South Moreton Presbytery Newsletter: 4 July 2018 [Page 1]
4 JULY 2018
Next issue: July 18. Deadline: Midday July 17.
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In this issue ► Click on the heading to jump to that item on the following pages
1. News around the Presbytery
2. 15th Assembly – fun facts
3. Condolences
4. Dates to keep in mind
5. Ballots for Chairperson, Treasurer
6. Kids Camp Out
7. Presbytery fund for ministry training
8. COE/SMWC – new training days
9. Safe ministry: Do Module 1 online!
10. Safe Ministry: Congregation training
11. Admin Reminders
12. UnitingWomen: Sponsorships
13. Safety Alert – self-supporting signs
14. Join the Assembly’s work
15. Presbytery at Prayer
16. Presbytery Minister’s reflection
17. Phil Day’s cartoon
18. Church planting: Bishop Ric Thorpe
19. Magic of Music, Ashmore UC
20. Flying Padre Mackay fundraiser
21. Are you called to patrol ministry?
22. Intergenerational Ministry
23. First Aid Training, July 31
24. Abundant justice, prophetic
imagination
25. Presbytery Communication List
South Moreton Presbytery Newsletter: 4 July 2018 [Page 2]
News around the Presbytery
Conclusion service for Grant Cheng
Rev. Grant Cheng concluded his placement at Brisbane Taiwanese UC on July 1. Grant was
inducted in March 2014. Immigration changes prevented him from obtaining Permanent Residency
and he and his wife Tai-Ling Hsu and son Jen-Chieh (Jay) will return to Taiwan. Pictured with
Grant during the conclusion liturgy are (from left) Rev. Dr Paul Walton, Ps David Busch, Ps
Levon Kardashian and Church Council chair, Tony Shao. Rev. Ian Hartland has started half-
time supply. The previous Sunday the Congregation celebrated its 28th anniversary. It is the UCA’s
only Taiwanese Congregation.
Logan Multicultural hosts talanoa
On 23 June, Synod’s Multi/Cross
Cultural Reference Group held its
community meeting at Logan Central
Multicultural UC. The church’s Gen 2
group led opening worship (pictured),
which included Rev. Esteban Lievano
and two members sharing how ministry
happens in this unique Congregation.
MCCRG convenor Akesa Racava and
Committee members introduced
themselves, and conversation flowed on
various topics until lunch, which was
Lebanese pastries.
Born on the Fourth of July: Congratulations to Rev. Matthew and Laura O’Donoghue on the
birth of their second daughter, Amelia, on July 4. A sister for Clara.
South Moreton Presbytery Newsletter: 4 July 2018 [Page 3]
UCA 15th ASSEMBLY
Next week’s triennial meeting of the UCA Assembly will be on the minds of many of our people.
Here are some fun facts which may broaden your appreciation of this triennial gathering.
This is the 4th Assembly to meet in Melbourne. In winter. Assemblies have not yet been held in
Tasmania, Northern Territory or Canberra. Or in summer or spring.
At least 9 are going from South Moreton: Our Presbytery-elected members, Rev. Andrew Ross
and Gaye Pitman. Among those elected by Synod were Rev. Lu Senituli, Elaine Rae, Ps David
Busch. Members attending in other capacities are Ps Moses Leth, Noah Kim and Virginia
Lavaki. Ps Levon Kardashian will attend as a visitor. Please pray for them and all members.
Dr Deidre Palmer will be only the 2nd woman and 4th lay person to be President, and the 3rd from
Adelaide. She is a Christian educator, social worker and counsellor, and was SA Synod Moderator
(2013-16). Husband Lawrie is Medical Head of Northern Adelaide Palliative Service.
This is not a single-issue meeting! It’s not all about marriage. There are 33 reports giving a
comprehensive view of the range and depth of the UCA’s national and international work, and 33
proposals to date (excluding procedurals and Minutes of Appreciation). Eight proposals are on
same-gender marriage (can we call them marriage proposals?), but other important issues are on the
table. It’s all on the web site. Reports, proposals, timetable, resources, prayers. Dive in! Be informed!
This Assembly coincides with NAIDOC Week (July 8-15). Its theme celebrates the leadership of
Aboriginal women, and this will be reflected in how the Assembly acknowledges and engages with
the Uniting Aboriginal & Islander Christian Congress and the UCA-UAICC Covenant. Sovereignty
and treaty will be discussed. There may be major, complex implications for our decisions on this.
The five main business days each have three sessions of worship or prayer. Each day has been
allocated to a different Synod. Friday is Queensland’s day. The opening service and presidential
installation is this Sunday evening at St Michael’s UC, Melbourne City.
Discussion on marriage will begin Monday afternoon. It will continue in the 20 or so working
groups … as well as in corridors, car parks, social media and lunch queues. Discernment isn’t
always tidy. But it requires a disposition of prayer and openness.
Qld Synod moderator, Rev. David Baker, is one of five nominations for President-Elect. Check
them all out here. And pray for each of them. It’s no small thing to offer yourself for such a role.
Rev. Dr Ken Carter, Bishop of the United Methodist Church Florida Conference, will give the
Cato lecture on the Assembly theme, Abundant Grace, Liberating Hope. And at least 18 guests
from UCA partner churches in Asia, Africa, Middle East and the Pacific will attend Assembly.
Stay in touch. You can stay across the news and engage through the Assembly’s Facebook page,
Twitter account, Instagram site and Vimeo video channel.
Finally, we’re up next. Qld Synod has offered to host the next Assembly in 2021. In winter.
South Moreton Presbytery Newsletter: 4 July 2018 [Page 4]
Condolences
We offer condolences and prayers for the families of the following connected with Presbytery who
have died recently:
Rev. Roy Cowin, who served in Boggabri, Strathfield-Homebush, Kyogle and Alstonville (NSW-
ACT Synod) and St Marks Mt Gravatt, died on June 29. His funeral was at Alstonville today (July
5). Survived by Marie and family.
Rev James (Jim) McConaghy died on July 3. He served in Redcliffe, Stanthorpe, Toowoomba,
Fortitude Valley, Kenmore, SE. Police Academy, Kenmore again, and retired in 1987. His funeral
will be at St Andrew’s UC, Brisbane, on Tuesday July 24, time to be confirmed.
Bob Clapham of Trinity Wellington Point UC died on July 2, the husband of Jenny who has
extensive UCA and ecumenical involvements across the Redlands and further afield. His service of
celebration will be at Trinity UC (47 Marlborough St) on Friday, July 6 at 12:30 pm.
Erich Willmann of Cleveland UC, died on July 1. He and Elma served across the Redlands and in
PNG for many years. A Memorial Service of Celebration will be at Cleveland UC (36 Passage St)
on Monday, July 9 at 10:30 am.
Presbytery dates to keep in mind
Sunday, July 8 to
Saturday, July 14
UCA 15th Assembly (Melbourne).
Friday, July 13 Commissioning of Ps Helen Hill as Pastoral Care Manager, St
Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, 11:00 am.
Tuesday, July 17 Code of Ethics 9:00-12:00 and Safe Ministry with Children
(Ministry Agents) 1:00-4:00 pm, Beenleigh Region UC, 32-50 Mt
Warren Blvd, Mt Warren Park. Details here.
Wednesday, July 18 Synod Placements Committee
Sunday, July 22 Commissioning of Matt Hornby as Community Life Pastor at Logan
UC, Springwood, 9:30 am.
Tuesday, July 24 Presbytery Standing Committee, 5:00 pm, Presbytery Office
Sunday, July 29 Conclusion service for Rev. Bob Miles, 8:30 am, Living Faith UC,
330 Pine Mountain Rd, Carina Heights.
Tuesday, August 7 Pastoral Relations Committee, 5:00 pm, Beenleigh Region UC.
Saturday, August 11 Presbytery meeting, 9:00-1:00, Beenleigh Region UC.
Sunday, August 12 20th anniversary service of Stephens Parish, Yeronga UC, 9:00 am.
The Presbytery 2018 Calendar is available to download or print here.
South Moreton Presbytery Newsletter: 4 July 2018 [Page 5]
Presbytery ballots for Chairperson and Treasurer
Due to work commitments, the Presbytery Treasurer, Jordan Whittaker has tendered his resignation
as at the end of 2018. This means there will be ballots to elect both a Presbytery Chairperson and
Treasurer at the August 11 Presbytery meeting.
Election for each office is for a 3-year term. Nomination forms and information about the roles are
available from the Presbytery Office. Nominations for both close Friday, July 27.
These are significant roles in Presbytery leadership. Please pray for these positions and encourage
nominations from people who might be suitable candidates.
Register now for Kids Camp Out – August 25-26
Kids Camp Out is an overnight camp for kids aged 7-12, in which congregations with their leaders,
parents and children can participate. Whether you’ve got only a few children and a couple of
leaders or a substantial group – all are welcome. Please note the leader:child ratio. Parents of
children are welcome to attend and join in the fun.
Details are on the Presbytery web site here, or contact Project Officer Mission, Beth Nicholls.
Presbytery fund for ministry training support
A new funding framework has been established for how the Presbytery will support ordinands,
Pastors and Lay Preachers in their theological and ministry training.
Called the Ministry Support Fund, its purposes are to assist the Presbytery’s ordination candidates
to undertake studies or participate in activities relevant to their training and formation for ministry;
assist those serving in the specified ministry of Pastor to continue their theological training and
other forms of ministry development beyond what is able to be funded through their annual CEM
allowance; and assist accredited Lay Preachers to continue their theological training and other
forms of ministry development.
Grants can range from $100-$1000 for any individual person in one calendar year.
The fund will be resourced through offerings collected at Presbytery-led induction and
commissioning services. For eligibility and application details, the Ministry Support Fund
guidelines (approved by Presbytery Standing Committee on April 24) are here.
South Moreton Presbytery Newsletter: 4 July 2018 [Page 6]
Code of Ethics, SMWC for ministry agents: Extra options!
Our Presbytery’s ministry agents’ training day for Code of
Ethics and Safe Ministry With Children on July 17 is fully
subscribed. But now two more training days have been
arranged:
• Thursday, September 27, UnitingCare Qld
offices, Ann St, City.
• Friday, October 26, Chermside-Kedron UC.
See this flyer for details and registrations.
Presbytery records suggest that some 40 ministry agents in South Moreton – either in placement,
supply, available for supply or in Pastor roles – have not yet done this training during 2018 and are
not registered for July 17. Please note it is mandatory for ministry agents to do the training each
year.
If you have not yet done so, please ensure you attend one of these final two events, and
register early so you don’t miss out.
And if you’re attending the Safe Ministry with Children
– do the online module first
The SMWC training offered on this day is the second of the two mandatory training modules. The
first module needs to be done online first, and the assessment satisfactorily completed, prior to
attending the training day. Participants at the training day who do not bring their certificate of
completion from Module 1 (which you print after completing the assessment) will not be able
to participate in Module 2 at the training day.
People enrolled in the day should have received an email explaining this, but here are the steps:
1. Satya Swami from Synod Office will issue participants with a log-in code to do Module 1
online. If you have not received this, contact Satya and ask for it: phone 3377 9990, or 0409
516 414, or email [email protected].
2. Complete Module 1 in your own time. Bring the certificate of completion with you to
SMWC ministry agents’ training.
3. Complete the face to face Module 2 at the training day.
4. At that training, participants you will be given the online access code to do the assessment
for Module 2
5. Complete Module 2 assessment in your own time. You will then be issued with a
completion certificate, and your SMWC accreditation is up to date.
If you have general questions about this, please contact either Rev. Beth Nicholls or Greg Seymour
(details on the Communication List).
South Moreton Presbytery Newsletter: 4 July 2018 [Page 7]
Safe Ministry with Children training – volunteers, leaders
SMWC training for leaders and volunteers in Congregations is required every two years.
Congregations often arrange their own training which is also open to people from other churches.
Details of upcoming training dates are:
MORETON RIVERS PRESBYTERY:
• Saturday, 21 July 2018, St Paul’s UC, Stafford (242 Webster Rd), 9:30–12:30.
RSVP by Wednesday 18 July to Mavis Nielsen.
Email: [email protected] Phone: 3356 9465
• Monday, 13 August 2018, Chermside Kedron Community Church (590 Gympie Rd,
Chermside), 7:00–10.00 pm.
For more information: click here
For online registration: click here
• Sunday, 16 September 2018, Morayfield UC (12-16 Weier Rd), 10:00–1:00.
For more information: click here
For online registration: click here
BREMER BRISBANE PRESBYTERY:
• Tuesday 24 July 2018, Toowong UC (82 Sherwood Rd), 6:00-9:00 pm.
RSVP: Melloney Braithwaite, 0413 667 671 or email: [email protected].
Refreshments provided. Certificates will be issued on the day if the full 3 hours training is
attended.
Admin reminders for treasurers and Church Councils
2017 Congregational Financial Returns were due on March 31.
There are a number of congregations in the Presbytery still with outstanding returns.
2017 Audit Declarations are due by June 30.
If your Congregation is finding difficulty locating an auditor, please contact the Presbytery Office.
Presbytery sponsorships for UnitingWomen 2018
Occasionally, Presbytery offers sponsorships to key events for the training and faith enrichment of
its people, enabling people to attend who otherwise could not afford to go. In particular, it is a way
of investing in emerging leaders. Presbytery is offering 10 sponsorships to encourage women to
attend the UnitingWomen 2018 gathering at Somerville House, Brisbane, September 27-30.
This is the third UnitingWomen conference, designed to bring UCA women together in God’s
name, finding acceptance, encouragement and inspiration. A spectacular program of speakers and
exhibitors is being developed. Visit unitingwomen.org.au to find out more.
Presbytery sponsorships close July 31. More details and application form online here.
South Moreton Presbytery Newsletter: 4 July 2018 [Page 8]
Self-supporting signs
Worksafe Qld have recently issued a safety alert in relation to self-supporting signs. The Synod
Office asks that all of our locations assess any self-supporting signs at their sites as a matter of
importance to determine if this WHS risk exists and requires immediate action.
The full Worksafe Qld Safety Alert can be viewed here.
Action required by Qld Synod Office Locations, Schools and Congregations:
Have a competent person undertake an inspection of any self-supporting signs. Check for:
• Corrosion evidence, cavities allowing water ingress and poor drainage around the base;
• The ability of the pole structure to support the anticipated dead and environmental loads e.g.
signage dimensions/weight , severe weather events;
• Remove/rectify any existing sign which is considered to be an imminent WHS risk (Synod
suggests engaging a suitably qualified registered professional engineer).
Ensure signs are part of your regular inspection programs and documented – twice per year
recommended and after any severe weather event. Consider sign design, location, loads when
installing a new sign, and ensure when they are erected they will not create a hazard/risk (i.e.
corrosion resistant, pole attached to base plate bolted to concrete pad above ground level, good
drainage).
More information from the Synod’s Health and Safety team, [email protected] or Peter
Rose 0419 527 985 or Christine Przibilla 0439 136 171.
Do you want to participate in the national church’s work?
From July, the Assembly’s areas of mission and ministry will be grouped into seven Circles of
Interest: Walking together as First and Second Peoples; Being a Multicultural Church; Seeking
Common Ground (unity); Working for Justice; Discipling the Next Generations; Growing in Faith
(incl. theology); Transforming Worship. These replace previous working groups and committees.
These Circles will provide opportunities for people to be informed, contribute and connect with
others who share the same passion and interest. Interested? More details are here.
South Moreton Presbytery Newsletter: 4 July 2018 [Page 9]
Presbytery at prayer
This fortnight, the 2018 Presbytery Prayer Calendar invites us to pray for:
July 8: National Assembly which starts today; Incoming President, Deidre Palmer.
July 15: Trinity Wellington Point UC
If your church or activity is on the Prayer Calendar for July 22 or July 29, please email any specific
prayer points for the Newsletter to [email protected] by Tuesday July 17.
Download the 2018 Presbytery Prayer Calendar here
Year of Discernment (north-west region) prayer notes
08 July 2018
This week please pray for the Yeronga Congregation
The Yeronga congregation meets for worship 84 Kingsley Parade Yeronga each Sunday morning at
9.00 am. The congregation hosts a well-equipped Men's Shed gathering which meets twice a week
and hosts Coffee in the Courtyard, every Friday. Yeronga has monthly meetings of Day and Night
Fellowships and together with Wellers Hill/Tarragindi, Yeronga hosts a monthly Men's Breakfast.
Please pray for the Church Council and minister, Rev Peter Elliott
Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. (Jude 1:2)
15 July 2018
This week please pray for those in our community who are 65 years and older.
As at October 2017, the proportion of the estimated resident population aged 65 years and over in
our Year of Discernment region was 12.2%. That’s over 20,000 people many of whom are retired
and some of whom are socially isolated after the loss of life partner or with family now distant from
them. Upper Mount Gravatt area had the largest percentage of persons aged 65+ with 16.8% but
many people in this age group grew up with strong church connection which has been lost over the
decades. Older people offer a significant area of missional focus for our congregations.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a
lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the
house. (Matthew 5:14-15)
South Moreton Presbytery Newsletter: 4 July 2018 [Page 10]
Presbytery Minister’s reflection
As we anticipate the gathering and outcomes of the 15th
Assembly convening in Melbourne this Sunday, it may be
helpful to remember two foundational statements about
how the UCA understands itself.
The Constitution declares this to be our purpose: “The
purposes of the Church are to provide for the worship of
God, to proclaim the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, to
promote Christian fellowship, to nurture believers in the
Christian faith, to engage in mission, to assist in human
development and toward the improvement of human
relationships, to meet human need through charitable and
other services and to do such other things as may be
required in obedience to the Holy Spirit.”
Elsewhere it states, “The primary expression of the
corporate life of the Church shall be the Congregation,” a
succinct restating of the Basis of Union’s affirmation that,
“The Congregation is the embodiment in one place of the
One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, worshipping,
witnessing and serving as a fellowship of the Spirit in
Christ.”
Our inter-related councils are all intended to help us fulfil
those purposes, recognising that those purposes are
primarily fulfilled through the quality of worship, mission, pastoral care, Christian fellowship and
community service incarnated locally. What will grow us in faith, strengthen our hope, deepen our
love? Where do we need to experience death or resurrection? How will the light of the grace and
truth of Christ burn more clearly within and among us? Beyond earnest discussion and careful
resolutions, may our discernment find its truth in Congregations renewed in purpose and love.
David Busch
Phil Day
For high-resolution, signed copies of this cartoon, contact the artist: [email protected].
Geoff Arnett of Logan UC, pictured
here with his wife Janelle, has made
265 wooden holding crosses, to be
given to Assembly members as part
of the Friday morning worship being
led by Qld Synod. Thanks Geoff!
South Moreton Presbytery Newsletter: 4 July 2018 [Page 11]
FROM CONGREGATIONS & AGENCIES
EMAIL DETAILS OF YOUR EVENT TO [email protected]
Church planting: A conversation with Bishop Ric Thorpe Uniting Leaders and Generate 2021, in association with Alpha Australia,
invite you to a one-day conversation about church planting with Bishop Ric
Thorpe. Bishop Ric, a church planter himself, leads the Church of
England’s innovative and ambitious church planting strategy and has a
wealth of experience to share as both a practitioner and strategist. He is
responsible for the London Diocese’s goal of creating 100 new worshipping
communities by 2020 and is also working nationally to support dioceses to
plant new churches.
This will be on Tuesday, July 31, 9:30-4:00, at Newlife UC, 4 Greenwich Court, Robina. Cost
will be $50 ($40 student) which includes lunch, morning and afternoon teas and all materials.
Program details and registrations are here, or email Liz McNamee at [email protected].
Ashmore UC – Magic of Music concert
Magic of Music concert on Sunday, July 22 at 2:00 pm at Ashmore UC (144 Cotlew St). Entry by
donation.
Elanora UC - Flying Padre Mackay Patrol fundraiser
Artico Ensemble “Winter Serenade,” 2:00-5:00 pm on Sunday, July 22. An afternoon of beautiful
chamber music followed by high tea. Tickets: $25. Elanora UC (17 Applecross Way). Contact Mrs
Mary Flynn, 5598 8733 or email [email protected].
BlueCare adopts Montessori methods
Blue Care’s Metro South Cluster has adopted Montessori methods and is in the early stages of
implementation with great outcomes for residents of its aged care facilities. Montessori methods are
an evidence-based model of care, introduced in Metro South services in 2017, that enable people
living with dementia to flourish. Montessori environments enable individuals to be as independent
as possible, taking an evidence-based approach to creating caring communities aligned with the
individual’s needs, interests, abilities, skills and strengths. The environment is carefully prepared to
meet and nurture the needs of each person who lives there through engagement of roles e.g.
sweeping, washing up, setting tables and gardening.
With trained staff following the Montessori methods, BlueCare is seeing a reduction in anxiety,
medication, repetitive questioning and retraining of skills.
South Moreton Presbytery Newsletter: 4 July 2018 [Page 12]
ITEMS FROM OTHER SOURCES
Are you called to outback patrol ministry?
The Presbytery of The Downs, in partnership with Frontier Services, is seeking a person to minister
to remote rural and isolated communities in the Cunnamulla Burke and Wills area in south west
Queensland. If you have a passion for ministry with people in the outback, you will have many
opportunities to serve people in the small communities and large properties that are a part of this
remote area – Bedourie, Birdsville, Charleville, Cunnamulla, Quilpie, Wyandra and the like.
Together we will discern a call from God for this ministry as there are both challenges and growth
opportunities in what would become a ministry experience of a lifetime. Enquiries from ordained
and lay people can be directed to Rev, John Case at [email protected].
Intergenerational ministry training
Holly Allen, US author of the excellent book Intergenerational Christian Formation and editor of
the soon to be released Intergenerate: Transforming Churches through Intergenerational Ministry,
is coming to Australia and leading events in Sydney and Melbourne.
SYDNEY: July 31 and August 1. Further details and registrations here
MELBOURNE: July 27-28. More information and registration: [email protected].
First Aid training
Bremer Brisbane Presbytery is hosting CPR & First Aid Training on Saturday, July 31 at Goodna
UC (13 William St). CPR (HLTAID001) $55, 9:00-12:00. First Aid (HLTAID004) plus CPR, $100.
Numbers are limited. RSVP by Friday 13 July to: [email protected].
See flyer here.
Abundant Justice and Prophetic Imagination
Dr Neil Preston, Professor John Carroll and Michael Leunig are among the speakers at the Anglican
Church’s Abundant Justice and Prophetic Imagination event in Brisbane, July 16-18. The program
includes public evening events (including Pirate Church) and masterclasses on spirituality,
leadership and communal reflective practice.
Full program details and registrations on their web site.
South Moreton Presbytery Newsletter: 4 July 2018 [Page 13]
PRESBYTERY COMMUNICATION
All Presbytery mail should be sent to: PO Box 125, Beenleigh, Qld 4207
Presbytery Office
www.southmoreton.org.au
Mon-Fri, 9:00-2:00 3807 7421 [email protected]
Michele Cochrane (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu)
3807 7421 [email protected]
Greg Seymour (Tue, Fri) 3807 7421 [email protected]
Presbytery Minister Ps David Busch 0438 646 559 [email protected]
Generally, David’s day off will be Friday, but he will seek to monitor text messages on his mobile for urgent matters.
Project Officer: Mission Rev. Beth Nicholls 0407 170 573 [email protected]
Project Officer: Multicultural Mr Levon Kardashian 0410 404 542 [email protected]
Acting Presbytery Chairperson
Rev. Dr Paul Walton 0401 826 881 [email protected]
Presbytery Treasurer Jordan Whittaker 0429 212 655 [email protected]
Presbytery Secretary Gaye Pitman 0409 893 392 [email protected]
Pastoral Relations C’ttee Chairperson
Rev. Andrew Ross 0408 457 315 [email protected]
PRC Secretary Gaye Pitman 0409 893 392 [email protected]
Mission Resource C’ttee Chairperson
Rev. Ross Mackay 0432 681 362 [email protected]
MRC Admin Support Greg Seymour 3807 7421 [email protected]
POD Coordinator Rev. David MacGregor 0414 392 802 [email protected]
Lay Preacher Coordinator Neil Ballment [email protected]
Safe Ministry With Children Coordinator: Training
Rev. Beth Nicholls 0407 170 573 [email protected]
Safe Ministry With Children Coordinator: Administration
Greg Seymour (Tue, Fri)
3807 7421 [email protected]