Posted in Leadership
Vale Jean Vanier & Rachel Held Evans
Last Tuesday, Jean Vanier, founder of L'Arche faith-based community homes in 1964, died peacefully aged 90. The L’Arche homes are community homes where adults with and without intellectual disability live together in mutual friendship.
Today they're spread globally with a L'Arche community planned for Adelaide. Jean Vanier was an extraordinary human being, humble servant of God, scholar and friend to the poor. He leaves an abiding legacy that reminds us what it means to love our neighbour. The Uniting Church has benefited greatly by Jean’s life and witness, the way he was able to show us the image of God in each individual. In an interview with Broadview, Jean Vanier shares his reflections on his work and what it taught him about God. Those wishing to learn more about Jean and wishing to support the new L'Arche community planned in Adelaide may like to attend a screening of 'Summer in the Forest' on 27 May. Peace be with him and with all who loved this extraordinary person.
Last Saturday, popular writer, blogger and Christian thought leader, Rachel Held Evans died unexpectedly with extensive brain swelling following an infection last month. Rachel was just 37 years of age and leaves behind her husband, Dan and two children, aged 1 and 3.
Rachel was the author of four books, including ‘A Year of Biblical Womanhood’ which was on The New York Times' e-book non-fiction best-seller list. She wrote a popular blog and was that often tackled some of the heavier theological questions and was like a breath of fresh air for many, particularly Christian women on the internet, with her sense of ‘curated imperfection’. The combination of unique writing and her own spiritual journey, enabled Rachel to foster a community of believers that yearned to seek God.
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Whilst the situation with the spread of COVID-19 is concerning, there are simple and sensible actions we can take to help reduce the spread and help allay fears in our community. This is also an opportunity to take a fresh look at some of our practices and consider if there are more suitable alternatives that will help to maintain a safe church.
Assembly General Secretary Colleen Geyer has delivered a wide-ranging reflection on the future of the Church at the Uniting Leadership and Theology Symposium in Adelaide. In a speech traversing sustainability, diversity, structure and identity Colleen asks can we as the Uniting Church be bold enough to listen to our history, step away from what has always been, be open to where God is leading us and step aside for the leaders who'll take us there?
The Mission and Leadership Development Board (MLDB) has released its Strategic Framework.
Were any retired ministers consulted and were any participants in the decision making process? Current Synod and Presbytery arrangements do not provide for retired ministers without placements to participate in the decisions of our church.