August 2008

Kicking goals in Travelling On your bike, Chaplaincy light son

Page 4 Page 11 Page 15 Where have all the young men gone… long time passing? IN THE gospels, Jesus talks to his male companions about fi shing, farming and building houses, and they respond as tradesmen, farmers, accountants and public servants would. In a contemporary Uniting Church Sunday service Jesus speaks through word and sacrament. The congregation responds. Jesus’ 21st century male disciples may sing, “I’m desperate for you; I’m lost without you,” or perhaps “Jesus I am so in love with you”. Is that the type of relationship with God a young offi ce worker could recommend to his workmates or friends? There’s an argument that the contemporary language of Sunday services can be as foreign as the archaic “Holy as Thou art, Thou the God who made me”. Beyond the language barrier (that applies to both men and women) are the trappings of church culture that mystify many modern men, “Why does the minister wear a smock?” If there’s a perception that church is for old women, it’s because fewer than 40% of Australian church members are men and the proportion of younger men is declining. Author of Why Men Hate Going to Church, David Murrow believes the move to emotive, almost romantic religion has alienated many men from worship services. What goes on in church on Sunday is strange. In their work, life and recreation, men require challenge. That’s something largely missing from church life, both in the language of worship and the life of contemporary faith communities. Have we come to present Jesus as a lover, not a leader? By Phil Smith

Continued Page 10

More about men and the church

P.2 Moderator Editorial P. 7 Active outcomes put men in pews P. 8 Removing discreet brown wrappers Sometimes shed happens P. 9 Check up or check out Tall tales tell the truth P. 10 Real men eat quiche P. 16 Journey asks No men... another fallacy From the

FROM TIME to time, I fi nd myself troubled by various throw- editorial team away comments certain people It’s Sunday afternoon, you’ve had lunch and settled on the couch, feet make about the church. up with Journey. Th e common element in all these one-liners is cynicism and We’ll be spending the next three editions together, so allow me to introduce myself. negativity. Message from the Th ey all express a particular I’m helping hold the fort while Bruce Mullan takes a break and criticism or infer an element of Moderator Mardi Lumsden takes the wheel. blame for some situation or other Rev Dr David Pitman My CV: husband and father, UCA member, journalist and broadcaster, in the life of the church. occasional elephant hunter. Th e statement I hear most Rather than the ‘elephant in the room’, let’s turn our sights on frequently is that the church is ‘pachyderms in the pew’, and take aim this month at an endangered “dying”. species: men. Apart from indicating my is a healthy male presence tend to were palpable! I always come away Read through Uniting Church calendars and web sites. Look at strong disagreement with that have certain characteristics. from such situations refreshed and ‘what’s on’. belief tied as it is to statistics and a Th ey are congregations in which encouraged. Notice special celebrations to mark International Women’s Day, very narrow understanding of what there is a clear missional imperative. Th ose congregations also have ministry to/with seniors and camps for young people. “church” means, I don’t want to say Th ey are vibrant and energetic. a very active male presence and it’s We have an entire unit to provide Youth and Children’s ministry and any more about it here. It’s just an Th eir worship is lively no surprise that they have many of they do it very well. example of what I’m talking about. and engaging with active lay the characteristics of the healthy Th is issue of Journey has a focus leadership. congregations described above. If you’ve still got this week’s pew bulletin handy, is there anything on men in the church. A number Th ey have established links with It seems to me that the message specifi cally intended for men, designed to engage them in congregational life and build their experience of faith? of recent publications I have seen the wider community off ering is very simple. suggest that many men are either real opportunities for meaningful If you are concerned about the Don’t show me the mowing roster! opting out of participation in the service. number of men in your congregation Most congregations can confi rm what national and global research life of the church or else never Th ey provide specifi c activities and would like to see more, then has found. connecting with a congregation in and programs that are appealing to develop an intentional mission With the possible exception of the orthodox churches, men are the fi rst place. and satisfying for men. strategy, ensure that there is plenty disappearing at an alarming rate. I believe that we face two related I have visited a signifi cant of opportunity for participation in In Australia only 39% of congregational members are male and the but diff erent issues here. number of congregations like that activities that matter and make a age is skewed to 55-plus. Firstly, there is the challenge of run on the men are there and they diff erence, and develop programs Up to 25% of married women who worship regularly do so without eff ectively sharing the gospel with are real participants. that provide specifi cally for men. their husbands. that majority of men in our society Now it is true that not all of Having said all that, we must not Who teaches Sunday School, leads the worship (or the music team), who have no contact with the our congregations exhibit the lose sight of the fact that growing visits the sick, and hosts home groups? church at all. the presence and participation Secondly, it is vital that we The idea that of women in key leadership roles Th e answer is generally women. develop church cultures in which “ we are bereft of continues to be a challenge in the Perhaps stemming from an era when most women didn’t have men feel appropriately affi rmed men in the life life of the Uniting Church. paid daily work commitments, they provide the bulk of energy and and challenged. of the church is Th e participation of men in the volunteerism in our congregations. Th e evangelistic imperative is just not true. life of the church does not and Th at usually includes the musical infl uence, the worship style, and always with us. For the purpose of must not mean male domination. the décor. this article, I want to concentrate characteristics I have identifi ed” as Our theology and our polity And maybe that’s partly why blokes go fi shing on Sunday or stay on the second issue. crucial for the involvement of men. commit us to work actively for home to wash the car. I accept that those who are Th ere are usually some men in full partnership for women in Th ere’s been a perception that men dominate the church. writing or commenting on this these congregations but not nearly leadership and ministry. It’s true of the clergy, although the majority of students studying at subject may be refl ecting on their as many. Let me conclude by reiterating Trinity Th eological College this year are women. own observation and experience, so Such congregations are often that the idea that we are bereft of I’m going to do the same. small and comprised mostly of men in the life of the church is just But in the life of our congregations men are missing in action and Based on my engagement with older people. Since men generally not true. that has serious ramifi cations. the life of the Uniting Church in have a shorter life-span than Where they are absent it is I look forward to your letters. Queensland over the past three women, it is inevitable that these invariably due to the circumstances Phil Smith years, I can confi dently tell you that congregations will have a majority that prevail in that particular Guest writer men are still a signifi cant and active of female members. setting. We always have the Th e Journey team would also like to thank members of the Graceville presence in our congregations. Mind you, I have visited some option of seeking to shape church Uniting Church for their assistance with our front cover. Of course I need to put that congregations in which a large communities that encourage and assertion into context. majority of the members were older support men to grow in faith and Th e congregations in which there and where the energy and vitality discipleship. Sign of the Times

Journey is published 11 times a year for the Queensland Synod of the Uniting Church in Australia. Opinions expressed in Journey do not necessarily refl ect those of the editor or the policies of the Uniting Church. Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement; inclusion of advertising material is at the discretion of the publisher. Journey cannot guarantee the publication and/or return of submissions but makes every eff ort to do so if requested.

Acting Editor / advertising Mardi Lumsden Acting associate editor and guest writer Phil Smith Designer Osker Lau Production: Communications Services Unit Printing: Rural Press (QLD) Printing, Ormiston, Circulation 15,500 ISSN: 0817-4466

Closing date for editorial and advertising for September Journey is 15 August Next issue of Journey will be available in churches on Sunday, 7 September

Communications Services Unit Uniting Church in Australia Queensland Synod THIS MESSAGE from Pine Rivers Uniting Church congregation 60 Bayliss Street Auchenfl ower QLD GPO Box 674 Brisbane QLD 4001 reminds us that churches are used by everyone from those attending the Ph: 07 3377 9910 Email: [email protected] Fax: 07 3377 9796 Web: www.journeyonline.com.au Sunday service to those who attend for a baptism or wedding. Email your Signs of the Times to [email protected]. 2 Journey, August 2008 www.journeyonline.com.au Ministers enriched and challenged in Bali

By Penny Monger the Uniting Church’s standing Regardless of the setting the A ‘RICH’ and ‘humbling as a multicultural and cross- very fact of having 60 ministers experience’ – these were the two key cultural church; the fact that Bali from all over Australia share, talk, sentiments of the 63 participants is a shorter (and cheaper) fl ight for compare notes, provide support, in the inaugural UCA National those in Western Australia than it advise and spend time together, Ministers’ Conference, held in Bali is to travel to the east; the notion was very rewarding for all. on 1 to 4 July. that to experience other cultures Within the serene surrounds of Th e conference was hailed a and indeed other faiths is to enrich the conference and accommodation great success by Uniting Church our own experience and ministry in centre (called Dhyana Pura, which President Rev Gregor Henderson Australia. means ‘place of meditation’), and all who took part. Keynote speaker at all three ministers from every Synod came Th anks to a partnership with ministers’ conferences this year, together. the Protestant Church of Bali and Rev Dr Andrew Dutney, answered Th ey represented a range of Uniting International Mission, the the question from a personal ministries: from rural settings to small island was the perfect setting perspective. inner city congregations; from to provide ministers from all over He spoke on the fi rst day about school chaplaincy to multicultural Australia the opportunity to see his experience of ‘falling in love’ and cross-cultural ministry; from Traditional Balinese dancers welcome participants how church is ‘done’ elsewhere in with the Basis of Union and the decades-long involvement in the at the National Ministers Conference in Bali. Photo by Penny Monger the world. Uniting Church as a whole from church, to the newly-ordained; Nonetheless, many had the wilds of Scotland many years from those who had ministered in and deeply thoughtful Dr Dutney, said the aims of the Balinese questioned the location: why should ago. other countries, to those who had the Basis of Union was pulled apart, Church were ‘to provide shade and a bunch of ministers go out of the His personal story – of being never before left their own Synod. looked over with a fi ne tooth comb, shelter to those in need; to produce country – and on a junket in Bali on the outside, looking in – was Under the broad heading and reassembled. refreshing and abundant fruit; and no less – to talk and learn about a wonderful complement to our ‘Creative Adventurous Ministry’ Th e continuing wonder of union to become a spiritual centre for their own uniquely Australian presence in Indonesia. the conference while looking at was explored from every angle. Balinese people, even amidst the church and ministry? After all, if we never experience the Protestant Church of Bali In many ways, it was like reading dominant Hindu faith’. Th e answers are many and the ‘other’, how can we evaluate, in its pluralistic context, focused that founding document for the Many ministers spoke of telling varied. Our rich partnership with refl ect on, adapt and improve our particularly on the Basis of Union. fi rst time and learning anew the stories of current life experience in the Protestant Church of Bali; own practices? Guided by the charismatic, witty courage it took to unite. order to connect people with the Added to that was a look at Word. contextualisation of the Gospel, But this issue has particular interfaith dialogue, rural ministry, resonance for those in multicultural community services, current and cross-cultural settings in events in Bali impacting the global Australia and some suggested that community, our international work needs to be done across the life relationships, and the experience of of Th e Uniting Church in Australia being Indonesian in Australia. by way of contextualisation. Th e Protestant Christian Th is area of ministry is one Church in Bali likens itself to the of our fastest-growing and the Mango Tree. question should be asked: how Also speaking at the conference well equipped are we to foster, was Rev Dr Wayan Mastra. nurture and grow our multi-ethnic Like the Mango tree, Dr Mastra congregations?

Wheller on the Park management team, Jess McGaw, Rob Booth (manager and marketing), Rosie Clifford and Isabel Stopp. Photo by Frans Van Veen History repeats at Wheller on the Park

MORE THAN 300 guests piled Queensland Synod Moderator 76 one, two and three bedroom into a new community centre for Rev Dr David Pitman declared apartments and villas. the offi cial opening of Wesley Wheller on the Park offi cially A total of 300 independent Mission Brisbane’s newest open. living units are planned for the retirement community, Wheller on Wheller Gardens fi rst opened growing community. the Park in Chermside. in 1936 with only 25 cottages. Wesley Mission Brisbane’s Th e opening signalled the start Th e next 72 years brought the Executive Director Geoff Batkin !T'LEBE2OAD5NITING#HURCH THECONGREGATIONISCOMMITTEDTO of a new life and a new chapter extension of the now abandoned expressed this sentiment during PROMOTINGANDRAISINGAWARENESSOFSOCIALJUSTICE according to manager Rob Booth. tramline from Lutwyche to his address to the future residents h)BELIEVETHATSWHERETHEHEARTOFTHE'OSPELISˆITSABOUTJUSTICE “We couldn’t have hoped for a Chermside in 1947, the Chermside inspecting the facilities. FAIRNESS ANDGOODNEWSFORTHEPOOR v2EVEREND0ETER(OBSONSAID better response to Wheller on the Drive-in Shopping Centre (now “At the moment, Wheller on h4HECHURCHISHOPINGTOBECOMEADISTRIBUTIONPOINTFORFAIRTRADE Park,” said Ms Booth. Westfi eld Chermside) in 1957 and the Park is nothing more than COFFEETOSTRESSTOTHECOMMUNITYTHATWETAKESOCIALJUSTICEVERY “Our opening was a signifi cant the damaging fl oods of 1974. an empty block of well designed SERIOUSLYANDMAKEOTHERSAWAREOFJUSTICE POVERTYANDCONSUMERISM and exciting day for both Wesley Situated on the land given and built apartments and villas… h%VERYMEMBEROFTHECHURCHBELIEVESTHEYSHOULDBEACTIVELYINVOLVED Mission, Brisbane and for the to Wesley Mission Brisbane by ultimately, the nature and character INCONTRIBUTINGTHEIRGIFTSˆ)MBLESSEDTOBEWORKINGWITHPEOPLEWHO ARESODEVOTEDTOTHESEISSUESANDPROMOTINGTHE'OOD.EWSv incoming residents who have made soft-drink manufacturer George of any local community is largely the choice to embark on this new Marchant over 70 years ago, the dependent upon those who live 2EADTHEFULLSTORYINTHE7INTEREDITIONOFENERGYATWWWUCISCOMAU journey with us.” scope of Wheller on the Park there,” he said. Th e scene mirrored the historic diff ers greatly from the humble yet 1936 opening of Wheller Gardens signifi cant beginnings of Wheller For more information visit as Queensland’s fi rst retirement Gardens. whelleronthepark.org.au community. Wheller on the Park features www.ucis.com.au | 1300 655 653

www.journeyonline.com.au Journey, August 2008 3 Kicking goals in chaplaincy

The Brisbane Broncos make the most of their team chaplain Bill Hunter. Photo courtesy of the Brisbane Broncos

By Mardi Lumsden “Th at was a wonderful experi- diff erent ball game to other forms ence being in the Paralympic of chaplaincy. ONCE EVERY four years the Village for that period of time and “I think it is a diff erent lifestyle,” world watches as elite athletes push being able to help him, and being he said. Atherton Uniting Church their bodies to the limits of what is able to help others on the Australian “Because they appear to have so Cnr Jack & Victoria Sts Atherton humanly possible and compete for Paralympic team as well. much fame and fortune everyone the title of Olympic Champion. “I was able to encourage, thinks they are diff erent. Christmas Eve 7.30 pm But these athletes are not only support, and even run with some of “Th ey are not diff erent really. putting their bodies to the test, the other blind athletes.” Th ey are normal people, just like WAIT... Christmas Day 8.00 am they are also putting their mind to Th e role of guide runner is an you and I, they are just living a the test. essential part of a blind athlete’s diff erent lifestyle. THERE’S MORE... Elite sportspeople push preparation and competition. “Th ey still have the same themselves beyond breaking point, “When you run together, when problems a lot of the time, some beyond the point of giving up and you are roped together you have to of the problems are exacerbated by overcome that voice in their head have such a great understanding of the media. that says ‘I can’t do it’. each other, communication has to “Th e scrutiny the media puts There is more to Behind many of Australia’s be spot on and you have to be so them under now seems to add Olympic athletes, standing much fi tter than the blind runner much more pressure. somewhere far in the background, too because you have got to talk “Th at can be tough particularly if is a sports chaplain. most of the time. they have got front page headlines. Christmas this year While chaplains are common “You have got to tell him where “It is good to have a chaplain place in prisons, hospitals and aged he is, how many laps he has got to there because they can work things THE SYNOD communications of a baby,” said Mr Mullan. care facilities, it has only been in go, how the race is panning out. out one-on-one without having the team will be putting together “It’s also a time to remember recent years that sports chaplaincy “You wouldn’t believe how much whole world knowing.” another Christmas postcard this was just part of the ongoing has been recognised by the greater trust is involved! Mr Hunter said gaining the campaign this year with the theme: story about Jesus, God’s gift to the church. “You just have to have a good trust of the people he works with is Wait, there’s more. world. Sports Chaplaincy Australia friendship and a fair bit of patience key to his role as a chaplain. Last year the “Th ere’s more “We are inviting people to link has been sending chaplains to the with each other. “It is great to think that those than one man behind Christmas” up with others in the community Olympic Games since the 1992 “It was a very fulfi lling guys actually trust me because they campaign saw around 250,000 who share the same values and Barcelona Games, but chaplains experience to be involved in that, know they can’t trust too many postcards distributed to homes believe the Christmas season is have been working with State and to be able to help someone like people,” he said. throughout Queensland and parts about much more than a baby and National teams for many years. that and get the best out of them “A lot of people are their friends of New South Wales. presents.” Sports Chaplaincy Australia’s as well. because they are high profi le.” Th e theme Wait, there’s more Queensland Synod Moderator Queensland coordinator Bill “It is a bit of a mental game as Th is year the Broncos have asked was chosen to remind people that Elect Rev Bruce Johnson is keen to Hunter knows what it feels like to well… the coach can do everything Mr Hunter to also work with the Christmas didn’t end with the story promote relationships between the be an elite athlete. they can before the race but you are under 20 side. of the stable but was the start of a church and local communities. A former police offi cer, Mr the one during the race to help that Th e club even made it whole new relationship between “Connecting with the commu- Hunter was involved in the process.” compulsory for team members humankind and our creator. nity is an important task for the Sydney 2000 Olympic torch While at the Paralympics as a to attend a chapel service at the Uniting Church Communica- local congregation. Th e Christmas relay as a security runner around guide runner Mr Hunter worked Salvation Army’s rehab centre for tions Manager Bruce Mullan card campaign is an innovative way Queensland. closely with the chaplains on site, alcoholics and drug addicts. said the Christmas campaign was of giving congregations a more He was also the Offi cer in in particular the track and fi eld “What the Broncos and a lot inviting communities to consider public profi le,” said Mr Johnson. Charge on the fi eld during the chaplain. of clubs are trying to do is get the the implications of the Christmas To order a pack, visit 2000 Olympics Soccer games at “It was good to be able to link in young guys to get away from this story. www.ucaqld.com.au and Th e Gabba. with him and do a bit of team work drinking culture and instil it into “Christmas is all about the birth complete the online registration A keen sportsperson and in helping some of the guys. them when they are 16 or 17. Salvation Army member, Mr “Obviously some of them “It is great that we are able to Hunter was a guide runner for had spiritual concerns and other have that spiritual infl uence. a blind athlete in the Sydney concerns, so it was good to be able “We might be the only Christian 2000 Paralympics in the 5000m to help those people on that one- they know so we are Christ to track, 10 000m track and the 42k to-one basis. them. marathon events and competed in As the chaplain to the Brisbane “You would be surprised how the 2002 World Championships Broncos, Mr Hunter thinks many guys ask for prayer requests with the same athlete. chaplaincy to elite sportspeople is a who you wouldn’t think are that way inclined, but it happens all the time.” Is God calling you to a new place? Sports Chaplaincy Australia 㻺㼈㼖㼗㼒㼑㻃㻦㼕㼈㼈㼎㻃㻸㼑㼌㼗㼌㼑㼊㻃㻦㼋㼘㼕㼆㼋㻃㼌㼑㻃 currently has at least one Uniting 㻦㼄㼑㼅㼈㼕㼕㼄㻃㼌㼖㻃㼖㼈㼈㼎㼌㼑㼊㻃㼄㻃㼑㼈㼚㻃㼉㼘㼏㼏㻐㼗㼌㼐㼈㻃 Church Chaplain working with 㼐㼌㼑㼌㼖㼗㼈㼕㻃㼗㼒㻃㼈㼑㼆㼒㼘㼕㼄㼊㼈㻃㼄㼑㼇㻃㼈㼑㼄㼅㼏㼈㻃㼘㼖㻃 Athletes at the Beijing Olympics. 㼄㼖㻃㼄㻃㻦㼋㼕㼌㼖㼗㼌㼄㼑㻃㼆㼒㼐㼐㼘㼑㼌㼗㼜㻑 Nett Knox, a Uniting Church chaplain from New South Wales, 㻩㼒㼕㻃㼐㼒㼕㼈㻃㼌㼑㼉㼒㻃㼖㼈㼈㻃㼗㼋㼈㻃㼆㼋㼘㼕㼆㼋㻃㼓㼕㼒㼉㼌㼏㼈㻝 is currently in China with the But wait, there’s still more! 㼋㼗㼗㼓㻝㻒㻒㼚㼚㼚㻑㼚㼆㼘㼆㻑㼒㼕㼊㻑㼄㼘㻒㼓㼕㼒㼉㼌㼏㼈㻑㼓㼇㼉 Australian Athletics team. 㼒㼕㻃㼆㼒㼑㼗㼄㼆㼗㻃㻱㼈㼌㼏㻃㻭㼒㼋㼑㼖㼗㼒㼑㻝 For more information on Th ere are more stories, more detail and more information about your 㼈㻝㻃㼐㼄㼕㼊㼑㼈㼌㼏㻣㼅㼌㼊㼓㼒㼑㼇㻑㼑㼈㼗㻑㼄㼘 sport’s chaplaincy visit church at www.journeyonline.com.au. 㼋㻝㻃㻓㻕㻃㻙㻕㻛㻛㻃㻘㻘㻘㻖 www.sportschaplaincy.com.au Log on and make your home church your home page.

4 Journey, August 2008 www.journeyonline.com.au Students enjoy a year in the Son YEAR IN the Son (YITS) is a An activity of the Lutheran we believed would be important to gap year program for 16-21 year Church, Year in the Son is open provide and more,” he said. olds that provides young people to people of all denominations Th e YITS team welcomed with the opportunity to spend and Uniting Church young adult Uniting Church participation one year learning more about God ministry coordinator Tom Kerr at every level from planning, to and about themselves, and to gain currently leads a course on spiritual teaching subjects, to placements understanding, skills and attitudes growth. for students. that will help them face the Mr Kerr said the Uniting “I am really impressed with what challenges ahead with confi dence Church Youth and Children’s the YITS course achieves in young and competence. Ministry Unit was excited to be a adults’ lives,” said Mr Kerr. Run through the Faith part of Year in the Son. “Th e fantastic sense of and Life Institute, Year in the “Th e Youth and Children’s community, the great teachings Son is a nationally accredited Ministry Unit had been wondering they receive in everything from life Certifi cate IV course and involves how we might provide a positive skills to discipleship, their retreat participation in academic learning, gap year experience which would times, the practical placements, spiritual refl ection, mission, help people in their discipleship. all these facets of the course bring worship, ministry, prayer and the We heard about the Year in the great opportunities for personal Annette and Graham Whybird prepare to train congregations in personal community. Son course and it had everything growth and spiritual development. witness. Photo courtesy of Aitkenvale Uniting Church “We have got to let our Uniting Church young adult people know about this course.” How to win people and Bald Hills Uniting Church member Melanie Webber is the infl uence eternity youngest YITS participant this year at the age of 16. Ms Webber sees the program WHAT DO retired Uniting executives, the FBI and Willow as a way to further her relationship Church minister Rev Graham Creek church. Willow Creek’s with God as well as a way to discern Whybird and his wife Annette Bill Hybels also provides some what God is calling her to do in her have in common with US of the material. life post high school. millionaire entrepreneur Jack As the Whybirds put it, Mr Kerr said the course is for Grobbel? congregations that have worked those who “want to grow their Th e similarity between through Hybel’s Just Walk Across faith, develop as a person or have a sharing the gospel and eff ective the Room series are discovering meaningful gap year”. business strategy. what to say when they reach For more information about Year Mr Whybird believes he the other side. in the Son, visit www.yits.com. spent 40 years in ministry Essentially the Whybirds’ au, phone the Faith and Life Year in the Son students Rebecca Weier, Melanie Webber, struggling with what mission program asks Christians to Michelle Flint and Jessica Davis. Photo courtesy of YITS Institute on 3511 4089 or consultants sometimes describe answer four questions as they email fl [email protected]. as the biggest challenge facing move from a state of fear about the church: faith sharing. faith sharing, to a state of care: Th en his wife, Annette, What do we want to do? What read a business book on have we got going for us? What Good and faithful servants communication principles. is stopping us? Where to from UNITINGCARE IS on the especially playing the piano or extensive, faithful and longstanding “Th e best lessons on witness here? lookout for the people who organ at Crossroads and Blue Care service to Lifeline, Crossroads and I’ve ever seen came from “Author and futurist Marilyn make the big diff erences in their services, is just something I love to Blue Care in Bundaberg. a business book,” said Mr Ferguson uncovered a great communities. do.” Th is included 20 years of Whybird. truth,” said Annette Whybird. Nominations for the 2008 “It meant a lot to me to be administrative assistance to Th e result is How to Share “Beyond fear is a great Moderator’s Medal close on acknowledged in this way,” she Lifeline, 10 years of service to Your Faith Without Anxiety or freedom.” Monday 8 September. said. Crossroads as organist, helper and Losing Your Friends. Th e course has proved Described as the “ultimate As Ms Hodgkinson was unable organiser of music and fi ve years From Kurrimine Beach successful in New South Wales classic quiet achiever”, Judith to get to the presentation at the last on the organ roster for worship in far north Queensland, the and is currently under way in Hodgkinson of Bundaberg was one Queensland Synod meeting so the services at Blue Care. Whybirds now travel extensively, Aitkenvale Uniting Church. of the dedicated volunteers awarded Moderator presented the medal If you have someone in your coaching congregations that Highgate Hill and Pine a Moderator’s Community Service during the morning service at her community who has contributed have struggled to share their Rivers Uniting Churches will Medal. local church. in an outstanding way to the experience of Jesus. be working through How to “It was a big surprise when I “I felt like I was a bit of a Church’s mission in community Th e intensive course includes Share Your Faith during August heard that I had been nominated celebrity as I was on the local service, please complete the content developed by Jack with other churches set to take – I have never expected any television news and in the paper online nomination form found Grobbel and used by business the plunge next year. recognition for my volunteer work too,” said Ms Hodgkinson. on the UnitingCare Queensland as using my God-given abilities, She was awarded her medal for website: www.ucareqld.com.au

MORE THAN JUST AN EDUCATION Sunshine Coast Grammar School MODERATOR’S COMMUNITY SERVICE MEDAL Co-educational day school 07 5445 4444 Preschool to Year 12 www.scgs.qld.edu.au Do you know a volunteer who has contributed in an outstanding way to the Church’s mission in community service in Queensland? Clayfield College Girls: Prep to Year 12 07 3262 0262 The Moderator’s Medal is one way to honour them. Boarding: Girls over 10 years www.clayfield.qld.edu.au Nominees must: Boys: Prep to Year 5 • be a volunteer, past or present • have exhibited outstanding service over a number of years Somerville House Day and boarding school for girls 07 3248 9200 • be involved in community service work other than congregational work Preparatory to Year 12 www.somerville.qld.edu.au (e.g. Blue Care, Lifeline Community Care, UnitingCare Health hospitals, or community service agencies outside the Uniting Church) Brisbane Boys’ College • were/are not in paid employment connected to their volunteer work Boarding and day school 07 3309 3500 This year all nominations must be received electronically, a link to the form can be for boys in Prep to Year 12 www.bbc.qld.edu.au

found on the UnitingCare Queensland website http://www.ucareqld.com.au Presbyterian and Methodist NOMINATIONS CLOSE ON MONDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2008 Schools Association A ministry of the Uniting and Presbyterian Churches, providing excellence www.pmsa-schools.edu.au in education in a Christian and caring environment.

www.journeyonline.com.au Journey, August 2008 5 Blue Care’s ship comes in

PORT OF Brisbane Corporation Care vehicle to serve Brisbane’s has anchored health care work in eastside region. Th e sponsorship the Brisbane Bayside area to the covers leasing, fuel and insurance tune of $60 000. for the vehicle. Blue Care will receive $20 000 Blue Care Brisbane Regional per year for three years to fund its Director Jon Campbell said the local health and wellness program, support from Port of Brisbane according to Corporation Chief Corporation came at a great time. Executive Offi cer Jeff Coleman. “Th e Corporation has supported He said the program, aimed at Blue Care with car sponsorships helping older people and people in the past, but this extra funding with disabilities stay in their will help us provide another much- homes for longer, fi ts well with needed community service at a time the Corporation’s commitment to when health and wellbeing are the sustainability. topic of conversation,” he said. “We wanted to invest in Th e wellness program is a program that focused on expected to include quarterly prevention, long-term goals, and expert health advice sessions for one that would benefi t the local community members and wellness community,” he said. checks by nurses at local facilities As well as funding for the for the elderly. It will be based on a wellness program, Port of Brisbane pilot trialled by another Blue Care Corporation has sponsored a Blue centre in the Brisbane region. Jeff Coleman (CEO, Port of Brisbane Corporation), Wendy Porter (Clinical Nurse Eastside Community Care), and Jo Campbell (Regional Director, Blue Care). Photo courtesy of Blue Care Warwick funds school chaplaincy THE WARWICK congregation’s Guests responded with $1500 Next fellowship dinner had plenty of toward chaplain Anita Rail’s work fellowship and food, as 100 diners in primary schools. enjoyed an evening in support of Th is was the fi fth annual dinner Month in Scripture Union school chaplaincy. hosted by the Uniting Church and John Morris turned on a feast well supported by other Warwick including stuff ed duck. denominations. Journey

In September Journey will jump the generation gap. Médecins Sans Frontières worker Brendan Bannon We will look into the life is shown around a refugee camp in Kenya. of the church through baby Photo courtesy of Médecins Sans Frontières Australia bright eyes and with 20/20 hindsight. What’s so good about being Refugee camp in Brisbane a church that’s young and old and everything in between? FOR FOUR days late this returned fi eld workers, the ‘camp’ Perhaps nothing refl ects month, Brisbane will become a will be set up at Conservatorium generational change better refugee camp. Green, South Bank from 27 than our taste in worship Médecins Sans Frontières August. music. A survey of tens of (MSF) Australia is launching the Refugee Camp in Your City thousands of Christians came fi rst Australian tour of Refugee has had a 13-year run in 13 up with this all-time top ten. Camp in Your City, an outdoor, countries around the globe, Log onto JourneyOnline at interactive event that re-creates creating a better understanding www.journeyonline.com.au and a refugee camp and its facilities of the vulnerability of life for see if you can put these hymns where Australians cannot avoid displaced people and refugees and songs into the correct its impact. who have fl ed their homes. order. Th e fi rst three correct Open to the public and Visit www.msf.org.au for more answers will each receive a fully interpreted by Australian information. great book prize. It’s just like Sunday School break-up really! (Do you ALBAN INSTITUTE BOOKS remember those days?) Hard at work in the kitchen. Photo courtesy of Warwick Uniting Church FULL RANGE NOW AVAILABLE How great Thou art Valuable Books for anyone Pitt Street, Sydney Dear Lord and Father concerned for future church UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA of mankind From Nomads to Pilgrims $24.95 The day Thou gavest Tribal Church $24.95 YOUTH WORKER The Practicing Congregation $24.95 Be Thou my vision Half–time Placement Love divine, all loves Pitt St Uniting Church is an iconic congregation located in Central Sydney excelling which seeks to live out the Gospel we hear in Christ Jesus in an inclusive, socially and theologically progressive way. Be still, for the We are seeking an experienced accredited Youth Worker/Pastor who will serve presence of the Lord with our young people and seek to develop a creative and expanding model of youth ministry. Make me a channel Applications due: Friday 22 August 2008. Guide me, O Thou Applicant Information with full details available from Rev Ian Pearson at great redeemer [email protected] or (02) 9267 3614. In Christ alone Applications sent to Mrs Meg Herbert, Associate Secretary (Ministry), Unichurch Books NSW Synod, PO Box A2178, Sydney South NSW 1235 130 Lt Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Shine, Jesus, shine Ph 92515291 Fax 96507019 Email : [email protected] Under the Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998 it is illegal for prohibited www.unichurch.victas.uca.org.au persons to apply and a ‘Working with Children Check’ will be required.

6 Journey, August 2008 www.journeyonline.com.au Active outcomes put men in pews

By Phil Smith

A WOMAN once confi ded that she wished her husband would come to church with her. He was a farmer and there was always something to do when you are on the land. She died unexpectedly. After that her husband attended worship every Sunday. Th e style of worship hadn’t changed. Th e farm still needed attention. Central Queensland Presbytery Minister Rev Kaye Ronalds often wondered about the widower’s attendance and why people stay away from church. “As a church we are concerned about the groups that are under- represented,” said Ms Ronalds. “We mourn the missing youth, young adults, young families, Indigenous families, middle-aged women or men.” What triggers people to begin attending worship or to reconnect with a faith community? What causes people to stop attending? Why are men generally under-represented? “Over the years I have heard all kinds of reasons proff ered… money, too much singing, the wrong kind of music, sermons are an outdated style of communication, haven’t got time.” Ms Ronalds suggested a wider view. “Western Christians are not struggling to put food on the table,” she said. “Our government provides a safety net for vulnerable people and welfare agencies try to address the gaps. For those who are on good incomes the weekends provide a welcome break: time for hobbies, sport and recreation. For many in our society, Sunday is a day for family and that, for some men, is their fi rst priority and highest calling.” A round of golf, a game of football, a ride on the bike may Photo courtesy of www.istockphoto.com recharge and refresh body and spirit, providing an opportunity for other blokes. (and women for that matter) are wondered about contemporary breaking down of stereotypical contemplation and inner renewal. Th e demands of hard, often not in worship simply because men’s attitudes to worship and new male and female roles in home, Mission Consultant Rev Dr isolated work may have created the they are running a family business expressions of church. work and community. Graham Beattie has looked for fi rst absentee Dads: the father who on Sundays. Others are fi lling the “If those who conduct worship “For example, in congregations historic context to the 2006 left the ‘women’s work’ of shaping shift rosters of various industries and make decisions in the church with a younger age profi le, National Church Life Survey children’s morality and spirituality or caught in the seasonal pressures hold to the traditional view of especially congregations that results for the Queensland Uniting to his wife – and the church. of agriculture. Other men are Christianity and are suspicious are vital and growing we tend Church. “Women made most of the volunteering at the SES, training or nervous of emerging styles of to see a higher proportion of “Th e average of the 165 really vital decisions that have with Rural Fire Brigades or taking Christianity then some people men attending worship, usually congregations surveyed indicated shaped the life of families and local a turn at the Coast Guard. will leave because they cannot see somewhere between 40-45% of the 64% of attendees were female and communities,” he said. Th ey have not rejected God. a fi t between their experience of congregation,” he said. 36% male,” he noted. “As late as the 1970s Australian “I have also observed that some the world and the practices and “While it seems that men are “I suggest that there are some author-psychologist Ronald men are very pragmatic,” she said. thinking of the church,” said Ms more drawn to active, making a strong historical and cultural Conway concluded, ‘Relying on “If church attendance is not Ronalds. diff erence, hands on, outcome factors behind this.” information obtained from tests actually producing anything, they “Perhaps women will sometimes oriented activities where faith Perhaps the modern recreational and hundreds of case histories at cannot see the value of it. stay on for the relationships of is explored and relationships lifestyle actually fl ows from an all levels, I would judge that the “I don’t think less feminine friendships and loyalty to old are developed as a fl ow on (as Australian male culture dating Australian urban family is shaped language in worship will suddenly friends whereas men are more contrasted to more discussion back to early white settlement. At mainly by the emotional pressures enable men to feel a greater sense likely to vote with their feet or centred, relational focused times men outnumbered women generated by the mother in over of belonging. say out loud, ‘I no longer believe activities) men, and especially nine to one. 75% of cases and this trend has “If you take direction, from that’.” men under 45, will attend church Dr Beattie said it could be not reached its climax’.” (Th e Great the boss most of the week, a one Dr Beattie said decades of services where their contributions argued that this lack of female Australian Stupor, Sun Books, 1971, sided conversation in the shape of a Women’s Liberation have created a and missional passions are affi rmed companionship resulted in the p 91). sermon may seem like more of the platform for change in the church. and respected.” mythical Aussie male developing Beyond a national male psyche, same.” He pointed to a high percentage a strong sense of mateship with Ms Ronalds noted that some men Both Ms Ronalds and Dr Beattie of women in the workforce and a

www.journeyonline.com.au Journey, August 2008 7 Removing Check up or check out

By Phil Smith “Men describe their comfort groups often develop a powerful in discussing issues such as sexual ministry. discreet brown MANY STEREOTYPES have a dysfunction, incontinence and the “Th ey are marvellously placed to basis in fact. According to health eff ects of hormone treatments with be supportive at multiple levels for authorities, the traditional wisdom others who have had the experience a man who is seriously ill,” said Dr that Australian men don’t like already and have developed coping Whittaker. wrappers to open up about their personal mechanisms. “Other men can help out with problems is accurate. “A group environment provides the practical physical jobs around THE CONTEMPORARY church Th e XXX Porn Church’s work Th e growing awareness of men’s the opportunity for a greater amount the suff erer’s house if need be, his often quotes the experience of began within the United States’ health issues has served to break of information to be shared and for fellow worshippers certainly can Jesus mixing with prostitutes and pornography industry, befriending some of that silence, as blokes fi nd men to fi nd something valuable be an ear for anything he wishes to publicans. many whose dreams of careers in support when they can talk with amongst the experience of others.” share and provide the bucking up of Our denominational forebears television and the movies ended in others who have ‘been there and Being in a group can be reassuring his spirits if getting low. directly engaged the personal moral an industry that now portrays itself done that’. as individuals hear how similar “Th en there is the whole faith debates of their day, yet churches as mainstream media. Yet the big killers are still hiding others’ experience may be to their underpinning which the church today rarely discuss the impact of Handing out Bibles labelled in the quiet. own. Th is adds to the sense of not off ers - sensitive handling of the one of the fastest growing industries: ‘Jesus Loves Porn Stars’ at the Cancer Research UK has being alone. ‘why me?’ question will be invaluable pornography. biggest pornography convention found that only 52% of men who “I think also that men are getting in the ill man’s capacity to eventually Uniting Church agencies hand in America led to an invitation to found blood in their stool would more acquainted with the benefi t accept and move on knowing that he out material on ethical investment attend a national award ceremony. Photo by Osker Lau immediately go to a doctor to have of having a best mate as a sounding will now view life through a changed at business seminars and on social Th e XXX Porn Church grew this symptom of bowel cancer board,” said Dr Whittaker. perspective; and for one who has welfare and justice at government to provide resources for churches picket and send out letters saying, Porn Boulevard and that can take investigated. Reasons for the “For many men, they often have faith in the life to come, all is not Flowers are nice, but décor by Ducati adds Italian fl are. Greg Trost, Barry and community conferences. prepared to discuss the impact of ‘Don’t visit these hotels because years,” said Mr Gross. Authors of The Porn delay vary from embarrassment in fantastic wives who are as supportive bleak – a tremendously fortuitous Wilson, Andrew Krosch and Malcolm James helped prepare and present Imagine a church booth at porn on individuals and relationships they sell pornography’.” “Take Ted Haggard, president of Report, Professor Alan younger males to fear of the outcome as they can be but there is no doubt position to be in compared to the ‘Adventure Faith’, a Sunday service prepared by the Pine Rivers Uniting the next sex industry ‘Sexpo’ in in congregations. Mr Gross said some hotel chains the Christian Evangelical Network McKee of QUT and of investigations in older males. that psychologically men diff er from atheist. Church men that packed the church in July. Photo by Phil Smith Brisbane? Founder Pastor Craig Gross make more money selling porn than in the United States. His problem UNSW’s Katherine Albury Gary Whittaker, a Brisbane women in how they cognitively and “So the holistic approach from Understanding Pornography describes addiction to pornography they do by selling alcohol and food. came out last year. Th at’s the end, and Catharine Lumby General Practitioner, agrees with emotionally process things.” the church has enormous potential in Australia, was a three year in the Church as our dirty little “Why not just tell our people not but it has stemmed from years of interviewed more than the research. Local churches sponsoring such to enrich and uplift those who fi nd research project that intended to secret. to buy it? If the church just stopped secrecy and addiction. Pastors and 1000 consumers of “Th ere is no doubt that the themselves in serious ill health.” Tall tales tell a truth produce factual information about Speaking during a recent visit to buying this stuff we’d put a huge leaders are not immune to this. pornography. prevailing view amongst men in pornography - how and by whom it Australia, Mr Gross told Journey, “A dent in the business without pickets “We’ve seen great things Since 1996 research general is that we should be as self- By Phil Smith Mr Armstrong recounted how is used in Australia. lot of people within this industry or protests.” happen when you simply say that shows the proportion of suffi cient as possible, and only if young Tom, who had come to faith Th e results indicated that have become friends of ours. We Mr Gross described the big- your church is a safe place to talk women pornography users there is an unavoidable reason to ERIC IS a tradie. He’s an intelligent and joined the congregation about consumption of pornography don’t have to live or act like them name magazines such as Penthouse about this. Th e easy part is actually has risen to 17%. seek the help of others, do we then 35-year-old bloke with a successful four years ago, approached him after is widespread throughout the but they’ve come to respect what we and Playboy as ‘trainer-wheels mentioning porn in a service. present our problems to others. Th is business in a complex and dynamic a service to say, “Th at’s been two community. do.” porn’. Recent coverage of child “Th e hard part comes Monday 16 of the 50 top selling is fi ne if you are trying to put a car industry. great sermons you’ve done so far!” Th is is not a men only issue. XXX Church has had its fair pornography rings illustrate how when the phone calls come and X-Rated DVDs were engine back together,” he said. In the fourth pew from the Th at encounter prompted Peter Women are increasing their use of share of criticism mostly, according widespread hard-core pornography you never thought that person was marketed to women or “Th at little irregular black mole back, Eric is reminded of the Armstrong’s research into what pornography. to one of its Pastors, JR Mahon, has become. struggling with this. couples. on your leg may give you no pain apprenticeship lectures at TAFE makes a sermon “great”. Th e research also indicated from denominational churches that “It’s always going to be available,” “Even if you’re clueless about the Only 17% of consumers of or discomfort, but it will surely college and he’s falling asleep twenty Th e same young man told him, between 40 and 50 percent of either suspect its workers’ motives he said. “It’s going to be more Internet, we all ‘get’ this. We’ve all pornography felt it had a be life threatening if it is indeed minutes into the Sunday sermon “Great sermons connect the story of church members’ households access or prefer to rail against the porn available as years go by, but we have typed in a wrong address, checked negative effect. a melanoma, and you do nothing at River Gum Ridge View Estate faith to my story, give me practical or purchase pornography. industry from a distance. to decide that this isn’t what we our email and found porn. People about it till too late.” Uniting Church. things to think about and act on, Queensland and Western In July Journey the Queensland “Th e adverse reactions came want to put into our lives and stop understand what’s going on today.” Central Queensland Cancer According to Redcliff e Uniting and inspire me to something more, Australia consume more Moderator Rev Dr David Pitman quick and came heavy, and to this consuming. Support Coordinator Caroline Church’s Rev Peter Armstrong, something diff erent to where I am pornography per head commented on television’s impact on day my inbox is fi lled with people “It’s a problem that you can keep More information about the XXX Humphreys confi rmed the need for Eric isn’t like most of the members now.” than any other state or our values, attitudes and lifestyle. that can’t stand us, that hate us, that hidden for a long time. If you’re Porn Church’s work is available a change of habit. of the Uniting Church, but he is like Mr Armstrong’s research involved territory. What is the impact of the wish us to go to hell,” Mr Mahon getting drunk or doing drugs, or you at www.journeyonline.com.au. “Th ere are certainly challenges most of the Generation X males in mapping the personality types of internet and the free availability of told ABC News last year. have a gambling problem and all the Since being uploaded to The profi le of a in engaging men in help-seeking Australia. Australian men aged twenty-fi ve to pornography? “Our biggest critics are money’s gone there are visible signs. JourneyOnline in July 2006, the typical user is: Male, behaviours,” she said. According to the National forty-fi ve. It is almost impossible to ignore Christians.” “Porn addiction you can hide story ‘Christian XXX Web site heterosexual, under 35, Prostate cancer incidence Christian Life Survey the average Th ere appears to have been no material that objectifi es people, Mr Gross continues to get the behind the pulpit, as an elder or a targeting porn industry stirs bringing home $40 000, is almost as high as colorectal, Australian church member is a previous studies on personality encourages lust, demeans sexual love XXX Church’s message to the Sunday School teacher and think controversy’ has had almost suburban, religious – lung cancers and melanomas (in married woman in her fi fties, types and temperament within the and leaves thousands wracked by church community. that nobody knows. 7700 hits. The next most probably Christian and in a men) combined. Support groups someone of a generation who would Australian church. guilt and loneliness. Yet this subject “I get frustrated with groups in “But when this comes to the popular story on JourneyOnline monogamous relationship. surrounding prostate cancer have listen to the message from the pulpit, Mr Armstrong found the largest is taboo in church. the United States that lobby and surface you’ve reached the end of has had 4600 hits. proven valuable in breaking down and either take it or leave it. Eric group of men he spoke to were what some of the taboos, according to Ms wants to think his way through that is known as Sensing-Judging and Humphreys. message, ask some questions and see Th inking-Judging men. Th ey are Sometimes shed happens Photo courtesy of sxc.hu how it works in his daily life. concrete in their thinking, drawing Mr Armstrong thinks Eric’s heavily on what can be seen, heard, By Phil Smith “Th is is an opportunity for us to Established six years ago, it opens Is Sunday worship a manly question is more often “who is touched and experienced. go beyond ‘doing’ church and actually two days each week. Is Sunday worship a manly Is Sunday worship a manly experience for you? telling me this” and “will this work Th e bottom line may be that a EVERY CONGREGATION ‘be’ church, opening ourselves to Fully equipped with quality experience for you? experience for you? for me?” than it is “what is truth”? message with a story of concrete knows there are thousands of people meet our neighbours beyond our tools and machinery, it exists to I have never thought of my “Th is generation, especially the experience, that fi res the imagination, The short More the in their neighbourhoods who will building’s walls,” he said. “contribute to a better community Sunday worship as a “manly blokes, want to know who you are and calls hearers to action appeals to answer is fellowship experience”, possibly because never darken the door of a church. Th e Brisbane City Council ethos through community service before they accept what you believe,” the largest group of male listeners. yes. Setting after the of the way I have lived my life. On the other hand, they feel has contributed $400 000 toward while promoting the Christian said Mr Armstrong. Th at would qualify many of aside the service. What is a manly experience? welcome in a shed. shed programs and a number of values of tolerance, acceptance and After more than a year of study, the great sermons of the New question David Is it going to the pub with your Consequently, the Uniting Queensland church congregations inclusion.” of what workmates, or is it focussing on and a year’s worth of weekly sermons, Testament. Church has become a national are in discussions with local Organisers welcome individuals Close of Mr Armstrong has concluded that “Th is isn’t only about keeping constitutes Kallangur family life? I worshipped with my driving force in the Men’s Shed councils. of all ages and gender to meet in a being wife and children, and ensured Australian men want to hear a good them awake on Sundays,” said Mr movement. Men’s Sheds range from highly friendly environment to take part in “manly”, my that my children were nurtured story from the pulpit, not a lecture; Armstrong. As the song says, “Every Aussie structured programs with well personal and community projects. attendance in the faith. Now as a widower, action possibilities, not concepts or “If there are lessons to be learned boy needs a shed”, and it seems girls equipped facilities for wood and Mr Lippiatt said highlights in precepts. about reconnecting with a group at Saturday evening worship Is Sunday worship a manly my church enjoy them too. metal working, through to regular Sunnybank this year included the “Preaching has always been central that are turning away from church is a chance to commune experience for you? family means Allied with community groups get-togethers around a barbecue interdenominational women’s group with God in the fellowship everything to spreading the Good News,” he we might be able to apply those from RSL to local government and with no aim other than having a Aglow making use of the local shed of other believers. My What’s to me, and said. “But while the news has always preaching lessons to the whole service clubs, churches have been yarn and perhaps rediscovering to run morning teas and welcome suggestion to my gender a manly the frailer been good, the sermons haven’t. A worship service, discipling young helping create safe places where mateship. African women migrants who face is to give it a try. You might experience? and older I good yarn has a beginning, a middle men and equipping them for people can learn skills, meet friends Th e shed movement has social and language obstacles. enjoy the experience. Don become, the and an end – a point listeners can evangelism among their mates.” Cliff and John build friendships and other stuff in the Berry Uniting Church and discuss the questions of life. blossomed in New South Wales “Conversational English classes more I rely work through and take away – but Sermons talk the talk, but do Henry Scheuber of Bowden of men’s shed in New South Wales. Around the country, sheds are Sunnybank Uniting Church’s where one of the most successful seem much more accessible in a on Jesus. how rare are the ‘Ah ha’ moments they encourage listeners to walk the Rockhampton Warner connecting congregations to their communities. Robert Lippiatt volunteers in a local examples is the Berry Uniting community shed than in a church Ron Stewart of Rockhampton for our congregations?” walk? Visit www.berrymensshed.com.au for more information. Photo by Tom Darby Men’s Shed. Church Men’s Shed. building.” 8 Journey, August 2008 www.journeyonline.com.au www.journeyonline.com.au Journey, August 2008 9 Do you think church worship Real men eat quiche appeals to men? By Mardi Lumsden “I look at some of the great men of the Bible, like King David. TO FOOTBALL fans all around “He was a warrior, a leader, a Australia the name Jason Stevens worshipper, a king. He was also will ring more than a bell. very compassionate and had a great But there is more than football understanding of his God. to this former international rugby “God is not asking men to league player (231 1st grade games, conform to a wimpy image but a 14 tests for Australia, and 8 State strong image. of Origins for New South Wales) Mr Stevens suggested looking and 2005 runner up Cleo Bachelor in a local congregation for of the Year. inspirational male role models. Th ese days Mr Stevens is “I think there is enough in the I had a male Christian somewhat of a role model for Bible and enough men in church colleague who would say to young men. who really encourage men to me, “Lyn, I just love Sunday. He is a motivational speaker, TV become who they are meant to be Going to church is the highlight personality, author of two books and and not a wimpy image of what a of my week”. These men are has just released a documentary. Christian is.” the exceptions. Congregating A committed Christian, Mr He also suggested looking at the at sporting events is more Stevens said there are a lot of issues National Rugby League members. appealing to a large majority that face young men today and he “Th ere is a whole host of NRL of men. aims to help them deal with some Christian footballers now. Lyn Steadman of of life’s challenges. “Blokes like Brad Th orne from Rockhampton He cited fatherlessness as one of the Broncos and PJ Marsh. the hardest things to deal with as a “Th ey are physically very strong young man, and he would know. men, but then when they speak Do you think going to church His new book Stand Tall features about the love of Christ, wow, appeals to men? a chapter called ‘Th e Destiny there is a side to them where you Decider’ that focuses on the say, ‘that is a man’! Someone who relationship between Mr Stevens does as the occasion demands and and his own father. is a strong male role model.” “I hadn’t seen him for a long “Sometimes as a footballer you time; he left under some pretty do the hard yards on the fi eld, but tough circumstances when I was if you do the hard yards with God it young, and so that is a good chapter is very worthwhile and you become on reconciliation and forgiveness,” who you are destined to be.” he said. “I think that is the most And as far as being a role model powerful chapter in the book.” Author, motivational speaker and Ex-footballer Jason Stevens. for young men is concerned, Mr Photo courtesy of Jason Stevens “I think a lot of young men Stevens said there are a few key are yearning for affi rmation and men. Th at is a real challenge for that makes a decision to commit to ingredients. confi rmation from a male fi gure in young men. one partner for life.” “I think accountability is the their life and I guess God ordained “Th e other issue would be sex, His fi rst book Worth the Wait key, and openness and honesty. the Dad and the family to be that,” to be honest, and proving your explores this topic. “If you are going to succeed he said. manhood in that way. For Mr Stevens being a Christian in any area of life… you need to “Sometimes the father can be “For young guys it is a real battle is a very manly thing. be accountable, so too with your “The traditional style of worship at home but he is not at home, he to stay pure and it is not for the “To be a Christian is not for spiritual life.” does not. doesn’t know how to encourage, he faint hearted. I think anyone can the faint hearted. It is a real life For more information visit doesn’t meet the needs of young go and have sex, but it is a real man decision of focus,” he said. www.jasonstevens.info “When I think about worship it’s associated with emotion, and that’s not considered manly.

Is Sunday worship a manly Do you think church Do you think “Australian males can’t relate experience for you? worship appeals to going to church to, and associate church with men? appeals to “It should be. I wonder why our daily social activities. men? church men don’t get more No, because men have “Services don’t have the male involved in things like sport tough exteriors and don’t “Not in its bonding material. Blokes don’t or rotary clubs. Perhaps we want to be emotionally present form.” normally sit around and sing should.” attached. hymns.” Bill Lucas of Steve Crowther of Amy Myers of Kallangur Burdekin Burdekin Andrew Domanti of Burdekin

From Page 1 “As an elder, I realised that about engaging men in the life the church’s next generation lie in In the majority of congregations everything I was doing was of the church, and particularly in focusing on men at least as much as “worship” translates as Sunday IN HIS last face to face conversation keeping me from having the weekly worship? we have focused on youth? service, and the 200-year-old with the disciples, Jesus entrusted adventure God wanted me to have. Mr Murrow quotes research Men’s ministry appears to be struggle to attract people to ‘come those men with the future of the All the committees I was on, all that appears to ring true. in decline around the western to church’ in this country. Church. He did not command the meetings I attended were not “A survey of young people who world. Global organisations Perhaps more men (and women them to join a committee. He making disciples, not moving the grew up in the church found that such as Promise Keepers report for that matter) will seek an challenged them to go on the Kingdom forward.” when Dad was heavily involved smaller attendances at events and experience of God in churches that adventure of their lives, into the How might the men of the and perceived as being the spiritual conferences. are trying to reverse that process, world, to make disciples. Uniting Church bring their six- driver in the family, the children Even at a congregational level building congregations that worship Mr Murrow insists there’s a day-a-week passions, indeed their – both boys and girls – were much only a small proportion of male in ‘the real world’ – the Monday to similar challenge in the language God-given testosterone, to the life more likely to remain faithful as members attend Friday or Saturday Saturday, shift working, mortgage Jesus uses in John chapter 15 when of their congregations? adults. night activity-based Men’s Groups. paying, sales driven world. he says, “Every branch that does Th e sad fact is that we are not “When either the husband Recreating the Youth Group for When that gap is bridged, more not bear fruit will be cut off ”. the same people Monday to Friday didn’t go to church or the mother blokes does not necessarily lead to energy might go into making “Our churches are full of as we are at the Sunday service. Our was really the one driving and the discipleship. disciples. fruitless branches. We have so many friends from outside church (if we husband passively went along to Th e challenge is to engage men When Christian men are free to ministries that are not producing have any) would not recognise our services, she was much less likely at the very heart of church life, be themselves in both the church fruit, not producing disciples. Th at behaviour and that has nothing to to see her children stay faithful as the core business where regular and the workplace, they may be was my crisis of faith a few years do with moral or ethical integrity. adults, particularly the boys.” members, visitors and newcomers better able to invite their mates to ago,” said Mr Murrow. Why is this writer so concerned Is one of the keys to growing are: worship. experience faith. 10 Journey, August 2008 www.journeyonline.com.au Travelling light: letting go of emotional baggage

By Mardi Lumsden “Letting go isn’t an easy thing, By holding on to emotional Ms Matheson suggested “Some people use exercises like like a click of the fi ngers, but it baggage it is possible to hinder the some steps for working through writing a letter to the person but JUST THE mention of the term might be something that needs to growth of healthy relationships. emotional baggage are: never sending it or even burning ‘emotional baggage’ has the ability be worked through even just in “If you have been burnt, 1. Identifying what the problem it. to make friends shudder and send yourself,” she said. particularly if you have been burnt is – who is it that has hurt you, “One lady I worked with had lost potential suitors (yes, suitors) Ms Matheson defi ned emotional a few times, you might develop an how have they hurt you, what are a baby… she wrote a poem about running for the nearest exit, but baggage as any kind of unresolved over protectiveness of yourself. you holding on to and what are you the child, folded up the paper into what does it mean and how can we confl ict or problem from the past “You might end up restricting hoping for? a paper boat and set the boat off on deal with it? such as a trauma or being burnt by your experience and being wary of 2. Deciding what is useful to a lake. Th at was very meaningful Counselling psychologist Naomi someone. people, so your anxiety about being you. for her.” Matheson (a Christian) said “It could be something in hurt gets generalised across a lot of 3. Working through the issues. As a Christian, Ms Matheson dealing with emotional baggage yourself or in your relationship people instead of being specifi c just Th rough the process of looking said just the knowledge of the love usually involves letting go of past with someone else that has been to those people who had hurt you through past hurts there are often of a higher power can help. hurts. left unresolved,” she said. in the past. important lessons to learn. “Jesus was a perfect example of Ms Matheson said that there reconciliation. are parts of emotional baggage that “You know your worth because are worth holding on to and that it God defi nes your worth and he has is possible to reconcile ourselves to decided that you are of great worth a life that includes some emotional because he created you and desires baggage. a relationship with you. “Keep what is useful to you and “I wonder if sometimes people get rid of what’s not,” she said. misunderstand what being a “If there are any barriers holding Christian is. you back from moving… then they “Th ey think that it means letting need to be worked through and people walk all over you. resolved. “You are worth the same as “If it is a relationship with other people. someone where they aren’t “Love your neighbour as you interested in saying sorry or they love yourself. may have passed away so you never “So when you are working to got the chance to sort it out, there reconcile an issue, you approach it might be a process that you work with the knowledge that that other through for yourself to acknowledge person is loved by God and you what the hurt is, to accept it.” are loved by God, so it is an even She said some of the counselling playing fi eld.” exercises she may use include This article was fi rst published in imagining you are having a The Transit Lounge, the Uniting conversation with the person who Church National Assembly hurt you, saying all the things you online publication. have not been able to say. For more interesting and thought provoking articles visit Christian and counselling psychologist Naomi Matheson. Photo by Osker Lau www.thetransitlounge.com.au.

Day ‘Heart of the City’ festivities Elders took part by processing that culminated at Roma Street with the Holy Bible, candles, and Albert Street unites world youth Parklands. bowls of water. National fl ags waved and songs Two young adults from the Th e answer is energy, enthusiasm, adults crammed into the Albert were sung spontaneously in diff er- congregation read the Scripture By Rev Anne Hulbert excitement, expressions of joy, Street Uniting Church on Saturday ent languages as the congregation lessons. ecumenism. 12 July for the Brisbane Days in waited for a coordinated signal to Th e Guy Sebastian and Gary WHAT DID World Youth Day Th e electric atmosphere was the Diocese Prayer Time. start the worship service. Pinto song Receive the Power and and Albert Street Uniting Church contagious as approximately one It was one of fi ve ecumenical In what must have been a fi rst Michael Mangan’s song Holy have in common? thousand (mostly Catholic) young church venues in the World Youth for many who came to Australia Spirit Land reverberated around to participate in World Youth the church and shouts of joy were Day and who visited Brisbane raised as countries were recognised prior to travelling to Sydney, these in the verses. Catholic young people had their As the service fi nished, all eyes opened. proceeded out to be sprinkled Th ey worshipped in a Protestant by the water from the baptismal church, in an Australian church bowls and then waited in the new (Th e Uniting Church in Australia), plaza area in front of the church to and in a service led by two women join the fi ve thousand other people ‘priests’, Rev Lyn Burden and Rev marching up to the festival in the Anne Hulbert, the Ministers at the Roma Street Parklands. Albert Street Uniting Church.

Somerville House Associate Chaplain (Middle School) This is a permanent full-time position, commencing 19 January 2009.

Somerville House is seeking an energetic and committed Christian teacher to fi ll the role of Associate Chaplain. The role teaches Christian Education, predominantly in the Middle School, and has Chaplaincy responsibilities in the Middle School and with Boarders. The Associate Chaplain will be fully committed to team ministry and have a willingness to develop and share resources and ideas. The role requires a person with genuine interest in ministry to young women. The position description, together with application requirements, may be found on the School’s website. Applications close 4 August 2008 and should be sent to [email protected] or to Mrs D Porteous, World Youth Day pilgrims march to Roma Street Parklands to enjoy the ‘Heart of the City’ celebrations in Brisbane. Human Resources Administrative Offi cer, Photo courtesy of the Brisbane WYD Secretariat. PO Box 3357, South Brisbane, Qld 4101 www.wydbrisbane.org.au Somerville House was established in 1899, a P-12 boarding & day school for girls and is a member of the Presbyterian & Methodist Schools’ Association. J16382

www.journeyonline.com.au Journey, August 2008 11 Doulos’ fi nal WHAT’S ON Aussie tour August 1-3. Faith Inkubators Conference at Redeemer College, Rochedale. An event for parents and leaders interested in ministry THE WORLD’S largest and with upper primary children. Discover how to eff ectively respond to oldest fl oating bookshop will be the challenges of working with children today. Mobilise your church docking in Brisbane once more community to incubating faith every night at home. Contact Paul this August before resting her sea Yarrow on 0418 765 712 or [email protected]. legs for good. Th e MV Doulos is listed in the August 2, 9.30am-3pm. Old-Fashioned Village Fair at Chermside Guinness Book of World Records Kedron Community Church. Come and experience pony rides, the as the “World’s Oldest Ocean- animal farm, and traditional stalls. Entertainment includes magician, Going Passenger Ship” still active. Mango Jam Jazz band, fl oral demonstration by Robert Manton, Run by OM Australia, Doulos quilting displays, children’s activities. For more information contact carries more than 6000 diff erent Doulos volunteers display national dress. Photo courtesy of Jiamin Choo the church on 3350 4302 or Kendall Yates on [email protected]. books and has a staff of 330 Christian volunteers from around guided tours of the historic vessel faith in God and a commitment to August 2, 5pm. Induction of Rev Mark Dewar at Aitkenvale Uniting 50 countries, including Australia. while docked. bring knowledge, help and hope to Church, Ross River Rd Townsville. Come and celebrate this joyous Last in Brisbane nine years Doulos Project Manager Jiamin the nations,” she said. occasion with Mark and enjoy fellowship later over supper. Contact ago, Doulos travels the world as a Choo said the ship was a celebration “Doulos, her ministry and Rev Bruce Cornish on 47795818 or [email protected]. fl oating book shop and off ers an of unity in diversity. crew carry a wealth of stories and onboard education program and “Th e ship bears a testimony of experiences.” August 15-17. A La Card Craft Retreat at Tamborine Lodge, MV Doulos will be berthed at Mount Tamborine. Meet new friends and enjoy a great weekend of Portside Wharf, Hamilton Brisbane craft. Various demonstrations and great prizes. Hosted by Beenleigh Christian Book of the Year from 31 July to 18 August. Uniting Church. For more information or a registration form contact For more information visit Vicki Stewart on 3807 3324. THE SHORT list for the Australian Christian Book of the Year awards www.doulosdownunder.org.au was announced in July. or email doulos.brisbane@ August 17-22. YASKI 2008. YASKI is for young adults, families and Judges appointed by the Australian Christian Literature Society gbaships.org adults at Perisher Blue. Detailed information can be downloaded identifi ed ten books for the short list including many that have been from www.cleveland.ucaweb.com.au or email YASKI coordinator reviewed in Journey. Supporting founders Beth Nicholls on [email protected]. Th e winner will be announced at an event in Sydney during August when winners of the Young Christian Writers Award and the Australian THE QUEENSLAND Com- August 19, 9.30am. UCA International Mission Support Group Th eological Writers Award will also be announced. munity Care Network is looking meeting at St Andrew’s Church hall, Ann Street, Brisbane. Dr Th e fi nalists are: for caring people who wish to Suranjan Bhattacharji, Director of the Christian Medical College 666 And All Th at by John Dickson and Greg Clarke (Aquila Press) give back to an integral part of our Vellore, India, will speak. Contact Judith Finau on 3711 4622 or God Next Door by Simon Carey Holt (Acorn Press) community: elderly Australians. ljfi [email protected]. Heart of Stone by Hoa Van Stone (Heart of Stone) Often older Australians living Men Firing Th rough all of Life by Al Stewart (Blue Bottle Books) in aged care facilities can become August 21-23 Rummage Sale at Uhl Hall, Wheller Gardens, 930 My Seventh Monsoon by Naomi Reed (Ark House Press) disconnected from the community Gympie Rd. Chermside, featuring pre-loved clothes, knick-knacks, Please! No More Boring Sermons by Keith Weller (Acorn Press) and QCCN seeks volunteers who books. Half price sale Saturday - except Craft. Contact M. Herbert Psalmscapes by Mal Austin and Matthew Jacoby (HSM Publishing) can visit them as a friend for one on 38574668 or [email protected] Shocked by Blessing by Rod Th ompson and Carolyn Kelshaw (National hour a fortnight to reconnect Institute for Christian Education) them. August 22, 7.30pm. Jubilee Australia seminar on the Millenium Spectator’s Guide to World Views edited by Simon Smart (Blue Bottle For more information contact Goals at Kenmore Uniting Church. Adele Webb and Joff re Balce, Books) Jill or Kieran on 3804 3829 a former economics advisor to the Philippines government, will Courtesy of By Christian Knowledge-Australia or [email protected] or visit speak about debt reduction. Contact Dawn Langford on langfords@ For more information on the awards visit www.spcka.org.au www.qccn.org.au askandrew.net.

August 23, 6pm. Create youth service at Wesley Kangaroo Point Uniting Church, 46-48 Linton St Kangaroo Point. Everyone welcome. Contact John Bednarski on 32618775 or [email protected].

August 24. A Celebration of more than 50 years of Bardon Uniting Church, formerley Bardon Methodist Church, closing at the end of August. Th is celebration will refl ect the positive eff ect of signifi cant life and faith experiences at Bardon for many people. For more information contact Desley Garnett on 3254 1449 or drgarn@ bigpond.net.au.

August 29-30. Prepare and Enrich Administrator training at Mackay Baptist Church. Contact Bob Warrick on 3857 7101 or [email protected].

August 30, 9.30am. If Jesus is a mate, why don’t blokes go to church seminar at Redcliff e Uniting Church, 1 Richens Street, Redcliff e. What do we know about Aussie blokes, faith, and the church and what don’t we know. Th e hat will be passed around to cover costs. An optional lunch at ‘the local’ will follow. Contact Rev Peter Armstrong on 0407119498 or [email protected].

September 4-5. Prepare and Enrich Administrator training at Chermside Kedron Community Church, Rode Road and Gympie Road. Run by Bob Warrick. Contact Bob Warrick on 3857 7101 or [email protected].

September 11 - 13, Laidley Uniting Church Quilt and Craft Expo. 45 Patrick Street Laidley. Demonstrations and stalls of pottery, cards, patchwork and quilting, beading, porcelain dolls, woodturning, machine embroidery and more. Displays of restored cars, tractors and trucks. Morning and Afternoon teas and lunches available. Th urs and Fri 9am-5.30pm and Sat 9am-3pm. Contact Robyn Muller A/H on 5466 5436 or [email protected]. Want to promote an event? Go to www.journeyonline.com.au and click on ‘What’s On’

12 Journey, August 2008 www.journeyonline.com.au MEN: Firing through all of Head and Heart - American Life Christianities By Al Stewart By Garry Wills Blue Bottle Books Th e Penguin Press REVIEWS RRP $19.95 RRP $56.95 through Vision Books at Broadwater Road Top Gear - Th e Challenges Th is is an easy-to-read book for Uniting Church. Executive Producer: Andy men asking questions. Wilman What is life all about? How did Th e separation of church and state BBC I get here? What do I do with the is highly topical. Pulitzer-Prize Rated PG rest of my life? Where exactly did winning history professor and my 30s or 40s go? How come every journalist Garry Wills attributes Th is DVD is the ultimate show day seems the same? the high religiosity of the US to its for car enthusiasts, with seven Questions about marriage and separation of church and state. challenges for the BBC’s Top Gear family, jobs, success and failure, and He describes early Methodists’ team – Jeremy Clarkson, Richard God are sometimes unexpected. fervour in detail, quoting a source Hammond and James May. Al Stewart suggests that who said that “During a particularly Th e challenges provide three sometimes the wrong reactions to Bishop Stewart taps a number ferocious storm it used to be said, hours of action. It is competitive, life’s questions can have disastrous of exciting prospects in learning ‘Th ere’s nobody out tonight but hilarious, sometimes dangerous results for our lives, and for the to live by trust in God: joy and crows and Methodist preachers.’ and sometimes humiliating for lives of others. gratitude, not life crushing rules, He then unites “head and heart” those involved. Men looking for answers or freedom from looking sideways all in the religion of Lincoln and black Space Shuttle Episode: Richard Plan Be: Be the change you who want to fi x something will the time and freedom from worry anti-slavery campaigner Frederick and James try to create the fi rst car fi nd this book useful. Sections on about the future. Douglass. want to see in the world space shuttle from a Robin Reliant. midlife, the Good News and the Author Al Stewart is the TheTranscendentalist-Evan- By Dave Andrews Th is foolhardy venture into fl ight, search for answers are based on Bishop of Wollongong, an active gelical and the Evangelical- Authentic Media wind tunnels and remote control Old Testament teaching from the sportsman who loves the outdoors Transcendentalist, white and black, RRP $13.95 requires further development of Book of Ecclesiastes. and has used his life experiences in can know and love each other, landing techniques. Th ey could well be used as small the writing of this book. the two poles of head and heart It is always good to read a book Amphibian Episode: Th e team group study notes. A book for Aussie men, written complementing and confi rming that demands we ‘walk the talk’. is challenged to turn three normal MEN: Firing through all of Life by an Aussie who is not afraid to each other even in the apocalyptic Th e hard part is what follows; the cars into amphibians. Help comes asks the big question about men’s open up about changes as men age, fanaticism of the US Civil War. application bit. from amateurs and the world’s best midlife - is it half full or half and who knows mid-life is the “half Mr Wills weaves into a Dave Andrews’ authority comes boat makers. empty. Stewart writes about God’s full glass” for your eternity coherent whole a bewildering from years of walking the talk both To win, the driver must pilot plan for our eternity and radical Reviewed by John D. Hoens, a array of modern religious actors, locally and internationally. his car-boat from one side of a two solutions that men need to apply in worship leader at Pine Rivers Dwight Moody, John Nelson It’s why his new book Plan Be mile wide reservoir to the other. their life’s walk. Uniting Church Darby, the Scopes lawyers on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) Limo Episode: Jeremy, Richard debating creationism in schools, rings so true. and James transform three cars fundamentalist theologians, as well It’s why his thoughts feel so into limousines. Th e action gets Th e Big Questions for the as relating the Social Gospel and fresh and why the illustrations hit competitive as the limos are Little People Prohibitionist origins of feminism home. By the close of my reading, forced to turn tight circles, dodge By Bill Adams in the late 19th century. the clarion call of each Beatitude paintballs and navigate obstacles Self Published (Available via He also articulates the US civil had shaken my bland assumptions, including a water jet and stingers. [email protected]) rights battles of the 1960s and lazy middle class values and fairly Th is is only the start of the RRP $8.00 the modern recognition of rights, shallow ways of relating to others. challenges as the limos are later before closing in Chapter 20 with As I followed Mr Andrews’ used to transport three celebrities In this small book Bill Adams “Th e Karl Rove era”, referring to thoughts, I was recaptured by the to the Brit Awards. Will the stars takes us on a journey through his the former advisor to George W. radical nature of the Beatitudes. make it to the red carpet on time, life and experience as a person Bush. “Ecumenical Karl” united He allows Jesus’ teaching to if at all? who believes in God. He tells us extreme evangelicals and radical speak for itself. Parkour Episode: A Peugot 207 stories about himself and those Catholics through drawing out Th e Beatitudes remind us races two exponents of Parkour, the who have infl uenced him, and and magnifying controversial that faith in Jesus cannot remain sport of leaping across rooftops, uses them to illustrate the broad matters like abortion and stem-cell private. For faith to exist, it must across Liverpool. James attempts to tenets of his belief. research. have a public aspect. It demands a prove that cars are faster than men It is a gentle yet robust way of Head and Heart provides a public response. in silly trousers. demonstrating the lived reality of a person of faith. detailed history and conceptual In Plan Be, Mr Andrews Race from Alba Episode: Mr Adams invites us to share his exploration of the ‘big questions’, unity before plunging into modern reminds us that the Beatitudes are James and Richard team up to beat from a Christ-centric perspective, canvassing the existence of God, controversy. Given Wills’ depth much more than ‘good ideas’ to be Jeremy in a race to take a truffl e God as a Father fi gure, whether God can be known, why we are here, of both history and journalistic occasionally referred to. Th ey are from southern Italy to a restaurant whether there is life after death and whether God guides us. experience, it would be hard to fi nd core practical principles, the model, in London. James and Richard Instead of providing determinative answers (except for a defi nite a better guide to the separation of the framework by which we are set take the option of fl ying a Cessna “I don’t know” to the life after death one), Mr Adams allows his story church and state and hence US on our way to ‘follow’ Christ. 182 while Jeremy drives the worlds answer the questions. He is careful to emphasise however that his Christianity, which is founded Keen to facilitate action (and fastest, most lavish supercar the stories cannot be used as a substitute for the reader’s own exploration upon it, and incorporated in the inspire the reader), Mr Andrews Bugatti Veyron. of faith. Th ere are no pat answers here, just an earnest exploration of Australian Constitution. lays out practical tips to begin the In Th e Challenges the Top Gear the issues surrounding the questions. Reviewed by Tom Spencer, a journey, and to allow Jesus’ teaching team attack everything thrown Th is approach acts like a conversation with the author, and the member of The Gap Uniting to infuse our daily lives. their way with enthusiasm and further you get in to Th e Big Questions for the Little People, the more Church and a lawyer interested At the close he also includes an a never say never attitude. Great eff ective it becomes. in church/state relations excellent glossary of projects and fun! After Chapter 1, I was not sure whether I was on the same wave groups to engage with and begin. Reviewed by Daniel Krause, length, but by Chapter 2 I was hooked. Plan Be is not a long book. It a student and revhead It is here that Mr Adams writes: doesn’t need to be. “In my experience very few people come to faith in God through Mr Andrews does us all a favour the classic arguments. Most of us come from a kind of spiritual by reminding us concisely of the intuition backed up by signifi cant experiences like confrontations centrality of the Beatitudes to Jesus’ with reality, or exposure to a moral universe, or personal encounters, teaching, their core principles, and or moments of mystery.” how they can help us engage, serve His focus on the personal experience of faith and the way that the and participate in the world we big questions intersect with this, as an individual and community, will dwell in. be recognised and appreciated by many within the church. Th is is an ideal book for small I think Mr Adams’ approach will resonate for most people, groups that are looking to be especially those who cannot quite see how the formal theology of the motivated to ‘Be the Change’. church and their own lived faith actually intersect. www.wecan.be Th is is a nice bridge builder; the questions at the end of each chapter Plan Be is available at Koorong would certainly be conversation starters in small group discussions. Books and Word bookstores. Reviewed by Heather den Houting, Reviewed by Mr Ian Loom, intern minister at Kenmore Uniting Church an RE teacher in Brisbane

www.journeyonline.com.au Journey, August 2008 13 10 August: Bulimba Uniting Church Our area was once confi ned to the PRAYER DIARY suburban enclave bordered partly by the meandering Brisbane River. Th e Callide Valley is in the Rev Peter Taubner, who lives in Rich in early Brisbane history, Banana Shire, west of Gladstone. Moura, is our ninister, allocating today we serve a much wider Coal mining, beef production, his time between the Callide and community. power generation, dryland and Dawson Valley Churches. Prominent at the roundabout irrigated cropping are the Shire’s Please pray for his ministry on a major intersection, our church major industries. of leadership amongst us and for regularly attracts visitors, and the All our services are traditional spiritual direction. occasional “church shopper”. in style and presentation, with We recently welcomed Pastor We have a small band of senior music, prayers, bible readings and Karyl Davison into our midst, as members. Incredibly dedicated, a message. the Rural Ministry Coordinator generous, and faithful, they are an We often rely on willing lay for the Central Queensland and inspiration. preachers. Mary-Burnett Presbyteries (a joint We ask for prayers for elderly In Biloela, Sunday services are Synod and Presbytery placement). folk – no matter where they worship held at 8.30am with morning tea Karyl is based in Biloela, helps Toowoomba candidates for confi rmation. Photo by Derek Curnow – for the wonderful examples afterwards. Holy Communion out with services in the Callide they provide, and the worthwhile is usually celebrated on the 4th Valley and supports other rural Confi rmation shows life works contribution they make to any faith Sunday. areas. community. In Wowan, Sunday services are She organises training courses, TOOWOOMBA’S LIFEWORKS Uniting Church recently celebrated a Our congregation consists celebrated at 10.45am on the 2nd and is involved in developing lay huge confi rmation service. mostly of families with growing and 4th Sundays of each month. ministry teams throughout the two Twelve new members were received into membership, with one mature children and young teenagers. Occasional services of Holy Presbyteries. lady and eleven more youthful members making their vows. We seek prayers for constant Communion are held in the Lawgi We support two School Th e Easter morning service was the culmination of six months of wisdom and guidance in the task Community Hall at 7.30pm Chaplains, linked to Scripture preparation. of parenting. followed by a light supper. Union, and administered by a local Minister at Lifeworks, Rev David Ellis, praised the persistence and Our successful ongoing Friday Ecumenically, we share a weekly Chaplaincy Committee. commitment of the class and their mentors and teachers. night P1 program for children 9am devotional service with the Th e Biloela High School Each of the new members was given the right hand of fellowship and a leaving primary school (sometimes folk at the Lutheran Church Chaplain is wholly community gift by the mentor who had supported them through their preparation. 15 to 20 children) has prompted us Retirement Village, off ering Holy funded, while the other chaplain Th is support was thought to be a key to the success of the process. to begin a follow-on program. Communion to the residents once receives federal government Following the service, a celebration cake was shared in the church hall. ‘Jonah’s’ is for Year 8 and 9 a month. funding to serve six primary Th e classes used adapted studies originally prepared by Rev Paul Jensen, students. ‘Encounter’ is our ministry schools. of Middle Ridge UC in Toowoomba. Classes were led by Lifeworks Our long-standing teenage activity to older folk in our Please also pray for those in our Elders. youth group ‘BUGS’, catering Biloela centre. A dedicated group region and elsewhere still dealing mostly for unchurched youth, now of volunteers plan and provide a with the eff ects of drought and The chaplain who wears two hats meets every second Friday. monthly program of variety and who need plentiful rain. Please pray for all churched and enjoyment. www.callidevalley.ucaweb.com.au CHAPLAIN NEVILLE Wilson, unchurched children and youth in his line of duty as a Royal Flying and their dedicated leaders, seeking Doctor Service pilot, was tasked to know Christ. to transport a seriously ill prisoner Current outreach includes an from a northern jail to Brisbane for ecumenical undertaking with the hospitalisation recently. local Baptist church conducting He was able to make himself an adapted Alpha course, “Alpha known to the prisoner and Lite”, for residents at the nearby escorting offi cer as a chaplain at Clem Jones Home, and our strong the Capricorn Correctional Centre involvement with local school before the fl ight commenced. chaplains. He was encouraged by the We have recently resumed our respectful attitude of the escorting “Foodbank” project, providing offi cer towards the prisoner. groceries for those in need. Being an aviation enthusiast Let us all pray for the needs himself, the offi cer took the trouble of others; those we already know to talk the inmate through each Pilot Neville Wilson, this is your about, and those we are yet to The school bell tolls for Mike Millard and Cathy Hockey. phase of the fl ight from takeoff chaplain speaking discover. May each one of us be Photo courtesy of Calvary Christian College to landing, and assisting with alert and discreet in responding in unloading the patient and stretcher the ways of Christ. off the aircraft into the waiting The very big To the Principal’s offi ce ambulance. 17 August: Th is man was obviously in cosmic picture Callide Valley IT WAS AN emotional time have had the privilege of serving a God’s care with a medical team, for students, parents and staff at wonderful community and now it’s an escorting offi cer and a Chaplain FOR THE fi rst time ever, on Uniting Church Calvary Christian College as they time for me to move on,” he said. accompanying him all the way to Sunday 31 August Queensland Th e Callide Valley Uniting Church bade farewell to their Principal, Cathy Hockey took up the Brisbane for medical care. Churches Together (QCT) will has worship centres in Biloela Mike Millard, after more than ten principal’s duties at the end of July. Mr Wilson is one of many join with the Greek Orthodox and Wowan. Occasional worship years. Ms Hockey has a background in Uniting Church chaplains available Church to commemorate the services are held at Lawgi. We are Th e school is a ministry of teaching special education, primary, to use their pastoral skills in very Orthodox Day of Prayer for the part of the Presbytery of Central Logan Uniting Church. secondary and remedial education. diff erent circumstances in their Protection of the Environment. Queensland. “Over the past ten or so years I daily work. Th e public service will be held at 6pm in the Greek Orthodox Church of St George, Edmonstone Street, South Brisbane. Th e homily will take the theme of “Th e Cosmic Dimensions of What We do”. QCT General Secretary Glenine Hamlyn explained. “Th e Orthodox understanding of creation and human responsibility is holistic and inseparable from the theology of salvation.” Th e special environmental prayer service marks the beginning of the liturgical day and the Orthodox ecclesial year.

14 Journey, August 2008 www.journeyonline.com.au Gandhi was not above leading Organists develop skills in the sun large marches and demonstrations intended to frighten the authorities A GROUP of six enthusiastic organists from the Sunshine Coast met LETTERS into changing the law. at Nambour Uniting Church between April and June for a course on Mr Dowling said: “Dietrich the art of organ playing conducted by members of the Organ Society of Bonhoff er himself never renounced Queensland. TV sparks interest thought out and presented. And his pacifi sm, despite being a part of Th e tutorials focused on the special skills required for playing at this last issue is special. a plot to kill Hitler.” services of worship including topics such as adapting keyboard skills I have just fi nished reading your I was particularly impressed If true, Bonhoff er stands from piano to organ, playing the pedals, understanding registration, last issue. by the back page. Th is area is convicted of hypocrisy. selecting stops, playing hymns, how to practise, and selecting music for Th e reason it has taken me so one where so many people need Murder is totally incompatible organ voluntaries. long to read is that I didn’t skip practical inspiration, and your with ‘pacifi sm’ or ‘non-violence’. Th e fi nal session of the course included a mini-concert performed by anything, and several articles choice of writers was inspired. “He [Bonhoff er] never denied the participants and the session tutor for an audience of local church were worth going over several Well that shouldn’t surprise the Gospel message of non- members. times. us, should it? I’m sure the Lord violence….” One of the tutors was Dr Steven Nisbet who is the organist at St I don’t think that I have is intimately concerned in what True – because it does not exist. Andrew’s Uniting Church in Brisbane and President of the Organ changed very much, so I must be goes in! Mr Dowling said: “Th e most Society of Queensland. right in thinking that Journey In fact, I am going to fi le it, famous war criminal/terrorist of Th e course was funded by a grant from the Maroochy Shire Council has been improving steadily for for re-reading and reference. our times George Bush.” and instigated by Nambour Uniting Church pastor Gregory Ross. some time. Th ank you. Th e President of the USA is Participants were eager to line up for more sessions next year. Even some items I have Iris Williams neither war criminal nor terrorist. disagreed with overall were well Buderim Mr Dowling said: “Jesus gives us the fi nal answer, the last message to his followers on being captured, ‘Put away your guns’.” Tuning in to TV We can still hear him roaring With respect, not so. in the New Testament; “You have All four Gospels diff er, but the With reference to the article been told, ‘hate your enemies’ but context is clear. ‘Switching off the Television’ (July I tell you ‘love them and by loving Jesus and the disciples were Journey), what amazes me is that them heap coals of fi re on their confronted. people believe every word the heads’.” Resistance would clearly have television has to say on religion, In other words embarrass them been futile. politics and other subjects. and teach them a psychological Would Jesus, having trained his Commercial television stations new truth, a truth that tells us disciples… have wished them to appear to be notoriously one-sided that we will achieve progress be wiped out in an armed struggle on these topics. with forgiveness faster than with they could not win? I have written to at least one revenge. John has Jesus saying, “Sheathe television station asking if it was Let’s do away with the cane and your sword. Th is is the cup the them or the government running try genuine aff ection. Father has given me; shall I not the country. How slow we were to learn this drink it?” (John 18:11). Jim Bartle encouraged Weipa youngsters to fl y high in faith. I’ve had experience at not having lesson we can glean from church - As Christians, when confronted Photo courtesy Daria Kearon television at all, as mine, being old, school history. with evil we must take up arms if won’t work in very cold weather. But in our land we have fi nally appropriate and necessary, and if by I do miss my favourite shows and fortunately come to the point so doing evil can be overcome. On your bike, son but I’ve proved I can live without where physical punishment is no Dudley Horscroft television. longer tolerated. Banora Point IF YOU HEARD revving bible from the JC Epidemic crew Lynda Pearee An insight in evolution will tell motorbikes and loud music coming through local churches in the near Gladstone us that God is constantly shedding from the touch football oval on future. more light and truth for our time Wednesday afternoon you weren’t Th e event was organised and place, especially psychological dreaming; it was JC Epidemic. and supported by Presbyterian I congratulate you on the courage truth. Th is Christian group from Mt Fellowship, St Luke’s Church and to speak out against television Let’s see if we can help God a Tambourine near the Gold Coast Western Cape AOG. See church and devoting a complete issue in little rather than resist him. have been on a regional tour and notices for information about Journey. Len Notenboom Weipa was their last stop. service times. It has been said that television Elanora Th e riders, Jim Bartle and Pete is the devils head inside our homes Anderson, dazzled the 300 strong and his tail on the roof. Have your say Jesus was no pacifi st crowd with amazing freestyle Frontier Rally Whist we cannot easily get him Letters to the editor may be motocross tricks as they soared out, there is Christian Satellite edited due to space limitations. over the football fi eld. Th e crowd IN A UNIQUE new venture for Television available at a very low Jim Dowling made some assertions Post: Journey GPO Box 674 were also entertained by a 19 the organisation, Frontier Services cost. in “Don’t mention the War” (May Brisbane 4001 year old singer, Davey Baker, who has been invited to be charity Rolf Vaessen Journey) that I fi nd somewhat Email: [email protected] performed some original songs as sponsor of the Red Centre to Gold Kilcoy dubious. well as covers. Coast car rally in September. I am surprised that no-one has MC Andy whipped the crowd Frontier Services will stage a refuted them. CLASSIFIEDS into a frenzy as Pete Anderson number of community events in Let’s talk about God He stated: performed a ‘Rock Solid’ where he towns and cities along the route to “We should not compromise Accommodation actually let go of the bike in mid- raise awareness. the most basic Christian message Fantastic location for beachfront air. Th e two riders also followed Th e Red Centre to Gold Coast Regarding Dr Val Webb’s looking of non-violence.” holiday in charming cottage at each other over the jump in a train rally is made up of competitive rally for ways to talk about God, I In fact the most basic Christian Currumbin Beach, Qld. Ph 3376 formation. sections on closed public roads or perceive two distinct notions in our message is love. Refer to Mark 4247. Other tricks performed included private farm tracks. More than 100 Journey paper. 12:29-31, where Jesus set out the Holiday unit, modern, pool. 100m “Dead Body”, where the rider is vehicles from all over Australia will (1) Dr Val Webb’s, let us carefully two commandments. from Kings Beach Caloundra from horizontal to the ground, “Ruler” compete, starting in Alice Springs and slowly move forward when Mr Dowling said: “Not a $300/wk. Ph Ray 0427 990 161. where the rider and the bike make on September 8 and fi nishing on she talks of Jesus and his mission Christian himself, Gandhi declared London B & B. Easy city access; a straight vertical line and many the Gold Coast on September 20. evolving. that it seemed Christians were the lge double room, ensuite, self- catering. Reas rates. rachel@ variations of handstands. Jim Th e original Dodge “buckboard” (2) She observes, in my opinion only ones who read the Gospels brockleybandb.fsnet.co.uk Ph/Fax: Bartle, recovering from two broken car used by John Flynn will lead correctly, that Mr Cameron sees no and missed the obvious fact that 001144.2086946538. shoulders, was more subdued in his off the rally cars at many of their need for change, no need in other Jesus was a pacifi st.” riding, but not so in his speaking. stopovers. words for evolution. Yet in Matthew 10:34-36, Jesus For sale He passionately told the crowd “Th e rally is an ideal ‘fi t’ for Th e church as a whole has almost specifi cally stated he had not come Subaru Liberty wagon. 1998 AWD. about the courage it took for him Frontier Services,” says National always resisted change because it to bring peace to the earth, but the 2.2 litre. 2nd Owner. White. Tow bar. to commit to Jesus Christ and Development Manager David has always loved its authority. sword. Roof Racks Well maintained. $10 000 onoPhone Glenn 0403 061777 invited people who wanted to make Sullivan. It’s somewhat surprising because It seems really that Gandhi the same commitment to come Th e route, via Townsville, covers Jesus himself was an evolutionist misread the Gospels. Email your classifi ed forward at the end of the show. a lot of territory where Flynn and was not scared to move While allegedly a “famous advertisements to Around 60 children went worked and Frontier Services is forward. practitioner of non-violence”, [email protected] forward and will be receiving a still at work. or fax 07 3377 9796

www.journeyonline.com.au Journey, August 2008 15 JOURNEYasks... How can my church engage my husband?

Liz Taylor I grew up within the Anglican Church I had people actually turn their backs on me enmeshed in church life that I too would that come our way and not box God into a and made a public commitment at 14 during when they knew that Greg worked in the have become a religious snob through program. a Sydney Billy Graham crusade. hotel industry. On rare occasions when he ignorance and isolation. I have begun a life group for those women Greg was raised a Catholic and came came to church, no one spoke to him. Over the next few years, Greg began to who worship without their partners. to faith two years ago. Ours is a journey of Th e number of times people quoted worship on the odd occasion, gradually Since Greg’s conversion, two other transformation during 35 years of marriage. the Corinthians passage about not being forming some friendships within the husbands have come to faith and two more At 16 I lost my brother to suicide. My unequally yoked was beyond a joke. I felt church as the congregation in turn became are often with their wives in church. parents closed in on themselves. alienated and isolated. more relationally aware and actively built In my loneliness I cried out to God to Not knowing whether my marriage would friendships. send my partner for life and that whoever he survive, or if I even wanted it to, I cried out Th is led to a defi ning moment early in sent would not be a goody two shoes. Greg in desperation to God. 2005 when Greg noticed a ‘Married for Life’ was no goody two shoes but he had a heart I could give up on my marriage and let the course being led by a couple of good friends full of love, tenderness and compassion. devil win or I could stand and fi ght. I chose of ours. Greg said he wouldn’t mind doing a We were married when I was 18 and Greg the latter. I wrote my husband a love letter course such as this with Alex and Dorothy. was 23. When our fi rst child was born I did declaring my love for him but also releasing We joined up for the 14 weeks and the not know Greg was a cocaine addict. him from our marriage if he felt he could homework had a section in it for those who With help from the Wayside Chapel and no longer live with me as I pursued my walk may not have made a faith commitment. family, Greg beat his addiction. with Jesus. My husband responded to Jesus through We had two more children while I was Within a month, God had taken Greg out the homework we shared and he willingly on my own journey discovering the power of of the hotel industry and released him from made his fi rst ever commitment to Jesus. the Holy Spirit. When we came to Brisbane his need for alcohol. Greg did not touch Greg is now actively involved in the life I joined Logan Uniting. It seemed the more alcohol for seven years following this. of our church with greeting and stewarding I grew in God the more my marriage drifted My husband has a natural love for ministries where he excels with his natural apart. people no matter what their background or love for people. Greg was working up to 70 hours per circumstance. From him, I have learned to He also participates in two ‘life groups’ week in the hotel industry and drinking. look past the baggage to the heart and this – Hackers Golf Club and Good Food Good While the church talked about reaching has been transforming. Times, where fun, friendship and faith are out, they had no understanding of how to Had I not journeyed with my husband shared. Liz Taylor is the Pastoral Care Coordinator build relationships outside the congregation. on this pathway I would have become so We must see the God-given opportunities at Logan Uniting Church.

Celma McMenamin and to Jim about church almost all the time, but comfort and readily acknowledges that some Heather den Houting that’s because I’m so involved. I’m not sure people do receive from church what they are Celma McMenamin and Heather den how involved he would be if he didn’t have looking for. However, he remains adamant Houting (We decided to write this piece a role in supporting me, and he loves seeing that the church has nothing to off er him as a conversation together because we have Lucy (our daughter) in church because she because it has no relevance to his life. previously discussed this several times over enjoys it so much. Heather: I just get the feeling that there morning tea in the offi ce.) Celma: Tony came from a Catholic is no action that a congregation can take to Heather: Getting men to talk about what background. His memories of “church” are “engage” people in church, unless that person they want from church is really hard. I talk of people he does not have much respect for. comes and says I want to be involved. He doesn’t trust them because of what he Jim defi nitely says that he was interested saw happening in his childhood. in what church had to off er, because he was Heather: It is the same with Jim. He looking for a community, and he really likes grew up as a Catholic, but didn’t have much the people he has met in the congregations ongoing contact with church until he met me. we have been in. While his parents were strongly religious, his For me, just being a church with integrity own experience was not a positive one. He and leaving the rest to God might be the pursued his own spiritual path really. best answer. Celma: While Tony supports me in my Celma: Yes, if you did something to faith, he sees this as separate from his own “engage” Tony, he would defi nitely say “no life. When we discussed this article he was thanks”. Frankly I don’t think there is much rather disinterested but he said that he the church could do. believes all people should be able to follow Both sigh and conclude: Maybe the church Celma McMenamin (left) and their faith no matter what their religion. could just concentrate on its own being, and Heather den Houting (above) are friends He considers the church attracts people if people are ready to come to church, they from Kenmore Uniting Church. searching for something or people desiring will come.

South East Qld’s most comprehensive funeral planning guide…

“The Executor Funeral Plan – A Guide to Thoughtful Funeral Preplanning” Alex Gow Funerals, contains all the information you need to know about arranging or pre- Post the coupon to: arranging a funeral. 56 Breakfast Creek Rd, Newstead, 4006 Record your personal information and funeral details in this guide and Name: you will have a permanent record ensuring peace of mind for you and your Address: family. For your free copy of the guide, call us on 3852 1501 or complete the coupon and mail to us. P/code:

16 Journey, August 2008 www.journeyonline.com.au