23rd June, 2023

Synod Meeting Day 2

Worship and Bible Study

The Moderator welcomed everyone to Day 2 of the Synod meeting and acknowledged that we meet on the land of the Kaura people.

Worship commenced with 'Acapella Unannounced'; prayers were read by Rev Liz Dyson; the Scripture reading Psalm 46 was read by Jared Hunter; and the Songs, 'Sing Out'; and 'Blessing' were sung.

The Moderator then introduced Steve Francis to provide the Bible Study. Steve chose Paul's letters to the Philippians, acknowledging that the letter is vintage Paul, Paul at his best. In these difficult and demanding days, Steve believes this letter has meaning for us today. Firstly, in listening to the passion of Paul. In this letter Paul pours out his heart. 'For me to live is Christ to die is gain.'

Knowing Jesus Christ, being in a relationship with Christ is the deepest, richest, most wonderful encounter that is possible on this planet. Can you hear Paul's passion for Christ; it is the singular driving force of his life and the basis of his hope for the future. Is that your passion too?

'I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.' (3:8).

There is a love affair going on between Paul and Jesus; and that flows through to others in the church and in the community. We might say 'mission' is about overflow, the overflow of the love of Christ.

Steve asked members to turn to each other and to talk about what their greatest passion might be? 

Which of the four passions, Christ, Christ like behaviour, Christology and Christian friendship do we need more of?

Assembly Report

The President recorded a video for the SA Synod Meeting and this can be viewed at this link.

It was noted that the Assembly has three agencies, Frontier Services, UnitingCare Australia and UnitingWorld, who continue to do their work and make a difference. The following videos were presented (with links):

• Frontier Services
• UnitingCare Australia
• UnitingWorld.

General Secretary Colleen Geyer further reported on Act2; 17th Assembly taking place next year in July; and Uniting for The Voice. 

General Secretary Report

Rev Philip Gardner and Rev Sue Page presented the General Secretary's Report. Philip spoke of the uncertainty this time last year; and that both he and Sue have been sharing the role of General Secretary. Rev Jenny Byrnes has worked with the team of Executive Officers and she also conducted professional development training for all staff.

Rev Sue Page reflected on the Synod office this past year. A Managers' workshop day and two professional development sessions were undertaken with staff. She also reported on the 25% of staff resignations - some retirements; some personal choices; all challenging to manage. Noting that significant corporate knowledge and wisdom has been lost, and currently the Synod has 12 vacancies open at present.

With the resignations it was acknowledged that workload has fallen on remaining staff. Thanks were expressed to all staff for their work and contributions under trying circumstances. Sue also thanked the Executive Officers for their on-going support and commitment to their respective ministry centres.

SERC Ecumenical Award to Congregation

Velvy Holden, Chair of the Synod Ecumenical Relations Committee (SERC) presented the Ecumenical award for 2023. 

Yankalilla Uniting Church won this year's award. Also, a certificate of achievement was awarded to Burra Uniting Church.

Chaplaincy

Rev Andrew Robertson spoke of the work of chaplains. He presented a video which is available at this link. Moderator Peter Morel led a prayer for the ministry of chaplaincy.

MediaCom and Book Launch

Rev Andrew Robertson and Rev Paul Turley presented on the work of MediaCom and the books and resources that they provide. Paul spoke of 'Seasons of the Spirit,' and advised that it is coming to an end.

MediaCom is working on an Australian specific resource called L3 which is currently under development, and when ready it will be marketed and available to coincide with the new church year in Advent. 

Aunty Denise Champion's book 'Yarta Wandatha,' is back in print and now available through MediaCom. 

MediaCom is also seeking to do more work of creatives in this space and marketing the work of people that self-publish.

The book 'A Cry Went up in the Desert,' by Rev Dr Tom Atherton and Margaret Gunn was officially launched during the meeting. The book relates confidential emails from an 'ordinary’ Australian, reacting to the appearance of Woomera Detention Centre
in his back yard from January–June 2000.

Members were reminded that there is a 10% discount for anything purchased during Synod.

Intergen Report

Melissa Neumann and Tim Littleford reported on the following Integenerational events:

• Intergenerate Conference 17th August in Adelaide: A gospel for all ages.
• Rachel Turner events (various): Creating a culture where faith can flourish in the home and at church: seminars for parents and leaders. 
• hopeFULL State Youth Conference on September 9th at Hope Valley Church. Designed for teenagers from years 7-12.
   

Facilitation Team Reports

Proposal 4 Voice to Parliament Facilitation Team Feedback (Information only)

Mos were supportive of the proposal. The vast majority of comments were positive based on the relationship with Congress. It was also consistent with the Assembly's stance on The Voice. The Proposal shows we are listening and responding.

A statement from the Synod showing support for The Voice would enable congregations to display banners and show support.

Concerns were raised about the role of the church to make moral, theological statements, as the proposal is a political statement supporting an issue. Noting our first allegiance is to God (Basis of Union); we are involving ourselves in political policies.

There was an understanding that we all needed to maintain a level of respect for a wide variety of views. The Proposal is not a prescription for how to vote; this Synod meeting is seeking a consensus for the wisest decision of this body of the church at this time.

Feedback also noted that it is important for us all to familiarise ourselves on all aspects of The Voice so-as to make an informed decision. Some in working groups did not fully understand what 'self-determination' meant; Treaty was also mentioned in the same way. There were concerns about the structure of The Voice and its intent, and uncertainty on what comes next. Public social debate is also difficult to fully understand. 

The Voice - Proposal 4 (Agreement - indicating that some were still not in agreeance; but allowed the decision to go through to Agreement. Proposal was declared as resolved.)

Proposal 7 Strategy & Planning Facilitation Team Feeback (Information only)

The report was noted. Concern was expressed about Presbytery responses. Especially small congregations in old buildings had some anxiety. It was also noted that some definition of 'missional viability' would be appreciated. There was concern about the capacity of Presbyteries to do the extra work, and the resources needed to carry out the work.

Regional, urban issues also need to be considered. What is the Presbytery role with buildings? Concern about how property is managed by the church, with some evident lack of understanding. The work needs to be facilitated with both Presbyteries and Congress.

How is the General Secretary going to resource the project?

Rev Sue Page responded in regard to the resourcing of the project - advising that this has yet to be determined. The next phase of this project is to consult regionally; and to review resourcing and budget requirements.

Strategy and Planning Mission and Property Report - Proposal 7 (Consensus)

General Secretary Joint Nominating Committee Report

Rev Rob Brown was invited to present a report from the Joint Nominating Committee (JNC) for the General Secretary appointment. Thanks were extended to the members of the JNC as they brought the name of Rev Philip Gardner as the nominee for the role of the next General Secretary of the Synod of South Australia.

The result of the ballot was affirmative in appointing Rev Philip Gardner to the position of General Secretary of the Synod of South Australia.

Synod Meeting Day 2

Celebration of Ministry Service

The Celebration of Ministry service recognised and honoured the following:

Recognition of Lay Preachers

50 years
Doug Warmington
Margaret Pope
Wes Bray

40 years
Peter Egan

Recognition of 20 years of ordination
Rev Jennifer Swanbury
Rev Jenny Walker
Rev Sarah Williamson
Rev Kaye Colliver

Recognition of 30 years of ordination
Rev Geoff Tiler
Rev Jonathan Button
Rev Scott Button
Rev Ashley Davis

Recognition of 40 years of ordination
Rev Dr Kevin Sarlow
Rev John Blanksby
Rev Brian Zeitz
Rev Rob Brown
Rev Eric Kirkham
Rev Peter Moss
Rev Trevor Klar

Recognition of 50 years of ordination
Rev Dr Phil Carr OAM
Rev Roger Simpson
Rev Thelma Holmes
Rev Esmond Dowdy
Rev Jim Spiker
Rev John Minchin

Recognition of 60 years of ordination
Rev Dr Dean Eland

Recognition of 70 years of ordination
Deacon Betty Leak

The celebration also acknowledged those ministers who are retiring

Rev Dr Peter Trudinger
Rev Alan Biglow
Rev Lyn Leane
Rev Alison Whish
Rev Andrew Everson
Rev Andrew Diprose
Rev David Ingleton
Rev Christine Ostle
Rev Sue Ellis
Rev Diane Bury