Love God, Love People - Malvern Uniting Church
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Love God, Love People
Mark 12: 28-31
MALVERN UNITING CHURCH NEWS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020
To whom are we sent?
This is one of the most important questions that God’s people can ask.
In John 20:21, Jesus said to his disciples “As the Father has sent me, so I
am sending you." The word ‘sent’ in Greek is apostello for an Apostle, Malvern Uniting
“one who is sent”. In Latin, this word is translated missio from which we Church
derive the word ‘mission’.
44 Marlborough St.
Jesus is really saying, “Just as I’m on a mission, so are you”. Mission Malvern SA 5061
begins with God and yet we have the privilege of participating in it. As P (08) 82716817
Emil Brunner said, “The church exists by mission, just as fire exists by www.malvernuc.com
burning”. The church doesn’t HAVE a missions department, the church umadmin@iinet.net.au
IS a missions department. In other words, we’re all missionaries.
Rev. Dr. Tim Hein
Our mission is to demonstrate and share the ‘gospel’ in our world. The gospel is the good news
that through Christ, the power of God’s kingdom has entered history to renew the whole world. Just as God is renewing the
whole world and God is renewing our individual lives, so we are seeking God’s renewal in the life of our church. We need
renewal so that we can more deeply and faithfully participate in God mission. This process of renewal is spiritual, in that it is
the work of God’s Spirit in us, but it’s also strategic. It involves a process of discernment, to best steward our efforts and
resources in mission and to maximise the declaration of the gospel amongst the people to whom God has sent us. We can’t
do everything, so we need to focus.
At Malvern, we have designated 2020 as a Year of Renewal. We are seeking, praying and acting in ways that enable the
renewal of our congregation. We are already seeing evidence of this and now the Church Council has named four key steps
to help us move forward:
1. Context: We will develop a comprehensive, demographic, ethnographic and spiritual profile of our city and community, in
order to deeply understand our changing context.
2. Strategy: We will develop a Strategic Plan with a clear mission, vision, key focus and strategy, so as to purposefully order
and focus our activities.
3. Communication: We will refresh the visual identity, logo and graphic design for our website and signage and improve all
our communication.
4. Masterplan: We will plan how to best steward, renew and design our buildings for future ministry.
Everyone will have the opportunity to be involved in the strategic planning process and everyones contribution is important.
Please pray specifically for the future of our church, together seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we seek the renewal
of our church, our lives and our city.
Welcome to our new Worship Director
Rod Ennis has begun our new position, that of Rod said, “I’ve been incredibly blessed to have been
Worship Director. With 25 years experience as an part of some amazing gigs over the years but my
arranger, composer and music director, Rod has number one passion is the music ministry. I’m
performed and recorded music with some of the especially excited about developing worship teams to
biggest names in the country and beyond. These equip the church with a powerful repertoire of
include Pete Murray, Guy Sebastian, Chong Lim, Mark resources that give worship experiences that glorify
Vincent, Marina Prior, Rhonda Burchmore, and God, connect with Him and help to grow His
Darlene Love. Also, he has been a music director for kingdom. It’s been great to talk vision and potential
major events and lectured at the Melbourne possibilities with Tim and the interview team. I’m
Conservatorium. Rod has recorded an original really looking forward to the journey that God has
worship album, Selah, featuring Charmaine Jones. opened the door for me here at Malvern UC”.
At Malvern Uniting Church, he will oversee and We are thrilled that Rod, his wife Rose and their
Rod Ennis develop the worship ministry on Sundays and at children, Flynn and Niamh, have joined our
special events. He will continue with his other musical community.
work, including arranging and composing for brass,
string, jazz, big band, rock ensembles and other
bands.
News from the Church Council
The first meeting of Malvern Church Council for 2020 was on 13 February. Brad Kroehn, who has
been our Chair for the past 3 years, stepped down. Although he remains on council having taken
leave of absence for 2020 it is important to recognize his contribution as Chair. Brad was
steadfast over the time of great upheaval when we were without a permanent Minister and had to
contend with constant questions about what was happening. Thankfully this was resolved with the
appointment of Tim and Sil.
At the February meeting Tim set out the steps needed to develop a Strategic Mission Plan. This
requires us to identify the Values, Mission and Vision for Malvern Church as we seek God’s plan
for the future of our Church. We will then focus on outcomes we would like to achieve over the
next 4 years or so and some practical strategies to achieve these outcomes. The Council endorsed
a process presented by Tim which includes a survey of the congregation as well as meetings of
various groups to put a Strategic Plan in place by around July. Everyone will have a change to be
involved.
We also received the Financial Statements for 2019 from Dean. The good news was that we
managed a surplus of $7,000 when we had budgeted for a deficit of around $11,000. The Council
Carole Davidson
Chair, approved the forwarding of the accounts to our auditor and will present them to the congregation
Malvern Church Council once they have been audited. Dean notified Council that Calvin Siew had expressed interest in
serving on the Council as Treasurer. He then tendered his resignation. The Council paid tribute to
his years of service and the considerate way in which he provided information to help the Council.
Council was delighted that Calvin was willing to take up the role of Treasurer.
Carole Davidson
Chair, Malvern Church Council.
To the Malvern Church Community, Carole Davidson for taking on the role as Chair of Council
for 2020.
It is with a heavy heart that I write to announce that I have
had to make the difficult decision to step down as Chair of I love our congregation, and enjoy worshipping together
Council and to take a leave of absence from Council for the with you each week. The Malvern Church community is an
remainder of 2020. amazing one and I know that we will be able to do great
things for the Kingdom, with the help of our Lord and
We have entered into a wonderful new season of renewal,
Saviour.
one that I am particularly excited about but one that calls for
me to focus my attention more fully on my business. As It would be remiss of me to not also thank God for the gifts
much as I would love to be on Council and continue to learn he has given me and blessed me with, and the path he has
and grow from Tim and the Council members, I only have so guided me on. He is the reason I am here, He is the reason
much time and energy for all the things that life demands. we gather together as a community, and I believe as we
focus on him, he will work through us to make the wider
community a better place.
While it has not been an easy decision for me personally, I
I’m not going anywhere and will still be involved around
know that Malvern is in great hands. We have come through
Malvern where I can for now, and look forward to being able
a long hard season and the place feels more alive than ever
to serve in a greater capacity again in the
before. I want to wholeheartedly thank our Council God Bless,
future.
members, both past and present, individually and Brad Kroehn
collectively, for their hard work and support and to thank Philippians 4:6
our congregation as a whole for their faith and Be anxious for nothing, but by prayer
perseverance. You have been such an encouragement to me and supplication, with thanksgiving, let
over the past 3 years as Chair of Council. I am grateful to your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will guard your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Lenten Studies
The focus of worship and home group studies during Lent is on developing habits of
missional outlook with sermons related to the study book by Michael Frost ‘Surprise the
World’. Readers of Frost’s book will quickly pick up in the introduction and first chapter
shades of the ministry of the Rev Jonathan Davies at Malvern UC.
While a few among us are evangelists promoting faith in the saving grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ the large bulk of believers are not so gifted. But we can develop missional habits so
that through us non-believers are alerted to the reign of God. Our patterns of living may
raise questions from our others that lead to evangelistic sharing.
Frost develops five habits of living which can be learned to help with this process especially
when they are shared within the congregation. The books are available online from Amazon
or from Koorong Books.
Thank you Dean
After 5 years of committed service as Treasurer on Church Council, Dean
Gollan has handed over the reins to Calvin Siew. Thank you Dean for your
expertise in handling the finances of the church through a difficult period in
the life of Malvern Uniting Church.
Calvin is well qualified for the task, being an accountant working with BT
Financial Group. He and his wife Lee Li and two daugters, Chloe and Clara,
have been regularly worshipping at Malvern for the past 3 years. Thank you,
Dean Gollan Calvin, for offering your gifts in this way. Calvin Siew and Clara
Andrian Turcynowicz and Wendy McLeod
In 1996, they were married by the Reverend Phil Carr at
Malvern Uniting Church and from 1998 became regular
members of the church where they were in a cohort of
young people including Benji and Nicole Callen and
Jonathan and Suzie Davies. Lucy was born in 2001, Damon
in 2003 and Miriam in 2007.
The family have consistently been involved in the church.
Wendy assisted with Sunday school in its various forms and
she was a member of Council from 2004 to 2007. Andrian
We are all born of immigrant families. Andrian’s background has for many years assisted with the collections. Latterly, he
is interesting in that both sets of grandparents were has been playing guitar for worship. He is also an excellent
displaced persons from Belarus and Russia after World War barista! Also, for some time now they have hosted a Home
2. His mother’s parents moved to Austria where she was Group at their home in Prospect.
born and his father’s parents moved to Western Germany
where he was born. Mother and father separately migrated
Wendy has a B.A in Library and Information Management
to Adelaide where they met through mutual acquaintances
from the University of South Australia and currently works
in the Adelaide Russian community. They were married and
as the Librarian of Saint Paul Lutheran School. Andrian is a
Andrian and his elder brother were born in Adelaide.
senior partner of the Chiropractic Solutions practice at
Norwood. He has a B.Sc in Anatomy and Physiology from
Andrian grew up in the Athelstone area, attending the University of Adelaide and an M.Chiro from Macquarie
Athelstone Primary School and later Thorndon High School, University. Lucy attended Pulteney Grammar School and is
while Wendy’s family lived at Salisbury Heights. Firstly, she currently studying graphic design at the University of South
attended Salisbury Heights Primary School and from Year 5 Australia. Damon (Year 11) and Miriam (Year 8) both
onwards, Tyndale Christian School. They each progressed attend Concordia College and are active in the Malvern
to the University of Adelaide and met through mutual Youth Group.
friends – the rest is history!
Mostly Music @ Malvern
Our very own popular outreach program Mostly Music @ Malvern got off to a great start
for the 2020 season on the first Sunday in February 2020 with a wonderful program given
by leading Adelaide harpist and vocalist Emma Horwood. In the inspiring ambience of the
historic Malvern Uniting Church, Emma presented an afternoon of sheer delight, with one
of the highlights of the concert being a harp duet which she played by herself on both of
her harps. A total of $2,576 was raised from entry fees and donations. All proceeds from
this concert have been donated towards bushfire relief. Emma Horwood
The line-up of entertainment for the rest of the year is packed full of music with a variety
ranging from Big Band to jazz and from choral to cabaret and comedy. If you haven’t been
to one of our concerts you really should.
This wonderful outreach activity (with average audiences of around 120) continues to
touch the lives of many people from all over Adelaide and near country areas – many of
whom do not attend any church anywhere. We continue to hear praise and thanks by
members of our audiences for the kindness and generosity of the church for providing this Leonard
monthly activity. We give thanks to God for the many volunteers who plan, help and make and Tess
happen this outreach program of wonderful concerts such a success. Parker
Elders Report: The season of Lent is upon us!
February 25 was Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day!) and the next day, Lent began with Ash
Wednesday. For some, this is a time to “give up” something, coffee, chocolate, social
media, television, exercise (oh no, probably not that one), etc., I think of it as a time to
“take something up”. Lent is the season of preparation for Easter (in the same way Advent
is the season of preparation for Christmas), it is a time of reflection, a time to recall the
events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and a time to think! Rosemary Boehm Brian Webber
Editor Assistant
At Malvern, the Elders have usually initiated “Lenten Studies”. This year, Tim has Editor
recommended the book “Surprise the World!” by Michael Frost. For those of you not in a
Send your photos, news,
Home Group/Bible Study Group/Small Group (there are many titles!), can I encourage you
articles and suggestions to
to “take up” the habit of studying together this book (see Sil if you would like to be part of
a group or want to start one). I think most of the groups have taken up this challenge. It is boehmgra@gmail.com or
an easy read and will help us to join with the community in our Year of Renewal, reflecting bjwebber@adam.com.au
who Jesus is for us and what his Mission is for His Church.
Margaret Davidson, Chair, Elders
CHURCH COUNCIL
Carole Davidson (Chair)
Lee Sando (Secretary)
Calvin Siew (Treasurer)
Geoff Tully
ELDERS (also on Council)
Margaret Davidson (Chair)
Owen Bevan
Rosemary Boehm
David Davidson
Willy Gollan
Garry Humphries
Rev. Craig Bailey and Rev. Dr. Tim Hein
Brian Webber, David Davidson, Neale Michael
Lee Sando, Chair, Property Committee
BACK TO FRONT… As we near the end of summer, the task of keeping the
the latest report from behind the scenes gardens alive will hopefully not be as intense. Maureen
Groth has been exceptional in her care and commitment in
We are so fortunate to worship in such a beautiful church. keeping the garden areas attractive. We are still looking
However, the building is very old and with age comes however for a solution to all the leaves falling
challenges (not only with buildings!). Recently salt damp everywhere!! I think it is a lost cause but then we are very
was identified at the front of the church near the entrance. grateful to be able to share the beautiful seasons and all
During the coming weeks the long treatment process will the changes they bring. Although there may not be a
commence where caution by everyone will be required to reason for you to visit the children’s play area outside the
avoid any safety mishaps. Please be mindful of safety Goode Hall, it is worth having a look. Lucy Davidson has
signage until the work is complete. Constantly being kindly and very creatively designed and painted a
aware of safety hazards is a responsibility we all have and children’s wall mural, which has brightened and enhanced
the Property Committee members are very appreciative of the area so that it is now a very happy and colourful play
people alerting them to a hazard so it can be addressed. area for the children. Thank you Lucy. You have created a
Providing a safe environment for everyone attending the wonderful piece of art to be enjoyed by everyone.
church premises is a top priority for the Committee.
Lee Sando, Chair, Property Committee
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