PRESBYTERY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Transcription

1 The Uniting Church in Australia, Western Australia PRESBYTERY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA 13 th Annual Meeting Saturday, 16 June 2018 Tranby College, Tranby Drive, Baldivis WA, 6171

2 The Uniting Church in Australia, Western Australia 13 th Annual Meeting of the Presbytery of Western Australia Saturday, 16 June 2018 Tranby College Multipurpose Centre (Gymnasium) FINAL ORDER OF BUSINESS (55) Registration (05) Welcome to Country (25) Opening Worship & Devotions (20) Community Building (10) 1. BUSINESS COMMITTEE 1.1 Proposal (30) 2. STANDING COMMITTEE 2.1 Proposal (30) 3. SMPC (05) 4. CHURCH LAW (05) 5. NOMINATIONS (20) MORNING TEA (10) 6. Community Services (20) 7. CEDAL (10) 8. Candidates for the Ministries (30) 9. PASTORAL RELATIONS (10) 9.1 Proposal (10) ELECTIONS (45) LUNCH (15) 10. Rural Ministry 10.1 Proposal (15) 11. Uniting Generations (15) 12. Multicultural and Cross-Cultural Ministry (30) 13. PROPERTY (30) TABLE GROUP WORK The Top 5 Priorities for Presbytery for the Next 6 months (30) Closing Reflections

3 BUSINESS COMMITTEE PROPOSAL Presbytery: 1. adopts the Order of Business; and 2. approves the following co-opted members for the 2018/2019 year: Ministers: Lay Members: Youthful: Bev Fabb and Marie Wilson Moira Mathie, Jon Haslam, Elaine Ledgerwood, Travis Windsor and Yvonne Robinson Charles Babalola 1

4 STANDING COMMITTEE - CHAIRPERSON S REPORT The journey to becoming a separate council within our inter-conciliar church is a complex one. Many people within the Presbytery and the Church Office are still not sure of what a presbytery is. The Standing Committee has encountered many difficulties as it seeks to establish a Presbytery which is itself as a unified body of congregations working together to achieve the mission objectives adopted by the Synod and the Presbytery. We have more committees in our Presbytery than any other presbytery in Australia. We do need to discern whether we are working in a way that gives the best outcome for God s mission or if we are married to our current structure. There is a real concern that we are too siloed in our thinking having so many small and diverse committees. This has led to a tendency for committees to focus only on their own area without having considered the impact on other areas of the church. Todate we have not been able to get all the committees in one meeting to have discussions about how we can best structure ourselves to achieve God s purposes. The decision of the last Presbytery meeting to create a position to provide leadership for staff and administration support for the Presbytery has not been able to be actioned, due to ongoing discussions with the Synod Standing Committee about Presbytery staffing. It is still undetermined whether this person will be a nominee for the position of Secretary. The discussions with Synod Standing Committee have been proceeding with joint meetings of the two Standing Committees but no clear resolution has been reached. These discussions are continuing. The response from the membership of the church to help with our committees has been disappointing. We have come from ten years of primarily having paid staff to do the day-today work of the committees and this is not viable for the future. Presbyteries need the input from our membership, to allow the mission to unfold. At the last Presbytery, the Standing Committee was asked to not have so many paid staff involved in the running of our meetings. A call was put out in News and Notes over several weeks for volunteers. Only one person volunteered a staff person who volunteered their expertise to help keep the day running. The Standing Committee has tried to honour the suggestion made but has been unable to fulfil it due to lack of response. We still have a long way to go before we can function well as a Presbytery. Each meeting between Standing committees, the Presbytery Standing Committee and committees of the Presbytery brings us a little closer to being able to fulfil the Mission Plan we have adopted as our part of bringing the Good News to our part of the world. May God continue to strengthen and guide us as we progress on our faith journey as the Presbytery of Western Australia. Rev Lorraine Stokes

5 Standing Committee Proposal That the Presbytery appoint Rev John McKane as Acting Secretary of the Presbytery until 31 st October Rationale During the next few months the structure of the Presbytery will be under major review. The current appointment of the Acting Secretary finishes on 30 th June Due to extenuating circumstances the Presbytery Standing Committee cannot bring a name for the appointment of a Secretary. This is another short-term appointment. It is expected that the work of finalising the new Secretary position will be completed by our meeting in October and an election will be held.

6 STRATEGY AND MISSION PLANNING COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT 2018 Since the submission of our last 2017 Annual Report to the Presbytery of Western Australia, the Strategy and Mission Planning Committee has endeavoured to fulfil our responsibilities under the Rules of the Presbytery. P4.6.4 The purpose of the Committee is to serve the Presbytery by: a. providing inspiration, resourcing, oversight and guidance to the Uniting Church in WA in order to enable and encourage the Presbytery, congregations, faith communities and other church bodies to discern theologically and engage strategically in the Mission of God in their communities. RESPONSIBILITIES P4.6.5 The responsibilities of the Committees are: a. assisting congregations, faith communities and other church bodies to develop intentional intergenerational missional communities; b. sourcing and developing, or adapting appropriate training and resources (in collaboration with CEDAL) to enable greater participation by congregations, faith communities and other church bodies in the Mission of God in their communities, or locations; c. conducting (when necessary, or requested) in collaboration with the Pastoral Relations Committee a Mission Study in congregations, faith communities and other church bodies; d. actively participating in national and international mission-focused forums and sharing the knowledge garnered from such participation throughout the Presbytery; and e. assisting the Presbytery in the development of short-term (3 years) and long-term (5+ years) mission-focused strategies and goals. This work has been undertaken through the lens of the four strategic directions of our Presbytery / Synod and is evidenced below: a. developing a culture of open communication demonstrated by invitations to the 8 committees of the Presbytery to engage with us in at 3 gatherings so that together we could fulfil our responsibilities under the rules which direct our work to discern and deliver the Mission Focused Goals which were brought to the February meeting; b. promoting a culture of faith formation and faith sharing in the roll out of the Mission Shaped Ministry course in 2017 and 2018 which re-introduces people to faith sharing and the purposes of being church in the 21 st century; and 1

7 c. developing and promoting relevant training and leadership development resources, programs and projects, by our working with the Commission for Education Discipleship and Leadership in the roll out of Mission Shaped Ministry in Perth for 2018 and then more broadly across the Presbytery in 2019 and 2020, and d. increasing the church s capacity for community engagement evidenced by the work the committee is presently undertaking in re-shaping our Mission Grants so that they strategically support and relate to the Mission Focused Goals adopted by the Presbytery in February Our committee will continue to deliberately create opportunities for collaboration with the other 7 Presbytery Committees so that together we can use our resources of people, time, skills and funds more efficiently to share the gospel and grow our church. For those who may not have been part of the unanimous decision of the Presbytery in February, we take this opportunity to remind you of the decisions we made together regarding our mission focused goals: 1. That Presbytery of Western Australia request each Community of Faith / Congregation, Church Council, agencies, and committees meeting within the Presbytery to give the first portion of their agenda at every meeting to consideration of the ways in which their participation in the Mission of God is growing the church by: a. developing Fresh Expressions of Church, b. deliberate, wise and prayerful mission planning and community outreach c. working to be part of and create Collaborative Networks of Faith Communities. 2. That Presbytery of Western Australia note that SMPC in collaboration with CEDAL will do all it can between now and 2020 to encourage and support Communities of Faith, Congregations, Church Councils, agencies and committees within the Presbytery to: a. invite all Ministry Agents, Church Councilors and interested members to complete the Mission Shaped Ministry Course b. aim to have 80% of our Faith Communities/Congregations/Agencies in the Presbytery to have developed one or more Fresh Expressions of Church c. support all Faith Communities, Congregations, Agencies and Committees within the Presbytery to have completed and implemented Mission Plans including the ways that they are reaching out into the community. d. work with the Council for Mission in establishing at least 4 creative collaborative networks of communities of faith. In response to the decision of the Presbytery in February this year, the committee resolved to bring to conclusion the present Mission Grants which in the main pay for a ministry agents at the end of The committee is presently developing future budgets which will see funds made available to assist ministers and church councilors to undertake the Mission Shaped Ministry Course, to be supported post MSM Courses with specialist Mission Coaching, to undertake Strategic Mission Planning, to give small grants to congregations and faith communities who are 2

8 trying Fresh Expressions of Church as a further encouragement to have a go; and to enable ongoing training for future leaders in Fresh Expressions and Mission Shaped Ministry. We are hopeful this will be ready for adoption in August. The committee has also engaged the services of Rev Canon Dave Male, from the Anglican Church in the UK to work with our committee and with members of CEDAL in the week following Synod to further develop joint resources for Pioneer Ministry Training and Support, Mission Coaching and to help us review our progress in the development of our Mission Focussed Strategic Goals. Three members of the committee are also working on developing a theology of resources and property for our Presbytery. This document is based on work done in other Presbytery s and Synods, but shaped to reflect our structures and geography own and plan to have this ready for sharing in July/August. The Committee continues to work closely with the Pastoral Relations Committee as we have jointly conducted Life and Witness Consultations in Augusta/Margaret River Uniting Churches; at Carramar Uniting Church and later this year we will work together in Busselton Parish. We have also requested that a representative of the Presbytery Property Committee also be part of every future Life and Witness Consultation so that a more collaborative and cohesive approach can be offered to our congregations and faith communities. We have invited the Director for Education Rev Dr John Squires to work with us to develop an education resource for training people to engage in this important ministry of Life and Witness Consultations and hope to see this rolled out in 2019 and The Committee wishes to place on record its deep thanks for the way in which the congregation of Swanbourne heard the call of the Spirit for new mission and ministry opportunities and so gave beneficial ownership of their property and funds for alternative mission to the Presbytery. As the Presbytery will know, Rev David Kriel accepted a call to be the minister of the Trinity North congregation from 1 st of February The committee expresses its thanks to the Pastoral Relations Committee and Placements Commission and to members of the Joint Nominating Committee for their work in calling a new Presbytery Minister (Mission). At the time of writing the name of the person was not yet available, but we hope to be able to make a very exciting announcement in due course with a view to them starting ministry with us from the 1 st of September The Committee again wishes to place on record its sincere thanks for the service provided by P.A. to the Mission Planner, Ms Alice Boomer, as Minute Secretary and enabler of many practical tasks in preparation for and follow up from each meeting, including the ministry of hospitality. We also wish to place on record our thanks to: Rev Dr Ian Tozer for his wisdom and insight into the polity and practice of the Uniting Church in Australia 3

9 Rev David Kriel for his years of service, inspiration and enthusiasm as Mission Planner for the UCA in WA Rev Mark Illingworth for his collaborative approach to ministry across Presbytery Committees to enable collaborative resourcing and supporting of congregations and communities of faith in his roll first as Pastoral Worker and then as Placements Coordinator for the Presbytery As Chairperson I have been privileged to serve with such hard-working committee members. At almost every meeting each member is sent away with tasks to undertake that enable us to fulfil our responsibilities and play our part in supporting congregations and faith communities to grow their congregations in new and different ways. The following persons have served the Committee: Ms Alice Boomer (Minute Secretary) Rev Narelle Collas Elected 2016 for 1 year, elected 2017 for 1 year Rev Mark Illingworth (Pastoral Relations and Placements) concluded 31 April 2018 Rev David Kriel (Staff Mission Planner concluded Jan 2018) Rev John McKane Elected 2016 for 3 years Rev Greg Ross (Chairperson) Elected for 3 years in 2016 Mr Andrew Stokes Elected 2016 for 2 years Rev Stephen van Schalkwyk Elected in 2017 for 2 years Rev Dr Ian Tozer Deputy General Secretary and Presbytery Secretary (ex officio) Mrs Yuko Tonai-Moore Elected 2016 for 3 years 4

10 P3.1 PRESBYTERY STANDING COMMITTEE (referencing P3.12) AUTHORITY P3.1.1 The Presbytery will appoint a Standing Committee in accordance with Regulation (a) (i). RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE P The Standing Committee shall have the full powers of the Presbytery [in Regulation 3.1.3] between meetings of the Presbytery, except in relation to the following matters: Election of Chairperson; Appointment of persons to the Standing Committee; Consideration of candidates for specified ministries; Election of members of Synod and Assembly; Extensions of placement beyond ten years; and Approval of the presbytery s annual budget, providing that a decision of the Standing Committee does not introduce new policy, and that decisions are made by consensus procedures. MEMBERSHIP The Standing Committee is authorised to appoint members of the Nominations Committee. P3.1.3 (a) (b) (c) The membership of the Standing Committee consists of: i. ex officio, the Chairperson of the Presbytery, the immediate past Chairperson, the Chairperson-elect, the Secretary and the Treasurer; ii. ex officio, the chairperson of each of the following Committees: the Commission for Education for Discipleship and Leadership, and the chairpersons of Pastoral Relations, Property, and Strategy and Mission Planning. committees; iii. four members of Presbytery elected by the Presbytery; iv. not more than two other persons, who are members of Presbytery, co-opted by the Standing Committee to ensure balance of membership. The lay members shall not be fewer in number than the ministerial members. Election shall be for a period of two years with at least half the elected members (other than the office bearers) retiring or re-elected each year. MEETINGS P3.1.4 (a) The Standing Committee will meet not less than once every three months. (b) The Standing Committee shall report on its decisions to the next meeting of the Presbytery, which shall give directions as to the publishing thereof, and as to any further action that may be required in accordance with Regulations.

11 TECHNOLOGY P3.1.5 A meeting of the Standing Committee may be called or held using any technology agreed to, in advance, by all the members of the Committee. QUORUM P3.1.6 The quorum for meetings of the Standing Committee shall be in accordance with the Regulations. DELEGATIONS P3.1.7 The Standing Committee may establish sub-committees such as steering committees, advisory groups, task groups and special purpose committees as may be needed from time to time. The Standing Committee shall specify each subcommittee s membership, duties and responsibilities, and reporting requirements. Any sub-committee created shall operate under the requirements of the Rule P3.12 MINUTES P3.1.8 Minutes will be kept of all meetings of the Committee and will be confirmed by the next succeeding meeting of the Committee and signed by the Chairperson of that meeting. CIRCULATING RESOLUTIONS P3.1.9 OFFICERS (a) The Committee may make decisions by a circular or electronic poll of all members entitled to vote, provided no decision of such a poll is binding unless there are no dissenting votes. The resolution is passed when the last member signifies agreement. (b) The quorum for each circulating resolution shall be in accordance with the Manual of Meetings. (c) A Committee member is not entitled to vote on a circulating resolution if she or he has a conflict of interest unless it has been disclosed and dealt with in accordance with these Rules and procedures set down by the Committee. (d) Copies of all resolutions passed as circulating resolutions will be kept and signed by the Chairperson of the next meeting. P In the absence of the Chairperson, the members present at any meeting of the Committee may elect a chairperson of the meeting from amongst those present.

12 CALLING A MEETING P (a) The Chairperson may convene a meeting of the Committee at any time. The Secretary shall on receipt of a requisition in writing by any three members, convene a meeting of the Committee. (b) The Chairperson of the Committee may convene a meeting of a sub-committee at any time. (c) The requisition for a meeting shall specify the reason for which the meeting is to be convened. (d) At least seven days written notice of every Committee meeting shall be given to all members of the Committee unless the Chairperson considers an emergency exists in which case a meeting may be convened on shorter notice. The non-receipt by a member of the Committee of a notice of meeting does not invalidate the meeting. CONDUCT OF MEETINGS P The procedures of the Church s Manual for Meetings apply as far as practicable to all meetings of the Committee. Each member of the Committee has and may exercise one vote. A resolution passed at a meeting of the Committee will not be rescinded at a subsequent meeting unless seven days notice of the intention to propose the rescission is given in the notice convening the meeting. CONFLICT OF INTEREST P A member of the Standing Committee who has any direct or indirect pecuniary or beneficial interest, or whose unfettered or independent judgment is or could be perceived as impaired by any contractual, business or other relationship, in a matter being dealt with by the Standing Committee must, as soon as the member becomes aware of that interest or relationship, disclose to the Standing Committee the nature and extent of that interest or relationship. The Standing Committee then determines whether the extent of the interest or relationship disclosed is such that the member should not participate in, vote on, or be present during any debate on that matter. The Standing Committee will minute its decision and record that decision in a Register of Conflicts.

13 P3.12 PRESBYTERY DELEGATED SUB-COMMITTEES AUTHORITY P The Presbytery, its Standing Committee, and its other committees may establish sub-committees such as steering committees, advisory groups, task groups and special purpose committees as may be needed from time to time. The creating body shall specify each sub-committee s membership, duties and responsibilities, and reporting requirements. The sub-committee shall operate under the requirements of this Rule. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE P The sub-committee will fulfil all the duties and responsibilities as set out in the instructions issued by the establishing body, and deal with matters referred to it by the establishing body. MEMBERSHIP P (a) The membership of a sub-committee is as specified by the establishing body. MEETINGS (b) One member of the sub-committee is to also be a member of the establishing body P The sub-committee will meet as determined by the establishing body. TECHNOLOGY P A meeting of the sub-committee may be called or held using any technology agreed to, in advance, by all the members of the sub-committee. QUORUM P The quorum for meetings of a sub-committee shall be in accordance with the Manual for Meetings. DELEGATIONS P No sub-committees may establish a sub-committee.

14 MINUTES P (a) Minutes will be kept of all meetings of each sub- committee and will be confirmed by the next succeeding meeting of the sub-committee and signed by the Chairperson of that meeting. (b) Minutes of all sub-committee meetings will be provided to the establishing body prior to the succeeding meeting of that body. CIRCULATING RESOLUTIONS P (a) A sub-committee may make decisions by a circular or electronic poll of all members entitled to vote, provided no decision of such a poll is binding unless there are no dissenting votes. The resolution is passed when the last member signifies agreement. (b) The quorum for each circulating resolution shall be in accordance with the Manual of Meetings. (c) A sub-committee member is not entitled to vote on a circulating resolution if she or he has a conflict of interest unless it has been disclosed and dealt with in accordance with the Rules and procedures set down by the Presbytery. (d) Copies of all resolutions passed as circulating resolutions will be kept and signed by the Chairperson of the next meeting. OFFICERS P In the absence of the Chairperson, the members present at any meeting of the sub-committee may elect a chairperson of the meeting from amongst those present. CALLING A MEETING P (a) The Chairperson may convene a meeting of the sub-committee at any time. The Secretary shall on receipt of a requisition in writing by any three members, convene a meeting of the sub-committee. (b) The Convener of a sub-committee or the Chairperson of the establishing body may convene a meeting of the sub-committee at any time. The Convener or the Chairperson of the establishing body shall on receipt of a requisition in writing by any three members of the sub-committee, convene a meeting of the subcommittee. (c) The requisition for a meeting shall specify the reason for which the meeting is to be convened. (d) At least seven days written notice of a sub-committee meeting shall be given to all members of the relevant group unless the Chairperson considers an emergency exists in which case a meeting may be convened on shorter notice. The non-receipt by a member of a sub-committee of a notice of meeting does not invalidate the meeting.

15 CONDUCT OF MEETINGS P The procedures of the Church s Manual for Meetings apply as far as practicable to all meetings of sub-committees. Each member of the sub-committee has and may exercise one vote. A resolution passed at a meeting of a permanent sub-committee will not be rescinded at a subsequent meeting unless seven days notice of the intention to propose the rescission is given in the notice convening the meeting. CONFLICT OF INTEREST P A member of a sub-committee who has any direct or indirect pecuniary or beneficial interest, or whose unfettered or independent judgment is or could be perceived as impaired by any contractual, business or other relationship, in a matter being dealt with by the sub-committee must, as soon as the member becomes aware of that interest or relationship, disclose to the sub-committee the nature and extent of that interest or relationship. The sub-committee then determines whether the extent of the interest or relationship disclosed is such that the member should not participate in, vote on, or be present during any debate on that matter. The sub-committee will minute its decision and advise the establishing body.

16 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE (CCSC) ANNUAL REPORT 2018 The CCSC acts for the Presbytery by supporting and exercising oversight of congregational community service activities. (WA Presbytery Rules: P4.1.6) A Congregational Community Service Activity is one established by the decision of a Congregation or Church Council to provide a welfare or supportive service to members of a community and that remains under the authority of a Congregation or Church Council. The governance and oversight responsibilities of the CCSC have been carried out through regular committee meetings. Operationally, the work of the CCSC Consultant, Ian Passmore, has provided high level support, advice and assistance at the local congregational level to Church Councils, local Boards, staff and volunteers. Major Key Functions of the CCSC 1. Oversight of all congregational community service activities to ensure they express the theology and ethos of the Uniting Church in its community services and that they account appropriately and adequately to the Presbytery through the Committee in matters of governance and service delivery. 2. Maintain a register of all congregational community service activities. 3. Assist Church Councils and other bodies to exercise their duty of care and their obligation to comply with Church and public regulations: 4. Review applications for public funding and ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place for managing any funding granted. 5. Review proposals to employ staff and ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place for meeting all obligations arising from such employment. 6. Provide support in governance and management matters including human resources, finances and service delivery. 7. Liaise with Synod UnitingCare agencies and other bodies to provide specialised assistance to congregational community service activities from time to time The CCSC undertook the following related activities during 2017/2018: A comprehensive register of all congregational community service activities is maintained. There are 10 Tier 1 activities being undertaken by local congregations operating with their own ABN and separate structure under the oversight of Church Councils. Four are city based and six operate in regional WA. These include Child Care Centres at South Perth and Beldon; Financial Counselling Services in Mandurah; low cost Food Shops in Busselton, Nannup and Community Café in Busselton, Op Shops in Busselton, Nannup, Mandurah, Geraldton and Kojonup and assistance with food hampers, meals, clothes, bedding, advocacy and emergency relief, The CCSC Consultant maintains regular contact with each, endeavours where possible to attend the AGM of each entity and the CCSC receives copies of the Annual Report. 1

17 A further 19 Tier 2 activities which are smaller in size and operate directly under the auspices of a local congregation represent a wide and innovative range of activities being offered to local communities. They include computer groups, film clubs, coffee mornings, play groups, street markets, drop in centres to name just a few. The CCSC publishes an annual report briefly summarising each activity as a comprehensive record of the work they are undertaking and demonstrating the many expressions of God s love and missional linkage between community and congregation. Any congregational seeking inspiration or direction might find the annual report makes very interesting reading. The CCSC has been represented on the Royal Commission Synod Task Group and is now actively assisting with the implementation of the Safe Church Program through a process of audit of the congregational community services. We will commence with the Tier 1 services and progress to the Tier 2 services to ensure compliance with all Safe Church obligations, policies and procedures. Where support and assistance are needed, we will work with the Presbytery to ensure the necessary assistance is available. The CCSC accepts that we share a role with the whole church in ensuring all Church Councils and congregations fulfil their responsibility to comply with Safe Church policy implementation. The CCSC provides detailed assistance with the writing of Constitutions to guide the work of each community service activity and to set out the responsibilities and obligations of all related parties. Revised Constitutions have been approved for FinUCARE in Mandurah, Beldon Early Childhood Centre and Renew Project in Kojonup during 17/2018. The majority of community services, particularly Tier 1, have other statutory obligations related to ASIC, ATO and the ACNC among others and also have a variety of other reporting and compliance requirements. Advice and support is provided to ensure all records are correctly maintained by each organisation. Assistance has been provided in relation to the employment of staff to ensure compliance with all HR obligations. This is an area of concern for sometimes historical arrangements are poorly documented, if at all, and can lead to confusion and tension when staff entitlements are being negotiated on completion of contracts or cessation of employment. Assistance is available to review contracts and employment arrangements for legality and compliance and we urge all employers to ensure they have proper documentation in place to avoid stress and avoidable penalties. The Committee membership for the period has comprised Yvonne Robinson (Chairperson), Marie Yuncken and Coral Richards as the elected members and Vic Richards and Neil Starkie as co-opted members. I offer my sincere thanks to the Committee members for their commitment of time and energy to this role. We wish to acknowledge and give thanks for the support and advice provided to the Committee by the past Secretary of Presbytery, Rev Dr Ian Tozer through attendance at Committee meetings and general availability, always willing to take calls requesting advice or support. The CCSC Consultant, Ian Passmore, provides the day to day support, encouragement, expertise and assistance required by the various community service programs. Ian is readily available and travels widely to support and assist congregation across WA. We thank Ian for his unstinting commitment to this important work. 2

18 With the implementation of the Presbytery Strategic Plan, we offer the assistance of the CCSC to any congregation seeking to explore congregational community outreach opportunities within their local context. If any further information is required or we can offer any additional assistance, please feel free to contact either Ian Passmore or Yvonne Robinson through the Church Office at any time. 3

19 COMMISSION FOR EDUCATION FOR DISCIPLESHIP AND LEADERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2018 MEMBERSHIP of CEDAL Rev Bev Fabb (Chair) Rev Dr John Squires (Director of Education and Formation and Principal of PTH) Dr Nancy Ault (2017 PTH staff representative), Rev Emma Matthews (2018 PTH staff representative) Sophie Lizares (2017 Student representative), Sione Leaateoa (2018 Student representative) Sue Talbert (Lay Preacher representative) John Tompkins (Pastor representative) Rev Stephen Larkin, Rev Lesley de Grussa, Randy Salmon, Cameron Tero (elected by Presbytery) Rev Dr Ian Tozer (2017 Presbytery Secretary), Rev John McKane (2018 Acting Presbytery Secretary) CEDAL STAFF Rev. Dr John Squires, Director of Education and Formation and Principal of Perth Theological Hall Dr Nancy Ault, Senior Lecturer in Practical Theology (to 30 June 2018) Dr Suzanne Boorer, Senior Lecturer in Old Testament (to 30 June 2018) Rev. Emma Matthews, Presbytery Minister Formation and Discipleship (from 1 Jan 2018) Rev. Dr Anne Wright, Presbytery Minister Formation and Discipleship (from 1 Mar 2018) CEDAL, the Commission for Education for Discipleship and Leadership, is responsible for providing education and training which equips members and leaders (both lay and ordained) for mission and ministry within the Uniting Church in Western Australia. During 2017 we agreed that the following three principles would guide all our work. Equipping lay and ordained for missional leadership in the UCA in WA Our priority is to grow the church rather than manage its decline, so we aim that all of our programs will equip members and Ministers for missional leadership. This is a priority if the UCA is to reverse its serious decline. Working through partnerships within WA and interstate In all we do CEDAL aims to work collaboratively with others, including staff and committees of the Presbytery and synod, Congregations, other churches and interstate 1

20 educational providers. In doing this we aim to break down silos and eliminate duplication and competition. Education and training to be accessible to all Being accessible to all means making sure that the education and training we provide is accessible to those who live in rural and regional WA as well those who live in the metropolitan area. This last year CEDAL has both provided training in regional areas, as well as making events accessible via Zoom or other technology. EDUCATION FOR DISCIPLESHIP which grows the mission of the church Mission Shaped Ministry At the February 2018 Presbytery meeting it was agreed that all ministry agents and Church Councillors be encouraged to complete this training by 2020, and SMPC in collaboration with CEDAL were asked to organise this training. During 2017 MSM training was offered in the South West and in 2018 it is being offered in Perth, with participation of some regional Congregations. Plans are underway for further programs to be offered in both city and regional locations in 2019 and In order to achieve this, further trainers are being trained, electronic means for those in remote locations to participate in the training are being developed, and funding is available from SMPC, CEDAL and Rural Ministry to cover costs of participation. It is hoped that this training will facilitate the development of collaborating mission networks. Summer Spirit Summer Spirit has a clear focus on resourcing of congregational leaders for mission. The theme of this event in February 2018 was Being a Different Church for a Different World with Rev. Lindsay Cullen, from the Assembly Resourcing Unit, the keynote speaker. The theme came from the Synod Strategic Plan and focussed on how we can both think and act differently in relation to mission. It was well attended with positive feedback. Once again we encouraged groups from Congregations to attend and to commit to take action as a result of what they have learnt. CEDAL is in the process of evaluating the timing of Summer Spirit given that February is often a very busy month in the Presbytery your feedback is welcome! Understanding your Congregation and Community In collaboration with SMPC, CEDAL offered two workshops in October 2017 to enable both lay and ordained to develop skills in using both the NCLS and Census data to better understand their own Congregation and the community in which they are placed, and therefore develop new mission initiatives appropriate to the context. Strengthening Community Engagement A day seminar on this topic is planned for early June this year. This event is being organised in collaboration with the Synod Social Justice Unit, the Uniting World Commission, and the Congregational Community Services network of the Presbytery. 2

21 Rural Retreat CEDAL worked collaboratively with the Rural Ministry Co-ordinator to develop the program for the Rural Retreat held at Katanning in April. Emma Matthews led several of the sessions at this retreat focussing on developing new approaches to being church in rural communities. Making Peace Conference Peace making has been a form commitment of the Uniting Church since our formation in This year provides a fine opportunity to focus on this commitment, with the 100 th anniversary of the end of WW1 being marked on 11 November. CEDAL is collaborating with the Synod Social Justice unit to hold a major conference on Peace Making over the weekend of November This will resource us for peace making as part of the mission of God. Certificate IV in Christian Life and Ministry In collaboration with Nedlands Uniting Church and the Adelaide College of Divinity, this course has been offered over the last year. About 10 people are undertaking this training, some as requirement for the Lay Preacher training and others in order to deepen their faith and Biblical knowledge. CEDAL believes the development of this type of training is a great way to equip lay leaders in Congregations and hopes soon to offer this training in other locations. We are working with the ACD to expand and develop the offering of this course in the years ahead. Training of Lay People Authorised to Preside at the Sacraments In this area, CEDAL works in collaboration with PRC. In order for a lay person to be authorised to preside at the sacraments, two things are needed: a Church Council needs to send a written request to PRC that a particular person be authorised, and that person needs to complete the Understanding the Sacraments training offered by CEDAL and demonstrate their competence. Once both of these have been done, PRC authorises the lay person as a Lay Presider (for a specific Congregation or Agency only), and informs the Church Council of this. CEDAL offers Understanding the Sacraments the approved course for this purpose. We have a group of trainers accredited to deliver this training, and all Lay Presiders must attend a refresher course every three years to retain their authorisation. In the last year CEDAL has trained hundreds of Lay Presiders in both rural and urban areas. The course Understanding the Sacraments can also be taken by any interested lay person, without the intention of seeking authorisation as a Lay Presider. Pastor Training Congregations are now employing more lay people in ministry roles, especially in the development of new missional activities. When Congregations employ a lay person in a ministry role, they must seek permission of the PRC to have this position recognised as appropriate for a Pastor. Any person who is appointed to a Pastor position must 3

22 demonstrate two Core Competencies in Basis of Union and Code of Ethics before they can be commissioned as a Pastor. CEDAL works in collaboration with PRC to ensure this training is provided. CEDAL has now developed a two day course on the Basis of Union and also offers training in Code of Ethics. Once Pastors have demonstrated their two Core Competencies, they then need to develop in consultation with CEDAL an Education Plan so they can develop other competencies they need for their ministry. Orientation to the UCA for CALD Congregations CEDAL has been collaborating with Multicultural Ministries in this area. We have developed an educational package to enable CALD Congregations to understand the UCA. In the last year, the Assyrian/Arabic Holiness Church have participated in this program which orientates them to the theology, polity and ethos of the UCA. This program can now be delivered in other CALD churches at their request. Training for Congregational Leaders The CEDAL team are developing short training courses to resource congregational leaders. The following units are being developed: Code of Conduct for Lay Leaders; Operating as a Church Council; Leading Worship Effectively; Mission in the Local Community; Forming and Growing Disciples; Mentoring young disciples. The first of these training programs is being offered in Bunbury in May. If your Congregation would like to arrange this training, please contact CEDAL. Lay Education Grants Scheme In 2018 CEDAL has launched a Lay Education Grants Scheme to provide financial support to lay leaders who require financial support in order to undertake training for missional leadership. Application forms are available from the Director of Education and Formation. CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY LEADERS which strengthens missional leadership in the church School for Ministry The main purpose of this event is to provide Ministers with the skills they need to lead the church in the challenging environment we are currently in. The 2017 School of Ministry, held in July 2017, focussed on equipping Ministers with skills in adult education. Keynote speaker was Dr Deirdre Palmer, renowned adult educator, passionate about promoting the educational ministry of the church, and the President Elect of the Assembly. As we anticipate that, in the future, most Ministers will be resourcing a range of Congregations to provide education to lay leaders, this event aimed to develop skills for this role. The

23 School of Ministry to be held 2-6 July and will focus on Rethinking Leadership. It will be led by Naomi Nash and Stephen Healey from New River Leadership in NSW. Amanda Hunt, CEO of UnitingCare West will also provide input. Formation of Disciples Intensive If we are to grow the church, simply helping people to come to faith in Christ is only the first step. This two day workshop led by Rev Dr Chris Walker and Rev Dr John Squires was held in September 2017 with a focus on how to enable members to grow as disciples of Christ in both faith and life, sharing their faith with others and forming new Christian communities. Murdoch International Theologian In 2018 the visiting scholar is Professor Marion Maddox, the Director of the Centre for Research on Social Inclusion at Macquarie University (Sydney). Prof. Maddox is a leading authority on the intersection of religion and politics in Australia. She comes from a strong Uniting Church background (her father taught New Testament Studies in Perth and then Sydney; her mother has been Moderator of the NSW Synod.) Prof. Maddox also led a discussion in the Formation Program at Murdoch on 23 May. Phase Three Ministers Phase Three is a period of mentoring and support for Ministers in their first three years after ordination. A Phase Three program, co-ordinated by Rev Dr Anne Wright, has been in operation in the Presbytery now for four years and is providing much needed training and peer support for newly ordained Ministers. Phase Three Ministers meet twice a year for peer support and training, attend an annual retreat, meet regularly with a Mentor and Professional Supervisor and participate in Continuing Education, including at least one interstate event during Phase Three. There are currently four Ministers in Phase Three and in the last year Corinna van Oostende, Andrew Broadbent and Kim Francis have completed Phase Three. Professional Standards New Professional Standards training required for all Ministers came in to force from 1 January These include attendance at a Code of Ethics Overview Day, and after this participation in two Ethical Ministry Workshops every year. Ministers are also required to undertake training in Safe Church Awareness and attend a Safe Church Refresher every three years. This training is being rolled out throughout the Presbytery including in regional areas. Implementing this program has been a huge task, including educating Ministers on their responsibility to undertake this training. CEDAL has been tasked with responsibility for arranging and leading the Code of Ethics sessions and liaises closely with PRC to ensure compliance with the requirements. Professional Supervision The Pohly training program is considered the best program available for training of Professional Supervisors. The Basic and Advanced courses have been offered in WA each 5

24 year, led by a team of local trainers. There are now 21 accredited Professional Supervisors in WA who have completed this training. All Ministers are reminded that it is a requirement of the Code of Ethics that you have a Professional Supervisor, so please contact CEDAL for names of accredited Supervisors. Continuing Education Grants CEDAL sees great benefit in Ministers being able to participate in interstate continuing education events. This gives them access to a wider range of speakers who may not visit WA and also enables them to network with Ministers from other synods. However it is recognised that the costs of airfare and accommodation make participation in many of these events too expensive for WA Ministers. In 2017 CEDAL established a Continuing Education Grants scheme which allows Ministers in placement to apply for a grant of up $500 to assist with costs of attending a UCA interstate Continuing Education event. In 2017 only a few grants were applied for and given; it is hoped there will be greater take up of this scheme in It is hoped that every 2-3 years each Minister will be able to receive a grant to participate in such an event. Preacher Updates A series of four updates for preachers, both lay and ordained, were held during Each of these was accessible via Zoom by those in regional areas. The updates were not well attended. March 15- Update on Matthew and John- led by Bill Loader June 8- Update on Genesis- led by Sue Boorer June 15- Update on Exodus- led by Sue Boorer Nov 2- Update on Mark- led by John Squires and Elizabeth Raine. Communications CEDAL aims to communicate well with Ministers and congregational leaders about educational opportunities. Our monthly e-zine SEEDS has received positive feedback. Our Facebook page, Seeking a Heart of Wisdom, provides a forum for Ministers to share reflections on ministry, and information about specific events is regularly included in congregational mail outs. Developing new Missional Leaders CEDAL has initiated conversation with SMPC about the possibility of identifying a group of Ministers to be trained for missional leadership into the future and providing them with appropriate training, as well as forming peer groups as communities of reflective practice to challenge and support Ministers to develop new approaches to ministry. 6

25 FORMATION OF ORDINANDS fit for ministry leadership in the changing context of church and society New National Standards for Ordinand Course The new National Standards were adopted by the Assembly Standing Committee in November 2016 and came into effect from January They have been well received nationally. All Uniting Church theological colleges are reviewing their ways of operating in the light of these revised Standards. These Standards emphasise the need for multiple pathways to ordination which are student centred, and the need for education to be flexible, contextual and mission orientated. Perth Theological Hall Formation Program Perth Theological Hall continues as a theological college of the UCA, forming a vital learning community in WA. The Formation program has been reviewed to ensure it meets the new National Standards. A regular weekly program provides Candidates with a regular service of worship (usually incorporating communion), a community of support, and sessions on topics of relevance for ministry (Uniting Church ethos, spirituality, practical skills for ministry, theological concerns, etc). Formation sessions over the past year have been led by the Principal, members of Faculty, the late Rev. Dr Les Brockway, the Rev. Dr Chris Walker, and Rev. Ruth Vertigan. Candidates also are required to attend the training days offered on Code of Ethics, Basis of Union, Safe Church Workshop, and Ethical Ministry Seminars. During 2018, participation in the full Mission Shaped Ministry course is required of Candidates; John, Emma and Anne are also participating in the full course. Formation Visits in have been made by Candidates and Faculty to Congregations at Beldon-Iluka, Rockingham, the Beth Shalom Tongan Congregation at South Lake, Kalamunda, UCIC Wesley, Star Street, and the Congress Maaman O Miya Congregation at Coolbellup. These visits provide opportunity for Candidates to reflect in a grounded way, on what would ministry look like for me, in a context like this? In the coming years, Candidates for ordained ministries will be able to undertake their academic studies through the most appropriate approved UCA college, in line with the national commitment to multiple pathways to ordination. Enrolment will take into account the particular needs and previous experience of each candidate. Those who are qualified for post-graduate studies will be able to study through Murdoch University. Others may be enrolled in certificate, diploma or undergraduate courses through interstate UCA colleges. Academic studies will be undertaken face-to-face, online or through intensives (both locally and interstate), with local tutoring and support. Field education and the WA formation program will continue to run locally under the oversight of local Formation Panels. Candidates for Ordained Ministries While we have a small group of Candidates in 2018, we anticipate a larger group in 2019, especially from people who are just becoming aware of the possibilities for theological studies which are opened up under the new Standards. One candidate, Sophie Lizares, 7