On Saturday April 24th 2021, Tabor College hosted a graduation for the graduating students of 2019 and 2020 in lieu of last years cancelled graduation ceremony. Among the graduates were 9 students who were from Churches of Christ or connected with Churches of Christ through the Tabor Churches of Christ Study Centre. It is a great privilege as the Director of the Centre for nearly 6 years to assist so many students in setting up ministry placements with or churches so they can develop their ministry skills. I am grateful to the many churches who have journeyed with us and contributed to the development of these minister.

Not all students made it to the graduation ceremony but this picture captures something of the growing diversity of our student cohort. From left to right here are the graduates and the churches who hosted their placements named alongside them.

Riley Sapsford, Diploma in Theology (Elizabeth Church of Christ); Greg Woolner, Bachelor of Ministry (Murray Bridge & Victor Harbor Churches of Christ); Martin Lee, Master of Divinity (Magill Church of Christ); Mark Riessen, Director Tabor Churches of Christ Study Centre, Faculty Ministry, Theology & Culture & Director of Mission & Ministry; Heather Restall, Master of Divinity (Hewett & Colonel Light Gardens Churches of Christ); Tanya Bobin, Bachelor of Ministry (Blair Athol Church of Christ).

Graduates not pictured include:

Benjamin Rowe, Bachelor of Intercultural Studies (Elizabeth Church of Christ & Streetlight); Collin Heslop, Bachelor on Ministry (Magill Church of Christ & Owen United Church); Jacob Johnson, Bachelor of Ministry (Aldgate Church of Christ); Craig Schultz, Graduate Diploma in Ministry (Brighton & Blackwood Churches of Christ).

Congratulations to all our graduates and thank you to all the churches involved in helping our students develop in ministry.

We currently have 18 Churches of Christ students enrolled at Tabor College completing studies with the school of Ministry, Theology & Culture. If you would like to find out more about the Tabor Churches of Christ Study Centre, discuss study options, find out how to host a student ministry with your church or would like to contribute financially to the development of our students, please contact Mark Riessen at mriessen@adelaide.tabor.edu.au

Churches of Christ ADF Chaplain, Rev. Luke Skipper has created a new resource that seeks to bring the Good News to current serving members of the Australian Defence Force and to the Ex Services Community. Originally the now titled ‘Army Christian Services’ were filmed with the intention to aid Soldiers and other Defence Force Members who whilst training found it increasingly difficult to get to Church.

Feedback was then received that this Christian resource would also be of great value to the Ex Services Community. The understanding being, that many in the Ex Service Community still have a strong affiliation/connection to the military and that this would be a great resource to help them engage with the Christian message.

The Services are short in duration (about 30 minutes) and feature topical messages that are easy for anyone to relate to. Messages are about topics like Worry, Time, Being Thankful, Friends, Enemies and other important topics relevant to all.

The Ex Service Community is extremely vast and we need help to get the word out. What we are seeking to do is to get this resource promoted widely. How can you help? Please share these Services on your social media accounts and to put up PDF Posters anywhere possible places like RSL’s, Ex Service Associations, Shopping Centres, Community Noticeboards, Places of Work, Study and Recreation. If you would like to be involved further we are also looking for passionate Christian people who want to outreach to this community to join the team who can meet with people from their geographic area and answer their questions or simply talk and share with them about Christianity.

Army Christian Services are now available on Facebook Page: Army Christian Services or go to the web lnk below.

If you would like to help or have any questions please feel free to email Australian Army Chaplain Luke Skipper at luke.skipper@defence.gov.au

The Autumn edition of Participate includes:

A reflection for Lent

News from GMP, CareWorks, Blair Athol, Happy Valley, Elizabeth, Goolwa and Sherpa.

Enjoy!

We are looking for someone with experience in administrating Child Safety within a Community organisation.

Churches of Christ in SA&NT Inc are looking for someone to work with volunteers from our 50 churches in South Australia to help ensure they are equipped to make their family and Children’s activities safe. You will be working with people who have a passion and energy for seeing children enjoying and loving being a part of their faith community. They will look to you to provide the administrative support to make those places safe ones.

The role is 3 days per week and with a flexible working environment, it will suit someone looking to work school hours. The initial contact is for 12 months. In addition to having experience in administrating Child Safety within a community organisation, administration experience with the PRODA National Redress Scheme portal is desirable.

To apply for this job please use the attached job description and person specification as a guide to write us a cover letter outlining why you believe you would be suitable for this role. In addition to the Cover Letter attach an up to date CV. Applications close March 6th.

For many people, the Covid 19 crisis has been a ‘struggle and a half’ – and it has been so for our Church to some degree. However, at the same time, our Church at Blair Athol has been receiving many blessings. As a Board we decided early on that we would seek out what God is saying to us during this pandemic time. The upshot is that we have been led into many changes which are proving to be very positive and fulfilling, not only for us as a church but for the community we try to serve.

FRIDAY CHURCH: At the beginning of Covid and when our attendance numbers for worship services were limited, we began ‘Friday Church’, where the worship plan for Sunday is followed, but the service itself is more casual. There is an average attendance of around 10-12 people – comprising both regulars and ‘newies’, people who have been with the Lord for many years, and those who’ve begun attending recently, and those unfamiliar with worship. We sit at tables, almost in a circle, which means we are able to have eye contact with most people. There is no sermon as such, but we discuss the Bible reading, its context and what we believe God is saying to us. The freedom of asking questions and the interaction has led to a more personal depth to worship, but the leaders do have to make sure we keep things on track!! This interaction has also meant that we realise more how God is speaking to us as individuals, and it keeps us on our toes! Our ‘prayers for others’ have been more intimate and instead of just naming people or situations, we are updated each week on the different circumstances of those we are praying for. This leads to much deeper fellowship, love and care. There is a wonderful feeling of ‘family’ and at this stage we have no plans to discontinue our Friday Church when Covid restrictions are lifted.

FOOD HAMPERS: For years, the church has run a free community lunch on a Monday, called ‘Free79’ (a take on us being at 379 Prospect Road). CoVid, of course, stopped that – but there was still the need. So now, instead of people coming for a meal, they are given a bag of food to take home. The food is available through Foodbank, Oz Harvest and 2nd Bite, and Port Adelaide/Enfield Council kindly donated 2,000 bags. A few wonderful volunteers sort the food into the bags, and between 60-80 bags are given out each week. Due to higher unemployment in the area, a more pastoral ministry and one-to-one care has opened up amongst those experiencing greater loneliness, domestic violence and homelessness. This is a wonderful and rewarding ministry but at the same time we find our church is really being stretched, as we are very short of ‘experienced’ Christians.

OP SHOP: Our Shop is on the same premises as the church – in fact you walk through a door of the auditorium straight into the Op Shop! Our major aim is always to share the love of Jesus with the customers. Subsequently, the shop has become a wonderful means of outreach and evangelism. Our aim is that whoever comes into the shop is made welcome and treated with respect. If people ask, it is strongly emphasised that the Op Shop is part of the church and all are welcome at any time. So, because of the kindness and encouragement of our Op Shop volunteers, and the blessings of the Lord, many customers have become part of our church family - loved and accepted and so important to us.

Sadly, Covid meant we had to close our Op Shop (and collection bin) for a time however, the minute Covid restrictions were lifted (albeit just a little) our dedicated volunteers returned to tackle all the sorting, ready to re-open when we could. In re-opening, it was decided that the hours would be reduced; with a careful watch on the numbers in the shop and a Covid Marshall on patrol! Even with shorter opening hours, we have not lost any customers.

The Op Shop takings play a large role in the running of our church. Amazingly, since re-opening and even with shorter hours, our takings have been really encouraging and the Op Shop ministry continues to grow. What a great God we have!

There are other areas within our church during this CoVid time, in which we are seeing God’s ideas, guidance and encouragement. So, hopefully, we will be able to continue on with the Blair Athol story another time. Many thanks for the opportunity to share this year’s experiences within our special church and share of God’s amazing grace towards us.

Janet Mugford. (Chair)

Introducing our new President:

Leanne Sanders has, for many years, been active in Churches of Christ in South Australia. Formerly a member of the Kilburn, Modbury and Mile End congregations, she is currently the Chair of Elders at the Western Communities Church and has been a State Board member for the past four years.

Family is of high importance to Leanne who is married to Geoff Payne, Mum to three adult children and their spouses, Nanni to seven grandchildren and friend to two grown step-children and their families. She is a deeply committed follower of Jesus and seeks to allow the grace of God to guide all her relationships.

Leanne worked, for many years, in leadership positions in State government departments (Health & Education) and, currently, in a not-for-profit organisation and her own Coaching business. She also worked for a number of years as an adult educator. Leanne brings to State Board:

· Long and broad Human Resource management expertise

· Experience in policy & procedure development and implementation

· Strong people skills – being highly relational, empathic and supportive

· Big picture visioning

· Experience in church governance at a local and state level.

Leanne identifies as central to her faith, a strong gratitude for the love and grace of Jesus Christ and seeks His will in decision making.

And a Christmas message from Leanne…..

With a late AGM this year I find myself writing this Christmas greeting when only just in the role of President! But, as you know, I am not new to State Board, and I therefore bring you a message on their behalf.

As Grant reminded us in his President’s report for this past year, the theme for the year ahead is Participate in Life – in Christ. Can there be a better version of life in which to participate? I think not.

I think too, that it is a message that we can take into Christmas. Life in Christ. Christ in Life.

The Christmas story speaks to me of one thing more than anything else.

Christ is with us. We need not look somewhere else. Christ is with us!

The Christmas story reassures us that Christ is with us – no matter the season. When times are hard – Christ is with us. When the sun shines brightly – Christ is with us. When trials come, or when joy abounds – Christ is with us. What reassurance to take that knowledge into our daily life!

May each one of you find, in the celebration of the Christmas story, wisdom that stays with you, bringing peace, comfort, joy and strength, as together we Participate in Life - in Christ throughout 2021.

Christmas blessings

Leanne and the members of State Board