Ministers Desk 1st February 2015

Welcome to a new year of worship, service and witness.

I love trying new things.  When I’m driving if there’s a choice of two routes to take, I’ll choose the one that I’ve taken least, just to explore a bit more.  When I cook (not often and usually only desserts) I’ll more than often choose a recipe that I’ve never made before.  There is an element of risk in trying something new, ask Helen and Dom and Jess what they thought of my ice-cream bread.  As I’ve learnt many times we can fail.  But I’ve also learnt that we can go new places and have better experiences when we move from the known and comfortable into the untried and new.

As we start the New Year I wonder what this year has planned for you.  Is this going to be a year in which you repeat the activities and good and bad behaviours of the past or is it going to be a year of challenge and risk to something new?  I hope that this year will be a year of growth for you, because it is only as we move beyond where we are that we grow. 

Is this a year in which you start a new devotional practice, or change one that you’ve had for many years?  It can be that you once got a lot out of your devotional practice as it stimulated you, but you haven’t felt that for some time.  What other way could you connect with God?

Is this a year in which you find a new way of reaching out beyond the congregation?  Do you need to join a community group; meet new people; serve in a different church activity; put a different emphasis on your involvement in the community; or commit your outreach more fully to prayer?

Is this a year in which you strengthen a skill that you have so that you can be more effective in serving or leading?  Sometimes we need to step back from doing so much, so that we can be trained and equipped to do what we’re passionate about more effectively.

Is this a year in which you the Holy Spirit is prompting you to be more intentional in challenging your Brian in their relationship with Jesus?  Does your Brian need an invitation to meet other Christ followers; do they need answers to questions that are holding them back; or do they just need to be asked to give their life to Jesus? 

To do any of these things is risky.  It upsets the pattern of how we live our lives.  It takes emotional, mental, physical and spiritual energy.  But only by doing things like this do we grow closer to Christ and participate more fully in the life that he has for us.

So I invite you to prayerfully ask God, what risks are you going to take for him and with him this year.

Grace and peace

David Fender

Ministers Desk 23rd November 2014

The Church Council met on Monday 17 November.  At this meeting we received an update from the property refurbishment committee.  They presented some initial sketches that address changes to the foyer, hall, auditorium and Laurel street and South Pine Road entrances.  These changes range from replacement of the existing carpet, through alternative layouts of furniture for better functionality, improved acoustics in the hall and the addition of an awning outside the hall on the Laurel Street side.  The committee have sought to be faithful to suggestions made at the property workshop held in June this year. 

Suggestions that have not been taken up are to install concertina walls in the hall and build a mezzanine somewhere in the building.  Advice from the architect is that these ideas would not be practical and would be prohibitively expensive.  For these reasons these ideas will not be considered again.  The property refurbishment committee will continue their work with a view to presenting something to the congregation in the first half of next year. 

In the planning the committee have considered how this building fits with our purpose of Growing Disciples who Exalt, Explore, Embody, Engage and how it can best be used as a tool for ministry.  This has meant that we’ve taken time in the planning phase, almost a year so far and still going.  Once decisions are made by the congregation about what we’re going to do, the implementation may take even longer. 

The building assists us in our ministry; it is not ministry in itself.  So whilst the property refurbishment group does its work, there are others working on the ministry of Emmanuel Uniting Church. 

An Embody team meets regularly to understand our neighbourhood and seek ways in which we are able to step out in mission and service.  Our Christmas community dinner is the first activity of this group.  In the New Year we will look for other avenues of outreach and ways to highlight and develop the important work of outreach that many people are already doing. 

Our Worship Pastor, Dom Chan, is researching, assessing and implementing changes to our 9:30 and 6pm worship services to help us offer excellence in worship and experience whole of life transformation. 

Initial thoughts are being given to family ministry that seeks to provide a pathway of faith development for children, youth and young adults.  This pathway places the primary focus of faith development in the home and ensures that the church partners with parents to achieve a goal that we all desire, seeing children come to faith in Jesus Christ.

In addition to these new initiatives leaders are encouraged to continue to refine and focus their groups and ministries as we move toward being a disciple forming community who grow disciples who Exalt, Explore, Embody, Engage.

Grace and peace

David Fender

Ministers Desk 9th November 2014

We have a wonderful and unique youth ministry here at Emmanuel. We have our brigades groups and we have our non-uniformed groups all of which are contributing to the overall ministry at our church. This week our ministers desk is a chance for our congregation to become a little more familiar with what we do.

Our Brigades programs.

Brigades is a highly structured international organisation that has been helping to disciple kids for over a hundred years. With a duel focus on fun and adventure brigades is a fantastic organisation for our young people to be a part of. Our brigades leaders are some of the most highly motivated and enthusiastic in our congregation and are responsible for much of the good work being done for kids who attend our church and others.

Our Church and Rec program.

Church and Rec is our innovative program for older kids. The goal here is to create space for kids who aren't connected to the church to engage with Christianity without confrontation. Young people are exposed to a culture that is increasingly hostile to religion and this has had a big impact on an entire generation of youth. Many are searching for meaning but simply don't feel comfortable coming into churches to find answers. So we decided we would go to them and offer them a place where they can have these conversations on their terms.

Our Church and Rec Bible Study.

September Camp saw many of our young people wanting to reach for more in faith. Our leaders have now responded to this need and are offering a Bible study program which would help these kids who are largely outside of our congregation to come and be more involved and connected to our community.

Our Clifface program.

Clifface is a program for youth close to the young adult age group which primarily looks at helping kids already established in the congregation with their faith walks. These kids are familiar with the “Christian slang” that we use and this group is great for kids who already attend church regularly, and want to connect with other people their own age.

Our Extreme program.

Extreme is a non-uniformed youth group which connects to our presbytery. It has a focus on devotions and games and several times a term the whole presbytery comes together to celebrate our shared faith and the vision of youth ministry for the Uniting Church.

Our team appreciates your continued prayer support for the various youth ministry activities, leaders, and kids across our whole youth ministry.

Grace and peace,

Matt.

Ministers Desk 26th October 2014

Reflections on Synod 2014

What is Synod?

The Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) comprises of 4 different councils – Congregation, Presbytery, Synod and Assembly.  These councils are not hierarchical, but have their own responsibilities.  The Synod is the State Council.

Synod is held approximately every 18 months and was recently held between 10-15 October at the Uniting Church owned Alexandra Park Conference Centre.  There were more than 300 people registered as delegates (a mixture of ordained and lay people) and more than 500 people attended throughout the event.  Naturally, the mainstream media did not attend what is a church good news story!  Fortunately, our own Uniting Communications covered the event via website updates, Facebook and Twitter.  Look for an article in the Nov edition of Journey.

Synod should not be confused with the Bayliss St Auchenflower office where staff work for the ‘Synod’ (the State office).

As the Synod meets only every 18 months, it is represented by the Synod Standing Committee (SSC) between Synods.  SSC makes the necessary strategic decisions to allow the UC to function effectively.  In business terms, SSC can be equated to a Board of Directors.

Emmanuel UC was represented by 3 people at the 2014 Synod – Chris and Helen Barnard and Peter Cranna.

The theme of the Synod was ‘A charge to keep’.  Read Numbers 9 to gain this context.

If you want to explore much more about Synod than I have included in this report – please go to http://journeyonline.com.au/category/31st-synod/

Journey on line has a comprehensive coverage – including some really cool photos.

Highlights

There were many:

· Worship and bible studies – it’s great to be able to worship every day with fellow Christians.  The bible studies were led by Trinity Theological College lecturers – all were great

· Hearing the reports from the 8 Queensland Presbyteries and the work of Uniting Care

· Catching up with people that I have met before and making new friends

· Discussing issues that are important in the life of the church

· Appointing many people to various committees of the church

There were 3 events that people should be aware of:

1. The Moderator-elect was inducted as Moderator.  For the next 3 years Rev David Baker is the Moderator of the UCA – Queensland Synod.  The Moderator is the person that represents the UCA in speaking about issues and attending many events – amongst many other things!

2. A recommendation was put to the Synod to appoint Gary Doyle as General Secretary (in business terms, this position would equate to CEO) for the next 5 years.  Gary is a lay person and is currently the Principal with the John Flynn College – part of James Cook University in Townsville.  Gary will commence early in 2015.  This appointment was required as it was the first Synod held since the resignation of the previous General Secretary in very early 2014.  During 2014, someone most of us would know well, Rev John Cox, was asked by the SSC, and agreed, to be the General Secretary

3. In planning for the 31^st Synod, Rev David Baker decided to introduce something quite different to enable discussion about issues.  He introduced the concept of Open Space – which requires much more than the space I’ve got to explain!  Having said that, it was a great success.  It was conducted over the final 1 ½ days of the Synod (once everyone had been informed of the issues arising from the various reports and after being presented with the results of National UCA census data and other demographic information).  The overall theme of the Open Space was – ‘Our church is on life support – what is our call now?’  The outcome is that people from the Synod gathering have agreed to pursue specific action on 16 particular topics that were identified.  There was considerable energy displayed during this Open Space time and this was demonstrated by the commitment of many to follow through on important issues.

While Synod is a large time commitment (5 days), it has the potential to be quite beneficial to people personally and the church generally.  I’m of the view that it achieved its potential this time.

Peter Cranna

  

Ministers Desk 12th October 2014

A small group have been meeting to discuss and plan for some much needed refurbishments of the church building.  The building is 18 years old and has been used hard and well and maintained by willing volunteers who donate time and energy to complete necessary maintenance work.  I, and the whole congregation, are grateful to these people for the work that they do on our behalf.

The group is currently bringing together some concepts to put to the congregation.  These include:

Signage – improved street signage to help guests find our building and then improved signage within the building to help people find their way around.

Hall – fixing the acoustics problems so that we can have conversations in there.  Also installing new carpet.

Auditorium – new chairs, carpets and painting.  An architect has volunteered his time to present us with a coordinated colour scheme that will be contemporary and timeless.  We will also look at the layout of the stage, along with better lighting, sound, acoustics and placement of the data projector and screen.

Office – improved security for Helen when she is alone.  We are also looking at how this space can provide a better first impression for people who come to do business in the church office.

Entrance, foyer and outdoor space – in practice the front door of the church is the Laurel street entrance.  However, the building layout does not convey this.  It is confusing and unwelcoming for guests to find their way from the car park to the church building.  The foyer should be a place of warmth and welcome, however, it is not.  For many years people in the congregation have talked about a covered area outside the hall, but nothing has come of this.  All these issues are being discussed with a view of making a cohesive plan for providing space for people to be welcomed and to gather in community.

Solar panels –data has been gathered that indicates that we could make substantial savings by installing solar panels.  An investment in the immediate future could pay for itself in 3 – 5 years and then lead to savings that can be directed towards ministry after that.

One idea that has been talked about by members of the congregation was to insert concertina dividers into the hall (to create smaller meeting spaces whilst not losing the large hall space) or adding an additional level.  Technical constraints put these ideas beyond any reasonable amount of money that we could spend.  Therefore we will not be considering them again.

Our building is a resource that helps us achieve our purpose of Growing Disciples who Exalt, Explore, Embody, Engage.  It functions as a venue in which we conduct our worship, meet in groups and from which we are sent on mission.  It is also a building to which we invite our community so that they may experience the community of God’s people.  The building must be fit for these purposes.  This will involve us in change.  The way we did church 18 years ago has changed, the building needs to change to keep up with this.  It will involve us in some expense.  We have not spent much on the building in the past; this has now crept up on us.  But most importantly, it will speak of our desire to follow after Jesus and deepen our relationship with God, each other and the community.

Grace and peace

David Fender

Ministers Desk 5th October 2014

Dominic Chan Profile

A Little About Me

As I have started as Worship Pastor I figure I would give you all the opportunity to know a little about me. My name is Dominic Chan and I am 23 years old. I have been part of Emmanuel Uniting Church all my life and was both Baptised and Confirmed here. The encouragement and support from a number of key people in the congregation led me to grow both musically and in spirituality.

My interest in music culminated in my studying of Jazz Piano at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University from which I graduated with a Bachelor of Music Performance in 2012. I now spend my time teaching, song writing and composing with the occasional gig here and there.

Within Emmanuel I have been a Church Council Elder, Worship Leader and Musical Co-Ordinator of the Evening Service. I am also a Youth Group Leader and Co-Ordinator of the Open Table Community Dinner.

At the moment my faith journey is centred around exploring scripture and recognising the Christ-Centred nature of my life as a Christian. Looking back it has been interesting to recognise the ways that I have matured and is both daunting and exciting to see how much more there is to grow. On observation it is evident that should I ever reach a point whereby I no longer feel the need to grow as a disciple I am most likely in a state of delusion. This is where I currently stand though: recognising that faith is a journey and not a destination and, like any journey, it will be one that is made possible through a guide (God).

My Values as a Worship Leader

I believe that the first and foremost purpose of worshipping together as a congregation is to glorify God.  Everything else should come after that. This however, has meant that there is a constant concern in the back of my head as a musician who is used to performing in other contexts: when does it stop being about God and start being about me instead? I have often been concerned about the pursuit of excellence in worship as I have worried that excellence could be an indication of self-indulgence. What I have recently come to believe is that excellence in worship is still about God. However the why behind it is the most important. We strive for excellence not for our own sake but to facilitate worship as a congregation. To invite those who are gathered to participate in worship in such a way that they can't help but follow the inclination that they are experiencing. The inclination to glorify God in a way that is authentic and to participate in the ongoing mission that Christ has set before us.

What will I be doing my the role as Worship Pastor

The purpose of my position is equip and empower people to lead and participate in worship. To ensure that those who are gifted in such areas are encouraged and supported in leading and those who come into Emmanuel have a place where they can encounter God and worship together with a Christ-Loving Community. I am looking into ways of encouraging the expression of faith through different forms of creativity and exploring ways of ensuring that the 9:30am and Evening Services are contemporary and relevant for today’s society while maintaining theological integrity and spiritual authenticity. I am intentionally maintaining the 8am service as a Traditional Service because I believe that it is of the utmost importance to facilitate worship for as many demographics as we can.

Two very important points I want to make:

1. Change is not going to happen straight away so you don't have to worry that services will be turned on their head suddenly and without notice.

2. Change is not going to happen straight away so you can't expect that services will be turned on their head suddenly and without notice.

The reality is that most of the change will be gradual. The focus of my role is equipping and facilitating. To ensure that this is achieved I will be bringing a team together focused on the development and growth of the Worship Services. Before action is taken we will be assessing and researching. From there we will be collaborating and planning. After that comes collating and communicating and THEN there will be change.

I would love to talk to people about ideas and views and their passions for worship! Feel free to email me at my new email address! I will have to make this very clear though: I am not a magical-worship-pastor-wish-fairy (can you imagine the title?) and can only promise that despite my best intentions I will not be able to please everybody. I am excited to listen to people but I cannot promise that I will agree or be able to make your dream a reality.

Dom

Ministers Desk 28th September 2014

Dominic Chan Profile

A Little About Me

As I have started as Worship Pastor I figure I would give you all the opportunity to know a little about me. My name is Dominic Chan and I am 23 years old. I have been part of Emmanuel Uniting Church all my life and was both Baptised and Confirmed here. The encouragement and support from a number of key people in the congregation led me to grow both musically and in spirituality.

My interest in music culminated in my studying of Jazz Piano at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University from which I graduated with a Bachelor of Music Performance in 2012. I now spend my time teaching, song writing and composing with the occasional gig here and there.

Within Emmanuel I have been a Church Council Elder, Worship Leader and Musical Co-Ordinator of the Evening Service. I am also a Youth Group Leader and Co-Ordinator of the Open Table Community Dinner.

At the moment my faith journey is centred around exploring scripture and recognising the Christ-Centred nature of my life as a Christian. Looking back it has been interesting to recognise the ways that I have matured and is both daunting and exciting to see how much more there is to grow. On observation it is evident that should I ever reach a point whereby I no longer feel the need to grow as a disciple I am most likely in a state of delusion. This is where I currently stand though: recognising that faith is a journey and not a destination and, like any journey, it will be one that is made possible through a guide (God).

My Values as a Worship Leader

I believe that the first and foremost purpose of worshipping together as a congregation is to glorify God.  Everything else should come after that. This however, has meant that there is a constant concern in the back of my head as a musician who is used to performing in other contexts: when does it stop being about God and start being about me instead? I have often been concerned about the pursuit of excellence in worship as I have worried that excellence could be an indication of self-indulgence. What I have recently come to believe is that excellence in worship is still about God. However the why behind it is the most important. We strive for excellence not for our own sake but to facilitate worship as a congregation. To invite those who are gathered to participate in worship in such a way that they can't help but follow the inclination that they are experiencing. The inclination to glorify God in a way that is authentic and to participate in the ongoing mission that Christ has set before us.

 What will I be doing my the role as Worship Pastor

The purpose of my position is equip and empower people to lead and participate in worship. To ensure that those who are gifted in such areas are encouraged and supported in leading and those who come into Emmanuel have a place where they can encounter God and worship together with a Christ-Loving Community. I am looking into ways of encouraging the expression of faith through different forms of creativity and exploring ways of ensuring that the 9:30am and Evening Services are contemporary and relevant for today’s society while maintaining theological integrity and spiritual authenticity. I am intentionally maintaining the 8am service as a Traditional Service because I believe that it is of the utmost importance to facilitate worship for as many demographics as we can.

Two very important points I want to make:

1. Change is not going to happen straight away so you don't have to worry that services will be turned on their head suddenly and without notice.

2. Change is not going to happen straight away so you can't expect that services will be turned on their head suddenly and without notice.

The reality is that most of the change will be gradual. The focus of my role is equipping and facilitating. To ensure that this is achieved I will be bringing a team together focused on the development and growth of the Worship Services. Before action is taken we will be assessing and researching. From there we will be collaborating and planning. After that comes collating and communicating and THEN there will be change.

I would love to talk to people about ideas and views and their passions for worship! Feel free to email me at my new email address! I will have to make this very clear though: I am not a magical-worship-pastor-wish-fairy (can you imagine the title?) and can only promise that despite my best intentions I will not be able to please everybody. I am excited to listen to people but I cannot promise that I will agree or be able to make your dream a reality.

Dom