Digest of Presbytery Meeting Held May 21st St David's

Uniting Church King St, Shepparton

Worship

Led by Rev Brian Spencer who spoke of the challenges of change, and the growth inherent in such changes, despite the groaning along the way.

Telling the Story

Alexandra Congregation showed a prepared video outlining their journey into the 21st Century speaking of their many activities in addition to regular worship as well as distributing a handout outlining their plans and perceived challenges for the future. Mansfield does not have a minister in placement and with a congregation where 60% of the people are over 60, worship leadership is from the congregation or visiting worship leaders from the metropolitan region.

Rev Deacon Jean Mayers - Minister in placement at Numurkah, Nathalia, Picola-Yalca reported on her month long exchange to Amritsar, Church of North India. Rev Vijay Kumar spent the corresponding time in Numurkah and Nathalia. Jean spoke of leading worship with a congregation of over 500 aided by a Hindi interpreter; the washing of the feet of 500 people on Maundy Thursday where each washed the feet of his/her neighbour in turn; arriving at the cemetery at dawn on Good Friday with candles, to spend time in prayer; the group of young people who had organised themselves to voluntarily clean the church and prepare meals for the poor. The wonderful music with drums, harmonicas, piano accordions and the organ which accompanied the singing at worship. Jean had the opportunity to visit some of the projects funded by Uniting World and spoke of the programs being carried out in Education, for women's health and to assist with the prevention of HIV. We were all touched by her reports on the hardship faced by the members of the Dalit caste, especially the single women, and were left wondering what we could do to help.

Rev Yanne Sari and Mohr Abar Interfaith visitors from Indonesia outlined their work in Indonesia with Percik Institute and Sobat. Percik was established in 1996 by a group of scholars at Salatiga on the island of Java. The institute aims to bring about social justice, prevent conflict and provide people with the skills to ensure good governance through forums, education programmes, legal aid programmes, facilitating relationships with police and by providing training on gender equality. Sobat provides the forum for interfaith dialogue including a special programme - Kata Hawa which is just for women. There are also special programmes for children. Yanne and Abar will return to Indonesia at the end of this month.

JIM Unit - Mark Zirnsak, Cath James and Denisse Sandoval attended the meeting and a lively discussion ensued as to What sort of Australia would we like to see? The meeting broke into two groups to enable more feedback to be given to the JIM team who are working on this project. Team members are willing to visit congregations if you would like to have input into this discussion.

Share - Gail Thanhausser - outlined her role at Share and gave more details of the SHARE SUNDAY material which is available for all congregations to use. Gail raised the issue of hidden poverty in our society today. Gail is also willing to speak to congregations during worship times - and has a few spots on her calendar for this year!

Julian Hamilton - Jeanette gave a brief report, accompanied by some photos, on the wonderful weekend led by Julian Hamilton at Shepparton and the training sessions held in Wangaratta and Mooroopna. All activities and worship services were well attended and there was great ecumenical involvement.

Rev Deacon Jean Mayers - who will conclude her placement later this year, led the meeting in Prayers of the People. The Presbytery members hold Jean in their prayers as she concludes her placement and prepares to move to Western Australia. Date of her final service, to be held prior to her taking annual leave and long service leave, will be confirmed and advised in the near future.

Notices:

·  Wendie Wilkie advised that two introductory Sacraments training courses will be held FRIDAY 12th and 19th June - Mansfield. Contact Wendie if you will be attending.

·  Graham Brown alerted people to Project Re-connect which provides worship resources - useful for congregations without a minister in placement. Graham has contact details.

·  Rhonda Kissick advised June 6th Dr Alexander Shaia author of "The Hidden Power of the Gospels" will lead a retreat at the Anglican Vicarage Beechworth - limited vacancies - contact Rhonda for details - cost: donation ( max $50)

·  Advance notice that Bill Loader will be leading a session for ordained and lay folk Monday October 5th in Wangaratta.

·  Copies of the Directory were distributed

Digest prepared by Helen Collins