THE UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA
SYNOD OF NEW SOUTH WALES AND THE ACT
MINUTES of the thirty fifth Meeting of the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT of the Uniting Church in Australia held 26 - 30 September 2014 at Knox Grammar School. The theme of the Synod was “Uniting for the Common Good”
CANDLE The Moderator lit the candle at the commencement of the Synod Meeting to signify the Synod was a Safe Place
ACKNOWLEGEMENT OF LAND Aboriginal Elders led the procession and participated in the acknowledgement of land at the commencement of Worship each day
BIBLE STUDY Bible Studies were led by: Rev Dr Jione Havea, Mr Henry Onzem, Ms Mariana Waqa, Ms Leitū Letitia Havea, Ms Tau’alofa Angaaelangi, Ms Hee Wan Chang
BIBLE STUDY ONE Saturday, 27 September 2014 ‘Uncommon Voices’ Bible Reading: 1 Kings 19:9-18
BIBLE STUDY TWO Sunday, 28 September 2014 ‘Uncommon Boundaries’ Bible Reading: Numbers 20:14-21
BIBLE STUDY THREE Monday, 29 September 2014 ‘Uncommon Locations’ Bible Reading: Psalm 137
BIBLE STUDY FOUR Tuesday, 30 September 2014 ‘Uncommon Responsibilities’ Bible Reading: Genesis 2:4a-15
WORSHIP The business of the Synod was conducted in the context of worship planned and led by a team commissioned by the Moderator, mostly based in the Canberra Region Presbytery, and a Synod music team based at the Centre for Ministry. The Synod opened in worship at Turramurra Uniting Church with the installation of the new Moderator, musical contributions from the Korean Presbytery choir and the Synod band. Prayers were written on ribbons and presented to the Moderator as an expression of ongoing support. Morning worship each day provided a variety of approaches to gathering around the Psalms. Creative Bible studies in the middle of each day were led by five young adults accompanied by Rev Dr Jione Havea, UTC Lecturer in Hebrew Scripture, focusing on the themes of Uncommon Voices, Uncommon Boundaries, Uncommon Locations and Uncommon Responsibilities. Each day’s
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business closed with theological reflection and prayer led by Dr Ben Myers, UTC Lecturer in Systematic Theology.
DECISIONS Decisions recorded in these Minutes were reached by consensus unless otherwise indicated
MEMBERS OF SYNOD
139/14S Resolved That the Synod determine (a) that the membership of Synod shall comprise ex officio and board members, together with those persons nominated by presbyteries or co-opted, being listed on pages of these papers (b) that any alterations to the list of members be advised in writing to the Synod General Secretary by the Presbytery Chairperson no later than the close of Synod on Tuesday 30 September 2014
(The list of members is attached as Appendix A to the Minutes)
AGENDA, TIMETABLE AND SHAPING OF THE SYNOD 2014 AGENDA
140/14S Resolved That the Synod i) adopt the timetable of Synod as printed and amended, subject to review by the Business Committee; ii) on the recommendation of Synod Business Committee, when considering the Agenda and business priorities at the 2014 Synod, to arrange the Synod’s work so that priority is given to those items which best assist the Synod to support the missional vocation of the Church within New South Wales and the ACT and the goals of the Synod; iii) note the table conversations regarding agenda priorities and the priorities suggested in those conversations; iv) shape the agenda according to the feedback complied and presented by the Facilitation Team
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SAFE PLACE
141/14S Resolved That the Synod (i) determine the “Respectful Communication Guidelines” on page A4.1 of the Synod Working Papers will be the basis for the Synod to be a safe place for all who participate (ii) note the Policy on the Prevention of Vilification and Harassment within the Uniting Church in Australia as documented on Pages A4.2 and A4.3 of the Synod Working Papers
SYNOD BUSINESS COMMITTEE
142/143S Resolved That the Synod on the recommendation of the Synod Standing Committee, appoint the following persons to the Business Committee for Synod 2014
Rev Dr Chris Budden (chair) Rev Dr Andrew Williams Mr Ian Lawrence Rev Myung Hwa Park Rev Suzanne Stanton Rev Kevin Dilks Mr Peter Kidd Mrs Karyn Warner
ASSOCIATED MEMBERS
143/14S Resolved That the Synod associate the following people Session Mrs Karyn Warner All Mr Jon O’Brien 5 Mr Brian Mowbray 7 Rev Geoff Smith 8 Rev Dr William Emilson 8 Mr Ian Moore 8 Mr Jim Mein 8 Rev Terrence Corkin 8 Rev Gary Derkene 11 Dr Miriam Pepper 11
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RETURNING OFFICER
144/14S Resolved That the Synod note that the Synod Standing Committee has appointed Mr Ian Lawrence as Returning Officer and Mr David Hay as Assistant Returning Officer respectively
SYNOD MINUTES
145/14S Resolved That the Synod request the Synod Standing Committee approve the Minutes of the 2014 Synod Meeting
MINISTERIAL REPORTS The General Secretary tabled the names of Deacons, Ministers of the Word and Youth Workers who have resigned, transferred to another Synod, or had their recognition as Ministers withdrawn, and the names and details of service of Deacons, Ministers and Youth Workers and their spouse/widow and those lay leaders who have died since the 2013 Synod
146/14S Resolved That the Synod receive the names tabled and attach them as Appendix C and D to the Minutes
MINISTERIAL MATTERS – RECOGNITION SERVICE The General Secretary tabled the names of Deacons, Ministers of the Word, Youth Workers and Lay Pastors who have been received by the Uniting Church within the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT by ordination, commissioning, reception from another denomination or by transfer from another Synod since the 2013 Synod; of Deacons, Ministers of the Word and Lay Pastors who have retired since the 2013 Synod; and Ministers of the Word and Deacons who have celebrated major anniversaries of their ordination since the 2013 Synod. Appropriate details are in the Order of Service of the Recognition Booklet (Appendix B)
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ADOPTION OF REPORTS
147/14S Resolved That the Synod (i) note the recommendation of the Synod Business Committee that the following reports be adopted en bloc
Proposal No Title of Proposal 31 Presbytery Reports 32 Congregations 35 Uniting Church Property Utilised by UnitingCare 38 Committee on Relations with Other Faiths 39 Historical Society 40 Stamp Committee 41 Faith and Unity Committee 42 Constitutions Committee 46 Uniting Church Property Utilised by Church Schools (ii) determine that the proposals listed in Clause (i) be received en bloc in Session 15 unless a request is received by the Chairperson of the Business Committee or General Secretary for other consideration by no later than lunchtime Monday, 29 September 2014
REPORTS
148/14S Resolved That the Synod receive reports either oral or written from
UAICC Social Justice Forum UnitingCare NSW.ACT Rural Ministry Unit Pilgrim Property Uniting Resources Uniting Mission and Education Beneficiary Fund Assembly Community Development Uniting Earth Ministry Community Organising Education Formation and Discipleship Treasury and Investment Services
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PRESBYTERY REPORTS
149/14S Resolved That the Synod receive the reports from the Presbyteries of – Canberra Region Macquarie Darling Far North Coast Georges River Illawarra Ku-ring-gai Mid North Coast New England North West Parramatta-Nepean Riverina Sydney Sydney North The Hunter Korean
SCRUTINEERS
150/14S Resolved That the Synod appoint the following persons as Scrutineers RETURNING OFFICER Mr Ian Lawrence ASSISTANT RETURNING OFFICER Mr David Hay
RED TEAM (A) YELLOW TEAM (B) Mr Scott Stanton (Leader) Mrs Margaret Gregory (Leader) Mrs Bridget Ocean Mr John Algar Mr Don Durie Mr Bruce Pyke Mrs Carolyn Sharp Mr Noel Harrison Mr Noel Watts Mrs Valerie Moase Mr John Cutts Mr John K Martin Mr David Powell Mr Paul Creek Rev Lorna Martin Rev Graeme Watkins Mr Semisi Kailah Mr Scott Mudd Ms Tammy Hollands
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FACILITATION GROUP
151/14S Resolved That the Synod appoint the following persons to the Facilitation Group Rev Christine Bayliss Kelly Rev Lorna Martin Rev Rachel Kronberger Pastor David Freeman Rev Graham Perry Rev Susan Phalen Mr Stephen White
CONGREGATIONS
152/14S Resolved That the Synod i. note that Canberra Region Presbytery has advised that Goldsmith St, Big Hill, Gunning, Maulan, Merrilla- Parkesbourne and a newly formed Faith Community known as Grace Faith Community will now be known as Goulburn District Parish. ii. note the closure of the Brocklesby Faith Community as reported by the Riverina Presbytery. iii. note that Sydney Presbytery recognise the new congregation of Sydney Rotuman Uniting Church effective 1 July 2014. In doing so it ceases to recognise Drummoyne Rotuman and Wesley Rotuman Congregations and transfers all existing pastoral rolls and other ministry responsibilities of those congregations to the new Sydney Rotuman Congregation. iv. note that the Standing Committee of the Presbytery of North East Victoria approve the request of Howlong Congregation to transfer from the care of the Riverina Presbytery to the care of the Presbytery of North East Victoria. v. note that the Ku-ring-gai Presbytery has amalgamated the Lindfield (Tyron Road) Congregation and the Lindfield (St David’s) Congregation to form the Lindfield Uniting Church. vi. note the decision of the Fiji Leaders Group to close the Ermington Fiji congregation effective 17th February 2013. vii. note that Sydney Presbytery formally recognise Strathfield Homebush as a Congregation. viii. note that the following congregations are formally recognized as part of the Korean Presbytery: Canberra Salrim Church, Sydney Light and Salt Church, Canberra Happy Church, and Ye Eun Church.
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SYNOD 2016 MEETING DATE
153/14S Resolved That the Synod request that the Synod Standing Committee determine the date and venue for the next Synod meeting in 2016
SYNOD STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT
154/14S Resolved That the Synod (i) receive the report (ii) on the recommendation of the Synod Standing Committee endorse (a) Governance, Nominations and Remuneration Committee Charter (attached as Appendix G) (b) Synod Risk Oversight Committee Charter (attached as Appendix H) (c) Synod Standing Committee Charter (attached as Appendix I)
PROPERTY FOR A PILGRIM PEOPLE
155/14S Resolved That the Synod (i) receive the report (ii) direct the facilitation team to coordinate table group discussions and manage feedback
156/14S Resolved A That the Synod (i) affirm the value of a Sales Proceeds Policy, which releases funds for God’s Mission for the sake of the world both in the local context and beyond (ii) direct Synod Standing Committee to appoint a task group to undertake a review of the current policy to: (a) take into account the proposals arising out of the Property Workshops held in June and July 2014 (b) articulate the purpose of the Sales Proceeds Policy (c) addressing the appropriate use of sales proceeds (d) recommending what body should have oversight of the distribution of sales proceeds (e) advising as to the role the council or agency with beneficial stewardship over the property sold has in determining the use of the proceeds of sale (f) bringing a report and recommendations to the Synod Standing Committee for determination by the end of June 2015
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157/14S Resolved B That the Synod (i) seek the Common Good with regard to residential properties across the Synod
(ii) note (a) the strong commitment of the synod meeting to honour the custodianship of the first peoples as expressed by the UAICC (b) Minister’s different residential requirements (c) the variation in costs for providing minister’s residences across the Synod (d) the inequality of a blanket housing allowance for ministers or congregations in different areas to the detriment of ministers or congregation (e) the current or planned missional use of some residences (f) the essential use of rent at market value to supplement costs of mission in some congregations
(iii) instruct the Synod Standing Committee to (a) review the housing allowance to consider the realistic costs in different areas for provision of housing to ministers living in their own homes or for congregations renting appropriate accommodation (b) develop a plan how congregations can equitably contribute to the co-ordinated costs of provision of a residence without being put at significant disadvantage or risk of viability (c) enact the above proposals as a matter of priority
(iv) encourage Presbyteries to share with each other what they are doing at present about these matters
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158/14S Resolved That the Synod C. UAICC Regional Committee
direct Synod Standing Committee to enter a conversation around the suggestions of the UAICC Regional Committee outlined below:
(i) as a symbolic acknowledgement that our churches are built on stolen land, and as a ‘jubilee-like’ action, the suggestion is that all congregations and agencies of the church (including schools) be required to pay rent. Congress members believe that the fairest way for this to happen is not with a set amount but a set percentage – 1% - of the annual income of all bodies in the church. This money would go into a special trust account or capital fund for ministry and not for administration costs (i.e. synod could not simply stop its support because other funds had become available for ministry expansion). [NB: It was suggested that consideration be given to alternative language to ‘pay rent’.]
(ii) that the Synod suggest to all presbyteries that they implement a policy similar to that of Macquarie-Darling Presbytery, viz: that if there is a property which is surplus to the needs of the congregations in the presbytery that the property be first of all offered to Congress for ministry (not simply to have and sell). If Congress does not want the property for its ministry that the property can be sold, and the proceeds subject to the tithe mentioned below
(iii) that Synod explore the most appropriate way in which a tithe can be made to Congress from property sales, maybe something like 5% of all sales
(iv) that there be an exploration of the possibility of Congress having its own property trust.
and bring proposals to the 2016 Synod (by agreement)
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EXTENSION OF TERM OF GENERAL SECRETARY
159/14S Resolved That the Synod (i) receive the report from the Review Committee (ii) on the recommendation of the Synod Standing Committee, approve the extension of the Rev. Dr Andrew Williams in the position of General Secretary of the Synod of New South Wales and the ACT for a further period of 5 years commencing 1 August 2015 to 31 July 2020
DEVELOPING A RECONCILATION ACTION PLAN
160/14S Resolved That the Synod request that the Synod Standing Committee review Developing a Reconciliation Action Plan
FAIR TRADE
161/14S Resolved That the Synod (i) note that an IBISWorld report estimated that $191 million was spent in 2014 on the purchase of chocolate Easter eggs and Easter bunnies (see summary at http://www.ibisworld.com.au/media/2014/04/03/easter- spending-sweets-seafood-great-australian-road-trip)
(ii) note that Fair Trade Easter chocolates are available from Chocolatier Australia, Heart of Chocolate, Lindsay and Edmunds, Oxfam, Tribes and Nations, Cadburys Fairtrade certified, and Coles Fairtrade Cocoa (see the full list at http://fairtrade.com.au/news/do-good-while-eating-chocolate- easter)
(iii) encourage congregations to undertake a special marketing effort to encourage members to purchase only Fair Trade Easter chocolates each year, as a further expression of our commitment to the 2013 resolution to become a Fair Trade Synod
(iv) notes that each Presbytery that wishes to order wholesale Fair Trade Easter chocolates, can refer to Rev. Elizabeth Raine who has experience in negotiating purchases from the Chocolatier Australia group
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BEQUESTS (KU-RING-GAI PRESBYTERY)
162/14S Resolved That the Synod refer proposal 30 (attached as Appendix F) to the Synod Standing Committee for consideration
UNITING CHURCH PROPERTY UTILISED BY UNITINGCARE
163/14S Resolved That the Synod refer the issues of land and financial contributions from UnitingCare to the Church (raised in proposal 28 attached as Appendix F) to the Synod Standing Committee as part of an ongoing conversation previously initiated by UnitingCare
UNITING CHURCH PROPERTY UTILISED BY CHURCH SCHOOLS
164/14 Resolved That the Synod request Uniting Mission and Education and Uniting Resources to engage Uniting Church Schools in a consultation about how the schools can contribute to the resourcing of the resourcing of the Church with the aim of achieving an agreed outcome, and in light of the consultation, formulate proposals for resolution by the Synod Standing Committee
NOMINATION OF ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT ELECT
165/14S Resolved That the Synod nominate Rev Karyn Burchell-Thomas to the 14th Assembly for the role of President Elect
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SYNOD MISSION PLAN (2015-2017)
166/14S Resolved That the Synod (i) after accepting the changes recommended from table group discussion and incorporated by Facilitation Team (ii) approve the Synod Mission Plan (2015 -2017) attached as Appendix E
CLIMATE CHANGE
167/14S Resolved That the Synod (i) continue to implement the 2008 resolutions (249/08SC) (ii) in order to assess its progress a full review on the actions of boards, agencies and schools is to be competed with findings tabled to the Synod Standing Committee
COMMUNITY RESPONSES TO ISLAMIC PEOPLE
168/14S Resolved That the Synod (i) issue a press release in consultation with the Assembly Associate Secretary: (a) expressing our strong concern about recent threats and harassment towards Muslim people in the Australian community following the brutal uprising of ISIL in Syria and North Iraq (b) urging Federal MPs, other community leaders and the media to exercise restraint from utterances likely to inflame hostility towards Islamic people (c) assuring the Australian Islamic Community of our determination to maintain and promote strong interfaith relationships with them
(ii) write to key MPs and Islamic leaders with the text of the press release
(iii) communicate the press release to Presbyteries and Congregations, encouraging them to also write to MPs and other community leaders about this situation (iv) encourage all members of the UCA in the NSW.ACT Synod, and all Australians, to intentionally make friends with a Muslim, through such ways as: (a) engage with a local mosque (b) hold interfaith prayers for peace on any occasion but particularly on 21 September each year- United Nations Day of Peace (Rev Dr Manas Ghosh and Rev Keith Hamilton have resources for this if required) (c) speak out through local media on the need for not tolerance but curiosity with our neighbours
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(d) engage with Muslims during Ramadan, holding meals etc
SYNOD BUDGET
169/14S Resolved That the Synod refer the table feedback received at Synod to the Synod Standing Committee for evaluation Budget Priorities 1. Leadership 19 2. Growth 12 3. Discipleship/Evangelism 12
1. Financial & Physical responsibilities 9 2. Governance 8 3. Witness & Service 9
APPOINTMENTS
170/14S Resolved That the Synod (i) appoint the persons nominated to membership of the Synod Standing Committee (ii) elect the following persons to the membership of boards, councils and committees of the synod as listed below (iii) authorise the Synod Standing Committee to approve the additional appointments indicated (*) when nominations are received
1. SYNOD STANDING COMMITTEE
(a) EX OFFICIO MEMBERS Moderator Rev. Myung Hwa Park Ex Moderator Rev. Dr Brian Brown Synod General Secretary Rev. Dr Andrew Williams UnitingCare Mr Peter Worland Executive Director UnitingCare Rev. Gordon Ramsay Chairperson Uniting Mission and Education Rev. Kath Merrifield Executive Director Uniting Mission and Education Rev. Dr John Squires Chairperson Uniting Resources Mr John Kitchener Executive Director Uniting Resources Mr David Benn Chairperson Treasury and Investment Services Mr Neil King Executive Director Treasury and Investment Services Mr Michael Anderson Chairperson
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(b) PRESBYTERY REPRESENTATIVES
Presbytery Members Alternate Canberra Region Rev. Kevin Dilks Ms Rosemary Everett Macquarie Darling Mr Kevin Barrington * Far North Coast Rev. John Thornton Rev. Peter Overton Georges River Rev. Grant Bilbey * Illawarra Rev. Glenys Biddle Mr Ross Johnson Ku-Ring-Gai Rev. Tara Curlewis Rev. Dr Chris Goringe Mid North Coast Rev. Lindsay Cullen Pastor David Freeman New England North West Mr Graeme Tolson Mr Tom Campanelli Parramatta-Nepean Mr John K Martin Mr Trevor Knight Riverina Mr Paul Creek Mr Darren Wright Sydney Rev. Suzanne Stanton * Sydney North Rev. Graham Perry Robyn Harvey The Hunter Rev. Haloti Kailahi Rev. Dr Chris Budden Korean Presbytery Rev. Shin Goo Lee Ju Min Hyung
(c)
Multi-Cultural Ministry Rev. Viniana Ravetali * Advisory Group Rev. Dorothy Harris- UAICC Ms Dianne Torrens Gordon
* Synod Standing Committee to confirm appointments
(d) MEMBERS TO BE APPOINTED (15 persons elected)
Ms Taualofa Angaaelangi Rev. Christine Bayliss-Kelly Rev. Karyn Burchell-Thomas Mr Craig Corby Rev. Kent Crawford Mr John Cutts Mrs Sue Graves Mr Semisi Kailahi Mr Ian Lawrence Rev. Patty Lawrence Mrs Lena Logan Ms Joan Moss Ms Malia Puna Mrs Jacki Watts Mr Ted Woodley
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2. BOARDS
(a) Uniting Resources (5 people to be elected for 3 years and 1 person to be elected for 18 months)
Mr David Benn Mr Andrew Frith Mr Ross Johnson (18 months) Mr John Martin Mrs Paula Reid Ms Meredith Yabsley
(b) Uniting Mission and Education (4 people to be elected - 3 persons elected for 3 years and 1 person elected for 18 months)
Rev. Haloti Kailahi Rev. Graham Perry Mr David Scott (18 months) Rev. Dr John Squires
3. CHAIRPERSONS
Advisory Committee on Ministerial Placements Rev. Chris Udy
4. THE UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA PROPERTY TRUST (NSW) AND UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA (ACT) PROPERTY TRUST (5 persons elected)
Mr Bryce Bridges Mr John Graves Mr Tim L’Orange Mrs Paula Reid Mr David Turner
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5. ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVES
(a) MEMBERSHIP OF ASSEMBLY Ex Officio
Rev. Dr Andrew Williams General Secretary of Synod Rev. Myung Hwa Park Moderator Rev. Karyn Burchell-Thomas Nominee President-Elect
(b) PRESBYTERY REPRESENTATIVES TO THE 14TH ASSEMBLY
Presbytery Ordained Lay Canberra Region Rev. Anne Ryan LayPastor Geoff Wellington Macquarie Darling Rev. GarethThomas- Mr Kevin Barrington Burchell Far North Coast Rev. Ken Day Mrs Sue Duncan Georges River Rev. Grant Bilbey Mr James Brenna Illawarra Rev. Peter Chapman Mrs Sharon Hoogland Ku-Ring-Gai Rev. Ann Hogan Mr Clive McCormack Mid North Coast Rev. Elizabeth Raine Mrs Penny Archer New England North West Rev. Bill Fischer Mr Bob Minton Parramatta-Nepean Rev. Sharon Cutts Mr John Cutts Riverina Rev. Jerry Duncan Mrs Dorothy Creek Sydney Rev. Nicole Fleming Mr David Hay Sydney North Rev. Graham Perry Ms Carol Mason The Hunter Rev. Warwick Cadenhead Mr Scott Mudd Korean Presbytery Rev. Ju Min Hyung Mr Jung Eun Noh
(c) SYNOD ELECTED
Ordained Lay (10 persons elected) (13 persons elected) Rev. Christine Bayliss Kelly Ms Rebekah-Lee Allcroft Rev. Lindsay Cullen Mr Bradon French Rev. Dr Chris Goringe Mr Zac Hatfield-Dodds Rev. Haloti Kailahi Mr Seimisi Kailahi Rev. Aimee Kent Ms Emma Parr Rev. Duncan MacLeod Ms Catherine Pepper Rev. Kath Merrifield Ms Malia Puna Rev. Dr John Squires Ms Hannah Reeve Rev. Suzanne Stanton Mrs Radhika Sukumar-White Rev. Gordon Ramsay Mr Adrian Sukumar-White Dr. Katalina Tahaafe-Williams Ms Amanda Thomson Mrs Jacki Watts
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APPRECIATION – REV DR BRIAN BROWN
171/14S Resolved That the Synod
receive the minute of appreciation for Rev Dr Brian Brown
The Synod of NSW and the ACT of the Uniting Church in Australia expresses its sincere appreciation to Rev Dr. Brian Brown for his leadership to the Church as the Moderator from October 2011 until September 2014.
During his time as Moderator Brian has offered genuine and sincere leadership of the Synod during a particularly difficult time of change. In 2011 Brian set before the Synod the theme ‘On new and risky paths.’ Brian has led us on this path both within our internal structures as well as within the public arena. His leadership of the Synod in response to the crisis surrounding Asylum Seekers and to important environmental issues, has been significant.
Throughout his time as Moderator Brian has offered pastoral and prophetic leadership that has helped us work for the Common Good in word and in action.
Brian has reminded the Synod of the continued vision for us, namely that we be the Church we are called to be: inclusive, generous and courageous. It is a vision that takes the Synod on risky paths and leads us further into our call to be ‘Uniting for the Common Good.’
As Moderator, Brian has offered profound leadership around ecological matters including that of the Murray-Darling Basin water crisis. Along with the Murray Darling Basin Group, Brian assisted the synod to take serious steps toward building a sustainable future, more resilient communities and a healthier Basin river system.
Brian’s public leadership around the church’s response to Asylum Seekers has been of particular significance. Through Brian’s public action on this matter we have witnessed leadership willing to be present to the dire situation of children in detention and that of all who seek asylum in this country.
We have been encouraged by this Moderator to bring closer together our call to spiritualty with our call to justice. Brian has reminded the Synod throughout the past 3 years of our call through Christ to welcome the stranger and to care for God’s creation. In the leadership Brian has offered, we recognise the bringing together of justice and spirituality; we experience leadership that models for us that vision which seeks the sacred within and that leads us outward to seek the flourishing of all, both humanity and creation. A vision that challenges us to offer the ultimate in hospitality and inclusive love. The Synod of NSW and the ACT expresses its gratitude to Rev. Dr. Brian Brown for holding before us a vision that calls us to be the people of God seeking the flourishing of all creation. We offer our thanks for Brian’s leadership as Moderator, and for modelling for us
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hospitality and inclusive love as he has walked a new and risky path in order to seek the common good.
APPRECIATION – MR GEOFF NAYLOR
172/14S Resolved That the Synod
receive the minute of appreciation for Mr Geoff Naylor
Geoff Naylor became a member of the Board of Finance and Property in October 1984, served as a member of the Synod Property Board Sub-Committee, and was appointed Chairperson of the Board of Finance and Property in 2004 and after a short break was reappointed as Chairperson of the Board, now known as Uniting Resources (UR), in 2010.
During his tenure as Chairperson, Geoff has been tireless in his pursuit of what he saw as being required of UR to properly discharge its role in the Synod. He has constantly emphasised the responsibility of the UR Board to ensure that the blessings bestowed upon the Church are used wisely for God's mission. Members of the Board have been encouraged to look beyond the money and to see the mission.
Using his financial and administrative skills he has challenged inefficient practices and systems that resulted in scarce resources not being best used for the mission of the Church.
Geoff not only has a wealth of knowledge about UR and how it operates, but has an unrivalled understanding on how it got to where it is today. He knows when, how and why events happened and has a comprehensive background to issues facing the UR Board.
With his quiet and unassuming manner Geoff has given excellent service and leadership to the Board of Uniting Resources, both as a Board member and as Chairperson of the Board. As Chairperson, he maintained a genuine and gentle hand on the tiller, such that all members felt they were able to speak their will as appropriate.
The Board has appreciated his professionalism, detailed mind, analytical commentary, prodigious corporate memory, his breadth of knowledge of UR and Synod matters, considered and wise leadership, and his godly approach. Geoff has led the Board through some testing times, and the Board has appreciated Geoff’s leadership and his openness and commitment in working to find solutions to difficult issues.
His time investment in the work of the Church has very few parallels. He has devoted a considerable amount of time and effort to Synod affairs, not just UR’s, and has made a substantial contribution to the life and work of the Church.
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Geoff leaves at a time when many of the issues that he has pursued for a long time are being appreciated more widely across the Synod. There is much to be addressed, not only financially.
The Board will miss Geoff and all that he has brought to the Board as both a member and as Chairperson. We thank him for his service to UR and the wider Synod and wish him well for the future.
APPRECIATION – REV DR WILLIAM EMILSEN
173/14S Resolved That the Synod receive the minute of appreciation for Mr William Emilsen
What would a future historian say of William Emilsen’s work as lecturer in church history and world religions at United Theological College? How will this significant ministry be interpreted within the passage of time which lies ahead of us? These are questions well worth posing. The professional vocation of the historian is not merely to record events and dates. It is more one of a story teller and a bearer of unfolding traditions with a critical interpretive edge. William has embodied that vocation in terms of his own self-understanding; for him history is not about studying the past for the past’s own sake: it has to do with ‘re-membering’ how things came to be - and who we are – for the sake of a future which is consistent with the claims we make about ourselves. On more than one occasion he has put down markers to chart the progress of the Uniting Church and the informed faith it professes after a set interval of time.
William has been both well-placed and well-timed. His career as an historian has coincided with the emergence of the Uniting Church and he has seized that opportunity. There has been no other historian in this church who has been so committed to exploring and writing up its short history. That passion has been exemplified through a series of anthologies, Marking Twenty Years: The Uniting Church in Australia 1977-1997, The Uniting Church in Australia: The First Twenty Five Years and, most recently, An Informed Faith: The Uniting Church At The Beginning of the Twenty-First Century. William has seen himself as both a researching and a teaching historian of the Uniting Church. He has also shown an interest in what he has called the church’s ‘hidden histories’ - that is, those things which it has not necessarily wanted to talk about or enter the public sphere. The future will consider well the legacy of the published materials and the oral histories he has organised: our record of who we are would have been all the poorer without these initiatives and, with the passage of time, in some instances more difficult to record. At the time of his retirement William is the only Uniting Church member who is in a placement as a church historian in any of this church’s colleges. Ensuring space for the research and study of church history is a great challenge for the Uniting Church.
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William was appointed to the College in 1993; initially, he shared the position with Susan. They worked closely together in teaching, writing the histories of O’Connor Uniting Church and the Pitt Street Congregation, Pride of Place, an account of Cannibal Jack, as well as being editors of several texts. The latter task included the oversight of the Festschrift for Ian Breward, Mapping the Landscape, where they gathered together contributors from both sides of the Tasman.
Their abiding achievement, however, must be the founding of Uniting Church Studies in 1995. William has been sole editor since 2002; it is no small achievement to have maintained this journal at two issues per year through to the present. There have been articles to be refused, those to be refined, and those to be accepted. There has been much detailed work ensuring footnotes are consistent, commas rightfully placed and any hint of a split infinitive banished. There have been timelines to meet and a change of format to oversee in 2002 and again in 2008. William possesses a specialized expertise in the field of editing and overseeing anthologies. In the case of Uniting Church Studies William has provided the church with a gift. This has been the only place where members of the Uniting Church have been able to publish scholarly articles and sometimes engage in rights of reply on matters emerging out of this church and pertinent to its ongoing life.
William has also dedicated himself to the writing up of the relationship of the indigenous communities and the Uniting Church. He has done so in a disciplined way which will stand the test of time for he has been both careful and respectful. The Northern Synod has supported his work.
In the course of time William added ‘world religions’ to his responsibilities. That was in keeping with the advice he had received when he first sought to doctoral studies on Mahatma Gandhi: in order to better understand your own faith tradition it is wise to study a different faith. The benefits were most visibly present in his Gandhi’s Bible, several articles on Gandhi, and his supervision of a D Min thesis on the Indian poet, Rabrindranath Tagore. In more recent times William has worked in a manner which has been most trusted by the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy of Australia (ISRA). He is currently supervising two Muslim postgraduate students in the areas of Muslim identity and developing a best practice to combat extremism in Australia. William’s capacity to explore religious traditions along the discipline of history led him to present an article on ‘Teenage Suicide Missions: The Role of Religion in the Recruitment of Young Suicide Bombers’ at the prestigious Oxford forum on public policy. That year two presentations were done by faculty of UTC and led the Oxford host to comment to the full gathering that ‘there is some very fine work going on in Sydney’. William has written and spoken on Calvin and Islam as well as on jihads and crusades.
That reference to fine work should not be taken lightly. William has continued to pursue a commitment to academic excellence. The underlying intention was to raise standards for the sake of the credibility of the church and the profession of the gospel in an increasingly more highly educated society. One part of that concern played itself out in the construction of subjects and a course on public theology more than a decade before the Synod became a member of the Sydney Alliance. It was recognized that in a time of a stress the
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institution of the church can easily become introverted and more concerned for its own well-being and structure. William was alive to the need for faith and theology to engage with other disciplines.
It is to his credit that he organised conferences which included a number of leading Christian intellectuals – John Polkinghorne on science and David Fergusson on atheism. William also oversaw and participated within several writing seminars on the condition of children and the relationship of faith and violence. The conferences which William organised along with the assistance of Carolyn Craig Emilsen were always of a high quality and deserved to be more widely known in the church.
William has been one of the College’s most discerning members of the Research Centre of Public and Contextual Theology (Charles Sturt University). He has understood what a public theology is and has always been keen to maintain the integrity of the research centre. William has always been willing to ask the question that needed to be asked and rightly hold members to account lest public theology be dissolved into too porous an understanding. William has taken seriously PaCT (and the College’s) participation in the Global Network of Public Theology which has helped provide an external yardstick by which to measure what constitutes such study.
That concern for the public audience has been matched by a professional and personal interest in the interior life. William has long had interested in Christian prayer and spirituality. He was keen to affirm ‘the reality of God’ in a faculty collection entitled I Believe in God; his very fine collection of prayers from the early church, The Sapphire Blue Light, was extremely popular and is used on a regular basis in a number of congregations. William often draws from these prayers in the reflections which began a meeting. In the leading of worship, in the preaching of the Word, William brings dignity, a sense of the ‘otherness’ of God, and a connection to the broad traditions of the Church in a time where liturgy is often informed by a kind of chatty approach to faith and prayers revolve around a data projector. William has preached a number of memorable and very timely sermons where he wove the text for the day to what was happening in the life of the church. He has been a regular contributor to the weekly reflections for With Love to the World. It was through his initiative that the faculty wrote the resources for the Christmas Bowl appeal several years ago.
One former student spoke of how William was always a ‘churchman’. What this has meant is that William has always possessed a keen ecumenical sense and a recognition of how the Uniting Church is not united but a work in progress. He has a fine sense of the Uniting Church and its proper processes.
In the course of his time in the College William has on occasion been the Vice Principal; he has been the Co-ordinator for the Doctor of Ministry program. One of the most pivotal conversations he had during his time in the college was one with a colleague over the photocopier: it led to the College becoming a full partner in the School of Theology, Charles Sturt University. He has always maintained a discerning interest in the process of formation for ministry and what constitutes ordination. Over the last several years he has demonstrated a concern for what is leadership and how that language
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needs to be clarified and defined alongside the standard practices and vocations of the church. One of his most recent anthologies was a joint project with Seforosa Carroll and was explicitly dedicated to the theme of Great Spiritual Leaders: Studies in Leadership for a Pluralist Society. William also oversaw the publication of an issue of Uniting Church Studies which was dedicated to how each President embodied a particular pattern of leadership.
Prof. Ross Chambers (Chair, UTC Council): Moderator, thank you for the opportunity to say a few words on behalf of the College and College Council in recognition of William's outstanding and sustained contribution. As Christians we live out our relationship with God in time and in particular historical settings. At the same time we are also able to live in a way which transcends time, living in communion with all the faithful (the great cloud of witnesses) who have gone before us, on whose shoulders we stand and with whom we will share eternity with God. Church historians play a vital role in helping us understand our place in time and our great communion.
William has fulfilled the role of a church historian within the UCA and at UTC in an exemplary way. Through his own research; his encouragement of others, including his students, to take up the history of the UCA and its predecessors; and his outstanding editorship of Uniting Church Studies he has played a central role in supporting the UCA to tell our story and to develop our understanding of ourselves. He has helped us recognise and honour the faithfulness of those who have gone before us and to reflect on our successes and failings and to recognise God’s graciousness towards us. Without William’s leadership and scholarship we would be far less able to reflect on our identity and journey.
William's work to me has been particularly characterised by one of the most important scholarly values, magnanimity. Magnanimity involves openness and respect to others and what they have to say, the ability to be a good and thoughtful listener. This is the basis of genuine dialogue and scholarship. William has not only made significant contributions to scholarly and Christian dialogue and been a valued voice in that discourse but has equally importantly created space for others. This is evident in the very rich networks William has established amongst a wide range of scholars and the important colloquia and publications which have resulted through his leadership. These networks have been of great benefit to the College and the church and also to the broader community.
William’s work and his contributions to the life of the College are characterised by the highest standards of scholarship, generosity and openness to others and strong commitment to serving the needs of students, colleagues and the broader church and community. William has shown generations of students that faithful study and teaching and reflection, including critical reflection, is integral to faith and that the study of the history of the church helps us understand the richness of God’s provision and His mercy.
William, thank you on behalf of the College community and Council and your colleagues, students and former students.
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………………………………………………. Chairperson
………………………………… Date
162 MEMBERS OF SYNOD 2014
SYNOD AND ASSEMBLY APPOINTMENTS
As at 24 September 2014
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
ASSEMBLY
Rev Dr Andrew Dutney President Rev Terence Corkin General Secretary
SYNOD
Rev Myung Hwa Park Moderator Rev Dr Brian Brown Ex-Moderator Rev Dr Andrew Williams General Secretary Mr John Kitchener Property Officer
UNITING RESOURCES TREASURY & INVESTMENT SERVICES
Mr John Kitchener Mr Neil King Mr Geoff Naylor Mr Michael Anderson
UNITINGCARE NSW/ACT UNITING MISSION & EDUCATION
Mr Peter Worland Rev Kath Merrifield
THEOLOGICAL STUDENTS
Mr Simote Finau
163 ASSEMBLY AND SYNOD
MINISTER Rev Scott Kelly Rev Bronwyn Murphy Rev Dr Stephen Robinson Rev Peter Pereira Rev Dr Christopher Walker Rev Dr Peter Powell Rev Graham Anson Rev Jo-Anne Smalbil Rev Garry Derkenne Rev Carolyn Thornley Rev Nigel Hawken Rev Viliami Halaifonua Toa Rev Katherine Merrifield
LAY MINISTERS Dr Ben Myers
LAY PERSONS Ms Alison Bleyerveen Mr Peter Roach Mr Bradon French Mrs Katalina Tahaafe-Williams Mr Ray McMinn Mrs Jacki Watts Assoc Prof Gerard Moore Mr John Oldmeadow Mr Jonathon Rea
CANBERRA REGION PRESBYTERY
MINISTERS Rev Dr Jonathan Barker Rev Ivan Roberts Rev Kevin Dilks Rev David Russell Rev Julie Furner Rev Anne Ryan Rev Aimee Kent Rev Alan White Rev Rachel Kronberger
LAY MINISTERS Lay Pastor Geoffrey Wellington Ms Hannah Dungan
LAY PERSONS Mr Bala BalaretnaRajah Mrs Sitela (Stella) Naimet Mr Peter Crimmins Ms Margaret Roberts Mrs Vanessa Crimmins Mr Subramaniam Sukumar Ms Rosemary Everett Miss Natalie Willis Mrs Sioana Faupula
164 FAR NORTH COAST PRESBYTERY
MINISTERS Rev John Thornton Rev Peter Overton
LAY PERSONS Mrs Louise Lancett
GEORGES RIVER PRESBYTERY
MINISTERS Rev Grant Bilbey Rev Patty Lawrence Rev Garry Dronfield Rev Viniana Ravetali Rev Charles (Salesi) Faupula Rev Tevita Siuhengalu Rev Il-Woong Kim
LAY PERSONS Mr John Algar Mrs Rosaline Uaniva Havea Mr Jack Bell Mr Steven Hurtz Mr James Brennan Mr Ian Lawrence Mrs Barbara Davison Mrs Bridget Ocean Mr Peter de Beuzeville Mr Barry Porter Mrs Margaret Gibbs Mr Netane Siuhengalu Miss Elizabeth Havea Mr Scott Stanton
ILLAWARRA PRESBYTERY
MINISTERS Rev Glenys Biddle Rev Geoffrey Flynn Rev Robert Buchan Rev Mark Greenlees Rev Tony Davies
LAY PERSONS Mr Alan Bradley Mr Andrew Hunt Mrs Cathrine Cochrane Mr Ross Johnson Mr Philip Eldridge Mrs Dooah (Debbie) Leeming Mrs Faye Gonzalez Mr Gavin Whitten
KOREAN PRESBYTERY
MINISTERS Rev Sam Yeol Cho Rev Ju Min Hyung Rev Hyo-Jin Choi Rev Shin Goo Lee
LAY PERSONS Mr Do Young Kim
165 KU-RING-GAI PRESBYTERY
MINISTERS Rev Laurel Barr Rev Dr Robert McFarlane Rev Paul Cameron Rev Jan Reeve Rev Tara Curlewis Rev Maz Smith Rev Dr Christopher Goringe Rev Ian Weeks Rev Melinda Graham Rev Gregory Woolnough Rev Ann Hogan
LAY MINISTERS Mr Clive McCormack Ms Amanda Thomson
LAY PERSONS Mr Tim Anderson Mrs Brenda Ohye Mrs Sue Conde Mr Tonga Pakofe Mrs Elizabeth Dabbs Mr Bruce Pyke Mr Don Durie AM Miss Hannah Reeve Mrs Margaret Gregory Ms Nicola Robinson Mr Richard Hansford Mr Philip Southwell Mr Arthur McKee Krust Mrs Anne Weeks Mr Cameron MacKenzie Mr Allan West Mrs Elizabeth Mackenzie Ms Vanessa Williams-Henke
MACQUARIE DARLING PRESBYTERY
MINISTER Rev Karyn Burchell-Thomas Rev Kerrie Needham Rev 'Oto Faiva Rev Gareth Thomas-Burchell
LAY MINISTERS Pastor Phil Worrad
LAY PERSONS Mr Kevin Barrington Mrs Ellie Mowbray Mrs Sue Graves Mrs Carolyn Sharp Mr Noel Harrison Mrs Valerie White Mr Brian Mowbray
MID NORTH COAST PRESBYTERY
MINISTERS Rev Lindsay Cullen Rev Narelle Penman Rev Dr Jason John Rev Lindsay Sheppard
LAY MINISTERS Pastor David Freeman
166 LAY PERSONS Mrs Penny Archer Mr Alastair Moss Mr Max Moase Mrs Joan Moss Mrs Valerie Moase Mr Noel Watts
NEW ENGLAND NORTH WEST PRESBYTERY
MINISTERS Rev John Brentnall Rev Noel Winter Rev Phillip Matthews
LAY PERSONS Mrs Fran Kaberry Mr Phil Tucker Mr Graeme Tolson Mr Tom Campanelli
PARRAMATTA-NEPEAN PRESBYTERY
MINISTERS Rev Christine Bayliss Kelly Rev Martin Levine Rev John Bleyerveen Rev Christopher Lockley Rev Paul Cosier Rev John O Martin Rev Sharon Cutts Rev Assoc Prof Clive Pearson Rev Dr Mele Koloa Fakahua-Ratcliffe Rev Susan Phalen Rev Marion Gledhill Rev Stephen Ratcliffe Rev Keith Hamilton Rev Alimoni Taumoepeau Rev Anne Hibbard Rev Liva Tukutama Rev Barnabas (Bong Gun) Kim
LAY MINISTERS Ms Lois Rees Mrs Geraldine Clarkson
LAY PERSONS Mr Jeffrey Abayasekera Mrs Falepaini Maile Ms Elaine Alinta Mr John K Martin Ms Tau'alofa Anga'aelangi Mr Parriss McDougall Miss Mia Azzarello Mr Neil Menger Mr Geoffrey Brown Mrs Christine Palmar Mrs Sandra Brown Ms Rebecca Reidy Mr Allan Callow Dr Andrew Thornley Mr Ralph Carroll Mrs Linda Turton Mr David Cooper Mrs Lorraine White Mr John Cutts Mr Stephen White Mr Ian Davy Mrs Margaret Wigmore Ms Tammy Hollands Mr Max Woodward Mr Trevor Knight
167 RIVERINA PRESBYTERY
MINISTERS Rev Abera Abera Rev Hawea Jackson Rev Gerald Duncan Rev Mosese Taufa
LAY MINISTERS Lay Pastor Darren Wright
LAY PERSONS Mrs Vaine Abera Mr Paul Creek Miss Kathryn Creek Mrs Janice Jackson
SYDNEY PRESBYTERY
MINISTERS Rev Kent Crawford Rev Stephen Matthews Rev Neil Ericksson Rev Dr Margaret Mayman Rev Nicole Fleming Rev Valamotu Palu Rev Dr John Jegasothy Rev Niall Reid Rev Andrew Johnson Rev Suzanne Stanton Rev Waisea Kania Logologo Rev Graeme Watkins
LAY MINISTERS Pastor Sara Lee
LAY PERSONS Mr Taniela Bolabiu Mr David Powell Mr Craig Corby Ms Malia Puna Mr David Hay Ms Heather Robinson Mr James Aaron Healey Mr Adrian Schmidt Mr Tevita Kailomani Mr Adrian Sukumar-White Ms Kaitani Miliakere Mr Radhika Sukumar-White Mr Jack Mowen Mr Keith Virtue Ms Emma Jane Parr Mr Konisi Vosaicake
SYDNEY NORTH PRESBYTERY
MINISTERS Rev David Gore Rev Graham Perry Rev Brian Hayes Rev Christopher Udy Rev Mata (Faaimata) Hiliau Rev Meredith Williams Rev Junmo Koo
LAY MINISTERS Mrs Kaye Lewis Miss Sandra Batey
168 LAY PERSONS Mr Philip Bickerstaff Mrs Carol Mason Pastor Fiona Blair Mr Sean McSharry Mr David Garrett Ms Liz Moran Mrs Robyn Harvey Mr Ted Woodley Ms Gwen Huelin Ms Claire Wright Mr Richard Johnson Ms Jan Zwar Mr Richard La'Brooy
THE HUNTER PRESBYTERY
MINISTERS Rev Dr Chris Budden Rev Amelia Koh-Butler Rev Geoffrey Dornan Rev Lorna Martin Rev Rob Hanks Rev Dr Peter Oliver Rev Haloti Kailahi
LAY PERSONS Mr Greg Anderson Ms Eldrene March Mrs Bonita Appleyard Mrs Jennifer Mathieson Mr Rick Brownell Ms Catherine Pepper Ms Mary-Anne Hawson Mr Grahame Pricter Ms Danielle Hemsworth-Smith Mr Trevor Scott Mr Semisi Kailahi Mr Michael Scowcroft
UAICC
MINISTERS Rev Dorothy Gordon-Harris Rev Neville Naden Rev Hannie Hoffmann Rev Harry Walker
LAY PERSONS Miss Hazel Joy Leano Mrs Diane Torrens Mr Fred Logan Mr Tim Torrens Mrs Lena Logan Mrs Annabelle Walker Mrs Stella Sloane Pastor Thomas Sloane
169 CO-OPTIONS
MINISTERS Rev Keree Casey Rev Duncan Macleod Rev Sang Duk Choi Rev Elizabeth Raine Rev Dr Rodney Drayton Rev Maurine Redenbach Rev David Kidd Rev Dr John Squires Rev Kyoung Hoon Kim Rev Alexander Thomas Rev Keun-ll Ko
LAY PERSONS Ms Rebekah-Lee (Bek) Allcroft Ms Peta Liburne Mr Peter Andrews Dr Narelle Murray Mr David Jungil Chu Ms Jacyntah Powell Mr John Collins Mr Allan Secomb Mr Allan Gibson Mrs Denise Secomb Mr Zac Hatfield-Dodds Mr Paul Simpson Mr Sean Jenkins Mr Shane Slade Mr Levon Kardashian Ms Natalie Sloane Ms Ita Kennedy Ms Katelyn Stevenson Mr Peter Kidd Ms Pearl Wymarra Mr Sae Ku Kim Mr Jay Young Mr David Benn
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Uniting Church in Australia Synod of New South Wales and the ACT
SYNOD 2014
Recognition of Ministers of the Word & Deacons Ordained and Lay Pastors Commissioned since the 2013 Synod
Retired Ministers of the Word, Deacons, Deaconesses & Lay Pastors
Jubilarians
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Recognition of Ministry Service
Lord, you give the great commission
1 Lord, you give the great commission: "Heal the sick and preach the Word." Lest the church neglect its mission and the gospel go unheard, help us witness to your purpose with renewed integrity; Refrain: with the Spirit's gifts empower us for the work of ministry.
2 Lord, you call us to your service: "In my name baptize and teach." That the world may trust your promise life abundant meant for each give us all new fervor, draw us closer in community; …/Refrain
3 Lord, you show us love's true measure: "Father, what they do, forgive." Yet we hoard as private treasure all that you so freely give. May your care and mercy lead us to a just society; …/Refrain
4 Lord, you bless with words assuring: "I am with you to the end." Faith and hope and love restoring, may we serve as you intend, and, amid the cares that claim us, hold in mind eternity; …/Refrain Author: Jeffery W. Rowthorn (1978) Tune: ABBOT'S LEIGH [TiS 446]
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Bible Reading Hebrews 12:1-6, 12-14
Introduction
Psalm 100
A Psalm of Thanksgiving. 1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing.
3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Appreciations (names are read)
Presentation of Booklet to Moderator
Formal reception of Minute of Appreciation (received by applause)
Responses – Mrs Ruth Dicker Rev. John Barker
Prayers for those who have been recognised and for the world they have served and continue to serve.
Hymn
1 We all are one in mission, We all are one in call, Our varied gifts united By Christ, the Lord of all. A single, great commission Compels us from above To plan and work together That all may know Christ's love.
2 We all are called for service To witness in God's name; Our ministries are different, Our purpose is the same: To touch the lives of others By God's surprising grace So every folk and nation May feel God's warm embrace.
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3 Now let us be united And let our song be heard. Now let us be a vessel For God's redeeming word. We all are one in mission, We all are one in call, Our varied gifts united By Christ, the Lord of all. Author: Rusty Edwards, 1986 Tune: Aurelia [TiS 457]
(The members of the Synod stand and move to surround the people who are being honoured)
May the feet of God walk with you, and his hand hold you tight. May the eye of God rest on you, and his ear hear your cry. May the smile of God be for you, and his breath give you life. May the Child of God grow in you, and his love bring you home. TIS779 Author: Robin Mann, 1949 Tune: Aubrey [TiS 779]
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Ordinations
Minister Ministry Placement Date Rev. John Barker Minister of Balgowlah 24/04/2013 the Word Uniting Church Rev. Keun Il Ko Minister of Narrandera 23/06/2013 the Word Uniting Church Rev. Sung Kwang (Ace) Kim Minister of One Heart Ministry 17/11/2013 the Word Rev. Jo-Anne Smalbil Minister of Frontier Services 08/12/2013 the Word Rev. Hye Ja Kim Minister of Caves Beach 29/12/2013 the Word Uniting Church Rev. Helen Paine Minister of Northern Synod 11/01/2014 the Word Rev. Suzanne Stanton Minister of Targeted Congregational 22/02/2014 the Word Development Officer Sydney Presbytery Rev. Fololeni Tafokitau Minister of Petersham Tongan 02/03/2014 the Word Uniting Church Rev. Seung Jae Yeon Minister of Gladesville Boronia Park 19/07/2014 the Word
Commissionings
Minister Ministry Placement Date Pastor Richard Moors Pastor Upper Hunter Ministry 22/06/2013 Pathway A Ms Rebecca Leslie Pastor Eastwood Uniting Church 23/06/2014 Pathway A
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Ministers Admitted as UCA Ministers from Another Denomination
Minister From Placement Date Rev. Krikor Armenian Evangelical Churches Longueville 22/06/2013 Youmshajekian in the Near East St Andrew's Uniting Church Rev. Dr John Cox Baptist Church Chaplain at 30/11/2013 UnitingCare North Sydney Region, Wesley Gardens Rev. Tony Blake Baptist Church in NSW Chaplain at 04/12/2013 UnitingCare Ageing, Western Region Rev. Martin Levine Presbyterian Church of Principal at 2/02/2014 Southern Africa Alan Walker College
Ministers Transferred from Other Synods
Minister Synod Date Transferred Rev. Robert B. Brennan QLD 01/12/2012
Rev. Glennis Johnston Vic/Tas 08/08/2014
Ministers from Other Denominations Serving in The Uniting Church in Australia
Minister On Secondment From Placement Rev. Sang Heon Ahn The General Assembly of Epping Sam-Il Korean Presbyterian Church of Korea (Daeshin) Rev. Geoffrey Cann The Baptist Union Of Australia Chaplain at UnitingCare NSW & ACT South Coast/Southern Highlands Rev. Bo Young Chun The Presbyterian Church in Korea Korean Presbytery (PCK) Rev. Andrew Cunningham The Methodist Church in Ireland Orange Uniting Church Rev. Maria Gezina (Riana) Dutch Reformed Church, South Narromine Uniting Church Kok Africa Rev. Dr Kye Won Lee The Presbyterian Church of Armidale Uniting Church Korea (Tong Hap) Rev. Edwin Perkins The Uniting Presbyterian Church Canberra Region Presbytery in Southern Africa
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RETIRED MINISTERS OF THE WORD
Name: Rev. Grahame Abrahams
Ordained: 2010
Retired: 31 January 2014
Spouse: Fran
History:
NSW; Nimbin 1990-1992; Alpine 01/93-05/02; Nabiac Hallidays Point 06/02-01/04; Shellharbour 01/05- 31/01/2014 (Ordained as a Minister of the Word 25 September 2010); Close of Ministry Service 2nd February 2014.
Name: Rev. John Blair
Ordained: 1973
Retired: 1 July 2013
Spouse: Rebecca
History:
I very much enjoyed my eleven years' service to the UCA. The skills acquired all through my education, clinical pastoral internship and residency, teaching of Religious Studies, Atlanta District Counseling Service directorship, and pastoral ministry in six American churches, honed my interests in serving as the 7th Flying Patrol Minister in Broken Hill, and later, as Minister in St. Ninian's, Lyneham, ACT.
We so appreciate my colleagues, and our friends in Australia, from the Far West to the Coast. We thank God for the depth of fellowship and understanding of the human condition and managed resources, which the UCA provided us. May God's blessings be with you all.
Rev. John (and Becky) Blair
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Name: Rev. Dr John Braakman
Ordained: 1984
Retired: 31 January 2014
Spouse: Dieske
History:
Born 16 January 1939 in Arnhem, Netherlands. Migrated to Australia in February 1954. Self-employed in building construction 1956 – 1981. UTC 1982 – 1984 graduated with BTh. Minister of the Word at Narrabri Uniting Church January 85 – March 89; Randwick-Maroubra April 89 – April 99. Gained D.Min from San Francisco Theological Seminary in 1996 Thesis, ‘A Theology of Culture, for Mission in the Australian Context’. Minister of the Word at Hurstville May 99 – December 2013. Gained PhD from Flinders University (South Australia) in 2003, Thesis ‘ Correlation of Theology and Psychology, Implications for Pastoral Care’. Served on a number of Synod boards and Presbytery committees. Served as member and chairperson of the Sydney Region Age Care board. Retired on 1 February 2014. Part time long supply placement at Weston Creek July 2014 – September 2014.
Name: Rev. Owen Butt
Ordained: 1987
Retired: 30 June 2013
Spouse: Lynda (d. 5/2/2009)
History:
NSW; Goulburn/Gunning Intern year 1986; Upper Hunter 01/88-12/94; Jerilderie 01/95-03/96; Leave of Absence 04/96-12/97; NA.01/98-12/01; Padstow 01/02-12/11; Awaiting Placement 01/12; Permanently Retired as of 30/6/2013 as a UCA minister, but certainly not retired from ministry. Now co-ordinating a food shop at Padstow Baptist Church for people on low incomes, an amazing outreach ministry, and more excited than ever about what Holy Spirit is doing around the world, the likely soon return of our Lord Jesus, and the privilege of being allowed by the Lord Jesus to have a share with Him in what He is doing in this world.
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Name: Rev. Bo Young Chun
Ordained: 1996
Retired: 28 February 2014
History:
NSW; Belmore Shalom Presbyterian 04/08-28/02/2014; Permanently Retired 28/02/2014
Name: Rev. Gregory Crawford
Ordained: 1982
Retired: 30 November 2014
History:
NSW; Griffith 1983; Coleambally-Darlington Point 01/84-01/88; Dubbo 02/88-02/93; Secular Employment 03/93-04/94; Port Stephens 05/94-01/09; Morisset 02/09-30/11/2014; Permanently Retired 30/11/2014
Name: Rev. Helen Edgerton
Ordained: 1997
Retired: 31 October 2013
Spouse: Graham
History:
In placement with Wesley Home Care, I was the first Chaplain to be part of Community Aged Care Packages caring for elderly in the community and staff. I was also included on the Management Team and delighted to see the appointment of an extra Deacon and Pastoral Care Assistant as the work expanded. As Chaplain with Lucan Care in Leichhardt, the focus was with residents and staff in Low and High Care. As ‘Regions’ were introduced I became Pastoral Co-ordinator for the Sydney Region, and once again part of the Management Team. Over the next five years I saw the Pastoral Team expand and become involved with community work. A congregational setting at Marsden Road UC Carlingford was my final placement. While initially reluctant, but aware of God’s ‘pushing’, these five years were amazingly fulfilling as people began to believe in themselves, and numbers and energy levels grew.
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Name: Rev. Neil Ericksson
Ordained: 1983
Retired: 30 September 2014
History:
Ordained as a Minister in the Presbyterian Church of Australia, Neil was chaplain at the Scots School, Bathurst (1983 – 1985), Cronulla Presbyterian Church (1985 – 1989), The Scots School, Bathurst (1989 – 1991), Wentworthville Presbyterian Church (1991 – 1996), St. Andrew’s, Canberra (1996 – 1997). Joined the UCA (1998). Bankstown District 01/99 – 04/02. Riverina Presbytery Minister 05/02 – 06/06. Sydney Presbytery Minister and Chairperson 07/06 – 30/06/2013 Supply Minister at Strathfield – Homebush 01/07/2013 – 31/12/2013 Long Supply at Lindfield Uniting Church 01/07/2014 – present.
Name: Rev. Glenn Farquhar-Nicol
Ordained: 1982
Retired: 9 December 2013
Spouse: Julie
History:
Glebe Parish 1983 - 1991 Gosford Parish 1992 - 1999 Kiama/Jamberoo 2000 - 2012 04/03/2013 - temporary disablement 09/12/2013 - permanent disablement
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Name: Rev. Wesley H. Hartley
Ordained: 18 October 1973 (Methodist - Wesley Church Melbourne)
Retired: 30 September 2013
Spouse: Beverley
History:
Student Minister, Hilton-Spearwood 1969 Student Minister, East Malvern, Victoria 1971-1972 Minister, Hobart Central Mission-Sandy Bay, Tasmania 1973-1975 Minister, Upper Avon (Pingelly-Beverley-Brookton) WA 1976-1977 Minister, Manning WA 1978-1984 Minister, Trinity Uniting Church, St George’s Terrace, Perth WA 1985-1990 General Secretary, Conference of Churches of Western Australia and Secretary Heads of Churches of WA 1992-1998 Executive Officer Uniting Aboriginal and 1999-2000 Islander Christian Congress (WA) Minister, Busselton WA 2001-2011 Locum Placement Feb 2012 Transferred to NSW from WA 1 November 2013 Presbytery Officer/Presbytery Secretary Presbytery of The Hunter, Newcastle NSW Jan-Sept 2013 Retired 30 September 2013 and returned to live in WA.
Name: Rev. Gregor Henderson
Ordained: 1971
Retired: 31 December 2012
Spouse: Kaisa
History:
VIC; East Keilor 1968-1969; UK; Alloa, Scotland 1970-1971; VIC; ordained in 1971; Shepparton North 1971-1975; Wodonga 1975-1982; TAS; Hobart 1983-1988; NSW; Assembly General Secretary 01/89- 12/00; Ecumenical or Church Related Body 01/01-04/03; Ecumenical or Church Related Body 50% 05/03 + 50% supply Canberra Central 05/03-11/03; Awaiting Placement 12/03-01/04; Canberra Central 02/04-06/06; President of Assembly 07/06-06/09; Canberra Central 07/09 - 31/12/2013; Permanently Retired as of 31 December 2013.
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Name: Rev. Hannie Hoffmann
Ordained: 1994
Retired: 30 June 2013
History:
Hannie was ordained at Wayside Chapel in the Cross and worked as part of the Ministry Team.
In her role as Chaplain she worked at UCA’s War Memorial Hospital, the Garrison Killarney Retirement Centre in Mosman, and at North Shore Hospital (six month supply), as a Minister of the Word at Mosman UCA, Dulwich Hill/ Hurlstone Park, Marrickville, Lindfield,Longueville, some in supply positions.
She trained in Intentional Interim and Resource Ministry. Hannie was involved in Sydney Alliance from its inception on various levels. All the above positions have deliberately been part time to enable her to be involved in her work in the wider community: In professional supervision, teaching in TAFE Community Services etc.
Hannie is passionate about the nearly 70% of Australians who chose not to link with an established faith path, but many of whom are clearly on a deeply inner spiritual journey often in isolation. In retirement she is exploring Gathering Spaces in a number of Sydney locations.
She is currently in a Resource Worker supply position at UAICC.
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Name: Rev. Dr John Hoskin
Ordained: 27 April 1990 at St Clair Uniting Church
Retired: 7 July 2013
Spouse: Cathy
History:
After formative and nurturing experiences in youth leadership in St Ives Presbyterian/Uniting Church, and a gap year teaching in a Methodist School in Fiji, John found himself led into ministry. He completed a Business degree and spent some time in the corporate sector before going to Bible College. In 1984 he commenced three enjoyable years as the youth worker in Caringbah Uniting Church prior to candidating for ministry. After completing a B.Th., John and family attended a Graduate School at the WCC Ecumenical Institute, broadening their appreciation of the global church and ministry task. Returning to Australia, John’s ordained ministry commenced in St Clair (1990-1994), during which time he appreciated the rich and diverse parish team environment and opportunities to engage in the provision of theological education at UTC. Encouraged to go further in this direction, John uprooted the family and moved to Cambridge UK to complete doctoral studies under the wise mentoring and direction of Prof. Graham N. Stanton and the divinity faculty of King’s College London. Working across the disciplines of biblical studies, anthropology and archaeology, John commenced his involvement in field archaeology in the Holy Land and produced a dissertation, The Narrative Geography of Mark. Settlement in Carlingford (1998-2004) followed their return to Sydney, where John continued to teach at WIMA, Tabor College, Southern Cross College and UTC. He served on a range of boards and committees including the Board of Wesley College and on the Board of Education in this period and spent a brief period as the ELM Centre Director of Education for Life and Minister (2004-2005). Supply ministry with West Epping (2005-2006) and Kenthurst (2006) followed, before ministry with the congregation at Pennant Hills (2008-2013).
Name: Rev. Seok Ho Kim
Ordained: 1978
Retired: 30 October 2013
Spouse: Mrs Jung Yon Kim
History:
Korea 1969-1972 Armed service in Korea 1978 Ordained (Presbyterian Church in Korea) 1978-1981 Assistant Minister Busan and Seoul Churches 1981-1985 Minister in South Seoul Church 1985-1987 Commissioned minister in Seoul Shinil Church
Australia (1987 emigrated to Australia) 1987-2013 Epping Samil Church (inaugurated 1994) 1998-1999 Chairperson of Korean Commission
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Name: Rev. Owen Lukins
Ordained: 1984
Retired: 30 April 2014
Spouse: Linda
History:
Owen was born at Ryde and as a child attended Epping Congregational Church . He came to a personal faith in Jesus Christ through the influence of two friends while attending Sydney Teachers College. He subsequently taught as a Maths teacher at Tottenham Central School, Mouth Druitt High and Epping Boys High.
On the week that he arrived in Tottenham in 1968, he was asked by one of the locals if he attended church. When Owen indicated he did, he heard the words, “That’s good, we need a new Sunday school teacher”. The very next Sunday, he was teaching his first Sunday school lesson, even though he was only very new in his own faith experience. At Tottenham he attended both the Methodist and Presbyterian churches.
On his return to Sydney he continued as a Sunday school teacher as well as helping run a youth group at Ryde Wesley Church. Owen’s desire to explore ministry beyond the local church led to him to be involved with ISCF groups, youth camps (Scripture Union, Christian Endeavour, Methodist Crusaders) and Youth With A Mission. For almost 10 years, he was also part of a team which ran yearly holiday programmes with Aboriginal children at Wilcannia.
It was while teaching and being involved in the variety of Christian activities, that he sensed God’s call towards some form of ministry other than school teaching. This ultimately led him to “testing the waters” as a lay pastor in the Cronulla Uniting Parish (mid 1978 to 1981), followed by theological training at UTC (1982 to 1984), and then placements as minister of the Word at Moree (1985 to 1988), Bega (1989 to 2001) and Dapto (2002 to 30th April 2014). Over his years of ministry, Owen developed a passion for pastorally caring for people – particularly those who were hurting or viewed themselves as the “underdog”. He is convinced that the same Lord who became real to him and has given him hope and purpose, wants others to experience that same hope and purpose in their own lives, as they respond to God’s grace and love and choose to walk with Jesus.
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Name: Rev. Will Pearson
Ordained: 6 March 2011
Retired: 31 August 2014
Spouse: Betty
History:
Will has served the church in a lay capacity for most of his life, including as an Elder, Secretary and Chair of Church Council, Lay Preacher, Community Lay Director for Emmaus, Member of Synod and Synod Standing Committee and other Synod Committees, Member of Assembly, Treasurer of Rural Ministry Unit, Chair of New England North West Presbytery, and NSW representative on National Lay Preachers’ Association.
He commenced a twenty one month Intentional Interim Ministry at Armidale in March 2007, after retiring from his position as a Wool and Portfolio Manager for Elders Ltd. In January 2009 he accepted a call to Macquarie Darling Presbytery as half time Presbytery and Resource Minister and half time Minister with the Broken Hill Congregation, a position he has held for the last five and a half years.
Will was ordained as a Minister of the Word in March 2011. He has also been a member of ACOMP. He is still active as a Police Chaplain, Member and Peer Support Person within the Disaster Recovery Chaplaincy Network and a GNRC member.
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Name: Rev. Stephen Reid
Ordained: 1981
Retired: 31 January 2014
Spouse: Kerry
History:
NSW; Maitland 1981-1986; Carlingford 01/87-12/97; Cherrybrook-West Pennant Hills 01/98-03/07; Ku-ring-gai Presbytery Minister 04/07-31/01/2014; Permanently Retired 31/01/2014; Member of Carlingford UC (Parramatta Napean).
Name: Rev. Elizabeth Richardson
Ordained: 2009
Retired: 31 October 2014
History:
NSW; Canberra Central 11/08 - (Commissioned as a Lay Pastor 23/11/2008) 10/09; Awaiting Placement 11/09; Supply Eurobodalla 50% 01/10 (Ordained as a Minister of the Word 11 October 2009) – 08/10; Eurobodalla Linked Congregations 70% 09/10 -31/10/2014; Permanently Retired 31/10/2014
Name: Rev. Neil Smith
Ordained: 1985
Retired: 31 March 2014
Spouse: Marilyn
History:
Neil began ministry in the City of Campbelltown Regional Mission with the task of exploring a new congregation amongst public housing residents in the Ambarvale/Rosemeadow area. After 12 months was he joined by wife Maz. Neil then worked part time in the Campbelltown congregation and in Parramatta Nepean Presbytery working to start Home Based Fellowships. During this time he put together a course for people starting new congregations.
Neil had placements with the congregation at St. Andrew’s Glenbrook, followed by New Lambton and then Bankstown District Congregation.
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Name: Rev. Noreen Towers
Ordained: Deaconess 1965, Minister of the Word 1985
Retired: 31 January 2014
History:
Noreen’s first appointment as a Deaconess in the Methodist Church was to Liverpool 1963-1964. She was then appointed to the Central Methodist Mission/Wesley Central Mission in Sydney as a Deaconess in 1964-1985. She was ordained as a Minister of the Word in 1985 and continued to serve at Wesley Mission from 1985-2004.
During her 40 years at Wesley Mission she was responsible for the ministry with homeless people. She established the Church for the Homeless, a Day Care Centre, and residential facilities which included Edward Eagar Lodge Hostel, Serenity House and supported Community Housing. Her international engagements included speaking at the 15th World Methodist Conference at Nairobi in 1986 and the World Methodist Evangelism Seminar in Atlanta in 1990.
Noreen then ministered in the Orange Parish where she served for 9 years 2005-2014. During this time she established the Mustard Tree Café as an outreach program to the community. She now concludes a period of 51 years of full time active ministry within the church
Name: Rev. Mark Watt
Ordained: 1993
Retired: 15 April 2014
Spouse: Mrs Judy Watt
History:
Mark worked as a claims investigator with NRMA, then in the Public Service for ten years, mainly in workers' compensation. Moving to Queensland he and wife Judy were involved in various business activities, and it was here that Mark received his call to the ministry. It came out of a conversation in 1987 with a recovering alcoholic whose experience at a Catholic school was such that he thought that there was no grace in Christianity.
At first Mark worked with Judy in lay ministry in Shellharbour, NSW from the middle of 1988, before studying for ordination at United Theological College and being awarded a BTh. During his time at UTC Mark was supported by Judy in Youth and Family ministry at the Boundary Rd Congregation. He was ordained in 1993, and has served in four parish appointments and some supply ministry before going to Broken Bay in 2011. Initially Mark was minister at North Lake Macquarie Parish then St John’s at Wahroonga. This was followed by some supply ministry as the Westmead Hospital Chaplain then ministry at the Tamworth and District. From 2001 Mark moved into placement at the Tuggerah Lake Parish and then Broken Bay.
An aspect of Mark's calling to ministry has been additional part-time work as a Regional Police Chaplain and as a Chaplain in the Australian Army Reserve. In both of these he has received many commendations and considerable personal satisfaction in helping people with needs and problems.
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JUBILARIANS
50 years – ordained in 1964/1963
Rev. Dr Jonathan Barker 1964; SA; Gilberton and Youth Field Officer 1964-1966; WA; Applecross 1966-1968; Overseas Study 1969-1970; Presbyterian Board of Mission Mowanjum 1970-1972; International Training Institute, Bombay 1972-1974; NSW; Sydney, Pitt Street 1974-1976; SA; Awaiting Placement 1977- 1978; Whyalla 1979-1983; Parkside Parish 1984-1991; Associate Director, Lay Education, Parkin- Wesley College 1985-1988; Marion-Warradale 1991-1995; Coordinator Aboriginal Reconciliation for S.A. 1994-1995; NSW; Bondi Beach Parish Mission 1996-1998; NT; Nungalinya College 1999- 2002; SA; Adelaide, Pilgrim Uniting Church 2003-01/07; Permanently Retired 02/07; NSW; South Woden 07/08 -09/10; Intentional Interim Ministry with Goulburn Linked Congregations 02/13- 31/01/2014
Rev. John Edwards NSW; Kogarah 1962-64; Cooma-Bombala 1965-68; Department of Christian Education 1969- 12/74; Without Placement 12/74-06/86; VIC; Without Placement 6-10/93; Awaiting Placement 11/93-12/93; Chaplain at The Scot's School Albury 01/94-12/00, NSW; Permanently Retired 01/01
Rev. Robert Emery ENG; Long Buckby and East Haddon 1964-1968; Swinford and Yelvertoft 1966-1968; NSW; Marrickville 1968-1972; Leave of Absence - Sydney Missionary - Bible College 1972-1981; Beverly Hills 1982-1988; Turramurra 04/88-12/94; Shoalhaven 01/97-01/03; Permanently Retired 02/03
Rev. Donald Erickson NSW; Lane Cove 1955-1958; Concord 1958-1960; Canberra 1964-1970; Griffith 1970-1978; Turramurra 1979-1987; Lyneham, ACT 01/88-12/96; Permanently Retired 12/96
Deaconess Myra Gebhardt NSW; went to college 1959-1961; Menindee Nursing Service 1961-1963; Forestville Mission with Rev Bush at Beacon Hill 1963-1965; continued voluntary work in areas such as Coonamble, Lismore, Queanbeyan and went to work voluntarily at Cootamundra in 1982; moved to Campbelltown 1986 and did a year of work with Rev. David Peters; working 3 years at Campbelltown Uniting Church pre-school for abused children; worked 11 years with wheelchair people; permanently retired in 2002. “If I help somebody, as I go my way, then my living is not in vain.”
Rev. Roy Glover NSW; Botany 1960-1962; Dubbo 1963; Property Department 1964-1966; Department of Administration 1966-1977; Synod Board of Finance and Property 1977-1981; Finance Resources Development Officer 1982-1983; Wesley Central Mission 04/83-07/89; Permanently Retired 07/89
Rev. Robert Grant NSW; Goulburn 1957-1960; Ermington 1960-1964; Moruya 1964-1967; Pittwater 1967-1974; Secular Employment Narrabeen 1974-1976; (Ecumenical or Church Related Body) Balgowlah Heights 1976-1977; Wollongong Parish Mission 1978-1984; Permanently Retired 1984
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Rev. Neville Gray NSW; Robertson 1959; Boggabri 1964; Woy Woy 1965-1967; Windsor-Richmond 1968-1970; USA; 1971-1974; NSW; Hornsby 1974; Orange 1975; Shoalhaven 1976-1979; VIC; Chaplain at Hamilton College 1980-1982; Cavendish 1983-1984; NSW; Forbes 01/85-10/91; Gymea- Miranda11/91-09/94; Permanently Retired 10/94
Rev. Vernon James NSW; Port Kembla 1962-1964; Central Hunter 1965-1968; Tuggerah Lakes 1969-1972; Bulli 1973- 1980; Wagga Wagga 01/81-12/89; Picton 01/90-01/98; Narrabri 02/98-12/03; Permanently Retired 01/04
Rev. Thomas Jennings NSW; Homebush 1959; Scots Church, Sydney; Condell Park 1961; Lalor Park 1961-1963; Hillston- Gunbar 1964-1967; Wollongong West-Figtree 1967-1972; Chaplain The Scots College 1972-1978; Chaplain Newington College 1979-1981; Roseville 01/82-08/87; Leave of Absence 09/87-08/91; Permanently Retired 08/91
Rev. James Newman NSW; Cobar 1957-1958; Arncliffe 1959; Balmain 1960; Wentworthville 1961-1963; Wingham 1964- 1967; Stockton 1968-1972; Cessnock 1973-1975; Cooma 1976-1980; Cardiff 1981-1986; Waratah- Broadmeadow 03/86-1990; Permanently Retired 1990
Rev. Dr Keith Rowe NSW; Pitt St Sydney 05/95- 04/98; Auburn 05/98-09/01; Permanently Retired 10/01
Rev. Dr Bruce Roy QLD: Maranoa (Roma) 1964-1968; Maryborough North 1968-1970; Chaplain Army: Townsville (2 RAR) 1970; South Vietnam (2 RAR/NZ) 1970-71; VIC: Puckapunyal 1971-1974; NSW: Kapooka 1974; QLD; Enoggera Barracks (1 Div) 1975-1980; I Military Hospital Yeronga 1980-1981; NSW; Randwick Barracks 01/82-10/85; Victoria Barracks 10/85-12/88; Training Command 01/89-02/97; Principal Chaplain (Part Time) 03/97-12/99; North Ryde (Interim) 03/97-02/99; Mosman (Supply) 03/99-12/99; Randwick-Maroubra (Supply) 01/00-10/00; Turramurra (Interim) 01/01-12/02; Leave of Absence 01/03-03/04; Permanently Retired 04/04.
Rev. Noel Thomas NSW; Dorrigo 1959-1960; The Entrance 1963-1964; North Parramatta 1964; Crows Nest 1965; Peak Hill 1966-1969; Lismore 1970-1974; Dungog 1975-1981; North Lake Macquarie 1982-1991; ITIM 1991-03/96; Permanently Retired 03/96
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60 years – ordained in 1954/1953
Rev. Trevor Barrett NSW; Wingham-Comboyne 1949; Adelong 1953-1954; Harden 1955-1959; Muswellbrook 1960- 1963; Cessnock 1964-1967; Epping 1968-1974; Ryde 1975-1978; Hamilton 1979-1984; Burwood- Croydon 01/85-02/88; Permanently Retired 03/88
Rev. Dr Gordon Dicker NSW; Wagga Wagga 1950; Leigh College 1951-1953; Kensington 1954-04/ 1955; INDONESIA; sent by Methodist Overseas Mission to the Evangelical Christian Church in Timor (GMIT) 11/1955 – 02/1962; NSW; Wesley College 1962-1965; Leave of Absence in USA; study for Th.D. 1965- 1969; Hasbrouck Heights N.J. United Church of Chirst 1965-1969; NSW; Belmont 1970-1972; Gladesville 1973-1975; Leigh College, Lecturer in Theology 1973-1974; United Theological College, Lecturer in Theology 1975-01/96; Principal UTC 1989-1995; Moderator of NSW Synod 1984-1985; Permanently Retired 01/96
Rev. John Mason NSW; Lismore 1952; Inland Mission (Katherine) 1953-1954; Goulburn 1955-1958; Tighes Hill 1959-1962; Dubbo 1963-1964; Resigned 1964 - Member of Parliament 1964-1985; Readmitted 1985; Hamilton 04/85-01/92; Nambucca River 03/92-04/95; Permanently Retired 04/95
Rev. Dr Arthur North NSW; Part-time supply to St James Glenfield 1997; Part time supply to Auburn Uniting Church; part time supply to St James Glenfield 2001-2008; Church Life and Work Executive to Standing Committee NSW 1960-1966 renamed Church and National Committee, Convenor 1966-1973; GA NSW rep to British and Foreigh Bible Society 1959-1970; GA NSW rep to Inter-Church Trade and Industry Mission 1964-1967; Member and Convenor NSW Church Life and Work/Church and Nation Committee; Member and Convenor GAA Public Questions/Church and nation Committee; Founding President of the Gladesville and District Community Aid Service 1966-1969; President of Canterbury Community Aid Bureau 1974-1990; BA Sydney University 1952; BD Melbourne CD; Doctor of Ministry (San Fransisco Theological Seminary 1981; Master of Counselling, University of Western Sydney 2005; Counsellor, Marriage Guidance Council NSW; Registered Psychologist 1994-2011
Rev. John O’Reilly NSW; Myall River 1946-1947; Wyong (Long Jetty) 1947-1948; Glen Davis 1948-1949; Training 1949-1951; Cobar 1952-1954; Wallamba 1954-1958; Canowindra 1958-1961; The Rock-Lockhart 1962-1963; NT; Tennant Creek 1964-1967; NSW; Cootamundra 1968-1972; Maitland 1973-1978; Lakemba 1979-1983; Molong 06/83-05/90; Blayney 06/90-12/92; Permanently Retired 01/93. To QLD Synod 1 October 2011.
Rev. Dr Len Thompson NSW; Goulburn 1949-1950; Milton 1953-154; Crookwell 1955-1959; Cowra 1960-1962; Newtown 1963-1970; Beecroft 1971-1980; Orange 1981-1987; Forster-Tuncurry 1987-07/91; Permanently Retired 07/91
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70 years and over – ordained in 1944
Rev. Ronald Blackwood University of Melbourne; 1944 Ordained Stanley TAS; 1947 Geelong St. David's; 1957 Wahroonga NSW; 1969 Gardiner VIC; 1982 Mildura VIC; 1985 Retired
The material in this booklet which relates to retired Ministers was provided by the Ministers and was occasionally edited for reasons of length.
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RESIGNED MINISTERS OF THE WORD / WITHDRAWAL OF RECOGNITION
Note that since the last meeting of the Synod in 2013 the persons named hereunder resigned from the ministry of the Uniting Church in Australia and their recognition as Ministers of the Word were withdrawn on the dates indicated:
Ministers of the Word Rev Matthew McBurney Recognition Withdrawn 17 October 2013
MINISTERS TRANSFERRED TO OTHER SYNODS
Ministers of the Word Rev. Ann Perrin Victoria and Tasmania 1 November 2013 Rev. Chris Paine Northern Synod 1 January 2014 Rev. Helen Paine Northern Synod 1 January 2014 Rev. Herman Nienaber Western Synod 31 January 2014 Rev. Joan Francis Victoria and Tasmania 1 October 2013 Rev. Mary Jane French Queensland Synod 1 September 2013 Rev. Ronald French Queensland Synod 1 September 2013 Rev. Nicholas Cole Western Synod 1 January 2014 Rev. Veneeta Singh-Lucas Queensland Synod 1 January 2014 Rev. Wesley Hartley Western Synod 1 September 2013
(A) MINISTERS OF THE WORD WHO HAVE DIED
Ministers Rev. Daniel Mistry died 16 July 2013 Rev. Dieter Tieman died 12 August 2013 Rev. Dr John McCarthy died 11 July 2014 Rev. Dr Moira Laidlaw died 27 November 2013 Rev. Dr Robert James Brown died 19 July 2013 Rev. Dr Tuikilakila Waqairatu, President of the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma, died 11 February 2014 Rev. Ian Tanner died 27 December 2013 Rev. Kelvin Russell died 5 June 2014 Rev. Jack Sharp died 13 September 2014 Rev. Leslie Pearson, Father of the Rev Ian Pearson, died 15 October 2013 Rev. Lettie Ellen Abraham died 7 March 2014 Rev. Lloyd Phillips died 21 March 2014 Rev. Maxwell Fox died 20 January 2014 Rev. Neville Guthrey died 3 January 2014 Rev. Roy Nash died 20 May 2013 Rev. Russell Thompson died 7 August 2014 Rev. Sandy Murray died 1 May 2014
(B) DEATHS OF SPOUSES OR WIDOWS OF MINISTERS LISTED
Mr Glen Watts, husband of Mrs Jacki Watts, died 6 July 2013 Mr Neal Gates, husband of Rhoda Gates, died 21 August 2013
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Mrs Enid Sykes, wife of the late Rev. John Sykes, died 29 November 2013 Mr Graham Pearce, husband of the Rev. Merle Pearce, died 15 January 2014 Mrs Kathleen Steele, wife of the late Rev. William Steele, died 26 January 2014 Mrs Janice Pricter, wife of Pastor Grahame Pricter, died 25 February 2014 Mrs Joan Hubbard, wife of the late Rev. Roy Hubbard, died 27 February 2014 Mrs Pat Page, widow of Rev. Robert Page, died 29 April 2014 Margaret Laura Dominish, wife of Rev. Dr Clyde Dominish, died 2 July 2014 MrsNoelene Martin, wife of the Rev. John Martin, died 29 August 2014 Mrs Val Nash, widow of the late Bill Nash, died 4 September 2014 Mrs Betty Hicks, widow of Rev. Peter Hicks, died 25 March 2010 Mrs Joan Hayes, widow of Rev. Edward Hayes, died 30 April 2010 Mrs Ervyn Whitehead, wife of the Rev. Dr John Whitehead, died 21 June 2010, following a long illness Mrs Joyce Weiss, wife of the Rev. Ray Weiss, died 23 June 2010 Mrs Mavis Price, wife of Rev. Gordon Price, died 24 July 2010 Mrs Jennifer Gardiner, wife of Rev. Graeme Gardiner, died 31 July 2010 Mrs Fran Cummins, wife of Rev. Dr Geoff Cummins, died 8 October 2010 Mrs Hazel Hely, wife of Rev. Dr Jack Hely, died 10 November 2010 Mrs Emilie Uidam, widow of the Rev. Cornelis Uidam, died 25 December 2010 Mrs Olive J Howard, step-mother of Mrs Lyn Matthews, wife of Rev. Phil Matthews, died 11th February 2011 in Western Australia Mrs Hilary Webster, wife of Rev. David Webster, died 5 March 2011 Mrs Betty Ford, wife of Rev. Dr Colin Ford, died 28 May 2011 Mrs Bobbie Johnstone, wife of Rev. Barry Johnston, died suddenly on 31 August 2014
(C) DEATH OF LAY LEADERS OF THE CHURCH – PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXERCISED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE LIFE OF THE SYNOD Mr David Holden died 26 January 2014 Mr Peter Tebbutt diet 26 February 2014 Mr Graham Rendell died 2 June 2014 Ms Thelma Scoble died 16 July 2014 Miss Margaret Somerville died 30 July 2014
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OBITUARIES
REV. LETTIE ELLEN ABRAHAM 6 March, 1928 – 7 March, 2014
Placements within NSW; 01/10/1993 - 1996 Georgian Villages - Northside; 01/11/1998 Permanently Retired
REV. DR ROBERT JAMES BROWN 6 July, 1946 – 19 July, 2013
Rev Dr Bob Brown was born on 6 July 1946 in NSW. He died at his home in Box Hill North, Victoria on 18 July 2013 after retiring from active ministry in 2011.
Bob was accepted as a candidate for Methodist Ministry in 1968 and, after completing a BA at the University of Sydney and a Diploma of Theology through the Melbourne College of Divinity, he was awarded a Master of Divinity from Drew University, USA (1974) and a Master of Theology in Ethics at Princeton University (1975). He was ordained in 1976. In 1995 Bob completed a doctoral thesis with the Melbourne College of Divinity on ‘Initiation in the UCA: the relation between Baptism, Confirmation and participation in Holy Communion’. Bob’s first placement as a Minister was in Hurstville, Synod of NSW from 1976 to 1980. After moving to the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, he served in Essendon, Murrumbeena, Deepdene and in the UCA-Anglican Parish of Churchill and Boolarra/Yinnar in the Presbytery of Gippsland.
Bob’s gifts and graces in pastoral care, education and liturgy were a great blessing to his various placements. His keen commitment to the ecumenical journey, while at the same time being well grounded in the Uniting Church, was a particular asset in his placement in the UCA-Anglican Parish of Churchill and Boolarra/Yinnar.
Although Bob had trouble with his eyesight during his active ministry, he was able to manage through this difficulty to the end.
He joined the Pilgrim Uniting Church, Doncaster in 2012 and was active as a retired minister of the congregation until he died. Bob was never married. His brother and sister live in Sydney NSW, and his brother gave the eulogy at his funeral. Bob was a very gentle and quiet person. He was also a great thinker, a teacher and theologian. Apart from his strong sense of being called to Christian ministry to and with a congregation, there were two other aspects to Bob’s vocation as a Minister of the Word that were very important to him: a commitment of continuing education as outlined in the Basis of Union (para 11) and a commitment to a ministry of hospitality by providing opportunities to board at the manse for displaced young people, including those who were away from home because of tertiary studies, employment or mental illness. His commitment to continuing education was expressed through a most generous bequest to the Centre for Theology and Ministry.
Bob will be remembered as a fine minister and a good theologian. His funeral was held at the Manningham Uniting Church, 20 Westfield Drive, Doncaster on 30 July 2013. May he rest in Peace.
Presbytery of Yarra Yarra
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REV. MAXWELL OSBORNE FOX 25 June, 1916 – 20 January, 2014
Maxwell Osborne Fox was born 25 June 1916 at Fairfield Queensland, the son of Rev Albert Osborne Fox and Bertha Amy Fox. He died on 20 January 2014.
Max was one of five children, three of whom followed their father into the ministry. Having had to leave school early because of the depression, Max returned to studies when the family moved to Sydney and entered theological training with the Presbyterian Church aged 20. At the conclusion of 6 years of studies he was attached to Ermington, Asquith and West Strathfield followed by Lake Macquarie where he was a Home Missioner. He married the love of his life, Eila (Bonnie), in 1943 and together they had four children.
Max was ordained at Bangalow in 1943, where he ministered until 1948, then in Dubbo (1948-53) and Balmain (1953-60). Whilst in Balmain, Max became involved in showing people in congregations how they could be missionary evangelists to people right outside their own doors. In 1960 he was appointed Supervisor of Lay Evangelism with the Stewardship Department based in the Assembly Building in Sydney, a position he held for 10 years. Returning to Parish ministry Max served at Miranda and Thirroul until retirement, when he continued to minister in a variety of churches in the Illawarra region.
Max worked hard for church union. He wrote the Song of Union, a hymn for the inauguration of the Uniting Church in Australia. Max Fox sang loud and joyously, he knew how to lead a song, so that others would also sing loud and joyously.
Max had been actively involved with the Rev Gordon Powell and others in the Billy Graham Crusades. He knew the well-known evangelist personally and was clearly passionate about winning people for Christ. But great crowds and public appeals was not quite the Reformed or Presbyterian approach which is less emotional and more intellectual. That's why Max accepted an appointment for 10 years when he pioneered Lay Evangelism in the NSW Church. The job involved much travelling, all over Australia, and it is estimated that some 10,350 people came to Christ during this period as a direct consequence of Max’s ministry which trained and encouraged lay evangelism.
He would go personally to parishes, get the minister to prepare lists of people whom he thought could be approached to commit themselves to Jesus Christ and become Church members, and with them a list of lapsed members who might re-dedicate themselves. Then he would prepare a group of elders and other committed members to go out two by two to talk matters of faith with them. This form of evangelism was most effective. In parish after parish large numbers of people were brought into the fold of the Church and confirmed, not only that, but the lay evangelists were themselves re-vitalized and strengthened in their faith.
Max worked in coastal communities, rural centres, city slums, and middle class parishes. He was as much involved with ageing populations, as he was with young people. Max was an excellent teacher, he taught others to teach, and his last work, his book Sharing Faith, was the consolidation of all his knowledge, not just a history, but a practical guide of teaching programs. He said some day someone would find these and take up the work again.
In 2013, Max Fox was honoured by the church for 70 years faithful service. In his 80s he went back to university in the United States, studied and received a Certificate in Advanced Pastoral Studies from San Francisco Theological Seminary in 2012. For 70 years of marriage he received tributes from the Queen, Prime Minister and the Governor General, all of whom were amazed that he had managed to stay married for that long.
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NEVILLE GUTHREY 5 June, 1924 – 3 January, 2014
Neville Charles Guthrey came into this world on 5th June, 1924 the third child of Charles and Eliza Guthrey. His family was very involved in the Bega Methodist Church and, he likewise. In addition to youth activities and the like at 20 years of age he became superintendent of the Sunday school.
Around 1959 Neville approached the Church offering to be what was titled a Home Missionary and this lead to appointment to Rylstone in Central NSW. He had nothing more than a Local Preachers Certificate and the only instruction from the Home Mission Department was ‘be very careful to see the decree absolute’ before conducting the marriage of a divorced person.
In January 1965 Neville was appointed to Terrigal in the Gosford Circuit on what was termed probation and included additional exams. On 16th October, 1966 have met all requirements he was ordained. After two years in Terrigal there were placements in Narooma for four years, Yass for five, Cootamundra for seven and finally Wentworthville in Sydney for just over five.
A Pastoral Ministry. Neville always put a priority on visiting. Both in the crisis times and systematic pastoral visiting. For him this was the heart of a servant ministry.
A Creative Ministry Neville was at his most enlivened in trying different things to connect people to worship and faith. Some examples being Contemporary family services in Yass, Family camps in Yass and Cootamundra, Day Camping in Cootamundra and Wentworthville.
A Learning and evolving Ministry Neville was never a person to keep things the way they were because that was the way it was done. Usually in his quiet but resolute manner he would encourage change.
This including his own self development. He never stopped learning. After college he completed a Diploma in Religious Education whilst in Narooma and a Certificate in Pastoral Counselling through St Marks during our time in Yass.
A focus on a gospel of love, forgiveness, compassion and practical ministry to those who needed it. In many placements Neville set up activity groups for elderly people. In Yass he was instrumental in setting up the Age Care facility on land owned by the Church.
At any and every opportunity Neville would acknowledge his wife Molly’s contribution to his ministry, both in direct terms and in supporting him and particularly in the times he was in College
Retirement Initially this was in Wentworthville and included some short term supply ministries. It was a time to re-invest in gardening (especially fuchsias and natives) and research family history. Later he was involved with Centenary Church in Parramatta. It was during this time that Neville’s respiratory illness began to become chronic and at times, life threatening. This prompted a move to Wollondilly Gardens at Goulburn at the end of 2003.
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Characteristically, Neville became involved in things in this church community and at Wollondilly Gardens. After a very serious hospitalization in August 2011 moved into Tenison Age Care apartments.
To summarise Neville’s life I would like to leave you with four words to remember him by.
1. Creative In so many ways Neville created good things, from gardens, to photography groups.
2. Connection Neville was about connecting with people. This connection spanned from friendships of 75 years to the very recent friendships in Goulburn, always with compassion.
3. Couple Over the years so many remark on how Neville and Molly were such a strong couple and how much love they shared together.
4. Call Neville felt a strong call. His life is witness to the vindication of this call. It was a call to minister in the literal meaning of the word, as a servant, one who attends to the needs of others.
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REV. DR MOIRA LAIDLAW 30 May, 1934 – 21 November, 2013
Rev Moira Brownlee Laidlaw died in Nambour Hospital on 27 November 2013, following a massive stroke.
Moira was born on 30th May 1934, in Edinburgh Scotland, raised in the Episcopal Church of Scotland. Her family was very much involved in the church community and even through extreme weather conditions they would walk the long road to church daily, sometimes three times a day.
After marriage, John and Moira Laidlaw spent six weeks honeymooning while sailing to Australia and settled in Sydney. John worked as a printer, and Moira worked as an Engineer tracer; they bought their first home in Dee Why, before the children arrived: Fiona, Alison and Colin in quick succession.
Moira had been asked to if she was interested in teaching a scripture class, she rediscovered her joy of sharing God’s word via fun and craft activities with the children. In one late night preparation session, Moira experienced a voice in the room, out loud, “You did not go down those steps by accident, I have work for you to do.” She experienced an overwhelmingly strong feeling of love and peace, it filled the room and filled her whole being and she found herself weeping with joy. It was like nothing else she had ever experienced, God had spoken to her and she knew it. Then, she still needed to prepare the scripture lesson and the reading was literally standing in 3D off the page.
John 15:1-12 (NRSV) 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.
After some time, arguing with God, losing sleep and getting more involved in the local church, a sermon speaking about “spiritually dry bones” and the finger pointing, the minister said, “and what are you going to do about it?” The word MINISTRY kept imposing itself on her. OK, You got me!, she said. Moira had to update her education qualifications, so along with their three teenage children studying, she completed her Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of Theology.
After being invited to do some lecturing in NT and then in OT in Sydney, she was therefore only available to a Sydney appointment and in the early 1980’s women were seen as an unknown quality. She was appointed to Crow’s Nest UCA when their minister of 36 years died and after a 6 week supply, they proceeded to call her saying, “better the devil you know.” John had concluded his printing business giving Moira’s undeniable call to ministry priority and became her trusted helper and partner in ministry. After about 10 years in Crow’s Nest (NSW) they moved to a country parish in Narromine/ Trangie/ Dandaloo. Numerous people turned up on the doorstep, “I heard you are the church that helps people.”
Moira felt a strong call to write liturgies with an Australian context and was invited to do a Doctorate of Ministry, a practical degree intended to be of assistance to the church at large. With a thesis on “The Use of Art Forms in the Worship of the Uniting Church in Australia,” she received her D.MIn in 1992. When she retired early, she decided to concentrate on writing Liturgies on the common lectionary, to be shared online. [Over Easter 2013 some 26,000 people in 87 countries had used them] God really was using her to “bear fruit” (John 15).
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Even in retirement Moira’s life was jam packed with projects and activities, all of which served her family, or her dear friends of her church. She enjoyed her retirement years, in her little piece of paradise at Caloundra by the sea, with the man of her dreams. She is survived by her husband John, three children, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. She had boundless amounts of energy right until the end and will continue to influence and inspire so many, we thank God for her remarkable life or service, faith and love.
(Minute received by the The Uniting Church in Australia QUEENSLAND SYNOD at the 31st Synod 2014 meeting)
REV. DR JOHN MCCARTHY Deceased 11 July, 2014
Born at Camperdown, John Wesley McCarthy grew up at Croydon in Sydney. Converted at a crusade, he attended the Methodist Church. At 17, John felt called to the Methodist Institute of Evangelism (then led by Rev Sir Alan Walker). John’s passion for helping people know Jesus Christ and encouraging them to follow him was life-long. While at the Institute, he met Barbara, who worked in the Methodist Connexional Office. They were married on the 12th of December 1964. During five years at Leigh College, John completed his BA (Sydney) and worked towards his BD (MCD), (completed while serving congregations). After a Student Pastorate at Roselle, his probationer appointment in 1967 was Cessnock, where Nicole was born. Ordained in 1968, his next appointment was Muswellbrook in 1969, were Brad was born. The family then moved in 1974 to Wellington, where John began his doctorate, followed by the Eastwood Parish in Sydney in 1977. Considering church growth and development in his doctoral research led to John’s appointment as WA Synod Consultant in Parish Growth and Mission in 1984. John foresaw changes the church was facing and yet so few (me included) saw the implications. However, he found the travelling required of consultants onerous and missed congregational ministry. In 1986, he went to the Wembley/Floreat Parish. Although these were difficult years, as a significant number left the Parish and the Uniting Church, he made some very close friendships. After this turmoil, he moved to Orange in NSW. However, the extreme weather was unsuitable (having about 40% lung capacity), and he retired from ministry in 1991 for health reasons. He then worked in the travel industry in various capacities. In recent years, John was delighted to return to part-time ministry at Crossways Wanneroo. He prized leading worship and offering pastoral care. His gift of connecting with people came to the fore. John also loved to support others’ ministries, was keen to know what was going on in the wider church and, at Wanneroo, took particular interest in the ministry of government school chaplains. Above all, John deeply loved his family. He and Barbara shared almost fifty years’ married. They enjoyed travel, including on some European trips through the Christian peace movement, and to the USA where he conducted missions. The whole family spent time in San Francisco during his doctoral study. During his last years, living with his lung condition, the consequences of heart surgery and other health issues took their toll. John died surrounded by family: Barbara, Nicole, her husband Michael, Brad, his wife Sarah, and grandchildren Sarah, Declan and Rory. In his dissertation, John wrote: “To the God of grace, who changed my life and called me to serve as a Minister of the Word, I owe everything. I am thankful, at this time and place, the call is to serve within the Uniting Church in Australia”.
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We thank God for the life and ministry of John McCarthy.
Rev. Dr Ian Tozer
REV. DANIEL MISTRY 18 May, 1945 – 16 July, 2013
NSW; 15/02/2005 Became a minister of UCA; 01/02/2005 - 28/02/2011 Caves Beach; 01/02/2011 Permanently Retired; 16/07/2013 Deceased
REV. JAMES ALEXANDER (SANDY) MURRAY, AM 9 September, 1918 – 1 May, 2014
Sandy was a Scot. Born in Glasgow in 1918, he was proud of his Scottish heritage and served in the army from 1941-46. In 1949 he entered the ministry of the Church of Scotland, then in 1951 he was encouraged to move to Queensland where ministers were in great demand in the bush. He warmed quickly to these people, their generosity and kindness.
His ministry included parishes in the Shetland Islands, Scotland; South Melbourne, Victoria; Claremont, WA; St Columba’s Church, Woollahra and Double Bay, NSW; and St Ninian’s, Lyneham, Canberra.
As part of his ministry in parishes he was as one time or another Chaplain at Scotch College, WA; Army Chaplain, WA; Chaplain at the ANU in Canberra and he retired from Chaplaincy at Mirinjani Retirement Village from which he retired in 1999. He served as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in WA from 1968 - 1969. He was honoured with AM (member in the order of Australia). June 1983.
In his13 years (1974-87) with St Ninian’s for from 1974 – 1987 he helped to build a thriving congregation assisted by his wife, Netta who was a great inspiration to him. Some years after Netta’s death and during his time as Chaplain at Mirinjani Retirement Village Sandy married Lee.
During his time at Lyneham, the congregation grew and under in 1979 the hexagonal extension to the church was undertaken and successfully completed. This was no small undertaking. However most felt that the extension was aesthetically well done using the same stone from Black Mountain as was used in the original building.
He was an active and enthusiastic member of the Rotary Club in each State and Territory where he ministered. He thought it important for clergy to meet and share worthwhile goals with others as well as become aware of a variety of community affairs and concerns.
Sandy was a great communicator and his greatest love was the English language. Reading was a daily ritual, his favourites being auto-biographies, essays and sound theology but he was also known to enjoy Agatha Christie novels. He served some years as Chairman of the Christian Television Association, ACT and as a member of the Federal Religious Advisory Commission of the ABC in the 60s. For over 20 years he wrote book reviews including for the Canberra Times and his ‘Thoughts for the Day’, found in several publications, were an inspiration for many.
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He had a good sense of humour and used humour well in many of his sermons to stress a point he was making.
Sandy, with his wife Lee, resided at St Andrew’s Village in Hughes for the past 5 years where he kept up his love of reading until shortly before his death.
He also tried to keep his sense of humour and enjoyed taking an interest in the staff members.
Sandy’s health in the past months had become a great struggle for him and he gave up the struggle on 1st May. As Sandy said, the saying, “There is a divinity doth shape our ends, rough hew them how we will”, is indeed true.
REV. ROY NASH 4 July, 1924 – 20 May, 2013
Placements within NSW; 01/01/1992 - 30/06/1994 Kyogle Uniting Church; Permanently Retired 31/07/1994; Deceased 20/05/2013.
REV. LESLIE PEARSON 27 January, 1931 – 15 October, 2013
Placements within NSW; 1960 - 1963 Narooma; 1963 - 1966 Balmain; 1966 - 1971 Helensburgh; 1971 - 1977 Eastwood; 1977 - 1984 Chatswood-Lane Cove; 01/01/1984 - 30/04/1991 Pennant Hills; 01/05/1991 - 30/06/1996 Waverley; 01/06/1996 Permanently Retired; 15/10/2013 Deceased.
REV. LLOYD GLADSTONE PHILLIPS BA, AM. 27 April, 1918 – 21 March, 2014
With the death of the Rev. Lloyd Phillips, last March, the Church and Community mourned the loss of one who had made such a wonderful witness to his Lord, as well as a great contribution to our country through his involvement in the field of Social Services and Welfare.
He was born into a Methodist Church family, his father being the Methodist Minister in Zeehan, Tasmania, at the time. Moving to Victoria, his schooldays began in Seymour, with the passing years bringing him eventually to Queen’s College, at Melbourne University, where he studied Law.
However, in 1939, he applied to become a candidate for the Methodist Ministry, was accepted the following year, by the Conference, and returned to Queen’s College to study Arts and Theology. The next 5 years saw him as Supply Minister in some 5 different parishes. He was ordained in March, 1945, fulfilling an appointment, at Murrumbeena, at the time.
His ministerial appointments, by the Victorian Conference, which followed his ordination, were Hopetoun (1945/46), Samoa (As Missionary 1946/47), Casterton (1947/51), Wesley,
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Melbourne (1951/57), Ballarat (1957/62) and Burwood (1963/65). Over the years, from 1966, he assisted with Services at Wesley Melbourne.
In 1951, he became interested in the work of the Marriage Guidance Council of Victoria and, in 1960, became Hon. Secretary, taking on full time work, with the Council, in 1966, following the conclusion of his appointment to the Burwood Parish. His involvement with the Marriage Guidance Council extended over a period of 20 years becoming the Executive Director of the Victorian Council and then, in 1976, the National Secretary. This involved travelling extensively around Australia and overseas.
In addition to his work with the Marriage Guidance Council, from 1963, he became involved with the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS), an association which was to last for many years, during which time he held the position of Hon. Treasurer and Hon. Secretary. In 1986 he was appointed to the position of Representative of the Churches in ACOSS.
In 1987, he was awarded the Australia Medal for his wonderful commitment to public service over some 30 years.
In 1993, a few years after his retirement, he and his wife, Joan, moved from Burwood, where they had their home, to Green Point, N.S.W., to be near their family. Lloyd was involved with the nearby Gosford Uniting Church, over the next 21 years, until his death.
This humble servant of God with his gentle and uplifting personality is greatly missed.
REV. KELVIN RUSSELL 15 June, 1932 – 5 June, 2014
Placements within NSW; 1955-1956 Wagga; 1956-1958 Cessnock; 1958-1962 Dapto; 1963- 1969 Grenfell; 1970-1979 Parkes; 1980-1984 Balgowlah-Seaforth; 01/08/1985 - 31/07/1989 Maclean; 01/07/1989 Permanently Retired; 05/06/2014 Deceased
REV. JACK SHARP 7 September, 1926 – 13 September 2014 Placements within NSW; 1946 - 1947 Wagga Wagga; 1950 - 1956 Overseas Missions at Namatanai, Papua New Guinea; 1956 - 1962 Raluana; 1962 - 1968 District Chairman; 1968 - 1972 Uniting Church in PNG & Solomon Islands, Moderator; 1972 - 1976 Secretary/Treasurer/Education Secretary; 1976 - 1982 Awara; NSW; 01/01/1983 - 30/09/1988 Windsor-Richmond; 01/09/1988 PR; Deceased 13/09/2014
REV. IAN BOWE TANNER 24 February, 1926 – 27 December, 2013
Ian Bowe Tanner served the church with distinction as parish minister, synod staff member, first Moderator of the Synod of South Australia after the inauguration of the Uniting Church and fourth President of the Assembly of the Uniting Church from 1985 to 1988.
Born in 1926 in Tasmania, Ian served in the air force in the latter years of World War II and then became an industrial chemist working in the woollen mill in Launceston. He responded to God’s call to ministry in the 1950s, studied theology in Melbourne and was ordained in
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1959. He served in the Presbyterian Church in Prahran and Koonung Heights before ministering for 18 years at Scots Church, Adelaide, where his gifts of leadership became widely recognised. He then became Director of Lay Education and Director of Uniting Vision in the South Australian Synod, before shifting to the Canberra Central Parish for the last four years of ministry. He retired in 1996, and died in Canberra in January 2014.
Ian enjoyed a vibrant, thoughtful and open faith in God. He had the gift of connecting people with God through his personal caring and listening, through his apt story-telling, through his wise counsel and his lively preaching. He made everyone feel special and his positive good- humoured approach to life always left people feeling encouraged and loved.
Ian had great gifts of wisdom. His pastoral care, his respect for every person, his ability to mediate, to reconcile, to be a peacemaker, were great. In his leadership of the wider church he showed deep commitment to the people of outback Australia, to Aboriginal rights and aspirations, to the welfare needs of the Australian community, to ecumenical relationships and to good governance within the church.
Ian was strongly supported by his wife Joan, with whom he shared 63 years of happy marriage. Ian was hugely blessed by their loving relationship, a gift of God for each of them.
In 1988 the Assembly passed a long minute of appreciation for Ian’s service as President. The opening paragraph reads: “Ian Tanner has given the church a pattern of leadership which has firstly been characterised by his personal dependence on the leadership of Jesus Christ. From this strength he has shown us the way to be authoritative but not authoritarian, to be humble but not weak, to have high goals and great vision, and at the same time to recognise the leadership and abilities of others.”
Those who have been touched by the life of Ian Tanner will continue to give thanks for, and celebrate, a terrific life, a beautiful person. He was a blessing to his family, his church, the community and nation, and a great servant of God. Thanks be to God.
Gregor Henderson November 2014
REV. RUSSELL THOMPSON 24 April, 1937 – 7 August, 2014
Russell was born 24 April 1937 and lived a full life until 07 August 2014.
He trained initially as an electrician and draughtsman, but after his acceptance of Jesus as Lord at a Wesley Youth meeting he believed that he was called to work with people rather than things. He began to test his call to the ministry by entering the Croydon Bible College in 1959, before training at Leigh College, the Methodist Theological College.
His ministry began in 1964 when he was appointed as a Probationer to Cessnock parish, under Rev Trevor Barrett as superintendent minister. He later served at Ungarie, a little country village in the middle of NSW. Prior to his ministerial training Russell served a period of National Service in the Air Force. Here he trained as a pilot. Later God used this experience through Russell's being appointed to Cobar and later Broken Hill as the Flying Padre of the Methodist Far West Mission, later to become the Uniting Church Far West Mission, from 1971 to 1978. He served in Parish ministry at St Ives (youth and small group
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ministry) from 1979 to1983, then Cronulla from 1984 to 1992, then Revesby parish (Panania and Padstow churches) from 1993 to 2001.
Russell retired from parish ministry in 2002 but continued to serve Christ in many ways at Umina-Ettalong. He and Ann were very active in Victorious Ministry Through Christ, (VMTC), a ministry for healing of the hurtful and traumatic events and relationships of people's lives. They themselves were very much blessed by this ministry, and able in turn to bless others in this way.
He is also remembered for his attention to detail in all things, his gift of planning, his love of swimming and making things, and his genuine concern for others, usually expressed in acts of service. We remember Russell.
REV. DIETER TIEMAN 26 December, 1928 – 12 August, 2013
1969 - 1972 Overseas mission in Timor-Indonesia; Placements within NSW; 1973 - 1980 South Illawarra; 01/01/1981 - 30/06/1990 North Belconnen and Wattle Park ; 01/07/1990 Permanently Retired; 12/08/2013 Deceased in Canberra Hospital
REV. DR TUIKILAKILA WAQAIRATU
Uniting Church saddened by death of Fiji Methodist President Waqairatu
The Uniting Church in Australia is shocked and saddened to hear of the death today of the President of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma President Waqairatu.
A former General Secretary of the Church, Rev Waqairatu commenced his term as President in mid-2012 and was inducted as President at the 2013 Methodist Conference in Suva.
Rev Waqairatu was admitted to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva two days before he passed away. He was 66 years old and is survived by his wife Joana and daughter Salote.
UnitingWorld National Director Rev Dr Kerry Enright said Rev Waqairatu was one of the Pacific church’s great leaders and had been guiding the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma in a remarkable process of reconciliation and renewal.
“My dear friend Rev Waqairatu was committed to reform the church so it would be faithful to the Gospel and alert to changes happening in Fiji and across the Pacific,” Dr Enright said.
Rev Waqairatu was recently quoted as saying, “There have been mistakes in the past and we have not remained abreast with the changes, we have not evolved but it is time to change.”
The late President was also an audacious advocate for the place of women in the church and society and at the 2013 Conference challenged ministers to treat their wives with respect. “They think they have been called to serve while their wives are just there to cook, clean and do other domestic duties,” he said.
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He said that wives of pastors represented the women in the church and more should be done to help build women’s relationship within the church. He encouraged the pastors of the church to look after their wives and build a strong equal relationship.
Growing up in Naroi village on Moala Island, Rev Waqairatu was encouraged to become a minister by his father and grandfather and completed his secondary education at Central Fijian School – now Sila Central High – less than two kilometres from the Davuilevu Theological College where he would eventually study for the ministry and in due course became Principal.
During the recent Methodist Conference in Suva Rev Waqairatu was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Vision University in the USA.
This year sees the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma celebrating the 50th anniversary of becoming an independent conference.
In a symbol of his humility Rev Waqairatu had planned to celebrate the anniversary by washing the feet of the superintendent ministers and lay leaders of the Church’s 55 divisions. He was intending to ask these leaders to go back to their divisions and continue the process until every church had held a washing of the feet, as a sign of humility, servant hood and seeking forgiveness.
UnitingWorld understands that, according to the procedures of the Methodist Church, the former President Rev Ame Tugaue will act as the Interim President until a new President is elected.
UnitingWorld Associate Director Church Solidarity (Pacific) Mr Bruce Mullan said Rev Waqairatu’s death was an absolute tragedy for the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma.
“To be struck down just as he was leading the church in the changing context that is Fiji is a huge loss both to the Methodist and the ecumenical movement in Fiji,” Mr Mullan said.
“People in Fiji, Australia and across the Pacific will be saddened by this news and the Uniting Church in Australia offers its prayers and deep condolences to the family and to our Partner Church in Fiji.”
Kerry Enright (http://www.unitingworld.org.au/uniting-church-saddened-by-death-of-fiji-methodist- president-waqairatu/)
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Synod Mission Plan (2015 – 2017)
“Moving with God, Transforming Communities”
“Uniting for the Common Good”
Title Synod Mission Plan (2015 – 2017) Creation Date 2 April 2014 Version V6.1 Last Revised 29 September 2014
Approved by Synod 2014
Approval date 30 September 2014
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WE ARE CALLED
This document is the Mission Plan (2015 – 2017) for the council of the Uniting Church in Australia known as the Synod of NSW.ACT. It shall shape the work of the Synod through its boards, committees, Presbyteries, congregations and agencies for the next three years.
The Uniting Church is part of the people of God on the way to the promised end. We believe in God the Creator, who does not hold creation at arm’s length, but shares in our joys and our suffering. Death, loneliness, disconnection, injustice: these can never be the final word because God raised Jesus from the dead. We are followers of this Christ, this risen crucified One. We pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit to move us and transform our communities into places where we see the love, peace and justice of God at work.
Christ is calling us to live with the same love that God first showed us. Christ is calling us to ask who our neighbour is and how to love them. Christ is calling us to leave behind whatever is holding us back and stopping us from living in the dawn of the Resurrection.
We are at a pivotal point as a church. We know that we are declining, we know that we are ageing - but that is not the story which shapes our identity and future!
We are Good News people. We believe that God is constantly reforming and reshaping us to be gospel-people, witnesses to Christ and hope-bearers to our community. This is one of the times when God is daring us to trust that within our own life.
There is a tangible sense that the Holy Spirit is blowing through our Synod. We hear Good News stories bubbling up:
...of congregations engaging with their community in a new way, like a community garden or shared project with the local neighbourhood centre;
...of chaplains sitting with people after fires and floods, or by a hospital bed, or with university students over Bible study, listening ears in times of crisis and struggle;
...of our Synod boards and staff working more closely together and finding joy in their common task of serving the wider church.
We are called
...to confess our sin; praying that, through the gift of the Spirit, God will constantly correct that which is erroneous in the life of the church. We confess because it enables us to step out of the tomb and follow Christ into a new dawn.
...to vibrant and relevant discipleship through worship, witness and service. We have a reputation for being generous and inclusive that we should celebrate and build upon. Being inclusive doesn’t mean ‘anything goes’ but is founded in our belief that God is bringing about the reconciliation of all things.
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...to proclaim our faith in fresh words and deeds. This means we need to know what our Good News is! We must be courageous enough to live out our faith in everyday life and to speak the story of what it means for us to follow Christ.
...to live out our covenant with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC). We will listen to UAICC and heed their voice. We will be reconciliation people who work in partnership with UAICC, especially in matters of advocating for Australia’s First peoples.
...to be in practice the multicultural church we claim to be. We will seek and sustain unity with one another in the rich diversity of nationalities and cultures that make up Australian society.
...to advocate for justice. We will live with the same love of those on the margins that God has displayed through Scripture. We will embody the radical and generous hospitality of God.
This Mission Plan is our Synod saying an emphatic “Yes!”
Yes! We will choose life. Yes! We believe that God has given us everything we need to be the church God calls us to be. Yes! We will enter into the discipleship adventure, following after the risen crucified Christ who walks ahead of us. Yes! The Spirit is already moving in our midst calling us to deeper faith and action in God’s world.
Yes! Yes! Yes!
PLANNING PROCESS
Saying “Yes” to being God’s people in our time and place calls us to discern and seek wisdom. We pray that the indwelling Holy Spirit will lead us as we seek to discern who God is calling us to become.
Part of discerning who God is calling us to be is hearing what tasks, projects and priorities we should focus our resources upon. Part of discerning is naming what things we will let go, even when this is painful.
Acknowledging that “it is the task of every council to wait upon God's Word, and to obey God's will in the matters allocated to its oversight”, the Synod Standing Committee began an intentional process of discerning God’s call for the life and mission of the Synod in late 2013.
Through the discernment process, the Synod Standing Committee articulated this draft Mission Plan for the three year period 2015 – 2017 for consideration by the 2014 Synod. The Plan builds on previous work adopted by the Synod in 2006, and is intended to guide the Synod’s annual plans and budgets for the three year period until the meeting of the Synod in 2017.
If adopted by the Synod, the Plan will be progressed and refined as necessary by the Synod Standing Committee. This will involve the formulation and prioritisation
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of specific actions for each of the Initiatives, with time-lines and accountabilities, and the regular monitoring of progress.
The 2016 Synod will undertake an interim review of the Plan and then the 2017 Synod will carry out a comprehensive update for the next triennium.
PLAN STRUCTURE
The Plan has five main components:
i) The Vision provides an aspirational image of the Synod into the future.
ii) The Theme provides a readily remembered phrase that encapsulates our direction and how we are moving forward.
iii) The Areas of Discernment encompass the range of missional activities of the Synod.
iv) Each Area of Discernment has an Objective that describes what we hope to achieve to move towards our Vision.
v) The Initiatives outline specific priority actions to progress each of our Objectives.
Some components of the Plan are not new, but ongoing or slightly refined. The Plan combines long-standing fundamentals with newer facets, in the context of better directing and focusing the Synod’s collective gifts and resources in today’s community. And the Plan is structured to enable progress to be readily assessed and changes to be made as circumstances evolve.
This Plan retains the Vision set by the Synod in 2006:
“Moving with God, Transforming Communities”
This Vision, together with the current Synod Theme:
“Uniting for the Common Good” sit within the Constitution and the Basis of Union as illustrated in the diagrams on the following two pages.
The NSW.ACT Synod is a regional council of the Uniting Church in Australia and, as such, is guided by the national Assembly. The Synod is made up of delegates from congregations and faith communities in NSW and the ACT.
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Basis of Union "The Church's Call"
Constitution "The Church's Governance"
Synod "The Church's Role in NSW & ACT"
Synod "Vision"
Synod "Theme"
The responsibilities of the Synod are stated in Section 32 of the Constitution of the Uniting Church in Australia:
“Subject to the direction of the Assembly, the Synod shall have general oversight, direction and administration of the Church's worship, witness and service within its bounds. It shall exercise executive, administrative, pastoral and disciplinary functions over the Presbyteries within its bounds, shall be the council to hear and deal with appeals and requests from Presbyteries and shall establish and maintain such boards, institutions, committees and agencies as are appropriate to the furtherance of its responsibilities. A Synod may do other things as are consistent with the purposes of the Church and not the exclusive responsibility of any other council or body within the Church.”
The Synod recognises its responsibility as a leader of the Church in NSW & ACT and that the life and witness of the people of Christ in congregations, Presbyteries and other bodies within the Church will be impacted by our decisions. The Synod undertakes its responsibilities in cooperation with the other councils of the Church as it seeks the wisdom, support and participation by the people, Presbyteries, councils and bodies of the Synod as we grow in mission together.
The Synod will at all times endeavour to engage with and support other councils of the Church in a way which is respectful of our inter-conciliar polity.
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• The Church's call is ...to be a fellowship of reconciliation, a body within which the diverse gifts of its members are used for building up of the whole, an instrument through which Christ may work and bear witness to himself.
Basis of Union • The Uniting Church acknowledges that the faith and unity of the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church are built on the one Lord Jesus Christ. The Church preaches Christ the risen crucified One and confesses him as Lord to the glory of God the Father. In Jesus Christ "God was reconciling the world to himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19 RSV).
• The purposes of the Church are to provide for the worship of God, to procaim the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, to promote Christian fellowship, to nurture believers in the Christian faith, to engage in mission, to assist in human Constitution development and toward the improvement of human relationships, to meet human need through charitable and other services and to do such things as may be required in obedience to the Holy Spirit.
• The Synod, in consultation with presbyteries and as guided by the Assembly, will administer and co-ordinate the church’s resources in order to increase the effectiveness of the life and mission of the whole church, including: NSW & ACT - working with presbyteries to develop and implement a Synod shared vision for mission within the Synod; - working with Christ's people through congreations to implement mission strategies; - working with Uniting Care, our schools, venues, charities and other bodies of the Synod to support their mission in meeting the needs of our wider community.
Synod Vision • Moving with God, Transforming Communities
Synod Theme • Uniting for the Common Good
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AREAS OF DISCERNMENT
Through their discernment, the Synod named the following nine areas as encapsulating the range of activities of the Church.
The Life of the Church 1. Worship 2. Discipleship 3. Witness 4. Service 5. Leadership 6. Growth
Enabling the Church 7. Governance 8. Financial and Physical Resources 9. Our People
OBJECTIVES AND INITIATIVES
For each of the nine Areas of Discernment an Objective and priority Initiatives have been set.
The Initiatives are typically achievable in one or at most three years. Over the period of this Plan it is likely that further Initiatives will be adopted.
It is important to note that the Objectives and Initiatives are interconnected, and should be viewed as a whole, not independently of one another.
The nine Areas of Discernment, with their Objectives and priority Initiatives are set out in the following pages. Responding to God’s call through Jesus, we will work towards the achievement of these objectives and initiatives through prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, moving towards the reconciliation and renewal of the whole of creation.
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1. WORSHIP
Objective
We will foster individual and corporate worship of God that is contextual, inclusive and diverse, and deepens the relationship between God, God’s people, our communities and the whole of creation.
Initiatives
1. Resource and mentor worship leaders and members to lead worship that is community focused, welcoming and meaningful to a broad range of people. 2. With consultation, provide contextual, multicultural and indigenous worship training and formation to equip leaders in diverse life-giving expressions and experiences of worship rooted in the understanding that worship is integral to everyday life. 3. Identify those congregations and faith communities with promising and diverse expressions of worship and/or where new worshippers have significantly increased in the last few years, and develop resources which can be shared amongst our congregations and Presbyteries.
2. DISCIPLESHIP
Objective
We will encourage, call and equip people to live and share their Christian faith in creative, sustainable and courageous ways.
Initiatives
1. Ensure access to a broad range of compelling discipleship resources that reflect our cultural and theological diversity. 2. Develop and promote the Period of Discernment as a resource for discipleship and vocation for all people within the Church. 3. Continue development of the Uniting Learning Network to foster and resource discipleship.
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3. WITNESS
Objective
We will encourage, call and equip people to be witnesses to Jesus in word and deed, through evangelism and acts of worship, service and social justice.
Initiatives
1. Develop and facilitate a Synod-wide discussion about what is the Good News and how we proclaim Jesus in the 21st century. 2. Provide resources for evangelism informed by the discussion in Initiative 3.1. 3. With Presbyteries, support congregations and faith communities in at least one additional act of effective evangelism. 4. Develop and offer training for effective engagement with social and local media and with the wider community, in particular younger people. 5. Advocate and take action for the reconciliation and renewal of creation.
4. SERVICE
Objective
We will serve the common good by more intentionally responding to the call of Jesus to serve others.
Initiatives
1. Further develop our theology of service, informed by the discussion in Initiative 3.1 above. 2. Review current services provided in the Synod to evaluate how successful they may be integrating our call to serve our neighbour with our call to be witnesses to Jesus. 3. Identify, develop and implement improvements in the way our services integrate our call to serve our neighbour with our call to be witnesses to Jesus. 4. With Presbyteries, engage congregations and faith communities in at least one additional act of service or social justice project. 5. Foster closer collaboration and build trust between UnitingCare, UAICC, Presbyteries, local congregations and faith communities as they seek to serve God together within the community. 6. Continue to grow our services through Synod agencies such as UnitingCare, Uniting Church Schools and Colleges and support other service agencies of the Church.
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5. LEADERSHIP
Objective
We will identify, encourage, develop and mentor leaders across the whole Synod.
Initiatives
1. Identify key leadership roles across the Synod and develop resources for the induction, education, mentoring and training of the leaders that are modelled on the values of Jesus. 2. Identify and call people with the gifts and graces to grow into these roles. 3. Equip, educate and train potential leaders for discerned future roles. 4. Induct, educate and train leaders on every Board, council and committee. 5. Require each Board and agency, and encourage Presbyteries and congregations, to develop a leadership development and succession plan.
6. GROWTH
Objective
We will be faithful to the call of Jesus to grow* and halt the decline in overall Church membership. *Growth means an increase in both the extent/depth of our Worship, Discipleship, Witness and Service and the number of people engaged in the life of congregations and faith communities across the Synod.
Initiatives
1. In consultation with Presbyteries, identify and prioritise congregations, faith communities and/or regional areas in each Presbytery where there is the best potential for growth or new missional expressions. 2. In consultation with Presbyteries plan Synod’s support through financial and physical resources to the congregations, faith communities and/or regional areas identified and prioritised in Initiative 6.1 (via the Growth Fund (see Initiative 8.5) and other means). 3. Recruit people and teams with gifts, skills and competencies in church planting and missional expression to develop the education and training of Ministers and lay people in new expressions of ministry. 4. Give particular attention to the nurture, growth and leadership development of young people and families. 5. Expand ministry networks in the community, especially tertiary
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institutions, which enhance faith development and gathering. 6. Facilitate forums where Presbyteries, congregations and faith communities can share their experiences, learnings and opportunities to achieve success and minimise failures. 7. Develop means to measure the extent and depth of Worship, Discipleship, Witness and Service.
7. GOVERNANCE
Objective
We will ensure our governance, structure, policies, processes and procedures optimise our resources, engender trust and enable our Vision.
Initiatives
1. Overhaul the Synod governance structure by mid-2015 so as to best support the Mission Plan. 2. Eliminate duplication to improve efficiency and free up resources e.g. in administration, human resources, information systems and technology, communications and finance. 3. Improve collaboration and communication between Synod entities and across the broader life of the Church 4. Ensure appropriate accountabilities and codes of conduct are established and implemented for all leadership roles. 5. In consultation with Presbyteries, define the characteristics of a viable congregation or faith community and assist Presbyteries to engage with struggling congregations and faith communities to revive, relocate or close. 6. Consider responsibilities and functions that would be better undertaken on a national basis by mid-2015.
8. FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL RESOURCES
Objective
We will live out the generosity of God in the way we steward our individual and collective resources.
Initiatives
1. Develop clear guidelines on the opportunities and responsibilities associated with Stewardship of resources. 2. Create a sustainable income stream to cover the core missional and governance costs of the Synod and Presbyteries, avoiding deficit
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budgets. 3. Complete the ‘Property for a Pilgrim People’ review and establish a Property Policy that encourages the optimal use of property across the Synod. 4. Establish a long term capital management plan that supports the Mission Plan, by mid-2015. 5. Build a Growth Fund with a target of $50M by 2017, sourced from Church entities and property sales, to support growth initiatives (see 6. GROWTH).
9. OUR PEOPLE
Objective
We will support our People* in growing their faith and living out their call to discipleship. * Ministers of the Word, Deacons, Chaplains, Pastors, Lay Leaders, members, adherents, employees and volunteers.
Initiatives
1. Develop training and education resources and options to equip our People for ministry in the current and emerging contexts. 2. Before undertaking new mission initiatives ensure a well resourced, suitably gifted and skilled and competent team is in place to maximise the potential for successful outcomes. 3. Develop more effective mentoring and support measures for those in challenging circumstances. 4. Promote Christ-centred values and be accountable for how we work with and care for each other. 5. Improve our dispute settling procedures.
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28. UNITING CHURCH PROPERTY UTILISED BY UNITINGCARE (Ku-ring-gai Presbytery Mr Clive McCormack)
Proposal That the Synod Determine
1. That UnitingCare be released from the oversight of the Synod, so it may operate as a business, connected to the Church in ethos and purpose but not constrained by the link. 2. That the land on which UnitingCare facilities are built shall be held by UnitingCare on a 99 year lease arrangement with a back dating of rent to 2003 when local management committees were compulsorily taken over by UnitingCare regional management bodies. All land currently vested in the name of The Property Trust (NSW) shall remain under the ownership and custodianship of the Uniting Church in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. 3. That the definition of “rent” be described in such a way that the financial stability of UnitingCare shall not be compromised but that over the first 25 years of the lease, those congregations who lost access to and benefit from land gifted to the local congregation and buildings paid for by local congregations, however long ago that may have been, shall receive a form of compensation, being an agreed percentage of monies received by way of rent, which the local congregation may direct towards the mission of the Church in their local context, or towards the mission of the wider church by directing such compensation to either the Presbytery or the Synod for the benefit of the whole Church. 4. That the term “rent” be a negotiated amount which shall, over the first 25 years of the arrangement be scaled to reflect a market value for the land under lease.
Rationale The operation of UnitingCare Ageing, Children’s Services and other services which are regulated and funded by the Federal and/or State Governments must be conducted in a business-like manner with a corporate identity separate from the operation of a religious body such as the Church. Although in recent years there has been a return to closer association and some form of accountability with the Synod, it seems to be more appropriate for the UnitingCare “business” to be released to be just that – a business. The “compulsory” take-over of land and improvements for aged care facilities and child care facilities in order to meet regulatory requirements was undertaken for good and
218 understandable reasons. Nevertheless, local congregations were deprived of their access to land which had been, in most cases, gifted to them for the benefit of the congregation and used for its mission. Many congregations built and managed aged care facilities as a service to the local community and did a great job. As government regulations began to demand greater accountability, it was decided for the sake of the provision of services and good governance, that a centralised management and compliance body should take over management and control of these operations. As happens in the life of the church, consultation with local congregations and local management committees was not comprehensive and many congregations felt disempowered and betrayed. When there was no acknowledgement (in many cases) of this outcome and no compensation offered for the loss of assets, support for UnitingCare drastically reduced and resentment continued for some time.
30. BEQUEATHS (Ku-ring-gai Presbytery Mr Clive McCormack)
Proposal That the Synod embark on a program encouraging members to bequeath a percentage (nominally 10%) of their Estate to the mission of the UC.
Rationale: Say we have 300,000 UCA members and each has a life span of 85 years. This means that there are approx. 3500 deaths annually. Say half those own their own home and have average assets of say $300,000(these approximations could be verified from census and Bureau of Statistics figures) If we were able to convince our members to bequeath 10% of their assets to the church (there is biblical precedent to adopt the figure of 10%), then an income of around $50m could be added annually to total UCA church revenue for mission. An income of $50m annually would pay off the current NSW Synod debt within 2 years. The question posed then, is, ‘should the UCA embark on a program of suggested sacrificial giving to assist in overcoming its current financial debt and ensure the future of Christ’s mission’?.
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