National Ministers Conference 2011 - Adelaide (Fresh Expressions)

Juleen Villis writes:
I have spent the last week attending the National Minister’s Conference 2011 - Adelaide. It was great to catch up with many of my deacon colleagues again; however most of the 100+ attendees were Ministers’ of the Word. On reflection I am struck by the profound diaconal nature of almost everything that was said throughout the week as we were encouraged to explore ways to engage those who are ‘ not yet members of any church’. Phrases such as ‘out there’, ‘taking the altar to the people, not bringing the people to the altar’, ‘incarnational mission’ that ‘encompasses God’s mission for the whole world’ made me feel right at home and an excitement in realising the unique opportunity deacons have to encourage all ministers in the quest to do ministry diaconally. This does not mean that all minister’s must be deacons, but that those of us who have a call and gifts for ministry to ‘those not yet members of any church’ can lead the way when, inevitably change becomes difficult. The conference made it clear that this move toward what is a more diaconal way of doing ministry is imperative if the church is to not only survive, but thrive in the 21st century.
I would be interested in the comments of other deacons who attended the conference.

Congratulations to Peter

It's always fascinating to learn about what Deacons get up to. In the recent Australian Masters Games in Adelaide, Rev Peter Wait (Deacon) took part in the Mens Pole Vault, and he came first in his age group with 2.7 metres. Wondering how this accomplishment and obvious athletic skills might say something about diakonia? Congratulations, Peter!

Naomi's on the move

Naomi Rosenberg (Ministry of Deacon), along with her husband Marty (Minister of the Word) are on the move after four years on Southern Yorke Peninsula (SYP), with ten congregations and ministry in the community. Marty will be taking up a placement at Sunset Rock UC. Naomi will take a break from diaconal ministry responsibilities for a while. We look forward to hearing further news from Naomi and Marty as they settle back into life in Adelaide.

Congratulations to Elaine

Congratulations to Dr Elaine Ledgerwood who graduated today with a PhD.

Rev Christa Megaw

Christa was ordained as a Deacon on 21st August, 2011 at a service at Adelaide West UC, along with four others ordained as Ministers of the Word. Congratulations, Christa!

Sandy in Moshi, Tanzania for World DIAKONIA Executive

Rev Sandy Boyce has been in Moshi, Tanzania, for the DIAKONIA World Federation Executive meeting in the last week of July. Students from Lyamungo Secondary High School joined the DIAKONIA Executive, and entertained with many songs.

Denise Champion - Johannesburg

The 12th World Assembly of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women will be held in Johannesburg from 10th to 16th August, 2011, with eleven Australians attending. The conference theme is Bambelela! (‘Never give up!) Christ is our hope!

Around 1000 women from 60 countries will gather for the conference, which includes worship, learning, social action, Bible Study, conversation, music and so much more. There is an excellent line up of leaders and speakers

Denise Champion, a Deacon candidate for Ministry from the SA Synod will travel to Johannesburg as the Uniting Church in Australia indigenous representative. Denise has been a faithful member of the Uniting and Aboriginal Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) for many years, and has worked on the SA Regional Council and as the state's Women’s coordinator and other projects.