Due to the fact that this newsletter is only published once per week, we recommend monitoring the following NSW Government website for the most up up-to-date information:
In the lockdown lull, we’ll use the opportunity to update you on some of what has been happening at Presbytery level.
The last SCCP meeting was a hybrid affair – some attended in person at Turramurra UC and some on zoom. All in all it was a success – with a few lessons learnt regarding meeting in both the real and virtual worlds combined.
That said, with the current Covid outbreak in Sydney, the Standing Committee has decided that the next meeting (18th August) will be Zoom-only again. Members of Presbytery will be consulted about what following meetings will look like.
SCCP meeting of 26th May 2021 – summary We acknowledge the first inhabitants and faithful custodians of all the land on which we are each attending this meeting. We honour them and pay respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging and extend that respect to other Aboriginal people present.
Worship was led by Rev Jon Humphries from Ravenswood School and focused on Sorry Day. Albert Olley, (Synod Chief Operating Officer) attended the meeting via Zoom, to update the Presbytery on some Synod goals and challenges, particularly the upcoming Synod meeting.
Albert explained the Synod’s language shift and focus on Growth: growth in discipleship, relationship, impact and number. He also introduced four papers that will be considered by the Synod meeting. One of the challenges is how to resource the ministry we decide to do – including the possibility of starting a new Uniting Church School in Western Sydney.
The Presbytery Budget– the meeting did not approve the Budget in its current form and there will be consultation between the Presbytery and congregational representatives before an updated Budget is reconsidered at the next meeting. Enabling a higher priority on mission will also be discussed with the Synod Executive.
Most heartfelt thanks to Matt Jones, Presbytery Treasurer for the past several years! An unenviable job! Matt presented the Budget and answered questions and will still be involved in a transitional stage of handing over this task. Congratulations to Rev John Barker who will be the new Treasurer.
Extension of Placement – Rev. Hagop Sarkissian’s placement with the Willoughby Armenian UC was extended for three years, until October 2023.
Energy Charity Proposal
Lloyd Robinson presented the Energy Charity Proposal and answered questions. The proposal as taken to the meeting (not yet reflecting meeting discussion) is available on request from the Presbytery office (michelle.lombard@sccpresbytery.org.au).
The Stamp Committee is requesting applications for grants from congregations in NSW and the ACT for 2021. Grants are for specific outreach/community projects (maximum $1,000). CRITERIA: All projects are to involve volunteers from the congregation. Preference is given to projects already up and running and to “seed projects” where there is a strong certainty that the project will proceed. Funds may be used for the purchase of equipment, consumables etc. Funds are not provided for building works, day to day operational costs eg electricity, staff costs. At the Annual meeting of the Stamp Committee in August, we plan to distribute over $32,000. Once approved by the Synod Standing Committee, funds should be available late September. APPLICATIONS: Name of Presbytery ; Congregation plus the postal address ; Project name, ; Background to the project; Outreach/community benefits. Involvement of volunteers, Resources requested and costs, Bank details. Name of Project coordinator plus email address and phone contact. Please email all applications to uniting.stamps@gmail.com in a pdf file or by hard copy to PO Box 5078. South Turramurra. 2074 by July 31, 2021. Enquiries: 0412109981 The support of congregations and volunteers in collecting/trimming/sorting of stamps for us to sell is greatly appreciated.
Rev. Christopher Ridings
Date of Death: 29 June 2021
Rev. Christopher Ridings served in Western Australia in Gosnells and in NSW in Dubbo. He was involved in “filling in” preaching and worked on Church archives. He attended multiple Synods and Presbyteries. He had been a staunch member of North Ryde Community Church for over 20 years. He is survived by his children.
Funeral details will follow, but are delayed due to COVID.
Mrs Sioana Faupula
Date of Death: 22 June 2021
Mrs Sioana Faupula was the wife of the late Rev. Haloti Faupula and mother of Rev. Salesi Faupula. Haloti, Sioana, and their three children first came to Australia from Tonga through a call to minister with the people of Yirrkala. They then moved to NSW where Haloti served in Dee Why and Kurri Kurri, before retiring to Canberra. In later life, Sioana came to be known by many as ‘Mama’ within the church community.
A service was held on 28 June 2021 in Melbourne where Sioana was currently living with Salesi and family.
10 July 2021 at 6:30pm
Zoom Gathering only
Special Guest: Garry Worete Deverell
Garry is from northern Tasmania who currently lives in Melbourne where he was the Vicar of St. Agnes’ Anglican Church in Black Rock. He has ministered in parishes, hospitals and academic institutions for 25 years. He has a PhD in liturgy and philosophical theology from Monash University. He will talk about his faith journey and about his new book, “GONDWANA THEOLOGY” A Trawloolway man reflects on Christian Faith. In his book he puts aside theoretical jargon and conventional God-talk. We encounter here an Aboriginal voice and the readers are invited to consider their own way of faith and their own journey toward wholeness.
Saturday Night Alive is a seeker-sensitive space for people to explore the intersection between Faith and Life.
Thoughtful Conversation. Good Music.
Meaningful Reflection.
10 July at 6:30pm. Just click the link to join us on Zoom
Please invite friends and family. All are Welcome. https://uca-nswact.zoom.us/j/96807696081
You can even have dinner while you watch!
Finance Operational Officer
· Part time position 22 hpw
· Key oversight
· Hands-on business & finance role
An exciting opportunity exists at the Northern Beaches Uniting Church multi centre as we seek an experienced individual to coordinate & oversee the business and financial functions of NBUC activities.
Reporting to the Treasurer, you will be responsible for the oversight of management and maintenance of property and financial assets, maintenance of financial, HR, and governance records and preparation of operational and financial reports. You will be required to work collaboratively with volunteer and employed colleagues in this hands-on role.
Applicants need advanced working knowledge of Xero and sound knowledge of current accounting practice as well as a minimum 3 years’ experience in a financial/accounting administrative position with high degree of personal interaction. A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook and MS Teams is also a requirement of this position.
Applicants must be in a position to demonstrate a high level of personal integrity and a preparedness to work within the polity and ethos of the Uniting Church in Australia as described in the Basis of Union.
Interested applicants need to request the full job description, by contacting our Communications Officer, Stephanie La Greca: comms.nbuc@gmail.com
Cut-off date for applications: 9th July 2021
Due to the current Public Health Orders that are in place in NSW, this section has been temporarily removed to ensure that there is no confusion in regards to worship services.
It is important that you contact your local congregation for details of Zoom or Live streamed services that may be available.
Garry is from northern Tasmania who currently lives in Melbourne where he was the Vicar of St. Agnes’ Anglican Church in Black Rock. He has ministered in parishes, hospitals and academic institutions for 25 years. He has a PhD in liturgy and philosophical theology from Monash University. He will talk about his faith journey and about his new book, “GONDWANA THEOLOGY” A Trawloolway man reflects on Christian Faith. In his book he puts aside theoretical jargon and conventional God-talk. We encounter here an Aboriginal voice and the readers are invited to consider their own way of faith and their own journey toward wholeness.
