The latest MtE News

1. This Sunday October 1 there will be a conversation following morning tea of the “Voluntary Assisted Dying/Suicide” consultation paper prepared by the VicTas Synod’s Justice and International Mission unit. Rosalie will lead us in one aspect of the document before we open up to a general discussion. You can download the document here, or pick up a hard copy at church on Sunday. If you’re pressed for time, pp.22-51 of the document might be the most helpful for our conversation.
2. The next “Conversations which make a difference” at Church of All Nations (Carlton) will be on Friday October 20; see here for more info.
3. “Sin boldly!” in October: In October Christ Church Kensington (76 McCracken Street, Kensington) celebrates the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, especially one of its leaders, Martin Luther—who actually meant it when he said, “Sin boldly!” On three Tuesday evenings at 7:30 PM (10, 17, and 24 October) at Christ Church, members of CCK will gather to learn about Luther (and what he meant by his “advice”). We will be reading portions of a short book, Martin Luther: A Very Short Introduction by Scott H. Hendrix, available from Book Depository and Amazon. If you would like to participate, please let Craig know and he’ll pass on your interest to the organisers (or let Margaret Rolfe [Christ Church] know directly).
4. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday October 1, see the links here. We are presently hearing the Series II OT readings on Sunday.
5. Go Tiges.

Other things potentially of interest

1. TEAR Australia Justice Conference (Melbourne, October)

The latest MtE News:

1. The latest Pilgrim College news (September 18) is here.
2. The latest Presbytery update (September 20) is here.
3. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday September 24, see the links here. We are presently hearing the Series II OT readings on Sunday.
4. “Sin boldly!” in October: In October Christ Church Kensington (76 McCracken Street, Kensington) celebrates the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, especially one of its leaders, Martin Luther—who actually meant it when he said, “Sin boldly!” On three Tuesday evenings at 7:30 PM (10, 17, and 24 October) at Christ Church, members of CCK will gather to learn about Luther (and what he meant by his “advice”). We will be reading portions of a short book, Martin Luther: A Very Short Introduction by Scott H. Hendrix, available from Book Depository and Amazon. If you would like to participate, please let Craig known and he’ll pass on your interest to the organisers (or let Margaret Rolfe [Christ Church] know directly).
5. On Sunday October 1 there will be a conversation following morning tea of the “Voluntary Assisted Dying/Suicide” consultation paper prepared by the VicTas Synod’s Justice and International Mission unit. Rosalie will lead us in one aspect of the document before we open up to a general discussion. You can download the document here, or pick up a hard copy at church on Sunday (72 pages long!).The purpose of the discussion is to:
   • To give an opportunity for members of the conversation to make comments, ask questions, and “overhear” the discussion of others on this question
   • To invite members to contribute in feedback to the Synod on this question (responses can be made up to October 20, 2017)

   Reading the consultation paper

   The consultation paper is long. It comprises:

   1. the recommendations on the governmental Ministry Advisory Committee, which outline how legislation enabling voluntary assisted dying might be constructed (pp8-19);
   2. existing VicTas Synod resolutions on the matter, theological reflections of selected members of the church, and formally expressed views of other churches (pp20-48);
   3. reasons why assisted dying laws might be needed (pp49-51); and
   4. an overview of such laws in other places (52ff)

   While reading the whole of the report will be helpful, our conversation will likely focus on the theological reflections, in connection with the “reasons why” section (that is, pp.22-51).

The latest MtE News:

1. The VicTas Synod of the UCA met this week; you can find information about the meeting and its resolutions here.
2. On Sunday October 1 there will be a conversation following morning tea of the “Voluntary Assisted Dying/Suicide” consultation paper prepared by the VicTas Synod’s Justice and International Mission unit. You can download the document here, or pick up a hard copy at church on Sunday (72 pages long!)
3. For those interested in some background commentary to the readings for this Sunday September 17, see the links here. We are presently hearing the Series II OT readings on Sunday.

Friends,

the latest MtE Update!

1. The latest Synod eNews (Sept 6) is here.
2. A letter from the Moderator (Sept 7) regarding our Synod meeting this and next week is here.
3. The latest Pilgrim College news is here.
4. For those interested in some background reading to the readings for this Sunday September 10, see the links here. We are presently hearing the Series II OT readings on Sunday.

Other things of potential interest

1. The Resilient Women Forum.A new report has shown that women are the main targets of Islamophobic violence, with half of offline attacks occurring in crowded public spaces, often in front of children. You can read more about the report here Islamophobia in Australia Report.Participants attending this mid-day Forum will learn what practical steps community members, as well as local agencies and community leaders, can take to respond to this gendered violence and community safety issue.Guest Speaker: Tasneem Chopra – Curator, Consultant, Author and prominent activist.  Tasneem’s passion for addressing social justice issues has embraced many platforms.We welcome all those interested, including those from community organisations, state and local government, schools, hospitals, places of worship, community members and leaders.  The event is free of charge, but please register, as it is being catered. Please also let the organisers know if you have any dietary requirements.  Note: Some childcare can be provided. Please contact April Robinson if you will need to use this service: april.robinson@victas.uca.org.au or 0417 225 231Details are as follows:Date:                     Tuesday, 12 September 2017Time:                    10am – 2:30pm (including morning tea & lunch)Venue:                 Preston Shire Hall – 286 Gower St, PrestonRSVP before 8 September 2017 via Eventbrite: Resilient Women Forum

   Kind regards, April Robinson

   Interfaith Network Developer
   Commission for Mission
   130 Little Collins St Melbourne 3000
   t  (03) 9251 5965  | f  (03) 9251 5491  | m  0417 225 231
   e  April.Robinson@victas.uca.org.au
   w  victas.uca.org.au

2. UCA Assembly Membership 2018 (Melbourne)
   TO: Synod members, ministers in placement, Church Council secretaries and Presbytery Secretaries:

The Business Committee has decided to extend the deadline for Assembly nominations  till 6.00pm on Saturday 9 September – the first day of the Synod meeting.

Nominations for Synod Standing Committee close at 6.00pm on Sunday 10 September. Please note, you do not have to be a member of Synod to nominate for the Assembly, but you do need a member of Synod to nominate you.

You do, however, have to be a member of Synod to nominate for the Synod Standing Committee. You can find the nominations website at: http://nominations.victas.uca.org.au

Friends,

the latest MtE Update!

1. Our new study series has begun – not to late to join in (week 2 next week)! You can register for a group from this page.
2. The latest Presbytery update (August 15) is here.
3. The latest Synod update (August 9) is here.
4. For those interested in some background reading to the readings for this Sunday August 20, see the links here. We are presently hearing the Series II OT readings on Sunday.

Other things of potential interest

Dear Vic/Tas Uniting for Refugees Network members,

National Day of Action – 8^th October!

Different groups in the refugee sector are planning for a National Day of Action on Sunday 8^th October, and we would like to encourage you to think of creative ways that you might be able to might mark this day and use it as a way of calling for bipartisan commitments for humane solutions and real justice for those who are entangled within the awful web of offshore detention, long periods of arbitrary detention, prolonged family separation, and no clear guarantees of permanent protection.

It might be as simple as a reflection in the Service that morning (using some previously-published Refugee Week resources by UnitingJustice), or a creative activity involving your Congregation on the day.   If you’re doing an activity, please send through a photo and a few lines about what you did – that would be great to promote to others to give encouragement and ideas!

On that day in Melbourne, a City-wide event is being organised by the Refugee Action Collective for 2pm at the State Library – further information can be found here: http://bit.ly/DayofAction8-10

Keep an eye on our Vic/Tas Uniting for Refugees Network Facebook page, as well as the pages of Refugee Advocacy Network; Refugee Action Collective; Australian Refugee Action Network; Rural Australians for Refugees; Safe Asylum Tasmania and other similar pages to find out what else is happening and for resources which can be used for the day.

Jill Ruzbacky

Social Justice Officer, Justice & International Mission
Commission for Mission
130 Little Collins St Melbourne 3000
t  (03) 9251 5266  | f  (03) 9251 5241  | m  0417 878 982
e  jill.ruzbacky@victas.uca.org.au
w  victas.uca.org.au

Friends,

the latest MtE Update!

1. Our next study series begins next week. “Migrations of the Holy” – is a study in “the political meaning of the church”, and we’ll consider chapters on “The Liturgies of Church and State”, “The Church as Political”, “Migrant, Tourist, Pilgrim, Monk” and “The Sinfulness and Visibility of the Church.” You can REGISTER for a group from this page.
2. Please contact Sue if you are able to assist with the worship roster for the next few months, or if you’re usually on the roster but will be away for some of that time.
3. There will be a congregational meeting on THIS SUNDAY August 6 following worship; the main item of business will be considering proposed focuses for mission and ministry for the next 18 months; a report will also be given on progress with our buildings project.
4. For those interested in some background reading to the readings for this Sunday August 6, see the links here. We are presently hearing the Series II OT readings on Sunday.

Friends,

the latest MtE Update!

1. Our next study series begins in a couple of weeks. We learn heaps together in the groups! The next book – “Migrations of the Holy” – is a study in “the political meaning of the church”, and we’ll consider chapters on “The Liturgies of Church and State”, “The Church as Political”, “Migrant, Tourist, Pilgrim, Monk” and “The Sinfulness and Visibility of the Church.” You can REGISTER for a group from this page.
2. There will be a congregational meeting on Sunday August 6 following worship; the main item of business will be considering proposed focuses for mission and ministry for the next 18 months; a report will also be given on progress with our buildings project.
3. Public Lecture: Priorities for a public theology in a time of extremisms: Fresh insights from Bonhoeffer
   • Thursday, August 10, 2017
   • 6:00pm  8:00pm
   • Whitley College Theological School44-52 The AvenueParkville, VIC, 3052Australia

   Lecturer Revd Dr Keith Clements taught at Bristol Baptist College and Bristol University before serving with the Council of Churches for Britain and Ireland and as General Secretary of the Council of European Churches. Author of What Freedom? The persistent challenge of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Learning to speak: The church’s voice in public affairs and others.

   Respondent: Revd Dr Gordon Preece, Director of RASP, editor of Bonhoeffer Downunder, ATF, 2012. FREE | Register at TryBooking. This event is co-hosted by Whitley College and RASP.

4. For those interested in some background reading to the readings for this Sunday July 30, see the links here. We are presently hearing the Series II OT readings on Sunday.

Friends,

the latest MtE Update!

1. TONIGHT July 21: Church of All Nations is sponsoring a “Conversations that make a difference” series, the first event of which will feature Andrew West (ABC Radio National), and Janet McCalman (UniMelb) discussing the place of religion in public discussions. See here for more info.
2. Our next study series begins in a few weeks – on Wed August 9 (Nth Melb) and Fri August 11 (Hawthorn), and there may yet be another group. These groups are a great opportunity to spend some time together thinking about Christian faith and practice. First you read and then you join to discuss. We learn heaps together in the groups! The next book – “Migrations of the Holy” – is a study in “the political meaning of the church”, and looks into the relationship between the church and contemporary Western culture. You can read more about the book in a brief account by the author here. Plan to join one of the groups if you can!
3. There will be a congregational meeting on Sunday August 6 following worship; the main item of business will be considering proposed focuses for mission and ministry for the next 18 months.
4. Brunswick UCA the Palestine Israel Ecumencial Network are presenting on “Peacemaking in the Modern World” next Tuesday July 25; details.
5. The August Pilgrim College news is here.
6. The most recent Presbytery update is here.
7. For those interested in some background reading to the readings for this Sunday July 23, see the links here. We are presently hearing the Series II OT readings on Sunday.

Friends,

the latest MtE Update!

1. Our next study series begins in a few weeks – on Wed August 9 (Nth Melb) and Fri August 11 (Hawthorn), and there may yet be another group. These groups are a great opportunity to spend some time together thinking about Christian faith and practice. First you read and then you join to discuss. We learn heaps together in the groups! The next book – “Migrations of the Holy” – is a study in “the political meaning of the church”, and looks into the relationship between the church and contemporary Western culture. You can read more about the book in a brief account by the author here. Plan to join one of the groups if you can!
2. Church of All Nations is sponsoring a “Conversations that make a difference” series, the first event of which will feature Andrew West (ABC Radio National), and Janet McCalman (UniMelb) discussing the place of religion in public discussions. See here for more info.
3. An invitation to service on the new Synod committees…
4. For those interested in some background reading to the readings for this Sunday July 16, see the links here. We are presently hearing the Series II OT readings on Sunday.