Tag: DUCA

Wellspring Community national gathering

The national gathering of Wellspring Community was held recently in WA. Betty Matthews, retired deacon, was part of the organising committee and other deacons were involved, with Bev Fabb and Frances Hadfield leading worship and Lesley de Grussa Macaulay leading a post conference trip. Jean Stirling, retired deacon from SA was in attendance. The gathering focussed on working towards a caring future. The first day focussed on Reconcilation with Mark bin Bakar from Broome being the key note speaker, and the afternoon spent visiting the site of the Pinjarra Massacre. In the evening Mary G (Mark’s altar ego) entertained the gathering. The second day focussed on building a peaceful future through inter faith dialogue with speakers from a variety of faith traditions. Sustainability was the theme of the third day with Paul Newman, Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University as the main speaker. The gathering ended with a commissioning service for the new leadership of the Community.

Occasional Papers

Occasional Papers are available to download on the Documents/Papers link on the top banner of this website. Volumes 1-10 (Volume #3 is missing – we will upload when we track it down and scan it in!). These papers are invaluable references on diaconal ministry in general, and the renewal of the UCA diaconate in particular.

20th celebrations to mark the renewal of the UCA diaconate

The 1991 UCA Assembly affirmed the renewal of the diaconate in the UCA, with the first Deacons ordained in 1992. To recognise the 20th anniversary, plans are being developed for celebrations in 2012. We’ll keep you posted as things develop…….

(UCA Deacons interested in the background planning can click on the ’20th celebrations’ on the top banner. It requires the password as it is password protected) – Sandy

DUCA Executive 2010-2012

At the DUCA meeting in October 2010, it was agreed that SA would provide leadership for DUCA, 2010-12. Sandy Boyce is the Convener of the DUCA Executive. The working style for the Executive will be based on networking with key individuals and groups, rather than doing all the DUCA business on their own. A small committee meets regularly, including Sue Langhans (DUCA Treasurer), Christa Megaw, Bill Harris, Juleen Villis, Cogs Smith and Naomi Rosenberg.
Contact details for Convener and Treasurer:
Rev Sandy Boyce, 0409 283 004, sandyeboyce@gmail.com
Rev Sue Langhans, 0417 868 221, suelang@chariot.net.au

Cogs is on the move

Rev Cogs (Coral) Smith is ready to commence a placement at Blackwood UC (SA) in the area of community ministry. Blackwood is a suburb in the Adelaide Hills. It will be a change of pace after 10 years of congregational ministry in older congregations in the Western Suburbs of Adelaide. She will be working in a team ministry with the Rev Leanne Jenski (MoW). Blackwood is a larger congregation of about 275 regular attenders over two services (9.15 & 11.00).
As well as a playgroup and other activities, they run an extensive community program of arts, crafts, yoga, men’s shed etc.

Cogs will take up a role in the community programs, to build on existing programs as well as develop new initiatives. The existing community programs have an average attendance of 300 people and runs in school terms. A paid coordinator administrates these programs.

Cogs work as the Outreach Ministry Worker position is threefold-
– To support and encourage leaders, volunteers and participants of existing outreach programs.
– To seek opportunities to enhance and build on existing programs.
– To identify and develop new initiatives for community engagement.

Cogs writes, “It is a great opportunity to do some deacon work! When I was going through college, I can remember the then principle shaking his head and saying, “what will you do when you leave college”.