Connecting women across Queensland
WINTER 2016 THIS ISSUE • Formation • Breathe • Formed for a purpose • Spiritual formation: a life-long quest From the Editor
Formation You will have noticed empty shelves in your supermarket’s milk fridge as consumers have made the move to purchasing locally produced milk instead of the cheaper generic products. Consumers were influenced by news articles, moving stories from local farmers, petitions, advertising, and campaigns on social media calling Australians to support local farmers rather than large corporations who were ‘ripping-off’ the struggling farmers. And it worked. Local milk is now the first to sell-out; even months after the campaign began. Which milk do you buy? Have you changed your behaviours following this campaign? What made you change your habits? Previously, price may have been the determining factor for you. Or maybe you were Connecting women across Queensland loyal to a particular brand. Maybe you liked the taste and that’s the one you automatically bought at the shops. Churches of Christ in Queensland’s People changed their behaviour because they were moved by a story Women’s Ministry seeks to and were enveloped in a movement that was helping a group of people in need, and because it was only a small change they had to empower women to live out their make—just a few dollars difference each week. identity and purpose in every aspect of life. Would you be open to one more challenge to your thinking to change your behaviours? The articles in this edition of ConXion challenge us to re-think our spirituality and the way we relate to God. ConXion will be published I wonder what habits you have developed in connecting with God: quarterly (summer, autumn, maybe you pray each day; maybe you attend church each week or once a year; maybe you read the Bible or other spiritual books; winter and spring), but there maybe you meditate or volunteer. Are you booked in to our women’s are already great stories and conference or planning to go to the Girls’ Getaway Camp? ideas pouring in that we would In these pages you will find stories of lives that have been changed. love to share with you. You will be reminded that you are part of a movement of people who are seeing change in their own lives and in-turn they are helping to Join our email subscription list bring change in the lives of others. You will see that through simple to receive: changes to the way you think and to your daily actions, these practices • an email copy of ConXion in spiritual formation are achievable. every quarter as soon as it While there are many spiritual disciplines, our contributors have is released focused on themes such as rest, breathing, silence, Bible reading, service, patience, and reconsidering how God sees you. • great resources for women’s ministry I encourage you to consider each of these themes, learn from the • special offers on stories and be encouraged in your own faith. discounted camp and As we allow God to change our lives we can invite others to join us on conference tickets. the journey, helping change the lives of those around us. Donna Savill Simply send an email to Donna is a Mission Action Partner with Churches of Christ in Queensland, [email protected] empowering women to live with identity and purpose. She lives on the page with the subject line ‘subscribe’. Sunshine Coast with her husband Bryce and children Hannah and Joshua. 2
FORMED FOR 08 A PURPOSE
06 BREATHE
CONTENTS From the editor: Formation...... 2
Women’s Conference...... 4 LEARNING TO Breathe...... 6 09 REST … AGAIN
Formed for a purpose...... 8
Learning to rest … again...... 9
Silence...... 10
Theme of Formation...... 11
The Imarap story...... 12
Spiritual formation: A life-long quest...... 14
THE IMARAP Churches of Christ Medical Santo...... 16 12 STORY page 3
2016 WOMEN'S CONFERENCE
Saturday 23 July 2016 Register Now! A Beautiful Life?
The conference will include Guest Speaker – Heather Foord four workshops exploring different (renowned journalist and Channel Nine News presenter) facets of beauty:
SEEING BEAUTY A BEAUTIFUL LIFE Facilitated by Janette Phelan Facilitated by Stacey McBride-Wilson Have you ever seen the world through the eyes of a young We were created for so much more than just exercising child? Their fresh delight and wonder at small everyday to be a certain look, size or weight. Health and wellness details challenges us to see the beauty that constantly are our tools for the journey, not our destination. In surrounds us. This reflective nature walk aims to help this workshop, explore how to be Fit for your God given you tune in and appreciate what is ‘right in front of us’. Purpose in all areas of your life. THE BEAUTY IN VULNERABILITY TOWARDS A BEAUTIFUL WORLD Facilitated by Jan Monument Facilitated by Ruth Limkin ‘Vulnerability is the birthplace of joy, creativity, Changing the world in ways big and small requires we belonging and love … and the path to accepting your discover our divine discontent and learn how to translate worthiness.’ (Brene Brown). Are you willing to let go of that into action. Whether it is social justice, advocacy who you think you should be in order to be who you are? for women and children, corporate social responsibility or community development, discover how you can make tomorrow’s world more beautiful. We are constantly confronted with beauty — what it is and what it,s supposed to be, whether we are or aren,t, and who it benefits and disadvantages. Can everyone be beautiful? And if everyone is beautiful, then is anyone really beautiful? And why do we care so much? — KOVIE BIAKOLO —
Join with other women from Churches of Christ networks for a day of beauty, fun, reflection, laughter, good food and good coffee. We look forward to seeing you there!
Saturday 23 July 2016 page Springlife Conference Centre, Springwood Register at 4 Time: 8.30am – 4.30pm | Cost: $65.00pp cofc.com.au/womens-conference
Listen Comfort Empower HELP US BRING LIGHT INTO COMMUNITIES
At times in our lives we all need someone to take the time to listen and support us through life’s most difficult days. Our chaplains are on the frontlines today, bringing hope and light to those who need it most. Please help us bring their support to communities in need at GiftAChaplain.com.au
DONATIONS: 1800 600 900
page 5
Breathe
Some days I like to sit on my couch on my veranda and simply breathe.
Life can be crazy busy. During the week I regularly leave home around 7am and return after 6pm—life is busy! I have found that what keeps me from rushing around like a chook with my head chopped off is that I take the time to just stop and breathe.
Breathing slowly and deliberately helps me stay steady on the inside amidst the busyness, and to stay present in the moment.
You know how most days you have ten (OK, 500!) thoughts running
simultaneously through your mind while you chase your children into the car (minus PJs and pets), talk to your mum on the phone, and try to find that missing school sock? Well, if I slow myself down and just breathe deeply, I can switch off what’s going on in my mind and focus on what’s in front of me. This allows me to be deliberately present, rather than trying to achieve the 500 things on the day’s to-do-list.
Life hasn’t always been like this for me. In fact, if I’m honest, it’s a
page 6
journey I’ve only been on the past myself, ‘just stop’. I took some really It isn’t always easy and I still struggle few years and I’m finally a little more deep breaths to calm myself down, to let go of my to do list, but as I hit, rather than miss, in achieving it. let go of all the things in my head embrace ‘O2 View’, breathing deeply and looked around me. When I saw and paying attention to my surrounds, While I was studying I was involved my son, I stopped. I smiled to myself I am less rushed and definitely more in several subjects that examined as I took another deep breath and I productive. I’m also becoming a living deliberately and developing realised how precious this time could happier and more relaxed woman. disciplines in your life that help you be if I simply focused on whom I was to be present with yourself so that I wish I could tell you there’s some quick with right in this moment. Everything you can then be present with others. easy fix to our busy lives but I, for one, I tried a few of the suggestions and and everyone else could wait. have just had to embrace the fact this is how life is at this time. However, a busy I discovered that I really benefitted ‘O View’ isn’t a magic formula for 2 day doesn’t have to be disheartening, from what I call ‘O2 View’. everything to work out perfectly or miserable and completely exhausting. for me to be perfect, it is simply my Obviously, ‘O2’ stands for oxygen. Most A busy day can contain joy-filled way of slowing down from the inside of my day I was busy being busy and moments, fun with family and friends, so I can make deliberate choices my breathing was shallow and rushed, finished jobs and yes, you’ll probably just like my life. Now I deliberately take about how I use my time and energy fall into bed tired! That’s a good big breaths and fill my lungs. While I’m throughout my day. When I make time day. And, if it was my day, it would doing that I slow my mind and picture to sit on the veranda in the fresh air contain ‘O2 View’ moments that what’s needed now, or next, in my and breathe deeply I am present in helped me to just be present. day. For instance, my son and I were the moment and can remind myself stuck in traffic behind an accident. of the gift of life I have. So ladies, feel free to borrow, adapt We couldn’t move and the emergency or completely ignore my ‘O2 View’. was playing out a few cars in front of Life is busy, but I don’t have to be It’s your life, your choice … just keep us. While we prayed for the people rushed. I’ve chosen to take the time to on breathing … involved, my mind was also racing with get to know myself by being present Natalie Roy being late for work and school, what with my own feelings, thoughts and would need to be shuffled around, body (wrinkles, cellulite, greying Natalie is a single mother-of-three who would need to be called, what I hair and all). In knowing myself I who enjoys spending time with her could do waiting in the car and so on. can understand what I need to live family and friends, sharing with I was stuck in my seat but my head an unhurried life. For me, it’s about others how much God loves them, was rushing a million miles an hour. being present in each moment with and exploring her new home on the After a few minutes of this I said to the people around me. Sunshine Coast.
page 7
Bel Thomson with her husband Phil as they prepare to welcome their baby son to the world. Formed for a purpose
As I write this, at 37 weeks this new life inside me (and my What God does in the womb is truly pregnant (I will have had emotional tears have pretty much amazing, and it makes me realise not stopped since then!). that each of us is a work of art. my baby by the time this is released), I manage to find a link When we had our next scan just Maybe you don’t feel that you’re a between most topics and babies. three weeks later, I was blown away masterpiece or anything special. to see our baby’s arms and legs. Perhaps you’re constantly reminded So when I think of the theme of I couldn’t believe it—while I had of the ways you fall short or make formation, the strongest image just gone about my normal life, mistakes. Today God wants to remind that comes to my mind is the new God had formed little limbs on the you of the way He sees you. We are life that is forming in my womb! child inside me. God’s work is truly each individually precious to God, amazing, and every scan showed What a journey of true formation created by His design and for His more of His handiwork. At 20-weeks purposes. He begins His work of the past eight months have we found out we were having a formation in the womb … and today been—not only for my baby, little boy, and at 22-weeks we could invites us to continue the journey, but for myself. clearly see his skeleton and bones! by placing our lives in His hands. He Then at 27-weeks we got to see a is the master of formation, and can close up of our son’s face … which Phil and I were overjoyed when be trusted to shape and mould us was unspeakably beautiful. we found out we were expecting into the very best people we can be. our first baby. As the months have We all began just like this, formed I encourage you to join the adventure passed I’ve been fascinated to see by our Creator for a purpose and for and allow God to shape and form your our child develop. There’s no doubt growth. Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV) says life. As we spend time with our Creator, in my mind that God’s work in the ‘… You created my inmost being; and invite Him to direct our decisions womb is a spectacular miracle. This you knit me together in my mother’s and refine our character, a great is formation in the truest sense, a womb. I praise you because I am miracle occurs. He steps in with His journey that begins in the womb and fearfully and wonderfully made; your grace and overflowing love, and we see continues throughout our lives as works are wonderful, I know that full the beauty of His continuing formation our Creator shapes and moulds us. well. My frame was not hidden from as our life explodes in full colour. you when I was made in the secret With each ultrasound I feel like I’ve place, when I was woven together Bel Thomson been given a front row seat to God’s in the depths of the earth. Your eyes Bel is an award-winning Australian work of creating new life. We went saw my unformed body; all the days for our first scan when I was just ordained for me were written in your singer, songwriter and speaker whose seven-weeks pregnant, which was book before one of them came to be.’ ministry takes her to conferences, amazing. As we stared at the screen, schools, camps, and Christian we saw that the baby already had When I look at the scans of our son, churches of all denominations. a little head and we heard its little I am overwhelmed at the presence To listen to her music or enquire about page heart beating. I started crying as I and purpose of God in each of our bookings visit belthomson.com or 8 listened to the heartbeat, hearing lives, right from our beginnings. youtube.com/BelThomson
Learning to rest …again
At the beginning of 2015 I wrote a piece about a Bible study activity where you seek God’s direction for the coming year and sum it up in one word. As I sought God’s direction, the word ‘rest’ kept coming to mind. At the time I thought this was everyone, my rest soon disappeared. One of my boys has started high strange, as for the first time in many I found myself exhausted, cranky and school and one will finish high school years I was going back to work full- frustrated because I was losing the and I am going to give rest a second time. I thought perhaps God knew battle to live out my one-word-year. chance. I’m going to partner more with this was going to be tough for me and It was at this time (along with a head God on this and stop trying to go it He wanted to make sure I took the cold that put me off work for three alone. I’m going to pay close attention time to rest. days) that I heard the gentle voice of to the things that really matter, and So just how did it go? Sadly, not God saying ‘Christina, you have lost let go of the things that don’t. your rest, come back and try again’. very well. As we all think about what the rest I started out well. I put effort into not Yes, God had been watching and of 2016 holds for us, I encourage you being bothered by the little things in knew I had indeed lost my battle with to seek God’s direction, to partner life. I mean, really, does it matter if rest, but my God is the most loving, with Him as you go about your daily the salt shaker gets put on the third patient God and although I really lives, and to always remember that shelf instead of the second in the didn’t do a great job of living out my no matter how far off the track you pantry? The rooms of my pre-teen and one-word-year, He never left my side. may get, God is only a prayer away teenage boys represent something of He never said ‘look Christina, I gave to set your path straight again. a fight between clothing, homework, you one word, just one word, and you musical instruments and everything can’t even get that right’. No, our God Christina England stood beside me and waited patiently else they accumulate. To be truthful, Christina is a mum of two boys and this drives me nuts, but I tried until I realised I had lost my way, then works as a Prep Aide at a small inner my hardest to just let it go and be with wide-open arms He took me in city school. She attends Westside thankful they are loving children. and gave me the strength to have Church of Christ and loves to share another go. By November my quest for rest was her thoughts and encourage others somewhat of a mess. In the busyness So I look forward to the rest of 2016 through her blog. You can read more page of life and the pressures to be all for and a year that will be challenging. at Dogplus4.wordpress.com 9
Silence In 2013, a blogger nicknamed ‘Crunchy Betty’ wearied of the incessant demands of her digital devices. Constant alarms and notifications from Facebook, Twitter, emails and more had her screaming ‘Enough! Time out!’ She decided to do a media-fast. Three days, she thought, would give her the peace she was hoping for. ‘Three days of silence’ became her phrase.
When she blogged about these Day after day he invents machines noisy society allows us to be. We are thoughts, Betty found she had tapped that increase noise and distract deeper and more perceptive than the into a real need. A groundswell of humanity from the essence of life, latest celebrity gossip. It seems to me opinion supported the notion that from contemplation and meditation.’ that this concern was expressed long our lives are at the beck and call Arp wrote that in the 1920s. Sobering ago in the good book: ‘Be still and of demanding devices in a way thought. The volume has only been know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10). that compromises our humanity. turned up since then. There is, it In a nation with the fourth highest There is something essential that seems, a deep human need to be level of internet use in the world is shrivelling up inside. still and silent ... to reflect on life … to (according to one 2015 study) these consider the universe and our place She said, ‘The response was fantastic, old words have new relevance. in it … to live deeper than the most but more than that, a deep, burning, recent tweet. Betty, Arp and many of crunchybetty.com/3-days-of-silence integral human need became apparent. us sense within a hunger for peace. Simon Kemp ‘We Are Social’ online We don’t know how to live without our at wearesocial.net/blog/2015/01/ digital devices anymore. Not, like, for In response to this hunger, Crunchy digital-social-mobile-worldwide-2015 forever. But just for three solitary days.’ Betty chose a media fast—three days without social media. The fast we There are two ideas in her experience Ruth Tuxworth possibly hear most about is time spent that deserve attention. The first is the without eating, but there are many Ruth is a teacher by profession, need she identified and the second is different ways to fast. People may fast an introvert by temperament and a the response she chose. from speech, food, sweets or from church speaker by God’s grace. She Periods of silence, it seems, meet television or computer games. A fast likes writing, tea, gardening, small a human need for alone time and is the voluntary abstinence from an furry animals, that scratchy bit in reflection. There are thoughts that activity for the purpose of attending Roberta Flack’s voice and books that surface in silence that do not rise in to the inner life. It is about listening make her laugh out loud. She doesn’t the rush and busyness of modern less to the pounding world around us, like politics or brussell sprouts or device-laden living. and listening more to the quiet inner on-line shopping channels. She would like her tombstone to read truths. It is about spiritual growth. ‘Soon’, said poet and artist Hans Arp, ‘Here lie her bones at the end of the page ‘silence will have passed into legend. There is real wisdom in these beginning, under these stones her 10 Man has turned his back on silence. thoughts. We are more than our lostness is winning.’
Theme of Formation
When I think of my maternal grandmother, images fill my mind of blue hydrangeas; eating fruit bun smeared abundantly with butter; freshly baked bread; coffee brewing on the stove from the coffee beans grown in the garden; and the tangled vines and canopy of creepers in the backyard—a child’s delight. I remember a life of simplicity.
I was just 10-years-old when my little book ‘… and now these three grandmother died. One of my remain: faith, hope and love. But treasures is a tiny little book that the greatest of these is love’, I have had belonged to her, titled The learnt that this is the simplicity of Greatest Thing in the World. It was our life in Christ. We are saved by a gift given to her by family friends faith, but it is not a passive faith. in 1944, based on 1 Corinthians 13, It is a faith that connects us to God. written by the Scottish evangelist, It leads us to know God so we may Henry Drummond, in 1874. be clothed in the character of God— love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness If I speak in the tongues of men or then we shall see face to face. Now I and self control. God is love and love of angels, but do not have love, I am know in part; then I shall know fully, never fails. only a resounding gong or a clanging even as I am fully known. cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy Henry Drummond challenges us to 13And now these three remain: faith, and can fathom all mysteries and read and re-read 1 Corinthians 13—for all knowledge, and if I have a faith hope and love. But the greatest of the words to permeate our souls. It 1 Corinthians 13 NIV that can move mountains, but do not these is love. — takes prayer, meditation and time for have love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I God’s love to transcend into our lives. When we are able to look back over possess to the poor and give over my My grandmother was also a woman our lives, we can see that the things body to hardship that I may boast, but of faith. Her father and grandfather that have led us to grow as Christians do not have love, I gain nothing. were both pastors. The scripture in are when we have been able to do 4 Joshua 24:15, ‘… as for me and my Love is patient, love is kind. It unnoticed kindnesses to those household, we will serve the Lord’, does not envy, it does not boast, it around us. Drummond sums it up 5 has touched the lives of many in my is not proud. It does not dishonor very simply: Who is Jesus? He, who family throughout the generations. others, it is not self-seeking, it is not fed the hungry, clothed the naked The message of the love of Christ has easily angered, it keeps no record and visited the sick. (Matthew 25) of wrongs. 6Love does not delight been evident in their lives as they in evil but rejoices with the truth. have served the Lord—her grandfather Where is Jesus? ‘Whoever welcomes 7It always protects, always trusts, established a Lutheran school in a little child like this, in my name, always hopes, always perseveres. Melbourne in 1874, her father was welcomes me’ (Matthew 18:5). a missionary in Ghana in the 1880s, 8 And who belong to Jesus? ‘… they are Love never fails. But where there other family members supported local those who receive Him’ (John 1:12). are prophecies, they will cease; communities with pastoral care and where there are tongues, they will be lovingly prayed for their families. This is truly the simplicity of the stilled; where there is knowledge, it Gospel. The simplicity is that we can will pass away. 9For we know in part But, has that been the basis and simply receive this gift from God. The and we prophesy in part, 10but when formation of my faith in Jesus? No. simplicity is that we can live simply completeness comes, what is in part The Lord touched my heart as a girl like Jesus. We can be women of God disappears. 11When I was a child, growing up in a Christian family, but who simply receive Jesus as our Lord I talked like a child, I thought like a I was 16 when I made a personal and Saviour and serve Him with our child, I reasoned like a child. When profession of faith and from that whole heart and by doing so take on I became a man, I put the ways of time I have longed to know God in a the character of Jesus. childhood behind me. 12For now we deeper way. Just as my grandmother page see only a reflection as in a mirror; would have discovered in her Kate Grieve 11
The Imarap story
Imarap is a remote village located on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu, not far from the Volcano Yasur. The people live a traditional custom lifestyle, of which they are protective. They are substance farmers, most children don’t attend school and they follow the traditions of their fathers.
page 12
A Church of Christ was established in the village just future, not knowing the way forward, to a hope and over two years ago. The church came about when the strength in God for the future. Chief of Imarap was ill and spent time in Tanna Hospital. I pondered on the banner and Isaiah 40:31 While there a friendship developed between the plumber, who was a Christian, and the Imarap Chief. As Some translations have the word ’hope’ as ’wait’. a result of hearing the Gospel he opened his village to Christians and allowed the church to be established. We live in such a fast-paced world; it made me think how often we actually ‘wait’ in the Lord to renew our strength. Imarap is accessible by four-wheel drive or a day’s walk from the closest church. Elders from Leneai Church visit Life’s race isn’t always won by those who are constantly each week to deliver a service on Sunday, most often on the go. It’s won by those who wait on the Lord to walking as fuel is expensive. In March 2015, Cyclone renew their strength. They run and are not weary; they Pam destroyed the Imarap church, with the only thing to walk and don’t faint. They’ve learned Christ’s secret of survive being a banner on the altar which read: living by God’s timing. If you are weary in life’s race and driven by its hurried pace, learn to wait upon the Lord; But those who hope in the Lord His strength will be your sure reward. will renew their strength. Waiting on the Lord is the key to being able to keep They will soar on wings like eagles; on going. What does it mean to wait on the Lord? they will run and not grow weary, We must spend time in His presence in worship and they will walk and not be faint. prayer. We are prone to be impulsive and rush ahead of — Isaiah 40:31 God. If we would only wait on the Lord and remain quite This community in Imarap are new to Christianity and in His presence we would find His wisdom and strength. it is a new way of life for them, so it is a challenge for What a difference it makes when we quiet our hearts them when faced with adversity to look to God to sustain before God, read His word, talk to Him in prayer and them, to give them strength so they will not grow weary. find His will. They have a hope that encourages them to trust in God Instead of applying human solutions to human and keeps them from turning back to their old customs. problems we need to learn to wait upon the Lord, Since the cyclone, and along with impacts from El Niño to trust in Him as we seek to do His will, according and the volcano, they have battled starvation due to to His Word, by His power. crop failure and have had to rebuild their village. With Global Mission Partners continues to support the reports of deaths due to the starvation, Global Mission Imarap community, with emergency food aid as needed Partners was able to provide emergency food aid. The and are working with the community on safe water and community were appreciative and humbled by the food security projects. A team from Fernvale Community generosity of their brothers and sisters in Christ. Church travelled to Imarap in June to further encourage I have had the privilege of visiting this community and support the growth of this new church. twice in the past year. I have seen Christ‘s work and the Vicki Marney realisation of the community that they have not been forsaken in their time of need and that God gives them Vicki is the Queensland Mission Mobiliser for Global hope and strength in challenging times. They have come Mission Partners. Want to know more about mission? from being overwhelmed with hopelessness about the Visit inpartnership.org.au page 13
Spiritual formation: a life-long quest Whenever I think back to the births of my babies, I am struck with wonder and amazement. What a gift, what a privilege it was, to experience the miracle of life growing within me, to be so intimately involved in my child’s growth and development from the moment of their conception. I still marvel at the miracle of the moment of birth, when suddenly in the room there is another tiny, complete human being. I remember being fascinated at their toes and fingers with their perfect, miniature nails.
Psalm 139 came alive for me with the formation starts with an awareness helps them to get through difficult birth of my first baby. It beautifully that there is more to life than the times and establish more valuable captures the indescribable wonder physical, but the formation process and meaningful relationships.
of new life. In Psalm 139, the reaches into every aspect of life and I was chatting recently with a Christian Psalmist wonders at God’s intimate all that we do. Writers define spiritual couple who are of a similar vintage to understanding and care for all parts of formation in different ways. It could be myself. They were reminiscing about our being and how He intricately forms described as the ultimate in character their teenage years in the church. They us and guides us on life’s journey. development. Spiritual formation is more than making a commitment to had both been actively involved in However, in my day-to-day work of their churches, enjoying the worship, follow Jesus. This is only one step in mothering, the wonder of human the formation journey. the rituals and the fellowship with perfection was very soon tempered other Christians. But something was When Jesus farewelled his disciples by the reality of human frailty—the missing. It felt like they were just frailty and humanity of the child and after his crucifixion, he instructed going through the motions. their failings, as well as the frailty them to ‘Go out and train everyone Around this time, they started and shortcomings of the mother. It you meet, far and near, in this way working with Youth for Christ who didn’t take long to realise that God’s of life ...’ Although some versions ran events, rallies, camps and other formation of a new being requires more translate this as ‘make disciples,’ the gatherings for youth, Christian and than weaving them in their mother’s message paraphrase emphasises the non-Christian alike. Their approach womb. In fact, the process of complete importance of living the way of life that was that following Christ was a way formation is a life-long quest. As carers Jesus taught us. This way of life defines of life and relevant for all. At last, the and nurturers, we do our best to guide real discipleship. It is more than belief rituals and the worship made sense our developing child through their in God and following a set of practices, for this couple – and for thousands physical, emotional, intellectual more than making a commitment to of others. They got it. Their faith and spiritual development, towards follow Jesus. It is a quest for Jesus’ suddenly became intensely relevant the independence of a fully mature way of living, a way which transforms to everything they did. They saw that adult and beyond. Typically, this is a our thinking and our behaviour Christianity wasn’t about following a journey of two steps forward and one minute by minute, day by day, and in set of rules, or being a ‘good enough’ step back, just as our own adult lives so doing, transforms those around person to enter the Kingdom. It tend to be. us. This is the essence of Christian formation: integrating all aspects of was recognising that each of us is a The process of formation starts as a our development, from ‘forming in pilgrim, and like the pilgrims of the single cell containing the blueprint our mother’s womb’ to wisdom and Middle Ages, we come to Christ with for a unique, fully functioning human emotional maturity, as well as maturity all our faults and shortcomings. being. Over a lifetime this blueprint in our relationship with Christ. What we have in common is a desire interacts with an incredible array of to know God better, to allow His will influences to produce a complex and Many psychological therapies and His being to infiltrate our soul unique human being. Through this and self help texts emphasise the and everything that we do. This is process, God guides each person’s importance of integrating beliefs, how we work towards true formation, development in a multitude of ways. actions and values. The person whose values are well expressed and towards a way of life where we ‘pray page The pinnacle of the formation process consistent with all areas of their life without ceasing,’ towards being ‘in 14 is spiritual formation. Spiritual has an authentic, solid core which the world but not of the world.’
‘Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvellously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.’ — Ps 139:13-16 MSG
The book of James could be subtitled If you are seeking ways to integrate This is where faith goes viral – when ‘A model for how to live with Christ.’ different aspects of your life, asking we can’t help but pass on God’s love James, the brother of Jesus, would have God how you can go deeper, then you to those around us! known intimately the way of life that will find that James’ advice is wise Jesus taught. James’ letter is all about and balanced. For me, studying James Janette Phelan how to become a fully rounded, Christ- was truly life-changing. It gave me [email protected] centred person. To James, a person with a solid foundation for the journey of Access Place Psychology genuine Christian faith expresses that transformation. According to James, Services 1300 798 622 or faith in everything they do: their faith true followers of Christ will find their [email protected] and their actions work together. Their faith bubbling up in expressions actions are an outpouring of their faith. of love wherever we happen to be.
networking networking networking
MONTH of PRAYER MONTH of PRAYER WE TOO MAY MONTH PRAYER live a Romans ofnew 6:4 b life
Support our Community Chaplains ISSUE 1 – 2016 ISSUE 2 – 2016 ISSUE 3 – 2016
Chief Executive OfficerUpdate Chief Executive Officerupdate Chief Executive Officerupdate 1800 600 900 Exploring our Saving Yarraman Community opens giftachaplain.com.au its arms to rich historical foundations A rich new era of Month of Prayer Australian heritage Christian camping begins National Volunteer Easter message The mighty bombers Week recap From little things The great selfless act big things grow Purveyors of hope Churches of Christ Medical Santo Buckinghamtop Gardens’ marks
Praying for rain SCAN ME! SCAN SCAN ME! SCAN ME! Receive Networking Receive Alerts Email Receive Networking Email Alerts Receive Networking Email Alerts Bringing the light of Christ into communities Bringing the light of Christ into communities Bringing the light of Christ into communities
Catch up on what has been happening around Churches of Christ in Queensland. Read the latest edition of Networking. Issue 3 out now!
Read it online today at cofc.com.au/publications page 15
Churches of Christ Medical Santo Rural Health Visitation Project
in Vanuatu
Churches of Christ Medical Santo recently noodles, breakfast crackers, and white bread—which the took part in a project with the overall aim of locals are substituting for their local produce. improving resistance to and the awareness of Our collaborative mission with the staff at Rural Health key disease amongst the populations in rural is to prevent the spread of these poor dietary habits into the rural communities and prevent the resulting burden Espiritu Santo. Here, Medical Santo’s Brooklyn of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which are Folland details a recent visit to the community claiming many young lives because these diseases are at Turtle Bay. progressing to advanced stages (many gangrene limbs for example are presenting to the hospital too late and On Thursday 23 June we joined with two nurses from the must be amputated) due to the lack of health education. Department of Rural Health to run an awareness and screening workshop with the community at Turtle Bay. Turtle Bay is an interesting community in that the people have come from the very small and remote island of Mere Edna specialises as the tuberculosis and leprosy rural Lava in the north of the Vanuatu archipelago. These nurse, and Dominique as the non-communicable diseases families were forced to leave their island and settle on nurse for the province of Sanma (Espiritu Santo). Santo so they could afford to make a living by working Non-communicable diseases have become a serious for the large coconut plantations. They are now more problem in the new urban areas of Vanuatu, such as exposed to urban lifestyles, and have no education or Luganville, due to the adoption of cheap nutrient- warning about the health consequences of adopting page devoid western packaged foods—white rice, two-minute these ‘novelty’ foods. 16
The services provided by Medical Santo receive no government funding, relying on donations from individuals and organisations to deliver this vital health care. You can support Medical Santo in providing health care to thousands of Northern Vanuatu people by making a donation today. Go to medicalsanto.com or phone 1800 600 900 or email [email protected] today.
The visit we made to their community involved a five- Ministry of Health to provide the Government station screening process in the chief’s Nukamal (the valuable data for their review, which is not usually meeting hut for elders), where we took measurements readily available. for BMI and waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting The doctors identified that for all those who stuck to blood sugar, eye checks, and dietary habits. At the end their traditional diet (of taro, manioc, banana, coconut of the line the patients were seen by one of Medical and some chicken and fish) the prevalence of diabetes Santo’s volunteering doctors, who reviewed and further was significantly lower than the rest of the population. questioned the patient and provided medical advice, We encouraged this to continue and explained the which is a rare advantage for many rural families. nutritional value of whole foods compared to high-salt, The day was extremely successful; they saw 74 people ‘white’ products available in the stores. in a space of four hours and provided awareness talks in We are most thankful and proud of our well developed Bislama for all those waiting in line. relationship with the staff from the Department of The data collected supports not only Medical Santo’s Rural Health, as this strong supportive collaboration mission to understand and meet the needs of the demonstrates to the community the acceptance and value community, but is also sent directly to the Vanuatu of seeking western medical care in a changing culture.
Donate today Your donation makes such a huge difference to people in Vanuatu. Thank you. Churches of Christ
Churches of Christ in Queensland Fundraising Office, PO Box 508, Kenmore Q 4069 Santo Changing lives in Northern Vanuatu page 1800 600 900 | [email protected] 17
CEO Excellence in Service Award Nominations close 26 August 2016
Nominations now open You are encouraged to take the time to nominate individuals, teams or projects that you think have modelled our values in their everyday lives. You will need to give examples that demonstrate their ‘excellence in service’ and how they bring the light of Christ into their workplace or community. Nominations are open to all church members, volunteers and employees. This year, we will only be accepting nominations through the online form at cofc.com.au/nominate.
CEO Excellence in Service Awards head to the regions! This year we are planning to acknowledge our winners in local areas with the CEO and/or Council or Board member personally presenting them with their award at a local event with their colleagues, family and friends invited to attend. Churches and services in the local area are able to hold special personalised celebrations either as a standalone or combined local event. We will announce the winners in October to allow the time required to plan and implement each local celebration. Service managers and church leaders will be supported to arrange these special events. These awards are important and they us an individual voice to acknowledge our amazing colleagues in mission who are making a real difference. page Bringing the light of Christ into communities 18
upcoming events
There are a number of events 07 : JULY 08 : AUGUST coming up that will inspire, 3-10 NAIDOC Week 12 International Youth Day encourage and equip you to have 23 Women’s Conference 13-21 Seniors Week (Qld) a passionate relationship with 19 World Humanitarian Day Jesus and to serve Him where He calls you.
If you, your church or a women’s ministry group you are involved with have an event coming up, please email details to [email protected]
09 : SEPTEMBER 10 : OCTOBER 11 : NOVEMBER Dementia Awareness Month 3 Queen’s Birthday 10 Celebrate 2016 4 Father’s Day Public Holiday – Centrifuge 4-10 Child Protection Week 9-15 Mental Health Week – Annual General Meeting 8 RUOK? Day 28-30 Girls Getaway Weekend and dinner 21 International Day of Peace 11 Remembrance Day 21 World Alzheimer’s Day 25 White Ribbon Day 30/9-2/10 L10 Young Adults Conference
12 : DECEMBER 25 Christmas Day 26 Boxing Day
01 : JANUARY 2016 16-20 FUSE Camp
page 19
Connecting women across Queensland