Assembly Update April 2008
Read the latest issue of Assembly Update below, or download the PDF version.
Just a thought
News from the Assembly Standing Committee March 2008
"Next Gen" Spirituality
A hymn for ANZAC Day
UnitingJustice News
An Ordered Ministry (from Christian Unity)
Uniting International Mission News
National Ministers Conferences
MediaCom and Books for Unitings
Just a Thought
From: Rev. Terence Corkin
National Assembly General Secretary
I was interested recently to observe the reaction of some people when a “thank you” was offered. There had been expectations of a difficult meeting and it went much better than expected. Gratitude was expressed that it had been possible to do some good work together and that Christian fellowship was apparent.
Some time later I saw that this expression of appreciation was cast as a whole lot of “spin” and a denial of the difficulties that are present in the relationship. What a pity. Does being thankful mean that we are living in denial? Can we not be grateful for what God is doing among us and still expect more?
My hunch is that we can never receive all that God has in store for us as individuals or as a church unless we are thankful. It seems to me that unless we are thankful then we are not recognising the presence of God among us — and then what hope do we have? Being thankful to God is the personal and theological foundation of our hope in Christ. It is the thankful ones — even in the face of ongoing difficulties — who dare to pray expectantly for a better day.
Being thankful is not “spin” or denying problems. It is an act of faith. An acknowledgment that God is with us and that we haven’t hit our peak yet! Perhaps one of the reasons for the morale problems in some parts of the life of the UCA is that we spend so much time saying what is wrong and not enough time being thankful. We have a lot to be thankful for in the UCA. Sure we have a lot more to hope for too. But at the risk of being accused of being a “spin doctor” again: in everything give thanks.
News from the Assembly Standing Committee March 2008
Coolamon College
From: Terence Corkin
Assembly General Secretary
When the ASC met in March it spent a significant amount of time considering the resourcing needs of Coolamon College. The ASC remains committed to finding a way for the Church to deliver quality theological education at a distance in a way that is accessible and valued across the Church. However it has reached the conclusion that the Assembly cannot fund this work to the extent necessary to enable Coolamon College to continue in its present form.
CoolamonCollege has not closed, will continue to support students who have enrolled in the first semester this year and is open to receiving applications for the second semester. The needs of current students remain the highest priority at this time and the direction set by the ASC should ensure that their interests are fully protected.
The Assembly Standing Committee has requested the Assembly General Secretary to liaise with Parkin Wesley College in Adelaide about a possible partnership in delivering the goals which the Church has for Coolamon College. As both Parkin Wesley and Coolamon College are members of the ACD, whose courses Coolamon College delivers, it is not anticipated that there will be any difficulty in addressing credit and the ongoing program needs of students.
Understandably there is much detail to be finalised but it is hoped that any changes can be made with minimum disruption to students and with continued support from the many faculty members who mark assignments and in other ways make valuable contributions to Coolamon College.
New Appointments
Working Group on Doctrine
Rev. Carol Bennett has been appointed by consensus of the ASC to the Working Group on Doctrine.
Reception of Ministers Committee
Rev. Pam Kerr has resigned as Chairperson of the Assembly Reception of Ministers Committee. Rev. Dr Douglas Miller has been appointed by consensus of the ASC as the new Chairperson.
Working Group on Worship
Kerry Pierce has been appointed by consensus to the Worship Working Group.
Renewing the Covenant
If, as some Trinitarian theology is encouraging us to explore, we are defined by our relationships, then one relationship that shapes the life of the UCA is that with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, particularly through the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC).
An ASC-appointed Task Group has been consulting on the UCA Constitution. The group’s most recent meeting (February 2008) discussed potential additions to the Preamble of the Constitution and the structures that are needed to enable the UAICC to operate with greater autonomy within the UCA.
A number of issues and ideas have been identified as integral to the preparation of a new Preamble to the Constitution of the UCA and to the development of structures:
- Aboriginal ‘law persons’ must be included in the wording process.
- Aboriginal ‘law’ needs to be recognised as a source of law for the Church’s Constitution.
- A graphic way of demonstrating the relationships needs to be developed, prior to any text being written that describes the relationships between UCA and UAICC.
The UAICC has been asked to clearly articulate what it believes the changes to the Preamble should achieve; structures can then be established to support these objectives. Rev. Shayne Blackman, UAICC National Administrator, said that engaging with Aboriginal law persons is paramount in assisting the process. “Aboriginal law is another way of hearing Christ,” Shayne said. “It’s not just about state law and the traditional faith, the law of Aboriginal people is one way in which we can hear Christ.”
It is believed that by the next Triennial Assembly (July 2009), the Church will be in a position to make some significant decisions regarding the Constitution.
Regulations for the Ministry of Pastor
The Assembly Legal Reference Committee (ALRC) has been working hard on the Proposed Regulations for the Specified Ministry of Pastor. The 6th draft of the Regulations was presented to the Assembly Standing Committee by the ALRC.
The Regulations have been approved, to take effect 1 July 2008. They will be available on a site dedicated to the Ministry of Pastor as soon as the ASC minutes are confirmed.
A National Charter for Human Rights
The National Director of UnitingJustice Australia, Rev. Elenie Poulos, joined the Assembly Standing Committee meeting to present a report advocating for a National Charter for Human Rights.
Elenie said that the UCA has been a church of social justice since its inception, citing the Statement to the Nation, “We pledge ourselves to hope and work for a nation whose goals are not guided by self-interest alone, but by concern for the welfare of all persons everywhere…”
The ASC agreed by consensus to communicate to the Commonwealth Government, through UnitingJustice Australia, Uniting Church support for a national human rights charter with the following aims:
- Implements Australia’s commitment to human rights;
- Holds public institutions and officials accountable for upholding and promoting human rights in the creation and administration of public policy and practice;
- Takes account of Indigenous Australians as the first peoples of this land; and
- Is supported and policed by properly funded, independent mechanisms.
The ASC also agreed to affirm support for relevant campaigns for a national human rights charter with the above aims.
In addition to the above work, UnitingJustice Australia is developing a Human Rights Education Kit for use in presbyteries and congregations. A project worker will be employed in the near future to develop the Kit, which will be trialled through a number of presbyteries before being rolled out across Australia by the end of 2008.
Australian Citizenship Test
Together with a proposal of a Charter for Human Rights, Rev. Elenie Poulos presented a report on the Australian Citizenship Test, suggesting that the Test should be discontinued. Elenie said the test is “redundant, trivial and excluding”.
The members of the ASC were shocked by the nature of questioning in the test and by the lack of support being provided to new immigrants in their quest for applying for citizenship.
It was agreed by consensus to express to the Commonwealth Government the Uniting Church’s opposition to the continued use of the Australia Citizenship Test; and for the General Secretary to include the grounds for the Church’s opposition in his correspondence with the Government.
UAICC Report
From: Rev. Shayne Blackman
National Administrator of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC)
“UAICC is engaged in holistic ministry development,” said Shayne in his report to the ASC. “We’re trying to encourage people to get involved in the daily lives of others and learn to walk with them. Our hope is in rediscovering the spirit that God instilled in the Aboriginal people to begin with.”
However, “One of the issues is in the struggle to try and have a conversation we can follow through with”. Shayne said that the lack of involvement in education, not to mention the social and physical issues that have impacted on the lives of Aboriginal and Islander people, means that the “level of dysfunction these kids have in personal and family lives, to enable them to engage in meaningful relationships, are misunderstood”.
But Congress is engaged in work in many areas “where the skills base is low and the opportunity for employment is zero. Every person is on the lowest rung of the socio-economic ladder”.
A way forward for the Church as a whole to take part in this area of work is to deal directly with UAICC openly and honestly to address some of the disadvantage Congress already has a vested interest in.
Shayne said, “There are wonderful opportunities within the church that we ought to seek to exploit. We’re trying to develop partnerships, utilising buying power and other opportunities, to provide apprenticeships and traineeships. Across the church, through the life of the church, if we broaden our outlook, we can create a better socio-economic position for a lot of Aboriginal people across Australia”.
“We have a responsibility, on behalf of the church, to continue to seek to work with our people, both locally and nationally. Our focus is on the wellness of our people and it’s because we believe Indigenous people are part of a family, a community and the broader church family as well. Wellness is the quality of the state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as a result of deliberate effort.
“You are God’s creation. God sent his son to die for you — we try to impress this upon our people. That’s the message.
“We can reinforce this through our interaction through the life of the church. Relationships, connectedness and how we inter-relate. Congress is trying to make a contribution on behalf of the church to our people, to the wellness of our people.
Clause 39
The Task Group looking at Clause 39 presented an Interim Report to the ASC. The Report outlined the proposed retention of Clause 39, as a “useful mechanism for the Assembly to review its decisions on its own initiative”. But the Report also recommended that a new subsection be added to Clause 39, to allow for the possibility of presbyteries and synods triggering a review of Assembly decisions.
A final Report will be brought to the July 2008 meeting of the ASC and then any proposals will be brought to the next Assembly.
Presidential Ruling 26
The President received a request from the Synod of Western Australia to rule whether a Synod or Presbytery should have authority to change the management or control of church property, without the joint consent of the Church Council of the Congregation.
The President ruled that the Church Council, Presbytery and Synod must all agree to any change in management or control of church property, as stipulated in the Constitution and Regulations of the Church.
Constitution Review
The Task Group appointed to review the UCA Constitution presented a Progress Report to the ASC.
While the work of the Group is ongoing, a number of questions were raised, relating to what level of change to the Constitution is required — a complete re-write; a partial re-write of some sections; or minor changes concentrating on relationships with Indigenous peoples and the UAICC.
The ASC discussed these issues and agreed that the Task Group should work on the notion that a major change is required. What that will look like is yet to be determined.
Palestine and Israel
Following a presentation by the President and the General Secretary on their ecumenical visit to Palestine and Israel (in December 2007), the Assembly Standing Committee has endorsed the nine “Resolutions on the Holy Land” passed by the executive of the National Council of Churches in Australia, March 2008.
The visit, made by a delegation of Australian church leaders, aimed to meet with and express friendship to Christians in Palestine and Israel; meet with Jewish, Muslim and government leaders; and help Australians understand and respond to the situation in Israel and Palestine.
Among other things, the resolutions include encouraging the Australian Government to support peace negotiations between Palestine and Israel and encouraging churches in Australia to continue to pray for and support initiatives for peace.
Further, the Assembly Standing Committee authorised the President and the General Secretary to participate in further ecumenical action advocating for an end to the occupation of Palestine and for a just and lasting peace for the people of Israel and Palestine.
Partner Churches and the UCA
The Uniting Church often wrestles with how best to relate to the members of our partner churches that have immigrated to Australia. The Church is blessed that many members and Ministers from its Partner churches choose to become full members of the UCA. However, there is still a large group who would choose to link back to their home church through other means and relationships.
Following several approaches to the UCA, the Church is now exploring how we might develop closer relationships with partner churches, while maintaining their connection with their previous church.
The ASC believes that this mission-oriented undertaking will benefit both UCA and partner churches, through shared ministry opportunities and the development of understandings and relationship.
The Standing Committee was clear that it will be important that UCA migrant communities be both consulted and closely involved in developing any possible ways of working in this area.
A working group has been appointed to develop a proposal for how relationships with partner church congregations in Australia can be developed, expressed and strengthened.
Sexuality and Leadership Consultation
In 2006, the Eleventh Assembly requested the Assembly Working Group on Doctrine to engage in further work to assist the Church in its ongoing consideration of the theological diversity on the issue of sexuality and leadership.
In light of that resolve, the National Working Group on Doctrine organised a consultation on Sexuality and Leadership in the Church, February 2008.
Despite a history of tension and division across the church on this issue, the Associate General Secretary, Rev. Glenda Blakefield, said of the consultation in February, “There was a high level of graciousness and a genuine concern for wanting to move forward on this issue”.
The President, Rev. Gregor Henderson, agreed. “It was an important piece of work, particularly with regards to the spirit of care and collegiality within the room,” he said.
The consultation has resulted in directions for the Working Group on Doctrine to do work in the areas of:
- The doctrine of human persons and relationships
- Divergence of biblical hermeneutics
- Apostasy
- The doctrine of marriage
- Strengthening the doctrinal process
A Brief Statement on Ordination
The Ministerial Education Commission and some Principals of Theological Colleges last year requested that work be done on the Church’s understanding of ordination. Out of that request, Rev. Dr Paul Walton, Rev. Dr Rob Bos and Rev. Dr Mark Hillis have drafted a Brief Statement on Ordination.
The Statement is planned as a resource for the MEC, Theological Colleges, the Christian Unity Working Group and ministers in placement. It may also be a helpful resource for Presbyteries. However, questions remain about how the Statement will be used; how it adds to the (more substantial) statements the Assembly already has; and what may be lost in the brevity of the Statement.
At this stage the Brief Statement is to be referred back to the MEC, Theological Colleges, Working Group on Doctrine and Christian Unity Working Group for feedback and comments to Theology and Discipleship. The latter will bring a revised Brief Statement to the ASC meeting in July.
“Next Gen” Spirituality
A project to initiate and support collaboration across the Church in connecting with younger generations.
From: Mark Hillis
National Director, Christian Education
Following the conclusion of the “Spirit of Gen Y” research (2004-07), Christian Education, working through the Uniting Faith and Justice team, will (in partnership with Synod, Presbytery & Congregation counterparts):
- Promote and/or provoke intentional cross-generational dialogue and peer group dialogue (from 2008) about what it means to connect with the Church and its teachings, and to participate in its re-shaping.
- Produce publications (from 2008: in various media, forms and styles) offering frameworks for working with ‘next gens’ in relating to the Church and its practices (e.g. worship, learning, schooling, doing justice, living with compassion and hope in local and global community and group life).
What may this project mean for you?
If you would like to participate in this project, make contact with the Assembly staff (below) and we will explore the possibilities.
Ideas for engagement with this project could include (by way of example only):
- Indicating persons who may like to be part of an open and frank dialogue with young people about the meaning of Christian discipleship(which could become part of a DVD or other resource);
- Forming short-term intergenerational study groups to discuss the findings of the “Spirit of Gen Y” research and to spell out implications for the Church in local contexts;
- Initiating dialogue about spirituality and faith in a particular setting that leads to new initiatives for the benefit of local or regional communities;
- Promoting a service activity that can be shared by people of different generations;
- Intentional mentoring activities, followed by a reported debriefing on the mutual value of the activity.
Initial contact – Mark Hillis
Other contact – Sandy Boyce
A hymn for ANZAC Day
From: Gregor Henderson
President
Well-known New Zealand hymn-writer, Shirley Erena Murray, has written a hymn especially for use on ANZAC Day and adjacent Sundays, called Honour the dead, our country’s fighting brave. The straightforward tune “ANZAC” is composed by Colin Gibson, another famous NZ hymn-writer. It has five verses. I particularly love the last verse:
Honour the dream for which our nation bled,
held now in trust to justify the dead,
honour their vision on this solemn day:
peace known in freedom, peace the only way.
The hymn, with full music and Shirley’s notes about its background, can be purchased in Australia from three bookshops:
Unichurch Books Melbourne
Ph: (03) 92515292
Email: unichurch@vic.uca.org.au
Kentigern Resource Centre Sydney
Email: bookshop@kentigern.com.au)
Woden Christian Bookshop Canberra
Ph: (02) 6285 1425
Email: wcb@cyberone.com.au
I commend it for use this ANZAC Day and in church on 27th April.
UnitingJustice General News
From: Elenie Poulos
National Director, UnitingJustice Australia
The UnitingJustice Reference Committee held its first meeting of the year in Sydney in January. Chaired by Janeen Barker, the Committee members include Colin Cargill, Helen Hodgson, Graham Maddox and John Langmore. The UCA justice staff network was represented by Andrew Johnson from the Queensland Synod. This meeting is an important time for UnitingJustice as we consider our mission for the year ahead in such areas as human rights, environment and peacemaking.
In mid-February, UnitingJustice hosted the annual face-to-face meeting of the UCA Justice staff network. Justice staff and representatives from all synods meet annually to discuss shared priorities and goals as we contribute to the Church’s mission for justice and peace.
UnitingJustice Australia has welcomed its new Research Officer, Jennifer Whyte, to the team. Jennifer has strong research interests in human rights and environmental justice, and is looking forward to the interesting and rewarding work that UnitingJustice undertakes.
Working in partnership for refugees and asylum seekers
From: Jennifer Whyte
Research Officer, UnitingJustice Australia
UnitingJustice Australia National Director, Elenie Poulos, has just returned from a lobbying trip to Canberra, where she attended meetings about refugee and asylum seeker issues.
As part of a team which included the Refugee Council of Australia, A Just Australia, Christian World Service (the international aid and development arm of the National Council of Churches in Australia), Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project, Amnesty International Australia and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Elenie met with a number of new and continuing members and senators and ministerial advisers.
The main aims of the meetings were to build good working relationships with both the Government and Opposition and to talk about our ongoing concerns for asylum seekers and refugees as well as directions for future policy.
The meetings were overwhelmingly positive and the team is committed to continuing this work with other refugee advocates. We continue to hope for better outcomes for people fleeing persecution and seeking protection in Australia.
Submission on Human Rights
From: Jennifer Whyte
Research Officer, UnitingJustice Australia
As a signatory to United Nations human rights conventions and treaties, Australia is required to submit periodic reports to the UN committees which monitor the implementation of the conventions and treaties. The Government is currently preparing its Combined 15th, 16th and 17th Report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. As part of this process, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade invited submissions from the community regarding the Australian Government’s performance in meeting its obligations a signatory of International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
In February 2008, UnitingJustice Australia made a submission which addressed four major areas of concern:
- Indigenous disadvantage and the Federal intervention into Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory;
- the new citizenship test;
- counter-terrorism legislation enacted since 2001; and
- our protection obligations regarding Indigenous Sudanese refugees.
The full submission can be viewed at the UnitingJustice website at: http://nat.uca.org.au/unitingjustice/.
An Ordered Ministry
From: Rev. Rodney Horsfield
Chair, Christian Unity Working Group
The Assembly Christian Unity Working Group has released a new paper on ordained ministry in the UCA that reflects convictions shaped by its dialogue with the Anglican (ACA) and Lutheran (LCA) Churches of Australia.
An Ordered Ministry for an Apostolic Church has been written by the Rev. Professor Christiaan Mostert, who is UCA Co-Chair of the UCA dialogue with the ACA and a member of the Trilateral Dialogue including the LCA with the ACA and the UCA. It is a major restatement of the importance of the ordained ministry for the identity and mission of the UCA. Dr. Mostert summarises the major convergences of the Trilateral Dialogue as well as points of divergence.
He argues strongly that an apostolic church needs an ordered ministry which exists “for the church, not the other way round”. The question of the church’s apostolicity is argued biblically and theologically in a clear and accessible way.
The paper raises quite directly questions about some of our UCA practices related to ordained ministry, particularly the way in which we exercise the ministry of oversight (episcope) through our Presbyteries.
This is a paper of importance for the whole church and should be mandatory reading for all congregations and Presbyteries.
The paper is available on the Assembly website at: http://assembly.uca.org.au/resources/orderedministry
Uniting International Mission News
From: Jonathan Foye
Communications Coordinator, UIM
UIM Team Changes
Rob Lutton has begun as Communications and Fundraising Manager. Rob previously served as Director of Partnership Development for Global Interaction, the cross-cultural mission arm of the Baptist Churches of Australia. He has a background in youth ministry and recently established the Communications Unit for St Johns Ambulance in New South Wales.
Lynda Moschioni was Personal Assistant to the National Director for almost seven years and has been appointed Personal Assistant to the General Secretary of the NSW Synod.
Project Manager for Uniting Church Overseas Aid, Jeff Kite will retire after eight years of service, including in the Papuan Islands region.
After eight years of service, Fred Pene’s position as Mission Personnel Administrator concludes towards the end of April.
Those leaving have provided wonderful service that is much appreciated. We are presently advertising for the new role of Executive Assistant combining previous administrative roles.
New Uniting World
The latest issue of Uniting World will be released on 15 April. If you are not already receiving a copy, contact me: Ph (02) 8267 4269 or Email jonathanf@nat.uca.org.au.
Kiribati chaplains visit
In early March, Uniting International Mission hosted three school chaplains from the Kiribati Protestant Church, to develop a Christian studies curriculum and learn fresh ways of teaching. They visited schools and congregations and were assisted by Mark Hillis, Assembly Education Director.
During the chaplains’ visit they highlighted the unprecedented effects of climate change. Two came from islands that had not had rain for three years and where fish was scarce. It is anticipated that with rising sea levels, Kiribati’s population of 100,000 will need to relocate within fifty years. Your giving helps us to support the Kiribati Protestant Church in a difficult time.
Everything Must Change
Kerry Enright, National Director, commends Brian McLaren’s latest book Everything Must Change as a helpful outline of what Christianity says to the most pressing global issues.
Indian Bishop visits
The Bishop of the Amritsar diocese in India, the Right Reverend P.K Samantaroy visited Uniting International Mission on the 19th and 20th of March to further his church’s relationship with the Uniting Church.
Amritsar is located in the Punjab (north west India) and is the site of the famous Seikh Golden Temple. The diocese also takes in Himachal Pradesh (home of the Dalai Lama) and the also the war-torn state of Kashmir.
Bishop Samantaroy said that prayer was needed for his continuing work in giving “an appropriate Christian witness” to people of many faith backgrounds.
HIV/AIDS Awareness Coordinator
Rev. Joshua Markelo was recently appointed as the HIV/AIDS Coordinator for the Highlands Region of our partner the United Church in Papua New Guinea (UCPNG).
Funding for this position within the UCPNG comes through the AusAID funded Church Partnership Program that is managed by Uniting Church Overseas Aid.
Joshua is working closely with other churches in the region to establish a Counseling and Testing Centre for people to receive support, advice and medical help.
Currently Joshua is supporting a number of local people who have contracted HIV. In just a short time Joshua has made a significant impact on the local community.
People in Mission News
From: Kathy Pereira
People In Mission Coordinator, UIM
The next People In Mission Pre-Service training is Monday 14 – Friday 25 July, 2008.
PIM has an opportunity for two strategic placements:
- Carpenter and/or building Supervisor in Papua New Guinea
- Technology teacher to write curriculum for a Vocational Education course in Tonga. This could actually be done in Australia, perhaps by a retired teacher, with a short visit to Tonga.
If you know of anyone who might be interested, please contact Kathy Pereira: kathyp@nat.uca.org.au
We are receiving regular requests for potential placements both from our partner church hosts as well as from people in Australia who are considering participating in International Mission.
National Ministers Conferences
From: Gregor Henderson
Assembly President
Registrations for the three conferences are going well, but plenty of places are still available. Register via the Assembly website http://assembly.uca.org.au
Places are still available for some of the exposure visits following the Bali conference and the Darwin conference. If you want further information contact my Canberra office: gregorsh@bigpond.net.au.
The Bali conference commences at 9.30am on Tuesday 1 July and concludes with lunch on Friday 4 July. The Darwin conference commences at 10.00am on Tuesday 15 July and concludes around 11.00am on Friday 18 July. The Sunshine Coast conference commences at 11.00am on Monday 27 October and concludes with lunch on Thursday 30 October.
The main Uniting Church presenter at each conference is Rev. Dr Andrew Dutney, Principal of Parkin-Wesley College in Adelaide. Andrew will lead three sessions at each conference, covering areas of the Uniting Church’s identity, ethos and understanding of mission, plus the role expected of ministers.
In Bali other leaders will include Rev. Made Priana, General Secretary of the Protestant Christian Church in Bali; Rev. Dr Margaretha Hendriks-Ririmasse, Vice-Moderator of the World Council of Churches (from Ambon); Rev Kuntadi Sumadikarya, Moderator of the West Java Synod of the Indonesian Christian Church; and Revs. Kerry Enright and Gregor Henderson of the Uniting Church.
In Darwin other leaders include Rev. Shayne Blackman of the UAICC; and several Aboriginal leaders from Arnhem Land who will present to the conference on Aboriginal theology and spirituality.
Further information will be sent in the next month to all those who have registered for the conferences. This will include the proposed programs for each conference, a full listing of leaders and accommodation options for the Sunshine Coast conference.
New from MediaCom
The Art of Parables
Charles McCollough
(Wood Lake Publishing)
Without question, the parables of Jesus are the most-loved and most-used texts in the entire New Testament — a blessing, opportunity and challenge to preachers, study groups and congregations alike. The Art of Parables by Charles McCollough is such an indispensable resource. A theologian and artist, McCollough knows the parables intimately and offers a unique, two-pronged approach to each of the 31 parables contained in the New Testament. Includes CD with images for projection (for use in sermon presentations and with study groups).
Sharing God’s Love in Children’s Church
A year’s worth of programs for children ages 3-7
Lisa Flinn and Barbara Younger
(Abingdon)
Each program in this volume offers a simple Christian message, a Bible verse, a story; a prayer, time to share, time for singing, a snack and a game, craft, or additional activity.
Living into the Answers
A workbook for personal spiritual discernment
Valerie K Isenhower and Judith A Todd
(Upper Room Books)
As much as we might wish for a magic crystal ball to give us answers, discernment is not a trick performed by a toy. There is no secret short-cut to knowing which job to take, house to buy, or relationship to pursue. The good news is that we do not have to make these decisions alone. This inspiring and practical workbook, introduces readers to some tools and practices that help us invite God into our decision–making process and live with the confidence that God will use our choices to invite us into deeper and more fruitful relationship.
Birthed in Prayer
Pregnancy as a spiritual journey
Kim Barker, Linda de Meillon, Leigh Harrison
Among the scores of books written for expectant mothers, few recognise pregnancy as a spiritually exciting and challenging time. The authors of Birthed in Prayer understand that the mother is formed and transformed by these nine months. Through lively storytelling and thoughtful questions, they invite the mother-to-be to explore the emotional and physical changes of pregnancy as part of her lifelong movement into faith and wholeness. Their own insights are magnified by wisdom from scripture.
Books for Unitings
Seeds
Thomas Merton
Selected and edited by Robert Inchausti
(Shambala)
Introduction to the thoughts and writings of one of the twentieth century’s most famous contemplatives and activists.
The Empty Bed
Bereavement and the loss of love
Susan Wallbank
(DLT)
Recent new edition that considers the sexual and intimate dimensions of loss.
The Dignity of Difference
How to avoid the clash of civilisations
Jonathan Sacks
(Continuum)
The chief Rabbi of Britain makes a forceful plea for tolerance in an age of extremism.
Listen with your Heart
Spiritual living with the rule of Saint Benedict
M. Basil Pennington
(Paraclete)
The ancient rule continues to be a guide for people of all backgrounds; here expounded by one of the most important spiritual teachers of the last century.
No Salvation Outside the Poor
Prophetic-Utopian essays
Jon Sobrino
(Orbis)
Asks first world Christians to consider how they can live faithfully amidst the scandalous and unnecessary misery of their third world brothers and sisters.
