Uniting Mission and Education (UME)

Transcription

1 Uniting Mission and Education (UME) 1. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO TELL THE STORY OF JESUS CHRIST TODAY? Today, more than ever, it is crucial for us to tell the story of Jesus Christ. More to the point, we need to tell our version of the story: to articulate into the constantly changing narrative of Australian social, political and religious life our unique experience of the good news of Jesus. Unique? What is the Uniting Church s distinctive angle on faith and life? To use a more theological phrase: what is our special charism, our own gift of the Holy Spirit, for the building up of all the people of God, and for the Common Good of everyone in the state and territory in which God has placed us? The answer is in our very name, by which we have chosen to be known to the world. We are Uniting, by the grace of God: seeking after unity in and through Christ desiring reconciliation, at-one-ment, with God, each other and all our neighbours recognising with pain that we are still (maybe always) on the way: -ING, not yet -ED challenging each other to be as radical as Jesus in our inclusiveness and hospitality saddened when drawing closer to some means stepping away from others desperate to hold together our diversity without alienating our friends but above all, determined to pursue our calling to be a fellowship of reconciliation, sniffing on the breeze that coming reconciliation and renewal which is the end in view for the whole creation (BoU p.3). Over time the Uniting Church has firmly committed itself to uniting denominations, faith traditions, theological and liturgical streams; uniting women and men in ministry; uniting culture and race across first, second, third and fourth peoples and their generations; uniting the ancient wisdom of the Church with the emerging insights of minority experiences of life and faith. We all knew this would be exciting. I hope none of us assumed it would be simple. (Who said following Jesus was meant to be easy?) When the Synod united its divisions of Education and Mission into UME, it was symbolically uniting word and deed, theory and practice, uniting our commitment to discipleship education with the purposes of the mission of God, and uniting our mission activity with the hope of human enlightenment and flourishing: the Common Good in Christ. I hope no-one assumed that would be simple, either, but it is certainly exciting, challenging and against the odds, incredibly fruitful.

2 Today more than ever it is essential to tell our Uniting story of Jesus Christ, to a world and nation in which divisions are daily widening, when our trusted institutions of democracy, media, industry, economy and social care are under increasing pressure to serve powerful interests, where blame and recrimination fall habitually upon the victims and the powerless, and where at the most homely, local levels, communities are embracing black and white faiths of tribal simplicity, us and them religion which justifies the insider while those outside are held in suspicion and mistrust. The blending of black and white allows for many theological grey areas, which is fine if you like a greyish Christianity. On my computer screen, however, between black and white lies a spectrum of 16,777,777 colours! You may read in our Charter that UME aims to assist the Church and equip the Synod to provide education, theological insight, strategy, research and resources for leadership, discipleship, ministry and mission to serve Christ who seeks the reconciliation of creation, and to encourage and advocate for creative and life-giving mission and ministry practice (Synod By-Law 5A.1). In the following report you will read of the spectrum of activities undertaken by our talented staff to work for and with you, the congregations, agencies, members, ministers and emerging leaders of our churches, to get beyond black and white and to tell your own chapter of the story of God s creative and life-giving mission of inclusion and unity through Jesus Christ. It is our sincere hope and prayer that UME can help the church recognise that God s rainbow is around us, and that each human hue adds to the wonder of the reconciliation of the whole creation, to the glory of God in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Rev. Graham Perry, Acting Chairperson, UME Board

3 1. OVERVIEW Uniting Mission and Education (UME) Uniting Mission and Education (UME) resources and equips the church for ministry. It carries out this critical role in the life of the church in a wide variety of ways. During the period since the April 2016 Synod meeting The Resourcing Team has worked with the congregations and presbyteries in areas such as: Ministry with Children, Youth & Families (including organising Yurora The national youth & young adult gathering in January 2017) Training, funding and support for new mission initiatives Multicultural ministry Safe Church training and coordination Special Religious Education training and accreditation Godly Play, Messy Church training and coordination Adult faith formation courses Education for lay ministries Lay Preacher, Ministry of Pastor Professional development for UCA leaders Environmental Ministry Training and support for evangelism Development of Saltbush project (Rural Ministry) Partnering with NCLS (National Church Life Survey) with 300 congregations Partnering with Uniting to coordinate congregations and community engagement Partnering with Uniting to develop pastoral care training United Theological College (UTC) has: provided theological education to 160 lay and ordained students conferred 16 BTh and 7 postgraduate degrees Provided formation for 23 candidates for ministry declared 11 candidates ready for ordination Uniting Venues has: provided a Christian learning environment for over 10,000 students and individuals represented in 38,000 guest nights across all venues in the last financial year. UAICC has developed the Rise Above program for young people operated profitably and safely, and contributed over $400,000 to the wider mission of the church worked on a strategic plan, with financial and governance support from UME Board and staff provided support for the development of new First Peoples communities of faith in the Georges River and Far North Coast Presbyteries partnered with Uniting to start a church and community engagement project

4 UME Schools Ministry has provided an oversight framework for the Uniting Church schools appointed a Relationship and Governance Manager Ann Empson significantly improved engagement with the Uniting Church schools and colleges Pastoral Counselling Institute (PCI) has been supported by UME staff to develop a strategic plan for succession planning and future direction around counselling and education. 2. PRESENT MANDATE AND DELEGATIONS 5A.0.1 Uniting Mission and Education (UME) is established under By-Law 4.1 of the Synod of NSW and the ACT (the Synod) of the Uniting Church in Australia (the Church). 5A.0.2 Some of the ministry areas placed within this Division arise from the Synod's particular responsibility for "general oversight, direction and administration of the Church s worship, witness and service within its bounds" (Regulation ). Other areas arise from the Synod's inter-conciliar and shared responsibilities, and involve multiple and complex accountabilities. The Board of the Division has varying responsibilities and authority depending on the tasks designated to it by the Synod. 5A.1 The objects of UME are to: 5A.1.1 Assist the Church and equip the Synod to provide education, theological insight, strategy, research and resources for leadership, discipleship, ministry and mission to serve Christ who rules and renews the Church and seeks the reconciliation of creation ; 5A1.2 promote theological, missional and spiritual reflection and activity across the life of the Synod; 5A1.3 encourage and advocate for creative and life-giving mission and ministry practice appropriate to the context; 5A1.4 advocate on educational issues and oversee the provision of educational services; 5A1.5 engage in research, resource development and education for mission and ministry; 5A1.6 actively promote collaboration in mission and education across the Synod and the councils of the Church.

5 Delegations include the following: Development of Synod Mission Resource Fund program (Growth Fund & NREMA), Special Religious Education (SRE), Vulnerable Persons Protection, new initiatives and congregational development, theological education, lay ministry and discipleship formation, continuing education, leadership development, rural ministry, multicultural ministry, youth and children s ministries. Oversight operation of Uniting Venues, Church schools, Wesley College, United Theological College, Camden Theological Library, Synod Archives, Pastoral Counselling Institute, tertiary ministry, Uniting Network, Uniting Church Adult Fellowship, Rural Ministry Unit. Support of the work of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and ministry with Aboriginal people. Oversight management of the National Church Life Survey (NCLS) in conjunction with its other partners. 3. KEY RESULT AREA There is much interaction between the various areas of responsibility within UME. Indeed Education under UME is in fact Education for Mission. Therefore key results will often come from the combined work of varied sections of UME. Some Key Result areas of a co-operative nature are treated here. There is a more comprehensive approach by department under the KPI section. Professional development of leaders Presbyteries are being supported in the training of office bearers, particularly in relation to church councils and other local governance structures, through the annual Healthy Churches Expo, Living Our Values short courses, and other related events such as the Rural Ministry Field Days The Master of Ministry course is being redeveloped to stimulate growth in reflective practice related to leadership, mission and ministry in the Uniting Church. Plans are underway for the development of a Uniting Executive Leadership program, run in partnership with South Australia, Victoria/Tasmania and Queensland Synods. UME staff members are working with the Secretariat and Uniting to develop a stronger resourcing and compliance framework for specified ministry of Ministry of Pastor. UME staff members are developing a support structure for ministers in their first three years in placement after ordination (Phase Three of Formation). Resource Ministry courses are run at the Centre for Ministry. Training in Fundamentals of Transitional Ministry (Interim Intentional Ministry) is being provided by Rob McFarlane in Moreton Rivers Presbytery, Queensland Synod. The Civic Leadership Intensive, a partnership between UME, Uniting, United Voice and New River Leadership, is providing a platform of shared language around collaborative leadership responding to adaptive challenges.

6 Healthy environment for innovation UME staff members have been instrumental in bringing together people interested in pioneering ministry, fresh expressions of church, and the development of new mission initiatives. This has included the support and hosting of national Uniting Church gatherings held in Adelaide and Sydney. A community of practice was formed around UME s commissioned research into the formation of new communities of faith. UME is working with two Presbyteries in 2018 to host the Mission Shaped Ministry course, first trialed by UME and Canberra Region Presbytery in Work with Parramatta Nepean Presbytery has focused on the development of a whole-of-church approach to the development of a UCA presence in the south west sector of Sydney. Theological education in the Uniting Church tradition Uniting Church ministers and members on staff provide a valuable pool of experience and knowledge for developing a Uniting Church approach to polity, theology and ministry practice. This is enriched through the addition of staff from other traditions. Living Our Faith short courses, exploring theology, Biblical studies, Uniting Church polity, worship and preaching, are held regularly in North Parramatta and regional settings, supporting a growing number of Uniting Church members, staff and key leaders. United Theological College makes broad use of UCA ministers and members as sessional lecturers. UTC classes are enhanced through their physical location at the Centre for Ministry, with support from the wider network of UME staff. Camden Theological Library provides a significant repository of Uniting Church resources, responsive to the ongoing development of Synod and Assembly priorities. The BTh subject Uniting Church Studies; taught by Damian Palmer, provides an introduction to the history, theology and ethos of the Uniting Church in Australia.

7 Uniting Church Studies, published through UTC, provides an opportunity for reflection on theology, ministry and mission in the Uniting Church setting. UCA perspectives are explicitly taught at UTC in BTh subjects relating to worship, sacraments, ethics, Christian education and homiletics. Transforming Pastoral Practices, an urban ministry approach to clinical pastoral education, is now taught through UTC as a Uniting Church course Research and development UME staff members are working together in the creation of new knowledge responsive to current contexts. A UME/Uniting research group has been formed to learn from the data made available through the 2016 NCLS survey. Research into the development of new congregations and other communities of faith in NSW/ACT, commissioned by UME, is now being prepared for publication. Theological research by faculty members is being done in collaboration with Charles Sturt University s Public and Contextual Theology Research Centre, and doctoral students. Current research covers areas as broad as theological and biblical research on environment and sustainability, culture, church leadership, Islamic theology and sociology, theology and science, Pacific hermeneutics, feminist theology and public theology. Work is underway to begin collaborative research projects involving Uniting, UTC and CSU. UME staff members are beginning work on a research project focused on the first third of life (0-30 years) in the Uniting Church. Archives Project UME staff members, with the support of the UME Board and Synod Standing Committee, have developed a systematic approach to mould remediation and digitization. The mould remediation is now completed. Digitization is progressing in a planned manner. Any further digitization will balance access needs, the importance of documents and the cost of digitization.

8 Strengthening Operational Oversight The establishment of a dedicated operational team is enabling the implementation of KPI s across all areas of the organization, focusing UME on the achievement of planned outcomes. This also allows for clear reporting structures and timelines to UME Exec and UME Board. A full review of the Risk Matrix will clarify missional risks and how these are best addressed. Development of procedures for new programs and initiatives is providing structure and a clear methodology for planning and evaluation and financial risk mitigation. Response to Royal Commission The Board is developing a whole of UME approach to the royal commission which includes development of reporting structures within our schools, working with Uniting Resources to ensure follow through on safe church protocols with congregations. Faculty members are exploring ways of incorporating learnings from the Royal commission into the formation program. Uniting venues staff are addressing on-site protocols around child safety. 4. KEY RISKS AND ACTION PLANS See the Risk Matrix at the end of the report (section 18) Missional Risk Data on religious identity from the 2016 census reveals that the Uniting Church faces risks and opportunities relating to missional leadership, the emergence of new generations, and the ongoing health of Uniting Church identity. The Synod s commitment to theological education is critical for the ongoing development of UCA perspectives and the upskilling of leaders to address the changing needs of the church and society. The Board is exploring strategies for leadership development for ministry agents and office holders. Strategies for reinvigorating the Uniting Church s work with children, youth and families are also being developed. Risks for Staff and Board Executive Director Kath Merrifield took extended leave from September 2016 through to February 2017 before taking up a secondment to the Synod s Pathways project. The UME Board was able to address the risk of stalled work by appointing staff as Acting Executive Director: Duncan Macleod from September to February, and Rhonda White from March through to October Rhonda and Duncan are both members of the Synod Executive Leadership Team. The acting General Secretary and the Board are addressing the long term continuity and responsibility overload on the Executive Director role and the added stress on staff covering the roles of those acting in the E.D. position. The scope of work associated with Uniting Mission and Education has stayed constant or grown while budgetary cuts over the last five years have reduced administrative and operational support. The risk of staff burnout is being addressed through a twelve-month addition of staff to the UME operations team. Academic Dean Gerard Moore and ULN Director Duncan Macleod are carrying significant workloads, with both straddling two jobs, with increasing responsibility for strategic direction. Resource Team staff are typically carrying multiple responsibilities. Recent progress in the development of practical theology, the Master of Ministry and Doctor of Ministry, has slowed down due to the secondment of Rhonda White to the Acting Executive Director role. Membership of the UME Board has been depleted with the departure of key members. The Board has been approaching a range of people to fill vacancies.

9 Financial Risk As UME is very reliant on the Synod for funding, any reduction of the funding would make it difficult to provide the leadership and expertise needed to carry out the mandate of UME. UME s contribution is both to evaluate its operations to ensure the maximum value from its current operations, and to work with UR to ensure the maximum value is available to the Synod from the properties and bequest funds in the beneficial care of UME. Marketing plans for Uniting Venues and UTC are being implemented to ensure enrolments and bookings continue to grow. KPIs are being developed across UME to ensure alignment with Synod goals. The UME Audit Finance and Risk Committee is enhancing reporting structures and timelines for management. A new budget framework for new programs and initiatives will provide better financial planning at the micro level. Completion and implementation of the risk matrix will reduce financial risk. UTC enrolments are growing at present. Improved marketing and a scholarship program are being added from July 2017 to greatly reduce the risk of a fall of enrolments. Candidate numbers are also growing, which positively impacts enrolments. Clear reporting structures and timetables are in place for Uniting Venues. Site Managers are accountable for established KPIs and benchmarks. This reporting flows through to the UME operations team and UME Executive lead to ensure the provision of a quality service to guests. The current development of a Venues marketing and sales plan in conjunction within the wider UME marketing plan will maximise use of facilities. Development of new programs such as Rise above and Pulse, initiatives and partnerships will enhance engagement and ongoing sales to our core schools market. Reputation Risks The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Sexual Abuse of Children has brought to the surface the need for clear policies and procedures that are carried out in our schools, venues, agencies and congregations. Clear policies regarding Working with Children Checks and incident reporting with escalation protocols reduce risks regarding child protection. UME s work in Safe Church training is being strengthened through the support of UR s Legal and Compliance group. The Board is preparing policies on critical incident reporting from venues and schools. The Synod s Communication Team has made it possible to provide for a rapid and appropriate response to any incident or issue that leads to reputational damage due to negative media coverage. Further work is required to measure the level of compliance around Safe Church policies in congregations. 5. INTERNAL POLICY REVIEW Policy creation and review is ultimately the responsibility of the UME Board. Management makes contributions to policy decisions through the development of plans and proposals for consideration by the Board. Flowing from the Synod, UME Management will develop a UME draft plan for consideration by the Board to enable UME to play its part in implementing the outcomes of the Synod. The role of the Audit Finance and Risk committee has been strengthened. UME operations are being strengthened through an enhanced relationship with HR, finance, and payroll staff in UR. The Schools Education Reference Group is being replaced by a new Schools Oversight Committee, while the Synod Secretariat facilitates conversations around incorporation. The Board s Committee for Ministry Formation will be developing its role in policy development over the next 18 months.

10 6. COMPLIANCE RISKS FACED BY THE BOARD Of the areas mentioned below, Continuing Education of Ministers and development of policies and procedures (except Venues where these are in place) are works in progress. 1. Comply with UCA NSWACT Synod bylaws 2. Comply with Codes of Ethics 3. Comply with Assembly Standards for Specified Ministries 4. Comply with tertiary education partnership agreements 5. Comply with ACNC reporting requirements 6. Comply with ATO requirements for Library DGR (tax-deductible) Fund 7. Comply with all WHS and government mandated policies 8. Comply with delegated financial authorities within Synod 9. Ensure policies and procedures are in place to ensure a just and inviting workplace 10. Ensure maintenance and insurance are in place for all assets, and insurance for all human risks. 11. Ensure appropriate use of bequest and donation funds according to wishes of donors 12. Ensure Safe Church training and processes meet community and legal standards. 13. Respond to community expectations and possible external regulations for continuing education of ministers 7. KEY INDICATORS OF SUCCESS (EFFECTIVENESS) All areas of UME are reviewed regularly. The executive Director and management take responsibility for the development and monitoring of staff performance. The following is a selection of the key performance indicators identified by staff members and are a work in progress.

11 Resource Team Key Performance Indicators Hosting of Yurora 2017 National Christian Youth festival Comments UME staff worked with a large group of volunteers from across NSW/ACT and Australia to host a successful event in January Whilst attendance figures were lower than expected, the event has served as a catalyst for development of ministry with the first third of life. Exploration of vital Uniting Church approaches to worship Portability of Living Our Faith program extended Development of new components to Ethical Ministry program Redevelopment of Period of Discernment resources First Third of Life strategy designed for NSW/ACT Synod Development of executive leadership program Meaningful UCA NSW/ACT engagement with 2016 NCLS survey Living Our Faith program extended to include a one-day introduction to Uniting Church worship in 2016 and Teaching and student manuals updated. Two Living Our Faith programs run each year at CFM and at locations in Riverina Resources developed and distributed in 2017, focusing on Adult Bullying and Online Communication Staffing to be contracted to work on this project in 2017/2018 The UME Board is considering initial strategy papers with a view to a presentation to the 2017 Synod and further development in Partnership with SA, VIC/TAS and QLD Synods to develop Executive Leadership Development program, 2017/2018 NCLS survey completed in 2016 by Uniting Church congregations in NSW/ACT, funded by UME and Uniting Research group formed UCA specific questions in 2016, and working on results, with partnership between UTC faculty, Resource Team and CRIA (Uniting s Centre for Research, Advocacy & Innovation) Resourcing of congregations to participate in community organizing, with theological foundation and shared Uniting Church approach Development of mentoring program to be available for Presbyteries Partnership between Uniting, UME (Social Justice Forum), and Sydney Alliance, to engage Uniting Church members in refugee advocacy, affordable housing, drug law reform In progress after earlier pilot project

12 Development of funding policy for Growth Fund, Tertiary Ministry, Saltbush Project, UAICC Development of Mission Shaped Ministry program focused on leaders of new communities of faith Development of resources for congregations engaged in transformation of community Compliance framework for Uniting Church SRE teachers Running of Civic Leadership Intensive in partnership with Uniting, with Uniting Church leaders Pastoral care training provided for Uniting Church congregational leaders, Uniting Pastoral Care Practitioners Resourcing grass-roots conversations on Christian Gospel Building capacity for leadership in ethnic and multiethnic congregations Development of environmental accountability standards for UCA institutions Introducing congregations to standards for environmental stewardship Hosting an inter-synod conference on multicultural perspectives on evangelism Completion of Synod Mission Resource Fund projects Work with Mission & Property Review team to clarify by October 2017 Two programs to be run in 2018 in partnership with SCCP and PNP presbyteries Development of Seeds of Hope resources for congregations in community engagement, with Uniting Website to be relaunched in October 2017 Effective accreditation program run in 2017 Two intensives held each year. Scholarships offered to Presbytery staff and UCA ministers ordained between 2010 and Recruitment of Uniting/UME Education Coordinator by October 2017 Makes You Wonder workshops, resources, website and smartphone app all launched Significant work being done with Tonga and Fiji parishes around governance, worship, discipleship and leadership development Initial conversations with UCA Schools and Uniting Exec staff Five Leaf Eco-Awards program introduced to the NSW/ACT Synod Gospel Yarning conference held in May 2017 Due by end of 2017/2018 financial year United Theological College Key Performance Indicators Respond to needs of Uniting Church for theological education Cohesive program of faith education from adult faith through to research programs Growth in overall student numbers, particularly in the undergraduate and graduate (MMin, MTh) coursework programs Growth in enrolment and retention of Culturally & Linguistically Diverse students Maintain and grow standards for teaching Maintain and grow capacity for academic research and publication Ordinands continue to be accepted into placements and remain steady in ministry over a five year period Build collaborative partnership with other Uniting Church theological colleges Comments CSU Bachelor of Theology program being evaluated in light of UCA needs Strategy being developed for learning pathways between Adult Faith Formation courses (Living Our Faith etc.), Certificate & Diploma courses, Bachelor and Masters courses. Current small upward trend in 2016 and 2017 Strategy for engaging with Pacific Island students and their community in development CSU School of Theology remains in the top five Schools in the university for uniform teaching excellence CSU School of Theology remains at national level 3 or above in quality of research Full attendance of UTC staff at Uniting Church Theological Educators Conference in Brisbane, December 2016 Contribution to an overview of theological education programs across UCA

13 Formation of Candidates for Ministry Key Performance Indicators Ordinands continue to be accepted into placements Number of new ministers being formed is aligned with the needs of the Synod Candidates are empowered to meet the requirements to progress through each level of the candidature program Effective relationships are in place between UME and the Presbyteries to support individual candidates and the formation processes. Synod Archives Key Performance Indicators Maximised access to archives and digital records by Church staff and members Comments Need to develop means of estimating retirement rates, currently impacted by low superannuation returns etc. The ability of Presbyteries to provide resources is a significant issue. Comments In Process On time implementation of digitisation program Finalise by end On time implementation of mould remediation program Completed On budget implementation of digitisation and mould In process remediation Camden Theological Library Key Performance Indicators Satisfaction Score 1 from Qualitative Survey (E.g,: Overall Library User satisfaction rating for all 5 library resource areas (including spaces, service as well as books, digital etc.) provided of Extremely Satisfied or Satisfied of 75% or more) Satisfaction score of Library Hours meeting needs of 75% or more No. of borrowers per annum UTC Staff UTC Students Uniting Church members Others Number of users of electronic offerings (journals plus others) per annum Response in resource availability to new Church needs Comments Average from last survey 83%, over 90% for service quality. Initially find results then set target for expansion. Initially find results then set target for expansion. Need to develop target in this area, anecdotally very effective.

14 Uniting Schools Ministry Key Performance Indicators Governance oversight systems and documentation Oversight of school chaplains Chaplaincy development Relationship Development (Schools/UME) Relationship Development (wider church) Uniting Venues Key Performance Indicators Ensure continued development and expansion of Uniting missional outcomes and partnerships. Eg: Rise Above, Pulse and the wider Uniting Church Ensure Operational framework is in place and effective, from strategy, to operational planning, to compliance, standard procedures & risk management Commitment to review and continuous improvement to ensure the maximum (post missional) surplus can be returned to Synod Comments Establishment of Schools Commission Creation of governance guidelines for Schools Regular meetings with chaplains Attendance at prayer meetings Attendance at Schools Devotions Chaplains retreat More candidates in school field placements More chaplains in placement in schools Increased awareness of the work of chaplains in schools Ann Empson: Regular meetings with Chairs and Principals Attendance at Council meetings Attendance at significant school functions Co-ordinate UME/Schools Dinner Facilitate Religious Educators and Chaplaincy workshop Engagement with local congregations Engagement with Presbytery Engagement with UCA mission (eg Wayside, Wesley, City & Country, Earth ministry) Comments Major current area of focus Financial improvement significant over last three year period.

15 Operations Key Performance Indicators Maximise financial performance through effective systems, marketing and financial controls Ensure Operational framework is in place and effective, from strategy, to operational planning, to compliance, standard procedures & risk management Ensure maximum use of assets placed in the stewardship of Uniting Mission and Education to maximise the benefits to the NSWACT Synod. Comments A complete review is currently underway, to be fully operational by June A complete review is currently underway, to be fully operational by June A complete review of the use of bequests and scholarship funds by June A review of all UME properties to maximise benefits to be finalised by end UAICC Key Performance Indicators Completion of courses by Indigenous participants at University, Vocational and workshop levels Increase assets and income of UAICC entities so as to reduce financial dependency on Synod Establish two more UAICC ministry centres before end Implement the UAICC Covenanting Plan to drive recognition and understanding of UAICC across all Presbyteries and Boards by end UAICC congregations to implement three significant community support services in conjunction with Uniting by end Triple user views of electronic communications from UAICC by end 2018 Comments Will calculate existing participation rates and then provide targets for end Will calculate existing situation and then be able to provide targets for end Target 100% participation rate. Actively being developed by Uniting at present. Will calculate existing views and then calculate exact targets

16 8. KEY PREDICTORS OF EMERGING ISSUES First Third of Life A significant learning from the Yurora conference has been the declining resource base available for Uniting Church work with children, youth, young adults and families in congregational settings. The ageing profile of many Uniting Church congregations is one factor. However the Uniting Church has at this time the opportunity to strategically invest in training and education for youth leaders and ministers, the provision of mountain-top experiences for youth and young adults, the strategic placement and engagement of tertiary ministry workers, and research into factors for effectiveness. The UME Board is engaging with Bradon French, UME staff and other interested parties to develop a long term strategy. Rural Ministry The Saltbush project has begun, with the appointment of Mark Faulkner as Director of Rural and Remote Ministries. First steps will include assessment of current realities and the development of a strategy for future staffing. Fundraising has already begun. The UME Board will continue to monitor progress. Ministry Formation The appointment of Christine Sorensen as Dean of Formation has provided UME with the opportunity to examine and reshape the formation program. Christine is working with stakeholders to develop a clearer and more nuanced articulation of formation. This will result in a fresh development of a comprehensive formation program, inclusive of broad formation needs of worship, community, theological reflection and practical ministry. Strategies for the formation of candidates with extensive prior learning and experience are being considered in line with the Assembly standards for ministry formation. Schools Relationship with Synod The relationship between the NSW/ACT Synod and its schools is entering a new phase as school boards seek incorporation, and the UME Board seeks to more effectively provide oversight. The incorporation conversation is currently in the hands of the Synod Secretariat, in partnership with the UME Board. Ann Empson is working on resources that will support Uniting Church school boards, drawing on the experience and resources provided across the Uniting Church in Australia. Congress/Synod Relationship The UME Board is exploring the risks associated with oversight of the UAICC Regional Council and its ministry centers. There is a lack of clarity regarding the association of UAICC and its constituent ministry centers (congregations) with the Synod and Presbyteries. This has become apparent in the move to recognize new ministry centers as part of the Uniting Church, and in the move to select candidates for formation for specified ministry. Conversations between Congress, the Secretariat and UME are preparing the way for the development of a bespoke structure, along with educational resources to grow capacity for covenanting relationships across the Synod. Financially there is close supervision from a UME perspective and risks are manageable. Leadership Development UME staff members are working on a comprehensive approach to leadership development, ranging from leadership development for congregational members through to professional development of UCA ministers, Presbytery, Synod and agency staff. One key area is the call for theologically informed leaders amongst the next generation of members of CALD communities, particularly Pacific Island and Korean congregations. The UME Board is aware of the need for investing in leadership development now, planning ahead for leadership succession in key positions.

17 Safe Church The UME Board is aware of the compliance challenges arising from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Work is being developed in consultation with the Synod Secretariat and UR Legal and Compliance staff. Emerging shape of Theological Education Conversations around the development of one Uniting Church theological college are currently focused on collaboration and cooperation between colleges. The Assembly s Education for Ministry Working Group includes UME Board member Ross Chambers and Dean of Formation Christine Sorensen, as well as recently departed Board member John Squires. Recent surveys indicate that continuing education amongst Uniting Church ministers needs to be focused on professional development. UME staff are working together to develop a comprehensive approach to this area of work. UTC faculty members are engaging with the CSU School of Theology in the review of the Bachelor of Theology with a particular emphasis on the following critical factors: Effective communication, grounded in Scripture Theological reflection on practice Integration of theology and mission and ministry contexts Capacity as educational and missional leadership Able to embody and grow UCA identity, within contemporary ecumenical situation in NSW/ACT Uniting Venues Futures The UME Board continues to explore the future development of Naamaroo and Elanora as sites, focusing at this time on missional outcomes and quality of experience. Customer choice and child safety issues require upgrading of facilities, particularly ensuite bathrooms which mean children do not need to leave their rooms at night.the UME Board has commissioned consultants to work with UME staff on the potential development of the Centre for Ministry site, including plans for staff and student housing, conference accommodation, and improvement of learning and office spaces. At present these scoping works are preliminary in nature.

18 9. BRIEF REFLECTION ON THE PERIOD SINCE LAST SSC REPORT - HIGHLIGHTS AND CHALLENGES The UME Board has brought a number of issues to the SSC in that past 12 months which have enabled the Board to address some significant issues and to identify the areas where more work needs to be done in both communication and proposal design. The review of the Executive Director s role revealed a serious overload both of tasks and expectations. The merging of two Boards in 2011 effectively put two executive roles into one. This was coupled with continuing cuts to funding and an expectation that more would be done with less. The true cost of this merger is only now coming to light. The UME Board has addressed the immediate need with a temporary increase in operational staffing until a more integrated approach to the work overload can be addressed. Yurora, the national Uniting Church youth festival, was hosted by the NSW/ACT Synod at the beginning of The event s success was in part due to a whole of Synod collaboration bringing together the work of staff and resources from UME, Uniting Resources, UFS, Uniting, Presbyteries and congregations. This event, apart from being a successful faith engagement for some of the youth and young adults in the synod, also highlighted some of the critical issues surrounding youth ministry. UME is working on a strategy to reinvigorate first third of life ministry. The Board also brought to the Synod Standing Committee a proposal for development of the North Parramatta site in response to a possibility of sharing space with CSU and working with the School for Islamic Studies. The decision of the UME Board not to proceed with this proposal highlighted a number of issues, namely, the work needed to be done to secure a long term commitment to theological education in NSW/ACT, university partnership and our leadership in society particularly around the challenges and opportunities of inter-faith relationships. Some of the issues surrounding the remediation of mould in the archives and the subsequent digitization process have prompted the Board to consider the place and value of securing our history and ensuring that the work behind our tradition is preserved for generations to come. This has been particularly nuanced as the UCA celebrates 40 years since union with the recognition that we no longer have the living memory of many who were instrumental in the formation of the UCA and a new generation of UCA leaders emerges who have been wholly formed by the Basis of Union. Acting UME Executive Director Rhonda White with Kath Merrifield, UME Executive Director on Secondment to Synod Pathways Project.

19 10. PROJECT NEXT 12 MONTHS - CHALLENGES AND PERCEIVED OPPORTUNITIES Ministry Formation Addressing new Assembly standards for Phase 2 Development of resources and processes for Phase 3 (first 3 years of ordained ministry) Development of strategies for continuing education United Theological College Addressing UME/UTC/CFM branding challenges Building enrolments in UTC courses, through marketing and scholarships programs School of Theology teaching in Port Macquarie Mentoring of Ming Hua Theological College Hong Kong new member of School of Theology Taking responsibility for Transforming Pastoral Practices program Indigenous Theology collaboration with University of Divinity and NAAITS Ongoing relationship with ISRA, working together around common good projects Ongoing CSU partnership addressed First Third of Life Learning pathways for ministry with children, youth & families Hosting new events focused on youth & young adult discipleship Exploration of family ministry resources Establishing staffing priorities Safe Church Development of shared database relating to work with vulnerable people Integrated approach between training, resourcing and compliance, developed with Uniting Resources Legal & Compliance, and Uniting Resourcing of Presbyteries and Congregations to follow up Pioneering Ministry Hosting of Mission-Shaped ministry course Publication of innovation research

20 Synod Funding Models Winding down SMRF project funding Establishing protocols and promotion plans for Growth Fund, with strategies for supporting Saltbush project, First Third of Life work, Tertiary Ministry, UAICC Saltbush Project Identification of staffing priorities Development of a strong funding base Schools Development of a Schools Commission Addressing requests for incorporation of schools Library and Archives Increased Library outreach beyond physical location at CFM Creation of a digital repository incorporating both research resources and archival materials Recruiting new archives volunteers Development of future retention policy for Archives Research Development of NCLS research group Focus on First Third of Life work across UME and Synod Property Development Review of UME properties Masons Drive site development Uniting/UME Partnership Uniting Earth Ministry work with schools and Uniting Seeds of Hope project UME-Uniting relaunched NCLS Research supported Social Justice Forum projects strengthened UTC/CSU/Uniting research projects to be developed

21 Pastoral Counselling Institute Recruitment of new staff & preparation for transition for Peter Powell Strengthening financial models Clarifying relationship with UME and wider church Congress Clarifying UAICC relationship with Synod Environmental Ministry Encouraging congregations, schools and agencies in implementation of Synod policies re environment Inter-faith Dialogue and Partnership Exploration of theology and practice for Uniting Church in relating to people of other faiths 11. SPECIFIC REVIEW OF P&L (ACTUAL VERSUS BUDGET), BALANCE SHEET AND CASH FLOW (WITH PARTICULAR REGARD TO CAPITAL AND RESERVES I.E. THE INDICATORS OF ABILITY TO CONTINUE) UME PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT FOR PERIOD ENDED 31-May-2017 UNITING MISSION & EDUCATION Description Actual Total Month Budget Total Month Variance $ Variance % Actual Total YTD Budget Total YTD Variance $ Variance % Budget Total Full Year Income Fundraising 5,790 7,174 (1,384) -19% q 88,115 78,909 9,206 12% p 86,082 Grants 2,483 10,136 (7,653) -76% q 67, ,494 (43,645) -39% q 121,630 Other Income 32,661 60,616 (27,955) -46% q 658, ,781 (8,500) -1% q 727,397 Property Income 33,957 8,100 25, % p 307,254 89, , % p 97,201 Trading/Operating Activities 354, ,840 (113,574) -24% q 3,998,867 4,121,505 (122,637) -3% q 4,488,628 Treasury Income 32,995 32, % p 371, ,557 12,030 3% p 392,244 Total Income 462, ,552 (124,402) -21% q 5,491,952 5,427,346 64,606 1% p 5,913,182 Expenses Total Expenses 762, ,394 79,904 9% p 8,478,620 9,047, ,556 6% p 9,862,253 Surplus/(Deficit) (300,339) (255,841) (44,498) 17% q (2,986,668) (3,619,830) 633,162-17% p (3,949,070) Budgeted net cost of UME in is $4.78 million Assets include beneficial use of Centre for Ministry, Naamaroo and Elanora campsites, five residential properties and a significant resource of scholarship and bequest funds.

22 12. COMMENT RE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The UME Board currently has three vacant positions as well as a gender imbalance with no elected or seconded female members. The volume of work and responsibility spread across the existing board members is not sustainable in the long term. Similarly the load and responsibility on the leadership team resulting from the Executive Director s absence and the short term measures of appointing additional staff on 12 month contracts is also not sustainable in the long term. 13. OTHER ISSUES A significant missional issue for the Synod is that no organization in the Church has full responsibility for driving improvement in missional performance. Responsibility is diffused between several councils of the Church. UME has traditionally had a resourcing role, not an operational role in driving change. All the Councils of the Church working together are needed to drive this change. UME is modelling collaborative leadership which is grounded in research and education and missional in focus. Executive staff members are participating in the Synod Executive Leadership Team and UME is taking a more proactive role in engaging partnerships with others in the mission field. UME is more actively resourcing the development of the mission and vision of the Church, especially through the development of healthy congregations and constantly evaluating along with Presbyteries and agencies where the church s limited resources can be most effective 14. PROGRESS AGAINST THE SYNOD MISSION PLAN The following have been undertaken to implement the Synod Mission Plan : Worship Discipleship Worship addressed in Living Our Faith program new unit on Worship Understanding Sacraments, Funerals, Weddings short courses addressing contextual worship settings Ministry candidates are involved in preaching & leading worship Liturgy subject - first year in UTC BTh program addressing UCA distinctives Multicultural, contextual contexts are covered in Mission Shaped Ministry Messy Church & Godly Play are resourced and promoted Camden Theological library intentionally adding print & digital resources to achieve objectives UME/Uniting Research Team will look at NCLS results on worship Living Our Faith focused on discipleship with good results Undergraduate program in BTh nurturing discipleship among students Reimagining Faith Formation conference looked at digital support for discipleship Uniting Learning Exchange an online platform for national collaboration around discipleship resources

23 Makes You Wonder resources supporting discipleship Soul Days focused on spiritual practices Uniting Earth Ministry developing resources to support environmental connection to discipleship Camden Theological Library providing access to resources reflecting theological and cultural diversity Mobile libraries in hands of Resourcing Team are designed to support discipleship in regions Period of Discernment still to be redeveloped extra staffing needed Rise Above program at Elanora and Naamaroo aim to develop young disciples Witness Partnership with Alan Walker College working well with Ian Robinson on UME staff Synod-wide discussion supported by Makes You Wonder resources, training, smartphone app Gospel Yarning conference a successful exploration of cultural context and witness UTC courses on mission, evangelism and apologetics at a graduate and postgraduate levels Living Our Faith intensives on Proclaiming Jesus Christ Reimagining Faith Formation conference - engagement with digital media explored in partnership with Communication & Assembly Formation Education & Discipleship Witness is being embedded in the resources developed in UME/Uniting Seeds of Hope project The Eco-Sermon competition hosted by Uniting Earth Ministry encouraged reflection on gospel Expression of Christian gospel in pluralist society explored in UME work with Muslim community Library supporting resources around witness Mission Shaped Ministry course in 2018 planned Service Seeds of Hope project partnership between Resourcing Team & Uniting Church Engagement team to support community engagement, with theological foundations Ministry candidates sent to field education placements with church engagement team, prison, hospital, aged care UTC/CSU/Uniting joint research project to look at how church based social agencies inculcate values UAICC partnership with Uniting to strengthen community service UTC serving the wider community faith based presence in the university UTC Working alongside ISRA to build social cohesion and address racism