October 2009

UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA QUEENSLAND SYNOD

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PRESIDENT CALLS FOR NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT - P3 FATHER OF THE YEAR FINALIST - P5 GIRLS’ BRIGADE CELEBRATES 60 YEARS - P14 POVERTY AND THE SOUL

By Mardi Lumsden

OFTEN WHEN we think of people “Having spent the last four years living in poverty we don’t think of in Thailand, and seeing both the family or pensioner next door. excessive wealth and incredible poverty existing side-by-side in United Nations statistics that half relative harmony, I have seen the world lives on less than $2 fi nancial poverty in a new light,” a day and that 30 000 children Mr MacGregor said. die every day due to poverty are terrifying and can overwhelm us, He believes Jesus’ statement particularly those of us who have “Blessed are the poor” speaks of safe housing and three meals a a far more serious poverty than day. lack of money. But poverty is also on our “It is speaking of a spiritual doorstep. poverty of the soul, the importance of which far exceeds Director of UnitingCare’s Centre any fi nancial poverty,” he said. for Social Justice Greg Mackay said many Australians are closer “It is the poverty that comes to homelessness than some may from realising our utter spiritual think. bankruptcy outside of Christ. “For people living on the margins “Our response as Christians, to just one episode of illness is the physical and fi nancial poverty all it takes to push them into a that faces so many people in our downward spiral of debt and society, is then a response to poverty,” said Mr Mackay. God’s grace in our own lives. “If even marginally better off “It is not an act of pity or empathy people were to experience a but an act of spiritual obedience. second or third fi nancial stressor “My evangelical responsibility is they too would struggle.” to not only share the good news Mr Mackay said typical stressors about Jesus but to put my money included health related shocks where my mouth is, that others and family break-ups. may not just hear, but also see the God who loves them.” “Recent research by the Australia Institute shows women as one Deception Bay Uniting Church of the groups hardest hit by the minister Rev Mark Cornford urged fi nancial crisis in the workplace. Christians to take on a personal More men have lost full-time responsibility to help ease jobs but women face worsening poverty in their local community. underemployment in the form of “Why is it when we think about limited hours and poor pay.” doing something about poverty Mt Isa Uniting Church minister we tend to think of what the Rev Paul MacGregor and his wife church can do, rather than Margaret lived and worked in the thinking about how I can live slums of Bangkok helping young my life so that I am part of the women learn new skills after good news for people who are leaving the sex industry. struggling?” he said.

Continued P.11

THOSE WHO OPPRESSES THE POOR SHOW CONTEMPT FOR THEIR MAKER, BUT WHOEVER IS KIND TO THE NEEDY HONOURS GOD. (Proverbs 14:31) 2 OPINION JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU Following Message from the the homeless Moderator Rev Bruce Johnson shepherd As I listen to those who fi nd to the ‘bag lady’ who pleaded with themselves with no place to call her for help. I HAVE just listened to an early that it made the rest of us feel attitude to those who live that home they talk of their loneliness However, she felt for this morning talkback program on uncomfortable. sort of existence in my world? and isolation. woman with nothing so she Radio National. I came into the Th is caller suggested that many How do we live out the Th ey lose their sense of identity invited her to have breakfast with conversation during a discussion of us feel embarrassed, guilty, commitments we made at our and worth in the community. her. with a City Councillor from Alice helpless or frightened when last Synod (see page 7)? Why do We may not have a simple Together they ate bacon and Springs who was defending the approached by a beggar. we want to help those who sleep answer to the lack of aff ordable eggs in the local café. I am sure Council’s decision to introduce a It is our discomfort that we are rough on our streets? housing but we do have the that both women were blessed by-law to prohibit begging on the trying to address, rather than the Is it just to appease our capacity to off er inclusion in our that morning; a blessing far streets of Alice Springs. consciences or do community. richer than if that young nurse It opened up a we have a genuine We could move beyond our had simply handed over a few fascinating conversation I follow one who was concern for those who own feelings of discomfort and shillings. about the apparent homeless and who was try to live without embarrassment to acknowledge I wonder what stories lay increase of begging in dependent upon others for a place to lay their them, to learn a person’s name, behind the words in Matthew’s Australia. heads at night? and to listen to their story. Gospel about the women who Why do people beg? his daily sustenance. I am impressed One of the talkback callers stood at the foot of the cross. Are they really poor? that in the midst of recalled the day she received her I am glad there were some peo- Why don’t they, or can’t they, plight of the beggar. our struggle with the diffi cult fi rst pay packet. ple who saw more than just the access welfare services? I found myself admitting that fi nancial situation we face as a Her parents had prepared her homeless wanderer of Galilee. What has happened in their this is true for me. Synod, we were prepared to look for this event giving her advice Why was that homeless man lives and within the Australian However somewhere in the beyond ourselves and commit about how to use it wisely and more deserving of our care and community that the only option background of my thoughts were ourselves to playing our part in not to allow herself to be cheated love than those who roam the seems to be to beg for help? the words of Jesus: “Foxes have addressing the needs of those out of her hard-earned money by streets of most cities and towns Various people rang in with holes and birds have nests; but the who have nothing. street people. today? their experiences and explained Son of Man has nowhere to lay his We could dismiss those So when she emerged from the “Truly I tell you, just as you did their decisions to help, or refuse head”. (Matt 8:20; Luke 9:58) commitments with the excuse hospital after night shift with her it to one of the least of these who to help, beggars. I follow one who was homeless that we don’t have the fi nancial pay in her pocket she knew that are members of my family, you One person said that the and who was dependent upon resources to do anything; or we she should not hand over money did it to me.” (Matt 25:40) problem with begging was not others for his daily sustenance. can see this as the perfect time to that it did any harm rather How does this shape my reach out. Sign of the times Navigating Monopoly

HOW DO children learn about the game ends – when one player the world of property and wins and the rest are left with fi nance? nothing. Th ey play games that simulate All of this happens by the roll adult experiences. of the dice. Much like poverty And one of the world’s most and homelessness in our society famous games is Monopoly. today, it is a game of chance. ate person can turn into a Th e history of Monopoly dates What does that teach young tyrant when Monopoly victory back to 1904 when a Quaker people (and not so young people) is on the line! named Elizabeth Magie invented about how to treat others? So next time you sit down Th e Landlord’s Game in an If people land on our property to a game of Monopoly I attempt to teach people about we charge them exorbitant fees challenge you to play with a Henry George’s single tax theory and force them to mortgage their diff erent mindset. and the dangers of monopolised own property to stay in the game, I challenge you to play with property ownership. we sometimes force them into compassion and a willingness Fellow American Charles homelessness or jail, leaving them to help those who are down on ONE OF the great things about being located in North Darrow later sold his similar reliant on those who possess their luck. Queensland is that you can have church outside in August. game, Monopoly, to Parker wealth and property. Th e only problem will The members of Burdekin Uniting Church are lucky enough to be Brothers which has gone on to Th ey are impoverished be that by playing this way able to have church on the beach.This is their sign from 30 August. become one of the most popular and vulnerable and we are the the game will never end and Thanks to Minister Paul Clark for sending this in. board games of all time. winners. everyone will have something Send your Sign of the Times to [email protected]. Th e object of Monopoly is to Ms Magie’s original concept of value. bankrupt your opponents and was to warn people of the evils of Wouldn’t it be good if Sign of the Times is now sponsored by become the wealthiest player. a monopolised society. society worked like that? Blackstar Coffee. The chosen entry will be Th at is, of course, the only way Yet even the most compassion- Mardi Lumsden contacted by Blackstar to receive their Editor prize of freshly roasted organic fairtrade coffee. www.blackstarcoffee.com.au.

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 effort to do so if requested. Editor: Mardi Lumsden; Designer: Osker Lau; Advertising: Sandra Wilson; Production: Communication Services Unit; Printing: Horton Media, Narangba; Circulation: 15,500; ISSN: 0817-4466; Contacts: Communication Services Unit, Uniting Church in Australia Queensland Synod, 60 Bayliss Street Auchenfl ower QLD GPO Box 674 UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA QUEENSLAND SYNOD Brisbane QLD 4001; Phone: (07) 3377 9910; Email: [email protected]; Fax: (07) 3377 9717; Web: www.journeyonline.com.au Closing date for editorial and advertising for November Journey is Monday, 12 October. Next issue of Journey will be available in churches on Sunday, 2 November. JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU NATIONAL NEWS 3 Queensland leads the way in sacrifi ce

WITH THE Global Financial “Lent Event was blessed this to projects that off er a better Crisis looming, the team at Lent year by the contributions of future to some of the world’s Event were preparing themselves Queensland Synod members who neediest people. to suff er a decline in registrations raised a total of $163 715 which Th is sacrifi ce, in combination and support for their annual is an increase of 76 percent from with the use of Bible study and community event. their previous annual donation,” worship resources provided by But to the surprise and joy Ms White said. Lent Event, helped many Queens- of the Lent Event team, Uniting “We are very thankful for land worship communities Church congregations and faith all those who took part in our develop spiritually in 2009. groups around Australia have program, giving up something in As one member of the shown their dedication and com- their lives during Lent to prioritise Cleveland Uniting Church passion, raising over $430 000 to the welfare of others.” commented: respond to the other GFC – the Lent Event was established “Lent Event is drawing our Global Food Crisis and other vital fi ve years ago in order to provide congregation nearer to Jesus’ development work, orchestrated a practical way for people to heart for the poor.” by UnitingWorld through their help fi ght world poverty while Th e team at Lent Event are Erica Harrison with a young disabled child, Lifi laza, at the relief and development projects. developing their understanding busily preparing resources for Orphans and Vulnerable Children centre in Mwandi, Zambia. Lent Event Program Director of God and the world which he Lent 2010 including children’s Photo courtesy of Lent Event Sarah White said that the support has created. programs, worship resources and from members of the Queensland Participants are asked to give an inspiring Bible study written the Edges. Th e resources will be encouraged to sign up or fi nd Synod was fundamental in up a non-essential item during by Rev Dr Chris Budden, focusing available in October. Individuals out more about Lent Event from achieving this. Lent and donate the money saved on the theme Joining God at and Church communities are www.lentevent.com. We must believe Stock Up For Hope drives charity ON 9 SEPTEMBER 40 depression, fi nancial problems, cattle drive during its four week corporate city slickers and a and even suicide,” he said. duration. few school chaplains drove 500 “Many chaplains have found Since the Federal Government cattle from Mitchell to Roma they’ve replaced counselling or agreed to fund school chaplains in true peace in regional Queensland for welfare services, and they’re not two days a week, two years ago, the Stock Up For Hope charity just providing support to students the scheme has been a resounding TO CELEBRATE the United Na- good work already being done and cattle drive. either – that essential assistance success, with a recent study by SU tions International Day of Peace further strengthen our resolve to Th e aim was to raise and moral support is extending to Qld indicating principals were and World Council of Churches’ build a peaceful world.” awareness of the crucial role family members as well. overwhelmingly in favour of International Day of Prayer for Mr Macrae affi rmed the that school chaplains play in “But they’re making maintaining the program. Peace, 21 September, Uniting eff orts of Prime Minister Kevin the lives of school students in sensational inroads in bringing “While school chaplains are Church President Rev Alistair Rudd and US President Barack regional Queensland. young people, their families, and government-funded for two days Macrae called for churches to Obama in leading a new wave Tim Mander, Scripture entire communities, into a closer a week in reality they work many truly believe in a world without of international commitment Union (SU) Qld CEO said relationship with God.” more hours. Th ey are actually nuclear weapons. and cooperation on nuclear Stock Up For Hope would also SU Qld is the nation’s largest on call 24/7 to assist students in “As we commemorate this day disarmament. raise vital funds for school provider of school chaplains. need,” Mr Mander said. of peace … we acknowledge that Th e Uniting Church has chaplaincy services in rural Mr Mander said 40 “We need to raise funds to keep we have not believed enough in long been committed to the and regional Queensland. representatives from Australia’s these services up and running.” the power of peace,” he said. elimination of nuclear weapons, “Our school chaplains are leading corporations joined the “We have placed our faith in most recently lending its voice fi nding themselves supporting the ownership of weapons and to the International Campaign to students through issues the idea of ‘deterrence’ to deliver Abolish Nuclear Weapons, and in such as parental separation, security for the world’s people.” 2006 in the statement Uniting for Mr Macrae said the Uniting Peace the Church declared that Church believed there could be ownership, use, or threatened use no such security in a world where of nuclear, chemical or biological there are around 26 000 nuclear weapons was evil. weapons and thousands of those “We continue to call on are on “hair trigger alert”. all nuclear weapons states to “Th e nuclear bombings of completely disarm and on those Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 states seeking to develop nuclear should have ended the use of all weapons to end their programs. nuclear weapons but instead we “And we continue to pray have seen their proliferation,” he that those who seek security DDaleale Watson,Watson, GGeoffeoff WWilsonilson said. in weapons may discover that ((MinisterMinister forfor EducationEducation aandnd “Fortunately the tide is now genuine security can only be TTraining),raining), aandnd BBrodierodie HHurleyurley turning and this day, 21 Sep- achieved through non-violent aatt tthehe llaunchaunch ooff SStocktock UUpp ForFor Hope.Hope. tember, provides us with the means,” he said. PPhotohoto courtesycourtesy ofof SUSU QldQld opportunity to build both on the

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Ness Goodwin, parent Dr Ranjeny Chapel Prefect Amy Schmidt and Th omas and Year 12 student, Tasha Chapel Convenors Katie Desoe Somerville House Haran, addressed the gathering to and Monica Craswell having the refl ect on the school’s spiritual life important role of supporting the from diff erent perspectives. School’s Chaplains in promoting Ms O’Gorman explained that God’s message throughout the the breakfast was the School’s fi rst School. gathering of its faith community Somerville House operates celebrates spiritual in this way. under the ownership and “Now parents and staff governance of the Presbyterian members can identify each and Methodist Schools Assoc- other as part of the School’s faith iation (PMSA) and seeks to community and maybe this will provide the opportunity for life of the school lead to further opportunities to members of the school community support each other in the future.” to engage meaningfully with the IN AUGUST the Somerville help explain and demonstrate the role of the School in developing Student involvement also Christian gospel and nurture a House community held its annual teachings of Jesus to the students the spiritual life of individuals. played a crucial role in the sense of a relationship with God Chapel Week, a fi ve day program in an engaging and relevant Somerville House Principal Dr success of Chapel Week with for individuals. of activities commemorating the way, and to allow the Christian commissioning of the Chapel and students an opportunity to share celebrating the spiritual life of their faith at school. the girls’ school which is based in “Th e theme Friendship was South Brisbane. extended to look at how we can Th is year the activities centred be God’s friends and what we can around the theme Friendship expect in our relationship with and included a birthday party for God,” said Ms O’Gorman. the Chapel, a praise celebration Year 12 student and Chapel lead by the Chapel band and a Prefect Amy Schmidt was also celebration breakfast for parents, very positive about what Chapel staff and students. Week achieved. Key elements of friendship “It was great to see everyone such as trust and communication so enthusiastic and open to God were highlighted through a range during the week and to see the of activities including a blind diff erent year levels mixing so eating activity that challenged well and having fun,” she said. blindfolded girls to feed their Th e 2009 Chapel Week also partners a messy concoction of included the inaugural Chapel green jelly and custard. Week Breakfast involving more Th e School’s Senior Chaplain, than 80 parents, students and Chris O’Gorman, said the week’s staff coming together to share activities had been developed to breakfast while refl ecting on the Somerville House students cut the Chapel’s birthday cake. Photo by Stephanie Grorud and courtesy of Somerville House Ecumenism crosses the ocean THE ECUMENICAL spirit of school of the Free Wesley Church Th is visit was a dream come tried computers. Out of school people,” said one of the host Unity College in Caloundra of Tonga. true for teachers Karen Harrison hours, they enjoyed barbecues, parents. “We had them with us extended across the Pacifi c Unity College is an ecumenical and Carmel O’Brien, who caught went roller-skating, and saw the for fi ve days and wish we could recently when the College school serving the Catholic and the vision from Rev Dr Alan animals at Australia Zoo. have had them for the full ten!” welcomed students from Peteli Uniting communities of Caloun- Morrison and his wife Judy after At the Winter Arts Show the Ms O’Brien said, “It was such Middle School in Tonga – a dra on the Sunshine Coast. they worked in Tonga in 2006 and Tongan students almost stole the a valuable experience for our 2007. show with their presentation of students to get to know people In 2008 they initiated the songs and dances from their own from a totally diff erent culture. relationship when they took the culture and Christian tradition, “It was an eye-opener for fi rst group of students from Unity complete with traditional them to understand that people College to the school in Tonga. costumes made of tapa and from diff erent cultures see things Th e value of cultural exchange pandanus. Judy Morrison said the diff erently; that we are not better was fi rmly established and this audience response was ecstatic. or worse than each other but just year, 18 students and four teachers “Th e students experienced ‘diff erent’. from the Tongan school came to worship in both the Uniting “Th ey began to learn something experience life and education in and Catholic churches and of the values that Tongans hold Queensland. were warmly welcomed by both dear: family, faith, and sharing.” Th e visit allowed the Tongan communities. Th eir voices added Th ere were many tears as the students to participate in classes an extra dimension to the singing visitors departed but the many at the College and also to enjoy and their unaccompanied songs generous gifts they left will sustain the tourist attractions available were so beautiful that it brought the memory of an unforgettable on the Sunshine Coast. Th ey tears to the eyes of many,” she experience. Students are already practised their English, learnt said. asking about registering for the Tongan students enjoy a cooking class with students from Unity to cook Australian-style and “Th ey really are beautiful next trip to Tonga in 2010. College. Photo courtesy of Judy Morrison and Unity College

Journey - October 2009 JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU SYNOD NEWS 5 Best gift is time says top dad fi nalist

By Mardi Lumsden that made him understand the “Mum and Dad are a a Sunday afternoon drive or a the answer to it. We’ve just got to importance of being with your partnership. picnic was a highlight,” she said. keep going and reach out.” SCRIPTURE UNION (SU) children. “Th ey have been married for Mr Brown also encouraged SU Queensland Father of the Queensland Father of the Year “My Dad wasn’t always with us over 50 years. churches to reach out to young Year was won by Bundaberg fi nalist and North Rockhampton at times. Back in those days they “Th ings weren’t easy all the people. resident Richard Baldry who, with Uniting Church member Merv worked away and then he went time, but today we spend too “Keep up the good work. I his wife, has adopted and fostered Brown said the key to being a good to Cairns during the war and we much time trying to get the latest know we are all battling to try to 15 children. dad is pretty straightforward. were left at home.” stuff , whereas when we were kids keep our youth and I don’t know “It is so important to talk to Now Mr Brown doesn’t your kids from an early age, read just help with his children and them stories before they go to grandchildren, he also volunteers bed, give them a good hug and tell at an after-school hockey them you love them,” he said. program. Th e father of fi ve adult He said good parents spend daughters was nominated by quality time with their children. daughter Kayleen Smith who “Parents have got to sit down attends Pine Rivers Uniting and talk and listen to their Church. children. Ms Smith said her father gives “Just enjoy what they want a lot to the local community as to do and not what the parents well as to his family. want the kids to do. In sport or “He has always given a lot and anything, listen to the children taught us that we are not just here and see what they want and like. to get what we can out of life. You “Don’t push them into things have got to put something back in that they don’t want, but you still as well. have to lead them in a way that “He was always on the school works best for them.” P&C and anything we were Ms Smith said one of the involved with like hockey, music lessons she learnt about being a or church, Mum or Dad always good parent from her Dad was went. accepting your children for who “Th ey were always on a they are. committee, never right up front, “Don’t try to turn them into but always in the background to what you want them to be; just make sure things happened.” love them.” Mr Brown said it was spending She also sees her parents, Marg Kayleen Smith with her father Merv Brown at the Sctipture Union Queensland Father of the Year time apart from his own Father and Merv Brown, as a great team. breakfast. Photo courtesy of Phil Smith

cons. We provided updates to What do members of this they may have,” suggested Helen our congregations’ members cluster recommend to other Wilson, Secretary of Clayfi eld/ monthly, and then weekly, and congregations thinking about Hamilton. Kairos Union we constantly asked God for his a union? Keep everyone in the Mr McHugh said, “I would guidance,” said Ms Sugars. loop! advise other congregations By Caitlin Harrison to suggest possible names for Members of the cluster expect “Keep your congregation in- considering such a move to enter the new cluster. Th e name was some little bumps along the way, formed of the process of the cluster into negotiations with open minds THREE UNITING Church submitted by a member of the but the outlook is overwhelmingly group, answer their questions and and a willingness to accept change communities have decided to Geebung congregation, Mr Ian positive. alleviate any fears and worries with a positive attitude.” come together as one to utilise Caitens. “I believe some of our elderly resources and worship together. “Kairos was ultimately chosen members will have diffi culty Congregations from Wavell by the Cluster Committee as they accepting that they will not have Heights/Geebung, Toombul felt this name was most fi tting for the same minister all the time,” District and Clayfi eld/Hamilton what was happening to us. Th is said Ms Sugars. will come together as a cluster to was God’s time for this group of “(But) I am so excited about form the Kairos Uniting Church. churches to come together,” said the new opportunities which Ms Jenny Sugars, Secretary Ms Sugars. will come about because we have of Wavell Heights/Geebung is Th e three congregations clustered.” excited about the prospects this will physically stay in their own Ken McHugh, Treasurer for clustering brings. Churches but made the decision Toombul District believes that “We will have three times to work as one earlier this year. as long as the congregations everything! Ministerial talent, Plenty of planning went are assured that each Church’s expertise, experience and into the union with a taskforce identity will be retained, people enthusiasm – the list is endless. created by members of all three will embrace the union. “An unexpected bonus has congregations and guidance “I’m looking forward to the been the new friends I have made from facilitators appointed by opportunity to develop working within our cluster,” she said. Presbytery. relationships with members of our Th e word kairos is a Greek “Our cluster group has been neighbouring communities as we Graham Power (Toombul District chair), Rev Peter Lockhart, word meaning God’s time. meeting since early 2009 and share resources including those Sandra Jebb, Shirley Coulson (Clayfi eld / Hamilton chair), Pastor Members of all congregations we have slowly and carefully of ministry and administration,” Terry Stanyer, and Alan Bird (Geebung / Wavell Heights chair) at involved in the union were asked worked through all the pros and he said. the Kairos Uniting Church signing. Photos by Yvonne McRostie SCHOOL FOR DISCERNING PARENTS

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Journey - October 2009 Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association www.pmsa-schools.edu.au A ministry of the Uniting and Presbyterian Churches, providing excellence in education in a Christian and caring environment. 6 CONGREGATION NEWS JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU Churches snag Fathers’ Day

CONGREGATIONS ALL over Bayside Uniting Church in Queensland paid tribute to fathers Brisbane held a special Fathers’ on the fi rst Sunday in September. Day service this year with the For the past four years on theme Sporting Sunday. Fathers’ Day the Burdekin “Invitations were sent Uniting Church congregation in encouraging men and women to North Queensland have held a dress in sporting gear and there community BBQ in Home Hill was a great response,” said Ron and given away free newspapers in Angell. Ayr from two local newsagents. “All the fl owers were removed Minister Rev Paul Clark said from the Church to make way for the response has been excellent. sporting memorabilia, the music “Although we haven’t had many team comprised of eight men and people join our congregation as a the service included a quiz. result that is not the direct aim,” “After the benediction all the he said. men came forward and received a “We do it to try to change sports-themed Fathers’ Day card perceptions. Often the church containing characteristics of our comes to ask for money, not to Heavenly Father,” he said. give it away. “Th e service was “We want to send a diff erent enthusiastically received with message to the community - God an encouraging increase in the Mary Johnson and Peter Leggo at the Bayside Uniting Church Fathers’ Day Service. is a God of grace.” number of men attending.” Photo by Max Johnson

Church market day a hit in Brookfi eld The Ipswich Woodies demonstrated their woodturning skills and a range ON SATURDAY 12 September of craft stalls offered everything from hundreds of people enjoyed the cakes to cushions, jams to jewellery, sights, sounds and smells of the and enough second-hand books and Brookfi eld Country Market. treasures to appeal to everyones The musical program included tastes. choirs from local primary schools, The history of the local area was the Brisbane Boys’ College Pipe also on display, as was old farm Band, the mellow tones of singer Ian machinery and a lovingly restored Smallbone (Karana Downs Uniting Vintage 1911 Renault. Church minister), the entertaining Kathy Sunners and organ recitals by There were plenty of activities for the Elizabeth Slatter. children as well as food and drinks for all who attended. Many locals took advantage of the well-priced fresh produce. By George Barnes The Brookfi eld Uniting Church Country Market. Photo by George Barnes

Chaplain’s bikers motor through Church and history

HISTORY WAS made on Kilcoy. Morning tea at Kilcoy was force, cooking up a storm on the Saturday 29 August as around supplied by Beerwah Church on barbecues for the hungry riders. 100 motorbikes rode through the Rise and other local Beerwah GHCUC Minister Rev George the Glasshouse Country Uniting churches. Woodward (a biker from way Organiser Jaimie Church (GHCUC) foyer to raise Th e route continued back back) could not stop grinning all Kerr on his funds for the local high school through Caboolture via Elim- weekend. bike with Mike Chaplain Mike Turner. bah to Steve Irwin Way, Beer- Over $2000 was raised on Turner (Beerwah Th e idea was the brainchild of wah where the SES guided the the day and the local chaplaincy High School the local chaplaincy committee riders safely through the Church committee hopes to make this an Chaplain). Photo member Lisa Kerr who, with her to park in the grounds. annual event. by Sam Walker and courtesy husband Jaimie, organised and Under the leadership of retired By Chris Bell, LCC Chairman coordinated the two hour ride minister Rev Keith Ewin, the local of Glasshouse from Beerwah High School out to UC members were out in full Country News

Journey - October 2009 JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY 7 Lifeline makes its mark on Indigenous poverty

By Caitlin Harrison Indigenous Outreach Program. with Menzies School of Health Th e Program will support Research because it symbolically DID YOU know suicide among specifi cally identifi ed remote and represents a signature and is often Indigenous Australians is up to regional Indigenous communities found in traditional Indigenous 40 percent* higher than in the through service delivery and the art and rock painting. general Australian population? dissemination of information and Once your mark is made, you It is also believed this fi gure is self-help resources. can click on a map to see the hand under reported. Th e need for such programs prints of other people in your area In less than a minute and with will be determined on a comm- to see how many of your friends four clicks of your mouse, you unity needs basis – identifi ed by and family have made their mark. can help Lifeline save Indigenous a community assessment and To make your mark Australians. engagement process. visit www.lifeline.org.au A place to call home Th e Make Your Mark campaign Th e use of a hand print as makeyourmark/home encourages you to create your own the predominant image of the AT THE 27th Queensland Synod meeting last November mem- unique hand print, symbolising Make Your Mark campaign was (*Living is for Everyone, 2008) bers affi rmed a proposal relating to homelessness from Aitkenvale your own contribution to making determined in collaboration Uniting Church minister Mark Dewar and UnitingCare Chief Indigenous poverty history. Executive Offi cer Anne Cross entitled A Place to Call Home. By creating your hand print, Ms Cross said the proposal was a step towards congregations you will be showing your support and Church agencies making a real diff erence in the lives of for Indigenous healing, emotional Queensland’s homeless community. wellbeing and suicide prevention. Th e proposal came out of a Housing and Homelessness Forum Your participation will sponsored by the Synod Leadership Team held in 2008 and help Lifeline, a subsidiary of explored ways the Church could respond to these major social UnitingCare, connect Indigenous issues. communities with services and A Place to Call Home requests all arms of the Church to resources to support individuals form relationships in their local community and to work out and families into the future. ways to assist people struggling with homelessness or in need of For every handprint created emergency accommodation. Rugby League’s One Community It asks the fi nancial and organisational bodies of the Church will donate $1 to Lifeline for this (including UnitingCare) to investigate appropriate models for cause up to $15 000. structuring the provision of aff ordable housing, to support Th e funds raised will be used congregations who wish to provide support, and to lobby local, to support suicide awareness and state and federal government to amend public policy on the prevention activities in at risk issues involved with homelessness in Australia. communities as part of Lifeline’s

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Journey - October 2009 8 HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU Hospitality on the edge

By Tim Hodgson Known as the Wesley Servant Network. Each week residents, to name a few. on the Be-Attitudes which Community Meal it began fi ve around 90 people, mostly home- Tirelessly the volunteers spend gave volunteers a theological RESPONDING TO the issue of years ago when some of the Albert less, attend the meal in Fortitude their Wednesday afternoons framework to articulate their homelessness on Brisbane streets, St Church members had dinner Valley, Brisbane. preparing the food then serving engagement with the homeless. a group of inner-city residents with a group of homeless people Th ey are supported by a diverse the guests and eating with them. Running a local community and Albert St Uniting Church whom they had befriended from group of volunteers from retirees, Th e Wesley Community meal has allowed Albert St members are working together to street work. young adults, overseas students, Meal is an avenue for guests and Uniting Church members to serve run a weekly community meal for It has become a Wednesday church members, offi ce workers, volunteers to live out and practise alongside local city residents and the poor. night ritual for Wesley Mission’s ex-prisoners and boarding house the spiritual value of hospitality. build life-giving relationships Th e community meal provides with them, whilst connecting a safe place for homeless people, eff ectively and supporting the where they feel loved, accepted, homeless and disadvantaged in supported and respected. inner city Brisbane. Most importantly, there are Together they are responding opportunities to take on positions to poverty in their local of responsibility at the meal and community. develop new skills and knowledge. Wesley Mission’s Servant Many volunteers fi nd the Network also runs street work experience of supporting the teams, mentoring teams and homeless transformative. community development Ontologically they come to a programs. new understanding of life, where Th e Network needs occasional they realise what it means to be in cooks for the Wesley Community solidarity with the poor. Meal and is seeking volunteers What unifi es such a diverse particularly from Uniting Church group of volunteers is the belief multicultural congregations in that they are part of a movement response to a request for some of hospitality and justice that international dishes at the meal. liberates the poor. Contact Melanie Wheeley, Capturing and living out Community Meal Coordinator, this vision has led to a number on 0412 538 015. of volunteers who have had no Rev Deacon Tim Hodgson connection with the church to is the Homelessness and explore the Christian faith. Community Minister with Volunteers prepare for the Wesley Community Meal in Brisbane. In response the Servant Wesley Mission Brisbane Photo courtesy of Tim Hodgson Network ran a refl ective study

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Please return this form to : Communication Services Unit, GPO Box 674, Brisbane, QLD, 4001 Complete online at survey.journeyonline.com.au UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA QUEENSLANDJJourneyou rSYNODney - OctoberOctober 20092009 JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY 9 Synod launches housing directory

By Andrew Johnson made by the 27th Queensland means someone in Mansfi eld can Synod as part of a comprehensive fi nd out the services available A MAN contacted our Church suite of proposals adopted as a in Aspley or people in Charters adapted to local situations. the Queensland Synod is seeking the other day; he was struggling response to homelessness. Towers can fi nd the services Later down the track the aim is to live out its commitment to be to fi nd secure accommodation Collaboration between available in Robina. for congregation members to be a reconciling community called for himself and the two young UnitingCare’s Centre for Th is alone will not solve able to add their own local services to see Christ in the poor and the people he cared for, both of Social Justice and the Synod Australia’s homelessness crisis. so that it can be more useful across marginalised. whom had complex needs. Communication Services Unit has Homelessness Australia reports Queensland. Visit Unable to access social made this possible. that nearly one in every 200 Th is initiative is another way www.housing.ucaqld.com.au housing and fi nding it impossible Rather than having expert local Australians is without safe, secure to survive in the rental market knowledge, anyone can respond to or aff ordable housing. he came to the Church looking enquiries using information from 23 percent of Australia’s home- for assistance and a supportive one website tailored to the needs less are children, half the people community. of the Uniting Church. who request accommodation are How could I help? I was new Based on a similar concept to turned away and two out of every to the area, not familiar with the refugee services, the homelessness three children who need support services in the community. directory is designed to be a single are turned away. Where could I go to fi nd out portal for listing services related to Th ose who work with the most what was in my area? housing and homelessness. marginalised in our community, I didn’t just want to refer them It also provides guides to including asylum seekers fl eeing to someone who might know engaging with people who come torture and persecution, report more than me only to begin a seeking assistance. that fi nding safe secure housing is long chain of referrals. So often not only are we the most diffi cult need to meet. It was this kind of scenario unaware of the services available In light of that evidence the that began the idea of an online but we also lack experience about website also seeks to inform people homelessness directory launched the best way to help. about how to engage in advocacy. A vvolunteerolunteer ppreparesrepares fforor tthehe WWesleyesley in September. Often people will be far from It includes details about how to CCommunityommunity MealMeal inin Brisbane.Brisbane. Th is directory is the their normal locality when they contact your local politician and PPhotohoto ccourtesyourtesy ooff TTimim HodgsonHodgson implementation of a decision contact a church. Th is directory even sample letters that can be A home away from home By Caitlin Harrison cious of me because I was working siblings. the same as Sudan. Australia school, childcare and university.” with refugees in India,” she said. “I was sad to leave (Sudan) but has diff erent trees from Sudan, Th e Church played a vital role LEAVING YOUR home to move It was too dangerous for her the environment was not peaceful the weather is diff erent, and the in Mr Keuth’s integration into to another country is a hard at to stay. If she did she risked for me and my family,” said Mr culture is diff erent. Sudan is a Australian society. the best of times but when the imprisonment, so she went back Keuth. third world country and Australia “Th e Church gave me a course decision isn’t yours it can be a to India. Life in Australia has not been is a developed country. to know about Christianity better, nightmare. When she completed her study easy for Mr Keuth and his family. “Th ere are a lot of good things and assists me with bringing my Francisca Zingi from Burma Ms Zingi knew she could not “It took me time to settle in in Australia (rather than in) Sudan, family for prayers on Sundays.” and Simon Kueth from Sudan return home so applied to come to and I have not settled in well for example housing, education, have both left their dangerous Australia as a refugee and arrived up to now. Australian life is not and security. My children are at homelands in search of a better in March 2007. life in Australia. Th eir stories are Ms Zingi had to leave behind enlightening. not only her parents but her two “I was always interested in sons, both now in their twenties. Australia,” said Francisca Zingi, “I divorced my husband while 40. “But whatever we wanted I was still in Burma, and my sons to do, we couldn’t,” she said, didn’t live with me, but it is still referring to the tight restrictions hard,” she said. placed on people entering and With support from Rev Dr leaving Burma by the military Apichart Branjerdporn and government. fellow members of Logan Central About fi ve years ago Ms Zingi Multicultural Uniting Church travelled to South India on the Ms Zingi has made a new life for border of Burma to study at bible herself in Australia. college. Th rough her study she “Th e majority (of refugees travelled to New Dehli to work in our Church) are very happy with refugees, not realising that and are active members of the she would become one herself. Church. Th ey interact well with She loved working with the everyone from 15 nations at our refugees but didn’t realise how multicultural Church,” said Dr much danger it was putting her Branjerdporn. in back in her homeland. Simon Keuth fl ed the civil war During her studies she retuned in Sudan with his wife and children to Burma to visit family and in September 2002. realised something wasn’t right. When he left, he did not know “Th e military became suspi- the whereabouts of his parents and A young woman selling craft at the Lake Inle market in Burma. Photo by Justin Blethrow

Journey - October 2009 1100 HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU

and included 20 and 60 minute presentations as well as bible study for church and youth groups. “Ideally we want churches to Christians host CAP Sunday on Sunday 11 October to fi t in with National Anti-Poverty Week, but there will be some fl exibility,” she said. Ms Buttenshaw said according to the Reserve Bank of Australia, Against the total amount of Australian household debt has risen almost six-fold in the last 18 years. “Th is is an overall increase of around $910 billion. In 2007 a report from Australia Fair stated Poverty that one in 11 families is living below the poverty line. “We receive dozens of phone By Priscilla Raepom with National Anti-Poverty Week calls daily from people who are from 11 to 17 October. overwhelmed and trapped by CHRISTIANS AGAINST Poverty She said churches can either debt,” Ms Buttenshaw said. (CAP), a national debt counselling provide debt counselling services Currently CAP works in part- ministry, is calling on churches in and fi nancial education to help nership with 64 local churches Australia to support CAP Sunday: individuals start their journey from various denominations an event created to highlight the towards fi nancial freedom or take within Queensland, New South reality of debt and poverty in the up an off ering that will help CAP Wales, Victoria, South Australia country and to establish a debt reach out to more people. and the ACT, to service and counselling service for church “We are currently in the process counsel their clients. communities. of creating a multimedia resource For more information on Communications and pack that gives churches a couple hosting a CAP Sunday partnership director Alison of options for presentations,” she contact Sarah Gentle Buttenshaw is expecting about said. on (02) 4914 0508, 80 churches to get involved in the Ms Buttenshaw said the email [email protected] A young beggar in India. Photo by Steve Evans and event this year which coincides resource pack was user friendly or visit www.capaust.org courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Art helps heal the marginalised

By Aileen Wallace homeless. Th e Church building “I got to know a man called feels safe and, even when closed, Austin, who came for coff ee ART FROM the Margins grew the cloisters off er protection from regularly. from a conversation at an early the elements. “He is a great ideas person morning coff ee brigade for the Th is prompted Church and would constantly throw up homeless. In its second year, it is members to ask how these people challenges for Wesley Mission now part of the annual Brisbane could be helped. Brisbane. Festival. Dr Ian Airey, a board member “He told me that even if you Art from the Margins has of UnitingCare Queensland and were living rough there was received over 300 works of art the Wesley Mission Brisbane no need to go hungry but the from Brisbane’s homeless and Council, and a member of Albert boredom was crippling. those living with disadvantage or Street Uniting Church for over 18 “Th at was how, and why, Art disability. years, also started looking for a from the Margins came about. It Th ese creations will be on way he could personally help. helps allay boredom through art. display this October at Wesley He began representing Wesley “Th e public’s reaction to the Mission Brisbane - Albert Street Mission Brisbane at an early work was very positive and the Uniting Church, and the Inala morning coff ee brigade which Brisbane Festival was happy to Community Art Gallery. caters for people who are homeless take the exhibition on as part of Located in Brisbane’s CBD or living on the margins. their regular program.” Wesley Mission Brisbane and “At fi rst I felt like a fi sh out of Th is years theme is One in Albert Street Uniting Church are water,” said Dr Airey, “then I got Spirit. in an attractive position to the to be a familiar face. The exhibition runs 1-4 October at the Wesley Mission Brisbane - Albert Street Uniting Church, 140 Ann Street in Brisbane, and 1-11 October at the Inala Community Art Gallery. Entry is free and some Artist Stephen Corti-Griffi th stands with his prizewinning artwork will be for sale. painting. Photo courtesy of Wesley Mission Brisbane

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Journey - October 2009 JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU FEATURE 1111 Who is Jesus? The search continues

By Mardi Lumsden to attempt to understand more “Of course, we need to connect about Jesus. to Jesus on a personal level,” he THE JOURNEY letters section “If nothing else, Jesus is the said. continues to have lively discussion fi gure that haunts and inhabits “I am sure that the grace of in response to our February our culture, often unseen, like the God allows us to know Jesus in edition Who is Jesus? and the third fi gure who walked the road real, though incomplete and even review of Who on Earth was Jesus? to Emmaus (Luke 24),” he said. inaccurate ways, as part of our a book by Quaker and humanist “He has inspired millions spiritual growth and journey. author David Boulton. to lives of service. And we are “Mind you, we need to keep Mr Boulton was in Australia in convinced he lives. questioning our grasp of Jesus - September to speak at the SoFiA “But the bible doesn’t give us and his grasp of us.” conference in Toowoomba. a psychological profi le of Jesus. So during the search for Jesus Journey spoke with Mr Boulton People simply weren’t interested we may fi nd many diff erent as well as Centenary Uniting in that kind of thing. We don’t answers but Jesus’ key messages Church (Brisbane) minister and can’t understand the person about justice and caring for and National Working Group he was, except indirectly and each other shine through all on Worship chair Rev Dr Paul provisionally through the aff ects interpretations. Walton and former moderator he had on peoples’ lives.” “We need to tell the story of Rev Don Whebell to fi nd out Mr Boulton said by the end of Jesus - we know he transforms who, on earth, is Jesus and does the fi rst century, when the gospels lives!” said Dr Walton. it matter? were written, Jesus had already “We should lead in justice and Th e Basis of Union, the peace-making, receive the Carl Heinrich Bloch (Danish painter, 1834-90), Christ with Thorns, foundation document of “If we fi nd a Jesus that stranger with hospitality, be oil on canvas. Courtesy of www.carlbloch.com the Uniting Church, speaks suits us, we’ve found open to God’s spirit working of Jesus of Nazareth, “Who in and through unexpected announced the sovereign the wrong Jesus.” people, including those whose grace of God whereby the David Boulton basic sexuality may trouble us, poor in spirit could receive challenge the disregard of the POVERTY God’s love, Jesus himself, in his been “mythologised, theologised, environment and the abuse of the life and death, made the response and re-invented by the church”. weak, including children.” of humility, obedience and trust “Th e Christ of faith is a Mr Whebell agreed. AND THE SOUL which God had long sought in theological construction.” “Jesus summed it up pretty vain.” (Paragraph three) Dr Walton agreed, but said well when asked about which was From P.1 “Th ere’s a lot in this,” said Dr there was no shame in that. the greatest commandment: ‘Love Walton. “Th e Jesus the gospels give us is God with all your heart, soul, “That means that we are • seek to be a person of “Jesus announced good news already theologically constructed, mind and strength - and love your committed to living here good news in how you live to the poor and lived a life fully so we shouldn’t be apologetic neighbour as you love yourself’, ” long term, to sending our your life children to the local state and uniquely open to God. about a theological construct.” he said. • move to an area that has school, to being involved “But the Basis goes further: ‘In When searching for a Mr Boulton said Jesus’ key elements of disadvantage raising him to live and reign, God historical Jesus it is possible that message was, and is, “Let us try in the local community, confi rmed and completed the we construct what we fi nd to what love will do”. to building relationships • commit to living there witness which Jesus bore to God match our own beliefs and values. “So simple … so hard!” he and practising hospitality long-term with the people around us, on earth, reasserted claim over Dr Walton, Mr Whebell and Mr said. “But if we dared to live that • commit to sharing your and committed to trying the whole of creation, pardoned Boulton all had issues with this way we’d begin to transform the life with the people around to be salt and light both sinners, and made in Jesus a concept. world. you representative beginning of a new “If we fi nd a Jesus that suits us, “Th at Jesus was a trouble- individually and as part of order of righteousness and love’. ” we’ve found the wrong Jesus,” said maker, a rebel and a subversive, God’s church,” said Mr • watch the Holy Spirit at Mr Whebell said the most we Mr Boulton. “A Jesus who doesn’t and that if we are to call ourselves Cornford. work. can know about God is “what he challenge us is of no earthly use.” followers of Jesus we must fi nd Here are some challenges “Our most important has shown of himself in the life, Dr Walton said those who try the courage to be trouble-makers, Mr Cornford suggested contribution to being good death and resurrection of Jesus to construct the historical Jesus rebels and subversives. Of such is Jesus is bringing to Uniting news to the poor is us,” said Christ”. usually end up with a Jesus who is the kingdom of heaven,” said Mr Church members: Mr Cornford. Dr Walton said it was important very like them. Boulton.

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Journey - October 2009 1122 WHAT’S ON / FAST NEWS JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU

OOctoberctober 118-218-21 Granite Belt’s NNationalational blue Sunday ON SUNDAY 23 August the RRuralural MMinistryinistry Granite Belt Uniting Church celebrated Blue Care Sunday in GGatheringathering Stanthorpe. Blue Care staff , committee MMembersembers ofof BlueBlue CareCare staffstaff atat A conference for church members, volunteers and clients mmorningorning tteaea aafterfter tthehe sservice.ervice. leaders from rural and participated in the service. PPhotohoto bbyy CCarolarol MMorrisonorrison remote Synod and Blue Care Service Manager Presbytery offi ces. Sandra Bamberry lit a blue approximately 400 clients a year. Granite Belt Uniting Church Contact Peter Harvey candle to represent the special Th ere have been many changes thanked Blue Care Queensland on 4741 1865 or role Blue Care has played in the since Blue Care Stanthorpe for the support given to this serv- fl inderspatrol2@bigpond. congregation. commenced in 1965 but one ice and the resources supplied to com Currently Blue Care in thing that hasn’t changed is the make this a special time for Blue Stanthorpe has 31 paid staff , wonderful work ethic of all its Care and the Church. Oct 3. Clayfi eld Hamilton Garage Sale, Clayfi eld Uniting 70 volunteers, 10 cars, one staff and volunteers and their By Carol Morrison Church. Contact Helen Wilson on 3266 5132. bus and makes 22 000 calls to willingness to go the extra mile.

Oct 3, 7pm. Young Adults Trivia Night at Emmanuel Uniting Church, 249 South Pine Rd, Enoggera. $10. Contact Andrew Upper Caboolture unearths history Taylor at [email protected] or on 0438 89 4279. Churches celebrate

Oct 8, 7.15pm-9.30pm. Brian McLaren Seminar: Where Faith BROOKFIELD UNITING DO YOU have connections with Meets the World at Chermside Kedron Uniting Church. $25. Church celebrates its the Upper Caboolture area? Register online at www.worldvision.com.au/act/attendevents. 140th Anniversary this If so the Restoration Committee October with a lunch in at the Upper Caboolture Uniting Oct 8-10. Arts and Crafts Christmas Extravaganza at Aspley the Brookfi eld Uniting Church would like to hear from Uniting Church. Handmade Christmas gifts and decorations. Church Hall on 17 October you. Contact Olwyn Conomos on 3325 0307 or Beth Kemp on and a celebratory service As part of celebrating [email protected]. on Sunday 18 October. All Queensland’s 150th anniversary, welcome. the committee has been given a Oct 10, 6am-12pm. Bazaar by the Bay garage sale at Deception For details contact grant from the Q150 Community Bay Uniting Church, Webster Rd. Contact Monica Hutchinson George on 0407 178 919. Funding Project to restore the on 3204 1972 or [email protected]. Cleveland Uniting graves in the Upper Caboolture Oct 10, 2pm-4pm. A Spring Surprise at Emmanuel Uniting Church celebrates its cemetery attached to the church. Church, Enoggera. $12. RSVP by 4 Oct. Contact Bronwyn Kelly 100th Anniversary with Funds will also be used to on 3351 1153 or [email protected]. a Centenary Dinner at create a memorial stone to 6.30pm on Saturday commemorate early residents Congregation member Fay Oct 15, 10am-2.30pm. Musical morning: An October Aff air 31 October at which a of the district whose last resting McCafferty tends to one with Brother James. Hosted by Th e Gap Uniting Church Day Centenary Book will be place in the cemetery is unknown, of the headstones. Fellowship and Frontier Services Queensland Support Group. Th e launched. to place names on unmarked Photo by Rhona Collinson Gap Uniting Church. $10. Contact Alma Davie on 3300 3087. A celebratory worship graves and to digitise the cemetery service will be held on records to make them more widely accompanying death certifi cate. Oct 17, 6am-12pm. Giant Garage Sale at Paradise Point Uniting Sunday 1 November at available to the public. Th e unveiling of the memorial Church. Contact Peter Alfredson on 5529 3669 or offi ce@ppuca. 9.30am. All welcome. Because the records for the and dedication of the restoration org.au. For details and dinner cemetery are incomplete, the will be held at 10am on 7 Oct 17, 2pm-8pm. Queensland Synod Lay Preachers’ bookings contact the committee would like to hear November. Association Dinner, AGM and In-Service Training. Caboolture Church Offi ce on 3286 from anyone who believes For more information contact Uniting Church. $12. RSVP 6 Oct. Contact Grahame Tainton on 5627. they may have an ancestor or a Rhona Collinson on 3482 3279 0185 or [email protected]. relative buried in the cemetery, 5120 or [email protected] particularly if they have the Oct 17, 6pm-8pm. Concert by Australian Chamber Musicians at Redland Bay Uniting Church, Gordon Rd. $15. Tickets from Brenda Brown on 3829 1282 or 0412 565 330.

Oct 17-18. Brookfi eld Uniting Church 140th Anniversary, Brisbane. Contact George on 0407 178 919.

Oct 18, 2pm. Annual Y Gymanfa Ganu festival (Welsh Hymn Singing). Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Church St Fortitude Valley. Donations appreciated. Contact Kay Mathie 3375 3626.

Oct 17-18, 9.30am-7.30pm. Order of Knights, Rays and Comrades 7th Annual Reunion. Contact Don Hutton on 07 3264 6241 or [email protected].

Oct 20, 9.30am-12.30pm. UnitingWorld Support Group. Wesley House, 140 Ann St. Contact Judith Finau, 3711 4622 or ljfi [email protected].

Oct 22. Prepare training at Chermside-Kedron Uniting Church. Training to equip you to work eff ectively with couples. Contact Bob Warrick on 3857 7101 or [email protected].

Oct 24, 8am-3pm. Monster Book and Plant Sale at Caboolture Uniting Church, cnr King St and Smiths Rd. Ph 5496 8128.

Oct 29, 10.30-12.30pm. Bald Hills Ladies Fellowship Annual Musical Luncheon at Bald Hills Memorial Hall, Gympie Rd. $10. Contact Lesley Fenney on 3261 1997 or lesleyfenney@gmail. com.

Nov 1, 2pm-4pm. Public lecture on Interfaith Dialogue and Reconciliation. Bicentennial Community Centre, Nerang, Gold Coast. Contact Peter Robinson 5577 2142 or pdrob15@optusnet. com.au.

Upload your ‘What’s On’ entries at www.journeyonline.com.au. Items may be shortened due to space limitations.

Journey - October 2009 JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU REVIEWS 1133

Another Way to Love The Poverty and Edited by Tim Costello and Rod Yule, Acorn Press, 2009, RRP $25.00 (including postage)

Reviewed by Dr Brian Edgar, Justice Bible Professor of Theological Studies, Asbury Theological Contemporary English Version, Bible Society, 2009, RRP $30 Seminary, New York Reviewed by Andrew Johnson, social justice minister ANOTHER WAY to Love is a at West End Uniting Church, Brisbane. production of World Vision LAUNCHED BY the Prime Vision, highlights those passages which not only sets out reasons Minister in Parliament House in bright orange. for Christians to be involved in in September Th e Poverty With over 2000 verses it advocacy, aid and development and Justice Bible (Australian makes a powerful point about the but also delineates some of the Edition) seeks to reverse the centrality of justice to the gospel. God’s abhorrence of poverty specifi cally Christian attitudes approach taken to scripture by Th e Australian edition comes and desire for abundant life for and actions that infl uence Jim Wallis of Sojourners. with a journal, which provides all. the form and structure of a Mr Wallis famously cut weekly resources for reading Whenever we read scripture Christian response. out all references to poverty and refl ection on the themes of in whatever edition we read, Overall, it is an argument and justice as proof of the poverty and justice. we should always be reminded that there is a particular way incompleteness of the bible However, we should never of Luther’s passion to let of loving which emerges out focused advocacy really works. without those sections. forget that it is not only those scripture speak for itself. of having a relationship with Examples include the eff ect Th is new edition of the verses highlighted which tell us of If we do that we will be Jesus Christ. of a fair trade program on bible, a joint project between the story of God’s justice. constantly reminded of God’s Th ose who read books like coff ee growers in Ethiopia, Th e Bible Society and World Th e whole scripture tells of call to justice and peace. this hardly need persuading child slavery in the production that injustice and poverty are of chocolate, and advocacy global realities and this book concerning Make Poverty does not spend much time History. persuading people of this. Th e theology is very Not For Sale: The return of the global It focuses on developing an accessible and the contributors slave trade and how we can fi ght it explicitly Christian framework all speak from experience. Th e By David Batstone, HarperOne, 2007, RRP $24.95 for advocacy, aid and book is extremely positive development and exploring and demonstrates that ‘faith Reviewed by Marian Zaunbrecher, Associate General Secretary of certain aspects of social active in love’ (Galatians 5:6) the Queensland Synod. reform relating to fair trade, produces Another Way to climate change, child slavery, Love which can really make a NOT FOR Sale met my desire today than were traded in four the Micah Challenge, debt diff erence. It is a book about for more information on the centuries of the transatlantic slave relief and public services. success and change and the issue of people traffi cking but trade. Th e various contributors way that focused advocacy can also challenged me to further And most of the chocolate we make it clear that a Christian help the world’s poor. pursue the area using the eat is produced by child slaves. perspective makes a Another Way to Love is extensive website resources Th is book could produce a diff erence. available from the World listed at the back of the book. feeling of impotence as the writer Th e second half of the book Vision website According to Not For Sale, researches slavery throughout the has useful and encouraging www.worldvision.com.au 27 million individuals in our world. examples of the way that world today live as slaves. However what is so positive “We badly need a movement of Human traffi cking gener- about this book is that it also the Spirit in the global church.” ates US $31 billion annually. looks at the stories of modern (p 65) Th e commerce in humans day abolitionists, many of them Th e author of Ecclesiastes Only a Woman: Waine Tuga today rivals drug traffi cking motivated by their faith. expresses the desperation of By Patricia Riddel, Self Published, RRP $28.00 (including postage) and the illegal arms trade for Th eir stories inspire and move, the powerless today, “Look, the top criminal activity on the often in the face of large scale the tears of the oppressed - Reviewed by Bruce Mullan, Associate Director Church Solidarity planet. corruption. with no one to comfort them! (Pacifi c) with UnitingWorld. Half of these slaves are Th is book encourages the On the side of their oppressors under the age of 18 and 80% reader to become involved in there was power.” (Eccles. 4:1) ONLY A Woman is based on are females. action and shows how this can I pray that Christians will letters the author sent home to More slaves are in bondage be done. As one abolitionist said, act. her mother and a friend in the 1950s and 60s while she was teaching in the Papuan Islands Region of Papua New Guinea. More reviews online at www.journeyonline.com.au including: When Patricia Riddel stumbled across her letters Spirit and Song 2: The Spectacular Ordinary What Have They Done again almost 40 years later, she was determined to write her More Resources for Life With Jesus? Beyond book – and what a great read Prayer and Worship By Viv Thomas, Authentic Lifestyle, Strange Theories and it is. Assembly/Guitar Edition 2008, RRP $24.95 Bad History From this isolated part OCP Publications, 2005 By Ben Witherington III, Monarch of the mission fi eld comes RRP $19.95 Books, RRP $24.95 a story of an extraordinary woman having the adventure mental picture of a place most of a lifetime as she serves and of us have never been to. It will educates a generation of young be an important record of the Papuans. church’s mission engagement Only a Woman introduces in this part of the Pacifi c. us to many people who worked Ms Riddel’s humour and in or visited the area and is faith shine through the book peppered with light-hearted and mirror how she served in detail. PNG. Ms Riddel doesn’t shy away Any profi ts from the sale from her homesickness or of Only a Woman will buy frustrations but brings to the library books for children in reader a positive experience the Papuan Islands. of Christian service above and Reviews available from … beyond the call of duty. Only a Woman is available Th is is not a polished from the author on Many of the titles reviewed in Journey are available from C.M.S Bookstore, St Paul’s Bookstore, or Christian Supplies in autobiography but a collection 07 5496 7418 Brisbane city. Books can usually be ordered from Vision Books at Broadwater Road Uniting Church, Mansfi eld, or may be of memories that provide a available from www.mosaicresources.com.au

Journey - October 2009 1144 PRAYER DIARY / FAST NEWS JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU Girls’ Brigade Queensland turns 60

OVER THE 2009 June long Lutheran College, Rothwell held in the chapel at Grace weekend, girls, boys, leaders where activities such as Lutheran College. Worship and parents came together rock climbing, giant board was led by Judy Scott and to celebrate 60 years of games, obstacle races and a team of singers and band Girls’ Brigade. From small a volleyball competition members from the 2nd beginnings at 1st Brisbane were enjoyed. The evening Brisbane Division. The guest Girls’ Life Brigade Company featured a trivia competition speaker was Peter Kane from at Rosalie Baptist, Girls’ with various groups Discovery Baptist. Brigade continues today with competing against a ‘brains 44 Companies throughout trust’ group. The National Commissioner, Queensland. Celebrations Mrs Coral Anderson was MMeganegan fromfrom CCrowsrows NNestest ggetsets hherer ffaceace were marked with the Aussie On Sunday morning a service a guest of Girls’ Brigade ppainted.ainted. PhotoPhoto courtesycourtesy ofof KirstyKirsty LevisLevis Arvo Adventure at Grace of praise and worship was Queensland for the weekend. aandnd Girls’Girls’ BrigadeBrigade QueenslandQueensland

Sunday 4 October: Th is uncertainty aff ects the mood of the Sunday 18 October: - our journeying with Jesus. Cloncurry Uniting Church whole community and the appearance of Kingaroy Uniting Church We give thanks to God for the even the smallest cloud brings hopeful children and the leaders and the THE CLONCURRY Uniting Church is a whispers in the streets. KINGAROY IS set in the South Burnett wonderful time they had. Please pray for small ecumenical congregation serving Please pray for rain. We long for a region and is a service centre for the those whose journey with Jesus has just the outback town of Cloncurry and consistent, sustained wet season that surrounding districts. Th e Kingaroy begun and those who received a help in supporting the McKay Aerial Patrol. will fi ll the rivers and dams and bring Uniting Church congregations include their journey. Th e diverse members of the Church hope for the cattle industry into the next the town of Kumbia and the district One of the ways we reach out to the are intimately involved in the cattle, few years. of Corndale with ministry provided to community is by conducting marriage mining and transport industries that We also ask for thanksgiving that Wondai and Proston. courses. Th is course is designed for fl ourish in and around the northwest with just a few committed people, a Over the past years the farming married couples and enriches the region. community can come alive, particularly community has suff ered from the marriage experience; recently we also 2009 has brought both hardship when a Church community is bold in drought and we thank God for the good had a couple who used it in preparation and joy to the Church community. Th e their proclamation and humble in their season earlier in the year, although for their marriage. fl oods earlier in the year have given over service. much more rain is needed to fi ll dams We ask you to pray for those who to months of endless blue skies with a Finally, please pray for our minister and make the rivers fl ow. will lead the next course and for the bitterly cold winter and a complete lack Rev Garry Hardingham as he continues Recently the Church was involved participants that their marriages will be of any winter rain. to strive to serve a huge area of with the South Burnett Day Camp which enriched. Th e once green outback has returned Queensland while continually seeking caters for children from the whole region We ask for your prayers for our to red and white as cattle stations which ways to fi nance the operating costs of and is supported by leaders from the leadership, our members and the transported cattle back from agistment the McKay Patrol. other Uniting Church congregations. community that God’s work will now need to consider de-stocking again. Our theme this year was Journeying continue to grow and fl ourish.

Do you remember Church funds not so super

Greenwood? By John Harrison for the top 200 super funds in top 200 averaged better returns Australia. Th e best performing than the two Uniting Church THE GREENWOOD Memorial afternoon tea and a presentation CHURCH-RUN super- fund was the Goldman Sachs funds. Returns ranged from 9.5% Conference Centre is being of photos from the early days on annuation funds have not JB Were Fund with a return of pa to 11% pa for the fi ve years redeveloped into recreational 22 November from 3pm. performed well over the 14% pa over the past fi ve years, ending 30 June 2008. parkland as part of Kumbartcho If you have photos to donate or past fi ve years, according to followed by the motor trades fund Th e Lutheran Church fund Sanctuary by the Moreton Bay display contact Shirley Martin on fi gures released in August with 12.8% pa. fared worst of all churches Regional Council. [email protected]. by government regulator Th e Uniting Church reported, with a nil rate of return In recognition of the part au or 0412 604 973 or Michael the Australian Prudential Superannuation Fund which has for the three years 2006 to 2008, played by the Uniting Church Pope on [email protected] Regulation Authority (APRA). just over 12 000 members, mainly and a 4.8% pa return over the past in the development of the or 0488 763 328. Th e Uniting Church lay staff , managed an annual 8.5% fi ve years, dropping a whopping conference centre there will be an Benefi ciary Fund, the pa rate of return over the past 16.6% in 2008 on an asset portfolio superannuation fund for fi ve years. Th e Fund had growth of just under $255 million. ministers, had a growth of of -8.5% in 2008, and a net return Funds run by the Anglican, Relax and Refresh -12% in 2008 and a net annual after infl ation of 5.8% pa over Baptist, Salvation Army and return of 5.4% over the fi ve the past fi ve years. Th e fund has Pentecostal churches were not years to 31 December 2008. an asset portfolio valued at $282 reported in APRA’s top 200 funds, Take Th e real return is lower million at 30 June, 2008. but an industry source said that it ra when adjusted for infl ation. Precise comparisons of was expected that returns from ABe k! Infl ation averaged 3.08% per performance between the the Pentecostal Church funds annum (pa) and the infl ation two Uniting Church funds are would be “out of this world”. adjusted return for the period complicated by the fact that one is 2.81% on an asset portfolio runs to the fi nancial year; the Source: Australian Prudential valued in 2008 at $313 million. other the calendar year. Regulation Authority Th e APRA fi gures were All four Catholic funds in the www.apra.gov.au Mount Alford Lodge

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Journey - October 2009 JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU LETTERS 1155

Preamble matters Steer clear of secular writing I WISH to raise my concerns Prof James Haire moved an I HAVE just fi nished reading It’s when Christians fail to give taking the initiative if he so again, as I did in July Journey, amended motion to try and September issue of Journey. due honour and glory to Jesus wills, does not speak to all regarding the preamble that create this vital link which How encouraging it was when they speak or write on humans; the diff erence is in has now been adopted by was initially supported by the to read the excellent articles, issues of concern to our heavenly what we choose to do with that Assembly. majority of Assembly except particularly the opinion father; that is where they lose me. encounter that is important. Is it appropriate / legitimate for about three members. piece by Rev Bruce Johnson I cannot see the value of a Secular writing is not to use the language of “First How this motion was then Wellbeing in Abundance: secular writing being included in appreciated by me in my Peoples” and “Second Peoples” taken off the agenda without Lessons from John. a Christian paper as was the case denomination’s magazine. in the Body of Christ? Are we debate is a mystery? It is obvious to me that in in the article, Flight 22 … a plane Th ere are any number of creating a class or caste system Th e irresponsible and reading Journey I am receiving crash survivor’s story. secular papers, journals, and within the Church? Rev Lulu unrealistic process and Senituli raised this important expectation put upon Synods a diversity of opinion on I am very pleased the woman internet sites in which secular issue at Assembly. and Presbyteries by the diff erent matters but all have in question did not lose her life writing can occur. Th ere is Is it accurate / true to say Assembly Standing Committee in common their reference to but the god she prays to is not much less space available for that the “same love was in the to canvas their mind on this our Lord’s words written in the the God of the Bible with whom the expression of Christian Creator God which was fi nally vital issue has contributed, I word of God and for that I am I speak and know. thought and opinion. What and fully revealed in Christ”? believe, to a pseudo-consensus very thankful. I really object to the blurring is available needs to be used Are we introducing a new decision at Assembly, where Diversity in the body of of the lines between Islam and judiciously. understanding of revelation as “the issues have not been Christ is to be expected and Christianity as though both Rev Doug Jones appropriately fully aired and where some applauded whilst ever there communities are involved with Fay Williams asked at the Assembly meeting, members do not feel they have is this constant referencing to the same god. Burton to which Congress unjustly been heard – or even that they the founder of the faith. Th is is not to say that God, Via email responded by saying that they are free to express doubts or now felt unsafe and left the alternative ideas” (Manual for building? meetings 4.1). Th ere is no attempt to link Rev Dr Hedley adopted approaches its moderate those leaders to build a relief the preamble with what the Fihaki Fiji a leaders and the Uniting Church and development program Basis of Union says about the Cairns strongly opposed. that serves the diverse peoples saving grace of God in Christ. delicate At its last Annual Conference of Fiji, especially the estimated the Methodists elected what 50 percent in poverty. situation they see as a new generation of UnitingWorld believes now the voice of the powerful leaders. is the time to work with the Fiji establishment in Fiji, much UNITINGWORLD IS grateful We believe those leaders are Methodist Church to achieve like the Anglican Church was that Ms Bryant forwarded a doing their best to fi nd a way the kind of vision Ms Bryant Methodists in the United Kingdom. copy of her letter to Journey forward in a complex situation. upholds. Many ordinary village giving us the opportunity to Th ey acknowledge errors Rev Dr Kerry members of the Methodist the problem respond. and are looking to move beyond Enright Church are relieved that the Th e Methodist Church in them. fundraising rort of the choir National Director, WHY IS IT that the only ar- Fiji and Rotuma has at times UnitingWorld is working with UnitingWorld ticles I see published in Journey competition that occurs during about the recent cancellation the Conference did not take of the Methodist Church place this year. Conference in Fiji contain lines Why are funds from the like: “Th e military government Uniting Church of Australia seems determined to cripple unquestioningly supporting Jesus in my heart: not the creeds the “chiefs” (vanua and the Methodist Church of Fiji I AM SO grateful I was ac- “Don’t be worried”. up and say I believe Mary was church) and not the ordinary and Rotuma,” but make no cepted as a little boy at Sunday But I also realised early on that a virgin, or that Jesus literally members? mention of the fact that the School … and came to love snakes don’t talk, no woman was came back to life. Why did the Assembly of Methodist Church in Fiji has Jesus, his teachings and all the made from a rib and a chariot But I have a wonderful the Uniting Church of [sic] been part of the problem in Fiji good people of the Church. pulled by horses doesn’t fl y to image of Mary and I believe Australia listen only to the since the 1987 coup? To me Jesus saved me heaven. Jesus died even for the likes of voices of the powerful? If the coup culture of Fiji is from a probable bad life and So it hurts me when my me. Jesus calls us to listen to to be stopped, the Methodist later when cancer came to fundamentalist friends use the the voices of the poor and Ted Stainsby Church must acknowledge visit I was able to say truth- dogma of the Creed as a weapon disempowered too! Bundaberg its guilt too and honestly Sfully to family and friends, because I cannot honestly stand participate in the solution. Lesley Bryant Th is Church has been Elanora

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Journey - October 2009 1166 JOURNEY ASKS JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU

What does the passage “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours in the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20) mean to you?

Rev Ainslie Scott

THOSE WHO work in our community the margins of society. service agencies have specifi c factual Jesus is advocating a radical and just information on poverty in our society. ordering of society. All I can do is to off er some personal Jesus’ goals for community are those of refl ections about some people in our compassion and inclusion. community who are struggling – these Th e poor are with us because we push being people who live with severe and the vulnerable and those with particular ongoing mental illness. needs to the edge. As I see it, we are all on some form of If worth was no longer determined mental health / wellness continuum. by wealth but by the sharing of lived For some, life goes on pretty well as experiences, and if we intentionally acted as normal once the chemical imbalance in the a voice for the voiceless and demonstrated brain, which often triggers a mental illness courageous advocacy for those who, for a episode, is brought back into balance. time, are unable to speak, then the poor For others, life changes dramatically. in the community might be our teachers, Th ose living with severe mental illness helping us to see and know ourselves more are often caught in a cyclical situation honestly. – brief periods of wellness, followed by We might grow to be that society Jesus returns to hospital, work disrupted, family spoke of – one characterised by justice, relationships strained to breaking point; kindness and where we walk humbly with fi nancially things begin to tilt downwards. God and with one another. Robert Brier Th ose I work with grieve so many things – loss of family connection, loss of “BLESSED ARE you who are poor for yours Th is truth also calls us to use our ungodly job, inability to make house repayments, is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 60:20). mammon to serve the poor. In this way we dependence on pensions and support Read in conjunction with verse 24 we fi nd that we make friends who welcome services. For many, self-esteem and sense see that Jesus is referring literally to those us into the kingdom (Luke 16:9). My own of self-worth plummets, and life takes on who are poor in this world. experience testifi es to this. a nightmarish aspect as the attainment In Matthew 25:40 Jesus said: “Just as you From those who are poor in the world’s of once cherished dreams and ambitions did it to one of the least who are members eyes I have learnt about prayer, honesty seem to evaporate. of my family, you did it to me.” and friendship. I have felt genuine welcome Th e once hopeful become discouraged, His identifi cation with the poor and acceptance and seen contentment and the confi dent, vulnerable and the once demonstrates that they do have the joy in the small pleasures of life. Th e care sure, uncertain. kingdom. Th is calls for celebration. Th ose they show for each other challenges the As I write I’m reading an article by Sean who had nothing but pain and suff ering individualism of our society. Gilbert based on the Gospel of Mark 9:36, now have hope. Th e kingdom belongs to the poor, but 37, Jesus’ welcome of the children. But shamefully we who are rich are God has not abandoned the rich. Jesus, Mr Gilbert said, is counteracting often jealous. Like the older brother of the He calls everyone to seek the kingdom, society’s competitive ruthlessness Rev Ainslie Scott is a part-time prodigal son (Luke 15) we complain. sometimes radically. and survival strategies by suggesting minister at Cooroy and Pomona We rob the poor of joy that is rightly We need to be faithful to respond to it, relationships be replaced by another form Uniting Church and is exploring theirs by spiritualising the verse. to see that God is with the poor, and go of interaction: that of raw and tender Mental Health Ministry for the Mary We forget the gifts and promises the share our lives with them. Burnett Presbytery. In 2005 she vulnerability, even unto suff ering and Lord has given to us. God is gracious to Robert Brier is a member of a com- worked in the Diocese of Madras death. those who take up their cross and also to munity house in West End, Brisbane, Church of South India Children in Jesus’ day were pushed to those who have no choice but to carry it. associated with the Waiters Union

Hedley Fihaki

A REPORT released by the Australian children under 12. Indigenous people are light of the alarming statistics mentioned Institute of Health and Welfare (9 July, over-represented with three times the rate above. 2009) pointed out that nearly 27 000 of homelessness of other Australians”. If we are to be truly an interconcilliar people are homeless in Queensland and As part of our response to the calling church, I believe the Queensland Synod and that Queensland has the second highest of God regarding this situation, the the Uniting Church as a whole need to take rate of homelessness (behind the Northern congregation at Cairns Emmanuel Uniting more seriously what God might be saying Territory) in Australia. Church established the Good Samaritan through local congregations by allowing Th e report also said that Cairns had Ministry Centre three years ago to provide local congregations the opportunity to the second highest rate of homelessness in crisis and transitional accommodation. Th is fully participate in the decision-making Queensland, after Brisbane. centre is located within the old BlueCare processes regarding how we are to use our Th e Queensland Synod’s Housing and nursing home in Cairns. property to foster the mission of Christ’s Homeless Forum says, “Each night in We are currently using 32 rooms for church for the sake of the world. Australia approximately 100 000 people this purpose and would ideally like to use Rev Dr Hedley Fihaki is minister with are homeless. About half of these people another 60 rooms to increase and expand Cairns Emmanuel Uniting Church are under 25 years old and 10 000 are this vital ministry, particularly in the

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