WCC Ecumenical Prayer Cycle - Australia (8-14 November 2020)

Along with New Zealand, the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Prayer Cycle has a focus on Australia this week. (see previous post on Diakonia Aotearoa New Zealand Association, DANZA). 

There are two member association of DIAKONIA World Federation in Australia - Australian Anglican Diaconal Association (AADA) and Diakonia Uniting Church in Australia (DUCA). 

Rev Christa Megaw and Rev Judy Knowling are members of the DIAKONIA Asia Pacific (DAP) Executive Committee, and Christa is also on the DIAKONIA World Executive Committee. Rev Sandy Boyce is President, DIAKONIA World Federation and remains in close contact with DAP EC to support and resource. 

Deacon delegates from Australia to Fiji July 2019

A creed for Australia

We believe that this ancient land

with its unique creatures

is a precious gift from a loving God

whose mercy is over all creation.

We believe in God’s care for the people who treasured it

through un-numbered generations;

the One who grieves in their suffering

and rejoices in every noble aspiration.

We believe in God’s compassion

for the patchwork of refugees

who for two hundred years have come to this continent

looking for a place to call their home.

We believe in God’s steadfast love

for this nation and all its children;

that he is creating a new people from many races,

colours and gifts, to fulfil a high destiny.

We believe that the best way forward

is the way revealed by Christ of faith, hope and love,

where no needy person is neglected

and no bidding of the Spirit ignored.

(Source: Bruce D. Prewer)

Wilderness

We have wilderness and dry land at the heart of Australia.

We may not venture into it very often

but we know it is there,

it has its place on our maps.

More familiar to us, however,

is the wilderness in our own hearts,

the empty spaces in our own lives,

the desert of longings that engulf us.

Wilderness is a hard place,

but also a place of beauty and grace,

revealed by its sunsets and sunrises,

the glow of ancient rocks,

the moon shining on the sand.

Do not be afraid

of the desert places in your life,

for it is here

that the Good News

may be heard most profoundly.

May it be so.

(Source: adapted, Ann Siddall, Stillpoint Spirituality Centre)

Where are the leaders?

There are so many people of influence in our world, Jesus,

Those with loud voices and deep pockets,

those with large lives and wide networks.

But, where are the leaders?

As we struggle to keep our broken humanity

from splintering into countless irreparable fragments;

As we wrestle with our greed and arrogance,

our ignorance and short-sightedness,

our violence and coldness,

our carelessness and narcissism,

Where are the leaders?

Raise up for us, O God, leaders worthy of the name,

men and women who like Christ

are unafraid of challenge,

unashamed of serving,

and unattached to their own personal gain;

men and women who like Christ

call to the best within us,

and then lead the way.

And, in our own small spheres, God,

may we be the leaders we seek.

Amen.

John van de Laar, Sacredise

Rev Kim Francis - beginning a new ministry

Rev Kim Francis, ordained as a Deacon in the Uniting Church in Australia on 18th October 2015, was inducted into Maylands Mt Lawley Uniting Church on Sunday 7th February.

For 19 years, Kim worked as the children and family co-ordinator at Nedlands Uniting Church; running kids clubs, play groups, a family worship service as well as the children’s program during their Chinese English bilingual service. Prior to working with the Nedlands congregation, Kim worked as a maths teacher.

During her 7 years of candidating for ministry, Kim held placements at Juniper, Uniting Church in the City, Ross Memorial West Perth, Trinity School for Seniors and with the Uniting Church WA Social Justice Unit.

Kim said that she is looking forward to this new step on her journey with God, walking alongside the people of Maylands Mt Lawley Uniting Church and the local community. She is especially hoping to focus her time on intergenerational worship, music and community outreach.

“I do believe that today the call on my life by Jesus Christ has been fulfilled,” she said. “I thank family and friends who have helped me along the study and ministry journey. It is my prayer that God will strengthen and enable me to work alongside the people of the Maylands Mt Lawley community and church so that the kingdom of God and the Christian community in this area may deepen and grow.”

Read more here. 

Rev Jenny Walker

Rev Jenny Walker, a Deacon in the Uniting Church in Australia, was inducted into a new placement at Prospect Uniting Church in January 2016. Blessings on your ministry, Jenny.

Photos: Rev Jenny Walker (left) with the Moderator, Dr Deidre Palmer; (top right) Rev Sandy Boyce (preacher);
(lower right) prayers with Dr Deidre Palmer and Rev Jenny Walker

Rev (Deacon) Jenny Walker

Rev Jenny Walker, a Deacon in the Uniting Church in Australia, has been the Minister in Placement at Taperoo (Adelaide, South Australia) for several years. Today, she farewells the congregation, and will take up a new placement in 2016 at Prospect Uniting Church. Blessings on your ministry, Jenny. 

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

New Director appointed for Frontier Services (Uniting Church in Australia)

Rev (Deacon) Scott Kelly

Rev Scott Kelly (Deacon) has taken over the reins as National Director of Frontier Services, He has wide experience in engaging with government at senior levels and leading innovative justice programs. Prior to becoming a Deacon in the Uniting Church, he worked as a geologist in the oil and gas industry in a number of remote locations, including Papua New Guinea. Congratulations on your appointment, Scott.

There are many Deacons in the Uniting Church in Australia who serve as padres in Frontier Services and we pray for them and the people with whom they are in ministry. 

Frontier Services works in remote parts of Australia - the great 'outback'. Their vision is:
In the remote areas of Australia –
Reconciliation will become reality
Hope will replace anxiety and despair
Justice and equity will build community
Everyone will have access to the services they need
As we journey together.