Theory and Practice: How does a local public theology work?

2017 our 40^th Anniversary Year

Congregations as learning communities are empowered by insights from the global Public Theology conversation and from our experience as we discover and ground our mission in the local context.

In 2017 Pilgrim Uniting Church Adelaide is collaborating with the Urban Mission Network, Mission Resourcing UCA SA Synod and Uniting College for Leadership and Theology Adelaide, to provide a range of opportunities for leaders of congregations to learn from experience and be informed by the wider global conversation.

Our collaboration will be guided by the discoveries we have made since the formation of the UMN 10 years ago when a number of congregations made a commitment to be public, hospitable churches on Main Street,

The overall aims and objectives of this program are guided by the UMNs original charter…

Encouraging each other in ministry and mission, sharing resources and providing mutual support.

Sharing our understanding of being called to give witness to the love of God in Christ as word and deed in environments which are primarily urban, secular and culturally diverse.

Having a sense of mission in the wider community and share a conviction that we must engage with that wider community in order that the Gospel may bring about both personal and social transformation.

These aims also reflect the original Inaugural UCA Statement to the Nation 22 June 1977, forty years ago.

We acknowledge with gratitude that the churches from which we have come have contributed in various ways to the life and development of this nation. A Christian responsibility to society has always been regarded as fundamental to the mission of the Church. In the Uniting Church our response to the Christian gospel will continue to involve us in social and national affairs.

The 2017 anniversary program includes four Saturday workshops…

Orientation and planning ahead 18 March with Prof Clive Pearson.

A Saturday evening Q&A session plus papers over the long week end 9-12 June as part of the National UCA History Conference.

A number of opportunities to meet Professor Linda Woodhead from the Lancaster University UK in the week beginning Monday 18 September including a workshop session on Saturday the 23.

A final session on Saturday 18 November.

Resources will include a reading list for local book groups, continuing informal conversations, field visits, a blog, and insights from guests from Australian cities and overseas.

For further information contact…

Rev Dr Dean Eland Pilgrim Church

see contact information here . . .

Mission Partners in the Urban Setting 2017

Hard Quiz!

Here is a quiz for you… name the UCA churches in SA where the following programs and events are integral to their life and mission, places where members witness and serve in urban settings.

Poets’ corner, Mary’s Kitchen, Open Church and the Lounge, Hope café, Sunday night tea, Positive Parenting, campaigns for refugees including Standing with Refugees, English language classes, Circle of Friends, Environmental Action group, community garden, Bush Chapel, Op Shop, School for Seniors, art exhibitions, concerts and recitals, school chaplaincy, community education, art circle, community aid, Friendship Café, Wilks oration, Symposium, life planning conversations, community market, Hungry Hare café, bread programme, recognise campaign, playgroups, artist in residence, Goodies op shop, Kids hope, etc.

The above list is just some of the many activities where UC congregations express their commitment to mission in word and deed. This year congregations have the opportunity to listen, celebrate and reflect together on the many community building commitments generated by our gathered life, a rhythm of gathering and scattering, being called and sent.

The Urban Mission Network in partnership with Pilgrim Church and Synod resources are committed to developing the conversation about the nature of community engagement, developing partnerships with others and working for the common good.

The aim of this programme is to empower and encourage one another by telling stories, sharing insights, reflecting together and exploring our local theologies.

Check out with UMNs and Pilgrim Church web sites for stories and the latest news.

For further information contact…Rev Dr Dean Eland at Pilgrim Church djeland@bigpond.com 0419 112 603