networking - churches of christ in queensland...networking is published bimonthly (february, april,...

networking

Bringing the light of Christ into communities

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Bringing the light of Christ into communities

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lerts

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

Chief Executive Officer’s

update

Exploring our historical

foundations

Celebrate 2015

Award winning service

Celebrating Seniors Week

Welcome to Networking.

It has been a busy second half of 2015 so far, with the release of the new Strategic Plan 2015-18 (page 4) and the launch of our Reconciliation Action Plan (page 9). We also celebrated Seniors Week in August (page 14) and marked Child Protection Week in September (page 11).

Child Protection Week (6-12 September) promoted the theme that child protection is everybody’s business. Churches of Christ Care is one of the largest providers of child protection services in Queensland and the demand on these services continues to grow. We recently opened three new services as part of the Queensland Government’s Stronger Families program, providing intensive family support in the Moreton Bay and Wide Bay regions. Launch events for these vital services were held in September and October.

We will also hold a launch event for our new Mobile Office. With our Housing Services supporting communities spread over a wide geographical area, the Mobile Office will help us to support the needs of these clients. Residents at Bongaree Park, one of our housing communities on Bribie Island, were the first to check out the specially decked-out van at a barbecue recently (page 12).

CELEBRATE 2015 – 20-21 NOVEMBER

The Celebrate weekend includes Centrifuge, the Annual General Meeting and the Awards Dinner. We look forward to taking this time to share our achievements with you, inspire you and empower you to live out our mission.

On Friday 20 November, Centrifuge will examine the theme of ‘In it for the long haul’, with special guest speaker Peter Janetzki, a highly regarded counsellor and educator. This event is a time for reflection, creative worship and fellowship, and is an opportunity to identify difficulties we face and create practical action plans to overcome them.

The Annual General Meeting will be held immediately after Centrifuge, starting at 4.30pm, and followed by a light supper.

Our Awards Dinner will be held on the Saturday night, bringing

together church members, staff and volunteers to celebrate the many amazing achievements, inspirational individuals and exceptional teams and projects. Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the awards. The high standard of nominations is testament to the high calibre of people we have working across our organisation.

If you haven’t already registered for one or all of the Celebrate 2015 events, do so today at cofc.com.au/celebrate before these events book out!

CHURCHES OF CHRIST MEDICAL SANTO

Earlier this year our community generously donated to our Cyclone Appeal to help Medical Santo in Vanuatu provide relief to those affected by Cyclone Pam. This amazing service continues to provide medical care to the people of Vanuatu and needs support to carry out this vital work. You can read about their work on page 27, and donate today at medicalsanto.com/how-to-help/#give, by calling 1800 600 900 or emailing [email protected]

I look forward to seeing you at Celebrate 2015.

Desley Millwood Director – Communications

networking Communications Group Churches of Christ in Queensland 41 Brookfield Road Kenmore Qld 4069 PO Box 508 Kenmore Qld 4069

facebook.com/cofcqld

07 3327 1600 [email protected]

cofc.com.au

Networking is published bimonthly (February, April, June, August, October and December) and contains a variety of news and stories from across Churches of Christ in Queensland Articles and photos can be submitted to [email protected]. The submission deadline for the December/January 2016 edition of Networking is Tuesday 3 November 2015.

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS AT BOONDALL22

FOSTERING YOUNG ARTIST’S TALENTS8

NEW GRADUATE PROGRAM TOP CLASS17

CONTENTSChief Executive Officer’s update ................................ 4

Exploring our historical foundations ......................... 6

Award winning service ............................................. 8

Fuelling a passion for education .............................10

Mobile Office is on the move ................................... 12

Celebrating Seniors Week ....................................... 14

L10 conference a blast for our young people ........... 20

Gatton Church of Christ’s 60th anniversary ............. 26

Saving lives in Vanuatu ...........................................27

Finding enrichment through volunteering ............... 29

Finding your fit in life’s second half .........................32

STEPHEN CHEEK’S MEMORIAL21

ARCADIA CELEBRATES 10TH BIRTHDAY28

RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN LAUNCHED9

DASHING GENTS CAPTURED ON FILM24

STRATEGIC PLAN 2015-18Our Churches of Christ in Queensland Executive, Board and Council recently finalised and endorsed our Strategic Plan for the next three years.

We have been on a great journey over recent years. After much work, in 2010 every area of our organisation united around one mission: ‘Bringing the light of Christ into communities’ and six goals that we needed to focus on in order to forward this mission. At our 2014 Annual General Meeting last November we presented a Report Card on our five-year progress against these six goals and the plans we had set for ourselves in our five year strategic plan back then. The Report Card showed significant blessings and growth in all areas of our work, services and resources – thank God.

In looking back, and also forward at the next three years, there are a number of major factors that have been shaping our strategies: cultural and societal changes have seen Christianity declining in Australia and the western world for the past 50 years. Our Australian population is ageing with proportionally fewer taxpayers being called upon to support more people with increasing healthcare needs and costs. This is occurring at the same time as a decline in mining revenue, which has helped to underwrite our nation’s budget for a number of decades. In addition, global cloud technology, social media and online 24/7 operations are having a profound impact on our culture and the way we work and live.

Each of these macro trends is profoundly impacting the communities in which we live and serve, and they are shaping local, state and federal government policy.

This past year has seen continued grappling with these issues, and following detailed analyses and review of our learnings over the last five years, we have framed the key priorities and strategic plans to guide our efforts over the three years ahead. We look forward to further growth, and further investments to enable our Churches of Christ movement to continue to forward Christ’s mission with communities in Queensland, and in partnership with Churches of Christ in Victoria and Tasmania.

Chief Executive Officer’s

Chief Executive Officer Dean Phelan

Strategic Plan 2015-18

Members of our executive team will be visiting all our care services in the coming months to present the Strategic Plan, while our chief officers will be visiting churches during the next 12 months to consult with local leaders. These short informal sessions include an opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the direction we as an organisation are taking over the next three years. Additionally, the Strategic Plan will be presented at our Annual General Meeting on Friday 20 November, with copies available throughout the Celebrate 2015 weekend.

You can watch the video of Chief Executive Officer Dean Phelan talking about the Strategic Plan on our website at cofc.com.au

networkingChurches of Christ in Queensland

page 4

RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN LAUNCHEDAs flagged in our last edition of Networking, Churches of Christ in Queensland’s Reconciliation Action Plan was launched at our Townsville campus at the end of August.

I was proud to present on behalf of us all, our first intentional plan that outlines actions that we, as an organisation will take to contribute to reconciliation. At times these actions will challenge us; they will require us to listen and sit with the knowledge that we do not have all the answers. However, through the relationships that we have built, and will continue to build, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we can find a shared path with opportunities to bring uplift and transform lives – some of which may be our own.

You can read more about the Reconciliation Action Plan on page 9.

QUEENSLAND CHURCH LEADERS GATHERINGChurches of Christ hosted an historic gathering of Queensland church leaders at our Mitchelton Campus in August. State leaders from the major Christian denominations came together for a day around the theme

Reconciliation Action Plan

of leadership and influence. The aim was to explore God’s possible call on us collectively as leaders in Queensland, to respond to some of the weighty issues impacting our congregations and the communities we serve. I was privileged to facilitate the day.

After a process of collective prayer and reflection, each person was invited to individually write down on sticky notes the one or two issues that were most pressing for them in terms of the need to take action. These were then posted onto a wall and clustered into themes.

Whilst many areas were identified, four themes emerged as being of most concern across the leaders:1. More humane society; kindness2. Refugees; greater justice3. Social isolation; caring for the marginalised4. Child protection; family wellbeing;

domestic violence

Four spaces for dialogue were then created and participants joined the discussion they were most passionate about in terms of influencing greater outcomes. Report backs were then made to the whole group. It was great day of relationship building, shared understanding and the emergence of possibilities for action. It was agreed that the dialogue would continue.

Back row (L-R): Rev Brian Hoole – Presbytery Minister Bremer Brisbane – Uniting Church; The Most Rev’d Dr Phillip Aspinall – Archbishop of Brisbane – Anglican Church; Valerie Joy – Queensland Leader – Quakers; Geoff Charles – Deputy Chair of Council – Churches of Christ;

The Rt Rev’d Alison Taylor – Bishop of Southern Region – Anglican Church; The Rev’d Canon Richard Tutin – General Secretary, Queensland Churches Together – Anglican Church; Most Rev Brian Finnigan – Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Brisbane – Roman Catholic Church; Gerry

Weatherall – Chief Mission Development Officer – Churches of Christ; Greg Runge – President and Chair, Conference Council – Churches of Christ; Rev Alan Robinson – Presbytery Minister, South Moreton – Uniting Church; Most Rev Mark Coleridge – Archbishop of Brisbane –

Roman Catholic Church; The Rt Rev’d Dr Jonathan Holland – Bishop of the Northern Region – Anglican Church; Rev David Baker – Moderator, Queensland Synod – Uniting Church. Front row (L-R) Dean Phelan - Chief Executive Officer – Churches of Christ; Rev Rex Rigby – National

Superintendent – Wesleyan Methodist; Steve Drinkall – Mission Action Team Leader – Churches of Christ; Pastor Paul Smith – Queensland Bishop – Lutheran Church; Tim McMenamin – Senior Pastor, Strategic Mission Development – Churches of Christ; The Rt Rev’d Cameron

Venerables – Bishop Toowoomba – Anglican Church; Dr Joe Goodall – Queensland Leader – Queensland Congregational Fellowship Absent: Rev John Cox – Associate General Secretary – Uniting Church

Blessings Dean Phelan Chief Executive Officer [email protected]


page 5

CommunionNot that long ago I was invited to attend a church service with another denomination. When it came time for communion, the leader indicated that those who were members of their denomination should come forward to receive communion. Those of us who weren’t could come forward and receive a blessing. I knew what it felt like to be a second-class citizen.

Thomas Campbell and his son Alexander Campbell were significant leaders in the founding of our Churches of Christ movement. Thomas was an ordained minister in the Scottish Seceder Presbyterian Church in the late 1700s and he spent time with the Old-Light Anti-Burgher Seceder Presbyterian Church. These names, chosen by their adherents, give some indication of the level of division and splits that were rife amongst the churches at that time.

Within these groups, communion was conducted twice yearly. Only members could participate; and, even if you were a member, the church elders would visit you leading up to the event, to determine whether you were worthy to partake at that time. If you were certified worthy, you would be given a lead token, which you would show on the day, and then be given the sacred emblems.

As a young man, Alexander Campbell was sorely troubled by this practise. People were excluded on the basis of being judged unworthy or unclean. Alexander saw this as the opposite of what Jesus practised and often an abuse of power.

When Thomas Campbell went to America in the early 1800s he found himself on the frontiers ministering to people on new farming lands around Washington. When he initially began to follow the communion practises he had been trained in, he felt ashamed to be setting up an exclusionary system within his community. So he took a radical decision – he promoted a communion service

and openly invited everyone to come, saying that all who loved the Lord would be welcome.

This was revolutionary. Large crowds came regardless of their denominational heritage. In the new frontier people wanted to worship together and to be free of the divisiveness, control and prejudices regarding worship and being God’s people in communities.

Predictably the denominational authorities summoned Thomas Campbell to account for his actions, which were clearly disrupting the established order and proper ways of things. He was eventually banned. This however freed Thomas, who was joined by son Alexander, to minister with all Christians regardless of denominational brand, and a new movement had begun.

Alexander Campbell wrote in The Christian System (1839): ‘All Christians are members of the house or family of God, are called and constituted a holy and royal priesthood, and may, therefore bless God for the Lord’s table, its loaf, and cup – approach it without fear and partake of it with joy as often as they please, in remembrance of their Lord and Saviour.’

Campbell rebuked other denominational Christians for their joyless practises of communion, describing them as like ‘mourners in a house of sorrows’.

Another founder of the Churches of Christ movement was Barton W Stone who believed that Christ was the host at the Lord’s Table and, as God granted the gift of faith to believers, the church may ‘neither invite nor debar’ people from joining in communion. His view of scripture was indeed an open table.

British Churches of Christ came together as a movement after reading the writings of the Campbells who were very strong on the need for the penitent believer to be baptised by full immersion (see the last August/September edition of Networking). The British Churches of Christ took the stance that baptism by immersion was required before you

Exploring our historical foundationsWho we are and what we stand for: a series of articles and stories that have shaped who we are as Churches of Christ by Dean Phelan.


page 6

History, once forgotten, is hard to reclaim As part of building a complete picture of Churches of Christ in Queensland, we seek your help in gathering our collective memories and history.

We can tend to think of history in the form of large-scale events. However, the history of Churches of Christ is made up of the stories, recollections, testimonies and events that were important to individuals attending our churches, sitting on our committees, individuals working in or being cared for in our services and bringing the light of Christ to people in many and varied ways. In short, that means your memories, your stories and those of your church members are important as we seek to bring an updated version of our history publication ‘The Church from the Paddock’ to life.

We’d also like you to help answer the below questions about your church:

• How did your church or group commence?• What are the key dates? (Opening, first service etc.)• Who was involved?• Is there a story behind the origins?• What significant changes have occurred in the

years since?

• What is the legacy of the ministry?• What is the current state of the ministry and plans

for the future?If you are able to answer any or all of these questions, please email the details to [email protected]. Additionally, if there are documents, photos or records that answer these questions, we would love to see them.

If you have documentation from the past, it would be useful if you could send it in to our Historical Resource Centre so that future generations can benefit from your experience and the lessons that you learned. These can be sent to the following address:

Historical Resource CentreChurches of Christ Campus MitcheltonCommunity Centre, Lower Ground28 Blaker Road, Mitchelton Q 4053

Remember – your story is important, and it may well be a vital piece that helps us understand the history of Churches of Christ in Queensland in a better way.

We appreciate your help in this important historical collection activity.

could partake in communion, thus turning the circle back on itself as far as everyone being welcome.

In colonial Australia around the 1850s we tended to follow the British practise. Early Churches of Christ also majored on baptism by immersion before you could partake of communion.

Barton Stone would have argued very strongly for a fully open table on the basis of love and unity. Indeed Thomas Campbell’s original practice was to invite all who love the Lord. However, the Campbell view of baptism by full immersion held sway, and it was generally accepted that this was required before you could partake in communion. In line with this our churches were often built with the communion table placed at the top of the centre aisle, and behind this was the baptistery. The placements emphasised the link between baptism first, and then communion, which was at the centre of our worship.

As time went on we gradually evolved our own way of doing things. Being influenced by the Temperance movement, our churches stopped using alcohol for communion wine and substituted grape juice. And then, as contagious diseases such as diphtheria began to spread, chalices were swapped for individual glasses. We remained committed to restoring New Testament ways – doing things according to how they

are described in the bible – but certain details seemed unimportant in the light of moral and health concerns.

By the 1930s whoever presided over the Lord’s Table could, according to their conscience, invite only those who were baptised by immersion, or they could invite all who follow Jesus to share in communion.

By the 1970s an open table, as taught by Barton W Stone, had become the practise in the majority of our congregations. Anyone who loves the Lord was welcome to take the bread and the grape juice without stipulations or judgement.

Today, almost universally throughout Churches of Christ in Australia, we pride ourselves on the open table. It is part of our identity. Our understanding is that it is the Lord’s table and it is He who invites us; it is He who loves us; and it is He who speaks to us individually. Jesus’ words ‘do this’ are accessible to all who love Him. All we need to do is to come as we are and simply receive.

FURTHER READING:

• The Christian System (1839) by Alexander Campbell

• The Open Table – A Churches of Christ in Australia resource which can be found on the website

• DNA of Churches of Christ by Graham Carslake


page 7

Pastoral care is a cornerstone of our seniors and supported living services, so we were delighted to recently receive the 2015 PASCOP (Pastoral and Spiritual Care of Older People) Annual Quality in Pastoral and Spiritual Practice Award.This was awarded to our innovative pilot dementia church service initiative, developed at our Moonah Park Aged Care Service.

Empirical evidence suggests that older people who attend church receive more spiritual and emotional support compared with those who do not attend. The more they feel supported, the more closely they are connected to God and older people who are more connected to God are generally more optimistic and enjoy better health.

The dementia specific church services are built on these findings. Since 2014, 42 per cent of residents living with dementia within our South East Queensland aged care facilities have attended weekly church services.

Dementia has an impact on a person’s ability to connect with God in the way they have in the past. Through music, singing, scripture and prayers delivered within a dementia specific church service, individuals living in residential aged care facilities are able to reignite their connection with God.

Chief Executive Officer Dean Phelan is excited with the success of the pilot program and said there are plans to expand the pastoral care initiative across our services.

‘Our chaplains, such as Wayne Crouch who introduced the pilot, and aged care staff continue to achieve great things together for the benefit of clients,’ Dean said.

‘This award confirms that our people go beyond caring for the physical and medical needs of our residents, they also care for the spiritual needs of some of society’s most vulnerable.’

The PASCOP Quality Practice Awards are Australia’s first national awards program dedicated to innovation and excellence in pastoral and spiritual care of older people.

Executive Director of PASCOP David Petty congratulated Churches of Christ for introducing the program.

‘The introduction of the church service has made a positive, tangible difference, not only to the residents but also to the staff and volunteers,’ David said. ‘It highlights pastoral and spiritual care in practice for residents who are often seen as difficult to connect with.’

In addition to receiving $1,000, we also now have the opportunity to present at the PASCOP Meaningful Ageing seminar and national conference.

Award winning service

Aged Care Chaplain Wayne Crouch delivering a dementia church service

at Churches of Christ Care Moonah Park Aged Care Service

At only 13 years of age, Raymond is showing natural unbridled talent as an Indigenous artist, and with the help of Churches of Christ Care, he is developing his skills and learning more about the art form.

Fostering Case Worker Maryanne Williams noticed Raymond’s talent and passion for art, so she decided to find someone who could help develop his skills.

She found a local Indigenous artist to mentor Raymond and teach him about art and his

culture. The artist now holds monthly sessions at the South West Fostering office, welcoming any child or young person from the service who has an interest in learning the art.

An exhibition showcasing the children and young people’s work is being planned for next year.

Raymond has kindly donated some of his artwork to adorn the walls of the freshly refurbished office, with his art proudly on display to everyone who attends the service.

Fostering young artist’s talent

The artwork donated to the South West Fostering office.

A selection of Raymond’s artwork.


page 8

Reconciliation Action Plan Launched

Reconciliation Action Plan 2015-2017

After many months of planning and consultation, in August we were proud to launch our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for 2015-2017.

The plan contains a range of practical activities to build stronger relationships and greater respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, the RAP sits alongside our Strategic Plan and forms a public commitment to improving the way we engage and work with Indigenous people — as clients, colleagues and communities.

Our RAP gives us a framework to examine what we can do as an organisation to contribute to reconciliation. It coordinates our actions and holds us accountable for improving the way we work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and businesses.

We developed this plan with a working group that included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members and representatives from our service and support areas. As we move to implement the plan over the coming months, we will be in contact with services and support areas to work through what the proposed actions will mean for you, and how we can work together towards our goal of reconciliation.

You can view the plan online at cofc.com.au/publications

One of our launch events was held in Townsville. Events were also held at

Mitchelton with the Senior Management Team, and at Springwood. Other events will

be held over the next 12 months.


page 9

Fuelling a passion for educationYvette Gray from Churches of Christ Care Warrawee Aged Care Service shares her story about reigniting a long faded passion for education.

‘I thought I had missed the boat to getting anywhere in life. I’m in my early 40s and thought I was too old to learn anything new and this is where I was to stay,’ Yvette said.

While Yvette enjoys her job as an Environmental Services Worker at Warrawee, she wanted something more, not being content with where she was.

In primary school Yvette was a straight A student with an insatiable hunger for knowledge, and sat at the top of each class.

Unfortunately, things were happening in her home life that she couldn’t cope with and she started to lose interest in life, and went from an A student to an F. Her behaviour became unruly and her pursuit for knowledge became a quest for the unsavoury things in life.

‘When I found out that I could leave school at 16, I did, and left home, only going halfway through year 10,’ Yvette said.

She met her husband when she was 20 and had two children.

‘I stayed at home to raise the children until the youngest went to school. I then enrolled in a course to go back to work. It went for six months and I really enjoyed it; it gave me the confidence I needed to go back to work.

‘I worked in accounts and was trained by the company I worked for, and was there for four years. When the job finished we moved out to St George. My husband grew up in Cunnamulla and he missed the bush.’

In 2010, she started work with Churches of Christ Care after one of her husband’s colleagues suggested she approach the St George aged care service for a job.

‘I haven’t looked back since. I enjoy assisting people in their day-to-day lives and finding new and better ways to make their lives easier.’

With the ongoing encouragement of Service Manager Julie Bryant, Yvette recently completed her Certificate III in Aged Care.

‘It has started the fire for learning again. I’m currently looking at studying a Diploma of Nursing next year. Until that starts I’ve been doing small courses presented in-house, which keeps the passion burning.

‘I hope my story encourages others to keep going no matter what their age or past. Look to your future. One thing I’ve learnt is that the only person who says you can’t is you! So say you can and you will!’

Well done Yvette.

Yvette Gray

Foster carer.Could you

be one?fosterwithus.com.au1800 22 22 73


page 10

Over 6-12 September we marked Child Protection Week across the nation. It was a time to reflect on the theme of ‘child protection is everybody’s business’, but what if it didn’t need to be anybody’s business and we didn’t need to raise awareness about this blight on our society?

Churches of Christ Care General Manager Children, Youth and Families Jane Carter urges everyone to think what it would be like if no such week needed to exist.

‘Picture a place where the children and youth we protect are able to live their lives free of abuse, neglect, hardship and fear, and where all children have a safe place to call home, to love freely and have love given freely by those they hold dear,’ she said. ‘Unfortunately that is not the case for many thousands of children across the country.’

Thankfully there are people and organisations that look out for these children in their time of need. This includes child protection services delivered by Churches of Christ Care, where over 3,200 Queensland children and young people rely on our staff and volunteers to provide care and protection for them.

‘While we aren’t the only provider of child protection services, we are one of the largest in Queensland, which brings with it many challenges and rewards. Challenges range from the diversity of children and youth in our care and their individual needs, to the growing demand for our services and the need for more foster carers.

‘However, the rewards are great and while not always

tangible, they are life changing for children and youth, and those who interact with them. This includes the satisfaction of being able to place a child into suitable care, be it returning to their family or welcomed into a new home, to enhancing the life skills of a young person to become a capable young adult.’

Jane said that while the demand for child protection services is growing and funding continues to remain a challenge, the organisation must continually innovate the way it delivers these services.

‘We will continue our focus in the area of early intervention and prevention, and build our vision for the future look of child and family welfare. In doing so, we will actively link with other care services, our churches, government, and other non-government organisations.

‘We are taking part in the government’s Stronger Families program, providing the Family and Children Connect service in Wide Bay and intensive family support in Wide Bay and Moreton Bay regions. We are working with the government and other non-government organisations to make it easier for families to find the support they need in the toughest of times.’

Child protection really is everybody’s business. We all must keep an eye out for the best interests of children today while working towards a brighter tomorrow.

A number of activities for children and young people were hosted by our services across Queensland, including superhero discos, a carnival and colouring competition.

A better world for children is everybody’s business


page 11

Churches of Christ is active in many communities across Queensland, and we don’t always have office space where our clients are. The new Mobile Office is designed to provide an access point for local communities over a wide geographical area to connect with our services.

The purpose-built mobile office facility will:

• take vital housing management services directly into the communities we serve

• provide a visible point of contact for existing tenants

• further encourage tenants to interact with staff and benefit from additional services we are able to offer through our partnering activities

• deploy and provide support in the event of a natural disaster, in addition to being used on a daily basis.

The Mobile Office is self-sufficient with power provided by solar panels and a petrol generator for when there

is no power connection available. In the case of an emergency it can run and provide power to recharge mobile devices including phones, laptops and tablets.

It also has a signal booster system for mobile phones and internet connections in remote areas, and a UHF radio, ensuring good communications can be maintained at all times.

Completing the package, the van is equipped with state-of-the-art security cameras, refrigerator, microwave oven, fresh water storage and a toilet.

On 9 September the new Mobile Office was unveiled at a barbecue at Churches of Christ Care’s Bongaree Park on Bribie Island. The residents on Bribie Island will be some of the first to benefit from this new service as it travels to Bongaree Park each week, providing residents the opportunity to meet with their housing officer close to their home.

The inspirational leader Archbishop Desmond Tutu once noted that hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.

Southport Church of Christ has reflected this belief of bringing light into lives in their new community service, which helps women and their families on the Gold Coast.

Hope 31 provides practical support and assistance to women in need in the church’s local community in a caring and open environment.

The program offers monthly life-skills workshops addressing real life

challenges including budgeting, cooking, parenting and relationships.

The first workshop ‘Food For Thought’ was held in August. Participants learnt about the essentials of affordable cooking, including the importance of kitchen hygiene, safe handling of food and cooking for the freezer.

A cooking demonstration was a feature during the workshop, with attendees enjoying lunch together after.

The workshops are an opportunity for women to meet new friends and become a part of a supportive community.

Participants are also matched with a mentor to provide one-on-one support and encouragement between workshops.

The overriding goal of Hope 31 is to show the love of Jesus to these women in a way that is genuine and practical, assisting them to regain their strength, find their self-worth and empower them as they move forward in their lives.

Through the building of relationships and ‘doing life’ with these women, we pray that many will come to know and respond to the love of God, as seen in His son, Jesus.

Mobile Office is on the move

Bringing hope to Gold Coast women

Bongaree Park residents were given the chance to check out the new Mobile Office

when it was unveiled for the first time.


page 12

Getting a lesson on physiotherapy Many of us have been to a physiotherapist to get help for a dodgy knee, a tiresome back or tennis elbow. They work with getting us back to moving properly and without pain. That is why physiotherapy is important in aged care; to keep residents moving the best they can.

Second year physiotherapy students from The University of Queensland were given an insight into the world of caring for older people when they visited our Brisbane aged care services as part of their first practical experience.

Almost 80 students visited our Brig-O-Doon, Buckingham Gardens, Moonah Park and Clive Burdeu services as part of their Geriatric Physiotherapy course, led by Dr Anna Hatton.

‘I wanted to give the students early exposure to the clinical environment. Rather than practicing on each other, they get to have interaction with real people early on,’ Anna said.

For the students, the experience highlights the challenges of treating aged care residents.

Communication is the primary challenge, with therapists needing to find information from other sources, including case notes, nurses and family members, rather than directly from the client as they usually would before commencing treatment.

Churches of Christ Care Physiotherapist Craig Wilson said the residents were glad to interact with the students as they completed assessments.

‘They felt good and were happy to help. They felt wanted and like they were making a contribution,’ he said.

According to Craig, physiotherapy in aged care promotes the safe and optimum function of every resident.

‘I encourage residents to walk the best they can while also helping them maintain their independence

as much as possible,’ he said. ‘This includes falls prevention, and the ability to get into bed, go to the toilet or get to the dining room by themselves. By doing simple interventions, we can make a huge difference to their quality of life.’

As part of their physiotherapy, residents take part in group exercise programs and get involved with everyday activities including cleaning and baking.

‘There are also benefits to their social and emotional wellbeing. I don’t want our residents to come into aged care and feel they no longer have a purpose to live,’ Craig said.

For the visiting students, aged care physiotherapy may not be the ‘glamorous’ side of their industry, but by getting to experience what it is like it has given them an appreciation of the challenges and rewards of caring for older people.

Physiotherapy students visiting Brig-O-Doon Aged Care Service, flanked by Churches of Christ Care physiotherapists Adele and Craig, and lecturer Dr Anna Hatton (centre).


page 13

Celebrating Seniors Week

On 18 August the Scenic Rim Regional Council invited residents from Fassifern Retirement Village to a morning tea and concert. The Royal Australian Air Force Band and the Fassifern Voices entertained the audience and in true country style, there was an abundance of fruit, biscuits, cakes and sandwiches and the opportunity to catch up with old friends.

The residents also had the unique opportunity to visit Parliament House for a very special morning tea and concert.

They set off at 8am in perfect weather for an ‘unforgettable’ day. After arriving and being welcomed at Parliament House, students from the McGregor State School String Ensemble, the Gap State School Choir, the Brisbane High School String Orchestra and Robertson State School Choir entertained the residents. The talent of the children was ‘faultless and remarkable’.

Following the concert they were given a private tour of Parliament House and met some current Members of Parliament.

We were delighted when Shirley Roberts, one of our volunteers from St James Retirement Village, received the Townsville City Council 2015 Senior of the Year Award.

Shirley was recognised for her tireless work at the village and her dedication to other local groups including Legacy, City Heart Lions, Meals on Wheels Wulguru, Neighbourhood Watch, Wulguru Holistic Cancer Help Centre and Go Group Aitkenvale Uniting Church.

On her award win, Shirley said ‘it has been a privilege to serve this community for the past 40 years.’

Well done Shirley and thank you for your wonderful contribution.

Seniors celebrate in style

As a leading not-for-profit provider of seniors care, we proudly celebrated Seniors Week across many of our Queensland locations during 15 to 23 August.

Celebrations included a high tea and hot rod car show on the Fraser Coast, barbecue with the mayor in Townsville, visits and morning tea at Parliament House and even a bridal fashion parade on the Gold Coast.

Churches of Christ Care Director of Seniors and Supported Living Bryan Mason said that while the organisation helps older people to live abundant lives every day, Seniors Week is an ideal time to recognise the contribution they make to our communities.

‘Our seniors, whether they are clients, staff or volunteers, all help create the communities that we live and work in,’ Bryan said.

‘Without them we wouldn’t have the rich tapestry of human life, stories and experiences that make our communities the vibrant places they are today.’

Churches of Christ Care is a large employer of seniors with 446 staff aged 60 years and over, making up 13.9% of our 3,200 employees. Older people also fulfil vital volunteering roles, with 62 per cent of the organisation’s volunteers considered to be seniors.

‘Our oldest employee is 80 years young and works as an administration officer in residential aged care,’ Bryan said.

‘Of over 1,100 volunteers, we have 707 volunteers aged 60 and over, while our most ‘senior’ volunteer is 99 years old!’

Shirley’s light shines as Senior of the Year

Senior of the Year - Shirley Roberts


page 14

Perhaps the importance of a loved one can be best summed up in the poignant words of Leo Buscaglia ‘A single rose can be my garden. A single friend, my world.’

Reflecting the value and impact of each resident, on 18 August, Amaroo Aged Care Service in Gatton held the dedication of their new Memorial Rose Garden.

Residents and their families were invited to the afternoon event, where Aged Care Chaplain Noel Nicholls gave a dedication prayer and address.

Amaroo resident Rhonda Powell

originally suggested the creation of a memorial rose garden and with her passing late last year, her family was asked to do the first planting in her honour. Her favourite was a white rose, so a beautiful ‘Princess of Wales’ rose bush was planted.

There were also two other plantings to remember recently passed residents Clem and Gordon. In the future, after a resident ‘passes on’, a rose will be planted in their memory.

Following the dedication they held a celebration, including entertainment by ‘Bobby Ricks’,

a lovely dinner and the chance to dance the night away.

On 21 August, residents and staff joined in Seniors Week celebrations at the local historical society. The vintage cars were lined up ready, and a number of residents were taken for a drive around the local area.

There was a chance to tour the old buildings including a ‘local store’ with items such as Rinso washing powder, rolled oats in a tin, a pipe, and an old-fashioned milkshake maker with tiny ladles to measure out the syrup. It was a lovely venture down memory lane for everyone who attended.

Learning, sharing of information and a little socialising was the flavour of the day when the community gathered on 18 August at Bribie Island Retirement Village to celebrate Seniors Week.

The Bribie Island Seniors Expo attracted 65 locals who listened to a diverse range of speakers and presentations throughout the day. They were also able to sing along with local performers The Gleemen Singers and Gallery Singers in the afternoon and had the chance to do a hint of shopping during the breaks with craft stalls selling wonderful creations.

Service Manager Katherine Falzon said it was a great event.

‘There was some wonderful feedback from the expo, from the room set up, to the range of presentations and provision of refreshments,’ Katherine said.

‘The presenters were thankful they could attend and are looking forward to attending this worthwhile event next year.’

The Bribie Island Seniors Expo was possible thanks to funding from the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services and the support of COTA Queensland.

Dedications and history at Amaroo

Island expo hit with seniors

Rose garden dedication and dancing the night awayAmaroo residents visit the Historical Society


page 15

The finery came out at Churches of Christ Care’s Sanctuary Park Retirement Village on 9 September as 50 residents enjoyed a high tea for Alzheimer’s awareness.

Clinical Practice/Dementia Lead Lyn Carlson gave a presentation and busted many of the myths around dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

She provided a very interesting and informative discussion and the residents appreciated the insight and expert knowledge about a disease that may affect many of them in the future.

Held during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the residents enjoyed a scrumptious assortment of food, including delicate sandwiches, cupcakes and slices and refreshing beverages. They also held a cake auction and other activities.

High tea in support of Alzheimer’s awareness

Imagine volunteering with us.

Given the diversity of our services, chances are your skills will be perfect for one of our roles. So you’ll find your efforts as rewarding for yourself as it is for those you help.

imaginevolunteering.com.au

Imagine working for the love of it.


page 16

Churches of Christ Care has been praised for the introduction of a top-class program for graduate nurses to gain valuable hands-on training and mentoring.

Over the next 12 months, eight graduate nurses are taking part in a program designed to ready them for a career in aged care.

The Clinical Transition Program offers new nurses an intense and supported experience in their chosen field. It has been praised by The University of Queensland for the level of support the graduates receive and the ability for them to gain experience working in rural areas, something not offered by other providers.

Sharon Scotney is a graduate nurse taking part in the program, based at our Toowoomba Residential Aged Care service.

‘The program has been structured in a way that allows us, as newly graduated nurses, to be mentored and supervised by experienced staff in a safe environment,’ Sharon said. ‘Our learning needs and skills for the specialised field of aged care are able to be “fine-tuned” in a way that allows us to reach our individual and professional goals.’

Each graduate will complete a research project as part of the program. Through the project, they

are to identify something at their service they think could potentially be done better, and offer solutions to improve it, thus helping the residents.

At this stage Sharon is not certain what she will choose for her project, but areas of interest include falls prevention, palliative care and effective communication.

Next year it is hoped the program will expand from eight graduate nurses to 28, with one graduate in each aged care service.

Hands Across Time brings generations of volunteers together to support the local community, making brighter spaces and forming friendships in the process.

Over 26-27 June, 86 volunteers from 6-71 years of age gave their time to brighten the outdoor area of Churches of Christ Care Fostering Service office in Ipswich. They created an inviting space for families who visit the service and the staff to enjoy every day.

Giving 500 hours, the volunteers painted the fence, built a small deck area for a barbecue, planted three vegetable patches, and painted a mural inside that represents the work the centre does.

Amy Moore volunteered with Hands Across Time and found she got more than she bargained for from the experience.

‘Through the project I met a variety of people from the corporate, care services and mission areas of Churches of Christ,’ Amy said.

‘For me, working alongside many people from different areas gave me new perspectives, plus a sense of community and friendship that now extends beyond my office desk.’

By joining together they were able to transform the area and make a contribution.

New graduate program top class

Many hands make light work

Sharon Scotney (L) with Area Manager Valerie Taylor and a fellow

graduate

Graduate nurses with their service managers


page 17

Taking the timeDr Andrew Menzies talks about how quality time together is something needed not only with family, but also with God.

Recently, my family gathered for my mother’s 82nd birthday. It was a lovely day; capped off by my wife’s unbeatable slow cooked lamb (see recipe below) and my sister’s incredible banana cake with the thickest and most delicious cream cheese frosting.

After we finished a lovely meal together and as the kids played, the adults spent the afternoon talking as around the table. You could tell my mother was happy having her family gathered there together.

After some conversation, one of my family members decided to share something that had been on his mind. He spoke freely and at times was quite emotional. We listened. Then we talked it through, and we helped him get a great outcome. He felt listened to, supported and understood. It was a beautiful time of family being family that should happen more often.

So here’s the thing that led us to this precious experience – we needed time, attention, safety and space where we could talk, laugh, banter, hear all of the children’s news and finally talk as adults. That was what led us to him opening up to us.

It is the same with our relationship with God. It can’t thrive through an occasional service at a church alone. It can’t prosper if our prayers are just lists of needs. It has to also have a listening and attentive posture toward Him. It needs time (like the roast lamb). God isn’t going to shout from the rooftops to get your attention. God is waiting patiently for your presence.

Christian author Ruth Hayley Barton said:

‘We are becoming increasingly aware of the fact that no matter how much one spiritualises it, Christian business must not be confused with the Christian spiritual life or with a Christian’s experience of God.’

In the Bible, Mary and Martha were both committed followers of Jesus. You can read about them in Luke chapter 10. They had seen their own brother Lazarus raised from the dead by Jesus. They knew Jesus really well. He was like family. Their house was his home base. You couldn’t get much closer to Jesus than Mary and Martha. Yet only one of them put themselves in a place of presence.

Martha was great. She asked interesting questions and worked hard to keep the household running. But there were times when her sister Mary would sit at Jesus’ feet and soak up his ministry and Martha wouldn’t. She would work harder and do more and grumble while Mary soaked up the presence.

No one was stopping Martha from being in that very same presence that Mary was experiencing. Jesus was right there. The easy thing was to complain and drag her sister away from the presence. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is actually the thing you want most.

Dr Andrew Menzies

Principal, Stirling Theological College

Kim’s slow cooked lambLeg of lamb (2-2.5 kg)½ bottle of white wine4 sprigs of rosemarySalt & pepper1 lemon cut into wedges2 cloves of garlic (or more!)1 cup of beef stock

Cook at 150 degrees for 6-7 hours. Add a cup of water in the last few hours if drying out. Use a cup of liquid from the base to make gravy. Serve with roast vegetables.


CE AGM ADCE AGM AD

CE AGM AD

7559-COCQ-Celebrate 2015-Poster-A3-OL.indd 1 10/08/15 11:16 AM

a blast for our young people

Over a weekend in September, 200 young people from churches across Queensland converged on the Sunshine Coast for the L10 Conference.

With fun activities, community and God on the agenda, the late teens and twenty-somethings were able to refresh, recharge and reignite their love and passion for God.

The weekend included four rallies. It started with a main rally where Pastor Peter Millican from HumeRidge Church of Christ preached about letting go of the labels bestowed by others.

Red Frogs founder and director Andy Gourley spoke from the heart about what we can do with our God-given talents in the second rally. Darryll Stephen from Elevation Church on the Gold Coast spoke about his experience growing up in South London in the third rally and the final rally brought the community together as Pastor Paul Redfern from Rivers Church of Christ preached with passion about the importance of keeping grounded to your home in God.

The attendees had the chance on Friday night to mingle with other like-minded youth from our churches as a band played and the stars shone above and

the coffees, hot chocolates and chai lattes kept them warm.

Each morning, 40 attendees rose with the sun for an acoustic praise and worship session before breakfast. Stripped back to just one man with his guitar, they were guided through praise and worship songs in a powerful hour of worship.

Fun activities were a must for the weekend, and they competed in church versus church bubble soccer (soccer played by individuals inside large blow-up ‘bubbles’), archery tag (a game of tag using bows and foam tipped arrows shot at opponents) and a giant slip n’ slide provided an enjoyable outlet, even in the pouring rain.

Master classes ran throughout the morning with a major highlight being Westside Church of Christ Katrina Hampson’s session about hearing God’s voice.

Before the conference closed, the 200 young people were asked to spread around the site to take time to pray for each other. They joined together, from different churches, from different parts of the state as new friends, coming together as a new community under God’s name.

The L10 Conference brought together young people from across Queensland for a weekend of worship and friendship.


page 20

Stephen Cheek’s MemorialStanding tall in the Warwick Cemetery, a monument marks Stephen Cheek’s grave. Erected in 1884, it is a significant part of the history of Churches of Christ in Queensland.

The monument is a visible reminder of the pioneering efforts, commitment and sacrifice of our early evangelists.

Stephen Cheek was a most prominent evangelist from Tasmania, who spent time in South West Queensland planting churches. On 17 February 1883, at 31 years of age he died of typhoid fever. He had walked from Killarney to Warwick (approximately 35 km) when he was caught in a storm and became drenched from the rain.

It is imperative that steps are taken to ensure that the memorial is restored and preserved for future generations. However, time has been unforgiving and the monument now requires a great deal of work to restore it and to ensure it survives for generations to come.

To maintain this memorial to a significant pioneer of our movement will require significant care and attention along with funds for the restoration of the sandstone structure.

We are hoping you can help.

Donations are needed to help restore and preserve this monument for many years to come.

DONATE TODAY at gofundme.com/stephencheek or phone 1800 600 900.

Thank you for your donation to save this piece of our history. Please note that donations are not tax-deductible.

Stephen Cheek’s memorial in Warwick Cemetery and inscription on the monument

Stephen Cheek


page 21

Building a church in Boondall

Centenary celebrations at Boondall

On the 23 January 1916, Organising Secretary for the Home Missions Committee W J Way was on a weeklong mission to Zillmere, the first Church of Christ in Brisbane. He believed that the area now known as Boondall would be a good place to start a cause, and inspired the Zillmere church to plant a new church there.

By August, the first Sunday school commenced at the then Nudgee College Church of Christ. Classes were conducted on the ground under trees. Logs were cut and used for seats and a tarpaulin provided cover.

In November 1916, J Bruce gave stumps from his paddock for the construction of the new church building and W Albury carted them down. The stumps were put in and a

stump capping ceremony was held on the 16 December 1916.

John Sage prepared the plans for the new chapel, and in anticipation of the 23 December opening, successfully erected the building in just one day using voluntary labour and a small team of skilled labourers.

In 1924, the suburb’s name was changed to Boondall. A Courier Mail article from 21 December 1923 reads: ‘Nudgee College Station on the Sandgate line will

be known in future as Boondall. The change in name was approved at the last meeting of the Executive. The sinuous Cabbage Tree Creek is in this district, hence the name, Boondall, which, in the local Aboriginal dialect, means crooked creek.’

Boondall Church of Christ is hoping to reconnect with people who have been involved with the church and its history as it celebrates its centenary next year. The church would particularly like to hear from anyone who has old photos and history they can share.

You are invited to join in the celebrations, which will include a special service on the first Sunday of each month. The first of the special services will be held on 3 January 2016.

Past ministers are invited to take part in the services and to celebrate all aspects of the work done at Boondall. If anyone has

some knowledge of the history of Boondall, was a past member, has photographs or would like to come

to any of our celebrations, please contact Isabel Drew on 07 3269 7702 or email [email protected]

Out the front of today’s Boondall Church of Christ

Working bee 1939

Boondall 1937

Sunday school 1951

Boondall 1925


page 22

HumeRidgehelping connect remote villages in PNGA remote area of Papua New Guinea (PNG) is going to receive vital infrastructure connections over the next four years thanks to HumeRidge Church of Christ plans to support the Gandep Project.

Gandep (pronounced Garn-dep) is the name of a neutral, multi-tribal, community meeting point and trading post for the remote villages. The area, in the central north of PNG on the Ramu River, is made up of 170 villages with a population of approximately 20,000 people. It is one of the most remote places on Earth. To get from Brisbane to Gandep takes three days travel with one day by air and two days by boat and canoe followed by a 15 kilometre trek through swampland.

The project, being undertaken in consultation with PNG tribes, will provide improved air and road access to support medical, educational and trade opportunities for the Gandep people.

Access to medical and education facilities is difficult as local trade routes to Madang (a town of approximately 30,000) take up to three days to navigate each way and involve walking, canoeing and vehicle transport.

In the 1960s Gandep was a Training College built on 200 acres of land by Frank Beale, a Church of Christ missionary. He did everything by hand including felling trees, clearing land and sawing lumber.

Pastors trained at the college replaced the local witch doctors, and provided them with basic training in agriculture and living skills. Gandep is now the major centre for the region’s resident villagers.

For more information on the project, visit gandepproject.org or facebook.com/GandepProject.

IMAGE: Gandep from the air


page 23

Dashing gents captured on film

In the April/May edition of Networking we featured a story about the ladies at our Clive Burdeu Aged Care Service who took part in a glamour photoshoot.

Recently it was the gents’ turn to have some fun in front of the camera.

Activities Therapist Tracy Kenyon said the residents really enjoyed dressing up and taking part in the photo shoot.

‘They were such good sports, they really played it up for the camera,’ Tracy said.

‘The man playing the trumpet and the one painting were captured doing what they love. The others were having a great deal of fun in front of the camera.

On the day some of the men were lucky enough to have their families visiting and were able to take the opportunity to get precious photos with their loved ones.

‘The photo of the granddad and his grandson was lovely to get. The grandson said he was so glad he had taken the day off work and was able to do this with his beloved grandfather,’ Tracy said.


page 24


page 25

Gatton Church of Christ’s 60th anniversary

One of our valued aged care service cooks recently embraced the chance of a lifetime to learn from one of Australia’s most celebrated cooks, Maggie Beer.

The Maggie Beer Foundation invited a number of passionate cooks from Victorian aged care services to the Barossa Valley in South Australia to teach and inspire them. Arcadia Aged Care Service chef Chathura Jayawardana was lucky enough to attend the special course.

Chathura discovered new methods for delivering healthy and tasty

meals to his residents, through the first ‘Creating an Appetite for Life’ education program. He was joined by other participants who ranged from qualified chefs, cooks with no previous formal training to catering and hospitality managers.

The three days were jam-packed with hands-on experience and plenty of lively discussion, as well as educational sessions, cooking demonstrations, a mystery box challenge, and the chance to listen to guest speakers.

The aim of the program was to educate and inspire the cooks with new methods to reinvigorate a traditionally overlooked section of the food and aged care industries.

In 1955 a new church was born in Gatton: it was the vision from the evangelism of the Ma Ma Creek Church of Christ who released members to begin the new fellowship.

On 7-9 August this year, Gatton Church of Christ honoured this vision as they celebrated - remembering the past and reaching out to the future.

The special weekend included line dancing on Friday night, an international family day and lunch on Saturday, and a Sunday celebration worship with Senior Pastor Tim McMenamin as the guest speaker.

Their diverse congregation was also celebrated, with singing groups and dancing from many nations, including India, Papua New Guinea, Kenya, Nepal, Indonesia, Philippines, Botswana, Vietnam, China and Australia.

The church’s theme is ‘Reaching the World with the Gospel’ – beginning with Gatton and the local community.

The church thanks God for His blessings and look forward to what He has for us in the future.

The diverse congregation was celebrated during Gatton Church of Christ’s 60th

anniversary celebrations.

Chathura Jayawardana, top row, third from left with Maggie Beer and other

participants

An appetite for life to be shared


page 26

Santo

Churches of Christ

Changing lives in Northern Vanuatu

Saving lives in Vanuatu

One year ago, Medical Santo received a desperate phone call during the night from a distressed husband; his wife was in great pain and he rushed her to the clinic. Following a thorough assessment and treatment, she was sent home with strict instructions to call immediately if anything changed.

Medical Santo received another call and this time they needed to go to the house immediately. The young wife was in severe pain and she was brought back to the clinic for monitoring.

In the early hours of the morning as her situation became worse, a specialist from the Northern Provincial Hospital was contacted and the decision was made to transfer her to hospital for emergency surgery. The hospital and Medical Santo worked together to save this young woman’s life. According to doctors she was less than 30 minutes away from dying.

Today she is the proud mum to a newborn baby. If it was not for the expertise of Medical Santo’s volunteer doctor assessing and correctly diagnosing the patient and the close working partnership with and capability of the specialist doctor at the Northern Provincial Hospital this would not have been possible.

How urgent action saved a life

Several years ago, before Churches of Christ Medical Santo opened, members of the Medical Santo Executive Committee met a young man on one of the nation’s islands. He had no future — he was injured, he could not work and there was no treatment available to him in Vanuatu.

They made the easy decision to help change this young man’s life — following through was the hard part.

He spent 15 months in Australia and endured several operations that finally gave him back his life and the ability to live it to the fullest.

Thanks to this experience, the young man felt that he should give back to the Vanuatu community after receiving so much care. He volunteered to help Medical Santo when it first opened, and was there for the renovation of the building and to assist in any way he could. Seeing his enthusiasm his huge interest in health work, after having endured so much himself, the Medical Santo team took him under their wing, mentoring and training him.

Where once he had little prospect of a job or family, he now lives a valuable life in the community with both. He is a proud father and he is no longer a burden to his family thanks to the partnership between Medical Santo and the people of Vanuatu.

Giving back a future

DONATE TODAYYour donation makes such a huge difference to people in Vanuatu. Thank you.

medicalsanto.com/how-to-help/#give

1800 600 900


page 27

ARCADIAcelebrates 10th birthday

On 29 August 2005, Arcadia Aged Care Service and Arcadia Apartments opened their doors and became a part of their local Essendon community.

Service Manager Margaret Nuttall and Retirement Living Manager Joanne Antoni marked the 10th anniversary by welcoming 160 residents from the residential aged care service and independent living units, their families, volunteers and staff to enjoy a gala afternoon tea.

Special guests included Chief Executive Officer Dean Phelan, Area Manager Farida Banks, and General Manager Retirement Living Beth Littler, who made the trip from Queensland to attend the celebration.

Dean spoke about the decision to take on the project of Victorian aged care services joining Churches of Christ Care in 2011. He said it was a big decision for the Board at the time and that history has shown it was a very good one.

It was a wonderful day that celebrated Arcadia’s place in not only the local Essendon community but its place in Churches of Christ Care providing quality care in Victoria.

Long term residents and staff cut the cake

Chief Executive Officer Dean Phelan talks at the celebrations


page 28

Volunteering, it is said, is good for the soul. For Michele, volunteering isn’t just about helping others; it is about the enrichment she has found for her life.

Michele has been a volunteer at Churches of Christ Care Oak Towers Aged Care Service for the past five years, using her skills as a musician to bring the light of Christ to residents and staff.

In the 1970s, she would regularly visit her aunty and uncle who lived at Oak Towers. In 2004, she was the Music Director for a ministry called ‘Emmaus Walk’ when the program director was a chaplain at the Oakleigh service.

‘In conversation with her about her work I light-heartedly said “When I retire from work I would like to play music for Oak Towers”. She replied “I won’t forget that,” – and she didn’t!’ Michele said.

By July 2011 Michele had retired, and soon after the chaplain asked her to consider using my musical skills as a volunteer.

‘In a very short time I found myself as a volunteer pastoral

care assistant providing musical assistance for the worship service when the regular pianist was away,’ she said.

‘Later, when a pastoral care group was established I became the musician for that. I have been volunteering in this way for about five years now, and I love it!’

But it is more than just helping people that draws Michele to giving the way she does.

‘Volunteering in this way is part of my Christian witness. It enriches me. I love the challenge of choosing songs and hymns for use in the group that compliment the chosen theme of the day.

‘I love the interaction and warmth of the participants. The group has grown into a supportive, connected family that is more about belonging and fellowship than it is about attending.’

Michele said she is uplifted by the depth of faith of the Oak Towers residents, who even in their advancing age, continue as ambassadors for Christ.

‘At my ripe age of 70, I am continually encouraged by the amazing resourcefulness and enthusiasm that can exist in the latter years of life.

‘If you are considering volunteering, Churches of Christ Care aged care services are a welcoming and enriching option that have made a lasting impression and difference in my life.’

To learn more about volunteering with Churches of Christ Care, go to imaginevolunteering.com.au or email [email protected]

Finding enrichment through volunteering

Michele Hancock with a resident at Oak Towers Aged Care Service at

Oakleigh, Melbourne

Eight years ago, Sue Burgess and Larry Wright met and fell in love.

In June 2012 they moved to Kingaroy, and a spiritual journey began in earnest. As Sue describes it, ‘We just felt we had to go in to church’.

For the congregation at Kingaroy Church of Christ, it was a privilege to become a part of their journey.

Sue discovered the church kitchen, where she instantly ‘felt at home’. They joined a local home bible study group, and their growth was rapid.

Pastor Steve Nixon was soon asked to baptise Sue.

As the church became a larger part of their lives, Sue and Larry realised the importance of marriage. They wanted to get married, but they did not want the fuss associated with a traditional wedding.

Pastor Steve and the couple decided on a date and plan, but no announcement. They instead decided to tell their loved ones they were holding a fundraising event for Churches of Christ Medical Santo.

On 4 July, guests arrived, ready for the fundraising event. The church was decorated in style, and when Pastor Steve got up to talk about Medical Santo, he asked Larry and Sue to come forward and proceeded to perform a wedding ceremony – much

to everyone’s pleasant surprise.

Despite a few dropped jaws, it was a wonderful evening of celebration, plus an opportunity to share not only the love of Larry and Sue, but a love and commitment for all people. Not only were Larry and Sue able to declare their love for each other but for their church community.

When Larry met Sue

Larry and Sue cutting their wedding cake


page 29

GMP NewsPoverty Explained– Inequality and Participatory

In the last edition of Networking, we looked at two causes of poverty on a quest to gain understanding of the life of people who are poor.

We began by looking at two ways of measuring poverty — Monetary Income, often expressed in terms of Purchasing Power Parity, which makes adjustment for varying purchasing power around the world and for the non-cash economy. And then the Capabilities Approach, which focuses on our ability to do the things that are important to us, often measured by the Human Development Index.

This month we look at two other methods, Inequality and Participatory.

INEQUALITYThis approach focuses on the economic disparity between people. It reflects the reality that people feel poorer when they know they have less than their neighbours. As the world becomes increasingly connected by telecommunications, our global neighbours become increasingly aware of the difference between their lifestyle and ours. But it is not just the jealousy factor that makes a difference.

Research shows that countries that have greater inequality fare worse on every social indicator - for example, incarceration, teenage pregnancy, and mental and general health rates. In fact, inequality is a better predictor of these things than income. That is, a lower income with more equality is better than a higher income with less equality.

This is the principle set out in 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 ‘Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”’

PARTICIPATORYAs people struggled with the idea of defining and measuring poverty, someone finally said, ‘Why don’t we ask the poor what they think?!’ A 1999 survey by the World Bank called Voices of the Poor is the biggest attempt to do this:

‘The poor describe poverty as lack of material things — food, especially but also lack of work, money, shelter and clothing — and living and working in often

unhealthy, polluted and risky environments. They also defined poverty as bad experiences and bad feelings about the self. Perceptions of powerlessness over one’s life and of voicelessness were common; so was anxiety and fear for the future.’

‘Poverty is lack of freedom, enslaved by crushing daily burden, by depression and fear of what the future will bring.’ — Georgia

‘If you want to do something and have no power to do it, it is talauchi (poverty).’ — Nigeria

‘For a poor person everything is terrible - illness, humiliation, shame. We are cripples; we are afraid of everything; we depend on everyone. No one needs us. We are like garbage that everyone wants to get rid of.’ — A blind woman from Tiraspol, Moldova

Similar reflections are found in Proverbs 13:8; 14:20; 19:4,7 and 22:7.

Colin Scott, COCOA Director.


page 30

Poverty Explained– Inequality and Participatory

Stories from ayear of being‘Live quietly in the moment and see the beauty of all before you...’ — Paramahansa Yogananda

I am in my tenth week of living in a slum in Kolkata. I am very used to now not having running water, using a bucket to shower over a drain in an open lane (I have to wear a floor length nightgown for showering), use a communal squat toilet, and climb up a rickety ladder to sleep in a bubble-gum pink two by three metre room. My ‘norm’ is wonderfully simplistic, and clutter-free of the physical noise of bring in a consumeristic world.

My community of co-slum dwellers treat me with such generosity and love, all I can see is beauty before me. It’s only when the smell of the drain near my window wafts up, or another mouse tries to climb up my nightgown while I am sleeping, that I remember that I am meant to be living in a ‘dirty, hopeless, poverty-stricken’ community. But if you begin to see the initial status of extreme poverty, you see beauty. It’s confusing I know, on one hand you have the constant in-your-face poverty, but then there is this amazing undertone of beauty.

Beauty is in the smiles of the joyful, resourceful children. You see beauty in the eyes of the tired, old, cranky aunties. You see beauty in the youth hoping and striving for a different life. These people are resilient, strong, and courageous.

The best example I have to share is of the generous lady who looks after me, named fondly, Masi (meaning my mother’s sister in Bangla). Her husband died when their small daughter was only a few years old. She wanted to give her daughter the best and worked hard to find a job and keep their tiny room in the slum.

Going against the Indian culture of remarrying or giving up her daughter, she raised a strong, independent woman.

Her daughter is now in her 30s with her own little family. This lady, my dear Masi, welcomed me (and another intern) into her home with such warmness and many smiles. A radical Hindu lady, who had in a short 10 weeks shown me more love and authenticity than I have experienced in a long time. She is beautiful.

So for now I am learning to live quietly in the moment, and see the beauty before me. It’s sometimes a little chaotic and messy, but it’s simply wonderful.

Ally Jensen

So far, Ally and ‘On-the-ground Nepal Earthquake Funds’ have raised over AU$50,000 thanks to donations from around the world. They have helped build shelters, temporary schools, and provided food to some of the most marginalised people in Nepal.

Ally and friend in India

Donate todayYour donation makes a huge difference to the lives of people in Vanuatu.

1800 600 900 medicalsanto.com

Santo

Churches of Christ

Changing lives in Northern Vanuatu


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‘If you’ve got a pulse you’ve got a purpose,’ was the catch-cry at this year’s Fresh Horizons Conferences held in August in Tauranga, New Zealand and in Brisbane and Cairns.

Richard and Leona Bergstrom from Re-Ignite Ministries in the United States engaged conference participants in an interactive journey designed to sharpen the focus of living purposefully throughout our whole life. They

reminded us of Paul’s words in Acts 20:24 (NLT) ‘My life is nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus.’

Time was spent in personal reflection of life’s journey to this point, identifying values, personality, strengths, passion, and spiritual gifts and how these things contribute to determining how we will live out our purpose in the second half of life.

The conferences also featured support speakers, ministry exhibits

and a 2nd Half forum, exploring ideas and practical applications for ministry to the baby boomer and senior generations.

The 62 attendees at the Brisbane conference were aged 40 and over, and some travelled from Tasmania, Melbourne, Sydney, Blue Mountains and Mackay.

Each participant was asked to sum up the conference in one word, which was turned into a ‘Wordle’ word cloud.

You can read the full report of the event at freshhorizons.org.au

Fresh Horizons Conference – August 2015

Richard and Leona Bergstrom

The ‘Wordle’ featuring words from attendees summing up the conference

Sunday 25 October is a special day. Around Australia, we will be celebrating Grandparents Day, taking the opportunity to thank grandparents for their love and support and to honour the significant contribution they make to their family, church and community.

In 2011, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that close to one million Australian children receive care from a grandparent on a regular basis.

We are living in challenging times both morally and spiritually, especially for our children, and the roll of grandparents is becoming more important than anyone could ever imagined. What an incredible calling for the second half of life.

Plan a church family picnic, a special morning tea, use presentations or video clips that honour grandparents, interview some grandparents and grandchildren, or have

grandparents stand and pray for them.

Let’s make Grandparents Day across our churches a day of celebration.

Remember, each grandparent is unique and irreplaceable; they are God’s gift to the family.

Celebrating Grandparents


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A gift in your Will can make a significant impact on the growth of God’s kingdom

Your support will make a real difference, please contact us at:

Churches of Christ The Fundraising Office PO Box 508, Kenmore Q 4069

Phone: 1800 600 900 Email: [email protected]

A gift in your Will, however small or large, is a legacy of love. It stands as a monument to the values you hold dear.

The Christian beliefs and faith we hold in this life are passed down to future generations so that they too may know the love of Jesus and continue His work. With leaving a gift in your Will to Churches of Christ in Queensland you can continue to strengthen God’s kingdom and ensure its growth into the future for the benefit of generations to come.

Whatever the purpose of the gift and whatever the amount, Churches of Christ in Queensland treats every gift with the utmost diligence and respect. You can be assured that your bequest will be used for the growth of the kingdom of God.

The Australian College of Ministries (ACOM) is now looking for those who will benefit from ministry training next year.

Is there someone you know who needs some encouragement to jump into ministry? Do you want some training to assist your own ministry to be more fruitful? Now is the time to start thinking about studying ministry in 2016.

ACOM offers a range of options for students. At vocational level, there is Certificate IVs and Diplomas in Christian Ministry and Theology. At higher education level, one year Diploma of Christian Studies, two year associate degrees and three-year bachelors of theology and ministry. At postgraduate level there are four unit graduate certificates, eight unit graduate diplomas and masters of arts, theology

and divinity. If you are more into research, the Doctor of Ministry or PhD programs will serve you well.

At ACOM, we try to combine the best of both worlds. We allow people to study their passions at their own place and pace. However, we also bring students together for crucial spiritual formation groups and optional facilitations. We find that this combination of distance and face-to-face is great for people in ministry who need flexibility and lots of interaction with others.

In Queensland, we have a great range of facilitations available. Non-students are always welcome to come along for interest or professional development. If you are interested in Conflict Resolution, Pastoral Care, Mastering Change or other

courses, ask for more details by

courses, ask for more details by contacting Stephen Parker on 0410 614 894 or [email protected]

2016 Queensland facilitations:• Spiritual Formation• Pastoral Care• Restoration Movement• Old Testament Introduction• Biblical Answers for Life’s

Questions• Conflict Resolution• Mastering Change• Theology for Ministry• Pauline Literature

Imagine a career with us.

Imagine turning tears of desperation to joy or the hug of a child you’ve just helped. With 200 services from early childhood learning to affordable housing, you’ll feel the rewards of your efforts every day.

imagineyourcareer.com.au

Imagine what you can do.


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10 : OCTOBER4-10 Mental Health Week5 Labour Day public holiday7-10 National Youth Ministry

Convention Gold Coast11-17 Anti-Poverty Week12-18 Carers Week23-25 Girls Getaway Camp24-1 Nov National Children’s Week27 Grandparents Day

11 : NOVEMBER1-30 Transition to Independence

Month5 International Volunteer

Managers Day11 Remembrance Day19 World Day for Prevention of

Child Abuse and Violence Against Children

15-21 Bullying Awareness Week 20-21 Celebrate 2015 20 – Centrifuge Event 20 – Annual General Meeting 21 – Awards Dinner25 White Ribbon Day 21-29 Social Inclusion Week

12 : DECEMBER5 International Volunteers Day10 Human Rights Day 25 Christmas Day26 Boxing Day

01 : JANUARY1 Rosevale Church of Christ

125th Anniversary1 New Years Day26 Australia Day

02 : FEBRUARY13 Apology Day

03 : MARCH3-9 Foster and Kinship Carers Week8 International Women’s Day21 Harmony Day25 Good Friday27 Easter Sunday

important dates

In July this year 120 women were uplifted, refreshed and joined in fellowship at the inaugural Sacred Restlessness Women’s Conference. It was a truly wonderful day of exploring what it means to be women in our movement and the great things we can achieve as modern women.

‘I feel refreshed and ready for ministry.’

‘…It made you think about leadership. Where you are and how we are as Christians can make a difference.’

SAVE THE DATE

Women’s Conference 23 July 2016

Mark 23 July 2016 in your diaries and join us for a day of

discussion, reflection and faith.


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