. I was strengthened in my commitment to work closely with the young people of our South Australian Synod as I became aware of so many for whom 1 Timothy 4:12 could have been written:

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

Churches step up as clean up continuesThe enormous clean up is well underway in Central and South East Queensland after the region experienced its worst flooding in 30 years.

Despite tragedy in some places, communities have banded together on the long road to recovery.

Downs Presbytery Minister, Sharon Kirk, said some places will find that harder than others.

“Our communities will put themselves back together again, but they will never be the same.

“There will be gaps where people and things once were. This will be even more noticeable in small rural communities.

“Some people may become even more isolated and disconnected.”

As the lines of communication reopen the human cost of this tragic event is coming to light.

Uniting Churches throughout the State have been working with other churches and organisations to provide for affected communities.

Lifeline Community Care Queensland has sent counselling staff to grieving communities.

Response as at Monday 24 Jan:

• Lifeline Flood Appeal has raised over $330,000 for their Community Recovery Program

• At least 80 Uniting Church properties have been assessed as damaged

• The Uniting Church in Australia Flood Appeal has raised over $100,000 for national support

• The Assembly has donated a significant amount from its Disaster Relief Fund

• Many Synods have offered financial assistance

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Mardi Lumsden

You can donate to The Uniting Church in Australia Flood Appeal in three ways:

w. ucfloodappeal.gofundraise.com.au p. (07) 3250 1840m. Uniting Church Flood Appeal

c/o- Lifeline Community Care Queensland PO Box 491 Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Donations are tax deductible.

Starting with a hugIn Stockport, SA, there had been 54 houses inundated with floods and though the peak had dropped, the Gilbert River – normally only a trickle - was still about 50 metres wide and four metres deep. Pastor Grant Jewell from Hamley Bridge Uniting Church in South Australia reflects on his recent work amongst the Stockport community.

The Hamley Bridge Uniting Church families living in Stockport were my first, but not my only, concern.

All three families were on high ground - safe. Their role quickly became one of support to the community at large.

Flood victim, Barbara was ‘found’ in the main street crying.

Barbara had rushed outside to shift her family car to the ‘high’ side of the house on the night of ‘the big flow’. There she saw another wall of water coming her way—two water walls were meeting at her place. Back inside, her kitchen was awash, with the fridge doing whirlpool circuits of the kitchen.

Barbara and Dominic had to leave. It had all happened so quickly.

A hug was the first offer of support to the grieving woman, followed shortly by

safe haven at the schoolhouse, along with coffee, prayer and compassion.

From within the small church’s community, Barbara and Dominic had soon been supplied with transport and a place to stay while they rebuilt.

Their story is just one of 120 odd stories out of the flooded Gilbert River Valley from Clare, Rhynie, Riverton, Tarlee ( to name a few).

Thank you to everyone who has helped. May God bless and keep you strong for the next emergency. Maybe we can help!

Sherwood Uniting Church, Qld provided short-term emergency accommodation, food and bedding for people in need in their community during terrible flooding of January 2011. They are just one of many Uniting Churches in Queensland who’ve actively supported their flood-affected communities and beyond.

The Uniting Church has become the first church in Australia to constitutionally acknowledge Aboriginal and Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia.

The preamble to the Uniting Church constitution was passed by the 12th Assembly in 2009. Revisions to the text have been developed after extensive consultation throughout the Church, and in particular with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) and Indigenous Uniting Church members. The preamble was subsequently passed by the Synods and Presbyteries throughout 2010, as is required for constitutional change.

Uniting Church President Rev Alistair Macrae said the change to the preamble signifies the natural and rightful extension of the covenantal relationship the Uniting Church has with Indigenous people of the Church and, by extension, of this land.

Acknowledging history, writing the future

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“As a Church we entered into an agreement with our Indigenous brothers and sisters to foster more just, inclusive and equal relationships in the Church that recognise the place of First Peoples,” Alistair said.

“We are proud that we have chosen to take this important step.

“It gives us a bigger and deeper understanding of who we are as an Australian church. First and second peoples belong equally together in this great land. Hopefully this new acknowledgment might provide a strong basis to work for greater understanding, reconciliation and justice.”

Chairperson for the UAICC, Rev Ken Sumner said, “For members of the Congress, this acknowledgement places the foundation of our relationship in truth.

“It also, perhaps for the first time, makes Aboriginal and Islander people feel

included in this Church. For the first time, our covenantal relationship is founded on truth and not the lingering denial of our historical past.

“This is our story. The way the Congress has experienced our relationship is now enshrined in the introduction to the law of the Church of which we are all a part.”

For a full transcript of the preamble, go to: sa.uca.org.auArticle courtesy of Crosslight, the Uniting Church Newspaper for Vic/Tas.

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G DWILLOOFashion with soul

Too many clothes?Clothes you haven’t worn in years?

Clothes you’ve out grown?

Take your clean, pre-loved clothing to a GOODWILL Store*

GOODWILL Collection Bin or Telephone 8202 5070

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm*see page 233 of the Adelaide White Pages for store locations

Michael Docherty

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From 29 December to 4 January, the National Christian Youth Convention 2011 (NCYC11) encouraged people aged 16 to 25 to TURN IT UP for God and make a difference in their lives and the world.

More than 900 delegates from Australia and overseas came together for NCYC11 in the Gold Coast, Queensland. To create a sense of belonging and togetherness in such a big group, delegates were divided into smaller communities, to begin to draw their own, new networks together. These groups were given various activities to help them explore their faith in a relational and non-threatening environment.

Stories of faith were shared by numerous speakers, leaders, and adult volunteers throughout the convention.

Highlights included magic performances from Australia’s celebrity magician Christopher Wayne and a Tongan-style New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with an Islander feast to finish the night. The diverse group of delegates were challenged to live out their faith through ‘submersion’ into other cultures which offered the opportunity to encounter people and communities through various activities.

NCYC occurs every two years and is a national activity of the Uniting Church in Australia.

Turning faith up

Rhanee Lester: “Congress worship and helping sing on stage. It was a last minute thing and we all pulled together in the name of the Lord to make it a special night.”

Stuart John Sampson:“Being a part of the SA community band has given me amazing opportunities to worship my Lord and lead others to worship. It’s been a really fulfilling experience.”

Heidi McNamara: “I’ve really enjoyed being immersed in a Christian environment for a week, which is a pretty unique experience in our society. I’ve also really enjoyed the worship services, their energy, the challenges posed by the leaders and the music which has been very modern. The day focusing on prayer was fantastic, with the stations exploring different ways of praying; a labyrinth, chanting/song, post-it note prayers on a map, communion and washing feet. I think, though, the best part has been meeting and getting to know other Christians from around Australia and overseas and sharing their stories.”

Sven Bengtsson: “Experiencing such a variety of culture and food but all worshipping the same God. It has been a truly amazing time with awesome people, sensational food, and an everlasting God.”

What was the highlight at NCYC11?

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Well I wonder…

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Why is the grass green? Why is the sky blue? Why do fish have fins? Why do dogs have tails? Why do birds fly?

Why. Why. WHYYYYYYYYYYYY?????When we were children, we loved to ask questions. Now that we’re more

often the ones giving the answers, we can forget the joy that it is to wonder.But not this year! KCO 2011 is just around the corner on 26-27 of March

at the Barossa Valley Tourist Park. It’s time to re-ignite imagination as we explore the theme ‘I wonder…’.

KCO (KUCA Camp Out) is a 24 hour camp committed to assisting 7-12 year old children explore faith through their own discovery and encouraging sharing and relationships with their peers. Throughout the camp, kids enjoy a wide variety of performances, activities, games, worship and music – all focussed towards unpacking Jesus’ life and teachings in understandable, age-appropriate and fun ways.

This year, we’re indulging curiosity with a revamped program and venues on Saturday afternoon. The three activity stations include Create, a space for craft, building, science and art; Play an oval full of circus and carnival activities and our very new venue: Explore, which will be a variety of interactive experiences that explore what it is to be part of the Christian faith.

We too are wondering what God has in store for us. Won’t you wonder with us? If you want to send a child, grandchild, young friend, niece, nephew or would like to help out, please contact your local church and encourage them to register, if they haven’t already!For more information about KCO, please visit kco.sa.uca.org.au.

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The Titanic sank as quickly as it did because of the catastrophic damage caused to the hull of the super liner by that part of the iceberg that was below the surface.

When it comes to how we view people, and people with disability in particular, the illustration of the iceberg is helpful. There is the tip, ie the 10% of the iceberg that we see; and then there’s the 90% mass below the surface that we don’t see.

When we seek to offer care to a person with a visually obvious disability we can often find ourselves responding according to that part of them that we can immediately see. That is, we see the most obvious presenting symptoms or physical supports associated with their disability.

So we may see the wheelchair, the crutches, the seeing eye dog; or the loss of limb, the awkward mode of walking, or the twisted body- but that is only the tip.

Being human entails a physical, emotional and spiritual makeup. So when we consider our call to care we’re challenged wholistically. We can’t possibly minister to each of these elements on our own – that’s why working together as a Church is so important. Together we care for the whole person/s: their hearts, their minds, their wills, their reasons for being - and we also are cared for.

Called to care

Rev Trevor Whitney

So much of who that person is, their identity and humanity, is below the surface. Their values, attitudes, interests and ambitions; along with their likes, dislikes, loves, sexual and relational longings, faith and spiritual expression, are there beneath the surface.

When we look at a person with a disability we certainly see their most obvious features. It helps us understand their disability. But may we also dare to make the time and effort to look beneath the surface and see the whole person, created as they are in the image of God.

First published in Disability News Dec 2010

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In Luke 10:25-37, a lawyer sought to test Jesus; Jesus instead tested him. When the lawyer recognised that to inherit eternal life he must love God and his neighbour, he sought a loophole.

There is no question about the Christian response to those who require mercy. The Church is called to be a place of welcome. As faithful disciples we are to provide care and comfort to those who come to this land as strangers, seeking safety and hope of a better future. Those strangers are refugees, seeking asylum, and they’re our neighbours.

As a country though, we seem to be caught in finding a loophole in our neighbour clause.

On 15 December last year, 48 people lost their lives off the coast of Christmas Island. Their wooden boat was dashed to pieces as they attempted to reach Australian waters and claim asylum.

“People will continue to turn to people smugglers and attempt the extremely dangerous journey by boat to Australia as long as they continue to live in limbo

in Indonesia,” said Rev Alistair Macrae, President of the Uniting Church in Australia.

“The only way to prevent people from boarding a boat is to provide them with the hope and real prospect that they will soon be able to start a new life without fear or persecution. It is to this aim that all politicians should commit their joint efforts.”

Such a terrible loss of human life prompts questions like: what drives a person to place themselves and their families in the hands of people smugglers and cross oceans in leaky vessels? Why would anyone do such a horrendously dangerous thing?

The answer lies in the circumstances from which they were fleeing.

Many asylum seekers come to Australia from Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan – countries where conflict has made it

impossible for people to live in peace and safety. Some find their way to refugee camps where they live a life of destitution, with little prospect of resettlement in Australia or elsewhere for years, and sometimes decades.

Currently, our global neighbours include approximately:

• 15.2 million refugees

• 826,000 asylum seekers

• 26 million internally displaced people

• 12 million stateless persons

There is no ‘queue’ for these millions of people, or the tiny percentage of those millions who wash up on Australian shores. What there is, is the opportunity to continue to demonstrate the love and mercy Jesus asked us to show.

Amy Goodhew

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Food for thoughtThere’s a lot of rhetoric surrounding the refugee ‘issue’. The reality is often far different. These websites help us rethink that which we thought we knew:

• rethinkrefugees.com.au

• www.unitingjustice.org.au/issues/refugees-asylum-seekers.html

Illustration: Arien Van Stralen

Shannon Short

Unique partnership supports Congress

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The Salisbury Congress congregation is a vibrant community with a deep connection with God. Denise Champion and Nelson Barcoe regularly share their creative gifts of song and word with the congregation.

Caryn Rogers

One ordinand. Two ministries. 100 years of care.

The call to ordination often inspires hopes of changing the world. In the case of John Flynn, the hope of changing the world was fulfilled – at least for a significant portion of the Australian continent.

If you don’t recall the name John Flynn, you may be more familiar with his work, namely Frontier Services and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Ordained on 24 January 1911, at Flinders Street Presbyterian Church, John Flynn set out shortly after for Beltana, a remote location 540 kilometres north of Adelaide.

While Flynn ministered to farmers and indigenous people in and around the

region, the young Reverend was also assessing the needs of Outback people, as commissioned by the Presbyterian Church.

In 1912, he presented his recommendations to the Presbyterian Church Assembly and the Australian Inland Mission (AIM) was formed with Flynn appointed as its first Superintendent.

Flynn, constantly looking for ways to ease the hardships of remotely placed Australians, continued to make history.

As Superintendent, he established nursing posts and a hospital. The effects that distance played in the effectiveness of medical care were soon to become his next focus though.

Nursing sisters were travelling by

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camel, horse, rail and even motor tricycle to visit patients and families. With the recent invention of the aeroplane and pedal powered two-way radio, Flynn realised there was a better, quicker way to provide patient care to rural and regional Australia. So, in 1928, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) was born.

John Flynn became a legendary figure, a humble hero fondly known as ‘Flynn of the Inland’. The spirit of his work is continued today by the RFDS and Frontier Services, the service forged in the 1977 Uniting Church union of the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational churches from their associated Inland Missions.

Frontier Services, a charity and agency of the Uniting Church in Australia, is the major provider of aged care, health and community services and pastoral support to people in over 85% of Australia. It proudly continues on with Inland work through patrol padres, staff and a workforce of volunteers.

We’re celebrating more than 100 years of ordination this year – we’re celebrating 100 years of practical compassion to the most remote areas of Australia, a history which continues strongly into the future.

And with ministers like Rev John Flynn in our history books, we look forward to seeing what the next centenary of ordinands will achieve.

A service to celebrate John Flynn’s centenary of ordination was held at Scots Uniting Church on Sunday 23 January.

Want to know more? Head online to frontierservices.org

Rev John Dihm, patrol padre for Frontier Services in Parkin Patrol, and John Lynch, CEO of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, share friendship, a passion for people, and a big Australian landscape – all thanks to another John, Rev John Flynn.

InvestReturns (outlines).indd 1 13/1/11 11:31:12 AM

Uniting FoundationUC Invest supports the Uniting Foundation - a major provider of funding for Uniting Churches in South Australia - by providing administrative services like accounting expertise and database management.

Projects funded in 2010 contributed to the focussed work of the Uniting Church SA’s Strategic Plan, particularly fostering conversion growth and growing or revitalising leaders.

We encourage all our investors to consider gifting money to the Uniting Church SA through Uniting Foundation. It is a gift that keeps on giving with a great missional return on investment.

Uniting Foundation will be accepting project proposals again in 2011.

Mission and Services FundThe Mission and Service Fund (MSF) is a financial declaration that the Uniting Church is working together, that community = you & me & us & them, like the ‘Uniting Church Uniting People’ campaign highlights.

Through income from investments lodged with UC Invest, congregational input and cost recovery the MSF proves that we’re better off when we work together - and our financial figures are also better when we work together.

UC Invest Charity Golf DayUC Invest is proud of UnitingCare’s agencies. That’s why we hold a Golf Day each year - to raise money in support of the important role UnitingCares play in a diverse range of community services.

In 2010, we raised $13,000 for UnitingCare Wesley Bowden. This year, we’re teeing off for UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide – and fully intend to fundraise significantly again.

InvestReturns (outlines).indd 2 13/1/11 11:31:13 AM

Uniting FoundationUC Invest supports the Uniting Foundation - a major provider of funding for Uniting Churches in South Australia - by providing administrative services like accounting expertise and database management.

Projects funded in 2010 contributed to the focussed work of the Uniting Church SA’s Strategic Plan, particularly fostering conversion growth and growing or revitalising leaders.

We encourage all our investors to consider gifting money to the Uniting Church SA through Uniting Foundation. It is a gift that keeps on giving with a great missional return on investment.

Uniting Foundation will be accepting project proposals again in 2011.

Mission and Services FundThe Mission and Service Fund (MSF) is a financial declaration that the Uniting Church is working together, that community = you & me & us & them, like the ‘Uniting Church Uniting People’ campaign highlights.

Through income from investments lodged with UC Invest, congregational input and cost recovery the MSF proves that we’re better off when we work together - and our financial figures are also better when we work together.

UC Invest Charity Golf DayUC Invest is proud of UnitingCare’s agencies. That’s why we hold a Golf Day each year - to raise money in support of the important role UnitingCares play in a diverse range of community services.

In 2010, we raised $13,000 for UnitingCare Wesley Bowden. This year, we’re teeing off for UnitingCare Wesley Port Adelaide – and fully intend to fundraise significantly again.

InvestReturns (outlines).indd 2 13/1/11 11:31:13 AM InvestReturns (outlines).indd 3 13/1/11 11:31:15 AM

InvestReturns (outlines).indd 4 13/1/11 11:31:18 AM

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Rosefield Uniting in full bloomTalk to any member of the Rosefield Uniting Church family and they will speak with great affection and respect for the ministers who have guided the church during its past 100 years.

It’s not just ordained ministers that will be remembered throughout the celebrations this year though. There are rich and diverse expressions of mission and ministry in the Rosefield congregation that will be both remembered and many renewed.

There’s 100 years of strong lay leadership, dedicated to teaching Sunday School and running youth ministries, coaching and umpiring sport events, as well as the serving the wider church on councils and boards.

Then there’s over 50 years of ‘Wheelies’ ministry, with Rosefield members wheeling patients from Highgate Park (formerly Julia Farr Services and the Home for Incurables) to worship services and providing music and preachers to the local care facility. Meals on Wheels has also benefited from Rosefield’s service for 50 years.

Working with young people has been a key investment for the church, an endeavour continuing to play an integral role in the church’s outreach, particularly through playgroups.

Current members of Rosefield are certain that the God of the century already lived will continue to be faithful in the lives of his people in the century to come!

Rosefield will celebrate its centenary with a series of events throughout the year, a book (launched February) and a commemorative red rose (available July).

For more information contact the Rosefield Church Office:p. 8271 9528e. admin@rosefield.org.au

Near and far, Uniting Church congregations are celebrating 100 years of worship – and beyond.

Though the years and the buildings are worth celebrating, their century of standing is not significant in its own right.

The significance lies more so in the heartbeat of mission that continues to beat within these churches as we, altogether, seek to be innovative, growing churches, proclaiming Jesus Christ, empowered by the Spirit to transform God’s World.

Repairs and rebirthYeelanna Uniting Church will celebrate their centenary of worship on 20 March 2011.

Wherever new areas were opened up for settlement in the district, the pioneers almost always felt the need to establish a house of worship.

The district of Yeelanna, situated centrally on Lower Eyre Peninsula, saw the first Methodist Church building open on 20 March 1911. The building was wood and iron, lined with match board, and was the centre of worship until a new building, of stone construction, was opened in October 1955.

Yeelanna is now under Reverend Matthew Carratt’s pastoral watch as part of the Western Eyre Parish, along with Cornerstone, Cummins and Lock.

A few years ago, the Yeelanna building was in need of some major repair work due to cracking in the walls. The congregation, low on regular worshippers, discussed their two options: spend money on the necessary repairs or and amalgamate with Cummins, essentially closing the building for worship.

The decision was made to do the repair work and keep Yeelanna open. Since then, a number of young families have become part of the congregation. Current average attendance 55; 33 adults, 22 under 18 years. The Sunday school has 35 children under ten years old on the roll.

The Centenary will be celebrated with a worship service at 10.00am with guest speaker Moderator Rev Rob Williams. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow.

To all who have had an association with the Yeelanna church over the years, please join us.

Enquiries:David Pearsonp. (08) 8676 8071

For over 50 years, Rosefield Uniting Church members have been wheeling patients from Highgate Park to worship services.

Yeelanna Uniting Church is teeming with new life as the celebrate their centenary this year.

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Changes at Uniting College

The place to start when you need information about:

In Home Care and Support•Respite Services•Residential Care•Retirement Villages•Other aged care topics.•

Agedcare Alternatives offers a no obligation, free service to help you navigate the aged care system.

To find the information relevant to your needs simply call in, phone, or email:

Agedcare Alternatives1/445 Fullarton Road, Highgate, SA 5063

(08) 8271 3888 info@agedcarealternatives.net.au

Sponsored by Resthaven Incorporated.

2011-01-12-new-times-advertisement.indd 1 13/01/2011 10:50:59 AM

Preaching with care

The input of respected Uniting Church leader, Rev Dr Andrew Dutney, to the academic world has recently been rewarded by Flinders University.

Principal of Uniting College for Leadership & Theology and lecturer in Historical and Systematic Theology, Andrew was sought out by the University to be promoted from Associate Professor to Professor. He is the first person to be given full academic status as Professor in Theology by Flinders University.

“It reflects the good relationship between the University and the department of Theology,” says Andrew. “It demonstrates the value of Theology to the life of the University; Theology also benefits from having to maintain the standards of intellectual rigour demanded by the University and our dialogue with the other academic disciplines.”

The new year heralds two further changes for Theology at Flinders University..

The Theology program, hosted offsite at the Adelaide College of Divinity (ACD), is now a department of the School of Humanities, rather than existing as a separate school.

Secondly, and sadly, St Barnabas’ Theological College, the Anglican arm of the College, parted ways from the ecumenical body last year.

The remaining denominational streams, Uniting and Catholic, look forward to continuing to work together.

Brougham Place Uniting Church had an extra large congregation on 9 January this year when some 71 Lay Preachers from across Australia joined them for Sunday worship, having just attended their National Conference at nearby Lincoln College over the previous few days.

The triennial conference, titled ‘A Vision for Lay Preaching’, hosted Rev Prof Bill Loader, a renowned Uniting Church minister, as the keynote speaker.

Bill, a gifted teacher, still managed to hold us spellbound for almost two hours in the evening after a long, hot day!

Speaking from Matthew, the Gospel for 2011, Bill took us through the process of understanding the Gospel’s original community context, so that we can uncover what it meant for those people. Having done that, we are then able to discern what this Gospel might mean for us in our day.

The other guest speaker was a trained singer with a passion for worship music, Rev Amelia Koh-Butler, from the Lay Education Centre in NSW. She took us through a number of songs from Together in Song, pointing to the way words and music influence each other, to the point that changing a tune can alter the whole tone of the words.

Electives on the Friday covered biblical understanding, preaching in various settings, pastoral care and leading worship. Saturday evening saw us entertained, but learning still, as Dorothy and Robin Mann presented a selection of their music.

Max Howland

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Red Dove Café is an important part of Uniting Church SA’s national and world mission work. Every year, a team of hardworking volunteers heads into the Royal Adelaide Show for far more than riding rollercoasters or oohing and ahhing over the animals.

They’re there in the business of mission, and they’ll be serving you a hearty homecooked meal to do it – with a smile of course.

The mission is not just in their manner and camaraderie. Don’t let their friendliness fool you. These men and women, hailing from South Australian Uniting Churches and beyond, are here to earn some serious money – to give it all away.

In 2009, the Red Dove Café gave away $45,000. After a wet start to the Show last year, the team was concerned that funds may be down. After careful planning and expenses payment, the same figure came up again – $45,000 – and was sent out to mission projects and other needs within the State.

Significant donations were made, particularly to Mental Health Chaplaincy, which was supported last year. Chaplaincy in this field has been an ongoing concern of the Red Dove group, particularly as they see little help for people who look well on the outside, but are in need of help.

They have also continued to support the need to reshape prisoners’ lives through Kairos and Prison Chaplaincy, buoyed by wonderful stories of lives changed through these ministries.

The rest of the donations were given as such:

Every year, Red Dove Café relies on the network of support and volunteering spirit of Uniting Church people as they give of their time, culinary skills and inkind support.

For more information on Red Dove Café, or to volunteer for the café at the 2011 Royal Adelaide Show, contact Chairman of Red Dove:Graham Wattsp. (08) 8276 8733e. wattsgra@gmail.com

Showing volunteerism

In early December last year, current Resthaven volunteer, Mrs Liz Scarce, wife of His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce, Governor of South Australia, and the Mayor of Unley, Mr Lachlan Clyne, opened a free aged care information centre which assists people in finding out how the aged care system works, and how to go about finding what care and support is available for older people in South Australia.

Agedcare Alternatives is staffed primarily by volunteer ‘Options Guides’ who provide face-to-face information and support to those wishing to navigate the aged care system.

“Our Options Guides give free, one-to-one assistance to find out what an enquirer’s needs and concerns are,” explains Agedcare Alternatives Coordinator, Franco Parenti.

“Anyone can call in and speak with an Options Guide or phone for information and a strategy to find their way through the plethora of information.

“As the centre relies on volunteers for its day to day operation, we thought it appropriate to open the centre in the same week as International Volunteer Day, which was on 5 December last year,” Franco says.

“We acknowledge the hard work of our volunteers, without whom this venture would not be possible.”

The centre is open during normal business hours. For more information about Agedcare Alternatives, telephone the Agedcare Alternatives office on 8271 3888.

Agedcare Alternatives is sponsored by Resthaven Inc as a 75th Anniversary gift to the South Australian community. Advice offered is independent, general information, relating to all aged care support available in South Australia.

Agedcare Alternatives is located at 1/445 Fullarton Road, Highgate.

Agedcare Alternatives open for businessJulie Johinke

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Ministry Amount

Uniting Care -Small Agencies Group(Salisbury, Adelaide East, Glenelg, Mt Gambier,

Copper Triangle and Gawler) $ 9,000

Uniting Care Commission – Mental Health Chaplaincy $ 8,000

Kairos Prison Chaplaincy $ 6,000

Prison Chaplaincy Noah House $ 5,000

Woodville UC African Refugees support $ 4,000

Uniting Care Port Adelaide – No interest loans $ 3,000

Uniting Care Bowden – No interest loans $ 3,000

Uniting Care Port Pirie – No interest loans $ 3,000

Schools Ministry Group $ 2,000

KCO & SAYCO $ 2,000

The question I am most often asked by colleagues and friends is, “Are you enjoying hospital chaplaincy?”

My response? “Yes” - to which I am then asked, “Really?”

So I decided to look again at the definition of ‘enjoy’, which is, ‘to receive pleasure or satisfaction from.’ It may seem hard to believe, but I derive a great sense of satisfaction from the care I am able to offer the patients and staff of the St Andrew’s Hospital Community.

As with any community there are times of joy and celebration, as well as hardship and stress. Within Hospital Chaplaincy I am challenged daily by the suffering, grief and loss within this community.

At the same time, I am in a privileged position to connect with people from all backgrounds in life, as they find themselves in these hard places.

I was once asked to visit a man in his early 60s. He had just been informed that he had maybe three to four months to live. I sat with him as he told me about his life and family, declaring that he was not ‘religious’. He asked me to stay with

20

Rev Peter Morel

him as he waited for his wife to arrive - and tell her this diagnosis.

As a result of that initial visit, and subsequent visits, I was asked to conduct his funeral one month later. It is an honour to be given such trust by a patient and their family.

More recently, I offered to pray for a farmer who professed faith in God and a connection with a rural congregation. After praying, he was in tears expressing the emotions of his current weakness and also that he’d never experienced anyone praying for him personally.

For this article, one of the nurses at St Andrews suggested I write,“The role

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of Chaplaincy is essential …” - repeated throughout the whole article.

It’s such a privilege to be serving God through Hospital Chaplaincy. It is a privilege to be part of the St Andrew’s Healthcare Team and know that this role is greatly valued by both staff and patients.

St Theresa of Avila said, “I trust God that I am exactly where I am meant to be.” If this is truly the case, I can certainly claim to enjoy being a hospital chaplain. Really!

Be topical, be brief, be timely.Letters over 150 words will be edited; responses to previous letters /articles will be considered within two months of the original item’s publication only.All letters are published at the editorial team’s discretion.

SEEK AND yOU WiLL FiND?As I am not currently a member of a particular congregation I was looking for a place to worship and celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas day. I turned to the internet and searched. The first church had no webpage. The second had not updated their page since August; no Christmas services were listed. The next church had a website but again no Christmas services were listed, the fourth’s website I had to hunt to find the service times. Guess where I went?

Why, in the age we live, do churches not have web pages that are up to date, user friendly and displaying the one thing most casual enquirers are looking for on the home page? Like most people I won’t pick up the phone when all I have to do is click. How many people missed church this year because they kept clicking and gave up?

Come on UCA get with the times and connect with the people.

D Wallace,Aldinga

STREAMS OR SUBMiSSiONWith regard to the recent discussion of two supposed ‘streams’ in the Uniting Church (J Pitman, New Times Nov). The article claimed that there are those who emphasise the teachings of Jesus and those who emphasise the teachings of the Bible. Is it too obvious to point out that the teachings of Jesus are contained within the Bible? Or that the totality of the Bible is actually about, and reveals the glory of, Jesus?

There may be two ‘streams’ in the Uniting church, but to define them as those who give Jesus authority and those who give the Bible authority is a misapprehension. Maybe the two streams would be better defined as; those who are prepared to submit to the totality of King Jesus’ teachings as revealed in scripture, and those with ‘itching ears’ (2 Tim 4:3) who wish to cherry pick fairytale feel good notions that suit their own lifestyles.

Worth considering.

J Harris,Streaky Bay

&... WHAT ABOUT JESUS?The Uniting People and ‘100 Ways to Celebrate Christmas’ campaigns are visually stunning. However it’s very disappointing they forget Jesus. Why does the ‘&’ brochure have no mention at all of Jesus or God? Is our only message this Christmas really to ‘eat&share&laugh&rest’? Friends, have we become just a nice social-club community of diverse, interesting people or are we still the body of Christ with the unique life-giving message of salvation? A ‘little squiggly mark’ does not bring us together (as the & brochure says), the risen Jesus does. Why not have a campaign of diverse, interesting people telling of the difference Jesus makes in their lives? One day we will stand before our King and have to explain why we spent Jesus’ money telling people how great we were, when we could have told them how great He is. Romans 1:16.

J Zwar,Wattle Park

THE WORD iS WORDAfter writing in favour of Julia Pitman’s article, N Bennett seems to have missed the point she was making, ie. Jesus is the Word of God. The distinction, therefore between what Jesus said and did, and the rest of scripture ,is a false one but unfortunately this is why wrong teaching in the UCA is so prevalent, given that so many seem to have this kind of thinking.

As Paul says, All scripture is inspired by God. So if Moses wrote, Jesus spoke, and the same applies whether it was the prophets, the psalmists, the apostles or any others the Holy Spirit uses to speak through. In all these cases Jesus The Word spoke, including of course, Paul, who so many seek to criticise. If modern theologians think they are closer to the heart of God than Paul was, they would probably be best advised to examine themselves more closely.

T Carter,Bordertown

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Send your letters to: newtimes@sa.uca.org.au or PO Box 2145, Adelaide 5001.

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Preachers and worship leaders, don’t miss outThe Mission Resourcing Network (MRN) of Uniting Church SA is proud to welcome Tom and Kim Long to the Presbytery and Synod meeting on 11-12 March this year at Adelaide West Uniting Church.

Bringing a wealth of knowledge about preaching and congregational worship, the internationally acclaimed teachers will be resourcing Uniting Churches in South Australia as part of a strategic engagement by former MRN Executive Officer, Rev Dr Ian Price.

“Tom is easily one of the finest preachers and teachers I have heard,” commented Ian. “He’s widely recognised as one of the world’s finest preachers.”

Tom is currently the Bandy Professor of Preaching at Emory University, and was previously Professor of Homiletics at Princeton University. He has been the keynote speaker at many preaching conferences around the world, including the annual Festival of Homiletics in the United States.

Kim teaches at Columbia Theological Seminary in Georgia, and is the editor of Call to Worship, the Presbyterian Church of America’s liturgy resource.

The married pair will be teaching from their strengths over the two days, with Tom focussing on preaching and homiletics, and Kim, bringing a solid discussion on congregational worship.

“One of the highlights will be ideas for preaching on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

“This resourcing weekend will be particularly helpful for anyone involved in preaching or worship,” concludes Ian.For more information or to register, contact Bev Freeman on:p. (08) 8236 4243e. bfreeman@sa.uca.org.auKim will also speaking at the Rural and Regional Network gathering on Friday 11 March. Contact Alan Dutton for further information:p. 0488 975 182e. adutton@sa.uca.org.au

WELLSPRING SA will be gathering at Christ Church Uniting (26 King William Road, Wayville) on Wednesday 16 February for its first meeting of the year. The speaker will be Father Michael Hillier who will be reflecting on Immersed in Splendour: Finding the Presence of God in Creation. The meeting will begin with a shared tea at 6.30pm and Michael will speak at 7.30pm. All are welcome. Further information from Jean Stirling: 8376 6371, revjs@adam.com.au.

STATE MISSION FELLOWSHIP meets on 22 February at 10.30am at Scots Church, Adelaide. Morning tea and lunch available. Subject: PNG Micro-finance. All welcome. Enquiries 8261 3843.

JOIN WITH CHRISTIANS in over 170 countries on Friday 4 March to celebrate the World Day of Prayer. The annual service is prepared by a different country each year. This year’s was written by Christian women in Chile with the theme How many loaves have you? There will be two services in Adelaide, the first at 10.00am at Maughan Uniting Church, with Ana Maria Byerley speaking. This will be followed by morning tea. The second service will be at 5.00pm at Pilgrim Uniting Church. More information is available online: www.worlddayofprayeraustralia.org.

TO DONATE. One Wurlitzer Electric Organ in fair condition. Please contact Lighthouse Church (Pt Pirie Uniting) ATT: Secretary on (08) 8632 1074 or PO Box 544 Pt Pirie SA 5540.

To have your upcoming event or message published here, email diary@sa.uca.org.au with ‘Diary’ in the subject line.

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Acclaimed teachers, Tom and Kim Long, will be resourcing the Uniting Church SA this March. Have you booked your place yet?

WANTED Hope Valley Uniting Church Singing Group are wanting to buy the songbook,’Exalthim-Songs for Celebration and Praise’. Compiled and arranged by Tom Fettke. URGENTLY Required-Please contact Graham Warren 8337 5797 or 0400 061 571

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Arron John Levi Lester was born in the Royal Brisbane Hospital in 1991, the sixth member of the Lester family.

Arron grew up learning about his Adnyamathanha culture and he was a proud Ararru man. His culture was always a strong focus throughout his life.

He spent most of his life in Port Augusta where he attended Augusta Park Kindergarten. His mother was the Music/Language teacher for that year, so he was always the teacher’s pet, lucky for him.

In 1996 Arron started school at Augusta Park Primary School and later breezed through high school graduating from year 12 at Port Augusta Secondary School.

Arron committed his life to the Lord and helped out

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Resting with the LordIn loving memory of Arron John (1991-2010)

with many Christian camps travelling all over Australia. He was very small with a big heart. He only ever wanted to please everyone, even if it left him out of pocket.

A very fun, kind, and talented young man, Arron was a role model to many who knew him. Arron loved playing soccer every week with his father, brother, cousins and friends and was very good at it too. He also played for Congress Men’s basketball team and Central Augusta Football Club.

He was so good with technology and was always helping someone fix their computer, Xbox or mobile phone. If he wasn’t busy with that, he would be walking around the house singing, playing the guitar to his own song that he had written and recorded ‘One Shot, One Life’.

He wrote, sang and produced this track on his own; we were all very proud of it.

In 2008, Arron enrolled at Adelaide University to study music at the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM). He was confident in himself as an artist, musician and comedian in the Adelaide community. He was also an established songwriter having co-written songs for the ‘Muso Magic’ and ‘Drug and Alcohol’ projects.

The importance of his culture shone through in his music and one of his last recordings on the Blak Trak 2010 CD was a song written by his Aunty Denise, Mia Mia Wandikha in his own

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language Yura Ngawarla. During his studies Arron

became involved in many events which included The Spirit Festival, Blak Night, Desert Fringe Festival, Yarnballa Festival, Vibe Alive and many more. He helped to deliver dance and music workshops across the state and was always striving to get the best from everyone. He was always there to help when others needed it.

Arron was a very unique and talented individual who touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He was loved so much by all and will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

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How do you eat your Easter chocolate?

Do you devour your entire stash quicker than you can say ‘The Easter Bunny isn’t real’? Or do you ration your supplies over a few days? Or perhaps you enjoy savouring each bite – nay, each lick – of this delightful confection?

Whatever your fancy, it’s the same with all Easter chocolate. Their bright, shimmery wrapping beckons you to indulge. But, once the treat inside is eaten, it’s gone. And we’re left longing for more...perhaps never satisfied at all.

Easter is a unique season which, even more than Christmas, affords Christians the opportunity to tell their non-Christian friends and family who Jesus is and what he came here to do.

This year’s postcards make the most of this opportunity, prodding the reader’s heart with the question ‘Hungry for more?’ The reverse of the card is a bold invitation to seek lasting satisfaction in Jesus Christ, with the words: ‘Satisfy more than your tastebuds this Easter. Visit your local Uniting Church to rediscover Jesus’.

Postcards cost $65 per 1000. If your congregation can’t use that many, consider placing a combined order with a congregation near you. Orders must be placed online and submitted by Monday, 28 February. For enquiries, contact Sarah Urmston surmston@sa.uca.org.au, 8236 4260. For full details and to order your cards, visit sa.uca.org.au/postcards

Hungry for more?Sarah Urmston

Interested in starting a new initiative over Lent this year? An initiative that will involve a consideration of lifestyle, Bible study, prayer and through UnitingWorld, supporting development projects in our partner churches?

This year, from 9 March - 23 April, Uniting Churches around South Australia will be involved in Lent Event SA (formerly SA Lenten Appeal). As part of this they will undertake:

Action: Consider your lifestyle and your daily/weekly spending. Can you put some money aside so that you will be able to give it to support the work of our partner churches? How can you buy more Fair Trade products to support local producers?

Reflection: Alone or with a group, set a time for the Lent Event SA Bible Studies and prayer which will help you in journeying in faith towards relationships with those living in poverty.

Act, reflect, connect: Lent Event SAConnect: Become involved with

supporting some of our SA partner churches. The projects are based in local communities in Indonesian Papua, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.

Pastor Graham Ingram from Tumby Bay has been enthusiastically using the Lent Event materials since beginning his ministry in the region.

“Because the study is integrated with the Lectionary, we’ve been able to use the resources for worship, study groups and meditation throughout the weeks,” comments Graham.

“The other denominations have started to join with us - it’s been a means of bringing people who don’t normally come to worship together into study groups and fellowship.

“Lent Event has also got a children’s and youth component and TBUCKS (Tumby Bay Uniting Church Kids) has found the materials very helpful.”

Excellent materials are readily available – each church in SA has been sent a pack of resources. If you haven’t received yours, please contact the South Australian coordinators of Lent Event (details below).

For more information and to register your Lent Event coordinator, contact Paulene Goh or Christa Megaw:

Paulene

e. pgoh@sa.uca.org.au

Christa

p. 8236 4203

e. cmegaw@sa.uca.org.au

w. lentevent.com

Christa Megaw

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Two friends, one unified storyWhen Bernard ‘Bernie’ Clarke and Gätjil Djerrkaru met few could have predicted the brotherhood that would evolve and, from it, the inspirational story shared through Larrpan ga Buduyurr: The Spear of the Cloud.

Many years ago, Bernie had considered writing a story from the perspective of the people of Arnhem Land having worked with children of the Stolen Generation in Darwin.

“I remember thinking to myself that I would need someone who understood both perspectives to ever make such an insight possible,” comments Bernie.

As friendship between Bernie and Gätjil, the book, 13 years in the making, faced many difficulties and obstacles.

“Gätjil had long maintained a vision to share the inspirational leadership story of his grandfather Woŋgu, and their people, the Balamumu.

“But it was difficult to get a constant input. I lived 2000 miles away, had subjects not contactable by emails or

Alex Mc Grath

post and Gätjil, as Chairman of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Commission, was always in high demand.”

Sadly, the greatest difficulty was Gätjil’s passing in 2004. Bernie lost his dear friend and the book remained unfinished, until recently.

Larrpan ga Buduyurr: The Spear of the Cloud offers a rare insight into remote Aboriginal communities and leadership, and is pertinent to the Uniting Church community as, “we continue to struggle with indigenous people as they strive for equality,” said Bernie.

“The Church’s relationship with Aboriginal communities is much greater than people understand; it’s part of our history.”

Larrpan ga Buduyurr: The Spear of the Cloud is available from the Uniting Church SA office or online at: mediacom.org.au.

Bernard Clarke launched Larrpan ga Buduyurr: The Spear of the Cloud late last year. The book, available through MediaCom, offers a rare insight into remote Aboriginal communities.

Strategic Plan resources: Becoming Disciples DVDIn October 2010, the Key Direction 3: Growing Disciples team launched a DVD called ‘Becoming Disciples’

The DVD features four sessions led by Dr Vicky Balabanksi, Uniting College Lecturer in New Testament Studies, which explores discipleship in Mark’s Gospel. The sessions also include songs performed by Robin Mann.

This DVD has been produced as a co-operative effort between the ‘Growing Disciples’ team and Uniting College. DVDs are available by contacting Uniting College on 8416 8420 or email info@unitingcollege.org.au; Bible Studies can be downloaded from the growing disciples website: growing-disciples.org

becoming

disciples

Four session DVD

exploring discipleship

in the Gospel of Mark

Bible Study with

Dr Vicky Balabanski

Music by Robin Mann

Bible Study with Dr Vicky Balabanski,

Lecturer in New Testament Studies

Music by Robin Mann

Session 1: Interesting Times (13:45)

Session 2: Reaching Out (13:30)

Session 3: Present to the Moment (17:45)

Session 4: Open My Eyes (15:45)

Group Study Guide available for download

at www.growing-disciples.org

Songs performed by Robin Mann. Used with permission.

Copyright 2010 Uniting College. Disc may not be copied or sold.

Contact: info@unitingcollege.org.au (08) 8416 8420

Produced by Craig Mitchell for Uniting College

and Growing Disciples, Uniting Church SA.

becoming

disciples

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becomingdisciples

Four session DVD exploring discipleship in the Gospel of Mark

Bible Study with Dr Vicky BalabanskiMusic by Robin Mann

Bible Study with Dr Vicky Balabanski, Lecturer in New Testament StudiesMusic by Robin MannSession 1: Interesting Times (13:45)Session 2: Reaching Out (13:30)Session 3: Present to the Moment (17:45)Session 4: Open My Eyes (15:45)

Group Study Guide available for download at www.growing-disciples.orgSongs performed by Robin Mann. Used with permission.Copyright 2010 Uniting College. Disc may not be copied or sold. Contact: info@unitingcollege.org.au (08) 8416 8420 Produced by Craig Mitchell for Uniting Collegeand Growing Disciples, Uniting Church SA.

becomingdisciples

DVD Sleeve.indd 1

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Local author Rosanne Hawke begins her story of young Pakistani-Australians Ameera and Tariq with the song of Hir and Ranjha, a Pakistani version of Romeo and Juliet. Like the ill-fated lovers before them, there is a major obstacle to Ameera and Tariq being together - Ameera’s Muslim father does not want Ameera to have a Christian boyfriend.

Ameera is sent to stay with her father’s family in Pakistan where she discovers, to her horror, that her father has arranged her wedding to a groom she has not met. Ameera is torn between her sense of loyalty and duty to her family and her own dreams of a teaching career and a life with the man she loves in Australia.

Hawke weaves a tense tale as Australian-born Ameera struggles to make sense of an unfamiliar culture in Pakistan and have a say in her own future.

Hawke avoids clichés and villains, choosing instead to sensitively portray the collision of two very different worlds.

Hawke’s novel vividly describes the colour, chaos and culture of Pakistan, the attention to detail no doubt assisted by the time Hawke spent in Pakistan as an aid worker.

As the date of her wedding approaches, Ameera shows great courage and composure in the face of circumstances which she cannot understand or control.

The story is at times harrowing and hard to read, but hope and redemption eventually triumph over fear and violence. Marrying Ameera is a moving story of a young woman’s determination to choose who she will love

- Michelle Coram

The supernaturalising of Jesus at the expense of his humanity has led to a supernaturalising of Christianity. A human(e), practical faith can only come from a de-supernaturalised one.

Cameron argues that much Evangelical Theology is so centred on the apologetic need to present a supernatural Jesus that it ignores the human Jesus, but Liberal Theology goes too far the other way and presents a human Jesus in our own image, an exemplary life of compassion, or revolution. The Liberal Jesus is little more than a role model.

I enjoyed reading about a Jesus who was a man like me, a man who ate, drank, laughed and cried,

yet was different, more complete in his manhood. However, I was dismayed to read that Cameron’s human Jesus who has now ascended is now disinterested in raising the dead and healing the sick because physical infirmity is something our humanity just needs to deal with. That’s the message of a Buddhist Nirvana, not a Christian Heaven, and therefore not quite the gospel I have been led to proclaim.

- Damien Tann

Freedom or honour? Marrying Ameera

Vampire ChristianityBook: Complete in ChristAuthor: Nigel M. de S. CameronAvailable from: Rainbow Book AgenciesRecommended for: an insight into the Jesus of Historyin short: Recovering the humanity of Jesus for evangelism.

RRP: $14.95

Author: Rosanne Hawke

Available from: Angus and Robertson

Recommended for: young adults or readers of any age wanting to better understand Pakistani culture

in short: An Australian-born Muslim teenager is sent to stay with relatives in Pakistan and finds out they are planning her wedding.

RRP: $16.99

In June 1977 the race was on between the birth of my second baby and that of the Uniting Church in Australia. My daughter was born two weeks early and won and so we were able to be at the service to mark that historic beginning.

Andrew Dutney’s book is short (40 pages), eminently readable, and a timely reminder of that momentous event when the Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches in Australia joined to form the Uniting Church.

In seven chapters, Dutney describes the background to the formation, the hallmarks of the new church and its mission gifts and ministries.

The later chapters outline the way the church is organised and governed and the symbolism behind the now well recognised Uniting Church symbol.

Remembering that not all current Uniting Church members were present at Union and some weren’t even born yet, makes this a handy resource rather than attempting to plough through the much larger and more taxing (yet worthwhile) Basis of Union.

I highly recommend copies be available in churches for those who want an insight into the Uniting Church.

- Glenys Badger

A Timely ReminderBook: Introducing the Uniting Church in Australia

Author: Andrew Dutney

Available from: MediaCom (www.mediacom.org.au)

Recommended for: those who want to know what the Uniting Church is about

in short: How was the Uniting Church formed and how is it organised and governed?

RRP: $8.95

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Strategic Plan resources: Becoming Disciples DVD

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UnitingCare Pancake Day officially takes place in South Australia on 8 March. Pictured are three big fans of pancake day, Pancake Day Ambassador and renowned chef Gabriel Gaté, Pancake Day’s mascot Penny Pancake and pancake-loving Moderator, Rob Williams.

Are you pancake ready?Get ready to put the fun back in fun-draising.

Gather for a pancake or few with friends, family and workmates any time during February or March – for a great cause. UnitingCare Pancake Day supports the work of UnitingCare South Australia as they support vulnerable South Australians.

Uniting Church SA Moderator, Rev Rob Williams, shared his excitement for the upcoming event at a recent UnitingCare get-together.

“I am certainly looking forward to joining in the celebrations of UnitingCare Pancake Day and helping local people in need. But in the midst of all the pancake fun, we also remember the importance of Shrove Tuesday, which is followed by the first day of Lent – a time of fasting and prayer in remembrance of our Saviour, Jesus Christ,” said Rob.

Over 300 organisations have already registered to take part in UnitingCare’s annual Pancake Day event on Tuesday 8 March. Have you?

Register your event today!w. sa.pancakeday.com.aup. 1800 060 543

Why not share your prayers, reflections, pancake recipes and event ideas on the Pancake Day website too?

Savoury chickpea, ginger and mint pancakes Serves 4

ingredients

• 3cupchickpeaflour •1tspsalt• 2tblspmincedginger •1cupeschalots,finelysliced• 6tblspoil •pinchnigellaseeds• 3cupswater •ghee(forcooking)• ½cupfinelydicedredcapsicum• 2tblspchoppedfreshmint

MethodMixWhisk the chickpea flour with the water until smooth, add all other ingredients, and mix well.

CookMelt a tablespoon of ghee into a hot pan, place three table spoons of the mixture into the pan and cook until the pancake is slightly dry to touch. Flip over the pancake and cook the other side for 1-2 minutes.

ServeServe as an option for brunch or breakfast topped with:• shredded chicken, mushrooms and spinach with a spiced

chutney• scrambled eggs spiced with curry powder• on their own with a sweet chutney and yoghurt sauce

Chef’s note: This recipe was inspired from an Ayurvedic cook book, Savad: The Taste of Life by Falu Eyre. Falu has brought a depth of awareness to my cooking through the use of spices, whole foods, fresh ingredients and a knowing of the principles of ayurvedic cooking and its benefits to the body.

Dominique Rizzo is a ‘soul woman chef’ with a natural passion and a deep desire to develop innovative food using quality, safe, clean, fresh produce.