From MichaelÕs desk—
Our Lent Event coordinator, Gill Coutts, has invited us this year to approach the season of Lent in 2 ways: firstly, and traditionally, in giving up some things we enjoy (and contributing the money saved to Lent Event); and secondly, in developing and practising new habits.
I appreciate this second strand that Gill has brought to our attention. It has helped me to crystallise some thoughts that had been developing, and doing the rounds in my head. I refer particularly to the importance of gratitude. My friend and ministerial colleague, whom I spoke of last Sunday in church, whose son suffered a massive cerebral haemorrhage, has a practice of taking time each day to contemplate what he is thankful for. When he first told me about this practice I was much moved. He, who lives with the ongoing reality and anguish of his sonÕs disabilities and suffering, yet takes time to be thankful.
ItÕs fairly easy to be critical of what people say and do or donÕt do, and to be critical of ourselves. It takes a little more work, mentally and emotionally, to be appreciative and to cherish others and ourselves. Being critical is almost instinctive; being grateful is conscious work.
So I have started a new habit of practising gratitude. I take 15 minutes a day to sit down, quietly, with a little note book. I cast my mind back over the day and I recall what has taken place. I find that itÕs important to take time in doing this. Rushing through it undermines it; taking time allows new insights and a deeper sense of appreciation to emerge. The other day, having done the weekly shopping, I realised how much I appreciate the large, luscious, green grapes that are currently available in the green grocers, so I wrote that down in my note book. Last Monday night, my son Ben arrived home from 2 months in India. Of course, any parent is grateful when their child returns home safely from an adventure. But by taking time and lingering over the memory of that experience (we went to the airport to meet him), something else emerged.
I have a hunch that this new habit will have some tangible outcomes beyond the more immediate sense of joy and appreciation that the practise brings. I think it may generate more capacity for compassion and also quietly and gently change my outlook on life.
Please have a look at the blog spot that Gill has set up, where you can read of other peopleÕs journeys through Lent and where you are invited to share some of your own journey. (
Church Council News
Safe Churches—
Deb and Lin attended a Safe Church Workshop on 12 February. It was a long afternoon but well-run with lots of useful information. We will be developing some policies and procedures over coming months. As recommended at the workshop, we want all people ministering to children as well as other vulnerable (or potentially vulnerable) people, equipped to ensure that our churches and programs are safe places for all.
Rosters—
Regular emails from Joyce Lum tell us weekly that the church roster is not easily filled for each Sunday. This was discussed at our last Church Council meeting.
You may be surprised to know that there are 11 roles to be filled each Sunday. This means that for an average congregation of 40, a quarter of the congregation will be taking on a role each week.
It would be great to get more people involved. Maybe you would like to take on a role but are unsure of what it involves. So, here is a list of contacts you could talk to. We would like to establish a pool of people for each role, so please let Jill Charters know if there are one (or more) roles that you would be happy to take on.
Counters – Rod Moffet
Prayer Steward – Andrew Robjohns
Welcoming – Jill Charters
Morning tea – Lin Gourlay
Reading – Lin Gourlay
Flowers – Anne & Paul Howell
Kids Alive – Deb Lee
Kids Alive—Deb Lee
As usual, the time since Christmas has just flown. We continue to have a steady flow of kids attending Kids Alive from all age groups. Thanks so much to those who come and assist when numbers are high and age groups wide; it is really appreciated.
This year has seen the group work on several familiar Bible stories. We look at how these relate to the kids' experiences of life now, for example, general themes such as sharing, loneliness, forgiveness. The children often read out the texts themselves, act out stories and scenarios, and write their own prayers to read out. Of course there is the craft where we try and link the pictures, collages, glue and paint back to the theme. Some of these are in the kids' area at the back of church and some are taken home to show off.
I look forward to moving through Lent and into Easter with the kids who always have plenty of questions and comments for us to explore together.
Talking to Rev Brian Brown, Moderator of NSW Synod—Lin Gourlay
Peter and I recently spent a week on Norfolk Island. In the cottage next 
to us were Rev Brian Brown and his wife Helen, also there for a week. Brian is the (relatively new) Moderator of the NSW Synod of the Uniting Church. Needless to say, we got talking and spent some time together chatting over dinner. Moderators are now elected for a 3-year term; the position is full-time. I thought it would be good for the Crows Nest community to hear some of his thoughts, so I asked him some questions:
1. Why did you accept the position as Moderator?
I have had a lot of training and experience in ministry, and felt that I could offer some back to the church before I retire.
I am an idealist with a genuine sense of hopefulness. I have strong convictions about the role of the Uniting Church as an inclusive and hospitable church. In my nomination for Moderator, I saw an opportunity to promote what I see as the Uniting Church ethos, particularly in social justice and eco-justice.
2.
My theme is—Ò ... new and risky paths.Ó Notice the dots leading into the words; they are deliberate, and allow for some important lead-in thoughts. For example, the last Synod used this theme, with the following variations for each of 4 days of the Synod:
We are in a time of change, and I want to be proactive in exercising faith into the future. I recognise that the community in general is in an uncertain time, with climate change amd the GFC (to name but a few issues). The Uniting Church has to try and lead the way into a transformed future.
3.
Helen and I visited the Riverina recently. The communities there are facing a very difficult future due to the Murray Darling Basin Plan 2nd Draft. It is going to reduce water allocations to farmers. My aim during this visit was to listen and to pastorally support the communities as they struggle Òon new and risky pathsÓ.
4.
Congregations need to know the positive stories about our church—the good things that are happening. We need to affirm and encourage the positive and fresh expressions of mission that are happening in many congregations and presbyteries. We need to support the effort of struggling churches in country areas, especially those affected by flood and drought. We must support them and affirm their efforts. Helen and I visited the small town of Finlay, where the church ladies have started a craft group for the community. This is growing and is a great way for members of the community to support each other. Here on Norfolk Island, the church has opened an opportunity shop where locals can buy and swap and chat.
Yes, but the way the Synod filled out the themes (as I mentioned) are important. The ÔriskÕ is not as in ÔgambleÕ but as in ÔfaithÕ. It is the ÔriskÕ of leaving behind the old and more secure ways. It is a Ònew wine, new wineskinsÓ sort of risk. But it is less risky than doing the old things for ever and never trying change. The ÒriskÓ I have in mind finds expression in the new preamble to the Uniting Church Constitution. I use the Basis of Union and scripture as the theological framework for this theme. We could lose our way at the edges, but we then need to come back to the Basis of Union and scripture.
I want to see the Uniting Church play its part in the wide spectrum of the Christian church in Australia. I want us to emphasise grace, hospitality, inclusion—and be prophetic in ways that are risky.
Kids out the back
The new preschool year has commenced with a few vacancies in the 2-day group. There have been some staff changes this year. The new 2-day Director is Amanda King. Tanya, the administrator has left and the preschool is looking to employ someone with admin/childcare qualifications.
Not so useful instructions!
- (In a first-aid manual) The first essential in the treatment of burns is that the patient should be removed from the fire.
- (In a booklet on computing) You may find inkjet printing too slow in which case you should consider a lasier printer instead.
- (In a gardening magazine) Écould use a contact insecticide, such as powder or gel, to get rid of unwanted pests like auntsÉ
- (In a user manual proof) This is the third daft version of the guide.
- (In an electrical repair manual) Make sure the brown wife is connected to the terminal.
- (In a user guide) To open the report in the preview window, lick the screen icon.
(Cited in Pikestaff 34, a newsletter of the Plain Language Commission, and reprinted with permission)
Useful information
email:
JoyceÕs office hours: Tues & Fri, 9.30– 2.00
email:
Date | Activity | Contact person |
February 26 Sunday | Pancake Sunday | Michael B/Helen |
March 18th Sunday | Afternoon Tea at | All |
April 5th Thursday | Tenebrae | Michael Barnes |
June 17th Sunday | Congregation Lunch | Judy/Barbara |
August 12th Sunday | Multicultural Lunch | All |
September 13th Friday | LadiesÕ Dinner | Gill/Deb |
November 4th Sunday | Interfaith & | Deb |
December 8thSaturday | Church Christmas Celebration | All |