When change is all around

Posted Feb 20, 2019 in News

Change is in the air and the need for information sharing is at an all-time high. Most of the information in need of sharing seems to be centred on the Presbytery restructuring process. As a result, we thought this article might come in handy as a go-to for any fact-finding mission you may find yourself on.

The 15-17 November, 2018 Presbytery and Synod meeting agreed that:

• A Missional Non-Geographical Presbytery (MNGP) will be created to operate from 1st July, 2019.
• Additional Presbytery(ies) would be formed.
• Congregations would be given an opportunity to nominate which Presbytery they wished to join.

There were two task groups created at the 2018 meeting, the MNGP Task Group and the Presbytery Restructure Task Group. Both groups regularly meet and report their review processes to the Standing Committee. They are preparing a recommendation document for the Presbytery and Synod meeting to be held from 21 - 22 June, 2019.

 

Where to go if you need information

 

Your first point of call should be the Synod’s official web page, which has a dedicated space for the Presbytery restructure. Find this page here.

On this page you can expect the minutes of all meetings regarding the Presbytery and Synod restructure, as well as information such as Circular 1, which was distributed by the Interim General Secretary, Rev Rob Brown, and the 13 Feb NGP Progress Report. This document gives some background and history that explains how we ended up with a restructuring process, provides a broader context of the UCA in Australia and more. There are even contact details where you can raise concerns.

There are also several information sessions that you can join. These sessions are mostly organised by the Mission Networks. So far, these are the events (or information sessions) that are available:

• A Missional Response to an Evolving Church

28 February 2019 7pm-9:15pm, Rosefield Uniting Church

Arranged by the Urban Mission Network, this evening will offer an opportunity to engage and receive updates on the changes and planning progress of the separation of the Presbytery and Synod structure, and the establishment of new presbyteries. 
Discover resources, receive information about the consultation process, and explore the strengths of Mission Networks and the renewed Presbytery structure through table conversations.

Everyone is welcome to attend, just RSVP with Susan Burt via email (Turn on Javascript!) before 19 February.

• NGP (sic) Info Sessions

NORTH 19 March 7:30-9:00pm @ Playford Uniting Church
SOUTH 25 March 7:30-9:00pm @ Seeds Uniting Church
SKYPE 22 March 10:00am
SKYPE 28 March 7:30pm

Arranged by the 3D Net and Hope Network, these events are described as information nights to find out all about the vision and heart of the New Non Geographic Presbytery. According to the Facebook Events page, it is an “opportunity to bring your teams, leaders and church council members along to inform your conversations as you consider whether the NGP is the right home for your congregation in the new Presbytery Restructure.”

The Facebook RSVP is for catering purposes and instructions will be forthcoming for those interested in the Skype sessions.

 

Other changes in the air

A national network for churches who wishes to engage in mission from an evangelical perspective was launched last week. The network is not exclusive to Uniting Church congregations and several South Australian Ministers have reportedly indicated that they have joined, or are joining, the newly formed Catalyst Network.

One such Minister is Rev Barry Littleford, Senior Minister at Parafield Gardens Uniting Church. Barry posted a message on his Facebook page saying: “For a few months now I’ve been in conversation with a bunch of Uniting Church colleagues from around the nation about forming a new national network of congregations, leaders and agencies. And so we’re excited to announce the formation of Catalyst Network - a community focused on evangelism, church planting and revitalisation, and leadership development.”

According to Barry, there have always been evangelical roots deep in the history of the Uniting Church that believe in the power of the Gospel to change lives. “I came to faith, experienced the love of God and had my life changed as a young man from a non-religious background in an evangelical Uniting Church. It is these evangelical roots that the Catalyst Network will seek to grow. It is born from churches who wish to embrace and grow our evangelical tradition.”

 

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