New Times - October 2006 - Uniting Church in Australia

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2 N E W S New Times Enfield is looking for some help Jill Freear Some of the children from the Enfield congregation O C T O B E R 2 0 0 6 ENFIELD Uniting Church needs help. The congregation has a large number of children and young people, but not enough people to lead these groups. Enfield supply minister, Rev Roz Bond, said the predominantly elderly congregation is in the unique situation of having more children than they can cope with. “We have a wonderful array of beautiful children and families including Korean, Sudanese, Iranian, Fijian and Australian born children and young people,” she said. “We have up to 40 children who attend Sunday school and up to 27 young people attending our Thursday night youth group. “We sent 25 children to KCO this year and 18 to SAYCO. We’re now planning to send 10 young people to Perth for NCYC in January. “We have two Sunday school teachers By bike to Blinman SEVERAL Uniting Church SA members have pedalled from Adelaide to Blinman to re-enact a push-bike journey undertaken by three Wesley College students more than 60 years ago. The 600 kilometre trip covered the same route travelled by then ministry students Doug Telfer, Alan Beames and Arnold Hunt. In 1941 the three students visited family, friends and people in ministry. They took church services, gave a testimony, addressed the Blinman Sunday School, explored Wilpena Pound and repeatedly mended their bikes. Doug’s son Colin Telfer said the ride has become part of the family history and family members have talked for a year or two about undertaking the ride. Several friends and Telfer cousins finally re-enacted the trip early last month, cycling through Balaklava, Clare, Jamestown, Orroroo, Hawker, Wilpena, Blinman and Gum Creek Station, before returning to Adelaide by car. Colin said the first day was the toughest with a stiff head wind. “However the longest leg – 109 kilometres from Orroroo to Hawker – was easy, as we had a good tail wind and travelled at 30 kilometres an hour. “The highlight of the trip was cycling into Blinman seven abreast and riding through the yellow ribbon which our support crew had stretched across the road. “It was certainly an easier journey for us today, with a support crew taking care of us and cabins to sleep in along the way. “There was not one puncture or accident. We’ve arrived home safely with a great feeling of accomplishment and just a few sore muscles.” The keen cyclists are already talking about another trip. Those who took part in the biking adventure included Andrew and Ruth Telfer (Seacliff UC), Raelene and Jeff Telfer (Pilgrim Uniting Church), Greg Telfer (Klemzig/ Clare Uniting Church), Colin Telfer (Malvern Uniting Church) and Mark Phillips (Pilgrim Uniting Church). Pastors THE transition of the new ministry of pastor is moving forward. Assembly Standing Committee has appointed a group to oversee the implementation and ensure a smooth transition in the coming 18 months. One of the group’s key tasks will be to develop flexible guidelines for those who wish to move from existing specified ministries to ordained ministry. The group has also been asked to consult across the church to find out the types of issues that may be faced locally during the transition period until the new specification is introduced. and four youth group leaders, as well as five people who pick up and deliver families to and from church. “But we are flagging – our teachers are dedicated, but tired. Congregation members are also supporting a number of women as they learn English and Australian culture, but that too takes time and energy. “We urgently need a team of leaders from another congregation that will covenant to work at Enfield in the children and youth ministry programs for 12 months, or even for a school term – or alternatively a congregation that could plant a team at Enfield that would be dedicated to nurturing and encouraging our children and youth, for a specified period of time. “We also urgently need a team of leaders who could run a January school holiday program at the church.” Jeff, left, and Colin Telfer with their bikes
New Times N E W S 3 New direction for Coolamon Coolamon College council chairperson, Dr Marelle Harisun, with Coolamon principal, Rev Dr Lee Levett-Olson Jenni takes on justice job JENNI Price Hughes has temporarily joined the Uniting Church SA staff team. She is filling the shoes of Solidarity and Justice Officer Kate Tretheway who is on maternity leave. Jenni has previously been involved at Rosefield Uniting Church in administration and creative arts and ministries. Jenni has just completed a Masters degree in Church Ministry at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Her studies included an internship with the Centre for Survivors of Torture, working with asylum seekers, refugees, asylees (asylum seekers who have been granted asylum) and victims of trafficking. While in Dallas, Jenni met her future husband, Master of Divinity student John Hughes. Solidarity and Justice Officer Jenni Price Hughes and new husband Texan Divinity student John Hughes. John is undertaking an internship at Brougham Place Uniting Church until next May. While at Brougham Place he will assist church youth in confirmation studies and also help establish a young adults’ ministry. Both Jenni and John will return to Dallas by next August where John will complete his studies. He will then enter a three year probationary period before becoming a Minister of the Word. Jenni also has her sights set on church ministry and is currently exploring ordination possibilities. “Ultimately I’d like to work in ministry with a dual focus on social justice issues and creative arts in worship,” she said. In the long term the couple would like to return to Australia. J U N I O R S C H O O L Learning is an individual experience. DISTANCE theological education in the Uniting Church is set to take a new direction. This follows approval of a new business model for Coolamon College that will see it resource other parts of the church and allow them to adapt courses as needed on the ground. In the face of increasing financial pressures on Coolamon, Assembly Standing Committee was presented with a range of options for its future. These ranged from no longer offering higher education courses to closing the college altogether. Standing Committee acknowledged the value of the distance study offered by Coolamon for people without access to face to face learning. It also recognised that without a change in focus, Coolamon would not remain viable. The agreed way forward will see Coolamon collaborate with a range of existing providers to promote quality education and training with maximal flexibility for those lacking access to face-to-face teaching across Australia and beyond. It will act as a network of expertise in the distance delivery of theological education, as distinct from being a stand alone provider. It will continue to offer nonassessed, non-accredited group learning, competency based and VET sector accredited training. The decision will also allow courses to be licensed to Synods and other parts of the church which can then adapt world school annesley college junior school At Annesley College we recognise the unique needs of every one of our girls. The Junior School provides a stimulating yet challenging environment where girls are valued, secure, confident and happy. Annesley Junior School (K-6) features the Primary Years Program of the International Baccalaureate and a specialist curriculum in the Arts (Visual Arts, Drama, Dance, and Music), Physical Education and Language (German, French, and Japanese). Our co-educational Kindergarten accepts students from 3 years of age. We welcome families to view the Junior School to gain an understanding of this unique individual experience. To arrange an individual tour, or for a prospectus, please contact the Director of Admissions, Meg Craven, on Tel. 08 8422 2291 or email admissions@annesley.sa.edu.au A Uniting Church Day and Boarding School for Girls them as needed and deliver them locally. It is hoped the new model will open opportunities for education to be offered in Uniting Church service agencies and that the flexibility it offers will help Presbyteries wanting to access education and training resources for people entering the new specified ministry of Pastor. In his report to the Standing Committee, Coolamon principal, Rev Dr Lee Levett- Olson, said it was important to note that Coolamon College was established as a justice strategy. It remains an important vehicle for many people wanting to study within the Uniting Church. “Coolamon was established to enable people of the Church, wherever they lived and whatever their circumstances, to access theological education,” he said. “Over time the demand from Synod agencies and individuals for access to studies at all levels from certificate to doctorate has been responded to, so that students can now tailor their choices to their own individual needs, using flexible learning approaches through the college, as well as work in congregational groups with a local facilitator according to their needs, with no assessment if that is their choice.” Coolamon will begin negotiations with Synods about implementing the new model. It hopes to have the plan operational within 12 months. 89 Greenhill Road, Wayville, South Australia 5034 Tel. +61 8 8422 2288 Fax. +61 8 8272 0142 www.annesley.sa.edu.au CRICOS Provider No. 00357D O C T O B E R 2 0 0 6
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New Times - October 2006 - Uniting Church in Australia

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