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Monthly Magazine
Issue 69 / August 2018 www.manninghamuc.org
We welcome Rev Claire Dawe to MUC’s Ministry Team
as Minister of the Word for Children, Youth and Families
Our Vision: Inspired by God and seeking to emulate the life of Jesus we will identify and reflect God’s love
by creating, participating in and walking with communities locally, nationally and globally.
Page 2 | August 2018
God give us rain when we expect sun.
Give us music when we expect trouble.
Give us tears when we expect breakfast.
Give us dreams when we expect a storm.
Give us a stray dog when we expect
congratulations.
God play with us, turn us sideways and around.
Amen.
© Michael Leunig 2017
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine Christ Centred ³ Relational ³ Risk Taking ³ Hospitable
August 2018 | Page 3
MINISTER’S MESSAGE
From the desk of Rev Claire Dawe
have left firmly in the past. But it’s not just age that
makes the difference. It’s experiences, learning, open
hearts willing to explore and ponder. So how do we
retain our enthusiasm and youthful vigour in faith at
any age so that it can grow and develop and so guide
us with wisdom?
When we say ‘trust the Spirit’, this doesn’t mean
we park our curiosity or shut it down. Following
Jesus is not about swallowing everything we’re told
without questioning and pondering. Think about the
Gospel stories where Jesus sat with people and asked
them questions to encourage them to ponder and
grow, coming to their own answers.
Exploring faith questions, doubts and mysteries is
an integral part of how we grow as individuals of faith
I’ll begin with a thank you for your amazing
and as a faith community. It is essential that everyone
welcome at the induction service. Pictures (which
feels safe to ask the so called ‘dumb’ question as
I haven’t seen yet!) are included in this issue of the
it’s probably what everyone is thinking anyway.
magazine so hopefully they show my good side. You
Asking questions and unleashing our curiosity,
are truly an hospitable congregation.
making ourselves vulnerable by exposing our
ignorance, allowing ourselves and our beliefs to be
I’m still very much finding my feet and even
challenged are all part of being a safe and loving faith
trying to work out geographically where I am. This
community. No judgement, just everyone exploring
may take some time as I work out who you are
together in a safe and respectful way.
as a congregation and what happens where, even
translating your ‘congregational language’. Please be
I have always encouraged my children to ask as
patient and I’m sure I’ll be up to speed very soon with
many questions as they want, but I’ve also encouraged
your help.
them to listen to the answers they are given by trusted
individuals. We don’t learn anything or develop at
Flicking through the magazine when I arrived, I
all if we are repeating the same questions to different
noticed the theme for emerging church this year is
people just because we don’t like the answers we are
‘does your faith guide and empower you in your life
being given.
journey?’ It’s certainly a question which goes to the
root of our discipleship and formation as followers of
I feel very blessed to be called to a congregation
Jesus, but the answer rather depends on where we’re
that is keen to explore questions of faith and mystery,
at in our life journeys.
try new things and be challenged. I do not have a box
of answers I can pull out of a drawer for you, but I
I know my 20-year-old self would have approached
love being asked a question that we can discuss and
this with fresh eyes and enthusiasm whereas at my
ponder over together.
ripe old age today (!), I sometimes feel a little jaded,
perhaps dragging with me the baggage and scars of
Grace and peace,
long ago church battles which I should
Rev Claire
Christ Centred ³ Relational ³ Risk Taking ³ Hospitable Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 4 | August 2018
UPCOMING WORSHIP EVENTS
Worship Services for the Next Two Sundays
Sunday 5 August
Fellowship@10 10am Rev Lucas Taylor l Westfield Drive l Communion
Family@10 10am Matt Julius l Atkinson Street
Woodhouse Grove 10am Rev Claire Dawe l Communion
Sunday 12 August
Fellowship@10 10am Rev Lucas Taylor l Westfield Drive
Family@ 10 10am Rev Claire Dawe l Atkinson Street
Woodhouse Grove 10am Rev Fred Webber
Emerging Church 19 August Combined Service 23 September
Emerging Church on August 19 at 5.00pm at Please mark your
Westfield Drive, is focussed on ‘The Grace of diaries and plan
Gratitude’. to attend our next
By means of images, reflection and music, we Combined Service
will consider how an attitude of gratitude can be on 23 September at
powerfully transformative. Atkinson Street when
In a world in which we are NOT grateful for so Peter Bartlett will be
many sad, bad and mad things, it is empowering to joining us to update us
express gratitude for the many good things that do about the Hearing Clinic and Training Centre he and
happen, often going unnoticed. his wife Rebecca have
The short service will, as usual, be followed by a established in Malawi,
shared light meal. Please bring a plate of finger food East Africa.
to share. As the first
Emerging Church is not a ‘club’. It is a worship permanent
service of Manningham Uniting Church. You are most audiologists in
welcome. Everyone is invited Malawi, they had a
We will use photographs, music, prayer and monumental task in
contemplation and a shared meal to stimulate and this desperately poor country where hearing loss is
refresh our lives. extremely high, primarily because of disease and the
Date: Sunday 19 August side effects of Malaria treatment. Their vision was to
Time: 5.00pm establish a hearing clinic and train Malawians to run
Place: Westfield Drive it. Eight years on and the capital Lilongwe now has a
fully equipped clinic run by a competent indigenous
staff and a 4WD and mobile audio booth to service
Cafe Church 4 August
rural areas. With ongoing outside support, the African
Date: Saturday 4 August Bible College, where the clinic is based, has also
Time: 10.00am launched a university audiology degree course.
Place: Living Room Restaurant, Anderson Street, Throughout this remarkable journey this work has
Templestowe been generously supported by MUC so Peter would
Leaders: Sharon and John Hyne like to personally thank members for that support, and
Cafe Church is a relaxed worship gathering which inform us of new developments.
mainly involves discussion.
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine Christ Centred ³ Relational ³ Risk Taking ³ Hospitable
August 2018 | Page 5
UPCOMING EVENTS
FOCUS – Sand, Sea and Mountains Spectrum 7 August
4 August Our next meeting will take the form of a film
This evening will feature photographs by night and Trish’s choice of movie is always excellent.
McLachlans and Andersons of their recent Moroccan Date: Tuesday 7 August
and Mediterranean travels. Time: 7.30pm
Place: Home of Trish Matheson
Date: Saturday 4 August As always there is a warm welcome to visitors.
Time: 7.30pm
Place: Westfield Drive Seniors Lunch 24 August
All are welcome. Date: Friday 24 August
A shared supper will be served. Time: 12 noon
Place: 20 Westfield Drive, Doncaster
Fellowship Dinner 7 August
The speaker will be Darrell Cartledge, an Speakers: Helen and Don Bartlett
architect, who will use slides and a projector to Music: Beryl Richards
illustrate his specialty of renovating old dwellings.
All men and women are invited for a catered meal Transport can be arranged.
($15) to hear what should be an intriguing evening. RSVP: Please notify your RSVP and transport needs
Please let John Coombes know of your intentions. to The Hub 9846 2012 or Megan Coote
9876 2428 by Sunday 19 August
Date: Tuesday 7 August
Time: 6.30pm for 7.00pm
Place: Westfield Drive
C
?
M U W FD: 20 W estf i eld Dri v e, Do nca ster
B Y O: Dri nk s & Ni bbl es
TRIVIA Adults $20 Kids Free
NIGHT Supporting: We Care Nauru
August 18th, 2018 BYO: gold coins for games
7pm @ WFD Tickets from Community Building Team
& Mission Portfolio
Christ Centred ³ Relational ³ Risk Taking ³ Hospitable Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 6 | August 2018
UPCOMING FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
MANGO FUNDRAISER TIME AGAIN Heidelberg Theatre Co. Fundraiser
If you love for EARS Inc.‘Blue Stockings’
mangoes, here’s The play is set in 1896 –
your chance to again Girton College, Cambridge,
indulge in fresh juicy Britain’s first college to
Kensington Pride mangoes like many of you have admit women. This story of
done over the last few years. They make a wonderful four young women during
Christmas gift. Trays are picked and packed during one tumultuous academic
the premium harvest and will be delivered in late year, fighting for the right to
November to early December depending upon harvest graduate alongside their male
at a cost per tray of only $27 – 7kg (the same price as peers, is set against the larger
last year) – 14-20 mangoes depending on size. backdrop of women’s suffrage.
Little do they anticipate the
Profits support various projects for Refugees and hurdles in their way; love, class
Asylum Seekers in Australia and mission work in division or the strength of the opposition.
Malawi, one of the world’s poorest countries.
Date: Thursday 6 September
Place order by 22nd October – receipt issued for Time: 8.00 pm.,
cash or cheque to Manningham Uniting Church Place: 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna.
Tickets: $25, from Helen Bartlett. Limited number
Please place orders only through Elaine Dodds available so get in early. Funds raised to go to EARS
9846 3800, Russell Crockett 9848 3187, Don Bartlett Inc., Hearing and Training Centre, Malawi.
9850 7407 or The HUB
MUC CONNECTIONS TAMIL FEAST
1 September
Come and share a delicious meal, enjoy good
company and hear from speakers who will increase
our awareness of how we can support asylum seekers
in Australia.
Date: Saturday 1 September
Time: 6.30pm
Place: The Now and Not Yet Café
148-150 Yarra St, Warrandyte VIC 3113
Cost: $40 per person
Tickets: Marion Bailes, Faye Tse or The Hub
Profits will go toward the continued employment
and housing of asylum seekers by Now and Not Yet. Nigethan, refugee and chef, who will share his
story at the dinner.
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine Christ Centred ³ Relational ³ Risk Taking ³ Hospitable
August 2018 | Page 7
CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS
ÆÆ Design and Development Team
recommendations are being finalised and
will be presented to Council and PCG for
final approval.
• Council endorsed the nomination of Ruth Hodges as
Convener of the Worship Portfolio
• Correspondence requesting an additional disabled
toilet in the vicinity of the Brick Church in the
redevelopment at Templestowe was discussed.
Council’s preference is to support the current design,
but other options are being considered.
• Church Council discussed the decision of the recent
Uniting Church Assembly meeting which resolved
Highlights from the 18 July Church
to allow its ministers the freedom to conduct or to
Council Meeting: refuse to conduct same-gender marriages.
• The following people were elected Office Bearers
for the next 12 months: Church Council also acknowledged that the
ÆÆ Chairperson: Ray Cranwell Uniting Church holds two statements of belief;
ÆÆ Deputy Chairperson: Ken Manson (in ‘Marriage for Christians is the freely given consent
and commitment in public and before God of a
absentia – to be confirmed)
man and a woman to live together for life’ and the
ÆÆ Secretary: John Steel additional statement ‘Marriage for Christians is the
ÆÆ Treasurer: Tania Puglia freely given consent and commitment in public and
before God of two people to live together for life’.
• The following appointments were also made:
ÆÆ Minute Secretary: Zoe McLachlan The Assembly has stated ‘Church Councils will
have the right to determine whether marriage services
ÆÆ Co-opted Member: Merryn Platt to
take place on their premises’ and our Church Council
work on the MUC Communication Strategy
accepted that marriage services that use either of the
• Merryn Creek has been contracted to undertake the statements of belief will be allowed on our premises.
Website Redevelopment Project
The Uniting Church is taking a bold move forward
• ASP/PCG with this decision and we encourage you to have open
ÆÆ Planning Permit for the Templestowe conversations about your response to these changes.
development has been issued with 41 If anyone wishes to have
conditions, which include; retention of trees further discussion please
on Wood St boundary - the Architects and contact a member of the
Landscapers are addressing changes that Ministry Team.
may be needed, maximum of 217 patrons
ÆÆ Woodhouse Grove – options, drawings and Ray Cranwell
Council Chair
costings will be developed and presented to
Church Council.
Christ Centred ³ Relational ³ Risk Taking ³ Hospitable Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 8 | August 2018
MURMURINGS THAT MATTER
A detailed analysis of our
church numbers indicated how
our church had changed over the
last 6 years. This report will be
analysed and used to grow MUC
when recent determinations at
Assembly regarding membership
of the Uniting Church are shared
with congregations. These
discussions will include an
understanding of membership and
how new attendees at our services
can become members.
Emergency contact names and
numbers are being requested for
ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM THE all of our congregation members.
JULY MEETING OF THE ELDERS/ This is a ‘circle of safety’ issue which will enable
LEADERS PORTFOLIO identified church leaders to make an immediate
contact with the next of kin in time of an emergency.
Over the next few months most members of our The Elders/Leaders Portfolio will experiment with
community will be given the opportunity to indicate the times of our meeting over the next few months.
their skills and interests which may be used to help Our September meeting will be held on Thursday
‘a neighbour’ in time of need. Each person will be afternoon 20 September commencing at 1.00pm. Our
approached by a member of the Elders/Leaders October meeting will be held at the usual time in the
Portfolio or the Community Building Team and asked evening (3rd Thursday of the month commencing
to indicate areas that you may be willing to offer at 7.30pm). We will then return to an afternoon
to a friend when/if they need outside support. This gathering. This is a trial only, with the expected future
information will be retained solely by the MUC Care attendance of new portfolio members who work
Network Facilitator who will refer to the information during the day, necessitating a
and offer you the opportunity to use your relevant return to the evening time slot.
skill to assist a friend in a time of hardship. This is
an ongoing process which will be implemented over A workshop on pastoral care
ensuing months. is being planned for a Saturday
For further information please speak to an Elder/ morning in September.
Leader or member of the Community Building Team.
Full details of the program were outlined in the May Rex Anderson,
magazine. Elders/Leaders Portfolio
Chairperson
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine Christ Centred ³ Relational ³ Risk Taking ³ Hospitable
August 2018 | Page 9
ELDERS/PASTORAL CARE
An opportunity to offer your skills to provide pastoral care
The Elders and Pastoral Care portfolio have developed the MUC Care Network with the aim of providing care
to people associated with MUC when they have specific needs. A coordinator/facilitator of the Care Network will
be appointed. Anyone with a particular need will be able to contact that coordinator who will then pass on the
request to a person who has offered to provide for that need. Often that person will be known to the person making
their request by being in the same friendship group or MUC activity group. If you are able to offer any of your
skills please return the form below to your elder/carer, The Hub, Rex Anderson or Gwyn Roberts.
MUC CARE NETWORK (Previously known as MUC Resource Network)
The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) tells the story of a Samaritan (a charitable or helpful
person) who assists a stranger in time of need.
The initial purpose of the MUC Care Network is to provide support for our friends who may have a short
or long term need. (This does not exclude providing support for any person experiencing troubling times).
To enable this assistance to be immediate and appropriate to the need we require an understanding of the
skills, abilities and interests of people.
This does not mean that you will be called upon to help all who are in trouble. The support will at all times
be relevant to the need and to the relationship you have with the recipient.
We would appreciate you listing the qualities you would offer at a time a friend of yours was in need of
support.
Please select all the ways you would be able to assist:
Provide transport Prepare a meal
Visit at home Visit at hospital
Prayer Shopping
Provide IT support Trade skills
As the above list is an example only, please list any other areas of support you would like to offer
......................................................................
.................................................................................
.................................................................................
.................................................................................
.................................................................................
.................................................................................
.................................................................................
Name: .........................................
Thank you for your care.
Christ Centred ³ Relational ³ Risk Taking ³ Hospitable Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine
Page 10 | August 2018
LEARNING AND DISCIPLESHIP
"Conversations on things that matter."
with Gail and Alastair Pritchard.
7.30 to 9.30pm weekly gatherings over four weeks in August
on topics such as -
What do we really know about Jesus?
What difference does it make if Jesus and Christ are not the same?
Can human beings be one with God?
Can we moderns cope with a God who is mystery?
How do we imagine "living in the Spirit of God?"
How does all this affect how we are as church?
Other questions that are sure to arise.
Dates and location to be advised.
If you wouldIfbe interested
you would be to join in such
interested conversations
to join please let
in such conversations
Gail or Alastair know onlet
please 0946
Gail8464 or email
or Alastair knowalgapritch@westnet.com.au
on 9846 8464
or email algapritch@westnet.com.au.
Dates: 6,13,20,27 August 7.30pm – 9.30pm Place: Westfield Drive
Learning and Discipleship
MUC will develop an understanding of and create opportunities for learning,
personal growth and what it means to follow Christ.
We are called to walk in Jesus’ footsteps to contribute to the best possible
world and to do this we must live out our values – Christ centered; Risk-
taking; Relational, Hospitable.
This goal focuses on the journey toward learning about and following Christ.
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine Christ Centred ³ Relational ³ Risk Taking ³ HospitableAugust 2018 | Page 11
MUC MISSIONAL ACTIVITIES
WHY DO WE NEED A SOCIAL
JUSTICE GROUP?
Our household only buys the
newspaper, ‘The Age’, twice
each week; on Thursdays and
Saturdays. This is simply because
the mayhem of my life doesn’t
afford me the luxury of wading
through it each day. Even then
it’s left largely unread. But worse than that, there
are so many issues and problems confronting me
on every page, that even a flick through leaves me
Request for donations of toiletries exhausted and depressed. Just how as a Christian can
MUC Connections will be making up packs to give I make sense of it all? How do I decide what issues
to newly arrived refugees in Melbourne and would be are important and how do I discern what is fake news
grateful for the following items: and what is real substance that I need to understand?
More importantly, what are the causes for which I
• soap need to advocate?
• toothbrushes (including children’s and toddlers’)
• shampoo (large and small sizes) For me, that is why I think MUC needs a Social
• small packs of razors Justice Group; to highlight the issues that need our
• small tubes of shaving cream discernment and try to do something about it. I simply
• face washers feel overwhelmed in this largely dysfunctional ‘me
• sponge/toiletry bags focused’ world and I need the support of much wiser
• small packs female hygiene items heads than mine to help lead me through so many
issues. Not that MUC doesn’t do that on some critical
No need for toothpaste - we have enough at the issues, for example Connections on our asylum
moment thank you! seeker/refugee calamity. However, I’d like to be part
of a group taking a wider view and I’m so pleased to
Marion Bailes see in last month’s Magazine that is about to happen
and I hear on the grapevine we have quite a few
starters. Bring it on and I might start to enjoy reading
A big THANK YOU to all who supported the
the newspaper again.
‘Entertainment’ fundraiser
for EARS Inc.
Don Bartlett
A total of $678 was
raised and will be sent
to the ABC Hearing &
Training Centre in Malawi. If you are interested in
being involved please speak to Helen Bartlett, any
We hope you are enjoying your memberships. of the Mission Portfolio members or The Hub.
Helen Bartlett
Christ Centred ³ Relational ³ Risk Taking ³ Hospitable Manningham Uniting Church Monthly MagazinePage 12 | August 2018
MISSIONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The Church and Proximity They found that when they showed up in
community as church at city meetings, they became
This month I thought I would share with you a accessible to the community, and the community
very interesting interview and accompanying paper I began to invite them, as church, to be part of the
listened to recently. Peter Block and John McKnight, conversation. Through this the community began
authors of the book ‘The Abundant Community’ to show them how the church was valued and
conducted the interview with Rev Dr Joseph Kovitch. needed. Together the people of St. Mathew’s and
He shares his experience as priest of St Mathew’s the community of Uptown Westerville reclaimed
Episcopal Church in Ohio and the congregation’s the presence of church at the table, as a part of the
journey of rediscovering its presence as church in the conversation. I have to share with you here my own
community after being displaced from its building personal experience of this on behalf of us at MUC
after 50 years. I found much of this story resonating amidst our local community, as well as what I have
with our journey at MUC. observed as a result of our becoming more and more
immersed in our community.
In his article ‘The Church and Proximity’ and
in the interview, Joseph shares the story of the Icurrently represent MUC at the Healthy City
congregation departing its church building after 50 Connecting Communities Working Group. This
years. As the congregation faced the reality of the ‘For group is made up of community organisations and
Sale’ sign out the front and the feeling of exile into the local residents led by Manningham City Council to
wilderness and as the members stood with their backs create solutions and work towards one of the three
to the building, feeling exposed to the passing cars Manningham City Council Public Health Priorities
and curious onlookers, the priest said “People of St of Connecting Communities. Seems like no big deal
Mathew’s Episcopal Church……behold your parish!” really, it’s a working group we participate in. But if
and a holy departure began. we pay close enough attention it is significant and is
an indicator of us rediscovering our place as church
The members of the congregation had no new in Manningham and the community communicating
building to move to but were determined to survive something to us about our role, our gifting, the
and re-envision what being church now meant. One invitation they have been awaiting us to take.
thing they found was their experience of wilderness
and vulnerability made them accessible to the The council received more applicants than
community. “….for we too are sojourners in the available places on the working group and it chose
community, exiles among exiles. Since the rupture of us. Continuous relationship building, listening and
our former identity of place, we now recognise what showing up to the events and activities that were
our survival means as it is in direction proportion to important to our local community.has made us more
the survival of the city; thus, mutual hopes emerge.” accessible to our community and has reopened our
role as church at the table. We’ve been re-invited to
All of a sudden without their church building to be a part of the conversation, to take up our leadership
gather in, St. Mathew’s needed to find new ways to role. My experience in this working group has been
gather and in doing so re-imagine concepts of sacred that its members, including local council staff have
place, spiritual practice and identity as church. begun to tell our story – who we are and what value
we bring. How fascinating, to have our community
They found the sacred in relationships, in speak our value, tell our story. I’ve entered these
conversations with their local community in the local relationships with our Christian identity and purpose
coffee shop, the pub and in their living rooms. and the community has been comfortable with this.
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine Christ Centred ³ Relational ³ Risk Taking ³ HospitableAugust 2018 | Page 13
MISSIONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
“To be a church of deep belonging is a church that services. We have been witnesses to the Gospel. We
joins the world in small incremental ways. For St have been incarnate examples of the living hope and
Mathew’s, it is found in the priest and other leaders love of God (Monday to Sunday) and equally so we
showing up and being proximal to the life of Uptown have experienced these things in the relationships
Westerville. It is discovering places where people we’ve engaged in. I believe in doing so we are
gather and encounter one another, such as coffee rediscovering our identity of church in our community
houses, pubs, restaurants, book stores, and street of Manningham and in doing so our community is
corners, seeing them as places of holy listening and asking us, inviting us to be church with them.
sacramental relationship.”
“We are inspired to be a living liturgy in
“…showing up and being proximal….” “…. seeing community and discovered the Eucharist happens
them as places of holy listening…” That’s what we when we are God bearers, advocates for Justice and
(MUC) have been doing intentionally inrecent years, acolytes for Christ in the sanctuary of the streets,
discovering places where people gather and encounter homes, businesses, political offices, first responders
one another and listening. We’ve intentionally shown and simple encounters with our brother and sister.
up at Doncaster Secondary College and listened for And once you capture the imagination of the people,
what it values, where it struggles and how we might a community of belonging is cultivated and rooted in
participate with it and add value. This action has led genuine and accountable relationships. Walls of ‘us
to trusting relationships, one where we are more and and them’ are transformed into safe spaces – sacred
more invited to be a part of the conversation, where spaces of belonging.”
our presence is valued and our contribution is seen as
integral. We need not fear a dying church, a spiritual
revolution is afoot and we are a part of it. We can and
We’ve intentionally shown up at Templestowe are courageously reimagining and living into new
Manor, observing and listening to what is important ways of being church. We are breaking down the walls
to the people who live there and consequently that have separated us from community. We are led
responding with what we have to offer – patchwork by the mystery of God and our tradition affirms the
knee rugs for people to use on bus outings, solidarity liberation that awaits. We are actively breaking down
and relationship in music events, pastoral care. We the walls and in doing so a new church is being born,
intentionally participated; although outside our bringing it with it the richness of its history.
comfort zone, in the Peace Torch Relay and have
consequently developed a fruitful relationship with To listen to the interview with Rev. Dr. Joseph
Manningham Police, whereby we have co-created Kovitch go to: http://recordings.talkshoe.com/TC-
a social cohesion project enabling neighbours 115124/TS-1243046.mp3
to re-engage with one another, our presence has
been so valued we’ve been asked to speak at the A copy Joseph’s article ‘The Church and
launch. We’ve offered hospitality and Christ- Proximity’ can be found here: http://www.
centred relationship with our English learning class abundantcommunity.com/files/Leadership_Paper_
participants, valued so greatly we’ve been invited into May_20_2018_2_intro_-_Copy.pdf
their homes, to support them in their most vulnerable
times, to share their journey. Emma Hanna
Missional Community
In none of these examples has our spiritual or Development Worker
Christian identity been lost or requested of us to
abandon, nor has it necessarily translated into more
people attending our Sunday morning worship
Christ Centred ³ Relational ³ Risk Taking ³ Hospitable Manningham Uniting Church Monthly MagazinePage 14 | August 2018
TRANSITION MINISTRY
Transition Ministry Coordinator’s Report
I’ve had the chance to speak at and lead services different groups and social activities. It’s fantastic to
at Manningham Uniting Church over the last couple see the Body of Christ at work in this way.
of months. I thank the church for the chance to do
this, and the warm welcome which I have received at As I have spoken to people about the Transition
all times. In some of my talks I mentioned that I’ve from four separate churches into one, I’ve heard many
seen some great ways in which congregation members stories about the history of the four churches. I’ve also
support each other. This certainly fits in with this heard about other churches where people have been,
Magazine’s focus on ‘identifying and reflecting God’s or which have previously merged and are now part of
love locally, nationally and globally.’ MUC.
As an outsider without a Uniting Church I’ve also heard about hopes for the future, and
background I was certainly aware of the UCA focus how MUC can continue to be an important part of
on social justice and caring for those in need, but I the community locally. I acknowledge that people
have been amazed at the variety of projects in which have different experiences with the transition at MUC
MUC is involved. You should be greatly encouraged and am particularly keen to talk to those who are
by the many ways in which you are showing God’s concerned about the changes. I haven’t managed to
love locally, nationally and globally. I won’t name speak to everyone yet, and am available as a pastoral
any specific projects because they would take up the resource for everyone.
whole page, but well done to those who are doing the
hard work to make things happen. So, please be encouraged by the great community
that is MUC. Please keep up the friendships and the
I have also been encouraged by the ways in which desire to impact our world in many ways. Together we
people from this Church support and care for one can achieve many things, and I am excited to be a part
another. I’m aware that some of these relationships go of what is happening at MUC.
back decades and it’s great to see friendships that have
continued for all this time. Some of these are more
recent friendships which have arisen out of meeting Scott Leslie
new people when attending different church services Transition Ministry
or moving into different places. Everyone has been Coordinator.
welcoming to me as a newcomer and many others
have made new friends, and invited people along to
CENTENARY GARDEN ON THE MOVE
As the old timber church at ATK is to Therefore help is needed on Saturday 11
be moved towards Atkinson Street as part August to prune and remove the roses and
of the redevelopment of the site, it is now pot them up, between 10.00 a.m. and noon.
necessary to remove the Centenary Garden Large plastic pots will be needed so if you
to make way for this work. It has been have any you no longer need please leave
decided to save the roses (some of which them at the back of the old church before
have been planted in memory of a loved that day.
one) until the new garden is established, Any enquiries please contact Helen Bartlett,
then any not needed will be given to 9850 7407 or d.bartlet@bigpond.com
congregation members.
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine Christ Centred ³ Relational ³ Risk Taking ³ HospitableAugust 2018 | Page 15
MINISTRY TO THE ELDERLY
Some Dementia Awareness Follow-up
Following the series of three workshops we had • if concerned about one’s memory the GP is the
with Rev Brace Bateman the Seniors ‘Think Tank’ first port of call, there could be many different reasons
met and discussed ‘where to from here’ based on for any concern.
what we had heard from those who attended Brace’s
workshops, as well as our own thinking and research. At the end of our time together I remarked to one
See the July Magazine for a detailed report of the of our visitors, that our conversation had obviously
workshops and some details of the disease. stirred up a lot of memories and I hoped this would
not be detrimental to her. Her reply was “Yes, it had
We decided to invite three people who had cared stirred up a lot of the past, but it was very helpful
for spouses with dementia to have lunch with us. It is as it was the first time I have spoken of those times
important to hear from those people (and others) to and years.” That comment told us of the need for the
ascertain what would have been helpful from MUC opportunity to provide that level of support in an on-
in their journey over the years. Two of them were going way.
able to attend. Our conversations were wide ranging
and these are the significant comments we are able to To the quality people we listened to, their strength
share. Some of the conversation was very personal and their willingness to share so openly we are
and will stay with us all for a long time to come. extremely grateful.
• a support group for people with Dementia and
their carers would be beneficial A couple of MUC people attended the recent
• some ‘friends’ avoid talking to alzheimers session ‘Is your community dementia friendly?’
sufferers facilitated by our local Council and led by a staff
• ‘friends’ fall away person from Dementia Australia, it provided us with
• some people don’t want to confront the problem some more pointers to include in our on-going work
• we need to educate the congregation re the above in this area.
• we need to support and care for the carer
• we need to prioritize our pastoral care for all There will be a support group formed over time.
families in need There will also be training offered to any of our
• it is important to continue the friendship with the members, particularly in the area of
carer after the death of their spouse communication. More details will be
• there is home help available from our local offered at a later date.
council, day care from MannaCare, information
and support from Dementia Australia. An aged care Megan Coote
assessment is needed for these services. Seniors Ministry Coordinator
Look on the My Gov website or visit a GP
Christ Centred ³ Relational ³ Risk Taking ³ Hospitable Manningham Uniting Church Monthly MagazinePage 16 | August 2018
IDENTIFYING AND REFLECTING GOD’S LOVE
A Reflection presented by the Rev Dr Lorraine lined streets and choirs in heaven. We don’t know if
Parkinson at Manningham Uniting Church on 8 July, heaven, or the ‘after life’ is anything like the way we
2018. imagine it.” Does that worry you? Probably not. You
might even say, “I don’t need to know about that. It’s
‘How much do you need to know?’ God’s business.”
Job 38: 1-7, Mark 10: 35-44
But it is human nature to be curious though,
How much do you need to know about the world? particularly about big issues like God and the afterlife.
Are you interested in irrigation methods in Argentina? In that regard, Jesus’ disciples James and John were
No? Do you make enquiries about where flamingos go no different from any of us. Mark tells us that one day
in winter? No? Would you leap at the chance to study they asked Jesus for a favour. “We want you to do for
algae growth in English canals? No? Do you hang us whatever we ask of you”, they said. Well, naturally
on to every word about the Rotorua basketball team? enough, Jesus didn’t fall for that one. He asked what
No? Last chance – have you followed changes that sort of favour this was.
have been made to Bedouin tents this year? No?
They replied that they wanted to sit on seats to
Why not? You’d probably tell me it’s hard enough the right and the left of Jesus in heaven. Now in one
to keep tabs on your own family, or neighbourhood, respect it’s not surprising that they thought of this.
let alone what’s happening everywhere else. We can’t The idea of Jesus sitting on a kind of royal throne with
hope to know everything about this unimaginably his most senior lieutenants on either side was very
complex world. And that’s just planet earth. There’s familiar. It came straight from the world around them
not one single person who knows much at all about – a world of kings and emperors and thrones of power.
life on planet earth, let alone about the rest of the They imagined God as the king of kings. So naturally
universe. Does that worry enough, the heaven they thought of
Jesus was a God-inspired human being.
you? Probably not. You know So – the fact is that Jesus did not know was furnished like that – with thrones
it’s not possible to have that and so on.
many of the things that we know!
much knowledge. You might
even say, “That’s just for God But there was more to their
to know.” request. Once they were all in
heaven, these two disciples wanted to be superior to
So — speaking of God – how much do you need the other ten. The twin demons of competitiveness
to know about God? Are you currently investigating and self-interest had well and truly taken over them.
what God looks like? No? Are you planning to attend And dare I say that these were male disciples; the
seminars about the furniture in heaven? No? Have you story doesn’t say it was women asking for this kind of
researched the number of angels who sing in God’s promotion! Anyway, Jesus treated James and John’s
choir? No? Do you intend to do a course on what request with the respect it deserved – he dismissed it
reality was like before the ‘Big Bang’? No? Are you out of hand. “You don’t know what you are asking”,
trying to calculate how old God is? No? Why not? he said. Obviously they had very little understanding
of him or of his purpose. In fact, Jesus wonders
I think you would rightly call those questions, out loud whether James and John will be capable of
nonsense questions! You would probably say, “Well, following where he’s leading them. Then he makes
it might be interesting to find out about all that, but it something very clear. He has no more control over
isn’t possible to know any of it. We don’t even know the furniture in heaven than his disciples have. As far
if there are such things as angels, and harps and gold- as he’s concerned, it’s not for him to decide. It’s up to
God.
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IDENTIFYING AND REFLECTING GOD’S LOVE
Now, let’s not beat around the bush – Jesus was understand why it happened to him, and he wanted
a human being, with a human brain and mind. We God to explain it. He battered on God’s door with
believe that he was comprehensively God-inspired, continuous petitions for justice, and pity, and mercy.
but he was a God-inspired human being. So – the fact He wanted God to appear and answer his questions
is that Jesus did not know many of the things that we about the world and its unfairness to him. He was
know! He did not know that the earth revolves around quite sure that if he could just have the opportunity to
the sun. He did not know that human-made machines talk with God, he’d be vindicated, and given justice
would one day fly through the air. He did not know for his suffering. In the reading we heard, Job finally
what causes epileptic fits – he thought it was demon gets his wish. God appears in a whirlwind, and has a
possession. He did not know that the continents of conversation with him.
North and South America existed – or Australia,
for that matter! Does that worry you? Probably But it doesn’t go quite the way Job imagined
not. Because what Jesus did know – about human it. Instead of him questioning God, God questions
relationships and about God – has stood the test of him. Wonderful questions. The first one sets the tone
time for two thousand years. And it will continue to for all the rest: “Job – where were you when I laid
stand – as long as human beings are around to need it. the foundations of the earth?” “Who determined its
measurements?” “On what were its bases sunk?”
A case in point is what happened after James and “Who laid its cornerstones?” “Who did all this ‘while
John approached Jesus with their request. Naturally the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly
enough, when his other disciples heard about their beings shouted for joy?’ Mm?” Job is being put very
efforts at self-promotion, they were very cross. The gently, but very firmly, in his place. He is a mere
gospel makes it clear that an unpleasant exchange mortal. God is God.
took place. So Jesus gave them a short sharp lesson in
leadership. “Look around Now – anyone who’d
you at the Romans!” he Jesus did not need to know what happens in life suffered as Job did might
said. “Their leaders take beyond death; he left that to God. He was concerned easily have become an
advantage of everyone with what was happening in the world around him. atheist. In the face of
under them. They all that suffering, plus
tyrannize people who are God’s silence, it would
weaker than they are. That’s not the way it should have been easy enough to decide that God did not
be with you. The greatest among you will be the exist – as many people have, on the basis of their own
one who is servant to the others.” And he went on to suffering. But Job persisted. After all, he’s portrayed
remind them that this was precisely his way of leading as the quintessential man of faith. The reward for his
them. persistence was his realisation of the majesty and
mystery and ‘otherness’ of God. God’s ways remained
Jesus did not need to know what happens in life a mystery, but most importantly, Job discovered that
beyond death; he left that to God. You don’t find him God had not rejected him, or forgotten him. He found
anywhere speculating about it. He was concerned with that he was not alone. And the person of faith does
what was happening in the world around him. So if have that kind of assurance, but does not have all the
that was good enough for Jesus, his disciples then and answers about God.
now, have his example to follow.
In 1982 the Rabbinical Council of America
And yet, as I said, it’s human nature to be curious released this statement about atheism:
about things unknown. Job is the perfect example. If God is not, then the existence of all that is
He experienced so much suffering. He couldn’t beautiful and good, is but the accidental by-product
Christ Centred ³ Relational ³ Risk Taking ³ Hospitable Manningham Uniting Church Monthly MagazinePage 18 | August 2018
IDENTIFYING AND REFLECTING GOD’S LOVE
of blindly swirling atoms. A person may believe that Through his teaching, we can catch a glimpse of what
this dreadful thing is true. But only fools will say in God might regard as heaven. Let me explain that with
their hearts that they are glad it is true. For to wish a story.
there should be no God is to wish that the things
we love and strive to realise and make permanent, Myrtle and Mildred are life-long friends who
should be only temporary and doomed to frustration live into their nineties. They die around the same
and destruction. Atheism leads not to badness, but to time. They both go to heaven, where they find they
incurable sadness and loneliness. no longer suffer from arthritis, heart disease, failing
eyesight and hearing. They are able to wander through
the most perfect gardens you could imagine, to see
There has always been a gap between theology clearly every perfect tree and flower, and to hear
(God-talk) and science. The gap is mainly to do with clearly the singing of beautiful birds. They are happily
scientific method, that relies on physical evidence reunited with their family and friends who had died
for a given theory. But God is simply not physically before them. They are given comfortable living
available for testing in a laboratory. Yet many quarters and good, delicious food to eat. Everyone
scientists are also people of faith. Some are physicists, they meet is happy and welcoming. “Just think,” said
who believe it’s possible to discover God in the Myrtle to Mildred, “If we hadn’t eaten all that muesli
workings of the cosmos – the universe. and done all those exercises, we could have been here
years ago!”
Among them is Paul Davies, Professor of Physics
at the University of Arizona, who wrote a book called OK. Good story. But why did I tell it? Well, you
The Mind of God. On its last page he wrote this: would have noted that Myrtle and Mildred’s heaven
We, who are children of the universe – animated does not include gold-lined streets, choirs of angels
stardust – can nevertheless reflect on the nature of or sapphire thrones. It features the ordinary things
that same universe, even to the extent of glimpsing most important for human life. They are also the
the rules on which it runs. I cannot believe that our things on Jesus’ list for life – like good health, good
existence in this universe is a mere quirk of fate, an food and shelter, beauty and peace in nature and most
accident of history, an incidental blip in the great importantly – love between people.
cosmic drama .We are truly meant to be here.
Jesus tells us over and over that the holy things,
Jesus’ way of coping with things unknown was the things we might regard as heavenly, are right
to trust in the reality and goodness of God, and to here, in this life. As we live in accordance with Jesus’
live in accordance with that. He was just as aware of teaching, our lives are actually in tune with the eternal
suffering as any of us, and probably much more so. life of God, whom we call Love. How much more do
There were far fewer answers to disease and suffering we need to know? Surely, that’s enough.
and starvation and tyrannical rulers in his time than `
there are in ours.
Yet Jesus remained inspired by God to teach the Rev Dr Lorraine Parkinson
way of love. Love connects us not only to each other,
but to something real beyond ourselves. The name by
which we call this experience of love, is God. And
did you know that Jesus’ teaching is the surest way of THIS REFLECTION MAY BE REPRODUCED
glimpsing what God might regard as heaven? WITH ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
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IDENTIFYING AND REFLECTING GOD’S LOVE
English class enjoys a cooking lesson
‘Cooking’ was the topic on the last
English class of Term 2, and the students
learnt by getting into the action. Elaine
Dodds took the class through the steps
of making pikelets, with the teaching
of vocabulary used for ingredients,
cooking methods and kitchen utensils.
The students did a great job following
written instructions, and we had three
electric frypans on the go. Of course
all of the students and volunteer tutors
enjoyed eating the finished pikelets
along with various toppings, as a reward
for all of their hard work!
Marion Bailes Anne, Gail, Elaine. Sitting: Tricia, Helen, Joan, Yang, Kim
Mustofa, Jay, John, Sadegh, Wendy, Sherry
Free English conversation classes are held from 10am to 12noon every
Friday of the school term in the Lower Lounge, 104 Atkinson Street,
Templestowe.
Christ Centred ³ Relational ³ Risk Taking ³ Hospitable Manningham Uniting Church Monthly MagazinePage 20 | August 2018
INDUCTION OF REV CLAIRE DAWE
Induction Service 15 July at 1.00pm the declaration of faith and obedience that you made
at your ordination and to show that you desire,
by God’s grace, to continue your ministry in this
congregation.
Do you confess anew Jesus Christ as Lord?
I do.
Do you embrace the faith and unity of the holy,
catholic and apostolic Church, as set forth in the
scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, expressed
in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds and described in
the Basis of Union?
I do.
Do you accept the discipline of the Uniting Church
More than 150 members of our congregation were
and the oversight of this presbytery?
present on 15 July at the service of induction of Rev
I do.
Claire Dawe, as Minister of the Word for Children,
Do you affirm and commit yourself to the covenant
Young People and Families, by the chairperson of
made between the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander
Yarra Yarra Presbytery, Rev Ross Pearce.
Christian Congress and the Uniting Church and
accept the obligation to serve both First and Second
The service was preceded by a shared lunch in the
peoples?
Upper Hall coordinated by Kay Robert. There was
I do
such an abundance of food that we were also able to
Will you take part in the work of this presbytery
offer a plentiful afternoon tea for those who could not
and other councils of the Uniting Church, and will you
make it to the lunch.
share in the life and witness of the wider Church?
I will.
Rev Lucas Taylor led the service, Rev Bronwyn
Daniels gave the reflection and Rev Ross Pearce
PRESENTATION OF SYMBOLS
presided over the induction. The singing was led by
band and choir in turn, the choir singing a beautiful
rendition of John Rutter’s Aaronic Blessing.
QUESTIONS TO CLAIRE
Claire, my sister in Christ, you are called to be
a servant and a shepherd in this congregation.It is
your work to preach Christ’s gospel, to call people
to repentance, to assure them of God’s mercy, and to
baptise.You will teach, inspire and encourage, both
by word and example, the people entrusted to your
care. You will lead them in worship, and celebrate the
Lord’s supper with them.
Symbols of our congregation (water, bible, bread,
You will take Christ the Good Shepherd as your
wine and symbols especially collected by the children
example, caring for his people and serving with them
– chocolate, Earl grey tea and a wooden Noah’s ark)
in their witness to the world.
were presented to Claire by representatives of the
congregation.
In view of this solemn trust, we ask you to reaffirm
Manningham Uniting Church Monthly Magazine Christ Centred ³ Relational ³ Risk Taking ³ HospitableAugust 2018 | Page 21
INDUCTION OF REV CLAIRE DAWE
The Lord bless you and keep you,
the Lord make his face to shine upon you
and be gracious unto you.
MINISTRY COLLEAGUES’ WELCOMED The Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
CLAIRE and give you peace.
Claire, we welcome you to the Manningham
Congregation. We offer you our friendship and THE PEOPLE’S RESPONSE: The chairperson of
support as we join together in this work to which the church council (Ray Cranwell) came forward and
God calls us, and as we share with the people of this invited the congregation to stand.
congregation in the wider ministry of Christ.
INDUCTION PRAYER Claire, I greet you as our new minister.
I present to you the people of God in this congregation,
ministers with you in the gospel, and I commend them
to your prayers. On their behalf, I greet you.
The chairperson of presbytery addressed the
congregation.
Will you take part in the public worship of God,
and contribute to the work of God as you are able;
will you endeavour to make a Christian witness
in the community by word and action?
We will, the Lord being our helper.
Almighty God, in every age you have chosen Will you honour Claire as your pastor and leader;
servants to speak your word and lead your people. will you listen for God’s word in her preaching;
We thank you for Claire whom you have called to will you welcome her into your homes;
serve you. will you provide for her that which is necessary for her
Fill her with the Holy Spirit and give her gifts for physical welfare;
this ministry. and will you at all times support her with your love
May she have the same mind that was in Christ and prayers?
Jesus, and be a faithful disciple, being an example to
the people of God and witnessing before the world; We will, the Lord being our helper.
through Jesus Christ our Lord.. Amen.
Christ Centred ³ Relational ³ Risk Taking ³ Hospitable Manningham Uniting Church Monthly MagazinePage 22 | August 2018
MUC ACTIVITIES
Spectrum news for July church. We are hoping for a really good turn out to
hear and to support our two guest speakers.
Spectrum had a successful cake stall after
Fellowship@10 on the 1st of July. We raised $387.10.
On 4 September you are invited to Westfield Drive
Thanks to all those who supported the stall in any
to hear Jessica Swan (former ABC Journalist),now
way. All funds raised by our cake stalls go to the
running her own company and an associate of
various charities we support.
Benevolence Australia which promotes better
tolerance and understanding between the Muslim and
Our July meeting was held at the home of Bev
Christian Faiths. It should be remembered that we
Robertson. We were enlightened and impressed by
both grew from the Jewish Torah and consequently
the work done by EACH (Eastern Access Community
share and revere many of the prophets and so have
Health – Refugee Health Clinic) situated at East
much in common. This speaker was sought by some
Ringwood. This clinic looks after the health of both
of our members who participated in the 2017 Advent
refugees and Asylum Seekers living in the area, and
studies on the various faiths.
has an extensive translating service, which ensures
that the team of skilled and dedicated doctors and
On 2 October we are promoting our old friend
nurses employed there are able to serve the diverse
(in time not years) Anne Catchpole to speak about
problems presenting in the best possible way. We
‘Cottage by the Sea’ the amazing charity based at
were proud to learn that MUC. as part of its mission
Queenscliff. Spectrum is a regular contributor of
and outreach, gives financial aid to help provide free
money, groceries and gifts (toys, games and clothing)
medications to those families who are not financially
to this worthwhile charity, which continues to
able to do so, because of the way Government
expand its services and make such a difference to so
funding works. MUC’s Connections group collects
many children, adolescents and families within our
toiletries which are packaged into attractive toilet
community for whom life is tough. This evening will
bags, and presented as a welcome gift to the Asylum
also be held at Westfield Drive.
Seeker families on their arrival. We were thrilled
to see photos of children wearing delightful knitted
Anne is particularly excited about her trip to us
garments, and many holding charming knitted toys,
this time as she wants to tell us of the latest expansion
all of which are produced by the nimble fingers of
of services. Spectrum will be giving gifts, a cheque to
MUC’s knitting group.
Anne at this meeting and there will be a bowl on the
supper table to allow individuals to support this work
We thank Dr Marion Bailes {one of the team
with their donations.
doctors} and also a regular member of Family@10,
for her excellent presentation. We also thank Brian
PLEASE PUT BOTH THESE DATES IN YOUR
Parkinson who so willingly managed the technical
DIARIES NOW.
side of things, and Graham Field and Nicole
Robertson who provided transport for the evening.
Mary Whincup
At the conclusion of the evening Spectrum presented
President, Spectrum
Marion with a small thank you gift for all the work
she put into her presentation, plus a cheque of $200
for the work of EACH.
We would like to promote our September and
October meetings to all members of MUC as they are
both public meetings open to ALL members of the
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