#acl WendyPepper:read,write AlisonClarkson:read,write All:read

Link to CouncilAgenda20231127 > CouncilMinutes20231127

== Synod Report 2023 ==

=== Wendy's Impressions of Synod 2023 ===
Synod them was “We belong to the day” and a focus of “Walking together as first and second peoples”.  The latter was highlighted by Aboriginal Christian leader Brooke Prentis who gave the opening service message and provided evening theological reflections.
 
I was challenged to re-think my colonial outlook on history – having taken for granted the structure of the meeting venue and other western-style gathering places; rather than the first peoples meeting place around a camp fire, listening fully.

Proposals and reports had a human face – the Tongan members whose relatives are becoming climate refugees, rural parishioners whose congregation numbers are declining but welcome international seasonal workers separated from their families.

There was communication at many levels – meeting and eating at the welcome dinner on the lawn, the working group leaders encouraging all to contribute, and the consensus model listening to minority yet important voices in the group of 250 members.

The closing service where we served each other communion at our now familiar table groups, was a fitting closure to four full days.
Thank you for the opportunity to attend.

=== Alison's report ===
Report to CC November 2023, from Synod meeting 18 - 21 November! Theme: ‘We belong to the day’ 1 Thessalonians 5:8!

Saturday 18 November: Opening worship at the Salvation Army hall, next to Boxhill Town Hall.<<BR>>
Call to Worship was in English, Korean and Tongan, representative of the multi-cultural diversity of UCA. Bible readings were also in LOTE, with English on screen.<<BR>>
The Preacher and theological reflector at the end of each day - Brooke Prentis, is a First Nation woman, passionate about her people’s culture and connection with the land.

Each day began with a devotion led by the Moderator’s Chaplains, including use of their own language.<<BR>>
Bible Study each day was led by Rev Dr Robyn Whitaker, with a main focus on Revelation, based on her own book, ‘Revelation for normal people’<<BR>>
Some key thoughts,<<BR>>
-New Jerusalem represents the movement of God towards God’s people.<<BR>>
-Apocalyptic (revealing) eschatology uses the past to imagine the future and helps us to understand the present.

Sessions were either plenary or in working groups, in which reports and proposals were presented for discussion and questions before decision making, using the consensus model.<<BR>>
Two main discussions in working groups were the Act 2 Report concerning the future structure of UCA, which would remain on a basis of councils, but in a leaner form; and the Faithful Futures Project, in which the future of UCA was considered in relation to smaller congregations and the use of property, focussing on 3 questions:
 1. What will be important in seeking community
 1. What will be important in expressing compassion?
 1. What will be important in seeking justice?
I attended a related session on ‘What makes Church?’ in which we shared our ideas about what church means to us.

Among the issues discussed arising from Proposals were decriminalisation of drug use, ethical investment and secure work conditions. The proposal on Zero Emission in UCA by 2040 provoked much passionate discussion, especially in relation to the funding UCA is able to provide. It was finally accepted by formal vote, rather than by consensus.

A Tributes Service was held on Sunday afternoon to recognise ministers who have died since the last Synod meeting in 2021, to honour those who have retired or have reached a milestone in ministry and new ordinands. Rev NeilPeters and Rev ChrisWaddell were both acknowledged, as was Rev BillMorgan for his 80 years of Ordained Ministry.

The Moderator Elect for the next Synod meeting in 2025 is Rev Salesi Falaupa.