utcnews: September 2013

27 Sept 2013

UTC eNews 201360 Week 9

UTC eNews 201360 Week 9

FROM THE ACADEMIC DEAN

With the session 75% down, the hope is that all are focused on learning through the assessment items that are inevitably piling up. And while in the depths of study, I hope that you are all finding time and opportunity to speak with your friends and faith circles about the value and riches of studying at UTC! If there is someone you know who would be keen to know about us, send me an email so we can follow up: gerardm@nsw.uca.org.au

Out & About

Ben preached at West Epping Uniting Church.
Gerard Moore and Peter Pocock (St Marks) are presenting a paper this weekend on “Learning and teaching: the first year experience” at the Sydney College of Divinity Learning and Teaching Conference.

Publications

Jione Havea, “Casting Jonah across Seas and Tongues: A transnationalizing reading” in Babel is Everywhere! Migrant Readings from Africa, Europe and Asia edited by J. Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, Andrea Fröchtling and Andreas Kunz-Lübcke (Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang, 2013), 25-36

FROM STUDENT ADMINISTRATION

End of Year Celebration, Friday 18 October - RSVP’s for the dinner have been extended until 27 September. Tickets are available from Student Admin.

Assignment Submission - from 2015, all assignments will need to be submitted through EASTS which is the Electronic Assignment Tracking System which tracks assignments submitted to the University. It will make the whole process of submitting and returning assignments much more efficient for both the faculty and the admin staff. Students are encouraged to use EASTS from 2014 however students can still submit assignment to the drop box using this email address: dropbox@nsw.uca.org.au

If any student has any queries regarding how to submit assignments via EASTS, please contact your lecturer or the Student Admin staff.

FROM THE FIRST YEAR MENTOR

CSU Study Link Subject: SSS028 Transition to University -April 5-6 2014 at UTC - this is a highly recommended subject for those beginning study at CSU and also students who wish to brush up on their reading, writing and critical thinking skills. The subject also covers the following topics:

Academic expectations
University culture and structure
CSU support systems (online & other)
On-line learning strategies

For more information, including how to apply: www.csu.edu.au/student/studylink.htm

Alternatively contact Sef Carroll: secarroll@csu.edu.au

SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT / COMMUNITY LUNCH – a service will be held on Wednesday 2 October from 11.30pm followed by community lunch - all welcome.

LECTIONARY for Sunday 29 September: Jer 32:1-3a, 6-15, Ps 91:1-6, 14-16, 1 Tim 6:6-19, Lk 16: 19-31 (Green).

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UNITING MISSION & EDUCATION

Staff Concluding - Sadly, a number of our staff are leaving UME/UTC this coming week:

David Holden (Business Manager) - concludes today, 26 September.
Yvonne Ngai (Accounts Clerk) - concludes 27 September.
Suzanne Cullen, (Assistant to the Exec Director and College) - 4 October.

Please join me in thanking David, Yvonne and Suzanne for their contribution to the life and ministry in this place and hold them in your prayers as they are led forward.

Induction Service for Chris Budden, Resource Worker with the Uniting Aboriginal & Islander Christian Congress - Tuesday 5 November 2013, 6.30-7.00pm start at the CFM. All welcome. Please RSVP hazel@nsw.uca.org.au or phone 8838 8980.

Uniting for Asylum Seekers - www.givehope.org.au - this initiative of the Uniting Church in support of asylum seekers is a great example of the Uniting Church at its collaborative best. Watch the video - which involved the wonderful talents of our students, Radhika and Charissa - tell your friends, and post to social networks. Check out how you can get involved.

Prayers of sorrow and solidarity with the Anglican Communion in Pakistan - President, Andrew Dutney, has expressed on behalf of the Uniting Church in Australia, the sorrow at the loss of life from the bombing at All Saints Church in Peshawar, Pakistan. http://assembly.uca.org.au/news/item/1443-prayers-of-sorrow-and-solidarity-with-anglican-communion-in-pakistan

UPCOMING EVENTS

A day in the Park, 24 October 2013, 10am-1.00pm at Wahroonga Park, celebrating Children’s Week 2013 (organized by UME). Located next to Wahroonga Station on Coonanbarra Road, see www.dayinthepark.org.au

Pete Rollins ‘Playing with Fire’, Friday 1 November, 7.30pm at the CFM - a theological conversation moderated by Scott Stephens. All welcome. More info (including other Sydney events): www.facebook.com/rollins2013

Women of Faith Dinner, Sunday 3 November, 5.45pm - Westella Renaissance, 3 New Street East, Lidcombe. Cost $60. Please RSVP by 28 October to registrations @affinity.org.au or phone 8065 2502 (vegetarian meal on request).

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Our weekly eNewsletter is also posted on our utcnews blog. To follow or subscribe go to http://utcnews.blogspot.com/

The newsletter is from the Academic Dean & College Assistant

Please direct news items to suzannec@nsw.uca.org.au

19 Sept 2013

UTC eNews 201360 Week 8

UTC eNews 201360 week 8

FROM THE ACADEMIC DEAN

There have been a lot of difficulties with the ordering and sale of textbooks by the front office. As a result we have made the decision that they are no longer able to be sold through the college. The responsibility for buying text books now falls to students: more information on all the possibilities (it is not usually too difficult) will be sent out as the new semester approaches.

Out & About

Ben Myers led a weekend retreat for Roseville Uniting Church. He gave a series of talks on the theme "Praying the Psalms."

PASIFIKA INFORMATION EVENING

A Pasifika Information evening was held on Wednesday September 18th. The information evening was created specifically for Pacific Islanders who may be thinking about or intending to study theology, or just curious about what the study of theology entails. This PI evening was the first of its kind. The evening was planned by a team of students (in various years of their BTh degree+ a graduate of UTC) and the first year mentor. The objective of the evening was to provide helpful information that will enable a potential student make an informed decision about enrolling at UTC. Gerard, Joanne and Sef provided input on the following:

Why study theology? Why CSU/UTC?
Different pathways into the Bachelor of Theology degree
Career options at the end of study?
How a student's study can be supported at UTC financially, academically and pastorally.

The highlight of the evening was the students’ reflections of their time at UTC. Lofa, Charissa, Mariana, Sosi and Henry gave honest, encouraging and compelling testimonies of their experiences at UTC, highlighting how the support from lecturers, student admin and student support have made studying theology very worthwhile. Common recurring themes were "challenging", "transforming/transformative" and "rewarding". A common thread in the reflections was a strong sense of community, belonging and engagement.

Those who attended the evening were of varying age groups, keen to explore what studying theology entails and also where it may lead them in the church or beyond. Overall it was a successful evening.

SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT / COMMUNITY LUNCH – no service or lunch for next Wednesday 25 September, as we will be visiting Maroubra Uniting Church.

LECTIONARY for Sunday 22 September: Jer 8:18 - 9:1, Ps 79:1-9, 1 Tim 2:1-7, Lk 16:1-13 (Green)

FROM THE LIBRARY

Students are very welcome to study in the Library before it opens at 10.30am, provided a member of staff is available to open up earlier than this. Whilst this arrangement is available most mornings, we cannot guarantee the Library will always be open at 7am and apologise if you find the Library is closed in the early morning.

If you would like to take advantage of this arrangement, please notify the member of Library staff who is there and also sign into the diary at the front desk. This is for your benefit. If there is a fire and you have left your desk we do not know for whom we are responsible.

FROM STUDENT ADMINISTRATION

Assignment Dropbox - due to problems we have been having with the assignment dropbox, can you please ensure that all assignments are submitted to this email address: dropbox@nsw.uca.org.au

This is the correct address and will ensure that your assignment is passed on promptly to the appropriate lecturer. You will receive an automated acknowledgement when you send your assignment to this address. All previous drop box email addresses should not be used.

End of Year Celebration, Friday 18 October, 5.30pm for Dinner ($25 adult, $10 child, under 5 free), 7.30pm Worship Service. RSVP and ticket purchase for dinner by 25 September at Student Administration, reneek@nsw.uca.org.au

On time applications for new undergraduate students enrolling in subjects for first session 2014 are to be submitted and paid for by midnight 27 September 2013 - otherwise late fees will apply. Normal application cost is $60. All new applications for enrolments in the BTh programme (full-time, on campus) need to be applied through the University Admissions Centre (UAC), rather than CSU directly. See http://www.uac.edu.au/undergraduate/

All graduation emails and letters were sent out to students eligible to graduate in December two weeks ago. If a student who is expecting to graduate at the end of the year has not received any notification from CSU yet, could they please come and see someone in Student Administration so that we can check why this is so.

FROM THE STUDENT ASSOCIATION

Lunch Contributions $40 - to fund the Community Lunch each Wednesday following Chapel, a contribution of $40 each semester is asked of every student/faculty member/regular visitor. Please make payment early in the semester if possible. Payment is preferred by electronic payment to the following account:

Account Name: Students Associate Cheque Facility

BSB: 634 634

Account Number: 1000 36352

Reference: Please put your name + lunch

If you do not have the facilities to make payment via direct transfer, or have any questions, please see Seungjae Yeon (Treasurer) ph 0413 837 721. Thank you.

UNITING CHURCH NEWS

Speaking truth to power about asylum seekers - National Director of UnitingJustice Australia, Rev. Elenie Poulos, and members of the Uniting Church who work with asylum seekers, have spoken out during a Federal Government caucus meeting in the Sydney suburb of Balmain. See http://assembly.uca.org.au/news/item/1420-speaking-truth-to-power-about-asylum-seekers

Sustainable September: for more information see http://green.wa.uca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Sustainable-September-2013-Read-This-First.pdf

GENERAL NEWS

Interfaith Prayer Service on the International Day of Peace - Saturday 21 September 2013, 11am at St David’s Uniting Church Main Hall, 454 Pacific Highway, Lindfield (cnr Pacific Hwy and Provincial Road).

Positions Vacant - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians - employment opportunities with a Federal Government Agency in your local area! See Renee Kelly for further information.

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Our weekly eNewsletter is also posted on our utcnews blog. To follow or subscribe go to http://utcnews.blogspot.com/

The newsletter is from the Academic Dean & College Assistant

Please direct news items to suzannec@nsw.uca.org.au

If you no longer wish to receive UTC eNews, please notify suzannec@nsw.uca.org.au

UTC eNews 201360 Week 7

UTC eNews 201360 week 7

FROM THE ACADEMIC DEAN

Welcome back to classes. I hope that the last two weeks has been an enjoyable break, though not too devoid of study and writing. We now have six weeks of semester in which to take up the challenges of learning, researching and setting our thoughts in order!

Out & About

In the break Ben Myers went to Azerbaijan, to participate in a conference on relations between Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities in the Middle East region.

Publications

Jione Havea “Opening Borders, for Diaspora is Home” in Anne Elvey & David Gormley-O’Brien (eds), Climate Change Cultural Change: Religious Responses and Responsibilities (Preston, Vic: Mosaic, 2013), 65-77.

Gerard Moore “Eucharist: Scripture in Prayer and Song, Action and Sign” in Carmel Pilcher, David Orr and Elizabeth Harrington (eds), Vatican Council II: Reforming Liturgy (Adelaide: ATF Theology, 2013), 129-144.

SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT / COMMUNITY LUNCH – no service this week as we will be holding a Retreat day from 9.30am-3.30pm at the CFM. Community lunch will be held - all welcome.

LECTIONARY for Sunday 15 September: Jer 4:11-12, 22-28, Ps 14, 1 Tim 1:12-17, Lk 15:1-10.

FROM STUDENT ADMINISTRATION

End of Year Celebration, Friday 18 October, 5.30pm for Dinner ($25 adult, $10 child, under 5 free), 7.30pm Worship Service. RSVP and ticket purchase for dinner (by 25 September) at Student Administration, reneek@nsw.uca.org.au

Graduation emails - are being sent out to students who qualify, so keep an eye out for this CSU email.

On time applications for new undergraduate students enrolling in subjects for first session 2014 are to be submitted and paid for by midnight 27 September 2013 - otherwise late fees will apply. Normal application cost is $60. All new applications for enrolments in the BTh programme (full-time, on campus) need to be applied through the University Admissions Centre (UAC), rather than CSU directly. See http://www.uac.edu.au/undergraduate/

FROM THE FIRST YEAR MENTOR

Pasifika Information evening, Wednesday September 18th: 6.30-9.30pm - an information evening specifically created for Pacific Islanders who are thinking about studying theology will be held at UTC. This is an opportunity to meet members of faculty, explore the different pathways into the degree, meet current and former Pacific Island students and hear about the many different ways of being supported (financial and otherwise) for the duration of the degree. For more information about the evening or for flyers contact: Sef Carroll secarroll@csu.edu.au or Student Admin: 8838 8914.

FROM THE STUDENT ASSOCIATION

Account Name: Students Associate Cheque Facility

BSB: 634 634

Account Number: 1000 36352

Reference: Please put your name + lunch

If you do not have the facilities to make payment via direct transfer, or have any questions, please see Seungjae Yeon (Treasurer) ph 0413 837 721. Thank you.

UNITING CHURCH NEWS

From the UME Executive Director:

Friends

You will be aware of the tragic loss to the Torrens family of their family home in Evans Head.

Dianne is chairperson of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, a member of Synod Standing Committee and valued friend and colleague. We continue to hold the family in our thoughts and prayers and are thankful for their local community who are journeying with them through this time.

As a practical response, UME is facilitating an appeal for those who would like to assist the family.

If you would like to make a contribution, we can accept donations in the following ways:

· cheque – made out to Uniting Mission and Education – and sent to:
UME – Torrens Appeal,
16 Masons Drive,
North Parramatta 2151

· credit card –phone 8838 8900 and speak to one of our friendly reception staff who will take your details

· direct deposit (EFT):

Bank:	Uniting Financial Services
Account Name:	Uniting Mission & Education EFT Direct Deposits UME
BSB:	634 634
Account Number:	1000 35066

Reference: Donation-DT

· cash – bring to reception at the Centre for Ministry, 16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta 2151

We will issue receipts.

Please note that donations for this appeal are, unfortunately, not tax deductible.

grace and peace

Kath

Yurora Open House, 16 September 2013, 7.00-8.30pm - an opportunity to meet with the Yurora Management team to hear about and contribute your ideas for National Christian Youth Convention (NCYC) 2014. Venue: Room G2 at the CFM, 16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta. More information: www.ncyc.com.au

GENERAL NEWS

New College Lectures - 17-19 September 2013 - Guest Speaker Professor Stanley Hauerwas, Professor of Theological Ethics at Duke Divinity School/Duke University Law School. Theme: The work of theology: thinking, writing and acting politically. Free admission. More information www.newcollege.unsw.edu.au/events

POSITIONS VACANT

St David’s Uniting Church Haberfield seeks a youth worker to join its ministry team. The appointment is initially 6 hours per week (Fridays and Sundays). A demonstrated track record in ministering to youth is desirable. Applications close 30th September 2013 For further information please contact: Ms Heather Thompson phone 9798 3059 or email heatherthompson@optusnet.com.au.

The Australian and New Zealand Association of Theological Schools (ANZATS) and Council of Deans of Theology (CDT) is seeking an Executive Officer, to act as a secretariat for both bodies. See the attached position description for more information.

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Our weekly eNewsletter is also posted on our utcnews blog. To follow or subscribe go to http://utcnews.blogspot.com/

The newsletter is from the Academic Dean & College Assistant

Please direct news items to suzannec@nsw.uca.org.au

If you no longer wish to receive UTC eNews, please notify suzannec@nsw.uca.org.au

UTC eNews 201360 Week 6 Break

UTC eNews 201360 Week 6 Break

FROM THE FACULTY

William Emilsen and Clive Pearson are attending the triennial conference of the Global Network of Public Theology conference being held in Chester, UK. William will be delivering a paper on the use of the Lord’s Prayer on public occasions - opening of parliament, etc; and Clive will be speaking on social media’s role in politics and an altered public space.

SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT / COMMUNITY LUNCH - no service/lunch during session break.

FROM STUDENT ADMINISTRATION

FROM THE FIRST YEAR MENTOR

FROM THE STUDENT ASSOCIATION

Account Name: Students Associate Cheque Facility

Account Number: 1000 36352

Reference: Please put your name in as a reference + lunch

If you do not have the facilities to make payment via direct transfer, or have any questions, please see Seungjae Yeon (Treasurer) ph 0413 837 721. Thank you for your assistance.

ASSEMBLY NEWS

Yurora Open House, 16 September 2013, 7.00-8.30pm - an opportunity to meet with the Yurora Management team to hear about and contribute your ideas for NCYC ’14. Venue: Room G2 at the CFM, 16 Masons Drive, North Parramatta. More information: www.ncyc.com.au

A Call to Prayer for Syria - the Uniting Church in Australia has expressed distress at reports of chemical weapons attacks in Syria earlier this week. President Rev. Prof Andrew Dutney, has called on the church to join him in praying for those affected by the attacks in Damascus. http://assembly.uca.org.au/news/item/1437-a-call-to-prayer-for-syria

Uniting Church Census of Congregations and Ministers - "If the Assembly is to play its part in overseeing and resourcing mission it needs to know about the Uniting Church as a whole and this survey is a way to do this" says President Rev Prof Dutney. The Assembly last published national statistics in 1994 and the census will provide updated statistics to help resource and grow the church. Ministers and congregations are urged to complete the survey by visiting the census website http://ucasurveys.ncls.org.au/

GENERAL NEWS

Interfaith Prayer Service on the International Day of Peace - Saturday 21 September 2013, 11am at St David’s Uniting Church Main Hall, 454 Pacific Highway, Lindfield (cnr Pacific Hwy and Provincial Road).

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Our weekly eNewsletter is also posted on our utcnews blog. To follow or subscribe go to http://utcnews.blogspot.com/

The newsletter is from the Academic Dean & College Assistant

Please direct news items to suzannec@nsw.uca.org.au

If you no longer wish to receive UTC eNews, please notify suzannec@nsw.uca.org.au

UTC eNews 201360 Week 6

UTC eNews 201360 Week 6

RESEARCH NEWS

Cassily Charles - this Thursday and Friday 22-23 August, we are fortunate to have Cassily Charles, the Academic Writing Coordinator for Higher Degree Research Students at CSU, who will give a couple of presentations for the School of Theology. Details of her presentations:

Thursday 22^rd August

Venue: CISACS (Centre for Islamic Sciences and Civilisation), 128 – 134 South Parade, Auburn

Time: 6.00pm – 8.30pm
Topic: Developing a good structure for your literature review (and other academic texts)

This practical workshop will cover some of the techniques you can use to create a good structure for your literature review. (Although it focuses on the literature review, some of the techniques will also be useful for other kinds of academic writing.) We will discuss strategies for capturing your initial ideas from your reading, strategies for analysing and relating ideas together, and strategies for choosing the order of sections and paragraphs that fits with your analysis and the purpose of your literature review.

RSVP to Joanne on joannes@nsw.uca.org.au

Friday 23^rd August

Venue: UTC, 16 Masons Dr, North Parramatta

Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm at the Post Grad Seminar in G3

Topic: Writing More Clearly

This practical workshop discusses specific features of your paragraphs, sentences and whole texts, which you can control to communicate your ideas more clearly. It includes opportunities to put strategies into practice on your own writing, and to share feedback with other participants. You will need at least one page of your own academic writing to take part in the session.

There is an opportunity in the morning prior to this afternoon seminar to meet with Cassily one on one so she can help students with their research & writing. Students can consult with her on a variety of issues (research, thesis proposal, proofreading, writing Literature Review, paraphrasing, writing for conference presentation, English as Second Language matters etc). If you are interesting in scheduling an appointment with Cassily, please contact Joanne Stokes. Appointments can be made from 10am – 12pm.

Theology & Philosophy Postgraduate Research Conference 2013 - Sydney Tuesday 1 October 2013 at the Australian Catholic University Strathfield Campus. Calling for papers (by 23 August 2013) - direct to james.mclaren@acu.edu.au

FROM THE FACULTY

Theological Reflection for the homily on Wednesday 21 August - Jione Havea

Refuge and refugees

· God is addressed as a refuge in Ps 71:1-6, indicating that refugees have been around for a long time

· The psalmist appeals to God’s righteousness, rather than to God’s power, covenant or mercy (v.2)

o Implication: a righteous God cannot but deliver the ones who seek refuge

· Fast-forward to Australia: Refugees are coming; the government wants to turn them away; what is the church doing?

o There are different kinds of refugees: political refugees, economic refugees, ecological refugees, and so forth

· The psalmist appeals to a God whom s/he trusts and in who s/he hopes (v.5)

o The psalmist has leaned on God all her/his whole life (v.6)

· Fast-forward: Can refugees lean on us? on the church (UCA)? on you?

· The challenge for preaching on this text: To be practical, for the sake of refugees

SERVICE OF WORD & SACRAMENT - will be held on Wednesday 21 August from 11.30 in the chapel, followed by Community Lunch - all welcome.

Lectionary for Sunday 25 August:

Pentecost 14: Jer 1:4-10, Ps 71:1-6, Heb 12:18-29, Lk 13:10-17 (Green)

FROM THE FIRST YEAR MENTOR

Reading Workshop - The Workshop led by Ben Myers on Wednesday 14th August was well attended. Students appreciated tips on reading more efficiently and with intention and purpose by using the SQ3R method.Given the success of the workshop and the feedback by those who attended, it is intended that a Reading Workshop will be run once a session.

FROM THE SENIOR STUDENT

Senior Student - Suzanne Stanton, will be available to discuss with students any concerns or needs every Thursday during semester from 1.00pm until 4.00pm. She will be located in the All Saints Room in the library. If you need to contact Suzanne at any time, or wish to arrange a meeting at another time, you can ring her on 0408 659 702 or email her at suziestanton@bigpond.com. According to the charter of the Student Association, the Senior Student is appointed to represent the Student Association in its dealings with the Principal and other relevant bodies, be involved in pastoral oversight of students and consult with the Principal about the day to day running of the college.

FROM THE STUDENT ASSOCIATION

Account Name: Students Associate Cheque Facility

Account Number: 1000 36352

Reference: Please put your name in as a reference + lunch

If you do not have the facilities to make payment via direct transfer, or have any questions, please see Seungjae Yeon (Treasurer) ph 0413 837 721. Thank you for your assistance.

POSITION VACANT - Youth Action Research Project - Lay Ministry Agent - Richmond Uniting Church is seeking a Lay Ministry Agent (10 hours per week for 20 weeks, with possibility of extension) to undertake a Youth Action Research Project and develop a youth ministry model for the future. Seeking a motivated and enthusiastic person to work with the young people, existing leaders and congregation to explore future models for youth ministry. The person would be supported by a reference group and Church Council. More information contact Greg Inskip at greg.inskip@gmail.com or phone 4578 3820. Applications close: Friday 20 September 2013

KEEPING IN TOUCH

Our weekly eNewsletter is also posted on our utcnews blog. To follow or subscribe go to http://utcnews.blogspot.com/

The newsletter is from the Academic Dean & College Assistant

Please direct news items to suzannec@nsw.uca.org.au

If you no longer wish to receive UTC eNews, please notify suzannec@nsw.uca.org.au