eNews – June 2017
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Rising Above the Fog
By Executive Director Rev Dr Jenny Byrnes
A couple of weeks back there was some excellent photography in the media of Melbourne and Brisbane in foggy conditions. The fog was lying densely across each city like a heavy doona and in each case, there were several buildings projecting above the fog into the sunlight. (I’ve been unable to find any links to these recent photographs to share with you.)
I imagine on that day walking the streets of Melbourne – it would have been misty, dewy and with low vision – whereas on the upper floors of these tall buildings, the vista would have been to a far distant horizon, with the sun illuminating the view and offering a bright outlook. When one is immersed in fog it is hard to believe that only a short distance away clarity is available, and vice-versa.
In the practice of discipleship and the exercise of ministry, more and more is being demanded of us with regard to our ability to articulate our faith and meaning. We know that this ability to engage and communicate with others is a skill that is not easily acquired if it doesn’t come naturally to us. Groping around in the fog of thoughts and ideas, struggling to find the words to explain our beliefs in ways that lift the dense doonas of confusion or complexity is so important in communicating our faith. This is a task that we do not need to tackle in isolation. Learning amongst colleagues, being in ministry groups or committees within the local congregation, whether it be in children’s ministry or adult fellowships, preaching or pastoral care, learning to share our faith and be articulate in conversation with others is a non-negotiable skill for us who seek to be reconcilers and peace-makers in today’s world.
Don’t hang about in foggy lanes of confusion or discouragement, participate in growing and learning in the CTM/Pilgrim adventures and enjoy a clearer view of life and discipleship.
2017 CalendarSemester 2 calendar is now available online, with links to event details. |
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Learning Patience
‘We live in impatient times, and have been taught to think that with the right planning, hard work, and clear implementation, we can adjust our lives to ensure a good outcome. We would rather live with a clear idea about where the next steps should be, and how to take them…’
Opinion piece in June Crosslight by Rev Assoc Prof Sean Winter
CTM Events to Mark UCA’s 40th
The CTM is organising three fantastic opportunities to celebrate the Uniting Church’s 40th Anniversary:
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16 July @ CTM Parkville: A People of God on the Way – join this afternoon public forum with Assembly President-elect Deidre Palmer and Geoff Thompson to explore where the Uniting Church is heading, and how we will find our way. Register Now |
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17 July @ 130LC Melbourne: Pathways to Union and Beyond, a one day exploration of the faithful journey of three denominations towards union, and the formation of the Uniting Church in Australia. Includes site visits to three iconic CBD churches and reflections from four key leaders involved in the journey towards union and beyond.
Register Now |
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16-21 July & 12 August @ CTM Parkville, 130LC Melbourne and city churches: Uniting Church Studies, an intensive course that offers a fantastic opportunity for people who want to know more about the Uniting Church, its foundations, commitments and its priorities. The course explores the theology, history and life of the Uniting Church, and draws on a rich collection of leaders in local, regional and international roles in the Uniting Church. Uniting Church Studies includes registration for both ‘A people of God on the Way’ and ‘Pathways to Union and Beyond’ (no separate registration required).
Register Now |
For Worship Leaders… Learning, Inspiration, Networking2017 National Conference of Lay Preachers Transforming Worship National UCA |
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June 2017
3 | Make it Messy Conference |
4 | New Texts in Context (3/3) |
20 | RE:GENERATIONS – Hoppers Crossing |
21 | RE:GENERATIONS – Geelong |
July 2017
7 | National Lay Preacher’s Conference |
11 | What Makes USA Leadership Distinct |
16 | Uniting Church Studies – 40th Anniversary (1/2) |
16 | A People of God on the Way |
17 | Pathways to Union and Beyond |
17 | Reading & Interpreting the Bible |
17 | Medieval Monastic Wisdom |
24 | Living Leadership Core Intensive (3/3) |
August 2017
4 | With All Due Respect: Theology, Feminism, and Conflict |
4 | Readings in Christine Doctrine (1/4) |
5 | Prophets and their Writing (1/3) |
12 | Uniting Church Studies |
12 | Effective Christian Leadership & Ministry (1/5) |
18 | Culture, Beliefs & Theology (1/2) |
18 | Wisdom’s Feast |
19 | Effective Christian Leadership & Ministry (2/5) |
25 | Lay Preachers & Pastors Training (LP + MoP) (3/4) |
25 | Readings in Christine Doctrine (2/4) |
26 | Effective Christian Leadership & Ministry (3/5) |
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Season of Pentecost
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We’re offering two substantial leadership programs in July
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11-13 July @ CTM Parkville: Living Leadership: What Makes UCA Leadership Distinct Explore ethical leadership and teaching, shared leadership and ministry in an inter-cultural and inter-generational church, and communal discernment and decision-making in inter-related councils. Register Now 24-28 July @ CTM Parkville: Living Leadership: Core Intensive Build capacity, insight and resilience in your leadership through this five-day intensive learning opportunity, exploring the DiSC profile, change and conflict, and shared leadership in the Uniting Church. Register Now |
RE:GENERATIONS20 June Geelong 21 June Hoppers CrossingIf an intergenerational approach is the key to effective ministry with people of all ages, what does it look like in practice? How can it be implemented by local congregations? What can stay the same and what needs to be changed? Re:Generations – Exploring intergenerational ministry and mission is a unique opportunity to engage with these questions and more. Register here |
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