Congratulations to Rev Andrew Broadbent!

During the last two weeks I was part of the team that had planned and hosted the Deacon Intensive (a core component of formation for Deacon candidates) and the 2015 National Deacons Conference for Deacons in the Uniting Church in Australia. A busy but enriching time.

Congratulations to newly ordained Rev Andrew Broadbent

laying on of hands

Presentation of the Bible

One of the candidates, Andrew Broadbent, was ordained on February 22nd in Perth, Western Australia. Many blessings for your ministry, Andrew!
Andrew worked for many years with TEAR Australia*. His ministry placement is at Busselton, Western Australia.
Rev Dr Ian Robinson preached the ordination sermon, Come stand with me:the clear lens, which you can read at this link. 

*TEAR Australia is a movement of Christians responding to the needs of poor communities around the world. Their activity is shaped by a belief that God loves all people, and in Christ offers them the opportunity of a new life. A core belief is that God is just, and has particular care for the poor and those who suffer as victims of injustice.

2015 Deacon Intensive

The 2015 Deacon Intensive for Deacon candidates in the Uniting Church in Australia has been held   in Adelaide, 9-13th February. Nine candidates have attended including two Aboriginal leaders. It has been an enriching time of learning, guided by facilitators including Rev Dr Vicky Balabanski (Bible Studies) and Rev Dr Steve Taylor (evening 'case studies' sessions). The three afternoon immersions have included visits to Yatala Gaol (with prison chaplain, Rev Deac Albert Patrizi), Hope's Cafe which supports refugees and asylum seekers, The Grove Uniting Church (Rev Deac Lyn Leane) and St Andrews Uniting Church community program (coordinated by Rev Deac Adam Tretheway). The photo shows the candidates, facilitators, and some of the planning team and  catering team.It has been an enriching time of learning, guided by facilitators including Rev Dr Vicky Balabanski (Bible Studies) and Rev Dr Steve Taylor (evening 'case studies' sessions). The three afternoon immersions have included visits to Yatala Gaol (with prison chaplain, Rev Deac Albert Patrizi), Hope's Cafe which supports refugees and asylum seekers, The Grove Uniting Church (Rev Deac Lyn Leane) and St Andrews Uniting Church community program (coordinated by Rev Deac Adam Tretheway). The photo shows the candidates, facilitators, and some of the planning team and  catering team.

Deacon candidates, facilitators and planning team

Fiji Deaconesses training

Deaconesses reflecting on diaconal ministry, 2015

February 10th is celebrated each year as Deaconess Day in the Methodist Church calendar, remembering the day in 1967 when classes began for the student deaconesses.
From as early as 1878 missionary sisters have served the Methodist Church in Fiji, teaching in schools, caring for orphans, providing medical and nursing care and engaging in evangelistic, pastoral and social and community work.

According to the late Miss Campbell, in 1953 the Fijian Synod of the Methodist Church of Australasia appointed the first Deaconess Committee because all Fijian annual meetings had recommended to the Synod the establishment of a Deaconess Order.

In around 1966, three women, Miss Mulya Dharanji, Sister Ethel Brent and Mrs Gladys Campbell bought a property especially for the purpose of setting up a Deaconess Training Centre. A multiracial group of volunteers along with the first four deaconess students prepared the house for occupation and on February 10th, 1967, classes began for the student deaconesses.

Deaconesses have served as chaplains in Schools, Religious Education teachers and in pastoral appointments as assistants to ministers.

Please remember the deaconesses in Fiji in your prayers.

Rev Dr Alison McRae induction

Rev Dr Alison McRae has been inducted as Presbytery Minister, Mission & Education, Stawell Uniting Church (Victoria, Australia). Alison serves as a DAP rep on the DIAKONIA Executive.