February 2010
UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA QUEENSLAND SYNOD
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CHURCH RESPONDS TO HAITI PAGE 3 CRICKET AND RELIGION PAGE 11 “Our prayers are with the people of Haiti following the earthquake that has added huge suffering to a country already burdened by “How many Christians have taken their bat and extreme poverty and political corruption.” Rev Alistair Macrae ball and gone somewhere else?” Phil Smith
GET SET FOR EASTER CAMPS - P4 AboutFACE REPORT - P10 END OF AN ERA: AUB BAKER RETIRES - P14 GIVING THE GIFT OF LOVE
O perfect Love, all human thought transcending, lowly we kneel in prayer before thy throne, that theirs may be the love which knows no ending, whom thou forevermore dost join in one. O perfect Love words by Dorothy Frances Blomfi eld Gurney, 1883
By Mardi Lumsden
FEBRUARY IS often known as the month “Without acknowledgement, and with as of love. much honesty as we can fi nd, our quiet, faithful ways refl ect a God that is with us Even from the origins of St Valentine’s in all that we experience, or that others we Day (see page 9) the month has been encounter experience,” she said. associated with romance and love. “Bad things will happen, questions will As we prepare for Easter we are reminded remain unanswered, injustice will require that love fi rst comes from God. constant attention – but in all of this, God Blue Care Director of Mission Rev Colleen is with us.” Geyer said God’s love for the world is Dr Branjerdporn said the openness refl ected in how we treat others. shown to refugees was a wonderful “Every act of kindness, every gentle example of how the Church in Queensland caring way, every bold act of justice, every demonstrates God’s love. honouring of our humanness is created in “I have had the opportunity to welcome a the image of God,” she said. number of refugees from Burma, Sudan, “This shows us that God is present in our Afghanistan and China. world and that we hold within our being “The Church has welcomed them as the responsibility to be God’s love for brothers and sisters in Christ with respect others.” and dignity and we have seen them love Rev Dr Apichart Branjerdporn, Minister us back. at Logan Central Multicultural Uniting “This I believe is the Christian’s spirit of Church, agreed. love.” “God’s love is evidenced in our goodwill Paragraph 15 of the Basis of Union tells for all people,” he said. us that congregations are, “to hear God’s “Within our community there is a sense of Word, to celebrate the sacraments, to awareness of the Almighty. build one another up in love, to share in “Within our Church, I believe there is a the wider responsibilities of the Church, greater awareness of each other no matter and to serve the world”. what culture or colour we come from or To refl ect God’s love in the world it is fi rst what creed we believe.” necessary to refl ect God’s love in our Ms Geyer said refl ecting God’s love is best homes and churches. done humbly.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. (John 3:16) 2 OPINION JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU Love is a many- Message from the splendoured thing Moderator
FOR MANY people, love is a no Key Performance Indicators doesn’t prove that I do. Rev Bruce Johnson crazy mixture of emotions: joy, (KPIs) to help us measure the Once I said to Heather, “If you pain, guilt and deep satisfaction. level of our commitment to love. love me, you’ll clear all that stuff However it is often reduced to How can I be sure that I am out of the car”. a shallow sentimentality that does acting with love rather than Her response was, “You’re little for anyone. self-interest or worse still, wrong because I do and I won’t”. Th is issue of Journey invites us manipulation? It took me somewhat longer to to consider love in many ways. Let me give you a couple of realise that what she said was very matter what we said or did. when we get no thanks or loving Of course Christians believe examples. true. If we hurt one another, this response in return. that one of the greatest descrip- My wife and I have very She did love me, but that didn’t does not alter the conviction that We have to learn to love those tions of love is in Paul’s Letter to diff erent attitudes to expressions mean that she would necessarily we are loved. We may have an with whom we passionately the Corinthians. do what I wanted her issue to deal with, but that does disagree. “Love is patient; to do. not diminish our commitment to As followers of Christ we love is kind; love is not So we can’t love each other. must learn to love deeply, envious or boastful or Love is deeper than measure a person’s Love is deeper than emotion; unconditionally, faithfully and arrogant or rude. It does emotion; it is a decision love on the basis it is a decision to act in ways that honestly. not insist on its own to act in ways of their willingness bring the best for another person. We can’t do it alone, but are way; it is not irritable to comply with our Even if we fail to act lovingly off ered the gift and power of the or resentful; it does not that bring the best wishes. at times, our love may still be real Holy Spirit to make it possible. rejoice in wrongdoing, for another person. My statement and strong. God is love and those who live but rejoices in the was an attempt to If we choose to love in all in love live in God, says the fi rst truth. It bears all things, manipulate, but situations we will have to make letter of John. believes all things, hopes Heather would not let some tough decisions. As we experience the forgiving all things, endures all things.” (1 of love. I fi nd it easy to tell me do that. We have to choose to love unconditional love of God within Cor 13:4-7) Heather that I love her and to do Having discussed the concept when we feel hurt or betrayed. our own lives, we will fi nd the Jesus off ered two clear so regularly. with several other people I do not We have to learn to love power and confi dence to love. commands about love to his Heather however considers believe that we can create KPIs followers: “Love one another as such repeated assurances of love for evaluating love. I have loved you” and “Love your as unnecessary. Love comes from a deep enemies”. Her response is, “I told you personal commitment and can Sign of the times Since it is not possible to when I married you that I loved only be measured by those who command another’s emotions, it you. Don’t you believe me?” receive or experience our attitudes is clear that like Paul, Jesus was Do my repeated verbal and actions. also speaking about attitudes and affi rmations mean I love more One thing Heather and I have actions. than my wife? agreed together is that we would Th e problem is that there are Of course not, just saying I love believe the other loved us no
Translating the universal language
LOVE IS the theme of so many person has a “primary way of get them gifts for no reason at songs, fi lms, operas and plays. expressing and interpreting love”. all. Simple really. Everyone from Shakespeare to Some people love giving. It is amazing how under- Britney Spears has been inspired Th ey are the people who take standing another language can by the consequences of love. time and think about what to open your eyes. But for all the joy love can get someone. Th ey probably Give it a try. What love bring it can also be the cause of even have a ‘gifts’ drawer in their language do you speak? great pain, even heartbreak. house! What language do your Since its release in 1992, I never understood why people children or parents speak? American author and counsellor wanted to give me things I didn’t I can’t think of a better Dr Gary Chapman’s book Th e need. Valentine’s Day gift than that Five Love Languages has sold over Clearly my language of love is of understanding … after all, fi ve million copies. not “receiving gifts”. “receiving gifts” is not my love PAUL CLARK of Burdekin Uniting Church sent us this sign on behalf After many other versions, But it is the language of two language. of Bruce Cornish and the North Queensland Presbytery. including men’s and women’s members of my family. So despite Find out more at Th is is apparently one of many such signs which will be erected editions and one called God not really speaking that language www.5lovelanguages.com along highways in North Queensland. Speaks Your Love Language, I must remember to post their Mr Clark said that as people drive the long stretches of highway Dr Chapman’s simple theory birthday gifts on time and even to Th e Journey offi ce is between towns the signs will announce a vibrant North Queensland continues to fascinate me. particularly full of love this Uniting Church. His premise is that there are month. Our designer Osker “Th e workers who put this one up said it was their fi rst sign from fi ve languages of love in which Lau will be married on 13 God!” he said. people give and receive love best: February. words of affi rmation, quality time, Congratulations Osker and Sign of the Times is now sponsored by receiving gifts, acts of service, and Naoko! Blackstar Coffee. The chosen entry will be physical touch. Mardi Lumsden contacted by Blackstar to receive their Dr Chapman says that each Editor prize of freshly roasted organic fairtrade coffee. www.blackstarcoffee.com.au.
Journey is published 11 times a year for the Queensland Synod of the Uniting Church in Australia. Opinions expressed in Journey do not necessarily refl ect those of the editor or the policies of the Uniting Church. Acceptance of advertising does not imply endorsement; inclusion of advertising material is at the discretion of the publisher. Journey cannot guarantee the publication and/or return of submissions but makes every effort to do so if requested. Editor: Mardi Lumsden; Designer: Osker Lau; Production: Communication Services Unit; Printing: Horton Media, Narangba; Circulation: 15,500; ISSN: 0817-4466; Contacts: Communication Services Unit, Uniting Church in Australia Queensland Synod, 60 Bayliss Street Auchenfl ower QLD GPO Box 674 Brisbane QLD 4001; Phone: (07) UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA QUEENSLAND SYNOD 3377 9910; Email: [email protected]; Fax: (07) 3377 9717; Web: www.journeyonline.com.au Closing date for editorial and advertising for March Journey is Monday, 15 February. Next issue of Journey will be available in churches on Sunday, 7 March. JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU WORLD NEWS 3 Finding God in disaster
By Mardi Lumsden
WHILE AFTERSHOCKS continue to jolt the people of Haiti into the terrible reality of an ever-increasing death toll after the massive earthquake on 12 January, Christians around the world have been called into prayer for the nation. Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Alistair Macrae has off ered prayers and support for the Haitian community. “Our prayers are with the people of Haiti following the earthquake that has added huge suff ering to a country already burdened by extreme poverty and political corruption,” he said. Th e national Assembly and UnitingWorld have asked people to donate to appeals through Act for Peace, the overseas aid arm of the National Council of Churches, or the Anglican Board of Mission. Th e Uniting Church is not running a separate appeal. A scene of devastation in Port au Prince, Haiti. Photo courtesy of DCA/ACT “Please consider responding to this tragic event not only with your was not sheltered from suff ering, victims of disaster and paint a ful when it is surrendered or let misunderstanding of the best of prayers but with much needed humiliation or death. picture of God we are more likely go of in the interests of others, the biblical tradition,” he said. fi nancial assistance to send a “Nowhere did he promise to hate than love.” especially those others who are “It is clear that within the signal of solidarity with those who us a life sheltered from such A similar response was made victims. biblical tradition there are suff er,” said Mr Macrae. contingencies,” said Mr Macrae. by previous Uniting Church “Th is is what is currently signifi cant voices raised against Th e Queensland Synod has “However he did promise to President Rev Gregor Henderson happening in the relief eff orts in this moralising of tragedy. personal links to the disaster. be with us in every circumstance, after Victoria’s 2009 bushfi res. Haiti. “Religion can either reinforce Christian aid workers Joel and even in death.” “God is, in fact, there with “To be part of that from this this sort of violence against Rachel Colbourne Hoff man, the Mr Macrae refuted claims the people, in the middle of their distance means to get in on the outsiders by lending it a sacred Australian-American couple who by some televangelists that the suff ering; God is made known act by helping resource agencies weight or challenging it by survived the Haitian earthquake earthquake was the result of through the love that is extended directly involved: Uniting World uncovering its perversity.” by digging their way out of the witchcraft in the nation of Haiti. to those most in need,” he said. is channelling donations through Mr Dornan said the best way rubble, attended Merthyr Road “To those who seek to UnitingWorld’s Geoff Dornan Act for Peace and the Anglican to refute such messages was to Uniting Church in New Farm, make judgements about direct said it is in times of great suff ering Board of Mission.” live compassionately. Brisbane, prior to leaving to work connections between human sin that God’s love is best expressed Mr Dornan also refuted claims “We can tie ourselves in knots in Haiti. and suff ering, scripture would by action. that the quake was a form of with theological argument alone. Journey has been in contact counsel extreme caution lest “It is in the suff ering of others celestial punishment. What we do renders our theology with the couple and they were God be represented as vindictive, and in the various responses we “Th ese totally speculative credible.” safe in the United States, but arbitrary and punitive. make to restore those who have sorts of responses are really To donate to appeals for Haiti hoping to return to Haiti to help “So often attempts to draw suff ered that we fi nd God’s love,” wrong-headed and dangerous visit www.abmission.org or with cleanup eff orts. explicit links between cause and he said. on two grounds: fi rstly, human www.actforpeace.org Mr Macrae said even Jesus’ life eff ect compound the suff ering of “Power becomes most power- compassion and secondly,
New Guinea, South India, provided by UnitingWorld. Getting ready for Lent Event Solomon Islands, Sudan and By training and providing Zambia. Th ese provisions mean employment and supplies for By Nicole Readon signed up to take action against straining themselves fi nancially. life is no longer the same for Maureen, UnitingWorld has poverty it looks like being another Individuals and faith people such as Maureen from the changed the lives of thousands in FOR MANY people, the start of a strong year for Lent Event in communities are encouraged to Solomon Islands. the Solomon Islands. new year provides time to refl ect Queensland. support six of UnitingWorld’s Maureen is the Nurse in charge Lent Event is ready to provide on life, get priorities in order, and During Lent, participants are vital projects through prayer, of the Rural Health Centre in resources including Bible studies, begin life’s journey afresh. asked to reduce their consumption refl ection, worship, Bible study the remote village of Buni in the youth studies, children’s materials Th e annual Assembly-run by eliminating non-essentials and sacrifi ce. Western Province of the Solomon and worship resources as well as a Lent Event will kick-start 2010 (such as coff ee, snacks, fast food To date, Lent Event has raised Islands and is responsible for the promotional pack. in the right direction starting 17 or newspapers) and donate the $1.3 million which has provided care of over 20,000 people. For more information contact February. money saved to aid life-giving vital clean water, education, Her training and appointment the Lent Event offi ce on With 199 Uniting Church projects, thereby challenging employment, healthcare and to this region would not have 1300 536 838 or visit congregations from Queensland themselves spiritually rather than childcare in East Timor, Papua been possible without the funds www.lentevent.com
QUALITY EDUCATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE
Brisbane Boys’ College Sunshine Coast Grammar School Boarding and day school for boys in Prep to Year 12 Co-educational day school Preschool to Year 12 (07) 3309 3500 www.bbc.qld.edu.au (07) 5445 4444 www.scgs.qld.edu.au Somerville House Clayfield College Day and boarding school for girls Preparatory to Year 12 Girls: Prep to Year 12 Boarding: Girls over 10 years (07) 3248 9200 www.somerville.qld.edu.au Boys: Prep to Year 5 (07) 3262 0262 www.clayfield.qld.edu.au
Journey - February 2010 Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association www.pmsa-schools.edu.au A ministry of the Uniting and Presbyterian Churches, providing excellence in education in a Christian and caring environment. 4 NEWS JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU Calling all Easter campers
Townsville Easter Call Year local hero State fi nalist, Rev years. Th is year the camp will be Anne Harley, said the theme, Th e held at the Rocky Creek Scout OVER EASTER this year the Call, asks people to be challenged Camp at Landsborough, near the Uniting Churches in Townsville to know God, and to be called Sunshine Coast. are inviting the congregations into ministry and / or mission. Camp secretary Clive Finter all over North Queensland to a “We believe it will be a huge said the camp caters for all ages, special event called Easter Call. event to stir up the spirit of God energy levels and camping styles. Mt Lousia House of Praise, and bring signifi cant change to “You can be as energetic as Townsville, will play host to the his church,” she said. you feel comfortable with. Th ere event which will accommodate Visit www.eastercall.net is some structure to the weekend sessions and activities for adults, but everyone is free to participate youth and children. in whatever suits them.” Speakers are former moderator Family Venture Camp Contact Clive Finter on Rev David Pitman and minister 3287 2659 or cfi nter1@ Rev Rodney Minniecon. THE EASTER Family Venture bigpond.com or visit www. Craig Collard enjoys last year’s Easter Family Venture Camp. Mt Lousia House of Praise Camp has been an activity of the qldeastercamp.ucaweb. Photo by Clive Finter minister and Australian of the Queensland Synod for over 40 com.au Volunteers link to outback rescue By Felicita Benedikovics travelling through Queensland disabled child, a family needing when he responded to a request help to rewire a home and sheds. THESE DAYS, being a hero can from a family living on a station “Volunteers often like to be as simple as off ering your time, near Quilpie for a caretaker. combine an outback holiday with skills and talents as a volunteer, Th e wife and children had to their volunteer placements.” sometimes at short notice. leave the property upon news of For more information Frontier Services’ volunteer her grandmother’s ill-health. phone 1300 731 349, email program Outback Links responds It was during mustering, the [email protected] to requests for help and assistance rounding up of livestock, which or visit www.frontierservices. from communities and people meant her husband was also away org/outbacklinks Outback Links volunteer David Elson. living on remote properties and from the station house, garden Photo courtesy of David Elson and Frontier Services stations. It links them up with and equipment. people from Australia’s towns and For security reasons, the cities who have useful skills and 300,000 hectare property simply caring hearts. couldn’t be left unattended. National survey explores church life Outback Links coordinator Mr Elson was only too happy to Davida Melksham said they provide his services to the family. AUSTRALIAN CHURCHES are Uniting Church Board of Mission Dr Ruth Powell hopes to build on respond to all types of calls for “I like the isolation of the bush,” encouraged to take part in (Synod of NSW/ACT) Director Tina previous strengths of the Survey help. said Mr Elson. the 2011 National Church Life Rendell said the NCLS gives a as well as introduce some “It could be to help clean “I enjoy relying on my wits Survey (NCLS), a nationwide realistic overview of Australian innovations. up in the wake of a fl ood or fi re and the responsibility that comes survey of churchgoers. churches. “We hope that 500,000 or when a family member is with caretaking. It was also nice The NCLS Research team is an “The information assists churches church attendees in 7000 called away from their property to be of assistance when it was ecumenical body that aims to identify strengths to grow and local churches from 25 unexpectedly. needed.” provide evidence-based results challenges to be faced,” she said. denominations will participate in “We are looking for volunteers Ms Melksham said there are to help churches connect with the survey,” she said. who are ready, willing and able to many ways to get involved. “NCLS is benefi cial to both local the wider community. travel, sometimes long distances, “Outback Links is not just and denominational leaders as Since 1991, NCLS has provided to help out.” an emergency service. It also The survey will take place churches shape their mission and Australian churches with South Australian Outback responds to persistent needs that across Australian churches in ministry into the future.” information about their own Links volunteer and retired build up over time – a mother on the second half of 2011. NCLS Research National Director vitality and mission that is diesel mechanic David Elson was a remote station coping with a unmatched worldwide.
Communication Services Unit Churchware, Bibles, Music, DVD’s, Books, Candles, Gifts, Vestments Community Liaison Officer Order your Lenten and Easter resources now: (2 days per week, 12 month contract)
A part-time position is available working in the small person with a passion for marketing, social media and team responsible for implementing the Queensland customer service. Synod’s communications strategy including Strong inter-personal skills and a proven capacity to production of the news magazine Journey, internal work well in a team are necessary. communications, electronic and web communications, liaising with media, and public relations. Applicants will be committed to the ethos of the Uniting Church in Australia, which is an equal The Community Liaison Officer would be in charge We stock Lenten group programs, Lenten & Easter opportunity employer. of organising and seeking advertisers for Journey, reflections and childrens resources. as well as associated administration and assistance For an information pack to apply for the position with marketing campaigns and liaising with the wider please contact Kristine Bromiley on 07 3377 9825 or Order Online: www.christiansupplies.com.au community. email [email protected] Accounts and discounts available for parishes and schools Lower Ground Floor tel: (07) 3221 1925 The position requires a dynamic, well organised Applications close at COB Monday 1 March 2010 179 Elizabeth Street fax: (07) 3221 1193 Brisbane QLD 4000 email: [email protected]
Journey - February 2010 JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU SYNOD NEWS 5 Forming faith for the whole family
By Phil Smith designed by Jodie Ghiloni. Aaron Ghiloni described WHILE PARENTS and the aim of the new material as grandparents marvel at what new nothing less than the sacred work things await the next generation, of forming faith. a handful of Uniting Church “Parents nurture their child’s educators, youth workers and Christian imagination,” he said. ministers in Queensland are “Families discuss telling God’s Aaron, Noah and Jodie Ghiloni. Photo courtesy of Aaron Ghiloni planning to pass on an heirloom story in scripture, interacting thousands of years old: faith. with God through prayer, living personal experiences and Rob Bos, delights in faith that Brisbane, Faith Formation in Edited and written by Alison like God with justice and mercy Christian teaching. deeply enriches lives. Families is now available free to Cox and Aaron Ghiloni, Faith and celebrating God in worship.” Th is interplay allows people “We would love nothing the entire Church. Formation in Families is a series In each discussion parents and to think critically about their more than for our children and Faith Formation in Families of family discussions drawing on children look at three themes; experience in light of Scripture grandchildren also to experience can be downloaded from the ideas of Heather Allison, Sue God creates, God saves, and and about Scripture in light of this life-transforming faith.” www.moretonrivers.ucaweb. Pickering, Katherine Ruhle, John Jesus. their experience. Since fi rst running as a pilot com.au and through Ruhle, Wendi Sargeant, Wendy Th e steps move back and Director of the Pilgrim Learn- program through Emmanuel the Moreton Rivers Shurey, and Ben Webb, and was forth between the participants’ ing Community and grandfather Uniting Church in Enoggera, Presbytery offi ce Breathing fresh Ayre Shared values shape Moderator’s medals By Dot King we decided to incorporate them into consideration by the judging into the Moderator’s Community panel in addition to how well the RETIRED MINISTER Clive Dr Ayre said there was the THE MODERATOR’S Comm- Service Medal this year,” she said. nomination refl ects one of the Ayre will be a part-time possibility of his leading unity Service Medal is now open To be considered for the medal UnitingCare Shared Values. volunteer to the Queensland seminars on ecotheology, for nominations but this year nominees must be a volunteer, Nominations for this year’s Synod to work on the green researching and accessing the judging panel is asking for past or present, and have Moderator’s Community Service church model and identifi ed funding and data and something new - each application exhibited outstanding service Medal close on Monday 5 April issues. collating responses from will need to refl ect one of over a number of years. and the Medal presentations will “As a retirement project congregations. UnitingCare’s Shared Values Nominees will need to have take place during the Uniting I completed a PhD in “My passion is to see the – Compassion, Respect, Justice, been involved in community Church in Queensland’s 28th ecotheology in which Church embrace the care Working Together and Leading service work other than Synod meeting at Alexandra I related the theology of creation as an essential Th rough Learning. congregational work (e.g. Blue Park Conference Centre on the of mission to practical part of our overall mission, One or more medals will Care, Lifeline Community Care, Sunshine Coast from 21-25 May, expressions as it applied to and to do that on the be awarded in each of the new UnitingCare hospitals, Wesley 2010. the care of creation.” basis of an underlying categories. Mission Brisbane or community If you would like to nominate “I’ll be liaising not only with theological imperative. A medal for general excellence service agencies outside the someone who has displayed the Assembly, but also with “The Church needs to could be awarded if there is a Uniting Church) and must not be outstanding service in one of congregations, agencies, be in the vanguard of the deserving nominee whose work in paid employment connected to the Shared Value categories presbyteries and no doubt current concern about does not fi t easily into one of their volunteer work. complete the online form at other Synods.” climate change, and to these, or who shows outstanding Th e nominee’s level and www.ucareqld.com.au be a catalyst for bringing merit in a number of categories. length of service will be taken various groups and UnitingCare Queensland individuals together in a CEO, Anne Cross said the Shared positive response. Values were launched last year after consultation with staff . Dr Ayre said the Church “We feel these values that are had given him many shared across all our agencies opportunities over are very important because they the years and he was speak to who we are as part of the looking forward to giving Uniting Church,” she said. something back. “Th e Shared Values are not “I sense that there is an just about what we do - but more openness to this issue importantly - are about the way in many congregations, we do things and they provide but what they need is a guide for all who work in our Rev Dr Clive Ayre. some initial guidance and organisation from the Board to Photo by Mardi Lumsden resources.” every staff member and volunteer Eric and Win Westacott receive a Moderator’s Medal from Rev and so it was for this reason that Bruce Johnson at the 2008 Synod. Photo by Osker Lau New stock in store now! JINDALEE INDOOROOPILLY ROBINA HOMEMAKER CITY INDOOROOPILLY CENTRAL Robina Super Centre 38 Goggs Road 34 Coonan Street Robina Town Centre Drive www.lightup.com.au Phone 3279 1961 Phone 3720 1877 Phone 5578 8355 ASPLEY FORTITUDE VALLEY MT GRAVATT HOMEMAKER CITY HOMEMAKER CITY HOMEMAKER CENTRE lamp 825 Zillmere Road Cnr Wickham Sreet & 1230 Logan Road Phone 3862 8374 Montpellier Road Phone 3849 5663 shades Phone 3252 5355
Journey - February 2010 6 YOUTH NEWS JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU ncyc11 brings in the new year
FOR THE fi rst time in the history Alison Cox, ncyc11 coordi- at NCYC is like nothing I had of the National Christian Youth nator, said her most memorable experienced before. Convention (NCYC) the event NCYC experience was in 1991 in “You never know what you will begin in December, meaning Toowoomba. might take away from it,” she ncyc11 attendees will welcome “We were at an evening wor- said. 2011 with a special New Year’s ship time where Tony Campolo Ms Cox said the best way Eve celebration. had spoken. Th e question posed to prepare for ncyc11 was to Confi rmed speakers for the that night was: God is calling you, have a “head and heart ready conference include Gillian Best, are you going to sit there or do for anything, open to what God speaker and Youth Ministry something about it? might be saying”. coordinator for the Irish “I’d planned to be a psychologist To register visit www.ncyc11. Methodist Church and Australian in South Australia and now I’m com.au and follow ncyc11 Christian comedian and magician, ordained in the Uniting Church,” at facebook.com/ncyc11 or Christopher Wayne. she said. twitter.com/ncyc11 NCYC is a national Uniting At the age of 23 Allison Tyquin Church event held every two is an NCYC veteran and ncyc11 For other information contact years. Th e 2011 event will be held will be Ms Tyquin’s fi fth. Alison Cox on 07 3377 9750 Alison Cox, left, and Allison Tyquin prepare for ncyc11. on the Gold Coast. “Th e environment created or [email protected] Photo by Jane Moad
Joyce Waia, also from Weipa, church. “I like how we got to meet Crossways, have hosted their Youth mad for faith said the trip had helped her be new people and make friends.” friends from Weipa twice and more confi dent in herself and her Ina Savo, 14 from Napranum, looked forward to paying them a By Mardi Lumsden pinnacle of a larger journey. faith. also enjoyed visiting Uluru, visit later this year. Th irteen young people visited “I’ve never gone this far in my despite getting bitten by a “By spending time together OVER 250 high school students Uluru prior to joining the rest of life,” she said. “Since my dad died centipede during a bug infestation that proves that we are indeed and youth leaders from more their group at Summer Madness. we stopped going to church a bit of their camp. brothers and sisters,” he said. than 50 Uniting Churches around Michelle Cook said it was a but now I’m not going to give up.” She also said she learnt how to Michelle Cook said the Queensland celebrated a long chance to learn what life is like Iesha Woodley, 13, said back at “talk about God”. Western Cape group had been weekend of discipleship training outside their communities. home in Old Mapoon there aren’t Rev David Kim said the “blown away by the hospitality of and fun at Summer Madness in “Th ey get to meet Christian many people her age who go to Brisbane Korean congregation, the Korean congregation”. January. kids from other places and know Coordinator Tom Kerr said that being part of a church is not the biennial event had attendees just about Napranum or Mapoon,” from St George to Far North she said. Queensland, Toowoomba to Th e trip was made possible Gladstone and was a great success with airfares provided by the where young people had their Western Cape Communities Co- faith rekindled or found for the existence Agreement. fi rst time. Alstan Sigai from Weipa said “Th e Uniting Church in his highlights were the trip to Queensland can do great things Uluru and the worship at Summer when we pull together as a team.” Madness which was led by the Summer Madness visitors Glebe Rd and Newlife Robina included Uniting Church worship bands. President Rev Alistair Macrae and “It really opened up my heart Queensland Synod Moderator to God and my faith was stronger,” Rev Bruce Johnson. he said. For the young people from “We won the air guitar Weipa and the Western Cape, competition and after that we Members of the Crossways Korean congregation and young people from the Western Cape of Summer Madness was the gained our confi dence.” Queensland enjoy time together at Southbank after Summer Madness. Photo by Mardi Lumsden
General Secretary MINISTER OF THE WORD Synod of Queensland BRISBANE TAIWANESE UNITING CHURCH The Brisbane Taiwanese Congregation is a diversified Applicants must be prepared to work within the The Synod of Queensland is seeking a new General Secretary congregation filled with people of all ages ranging polity and ethos of the Uniting Church in Australia as to commence from December 2010 due to the retirement of from kindergarten through to active seniors, located in described in the Basis of Union. Language skills in Rev Douglas Jones. the south side of Brisbane. Taiwanese, Mandarin and English will be necessary and a “Working with Children Check” for a positive We are committed to reaching into the local Expressions of interest are encouraged in writing to the notice Blue Card will be required. Moderator, the Rev. Bruce Johnson (on behalf of the General community, and proclaiming the word of God in Secretary Nominating Committee). Taiwanese, Mandarin and English. For further information and to make an application, please contact: A full advertisement will be published online in February at We are seeking to appoint a Minister of the Word for a www.ucaqld.com.au/job.aspx when the job description will minimum 5-year term to: Chairperson JNC Brisbane Taiwanese Congregation also be available. • Lead and pastor our congregation; C/- Secretary of Synod Placements Committee Please mark correspondence with the title General Secretary • Train, resource and develop new leaders; Uniting Church in Australia (Qld Synod) – Expression of Interest to [email protected] • Lead outreach into the community; and GPO Box 674 BRISBANE QLD 4001 or Rev Bruce Johnson, GPO Box 674, BRISBANE 4001 • Resource the young adult ministry. Applications close: Monday, 1 March 2009
Journey - February 2010 JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU LLOVEOVE 7 The real meaning of agape
By Bob Harriman love of friendship. It does not self-giving for our benefi t. have the intimacy of eros, nor When we are motivated by IN THE English language there is the expectations of storge, rather agape love, as workers in human one word for love, which we use philia is less encumbered and services or as members of a to describe diff erent sorts of love. more mutual and free. church, we are living up to our However in the Greek language, Agape can be understood as calling in God, we are giving at the time of Jesus and the early a giving of self for the benefi t of of ourselves for the benefi t of church, love was translated from others. others. at least four diff erent words: eros, It could be described as a love Th is does not mean that we are storge, philia, and agape. committed to social wellbeing. to become all things to all people Eros is understood to be the Th e Apostle Paul co-opted this on a path towards burnout. Image by Bharatha Kumar love of intimacy and sexuality. word and declared that agape is Th e energy to keep giving Storge is understood to be the the love that God has for us. comes from the Spirit who love found in family groups. Rather than a divine desire energises us to keep journeying spirit of humility, compassion and can become the core motivation It is the love expressed between for intimacy with humans, or together. reconciliation. for all human service work. parent and child, between siblings relationships of conditional Agape opens us up to the Agape is not a possession of Bob Harriman is Chaplain and grandparents, where there expectation, or out of a need for mystery of the other and, as we the church, nor even an exclusive at Lifeline Community are expectations, duties, and mutually free friendship, God listen and learn from each other, gift for the church. Care Queensland privileges. loves us because it is within the we can grow and become the Agape is the gift of God for all Philia is understood to be the nature of God to love and to be people we are called to be, in the people everywhere and as such
whom I get a lot of joy and I work in the morning,” she said. fi nd every day rewarding. How “I wish I could do more for Love your work could I not when I am providing them but there aren’t enough entertainment and watching them hours in the day. By Aileen Wallace happy at getting the perfect job, smile, clap, cry with memories, “A bigger bus is about the well for me anyway! and move to the music. only thing missing so I could IT IS LUCKY people who can “I tell everyone I love it so “I get to take them on outings take more people out at once. say they honestly love their much,” she said. and see the joy they get through “For those who can’t come on job. After two-and-a-half years all the places we go to.” the outings I arrange concerts Raewyn Fraser, a Centenary Ms Fraser continues to love her After 17 years as a Lifeline including magicians, ballroom Uniting Church member and job scheduling outings, activities receptionist who admired the life dancers and musicians and the Central Activities Co- and entertainment for residents changing work of counsellors, they love it. ordinator at Wesley Mission in independent communities and Ms Fraser wanted to end her day “I can’t explain the immense Brisbane Sinnamon Village those at Sinnamon Village who feeling as though she had helped pleasure I get from seeing how Retirement Home, is one of have higher care needs and are someone. happy these things make them. Raewyn Fraser. those people. less mobile. “I go home every night buzzing “I love my job and you can’t Photo by Aileen Wallace, WMB “I feel so overwhelmed and “I love the residents from and I look forward to going to ask for much more than that.” Bev’s sea of faith
By Phil Smith “Over the years I have realised “Th ey helped the widow that many congregations have contact her children in the States A CONGREGATION mostly no idea how to relate to the and moved her and another interested in a good time, a work community, in its environment, couple they were travelling with place that literally shifts underfoot on behalf of Christ. into a hotel at Darling Harbour.” and the death of a parishioner “Chaplaincy is one avenue to In retirement, Bev Ham hasn’t you’ve only just met – these are broaden ministry,” she said. been called to walk on water, but some of the challenges of any new “On a cruise ship, chaplaincy in she has taken the opportunity to ministry. a relaxed atmosphere off ers space put out from the shore and spend Th ey were also a few of the to listen and time to encourage time journeying with people circumstances retired Uniting people to tell their stories. through the storms and calmer Rev Bev Ham, right, celebrates Christmas with one of the Church minister Rev Bev Ham “Th rough my life’s experience waters of life. ship’s dining stewards. Photo courtesy of Bev Ham encountered on what some would I have come to understand God consider a dream job; chaplain on can work in all situations.” an international cruise liner with If the high point was the the Holland America Line. Christmas Eve service, the biggest 2010 MODERATOR’S COMMUNITY SERVICE MEDAL Ms Ham’s chaplaincy was an challenge on Ms Ham’s maiden opportunity to introduce people voyage was the sudden death of a Do you know a volunteer who has contributed in an outstanding way to the Our Shared Values are: to God outside regular church passenger while at sea. Church’s mission in community service in Queensland? The Moderator’s • Compassion structures. Th e opportunity “I was very involved with the Medal is one way to honour them. This year we are looking for nominations • Respect arrived after Ms Ham attended a medical staff who tried to save that reflect the UnitingCare Shared Values as we believe that these are • Justice Sunday church service aboard a the man and also comforting the fundamental to the work we do and express the mission of God being • Working together liner while on holidays last year. widow,” she recounted. present in our lives to offer hope, healing and transformation. • Leading through Learning “When this opportunity came “Th ey were from Texas so there up, I hadn’t written a resume in was the whole issue of getting his Medals will be awarded for each category and if there Mission Brisbane or community service agencies 40 years,” she said. “I began listing body out of Australia and back to is a deserving nominee whose work is exceptional outside the Uniting Church) High School chaplain in Rabaul, the USA.” but does not fit easily into one of these categories a • were/are not in paid employment connected to chaplain to the mine at Greenvale, Perhaps Ms Ham’s experience Moderator’s medal for general excellence might be their volunteer work Scout chaplain at Biloela, and the with Boy Scouts decades ago awarded. Nominations should be submitted electronically, a fi rst woman police chaplain at allowed her to be prepared, as she Nominees must: link to the form can be found on the UnitingCare Longreach”. had taken a funeral book with her • be a volunteer, past or present Queensland website http://www.ucareqld.com.au During a 17-night voyage just in case. • have exhibited outstanding service over a number NOMINATIONS CLOSE COB Monday 5 April 2010 around New Zealand she led wor- “Many people worked as a of years ship on Sundays and at Christmas, team in a crisis ... from the • be involved in community service work other and provided counselling for crew Captain down to medical and than congregational work (e.g. Blue Care, Lifeline and passengers. guest assistance people. Community Care, UnitingCare Hospitals, Wesley
Journey - February 2010 8 LOVE JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU
“Th e feelings will come around It’s time to keep the promise. again.” In the big picture, the Edmon- In church, as in marriage, ton and Th e Gap congregations sometimes love is about keeping are preparing community garage your promises. sales, funding local ministries During the Christmas period and making connections with congregations loudly proclaimed their communities. Spreading God’s love for humanity. Th e UnitingWorld support In Moorooka the John Knox group faces the aid agency’s big Uniting Church sang along at the challenges. local school carols event. Frontier Services patrol Th e Charleville Faith ministers are waiting for rain Community moved their soaked roads to open. Christmas Day service to the On a smaller scale, one sweaty Waroona aged care home to spend young man from a Uniting time with residents. Church congregation probably the love In Townsville the Mt Louisa didn’t feel especially loving as he House of Praise congregation pushed the mower and wielded By Phil Smith love and some days they’re chores. wake up and you won’t feel all the spearheaded the Stable on the a hedge trimmer in the yard of a Twenty-seven years ago a romantic stuff ,” he warned. Strand event. sole parent recently arrived in his WHAT’S THE similarity between youth worker told a young man “Th at’s OK because those Th ousands of Queenslanders congregation. marriage and mowing the lawn? considering marriage not to always are the days you dig deep and experienced the loving feeling, Still, the Church had promised Th ere are catches in both, but expect to feel “in love”. remember the commitment, the that warm glow, as churches held to look after things while she took sometimes both are done out of “Th ere will be days when you public promises, you made. out the joyful promise that God is her son to see his grandparents with us. over Christmas. Th en, during January, the happy Th e wow factor came when a holiday feelings may have been neighbour asked who had mowed replaced by emotions associated her lawn. with ordering school books, going “One of the men from my back to work, paying off credit church,” was the reply. cards and mowing the lawn. “Wow! Th at’s lovely.”
in his 1960 book Th e Four More to love? Loves. Th e book delves into how each of the four loves Explore (aff ection, friendship, eros, Love to the World is a daily Bible and charity) merges into reading guide based on the another, can become another Revised Common Lectionary and yet remain quite diff erent as adapted for use in the from each other. Uniting Church in Australia. It is produced by a committee of people from the Uniting Churches in Strathfi eld, NSW, and from the United Th eological College. Th ere are four issues per year. For more information visit http://wlw.uca.org.au. Read Author C.S. Lewis’ explored Photo by Andrea Kratzenberg, Germany the diff erent meanings of love Camp proves engaging
How Barbara Met Jim – a youth Young Mr Kessels was Barbara and Jim courted camp love story from 1957 somewhat reserved and uncertain for more than three years, about how to approach the belle, announcing their engagement in THE CHRISTIAN youth Barbara. mid 1961. movement of the three “Heading home on the train Forty eight years, fi ve children denominations that became the from Woombye, I got off at North- and 13 grandchildren adorn their Uniting Church in Australia gate,” he recalls. “I just walked up relationship. achieved many things, but the to her and said, ‘Goodbye’, but lat- Th ey moved to Narangba in greatest of them is love. er I heard that Barbara thought I 1976 and have worshipped at Jim Kessels recalls N.F. Nelson might be interested in her.” the Pine Rivers Uniting Church asking the teenagers at a Sunshine Indooroopilly PFA held a dance since. Coast youth camp in the 1950s, in May that year. Jim hatched a In the foyer of the camp site “What is the most important thing plan to meet Barbara during the where they met is a poem Jim you can do with your life?” progressive barn dance, but the wrote. Th e last two verses read: Young Jim thought about circle was so big that the music “Yes, things have changed education, a job and “a lovely stopped before they could be up Alex way, as we look back to Christian girl to share my life”. partners. yesterday. Mr Nelson assured the campers “Th e night rolled on and when “But there are things of lasting that to be put right with God was the last dance was announced, I joy for it was here that girl met getting fi rst things fi rst. Jim loved looked for her on the verandah. boy. God but he thought a lot about As she came through the door I “It’s time to leave and head fi nding that lovely Christian girl. asked for the dance and the rest is back home, so now to close Th en in 1957, in the recreation history.” another poem. hut at Alex Park, he saw the lovely Many couples now celebrating “Yesterday, today, whatever Barbara Bell. decades of marriage will identify – Jesus Christ the same forever.” Jim and Barbara at a National Service Our Company Dance at Jim describes the experience with Mr and Mrs Kessels’ story By Phil Smith and Jim Riverside Ballroom, New Farm, in 1958. like, “some enchanted evening, from a time they treasure in the Kessels Photo courtesy of Jim Kessels across a ping pong table!” life of the church.
JJourneyourney - February 2010 JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU LOVE 9 Learning to love the ones who leave
Th at’s a steady proportion of their departure with a letter to the By Phil Smith people looking for the exit sign and church council. may well refl ect on congregations Many congregations just don’t EVERYONE KNOWS the old that don’t see the signs of our talk about it. adage, “You can choose your brothers and sisters heading for Th ey hope whatever the friends but you can’t choose your the door. problem, it will fade away and be family”. Canadian writer Gordon forgotten. Th e New Testament describes Turner interviewed those he called Some fi nd fault, assuming the us as being like family. “church dropouts” in Canada, majority must be right and those So where is the love when Australia, the UK and the USA. leaving are wrong. people choose to leave? In his book Outside Looking Others genuinely try to bless Faith family break-up isn’t In, Mr Turner uncovered fi ve leavers as they go, in the hope easy to talk about. basic reasons why even long-term that faith will grow as they fi nd Yet a signifi cant proportion of members leave churches. fellowship elsewhere. members leave our congregations Th ey were: inadequate ministry Psychologist Coral Palmer left a each year, slipping out the back in crisis times, church not meeting congregation to which her family door, often unnoticed, while personal needs, changes in lifestyle, had belonged for four generations congregations invest their energy confl ict with the pastor or a church to explore a wider experience of Photo by Bjorn de Leeuw, Netherlands, and edited by Osker Lau in welcoming anyone arriving at member, and a crisis of faith. church. the front. Loving people as they leave is Ms Palmer has counselled many She said former members are rare, environments that recognise Recent National Church Life not about manipulating them to clients about the impact of leaving often uncertain about staying in people’s time may be just for a Survey fi gures indicate 10 per cent change their mind, according to a congregation. touch with friends they no longer season as they move on in their of the Uniting Church members Rev Brian Hoole of Hervey Bay She said people who leave a see at Sunday services. journey. leaving the denomination over a Uniting Church. church have generally agonised Podcaster at Th eGodJourney. “Th ey seek to love, invest in, fi ve year period switch to another “Some who leave may, or may over the decision for a long time. com Brad Cummings says Jesus’ care for, and then celebrate God’s denomination. not, come back to our fellowship,” Congregational leaders face the claim to the title of Th e Good direction in leading someone on,” Another seven per cent drift said Mr Hoole. signifi cant challenge of noticing Shepherd, indicates his right to he said. away from the church altogether. “But I would rather they went the early glances at the exit sign lead his sheep on a diff erent path In Uniting Church terms, With the oldest age profi le of somewhere and remained within and trying to understand the or somewhere else. in Queensland, that could be a any Protestant denomination in the church. Th e door is always reasons behind a departure. “Th ere’s a sad tendency for big investment with enormous Australia, the Uniting Church has open of course.” “Th ey are less likely to be church leaders to take someone’s potential returns. been through a diffi cult period in He says one part of that understood if they have grown departure personally,” said Mr According to the Australian the past decade. complex equation is having local up in the church and have family Cummings. Bureau of Statistics 2006 census, At its lowest point, the ecumenical confi dence, allowing members still there,” she said. “It leaves both parties hurting, more than 280,000 Queenslanders National Church Life Survey a church to recommend another “Th ere can be a lot of grief in the relationship broken, and fails claim to be affi liated with the recorded a 12 per cent decline, fellowship for those who feel they leaving and also a sense of freedom to completely recognise the larger Uniting Church. including mortality, in the period must leave. if the person has felt constricted by … body of Christ. Fewer than 30,000 people leading up to the 2001 survey. Few church leavers formalise the church’s approach.” “Th ere are some healthy, but regularly attend. Who was St Valentine? Patron saint of love, young people, sight of the jailer’s blind daughter. place their names in a large urn and happy marriages, bee keepers and Another says, on the eve of his death, for young men to pull out a name. against epilepsy, fainting and plague. he penned a farewell note to the This match-making tradition appeared jailer’s daughter, signing it, “From your again in the Middle Ages when young THERE ARE many stories about the Valentine”. men and women drew names from a origins of St Valentine. Archaeologists have unearthed a bowl to see who their Valentine would be. In reality Valentine was probably the Roman catacomb and an ancient name of several martyred saints. church dedicated to Saint Valentine. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week arguably giving The most common story is one of It is also suggested that Pope meaning to the phrase “wearing your a Roman priest who assisted those Gelasius declared 14 February as St heart on your sleeve”. under persecution from Claudius II Valentine’s Day around the year 498 as (Roman Emperor from 268-270) and the middle of February lined up with It is said the oldest known Valentine was caught marrying couples. the ancient Roman offi cial beginning in existence was a poem written by of Spring. Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife each year, making it the second most Claudius II had apparently outlawed while he was imprisoned in the Tower popular seasonal card after Christmas marriage as he thought single men The Roman festival of Lupercalia was of London in 1415. cards. made better soldiers. already held on 15 February as a celebration of purifi cation and fertility. The poem is held in the British Library By Mardi Lumsden Valentine was said to have been in London. beheaded on 14 February around the It is suggested that the church lined year 270. up the two festivals as they did with According to the Greeting Card Illustration from the Nuremberg Chronicle many other festivals. Association in the US around 1 billion (1493) by Michel Wolgemut and Wilhelm One legend says that while awaiting Valentine’s Day cards are purchased Pleydenwurff. execution, Valentine restored the One ritual was for young women to
Journey - February 2010 1100 OPINION / ABOUTFACE JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU Remembering the call
By Scott Stephens belonging with the people of God brought into being by the death OVER THIRTY years ago the and resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Uniting Church in Australia he said. embarked on what could have Dr McCaughey argued been a remarkable journey, but against any suggestion that the has it abandoned its original Basis of Union, the foundational course? document of Th e Uniting Church It is now a shell of its former in Australia, was merely an self, like so much Liberal Protes- aspirational document or some tantism throughout the West. transitional text that brought the Th e past decade has witnessed uniting churches together. the Uniting Church rid itself of Th e Basis has been bequeathed any prophetic vocation it might to the Church as a liturgical once have possessed. document, shaped by the logic of In an extraordinary act of Christian worship. apostasy, the Uniting Church has It is intended to inform decided to stand for the path of least communal prayer just as much resistance, a facile alternative to as confession. Just notice the fundamentalism, evangelicalism prominence of prayer-language, and pentecostalism. confession and doxology Th e Uniting Church’s inaugural throughout the Basis. President Davis McCaughey In the opening paragraph, the warned against this possibility. uniting churches “pray that this In his address to the 1979 As- act [of union] may be to the glory Rev Dr Davis McCaughey preaches at the inaugural Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia, sembly, Dr McCaughey expressed of God the Father, the Son and the 1977. Photo courtesy of the Journey archives his fear that the Church would Holy Spirit”. be hijacked by bureaucrats and Following the proclamation of pedants — specifi cally that: “Our the gospel (paragraphs 2-8) and Paragraph 18 concludes: “She traded its birthright, thereby matter in more positive terms: Constitution, Regulations and affi rmation of the Faith of the prays God that, through the gift following the rest of the Liberal God is killing Protestantism and Procedures are ... in danger ... of Church (paragraph 9), the Ba- of the Spirit, he will constantly Protestant herd in its head-long perhaps Christianity in America becoming ends in themselves”. sis “prays that she may be ready correct that which is erroneous rush into oblivion. and we deserve it.” He also warned in her life, will bring her Th is opens up a truly terrifying Either way, the Church is left against the temptation to into deeper unity with possibility. with only two options: to go on adopt any kind of Church The Basis has been other Churches, and will What if God is killing the indulging in Church patriotism patriotism, believing bequeathed to the Church use her worship, witness Uniting Church? and erecting stop-gap measures it would obscure and and service to his eternal Here is what Stanley Hauerwas in the hope of delaying the ultimately destroy the as a liturgical document, glory through Jesus told the congregation of Broadway inevitable, or to embrace God’s Church’s vocation to shaped by the logic of Christ the Lord. Amen.” United Methodist Church in gracious judgment with joyful carry on the mission of Th e Basis of Union South Bend, Indiana, in 1993: repentance. Christ. Christian worship. provides the Church “Th e plain truth is that Broadway For is this not the hope that “In an important with the prayers it needs survives as part of a larger the prophets extended to that sense, we in the Uniting Church when occasion demands to con- to keep it faithful and to keep church that is dying. Mainstream pilgrim people in exile: repent, in Australia have no identity, fess her Lord in fresh words and renewal possible. Protestantism in America is and return, for who knows what no distinctive marks other than deeds” (paragraph 11). But the Uniting Church has dying. Actually I prefer to put the God may yet do?
By Amanda Helwig How I could make a difference were also taken to sites of IN JUNE and July 2009 I to the gaps in health. Dreamtime stories. All about face participated in an amazing After Congress I went to We visited sites of rock experience AboutFACE, a Nepabunna with two other paintings and were Faith and Cultural Exchange AboutFACE participants.It encouraged to take photos. for young adults between the is eight hours drive north of The Andnamutnya people ages of 18 and 30. Adelaide and it took us two strive to share their stories and Since 1982 this program has days to get there. tell (and show) people about been bringing young people Once there we were involved their people and places. They together for a once in a lifetime in a Gymkhana – a horse also have photos of elders experience. racing festival and the National and ancestors up in their We fl ew to Perth for the Aboriginal and Islander Day of community centre. Aboriginal and Islander Celebration (NAIDOC) week. On our third day we travelled Christian Congress (UAICC) Our hosts, Uncle Kelvin and to Red Gorge where we were meeting and then Adelaide to Aunty Judy, are Andnamutnya amazed by the colours of the our placements. Being invited people, meaning people of the rocks. to Congress was a huge rocks and hills. At fi rst we didn’t notice honour. We were adopted as Minerra anything but then Kelvin Around 120 Aboriginal and people of the North wind. pointed out various rocks Islander elders and National The wind that blows through and the carvings on them. elders from all over Australia Nepabunna never stops as the Archaeologists have named met for their triennial meeting. Northern Flinders ranges and these as some of the oldest We heard stories that were the Gammon ranges surround carvings in Australia dating good, bad and emotionally the town. back more than 60,000 years. challenging. I felt a little The Andnamutnya people were I want to thank Southport ashamed that I had no idea originally nomadic and were Uniting Church for the how big Congress is. placed in Missions when the continued support of me. I felt a sense of love and pastoral leaseholders came belonging amongst all the through. AboutFACE will run again Congress members. I started We went to a number of in June 2010. For more Amanda Helwig, left, with other participants of AboutFACE 2009. questioning what I could do. these sites to see how they information visit www. Photo courtesy of Amanda Helwig lived during these times. We aboutface.unitingchurch.org.au
Journey - February 2010 JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU FEATURE / OPINION 1111 Journeying to the heart
THIS AUGUST a team of which necessitates the people bereaved by suicide development of personal will walk 482 kilometres in 16 resilience as well as the days, from Alice Springs to capacity to support and be Uluru, to raise awareness and supported by one another. an active response to this The team plans to reach signifi cant social issue within Uluru on World Suicide Australian culture. Awareness Day, 10 A documentary fi lm crew will September, 2010. capture the journey that will According to 2006 Australian culminate in a healing and Bureau of Statistics (ABS) honouring ceremony in what data, 1799 people per year is named the Journey to the take their own lives. Heart. Suicide accounts for more the effort to somehow cope is open to those touched accredited suicide prevention In association with Amanda deaths than road fatalities yet with loss. by suicide, with various training. Flynn Charity Ltd, and is so often not discussed. various corporate sponsors, Queensland Institute of participation levels; the In this way the Journey to the It is estimated that for every the Journey to the Heart Medical Research supports entire trip, stages of the trip Heart team will travel the full completed suicide, 10 people (J2TH) group and their the journey in line with or travelling in the support circle – from bereavement are directly affected. supporters have planned a its own commitment to vehicle as an encourager. support to awareness and journey to metaphorically The very nature of suicide enhancing medical and In addition to the awareness- prevention. replicate the gruelling means it incurs feelings of scientifi c understanding of raising component, funds will For more information visit pathway of survivors and social isolation, shame and suicide. be raised and redirected to www.journey2theheart.org.au fellow travellers – a journey stigmatisation in addition to Invitation to participate nationally and internationally Christianity: It’s just not cricket
By Phil Smith cricket nation it was a generation Christianity isn’t the only game eternity to reach a conclusion). we are “a chosen generation, a ago. in town. It isn’t a game at all. I still think cricket is a peculiar royal priesthood, a holy nation, a I KNOW it is summer when the Cricket used to be a shared Part of the problem is the way game. peculiar people”. ABC tells me cricket is on the thing, enjoyed and understood in we play around with the gospel For the sake of comparison, radio. community. It was played in back that makes Christianity unique. I’m not a cricket fan. streets and school yards for its In cricketing terms, the It’s a peculiar game. own sake. W.G. Grace approach is purely I’m keener about religion than Th e West Indies has a peculiar about getting runs on the board, Goodbye my love I am about cricket, because I don’t geography. training harder, playing better, understand all the intricacies Th e Caribbean is no longer a knowing the rules and beating the and petty rules applied by the British colonial outpost. Today it’s competition. governing cricket bodies. a stepping off point for the USA Th en it’s no wonder that Th at said, I was interested in where professional sport provides successful players become proud the news stories when Australians an education or a big income. and want to exclude others who began a debate about excluding Athletes leave cricket to play don’t seem to measure up. the West Indies from test basketball, football or baseball In gospel terms, the J.C. grace competition. and the results are obvious. approach is very diff erent. A proud country, successful How does our game stack up It’s an honour to be chosen at playing the game, was telling in the seductive society of multi- on the representative side and a another country it wasn’t good cultural, multi-car, multi-faith, privilege to be coached. enough. multiple-investment options? Th ere’s joy in sharing the Two things struck me. How many Christians have experience with all manner of Th ere’s at least one good reason taken their bat and ball and gone players, passionately enjoying why the West Indies isn’t the somewhere else? a team event (that may take an
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Journey - February 2010 1122 WHAT’S ON / FAST NEWS JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU
MMarcharch 66,, 99.30am-12.30pm.30am-12.30pm Geoff Bullock seminar Songwriter and Author, Geoff Bullock visits Caboolture Uniting Church to lead a morning seminar on Worship - a response to Grace. He will challenge us to re-evaluate our inspiration and motivation in ourworship life He will also give a concert at 7.30pm that night in the Caboolture Memorial Hall. The congregation enjoy the fi rst service at the new Bargara Uniting Church. Photo by Frank Millett Contact Rose Joyner on 07 5496 0157 or New Church opens in Bargara very hard putting the fi nishing [email protected]. touches on the project but they AFTER MANY years of thought- now look forward to the task ful planning, hard work and prayer minister Rev Ray Nutley and ahead - encouraging people from Feb 5. Ecumenical Retreat in Toowoomba. Looking forward the new Bargara Uniting Church members of the Bargara and the surrounding building estates to positive models of being Church together, addressing the was opened on 29 November. Burnett Heads congregations. to become part of the church diffi cult issues of Orders and Church Leadership (episcope) Bargara is a popular seaside Th ere were visitors from other family. and Eucharistic Hospitality. Speakers from Anglican, Catholic, area near Bundaberg and architect Uniting Churches, ecumenical With an already active Lutheran and Uniting traditions. Contact Rev Brian Sparksman David Hackwood designed a representatives and interested playgroup, the congregation on 07 4632 8835 or [email protected]. building which suited the climate local residents. looks forward to sharing the joy and caught breezes. Organist David Hackwood, of being part of God’s family with Feb 9-May 25. Learning for Living: A Course in Spirituality, Over 230 people attended the a member of Bayside Uniting those around them. Mission, and Service coordinated by the Pilgrim Learning opening service which was led by Church in Brisbane, also played Story submitted by Community and the Moreton Rivers Presbytery. Providing lay Mary Burnett Presbytery Minister for the event. education focusing on the enrichment of personal spirituality, Lyn Payne Rev David Fanning, Bundaberg Th e members of the Bargara as well as preparation for the ministry of lay preacher. Topic: and Coral Coast Uniting Church congregation have worked Understanding the Hebrew Scriptures. Contact Aaron Ghiloni at [email protected].
Feb 12, 9.30am-1pm. Christian Meditation Community Day Church members receive Australia Day honours with Fr. Laurence Freeman, World Director of the Christian Meditation Community, at the Marymac Community Centre, 616 ONCE AGAIN many church Ten Uniting Church mem- cellency Quentin Bryce AC, Ipswich Rd, Annerley. Bring lunch to share. Suggested donation members have been announced bers received the Medal (OAM) said the 446 recipients were $10. Contact Gabby Nelson on 3711 4227 or [email protected]. on the Australia Day Honours of the Order of Australia. recognised for their diverse au. List. One Queenslander on the contributions and service to Th ree Uniting Church list was Stephen Paul, Principal fellow citizens. Feb 16, 9.30am-12.30pm. UnitingWorld Support Group members were awarded an of John Paul College, Daisy Hill, McKay Patrol minister meeting at Wesley House, 140 Ann St, Brisbane. Congregations Order of Australia (AM) from 1998-2008. Rev Garry Hardingham also are invited to send representatives. Contact Judith Finau on 3711 including Professor David Black John Paul College was received a Special Achievement 4622 or ljfi [email protected]. from Western Australia, Philip Queensland’s fi rst ecumenical Award for the work he and Bruem from New South Wales school and was built through the the Nambour Uniting Church Feb 17, 10.30am. UCAF Qld Synod committee AGM and and former New South Wales co-operation of the Anglican, youth did rebuilding airstrips covenant service at Bayside Uniting Church, 420 Wondall Rd, and ACT Synod moderator Uniting and Catholic churches. after fl oods last year. Manly. All welcome. Please bring plate to share for lunch. Contact James Mein. Governor-General, Her Ex- Keith Lawson on 3203 1788 or [email protected].
Feb 18-20. Wheller Gardens Rummage Sale, Uhl Hall, 930 Gympie Rd., Chermside. Feb 18/19, 8.30am- 3pm, Feb 20, 8am- 12 noon. Clothes, books, knick-knacks. Contact Merril Herbert on 3857 4668 or [email protected].
March 6, 9am-4pm. Life Needs Religion Renewed seminar at Merthyr Road Uniting Church Centre, 52 Merthyr Rd, New Farm. Progressive Spirituality Network and St Mary’s Community in Exile present a one day seminar with Dr Val Webb (Does God create religion or religion create God?) and Father Peter Kennedy (Divisions created by religion). $50 inc morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Registrations essential. Contact Ross on 0409 498 402 or [email protected].
March 6, 7am-12pm. Edmonton Uniting Church Monster Garage Sale. Everything from clothes, toys, manchester, books, furniture and much more. All Welcome. Contact Anita Brown on 07 4036 4199 or [email protected].
March 13, 6am-12pm. Th e Gap Uniting Church Garage Sale. Hunt for all the bargains you can! Selling kitchenware, furniture, electrical items, gardening and sports equipment, and much more. 10 per cent of money raised goes towards local chaplaincy. Contact Scott McDonald on 0419 927 988 or you_got_what_i_ [email protected].
March 13, 9am-12pm. Church ministry enrichment day at Chermside Kedron Community Church. Practical workshops, networking and sharing among lay leaders. Sponsored by the Moreton Rivers Presbytery. Contact Aaron Ghiloni on 3369 8929 or [email protected].
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Journey - February 2010 JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU REVIEWS 1133
Stop the Traffi k: People shouldn’t God with Skin On: be bought and sold By Steve Chalk with a chapter by Finding God’s Love in Human Relationships Cherie Blair, Lion Books, 2009, By Anne Robertson, Morehouse Publishing, 2009, RRP $34.95 RRP $19.95 Reviewed by Sue Pickering, Reviewed by Rev Mel Perkins, Families Minister at Aspley Uniting minister at Trinity Wilston Church Uniting Church and a passion- THE AUTHOR starts her thoughtful and insightful way ate social justice advocator introduction with the story of of writing –her writing displays the little boy who needs “God honesty and humour. PEOPLE ALL over the world with skin on” to help him I found it a seamless mix of are victims of traffi cking with through his night-time fears. theology, personal stories, stories around 80 per cent of traffi cked We all need “God with skin about others, biblical stories and people being women and girls on” in our lives. psychology. with up to 50 per cent being Ms Robertson’s premise is Th e writing is natural and children. that we, particularly those of almost casual at times, as though Th e total profi t from human us who profess to be Christian, it was a discussion over coff ee. traffi cking is second only to the reason being that people living all need to realise how we Th e chapters are structured traffi cking of drugs. in extreme poverty are more often represent God for others, in a way that takes us from our Stop the Traffi k gives an vulnerable to traffi ckers who whether we are aware of it or family of origin out into the world overview of the campaign to use abusive, and exploitative not. of school and work. relationships with the spiritual fi ght human traffi cking and measures to lure people into She says that we need to be Diff erent chapters deal with world – three areas which are off ers ideas and resources for the world of traffi cking. intentional in being God for siblings, authority, parents, important in many people’s taking action. However there are accounts others – “You might be the intimate partners, and friends. lives but ones that are not given It provides facts and fi gures of young girls in the UK who only Jesus/God some people In this way, Ms Robertson seeks perhaps as much emphasis as in relation to this shocking are groomed and sold; a sober ever meet”. to demonstrate how we represent human relationships (except trade; however, as with all reminder to all that traffi cking Th is understanding is not God in diff erent ways in diff erent our relationship with God, of statistics, the reader needs to can happen in our own particularly new; many have types of relationships. course). be mindful of the fact that the backyards. spoken and written on this At the end of each chapter is I think God with Skin On nature of this trade means that Stop the Traffi k is a great before. a set of discussion questions that would be an interesting book the true extent is unknown. book for anyone who wants But there are a number of would be useful if reading the for a group study, or even a Th e book is easy to read and to learn more about human things about God with Skin book with a group. whole congregation study, but contains a number of personal traffi cking. On that would cause me to Ms Robertson looks at our it can easily be read alone. stories. As the book says, humanity recommend it to others. relationships with the animal It certainly provides much Many of the stories originate should not be turned into a I loved Ms Robertson’s kingdom, virtual relationships and food for thought. from the developing world, the commodity.
Bedtime Stories for Little Angels By Sarah J. Dodd and illustrated by Dubravka Kolanovic, Lion Etty Hillesum: A Life Transformed Children’s, 2009, RRP $19.95 By Patrick Woodhouse, Continuum 2009, RRP $30.95 Reviewed by John Ruhle, minister at The Gap Uniting Church Reviewed by Alan Renton BEDTIME STORIES for Little Each story contains a learning Angels is a collection of 10 experience. DURING MORE than 50 “delightful stories of mirth Th ere are stories based on years as country minister and and mischief which will bring friendship, sharing and not being retired minister I have made every little angel’s day to a afraid of what is under the bed, many friends with men and perfect ending” and bring just to name a few. women whose lives have been sweet dreams. Each story is accompanied distorted and traumatised I read the stories with my by cute pastel drawings that or girls from toddlers up to the by dysfunctional homes, three, fi ve and seven-year- really add to the whole reading age of 10. unsatisfactory child-care old girls and it was the older experience. Th e book is a part of a series “homes” and abuse. two girls who were most Bedtime Stories for Little which also includes Prayers for Th is book is a must read interested. Angels would be suitable for boys Little Angels and Christmas for those who believe that the Stories for Little Angels. God we know in Christ is able Holland they found that the to transform, ennoble-ise and Dutch registers contained send into ministry every one of the names and particulars of his children. all Jews in the country, over More reviews online at www.journeyonline.com.au including: I wish that I had had it at the 100,000 all told. beginning of my ministry, but Th is was a death sentence would I have had the wisdom for just over 100,000 men, to understand it? women, and children who God Goes on Vacation Us and Them: Maid in God’s Image: It tells of a young Dutch- were then exterminated. Text and illustrations by Edwina Muslim-Christian In Search of the Unruly Jewish girl from a dysfunctional Some few thousand escaped Gately, Paulist Press, 2009, relations and cultural Woman family who through the most by hiding. Etty could have been RRP $19.95 harmony in Australia By Verena Wright, Darton, unlikely of God’s agents, among them. found her faith and her With her new-found faith By Dr Abe W Ata, Australian Longman & Todd, 2008, RRP $38.95 ministry of compassion and she chose to accompany them. Academic Press, 2009, RRP $29.95 understanding. For the six or so months I remember reading of in the staging camps she a great Christian minister ministered to them and then (possibly John Wesley) who died with them in Auschwitz- rode with criminals to the Birkenau. gallows, giving comfort along Th ere are many quotations the way. Etty went further than from her diary. that. To feel her incredible story When the Nazis invaded you must read this book.
Books available from … Many of the titles reviewed in Journey are available from St Paul’s Bookstore or Christian Supplies in Brisbane city. Books can usually be ordered from Vision Books at Broadwater Road Uniting Church, Mansfi eld, or may be available from www.mosaicresources.com.au
Journey - February 2010 1144 PRAYER DIARY / FAST NEWS JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU Aub Baker ends his innings
TWENTY YEARS after his circuits” and his involvement retirement, Rev Aubrey Baker in teacher and leader training celebrated the offi cial end camps and the Home Mission of ministry with a service at Department. Lifeworks Uniting Church, Elaine Atkinson and family Toowoomba, on 3 January. expressed their heartfelt thanks The date also marked Mr and appreciation to Mr Baker Baker and wife Ailsa’s 57th for 30 years of spiritual and wedding anniversary. pastoral care to the Blackall Since being ordained in 1951 congregation. with the Methodist Church Mr “As a family we have been Baker has had a vast a varied blessed to have someone with ministry that has taken him the integrity and compassion all over the State including of Aub to provide religious Barcaldine, Rockhampton, and services to the people of the Townsville where he oversaw bush,” she said. the building of the John The Crook-King family of Flynn College at James Cook Morven, 87kms from Charleville, University. paid tribute to Mr Baker’s Rev Aub Baker gets ready for his fi nal In 1975 Mr Baker was support of rural families. service. Photo by Dave Noonan and director of Toowoomba’s Blue Peter and Marie Crook-King courtesy of The Chronicle Nursing before becoming a remembered Mr Baker rallying Frontier Services Patrol Padre. for farmers from afar after the His retirement in 1990 took Charleville fl ood in 1990. “It seemed that no one out to know that Aub was on the Mr Baker told Toowoomba’s him to serve in the church in “Within a year the wool there cared, until one day I case. The Chronicle that in retirement New Zealand, Alice Springs, market had almost totally heard Aubrey being interviewed “Food parcels started arriv- he planned to enjoy some Birdsville and, Toowoomba. collapsed and the drought set on the radio in Toowoomba, ing at every property and for cricket. Former Uniting Church in again. We had a negative rallying for some fi nancial us there were also very useful “I’m a cricket tragic,” he President Rev John Mavor income, two young children to support for farmers out in the cheques in the mail to help with said. and wife Rae remembered Mr educate and an impatient bank southwest,” they said. education expenses and this “And I’ve decided to declare Baker’s “effective ministry in manager. “It gave me a tremendous lift kept up for maybe two years.” my innings closed.”
“Th is was a tough Smart buying starts young competition with 380 students from 26 schools across SHANIA DEKKERS from innovation of this year’s entries. Queensland entering the Rockhampton South Uniting “Th e Buy Smart competition this year,” he said. Church Youth Group took competition challenges school “What a wonderful out third place at the Queensland students to create fun and achievement for Shania. government’s Buy Smart innovative ways to spread “Th is is also the fourth competition (in the Year 5-7 important fi nancial and year Shania has entered the category) at the end of last year. consumer messages,” Mr competition and each year she Shania made an educational Lawlor said. has achieved a placing. video on purchasing practises “Th is year’s entries “What a remarkable and and making good decisions when were very original and I talented young lady.” buying things. was impressed with the Mr Lawlor said this year’s Shania Dekkers, centre, receives her award with Rev Glen It also included a song, winning imaginative use of diff erent media entrants had risen to the creative Ingram, left, and Mr Rod Page, Fair Trading representative her a personal prize of $150, along to fulfi l the judges’ requirements.” challenge set by the Buy Smart (Rockhampton). Photo by Sharon Dekkers with $500 for her youth group. Member for Rockhampton com petition and learnt some Minister for Fair Trading Robert Schwarten also important lessons along the way. Peter Lawlor MP praised the congratulated Shania. “Many young people Sunday 7 February: do not understand the Fernvale and Lowood Uniting Church consequences of running up high debts,” he said. THE UNITING Churches in the church is decorated Sunday 21 February: “Th is competition invites Fernvale and Lowood are in with produce, which is later Gympie Uniting Church students to work out the best the beautiful Brisbane Valley. auctioned. ways of informing other young Th e congregations work During 2009, after two GYMPIE UNITING Church Pray for Gympie as Pastor people about these issues.” together to obey our Lord’s years of discussion, research, shares its life in a region rich Graham Bizzell leads a process commands to love one another and much prayer, the two in history, tourism, timber, of review of priorities, mission and help those in need. congregations decided to join farming and cattle. practices, meeting structures Th is is done by congrega- as one congregation on the Seven years ago the Gympie and best use of facilities. tion members delivering Meals Fernvale site. congregation joined two Th is year Mary Valley and on Wheels and by supporting Please pray for: worshipping groups together Gympie Church councillors the school chaplaincy • Th e granting of at Red Hill, but have retained plan to share their meetings program. permission to build a new the heritage listed site at and study times together Blue Care runs Glenwood multipurpose worship centre Surface Hill. to grow the life of the two Hostel and assists people to on the Fernvale site, and that Services are held at Gympie, pastorates closer together. continue living in their own the new building will be in use Imbil, Amamoor, Th eebine, Pray that leaders hear wisely homes. by the end of 2010. and Rainbow Beach. and follow God’s peaceful Th e Blue Nurses Th rift • Th e school chaplaincy Combined services are held promptings. Shops at Lowood and Rose- service and that Federal throughout the parish on the Pray for the Mary Valley wood raise funds to provide funding will be permanent. 5th Sundays of the month. congregation and Rev Iain extra resources for Blue Care • Th e Blue Nurses Th rift Praise God for 2009 and all Watt as they are involved in the and the Glenwood Hostel. Shops to continue serving his goodness to us. support and reconstruction of 29 Dec 2010 Annually the Adult the community and for the Pray we will all be able community in the Mary Valley Fellowship organise a shop and Meals on Wheels to continue to serve him following Peter Garrett’s 4 Jan 2011 progressive dinner, pie drive volunteers. wholeheartedly in the new decision to stop the building Gold Coast and fashion parade to which • Glenwood Hostel and year, that the fear of the Lord of the dam in the heart of members of the community that resources will be available will increase amongst us and their community. Pray for and local churches are invited for expansion. that many will come to know peace, reconciliation and hope Check out to attend and participate. • Spiritual guidance in all Christ as Lord and grow in the as hurt, mistrust, grief and www.ncyc11.com.au During the Harvest Festival, our work. knowledge of him. confusion are dispelled.
Journey - February 2010 JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU LETTERS 1155
Ideas to slow rising seas
Future of the REGARDING YOUR article Th e long term option is obvi- Planting mangroves has Lowest people on earth ous and they need to move to been suggested and should be have highest priorities from places with higher ground. encouraged. COP15 talks (December To help stabilise the soil at If a few mangrove plants are Church lies JourneyOnline). the water’s edge and stop the noticed and can survive then I have spoken to the people trees being washed away, there they could experiment with of the Torres Strait and they are many species of sedges and species from other tropical too are having problems with grasses that are salt tolerant and island countries that have sea level rise. grow in the sand of the Australian mangroves. in present I have been aware of the coastline. Th ere are publications islanders’ plight for some years Th ese species would grow on the internet from the US and thought to mention the around the edge of the islands Agroforesty Information AMERICAN M.E. Van of evangelising the existing following ideas which could be and would hold the coral sand Service entitled Agroforestry Nostrand gave a year of church people? Stimulating helpful in coping with sea level together, more so than without of the Pacifi c Technologies. his ministry to suburban them to be more caring, more rise until such times as more these species. I studied botany ... and hope Brisbane. eff ective, more outreaching to permanent arrangements are Th e loose nature of the gravel these ideas are useful to the In addition he gave a gift the community at large?” in place. and coral detritus at the water’s people of Tuvalu and all the to the Synod – his study of If he included our preachers Regarding the growing of edge would make it susceptible island communities aff ected evangelism, as he saw it here. with “church people” I agree crops and useful plants on to eroding wave action, especially by sea level rise. Th is was in June 1981. and rest my case. these aff ected Pacifi c Islands, at king high tides and result in He added to it a 17 page Phillip Ramsay it would seem the short-term ready intrusion of the salt water Merilyn Thomas appendix from which I quote: Manley West option (10-20 years) is to grow into their living and agricultural “Isn’t the problem a matter salt tolerant species. space. Townsville
Would that change our world? have a good understanding Confused The way, Lesson Th e sad thing is that we have of what the Bible says unless far too many people in the church we are prepared to study by funds truth and learnt who believe and not enough who psychological insights and trust. historical knowledge of the the light I ATTENDED Dutch We should not confuse people who wrote the book. I COMMEND the theologian Dr Geursen’s something the church has done Caloundra Uniting Church lectures at a YMCA college for ages; the meaning of the words for taking the initiative and ROB PYM (December class in Melbourne in the ‘faith’ and ‘belief’. Len Notenboom installing solar panels in Journey) is correct in that 1950s. We cannot even begin to Elanora the form of a Cross on the John 14:6 cannot be taken He started off by saying roof of their Church, and in out of context but unfort- that he would probably so doing helping to reduce unately “those people” shock us because he said their greenhouse gases by who came to “certain the Old and the New 65 per cent. conclusions” about Christ Testament needed to be CLASSIFIEDS But I do question their and the Bible were the “demythologised”. decision to source a major very ones who buried Jesus Indeed I was shocked Accommodation General portion of their fi nance for under all that rubbish and but I knew that I would the project, from monies not the ones being accused have the opportunity to Brick Holiday House – Coolum Uniting Church Institute: Ex- originating from a source of that crime today. carefully question him and Beach QLD. Walk to patrolled pressions of interest are sought which I am sure they Recent research into so I listened carefully to beach & shops. Seniors & for participation, on a paid or Ministers 25% discount. Website: voluntary basis, in exploring and would have, or should have, the character and political what he had to say. http://users.tpg.com.au/coolumb. trying out fresh expressions of known, infl icts fi nancial intentions of those in I believe Michael Christian faith and practice in as- misery upon many of its Roman times, involved in Brumpton (December London B & B. Easy city access; sociation with the Uniting Church. lge double room, ensuite, self- contributing participants. assembling the Bible that Journey) could also have Although commitment to what is catering. Reas rates. rachel@ coming to be known as Progres- Th ere always have to be we have inherited today, done with another lecture brockleybandb.fsnet.co.uk sive Christianity is not necessary, more losers than winners in has cleared away a lot of by Dr Geursen in which he Ph/Fax: 001144.2086946538. it will be helpful to be familiar with that approach. Enquiries: any gambling operation. misconceptions that are explained that the origin of Holiday unit, modern, pool. 100m [email protected] Th e question I ask puzzling many seekers after the word faith is not belief from Kings Beach Caloundra from is: where is the church spiritual truth today. but trust. $360/wk. Ph Ray 0427990161. heading? Basil Gillespie Just imagine if Chris- For an organisation Beachmere tians, Jews and Moslems which would not even started trusting each other. Email your classifi ed advertisements to [email protected] hold a local raffl e to raise funds, but is quite happy to obtain funds from a similar but much more elaborate gambling scheme, what is Position Vacant SCHOOL CHAPLAINS the reasoning? Chaplain Wesley Mission Th e Lord works in some Brisbane mysterious ways. Applications are invited for the position of fulltime Chaplain with SU Qld, a Christian interchurch youth and children’s Wesley Mission Brisbane, Aged Care Services. The appointed John Wells chaplain may be a lay person, or an ordained Minister of Religion agency, invites applications for the following Peachester and will have experience with Aged Care. Chaplains work as part of positions of School Chaplain: a team so the applicant will need to be able to demonstrate proven team work. Chaplains walk alongside residents and staff and families, showing Ravenshoe P-12 School God’s love in action. They support people according to their individual Send your letters to needs, be these physical, emotional or spiritual, and allow people Mount Garnet State School [email protected] or to work through life issues with confidentiality and assist in times of crisis especially at the end of their life. Journey GPO Box 674, Applicants will need to embrace the mission of SU For more information or a Position Description please contact Qld, and demonstrate their suitability to provide Brisbane QLD 4001. Chairperson JNC, Wesley Mission Brisbane Chaplain C/- Secretary Synod Placements Committee support and care to young people. Letters may be edited Uniting Church in Australia (QLD Synod) due to space limitations. GPO Box 674, Brisbane 4001, Qld More information and apply online at www.apply.su- Or phone 07 3031 3030 chaplain.com or Katie Cade on 0428 402 918 Please keep letters to a Applications close on February 22, 2010 maximum of 250 words. www.wmb.org.au
Journey - February 2010 1166 JJOURNEYOURNEY ASKSASKS JOURNEYONLINE.COM.AU How do you know God loves you?
Schweitzer By Jacob
sels By Gracie Kes
Journey thanks Simon Gomersall and the children of Toowong Uniting Schweitzer Church for their answers and By Zoe Gracie Kessels and Zoe and Jacob Schweitzer for their beautiful drawings.
It’s always easier when you have a plan…
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Journey - February 2010